HIDDEN SECRETS
Chapter 1: Pricey buys
Spoiler!
He looked over the room one last time.He pushed his orange hair out of the way, looking to see if he had left anything behind. He grabbed the pouch of coins that sat on the dresser/mirror thingy. the rattle of coins could be heard from it. He double checked the total, just to be sure. He double checks his pack, determined to forget nothing. He slings his pack over shoulder, one of the straps broken. He pulls a mana necklace from under his shirt, checking the crystals for impurities. one is cracked, so he takes it off the necklace, and pockets it. Memory seems to engulf him for a moment.
"Sorry V'yip. you knew I had to leave eventually..."
He shakes his head, freeing himself from the bad memory. He tucks the necklace back under his shirt.
"Now, to get a house"
"Shut up, you" he said to open air. He looks at the bed one last time.
"Glad I'm finally getting a real one"
He exits the tavern looking at the sign. It reads Sleazo Inn. He snorts in amusement.
"That's a step up don't ya think?" he said to open air. He paused in place, as if he got a reply
He looks away from the Inn for the last time, to see the view that waited. Looking down the hill he could see the entire city. Nav' Shira, (Nahv sheerah) sister-city to Nav' Shidav' (Nahv Shidahv) with some backstory about two brothers he didn't bother listening to. He walked down the hill and into the city. they really weren't cities, but rather large towns. still, they were called cities.
He passed cobbled buildings and shops, hearing the bustle of the street. Suddenly he heard something to his left. He tried to push it off as street bustle, but something made him think otherwise.
<No! Get off me!> Cried out a Keidran voice. He paused in his steps. He had heard the voice of a girl. there was something deep to it, like that of a wolf's. he looked down the narrow street to see what he had heard. there, at the end of the street, A Keidran tried to fight off two men, and it was clear that it was their job to keep her in her cage, in witch they had failed. She fought viciously, but the men had a trick. while she fought one, the other rushed to a hook on the wall. There were other cages housing Keidran, all of which were occupied by Keidran cheering the girl on.
Crack! a leather whip cracked in the air, making the girl freeze. she slowly inched back into the cage, eyes on the man with the whip.
All of the Keidran in the other cages went silent, not one dared to oppose the whip.
the boy tried to continue on his way, but something stopped him.
"Just let me go already!"
"No" said the voice, same but different.
"Well why not!"
"You do remember why you speak Keidran, right?"
He puts his hand around his necklace. He looked back to the girl, eyes trained on her brown fur, seemingly debating whether she was worth the purchase.
"Oh Come on! We're not trying to play Achibach here!" said the voice.
"Shut up! you may have been here for those years but not all of them!"
"And what'd I miss?"
The boy does not reply
"That's what I thought"
The boy storms down the alley.
"I'm only doing this so you shut up!"
The voice is now silent, leaving the boy with an uneasy feeling.
The boy walks up to the two men
"How much is she?"
"Get lost" said the man returning the whip to the wall
"I can pay" Says the boy, bringing out his pouch. the attitude of the men changed, and one immediately got down to work.
"I'll get a shackle," he said, walking away.
"And I'll get my boss to handle the paperwork"
The girl watches from the cage. she cocks her head at her soon to be boy master.
<My name is Skip, your's is?>
<Huh?> confusion crosses her face
<My name is Skip, What is yours?>
<P-Poppy>
"Over here boy"
The Keidran in the other cages whisper to each other a hint of anger in their tones. Poppy's ears prick, picking up the whispers
<he's buying her? she's been here for years because no-one wants her!>
<I Deserve to take her place! At least I'm more attractive!>
<No, I am!>
An argument breaks out from the two women, and quickly escalates into a fight. Or however you fight from separate cages. the whip cracks again
"Silence! Or ya'll are going back in the basement!" says a 16-year old holding the whip. the noise plummets to an all time low for the alley, in exclusion of submissive whimpers.
"That's better. Now, where's the street rat who thinks he can afford a slave?"
"he's over there boss" Points the man, holding a shackle.
Damn it! I'm buying her from Achibach!?
Achibach, the 16 year-old, shows no sign of recognizing Skip. Skip sighs in relief.
"Come into my office, we will negotiate the sale"
Skip follows Achibach through a door and into the room, where Achibach's love of slavery is obvious. A slave tends a kitchen, while another brings in wood to fuel the stove. Another slave tends to cleaning the room, to the amusement of two men who keep spilling their drinks. there was even a slave Spit-polishing the desk, who Achibach promptly waves away. He pulls papers out of a drawer, and sets them on the desk.
He brushes dust off of them.
"She'll run you... 20 boranze"
"Really? you could have just said one silver piece" Says Skip, drawing a silver piece from his pouch. He slides it across the desk to Achibach. he snatches it. Skip signs the papers, replenishing the ink when needed.
"It'll run you another piece for a slave shackle"
"I can do without"
"Fine. but first, she needs to be taught a lesson"
Achibach wraps cloth around his hands, and grabs a tasseled whip from the wall
beside him. the ends of the tassels are stained with something anyone can imagine. I'll give you a hint: When dried, it becomes crusty. it is a deep red, and is found naturally in your body.
"What are you doing?" asked Skip, following, putting papers into his pack.
"Naughty pets need to be treated as such. you wouldn't understand, boy"
This time in the alley, Skip noticed something. a set of four shackles were built into a wall. The men seemed to have known what Achibach was doing, and brought out Poppy. when she was brought to the shackles she realized what was happening. she tried to fight it, but the man clamped on the control shackle, eliminating all resistance. the other guy locked her into the wall shackles. they both backed off, and Achibach wound up his arm.
Crack! Poppy cried out as the whip cracked
Crack! again, another cry
Crack! This time, she whimpered
She collapsed, arms held up by the shackles the men released her, and removed the control shackle. her bare back was now coated in blood, and she was almost out of it
"Now take her and get"
"Wha- you can't really expect me to buy a bleeding Keidran!?"
"You signed the papers, she's yours. now get out of my alley" Achibach re-enters the office. the men take guard of the cages, whose occupants are silent, for fear of the whip.
Skip approaches Poppy slowly, she looks at him, face engulfed in pain.
<Wh-why?>
<Shhh... rest> he waves his hand over her, a blue fog appearing around his hand. She shuts her eyes, but pain still controls her expression. He calmly lifts her up on a magical stretcher. her back faces up, still bleeding.
Later...
Poppy rests in a tavern bed, back facing up. Skip has treated her wounds, and wrapped them. She slowly comes too, trying to remember what had happened. she rolls over. a tinge of pain clamped at her, but it was no-where close to the day before. still, she cried out and sat up swiftly.
where? where am I?
she asked herself rubbing her head. she looked around the room, trying to figure
out where she was. the walls where a light grey, a single bed, 1 chair, and one of those dresser/mirror thingies. Then Skip walked in the door, carrying a small tray. there was a drink and a small meal on it, the smell already teasing Poppy. the last time she'd had a warm meal was years ago.
Skip set the tray on the nightstand beside the bed.
<Morning> he says
<Morning?> Poppy says rubbing her wrists.
<where... where are my shackles?>
<I took em' off. they wouldn't have done anything for you> Says Skip, handing her a warm drink. she took it in her hands, gently sipping it. it was sweet but bitter, kind of reminding her of coffee. Skip offered the plate, which she took hungrily. she set herself upon the bacon and eggs, saving the applesauce.
Meanwhile, Skip sets to organizing his pack. He pulls the cracked crystal from his pocket. He sets it beside two unknown herbs, and then puts them all into a small bowl, and mashes them together into a lotion. it is turquoise, and slightly fogs.
Poppy picks up the applesauce and is about to eat it, but Skip stops her. He takes it and puts something in it.
<What did you just do?>
<Painkiller herb. it'll make sure what I do next doesn't hurt like hell>
<What is next?>
<I'm gonna have to unwrap you, and put this on> he says holding up the bowl. Poppy tentatively sniffs it. she gags from the smell.
<What is that?>
<A Keidran healer. I... learned it from a friend. it'll make sure the wound gets sealed and make sure you'll still have fur. though, I can't say whether the scars'll go away>
Poppy eats the applesauce, and licks her lips.
<Can you lay down on your front on the bed?> Poppy lays back down on the bed
<Why didn't you do this when I was asleep?>
<It would have hurt a lot more.> he gently begins to peel away the wrappings. Poppy twitches, tail giving a flick of pain.
<How long will it take to work?>
<About a few hours, but you'll be able to walk and do stuff. it won't hurt> Skip begins to rub in the lotion, careful not to push on the long slashes left behind from the whip.
<So where are we going, Master?>
Skip winced at being called master.
<Just call me Skip. My first thing will be getting your papers filed>
<Then what?>
<Dunno.>
<Then why'd you buy me?>
<I'd be lying if I told you I knew>
Confusion crosses her face, but she does not question him. she looks at Skip's pack while he continues to apply the lotion. something in it catches her eye.
<What's that?> she asked, pointing to a book written in Keidran.
<Huh?>
<Molaruna, the invisible city> reads Poppy
<oh, that. just a Keidran fairy tale> Said Skip, wrapping Poppy back up
At the trade office...
Skip sits at a desk, and Poppy stands beside him. the clerk hands a set of papers to Skip.
"Thank you" Skip looks over them. He had made copies of Poppy's papers, in exclusion of his signature. He hands his pack to Poppy
"Can you sew?"
"Yes sir"
"Can you sew the strap back?"
"I will sir"
Poppy sets to sewing while a dark 16-year old presence watches.
What are they doing?
When Poppy finishes, she hands the pack back.
"Thank you" Says Skip, plopping a silver coin in her hand.
"Huh?"
Skip whispers into her ear, "Just play along"
She nods, but still has no idea what's happening
"Now hand me the coin"
"uhm... okay" she says handing the coin back, confusion once again instilling itself in her.
"And sign these" Said Skip, handing her the papers.
"I only can sign in Keidran" she said, handing them back
"I can read Keidran, so you can sign them," Said Skip, handing them back to her.
The dark presence realizes what Skip is doing, and he is filled with rage.
He can't do that!
The presence slinks back to his office and rallies his men, bringing forth cries of anger and swords. the cries of grown men outraged at the actions of a singular teenager fill the streets.
"Here." Poppy hands the now signed papers to Skip. he hands them to the clerk. the clerk adjusts his glasses and reads the papers.
"Congratulations Poppy" Said Skip, putting his pack back on
"Congratulations what?"
"You just bought yourself. so, you're free"
"One Poppy, sold to... Poppy" reads the clerk
"And that makes it official"
Poppy just sits there, letting it all sink in.
I-I'm free!? just like that?
Crash! Skip turns around to see a rock amidst a smashed window. the clerk is frantic
"This is my store! I-" a rock nails him in the forehead. He collapses, eyes a pair of xs.
"Crap!" Skip narrowly dodges a rock, stealing a glimpse out the broken window. a
mob rushes to them, led by Achibach. Skip ducks, and crawls to Poppy, who is still sitting in shock.
<hey. you still want to be free?> asked Skip, dodging another rock
<Is... is this a joke?>
<Does it look like one? I mean, would I really send a hoard of men after myself just because I freed a slave?>
<No>
<Then grab my arm and we can get out of here!> she didn't know where they were going to go. the whole building was surrounded!
<There's no-where to go!> She said as she grabbed his arm in fear
<There is somewhere we can go!> then, the process of teleportation started. they began to fragmentate into pixels, starting from their feet and quickly working it's way up, until they are gone.
"Sorry V'yip. you knew I had to leave eventually..."
He shakes his head, freeing himself from the bad memory. He tucks the necklace back under his shirt.
"Now, to get a house"
"Shut up, you" he said to open air. He looks at the bed one last time.
"Glad I'm finally getting a real one"
He exits the tavern looking at the sign. It reads Sleazo Inn. He snorts in amusement.
"That's a step up don't ya think?" he said to open air. He paused in place, as if he got a reply
He looks away from the Inn for the last time, to see the view that waited. Looking down the hill he could see the entire city. Nav' Shira, (Nahv sheerah) sister-city to Nav' Shidav' (Nahv Shidahv) with some backstory about two brothers he didn't bother listening to. He walked down the hill and into the city. they really weren't cities, but rather large towns. still, they were called cities.
He passed cobbled buildings and shops, hearing the bustle of the street. Suddenly he heard something to his left. He tried to push it off as street bustle, but something made him think otherwise.
<No! Get off me!> Cried out a Keidran voice. He paused in his steps. He had heard the voice of a girl. there was something deep to it, like that of a wolf's. he looked down the narrow street to see what he had heard. there, at the end of the street, A Keidran tried to fight off two men, and it was clear that it was their job to keep her in her cage, in witch they had failed. She fought viciously, but the men had a trick. while she fought one, the other rushed to a hook on the wall. There were other cages housing Keidran, all of which were occupied by Keidran cheering the girl on.
Crack! a leather whip cracked in the air, making the girl freeze. she slowly inched back into the cage, eyes on the man with the whip.
All of the Keidran in the other cages went silent, not one dared to oppose the whip.
the boy tried to continue on his way, but something stopped him.
"Just let me go already!"
"No" said the voice, same but different.
"Well why not!"
"You do remember why you speak Keidran, right?"
He puts his hand around his necklace. He looked back to the girl, eyes trained on her brown fur, seemingly debating whether she was worth the purchase.
"Oh Come on! We're not trying to play Achibach here!" said the voice.
"Shut up! you may have been here for those years but not all of them!"
"And what'd I miss?"
The boy does not reply
"That's what I thought"
The boy storms down the alley.
"I'm only doing this so you shut up!"
The voice is now silent, leaving the boy with an uneasy feeling.
The boy walks up to the two men
"How much is she?"
"Get lost" said the man returning the whip to the wall
"I can pay" Says the boy, bringing out his pouch. the attitude of the men changed, and one immediately got down to work.
"I'll get a shackle," he said, walking away.
"And I'll get my boss to handle the paperwork"
The girl watches from the cage. she cocks her head at her soon to be boy master.
<My name is Skip, your's is?>
<Huh?> confusion crosses her face
<My name is Skip, What is yours?>
<P-Poppy>
"Over here boy"
The Keidran in the other cages whisper to each other a hint of anger in their tones. Poppy's ears prick, picking up the whispers
<he's buying her? she's been here for years because no-one wants her!>
<I Deserve to take her place! At least I'm more attractive!>
<No, I am!>
An argument breaks out from the two women, and quickly escalates into a fight. Or however you fight from separate cages. the whip cracks again
"Silence! Or ya'll are going back in the basement!" says a 16-year old holding the whip. the noise plummets to an all time low for the alley, in exclusion of submissive whimpers.
"That's better. Now, where's the street rat who thinks he can afford a slave?"
"he's over there boss" Points the man, holding a shackle.
Damn it! I'm buying her from Achibach!?
Achibach, the 16 year-old, shows no sign of recognizing Skip. Skip sighs in relief.
"Come into my office, we will negotiate the sale"
Skip follows Achibach through a door and into the room, where Achibach's love of slavery is obvious. A slave tends a kitchen, while another brings in wood to fuel the stove. Another slave tends to cleaning the room, to the amusement of two men who keep spilling their drinks. there was even a slave Spit-polishing the desk, who Achibach promptly waves away. He pulls papers out of a drawer, and sets them on the desk.
He brushes dust off of them.
"She'll run you... 20 boranze"
"Really? you could have just said one silver piece" Says Skip, drawing a silver piece from his pouch. He slides it across the desk to Achibach. he snatches it. Skip signs the papers, replenishing the ink when needed.
"It'll run you another piece for a slave shackle"
"I can do without"
"Fine. but first, she needs to be taught a lesson"
Achibach wraps cloth around his hands, and grabs a tasseled whip from the wall
beside him. the ends of the tassels are stained with something anyone can imagine. I'll give you a hint: When dried, it becomes crusty. it is a deep red, and is found naturally in your body.
"What are you doing?" asked Skip, following, putting papers into his pack.
"Naughty pets need to be treated as such. you wouldn't understand, boy"
This time in the alley, Skip noticed something. a set of four shackles were built into a wall. The men seemed to have known what Achibach was doing, and brought out Poppy. when she was brought to the shackles she realized what was happening. she tried to fight it, but the man clamped on the control shackle, eliminating all resistance. the other guy locked her into the wall shackles. they both backed off, and Achibach wound up his arm.
Crack! Poppy cried out as the whip cracked
Crack! again, another cry
Crack! This time, she whimpered
She collapsed, arms held up by the shackles the men released her, and removed the control shackle. her bare back was now coated in blood, and she was almost out of it
"Now take her and get"
"Wha- you can't really expect me to buy a bleeding Keidran!?"
"You signed the papers, she's yours. now get out of my alley" Achibach re-enters the office. the men take guard of the cages, whose occupants are silent, for fear of the whip.
Skip approaches Poppy slowly, she looks at him, face engulfed in pain.
<Wh-why?>
<Shhh... rest> he waves his hand over her, a blue fog appearing around his hand. She shuts her eyes, but pain still controls her expression. He calmly lifts her up on a magical stretcher. her back faces up, still bleeding.
Later...
Poppy rests in a tavern bed, back facing up. Skip has treated her wounds, and wrapped them. She slowly comes too, trying to remember what had happened. she rolls over. a tinge of pain clamped at her, but it was no-where close to the day before. still, she cried out and sat up swiftly.
where? where am I?
she asked herself rubbing her head. she looked around the room, trying to figure
out where she was. the walls where a light grey, a single bed, 1 chair, and one of those dresser/mirror thingies. Then Skip walked in the door, carrying a small tray. there was a drink and a small meal on it, the smell already teasing Poppy. the last time she'd had a warm meal was years ago.
Skip set the tray on the nightstand beside the bed.
<Morning> he says
<Morning?> Poppy says rubbing her wrists.
<where... where are my shackles?>
<I took em' off. they wouldn't have done anything for you> Says Skip, handing her a warm drink. she took it in her hands, gently sipping it. it was sweet but bitter, kind of reminding her of coffee. Skip offered the plate, which she took hungrily. she set herself upon the bacon and eggs, saving the applesauce.
Meanwhile, Skip sets to organizing his pack. He pulls the cracked crystal from his pocket. He sets it beside two unknown herbs, and then puts them all into a small bowl, and mashes them together into a lotion. it is turquoise, and slightly fogs.
Poppy picks up the applesauce and is about to eat it, but Skip stops her. He takes it and puts something in it.
<What did you just do?>
<Painkiller herb. it'll make sure what I do next doesn't hurt like hell>
<What is next?>
<I'm gonna have to unwrap you, and put this on> he says holding up the bowl. Poppy tentatively sniffs it. she gags from the smell.
<What is that?>
<A Keidran healer. I... learned it from a friend. it'll make sure the wound gets sealed and make sure you'll still have fur. though, I can't say whether the scars'll go away>
Poppy eats the applesauce, and licks her lips.
<Can you lay down on your front on the bed?> Poppy lays back down on the bed
<Why didn't you do this when I was asleep?>
<It would have hurt a lot more.> he gently begins to peel away the wrappings. Poppy twitches, tail giving a flick of pain.
<How long will it take to work?>
<About a few hours, but you'll be able to walk and do stuff. it won't hurt> Skip begins to rub in the lotion, careful not to push on the long slashes left behind from the whip.
<So where are we going, Master?>
Skip winced at being called master.
<Just call me Skip. My first thing will be getting your papers filed>
<Then what?>
<Dunno.>
<Then why'd you buy me?>
<I'd be lying if I told you I knew>
Confusion crosses her face, but she does not question him. she looks at Skip's pack while he continues to apply the lotion. something in it catches her eye.
<What's that?> she asked, pointing to a book written in Keidran.
<Huh?>
<Molaruna, the invisible city> reads Poppy
<oh, that. just a Keidran fairy tale> Said Skip, wrapping Poppy back up
At the trade office...
Skip sits at a desk, and Poppy stands beside him. the clerk hands a set of papers to Skip.
"Thank you" Skip looks over them. He had made copies of Poppy's papers, in exclusion of his signature. He hands his pack to Poppy
"Can you sew?"
"Yes sir"
"Can you sew the strap back?"
"I will sir"
Poppy sets to sewing while a dark 16-year old presence watches.
What are they doing?
When Poppy finishes, she hands the pack back.
"Thank you" Says Skip, plopping a silver coin in her hand.
"Huh?"
Skip whispers into her ear, "Just play along"
She nods, but still has no idea what's happening
"Now hand me the coin"
"uhm... okay" she says handing the coin back, confusion once again instilling itself in her.
"And sign these" Said Skip, handing her the papers.
"I only can sign in Keidran" she said, handing them back
"I can read Keidran, so you can sign them," Said Skip, handing them back to her.
The dark presence realizes what Skip is doing, and he is filled with rage.
He can't do that!
The presence slinks back to his office and rallies his men, bringing forth cries of anger and swords. the cries of grown men outraged at the actions of a singular teenager fill the streets.
"Here." Poppy hands the now signed papers to Skip. he hands them to the clerk. the clerk adjusts his glasses and reads the papers.
"Congratulations Poppy" Said Skip, putting his pack back on
"Congratulations what?"
"You just bought yourself. so, you're free"
"One Poppy, sold to... Poppy" reads the clerk
"And that makes it official"
Poppy just sits there, letting it all sink in.
I-I'm free!? just like that?
Crash! Skip turns around to see a rock amidst a smashed window. the clerk is frantic
"This is my store! I-" a rock nails him in the forehead. He collapses, eyes a pair of xs.
"Crap!" Skip narrowly dodges a rock, stealing a glimpse out the broken window. a
mob rushes to them, led by Achibach. Skip ducks, and crawls to Poppy, who is still sitting in shock.
<hey. you still want to be free?> asked Skip, dodging another rock
<Is... is this a joke?>
<Does it look like one? I mean, would I really send a hoard of men after myself just because I freed a slave?>
<No>
<Then grab my arm and we can get out of here!> she didn't know where they were going to go. the whole building was surrounded!
<There's no-where to go!> She said as she grabbed his arm in fear
<There is somewhere we can go!> then, the process of teleportation started. they began to fragmentate into pixels, starting from their feet and quickly working it's way up, until they are gone.
Spoiler!
In a flash of blue they appear in another city.
<What just happened?> Poppy leans forward and puts her hands on her knees. a feeling rushed over her, draining her lungs of air.
<We teleported>
<I've never- I've never used magic>
<yeah, it's a rush the first time. just take a few deep breaths>
Poppy takes his advice, and a few deep breaths later, she breaks the silence.
<Am I really free?>
<You bought yourself, so yeah. though, with the war and all, I would recommend you stick with me, or else you'll end up with a much less comfortable cage>
<But my papers... they'll think it's a joke!>
<That's why I still have these> Skip said, Pulling the papers out of his pack.
<Wow. you know how to prepare!>
<Learned it from my father> Skip bows and tips an imaginary hat, catching Poppy
off guard. she slightly jumps
<What now?>
"A. we start talking in human so the guards don't think I'm a Keidran, and B. we get supplies and get out of this city to the next town over, because Achibach has a strong presence here. and C, I'm going to have to tie you up."
"Sigh... I know. just get it over with"
Skip pulls some rope from his pack, and ties it to her wrist.
"Why aren't you tying them together?"
"I can't carry two packs, can I?"
"oh. good point"
"C'mon, this way" Skip lightly pulls on the rope, and Poppy follows him. they push through the crowded streets, wary of slave dealers. Skip directs them into a store, the owner looking up at them.
"No Keidran."
"Don't worry. She's mine"
"Whatever." the shopkeeper kicks back, setting his feet up on the counter, revealing his crustily nasty feet. Poppy holds her hand over her nose.
"Jeez. and I thought the basement stank" Skip gently pulls Poppy around, looking for a pack for her.
"How would this one do?" He offers her an empty pack, and she takes it. she puts it on, and adjusts the straps. she shakes her shoulders, testing the pack.
"This'll work" she takes the pack off and hands it to Skip. While Skip looks at Rolled tents, Poppy looks at herself in the window.
Wow. I really need to get a grooming kit.
She pushes her hair to the side, and attempts to unknot some of her fur.
Come on!
She attempts to untie a literal knot in her hair
Stupid cage girls!
After a good bit of trying she drops her arms, tired of trying. Skip hands her her pack, now packed full of stuff. She puts it on.
Skip unrolls a map and shows it to Poppy
"We're here" he said as he pointed to a icon on the map
"The next place we can go is here" he points to a town marked Felfinjar
"It's out of his influence, and farther from Hostile borders"
"How soon do we leave?"
The voice made a statement, but Skip was not in the mood for him
Not now!
Fine, Fine. you know I'll be back
Hey... I'm sorry
for what? asked the voice
Trying to act like you didn't exist during those early years
No prob.
wow. I really thought you were gonna say something else
I said what I wanted to hear. I am you, and you are me.
right. guess I finally have to accept that
by letting me talk you already did
"Hello? Skip? you here" Came Poppy's voice, breaking Skip from his thought conversation.
"Hmm?"
"You still here?" asked Poppy
"Was I not?"
"You zoned out. some sorta trance"
"oh. sorry. I was having some deep thoughts"
Poppy looks at him, a little bit worried
"Don't give me that. they were all safe for work" Poppy gives a slight sigh of relief, and pulls on her pack straps, ensuring that it is on right.
"Let's go" Skip leads her out of the store. They walk down the crowded street until they enter the woods, following a well-used trail. The trees have been growing their leaves for the past few weeks, now past winter. That also meant that it was close to "That time of year" for female keidran.
the sun began to set, so Skip stopped and put up the tents. Poppy got in hers, and Skip got in his. a rustling came from the trees, and Poppy looked through her new pack.
"Blankets, a pair of robes, flask of water, and what's this?" she said Pulling out a bag. she unties the string tying the bag shut
No way! A Keidran grooming kit!
She pulls out a brush and mirror. she takes to grooming her fur, and in many long, sweeping, strokes, she has eliminated what she can, careful of her bandages.
Meanwhile, Skip runs his hand over a golden badge. His pack lays open, revealing its contents. Though many are typical to travel, some are personal. the book, for example. along with the book are several pages written in Keidran, each signed with the same flourishing signature.
"what'd we do to get on their radar Instinct?"
"wish I knew."says instinct, shrugging
They are in their mindscape, which is very similar to the woods around him. they lounge in chairs, the badge between them. the trees rustle again, to Skip's annoyance.
"I'm gonna confront him."
Skip leaves his mind and enters the normal world.
"Get out of that tree you damn Coyote! I know you're following us!" Suddenly the rustling intensifies and a coyote is heard crying out, having lost his balance. Skip opens his tent flaps to see the coyote sprawled out on the ground. a little bit of blood dribbles from his head, evidence that in his fall he hit a rock. Poppy pops out of her tent, with freshly groomed fur.
Skip stares for a moment, then returns his attention to the wolf.
"Whose that?"
"Someone who's been following me for about a month"
"Why?"
"Wish I knew" Skip picks up the coyote and sets him against the tree. he then takes the same rope he had tied Poppy with, and ties the coyote to the tree
"Is he one of Achibach's?"
"No. from the rumors I've heard, no human is a part of his company"
"What company?"
"here. look at this" Skip tosses her the badge
"What's this?"
"I discovered he was following me when he dropped this in my room"
"Keidran guild, Tracer division. what's that mean?"
"He specializes in tracking people, infiltration, and stashing trackers. that's the only way he could have followed our teleport. but now that he's here, I can disable it"
Poppy gives the badge back
"What do we do with him?"
"I'll watch him till morning. see if he'll talk then"
The next morning...
Uhnn... the coyote groans.
<My head...>
"Hello, coyote. what's your name?"
<Flint.>
"Take this. it'll help with the headache" Skip offers a small cup of a strong smelling fluid. one sniff and the coyote turns his snout.
"You've been following me for a month, you really think I'd want to poison you without learning anything?"
<How'd you know that!?>
"Let's just say staying hidden doesn't help when you drop your badge"
<I thought I lost it!>
"You did. and I found it. Now, take this so you know what you're saying" Skip releases one Flint's hands, and he takes the drink. He sips it once, and then downs it.
<Tastes a lot better than it smells>
"So, why are you following me?"
<Like I know. I was just told to follow you>
"I'll take that as a "I'm still thinking""
<What are you going to do with me?>
"I would like to make a few miles today, but I think Poppys verging in on "That time""
<That time?>
"That happens to females in spring"
<Oh. That. how do you know about it?>
"It's kind of a funny story. I was moving from city to city and I got held up by these two girls. first they tried to rob me, but then heat hit the hardest part and they tried to-well-you know, but then once I was in the city they still followed me until it was over. then they robbed me"
Flint scoffs
<Sounds like heat>
"So, are you playing dumb or do you really not know why you're following me?"
<You really think I would like to know why I'm following a 14 year-old human?>
"If I were you, No. but I'm not you"
<...>
"Whatever. you'll have until we have to stop moving to think of an answer"
Skip sets to taking down the tents, while Poppy returns from relieving herself. She looks at Flint
"He's coming with us?" she asked, pointing at Flint
"He's not Achibach's, and it would be better than leaving him here. his name's Flint by the way." Skip rolls up the tents, and secures Poppy's to her pack, and his to his own pack. He puts on his pack, And Poppy picks up hers.
"Is he going to stayed tied up the whole time?" she asks, putting her pack on.
Skip scratches his chin.
"I think not. if he had wanted to hurt us he would have already done so. that, and he needs to carry his own bag" Says Skip, tossing Flint's pack to him
<Where did you get this?>
"Just because I'm human doesn't mean I'm blind. you left it in the tree"
Skip unties Flint's other hand, releasing the coyote. Flint swings on his pack and says,
<Lead the way>
They make good progress, and step off the trail for the night. Skip sets up Poppy's tent, and then goes to Flint.
"Sit there" says Skip pointing to a thick tree. Flint obeys, and sits. Skip ties his hands together behind the tree.
Suddenly, Flint sniffs the air
<What's that smell?>
"What smell?"
<It's coming from her tent. kind of musty>
Skip pops his head into her tent to find Poppy panting, a slight blush on her face. He quickly leaves.
"Tell me what you know and I'll move you somewhere safer"
<Safer?>
"She's in heat"
In the tree...
The tree is wide, and closer up it splits, like a flower in bloom, spreading it's branches, leaving a bowl in the middle. they sit across from each other and a lantern sits between the pair, illuminating them and the bottle in Skip's hand. Skip takes a large gulp, the bottle almost empty. a blanket rests over him, keeping him warm, the lantern not being enough heat for this human.
Flint takes advantage of Skip's drunken stupor, and has decided to ask a few questions. He's gotten really nowhere though, Because of Skip's drunken replies. He decides to stop beating around the bush and asks the question he'd been waiting to ask.
<Have you ever heard of a Runa-fox?>
Then, the bottle hits Skip the hardest, the drink putting him to sleep.
Flint, frustrated at Skip's inability to hold a drink, Rolls over and tries to go to sleep, while Skip thinks.
So he's after Runa-foxes...
it would appear so. What do we do?
Tell him the truth. we're not one, nor do we know any
Skip can imagine Instinct raising his eyebrow
Really? that's the truth?
I don't know what you think you saw, but V'yip wasn't one!
are you sure?
I'm sure he wasn't!
Suddenly, Skip feels something.
Crap. I'm moving.
With a sound of cloth moving against bark, Skip falls free of the tree. Before he hits the ground, he collides with something. That "Something" Gives a Yipe! upon collision. they are both knocked out, and fall down. the blanket floats down after Skip, landing on them both.
Flint gets up fast and looks down to see Skip, and a Fox, under the same blanket.
Didn't see that coming.
The next morning...
Flint wakes up, and then notices a warmth alongside him. He looks over, to see Poppy, snuggled up against him. He cries out and scrambles away. He should have scrambled another way. He fell out of the tree, and headfirst to the ground.
Meanwhile Skip has Woken up, gotten up, relieved himself in the woods, and gotten back to camp. he then notices the female he had fallen onto. he noticed a small black triangle, hidden in her black paw fur, above the wrist. he noticed her shackles as well, just normal shackles. He also noticed her lack of clothes. mostly that. She groans and rubs her head, now awake.
<Owww> Skip extends his hand. She looks at him, debating the options.
"If you're worried that I'm a slave keeper, I'm not" She then decides to take his hand, and he pulls her to her feet.
"Who are you?" Asks Skip, offering her some robes. She hesitantly takes them, and puts them on
"I'm Skip. That's Flint, who has fallen out of a tree for the second time"
Flint rubs his head, tongue hanging out
<Don't remind me>
"and I believe that Poppy was the reason he fell out of the tree"
Poppy climbs down the tree, still in heat. She then sees the fox, and her tail kicks it into high gear, beating up a storm.
<Fimitla!> Poppy rushes and tackles Fimitla, knocking her down.
<Poppy? is that you?> Asks Fimitla, tail giving a flick of excitement
"You two know each other?"
"Yep! we've been friends a long time!"
"Can we trust her?"
"With our lives!" Poppy is full of glee, and decides to take it out on Flint. She starts chasing him, and he runs. they loop around camp, all the while Skip talks to Fimitla.
"I thought you said you weren't a slave keeper."
"She's not mine-well-not anymore. I had her buy herself"
"What?"
" I bought her. I paid her for fixing my pack, and then offered for her to buy herself"
"That doesn't make any sense"
"I freed her."
"That makes more. I'm Fimitla"
Skip pulls his pack to them, Flint screaming while Poppy chases him
"Can I have your hand?"
"Why?" Asked Fimitla, looking at him with distrust
"I was going to take your shackles off"
"Oh." She extends her arm, and Skip unlocks it.
"Other" She gives him her other arm and unlocks the shackle on it. On his way back, Skip intentionally brushes the triangle with his hand. A slight blush rushed to her
cheeks and she releases a Nya! She quickly covers her mouth.
"Here" Skip offers the key. Fimitla takes it, and releases the shackles on her neck and feet.
"Sorry about falling on you. I hit the bottle a little hard last night"
<Yeah. A little> Skip delivers a swift bonk to his head, encouraging him to be quiet. Poppy inches closer to Flint. she inches some more. Flint runs for it, screaming again.
"We're headed for Felfinjar, you're welcome to join us"
"There's no-where else I can go, so yeah. I'll join you"
Crinkle crinkle!
"what was that?"
Skip turns around to see Poppy chewing the map.
"No Poppy! We need that!"
She drops it unhappily. Skip unfolds it to see it is missing a large chunk. Skip throws it behind him, almost angry.
"Too late. Where we are is already in shreds" the map floats down to the ground.
As Skip walks away Poppy pounces on the map with a Nom!
<What just happened?> Poppy leans forward and puts her hands on her knees. a feeling rushed over her, draining her lungs of air.
<We teleported>
<I've never- I've never used magic>
<yeah, it's a rush the first time. just take a few deep breaths>
Poppy takes his advice, and a few deep breaths later, she breaks the silence.
<Am I really free?>
<You bought yourself, so yeah. though, with the war and all, I would recommend you stick with me, or else you'll end up with a much less comfortable cage>
<But my papers... they'll think it's a joke!>
<That's why I still have these> Skip said, Pulling the papers out of his pack.
<Wow. you know how to prepare!>
<Learned it from my father> Skip bows and tips an imaginary hat, catching Poppy
off guard. she slightly jumps
<What now?>
"A. we start talking in human so the guards don't think I'm a Keidran, and B. we get supplies and get out of this city to the next town over, because Achibach has a strong presence here. and C, I'm going to have to tie you up."
"Sigh... I know. just get it over with"
Skip pulls some rope from his pack, and ties it to her wrist.
"Why aren't you tying them together?"
"I can't carry two packs, can I?"
"oh. good point"
"C'mon, this way" Skip lightly pulls on the rope, and Poppy follows him. they push through the crowded streets, wary of slave dealers. Skip directs them into a store, the owner looking up at them.
"No Keidran."
"Don't worry. She's mine"
"Whatever." the shopkeeper kicks back, setting his feet up on the counter, revealing his crustily nasty feet. Poppy holds her hand over her nose.
"Jeez. and I thought the basement stank" Skip gently pulls Poppy around, looking for a pack for her.
"How would this one do?" He offers her an empty pack, and she takes it. she puts it on, and adjusts the straps. she shakes her shoulders, testing the pack.
"This'll work" she takes the pack off and hands it to Skip. While Skip looks at Rolled tents, Poppy looks at herself in the window.
Wow. I really need to get a grooming kit.
She pushes her hair to the side, and attempts to unknot some of her fur.
Come on!
She attempts to untie a literal knot in her hair
Stupid cage girls!
After a good bit of trying she drops her arms, tired of trying. Skip hands her her pack, now packed full of stuff. She puts it on.
Skip unrolls a map and shows it to Poppy
"We're here" he said as he pointed to a icon on the map
"The next place we can go is here" he points to a town marked Felfinjar
"It's out of his influence, and farther from Hostile borders"
"How soon do we leave?"
The voice made a statement, but Skip was not in the mood for him
Not now!
Fine, Fine. you know I'll be back
Hey... I'm sorry
for what? asked the voice
Trying to act like you didn't exist during those early years
No prob.
wow. I really thought you were gonna say something else
I said what I wanted to hear. I am you, and you are me.
right. guess I finally have to accept that
by letting me talk you already did
"Hello? Skip? you here" Came Poppy's voice, breaking Skip from his thought conversation.
"Hmm?"
"You still here?" asked Poppy
"Was I not?"
"You zoned out. some sorta trance"
"oh. sorry. I was having some deep thoughts"
Poppy looks at him, a little bit worried
"Don't give me that. they were all safe for work" Poppy gives a slight sigh of relief, and pulls on her pack straps, ensuring that it is on right.
"Let's go" Skip leads her out of the store. They walk down the crowded street until they enter the woods, following a well-used trail. The trees have been growing their leaves for the past few weeks, now past winter. That also meant that it was close to "That time of year" for female keidran.
the sun began to set, so Skip stopped and put up the tents. Poppy got in hers, and Skip got in his. a rustling came from the trees, and Poppy looked through her new pack.
"Blankets, a pair of robes, flask of water, and what's this?" she said Pulling out a bag. she unties the string tying the bag shut
No way! A Keidran grooming kit!
She pulls out a brush and mirror. she takes to grooming her fur, and in many long, sweeping, strokes, she has eliminated what she can, careful of her bandages.
Meanwhile, Skip runs his hand over a golden badge. His pack lays open, revealing its contents. Though many are typical to travel, some are personal. the book, for example. along with the book are several pages written in Keidran, each signed with the same flourishing signature.
"what'd we do to get on their radar Instinct?"
"wish I knew."says instinct, shrugging
They are in their mindscape, which is very similar to the woods around him. they lounge in chairs, the badge between them. the trees rustle again, to Skip's annoyance.
"I'm gonna confront him."
Skip leaves his mind and enters the normal world.
"Get out of that tree you damn Coyote! I know you're following us!" Suddenly the rustling intensifies and a coyote is heard crying out, having lost his balance. Skip opens his tent flaps to see the coyote sprawled out on the ground. a little bit of blood dribbles from his head, evidence that in his fall he hit a rock. Poppy pops out of her tent, with freshly groomed fur.
Skip stares for a moment, then returns his attention to the wolf.
"Whose that?"
"Someone who's been following me for about a month"
"Why?"
"Wish I knew" Skip picks up the coyote and sets him against the tree. he then takes the same rope he had tied Poppy with, and ties the coyote to the tree
"Is he one of Achibach's?"
"No. from the rumors I've heard, no human is a part of his company"
"What company?"
"here. look at this" Skip tosses her the badge
"What's this?"
"I discovered he was following me when he dropped this in my room"
"Keidran guild, Tracer division. what's that mean?"
"He specializes in tracking people, infiltration, and stashing trackers. that's the only way he could have followed our teleport. but now that he's here, I can disable it"
Poppy gives the badge back
"What do we do with him?"
"I'll watch him till morning. see if he'll talk then"
The next morning...
Uhnn... the coyote groans.
<My head...>
"Hello, coyote. what's your name?"
<Flint.>
"Take this. it'll help with the headache" Skip offers a small cup of a strong smelling fluid. one sniff and the coyote turns his snout.
"You've been following me for a month, you really think I'd want to poison you without learning anything?"
<How'd you know that!?>
"Let's just say staying hidden doesn't help when you drop your badge"
<I thought I lost it!>
"You did. and I found it. Now, take this so you know what you're saying" Skip releases one Flint's hands, and he takes the drink. He sips it once, and then downs it.
<Tastes a lot better than it smells>
"So, why are you following me?"
<Like I know. I was just told to follow you>
"I'll take that as a "I'm still thinking""
<What are you going to do with me?>
"I would like to make a few miles today, but I think Poppys verging in on "That time""
<That time?>
"That happens to females in spring"
<Oh. That. how do you know about it?>
"It's kind of a funny story. I was moving from city to city and I got held up by these two girls. first they tried to rob me, but then heat hit the hardest part and they tried to-well-you know, but then once I was in the city they still followed me until it was over. then they robbed me"
Flint scoffs
<Sounds like heat>
"So, are you playing dumb or do you really not know why you're following me?"
<You really think I would like to know why I'm following a 14 year-old human?>
"If I were you, No. but I'm not you"
<...>
"Whatever. you'll have until we have to stop moving to think of an answer"
Skip sets to taking down the tents, while Poppy returns from relieving herself. She looks at Flint
"He's coming with us?" she asked, pointing at Flint
"He's not Achibach's, and it would be better than leaving him here. his name's Flint by the way." Skip rolls up the tents, and secures Poppy's to her pack, and his to his own pack. He puts on his pack, And Poppy picks up hers.
"Is he going to stayed tied up the whole time?" she asks, putting her pack on.
Skip scratches his chin.
"I think not. if he had wanted to hurt us he would have already done so. that, and he needs to carry his own bag" Says Skip, tossing Flint's pack to him
<Where did you get this?>
"Just because I'm human doesn't mean I'm blind. you left it in the tree"
Skip unties Flint's other hand, releasing the coyote. Flint swings on his pack and says,
<Lead the way>
They make good progress, and step off the trail for the night. Skip sets up Poppy's tent, and then goes to Flint.
"Sit there" says Skip pointing to a thick tree. Flint obeys, and sits. Skip ties his hands together behind the tree.
Suddenly, Flint sniffs the air
<What's that smell?>
"What smell?"
<It's coming from her tent. kind of musty>
Skip pops his head into her tent to find Poppy panting, a slight blush on her face. He quickly leaves.
"Tell me what you know and I'll move you somewhere safer"
<Safer?>
"She's in heat"
In the tree...
The tree is wide, and closer up it splits, like a flower in bloom, spreading it's branches, leaving a bowl in the middle. they sit across from each other and a lantern sits between the pair, illuminating them and the bottle in Skip's hand. Skip takes a large gulp, the bottle almost empty. a blanket rests over him, keeping him warm, the lantern not being enough heat for this human.
Flint takes advantage of Skip's drunken stupor, and has decided to ask a few questions. He's gotten really nowhere though, Because of Skip's drunken replies. He decides to stop beating around the bush and asks the question he'd been waiting to ask.
<Have you ever heard of a Runa-fox?>
Then, the bottle hits Skip the hardest, the drink putting him to sleep.
Flint, frustrated at Skip's inability to hold a drink, Rolls over and tries to go to sleep, while Skip thinks.
So he's after Runa-foxes...
it would appear so. What do we do?
Tell him the truth. we're not one, nor do we know any
Skip can imagine Instinct raising his eyebrow
Really? that's the truth?
I don't know what you think you saw, but V'yip wasn't one!
are you sure?
I'm sure he wasn't!
Suddenly, Skip feels something.
Crap. I'm moving.
With a sound of cloth moving against bark, Skip falls free of the tree. Before he hits the ground, he collides with something. That "Something" Gives a Yipe! upon collision. they are both knocked out, and fall down. the blanket floats down after Skip, landing on them both.
Flint gets up fast and looks down to see Skip, and a Fox, under the same blanket.
Didn't see that coming.
The next morning...
Flint wakes up, and then notices a warmth alongside him. He looks over, to see Poppy, snuggled up against him. He cries out and scrambles away. He should have scrambled another way. He fell out of the tree, and headfirst to the ground.
Meanwhile Skip has Woken up, gotten up, relieved himself in the woods, and gotten back to camp. he then notices the female he had fallen onto. he noticed a small black triangle, hidden in her black paw fur, above the wrist. he noticed her shackles as well, just normal shackles. He also noticed her lack of clothes. mostly that. She groans and rubs her head, now awake.
<Owww> Skip extends his hand. She looks at him, debating the options.
"If you're worried that I'm a slave keeper, I'm not" She then decides to take his hand, and he pulls her to her feet.
"Who are you?" Asks Skip, offering her some robes. She hesitantly takes them, and puts them on
"I'm Skip. That's Flint, who has fallen out of a tree for the second time"
Flint rubs his head, tongue hanging out
<Don't remind me>
"and I believe that Poppy was the reason he fell out of the tree"
Poppy climbs down the tree, still in heat. She then sees the fox, and her tail kicks it into high gear, beating up a storm.
<Fimitla!> Poppy rushes and tackles Fimitla, knocking her down.
<Poppy? is that you?> Asks Fimitla, tail giving a flick of excitement
"You two know each other?"
"Yep! we've been friends a long time!"
"Can we trust her?"
"With our lives!" Poppy is full of glee, and decides to take it out on Flint. She starts chasing him, and he runs. they loop around camp, all the while Skip talks to Fimitla.
"I thought you said you weren't a slave keeper."
"She's not mine-well-not anymore. I had her buy herself"
"What?"
" I bought her. I paid her for fixing my pack, and then offered for her to buy herself"
"That doesn't make any sense"
"I freed her."
"That makes more. I'm Fimitla"
Skip pulls his pack to them, Flint screaming while Poppy chases him
"Can I have your hand?"
"Why?" Asked Fimitla, looking at him with distrust
"I was going to take your shackles off"
"Oh." She extends her arm, and Skip unlocks it.
"Other" She gives him her other arm and unlocks the shackle on it. On his way back, Skip intentionally brushes the triangle with his hand. A slight blush rushed to her
cheeks and she releases a Nya! She quickly covers her mouth.
"Here" Skip offers the key. Fimitla takes it, and releases the shackles on her neck and feet.
"Sorry about falling on you. I hit the bottle a little hard last night"
<Yeah. A little> Skip delivers a swift bonk to his head, encouraging him to be quiet. Poppy inches closer to Flint. she inches some more. Flint runs for it, screaming again.
"We're headed for Felfinjar, you're welcome to join us"
"There's no-where else I can go, so yeah. I'll join you"
Crinkle crinkle!
"what was that?"
Skip turns around to see Poppy chewing the map.
"No Poppy! We need that!"
She drops it unhappily. Skip unfolds it to see it is missing a large chunk. Skip throws it behind him, almost angry.
"Too late. Where we are is already in shreds" the map floats down to the ground.
As Skip walks away Poppy pounces on the map with a Nom!
Spoiler!
A week of wandering later...
The quad rest in a clearing, exhausted.
"Man. we'd be there by now if we still had a map" Said Skip, leaning against a tree
"I said I was sorry!" shouted Poppy, holding Flint's hand.
"Wouldn't you have had a map, Spy?"
"Nope."
"Would this do?" Asked Fimitla, Pointing to a road.
"Yes!" Skip rushes to his feet, Followed by Poppy and Flint. Fimitla walks out onto it, and takes a look around. when looking down the road, she freezes.
"What is it Fimitla?" Asks Skip, looking where she was. Then, he sees it.
A giant gate looms in front of them. years of ivy and overgrowth have taken the
wall, almost as if the gate didn't exist. the giant doors have fallen in, revealing the city they once guarded. the sight they see is one you cannot forget. through the fallen gate you can see hundreds of houses and stores, each crumbling and deserted, giving way to nature.
Then, up through the center of the city, a palace sits above all of the buildings, it too taken by nature. the two Fox statues guarding the palace sit on their seats, each cracked and crumbling, hand missing on one of them.
"what... is this place?"
<an old city. long lost and neglected, once a trophy of Templar dominance, now forgotten> said Flint, taking a longer look at it
"I'll bet there's a map in there!" Said Poppy in an attempt to redeem herself
"No harm in trying" Says Skip, walking for it
<I'm not- I'm not sure we should go in> Said Flint, staying back
"What? Scared? you were scared of Poppy and look where you ended up"
<This isn't a girl in heat! it's a graveyard!>
"Then you can stay with Poppy, and Fimitla and I will go on ahead"
<I'm not allowed to let you out of my sight>
"Don't worry, we'll be back"
Skip begins the approach, Fimitla following close behind. They walk through the open gate, and Flint decides to brave it.
<Wait for us!> He calls out, making Skip stop walking. He turns around, Flint running after them. as he is midway through the gate, he slams into an invisible wall.
<OW!> he says, clutching his now bleeding nose. Skip walks up to where Flints had collided, and put his hand out. Sure enough, the wall was still there. He ran his hand along it, to discover it took up the entirety of the gate.
<What is this?> says Flint putting his hand on it, followed by Poppy.
<It appears that they do not want you in, or us out> Said Skip, looking around, surveying the ruins.
"What are we going to do?" asked Poppy, worry creeping into her face
"You guys make camp, we'll be back in the morning. Hopefully"
Flint and Poppy hang back, watching Skip and Fimitla head deeper into the city.
Meanwhile, in a military office...
A tall and well aged fox sits at his desk, reading reports. The office is rather decorated, harboring items from the Fox's sailing days. The desk is ornate, covered in carved vines. the surface is rather cluttered, papers and empty cups taking up all the space. Then through the door, a burly snow-wolf walks in.
<Sir!>
<What is it, Tusk?>
<A duo have successfully made it into the ruins>
<Who are they!?> asked the Fox, rage working its way into him.
<One is a ex-slave and the other is a... is a...>
<is a what?>
<A human.>
The Fox sits, taking in the news.
<What do we do sir?>
<Establish a perimeter! no-one gets in or out! make contact with all agents within the vicinity!>
<Yes sir!> Tusk runs out, to rally who they need
Back at the ruins...
<Where are we going, Skip?> asked Fimitla, following Skip closely
<The palace. from there we should be able to disable the perimeter spell>
<Why did it let us in, but not them?>
<They haven't lived here>
<But I haven't either!>
<The city was sieged while we both were young, and by fate, we survived.>
<Why were you here?>
<I was orphaned by some robbers. I wandered here, small and weak. and was taken in, for however short the time>
<And if you need Mana crystals you could have asked> said Skip, holding up his necklace, now missing two crystals
<Sorry. I really needed them>
<No prob. I should be able to find some here as it is>
<not to pry, but you're Templar. why do you need them?>
<To me they have sentimental value. reminding me of old friends>
They continue on in silence, the eyes of the fallen watching.
<Do you have this sort of feeling, like we're being-> asked Fimitla, fear all over her
<Watched? yes. that would be the spirits of those who did not survive the siege>
Fimitla gets even quieter, now almost hugging Skip
They reach the palace stairs, and then Skip sees something. at the top of the stairs a ghostly figure stands, watching.
<Look. up there> Skip points, watching it
<I don't see anything>
<Hmm... Can you stay here?>
<Do I have to?>
<I would think so, If I can see him, but not you, This is something I need to do alone>
<Just please don't take long!>
<I won't>
Skip starts up the stairs, Fimitla staying at the bottom, fearfully looking around.
Skip reaches the main door, ajar and broken. the form now sits at the top of the grand stair, waiting. Skip walks up the grand stairs, running his hand over the banisters, enjoying their smooth flow all the way to the top.
<What do you need of me?> he asks the form, now at the top himself. the form waves into a large chamber, housing 13 thrones, the walls are decorated in art, depicting an age old tale. the form appears in front of the 13th chair, elevated above the rest in the center. He motions Skip to it, then fades away.
Skip climbs the platform, the stairs long gone. He pulls himself up to the chair's level, disturbing years of dust. The chair is gold and silver, covered in silver vines, each joining above the headrest, forming a silver tree, with golden leaves. He turned around, looking over the grand room. Then, he saw them. 12 spirits, each in the other chairs. they were talking, ignorant of Skip. he turned back around, to see another fox sitting in
the chair, ignorant of Skip as well.
Then the spirits spoke
~We may not spill any blood in defense or offence without the full council's permission~ said the Fox, standing up. Suddenly Skip saw the room in it's full glory, rid of vines and dust, a grand light shimmering in the roof. the elders looked at each other, each nodding their heads. they each held out a hand, pushing a blue energy into the center of the floor, rushing now up to the High Elder's chair.
Then everything faded back to disrepair and neglect. Skip turned back to the chair, to find it rising. as it rose, Skip could make out a wardrobe under the chair, now coming to light for the first time in years. the room creaked and groaned, and the wardrobe's doors swung open.
A plume of dust was released, forcing Skip to sneeze. Then, when the dust cleared, a brilliant suit of armor was revealed. dark grey with silver trimmings, gold vines ran up the chest plate, and continuing onto the helmet, forming the form of a fox, surrounded by a magical aurora, eyes glowing blue. The helmet even has holes for Keidran ears, A sword rested on the back of the wardrobe, the hilt's base glowing blue.
Skip reached in and removed the sword from its scabbard, revealing the silver blade, blue lines running up the sides, and Keidran writing up the center.
<Shieldbreaker> Says Skip, reading the hilt. the blue glowing was coming from a Mana crystal, a pure one for that matter. never would it crack or fail, even under the most extreme of circumstances. Skip dons the armor, and puts the scabbard around his waist and returns the sword to it, and leaves the room. as he walked, he felt something else. He looked behind him to see a cape materializing onto the armor, black and red.
He walks back out the front of the palace, Fimitla sitting on the stairs thinking. He descends the stairs, and taps Fimitla on the shoulder. she tuns around, and hardly recognizes him.
<We're not here to go looting palaces>
<I didn't. I was guided to finding this>
<Y'know, I've been thinking>
<About what?>
<Flint, he's a coyote and you hardly ever see any>
<I can answer that. The most stuff I was ever taught at the academy was history. lots and lots of history. early on, when the slave trade started, coyotes were the least popular amongst Keidran. the Templar decided to enslave them, to other Keidran's delight. that's why it's so rare to see one. there are hardly any left to see>
<You're fourteen and you went to the academy?>
<No. to be entirely honest, I'm 20. My roommate liked to experiment with spells. one went haywire, and well, I will eternally look fourteen. I still age, but I don't appear too>
<oh. I thought you were some big-wig's kid at some point>
<nope. normal ol' civilian who flunked out of the academy after... you know what. Let's try that store over there. they probably have a map and some things we'll need>
<um... if you know so much history, what can you tell me about this?> she asks, extending her triangled arm.
<That is the birthmark of this city, if you're born here, you have it. and I'm sure that you're aware that when touched by men under the right circumstances, it mildly arouses... certain sensitivities. the vice versa also applies to men>
She nods, a blush appearing on her face
Fimitla follows Skip into the store, and they enter the backroom. Skip lights a lantern, revealing some crates. they take to opening them up, and looking through them
Later...
<ooh! look! Pjs!> Says Fimitla excitedly holding up a pair of Pjs
<We're here for camping supplies and a map. not pajamas>
<says you! you're the one who got fancy armor!>
The ghost of the shopkeeper stands behind Fimitla, giving a thumbs up while smiling
<You're really not helping>
<Huh?>
<Nothing. you can have them>
<Yay! Skip?>
<yes?>
<Can you do something for me?>
<Like what?>
<Well, you kind of need to be okay with it>
<Okay, please explain>
<Y'know how I took some of your crystals?>
<yeah> says Skip, pulling a pouch of them out of the crate he was at
<I needed them for... for... I needed them to keep me focused>
<okay, what do I need to help you with?>
<well, I was trying to keep myself focused on other things. other than...>
<Other than what?>
<well... Poppy had already started when I met you guys. and I... well... entered a few days ago> she said, tail flicking nervously
<oh. oh. that. what do you want me to do?>
<I've been really stressed out and I would like to relax...>
<...> He begins to blush, a little worried.
<You don't have to if you don't want to> her tail continued to flick about nervously
<If I do it, can you keep a secret?>
<Sure. what?>
<I-um... I like you. like, like-like. and I'd be willing to um... move with your pace, should that be what you want>
<oh. wouldn't that be weird for you? being human and all?>
<I've never had a girlfriend, so anything down this line is new>
<oh. that makes things a lot easier. and some harder>
<I"ll go clean off a bed. and probably exchange the sheets, the mattress... you know what?>
<What?>
<I'll just replace the whole bed> the shop keeper's ghost face pawms
<We can start easy if you like>
<I'm up for a good challenge. been a while since I've had a challenge, with anything, really. but, when you've spent the last two years carrying ore for some old blacksmith and other odds and ends, you can expect that> he said, the blush never leaving his face
Fimitla hands Skip the crystals she had taken from him, smiling with thanks.
The next morning...
Skip wakes up, to find Fimitla gone
<Fimit?> He calls, donning his robes. He rushes out, to find her in the kitchen. she stands by a stove, percolating Coffee
<Is that coffee?>
<Yep! being a cook has it's advantages!> She says, taking the percolator off of the stove.
<About last night...>
<nope! don't have to talk about it! we can just pretend it never happened!> she said, Happily pouring cups of coffee
<okay, what's for breakfast?>
<Coffee and left over rations from your pack>
<yay. my favorite. I mean, I am excited about the Coffee, but the rations...>
<Don't worry! I found some seasonings in the back!>
<You sure they're still good?>
<Yep! nothing gets past this nose! though when there are two grown men who smell like they haven't had a bath in weeks, you are put at a significant disadvantage.>
<I've been meaning to take one, But there was a spy on my tail, not to mention Achibach's entire network>
<What'd you do to upset him?>
<I bent slave logic and freed Poppy>
while they talk, the shop keeper sits back, reading a book while sipping from a mug that reads, Fur Fox sake! Coffee first!
One breakfast later...
Skip and Fimitla set out, walking down the road. Skip has put on the armor, magically appearing cape and all. They walk down the street, to see a tent on the main road.
Flint walks out, followed by a tiger. Within the instant Skip pulls something from his bag, drops it, Pulls Fimitla against him, places his hand on the sword's hilt, and teleports, as blow darts pummel the spot from the trees, stirring up dirt and dust. when the dirt settles, Flint's badge rests, surrounded by darts.
The quad rest in a clearing, exhausted.
"Man. we'd be there by now if we still had a map" Said Skip, leaning against a tree
"I said I was sorry!" shouted Poppy, holding Flint's hand.
"Wouldn't you have had a map, Spy?"
"Nope."
"Would this do?" Asked Fimitla, Pointing to a road.
"Yes!" Skip rushes to his feet, Followed by Poppy and Flint. Fimitla walks out onto it, and takes a look around. when looking down the road, she freezes.
"What is it Fimitla?" Asks Skip, looking where she was. Then, he sees it.
A giant gate looms in front of them. years of ivy and overgrowth have taken the
wall, almost as if the gate didn't exist. the giant doors have fallen in, revealing the city they once guarded. the sight they see is one you cannot forget. through the fallen gate you can see hundreds of houses and stores, each crumbling and deserted, giving way to nature.
Then, up through the center of the city, a palace sits above all of the buildings, it too taken by nature. the two Fox statues guarding the palace sit on their seats, each cracked and crumbling, hand missing on one of them.
"what... is this place?"
<an old city. long lost and neglected, once a trophy of Templar dominance, now forgotten> said Flint, taking a longer look at it
"I'll bet there's a map in there!" Said Poppy in an attempt to redeem herself
"No harm in trying" Says Skip, walking for it
<I'm not- I'm not sure we should go in> Said Flint, staying back
"What? Scared? you were scared of Poppy and look where you ended up"
<This isn't a girl in heat! it's a graveyard!>
"Then you can stay with Poppy, and Fimitla and I will go on ahead"
<I'm not allowed to let you out of my sight>
"Don't worry, we'll be back"
Skip begins the approach, Fimitla following close behind. They walk through the open gate, and Flint decides to brave it.
<Wait for us!> He calls out, making Skip stop walking. He turns around, Flint running after them. as he is midway through the gate, he slams into an invisible wall.
<OW!> he says, clutching his now bleeding nose. Skip walks up to where Flints had collided, and put his hand out. Sure enough, the wall was still there. He ran his hand along it, to discover it took up the entirety of the gate.
<What is this?> says Flint putting his hand on it, followed by Poppy.
<It appears that they do not want you in, or us out> Said Skip, looking around, surveying the ruins.
"What are we going to do?" asked Poppy, worry creeping into her face
"You guys make camp, we'll be back in the morning. Hopefully"
Flint and Poppy hang back, watching Skip and Fimitla head deeper into the city.
Meanwhile, in a military office...
A tall and well aged fox sits at his desk, reading reports. The office is rather decorated, harboring items from the Fox's sailing days. The desk is ornate, covered in carved vines. the surface is rather cluttered, papers and empty cups taking up all the space. Then through the door, a burly snow-wolf walks in.
<Sir!>
<What is it, Tusk?>
<A duo have successfully made it into the ruins>
<Who are they!?> asked the Fox, rage working its way into him.
<One is a ex-slave and the other is a... is a...>
<is a what?>
<A human.>
The Fox sits, taking in the news.
<What do we do sir?>
<Establish a perimeter! no-one gets in or out! make contact with all agents within the vicinity!>
<Yes sir!> Tusk runs out, to rally who they need
Back at the ruins...
<Where are we going, Skip?> asked Fimitla, following Skip closely
<The palace. from there we should be able to disable the perimeter spell>
<Why did it let us in, but not them?>
<They haven't lived here>
<But I haven't either!>
<The city was sieged while we both were young, and by fate, we survived.>
<Why were you here?>
<I was orphaned by some robbers. I wandered here, small and weak. and was taken in, for however short the time>
<And if you need Mana crystals you could have asked> said Skip, holding up his necklace, now missing two crystals
<Sorry. I really needed them>
<No prob. I should be able to find some here as it is>
<not to pry, but you're Templar. why do you need them?>
<To me they have sentimental value. reminding me of old friends>
They continue on in silence, the eyes of the fallen watching.
<Do you have this sort of feeling, like we're being-> asked Fimitla, fear all over her
<Watched? yes. that would be the spirits of those who did not survive the siege>
Fimitla gets even quieter, now almost hugging Skip
They reach the palace stairs, and then Skip sees something. at the top of the stairs a ghostly figure stands, watching.
<Look. up there> Skip points, watching it
<I don't see anything>
<Hmm... Can you stay here?>
<Do I have to?>
<I would think so, If I can see him, but not you, This is something I need to do alone>
<Just please don't take long!>
<I won't>
Skip starts up the stairs, Fimitla staying at the bottom, fearfully looking around.
Skip reaches the main door, ajar and broken. the form now sits at the top of the grand stair, waiting. Skip walks up the grand stairs, running his hand over the banisters, enjoying their smooth flow all the way to the top.
<What do you need of me?> he asks the form, now at the top himself. the form waves into a large chamber, housing 13 thrones, the walls are decorated in art, depicting an age old tale. the form appears in front of the 13th chair, elevated above the rest in the center. He motions Skip to it, then fades away.
Skip climbs the platform, the stairs long gone. He pulls himself up to the chair's level, disturbing years of dust. The chair is gold and silver, covered in silver vines, each joining above the headrest, forming a silver tree, with golden leaves. He turned around, looking over the grand room. Then, he saw them. 12 spirits, each in the other chairs. they were talking, ignorant of Skip. he turned back around, to see another fox sitting in
the chair, ignorant of Skip as well.
Then the spirits spoke
~We may not spill any blood in defense or offence without the full council's permission~ said the Fox, standing up. Suddenly Skip saw the room in it's full glory, rid of vines and dust, a grand light shimmering in the roof. the elders looked at each other, each nodding their heads. they each held out a hand, pushing a blue energy into the center of the floor, rushing now up to the High Elder's chair.
Then everything faded back to disrepair and neglect. Skip turned back to the chair, to find it rising. as it rose, Skip could make out a wardrobe under the chair, now coming to light for the first time in years. the room creaked and groaned, and the wardrobe's doors swung open.
A plume of dust was released, forcing Skip to sneeze. Then, when the dust cleared, a brilliant suit of armor was revealed. dark grey with silver trimmings, gold vines ran up the chest plate, and continuing onto the helmet, forming the form of a fox, surrounded by a magical aurora, eyes glowing blue. The helmet even has holes for Keidran ears, A sword rested on the back of the wardrobe, the hilt's base glowing blue.
Skip reached in and removed the sword from its scabbard, revealing the silver blade, blue lines running up the sides, and Keidran writing up the center.
<Shieldbreaker> Says Skip, reading the hilt. the blue glowing was coming from a Mana crystal, a pure one for that matter. never would it crack or fail, even under the most extreme of circumstances. Skip dons the armor, and puts the scabbard around his waist and returns the sword to it, and leaves the room. as he walked, he felt something else. He looked behind him to see a cape materializing onto the armor, black and red.
He walks back out the front of the palace, Fimitla sitting on the stairs thinking. He descends the stairs, and taps Fimitla on the shoulder. she tuns around, and hardly recognizes him.
<We're not here to go looting palaces>
<I didn't. I was guided to finding this>
<Y'know, I've been thinking>
<About what?>
<Flint, he's a coyote and you hardly ever see any>
<I can answer that. The most stuff I was ever taught at the academy was history. lots and lots of history. early on, when the slave trade started, coyotes were the least popular amongst Keidran. the Templar decided to enslave them, to other Keidran's delight. that's why it's so rare to see one. there are hardly any left to see>
<You're fourteen and you went to the academy?>
<No. to be entirely honest, I'm 20. My roommate liked to experiment with spells. one went haywire, and well, I will eternally look fourteen. I still age, but I don't appear too>
<oh. I thought you were some big-wig's kid at some point>
<nope. normal ol' civilian who flunked out of the academy after... you know what. Let's try that store over there. they probably have a map and some things we'll need>
<um... if you know so much history, what can you tell me about this?> she asks, extending her triangled arm.
<That is the birthmark of this city, if you're born here, you have it. and I'm sure that you're aware that when touched by men under the right circumstances, it mildly arouses... certain sensitivities. the vice versa also applies to men>
She nods, a blush appearing on her face
Fimitla follows Skip into the store, and they enter the backroom. Skip lights a lantern, revealing some crates. they take to opening them up, and looking through them
Later...
<ooh! look! Pjs!> Says Fimitla excitedly holding up a pair of Pjs
<We're here for camping supplies and a map. not pajamas>
<says you! you're the one who got fancy armor!>
The ghost of the shopkeeper stands behind Fimitla, giving a thumbs up while smiling
<You're really not helping>
<Huh?>
<Nothing. you can have them>
<Yay! Skip?>
<yes?>
<Can you do something for me?>
<Like what?>
<Well, you kind of need to be okay with it>
<Okay, please explain>
<Y'know how I took some of your crystals?>
<yeah> says Skip, pulling a pouch of them out of the crate he was at
<I needed them for... for... I needed them to keep me focused>
<okay, what do I need to help you with?>
<well, I was trying to keep myself focused on other things. other than...>
<Other than what?>
<well... Poppy had already started when I met you guys. and I... well... entered a few days ago> she said, tail flicking nervously
<oh. oh. that. what do you want me to do?>
<I've been really stressed out and I would like to relax...>
<...> He begins to blush, a little worried.
<You don't have to if you don't want to> her tail continued to flick about nervously
<If I do it, can you keep a secret?>
<Sure. what?>
<I-um... I like you. like, like-like. and I'd be willing to um... move with your pace, should that be what you want>
<oh. wouldn't that be weird for you? being human and all?>
<I've never had a girlfriend, so anything down this line is new>
<oh. that makes things a lot easier. and some harder>
<I"ll go clean off a bed. and probably exchange the sheets, the mattress... you know what?>
<What?>
<I'll just replace the whole bed> the shop keeper's ghost face pawms
<We can start easy if you like>
<I'm up for a good challenge. been a while since I've had a challenge, with anything, really. but, when you've spent the last two years carrying ore for some old blacksmith and other odds and ends, you can expect that> he said, the blush never leaving his face
Fimitla hands Skip the crystals she had taken from him, smiling with thanks.
The next morning...
Skip wakes up, to find Fimitla gone
<Fimit?> He calls, donning his robes. He rushes out, to find her in the kitchen. she stands by a stove, percolating Coffee
<Is that coffee?>
<Yep! being a cook has it's advantages!> She says, taking the percolator off of the stove.
<About last night...>
<nope! don't have to talk about it! we can just pretend it never happened!> she said, Happily pouring cups of coffee
<okay, what's for breakfast?>
<Coffee and left over rations from your pack>
<yay. my favorite. I mean, I am excited about the Coffee, but the rations...>
<Don't worry! I found some seasonings in the back!>
<You sure they're still good?>
<Yep! nothing gets past this nose! though when there are two grown men who smell like they haven't had a bath in weeks, you are put at a significant disadvantage.>
<I've been meaning to take one, But there was a spy on my tail, not to mention Achibach's entire network>
<What'd you do to upset him?>
<I bent slave logic and freed Poppy>
while they talk, the shop keeper sits back, reading a book while sipping from a mug that reads, Fur Fox sake! Coffee first!
One breakfast later...
Skip and Fimitla set out, walking down the road. Skip has put on the armor, magically appearing cape and all. They walk down the street, to see a tent on the main road.
Flint walks out, followed by a tiger. Within the instant Skip pulls something from his bag, drops it, Pulls Fimitla against him, places his hand on the sword's hilt, and teleports, as blow darts pummel the spot from the trees, stirring up dirt and dust. when the dirt settles, Flint's badge rests, surrounded by darts.