Fantasy Howl's Flying Castle (Finished! ---Whoo! (*＾▽＾)／)

[Katsuya]

Echo nodded as she hears James' voice from the hidden bee, ignoring the wolves that came by to see what's happening. Her voice stayed true to her calming nature as she opened her eyes to see the blackened leg with fur growing back. 'Oh-! Hello! What is this?' The fawn thought curiously as she finished her song.

Then she smiled warmly, happy that she help the old wolf that's in bed as her green eyes softened. The red headed fawn didn't notice the alpha being there with her and the goblin, but she does notice that the shaman looks a bit better.

"...I hope you feel better, shaman sir." Echo muttered as she hopes the goblin would translate that to him. He's the only one she's paying any sort of attention to other then the fancy suit wearing goblin.

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[Roleplay Skittle]

As she had begun focusing on her spell, her face had begun to relax and to the commotion coming from the other room, she paused, leaning back slightly as the wolf addressed her with a growl, her brow furrowing. Who does he think he is? Sure her heart was racing, but this was still just another walk in the park considering the things she had faced previously. She sighed and shook her head at the female Dwarf, peering after the wolf that had just left them when she heard the bee speaking to her.

Her brow furrowed and she ignored the Dwarf woman as she thought about what the little James bee was telling her, "cursed..." she whispered back to the bee, "maybe we can bargain with them? Heal their elder in exchange for freedom?" She was a hero of Holt, she sure as heck wasn't going to go down without a fight, this is not where her story ended. While she did hate the idea of leaving all of the slaves behind, thinking that it would just be easier to end this place and free them all, if there was a peaceful way to get herself and her friends out, she would take it.

Either way, they would be leaving. Either delicately after helping them, or they would tear the place down and free all the slaves, but Lydia had made up her mind that they for sure were not going to stay there, there had never been any intention on her part of staying and there still wasn't.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Zer0]

- Village of Scree -
" Baffin Mountain Forest "​

"Good idea, Lydia --- buzz --- Will you help me identify the curse? Johnny and I are pouring through books right now and we can't tell if it's Voodoo or Necromancy." whispered James' voice.

Yet still the dwarven lady would not let Lydia leave unless she wears the dress.

Meanwhile, the old wolf was so happy he began to hum Echo's song and through the goblin, encouraged her to sing some more. The 'Ter Nuak spoke to his son and all of a sudden everyone was gaping at Echo as though she was a savior --- their treatment of her turned completely around. They sang and howled in rejoice; Lu Tarin's large paws flanked either of Echo's sides and his long tail coiled around them possessively as though making a statement to the other wolves that she was his property so they shouldn't get too friendly sniffing her; some wolves hummed Echo's song, getting the lyrics wrong, but they did not care and all the while they kept on looking at the old wolf's leg eagerly.

It never became better when they sang, only when Echo did. But the fawn would notice, that every time she'd stop, the blackened leg would slowly return to its wasted form.

The goblin was delighted with the turn of events and seemed to be saying who-knows-what about Echo grandly to the wolves. He told her that there was talk about a feast, and in the kitchens a slave girl would come running bare-foot into the kitchen saying something breathlessly to everyone cooking inside.

Suddenly the kitchen went into action, pulling down all the pans and taking out all the meat and dried mushrooms. The dwarven lady ushered Lydia to the sink and patiently mimed that she is to chop the dried mushrooms into strips; one of the cooks rushed outside and there was a commotion where a lot of baa-ing was heard, and if Lydia cared to look she'd see that they had begun pulling sheep, goats, reindeer, and oxen and bleeding their necks dry in preparation for a large feast.


Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

Spoiler: Is Echo a Goddess in Disguise?

(1-5) Wolves think she's a deity = 2

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OOC || Characters || Interest Check
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[Roleplay Skittle]

Lydia wasn't exactly trying to leave the room, it was much easier to communicate with James through the bee without too many ears around to notice so she just stood there still holding the clothes as she thought. She asked if the healing was permanent and when she found out it wasn't, she urged James to get Echo to try and get the wolves to let her join them because she would better be able to identify what was wrong and offer a more permanent solution since Echo wouldn't be able to sing forever.

If the slave woman thought that she would be able to get Lydia to cook, she was evidently half mad, but chopping mushrooms was a bit easier, at least Lydia had a deft hand thanks to all of her writing. Of course she still hadn't changed though since she had no intention of staying, perhaps she was being stubborn in that respect, but she hoped that her suggestions were being relayed to Echo since Echo was the only one currently in a position of bargaining.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Echo nodded at the elderly wolf when she heard him howling her song, her smile grew warmer as she was about to sing. Then she heard the other wolves behind her, her green eyes widened like a deer in head-lights. Their attitudes changed rather quickly and it sort of freaked her out but...best not to take this blessing as a curse. She flinched when the dark wolf, Lu Tarin, protected her from the other wolves to smelling her like she was his property.

'You are so lucky that I'm this nice...' The reindeer fawn thought, taking his protection as a good sign that none of the other wolves will bother her. She walked out of the dark wolf's curled up tail to sit next to the shaman's bed, listening to the goblin translate for her. A dinner?....Wait...don't wolves eat meat?...

"...Um...I can't eat meat. I'll get sick if I do." Echo quietly told the goblin before quickly telling James about the curse this wolf has, realizing about the curse coming back when she stopped singing. "Sir goblin, can you bring a friend of mine to sing with me? Her name's Lydia. I think she can help too." The fawn asked the goblin to translate for her as she hopes they can understand her care for their shaman too. James told her to ask for Lydia so she will.

Then she started to sing again, harmonizing with the wolves who were howling, calming anybody down as her voice made green grass grow from under her. Other plants in the shaman's cave also bloomed as she sang.

'Please hurry up and solve this!' Echo thought as her worry for the shaman wolf grew.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Zer0]

- Village of Scree -
" Baffin Mountain Forest "​

"Okay? But, who choo' talking to?" asked the goblin curiously when Echo spoke to the hidden bee.

When Lydia was brought into the room, she could tell from all those hours reading that goblin book from The Quarry, that the curse was neither voodoo or necromancy, but rather goblin shadowmancy. Yet the fancy suited goblin had no idea what happened to the old shaman as he was no warlock, but rather a merchant of clothes, furs and gems who came to Baffin to trade for them with paper, spices, and pearls in Winslow. Sadly, all his wares were taken by the wolves, but he was hoping since he was helping Echo out, that she could get them back for him in return including his freedom.

Anyway, he told them about the battle that almost destroyed this settlement about a week ago. It all started when a mysterious stranger came into town during a blizzard asking for shelter. When she was let in, she got into a fight with one of the older wolves because she demanded that the slaves be free. The wolves refused of course, but after she left, wendigos came charging from the blizzard and almost destroyed everything before the wolves managed to defeat them. That was when they found the shaman terribly injured.

It seems that if they want him to be cured, it's either they look for the mysterious stranger in wendigo territory, or ask around the tribes and settlements if they've got: burgeon eggs (a type of fish), bezoar, mandrake, and gurdyroot. The first option was the most dangerous, the second was would take days.

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[Katsuya]

Echo could only giggle awkwardly before telling him "My friends...they want to help." The fawn didn't mention the bee that's hidden in her clothes. That's a bad idea to show in front of wolves who are too happy with this solution.

She continued to sing so she can get the leg to stay well and not messed up. When Lydia came in, the fawn could only nod towards the old wolf, her own pair of green eyes asking her if she knew what's with this curse.

As she listened to the goblin's plea of helping him too, Echo thought, 'Hmm...maybe he can make a business deal with the wolves here? Instead of being a translator for them.' The fawn can see a good opportunity for both sides if they can do this.

If the wolves fought back for freeing the slaves, then maybe they're okay with taking care them instead? Like pay their services with food, shelter and protection from the wolves, in return more people to care about the village and better help to fight against whomever. Even better, the humans can translate for the wolves and the wolves for the humans if they need to do business trades...

'I've been hanging around Renee too much if I'm starting to think this positively.' Echo giggled quietly as she continued to sing her song, letting Lydia see what happens when she stops and when she continues to sing. Though the grass under her started to spread around her area, not that she cared. It's a whole lot more comfortable for her to sit on.

In the meanwhile, Chenglei listened to the whole thing through James' voice and told them if the solution is to go to Wedingo terrain, then so be it. He's willing to go find this mysterious stranger in a dangerous area since it faster and the wolves, knowing the dangers behind that, surly would let them leave with the goblin and his stuff. That's when James can hear Chenglei growling back at the wolf who raised his hackles, not appreciating on being hit for talking. Then Chenglei started to quietly curse in his native language, not caring if James find his pain amusing. He is that annoyed.

Echo knew that she has to stay near the shaman wolf so the curse doesn't spread any more. It'll ease his pain and the worries of his wolf-people. Maybe that can show them that not all outsiders are bad? That's what she told to Lydia and James before singing one more time.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Lydia was very grateful to be out of the kitchen and working towards something more than pretending to be resigned to a fate as a slave. This work was her kind of work, figuring out what magic was killing the elder. It was hard for her to have pity however. They chose this life they led and her heart went out to the goblin since he had also been enslaved. She couldn't help but think it was a sort of cosmic retribution that was playing out on the wolves and as she was told what had happened previously that brought the village and the elder to this condition, she wasn't exactly surprised.

She looked to Echo after he explained, her expression a mixture of emotions. It looked like these wolves were stubborn and that they weren't the first to disagree with their ways. It seemed to her that while it was dangerous, the best route would be to find the caster and ask her for the cure. If she had disapproved enough of what the wolves were doing here, perhaps she would have sympathy for their plight and the fact that they were only seeking the cure to buy their own freedom.

She made these suggestions to Echo and while that took care of the three of them, she expressed her concern for the slaves they would leave behind and how she wanted to be peaceful but that she just couldn't in good conscience leave these other people to suffer under the rule of the wolves. How could they get their freedom and the freedom for the slaves and somehow make everything right for everyone? Her hand collected her chin as her index finger curved across the front of her lower lip.

If Echo made the suggestion of convincing the wolves to let the people they have enslaved live among them like other villagers and to treat them as living beings and not objects while still receiving the comforts that they have grown accustomed to, Lydia would agree to the idea, but the stipulation was that if the wolves didn't agree, their elder just wouldn't get cured because they were in fact putting themselves at great risk by going to find the cure for him. Of course Lydia would leave out the part of putting the village in an even worse state than it currently was if they didn't agree to the terms.

She also considered the fact that the wolves were in the presence of Ladies Death Bane and Doom Hammer and thought that maybe if it were impressed upon the tribe the accomplishments of these two, they might be more susceptible to their terms, though she would include the goblin in this conversation since he appeared to be an ally and had been with the wolves longer and could offer input as to how best to handle these arrangements.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Zer0]

- Village of Scree -
" Baffin Mountain Forest "​

The wolves were wondering what the three kept talking about, but the goblin was able to smoothly assuage their curiosity, even rejoicing and marveling with them about the elder shaman's growing well-being. He was able to convince them that reindeer satyrs were demigods, who descended from a mighty reindeer deity and a woman. He told them that Echo's meekness was part of her upbringing and that this was a sign that the gods were looking favorably upon the Nuak clan.

Lydia and Echo found out that the goblin was actually a blood thirsty creature who liked explosions. He was in favor of burning the village and seemed eager at the prospect of hurting the wolves, and was in no way agreeable with the fawn, who is his ticket out of here, going off in some dangerous territory and getting eaten by Wendigos.

Wendigos were one of the toughest giants that wandered the tundra who live alone or in pairs. They're known for stealing cattle, and desecrating burial grounds by digging up corpses when food is scarce during winter. They are violently territorial, yet seem to not mind mammoth herds for some reason. Apart from their monstrous strength, they can bend the earth through arcane spells as natural to them as birds use their wings to fly. They aren't very bright and are afraid of fire, but when cornered they become even more vicious.

Yet still the goblin told the wolves that this was what Echo wanted to do and that in return they must set the slaves free or else give them better treatment. This made the wolves pause in their rejoicing.

'Ter Nuak sat before the two ladies. "We cannot do that. There is not enough food to go by and the village must be rebuilt immediately." translated the goblin. "And they are slaves, that is their rightful place."

The goblin explained that in a wolf clan there is a hierarchy among its members or a caste system. The alphas and the higher ranking wolves get more than the lower ranked ones and slaves ranked at the very bottom. They cannot just raise them higher, that generosity is too much and it is insulting to let a slave sit on the same level as his better. And if they gave them more food than what was already given, the higher ranking wolves won't be happy, after all it will be their sheep and goats who will be slaughtered for the slaves. The goblin said that the wolves just don't want to sacrifice their comforts. They are used to this life and just found the idea of giving slaves better treatment as distasteful as giving good clothes to a dirty pig.

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[Katsuya]

Echo blushed as red as her hair when she heard what the goblin told the wolves, now looking at the four legged creatures with wide green eyes before looking over to the elder wolf, feeling humbled and...embarrassed. She wished that he didn't describe her people like that, but if it will help then she won't complain.

She wondered what Johnny is thinking about right now. Would he be proud of them for tricking the wolves or would he be angry at the dark wolf for calling her his property? 'Now is not the time for that.' Echo thought to herself, her blush turning more red than before.

When she heard that the goblin does want to hurt the wolves, the red-head frowned as she observed the elder wolf. This clan still cared about each other, they are just like everyone else in this realm, a bit misguided but still. There's no need to hurt them like that...Especially when they were all cheering for having an elder to be healthy again. That means they truly care about each other even when they are not blood related, they still consider each other family. It's nice to see that side of these pushy wolves.

So she suggested an idea to the goblin instead. "Sir goblin...would it not be more beneficial to have business with the wolves here?" She peered over her shoulder to stare at the goblin, her green eyes observing his reaction.

"I understand that you are angry at them, but it would be better for you and them to have a deal: You can help them have food and items to survive in this area and you can a very supportive business here. This way even the slaves can have food and have enough to spare for the rest of the months to come."

The fawn really did want to do this as peacefully as she can before lighting anybody on fire. After all...fire is one of the wolves' weakness and she wanted to care about Johnny's people too, even if they are not his intermediate family.

"What do you think Lydia? Sir Goblin? It would give a chance for the wolves to change their views on the hierarchy. Besides it's rather ironic that this whole thing started on a woman asking for the slaves' freedom too...maybe this will help them see the wrong in their hierarchy and treatment of others." Echo sang again to keep the curse at bay.

"Tell them that this curse happened because they would not respect their slaves and pay them for their work. That lady was a warning of the dangers that will come if they continue with their views on them."

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Lydia had to quickly slap both of her hands over her mouth to keep from loudly laughing, though she supposed he might not be wrong, she glanced to Echo, her green eyes squinted slightly from her smile. She was amused by how the goblin felt, burning everything down would definitely be the easiest path, but at the same time how would they be any better than the wolves if they destroyed their settlement further. Lydia felt like she was caught between a rock and a hard place.

Her lower lip stuck out slightly as she gritted her teeth and furrowed her brow upon the declaration of 'Ter Nuak. How do they really expect anyone to be able to work when they are starving to death? Lydia wanted to yell at the wolf and ask him how they were going to rebuild anything when they were basically murdering their slaves? And that was another thing, how is it their rightful place? Lydia's fists balled up tightly, her arms straight at her sides. Most of these 'slaves' if not all of them were probably free people just like she was, until these wolves decided to claim them as property. Needless to say, her opinion of these creatures was highly diminished and she was planting her feet and getting ready to make it rain fire when Echo chimed in with her idea.

The palms of her hands had been marked by the tiny crescents created by her fingernails in the time that she was trying not to just completely lose her temper on these creatures. They already had their village utterly ransacked because of their refusal to treat other species like themselves, they wouldn't need their village rebuilt if they had been decent people. Lydia snorted and flung her arms heavily across her chest before gripping them tightly against her as though she were physically containing her anger, "it would be nice if they would agree to that, but we can't just leave these people, who were probably just as free as we are to creatures that see them as nothing more than things."

Lydia gave Echo a look that would let her know what was going to happen in the event that the wolves could not or would not be convinced. They would likely be in just as much danger attacking the wolves as they would be going out into Wendigo territory but at least it would save them the trip and insure that the slaves would be free. She definitely agreed with the last thing that Echo said, nodding her head multiple times, she would provide that oncoming danger if they didn't mend their ways.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Echo caught on to Lydia's angry expression as she has seen it before...when she was whacking Hisaya's head into mush. The fawn then quietly told the benefits to having a healthy servant than an almost to dead slave.

One, the servants will feel more obligated to help the wolves, even help translate for them with other being who comes by for trade. Two, having more people to care for the village and have a faster rate with the building whenever something burns again. Three, the servants will still serve them and give them their comforts but in return they need to stay healthy and to do that they need more food. Which is where the goblin merchant comes in. He can offer the wolves a better supply of items and in return the wolves don't have to worry so much on food and can respect the goblin merchant himself.

Of course she said that as a way to help see the good parts of being open-minded and trust different races...or so Echo prayed as she can already see Lydia smiling manically with the goblin as they bomb the whole village with fire.

"How about it, Sir Goblin?" Echo asked, her ear twitched.

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[Zer0]

- Village of Scree -
" Baffin Mountain Forest "​

Greed flashed across the goblin's eyes. "Hmmm," he rubbed his palms together, "becoming the sole trader all these wolves get their goods from. I like it." after that he went on full business mode that would put even a clever housewife's haggling skill's to shame. He talked with the wolves and the ladies for a good part of the morning. The feast was served and all Echo was given was mushroom soup, grilled purple mushrooms, grass, bark, and roots just like what the cattle outside were eating, except washed clean and arranged fancier with white polka-dotted mushrooms.

Lu Tarin, the black long-tailed wolf once more flanked Echo with either paws and coiled his tail around them growling at her very softly to which the goblin said that he wants her to stay put here and not to disobey him because he said so; his brother seemed uncertain about how to treat Lydia since she is the demigoddesses' friend, but seeing Lu Tarin he also did the same thing with her, pulling Lydia by the back of her clothes with his teeth, putting her between his two paws, then softly growling at her as if he was trying to be a little more polite.

In the end Echo's arguments won over and the alpha wolves agreed to have a council with the others and speak about this matter. That was as good as they can get for now, but 'Ter Nuak did bark at some wolves to give the slaves a break and some food to show he meant what he said.

The conversation soon turned to the mysterious stranger, and the two sons volunteered to guide them through the tundra and into Wendigo lands as soon as they are ready. The elder shaman was a precious member of their clan. He was akin to a "wise man" who heals their sick, talks to the spirits, and prays to them for good hunting and thriving herds.

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

Spoiler: Persuasion Success

Echo (1-6) = 6

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[Roleplay Skittle]

Lydia was too anxious to eat and honestly wondered where some bread was so she could make a sandwich and they could just get on with it. The sooner they got out of there, the sooner they could get back to the others and everything would be settled. She was excited and terribly grateful that Echo's and the goblins efforts won out, of course she wanted to know the goblin's name since he was helping them and so she asked him.

She yelped slightly as the wolf that had evidently claimed her pulled her by the back of her clothes, looking at his paws and then Echo and her wolf and shrugged her shoulders. She was just as unsure of how to act with this treatment as he was with how to actually treat her, "um... thanks?" she pulled her handkerchief from inside her coat and sneezed into it, using the fabric of it and her scarf to muffle the sound, she didn't want to offend anyone, not after they were on somewhat better terms.

At least the wolves could be reasoned with, that made her glad and she wasn't looking at them in quite so critical a light, which was basically her thinking that they were probably less intelligent than their non-Humanoid counterparts. The thought actually got her to smile slightly. Wolves.

Lydia's rage demon was, at the moment, placated.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Echo sighed quietly in relief as it seems everyone is agreeing to her suggestion, even the alpha is showing an example to his people. Which is great, he's showing a bit of humanity despite being a wolf. The villagers will copy his actions in due time. Even the goblin is happy with her suggestion and it calmed Lydia down too. That's always a plus.

...Because then they can use her fire when they really need it and surprise the wolves in case it doesn't work.

When it was time for the feast, Echo blinked when the goblin translated Lu Tarin's words. So she looked towards his direction, not looking directly at him and nodded before smiling as thanks for the food. She didn't vocalize it as she rather that he understands her facial expressions. He can learn how the humans feel like by their faces, starting now. The fawn gratefully ate the food that the wolves kindly gave her, not minding that it was food for their cattle. At least they cleaned it and made it more appetizing.

As the topic to the strange woman came up, Echo listened and nodded in agreement with the sons taking them through Wendingo territory. They are so nice to also journey off with them. Now that she knows the shaman wolf is their version of a medi-wizard, Echo took this task a bit personally.

Her dream is to help anybody in the medical field and support them with growing plants. This is just another way to help a different sort of doctor.

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[Zer0]

- Village of Scree -
" Baffin Mountain Forest "​

Meanwhile, James was indeed enjoying Chenglei's plight. He hadn't paid him back for their time in the closet, and so he kept making his bees tickle his nose, crawl all over inside his clothes into his armpits, belly button and nibble his skin trying to make him jerk around annoyed or laugh like a weirdo.

He had told the three that their group had finally arrived in Winslow and Johnny's family was happy to see him. Apparently they had thought he was dead until they received his letter about a week ago. Their mountain town was very isolated and there were no such things as newspapers, only mounted couriers and messenger birds that only fly within the Baffin Tundra lands and Winslow. Last they had heard of him was from his sister who was a merchant who told them Johnny had disappeared during the assassination during the king's feast in Kingsbury.

James only told Lydia and Chenglei this, but Johnny was madly jealous. He knew what it meant letting Echo go with the wolves, but still, Lu Tarin's displays of dominance over his girlfriend was making him restless, saying that if that black mutt rested his paw on her back, or rubbed his scent on her, he was going to march over there and just take her. They were still discussing with his family about how to get the three back honorably. According to the customs of his people, Echo, Lydia, and Chenglei were the rightful properties of the Nuak Clan; meanwhile, James wasn't bothered with how the other wolf brother was displaying his dominance over Lydia since he knew she'll never be his.

In the afternoon the wolves began preparations for the journey immediately. Chenglei was allowed to join the others after he was given a meal of stewed mushrooms and sheep; the three were allowed to pick weapons and armor from the wolves' armory which were either crude or of dwarven quality at the most.

When all was ready, Lu Tarin, his brother, two other wolves, and the goblin whose name was 'Garthuk' assembled at the entrance of their village. They didn't have horses, nor where their sheep and goats in anyway trained like mounts, so Lydia, Chenglei, and the goblin were going to just be carried in their mouths. It was insulting to let someone ride on the wolves' back as if they were common mules, though they did wear around them a kind of pack of leather and wool that held their personal supplies for the journey.

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Lydia had to try not to laugh when the bee told her of Johnny's jealousy. It was sweet, but silly at the same time. He shouldn't worry so much, they were handling things just fine and if they couldn't handle things, she would handle them. James was darn right she'd never be the wolf's, of course he'd probably been reassured of that by her defiance at being told to put on the slave garb, as if he even needed any assurance. Lydia did quietly express to him in her own embarrassed way that she was his and quite happily so and that she had every intention of coming back to him and making sure the others were with her, one way or another.

From the armory Lydia took some light armor and a good beat stick, carving into it the rune she'd need for a boost in her strength if that was even necessary, and imbuing the rune to give it power. The armor she got was just a simple leather jerkin since anything else would probably be too heavy, and made sure it was a little larger than what she would normally wear so she could slip it on over her coat. And she still had her secret weapon, her magic. At least she still thought it was secret, she didn't know if the wolves would be able to sense her control of manna.

When they were all ready to go and had assembled at the entrance, Lydia went and stood in front of her wolf. She figured that they didn't like being ridden and evidently she had guessed correctly, she had gotten relatively used to getting picked up and carried like a pup and glanced briefly over her shoulder as if to say, 'well?'

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Chenglei stared blankly at the wolves as he was told that they will be carried in their mouths...again. The blond soldier muttered how ironic it is to have the meek Demi-goddess run with the wolves like no one's business when the other three will be carried like pups. He supposed it'd explain how she can keep up with them considering she didn't even break a sweat after running for so long.

Though he'd have to agree with his entertaining friend; He did not like how that dark wolf keeps circling around his lady friend like she was his property when she's spoken for. So he's keeping an eye on that wolf, telling Echo to stay close to him in case the wolf tries anything funny, same to Lydia.

Which made Echo extremely confused but nodded in agreement nonetheless. Once again, she wondered how Johnny is taking this. The last time a guy payed attention to her, he scared them off with his red kabuki mask. So...is he feeling jealous again with this wolf blocking her from other wolves? She will never know as Chenglei didn't tell her. He just looked at her and said : "Just stay close to me and things will be fine for everyone."

Once they were packed and ready to go, Echo, wearing a hooded white cloak that the humanoid wolves gave her, carried a small pack of her own that has medical herbs, a small flint rock to make fire, and a small alchemist kit. Chenglei, with a warm coat and leather armor underneath his regular clothes, has a dwarfen sword on his side and frowned at the weird weight it has. 'Better then nothing.' He thought as he waited for the wolf to carry him....again...

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Zer0]

- Lagoon -
" Northern Lowland Tundra, Baffin "​

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A pause had followed after Lydia's embarrassed declaration that she was James'. "You mean . . . I'm your . . . boyfriend?" A long silence, and then finally he released a swept-away chuckle. "I'm so happy right now --- Lydia, heal the shaman and come to Winslow as soon as possible, I can't wait to hug you!"

* * * *​

That late afternoon, the wolves dropped their charges by the rocky pebbled shores of the northern coast. They were at the edge of a lagoon where the land curved inland for more than four hundred miles before curving right back out to the Shoflo ocean. The quickest way through was crossing the lagoon by canoe, but Lu Tarin said that they will set out early in the morning. Crossing now would mean having to make camp on the other side, right in Wendigo Territory at night, and that was too dangerous.

For the first time the brothers and a white wolf with black and yellow patched fur, who turned out to be a woman, shape-shifted into their human forms. They were stocky, big shouldered, and barrel-chested. Their skins were a dark brown, and they had hairy arms and legs, with a mane of hair that looked like it could use a trim and a comb; scars from scratches and bites crossed over their back, neck and limbs, and they wore clothes like Johnny, except simpler and embroidered with earthy colors. They looked like they were in their early twenties, but the lines around their rugged faces showed that they had faced many hardships and knew how to take care of themselves as well as any wolf in the tundra.

Garthuk told Echo, Lydia, and Chenglei that the wolves want them to gather wood, stones for the campfire, and help, "Tachit", the female wolf, in setting up the tepees that were packed and looked exactly like Johnny's only with a different color. Lu Tarin, his brother, and the other wolf were going out to hunt for dinner.

The goblin didn't like being treated as a slave as much as anyone and just left all the work to the three and Tachit who didn't complain as Garthuk wasn't her slave and so she had no right to command him.

Katsuya Roleplay Skittle

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

James' silence caused Lydia some trepidation, wondering if she had spoke out of turn. The way he had been treating her and how close they had become had led her to believe that they were a couple so when he went quiet, she felt her stomach sink slightly as though maybe she spoke out of turn. Of course when he was happy and said for her to hurry, her heart was all aflutter and she giggled happily because she hadn't been mistaken.

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Lydia stumbled slightly as she was dropped to the ground. She had about enough of that nonsense and couldn't wait to be back with James. The thought was enough to cheer her and she placed her hands to her cheeks, blushing softly for a moment before she set about helping the others.

She thought it would be a good idea not to use magic to start the fire when needed unless it absolutely had to happen, mainly because she wanted to keep that ability in her reserves in case she needed it. She was slightly amused by the change of the wolves, though she could see why they tended to stay in wolf form, they were actually quite lovely creatures once you got past the bad attitudes and crappy way of treating other species.

She volunteered to help with the teepees mainly because she probably wouldn't be able to carry as much wood as Chenglei and Echo so it would probably be better for her to just stay there. She didn't really see a reason for Garthuk to help because he was there basically voluntarily and was helping them as is, so while she could regail him with tales of the time they all went to the abandoned mines to get him to help, she didn't.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Chenglei grunted quietly when the wolf dropped him, watching the wolves change into a more human like form. It's... really odd to see similar clothing with different and muted colors. Then again he wasn't complaining as he honestly preferred his friend's color choices...

When Lydia said she was going to help with the tepee, Chenglei and Echo looked at each other before saying they'll get firewood and stones together. It took a while to find some that's dry and decent, but the pair managed to find some with Echo carrying the lighter branches and Chenglei carrying the heavier stones.

It seems that the pair didn't want to reveal Echo's true strength yet just like how they didn't want to reveal Lydia's magic abilities.The fawn started to work on making a safe fire pit for the wood to pile up together. Chenglei used her flint to make a decent sized fire after many blows of air, feeling a little breathless afterwards. He looked really proud of himself as the fawn just sits next to him, staring at the fire.

"There! Now all we need is food to eat and the tepee to sleep."

Echo nodded, frowning a bit. Chenglei noticed and asked.

"Hm? Cho? What's wrong?'

"....I miss Johnny. We collected firewood together too when we were traveling to Holt." Chenglei hummed and nodded, his eyes closed.

"I'm sure my dear friend misses you just as much, Cho."

"...I know...still I want to be by his side and tell him that I'm back."

"You were hip to hip with him, I presume?"

Echo giggled quietly. Her green eyes looked warm at the memories of being together with him. "Yea...we were. This little mission is just making my heart grow fonder for him....James, I'm sorry that you're hearing this. Let me know if you feel awkward and I'll stop." She told to the hidden bee in her clothes.

Chenglei shook his head, now using all of the nicknames he has for the group. "I'm sure young Jam is okay with you missing your boyfriend. He could even be telling him right now."

"Right...-sighs- ...." Echo's green eyes stayed on the fire and Chenglei, being the older brother of now many siblings, sat next to her, wrapping one arm around the fawn's shoulder to comfort her. "Don't fret, Cho. We'll see our friends again and you can tackle Yukio into the ground when we do."

Echo smiled. "Thanks Lei-lei..." The soldier nodded and let's his arm down again. Then he looked behind him with a concerned frown. "..Ly? Do you need help?"

Roleplay Skittle Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Lagoon -
" Night TIme, Northern Lowland Tundra, Baffin "​

That night, the three wolf-men dragged two dead giant oxen into camp. Turning back into giant wolves, Lu Tarin tore a hind leg off of one and flung it at Echo, Lydia and Chenglei. It landed on the snow in a splatter of blood. Then the four wolves began to gorge noisily on the rest. They were really barbarians.

"So, I asked Johnny If that was how he used to eat before," whispered James voice to the three, " he's nodding his head. He's here now, Echo."

Earlier James did find it awkward, but he didn't mind it enough to not want to listen as he knew his best mate would be happy hearing her words. Johnny had been busy acquiring lumber for the warships so he wasn't able to talk to Echo before dusk, though James did tell him what she said if she asked.

"Alright, he wants me to repeat his exact words." said James' voice to Echo, and he cleared his throat. "I want to be tackled by you too, my Echo Mello!" he said, exaggeratingly mimicking Johnny's English accent so that it sounded uncharacteristically top-of-the-morning and lovey-dovey. "James talk properly, you wanker --- sniggers --- sigh. I heard you're at the Lagoon, Echo, and that you're alright. Did you like the view? Sometimes you can see pods of orca hunting seals on the ice."

Katsuya

Meanwhile, the winged wolf who was the younger brother and went by the name of Chitawee, according to the goblin, had eaten his share and was now rolling on the snow and licking the blood off his claws and fur near Lydia.

Roleplay Skittle

 

[Katsuya]

Echo flinched when she heard the splat from the dismembered limb and opt to eat the herbs she packed away instead. "You guys can eat it." She's rather horrified with way they ate and how they didn't seem to care if it's all bloody. 'Johnny used to do that...Holy Merlin...' The fawn thought, feeling disgusted with watching the wolves eat the oxen so she looked away, unable to look at the scene anymore.

The red-headed fawn nodded at James' understanding and sighed again as she asked him. She perked up when James said that Johnny is there and smiled in a bit of relief, giggling when the older Pendragon brother copied her boyfriend's accent. It might be exaggerated and a bit off, but...she's still glad to hear his words even if it's coming from James.

She looked over to the lake and nodded, smiling warmly now. "Yes, it's lovely...It would be better if you were here with me..." Echo muttered as she nibbled on her meal. Then she remembered something and asked what is Johnny's real name. The fawn has wondered since everyone in the Nuak village has interesting names, did Johnny have an interesting name too? She wanted to learn more about his language as it sounded pretty to her.

Chenglei was cooking the meat and handed a piece to Lydia and the goblin, nice and warm with a nice humbled flavor. "Here you go, you two. I hope you don't mind my cooking. It's not a good as Renee's but it's better than nothing." He was trying to cheer them up a bit as he hoped the little witch isn't too disturbed with their furry companions and their eating habits.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Lydia went about what she was doing, keeping in mind anything that James had taught her so long ago about putting together a tent. Plus logic, Lydia had enough of that to go around and she managed to solidly construct the teepees without much trouble... give or take the few times where she lost her balance and fell on her behind, "um... no I think I'm good!" she said as she finished up the tents.

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Lydia grimaced at the sight of the huge dead animals, her hands covering her face, fingers splayed around her eyes. She was mortified and didn't even know how to react. At this rate she might be following in Echo's footsteps and not eating meat again. She actually yelped softly and hopped out of the way when the leg was slung towards them, raising her scarf over her face so she could gag into it without being noticed. She shivered and shook her head. Well, she didn't know what to do with that meat, and Echo probably wanted nothing to do with it whatsoever... so maybe Chenglei can cook?

She was glad that he could and had prepared it, but she still felt a little grossed out and that wasn't helped at all by Chitawee rolling around next to her covered in blood. The smell was awful and she felt like she was going to be sick. She shook her head at Chenglei when he offered her the meat and snuggled into her scarf.

Zer0 Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Chenglei frowned a bit, his ash purple eyes glued onto the little witch as he sees that she is disgusted and the wolf beside her is not helping. With a sigh, he sat next to her and asked her to please eat. "It would not be good if you don't eat now. What happens if we can't eat tomorrow in the morning or lunch?" He gently insisted.

"Come on, Ly. I know it's...uncomfortable with what just happened, but you have to have something in your stomach. You need to keep your strength up no matter what happens in this environment." Uncomfortable is a sugar-coated word to replace disgusting or gross but he didn't want the wolves to feel offended even if they don't understand him. The blond soldier knew from experience to always eat whenever you can and don't take it for granted in case he wouldn't be able to eat the next few days.

"Please? I'm sure James would want you to keep your strength up too." He's showing his big brother side again. Chenglei just didn't want Lydia to have stomach pains in case they couldn't find food tomorrow. Sure, his soldier training is kicking in too, but he understands that Lydia does not have much experience when it comes to the woods and it's extreme wilderness. So he will teach her in ways that might make her understand more, by being supportive and firm.

Zer0 Roleplay Skittle