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old soldier, new stories (1x1 w/ dragoncita)

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Aeolus took the time to observe the scenery around him. It wasn't often he really stopped and immersed himself in the world; his duties often kept him occupied, both physically and mentally.

But now, on this cool, fresh morning, he let himself watch as his shoes left soft, dented prints in the dirt and grass, the morning dew accumulating on the soles. Perhaps the smallest physical impact he'd ever made in his life, but it brought him a comfort of some kind. Appreciating the small things was something he'd been trying to work on.

He turned his attention back upward, keenly scanning for any suspicious shapes in the foliage, before letting his gaze wander again. They'd be at this for twelve hours, and the thought already made him fatigued. Of course, he fully intended to keep to the mission contract for as long as was required of him, but he did have to admit that just walking, even for an escort mission, wasn't something he wanted to take up half of his day. He needed something to keep his mind occupied.

Aeolus pursed his lips. How was everything back at the Brigade? Dal and Iro were running the place fine, without a doubt, but with nothing else to think about, his thoughts turned towards home.

He wished he could send a letter, but no communication at all was the safest form of communication in situations like these. Besides, they knew where he was. They'd sent Bishop, and she found him just fine.

The Brigade had been informed of his departure before he left, but now he wondered if the news reached any further than that. This was his first foreign mission, and likely the first time anyone had left Darchester in… a while. The Three Chosen had strict immigration and emigration policies. Given that he was Aeolus Dadichus, however, bypassing such policies was easy. Nobody dared tell him no, out of some irrational fear that he'd use that as justification to make them his next mark. His work didn't function like that. He could handle a no.

But a reputation took a while to change after it was established, and he didn't blame people for having the perception of him that they did. He was a different person than he was before, he knew that — and for now, that had to suffice.

Now that he was gone, however, what were the Three Chosen doing? Dal wasn't involved in combat, being head medic — and while Iro, being the Blademaster, was roughly equal in skill to Aeolus, his reputation was almost the polar opposite of Aeolus's. The Chosen wouldn't take him as seriously.

He tightened his grip on the handle of his sheathed blade. Iro had the skill. That's all that mattered.

Aeolus, once more, examined the wagon's surroundings, now an attempt to distract himself from his worries. A flock of birds departing from a nearby tree startled him, and he quickly drew his sword and dagger, relaxing only when he realized what it was that had spooked him. He hadn't realized he was so on edge.

"Goodness, Aeolus, they're just birds," cackled Bishop. "Nothing's even happened yet and you're already tense."

"I'm just prepared," he muttered in response. "You must be nice and cozy lounging up on that wagon."

"Mhm. I'm having the time of my life right now," she replied, the same playful grin plastered on her features. "You should try relaxing, too — it's a nice morning. Save your energy for when there's people to hit."

She had a point, but he wasn't going to do it.

"How are things on your side, Oshiera?" he called over to his companion instead.

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@Dragoncita group

Oshiera walked along in silence. Her finned tail trailed behind her, long cloak flowing downwards. It was strange, walking on land when she had grown up swimming as soon as she had hatched. The most walking she had done while back in her tribe had only really been along the shores to gather plants, shells, and various other things. It was always back to the sea once they had finished and back to their rocky spires beneath the waves.

The sounds on the surface were also different. They didn't seem as amplified, sounds harder to hear. Noises only seemed to become apparent when they were close, some too close for comfort. A call beneath the waves could carry on for what felt like miles. A voice above the surface only seemed to echo only a mile and not even at times. Maybe her hearing was just more accustomed for the surface beneath the water, and not above.

As for scents, Oshiera was still a bit confused. There was most certainly more scents, especially in crowded areas. The Aquaronas found herself overwhelmed by it all, all the smells crashing down upon her. All those smells seemed to congregate and just hover in the same area. Even when a wind or breeze blew past, it didn't seem to do much to disperse it all. At least out in the open, which they were now, the scents were not as congested, letting Oshiera relax.

The creature's hooded head lifted at the sound of caws, a flock of birds suddenly taking flight upon the right side. She shifted her cane to her other webbed claws. They may have only just started their journey, but she felt her legs already aching. In the water she felt weightless, but on the land she felt heavy.

She heard the voices of Aeolus and Bishop, conversing. To be honest, hearing them speak, the creature herself also felt tense, but mostly because she was out of her element here. Her gaze shifted to the right as she heard Aeolus suddenly call out to her.

Oshiera's teal blue eyes quickly shifted back to the right, scanning the woods. She saw nothing, nor did she sense anything. A shadow flew overhead, causing her to look up, to only see what appeared to be the shape of a bird overhead…least it had looked like a bird… Her gaze narrowed, having noticed it had seemed to take off at a rather unnaturally swift pace…perhaps she was just being paranoid. She honestly didn't get a very good look at it.

She gurgled to herself, then spoke up for the young man to hear her voice, "Other than the usssual sssoundssss of a natural foressst, it isss calm."

It seemed that their journey to this village would be uneventful…well, here was to hoping it would be anyway…

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Aeolus nodded, content with Oshiera's response.

Bishop kicked her feet up, fidgeting with some bolts on her arm and, on occasion, flexing it to get a sense of how her tendons were functioning.

"How's your arm?" Aeolus piped up, having watched her check up on her arm with interest. It had always intrigued him how she had been able to manufacture a new limb for herself.

"Eh, it's good enough," she replied easily. "Might want to start replacing some parts soon, though; looks like it's rusting a little bit near the wrist. Haven't quite perfected that part yet."

"Would the rust make it stop working?"

"In the sense that I wouldn't be able to move my wrist, yeah, but it was magic that got my arm to work in tune with my brain. Even if I took off my arm now, see—"

Bishop detached her arm from its socket, holding it out for Aeolus to observe. Its metallic fingers clasped into a fist before they extended again and wiggled in a demonstration of flexibility. Aeolus raised an eyebrow. "Impressive."

Bishop nodded in return, a giddy smile spreading across her face. "Taking apart bits and pieces won't affect its connection to me. It technically falls under the 'possessed object' branch of enchanted items, so only complete destruction can make it stop working, which is already a way bigger advantage over an actual organic arm. I don't have to worry about blood loss or going into shock, like what happened when I originally lost my arm."

Aeolus didn't immediately respond, seemingly having retreated to his thoughts. After a minute, his gaze lifted from the ground, and he faced Bishop again with a new curiosity.

"You think I could make an eye the same way you made an arm?"

Bishop's brow furrowed, and now it was her turn to take a moment and reflect.

"Maybe," she finally answered. "And I say maybe because we could certainly jam a metal ball in your skull and get it to move like an eyeball, but I'm not so sure we could make it see things."

Aeolus chuckled, his laughter fading into a defeated sigh. "Well, it was worth a shot."

Bishop shoved her arm back into its socket, sitting upright once more and stretching, a long yawn escaping her. "Hey, but ya never know. Maybe one day, when people get the hang of mixing machines and magic."

The Director nodded his agreement, yet seemed more interested in the immediate ability to see well again as opposed to hoping something came up in the future. He turned his attention back towards observing his surroundings, no less alert than before.

Bishop glanced over at Mrs. Maesin for a brief moment before turning her focus entirely towards the path ahead.

"So… what's Alenmont like? Nice village, good people?"

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@Dragoncita group

The woman's form was mostly relaxed. She hired these adventurers, already feeling safer with their presence. Irene had never been trained in combat, so knew little to nothing. She had been raised as a housewife. So to know these individuals could defend themselves and herself was a comforting notion.

Her mind wandered towards her home, hoping she would make it back before it got too late in the afternoon. Worry, the feeling was constant since she had left her husband back home alone. The woman did not know what ailed her husband, but she hoped that with the medicine she had bought at the Kingdom, it would help.

Mrs. Maesin was brought out of her troubled thoughts as Bishop suddenly spoke up, asking about Alenmont; her village. The woman shifted slightly in her seat, readjusting her grip on the reins.

"Alenmont is mostly a agricultural village. We mostly tend to our groves of fruit trees, with some livestock. Alenmont, though belonging to the Igrecean Kingdom, the village is owned and run by Duchess Isabelle Jiluet. The Kingdom is broken into several smaller pieces of land, each owned by either a Duke or Duchess. Personally, I feel those under Duchess Jiluet are well-off, the lady tries to keep her villages supplied and protected, as long as the Igrecean Queen sees it fit."

A frown suddenly crossed the woman's features, "Duke Obrant, however, is a rather…unsettling individual. Quite a few rumors about him…thankfully we don't have to worry about the man, considering his lands are the farthest from the Kingdom. Duke Obrant is located further towards the Northeast, bordering a forest that is supposedly the home of the fae, and past that is dragon territory, a place none dare tread. Kingdom Valon, the neighboring Kingdom, is at war with the beasts, have been for centuries from what I have heard."

"Either way, Alenmont is just one of the few villages belonging to Duchess Jiluet. The people are well-off and seem content with the way things have been. There are things that could be improved, but that's with any place now isn't it?"

Oshiera had grown quiet. Out of the corner of her eye, she once again observed how Aeolus and Bishop interacted with each other. They must be close, the way the treated each other. Course, the creature thought of their closeness being more than comradeship. She didn't know how humans worked, or how their courtship would go about.

Teal blue eyes widened slightly as she noticed Bishop simply pull her arm loose, holding it out towards Aeolus. The sun glinted off of a metallic sheen, a metal limb? Oshiera had noticed it before, but didn't really think it would come off like that. Machines, what were machines? Artificial limbs and the such were all foreign to her.

The surface world was strange…

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Bishop listened to Mrs. Maesin intently, offering the occasional nod to show she was still invested.

So, Igreacean was broken up into sections of land either a Duke or Duchess saw over, and both answered to a Queen. A fine little system, but more importantly, vital information. A quick glance over at her Director told her that he had definitely taken note of Mrs. Maesin's words.

"It does seem like a fine village to live," she agreed, still mulling over Mrs. Maesin's response. Duchess Jiluet seemed fine enough if the people were satisfied with her rule, but the mention of Duke Obrant specifically caught her attention.

"What about the rumors surrounding Duke Obrant, if they reach so far past his domain? Why would the Queen keep someone like him around?" she asked.

Aeolus kept his gaze focused outwards, carefully measuring his surroundings — yet kept an ear towards the conversation.

A monarchy. Alright. Even though Mrs. Maesin seemed to speak highly of Duchess Jiluet, Aeolus wasn't convinced. Given time, anyone would let power get to their heads — or, so he believed. While he was certainly aware that not every nation functioned the same as Darchester, he'd be a little more hesitant to admit that his experiences with people in positions of power hadn't soured his perspective.

That's why he had his council. He himself was someone in a position of authority, and he desperately wanted to make sure he didn't fall down the same path as many before him had.

Besides, Bishop would be more than happy to knock some sense into him if the need arose.

He smiled at the thought. Sure, her nonsensical attitude and general lack of self-preservation had gotten on his nerves and always would, but at the end of the day, she was someone unafraid to challenge and even disprove many of Aeolus's beliefs and ideas — and then work right alongside him as he developed new ones. Where Dal and Iro usually provided support and comfort — certainly no less equal in worth — Bishop was constantly pushing him to learn and grow as a person.

And he was someone she could confide in. He carried many secrets with him, secrets he and only he was privy to. Bishop was, in a way, in a similar situation to his; they were both trying to put the past behind them and work towards a better future. The bond between them that formed as a result was incredibly unique. He understood, and so he was the only person she felt safe opening up to. Where she provided change, he provided stability.

And as Bishop took another quick glance in Aeolus's direction, she remembered this. They were in an odd little predicament, but at least they were in it together.

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@Dragoncita group

The woman shifted slightly in her seat. Her eyes darted back and forth at first, then looked back forward. Even her voice lowered to a more hushed tone.

"Missing servants seem to be a common occurrence…though their disappearances are chalked up to the fae. Stores of fae depict the creatures as mischievous beings, leading humans astray, but people think differently. The fae aren't known for leaving their forest, nor are they known for outright being malicious."

"People know Duke Obrant lost his wife and daughter in an attack by a rogue dragon. Said dragon having been driven from Dragon Territory for crimes unknown by us. Either way, they say the man lost himself to grief. His wife's body torn apart, his daughter choked by poisonous fumes. Can't imagine finding such a sight…"

A frown remained on her features, "It is said Duke Obrant turned to dark magic, a warlock offering knowledge to him on how to get his daughter back. Since his dabbling with that dark magic, another group from Kingdom Valon have sought his help in dealing with their problem; the dragons. These of course are all rumors."

The woman was quiet for several moments, then shook her head, "The Queen has sent investigators from what I have heard, and so far none have managed to find anything against Duke Obrant. So until evidence is actually found to prove the rumors true, she lets the man be."

Mrs. Maesin glanced towards the sky. The sun was reaching midday, they would soon be arriving to her home. She was thankful that the journey back to her village seemed to be uneventful.

"We should be arriving in Alenmont soon. My house is on the outskirts of the village."

Noon had indeed arrived, the outline of houses coming into view as they traveled down the dusty road. A sigh of relief seemed to come from the woman as the familiar homes came into view, lines of tree groves on either side as they approached.

"Just a bit further through the main village, and we should reach my house…I really do appreciate you all for escorting me here…I was beginning to wonder when I was still back in the Igreacean Kingdom if anyone was going to take my quest…"

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The fae, huh? Bishop was familiar with them — there was a forest back home that was known for housing nature spirits and mythical creatures of all sorts, fae being one of them — so she found herself confused by the rumor. She continued to listen, tapping her foot thoughtfully.

Sheesh. Obrant didn't sound like that bad of a guy, just someone who'd gotten the short end of the stick in life. While it was never a good idea to dabble in the dark arts, she could understand why it would have its appeal given the situation.

Despite his questionable coping mechanisms, however, he didn't sound like a mark. Her gaze turned towards the road ahead, studying it carefully. "Mm, sounds like a rough situation. Hopefully it'll get sorted out soon, for the sake of the people under his rule."

In response to Mrs. Maesin's announcement, she cracked a smile. "Oh, perfect. Right on time for lunch, I'm assuming?" she added, glancing over at Aeolus..

"Is that all you were looking forward to?" he asked.

"You're telling me you're not looking forward to a hot meal?"

"Not while there's still work to do."

Bishop snickered. "Right, I forget who I'm talking to."

Aeolus stared at her, squinting with suspicion. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Her snicker devolved into a bit of laughter, "Don't worry about it."

It was a pretty village, Aeolus had to admit. He felt himself relax and he took a deep breath, letting himself indulge in the warm atmosphere. Another job well done.

"Oh, it was no trouble," he replied to Mrs. Maesin, offering her a weary but content smile. "I hope your husband's recovery is a speedy one."

He glanced back at the wagon, seeming to remember the draconic figure snoozing inside it.

"Should we wake up Dur'kiir?" he asked Bishop, who shrugged in response.

"I say let him rest until we stop. He needs all the sleep he can get."

"Fair enough. How are you doing over there, Oshiera?" he replied, raising his voice so the Aquaronas could hear him from the other side.

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@Dragoncita group

She had grown silent as they continued to travel. Oshiera barely listened to the conversations happening between Bishop and Mrs. Maesin. The creature instead focused on the world around, eyes scanning the foliage, listening more to the natural sounds than human voices.

As they had neared, soon entering the village, the creature seemed to pull the worn cloak closer to her body. She wasn't sure if she would ever get used to being in crowded areas that were full of humans and creatures that were not her own.

Oshiera lifted her head towards Aeolus' voice. She shifted her staff to her other clawed hand, tail swishing behind her.

"My legsss are sssore…I am not usssed to walking long dissstancesssss on dry land."

How could humans stand to walk for so long? Least in the water she felt weightless.

Through the village, then finally coming to a halt outside a small farmhouse. Mrs. Maesin gently pulled the reins, the draft horse coming to a standstill. The woman climbed down from the seat, moving towards the back of her wagon. She moved to pull the cloth back, letting light stream inside to see the few crates and sacks that most likely held goods.

It had been an uneasy sleep most of the way. In and out of conscious, his mind slipping back and forth. Old memories had been triggered, both good and bad times. One moment he was back, younger and surrounded by familiar faces, next he was thrown into the bloodshed, bodies falling as blood stained the ground. The sounds, all a jumbled mess of laughter and screams, all those memories melding into one another.

A light suddenly shown into the darkness. Still in his drowsy and mixed state of mind, the large Dragonkin lifted his horned head. The single ember for an eye seemed to spark to life slightly, widening as he saw the silhouette of what appeared to be a woman.

"Mahuat…is that you?"

"I-I beg your pardon sir?"

That voice, that…that wasn't right. His vision started to clear again, and with it his mind as well. Ah shit, this was awkward. The Dragonkin swallowed hard, fumbling over his words as he suddenly sat up straight, single eye staring towards Irene, pupil completely round.

"F-forgive me madam…I-I-I'm afraid my mind may have wandered further than I care to admit."

Dur'kiir was quick to bow his horned head to her, then stood up straight. He moved towards the back, waiting as the woman stepped to the side, allowing him to exit the wagon and into the afternoon sun. The tall humanoid walked towards the side, coming to stand nearby. One arm moved to rest on his hip, the other moving to rub the scales along the back of his neck. A frown graced his features as he remained standing awkwardly, single eye shifted to the side.

Mrs. Maesin had taken hold of one of the sacks, holding it close. She approached the door of her house, pausing to look back, "One moment, and I will return with your payment."

The Dragonkin gave a slight nod, his hand returning to his side. The male's single eye glanced over to the side where he took note of the 3 younger adventurers standing. Well, seemed they were at least all getting along so far. That was a plus, when the group decided to work together instead of butting heads. Gods knew he had dealt with such problems in the past…some of which he caused…

His gaze shifted back forward. Had he really let his mind wander that far to where he mistook a shadow as…no, enough of that. A sigh escaped Dur'kiir, arms moving to cross in front of his chest as they waited for the woman to return outside.

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"You and me both, hah," Aeolus replied. "Quite the walk, this has been."

He took in the village setting, now with more focus than before. With the escort job finished, he remembered that he was still in the middle of his own work.

Three people. Yetfa Net-Hal, Julien Thornrose, and a certain someone known only as "The Sky". What made these certain contracts interesting, however, was the lack of a description. He had their names, a (in all honesty, rather vague) physical description, and the fact that they were all located in Igreacean — and that was it. He didn't know who they were or what they had done to warrant sending an assassin after them.

And, to add to his intrigue, all four of his contracts had come from the same person. The woman had provided their names, locations, and coin, and when it came to business, that was all he required — but most clients were often thoughtful enough to provide their reasons. Cheated on, stolen from, sabotaged… what he would call the usual. But the woman had provided nothing.

At first, it hadn't bothered him. It was only business, after all. But the more he dwelled on it, the more it had begun to unsettle him.

Why exactly had she wanted these people dead?

The wagon eventually came to a stop, and when it did so Bishop slid off, dropping to the ground with ease. She dusted off her shirt, meeting Aeolus's gaze with her signature smile. He returned the smile with one of his own. Yet as he heard sounds from the wagon, his posture changed — his arms folded across his chest, and he stood stiffer, straighter. Bishop's smile faltered, her features softening with a mixture of sympathy and dejection. He'd get there eventually.

She herself turned her attention to the approaching Dur'kiir, offering a nod to acknowledge his presence.

"How are those wounds of yours holding up? Sleep help you any?"

While Bishop struck up conversation, Aeolus decided to seek out Oshiera's company. He made his way over, briefly raising a hand to grab her attention as he approached.

"How was the journey?" he inquired eagerly. "I recognize that it was likely to put a bit of strain on you, but other than Dur'kiir, I felt you would have the keenest eyes about you, and that spot would need them. I'm grateful you were willing, and," he added, more softly, "that things went smoothly. I… don't know if I could've faced Dur'kiir after a second mistake."

He wouldn't normally be so quick to confide in someone he didn't know well about his worries, but he'd grown to like Oshiera — they seemed to be in a similar situation, navigating lands unfamiliar to them and struggling in one way or another as a result. He had an ally in Bishop, and so was less worried about that, but he found Oshiera to be one of the more approachable figures in this strange environment.

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@Dragoncita group

Dur'kiir continued to stand in silence. His tail slowly swayed one way, then the other as he remained with his arms crossed in front of his chest. He lifted his horned head at the voice of Bishop. The old Dragonkin lowered his right arm to his side. He seemingly glanced behind her, observing as the most he received from Aeolus, was a stiffening of body posture, tense perhaps?

A low huff seemed to escape Dur'kiir, forked tongue flicking past his lips for a moment, then drawing back into his mouth. His single eye returned to look towards Bishop.

"Sleep, barely…" the most emotion in his voice was a tired drawl, "The wound, in due time."

No, he had no want to share the details of exactly was going on in his mind of his currently. Too many troubled thoughts, all of which the Dragonkin was trying to sort through. Words usually meant little to him, used to verbal abuse like what Lambin had done earlier…but that mention of 'not caring about his party'…was their truth behind that man's words? Would she still be alive if…

Dur'kiir suddenly lifted his hand, gripping his head around his horn, as if a sudden shot of pain racked across his head. A low 'humming', it was resounding in his head, making it feel like it was pounding. That 'hum' seemed to grow louder in his mind, growing into a chorus of voices, voices speaking words he felt as if he should understand, but didn't. In the back of his mind, through the hum and pounding, he felt his primal nature stir, as if reaching out, to break free.

His eyes shot open in an instant again, wide, pupil narrowed into a thin slit. His gaze swirled from the usual fiery orange, to the feral red, then back again.

"Damn't…just what the hell…" The Dragonkin paused, only realizing his behavior would probably come off strange…just suddenly gripping his head, having an almost wild look in his good eye again. Calm down, keep it buried, control it.

Oshiera sat down on the ground as they waited for the woman to return with their payment. Though at the sound of approaching footsteps, the creature was quick to stand again, holding her crook again. Her hooded head lifted to face none other than Aeolus. She observed as he raised his hand, promptly doing the same in response. It seemed the right thing to do, watching the humans and other creatures back at the Kingdom. Seemed it was a greeting of sorts.

Her finned tail flicked to the side, those blue eyes glowing in the darkness of her hood trained upon the young man. A gurgle resounded from the depths of the cloak, as she seemed to do now and then, followed by her voice.

"Other than the long walk, it wasss an interesssting experience. I found a few thingsss along the road I picked up."

The cloaked creature paused, looking towards her side. She reached a clawed hand down, opening the flap of the leather satchel. Oshiera rummaged through her belongings a bit, then pulled out several items; mostly a few uniquely colored rocks, holding them in the palm of her webbed claws.

"Not sssure if thessse are worth anything to humansss, though back in my tribe, I'm curiousss if thessse will be worth sssomething. We ussse different kindsss of ssshellsssss when we barter with other tribesss. That or thessse will be usssed asss offeringsss."

She tucked the stones back into her satchel, moving a few things again, then finally pulling out a large, fiery orange feather.

"Thisss isss ssstrange to me…thisss feather. It ssseemssss warm, and the coloration remindsss me of fire…"

Her head lifted again towards Aeolus, tilting it slightly. Wasn't sure if he'd be able to face Dur'kiir? Her blue eyes softened, "Don't think I could face him at all…I had the benefit of being in the conssstant company of my people…ssso all thessse new culturesss and ideasss I am ssstill trying to underssstand…and try not to make missstakes and insssult sssomeone by accident…"

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Bishop nodded towards Dur'kiir, a hint of sympathy apparent on her features. She truly felt bad for the Dragonkin, but figured he wouldn't want much of her pity, and instead settled on just not giving him a hard time.

"In due time, indeed," she murmured in agreement, yet right as her gaze drifted off, Dur'kiir's behavior caught back her attention. She frowned, watching as he took a moment to recollect himself, her posture relaxing with her hands slipping easily into the pockets of her pants. At this point, it seemed rude to not say anything. She met his gaze, unfazed by the reappearance of what seemed to be his more primal side — concerned instead about the state of her mentor.

"I'll be frank with you. Everyone here's had an inkling that something isn't all right with you, and I'm talking more than just the wound. You don't gotta spill your guts if you're not up for it, but… are you alright?"

Aeolus took a gander at the objects Oshiera had collected along the journey, his curiosity piqued. He himself wasn't a collector, but he knew people who indulged in the hobby, and he saw the appeal.

"I'm no expert on what's worth collecting, but if you find the right person, you could make a couple coins from those. If neither they nor your tribe would want them, at the very least you'd have a souvenir from land."

A souvenir… now that he'd thought about it, he was interested in picking up a memento of sorts. He certainly had more pressing matters at hand, but a book or two would be nice to bring back home.

Book… library. That's right. He had to remember that he'd wanted to find a library when he had a bit of free time. Good thing his mind had started wandering where it had.

His eye widened as Oshiera pulled out the feather. It was certainly pretty, and he found himself wondering where along the trail she'd found it.

"Seems warm — warm to the touch? Maybe Dur'kiir would recognize something like that. I'm no expert on the wildlife here, either," he replied.

In response to Oshiera's confession, he managed a knowing smile. Was that why she was so timid? He couldn't say for sure, but it certainly made sense. "I think you're doing quite fine. Mistakes are just a part of the learning process. And, honestly," he added, "I've got a lot to learn about this place, too. You're not alone in your confusion."

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@Dragoncita group

The Dragonkin's lips twitched, fangs showing. He should've know…that the kids would pick up on things sooner than later. Problem was, he thought he knew what was wrong, but in truth he himself barely knew. There had to be more to the story than just memories triggering his primal, destructive nature. Dur'kiir had learned to keep his emotions in check. He knew certain, strong emotions would be enough for him to change in an instant.

Yet those voices, they were almost like a call…as if he was being beckoned somewhere. Not once in his long life had he ever experienced such a sensation that seemed to rattle him to his very primal core. Something about it, it felt as if he should know what those voices were saying, why they were calling him.

His single eye came to settle on Bishop. The large Dragonkin opened his mouth, though shut it again. How could he describe it, to someone who didn't hear it, to someone actually had a grip on their nature so to speak. He most likely already seemed mentally unstable, to say what he felt and heard would probably just worsen that view on him.

Sure, Dur'kiir knew his mind's primal, chaotic nature was there, but recently it seemed to be harder to control. Now and then he would hear that strange 'hum', but the hum suddenly erupting into a chorus of voices in his mind, that was new, the sensation he felt accompanying it; intense anger, hatred, a song that called for destruction.

Take a breath, just let the words flow on their own…

"It's…it's complicated to explain," the Dragonkin moved his hand to rub the back of his neck, "Mostly cause even I'm unsure of it myself."

His single eye shifted to the ground for a moment, then lifted back upwards as he remained facing the young woman before him, "It…happens now and then…I'll hear what sounds like a low 'hum' in my mind. I-It's nothing really, just a sound that comes and goes…"

Another breath, he probably sounded insane, and if he didn't before, he sure would now, "Though that 'hum' just seemed to change into voices, a chorus almost. That song…a song of destruction and death…it beckoned my draconic nature, seeking it specifically…"

Dur'kiir shifted his gaze elsewhere again. It really was hard to explain when one, he didn't truly understand it himself, and second, he was trying not to sound completely insane, but he probably did now.

A sound that seemed to be a pleased gurgle came from the hood of the creature's cloak as she returned her items to her satchel. Her finned tail swayed to the side as she moved her cane to her other webbed hand. 'Souvenir'? The creature couldn't say she understood what the young man meant, but she did not question it. Instead, Oshiera simply seemed happy to share her findings with another.

Her hooded head tilted slightly. He thought she was doing fine with her interactions? Well, she certainly was trying, and Aeolus confirmation did make her feel better. True, mistakes did indeed happen, but one could learn from them.

"I feel better, knowing I'm not the only one trying to work on learning thisss landsss culturesss and sssuch."

Blue eyes glowed, remaining their soft hue, "Well, let'sss try to learn sssome of thessse thingsss together, ssso if thingsss do happen to go sssour, leassst we will look like foolsss together yesss?"

A strange gurgling seemed to come from her, her equivalent to a laugh for the Aquaronas.

person_off
Deleted user

Dur'kiir was right — he absolutely sounded crazy to her. But Bishop had no qualms with crazy. Hell, depending on who one asked, she could be considered some kind of crazy herself. She could work with crazy.

A hum, a beckoning hum, he said… a hum that becomes a song. Her thoughtful gaze drifted to the ground as she mulled over potential causes, her need to problem-solve kicking into high gear. She likely wouldn't have anything satisfactory to offer the Dragonkin given that this would be her first time hearing of such a phenomenon as well, but she recognized that Dur'kiir probably trusted her to some degree if he was willing to divulge all this at this risk of sounding mad. Any idea of hers could be a potential solution, so she tossed out an idea that had formed.

"I am aware that there are certain kinds of magic that can, hmm.. compel certain traits in people," she offered him. "Spells that can make people angry, or fearful, or give them strength, y'know? I used to know a shapeshifter back when I was a bandit. Our chief kept him in line with magic that forced him to assume his human form. By what you're describing, I'm tempted to say it might be something along those lines."

She shrugged. "But take this all with a grain of salt; I'm taking a shot in the dark here. Whatever it is, maybe talking to the other two will get more people on board with getting to the bottom of this, if you want to look into it."

The other two. She'd heard them conversing from the other side of the wagon, and now that the thought crossed her mind, she found herself curious.

Aeolus laughed in return — a hearty, good-humored chuckle. His own laughter surprised him; he had a sense of humor, certainly, but it wasn't something he frequently indulged in. As a matter of fact, only two people had ever heard him laugh before. And it'd taken a while to get there.

Maybe he was finally loosening up, finally becoming more comfortable with himself and other people. He relished in the feeling. He'd grown weary of being timid and distrustful of everyone a long time ago, and now that he'd come to a point where he could share a laugh with someone he only partially knew, it gave him hope. Hope for the future. Hope for himself.

"The screw-ups of today are tonight's stories over ale, a friend of mine would say," he replied, his joy lingering just a tad longer in the form of a content smile. "But so far, it looks like things are running rather smoothly. We just need to get our payment and head back to base."

His smile faltered as new thoughts crossed his mind, and he turned to glance briefly at the house Mrs. Maesin had entered.

"Speaking of which, when will Mrs. Maesin return?"

group
@Dragoncita group

The giant Dragonkin's gaze was trained on the ground. His hands were settled on his hips, tail slowly flicking one way and the other in an almost thoughtful manner. Though he seemed to have withdrawn back into himself, Dur'kiir did listen to Bishop's input.

Magic, leave it to magic…though something else bothered Dur'kiir. He knew some history with the dragons, knowing very well how the beasts seemed to be closely connected with each other. Even Dragonkin like himself, seemed to feel ties with the great beasts. Though for Dur'kiir, it was much different, coming from a Doom lineage, it wasn't the same tie to those dragons whom served the mighty Dragon King.

Perhaps it had to do with Doom Dragons being driven from this mainland to the remote island Malucladium. The Doom Dragons most likely became their own society so to speak…a chaotic one probably…

Dur'kiir knew with the connections in the Dragon Kingdom, should the Dragon King call, dragons of all kinds would obey and swarm to the great Mount Draconis. Even the Dragonkin would feel drawn, but unlike their true, dragon counterparts, they were not required to answer the call, less they chose to.

"Hm…I think I see what you are getting at, controlling the thoughts of another."

A frown crossed the male's features, "A possibility some magic user could be nearby…though I am unsure, seeing as this 'hum' I spoke of I have heard long before even in my younger years at times, but never has it gotten this intense, changing to that ominous chorus."

That song, that call of destruction was truly bothering him. He was raking his brain with possible creatures that could instill such malice. Yet it all just came blank to him…except…

He gave his horned head a slight shake. No, that was impossible…there was no way…

Dur'kiir's head lifted at the sound of a door creaking. Mrs. Maesin had appeared on the steps, holding a small pouch. The tall male slowly stepped forward, approaching for their payment.

Her finned tail seemed to sway a bit faster, body perking up as she heard the young man laugh. That was the first she had heard him actually sound relaxed. Well, Aeolus seemed the more secretive type to the Aquaronas, and she was not one to pry into someone else's private life less they decided to share. However, she did feel more confident, her own body seeming to relax as he seemed to show a small amount of joy. Was much better than that tense, stuffy air of earlier.

Oshiera gave a nod, the darkness of her hood seeming to show a glimmer of glowing fangs, as if the hidden creature was smiling towards Aeolus. Her own gurgling laugh quieted down as Aeolus spoke up of stories over ale. Then he asked the question most of them were all probably wondering.

The cloaked head turned towards the sound of a creaking door, "Would ssseem we no longer have to wait."

Oshiera took hold of her crook, shifting it to her other webbed hand. Her tail trailed behind her, still swaying back and forth in the relaxed manner, also seeming content and having relaxed.

Dur'kiir soon stood towering over the woman, even as she stood on the top step of the short stairs that led into her house. In her hands, she held what looked to be a worn, leather satchel. Mrs. Maesin held it outwards towards the horned male.

"20 silver, as promised for escorting me safely back home."

The Dragonkin followed suit, moving his hand out, letting the bag drop into the palm of his hand with a soft jingle. Without so much of a second thought, the male tucked it away to the side of his belt.

Dur'kiir bowed his horned head slightly, "Glad to be of service madam."

The male then pivoted, starting to walk away, but paused at the sound of her voice.

"D-Dur'kiir was it? You weren't by chance in the Battle of Klilk…about 60 years ago?"

The large Dragonkin stopped. His horned head turned slightly, that single ember coming to land on the woman who stood seeming to clutch her hands to her chest. Dur'kiir was silent for several moments, then finally answered.

"I was…the trogs put up quite a fierce fight, but we managed, despite our faltering numbers."

"Y-yes…my father had been in that fight…h-he spoke highly of you…"

Dur'kiir couldn't help but raise an eyebrow towards the woman, "Oh?"

Mrs. Maesin seemed to pause, trying to find words, "Sir Henric, he was my father. He remembered you, you were the one to carry him to safety."

"He…He never did get to thank you then…so let me thank you for him. Though he has passed, if it hadn't been for you, I would have never seen my father return home after the war…so…thank you."

The Dragonkin's single eye seemed to widen ever so slightly. He had clearly been waiting to hear something else entirely. He quickly shifted his gaze back forward away from the woman. The horned male swallowed the sudden lump in his throat. Dur'kiir released a low sigh, a thin stream of smoke escaping out of the corner of his mouth.

"It is my duty to protect those weaker than I. Even when I had the urge to keep fighting…it would not have sit right with me to leave the incapacitated on the field while blades continued to clash around us."

His head turned to look towards her, "I only hope you continue to live for him. May the Supreme One watch over you, and his Daughter Goddess Medaci grant your husband a swift recovery."

Dur'kiir lifted his hand in a slight farewell, then turning back to walk towards his pupils. His tail slowly swayed one way, then the other, trailing behind him as he walked over. He came to stand nearby, once again towering over those before him.

"Well, that's over with…I'm headed towards the nearest tavern for a drink, then we head back to the Kingdom."

person_off
Deleted user

Bishop watched Dur'kiir curiously, reading his expression in the hopes of garnering some sense of what he was thinking. She responded to his words with a hum of acknowledgement, retreating back into her thoughts to mull over the information. If this hum had been with him for a good few years, then…

She was pulled from her thoughts as Dur'kiir walked past her, and she frowned, leaning to the side to try and catch a glimpse at what had caught his attention. It was only when she saw Mrs. Maesin that she relaxed, resting a hand on her hip and tapping her foot to a steady beat. It hadn't occurred to her until that moment that the woman had yet to show up.

Aeolus had turned his attention towards the exchange between Dur'kiir and Mrs. Maesin, observing the two carefully. Admittedly, the time it took for her to return with the payment had raised some suspicion on his end, but he was a naturally wary individual.

He was about ready to turn and prepare for departure until Mrs. Maesin spoke again, her words this time holding his attention more firmly.

Battle of Klilk… 60 years ago? Dur'kiir's reaction to the name spelled out its importance. Aeolus pursed his lips and took to studying individual blades of grass on the ground as if one of them would be able to sort out his feelings for him.

He stood, now in disbelief. Not at the idea that Dur'kiir's act of kindness was unlikely to transpire, no — instead, he stood in disbelief at the realization that he'd been wrong.

He'd been wrong before; that much wasn't new. But he'd considered himself astute in his judgement of character, despite his tendency to be distrustful and avoidant of others. When he had stood by Dur'kiir that night and stared into that angry, primal flame, he could've sworn he was standing face to face with something evil. Something that wanted to burn and destroy.

But as he stood here and listened to Mrs. Maesin's story, he found himself having to challenge his previous notions. He could almost see Bishop grinning at him now, despite being separated by the wagon. She'd been right, and now he'd have to confront her about it.

And as Dur'kiir approached, the party gathering beside the wagon as the Dragonkin relayed the plan to hit a taven before the Kingdom, he found that Bishop was, in fact, grinning ever so subtly at him.

"Sounds good," the mechanic chirped in response. "Watch your drinks, though. We've still gotta keep an eye on your health."

Aeolus was so absorbed in his thoughts that he forgot to reply.

Bishop pulled him to the side, just out of earshot from the others, that grin of hers widening by the second.

Aeolus threw his hands up in the air, a long sigh escaping him. He knew exaclty what she was waiting for.

"Okay, okay. You were right, I was wrong. You happy?"

"Soooooo, does that mean…?"

"Yes, I'll disregard the contract."

Bishop let out a joyful laugh, punching his arm playfully. "Aw, I knew you'd come around eventually!"

"But that still raises the question of why someone would want him assassinated in the first place," Aeolus pointed out, to which Bishop responded with a thoughtful nod.

"Of course. That client sure was… secretive. I know we don't have any policies for that, but…"

Aeolus frowned. "At this rate, I might put something into place. But that still leaves three marks left."

"Yeah, but at this point you've gotta wonder: if Dur'kiir's alright, who's to say the other three aren't bad, either?"

Aeolus paused, running a hand through his dark brown hair as he thought over his response. "We'll have to be careful. I have half a mind to just not complete the contracts, but I don't want to back out of the deal entirely after accepting it. That's bad for business."

"At the very least, let's see what the other three are all about," suggested Bishop. "Then we can make our next move. We're going to be here for a little while, anyways — what, with all this questing."

Aeolus seemed content with the idea. "Alright. I intended to hit a library when I had some time, so I'll look into seeing if there's one in the area while Dur'kiir's at the tavern."

He nodded back towards the others. "Shouldn't keep them waiting, though. Don't wanna look too suspicious."

Bishop snickered, but accompanied him as he made his way back over to the party. She smiled and waved at Oshiera. "You intend to go anywhere for the time being? Aeolus and I are thinking to hit a library, if any are around here."