Convergence of Strangers[Open]

The bustling capitol city, Remano, enjoyed a clear sky today. The cloudless azure firmament allowed a bright sun to shine its warm rays down onto the marble buildings of the metropolis, warming the citizens and stone against the brisk chill of the winter breeze. Many of the people were uneasy due to recent turmoil, but there were many still who held faith in the status quo and thus went about their lives without any concern for the future. Among these shifting masses there was a stranger walking about. Dressed in long white and blue robes and a green travelers cloak, the foreigner strolled through the streets confidently.

Zion Koval had yet to fully perfect his transformations, perhaps he never would. But the Storm Kitsune had managed to master his body shaping art to enough of a degree that he felt comfortable descending the mountains and walking among the people. Those who were looking for him expected to find a nine tailed fox-man with long silver hair. But when a strong chilly breeze blew the hood of his traveler's cloak back it revealed a short head of oily black hair and unmistakably human ears. Not only that, but the young magician's face had changed as well. His nose had become wider, his cheekbones higher, his eyes more narrow. Even his height had changed, now a good 14cm taller. To others this appearance was probably a bit ugly, but Zion wore the disguise with pride as it allowed him to wander about without fear of being identified.

The magician decided that he would travel to the heart of the Reiman forum in order to browse the marketplace or listen in on rumors and perhaps see the local government hold a debate on some new policy. Alas, the senate did not seem to be in session today, so Zion satisfied himself with perusing the market wares. There were a great many crops present, grown with the help of Reim's beasts that drove the agriculture here. He also found no shortage of artisanal works both from here and abroad. Even fine silks from Kou had made their way into some of the vendor's stalls. Zion kept an eye out for magic tools on sale, but had yet to find any so he kept his ears open as well, the magician eavesdropping wherever he could to try and get a feel for the state of the city and whispers of the latest news.

WC: 413

Trait:

If there was one thing that brought people out in the evening it was the market stalls. Rameruru found that especially true for himself during his stay in Remano. It took all morning for those best foods to be finished. Sure there was also the daily produce that the giant would snack on while he waited. Yet, he would be a fool to not be ready to move as soon as thyme and rosemary carried on a buttery boat to his nose above the shops. It wasn't easy for someone of such stature to run through the crowds to get the first bite so being early was his best option.

It was worth it though, the first salty bite as the goat's butter and ox leg's juices explode upon his tongue. It was only the prelude to the feast that many would enjoy. Someone, a man who sold jewelry, told him it would be good to get fresh garum from one of the other markets and some fresh bread. It was a godsend, the garlic oil was great on both bringing out the savory notes and the bread was great at soaking up the mess, it had a very airy crumb. It took the pirate a while to find his favorites but he found that a set of shops owned by the Bruno family were fairly top notch.

It was certainly a rich flood of food, and after having two servings of the ox and four loaves of bread his chest felt tight. It was a dry catch, sticking in a coarse web of dehydrating lungs. He didn't wish to cough, so maybe some fresh juice would be good. There were some imported lemons from Balbadd, and apparently, there was a new beverage that some people had been raging about. Desire to clear the parchment which plagued him Rame did the irrational, he began to run.

In a fury each step turned from a shake of the earth to a great stampede, he large even for his kind. The marine-haired warrior would show his sign of panic as the bread began to lodge further into his throat. It was more than just a scratch throat the food had managed to get stuck! Desire turned to panic as the need for a fresh beverage was all that was on the agenda

Charging now he would pump into a man with hair slick as oil, much smaller he would be surprised as he tried his best to stop the charge. In that forced halt, hoping not to crush this stranger he had managed to knock the food loose. At that moment, the bread would dislodge and fly from his mouth, above the head of the man before him. The projectile would manage to land right on the face of some emperor Rame did not know.

"Sorry, I hope I didn't interrupt your shopping spree?" his avalanche of a voice would anxiously say.

As soft steps carried the young magician through the crowd he caught wind a several rumors floating around. Complaints of taxes being levied too high despite little to show for it in way of public works suggested petty corruption. Not only that, but some were even claiming that the weight of their coins had changed bringing about accusations of debasement of the currency. Casvallion had taught Zion that corruption existed inevitably and across all forms of society, but that it was often at its worst in the heart of a nation. It seemed this bit of wisdom had some weight to it, as did just about everything the masked mentor taught. Zion gave an emotional sigh at the thought of his instructor back in Magnostadt. Casvallion had no way of knowing why Zion had disappeared or where he'd gone. Zion's abduction had been so sudden after all. Was the masked magician worried about him? "Perhaps I should send a letter..." The youth thought to himself but soon cast off the thought with a shake of his head. Any evidence that could lead back to him wasn't just a risk. Casvallion himself would likely frown upon the reckless act as Kornel Klien's men had long kept the soldier of Magnostadt under close watch. No, staying silent and far from Magnostadt was the best move for now and in line with what Zion's mentor would want of him.

The melancholy thoughts caused Zion's pace to slow ever so slightly and his expression shifted. His brows were tightly knit and his lips curved into a subtle frown. It was with this sour face that he continued to stalk the marketplace. The other rumors he picked up on seemed to be of little note to the magician. Apparently there were signs that that the Fanalis Corps were on the move lately as well as foreign raiders from Imuchakk. There was speculation that the two forces would come to blows in the near future. Having never met either a Fanalis or an Imuchakk before, Zion had no stake in either side. He did not wish to see any of the world's peoples in conflict but also recognized his own powerlessness to make a real difference. More sinister whispers reached his ears as well. Talk of murders surrounding members of the senate had been a common subject of gossip around the forum. Were they the result of infighting or due to foreign powers hiring assassins? It was impossible for Zion to discern the truth from mere rumors.

"It seems this country is a bit less peaceful than first glance would suggest." The kitsune muttered under his breath as he strolled along. It was then that an unexpected sight caught his eye. To his left was a vendor eagerly calling out to the people passing by. "Don't miss out! It's the last chance to get a wondrous item that will make your life far more pleasant! Tired of stinking like a manta's unscrubbed ass? This marvel from Magnostadt will have you clean and smelling of roses in a jiffy! There is only one left and there's no telling when another shipment will arrive!" The man was eager and passionate, but it was not his pitch that gave Zion pause. The young man had been stopped in his tracks at the sight of the magic tool being peddled.  A silver vase with an intricate magic circle embossed on its face with floral patterns surrounding it. Zion stood there, mouth agape. This magic tool was something he'd seen before, albeit in two dimensional form. It was one of the many magic tools his father, Mikael, had designed before his untimely death. Right down to the floral patterns.

Another replication of his father's work? The first time he had come across such magic tools was in Magnostadt's marketplaces, but now the stolen designs had even made their way into Reim. Kornel Klien hadn't just stolen his father's work but was presumably making quite the profit off of it as well. "Sir, I'd like to-" Zion was just about to step forward and purchase the last vase when he felt a sudden jolt as if a galloping horse had crashed into him. The young man tumbled to the floor and hit the stone street with a hard thump. Zion even bit his tongue as he'd been mid sentence and now the coppery taste of blood gently caressed his palette. The boy gave out a groan and looked up to find a sunbacked silhouette staring down at him. The stranger apologized in a booming voice that smacked into Zion almost as hard as the physical body had.

"I'm...I'm fine, just be more careful mister...oh! The magic tool!"

Zion got to his feet and patted himself off as he began to calmly chastise the reckless man but soon remembered what he'd been up to before the crash. Zion whipped his head around and took a step forward towards the stall with his hand outstretched but stopped when he saw that someone had already purchased the vase and was now walking away with it happily in arms. Zion's posture deflated and he made another sigh. He'd missed his opportunity to obtain one of Kornel Klien's replicas. The magician's mouth twisted into a scowl as he turned back to the giant that had bumped into him. One hand moved to set on his hip as the other formed a sharp finger tip which pointed at the man's face rudely. "I take back what I said, you just interrupted a very important business transaction! You-" Zion turned his gaze from the handsome blue haired stranger to his own finger and remembered his teacher's words. Casvallion had warned against losing ones cool. An upset man was thrice as likely to make a mistake compared to one that keeps a level head. "-You must have been in quite the hurry. May I ask what all the rush was about?" Zion lowered his hand and removed the other hand from his hip bringing both to cross in front of his chest. Not quite fully calm and collected, but at least he'd turned his anger down a notch.

WC: 1471
Trickster Foxspirit - 3 posts remaining

One could say today was beautiful for many. No clouds, no rain, no meteor showers that might occur. Just a normal day. A day where Jason would hate with every fiber of his being. Of course, he hated almost everyday of his life. It was this sorta chaotic world where he had to take care of the bar. This bar was his home, his humble abode during a time where he felt like he doesn't have anything. Issue with working in the bar: drunk people.

After a long night of partying, Jason was working the "night" shift, which is the only shift that exists. From sundown to sunrise, Jason was the muscle the bar desperately needed for the rowdy crowd. Still, it didn't mean Jason liked the jump. The smell of puke, alcohol, and piss was something no one wanted to smell, especially this former soldier. And now Jason wondered why did he quit all of that glory for a job like this?

He had to repay back Acustus. He was the man who taught him about Val and was the reason why his last name is Achilles. The one who taught him stories and techniques of the man Jason admired. Val Achilles...man what a guy. Or at least thats how the stories described him to be: "just what a guy." He risen in the ranks of Unity Corps in a short period of time, becoming a future leader for Reim. His experience in Ronove was more than impressive, aiding a long forgotten friend of his the power of a djinn...whatever that truly meant. All of these tales detailed exploits of the hero Val Achilles, whether they were true or not. One book detailed it which happened to be Val's personal journal.

And that was it: Jason used that to name his Achilles. The first name was just a random suggestion by Acustus, saying it was a popular name for a hero back in ancient times.

After that, it was history for Val Achilles and Jason Achilles was the new hero.

But that quickly turned sour.

What Jason hated more than drunk bastards was the Reim politics. All of the confusion on who was right, who was wrong, who needed help, who needed to be punished. The world was so simple to Jason: you fight, you get stronger, you get more money, you get success. Nope, not in the Reim empire. The coliseum is filled with politics and the empire is filled with those same politics. Val Achilles described serving the Reim empire as a great "honor" for the country.

Yeah, what honor Jason thought.

Octavius made no sense. He was the leader of the Reim empire, inviting many to the Fanalis Corps in desires of creating a strong force for Reim. Normally Jason would be attracted to the offer, if it was not riddled with assholes. Jason knew his personality is unsatisfactory for most people: he himself can be viewed as an asshole. The Fanalis Corps was a different breed of stupidity. They would bring opinions about their "superiority" to other races and trying to start conflicts with the Immuchak. Of course, the Immuchak have already been known to attack Reim recently so that doesn't help.

And now Ocatvius still doesn't do anything. It's clear he is the true leader and face of Reim, even with the nation now a republic. For more than a decade, the power residing in one person has not changed: the crown has been given a different name and a new possessor.

Jason wants none of that. It was too much for his head to understand the politics and it gave him a lot of stress. What side should he choose? Fanalis are his actual race and they were some of his former slave friends. Humans should still be treated respectfully, especially the good ones like Val. There was no side for Val to truly choose and he knew that. As of right now, he had to get out of the empire shackles and finally be free...again.

Freedom sucks though. Clearly he was now dragging barrels of cheap spirits in large log barrels. 6 of these bottles would be difficult to carry for a normal human being, but Jason was clearly built different. They were all attached to an array of strings that were seemingly connected to the Fanalis's suit (yes he was wearing a suit and did not care.) With every step, he moved towards his destination with a small sigh. The stares he got for his performance was very typical.

Some of the citizens watched in disbelief, as if they never saw a Fanalis before (which must be a complete lie). On the other hand, others were looking at the barrels with those obnoxious smirks. It was like they thought they could do this themselves. Hell, maybe some of them could...though Jason could care less. Strength contests like those do not prove who is truly strong and Jason has won a lot of them.

But of course, two people stood in his way of his freedom. One was clearly someone not from these parts, cursed with oily normal hair. He was clearly a normal person, someone who felt too normal for a place like this. Maybe he was a villager who finally entered the republic, but Jason couldn't completely tell. On the other hand, a rather charismatic blue haired man appeared who clearly looked like a thief Jason would annoyingly have to deal with at times.

"Move out of the way."

Zion and Rameruu listened to the deep growl of a red haired man. The barrels attached to his back might had added another layer of intimidation, but this might have been enough for the duo to scurry off. Or maybe not, all Jason could wonder is if he can just this job done so he can sleep for his midnight shift. Maybe, just maybe, today can continue to be a normal day.

WC: 1010

The streets of Reim were familiar but also foreign at the same time, years ago now Nicor had left his home for Kou so he could find the riches he sought. Although his greed was motivated by a desire to give his mother a better life than constantly managing their pub it would also prove to be his downfall. In an elaborate scheme he ended up destitute and lost from his friends, down and about he spent years in an opium-fueled haze which he had only broken from months ago.

Each step of his leather-bound caligae clicking on the stone roads was like the steps on his road to recovery, although it wasn't done he was in a better place and to be out in the sun on a day like this was grand for him. His hair shook atop his head, a bit longer than it had been but still the same warm brown as the trees of Deumania where he hailed from. Although in the capital now he hoped to find better resources, opportunities, and a chance to better himself and maybe even find a true purpose for himself. Although there were other things on his mind as he found himself moving without consideration.

He had left his inn hoping to see what was going on in the main forum, maybe there would be some interesting work from people searching, or maybe he could find one of the many factions of reim spouting their ideologies and plans. However, he had lost himself in the thought of how his mother was and when he should return back to her, if he should wait until he was able to grow some more or if he should let her know where he was before going further. It was with this that he wandered around until he had found the sounds of merchants, beggars, and swindlers could be heard with their rapid advertisements, biddings, and bargaining

"Well, I guess I better make the best of an odd situation." He said to himself in a half-mumble as he would take a few steps around scratching the back of his head as he looked around the market taking note of what he heard and saw around him.

"Get your fish cakes, fresh fish cakes, straight from the waters of the north sea!" One spoke with a repetitive tone, monotonous as if it was his every day, although the food sounded good.

"Authentic unicorn horn weapons, only place in Reim or the world where you can get them right here!" The confident voice of a swindler passed through his head, he knew these types, and as he saw the shoddy fakes he knew that the man would find no business from anyone but a fool.

There were a lot of things that caught his interest, but he knew that he wouldn't be able to splurge after he had lost his funds getting to Kou, the events there, and the costs of returning back with little to no money on hand. While he was light in the pocket he was heavy-handed so the arbalist knew that he could always make money somehow in the capital, there was always work for someone like him. Although he knew he shouldn't focus on things such as that as he needed to focus on his recovery and not lead himself to a situation where he could find himself spiraling once again.

It was then that he heard another thing catch his ears, one of the vendors was claiming to sell a miraculous item and it sounded like some of the things he had seen abroad and during the war before he had lost himself. It brought him closer and closer to the scene until he saw something that was a bit of a curiosity. An odd-looking man, a tall figure with hair like the sea, and the bright red hair of what he could assume was a fanalis. They were all obviously unique for one reason or another, and he soon found himself standing at the edge of their confrontation. It was so sudden that he couldn't help but turn back to his normal habits from his days as a bouncer for his mum.

"Woah, is everything alright here?" His words were clear, deep, and calm but he spoke knowing that these people were likely strong and capable from the air they held in each other's presence. "It's good and all to be free and flowing through the forum, so if anything is discussed it might be better to step away from this area unless one, or all of you are making a purchase."

He knew it wasn't necessarily his place to keep the peace, but he was just trying to go about his own day and knew that if he were to just walk into this without even saying a thing there was a chance he would get pulled into it on their terms rather than his own. His head shifted across staring at them all for a moment before he would turn to see where would be the best place for him to run if it was needed.

"I'm sure we all have our own things we have to do, although all of us should make room for those making their way." He would move his hands for a moment around them about the people who were walking around them, a light level of tensity in the air.

At the moment that the crowd began to gather over the little accident, Rame would feel embarrassed for the first time. Immuchak had group gatherings of course, and they could be large get-togethers but the city was an enigma of its own. It was one thing to live amongst it, to deal with it even if he was a giant eyesore. Becoming the center of attention, among thousands of eyes, unified in one judgemental moment. They were wolves circling the over-grown sheep that was trespassing on their home. That made it hard to think. This pressure felt just as bad as the one he emitted, and it was eating the great giant.

Failing to speak he would mutter "uh-I-Uhm". With rumbling mumbles sweat began to form. Small beads of liquid worry shine on his ivory skin. It was suffocating, as the perspiration formed a cage upon his skin. Trapped within this personal hell heat would rise in Rameruru's palms, trailing up until it kissed his cheeks. It was clear by now, that it was only escalating as failed to respond. A million different answers rushed to his head, the kind man seemed to calm down but now others were asking questions, redheads were giving dirty looks.

The frustration he felt at the lack of his ability to communicate would only worsen. In the panic caused by stabbing gazes, he forgot to swallow what little food was in his mouth after choking. He was going to clearly handle this, talk to the kind gentlemen but then everything blew up. He just needed to pretend and be as normal as he could. There was still time to rectify it, to try and explain that he was just rushing to get a drink because he was choking. That was all he needed to do, he would try and speak.

As the Imu opened his mouth the remaining bread would fall and clog his lungs. Gasping, breathing a whistle like grass in the wind. The struggle would only further worsen the struggle as his face turned from rosy to lobster red. If he could just avoid dying he could avoid going down in such a shameful moment. Shaking, beating his own chest the giant would be blessed with a sweet gasp of air as part of the food would go down. He could finally respond to the question. He rushed, hoping to explain so he wasn't viewed as rude, and in that rush, he would say "Lemon Drink.

Embarrassment would creep back once again, now three people knew he was a better looker than a thinker, even if he crafted his own fire lance.

Zion gave the mountain of a man an exasperated look when all he did was stutter in response. For such a large person, his spirit appeared to be rather small. Not at all as intimidating as the massive fleshly form would suggest. His attention was soon stolen by the arrival of a luggage laden Fanalis however whom was forced to stop and stand there carrying an excessive load since Zion and his assaulter were standing in the way. Zion glanced over at the deliveryman and widened his eyes in surprise that someone of such stature could carry so many barrels at once. He had always thought the fabled strength of the Fanalis was mere exaggeration and myth. His eyes now told him that there was more to the rumors than he had previously given credit.

The magician had hardly opened his mouth to respond to the redhead however when another stranger approached. This one appeared to want to bring peace to the conflicting trio and urged them to move their dispute out of the streets where the traffic of people had begun to flow around them as though the growing group were a large stone within a river. Zion was already aware of the obstruction they caused thanks to the angry grunt from the Fanalis but now he could see they were all the more an impediment to others now that their gathering had grown by two more bodies and six wooden barrels. As he looked around he caught sight of the Imuchakk man's comically strained face. Zion took a wary step back from Rameruru fearful that an Imuchakk sized meal was about to be hacked up onto his fine Kou robes. Instead, a gasp of air was sucked in and he stranger that bumped into him finally spoke his reasoning....Lemon drink?

Zion had never head of lemons before, but he could tell that he was causing trouble for more than just the blue haired man. A sigh began escaped his thin lips and the magician rubbed his temples to ward off the headache all this confusion was causing him. "It would appear we've caused some inconvenience..." Zion gestured to the Fanalis and the Human with either hand whilst keeping eye contact with the Imuchakk. "Since the magic tool I wanted to purchase is already gone, I suppose I should find a better way to lighten my coin purse. What say we find a restaurant that serves this...la'moan drink, and I treat you two gentleman to a meal? If you have time once your delivery is finished, that is."

Zion turned to the Fanalis with a nod, not sure if he would be able to join them as he seemed quite busy. His head then snapped to the Imuchakk with a glare though and raised an accusational brow at him. "You will have to pay for your own however. That was your original plan in the first place after all, yes?" He then turned to Nicor and gave a subtle smile feeling some appreciation for the man's character since he had selflessly stepped in to mediate the situation before it could come to any form of aggression. "I am new to this land. If you know an establishment we could use for these 'peace talks' then I would appreciate if you could lead the way." His hand then spread out in gesture for the Human to take charge. Meanwhile, the magician was turning the cogs of his mind to try to think of a backstory and name for this disguise he had chosen for himself. After all, he had already admitted to being new to these parts which might stoke curiosity. If he was about to share a meal with these men it was likely questions regarding his origins and purpose in being here would be soon to come.

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WC: 2116
Trickster Foxspirit - 2 posts remaining

Talking, talking, and some more talking.

The Fanalis desperately wanted to go home. This job was stupid. Carrying barrels are stupid. People are stupid. All of these little thoughts were getting confirmed into sorta checkboxes, where Jason saw this appearing in live time.

He saw one person with jet black hair, getting a better look at him. He clearly was not from around here, so it was seemingly a traveler. He might be interesting, but Jason never really cared about that. It was clear the disguise was working for Jason as the Fanalis didn't see him as anything interesting.

On the other hand, a blue haired person appeared. Jason remembers reading another race with blue hair and an adult physique: Immuchak. They are tribal people who have been told to breathe in water indefinitely and be one of the best hunters. Still, Jason knows he will punch his face in if he tries anything.

Another person appeared and he seemed nice. Jason didn't exactly have a problem with nice people, but he hated people who was too nosey. Did this incident have to involve more people?

Jason could already feel the stares of other seeping down into his spine. He just wanted to leave, but he knew that these people were still crowding the area. Finally, the black haired man came up with an idea.

"I can get us lemon drinks. You will have to pay though."

Nicor looked at the towering Imuchakk warrior as he was pained to share his plight with them all, when it came out he tried not to laugh and succeeded. However, inside his head, he could help but be lost for a moment as he thought about how funny the situation was. It brought a moment of light-heartedness to him that he felt he needed as he let out a soft chuckle and sigh underneath his breath before returning his mind to the situation that's at hand.

"Yes, I've lived in Reim my entire life, though I'm sure I'm not the only one." He would say as he turned to Jason for a moment before turning back to the group as a whole. "I believe I know this drink he speaks off, claims say it's made from an imported fruit."

With his hand reaching outwards for them all he stepped back to get a clear shot and to move away from those who were still trying to get by them all. He pointed over to a building that wasn't too far away, there were tables and a few people there who seemed to be eating and drinking various things. He would then turn his pointing finger into an open hand as if he was presenting them all with their desires, their sweet (but also a little sour) desires.

"I don't know if it's the place you were heading but I know they serve the drink you're looking for, they also serve an excellent garum braised deer." He made a kiss on his fingers and threw it out into the air as he remembered the time his mother brought him there when he was a child. Although it was long ago he felt himself thinking on his mother, her warmth, her food, her love, her care, and of course the jokes she loved to play. "We can all head there, and maybe we can also work on helping this young man find another way to purchase the item he missed out on."

He took a deep breath as he would soon enough step away from the situation, regardless or not if they were to follow him to the restaurant he knew it was were he was going at the moment. This lemon drink sounded interestingly enough, but more importantly, he needed to drown his thoughts in something that wasn't going to leave him in an addictive haze. Although he tried to shake these thoughts from his head as he strode forward quickly and firmly without leaving a second to look back and see who was following him.

"So it sounds like I'm getting everyone drinks?" Rame would playfully say.

He wasn't sure how things had escalated to this moment but honestly, anything was better than being embarrassed standing amongst a crowd. From the quickness of the conversation, it had quickly grown into a party with him standing as the shade. The immuchak would move forward, allowing his new friends to lead the way. One offered to fetch the drinks and the other mentioned something about some braised lamb.


"Some food does sound rather nice to wash down the lamb I've already had today, maybe some boar if they have it I could eat boar 10 times a day I'd say" he would follow with a hearty laugh.

Even with moving away his booming tone attracted stares, maybe it was best if he just kept his mouth shut. The best he could do was move through the crowd in order to direct them the right way. He still had some vague idea even after choking and causing a scene. "I suppose it would be polite to have introductions if we're going to potentially be sharing a meal and drink. My name is Rameruru, Rame is fine if we're close but if wish to show kindness towards Immuchak tradition please use the full name."

As he finished speaking he would notice a sign painted bright yellow from a fresh dye, it seemed like from what he had heard that this was the place.

"So if all I know is correct this is the place, now I got the gold but since you offered Mr grumpy apples, here's the gold so you can grab the loot. Rameruru would say pawning of a small sack of gold to Jason. Hopefully, he wouldn't steal it over the bad nickname he gave the fanalis for his hair and attitude. He could take the moment to sit down, he was lucky to notice there were some stone benches around the eating area in which they had found themselves. It was a small atrium with various fruit-shaped shrubbery. They certainly knew how to keep a theme as their frescos matched in imagery with a strange array of fruits.


"Well they certainly know how to keep a theme, well I could go in with you the carry the drinks, but I'm not sure if I'll do more harm than good, it looks like the counter lady is giving me the evil eye."

There were no complaints from Zion as the others soon organized the specifics of where they would go. He nodded at Nicor's suggestion before commenting, "Please, don't trouble yourselves with finding a solution for my shopping woes. I had a personal interest in that magic tool, but at the end of the day it was merely an interest. There is no dire need. I don't smell like a Manta's rear end, after all." A smirk played across this lips as Zion scratched his disguised dark head of hair unsure as to whether the joke would land well or not. He then followed the group over to the nearby establishment that was conveniently within sight of where they had been standing. The establishment was of fine architecture and hopefully this meant it could produce even finer tastes.

When they arrived Zion fished out a handful of golden coins to hand over for the food. He was given pause, however, when the Imuchakk forked over a full bag of money to cover all their drinks. He had planned to pay for the others beverages as well. Rameruru was the only person the magician had expected to pay for themselves after all. "This should cover the meal." The black haired Zion said as he handed the coins over whilst casting a side glance at the generous giant. His impression of the blue haired man improved ever so slightly, but the youth still pettily clung to his annoyance over the loss of the magic tool. "My name is Zion Mushtaq. I am a traveler from Balbadd. I hope to use my late father's inheritance to start a business, but I lack experience as a merchant so for now I am just broadening my horizons and observing the markets around the world to get a feel for what might be worth trading." Since introductions had begun, Zion took the chance to establish his false persona, borrowing the last name of his friend, Zafar.

One might suggest it was foolish to keep his first name, but Zion was taught by Casvallion that lies are easier to keep track of and deliver convincingly when they were half true. It still brought a tinge of guilt to Zion's heart to live in constant deception like this though. He longed for the day when he no longer needed fear his enemies and could live in the light of honesty. Lies had surrounded him from the moment his father had died after all. The magician was an abomination of fate with a birth outside the normal cycle of life and such an existence was little more than fodder for experimentation in his home city of Magnostadt. It wouldn't be surprising if many of his fellow countrymen were to assert he wasn't even a real living person, but just an advanced spell of sorts playing at being a living being.

Zion pushed these negative thoughts to the back of his mind and sat down at the stone table. Even the table and benches had embossed floral designs carved into their faces. The magician sat upon a pattern of wine grape vines and traced the tabletop before him with curious fingers that found polished designs of oranges smooth to the touch. "I am still fairly new to Reim, but I've heard gossip that this country is going through a bit of political and social unrest. Is this due to the recovery from the Kou occupation? Or is there something more going on in Remano?" After introductions, Zion decided to probe for information in case any of the men here knew more about the local situation.

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WC: 2740
Trickster Foxspirit - 1 posts remaining