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The Chosen [IC / Not Accepting / PG-16]

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As Ryia was simply keeping to herself and the side of the rode, content to just let whoever this seemingly noble person was pass by, it had appeared that they had other plans in mind. As the woman approached, it became readily apparent that this girl had known Keres and Ryia was only more shocked to learn that she was in fact a council member. The earth chosen was at a loss, the council member defying any expectations she had had of the magical group so far in both appearance and demeanor, as well as being surprised that she was even here to begin with. 

While Ryia was trying to collect herself in the presence of this figure, Pyrrah had elected to speak first, asking her questions both about her purpose here and her relationship with Keres. Hannah looked over at Pyrrha and smiled sweetly at her. "What did Keres never talk about me?" She then hugged the girl, squashing their cheeks together, much to Keres's discomfort. "Little Keres was a prodigy when she was a student at the tower. I was very involved with her teaching in the last year she was there. Sadly she went and left me when she ran away."

Ryia continued to look between the two, shocked at the sudden flow of information she was presented with. She had always known that Keres was great at magic, though she hadn't fully understood to what degree nor did she realize she was taught by a mage of great importance as well. Come to think of it, Ryia knew very little about Keres and none of what she had thought matched up  with what she just heard. All the same, she had managed to begin processing it and looked back to Hannah. "Well um, it's a pleasure to meet you - Council Member, Hannah." She then looked to Keres with an apologetic look, as she was clearly in discomfort at the situation but Ryia hadn't the faintest idea of what to do. Looking backing to Hannah, echoing Pyrrah's question, the Earth Chosen then asked, "does the um, Demon Gate business, bring you here?"

"Oh, no, what would make you think that? That's your thing isn't it?" She responded with a laugh.

"I...I see..." Though Ryia wasn't exactly expecting any of the council members to help them once they had left the tower, Hannah's somewhat cavalier demeanor about the whole matter was more what caught her off guard. Ryia wasn't sure if she was supposed to feel worried or not about it, but decided to tell herself that it just meant she thought they had it squarely under control. "If um, you don't mind, then, what does bring you here?"

"Well I was just doing some visiting, need to keep updated on things after all, but I'm really here because I was told that if I was here at this time I'd be able to meet up with little Keres."

"Ah...I see." Ryia was at a loss for words again, looking again apologetic towards Keres but still unsure how to handle this important and strangely jovial woman that was before them. 

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Between Lindow's comment and being informed the woman before them was a council member, Reinaan's frustrations were only building. The condescending snort and glare from the of the Templar at her side only prompted the boy to reply in kind with a glare that said he'd fight the larger Draken if that's what he was looking for. Thankfully, Ryia's interaction with Hannah distracted him from this impending display in the disparity in his size and strength compared to the average Draken. Her main goal had apparently been to see Keres. Hearing the Water Chosen had run from the Tower inspired some respect for her in Reinaan. She'd obviously seen through them some and rejected their organization as a result, the only sensible thing to do in that position in the boy's eyes.

"Isn't that sweet," Reinaan began, hardly restraining the sarcastic disgust in his voice. "Well you saw her now, so we should get going." he continued, wishing to usher the group on past these people who would do nothing but irritate him. He then hovered somewhat near Keres in the event he needed to pull her away from Hannah. As uncomfortable as she was around him, she didn't try to physically hide herself from his gaze like she had Hannah's. So it didn't trouble him to rudely pull her away from her acquaintance if it came to it. 

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Keres looked to the others for help. Damien was busy having a staring contest the Draken who had not accompanied Hannah towards the group. The large Templar was standing perfectly still with his hands at his side. Almost like a statue.

The other one, hovering over Hannah, continued to glare at the Chosen as if daring them to try something.

Keres's fellow Chosen didn't do much to help the girl either. Phyrra asked questions, one of which Keres noticed Hannah avoided directly answering, and Ryia...seemed to be uncertain what to do. She shuddered slightly as Hannah pressed against her and thought back to her time at the tower. Her later years weren't entirely pleasant and Hannah had been a part of that.

When Reinaan spoke, Hannah pulled away from the girl, who sighed in relief. "Well aren't you in a hurry, Reinaan. You really shouldn't be in such a rush to reach the future. I've seen some very dark things ahead. But I suppose time does go on." She turned back to Keres. "Stay safe little Keres, we have much business to discuss after this is done." Then she leaned forward and gave the girl a big kiss on the cheek. Pulling away with a loud smacking sound she giggled and stepped away. Back towards the middle of the road.

She paused, and turned back, looking at Lindow. "I've seen many things you know. And I feel I should tell you. Hurt my little Keres and you'll be sorry. I know what's in your mind, and your heart, and I don't appreciate it very much."

Spoiler

Short post I know. But gonna give a little more time to interact.

Hollow has a strike.

 

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While Ryia had stood there, unsure of what to do about this council member, thankfully Reinaan had stepped up and seemed to be able to get her off Keres. Of course, Ryia was a bit stunned at the following display of affection, now only more confused than anything else as she watched Hannah walk away. As the council woman had seen fit to make her business be elsewhere, Ryia only grew more nervous as she singled Lindow out. She, similarly to Keres, didn't really know much about the Thunder Chosen. As such, Ryia couldn't help but wonder if she had known about Lindow's abilities to obtain other spirits. It would only make sense, then, that she would be worried about him attempting to harm them for their powers as well. While Ryia was confident that Lindow wasn't out to get them like that, she was also confused as to how Hannah would have even learned that in the first place. Which meant that that might not have been it. And if that were the case then - well, Ryia wasn't quite sure what kind of a past Lindow had, but could only figure it was something worth being cautious of. All in all, the council member seemed keen on leaving after her threat - or at least simply leaving them to their own devices. 

With her own mind a whir, Ryia looked to the council member, "um, right. Uh..." Figuring that she suddenly seemed very rude here, she did a hasty and awkward bow saying, "it was a uh, pleasure...Meeting you, council member Hannah." Looking to everyone else, clearly good to steer clear from this awkward situation, the girl said, "shall we continue onward?"

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Reinaan waited for the obnoxious council member and her escort to get farther away before doing much else. He didn't like that the women knew his name despite their having never met prior to now. She might have been at the tower the first time they all gathered there. If so then she was part of the deception that was still angering him and that was just another thing to hate her for. Her comments about seeing things dark things into the future almost seemed like she was threatening the boy for a moment. Between that and her goodbye to Keres the Draken had every desire to tear the woman's throat out for her and save them all the trouble. He kept his eyes on the trio for a bit while pulling away from them at the same time. With that and Ryia's comment to the group to press on he readied Kloqah to head into town before turning to Keres.

"Sorry, I shoulda pulled you away from that mess sooner." Reinaan said, wishing he'd done something to spare the girl some of the very apparent discomfort she had with the situation. He tried to keep it semi-quiet to make sure the woman wouldn't overhear however far off she'd be by that point. "I take it you don't much like Miss Councilwoman there."

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Lindow watched the women's interaction with Keres through his peripheral as he stood between the two large draken and his own group. Keres's discomfort was evident, but the Hannah persisted to breach the girl's personal space and make her the subject of the group's discussion. It was almost as if Hannah derived some sort of pleasure from making the little witch squirm. Though it wasn't like Lindow wasn't at least a little familiar with the feeling...

Before long the conversation was cut short be Reinaan, and it seemed that Hannah would be departing after leaving the boy with a few cryptic words. The women spoke as if she held some kind of magical foresight, but rather than indulge her further Lindow simply turned to leave without a word as the other's issued their goodbyes. However it seemed the council member had other plans after all. 

"I've seen many things you know. And I feel I should tell you. Hurt my little Keres and you'll be sorry." Hannah's voice called back just as he had begun to take his first steps.

Turning back to meet her gaze, Lindow's eye narrowed slightly as she continued run her mouth. "I know what's in your mind, and your heart, and I don't appreciate it very much." A clear threat. For the second time today Lindow found himself wondering how much the council knew about what's been happening with the spirits. Between them and the grey women, he truly felt like he knew nothing at all.

The very thought of his position as pawn in this game frustrated him to no end, but in the moment Lindow found himself smiling once again. "You have my word..." Bringing his left hand to his heart, Lindow lowered his upper body into a slight bow. "I assure you that I have no plans of harming little Keres." He wasn't lying. Devouring another spirit could very well be playing into someone else's hand, and it was clear that there was some kind of toll the process took that he didn't even understand yet. Another reminder of how much he still didn't know. Until he found some answers, the smartest course of action was to rely on what he had now; the power that was currently at his disposal, and the other chosen. 

The light scent of a country breeze blew at his hair, and as he stared down at the dirt path he could hear the foot steps of the others drawing farther away. Yet still he found himself standing before the council and her escort. "Although," As he spoke Lindow brought his eyes up to peer through his tangled blue mane. "if the council believes that I'm a threat to the others, wouldn't it be better suiting your position to deal with me now, rather than blow idle threats in the wind before scampering off back to your tower?" His tone was sweet with a smile that never met his eyes, in fear of what might happen should it get too close. "The fate of realm is at risk after all..." 

 

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"Sorry, I shoulda pulled you away from that mess sooner. I take it you don't much like Miss Councilwoman there."

"It's not..." Keres hesitated. "It's just...difficult." Keres said. There were a lot of things going through her head at the moment. Hannah was the last person she expected to see here yet she knew she shouldn't be surprised. "Former teacher. Very strict and very...um, overbearing." Keres said, trying to explain at least some of the history between the two.

"if the council believes that I'm a threat to the others, wouldn't it be better suiting your position to deal with me now, rather than blow idle threats in the wind before scampering off back to your tower?"

Keres let out a groan as he heard Lindow taunting the woman. "Oh, no." She muttered. But it was too late.

Hannah stopped and looked at the boy, a wide smile, showing off at least one pointed fang, on her face. "I'm not telling you this as a Council Member. They aren't so concerned about you. I'm saying it as myself." She strolled over to Lindow, the Draken escort having to move quickly to follow her. "As long as you take the correct path the future isn't as dire. I just want you to know that I know what you might do."

Suddenly she reached out, grabbed the taller man by the neck, raised him up, and slammed him into the ground. She smiled again and Lindow could clearly see her two pointed teeth. "I don't like you very much. But it's possible for you to still be a good boy. So I'll let you go this time."

She moved swiftly back to the road, so swiftly that the Draken wasn't able to keep up, and the group could see a slight pained expression on the girl's face until she was back under the cover of the parasol. "So long." She said, practically skipping down the road.

"So." Damien said, approaching Lindow and offering him a hand. "That was something." He glanced back. "I'm guessing some of you wanna go stop her don't ya?"

Keres seemed alarmed at this, by her standards, with her eyes widening slightly. "That...not...." She stumbled over her words before simply shaking her head firmly.

Spoiler

If people wanna move into the city go ahead and ask me what y'all see and lemme know what you want to do in the city and such.

Still gonna count this as a strike, Yui, since day is mostly over when you were going to work on post.

 

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"I've seen many things you know. And I feel I should tell you. Hurt my little Keres and you'll be sorry. I know what's in your mind, and your heart, and I don't appreciate it very much."

Pyrrha could only wonder what kinds of things Hannah saw in Lindow's mind and heart. And how she saw them in the first place. Pyrrha could think of a lot of uses for that kind of magic - if it was magic - and most of them were bad. There were definitely some ways to use that to make the world a better place though! As much as she would have loved to think about ways to improve the world with forms of magic she'd never seen before though, she was a bit busy being taken aback.

"if the council believes that I'm a threat to the others, wouldn't it be better suiting your position to deal with me now, rather than blow idle threats in the wind before scampering off back to your tower?"

Pyrrha curled her lips inward, not sure of what would happen, but certain that something would. The next thing she knew, Hannah had come back to the group and slammed Lindow on the ground! She was packing a lot of strength for someone her size! Way too much, in fact!

"So. That was something. I'm guessing some of you wanna go stop her don't ya?"

"No thanks," Pyrrha answered, making her way over to also offer Lindow a hand up. "What was that all about? The whole 'what's in your mind and heart' bit? You seem like a pretty good guy to me."

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"I'm not telling you this as a Council Member. They aren't so concerned about you. I'm saying it as myself." Lindow's smile flickered a bit as Hannah turned to reveal a set of pointed fangs.

Before he could react, the woman had already closed the distance between them, and was now standing an inch from his face. "As long as you take the correct path the future isn't as dire. I just want you to know that I know what you might do." Though he had been ready for a fight, Lindow couldn't help but be taken aback by how easily she had slipped through his defenses. Letting his combat instincts take hold, the man attempted to leap backwards only find that Hannah's hands were already around his neck. She was simply too fast. The realization that he couldn't possible do anything in time struck him moments before she slammed him into the ground with her monstrous strength. 

"I don't like you very much. But it's possible for you to still be a good boy. So I'll let you go this time." The vampire flashed her fangs once more before darting back to the road where her templar escort soon came running to shield their master from the sunlight. "So long." Hannah's parting words hung in the air as she skipped down the path. 

"So." As he laid on his back Lindow could hear two sets of footsteps approaching. Ripping his gaze from the sky, he smiled at the sight of Damien and Pyrrha offering to help him to his feet. "That was something." Damien commented whilst glancing back. "I'm guessing some of you wanna go stop her don't ya?"

"That...not...." 

"No thanks," 

"There's no need." Lindow grunted whilst using Damien and Pyrrha to pull himself up. "I only provoked her like that to see if we would let any information slip... it's not everyday that you end up face to face with one of them outside the tower after all." Dusting the dirt off his robes, he nodded thankfully to the pair. "I don't think we'ed be much of a match for her as we are now anyway. I've never even heard of one of her kind walking around in broad-daylight... who knows what other tricks she has up her sleeve.His eyes rested on Keres for a moment. 

"What was that all about? The whole 'what's in your mind and heart' bit? You seem like a pretty good guy to me." 

"I'm not sure," Lindow turned to Pyrrha, tilting his head thoughtfully as he spoke. "that woman spoke in many ifs and maybes, and she definitely didn't seem to have anticipated me challenging her just now..." Turning over everything that happened not just for the conversation's sake but his own understanding, Lindow glanced at Keres for conformation before meeting Pyrrha's gaze once more. "She implied that she had some form of foresight, but I don't think it's as powerful or precise as she would have us believe. I can't say what she saw, but I know for a fact that I have no intention of harming little Keres, or any of you for that matter." 

"Well, I think we've been delayed enough for the day." After saying his piece Lindow flashed the elf a smile before moving to join the rest of the group. "let's get inside already!"

Upon finally entering the gates it didn't take long for the chosen to arrive a sprawling marketplace. There were clusters temporary stands and merchants occupying blankets littered with goods from weapons to herbs, and even trinkets for children. After having just left the husk of a village that they had visited in the desert, the bustling sounds of haggling the coos of happy shoppers was a welcome change. Breaking off from the party, Lindow spent the next hour carefully combing each peddler's goods for supplies and weapons. 

Spoiler

Lindow's Spending:

6x Anti-venom 420g (hehehe) 
1x Leather Armor 20G
1x Buckler 8g
2x Longsword 50g
2x Shortsword 26g
30x Throwing Knives 60G 

Total: 576G

 

Padded Armor, 10 gold Leather would be 20 Buckler 8 gold Longsword 25 gold Shortsword 13 gold Throwing Knives 2 gold each

 

p

 

Edited by Hollow

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Ryia had only been able to watch the scene play out before her. The council woman, in spite of her delicate looking appearance, had been seamlessly made her way over to and had slammed Lindow into the ground faster than Ryia could even begin to realize it happened. When all was said and done, Ryia simply nodded along with Pyrrha's comment about not wanting to chase after her, not at all eager to poke the proverbial hornet's nest that was Hannah. With everyone seeming to be ready to enter the city, Ryia looked to the water chosen, who seemed to be frazzled by the whole situation. Ryia wasn't entirely sure what her past with the woman had been, but at the very least her present seemed to be something uncomfortable. As such, she looked to the girl and said, "um, are you feeling alright?" 

Once that was all said and done, the girl had made her way into the bustling city of Myrha. The girl had quite the excited look on her face, as though the sights were new the atmosphere had reminded her of home. Not necessarily where she was from specifically, but the high energy market places were something she had always adored. From afar, of course, as having the gold they had to spend now was something entirely foreign to her. She couldn't think of anything she herself needed, and getting something that was luxury was not a thought that the young girl was capable of having. Not only that, but as they were the group's funds together, she felt spending probably any of it when they themselves had a better idea on how to both use it and greater needs than her own. As such, the girl simply said, "I'll um, go food shopping for now. If um, anyone wants to come along."

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Reinaan simply nodded as Keres stated her relationship to Hannah. The woman had apparently been her teacher at the mage tower in the past and young Keres didn't appreciate her particular teaching style. He would keep it in mind for if they ever encountered her again. He didn't want the Water Chosen to have to talk to her anymore than she wanted to. He strongly doubted the council mages were more forgiving of behavior they deemed inappropriate than his fellow Draken had been with him. The boy's thoughts were interrupted by Hannah assaulting Lindow and holding him down to the ground. That she had this much force was astounding. But before Reinaan could process the information and ready to attack the woman she left with her guard. With many questions still in the air after the encounter, the Draken ultimately agreed with Lindow's urging them to get inside the town.

The Fire Chosen was met with a scene he'd never really encountered before. There were so many humans all in one place, and so many different stores to go about and purchase things. Reinaan understood how purchasing things functioned but his experience was severely lacking. What deals his village had had with the nearest human settlement had been seen to by a select few of the stronger, older men and as such it was a duty that was never expected to fall to him given his stature. Still that wasn't going to stop him from getting some really cool equipment while he was here. He grabbed a hearty share of the party's gold, uncertain as to how much he would need. Lindow had moved off quickly to check over all the stores, a plan of action he intended to follow. Ryia had graciously offered to go food shopping for the group. With any luck the new Wind Chosen would accompany her. The boy didn't really want to leave her alone but also certainly didn't want to be the one left with her. He relocated some of what Kloqah had been hauling to the mule to prepare for his new purchases and began leading the mount through town.

The young Draken had been initially uncertain how to act in this larger human settlement, but he soon found it to be quite like moving through the smaller ones. There were many more people and things to catch his eye true, but few people seemed to think anything of his or Kloqah's being there. Some looked twice briefly, no doubt used to any Draken in town being covered in Templar armor, but to them he was simply just another member of the crowd. It felt almost relieving. But then it got frustrating as he wanted to stand out. He wanted people to see him and be impressed. No doubt he'd need the extra foot to make it a reality.

Reinaan's first thought was a new weapon. His trusty spear had held up thus far but memories of the undead creatures snapping through javelins in the underground made him think it necessary to get something a bit stronger. He was feeling stronger now too so the idea of a weapon with more heft and weight to it sounded appealing. His eyes took him to an impressive looking store lined with an arrangement of different bladed tools. With his experience being mostly in spears, he ignored the sword display and took a moment to chuckle to himself over guessing how many swords Lindow would return to the group with. An image of the Thunder Chosen unable to move due to the sheer number of blades falling off of him was amusing to say the least. But eventually his search brought him to pole arms. In particular the halberds caught his attention. The were something of a spear and an ax. They seemed longer and heavier than his spear which brought with it the feeling of being more sturdy as well.

"I see you got yer eyes on my halberds." the store owner said from his seat. Reinaan nodded before the man pointed to some in particular. "Those on the end there will never break on ya. But they'll run ya a pretty penny." he commented. The Draken had never encountered the metal the supposed unbreakable weapons were before but he thought he'd heard the name once from the elders. Ada-something or other. He noticed a variety of less expensive steel halberds of varying quality. Though some of the staffs were made of wood which was curious to him. It was lighter than the fully metal weapons and the shop owner spoke of Feywood, a substance lighter than but also stronger than steel. After holding one in both hands and moving it about a bit, the boy settled on the feywood and was delighted to pack his new weapon onto Kloqah's back upon purchasing it.

Reinaan continued moving about the market and soon came to an armor shop. Something had caught his eye. Something incredible. Something that made the boy consider actually wearing armor forever. It was a decadent silver armor set, with rubies laid into the metal work. The shine of the metal, the brilliance of the gems, this was everything the boy could have asked for in his life. But alas, his heart was crushed as the shop owner came to meet his obvious enthusiasm. Ten thousand gold it was for the whole of it. The Draken wasn't incredible with math but he knew very well that the group's entire gold fund couldn't have afforded it. He swore one day he would return, but while he was there he began thinking about something else. The mage that had healed him mentioned armor could have helped him take the burn better. The idea of gauntlets came to mind. However, none of the available sets really worked with the size and shape of his hand. They were meant for humans obviously. He could make something work but he'd be covering his claws which seemed foolish for one so used to fighting tooth and nail. The awkwardness didn't seem worth it and the boy decided in frustration that his scales would be enough for him. He did however also purchase a sharpening tool to keep the weapon in good condition. No doubt Lindow's army of swords would find it useful too.

As the boy continued moving about town a man called out to him. Well, at least it seemed like him. There was prolonged eye contact and the Draken had to wonder if he was perhaps looking at someone behind him. After pointing to himself the man only nodded energetically and so Reinaan knew it was in fact him he'd been trying to get the attention of.

"Hello dear Draken!" the man greeted him enthusiastically. "I couldn't help but notice the striking color of your scales. And I thought to myself, why that black would look amazing if only it shone a little more." he continued. Reinaan was still unsure of what was happening. "Please you must try my product, it will make you shine like the sun itself! Your white will be blinding! Your red fierce! And your black mysterious!" the man said with his excitement building as he tried ushering the boy to a stool. Something about the energy captivated him.

"Let's do it." Reinaan agreed initially. "But uh... maybe can I see a test first?" he said after realizing he still had no idea what was about to happen. The man heartily agreed as he opened a jar and scooped a substance out of it that appeared to reflect light rather well. He applied a bit of it to the back of one of Reinaan's hands before using a wrag to spread it evenly across the surface. So far it only seemed like his hand was wet and the boy was uncertain if he was buying into all of this. But the man continued and produced a much finer looking cloth which he began rubbing the affected hand with in repeated circular motions. Then another cloth was produced that he held in both hands and began rubbing across the hand back and forth very vigorously. Before the boy's eyes his black scales caught the sunlight like they never had before, giving him a near mirror finish. He could see very subtle traces of color amidst the sea of black. Red and white pigment that had been snuffed out. It was incredible.

"Wooooaaaahhhh" Reinaan said in awe of the difference in the two sides of his hand. "Can... can you do me all over?" he said, wanting very much to look like this entirely and all the time. The man's smile spread from ear to ear at the request and so the Draken sat at the provided stool, standing up when the occasion called for it, letting this man polish every square inch of his body. The two spoke some about their pasts. The man mentioned he used to know of a small Draken village somewhere and with the Templar presence here and there across the world he often wondered what their scales might like look if thoroughly polished. He had started trying to sell this service here but very few Templar were interested in such a purely cosmetic thing. How delightful then to see a Draken so shamelessly displaying each and every scale. With Reinaan's patronage his faith in the business decision had been restored, perhaps a bit more than it ought to have. Upon completion, the Draken reflected brilliantly from top to bottom. Reinaan joyfully paid the man for the service and a hearty amount of the polish and supplies needed so that he could keep it up in the future.

"I can't wait til the others see me!" he said gleefully as he practically skipped off to the rest of the market. Ziiyol appeared at his side, only visible to the Chosen, and could only squeal with delight at the sight of her partner sparkling so radiantly.

"Reiny..." she managed to say while practically in a trance. "You're so..." and the spirit couldn't complete her thought and simply continued to stare, trying to take it all in. She confirmed that every part of his body shone the same way, wanting him to move his legs arms and tail about to let her see. After the two shared a laugh Reinaan focused enough to notice a stand full of things that somewhat resembled the bandit's amulet.

"Ah, welcome. I can't say I've seen one so shine so bright before." the shop owner spoke, taking note of the polished scales. Reinaan was proud to be standing out now and inquired what was being sold. He was told these were all magical items with a variety of spells cast on them. Though he pointed to one in particular. One the man referred to as an Amulet of Protection that would strengthen natural armors such as his fine scales. The idea of keeping his scales intact appealed now more than ever and Reinaan inquired into the price. It sounded like a lot but not nearly so much as they had on them in total. Surely it would be okay given they didn't need the gold to eat. And this way he could be protected without buying dumb looking armor. It seemed like the perfect solution. And so he bought it, figuring it for the good of the party that he be able to take more hits. He put it on and was taken aback at how little it seemed to shine compared to his own body. He'd have to go into battle to see just how strong the enchantment was but he was happy with his purchases and began leading Kloqah away from the market in hopes of meeting up with the others somewhere when they were done shopping.

With how shiny he was he was confident the others would find him before he noticed them.

Spoiler

Reinaan's Spending:

1x Feywood Halberd 160g
1x Sharpening Tool Set 3g
1x Polishing Service and Supplies 7g
1x Amulet of Protection 700g

Total: 870 g

Conclusion: Don't let Reinaan shop alone.

 

Edited by Klonoa

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"What was that all about? The whole 'what's in your mind and heart' bit? You seem like a pretty good guy to me."

Damien snorted. "You're quick to judge character aren't you?" He had been watching the group to see how they responded and, seeing as they all decided it was time to get going, he shrugged it off and strolled into the town as well.

And immediately it was obvious that he wasn't comfortable. "This place is so crowded." He said as he swept his gaze back and forth. There were mostly humans here but he noticed several other races as well. A few Orcs, a couple Draken here and there, and even one large Minotaur who was swaggering about with a huge mace swinging at his side.

"You all have fun with your shopping I think I'll go try and find someplace where I don't have to worry about getting my feet stomped on." With a wave he headed off and away from the marketplace that the rest of the group were headed for.

--

Keres's mind was racing. The sudden appearance of a ghost from her past was disconcerting but more than that was what she had been saying.

"She implied that she had some form of foresight, but I don't think it's as powerful or precise as she would have us believe. I can't say what she saw, but I know for a fact that I have no intention of harming little Keres, or any of you for that matter." 

She wasn't so sure. While she didn't intend to make it obvious she wasn't skilled in such deceptions. So as they entered it was obvious that Keres was avoiding Lindow as much as she could. Keeping the others, even the mule, between him and her. And only glancing at him from the corner of her eye.

What was he planning? Why did Hannah react in such a way? She barely even noticed the others but she singled Lindow out. What future had the Council member seen for them?

"I'll um, go food shopping for now. If um, anyone wants to come along."

Keres motioned to herself and nodded. Clearing her throat she spoke up "Yes, me, I will." The way she spoke made her sound like she was in a hurry. She took the reigns of the mule and followed the Earth Chosen. They'd need him if they planned on loading up on supplies.

The way there they'd be stopped at every turn by people trying to sell things. The most aggressive of which were those wanting to sell them jewelry or perfume. Many of them pointing to their gender and claiming things like "Pretty ladies shouldn't let adventuring stop them from being even more beautiful." To which Keres didn't know how to respond. Except for trying to appeal to Ryia to get them to stop.

As it turned out most of the food they could find in the market was perishables. Fresh fruit and vegetables, hunks of cooked meats, and the like. For actual provisions they would need to find a shop deeper into the city.

Spoiler

Was debating adding more in but realized it might be best to wait to see what the rest of you intend to do before adding stuff. It'll be easier to give information.

 

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She’d never seen a market so lively before! A few here and there along her travels, but something about the atmosphere here felt distinctly more “more-y” to Pyrrha. Her shopping had been pretty light overall, just some extra arrows to stock up with, a single apple to snack on as she explored, and she was on the search for a nice new bow as well. Out the corner of her eye though, something else caught her attention. Or, as she soon learned, someone else. It was Reinaan! And he was… incredibly shiny! Pyrrha could practically see her reflection on his scales!

“Heeey!” Making her way over to her fellow Chosen, Pyrrha couldn’t help but give him a look over again. She’d already done this when they first met at the tower, but just the newfound shine of his scales was such a huge difference. “Your scales are super-shiny,” she commented, even if it was pretty obvious. With enthusiasm and clear interest, the Chosen of Wind asked, “What happened?”

"Huh?" Reinaan started, not immediately recognizing the voice that had addressed him. Pyrrha's figure came into view soon after he shifted to face her. A brief irritation flashed across his face but all she wanted to know about was his scales. They were having the intended effect and even if it was the new Wind Chosen talking it still felt good. "There was some guy selling polish for it and figured I'd give it a try." he said, his chest puffing a bit.

“It looks great!” It was tempting to touch them. If they were super-shiny, perhaps they were also super-smooth? But that would be a bit much for somebody she’d only just met earlier today. “It kind of makes me wish I had scales too. You definitely got your money’s worth.” I wonder if skin can be polished like that? ...probably not. “If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you’d be able to glow in the dark like that.”

"If I had more white scales maybe…" the Draken trailed off in response. Her energy had him uncertain how to proceed. In part it reminded him of Gilly who was no longer with them which added a somber note to things. But more than that it made it difficult to keep his suspicions about her in the forefront of his mind. "...So, you're not gonna like ask about me or anything? Would have thought the Council would pay pretty nicely for a direct info source like you" he said, trying to be serious in hopes the girl would reveal her true colors if he pressed her enough.

“Mmm? Why would I do that?” Glancing around to the other people going to and fro in the market, Pyrrha continued “I mean, I’m curious about all of you, but it’s the same as any of the regular old adventurer groups I used to travel with. What’s Keres’s favorite food? What does Lindow do on his downtime? Are you good at sports? I’m more curious about those kinds of questions than anything to do with Chosen business. Though I have to admit, I’m a bit more curious about you in particular, but that’s because I’ve never met a draken before today.” Pyrrha paused for a bit, to think about that last comment. “Okay, I’ve seen some, but those templars are all so stiff and antisocial. I’ve never really spoken with a draken before, I should say.”

"I guess… I haven't ever really seen an elf before either." Reinaan said after some thought. As much as he wanted to keep up this insidious narrative about the council going, Pyrrha seemed to be playing no real part in it. He let out a sigh through his nostrils for a moment before speaking again. "I never did introduce myself. Reinaan Malyol, a fire Draken from Blagos." came the late introduction. He could only think of how he was going to regret trying to show any trust to this obvious council spy. But it seemed unfair to presume she couldn't be trusted just because of the circumstances.

“Pyrrha Varan, a regular old elf from Bresa. N, Not literally old mind you. Pleased to meet you.” Pyrrha held out her hand. All in all, Reinaan seemed like a pretty okay guy. And shiny. She really couldn’t get her attention off just how well that polish guy did. Maybe now she’d get to find out if shiny meant smooth.

The Fire Chosen still wasn't incredibly used to the idea of handshakes but saw the elf's extended hand and so awkwardly raised his own to grasp it. It still surprised him how soft skin was and he couldn't think how these creatures got by without scales. Even armor couldn't cover their whole body.

"What's old for an elf anyway?" Reinaan questioned out of honest curiosity.

“Uhhh… you might have to ask a different elf.” Rubbing the back of her head, Pyrrha answered with only a small twinge of regret, “I grew up mostly around humans; the only other elves I knew were my family, so I don’t actually know that much about elf stuff.” Adventure stuff? Sure. City guard stuff? Absolutely! But elf stuff? Not really Pyrrha’s field of expertise, ironically enough. “What about you? Was it mostly draken when you were growing up, or were there lots of humans too?”

"Oh yeah, I lived in a village of just Draken. The Elders don't much trust humans though we do occasionally do some business with them. I'd never been to a human town before all this Chosen stuff." For having been so suspicious before he wasn't struggling to share information now. "I've seen so many people in the last few weeks it makes the last forty eight years seem kinda empty when I think about it." Reinaan pondered aloud.

Forty-eight. He’s older than me. By quite a bit at that! “I see. The way I heard it as a little girl, elves have the same problem. Pretty sure that’s why mom & pop left home to go to Bresa. They were tired of the stuck-up attitudes or something.” As Pyrrha looked around at the nearby shops, she found it. The item she’d longed for! A better bow. “Did you buy anything else around town, or was it just the nice polish job?” she asked, heading for the spot where the precious weapon was being sold.

"Yeah I got a weapon and this amulet thing from some guy selling magic stuff" he said pointing to the necklace which made up the only article of anything on his body. The girl seemed captivated by something and he started walking with her, dragging Kloqah along slowly behind them. "Sounds like you haven't made the rounds yet."

“I picked up a snack while I was looking around, and also stocked up on some more arrows. But what I was really looking for was something like this.” Pyrrha picked up the bow. Not too heavy. String seemed sturdy. Flexible enough. And certainly higher quality than the old wooden bow she’d been carrying around for the last three years. It was perfect! Pyrrha talked prices with the owner for a bit, before paying the appropriate sum and holding the new bow at various angles, adjusting to the weight. It was certainly a bit heavier than her old one, but she could adjust. “I’ve been trying not to spend too much, see. I’d feel bad digging into the funds of people I only just met today and all.”

"I'm sure you'll have a chance to earn some of it yourself before too long." Reinaan said wondering when the next misfortune might befall the group. This town didn't seem to be in immediate danger like the desert village but given the bees on their way here he could only imagine what might be coming for them the moment they left.

“Here’s hoping. We should probably start looking for the others, come to think of it. I’ve got a sharp eye, so with my skill at finding people and your shiny scales being so nice-looking and good at getting attention, finding them will be easy! Let’s go.”

Spoiler

Pyrrha's plunder:

Arrows x30 (6g)

Composite Longbow (120g)

Apple (1g)

 

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Lindow walked through the streets of the bustling town with his old equipment slung over his shoulder. He had undergone a complete wardrobe change, forsaking the burned and tattered robes of his order for a full set of dark leather armor. Reaching down to his belt, the man couldn't stop himself from radiating excitement when his hand fell upon the hilts of the new pair of blades that he bought to pair with the Bandit Cleaver that rested on his back. Though weapons merchant originally seemed a tad skeptical when Lindow had first approached, after seeing how deep the Thunder Chosen's pockets were the two hit off rather well. The man had even been nice enough to point Lindow in the direction of the town's famous pup.

"Hair of the Dog..." He repeated the name of the establishment with a snort as he took a left at the brothel as instructed. Lindow could hear the ruckus of a crowd as he approached the building, and it was soon accompanied by the usual assortment of scents and adores when he reached the entrance. This was definitely the right the place. "a little on the nose, but I suppose I see it."

For a moment his mind wandered to rest of the group. Lindow would have loved to have seen how the others reacted to the merchants, and couldn't wait to see what kind of foolishness these men will have coaxed Reinaan into buying. A childish smirk creeped up the corner of his mouth as he pictured Keres furiously scribbling in her notes as the young Draken flaunted a new bought batch of "magic" beans. Though the goofy smirk still rested on his face, the Thunder Chosen moved firmly and with purpose as took his first steps into the pub. He had a job to do after all...

The merchant hadn't been exaggerating when he said it was the most popular in town. The room was so packed that it was impossible to navigate without bumping into people, and with his extra luggage, Lindow wasn't certainly receiving positive responses by those he pushed past. Nonetheless, he kept trudging towards the main bar, smiling friendly and calmly exuding the aura of someone who was not worth the trouble of stopping. 

"I'll have whatever's popular." He said finally said after parting a row of people so that he could lean forward and speak to the bartender. "I'd rather it not be anything sweet though..." He added whilst reaching into his pouch to fetch some gold.

"That will be three gold for me then, pal." The bartender responded. Glancing down, he reached under the bar and poured a goblet of an amber liquid that seemed sparkle in the dim light. The smell of spices drifted in the air between the two men as Lindow nodded, producing six gold coins and sliding them across the table. Without missing a beat, the bartender caught the gold, years of experience confirming their authenticity on contact as he rested on the bar. 

"A man with questions, are ya?"

Lindow sipped his drink and chatted with the man under the sounds of indulgence that filled the air around them. Though he couldn't get him to provide any proper information in regards to lake, apparently there had been a rise in cases of people venturing out into the grasslands and going missing. That was certainly a lead of some sort, but it still didn't point the group in any direction. Once they were through discussing the strange happenings on the island, Lindow shifted the conversation towards things going on within the city recently. 

"The lady didn't really talk to many people. She said she was here to 'make sure something didn't happen'. Whatever that meant. " As the Bartender spoke of Hannah, Lindow glanced around to see if anyone around had taken interest in their conversation. Although he continued to behave normally, there was at least on person he could tell was sneaking peeks, a middle aged women with a shawl over to his right.  

Strangely, as they covered the council member's visit, the bartender mentioned that there was someone going around town saying that they're a Chosen. Originally suspecting that the man meant Damien, Lindow could hardly contain his amusement when the older gentleman stated that the person didn't fit the belligerent swordsmen's description at all. With the women in the shawl still on his radar, Lindow quickly downed the last of his drink. The spiciness of the amber potion caused his entire body shiver, but as he slammed his goblet down he managed to wink at the bartender before sliding him another six gold cold coins.

"How would I find this Chosen fellow? I would very much like to see what he's like..." 

"You'll know him when you see him. Him and that weird shaggy ox thing.”

"Thanks." Nodding in appreciation Lindow brought himself up from the bar. As he turned towards the exit, he purposely met the gaze of the women who had been watching him, causing her to quickly look elsewhere. Part of him considered confronting her- or worse. But the prospect of drawing that sort of attention to himself was unfavorable. The best he could do for the time being was be weary, and if she ended up causing problems later down the line, he'd simply deal with it. "Oh, and send that women whatever it was that I was having... it was nice." Motioning towards the women in the shawl with his thumb, Lindow flashed her a sweet smile before making his way through the crowd once more. The drink sat hot in his belly as he took his first steps into the outside world. Taking in a deep breath of the fresh country air, Lindow skulked through the town with a bit more pep than usual as he searched for the man who claimed to be Chosen.

 

Spoiler

Lindow spent 12G

Lindow will be going around looking for the gentlemen and the weird shaggy ox thing. 

 

 

Edited by Hollow

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Pyrrha's continued comments on how nice his scales looked had Reinaan pretty buttered up as the duo continued moving about the town in search of the others. The shiny natural armor caught the attention of many merchants as well, many selling non-magical jewelry or lavish clothing to compliment his looks. The offers were tempting at points but even with his rudimentary understanding of economics the boy knew he'd dropped a fair bit of gold on the amulet about his neck and didn't think he needed to go spending on things that served no purpose past looking pretty. Still, some of it looked really cool and the Draken could feel himself beginning to reach for more gold before simply pressing on.

"So I guess Ryia and Keres would be wherever they're selling food. I wonder where Lindow or Damien went..." the boy wondered aloud. He wasn't expecting Pyrrha to know much more than he did it just helped to speak the thought. Looking behind him he caught sight of Ziiyol, her eyes still fixed on his glimmering scales, as well as Kloqah who he was leading by the reigns. The mount seemed more annoyed than enraptured by the smaller lizard's shinier appearance and was looking to one side or the other, huffing every so often. He was about to turn his attention back forward before something crossed the corner of his eye. It was something familiar yet looked different. He turned about and saw the Thunder Chosen moving about. His clothing was different and his movement wasn't quite as composed as the boy was used to from the witch hunter. But whatever the changes of appearance he couldn't mistake the face.

"Heeeey! Lindow!" he called out happily before jogging off toward his friend. He waved Pyrrha on to follow him figuring it best to keep everyone together. He finally got a better look at the man and got to see the details of the armor he had on. It wasn't bad. Reinaan wouldn't have worn it himself but it looked good enough on Lindow. However it soon clicked that he could actually see any of the armor. "Aww," he started somewhat disappointed, "I thought you'd have more new swords." he said with a sly grin at the end.

Edited by Klonoa

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As Ryia had begun to make her way through the crowd of shops, she was glad that it had been Keres to accompany her throughout the sea of people. If it had been Reinaan she felt like she would've gotten far more attention then she was comfortable with. Even though Pyrrah seemed friendly, the girl still knew very little about her. And as the shopkeepers had seemed to be trying to get both her and Keres to shop through flirtation, she didn't want to think about what would have happened if either Lindow or Damien had been the one with her. Though, it wasn't as though Keres kept less attention off of Ryia herself - in fact she seemed to be doing quite the opposite as she kept deflecting the comments of the shopkeepers onto Ryia herself. All the same, the Earth Chosen enjoyed the Water Chosen's company and even though she was still awkward about being complimented so aggressively by strangers, it wasn't as if she were a stranger to the marketplace. 

Simply just waving them off the girl said things along the lines of a simple "no thanks," to other comments about either not being interested, not having a need for it or lying that she already had something similar herself. While she seemed to be able to talk to merchants easily enough, once they had finally managed to get past the jewelry and perfume salespeople, the girl let out a sigh. Continuing to take deep breaths, the girl seemed to be a bit drained from the whole ordeal, both from having to bat away the shop owners as well as having to fight against her general urge to actually see whatever their wares might've been. Once she had recollected  herself, she began to look back to Keres saying, "well, um...shall we go...purchase some food."

As they began to move through the marketplace, Ryia was captivated by all the different food that seemed to be set up. Of course, none of it was things they'd be able to take with them, but having her eyes wander towards the meat that seemed to be being freshly cooked on the spot she couldn't help but start to inch more towards it. Ryia had been in similar situations before, and generally had the willpower to keep herself from spending unnecessarily. Though now, without having to worry about their expenses for provisions she could feel that nagging feeling in the back of her head start to lose out. Of course, between the different farm animals and fish that seemed to be on display, Ryia hardly had an idea of where to begin, and she would've felt bad not buying anything for the others which only let in its own flood of confusion about the situation. As such, to help settle at least some of it, Ryia turned to her shopping partner. "So um, Keres...what kind of uh, food do you like."

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Shortly after Lindow, Reinaan, and Pyrrha met up once again they would be interrupted by the woman that Lindow had seen in the bar earlier. She seemed hesitant, especially seeing the other two standing there, but she gathered up the nerve to speak.

"Excuse me...I heard you talking before and...When you find this Chosen you're looking for could you give him a request from me?" Her gaze went downward.

"The bartender mentioned how people were going missing. One of those people was my husband. He was...he was making a delivery to one of the farms. I told him not to go. Ever since the minotaur started keeping to themselves it's gotten harder to hire escorts. But he insisted and...he hasn't returned since. I don't know if he's alive or...Well, I know the Chosen are supposed to have important matters I'm sure such a thing is rude to ask but if he could check the farm and find out what happened to my husband...He always had a necklace on him, like this one."

She showed a necklace that she wore around her neck with half of a heart on it. "I can show you on a map where the farm is so you can let him know...if...it's not too much trouble."


Keres watched as Ryia was almost distracted by the food on display. The water chosen could understand. The smell coming from the food was rather delicious. She started to wonder what kind of meat were on display and attempted to figure it out by the appearance and smell alone.

She almost didn't catch Ryia's question so focused was she on her self-imposed challenge.

"So um, Keres...what kind of uh, food do you like."

The girl hesitated. She had lived in a swamp and she knew that the food there was...different than many places. But she didn't want to lie or refuse to answer such a simple question. "Well...I don't know. I only had so much to choose from...where I lived. Mostly fungus...and frogs, snake...an occasional crocodile." She glanced away for fear of seeing a disgusted look on the other girl's face.

"I-I tried to grow some pumpkins before. Made...some pie. That was...tasty."

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Ryia was definitely taken off guard by what it was that Keres's usual diet had consisted of. The girl wasn't quite sure what to make of it, but she was fairly certain fungus were usually inedible? Beyond that, the choice of animals were far more unique and exotic then anything that Ryia herself had ever eaten, making her wonder where the water chosen even found all of these things to begin with. "That's um, certainly more varied, then uh, what I'm used to." Even beyond simply being exotic to the girl, Ryia's usual diet back home had consisted more or less of bread and chicken and that was about it. However, as Keres had mentioned something about a pie, Ryia said, "oh, that sounds um, interesting. Do you um, bake?"

Keres gave a stiff nod. "I know many forms of cooking. Had to. Living on my own."

"That's unfortunate..." She was only now more curious of the life that Keres had lead before becoming a Chosen, though it didn't sound any bit happy so far. Of course, thinking that she might've just said something poorly, the girl doubled back saying, "not that you can cook, or um, anything. That's wonderful. I uh, I don't think I've ever really had the talent for it. Do you um...enjoy, cooking?"

Keres didn't seem to know how to answer that. Instead she just repeated. "Had to."

"Ah." Ryia wasn't really sure what to make of the response. It didn't sound like she did, and more like she was just forced to to make it around wherever she was from. As such, she doubted it could possibly be fun. Still, all the food around them and the topic had made her curious about what Keres's cooking was like. And for that matter, if anyone else in the group had any knowledge.  As such, pressing on the matter just a bit more she said, "would you...like to get things here, that would help you cook...on the road and stuff?"

Keres turned towards Ryia. "Wouldn't it be better to get more general supplies?"

"I suppose so, yeah." Ryia turned her head away, a bit awkward and embarrassed by how eager she must've seemed for something, ultimately unnecessary for them. After all, all of their food was already covered for and it would simply be better to save their gold for things that they actually needed. As such, the girl tried to shift topics back to what they were originally here for, saying, "well, I think they're further into the marketplace so, um, shall we continue?"

Keres nodded but followed along slowly. After a bit she stopped. "Um. Did you. Want to?"

Stopping as well, Ryia was caught off by the question saying, "oh well...I just thought it might be something fun to learn or do, or well...help the group out and stuff."

Keres's face appeared blank as she watched Ryia. Then she turns. "Let's get some then."

Ryia's face seemed to be surprised by this, her saying, "oh. Well. Um." Her expression then going to excitement as she realized what Keres had said, she smiled and nodded saying, "alright. Let's." And with that, she began her search for cooking supplies. 

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"Heeeey! Lindow!" Reinaan's voice called from his left.

With little warning to the other shoppers who had been walking in the same direction, Lindow suddenly pivoted his entire body midstep so that he was facing the young Draken with smile. But as he watched the boy approach with Pyrrha in tow, his eyes narrowed in discomfort. "Oh. That's.... really something." He mumbled whilst shifting to the side so that light reflecting from Reinaan's scales wasn't capable of blinding him any further. "Well met, friends. Only one of you is sparkling, so I'm gonna go out on a limb say that Reinaan did his own shopping..." Nodding towards Pyrrha whilst Reinaan eyeballed his new leather armor, Lindow leaned against the side of the closest building and yawned lazily in the shade with his extra equipment resting at his feet. "I cant wait to see what else you guys got."

"I thought you'd have more new swords." Was the young Draken's much anticipated assessment of the new gear that Lindow had acquired. 

"I only really needed replacements for my old set..." Lindow couldn't help but snicker at the boy's expression. "The scimitars that the folk used back in the desert definitely got the job done, but they really only shine when you're on a mount." He spoke thoughtfully for a moment. "Honestly, it would suit your fighting style way better. Where as in my case, I think it would be a lot more convenient to be able to run the other guy through when possible..." An air of childish enthusiasm appeared from nowhere whilst Lindow reached back and pulled on the handle the Bandit's Cleaver to reveal it's cutting edge. "besides, I bet any weapons that are really worth acquiring will be found in the hands of their wielder, like this was!" Lindow's eye twinkled as his mind flashed to Damien with his mysterious blade, and then to the battle with the Bandit Berserker. "I know it sounds like bard song, but truly believe that a weapon is made great long after it's forged, and I can just tell when I see a good one~" The man flapped his hand and chirped on for a bit before realizing that he was being a tad overly chatty. 

"-anyway," Lindow's cheeks were slightly flushed as coughed before changing the subject. "I managed to gather a little bit of information by the way..." He took the next few minutes to fill in the other two chosen about what happened at the pub. Skipping over what he had been told about Hannah's activities, he informed them about the cases of missing people in the grasslands, and how there was word of man claiming to be Chosen somewhere in town. He was also sure to mention the old women in his tale, but before he could finish explaining, the very women appeared before them. 

"Excuse me...I heard you talking before and...When you find this Chosen you're looking for could you give him a request from me?" Her gaze went downward.

Lindow listened to her speak with his usual smile. His time spent dealing with witches had left him with a slight skepticism when it came to this kind of conversation, and so when she offered to mark the farm on the map he simply nodded helpfully. "Rude? No I think you're very brave for trying to help your husband." Shooting Reinaan and Pyrrha a look, he motioned for one of them to produce a map. "Go ahead and mark it here, and I promise I'll pass it on to the Chosen. Surely if they're anything like what people are saying, they'll be glad to help..." He could only hope that the other two would pick up on him not wanting to reveal their identity to this person. Though he had his doubts about Reinaan's capacity for picking up on such vibes, Pyrrha seemed like a smart girl and maybe that would be enough. "How will he contact you?"

Edited by Hollow

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Fire and Thunder Chosen alike seemed less impressed with the appearance of the other than they had been anticipating. Where Pyrrha appreciated his scales, Lindow seemed not to like it. Or maybe the particular angle was just enough to blind him with sunlight. Still, Reinaan mostly understood the man's ideas about not having bought more weapons. He preferred to take weapons that had been tried and proved in the heat of battle over purchasing freshly made ones. The Draken himself didn't quite resonate with the sentiment but it jived perfectly with what he knew about Lindow as a person. Though the man seemed a bit looser with his lips than usual. Normally he would have had some small comments to make to explain himself then likely turned it back on the boy with a question.

"Another Chosen?" Reinaan began thinking as Lindow explained what he'd learned at the pub. "Probably the council doing something stupid to mess with us some more." his thoughts continued. He was going to be blaming the council for a lot of anything that happened as a first response for a while yet. Before this could spiral into blaming the council for the last time he stubbed his toe, Reinaan shifted attention to the woman who interrupted Lindow and explained that her husband was among those who had disappeared. She wanted this man claiming to be a Chosen to help her if at all possible. Lindow seemed to be looking for a map from either Pyrrha or Reinaan and the boy managed to produce one from one of Kloqah's bags for the marking to take place. Lindow sounded like he was really intent on passing this request off to the fake Chosen which confused the Draken for a moment.

"But couldn't we handle it?" he asked. "I mean we're the-" he started before realizing what Lindow had been trying to do. For whatever reason he didn't trust the woman enough to reveal their identities as the actual Chosen. This left him mid-sentence saying they were the Chosen and very little time to try and recover. "W-we're the best adventurers out there." came the the first lie he could think of without any of his usual energy for such a bold statement. "B-but maybe you're right. The Chosen should probably look into stuff like this." Reinaan said a bit sheepishly and hoping that he hadn't raised suspicion. He really didn't want to frustrate Lindow by messing with his plans even if he hadn't been informed of them.

Edited by Klonoa

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Hv8FblW.png

"Heeeey! Lindow!"

And just like that, they'd found Lindow! It was a bit easier than Pyrrha had expected. The two went on about swords for a bit as Pyrrha glanced around at some of the other shops and establishments nearby, making sure to keep an ear on what the boys were saying though, in case she had to bring some input as well. No such thing really happened though. It was just Lindow filling Reinaan in on how scimitars didn't suit him, and then telling the pair about his experience in a nearby pub. The idea of somebody going around posing as a Chosen.... something struck her as fishy about the whole thing. Were they just after attention? Trying to defame the actual Chosen? Or was there something else to it all?

The group was then approached by a woman, who had a request, which she also explained. It was a request that really resonated with Pyrrha. She couldn't help but feel sorry for this woman. Even if she had to do it by herself, Pyrrha wanted to at least make sure her missing husband was okay. Ideally though, she'd be able to bring the others with her.

"Rude? No I think you're very brave for trying to help your husband. Go ahead and mark it here, and I promise I'll pass it on to the Chosen. Surely if they're anything like what people are saying, they'll be glad to help... How will he contact you?"

"But couldn't we handle it? I mean we're the- W-we're the best adventures out there." That was a close call. This was one of those things where they didn't want this lady to know who they really were. For some reason. Luckily, Reinaan had picked up on it. "B-but maybe you're right. The Chosen should probably look into stuff like this."

"If we see this Chosen, we'll let him know," Pyrrha promised. She'd heard stories of minotaurs once, but never got to see one for herself. It was a shame her first encounter with one would be under these circumstances. Assuming it was a minotaur at all that caused this lady's husband to go missing. "We should really get going though. Gotta find the rest of our group, and this Chosen too."

With the boys (aside from Damien, anyway) and Pyrrha reunited, that just meant finding the rest of the girls. And also Damien. With any luck, they wouldn't be much harder to stumble upon than Lindow was.

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"alright. Let's."

Keres noticed the change of Ryia's tone and demeanor. Did that mean she did the right thing? Apparently it made Ryia happy. Which was a thing you did for people you traveled with right? She wasn't entirely sure if she was supposed to be more strict in this situation or not but she couldn't deny a strange warm feeling as she watched Ryia move around the market in what Keres could only assume was excitement.

The only issue was the girl didn't know entirely what to get. Most of the things she cooked had very minimal spices and extra things to add flavor. It just wasn't possible in the swamp. But she worked with what she could. And ended up getting perhaps more various mushrooms than a normal person would be comfortable with. Though through it she decided that she'd try and see what Ryia drifted towards and tried to get some of that, too.

Which culminated, once they got what they needed, with the Water Mage presenting her with one of the hunks of meat on a stick that the Earth Chosen had been eyeballing earlier. "Did you, um, want this?" Keres asked flatly.


"How will he contact you?"

The woman seemed relieved that the group had accepted their request. Though the query that Lindow provided seemed to halt her. "Oh, I didn't think about that....well, I suppose they can ask at the bar. My husband's old friend runs it he'll know where to find me."

She smiled, almost motherly, at Reinaan. "I'm sure you're strong yourselves but the Chosen...well, you know, they can wrestle dragons and outrun lightning right? That's what everyone says."

The woman would soon after leave the group to their devices. They would be able to search for any of the others in their group, or this Chosen, as they wished. Though Ryia and Keres would eventually find their way to them either way. With the mule loaded up in what looked to be slightly more food than necessary.

Spoiler

Short post but you're open to do things still. Don't worry too much about only doing once a week if you can do more.

That being said the deadline will be set on Sundays now. A day later than normal and a day earlier than a week from now. I know y'all can do it though and I want to spread out my weekly host posts to avoid burning myself out on any single day.

 

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"Wrestle dragons huh?" Reinaan wondered aloud to his fellow Chosen once the woman had departed them. She seemed really nice. Why the boy thought that he wasn't certain but he'd unconsciously registered the emotions behind the the smile she'd given him. "Makes me wonder where these people get their information. Unless you've getting up to some crazy stuff without us Lindow." the boy shot the Thunder Chosen another smirk. If anyone was going to outrun lightning in the group it only seemed right it would be the Chosen of Thunder with Light and Dark powers to boot. "Guess we should find this guy. I don't like the idea of someone taking advantage of people off our name and reputation." he said with a huff. The boy got Kloqah back up to her feet as the lizard had decided to relax a bit while the group chatted away. He didn't feel as pressing a need to meet up wtih Ryia and Keres as to find the faker. There was some sense of indignation about being impersonated, even if only in title, and he needed to act on it.

How to go about searching a town like this the young Draken had little actual idea. It seemed like anywhere he went he might trip over more humans. If that's what it took to find the Chosen guy he'd trip over as many people as possible. That said he did have two others with him who were likely much more accustomed to these sorts of places.

"Soooo... how do we find one guy, in all of this?" Reinaan asked as ever more new faces passed in and out of his vision around them.

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Moving around the market, Ryia was excited to think of the group having fresh cooked meals on the road. It hadn't been that much time since she had left home and embarked on this quest presented by the councils and spirits, yet something about the home she had come from, and naturally the cooking that came along with it, had felt so distant from her. And so, while the thought was comforting and exciting to her, she was also presented with another problem. She hadn't really had the faintest idea of what to cook or to ask for, and likewise she hadn't really had any idea what to pick out. As such, Ryia had just gone on grabbing various vegetables and meats that she thought would work out from her untrained eye, as well as a pot and pan to cook the food in to begin with. Of course, the girl had also been sure to get some things that were more traditional for food necessary on the long road, but by the end of it all she started to feel a bit sorry for the mule, having picked up what might've been an excessive amount of food. 

With their trip done, Ryia looked to Keres, who seemed to present one of the meats on a stick that she had seen earlier. Looking at it, suddenly feeling a bit of hunger enter her system and with her eyes reflecting it, she looked back to Keres a bit embarassed as she realized how she must've looked. "Oh um, sure. Yes. Thank you." Grabbing it, the girl began nibble on it, not recognizing what kind of meat it actually was, but finding it delicious all the same. Smiling as she continued to eat at it, she looked to the water chosen asking, "um...did you also, uh, want one?"

With that out of the way, the duo had eventually made their way with the mule through the city, looking for their fellow chosen. Eventually coming across the rest of them, they themselves having conveniently already found each other, she gave a small wave to them, a stick with only small remnants of meat being on it in her hand as well. Making her way over to them, she just said, "glad we were um, able to meet up with you all. Did you all um, get what you needed?" 

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"um...did you also, uh, want one?"

Keres didn't particularly feel hungry. But she thought it might be rude to refuse after the girl had gone out of her way to offer. So she leaned in and took a bite. It was...actually rather good. "This isn't like alligator at all." She said, sounding rather surprised about that.

"I suppose we should go find the others." Keres said hesitantly. She didn't want to go back just yet. She wanted to ask Ryia about what she thought about Lindow. But it didn't feel like a good time to ask now and soon they would be back with the rest of the group. So she just moved towards the mule, making sure everything was on right, and stayed silent as they looked through the city.

As if the hand of fate were guiding them the two found the others, barring Damien, without too much hassle. She was caught off guard by Reinaan's new look. Unable to directly look at the boy without the light shining in her eyes. "Er...what happened?" She asked him.

After the response to her and Ryia they were filled in on what was going on. As it turned out there was a rogue person claiming to be a Chosen wandering the city. Keres glanced over at Pyrrha after this revelation. "It's possible...they're real." She said. After all they hadn't thought that a new Chosen could come into existence so quickly so the idea that another might be roaming about they didn't know about wasn't the biggest leap in logic.

Perhaps it was even the council's doing? Hannah had just been here after all. Perhaps this was what she was here for?

Whatever they case it seemed they'd have to find him. It wasn't nearly as difficult as they expected after they started going around asking. It seemed most people had at least heard of this "Chosen" and went on to say how incredible it was to have one in their city.

It turned out that the supposed Chosen was heading out and was nearing the city edges while they were searching. Damien was still nowhere to be found but if they didn't go now they might miss this unknown person so at least Keres decided to go check it out. Along with whoever else went with.

---

They spotted him right away near the wall. He was absolutely unmistakable. A strangely dressed man walking beside an even stranger beast.

Keres hesitated before approaching. The man had a determined, stern, look as he led the creature towards the gate. She hadn't thought of how she would greet him. What if he were hostile? She wasn't the best at speaking with strangers so it was very possible he'd misunderstand her. Which could be disastrous especially if this turned out to be someone they wanted as an ally.

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