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04-25-24 02:03 PM |
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| Trelior |
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Normal User
Level: 127    
Posts: 4621/4986 EXP: 23609638 Next: 116928 Since: 01-02-12 Last post: 1261 days Last view: 1261 days |
"Alright, showoff!" Aren snarks, "I didn't specialize in that magic, and Zarik is kinda a dud in the magic department."
Zarik gives Aren a perturbed look, then adds, "Manual labor is the only way we could do it." Once Bel cleared the small structure of its contents, Zarik waits for the portal to close before taking the bales one at a time in to break them into makeshift bedding for Cai to be laid on. The better part of an hour passes before the hay is broken up sufficiently to be suitable bedding in a side enough area to lay the dragon girl out on. Taking the combined effort of all three men, Caionna is placed gently down on the hay with her tail wrapped back in on her body to keep it under the awning. "Alright. Now that Cai is taken care of, let's go inside and see what can be done to relax a bit." Zarik says. "Sounds good." Aren agrees, "We've earned a rest. A little overdue, I'd say." Upon reaching the door, the bards' performance can be heard. The song seems jaunty, but it doesn't seem to be invoking much reaction from the crowd. The trio make their way in and advance to the bar. "Och! There's my boys." Roff says, "What can I do ya for?" Zarik doesn't seem to be paying attention, and just asks, "Where's Zissou and Neris?" "It started gettin' late, he took 'er to retire for the night." Roff replies, "What can I get ya, lads?" "Warm cider sounds good right now." Aren speaks up. "Make that two." Zarik says with a nod. "Comin' right up." Roff says cheerfully. Handing over the tumblers, he asks, "So, how is she doin'?" Taking a drink, Zarik replies, "We got her as comfortable as we could. We could probably do to get her crystals rearranged to let them to tether to give her power. That can wait though. Will she be safe out there as she is in the lean-to?" "Och aye, the night guard usually makes sure nothin' happens out of the ordinary. she'll be fine." Roff replies. "We can look into moving the crystals some in the morning." "Good." Zarik nods. |
| Trelior |
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Normal User
Level: 127
Posts: 4622/4986 EXP: 23609638 Next: 116928 Since: 01-02-12 Last post: 1261 days Last view: 1261 days |
"Can confirm!" Zarik snarks, "Crystals are there!"
Aren shrugs and says, "There's what? A dozen? Dozen and a half?" Roff shakes his head, "Lads, try closer to 40. And they're under close inspection. Nothin'll even get near 'em." Zarik finishes his drink, and says, "Do we have the same rooms as the other night, or have new travelers forced you to bop us?" "Nah." Roff replies, "Same rooms. I knew you'd be back, so I made certain to keep 'em reserved for ye." "Cool. I'm gonna hit the sack. Been a day, and we didn't do much of anything." Zarik stands and heads to his room on the second floor. "I think I ought to, too." Aren says, gathering his cup with Zarik's to hand back to Roff, then heads up as well. Roff turns to Bel, and says, "I s'pose ye'll be leavin me to this dreck, too?" |
| Trelior |
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Normal User
Level: 127
Posts: 4623/4986 EXP: 23609638 Next: 116928 Since: 01-02-12 Last post: 1261 days Last view: 1261 days |
In the morning, Neris is the first to have come out of her room.
She is sitting at one of the tables away from the bar bobbing her head happily as she hums incoherently to herself. A plate of food she hasn't touched is sitting in front of her. Zarik is the next to come out. Heading down to the bar, he sits and waits for Roff to come out. Aren follows shortly after and takes a seat next to Zarik. Perking a brow at Neris, he asks, "Why is she over there by herself?" "Not sure. Probably has something to do with the fact she looks like a little kid, and he didn't want a child sitting at the bar." Zarik replies with a yawn. Neris continues to sit in her own little world, oblivious to the men talking nearby. Zissou finally emerges from his room and goes to sit at the table with Neris. Clearing his throat to get her attention, he says, "How long have you been up?" "Not very long." Neris sings cheerfully. "Obviously long enough for this plate to have been brought to you and for it to have gone cold." Zissou mutters. Neris looks at the the plate in confusion, "When did that get there? And how was I expected to eat it anyway?" Roff comes out from the kitchen by this point and hears the open ended question, to which he responds, confused, "With the fork and knife, lass. Ye even looked at me and thanked me when I set it down!" Zarik gives his friend a blank stare and says, "First off, she was ore or less raised by wolves. She doesn't know what a fork is used for. Secondly, her hands were bound and are fugly little nubs at the end of her arms. She can't use any utensils, even if she knew what they were!" Roff gives a thousand yard stare and the proverbial crickets could be heard coming from his head space. After a moment, he says, "Och! How could I have been so foolish. She could've said something to me about it!" "I doubt that." Aren says, "She's a harpy, so she's a literal birdbrain, and she likely doesn't even register that she's supposed to even have hands. Kinda depends on how young she was when it happened to her." Neris recognizes that the topic has turned to a serious tone about her, and her mood slowly sours into sadness. She stops singing and looks forlornly at the table. Taking note, Zissou remarks, "Gentlemen, can we please refrain from such morose conversation with the poor girl in listening range?" Zarik shakes his head, and says, "Why? It's the reality of the situation! I'm not gonna sugar coat the conversation because it offends her to know her life dealt her a shitty hand." Aren laughs at the likely accidental pun and remarks, "She doesn't know it's a shitty hand because she can't pick the cards up to see them!" The collective of the three other men and the random morning patrons kinda wince at the harshness of Aren's words. "What?" Aren exclaims incredulously. |
| Trelior |
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Normal User
Level: 127
Posts: 4624/4986 EXP: 23609638 Next: 116928 Since: 01-02-12 Last post: 1261 days Last view: 1261 days |
"It's finishin' up." Roff says mildly dismissively. "From how ye were whinging about being so tired last night, I figured ye'd been asleep for another hour or so!" then heads back into the kitchen.
Neris looks at Aren with confusion, then looks at her arms. She can see on her hands where she is supposed to have digits, then looks at Zarik's hands as he gestures innocuously. She thinks to herself, 'Is that what my hands are supposed to look like? I guess that would make sense.' Zarik notices Neris' gaze out of the corner of his eye, and says in a less abrasive tone, "What?" Neris is surprised by the response and chirps, "Nothing!" then avoids eye contact. Roff comes back out with three plates of typical breakfast fare of eggs sausage and bacon while being followed by another man with two more plates headed toward the table. Roff places the dishes in front of Aren, Bel, and Zarik while the other man places a plate in front of Zissou and trades the old plate in front of Neris with a new one. He then disappears back into the back once again. "So, what's the plan." Roff asks, "I know you said something about having your medics on the way." Zarik speaks between bites, "I figured that Zissou, Aren, and Bel would work with you to figure out how to get the crystals rearranged." "Why not you too?" Aren asks, grumpily, "Simple. You guys have magic to move those massive towers of magic-made-solid!" Zarik exclaims, "What do you want me to do? Be in the way?" "We will need someone to watch Neristhana as we work." Zissou butts in, "Considering that Zarik is nigh bereft of magical skill, he shall be tasked with keeping her out of trouble." Neris timidly says, "I promise to behave." Zarik shrugs and says, "I guess that's how it'll have to go." Before he can make a quip about it, Zarik notes what she had just said, and adds, "I certainly hope so." |
| Trelior |
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Normal User
Level: 127
Posts: 4625/4986 EXP: 23609638 Next: 116928 Since: 01-02-12 Last post: 1261 days Last view: 1261 days |
"If I had to guess," Zarik starts, "I would say that the energy transfer would be linear, but I don't think we exactly have the freedom to determine how far the crystals can be from her before they lose tether."
"I dunno, she's a decent distance from that big one she's nested under right now." Aren says, "Who knows if the energy can transfer through other crystals, or if there has to be a clear shot to her." "The lean-to technically sits between her and the crystal and her body," Zarik states, "Then again, the lean-to is made of wood, and not a magical material." "You do realize you are speaking of your sister," Zissou interjects, as he is switching between taking bites of his breakfast and feeding Neris hers, "She is not one of your machines to be spoken of in some sort of mechanical sense." "And how do you suggest we talk about the logistics, then?" Zarik snips back, "I'm aware of this, and we're not speaking using any terminology that a doctor would avoid." Zissou is taken slightly aback, then thinks for a moment. "I suppose you are right." He concedes. Neris watches the exchange, not understanding a word of it, but captivated by the professional-sounding exchange. Zissou inadvertently pokes her in the cheek with a piece of sausage on the fork, but she pays no mind to it. Zissou shrugs and assumes she's finished eating, so he begins to focus on finishing his meal. When the men have finished, Aren gets up and says, "Well, let's get to work Bel, Dad, Roff." Nodding to each as he addresses them. "Stay out of trouble in here, Zarik." He says with a chuckle. "Yeah, yeah." Zarik dismissively waves, "If we're lucky, the guys will show up today, too. "Hopefully." Aren agrees, then walks out the door. Heading back to Cai's lean-to, Aren looks at the crystals scattered throughout the town square. With a shake of his head, he says, "I bet the people in town wouldn't mind the place being cleaned up a bit." "One one hand, ye." Roff says with a chuckle, "On the other, though, some of the folk have mentioned that the presence of her energy is calmin'." Zissou nods and says, "Ah, I can see why they would say that. There is a serenity to the power Caionna exudes." "How are we gonna do this, guys?" Aren asks, "Got any ideas, Roff? I don't wanna do anything that'll hurt the town." "Och, lemme just get me atlamillia and pick 'em up and scoot 'em around!" Roff says sarcastically. "I dinnae! pick 'em up and put 'em down? Yer the magic ones! Zarik lumped me in with ye because ye all think I run the town!" |
| Trelior |
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Normal User
Level: 127
Posts: 4626/4986 EXP: 23609638 Next: 116928 Since: 01-02-12 Last post: 1261 days Last view: 1261 days |
Nope. I chalk that up to the same shit as religious mysticism. |
| Trelior |
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Normal User
Level: 127
Posts: 4627/4986 EXP: 23609638 Next: 116928 Since: 01-02-12 Last post: 1261 days Last view: 1261 days |
As the others went outside, Zarik stayed in to keep an eye on Neris.
Neris gets up from the table and clumsily walks over to Zarik at the bar. Since the stools sit higher than she can climb, she holds her arms up in expectation to be lifted, letting out cute little grunts. Zarik bops her on the nose with a finger and says, "What did Roff tell you about sitting at the bar? Just because he's not in here, doesn't mean I'm gonna let you disobey his rules." "I want to sit with you since you told them you'd make sure I stayed out of the way!" She protests, "If I can't sit with you, then you should come sit with me!" "Okay, fine." Zarik says, heaving a sigh, then standing to go sit at the table where Zissou was sat. "I can't think of anything to do besides talk, but I guess if we're gonna do that, we may as well be sitting near each other." She smiles and follows him, plopping happily back into her chair, she puts her arms behind her, and says shyly, "I have something important I want you to hold onto..." Zarik narrows his eyes and finally takes notice of how she seems to switch between knowing how to walk like on the mountain the previous days, and not like now. Slightly suspicious, he says, "Whaddaya got, kid?" From behind her back, Neris produces a small orb. This orb is roughly the size of a baseball and has an oddly familiar aetheric signature to it. It is dark, but has a prismatic aura and faint multi-color swirl within. The orb floats above her right hand, and she says, "I don't know why, but something within me is telling me to entrust this to you. It's a weirdly familiar voice that sounds like it's trying to tell me that if I don't do this, something bad will happen..." Zarik recognizes what the orb is immediately, wide eyed, he says, "That's a soul orb! I can't take that! Who knows what would happen if I lost it!" deciding to err cautiously, he says, "Something's up... You're weirdly inconsistent in how you behave. How do I know this isn't some sort of trap?" "I know..." Neris says pensively, "I notice it too, When I start acting weird, I feel like something evil is taking over me. This presence telling me to share my soul sounds like a good, and caring voice... Familiar in a way I can't describe... I feel like I can trust her, and she tells me to trust you. She's helping me tell you this." Thinking back to the previous days, Zarik remembers Cai sharing her energy with Neris. After a moment, he says, "I think I know what's going on. Cai is sensing something lurking within you and is using her link from the other day to plead with you to confide in me, she may be out cold, but she has enough consciousness to warn you." Reluctantly taking the orb, he continues, "Something must be up, because if Cai is somehow warning you, Ruki said you harbor secrets, and there definitely does seem to be something strange about you. I don't like this." Neris averts her gaze and says in a quivering voice, "I'm scared. There's so much happening I don't understand, and the things I do understand are only because of what I was taught when she shared her power with me. That frightens me too." Zarik shakes his head and puts a hand on her head. Gently ruffling her faded red locks, he says, "I don't know what's going on either, but if your instincts - or otherwise - are telling you I'm trustworthy, I'd better not betray that potentially misguided trust." Neris gets up and walks uneasily to Zarik, wraps her arms around him, then begins softly crying into his chest. Between sobs, she hiccups, "Thank you." Closing his eyes, Zarik mutters to himself again, "What am I getting myself into?" |
| Trelior |
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Normal User
Level: 127
Posts: 4628/4986 EXP: 23609638 Next: 116928 Since: 01-02-12 Last post: 1261 days Last view: 1261 days |
Does anyone around these parts know anything about editing the NES version of Final Fantasy in ways that aren't possible with Hackster?
Making modifications to the ROM I use for the randomizer made me want to make an actual ROM hack and modify other things in my FFR base. 
I want to change the Nintendo side of the copyright info to "Mod by Trelior 2020" I also want to change things like the opening crawl to be something custom for when I get around to actually making a hack. Something to modify the tile sets more easily than using TLP or YY-CHR would be glorious as well. I want to damn near completely overhaul how the game looks to make it more unique to me. How possible is this? |
| Trelior |
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Normal User
Level: 127
Posts: 4629/4986 EXP: 23609638 Next: 116928 Since: 01-02-12 Last post: 1261 days Last view: 1261 days |
"Uh..." Aren says, "That's kinda hard to figure out. I would assume we would be able to extrapolate from he aether crystals we use for catalysts. The cylindrical ones are about fifteen centimeters in length and weigh around two kilograms each. These crystals are significantly taller and wider."
"Takin' that inte consideration." Roff interjects, "The small ones are four meters tall, meybe about that fifteen centimeters in diameter. They ain't genne be light." Zissou takes a closer look, he notes, "They appear to be floating somewhat, but that does not change that they will be daunting to move without mishap." Aren nods and says, "Yeah. It'll take some power to move them, and inertia is gonna make them dangerous. What's your plan, then, Bel?" Inside, Zarik looks around the room, then down at the harpy clutching him for what feels like dear life. "We need to do something besides just sit around." He says after a moment of awkward silence and leering glances from the other patrons. Neris pulls back from Zarik asking, "Like what?" her eyes light up and she chirps, trying to seem happy, "We can go to my room!" "No!" Zarik vetoes instantly. "I'm not letting you get any ideas!" "What ideas?" Neris plays innocent, "It would get us out of this uncomfortable situation." "And into a different one." Zarik replies sternly, "You may think you have innocent intentions in your head, but I know what I just saved you from. I'm going to reiterate that I don't even want to entertain being alone in private with you." Deliberately being loud enough to be heard by the weary listeners. "Then what do you want to do?" Neris asks. "Think you can take a walk outside?" Zarik asks. "Uh..." Neris hesitates, "I don't know. If not, you can just carry me again!" She then beams happily. "Yeah, I guess." Zarik shrugs, "Let's go." Standing, he takes her hand gently and coaxes her onto her feet. They walk slowly together toward the door. |
| Trelior |
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Normal User
Level: 127
Posts: 4630/4986 EXP: 23609638 Next: 116928 Since: 01-02-12 Last post: 1261 days Last view: 1261 days |
"That might work." Aren says hesitantly, "Making them lighter would help make them easier to get moving..."
"But..." Zissou interjects, "They could also be sent out of control more quickly." Roff shrugs, and says, "Well, we ain't gettin' nowhere by summin' and hawin'. I seggest we try movin' 'em slowly with Bel's linghtenin'." "I'm with Roff." Aren says, "We won't get anywhere if we're afraid of collateral damage. It's not something Zarik would be happy to have to pay for, but if something gets wrecked, we can take it out of the Foundary's coffers." Looking at Bel, he says, "Ready when you are!" Having gotten Neris out of the inn and out into the sunlight, he says, "I told the guys I'd keep you out of the way. If you wanted to visit Cai, I'm gonna have to deny you on that." Dropping her head, she says, "That is where I wanted to go, but if they need us out of the way, I guess we have to listen." "Trust me, kid." Zarik says, running his fingers through her hair again, "I want to be there with her, too." He begins leading her out of town. She recoils from his hand this time for some reason. She shudders reflexively, saying nothing. Zarik takes notice and narrows his eyes. Going back to his stern tone of voice, he says, "I gotta know. How much do you trust me?" Taken aback from the sudden disappearance of the gentle tone, she says, "The voice told me to trust you, I do." "That isn't what I asked." He replies, realizing he's likely scaring her, he reigns himself in a bit, "I want to know how much you trust me. I know you do, but how would you react to me doing something that could hurt you?" Not understanding, she says, "I trust you enough to give you my soul stone..." "About that." He says, "When you did that, I noticed a small change in you when your pure essence was removed. I want know if your trust extends to me potentially hurting you. Badly." What little color that had returned to her face in the previous days drains in an instant, and she stammers frightenedly, "W-when you s-say it like that, I can't help but feel scared. But there has to be a r-reason. I-I d-don't know!" Cracking his knuckles, he says, "I understand your fear.This idea scares me, too. But if I'm right, and it's Cai telling you to trust me, she knows I have an ability that can potentially fix this problem." Neris' eyes widen as her dread deepens, "O-oh yeah? Why are you afraid?" Zarik closes his eyes as they reach the edge of the forest they came to town from, and says, "Because what I need to do can potentially kill you." Snapping her eyes shut, Neris scrambles to mentally reach out to the voice inside herself to speak to her again. With a sharp intake of breath, she says out loud. A distinct, familiar, difference in her voice "Do what you must! Whether you attack me or not! She is as good as dead when I finish taking over her body!" "Just as I thought!" Dropping to one knee to be at eye level with Neris; he claps his hands in front of his chest, rotates his palms against one another, draws his hands apart as a white spark snaps between the tips of his fingers as he draws them away from each other, curling his hands into fists, he punches them together and igniting them with a similar white blaze. He then draws an arm back and shouts, "LET GO OF HER AESALTH!" Unleashing a veritable flurry of blows, he shouts "ORAORAORAORA!" The first few punches make sickening contact with Neris, sending her reeling. Subsequent blows, instead, begin attacking the manifested soul of Aesalth where Neris' - now lifeless - body had since crumples out of the way. With each punch, Zarik strategically began spinning to the soul's flank, behind where he had began. With a shout, he lets out a final blow, knocking the dragon's soul into the daylight of the clearing. Chuckling menacingly, Aesalth calls out, "Just what did you hope to accomplish there, you idiot?!" "Exactly what just happened!" Zarik calls out, "Did you think I wouldn't notice a pure red soul coming from the girl who gave me a rainbow soul stone?" "What?" Aesalth cries incredulously, "How did she manage that?" "How should I know!?" Zarik bellows, "All I know is that it's weird that a harpy had such a peculiar soul! And what do you want with her? She's thoroughly broken by your mistreatment!" "Are you really so naive, boy?" Aesalth shrieks, "She isn't merely a harpy! She holds power far beyond your comprehension! I knew what was coming to me on that mountain, I embraced it. I knew that with my daughter's fury coming, it would enable me to transfer my being into a more fitting vessel!" "What are you blathering about!?" Zarik yells, still clenched for another volley of blows. "The girl is - was - a phoenix!" Aesalth bellows, "You idiot! Why won't you just let me have this!?" "And let you wreak havoc?" Zarik rushes forward, "You're evil! I can't just standby and let someone like you erase the life of an innocent girl so you can reap the benefits of her body!" He unleashes more punches at the ethereal essence of the dragon, continuing to shout, "You disgust me! The fact that I'm a product of you is enough to make my skin crawl! I'm going to make you cease to exist!" With each strike, the soul of Aesalth lets out a cry of pain, "HOW DID YOU DO THIS?" is the last thing heard before the flames of her soul and the flames on his hands dissipate. Spitting on the ground in front of himself, he says coldly, "Soul Punch. Bitch." Calming down, he remembers Neris. Running as quickly as he can, he checks her over. She isn't breathing and lacks a pulse. She is notably still warm to the touch, as would be expected given the revelation of her true identity. Retrieving her soul stone from his bag, he holds it to her chest, muttering to himself as it merges with her body again, "Please come back... Please come back!" |
| Trelior |
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Normal User
Level: 127
Posts: 4631/4986 EXP: 23609638 Next: 116928 Since: 01-02-12 Last post: 1261 days Last view: 1261 days |
"Okay." Aren says, "Bel and I can move the bigger ones while Roff moves the smaller. Dad can keep an eye on whether or not we get a reaction from the crystals."
"Ah guess that' makes sense." Roff says and gets to work. Zissou shrugs and says, "I suppose even the most mundane of jobs must be done by someone. May as well be me." Aren calls out from the crystal he's manhandling, "Out of us all, next to Bel and Zarik, having you nearest by is probably best case. Best to have the one she's most likely to react positively to close by in case that has an effect." "I fear I fail to follow your logic, Arendal." Zissou responds. "I don't know! Can't say 'magical coma' is on my Curriculum Vitae. Just run with it!" Aren shouts back. Zissou shakes his head and grumbles, awaiting his turn to do something. Meanwhile, a carriage ambles up to Zarik and from inside, a man in traditional medical attire jumps from the coach and yells, "Zarik! What in the hells are you doing!" "Panicking! What's it look like?!" Zarik shouts back at the medic. "Well, stop!" the medic shouts back, "Your ordered medics are here!" "Be careful!" Zarik says as the medic goes to pick Neris up off the ground, "When I punched to knock Aesalth out of her, I think I may have broke a few of her ribs. I felt them when I was trying to give her back her soul stone." The medic picks her up gently, as demanded, but gives a slight thousand yard stare as he says, "Wait, what?" "Long story, let's just meet up with the others where we have Cai shacked up." Zarik exclaims. "Aye-aye, sir!" The medic affirms with a sarcastic tone and follows through. By this point, Neris begins showing signs of life again with shallow, labored breathing and mild color flushing to her face once more. She slowly forces out the words, "What... Happened...?" "The test of your trust." Zarik says to her quietly, "Now stop trying to talk and don't exert, you're hurt pretty bad, and I don't want to risk you hurting yourself further." "Oh... Kay..." She rasps. Moments later, they roll up on the lean-to. The medic hastily, but carefully attempts to get Neris set where she can receive attention. |
| Trelior |
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Normal User
Level: 127
Posts: 4632/4986 EXP: 23609638 Next: 116928 Since: 01-02-12 Last post: 1261 days Last view: 1261 days |
Having gotten Neris settled in a way that she would be comfortable, the medic says, "This will have to do until we can get her inside and into a bed." As he begins focusing on using his healing magic, his hands on her chest.
"Not a good idea." Zarik says, "Don't think Roff would appreciate it if something goes wrong." "What do you mean?" The medic asks. "She's a phoenix on the brink of death." Zarik says, "And if you know your phoenix lore, inside a wooden building isn't a great idea if she kicks the bucket and goes into reboot mode." Despite having heard Zarik say it twice, he says, "She's a what? All legends of phoenixes are that they're all male! Is there something I'm missing?" "No. She's a partially equipped female, if you catch my drift. Got an undeniable look when we rescued her the other day." Zarik says, then turns to Bel, "Did you try to mindjack me a few minutes ago asking what was up? You know I can't respond to that, and I was too preoccupied even if I could." "Oh?" the medic asks, then it sets in, "Oh! I guess that explains why you said 'harpy with four fixes' since I can see her hands, feet, and wings." "Yeah." Zarik says,"In the three or four days I've known her, the more I learn, the more disgusted I become." Neris begins coughing, and groans in agony. She would cry if she had the strength. Sighing, he says to her while diverting his gaze, "I mean the things they did to you, not anything about you directly." Looking t the medic, he says, "That stated, it's my intention to right those wrongs and let her have a fulfilling life." Hearing those words, Neris coughs again and tries to smile. "What of her obvious attraction to you, Zarik?" Zissou jests. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it," Zarik jeers, "but first, her recovery is more important." Aren and Roff finally come over to the shelter, crystals in tow. "Uh, Zar?" Aren asks, "What's going on?" "I'd'n'y it obvious?" Roff says, "Somethin' 'appened and th' girl got hurt. Yer boys showed up right'n t'nick o'time too!" Zarik points to Roff silently and shrugs, then says, "He got it." |
| Trelior |
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Normal User
Level: 127
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"Nay" Roff says, "Since we're manhandlin' 'em, we cannae move 'em as fast as ye. We could curtenly use th' 'elp."
"Yeah. They may be lighter than they ought to be,"Aren agrees, "But they're still awfully awkward to move around. And as much as I know you guys need help with Cai, I need to help the medical team from here to assess the girls directly." "As fer yer suggestion fer a buildin' we could spare fer that... There is an old 'ouse we could shack the wee one in. But I dinnae if it's sound for shackin' up yer gear with 'er." Roff explains. Zissou is hard at work setting the gathered crystals into a perimeter. He is totally zoned out from the group. "Well," The first medic says, "We can magically reinforce it to keep it upright. I just hope it's not run-down and dreary, because it certainly wouldn't bode well for a recovering patient to be in a depressing surroundings." "Eh. It might be." Roff says hesitantly, "It's been abandoned a tick or two, and no one's been maintainin' it. Go 'ave a look see an' see what ye think." Pointing to a small cottage in less-than-stellar shape in the middle distance, conveniently away from other houses and buildings. Zarik nods and rushes over, he begins to inspect it thoroughly. Neris groans again. Despite having been healed of her injury, she still looks worse for the wear. "I'll do what we can for you, little one." The medic says. "My name..." Neris says, indignantly despite her agony, "Is Neristhana. Zarik named me!" "Duly noted." He says, "May I call you Nerry?" She shakes her head and groans unhappily, "Neris!" "At any rate." Aren says with a bluntness similar to Zarik, "You need to be quiet and rest!" Zarik rushes back and says, "It actually looks pretty decent. The roof's caving a bit, but the walls are steady. As long as nothing explodes or anything, it should be suitable. There's even a bed... If a bit musty..." "Good." The medic says, "We'll start heading over." Going to pick Neris up, she squirms and makes it difficult to get a hold on her. "On second though, you take her, Chief." "Alright, fine!" Zarik mutters and gently picks Neris up, much to her glee. Looking at her he says, "You're a brat. You know that?" She beams at him. |
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Zarik and the first medic take Neris and get her situated in the run-down cottage, while a second and third medics finally come out of the carriage and assist with getting Caionna's amenities set up.
Zarik lays Neris down on the bed and helps her get comfortable by chattering back and forth quietly as the doctor begins pulling various bits and bobs for monitoring Neris' condition and sets them up surrounding the bed. "You probably should have gotten her changed into more examination-friendly clothes." the hitherto unnamed man says, "Especially since I'm likely going to need to give her a full examination." Neris' eyes dart from Zarik, to the chirugeon, and back. She blushes. Zarik takes notice and says, "Oh. NOW you're embarrassed about being seen!" Neris averts her gaze, and says, "Well, you and Cai have been going on and on about humility and modesty!" "Extenuating circumstance." Zarik says, shaking his head, "Assessing what needs done to help you is different than you trying to hump anything with a shapely protrusion." Neris turns a bright shade of red, shyly saying, "Was I really that bad? I wasn't completely myself, and the past few days has started teaching me more than you probably realized." The healer turns a brighter shade of red than she does, but adds, "If what Zarik told me is true, then being around Caionna's crystals may have also been continuing to impart how you should be behaving." Handing Zarik a patient gown that is considerably larger than it needs to be for Neris, he continues, "Get her up and changed into that. I will step outside to grant privacy." "Why me?!" Zarik exclaims. "For starters," the man says, "She clearly wants as little to do with me as possible, if her refusal to have me bring her over here is any indication. Secondly, she clearly trusts you and, just guessing, she'll cooperate with you." Neris avoids eye contact and says, "He's not wrong..." puffing her cheeks out indignantly. "Okay, fine... Again!" Zarik concedes as the doctor steps outside. "Up! At 'em! And outta 'em!" he says as he reluctantly undresses the tiny phoenix, then situates her in the gown, struggling somewhat to thread her tattered wings through the back of the singlet. He closes his eyes for discretion, much to her chagrin. When changed, he lays her down again and runs the gamut of getting her comfortable again. The doc comes back in and quietly gets to work with setting the equipment and performing his exam. Back at the lean-to, Aren and Roff had helped Bel finish bringing the crystals over, then helping Zissou with the arrangement. The doctors having also set Cai up on their equipment to the best of their ability, having never had such a large patient before. Zissou questions, "Is what he endeavored to get set up here sufficient? Or was our hypothesis off base?" The second medic nods and says after conferring with his partner silently, "While we don't know what her condition was when she fell into this coma, we can see some minor improvement. There isn't a whole lot we can do for her aside from await a response from her." "Makes sense." Aren says, "I was able to notice as much just from what she had between last night and this morning." "Ye." Roff remarks, "She ain't doin' fantastic, but she ain't fadin' either." Turning to Bel, he quips, "An' wot's this abaut earnin' a break!? Ain't she s'posed tae be yer woman? Ye shaulda been chompin' at tha bit tae get her back in fightin' shape! Wot ye got tae say ta tha'?" |
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Zarik and the doctor give Neris a top-to-bottom looking over, and mumble back and forth to each other.
Neris grows agitated by their murmurs and complains, "Hey! Since you're talking about me, don't you think I deserve to hear it too?" The medic says,"ell, she isn't wrong." Zarik nods and says, "Yeah, I guess. So let's start from the top, then." "For starters," The medic begins, "The Miracle requests can be done as requested, except for one, however... I can only do it once per day, and it will likely be excruciatingly painful. And let's not forget that she is hesitated considerably when I went to bring her over here." "What isn't possible to fix?" Neris asks quizzically. "Well," He responds, "your wings, hands, feet, and unmentionables can be reconstructed. Your height, however." "I'm fine with the height if she is," Zarik says, "She's kinda cute as a midget." She turns bright red at being called a midget, but the embarrassment subsides to being flattered by being called cute, she pipes up at the doctor, "i'll tough through the pain for Zarik, but I don't want you touching me there." "Which is understandable." He responds, "And it can be arranged in one way or another to be delegated to Zarik." this statement elicits a coy grin from her. "What makes you think I'm comfortable doing that?" Zarik exclaims. "Given the context; You want her fully restored, she is vetoing that kind of contact from me, even given the intent of it not being sexual, and you are the only one she trusts that is able to be the intermediary." The doctor says, "You either get over your vow to be hands-off, or she doesn't get that part of her restored." "She just wants to give me an ultimatum to be inappropriate with her!" Zarik protests. Neris growing disappointed with his protests. He points at her and says, "If that doesn't scream that I'm right, what does?" "At any rate, we should let her decide what she wants fixed first. Of her hands, feet, or wings. Obviously." The medic says. "Uh..." Neris contemplates aloud, "I guess having use of my hands would be best. You probably want me to try to feed myself." "Wouldn't hurt." Zarik says, "Then I would vote your feet to get you used to walking normally." "And your wings should be third since you're in no shape to attempt to fly, even if your wing structure wasn't in ruins." the medic contributes. Neris hesitates and presents her twisted hands and says, "As much as I would rather it be Zarik doing this, get to work, sir." The medic clasps her hands within his and begins to focus. His hands begin to glow white and engulf hers. Within seconds, the joints in her hands begin to pop and crack in a disgusting manner, with each grotesque sound emitted, Neris cries out in abject anguish. Zarik places a hand on her shoulder to try to instill a calmness in her by proxy of contact with her. It helps, but not much, she begins shrieking in pain. Several agonizing minutes later, the sounds abate and the glowing subsides. With tears streaking her face, and continuing to weep, she holds her arms at length and examines her now normal hands. Pensively flexing her new-functional fingers, she winces in residual pain, then begins to weep tears of joy. Holding her hands up for Zarik, she says, "I can't believe it! I have normal hands! Finally!" Folding her hands into his, Zarik says, "It's good to see that. But now we need to let him rest to keep going in the morning." "Yes." The medic says, "And I know you're probably excited to show everyone. I need you to stay here to rest, yourself." Neris' head drops and she says, "Yes sir..." Back at the lean-to. Zissou mentions, "If you recall, Belgarion, the telepathic shielding Caionna had was a rune. All of her runes were dispelled at the same time. Perhaps you can get a reading on her mental state in her unconscious condition. a suggestion." Suddenly, Neris' cries are heard from the great distance, and Roff exclaims, "Wot in th' 'ells is goin' on yonder?" "If I had to guess," Aren interjects, "The first phase of forcing Neris' body back to normal is going on. Given the state of her limbs, there's no doubt it would cause he intense pain like she hadn't experienced before." "I have reason to believe you are correct, Arendal." Zissou confirms. |
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'Huh? Bel?' Cai's thoughts respond, 'Normally, I'd be angry about this intrusion, but it gives me hope that I can get back to myself soon. When I burst against Mother, it more or less sent me astrally projecting. I don't know where I am, I just know that I can communicate to Neris somehow. I don't understand it, I don't even really know where I am. I can sense the concentration of my energy. Maybe I can make my way back toward it.
'The only positive thing is I seem to have met with my father's spirit in here, wherever I am. If you see Zarik; tell him that dad is proud of us, and that he may have a new ability now that papa is free.' The connection is suddenly cut off. Noticing Bel snapping out of his telepathic trance, Zissou pipes up, "Well, did you hear anything, Belgarion?" Back in the cottage. The doctor examines Neris and is quietly helping her suss out how to use her hands for the first time with small objects. She is focused on the instruction, but seems unhappy about it. "Aside from having her rest," Zarik starts, "What else do you have in mind, doc?" "I plan to spend some time doing a magical examination of her to see if she has contracted anything foul from her time in captivity." He responds, "I know she is very unhappy that it isn't you doing these exams." "Yeah, I am!" Neris says with palpable indignation, "Why do I have to put up with you?" "Because." Zarik says, rather snippily, "He has the abilities to do what needs done, and you need to stop being bitchy at him and let him help you." Neris is visibly taken aback by Zarik's comment, questioning, "How am I being bitchy?" "You're being uncooperative, except for right now, oddly enough. You need to let him make contact with you without you reviling at it." He replies, "For some reason, you seem to have taken my 'I'll get you back to normal' sentiment as 'I will do it myself'. No. That's not how this works, birdbrain!" Neris goes quiet and frowns. "Pout all you want!" Zarik exclaims, "It's not my fault you think I'm some omnipotent miracle worker! I'm just a guy who happens to tick your personal preferences, which I'm really uncomfortable about how forward you are about it! That's something we're going to have to work out. But right now, you have to let the person who can actually help you do what he needs to!" She goes back to manipulate the instruments with the doctor, putting a paper thin facade of enjoyment. After a pause, she meekly says, "Sorry. Both of you. I'll be more cooperative." "Good!" Zarik says, "I need some air. I'll be back in a bit. I had better not hear anything about you being uncooperative!" pointing at her. She averts his gaze as he leaves, and mutters, "Why is he being like this all of a sudden?" "It isn't sudden." The medic says, "I've worked for his company for years, and he is a very serious man when he needs to be. He's being blunt with you to hammer home that he will not just give you want you want." "What do you mean?" She inquires. "To be polite: he knows you desire intimacy from him." He responds, "In your current condition, he doesn't feel he can reciprocate your feelings. Even when you become healthy, it seems unlikely he will just give in to you, as your desire to be charming toward him seem to let on." "I don't get it." She says. "You will, in one way or another." the man replies. Zarik walks over to the group with Cai and says, "Neris' first step to recovery is done. I'm sure you could hear it, she shrieked loud enough to wake the dead." Looking things over, he remarks, "Looks like things are shaping up here, too. Any idea on how she's doing?" The two chirugeons look at each other, mutter back and forth, and the one who had been speaking up til now says, "Everything seems normal, except she's out cold. Not a whole lot we can do, boss." |
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"Hang on, what?" Zarik says, blindsided by Bel's statement. "How did she meet dad? He's been dead for ages, how could he have ended up there?"
"I would not put it past the evil of the dragons to have sent him there to be rid of him." Zissou states. "I mean, I'm no spellcaster," Zarik says in a hitherto matter-of-fact manner, "But that shouldn't have stopped him if he was so powerful and threatening. I think he woul--" he stops himself short with a revelation, "Did you say new ability? I guess that explains why I'm suddenly able to actually see auras and shit." "I dunno," Aren begins, "If I had to guess, I think there was more to your long-standing hypothesis about your dragon heritage being a barrier to you using magic." "What?" Zarik says, dumbfoundedly. "I believe what Arendal is trying to say," Zaissou interjects, "Is that you inherited your father's sorcery, but your mother cursed you to suppress it and tied it to her life force to force you into the typical male archetype of the males of the Reach, being fully incapable of magic. It seems to have began manifesting itself already, but oddly with psionic magic of a moderate potency. Perhaps it is merely a fluke." "Slow down, old man." Zarik says, shaking his head, "I understood up until you started talking magical fuckery. Are you trying to say I'm a magic user now?" "Precisely." Zissou nods, "What you choose to do with that knowledge is your discretion." Zarik looks skyward and shouts, "Thanks, but no thanks, you spectral old fart! I already have too much shit on my plate to try to hone magic! Shoulda left that to Cai!" "You seem to be missing something, Zarik." Zissou says, "Much like how you cannot control your defacto infertility due to your racial blend, your father could not control which of his traits you inherited from him. Whether you take this as boon or bane is, as I just stated, your discretion." "I'd say it was a boon." Aren jokes, "Weren't you just complaining you didn't have any more weapons to learn for a hobby?" "Shit up, Aren!" Zarik exclaims, "Besides, I'm not smart enough to be a wizard." "Ah!" Zissou begins anew, "That is where you are mistaken. Wizardry must be learned and is trained from your smarts. You are a sorcerer, which is innate and dictated by your charisma. If your ability to woo women is any indication, you are debonair enough to pull your magic off with staggering aplomb!" "Chill out, old man." Zarik audibly rolls his eyes, "You're practically pitching a tent in your robe at the thought of mentoring another new mage." "Your brashness aside," Zissou remarks, "I would be remiss if I declined the opportunity!" The ensemble laugh while Zarik shakes his head in disbelief. "This is unbelievable." he says with obvious frustration. Turning to Bel, he adds, "Do you know of any ways that can help Cai come back? Or are we kinda stuck waiting for her to amble back?" |
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"Can't think of anything." Zarik says, "Then again, I know nothing about what you actually can do."
Aren shrugs and says, "Maybe amplify the aether, but that would require tech we don't have." Zissou shrugs, and says, "I am torn between Zarik and Arendal on this, between lack of technological knowledge and what everyone is capable of doing. However, it may actually be that we must allow time to take its course." "Aye." Roff adds, "Ye may jest need tae wait 'n' be patient. Nae sense in tryin' 'n' forcin' thengs. Yer welcome tae stay as long as ye need tae. Tha oldies in town'll likely love 'avin' ye aroond." The next few days pass quietly, aside from the few moments of Neris discomforted screams from her body restructuring. The hut she is being held in being packed with an assortment of foodstuff due to a hypothesis of what will occur come the off chance Neris takes a sudden turn south and rebirths. On the fourth day; Zarik and the medic are discussing what they need to do for the final go at restoring Neris' body. "Alright Neris," The medic says, "It's time to fix the final part of you." "You're still not touching me!" Neris says feistily, the retraction of disease, her feet, and wings having lifted her spirits and empowering her, "You may have been doing good for me, but it hurt, so I don't know if I trust you!" "It's not gonna not hurt just because it's me." Zarik says in a tone matching her indignation of the previous days, "But I guess it's what you've been not-so-subtly demanding since we saved you last week." Neris cocks her head sideways and giggles with a catty smile, overtly confirming his statement. Zarik steels himself, clearly uncomfortable at the thought of doing anything sexual with Neris, despite her age technically meaning she's an adult. With his eyes closed, he asks, "Okay, how are we going to do this?" "Frankly," the doctor begins, "I don't exactly know. Miracle isn't a spell that typically gets channeled through another subject. I guess you're going to have to make the contact like I had done for the rest of her, while I send the spell through your hand as an intermediary." "Well, let's just get this over with." Zarik says as he hesitantly places his hand on Neris' groin. She giggles with anticipation, more exited by the idea of being fondled by her man-crush than the impending pain. The doctor places both of his hands on Zarik's wrist and begins his chant for the spell. His hands begin to glow and the glow passes through Zarik and into Neris' pelvis as expected. Much like the previous days, nothing happens at first, but her body begins to twitch. Moments pass and the twitching becomes more erratic as she begins to feel the effects begin. She begins to scream in pain as the previous days, as Zarik can feel the scar tissue cede and her organ rebuilding itself. He squirms uncomfortably, but the other man's grip and proximity doesn't allow him to actually break any contact. A short time later, then screams of agony give way to moans of passion as the nervous tissue of her body begins to integrate back into her restored bits. After what feels like an eternity to Zarik, Neris throws her head back in ecstasy and she breathes heavily. He is finally able to pull his positively drenched hand away, drying his hand with her blanket he says, "I'm glad that's over! Not gonna lie, I kinda feel a little violated." "What was THAT?" Neris exclaims, "I've never felt anything like that before! I mean, I did, but never that strong!" "Should you tell her, or should I?" Zarik asks, to emphatic motioning toward him from the other man, "Okay then..." he hesitates, "That was an orgasm. Something you should have felt from when those disgusting motherfuckers were running their back-to-back fuckings, but they cut that off of you to make it so you couldn't feel what they were feeling." "So when we're getting it on, it'll feel good like that?" She chirps. "Who said we would be doing anything beyond that?" Zarik says flatly, "I only acted as intermediary because you wouldn't let him do his job!" "I thought that my body being the way it was was the only thing standing between me and you." Neris says, crestfallen. "That was one thing." Zarik retorts, "There's the fact that when I thought you were just a harpy, rather than an avatar of fire in the flesh of one, I thought it was weird that you were into someone who was technically old enough to be an ancestor of yours by a factor of at least fifteen generations!" "If I may interrupt, Zarik." The doctor says, "I had been using the downtime of this whole several-day operation to do some research on our now completed puzzle of a girl." "Uh, sure..." Zarik says, "What did you find?" "I pieced together the information you gave me based on what you suspected her age to be." The man states, "I went through records of happenings from the estimated time frame from the databases in Ada and the surrounding cities. If you recall, there was a nesting ground for a sizable cacophony of harpies that disappeared roughly five years ago. That coincides rather nicely with your estimate. If I were to make a guess, I would assume they disappeared due to the Reach taking interest in the rumors of a large, red egg being in the brood nest. They must have found it, eradicated the settlement, then made off with the egg. It hatched into our Neris, then they did as they pleased with her." Neris eyes the doctor skeptically during his explanation while Zarik nods and gives the occasional affirmation of following along. "So, what does it actually mean?" Zarik asks. "You are correct in the assumption that she is of racial maturity." The doctor replies, "So that ought to eschew some of your concern about having done anything inappropriate in terms of that." he motions generally in her direction, "Furthermore, if you are wanting a surname for her, since you only gave her a forename, the cacophony was known as the Twem." "Neristhana Twem..." Zarik says aloud, then mulls it over, "I kinda like the ring of it. Let's go for it!" Neris, having been ignoring the exchange, nudges toward Zarik and nuzzles his arm, saying, "What about Neristhana, uh, whatever your name is..." Wrestling his way out of her grip he says, "Not gonna happen, unless you want to fulfill a few requirements first!" "Like?" She asks, staring intently, her eyes gleaming their natural blue through her mildly still-faded state. Zarik thinks quickly on his feet to give her his ultimatum, "First, you have to learn how to use your natural abilities. Both your phoenix skills and harpy ones. Secondly, I want you to learn to act like a mature adult, none of this overt nymphomania anymore in public! Thirdly, I want you to pick up a profession and hobbies that will keep you occupied when I'm not around!" "I, uh..." Neris stammers, "That sounds hard!" "Life's hard, kid." He retorts harshly, "If you don't think you an do it, I won't kick you to the kerb, but you won't be directly involved with me." "But--" she protests. "'But' nothing!" Zarik says dourly, "I want to teach you that if you want something, you need to earn it! Besides; I want a partner, not a sex dispensary. You are more than life support for what we just repaired on you! I don't care what Zerilisk's tools told you!" "I'll try.." She says, "But I don't think I can do it alone." "You don't have to." Zarik says, much more softly. "I'll be there to help you, along with everyone else in our family." referring to Cai and the others, "I want you to know your value. Now hush and rest now. I need to do a few things now." He then gently pushes her into position in the bed, being mindful of the potential of re-injuring her still-tattered wings. Neris cooperates and begins mulling over what she was paying attention to in the past moments. The chirugeon stays by her side and says, "I will be here to monitor you and attend, just like I have been. Get your rest as Zarik insisted." As Zarik leaves to rendezvous at Cai's lean-to, Neris quietly agrees. |
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"I think you may be right, Bel." Zarik says, still shaking his hand from the moisture, "On the other hand, Neris is pretty much as good as she's gonna get without rest and a crazy bulk-up diet."
Aren perks a brow at Zarik's wrist flicks, "What's that about?" he asks, mimicking the gesture. Zarik hesitates, and says, "It was finally time to repair that, and she insisted I be the one to fondle her. Long story short, it was like the female version of blue balls releasing a torrent." Blatantly ignoring the discomfort cues from his business partner, he jokes, "I bet that was amazing!" "Normally, I'd agree." Zarik says with a mild shudder, "But I'm not interested in her like that. At least not in the shape she's in now, because she's still kinda gross to think about like that. Visible skeleton from undernourishment, and a sickliness to how pale she is." Taking an opportunity to take a pot shot at Bel, Aren says with a chuckle, "Yeah, she probably isn't the kinda hot pale that I think a certain someone likes about Cai." Zarik throws his hands to his ears and shouts, "Ah! Shut up! Keep those thoughts about my sister where I can't hear them! Thanks!" then pretends to not be able to hear him anymore. All of a sudden, dark smoke begins welling up out of Neris' hut. The doctor staggers out of the door and is visibly coughing heavily. The townsfolk sound the alarm and begin scattering frantically to gather their tools to fight the imminent blaze. Zarik motions to the others to follow, as he mutters to himself, "Shit! shit! shit! shit! shit!" Aren and Zissou follow on his heels. Zissou shouts, "What is the meaning of this!?" "The worst-case scenario we prepped for is likely happening!" Zarik shouts back, "Take a position at the perimeter and prevent anyone from throwing water directly onto the house!" "Why though?" Aren asks, "Don't we want to stop the blaze?" Zarik places two fingers between his lips and lets out a shrill whistle, "Because when a phoenix is immolating, you don't want her extinguishing by any means than on her own! I mean, I'm not an expert, but consider it a hunch!" Roff rushes out of the inn and bolts over as well, crying out, "Control th' blaze! Dinnae touch th' buildin'! Let tha hoose burn, but 'alt the fire from spreadin' aut!" The next several minutes are filled with a cacophonic roar between the blaze engulfing the structure, Zarik and co shouting constant reminders to not do anything stupid, and the townsfolk panicking while trying to follow their orders. After what feels like hours, the inferno finally abates with a fireball rocketing into the sky that explodes into a distinct bird silhouette. The building is, surprisingly enough, torched flush with the ground it was built on. Very little of the grass and dirt around it had been touched, so it left a nearly perfect perimeter of scorch marks. "Everybody! Stay back!" Zarik shouts over the bristling murmurs, "In fact! Go back to your duties as if nothing out of the ordinary happened here today!" "Aye!" Roff reinforces, "Lestin tae th' lad! Nothin' tae see 'ere! Off with ye! Sca'er!" Zarik rushes to the medic and shouts, "What the hell happened!? You were supposed to be monitoring her!" "I don't know, Chief!" the man stammers, "She was fine until a few minutes after you left! Then she just plummeted to oblivion!" "Fuck!" Zarik shouts, "I don't know if she's going to reappear here from the ashes, or if she was that fire bird we saw at the end of it, and disappeared into Author knows where!" He rushes to the edge of the scorched earth and scans the ashes, he then shouts, "Roff! You have the pull with the town, get the most trustworthy guards together to monitor the remains and make sure no one steals any of the ash for any reason. I need to search around for clues if Neris ended up somewhere else!" "Aye lad!" Roff shouts back, "Do wha' ye need tae do! I got this under mah control!" Zarik gives a saluting wave and takes off. Summoning his wings, he leaps into the sky. Over at Cai's lean-to, the dragon girl begins to show faint signs of stirring. |
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Zissou shakes his head, and says with a laugh, "Too hot? She apparently blew off a lot of steam."
"Dad!" Aren exclaims, "How can you make jokes and laugh right now?!" "Simple, Arendal." Zissou states, "No matter what has happened to Neristhana, she is surely perfectly fine. She is a phoenix after all. I only wish I was able to help look for her. Instead, I must standby for--" He cuts himself off and says in a surprised tone, "Come again, Belgarion?" "If Zarik heard you say that, he would probably freak out!" Aren exclaims, "Although, it does seem strange that he's so impassioned by wanting to save her if he's so disinterested in her." "You miss the point, Arendal." Zissou responds, "He refuses to reciprocate her lust. He still cares greatly for her." "Do you think she understands that?" Aren asks. "It is difficult to say." Zissou shrugs, "Zarik has confided in me his plan for her. He will prompt her with an ultimatum. If she succeeds, he will concede to her because it will mean she has built a bond he would be content with. If not, he will not abandon her, but he will not entertain her advances. Much like he has thus far." "But why is he confiding this stuff to you?" Aren seems confused, "He usually talks about personal shit like this to me." "He has decided to take up my tutelage offer, and between fizzling spells, he candidly speaks." Zissou shrugs it off, "I feel he is uncertain of the course he is taking, and wishes to speak to someone with the life experience. He also may fear your judgment. This is a trying time for him." Aren is visibly taken aback. and he says, "He's worried about me judging him? That's uncharacteristic of the Zarik I know." "This past week has had an effect on his outlook on facets of himself." Zissou postulates, "Much of his concern is centered on Neristhana, and what those around him will think about his involvement with her." "Normally, he doesn't give a shit about anyone's opinion." Aren says wistfully, "Maybe he's afraid of showing a side that isn't a 'gives no shits' hard-ass, and it would show a side of weakness. He's not exactly a universally liked guy." "When you are not only involved in a phenomenal force in manufacturing, but also an unparalleled martial force... You tend to make fierce foes." Zissou says, "Surely you have your fair share as well, being an equal partner in the endeavor. If the wrong person sees he has a soft spot for the girl, she will likely become a target, especially if her true identity is revealed." "Good point..." Aren concedes. Caionna lay still once again. It is clear she is back, but hasn't come to quite yet. |
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