Prepare for the #LodanRespawn2024 Existing characters may choose to be displace from/have memories of different timelines, thereby allowing returning members the option to retcon their whole character. These changes are the result of the "Unnatural Fog" plot device that is running between now and the Respawn. The plot is simple: no matter where your character is, that place is shrouded in a thick fog that suspends time, but not thoughts or memories, so even if they're repeating the same day over and over again, they continue to remember, so each time feels like a new day. For those retconning OCs; this is where new versions of themselves have the opportunity to replace the old versions. Official lore and tree updates will be announced asap
A mere glance and the twitch of a smile was her only answer, but it was an answer all the same. She was perfectly okay with Sayvahn staying with her, in fact, she felt... happy? yes. A little bit of happiness that the feline wanted to be with her. So very few these days even came near her, fewer yet who willingly stayed with her. Sayvahn had always been a rare case but she was glad that he was. It made her feel just a little bit more human and a little less like the monster that she had become, even if he may not have necessarily wanted that.
"Are you hungry at all? I can make something when we reach the house if you fancy."
"those who know how to think need no teachers." -Mahatma Gandhi
The glance and the faint smile were all that Aida needed. They were brief glimmers in the corner of her eye, but there was no spoken word of denial and so the feline sighed in relief. She snuggled a little bit more into the Raven’s arm, trying to match her breaths to that of Vieka— and when that proved impossible to tell with their movement, she instead tried to match Vieka’s pace. At least, until the Raven asked a question of her. “That would be lovely. Thank you.” Aida tried to refrain from the tenderness in her voice, the grateful tone, but it came out regardless. Vieka would cook for her? This truly was a luxurious night, making the older woman even gladder that she had accepted Vieka’s proposal as opposed to turn it down. Though, all perfect nights would end at some point. ~ “Is the dark of night really the best time to be recruiting people?” Barnaby hissed, hovering closely to the tottering elder woman by his side. Kunchen humphed, amused slightly at how Barnaby gagged as a woman tried to approach him, asking for a pence. He flinched at every corner, disgust, lingering. Kunchen never saw a man so sensitive before. It had been amusing in Tomorbota, but it was more amusing here. “My god woman. Cover up your bosom.” He said to the woman who had been hustling for some coins, her breasts, nearly popping out of her corset. Kunchen laughed, slapping Sandsworth’s back. “Nothing you never seen before. You were weaned off of such things.” If that was meant to comfort Sandsworth, it did the opposite. Shaking the dollymop off, he hobbled after the shorter woman, disgust still lingering. “That is vile. This whole edge of town is vile. I assure you, you will not find someone suitable for the army in this side of town.” The taller man spat, brushing some dust off of his “normal” clothes. Kunchen had insisted on being discreet, which meant dressing like a simpleton. He hated it, frankly. The dull browns and beiges. He felt more like a cobbler than a soldier. And his high commander— she dressed like some sort of cook, someone belonging in the kitchen as opposed to a decorated war veteran. It all disgusted him.
Kunchen noted his disgust. Paid it no head. After all, Kunchen wanted to explore, and Sandsworth would not let her go unless accompanied. Thus, here they were.in an alley, looking for those who were desperate, those who had nowhere else to turn to. Kunchen understood such likes, and knew, faintly, where to go to. To the bars. To the alleys, to the slums. Though, Kunchen did not expect heavy footsteps. No, footsteps were the incorrect word. The shuffle of a beast, large and wide. Reminded her of cow, crossing a path with too much weight on its back. The awkward hush of flesh against ground, and the clanks of materials made her pause. The sound was approaching, just as they were going to connect with another road. And when they did connect, well, Barnaby cursed. “What in the blazes?” Two figures walked, one slouched against the other, but behind them a beast lumbered its way across the cobblestones. Big and white, like the yeti tales Kunchen heard as a babe, it walked. The face was of a bear, but its flesh was not. Something otherworldly, and the woman, she guided it like a beast tamer. Kunchen furrowed her brow, confused at the creature. Was this indeed a yeti? Or monster, from another world? So white, its’ fur— like the snows of her home country. Yet, so large was its build. It would require a spear to take it down— something with long range, of which, neither her nor Barnaby had. “How the hell is that thing even here?” Barnaby hissed, stepping back as Kunchen did as well. “That thing is a walking beacon— how did our men miss it?” Kunchen wondered the same— how did such a creature get past their guards? Was their an opening? A fault? Yet, the women were fine, were guiding the beast—easily pulling the white yeti forward. It seemed peaceful, but caution was expected, none the less. “Should we approach?” Sandsworth inquired, and Kunchen was quiet for a moment before nodding a “with caution.” Stepping forward, Sandsworth stood up straight, coughing lightly as he folded his hands, although he would have preferred them at his back—after all, when engaging a stranger, it was better to show one hands— lest they be hiding a knife. “Excuse me, miss—that’s quite a big… companion you have there. Do you happen to have papers for the creature? The guards here are quite strict, and without papers, your .... companion could get harmed” Barnaby spoke, instinctively adapting a formal tone. He was careful with his words, or well, as careful as he could be. This was not his line of work, specifically. This was for someone lower on the roll than him— of which he would be notified in a day or two. Apparently the day or two had yet to come. Or maybe, the woman had not filled out her paperwork. Well, they were going to figure that out fairly soon, he hoped. Still, he was cautious. After all, she was the one with the giant white bear, and him, in peasant clothes.
Viekaris would never understand people. Why was it that they saw something out of their immediate norm and automatically presumed it dangerous? Was he lumbering about running amok? No? How about roaring and baring his teeth either? Not that either? The reality was he was less dangerous than a horse, who with a single kick could end your life. Considering the beast was obviously with her, you would think they would be more concerned with the incapacitated person sprawled over the creatures back rather than the white bear itself.
Turning to the two people approaching her, the brunette adjusted her grip on the blond beside her and stopped walking, making sure the polar bear at her side didn't stray too far forward. "And i presume you are merely a concerned citizen." She sighed, shark hazels sliding to view the two people carefully approaching. A taller, lanky male, and a stout older woman by the looks of it, wearing clothes of the working kind. Strange, considering the hour and neighbourhood. "I have the paperwork, should it be needed. Now the question is do you have the correct paperwork to be asking such matters."
People in Lodan tended to mind their own business. Avoid a situation rather than get involved; it was safer that way. That's not to say that there weren't the odd few who liked to stick their nose in where it really out not to, but asking about paperwork was rather a specific thing, at least in her oppinion. Still, that was only speculation on her part. Anyone who was concerned with her companion usually just screamed 'why is there a frakking bear in the city?!'
"those who know how to think need no teachers." -Mahatma Gandhi
From their angle, the incapacitated person was not as noticeable as a giant bear. Upon closer inspection, they would see the form, but until then. Big Yeti. Big Yeti. Kunchen, lover of animals, knew first hand not to go near big animals without approval. And so, she was quiet. Did not approach, and allowed Sandsworth to speak as the man sighed. Reaching into his shirt, he grabbed a small wallet sizeD pouch. Opening it, he revealed the EIRAL insignia crest, gifted to soldiers who went undercover. His undercover initials were stitched to the side to make sure that no one could use it without it being himself. There were other tricks, too, but that was classified. “EIRAL, miss,” Sandsworth stated, as if that is all he needed to say. Though, the thought it best to continue. “Papers would be appreciated. I realize it is a hassle, but we have had no news of a …bear entering the city. At least not yet. It can take two to three days for the paperwork to run through.” Sandsworth explained as Kunchen inspected the beast from her spot next to him. “Your companion is fluffy. Is he soft as well?” Kunchen inquired, and Sandsowrth sighed. Here we go, with the animals again.
Ah, EIRaL, so her hunch had been right. Well, this could either work to their favour or be an utter pain the arse. It really depended on which kind of EIRaL she was dealing with, which was honestly anyone's guess right now. From her experience there were two different types, the racist puritans and the few who wanted to help but were either tied down by rules or lack of actual sway. Such is the case in most professions though.
"Very well. Since you are here, you can save me the travel for a different matter as well." She sighed, moving to guide Sayvahn to an area where he could sit while she dealt with matters. "Stay here okay? I'll finish up here and then we'll get you something warm to eat and a cup of tea." She murmured, gently pushing some of the blond hair away from her sculpted cheek bones before moving back to business. She manoeuvred over to Hyde, opening one of the satchels he was carrying on his saddle to look for the appropriate paperwork required to keep him in the city. At the older woman's question however she paused, her eyes flickering over to view her with just a hint of a smile pulling at her lips.
"A Polar bears fur is designed to protect them from the elements. It is thick and course to help trap heat and shelter him from snow and wind, so it is not quite as soft as it looks. Saying that, Hyde here lives with me, and he does not live in the harsh conditions of his natural habitat. I look after him and make sure he is washed and well brushed, so the fur is reasonably soft, when taken care of." She explained before finding the document that she needed.
Strolling over to where the two EIRaL soldiers were stationed, the brunette handed over the neatly folded document, professional and efficient. "Now, once you have confirmed that that is indeed the correct and authentic paperwork, i have a matter that requires your attention. My friend over there was attacked by a man before a intervened, a man who is now currently unconscious and sprawled over the back of my bear. We were actually on the way to take him to the local authorities but since you are here now, i might as well report it to you. I can give statements if you need about the assault, however i ask that you leave my friend be for the time being as she..." did not seem to want anything to do with EIRaL. "Seems quite shaken by the matter." She settled with instead.
"those who know how to think need no teachers." -Mahatma Gandhi
It hurt Aida at the prospect that Vieka would leave again. It hurt her more than it should have— but the Raven had promised her she would come back. Said that they would go get something warm to eat together. Even with that promise, though, Sayvahn had to withhold the urge to reach out for her hand as she walked away toward the intruders.
Sandsworth had to prevent his eyes from rolling. He knew what was coming next. “Coarse. Animals back home the same.” Stepping forward, Kunchen warily and slowly passed the girl as she handed the papers to Sandsworth. Staring at the bear, she inspected it cautiously. Never good to stare too long at an animal.
Taking the paper work, Sandsworth leafed through it. His trained eye confirmed that everything had been processed accordingly. It just hadn’t arrived at his desk— not surprising, given the state that the Alistair fellow had left everything. Raising a brow at the request, though, Sandsworth looked past the group to the bear. Indeed, there was an unconscious fellow on the back of the bear. It was going to be that kind of night, wasn’t it? Although Sandswroth noted the beast tamer’s hesitance, he did not take it to heart “For legal reasons, it is best that all parties go to EIRAL HQ for statements. That, or have an EIRAL soldier make a report and—“ Glancing over her shoulder, Sandsworth stared at his superior who, at this moment, was staring intently at the bear. “—Excuse me miss for just a moment. please,” Sandsworth stated, giving her back the papers as he approached Kunchen. “Commander, I beseech you to step away from the bear,” he hushed quietly to Kunchen, restraining himself from pulling her back as he had learned previously that that was never a good idea. Unless, of course, for certain circumstances— but for this one, Kunchen would certainly have his hide if he tugged on her. “It’s best if we do not get too close to it— the papers check through but that does not mean the animal is friendly—“ he hushed again, making sure not to get too close to it himself. “I beseech you—“ “I want to pet it.” “Commander?!” “I want to pet it,” she said again to Sandworth. She coniuned to stare at the yeti, her gleaming eyes never leaving the white mountain of fur. “May I pet it?” Kunchen asked, her voice stern despite her actions.
The brunette seemed unconcerned as the older woman passed her by, knowing that Hyde wouldn't hurt a fly even if someone tried to harass him. She doubted the woman would though, but she kept an ear out just in case. Her dear fluffy white friend had been through enough, he did not need anymore aggression in his life. At least she had seemed easier to please. The man in front of her however, seemed more like a stick in the mud. Sticklers for rules were always a pain in the arse, refusing to bend more often than not. Sayvahn was in no shape to be bothered by EIRaL right now however. Perhaps she could try and strike some kind of deal with the two of them? Ah, but then came the issue of trying to figure out what the two of them might-
"I want to pet it."
“Commander?!”
Vieka blinked, turning her direction towards the older woman and where her accomplice was now shushing her. Oh, Oh. Commander was it? That woman was the new high commander? The half breed couldn't help the subtle curve of her lips, chuckling under her breath. Well wasn't someone looking out for her today? The high commander was here and it would seem she had an affinity towards exotic animals. Excellent. Perhaps she could work this to her benefit after.
Shooting the blond still at the side lines a wink, Vieka strode after the two, standing next to the commander with a neutral expression that erred on the side of amusement.
"How about a deal then. You do the interview and report right here, right now, and you can pet Hyde until your hearts content. You can even travel back with us and help brush and feed him if you so desire." She hummed casually, a subtle purr laced to her tone. Of cause MR stick in the mud would most likely disagree but if his commander agreed to it, he would have no choice but to obey. That's the thing about being a stickler for rules, you cant just abide by one set. you had to abide by all of them, and that included hierarchy.
"those who know how to think need no teachers." -Mahatma Gandhi
Sayvahn noticed the wink and it made his heart flutter. When had she ever winked at him? He wasn’t certain, but he hoped it meant something good was happening. Although he tried to listen, it was hard to follow. In fact, he focused most of his energy making sure that the Raven didn’t leave him. At least, not yet— not after she promised.
Vieaka’s reaction along with wink went unnoticed as Sandsworth attempted to lure his commander away from the large animal. “Commander, please, step away from the animal. We know nothing about it “ “It’s fluffy.” “Yes, but—“ Fluffy doesn’t mean safe. Of course the Commander knew it. Even her cows and horses could be dangerous without proper monitoring but this— this was a new level of dangerous. The bear tamer approached them, something that Sandsworth did note. He eyed her cautiously (unlike his commander who merely focused on the animal). “Unacceptable—“ “Sounds reasonable,” Kunchen interrupted Sandsworth before he could even list all the rules that the very implication (let alone the action itself) would break. “Command—Commander!” Sandsworth began to squeak very loudly, though, he hushed his voice realizing that spouting “Commander” loudly was probably not the best idea. “This is against multiple rules.” “It’s not too bad.” “But it is against the rules.” Kunchen shrugged. “Then ignore the rules.” Sandsworth paled. “Ignore the rules? Ignore the rules!” Sandsworth was dumbfounded, let alone on a brink of a heart attack.” One cannot just ignore the rules, Commander!” “But I’m Commander.” “I know but—“ Let me pet the Yeti, Sandsworth.” There was an order in her tone. Sandsworth heard it, and knew it quite well. That was the tone she used when her statement was final. Sighing, Sandsworth stepped back. This was a major breach of protocol, but if this was the only stain on Kunchen’s record, then so be it. It was better then trying to cover a crime, but it was showing bribery was effective. Something that he would have to monitor in the future. But, he guessed it was harmless enough. If the woman in trouble was a woman of the night (as he so far guessed) then bringing her into the station would not be helpful. Often he found that the soldiers ignored cases involving individuals who had rather different jobs. In a way, perhaps it was best he cover it so that maybe the woman would have some closure and the man would actually serve time. Sighing, Sandsworth crossed his arms.
“Fine. The deal aside, it logically makes more sense since we are here regardless,” Sandsworth explained, trying to highlight that it was logic rather than bribery that drew the Commander to her conclusion. Goodness, if this ever got out— Sandsworth could feel the headache already hurting his brain worsen.
The half breed had to hide her grin behind her hand, biting into the leather to stop herself from verbally chuckling. These two made for quite the amusing pair she must admit. Amusing aside however, she noted that she mustn't forget who she was dealing with. They may be acting quirky now, but they held great power of the city. One misstep could land her in a sticky situation with the military, and with her current background that would not end up well for her. She didn't want to be banned from the city just yet. Plus, she promised Sayvahn dinner. Imagining the fallout of going back on her promise with the unstable but loyal oaf was not a pretty thought.
"My word probably won't mean much to you, but i'll keep this between us." She stated good naturally to the stiff, shooting him a cool smile as she moved over to her bear. "I won't be in the city for long anyway."
Checking the pulse of the man still sprawled over Hyde, she hummed in thought before poisoning him with another round of sleeping toxins, just to make sure he stayed under. From the outside, there was no visible evidence that she had done anything besides check the mans pulse, all traces of magic controlled and concealed. With that done and the knowledge that the man would be of no danger to anyone, she pulled his carcass off her pet and dumped him without care on the ground for the time being.
Kicking him off to the side, she gestured the older woman to come and join her. "Don't worry, just approach slowly and let him sniff you a bit to get used to you. He's fairly harmless, but if he senses hesitation he might get a little skittish." She explained. Once the commander was happy petting the bear without needing supervision, Vieka would go back and check on her dolled up friend.
"those who know how to think need no teachers." -Mahatma Gandhi
Regardless of whether her word meant anything, Sandsworth found the comfort in the statement— even if it was or was not true. If this ever came to light, well, he would deal with it accordingly. Until then, it seemed like he was to take care of the man. Though, the stranger was less of a man and more like a sack of potatoes the way the woman threw him around. The action made Sandsworth pinch the bridge of his nose, his headache getting worse by the second. He was going to have to wait for his testimonials at a later date. For right now, he was just going to mark the man as unconscious and continue with the investigation. Which meant talking to the victim.
As Sandsworth went over to talk to the victim, Kunchen approached the yeti tamer. “Like a horse. Is yeti just a fluffy horse?” Kunchen inquired, holding out her hand so that the fluffy yeti could sniff her. There was no hesitation in her action, just attention. Kunchen’s eyes flickered between her hand, the beast’s body and its eyes in order to ensure that they were on the same page. Once the yeti accepted her, Kunchen placed her hand on its fur. A smile crossed her lips. “You are a magical beast. A very magical beast,” she cooed, rubbing her hand back and forth, obviously content that her hands disappeared into the white fluff. Glancing back at his Commander, Sandsworth sighed. And there she went. Lost to the giant bear for who knows how long. Well, might as well let her have her fun. After all, he had to deal with the report, which was not got going as swimmingly as he hoped. No surprise there. “So, tell me Miss—“ He waited for the woman to respond, but she did not. So, he continued, “Alright then. What happened, from your point of view?” No response again. Just angry green eyes, slightly reddened from crying it seemed. Well, this was going to be just a barrel of fun. “Miss, I need you to respond to at least some of my questions, else we will be here all night.”
Vieka gave a low chuckle, watching the older woman grow accustomed to the snow bear and vice versa. “A horse is just a nervous and skittish creature. To that extent, are all animals not like horses?” she questioned, her stature easy though her eyes followed after the lanky blond making his way over to Sayvahn. “If you want me to be more specific however, yes, you can technically ride him. They are strong creatures capable of travelling many miles by foot or swimming. I usually don't however. Hyde is my companion, and although he sometimes helps me carry things, i only ride him when necessary.”
Deciding that the old woman wasn’t going to try and cause any trouble for her friend, Vieka have the polar bear an affectionate pat to the rump before excusing herself and moving over to where her other companion was being interrogated. Even from off to the side, she could tell it wasn’t exactly going well, and the quicker they got this portion of events over and done with, the sooner they could go.
“I realise you’re a stickler for rules, but would it be acceptable for me to answer your questions?” She asked smoothly, moving to stand by Sayvahns side. Her hand lingered just above his back, not touching but meaning to be a comforting gesture. That’s a point. She should really get Sayvahns new name, since she doubted he wanted to be called something masculine when he was clearly currently a she. The brunette didn’t mind either way, but she’d ask for preferences later so as to make him feel the most comfortable.
At beast tamers comment about horses, Kunchen shrugged. “Some maybe. But not cows. Cows don’t care. At least, not Tomo’s cows.” She didn’t pursue the conversation further. Not when there was a big yeti to pet. And riding such a yeti? Kunchen could barely fathom it so she didn’t bother to.
When the strange woman approached Sandsworth, he wasn’t too keen with her intervention. That itself was breaking the rules. After all, the whole point of interviews was to get an individual’s point of view, then compare it with another. Still, with how “proactive” the victim was being, he didn’t have much choice. “Being acceptable is not the issue here. Although I cannot force her to answer questions, it does not help her case if she herself does not testify. You can give your own version of the story, but until she gives hers, I cannot proceed.”
The victim, however, was quite uneasy. She softened a bit when the other woman joined her side but ended up almost cowering into her touch. Sandsworth sighed. Either the situation was too much for her, or she didn’t’ care for EIRAL. Both were more than likely.
“Ma’am. Just nod to three simple questions and then I’ll leave you alone. First, were you attacked by this man?” Sandsworth pointed to the attacker. A pause, but then a nod. Good. At least he was getting some form of response. “Did he harm you?” Another nod. Even beter. “Would you want to press charges, but remain anonymous?” A quick nod, and that’s all Sandsworth needed. “Alright then. Thank you for your time and your cooperation.” Straightening, Sandsworth jotted down some notes before he turned to the beast tamer. “You, hopefully, will assist in filling the rest in.”
The brunette let out a puff of air, watching her blond friend with a mild look. Inejwa was certainly no making matters easy, but she supposed it was understandable, to a degree anyway. The drug was most likely still in his system and he had just been attacked as well. Undoubtedly, her own reappearance wasn’t helping his state of mind either. Her little blond had always been a little… delicate, in the mental department.
Chuckling softly, she gave the woman beside a gentle pat. “Take it easy on her. The man drugged her, and it’s still in her system. I was able to ease the worst symptoms but the compound will linger in her bloodstream for a few hours yet. It’s probably affecting her attitude some.” She mused, glancing down to the blond at her side with mirth dancing in her eyes. Quickly checking to make sure Hyde was still content (he was, he was grumbling happily with his eyes closed as the older woman continued to pet and scratch him), Vieka turned her attention back to the EIRaL soldier addressing her.
“Now then, which questions do you want answered.”
"those who know how to think need no teachers." -Mahatma Gandhi
Scribbling the drug part down, Sandsworth raised a brow at how the woman said she had eased some of it. Did she normally care around anti-drugs? How strange. “… Indeed,” Sandsworth spoke, only to please the other. He didn’t really find much to comment on. “In regards to questions,” Sandsworth began, turning a new page. “What is your name?”
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