Episode 21
A few days later, on a sunny late afternoon in Dambele. Jack and Jeb had stayed in the region, not far from where they'd dropped off the Big Box Vlad. And, as usual, they'd rented a stand at the market to sell their wares.
Until a very grumpy and intimidating man stomped up to their table and told them to get lost. Only sellers with a trade license were allowed to sell their wares here. Jack hated this man at an instant. Jack's sensitive nose also told him what he really was - an Alpha Werewolf! Jack's instincts stipulated him to show acts of submission, like tilting his head to reveal his vulnerable neck, or worse - roll on the ground and show his belly! But he was stronger than that, he would do neither of such humiliating demeanor! While Jack was fighting against his instincts, Jeb stepped out of his comfort zone by taking a step toward the angry man and asked where they'd get such a trade license from. The Alpha: "From the Embassy obviously. I haven't seen you around, do you live here?" Jeb hesitated: "Eh, no. We're - on a sacred pilgrimage." The Alpha: "If you are not a resident you won't get a trade license here. Get lost."
Another man hurried to the now illegal stand: "I'm sure we are going to find a way to welcome these two new Citizens to our Union to please our Authorities, aren't we?" The Alpha Werewolf snorted but the words 'Authorities' and 'new Citizens' seemed to work on him - to a certain degree: "I don't have time for this nonsense. You won't find residency here because no one will vouch for you. No residence - no trader license. Clear the table and leave." Said and stomped off.
The friendly man with the red hair reassured them and promised to vouch for them, and that everything would be just fine. He just moved here a few days ago too, and before he learned his workplace already covered for a room for him, he'd been scouting accomodations himself. And luck has it that a house right behind the market was for rent, even with a 'garden'! A very dusty, very neglected garden 🥀
Despite the also very dusty and neglected interior, Jack didn't have to think twice: "We'll take it!" A brief look at Jeb's face told him he wasn't quite on board - yet. Time to stab Jeb's weakest spot: "For Francine, hm? Look how much money we'd save with a field to grow herbs of our own, in a climate that provides harvest all year long! And with a cheap house like this, we could concentrate on the potions and sell them right here! Francine would never have to worry about money - and us - ever again. My pilgrimage is almost over, we'd be near Vlad. We're handy. Look how well we did at the camp, we'll get this place shiny in no time, hm? Hm? HM?" Jeb: "And Kiyoshi could visit. . . Ok, fine." Jack: "Ehm. . ." Seems Jeb knew how to stab Jack's weakest spot too ;)
And while Jack and Jeb made plans for their new home and garden, Leander left, but not before reminding them to come to the Embassy right tomorrow morning to get the paperwork done.
Over in Bellacorde, Vlad had also gotten summoned to the Embassy, and right after the sun set, he was on his way to accept the citizenship of Ondarion and additional formalities.
The was no place to 'park' a horse properly and Vlad was a bit worried to leave Diablo behind. But there were no cars around and another horse roaming free, so Diablo reassured him he'd be just fine.
When Vlad entered the building, he found Leander! Vlad didn't expect to meet him so soon again: "How come you're here?" Leander: "Seems your family is cutting costs in other sectors too so I took the opportunity to move to a friendlier place." Vlad had the hunch one of the reasons Leander moved here was him.
A hoarse voice interruped them: "Enough of the niceties, the Queen wants the preparations done." The Chancellor! Leander smiled nervously: "We're all a bit on the edge these days, the Ball is soon and there's lots to do."
Vlad: "The Ball? I thought I was here for the citizenship and such?" Leander led Vlad to the Chancellor's desk: "Ah sure, just sign here and here. Then please head over to the dressing room and shuck your clothes for the measurements." Vlad: "?" Leander: "The Ball. You're going to need formal attire." Vlad signed the papers absentmindedly and went over to the dressing room. A Ball. He'd never attended a Ball since his Debutante Ball, where he'd met Wesley. . . So when Vlad entered the dressing room - with his mind all set on Wesley gone and Leander here - he didn't even notice the naked Incubus until he almost ran into him. The Chancellor, who was even grumpier and more intimidating than the first time Saiwa and Vlad had met him: "Don't dawdle, we haven't got all night!" And so they hurried to get measured and pick appropriate attire for the Ball.
'Near the village, the peaceful village The lion sleeps tonight Near the village, the quiet village The lion sleeps tonight, ho, ho!
Weeheeheehee, dee heeheeheehee, weeoh aweem away Rrrrrr, lalalaba, weeoh aweem away Hush, my darling, don't fear, my darling The lion sleeps tonight Hush, my darling, don't fear, my darling The lion sleeps tonight, ho, ho!'
The Lion sleeps tonight - Tight Fit The original, Mbube, is from 1939 and has over 150 cover versions!
Behind the scenes
Vlad and Saiwa meeting for the first time in this multiverse <3
Do you remember Goth Jeb? (From February 2024) Weirdly enough he often picks this outfit for swimming even though it's the 5th in his swimming outfits category.
Their school uniforms 📔
The Chancellor and his Queen 👑
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