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Lalapril Day Seventeen - Treasure

#ffxiv screenshots #lalapril #virara #jancis #binah #pipin #chachanji #lalafell #dunesfolk #it may be cheesy but chachan's friends and family are his treasure

IC:

Aya was caught in contemplation while watching the busy quays of Limsa Lominsa from the Upper Decks. First by Holly (the Miqo’te proprietress of the Mogberry Menagerie in the Mists, character name U’Zhango) and Virara (the enigmatic Lalafel warrior). It was an interesting conversation: its not very often that Aya is caught publicly in a contemplative state of mind.

She was pondering how much of life just moves on and on in its own interconnected ways. No matter what had been occurring during the Merchant, Marine plot goods continued to make their way to and from Limsa, and with the aid of the longshoremen she was watching, onward to the rest of Eorzea.

The world is a big and complicated place, and has a way of moving ever onward with or without you.

#Aya #Aya Foxheart #Balmung #Virara #screenshot #roleplaying #ffxiv

Procuring the Presence of a Purple-Haired Pugilist

RP Partner: @onehundredplumblossoms Date: 14 June 2020

Virara Vira is gone from the Roadhouse, but she seems to have been about. There's a little alcove where she tends to stow her items, and it is full of empty food bags (clean of course.) and spare iron horas. Virara Vira arrives after a long wait, carrying an empty burlap sack, dragged about in the sand behind her.

Chachanji Gegenji made his way along the dusty trail that led up to the Roadhouse. He knew Virara had taken up living there, after all, so it seemed the best location to start his search for his fellow Lalafell. Unfortunately, she is not there as he arrives - though the signs show she had been there at least relatively recently. Made much more recent as Chachan manages to catch sight of her coming through the front gate and patters over to meet her. "Ah! Virara! Hallo! I was lookin' fer ya!"

Virara Vira: "...?" Virara Vira reflexively draws the bag behind her back. Virara Vira: "... What is it? Chagenji."

Chachanji Gegenji: "Oh, uh... feel free ta put 'way... um... whatev'r ya got there first, a'course," he offers with an awkward little chuckle and motion towards the bag in question.

#ffxiv screenshots #ffxiv rp #rp logs #virara #chachanji

FFXIV Write 2019 #6: First Steps

Written for Prompt Six of @sea-wolf-coast-to-coast‘s daily writing challenge for September!

This was another surprisingly difficult prompt at first, but then the idea hit me and this all came flooding out. Perhaps it might even be a bit deep and poignant? Ultimately it was nice to touch on a bunch of things that had happened before, and what I think helped shape Chachan into who he is now. Even if he still kind of stubbornly sticks to that heroic desire, it hopefully comes from a stronger place now than just “I wanna.”

People mentioned: @fourtharbiter, @afreesworn, @socrofty, @fancy-hat-cat, and @onehundredplumblossoms, among others.

[All FFXIV Write 2019 Pieces]

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Sometimes Chachanji - in his more thoughtful moments - wondered when the shift happened. When an admittedly somewhat childish desire to just go out and help people and be a big ol' hero like in his favorite storybooks was tempered into something more. A more purposeful need to protect people, to see people return home alive from the hunts and the battles and the conflicts that were so numerous across Hydaelyn. When he acted less on what he thought those storybook heroes would do, and more on what felt like the right thing to do. What he truly and deeply wanted to do.

Perhaps it had been when he first encountered the Free Paladin and Arbiter of the Grindstone - Warren Castille. More accurately, the stalwart Hyur had saved him when he had just being flailing around with sword and shield in order to hone his "heroic" combat skills against the various wildlife of Thanalan. Had taken him under his wing and set him on the path that ultimately led him to meeting others of his kind - steadfast protectors of the weak and downtrodden - Paladins. Ser Warren, Ser Roen, Ser Crofte. Epitomes all of the heroic personage that the little Lalafell had wanted to be. And the ones who had led to his eventual joining of the Free Paladin order himself as ordained by Ser Coatleque Croft.

Though, these days he aided them more through his smithing skills rather than being out on the front lines himself. Though he did still go out now and then, usually partaking of leves under the auspice of the Free Paladins to assist those he could. And, like Ser Roen had done, he frequented the camps of the refugees outside the walls of Ul'dah. And a goodly portion of his earned coin went towards them as well.

And that was even before he had gained a greater affinity for those who sought refuge.

For perhaps it had been the news of the razing of Doma that had served to temper the steel of his will. News of a home, lost to fire, and a family that he had thought similarly snatched away from him by the Garleans. The latter thankfully turned out to be false, as his parents and sister had managed to flee along with many of the other Domans and ultimately settle for a time in Revenant's Toll. But the terror, the fear that gripped at his heart then... it hadn't faded completely once he knew his family to be safe. It had lodged itself deep into his heart, a sense of loss that he knew he never wanted to feel again.

And it was a want that oft refused to be fulfilled, as subsequent events would attest. His older brother - Gogonji - had likewise heard of the inhumanities of Garlemald against their nation, and had reacted far more negatively than Chachanji had. A wrath that sent him spiraling down such a dark path it ultimately set brother against brother, and left the elder Gegenji child in a coma for moons. He managed to recover - if only due to his own stubborn and unyielding will - but the scars of that battle lingered still, even cycles later. Scars Chachanji was always reminded of when he saw his older brother rest his weight upon that cane that was now ever-present at his side.

And then there were those he called his friends (and some he thought of more than that) that also seemed to have a penchant for dangers of all sorts.

From adventurous Leanne - who he thought of like a sister - who had dove into such a deep depression that she had briefly thought to try and destroy all her memories for a mental "reset."

To the chaotic whirlwind that was Memeli, who suffered possession by another that sought to take hold of her in wild frantic bursts of magic and partake of all her aether before being cast out and seeking hosts anew.

To mighty and skilled Virara, whose single-minded focus on becoming stronger oft sent her rushing into what sometimes seemed like certain death in order to become powerful enough to defeat the one that had taken her in and trained her.

To even the bright and cheerful Tiroro, who he sought to protect and yet still came up short as she remained bedridden and beholden to constant treatment and care for an entire moon after crossing what could only be described as a powerful villain.

Learning from true heroes, that first deep taste of fear and loss, finding those he wished to protect. Whether because of just one or the combination of all, it had refined that childish desire of Chachanji's that he had carried when he left home all those cycles ago. A desire to be a hero, not because they seemed great and wonderful, but because of an honest want to see less loss and pain and fear in the world around him. To use whatever skills he could - whatever strength and ability he could bring to bear - to help and protect and save other.

Steps all on the path that he now walked, that he hoped and strove to continue walking. Even if now and then he might falter or wander astray for a time. Would wonder if he could even make any sort of difference at all. Always he came back to that purpose, that want, that need.

To help. To protect. To save.

#ffxiv #ffxivwrite2019 #story #chachanji #warren #roen #crofte #gogonji #virara

Will of The Weak

Chachanji frowned in thought as he put up the scroll he got from Neheon over the door to his smithy, fastening it as best he could there. He wasn't quite sure if this was the proper place for it – or even if he was doing this right – but, since it was to ward and keep out dangerous magicks and the like, hanging it over the entryway seemed like the right way to go about it. Though, he would probably have to double-check with her the next time he went out that way just to be certain. The Clinic...

And so he had gone to seek Tiroro at the Duskbreak, to tell the one he wanted to protect the most that he wanted to be at her side should they encounter Gunnar again. That he wanted to be an active force once more, rather than just being a passive supporter, and to speak to her of the Whispers and their “oncoming storm.” He had wanted to speak to her of them anyway once he had gathered himself, before the surprise Gunnar appearance – to share his thoughts and concerns with her, and to decide with her what to do. Together. She had not been there, for she had - unbeknownst to him - in fact been out at the gathering of the many others who had heard the Whispers. Yet he still provided the path that led him somewhat in her wake - a flyer left behind that spoke of there being kindred spirits, yet more who had been approached and perhaps even tempted as he had by their warnings and their promises. Perhaps they could help as well, letting him know the possible nature of these Whispers and how trustworthy they were. And so he had gone to the Clinic, and he had learned of the offers and the promises and the lies of the Whispers - and how he could have doomed those he cared about to far more horrible fates under the guise of "protecting" them. It was a sobering thought that just by playing to his worries and concerns, and his desire to protect others, he had almost heeded these otherworldly things and aided in whatever scheme they had. But instead he had learned the truth - or as much of the truth as Ms. Neheon and the others had learned - and the rallying thought that, even if someone had succumbed to the temptation, they could still be potentially be brought back. So when they asked for those who would confront these things, these creatures from beyond, he had stood with the rest of themm. All the worry and doubt that the Whispers had instilled in him - and that he still felt crawling about in his gut - he wanted to protect others who might be similarly swayed by it. He wanted to save those that had already succumbed to it, to bring them back and let them know they had friends they could turn to. He wanted to be there, rather than just wait again in the wings and just hope things would work out. His armor certainly wouldn't do enough here - but rather than simply bemoan that fact, he instead needed to step up and act.

#ffxiv #story #rp events #the faceless #tiroro #virara #jancis #balmung #chachanji #dunesfolk #lalafell #wall of text

Going Going Kugane, Part 7

Lehs Dragon-napped! After That Au Ra!

[19:38](Chachanji Gegenji) > The mood of the evening had shifted sharply. One moment, the group was celebrating the friendly ramen couple's new restaurant-to-be and aiding in setting things up. The next thing they knew, poor little Lehs had been snatched up from his snooze-spot on the delivery litter. Even now, Denz's frantic gaze searches about for the thief. And, perhaps due to his height, he sees the back of the head of a similarly well-statured figure moving quite quickly through the crowd towards the markets.

[19:41](Chachanji Gegenji) Zhara, unable to see this retreating figure, jumps to a different kind of action - "I-I'll go get the guard...! Or whatever this place has! That priest-guy had guards, right?" And she was off! Heading up the ramp, chasing after the priest, the city officials, and their Sekiseigumi entourage. [19:45](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's panicked shouts were unwarranted, as the elezen's innate ability to sense and track the dragonet had aided them in more than just. Gods, it aided him in fishing him out of the ocean, this would be nothing in comparison. The world had fallen away from Denz's eyes as he turned towards the direction he felt Lehs moving away from him. His hands came up to part people, the strength in his pushes barely enough to topple someone over as he swam wordlessly through the streets.* [19:47](Jancis Milburga) Jancis' gaze shot up from her sorting and inspecting of the discarded trash at Denz's exclaimation. The midlander tried to see through the crowd, her polite manner toned down in the urgency of Denz's initial exclaimations. She pushed over the trash, finding a decent broken dowel to take with her before following the elezen in his errie path. [19:48](Chachanji Gegenji) > The markets were packed with people, a thing not uncommon even moving into the evening bells. It did, however, make Denz's pursuit all the more difficult. His light touch garnered him less and less purchase as the would-be thief moved with much more fervor through the crowd, bowling over a certain violet-haired Lalafell in his escape towards the Aetheryte Square. [19:50](Chachanji Gegenji) > Chachan glanced back and forth between where Zhara had gone and where Denz and Jancis had. There was but a momentary decision before he shot after the latter. Zhara was getting more help, but Denz needed all that he could right -now!- [19:50](Jancis Milburga) The panic between Denz and Lehsohmarrn was shared, the dragon's own surprise and then outrage at being confined probably influencing the man. It was dark in this thick bag he'd been stuffed in. It was nearly as bad as the egg he'd hatched from, but at that time Denz had aided. A small hissing roar came, but it wasn't exactly fierce to only frustrate the creature more. [19:50](Virara Wakuwa) "Guh." A small roadbump nearly trips him, rather solid despite its size. In his wake, a girl bundled in a thick coat crouches, and a brief look of displeasure flashes across her doll-like face. Her eye stares dully up at the man, confused and faintly clueless. [19:51](Chachanji Gegenji) > The figure spares Virara the briefest of moments to shoot her a dirty look. A Raen from the looks of him, thick with the scent of fish - likely his trade. His gaze casts all his spite at her impeding him before, with a glance over his shoulder, he bursts into motion again - weaving through the crowd with the experience of one used to these throngs. [19:55](Denz De'bayle) *As Denz finally pushes his way to parting of the crowd, he saw the Raen, then followed his gaze down to the lalafell who was bowled over. Wait, he knew her. He hesitated, but as he looked up to continue pursuing him, he was already gone. Swallowing down his anger and panic, he knelt down next to the woman.* "Are you alright?" [19:56](Jancis Milburga) The jarring trip was felt by the package that thief carried, an oafing reptilian noise. It was all the worst to feel Denz's presence get so close for mere moments before dwindling off again. Curled in the pouch to hopefully deal with more rough handling, Lehs stopped fighting and bided his time. [19:57](Virara Wakuwa) Virara stares back blankly. Her expression is so frigid, grasping how she feels proves difficult. She nods in affirmation. "Mn. I'm strong," the Lalafell girl murmurs quietly. Her voice is easily drowned out in the market crowds. "... A thief?" [19:58](Chachanji Gegenji) > Denz's pausing gave time for Jancis and Chachanji to catch up, the latter taken quite aback at exactly who Denz was talking to! "... V-Virara? What're ya doin' 'ere...?" He shook his head sharply. "No time! Where'd th' thief go, Mr. Denz!?" [19:58](Jancis Milburga) "Denz?! Where is he? You-" Her eyes turn to look at not who she expected. "Lady Virara!" Jancis looked a bit disconcerted. Worry and intent were clear on her face besides the surprise, her clothing and hair matted with dust and dirt, her hands holding a broken wooden dowel. [19:59](Virara Wakuwa) "Mn? What are you doing here?" Virara mutters, wide-eyed at their appearance. "... You look... poorer. Like me." Virara glances about, discomforted by the sudden attention by all appearances. [20:00](Virara Wakuwa) "... The scaled man. He ran into the markets, that way." Virara motions with a gloved hand off where the man had disappeared into the crowds. [20:03](Jancis Milburga) "Scaled man." Jancis repeats, as if it was a clue to aid. There were still many who fit such a description. "Pray, do you recall anything else about him? Clothes? Dare not think we even caught much of a glimpse of the man before he took Lehsohmarrn." [20:04](Denz De'bayle) *Denz watched his two comrades approached, reaffirming that he did indeed know this lalafell(they may have all looked the same to him). His eyes went over the hyur, blinking at the stick in her hand. Shaking his head, he went back into the crowd as people began looking at them oddly, still using his "dragon radar" to follow the man's path.* [20:06](Chachanji Gegenji) > Denz would sense that Lehs was definitely somewhere still in the markets area - or what he assumed was the market area. Despite the man's retreat towards the aetheryte square, he had apparently detoured at some point into the mess of buildings just before the bridge. At least, that was the feeling he was getting. [20:07](Chachanji Gegenji) > As for Lehs, himself, his was blinded momentarily as he was dumped rather unceremoniously into a sturdy cage and the lid slammed and locked shut. [20:07](Virara Wakuwa) Virara's small nose twitches. Doglike, she seems to drift off in a hurry in the direction of the man's fish smell, though it is difficult, as the market's many food stalls and the scent of passerby muddle it considerably. [20:07](Chachanji Gegenji) > Once his little dragonling eyes had adjusted, he would see the fisherman from the hot springs on a linkpearl, speaking hurriedly to someone on the other end. [20:09](Jancis Milburga) Jancis couldn't really understand at that moment why Denz was shaking his head in disapproval at her, waiting for an answer that never came. She looked at Chachanji a moment before doing her best to get through the crowd, her 'weapon' in both hands to give her some leeway. She was pretty dirty anyway and that was hopefully an unforeseen boon. [20:10](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan pushed through after Denz and Virara as well, hopping and weaving through the crowd like a little rabbit. He did his best not to trip up or hinder people, but this was an emergency, and thus he offered a few hurried apologies as he joined the rest down one of the thankfully less crowded market streets. [20:11](Jancis Milburga) Lehs didn't get the chance he wanted to bite and lash out at his attacker, the small body rumbling with a draconic groan before things cleared up. His eyes whirled with recognition before looking over the cage and its construction. [20:11](Virara Wakuwa) Virara glances back over her shoulder. "He stank. Of fish. Follow the smell." She says this without a hint of humor, as typical, no consideration to how impossible it might seem. It's tremendously easy for Virara to scurry about underfoot without being caught, though not as easy for Chachanji, she is rather tall. [20:12](Chachanji Gegenji) "Mr. Denz seems ta know where ta go too! So, mebbe wit yer trackin'n his, we'll find th' thief!" [20:12](Denz De'bayle) *As the elezen leapt into a side alley and there were fewer people, he was able to sprint quickly towards wherever he sensed his captured dragon. Body swiveled and turn to leap past people as he rushed forward.* [20:13](Jancis Milburga) "Stank of fish." Jancis once again echoed Virara's words, trying her best to keep up with the dashing Denz. Though in the alley she kept looking for fish stalls. [20:15](Chachanji Gegenji) > The cage was simple, but sturdy. Thick bars spaced just enough that the poor dragonling couldn't squeeze his way through without breaking something. Metal too, so breaking it was similarly unfeasible without the breath and magicks of an older dragon. His prison was set on a table next to a bin of fish, relatively fresh by the scent of it. The straps dangling lazily off it meant it was likely to be carried on one's back. The rest of the place was... unimpressive. Seemingly just a small-- [20:15](Virara Wakuwa) Virara leaps to the stone wall, now almost seeming to mimic a cat instead. It is said that plainsfolk were quick on their feet, but this was something else entirely. She seems to glide up the wall as easily as a mid-day shadow, and with a push of her hand vaults above the others, running over the heads of a few confused onlookers as she darts across the cobblestone wall. A bit higher and she could even reach the roof, perhaps. She follows the stench, though it grows faint. [20:15](Chachanji Gegenji) warehouse being used for various odds and ends. [20:18](Chachanji Gegenji) > For Denz, his link with Lehs was quite the boon. It was as he neared the end of the back road that he felt the gap between him and Lehs become far less vast. In fact, both his and Virara's senses brought them to the door of a shabby looking little brick building squeezed between two shops at the end of the street. [20:22](Jancis Milburga) Leh's arm reached out to scratch and pry at the lock, testing it, before squeezing back in. Braced on all fours, he waited for the smelly fisher to get near once more, more confident at the growing presence of Denz. [20:22](Virara Wakuwa) Virara is quite a bit later to find the area, only catching up due to her speed and unorthodox approach. She hops down from the wall, watching the Elezen man in wonder. It is as if he knows where the thief is intuitively. [20:24](Chachanji Gegenji) > The lock was simple, but sturdy - not unlike the cage itself. The clawing caused quite the racket - enough that those sharp of hearing outside the door to the building could hear the faint clang of metal on metal, followed by the Raen's sharp but shushed response: "Quit it, you! Sit still!" [20:30](Jancis Milburga) "Ten ehs errn no saih orn Dran!" There was a curious depth to Leh's voice, though it be small. "Denzelerrn!" Again the dragonet tried to shake and rattle the cage, even take it off balance if he could manage to tilt the sturdy cage. [20:31](Denz De'bayle) *Denz swung to a halt before the door, breathing in heavily from his mad dash to their location. He placed a hand on the door, ready to slide it open before Virara's drop next to him reminded him he probably shouldn't rush in alone. It could be some elaborate ambush for them to be robbed and sold for their bodies!* [20:33](Chachanji Gegenji) > The cage made even more of a racket as Lehs raged against his confinement, it and the the dragonling's deep voice heard all the more clearly by Denz and Virara now that they were right by the door itself. Chachanji hurried to their side as well, looking up at Denz and pointing to the building in question with an expression that just screamed "Here?" [20:34](Chachanji Gegenji) > The Raen just grew more furious at Lehs' defiance, pulling out his fishing spear from its holster on his back and giving the cage a solid thwap. "I said settle down!" [20:35](Jancis Milburga) Jancis was nearly tripping on Chachanji as she caught up. Giving Denz one look, she looks around the shabby building for any other alleys to squeeze around and run about the perimeter to look for another way in. Or out. [20:35](Virara Wakuwa) Virara produces a thin metal wire from one of her many pockets. She huddles next to the lock and listens, pressing a firm ear against its metal. [20:36](Virara Wakuwa) She picks as quietly as she can, hoping to not alert those on the inside. She'd not demonstrated this proficiency before, but she is a straighforward girl. Maybe she didn't like to. [20:36](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's hand gripped the edge of the handle-less door, throwing it open and raising his fist combatively as he entered the opening.* [20:37](Jancis Milburga) A small claw came up to swat at the spear, though far too late and within the confides of the cage. Not being listened to was almost as infuriating as it was to be trapped in a cage, but the dragonet had another motive to try and keep his captive's attention for a few spare moments. [20:38](Chachanji Gegenji) > The building was a general use warehouse, with a simple lock. Which made the fact that picking it seemed to not be going anywhere until Virara made the sudden realization: the Raen had forgotten to lock it in his haste! It would be simple enough to barge right in, especially with the Raen distracted with trying to keep Lehs quiet. [20:39](Chachanji Gegenji) > Jancis' searching about seemed to turn up little. Until she caught sight of something brown and furry on one of the thin walkways above the river. A familiar raccoon dog was sizing up a half-open window, apparently looking to make a jump for it! [20:42](Chachanji Gegenji) > Virara's theory was proven right as Denz easily yanked the door open. A muffled curse reaches his ears, but all he can see from the doorway is a bunch of crates and barrels stacked rather haphazardly all around with a decently wide path left open between them towards the back of the building. [20:42](Jancis Milburga) Jancis was trying to be quick, weaving about as she judged sides and waffled until she saw the creature. Her broomstick came out, swinging at the creature as she got closer, hoping to either bonk it on the head or pinch the back of its neck and pin the mischievious creature down. [20:43](Virara Wakuwa) Virara hustles towards the interior on soft bootfalls, practically bounding after whoever it was they were chasing like a loping animal. To see her in motion gave one the impression that not all of the island had left her. [20:45](Chachanji Gegenji) > Bonk! Jancis' aim strikes true and she has the little critter pinned! It squeaks and wriggles under her broomstick, but she's got it caught fast. Not that it doesn't give its best attempts to break free. [20:46](Denz De'bayle) *Denz ducked around the barrels and crates, following the close proximity sense and the sound of the voice as well. Suddenly, Virara was ahead of him, silently moving with a speed belying her stealth, and he stood up, figuring he would atleast distract the offender while Virara remained hidden.* [20:46](Jancis Milburga) Leh's, his silver body, braced once again in the cage, wings on his back and tail up as a weapon. If only he was another malm bigger in size. [20:47](Chachanji Gegenji) > Virara's movements get her quickly to near the back half of the room. A bit of a clearing has been made in a corner, where she can see a table with a cage and a basket set next to it. The lone hanging lantern in the place causing the silver scales of the cage's captive to glimmer as he posed threateningly. The Raen himself had immediately turned his attentions to the door when Denz had yanked it open. He was out of Virara's sight, but through Lehs, Denz would know that the fisherman was going- [20:48](Chachanji Gegenji) - for something in the corner. [20:49](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan, meanwhile, follows in behind Virara and Denz, gripping at the only weapon he had on him - one of his smaller smithing hammers. He hadn't quite expected to be dealing with a dragonnapping this sun. [20:49](Jancis Milburga) Any squirm or magick trickery would 'reward' the boko with a very pinched and bruised back of the neck, like a misbehaving cat, the midlander's eyes going up to the window and looking around if she could climb up to it. With the trouble her captive was giving her, she'd be down a hand and arm. [20:51](Chachanji Gegenji) > At this range, Jancis would notice that the little furry thing seemed... rather dirty and malnourished. Obviously not a kept creature or - if it was - it was not treated too kindly. It apparently hadn't even recovered the energy to do its deceptions from the time at the springs. Only to flail weakly under her pin. [20:51](Virara Wakuwa) Virara tenses and raises her fists calmly, glancing about for any sign of the thief. Her nose smells the air for his distinctive odor. Her eye catches the glint of the lantern's light, regarding the cage and its occupant, and the dark corners of the room with caution. [20:53](Denz De'bayle) *Denz continued rushing forward, sensing that the man was going for his own weapon. Denz put a fair amount of stock into his own martial prowess to hopefully disarm the man before he cut him up. Otherwise, he had a terrifying ninja lalafell and a conjurer to patch him up. And Chachanji's hammer, for what it was worth.* [20:54](Chachanji Gegenji) > The scent of fish was quite thick in Virara's nose. From the basket of it by the cage, and from both the fisherman and his weapon of choice as Denz came barreling into his sight. Not a fishing spear, but a hefty bucket of chum! Cast towards the rushing Elezen to catch him full in the face! [20:57](Virara Wakuwa) Virara seems unphased by the rich, bloody scent, unnervingly enough. With how sensitive her nose is, she at least manages to cover her face with her sleeve. Luckily, the Elezen's lanky form proves a sufficient shield for her. [20:57](Jancis Milburga) The brow furrow Jancis had didn't change, but she did feel the ease that she was starting to dominate the critter. Adjusting her hands, she went to the overcoat of her dress, pulling it from her head and started to bundle the creature in it like swaddling a baby. "Struggle not." At least this way she could pin the creature to her without bruising it further. Arms freer, she started to climb up for the half open window. And the stench within. [20:59](Chachanji Gegenji) > The little critter fussed for a bit longer, but it just didn't have the energy. Bundled up as it was, it couldn't do much as Jancis scaled for the window, catching sight of Denz catching a face-full of fish guts and slop. The excess splashing around the Elezen and his Lalafellin shadow, making the floor treacherous and slippery. However, she'd also note that the Raen WASN'T pressing the attack! Instead, he made a beeline for the cage and, grabbing its handle sharply - a motion which dashed-- [21:00](Chachanji Gegenji) -- Lehs against the bars - he moved to a trapdoor by the table! [21:02](Virara Wakuwa) Virara lets an irritated "Tsk" under her breath that is easily lost in the splashing of fishy refuse across the floor. She rushes unsteadily across the putrid mess, careful not to slip, but it slows her down considerably. [21:02](Jancis Milburga) The force was too much, another draconic groan from the hatchling, the rough handling catching up. Lehs did his best to reach a claw up through the bars at the treacherous hand. [21:02](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's arms raised defensively for his chest. Killers, soldiers, and evil criminals had always been his quarry. For once, no one was trying to steal his life as his was clunked in the head by a bucket of... oh gods, what was this?! The slimy liquid spattered over his head and front, and the first step he took was not exactly sound, sliding forward. An arm shot out to catch himself on a nearby crate or barrel.* [21:05](Chachanji Gegenji) > Fortunately for Denz, there was nothing if not a multitude of handholds amongst all the crates and barrels around him. He managed to catch himself, but he'd need a moment to wipe the gunk from his eyes so he could see. The chum had obviously been used to hinder and distract, which it had to solid success. Little Lehs' flailing claws caught part of the fisherman's arm - but hit scale! Which did little more than irritate the fisherman as he yanked the trapdoor open with his free hand. He paused- [21:06](Chachanji Gegenji) - just long enough to bash the cage against the floor as a warning before starting his descent! [21:07](Jancis Milburga) Jancis gasped at her view, her eyes going back to the deck below her. She wasn't sure enough which way it went to attempt and intervene. Hefting her furry captive in first, she pinned it to the wall as she clambered up through the window. [21:08](Jancis Milburga) "Denz! Floor door!" [21:11](Denz De'bayle) *With his feet stablized and the free hand wiping the fishing oils from his eyes, he looked up to see Jancis suddenly coming into the room through a window with a swaddled raccoon in his arms. He genuinely blinked in stunned silence for a moment. He was not prepared for today. When she yelled at him, his eyes went to the '"floor door", gritting his teeth and looking to move towards the manhole.* [21:12](Virara Wakuwa) The small girl in the overcoat half-steps, half-slides to where the trapdoor is. She takes a moment to steady herself, and before the fugitive can get too far into the trapdoor, she flings... what appears to be a chain with a thick iron weight around it towards his ankles. [21:14](Jancis Milburga) Leh's pants, trying to get a grip on the cage that was flinging him around and battering. There wasn't a good opportunity now, but the thought of armor under the rags of the fisherman was known to him. And known to Denz. [21:15](Chachanji Gegenji) > The chain strikes! But has the opposite effect of what she wanted. Caught off-balance, the fisherman took a tumble down the trapdoor - escaping the chains in a rather rough way. It was no treat for Lehs either, his cage bouncing harshly against the ground below as the Raen let go in order to try and shield his fall with his arms! [21:17](Chachanji Gegenji) > Through some miracle, the Raen doesn't seem to have broken anything. Though he gingerly picks up the cage and starts limping his way towards an escape. [21:17](Virara Wakuwa) Virara mutters something foul under her breath, though rather indistinct, and flicks her arm backwards, wrapping the chain around her sleeve. She hurries to the ladder, continuing her pursuit, despite her palpable confusion at the entire situation, eye wide and incredulous. She has the look of a girl utterly perplexed. [21:17](Denz De'bayle) *Denz gasped, flinching in pain at the jostling the dragon went through, crouching next to the trapdoor and swiftly getting himself on the ladder to descend.* "Cease! You can't escape us!" *How menacing the tunic wearing elezen was, suddenly aware that the fisherman could've been more prepared for this theft than they initially thought. Still, it didn't deter him.* [21:19](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan was next to join Virara and Denz at the trapdoor, the both of them seeming to be vying to see who would go down after the fisherman first. [21:20](Chachanji Gegenji) > As for Jancis, the scent of fish roused the little raccoon dog and it set to squirming again, its eyes fixated on the basket of fish. [21:22](Jancis Milburga) Jancis hopped down, bracing herself on the floor with her dowel staff. Distracted by her 'parcel', she looks about the room and reluctantly releases the creature on the floor, joining the others by the trap door. "Can you see where it leads?!" [21:25](Chachanji Gegenji) > Freed, the little Bom Boko is quick to dive into the basket and grab itself a meal, tearing into it ravenously as it watches the quartet by the trapdoor. It's not that long of a drop - which seemed to be in the Raen's favor. Giving a slight downward incline towards the river that splits the city in two. [21:25](Jancis Milburga) Lehs was too young and growing weaker at all the jostling. the majority of his strength now on holding on, tail wrapping up out of the cage partway to brace his body for more. [21:32](Denz De'bayle) *Bursting out of the exit, Denz's head swiveled to and fro trying to rely on sight before his other senses, trying to get a bead on the thief.* "Where'd e go?!" [21:33](Chachanji Gegenji) > The fisherman himself is not in the tunnel, having vacated it as quickly as he could. Using the wall outside as a brace, the Raen is already seeking to get away - his limp dwindling by the second as he recovers from his fall. Little Lehs isn't subject to any more harsh treatment, just the gentle bouncing against the wall as the hand holding his-- [21:34](Chachanji Gegenji) -- cage is the one using the surface for support. As Denz bursts out of the tunnel first, having stolen the initiative from Virara, his senses would turn him westward as the thief passes under the bridge. [21:38](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's eyes caught the sight of the Raen limping away, eyebrows furrowing and turning to sprint after them.* "STOP!" *He shouted out, hands gripped and ready to strike at the man if he drew close enough.* [21:42](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachanji would likely be the last one out of the warehouse of the group. He was speaking on his linkpearl now, hurriedly relaying information to the person on the other end - likely Zhara. Describing the location of the building, where the tunnel led, and where it seemed they might be headed. [21:44](Virara Wakuwa) Virara rushes down after Denz, sliding down the last stretch of the ladder by gripping the edges and with her gloves and boots, to many a Hingan woodworker's horror. He has a slight lead on her now, given that she needed to coil the iron chain in her coat once more, but she's on the fisherman's trail once again, hurrying along with the others. [21:44](Jancis Milburga) Jancis followed after Virara, after the echoes of Denz's command. The dowel she had was too shaped and used to be natural enough as a staff to conjure afar from, instead the hyur doing her best to try and catchup. Her eyes were on the river, getting as close to it as she could by the bridge. [21:48](Chachanji Gegenji) > The fisherman glances over his shoulder at Denz's shout, his uninjured arm pressed to his horn in the tell-tale signal of linkpearl use. He curses sharply before dropping the hand and pushing off the wall. His movement is still slowed somewhat, allowing Denz to start gaining on him. However, he's still spry enough to make it around the corner. Where a burly figure appears as Denz follows after, seeking to bodycheck the Elezen into the railing and possibly the river beyond! [21:57](Chachanji Gegenji) > Caught unawares, the Ishgardian is bashed into the railing by the surprise assailant. The deed done, the figure takes a step back and dusts his hands off. "This the one after our prize, hm?" he asks of the Raen, who is with two more similar figures - all three very turtle-like in appearance. [21:58](Chachanji Gegenji) "Kojin!" Chachanji exclaims as he catches up with the rest. [21:58](Denz De'bayle) *Denz is carried backwards, crashing harshly into the stone railing and losing all air from his lungs by the sudden appearance of a roegadyn. He groaned, back sinking against the railing as his head turned up towards the man with a fierce look.* [21:59](Virara Wakuwa) Virara raises her hands at the sight of the sudden dark blur, but her expression tenses, her stare tinged with familiarity. "Mn. But why do they want to steal a scalekin?" [21:59](Denz De'bayle) *Denz blinks several times. Wait, no... not a roegadyn. Their limbs were different. Scaly... Walking dragons?!* [22:01](Chachanji Gegenji) > One of the two other Kojin has the fisherman rather roughly in his grasp. The other, the leader by his outfit and overall air, snatches up the cage from the Raen's grasp. "Hm. You were right. This would be an excellent addition to our treasures. The beauty and luck of a dragon!" [22:02](Jancis Milburga) Lehs grabbed against the cage, as if feeling the bodycheck himself, another roar coming from the beast even out of spite. "Loon Ahk, no narr." [22:02](Chachanji Gegenji) "And you can have it for half-price if you deal with these hangers on," the fisherman stated, though he was obviously in no position to haggle price. [22:04](Virara Wakuwa) Virara tilts her head, a look of confusion traversing her face. "Hah? Luck?" Her tone of voice almost sounds faintly sarcastic, but her quiet, smooth tone renders it hollow affectation, "What does that have to do it? That tiny thing." [22:04](Virara Wakuwa) "... Regardless, it is a bother. Give it back." [22:04](Jancis Milburga) Jancis caught up, running over to Denz immediately to press her hands to him, her lips moving. She could work on touch and she could definitely touch Denz. Warmth filled his chest and back, at the very least masking the pain. [22:06](Chachanji Gegenji) "Such a prize belongs in our vault," the lead Kojin stated again. "And so it shall be." He grabbed the fisherman roughly by the collar to free up his companion, who moved to join the first to stand as opposition between the group and Lehs. [22:07](Denz De'bayle) *Denz felt the hands upon his body, senses returning to him as he caught the sight of the walking turtles moving towards them. He pushed himself to his feet to point at the beastmen.* "That dragon is mine! Return him, or you will face justice!" [22:09](Virara Wakuwa) "Chagenji. Do you want me to beat them?" [22:09](Virara Wakuwa) murmurs over her shoulder to Chachanji. [22:11](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan frowns, knowing what that means. "... W-we need ta get Mr. Denz's dragon-friend back." That was as much of an affirmation as anything else, even as he pulls out his little smithing hammer... for what good it might do. "If'n we hafta go through 'em ta get 'im back... w-well..." He pouted. "J-jus'... dun kill 'em. Zhara's got reinforcements comin'." [22:12](Virara Wakuwa) Virara glances oddly at him... At least, she would be, but her eyepatch is facing him, strangely enough, so he cannot see her expression. Wordlessly, she lowers herself into her familiar tranquil stance. [22:13](Jancis Milburga) Jancis came up to one of the Kojin standing between them. "He is a thief." Her hand came up, palm raised to wave and perhaps stay the red-shelled spoken. [22:13](Chachanji Gegenji) > The head Kojin cocks his head towards the male Lalafell at that. "Oh? Friends coming? That just means we need to deal with you all quickly so we can get this prize back home." He looks to the other other two Kojin. "Gozzu. Metsu. Handle them." [22:14](Jancis Milburga) "And a bathhouse watcher." [22:15](Chachanji Gegenji) He turns to Jancis next. "Oh, is this the one you want? You can have him." And the surprised Raen is bodily tossed to land in a heap next to Jancis. The lead Kojin keeps Lehs, however. [22:15](Chachanji Gegenji) Gozzu and Metsu crack their knuckles, looking eager for a fight. [22:18](Jancis Milburga) Jancis looks down at the Raen, the broken broomstick coming down over one of his eyes, possibly to gouge it, as she kneels searching the man for any weapons. [22:21](Chachanji Gegenji) The Raen yelps and shies away, trying to protect his face from the broomstick. "M-mercy! Have mercy!" He doesn't seem to have anything on him. Just the clothes on his back now that Lehs' cage has been taken from him. [22:22](Chachanji Gegenji) "Well, if that's all you wanted, we will be leaving," the head Kojin states, turning away and starting to head towards the docks. Gozzu and Metsu seem keen to watch what Jancis is going to do with the fisherman, though. [22:23](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's eyes look over the scaly hide of the "kojin", attempting to find a spot to actually launch an attack at the beastmen. His brother Guillemont had instilled an important lesson him. Go for the throat. The fist would launch for the Kojin next to Jancis. If he had stunned him properly, he would move past him for the leader.* [22:24](Virara Wakuwa) Virara lunges with startling speed, rushing forward and dipping low, as low as a Lalafell could go (quite.) before coiling up and springing into the Kojin's face with a blindingly fast leap, raising her knee into his chin. An unorthodox sort of maneuver. [22:25](Chachanji Gegenji) The fist flies true, but the Kojin is surprisingly quick. Denz's fist finds not the turtle-man's neck but his open palm. His scaley fingers tighten around the Elezen's hand. "Oh, so you -do- want to play." [22:26](Chachanji Gegenji) The other Kojin grunt is not so fortunate, so caught up in the antics of Jancis and Denz, he's completely blindsided by Virara's attack - and is sent crashing backwards into the shallow steps! [22:28](Virara Wakuwa) Virara lands surefooted. Only moments later, however, she hunches to rub her knee, wincing visibly. "Tch. My aim was off, then." [22:28](Jancis Milburga) Jancis' choice wasn't so much as to leave the sputtering Raen alone as it was to aid Denz. The stick came up to mimick Denz's attack, jabbing for the red beastman's throat. [22:28](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's fist slammed against the hard hand, feeling the hand tighten around his own. It was not his night.* "Move aside!" [22:29](Jancis Milburga) "No play!" [22:29](Chachanji Gegenji) "Guh! A-a cowardly shot," the fallen Kojin stated, slowly managing to get up into a kneeling position. He hacked and coughed and rubbed at his neck, seeming either unwilling or unable to stand at the moment. His partner, however, was having much better luck. As Jancis came in to strike at him, she instead had an Elezen thrown at her to halt her attack! [22:31](Chachanji Gegenji) "No play? All right. Let's get serious." The talkative one grinned - as much as a turtleman could grin - and fell into a martial artist's stance. His companion, after coughing a few more times, staggered to his feet and drew his katana. [22:32](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachanji, however, sought to make a mark as well! Using the latter Kojin's disorientation, he darted past like a rabbit and went straight for the leader to get Lehs back! [22:32](Virara Wakuwa) Virara glances between the two of them. It's faint, but there is an odd, muffled noise from her direction. It almost sounds like a soft chuckle...." [22:32](Virara Wakuwa) "This trip wasn't a waste after all." [22:33](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachanji's hammer strikes true against the lead Kojin's shell, and there's a sickening cracking sound as a fissure appears in it. The leader freezes, slowly turns, and glowers at the little Dunesfolk. "You dare..." [22:35](Chachanji Gegenji) Setting down the dragon's cage next to one of the support pillars, the lead Kojin draws his own weapon - a very large spiked club. "All right. Kill them all!" [22:35](Jancis Milburga) Jancis groans as she falls, cushioning Denz's at least from the ground, her gasps more trying to help him up than herself. [22:36](Denz De'bayle) *Denz would be swung against the hyur, crashing and easily sending her to the ground. Fortunately, his already bruised body was softened by her breaking his fall.* [22:36](Chachanji Gegenji) And as the first blows of combat begin, the fight has the oddest of witnesses - a familiar Bom Boko sitting on the railing of the bridge overhead, gnawing on a fish.

#ffxiv logs #going going kugane #chachanji #y'zhara zekial #jancis #denz #virara

Going Going Kugane, Part 10

Tempers, Tensions, Troubles, Tairyo - Crossing the Ruby Sea

[19:45](Chachanji Gegenji) > The day has arrived! It might have seemed a bit obnoxiously slow on the side of the boat adjustments - though, if one listened enough to Tairyo, it was apparently due to his lack of shipwright skills - but the fisherman's boat had been adapted to carry the whole of the group and their supplies across the Ruby Sea. All that was left was final affairs before they all bit a short adieu to the island city of Kugane.

[19:47](Virara Wakuwa) Virara appears at the edge of the boat wearing the same coat as ever, somehow even worse for wear than usual, expression flat, eyes placid. She is traveling surprisingly light, with her usual thick rucksack barely loaded to full. [19:47](Jancis Milburga) Jancis was ready and had brought what supplies for the ship she could, though she never addressed Tairyo by name. She was ready for the trip, carrying their simple travel bags and also finding a heavy coat and boots that were big enough for their au ra 'retainer' for the trip. [19:51](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara was wearing a jacket over her croptop, her satchel with her stuff and some of Chachan's stuff strapped to her back, and was carrying Chance in her arms. She somehow managed to dress Chance in a green sweater. How she was able to come across a market stall with sweaters the size of bokos was beyond the group. She'd eye the boat and rub her chin. "Ooo... this is exciting!" [19:51](Denz De'bayle) *Denz had been quite the taskmaster in ensuring that the boat was properly adjusted to accomodate for all the passengers, losing all frivolous additions and telling the Au Ra he addressed as "Fisher" to sell them for gil for supplies. Looking once over the boat once the party arrived, his critical eyes swept over it once more, before nodding in approval.* "We appear to be ready." [19:52](Virara Wakuwa) Virara hurls her bag into the boat unceremoniously and crawls in. It's not enough that she eats the fisherman out of house and home, but she shows no respect to his personal property either. [19:54](Chachanji Gegenji) > "I -hope- so," the fisherman grumbled, looking forlornly at his one real possession - transformed into this from his quaint little fishing boat. "Otherwise we're getting an actual shipwright. Or another boat." He frowned. "Wait, no, not another boat... not after everything you made me do to mine." [19:56](Denz De'bayle) *Denz throws his own satchels in, before bearing a long wrapped object onto the boat.* "Mm." *He says to the man's complaining. The plated elezen made the boat rock for a brief moment, before he settled in and the boat got a -lot- heavier.* [19:56](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara would carefully climb into the boat and sit next to Virara. Chance would lean over to Virara and sniff her curiously, recognizing her from the time they were rescuing Lehs. [19:56](Chachanji Gegenji) > "C-careful! Don't flip the boat before we're even out of the docks!" [19:57](Virara Wakuwa) Virara gives the tanuki a forbodingly hungry look. [19:57](Y'zhara Zekial) Chance all of a sudden would transmogrify himself into what appeared to be a fruit of some kind, it looked like a mango. [19:58](Jancis Milburga) Jancis leaned over the boat, handing Denz one of the satchels in particular before climbing into the boat, holding Denz's shoulder as she looked back at Chachanji, offering her hand. "Do not want you to carry us this way again if we can avoid it." [19:58](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara gasped as she saw her pet change. [19:59](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan would be one of the last to arrive, having had to wrap up a final couple tasks at Kokajiya for the Smithing Guild. It did mean his business obligations for the trip were all but done now, but it also made him a little late. He came up just in time to hear the fisherman's wails about capsizing. He blinked at Jancis' words and blushed a little. "A-ah, yeah. I'd hope not... T-though I figger it'd be a shorter trip ev'n if'n I had ta. Not as far ta go..." An awkward chuckle. [20:00](Jancis Milburga) Lehsohmarrn was comfortable in the satchel, opting to not rest in Denz's shield this time should the knight have need of it, and being close to the fisherman the dragonet was pretty sure he would. He peeked out, head snaking out to look around the boat as if giving it a critical eye. [20:01](Virara Wakuwa) "Eh..?!" [20:02](Virara Wakuwa) Virara rubs her eye in disbelief. Apparently the transformation has the opposite effect as she shies away from the fruit, visibly certain no good can come of eating something that could change form mid bite. [20:02](Jancis Milburga) "That is quite true. And not as much to carry." She echoed the laugh. "And Nymeia willing the distance is all we will have on the trip. I heard about a toll, but it is a bit beyond me." [20:03](Denz De'bayle) *Denz gingerly takes the bag into his hands, wrapping them around his arms protectively as he nodded to Chachanji.* "All set to leave?" [20:03](Chachanji Gegenji) > The boat itself was nothing fantastic. A simple fishing boat that had - at one point - apparently contained a box for caught fish. Such accoutrements had been forcibly removed as per Denz's request. Making the Playing Koi - as was apparently the name, according to the shoddily etched in lettering on the side - seem rather empty and bog-standard indeed. [20:04](Y'zhara Zekial) Chance would change back, and stick his tongue out at Virara before resting his head on Zhara's leg. Zhara would give him a little pat pat as she looked at Jancis, Denz and Chachan. "I think Virara and I are ready when you guys are." [20:06](Chachanji Gegenji) "Ah, yeah, 'm all set..." Chachan responded with a nod. "Sorry 'bout tha'. Jus' had a couple more thin's ta work out at th' smithy 'ere. They're plannin' on doin' more stuff wit' th' Guilds in Limsa so... part'a th' whole givin' us a lift thin' was havin' me help out 'n set up stuff fer th' whole... um... workin'... t'gether... thin'." [20:10](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Oh, right, the toll..." Tairyo murmured, eyeing the group for a second. He seemed like he wanted to say something, but apparently thought better of it as he let out a huge sigh. "You... won't have to worry about it. I... have a deal with the Confederates so I'm pretty free to sail wherever in the Ruby Sea for fishing as long as they get first pick of my catch. Usually a sizeable pick. Hence the fishbox. That you had me take out." [20:10](Virara Wakuwa) "... Then you do have to concern yourself with their toll." [20:11](Virara Wakuwa) Virara motions with her head at him. "You catch fast. Right?" [20:11](Denz De'bayle) *Denz looks at Virara.* "For six people? That's not a realistic request." [20:11](Virara Wakuwa) She simply shrugs back at Denz quietly. It's uncertain whether she means for Tairyo to do it all himself or for the others to aid him. [20:12](Jancis Milburga) "Here," Jancis leaned over Denz to give Tairyo the clothing she'd gotten for him. Looking over what he had, part of the money she'd been earning from tips at covering sailor wounds and other odd jobs she'd spent on some used clothing. The legs might be a bit short, but the boots would hopefully make up for that. "Llymlaen knows it can get cold in the water and some of that is near threadbare. It would be best to keep for making patches than to patch it. How much is typically a catch?" [20:12](Chachanji Gegenji) > "No, no it isn't," the fisherman agreed, the Raen giving Virara a rather dirty look. When she wasn't looking, of course. He saw what she did to those Kojin. He was grumpy, not stupid. Well, not THAT stupid. Maybe. [20:12](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara would look at the group. "We could also split the toll, it's no big deal." [20:14](Jancis Milburga) Jancis nods at Zhara's idea, sitting down against Denz's side, not minding the armor so much. [20:15](Virara Wakuwa) Virara raises an eyebrow at Zhara. With her ratty coat and poverty-stricken appearance, it's remarkable she was even able to pay to get to Kugane. Maybe she didn't. [20:15](Chachanji Gegenji) > He seems honestly surprised at the gift from Jancis, especially considering it hadn't been that many suns ago when she had sought to put one of his eyes out. Perhaps that was why he was a bit wary as he took the proffered articles of clothing. "It's... usually a percentage of my catch. Which usually wasn't TOO bad since it was just me - minus the whole 'not being able to sell the good catch' thing - but I don't know what they'd expect for me dragging along all of you with." [20:16](Denz De'bayle) *Also agrees with Y'zhara, glancing back towards the Au Ra.* "We can pay for our own passage." [20:16](Chachanji Gegenji) > "I'd -hope- so." [20:18](Jancis Milburga) “Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul And sings the tune without the words And never stops at all.” Jancis quotes, looking up at Tairyo. Her bruises had faded by now, but her looks to him lately in the past days had been expecting. [20:19](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara looked at Virara, and then the group. "And I'll pay Virara's toll. It's the least I can do after she helped us take down those kojin." [20:20](Chachanji Gegenji) > "... Right," came his response to Jancis' quote. The Raen harrumphed as he settled by the mast of the little boat. "Well, let's get this over with. Maybe we'll get lucky and not bump into the Confederates at all. Or more Kojin of the Red." [20:21](Virara Wakuwa) She silently nods in thanks, a bit hesitantly. There's a hint of bashfulness in her naturally frowning face. [20:21](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan eeped at that and scrambled into the boat to join the rest, finding himself a seat as quickly as possible. [20:21](Virara Wakuwa) Virara leans back towards her edge of the boat, gazing out upon the waters in thought. [20:22](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara smiled and wrapped an arm around Chachan as he got his seat in the boat. "Here we go.." [20:22](Denz De'bayle) *Denz pats the side of the boat.* "Then let us make way." [20:23](Jancis Milburga) Jancis sways her shoulders enough on the boat to make the bell on her staff ring. ding ding♪ [20:33](Chachanji Gegenji) > The little fishing boat pulls away from Kugane and, in short order, finds its way out on the Ruby Sea. The wind is light and warm and the skies are clear. The seas themselves may not be that clear, but they seem clear enough at points that the passengers can get a glimpse into the depths below - and the various bits of coral that rise up towards the surface. [20:35](Virara Wakuwa) Virara rocks uneasily with the boat, swaying to and fro awkwardly, as if top-heavy. She's stonefaced as ever though. Either her infamous iron gut is as resistant to sea sickness as any true sickness, or she is hiding it well. [20:36](Chachanji Gegenji) > Tairyo seems less enthused about the pleasant sailing conditions, his eyes always watchful for Confederate ships. Even despite the group's offer to pay their own way, he seems eager to avoid even interacting with the strongest faction in the Ruby Seas if he can avoid it. [20:37](Jancis Milburga) Jancis was enjoying the ride. She'd lean over the edge, hands on the rail and try to look into the water, or even lean and point at things like the lava, something she'd never seen before. "Is like Azeyma's skirts! Glows with the light of a thousand torches. Can we go towards it?" [20:38](Chachanji Gegenji) > "We -can-, doesn't mean we -should,-" the fisherman intones grumpily, not pausing for a moment in his hawk-like vigilance. [20:38](Denz De'bayle) *Denz shook his head quickly.* "Aaaah, not exactly. You've never seen lava before?" *He put a hand on his chin in thought.* "Then again, I suppose that's not a bad thing. 'Tis hot, too hot to touch." *His eyes look back into the distance.* "Though it is enthralling to watch." [20:39](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara eyed the lava on one of the distant islands. "It is pretty to watch from a distance, but the fisherman's right, we don't want to go near it, too dangerous." [20:40](Chachanji Gegenji) "'s... kinda like when we do smeltin'... jus' wit rock instead'a metals 'n stuff," Chachan chimes in, peering over the edge of the boat for a look himself. [20:40](Jancis Milburga) "Have you gotten close to it before? Is it always there?" She looked between Denz and their retainer before the others. "Chachanji you know how to handle such things. Does it not cool into glass?" [20:41](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara chuckled a little. "You can die or burn yourself badly. Chachan usually has to be very careful when he smiths because it can be dangerous." [20:42](Virara Wakuwa) The light from the highly viscous lava as it crept down the side of the mountain and sizzled to a cool black mass in the sea reflects off the glimmering surface of Virara's staring eye, flickering as she sways back and fourth, listening to the others converse. [20:43](Chachanji Gegenji) > "It's not called Hells' Lid for nothing," the fisherman grumbles. "Some Confederates even collect some of the magma from there for... whatever reason. Doesn't seem worth it... even before considering all the creatures that live there." [20:43](Chachanji Gegenji) "Oh, um... mebbe? I dun do much work wit glass... but ain't tha' usually jus' from heatin' sand 'n stuff?" [20:44](Denz De'bayle) *Denz tilted his head in thought.* "Not too close. I've been in the upper caverns of Mourn, and even far from the lava, the heat rose and made it difficult to breath, impossible to remain longer than a few minutes. Ishgardian metal is heat resistant too. As for how long it's been there, I know not." [20:45](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara's eyes widened as she noticed the huuuge tower up ahead. "Woah guys... look at that." she'd point up at it. [20:45](Y'zhara Zekial) "... What is that?' [20:45](Jancis Milburga) That seemed to intrigue Jancis all the more. "Creatures live there." She sank on the side of the boat looking at it another moment, taking in the detail before returning her curious gaze to Denz. "Then Lehsoh-" She stopped at Zhara's words, following her gaze. "Oh. Byregot's Hand." [20:46](Virara Wakuwa) "..." Virara turns her head impassively. The scale of the tower is enough to make her nearly fall back in her seat, were she so inclined to try and see the top. Then again, it was tall by anyone's reckoning. "I have heard of Heaven on High. But I've not seen it before." [20:47](Chachanji Gegenji) > The fisherman gave Virara a wary look before nodding. "Heaven-on-High. We're not going over that way either. The Confederates have a whole town around it." [20:48](Chachanji Gegenji) > As if to prove his point, he tilted the rudder of the ship a bit, angling it away from the northern landmass. [20:49](Y'zhara Zekial) "Well, whatever you think will keep us safe." [20:52](Chachanji Gegenji) > "It's less keeping -you- safe and more I don't want them thinking I've gotten into the ferrying business. I don't need that kind of attention and..." His grumpy-whining was cut off by a curse as another ship started heading their way. [20:52](Jancis Milburga) "Are these people of other lands that you have lost trust of as well?" Her voice wasn't vindictive, but honest as Jancis asked their guide. "They are not the beastmen. You should have more concern for us. Must needs be honest about this time." [20:53](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara eyed the boat coming toward them. "... What's the worse they could do?" [20:54](Virara Wakuwa) Virara sits up, leaning forward to watch the oncoming ship, with the body language of an agitated hound. "... I can imagine a few things." [20:54](Denz De'bayle) *Denz was silently observing the scenery, before eyes turned to the boat approaching them. He gently too the bag on his lap and laid it on the floor, unravelling the already loose tie further in case its occupant needed a quick escape.* [20:55](Chachanji Gegenji) > "It's not a -trust- thing, okay?" the fisherman hissed. "They don't -like- people just... bringing people across the Ruby Sea without their permission. And all I have permission for is fishing. So unless you can pretend to be fish..." he let that taper off as the other boat approached. Its occupants - a couple of long-haired Hyur in loose-fitting Othardian attire and bandannas, looked more bemused than angry. [20:56](Virara Wakuwa) "We can always give this craven to them as a hostage." [20:56](Virara Wakuwa) Virara motions loosely to Tairyo. [20:57](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Tairyo, Tairyo, Tairyo..." one of them chided, as if speaking to a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "You're pretty far out from your usual fishing spots. And with some very non-fish-looking cargo." [20:57](Virara Wakuwa) Virara bristles at the man's casual tone, body going alarmingly tense. [20:59](Jancis Milburga) "Hostage? We made a covenant. Not part of it to be taken from us." Jancis replied to Virara's comment. "You know this man? He has a reputation in these Seas?" [21:00](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara remained silent for now as she tilted her head and eyed the men in the other boat. [21:02](Chachanji Gegenji) > The Confederate chuckled. "Oh, he hasn't even told you. How... like him." He shook his head and shrugged. "If he's known for anything, it's failing to follow the rules laid out for him. We let him fish for a cut of the catch, and he tries to hide the best fish under piles of ice. He fishes in areas outside where we tell him when he thinks we're not looking..." The man's cheerful demeanor fades frighteningly quickly. "And now he's trying to smuggle people across our waters." [21:06](Jancis Milburga) "I am not smuggled, Lord. Though there is a sense of fear in this man. Is it true only his largest fish are taken in toll, and not the smaller as well? This man is beholden to us and we found no other ship to bring us to Chachanji's homeland from the rainbow city." [21:09](Chachanji Gegenji) > "That's the deal, yes. He fishes out here - where he's not in conflict with any other fishermen around Kugane or the Price... and we get a cut of his catch. It's all fair business, no?" The Confederate smiles again. "I mean, the alternative is just sailing up and taking everything... like what we WERE thinking about doing with you all. I'm sure you all have plenty of things that could sell for quite a pretty koban in Kugane." [21:11](Y'zhara Zekial) "Or we could just give you koban and be on our way? Would that suffice?" [21:13](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Well, I mean we could... but what sort of standard would we be setting for our friend here?" He looks to Tairyo, who shrinks a bit under the hollowly cheerful look. "That he can just break the rules if he has someone just throw around some money for him?" [21:16](Denz De'bayle) *Denz stood up, moving forward to place a hard hand on the back of the Au Ra's neck.* "I can assure you this man is not, and -will- not be breaking any further rules. We can pay for our passage, and ensure that this Fisher will not trouble you further." *Denz's eyes harden on Taiyro.* "Fate does not see him fishing in these waters from this day forward." *He looked back to the Confederate man in charge.* "How much must we pay to cross?" [21:19](Chachanji Gegenji) > Tairyo seemed less than thrilled at that prospect. "What are you doing!?" he hissed quietly to Denz. "Fishing is my LIVELIHOOD. If I can't fish, I'm going to STARVE." The Confederate man, however, seemed to be more amused by the statement considering the laughter he belted out. "Really? You're going to be keeping him on a tight leash, then?" [21:20](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara took out a decently heavy bag of koban and then pulled out what appeared to be a WYNG t-shirt and began signing it with a marker. "Yeah Denz, we don't want to completely screw over our guide here." [21:21](Jancis Milburga) "Nald'thal would not agree to the deal he has currently as it is. It will continue to lead him to ruin. I agree. Your life can be better. It has to become better." [21:22](Denz De'bayle) *Denz does not heed Y'zhara's words or flailing.* "Yours is not the only concord he has wronged, and has since been indentured into mine service as a retainer. He will find a path that will no longer cross yours, but he can provide this one last profit to you, if you allow us." [21:24](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara held out the koban and the t-shirt. "What do you think of this? This t-shirt here is a bonus, I know it doesn't look like much, but trust me, it will sell." [21:24]Virara Wakuwa fails to understand Y'zhara Zekial. [21:24](Virara Wakuwa) "... I don't think a single piece of clothes will sway them." [21:26](Chachanji Gegenji) > The Confederate's laughter quieted and then stilled. "You're serious, aren't you? Oh boy." He sighed and shook his head, pausing to take the proffered items from Zhara. He tossed the bag of coin up and down to judge the weight. "As amusing as the guy is, I wouldn't wish him on anyone. Still... taking away a continued problem plus paying the proper toll... hm..." [21:29](Jancis Milburga) "It pays for you to keep the water safe? And let the glass be made from the Hell's Lid? Kami's sake, what gives you pause Lord?" [21:30](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Glass...?" the Confederate repeated, looking at Jancis curiously. The fisherman was as well, the both of them apparently not getting what she meant at all. [21:32](Denz De'bayle) *Denz held up his hand, shaking his head swiftly.* "Nothing. A craftsmen tongue looking upon materials and believing what can be made." *He gestures to the nearby lava pool.* "We shall not suffer with this man's presence amongst us. -You- shall not suffer this man's presence longer." *Denz pulled out his own coin pouch, holding it out to the man.* "What say you?" [21:34](Jancis Milburga) Jancis found the word after Denz spoke, her voice quietier for its belatedness, "Obsidian. Where the lava touches the water." [21:35](Chachanji Gegenji) > He took the other pouch, bouncing it as he had the first in his other hand. He looked as if he belonged on the front of a board game involving buying property. Just needed a monocle and a nicer set of clothes. "Well. I suppose we can give him this one last chance, yes. But if we find him out where he shouldn't be again..." Again with that cold smile as he tucked both sacks away. "Well... let's just say it wouldn't be pleasant." [21:36](Virara Wakuwa) Virara turns to Tairyo, tilting her head slightly. That sidelong glance seems to almost say, "You heard the man." [21:36](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's face brightens.* "Then we are of one mind. I was going to request you watch for him leaving alone." *He lets go of Tairyo's neck, taking a step back.* "I thank you for your duty to this realm, my lord." [21:39](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Oh, he's never too difficult to find," the Confederate stated, motioning for his crew to pull their ship away and back towards Onokoro. "Just look where he shouldn't be." A final laugh as the Confederate ship pulled away, leaving Tairyo standing there looking completely defeated and aimless. He was apparently taking the idea that he couldn't fish in the Ruby Sea anymore pretty hard. [21:40](Denz De'bayle) *Denz moved back to his seat, sitting down slowly.* "Fisher. Get us to shore." [21:41](Virara Wakuwa) "... What will he do now?" [21:41](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara crossed her arms and glared up at Denz. "Now what is your retainer supposed to do after we leave Othard?" [21:41](Chachanji Gegenji) > Tairyo didn't move. He seemed to be wondering the same thing Virara and Zhara were. [21:41](Y'zhara Zekial) "I get that he made a mistake but you're treating him like buffalo shit." [21:42](Denz De'bayle) *Denz let the miqo'te's words bounce off of his ears.* "We will speak more -when- we're ashore." *Arms crossed as his eyebrows furrowed, looking away from his companions to the coastline.* [21:44](Chachanji Gegenji) > "No." [21:44](Jancis Milburga) "Koban is just as bad as gil." Jancis commented, watching the colorful sails as the ship moved away. "What did you do to them to make them as sour? Was the toll fair at first? Even if he could fish here, it would bring little and only continue to spoil until it would be worse than not being welcome." She looks to the fisherman again at the refusal, "Pray continue." [21:44](Virara Wakuwa) "... What will he do now?" Virara questions with her quiet, silken tone. It hardly shows real concern for the man, just a deeply buried curiosity. [21:45](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Why? You've already ruined me. The only reason I was able to afford ANYTHING was because I managed to talk the Confederacy into letting me fish out here. And now I can't even do THAT." [21:46](Chachanji Gegenji) > "I'm already going to starve to death now thanks to you. So why should I bother taking you the rest of the way? Get out and swim for all I care." The Raen flopped into a sitting position in the middle of the boat. [21:46](Y'zhara Zekial) "Yeah... I mean you pretty much ruined his life." [21:47](Virara Wakuwa) Virara moves to the boat's sails, examining them with naked unfamiliarity. [21:48](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara would then look at Chachan. "... You must see how wrong this is... right?" [21:48](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's head turned back to the Au Ra, face twisting into rage as he stood up, grasping onto Tairyo's tunic harshly and pulling the man close to his ishgardian face.* "Does your loss of livelihood excuse your crimes?!" *He looked at everyone else.* "Need I remind you that this man put our -lives- in danger, stole the closest thing I have to a son?!" *He looked at Y'zhara dead in the eye.* "He does not deserve forgiveness. Were it not for the mercy we provided, he would already be dead." *He- [21:49](Denz De'bayle) -- looked back at the Au Ra he had wrenched to his feet.* "You will not starve. But you will not return to the life you had. You forfeit it when you thought to put six others in the balance." *He let go of the Au Ra, grasping onto the oar roughly and beginning, very slowly, to push the boat through the waves.* [21:50](Virara Wakuwa) Virara glances in silence between the others, head gliding back and forth, apparently cowed by the sudden display of anger. For someone so ready to kill, she is surprisingly easily intimidated by the display. Or perhaps she doesn't understand Denz's rage to begin with. [21:50](Virara Wakuwa) Her stare is more like a wary animal than Spoken. [21:51](Jancis Milburga) Jancis' face had echoed Denz's, his words all the more clear than the ones that were building up inside of her, again giving Tairyo that expectant stare. “This grove, that was now so peaceful, must then have rung with cries, I thought; and even with the thought I could believe I heard it ringing still.” She sat down, watching Denz use the oar for awhile. [21:51](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara stood up and despite being significantly shorter than him, stood up next to him and looked just as pissed off as he was. "Yeah and because of your rage and your grudge, we're stuck out here! You think taking this Au Ra's freedom away and making him your slave is the anwser? How fucking dare you!" [21:52](Chachanji Gegenji) > "-I- put your lives in danger? I didn't tell you to come interrupt my deal with the Kojin!" he snapped back. "And you already shortchanged me on my livelihood and threatened to marr what little name I have in Kugane in favor of THAT flea-bitten mongrel!" He motioned blindly towards Chance. "The few good fish I managed to bring back to town and THAT little rat eats all of them! And what did I get out of it? Fifty koban. FIFTY." [21:53](Virara Wakuwa) Virara's posture changes, and for a moment it almost seems like she's shrinking in place. Her hands knot themselves into small, hard fists, and it sudenly becomes clear that the boat isn't the only thing creaking around them. It almost sounds like groaning metal. [21:53](Virara Wakuwa) "You're noisy." [21:54](Y'zhara Zekial) "Well no matter what, we are stuck out here because we ruined our relations with our guide in a land we know next to nothing about." [21:54](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's eyes continue to cut to the horizon, narrowed and focused on the unfamiliar motion that was moving the boat.* "He is no slave. He has a choice. Follow us, or return to the Sekiseigumi." *He speaks with a level tone towards Y'zhara.* [21:54](Virara Wakuwa) At this, Virara glances to Chachanji, as if he is the new guide. [21:56](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Oh yes, SUCH a choice," the Raen echoes acidically. "Get gang-pressed into doing every little task you want of me as you destroy my livelihood while putting on your little show of superiority... or rot away in a Sekiseigumi prison. Such wonderful choices." [21:57](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan is just sitting there looking more and more awkward as this whole situation seems to be melting down in front of him. [21:57](Denz De'bayle) *Denz grins sardonically, but instead of inciting more arguements, remains quiet, or rather, grunts as he puts his whole body into pushing the boat forward with an oar.* [21:58](Jancis Milburga) "Your deal? With our Lehsohmarrn. My offer was freedom or the Matron would take you in Her embrace that night. To stay like this. Who else would you have killed. Other blood on your hands than that of cleaned fish. The name you have in that city is poison. Lies, a reputation of slander and mistrust. Those Kojin would have given you nothing but seen to use you as another tool. When did you start thinking so little of yourself? When were you so wronged?" [22:01](Y'zhara Zekial) "So because of that, that's the excuse to treating someone lower than dirt Jancis? I thought more of you, but I guess I was wrong." she'd then sit down and glare at Chachan. "And you... staying all silent and doing nothing about this... really makes me question you too Chachan. I can't believe all of you. And I thought my morality was the most questionable here." [22:01](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Oh yes, freedom to be banned from doing my job on threat of death thanks to that tattooed oni over there," the fisherman hissed. "All I know how to do is fish. Out here I could do that and survive. If barely. Now I can't. Not everyone has sacks of koban they can just fling at their problems and make them go away." [22:02](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan blinks. "W-what'm I 'sposta do?" [22:03](Y'zhara Zekial) "I don't know.. stand up for those being wronged here?" [22:03](Jancis Milburga) "Less than dirt? He would be in the dirt. How is giving him clothes and being around him and giving direction and finding a means to repay us making him a slave? That rather I kill someone who would not mind murder?" [22:03](Jancis Milburga) "Your living with clothes I can see your skin through so thin they are. That hut you hid in rotting without even fish oil to strengthen its walls to keep the draft out. Cannot use us as a scapegoat to the folly's of the past. You saw Lady Virara's wounds. Sir Denz's wounds, Lady Zhara's wounds and body. My wounds and body. Lehsohmarrn's wounds. Who made you hate so much?!" Jancis called at Tairyo. [22:06](Chachanji Gegenji) "'n-n what would I do, Zhara? W-we already used some of our coin ta help pay fer th' toll so we could cross!" The Lalafell frowns. "I-I mean, I dun think it was nice to tell th' guy he can't fish 'ere no more but... I-I mean, it sounds like those guys would be mean ta 'im anyway... s-so mebbe it's a good thin'? I dunno!" [22:06](Jancis Milburga) "That you would think less of me for wanting to with this man instead of crush him in stone is sadly childish of you, Zhara." She looked hurt, "He is no tool, but he is lost and I will not leave him in good conscious on the destruction of life to continue and repeat the same thing." She lifted her bang and showed the knife-carved scar on her cheek, "I know what a slave is and this man is no slave." [22:07](Virara Wakuwa) Virara simply watches them hurl words with a bemused expression. This conversation was clearly beyond her. If an enemy presented themselves before her, she destroyed them. She does not have an answer to give for keeping a man in servitude. Though she nods knowingly at Jancis, at some unspoken, perhaps shared, experience. [22:08](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's eyes watch Jancis, the orbs holding... admiration? Oh yeah, he was totally enamoured with Jancis and her righteous tirade. Pride swelled within him, fueling his strokes through the water as they pressed onwards... Not particularly too far from where they started.* [22:08](Virara Wakuwa) "If it troubles you. Then to find another way for him can come after we make it there." [22:08](Chachanji Gegenji) > "What hate? It's simply survival," the Raen states flatly, still looking away from everyone. "I do what I have to so I can make it to the next morning. I didn't plan on having the Kojin rough you guys up. It just happened. You could've let them go. You decided to fight them and got hurt doing it." [22:09](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara sighed and looked over Tairyo, still incredibly angry. "Look... you get to decide what you want to do after this, but if you want, I could get you a job in Eorzea. My aunt lives in a port city and she has a lot of connections, I can help you out." [22:09](Virara Wakuwa) "I know the great enemy of an empty stomach." [22:11](Chachanji Gegenji) > "It's not like I have anything left here. My Koi has been all but stripped and I couldn't even use it for fishing now even if I wanted to." He shoots another glare at Denz. "Of course, we obviously will need the great Lord's permission first, I'm sure." [22:13](Jancis Milburga) "You say that as if that is not what Sir Denz and I are offering to provide, Zhara. You do not see it because that man has lost my trust. I have already taken him upon the ports to aid me in my work to pay that toll. That he did not do for free." She motioned to the clothes, "To the meals given, to words spoken, clearly upon deaf ears." [22:13](Y'zhara Zekial) "Yeah but after this venture he won't be your lord anymore, I believe that was the agreement. So please help us get to Yanxia, and then when we return to Eorzea I will get you a fishing job in Vesper Bay." [22:13](Jancis Milburga) Jancis looks disappointed at Zhara, "You will just ignore Denz and I then? Talk across us?" [22:13](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's face fell as he was addressed, shaking his head.* "I say again, urgh... 'Tis your decision. You, ngh... have a choice." *He tapped the long wrapped object he had taken aboard with his foot.* "You'll need, hnnngh!" *Sweat beaded on his forehead from rowing, fully armored.* "Need that, moving forward." [22:14](Virara Wakuwa) Virara narrows her eye at Denz. The expression seems almost pitying. "... Need help?" It doesn't look like she can even row capably with how tiny she is, but she's at least bigger than Chachanji by a wide margin. [22:15](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's boot stepped on the wrapped object, preventing it from being picked up by anyone.* [22:15](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara looked over at Jancis. "I'm sorry I wasn't trying to ignore you, and it seemed like you didn't have any plans for him after this trip." [22:15](Y'zhara Zekial) "It just felt like, you were going to toss him to the wayside after all this, leaving him to be a homeless beggar in Kugane. I don't want that." [22:16](Virara Wakuwa) Virara eyes the object in silence, then turns back to the waves, occupying herself as the others debate the miserable fisherman's fate. [22:16](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's eyes looked towards Virara, lightening as he smiled.* "Nay... I've carried Jancis across lands, and this, HURGH! This is much worse!" *He let out a breathy chuckle, continuing on with a stupid grin.* [22:16]Denz De'bayle grins tauntingly at Virara Wakuwa. [22:16](Chachanji Gegenji) > "It's not like I don't appreciate the clothes, lady," the Au Ra stated. "But it'll only keep the chill of the night air away while I wither away from the inside from hunger." He looked to the wrapped item. "And unless that's a giant gold bar or something so that I can live comfortably without my lost livelihood, I doubt I'd need it." [22:16]Denz De'bayle does the Red Ranger pose. [22:16](Virara Wakuwa) "I see." Virara muses quietly, deep in thought. [22:17](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara just crosses her arms and shuts down for the most part, too pissed to say anything else. [22:17](Jancis Milburga) "Thaliak only knows how you came to that conclusion; did not think much of me before this it seems." The pain doesn't leave her eyes, but she quiets down, she had kept Tairyo in her sight as she always had after that day. [22:18](Chachanji Gegenji) > "You pinned me to the ground with your magic and tried to stab out my EYE." [22:19](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara pointed toward the back of the ship. "Tairyo can you help Denz work the ship please? Be our guide and I will help you." [22:19](Denz De'bayle) *Denz looked down at the miqo'te, speaking between gruints.* "My lady... Mine house takes on new people every day... and the question of how they will live falls... falls on our shoulders. I would never toss aside... someone's place in this world." [22:20](Jancis Milburga) "Have you been hungry in the past sennight? I did. I could not trust you. Still cannot. You could have aided the kojin. Put my child in more danger, stolen him away again. Stabbed one of us in the back when I was not being flung around by red arms." [22:21](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara frowned up at Denz. "I don't want to talk about it any longer. I'm too upset." [22:23](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Wouldn't toss aside someone's place in the world, except where you did exactly that, great Lord," Tairyo seethed. "And what would I have done? My arm was already killing me from the fall through the trapdoor and they tossed me face-first down a set of stairs. Even if I could have 'helped,' what would I have done? I'm not a fighter like you people. Like I said, I'm a fisherman." [22:23](Jancis Milburga) “But the thought of being a lunatic did not greatly trouble him; the horror was that he might also be wrong. ” [22:24](Virara Wakuwa) "The weak do often cling to the strong. That man is as good as any." [22:24]Virara Wakuwa points at Denz De'bayle. [22:25](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara would lay down on her side and rest her head on Chachan's lap. She'd pet Chance as he slept on the floor of the ship. [22:25](Jancis Milburga) "You are a thief." Jancis corrected, "And associate to attempted murder. You are a very poor fisherman." [22:26](Y'zhara Zekial) "People do crazy and bad things when they're under a lot of pressure to survive." [22:27](Jancis Milburga) "But even with that I see something better in you and I have hope for you. And perilious as it may seem, as grueling the unknown is, you do not have to just survive." [22:27](Chachanji Gegenji) > "Yes. Let me just pledge myself to the man who had me ruin my ship for his wishes and then sell away my livelihood for passage across the Ruby Sea." He shook his head. "And your little rat there is a thief too. And he's getting treated like a king compared to me." [22:27](Denz De'bayle) *Denz tilts his head, skirting off both ignores and praises, giving Chachanji an apologetic look for the situation they were in, but continued wordlessly as his rowing drum was the continuing words of fierce judgement Jancis doled out.* [22:27](Virara Wakuwa) "Steal from the wrong person, and things can change." [22:28](Virara Wakuwa) Virara muses, perhaps from experience. [22:28](Chachanji Gegenji) Little Chachan scritched quietly at Zhara's ears in an attempt to help calm down at least one person on the boat. He meets Denz's gaze with a small worried pout, but this whole conversation was heated to the point that he didn't know where he could get a word in. Or if there was anything he could say to help the situation. [22:30](Jancis Milburga) "He aided you in such schemes to enter the bathes and force payment of goods. Under your care he suffered." Jancis still believed the boko his cohort. "Your conscience was stolen from you by someone. How hard is life in that city? Why would you wish to return and continue the same path under those colorful banners and only hide the shadows you have to deal with?" [22:30](Y'zhara Zekial) "Tairyo, I know you're angry, but you'll get your chance to live a good life in Thanalan." Zhara smiled weakly as she tried to lighten the mood. "And then maybe one day... you'll be able to afford a sweater, just like the one Chance is wearing." [22:32](Virara Wakuwa) "I do not think it would fit him." [22:32]Virara Wakuwa shrugs at Y'zhara Zekial. [22:32](Chachanji Gegenji) > "My sch--" He finally turned to look at Jancis. "My scheme to enter the baths? What demented spirits flit about in your head, woman? That little RAT ate the best part of my catch - fish that I had hidden from the Confederacy so I could make a couple extra koban so I could afford something FILLING for once." [22:32](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara nuzzled into Chachan's hand, letting out a chuckle at Virara. "I mean one his size of course." [22:32](Chachanji Gegenji) > "So I chase him to get the one good fish he HADN'T eaten yet and all I got out of it was the misfortune of meeting YOU people and fifty koban." [22:33](Jancis Milburga) "Not too upset to speak to him, Zhara. As you put it earlier, that he fucking dare steal a hatchling of a few moons, but he is good enough to not gain your ire where Denz is?" [22:34](Jancis Milburga) "Confuse me so where Denz is scolded for bartering and ensuring the safety of him as well as us upon this Sea." [22:34](Denz De'bayle) *Denz cleared his throat.* "Jancis, my lo-" *His words caught in his throat as she used some... uncommon language.* [22:35](Jancis Milburga) "We did not take your fish and still paid you for your trouble. There was no fish and when we pursued to gather Lehsohmarrn that is where I found Little Chance." [22:36](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara seemed to be cooling off. "I'm sorry for the way I treated you and Denz. And you are right, he had no right to steal Lehs. No one should steal anything or have to steal anything, it's wrong but it's good to walk in the shoes of everyone here. Some people will do anything they can to survive... you've seen the people in Pearl Lane for example... I know it seems like this man isn't anything close to that, but think about the political climate in Othard right now... it's a hard place to live, [22:37](Chachanji Gegenji) "Yes, because fifty koban is how much that fish had been worth." The Au Ra spat into the ocean. "And are you really trying to imply that this rat is somehow different from the one that ate my catch?" [22:37](Y'zhara Zekial) for anyone. And maybe I was wrong for thinking you would just toss him to the side without a job after we left Othard." [22:37](Y'zhara Zekial) "And for that, I'm sorry. I understand that you want to help him just as much as I do." [22:40](Jancis Milburga) "You just stated the fish was worth more. And no, I believe Little Chance always stuck close to you had you only seen it. Go on," She encouraged Tairyo, "Yell it out. Yell out all the lies you believe. All the pains caused to you." She finally sat down at that, while not looking directly at anyone, much of the pained look in her face had eased. [22:43](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara turned to lay on her back and look up at Chachan. She'd do a small push up to give him a little kiss and a smile. "... What do you think about all this? I mean, going back to your childhood home?" [22:44](Chachanji Gegenji) > That got the Raen to look at Zhara. "Oh yes, they sure do want to help me. Destroying my livelihood and telling me all the hardship I've suffered is a lie. Such helpful people." He harrumphed and, getting up, all but shoulderchecked Denz out of the way from the rudder. Or tried to, anyway. He wasn't going to move a soldier like Denz unless the Ishgardian wanted to move. "Let's just get you all out of my life so I can go starve in peace." [22:46](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan jumped a little at the question, apparently surprised he was being addressed again given the heated conversation. "W-well... I-I mean... I wish it'd happened under... happier circumstances..." He glanced glumly to the Raen and then to Denz and Jancis. [22:47](Virara Wakuwa) Virara stares absently off across the water, in that curious direction she always did, like she knew something was beyond the horizon and was looking towards it. [22:47](Denz De'bayle) *Denz was already showing signs of struggling at the oar, easily removing his hands from the stick and moving past the group to sit beside Jancis.* "Circumstances... can always be worsened, my friend. At the least, we are not sailing into... phew, a war, anymore." [22:48](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara squeezed Chachan's hand. "I know... I wish we had better circumstances too." she'd look over at Denz. "I know... I'm glad that encounter with the Garleans is long over." [22:48](Jancis Milburga) Jancis' gaze moved to meet Chachanji's, "It will get better. Destroyer willing this will herald better suns for us all." Though most of her words were for Tairyo. [22:49](Chachanji Gegenji) > "That sounds suspiciously like you're trying to make my life even worse. Which, to be fair, seems pretty par for the course so far. So just... don't. Don't," the fisherman urged. "And don't call me 'friend.' I've not had many, but I certainly know you do not count among their number." [22:51](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara looked over at Tairyo. "Like I said, I know you're angry, but it's going to be fine. The types of fishing jobs in Eorzea are... pretty decent. You may have to start out working with a crew, but eventually once you get your own ship you'll be able to work independantly again if you wanted to. I personally like working with people though." [22:51](Denz De'bayle) *Denz narrowed his eyes.* "I was talking to Chachanji, Fisher. You are no friend of mine." *His metal gauntlet clenched at the unattentive man's assumption, sucking in a breath.* "Let us leave our 'guide' in peaceful quiet. Doma still awaits us." [22:52](Jancis Milburga) Jancis reached her hand up to Denz's face, touching at his cheeks before her own face finally eased. It wasn't a smile, but it was a start. [22:54](Virara Wakuwa) Virara lets loose a quiet sigh. Was she relieved? [22:55](Chachanji Gegenji) > "So you're going to fund my trip across the planet to start a new life?" the Au Ra seemed skeptical, looking back to Denz. "Oh. Good. For a second I thought you might have actually had some degree of regret for what you did to me. Good to know." He seemed content enough to agree to lapsing into silence, however, and the trip to the Othardian coastline continued in awkward, awkward silence. [22:57](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara rubbed her chin... that was a good question. "I was thinking of some sort of aether travel, but you may need to be attuned to the aetherytes over there, so I'll look into getting you a place on a boat, yes." [22:58](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara then closed her eyes and rested until they reached land. [23:03](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara was still napping, using Chachan's lap as a pillow when they finally docked the boat.

#ffxiv logs #going going kugane #chachanji #y'zhara zekial #jancis milburga #denz #virara

Going Going Kugane, Part 15

The Ruins of What Was - The Group Reaches Doma

[20:18](Chachanji Gegenji) > With the Nazamu boat in their possession and Tairyo reluctantly manning the helm - or oars, in this case - the group steadily made its way up the One River. The shadow of the great wall fell over them as they past through where great barriers once stood, and it seemed like they had traveled to a whole other world. What remnants of buildings they could see were burnt and worn, and the flooded Doma Castle dominated the field of view further upriver. The fisherman was - perhaps thankfully - quiet [20:18](Chachanji Gegenji) as the group pulled into docks of Doma proper.

[20:21](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara's eyes widened at how large and glorious the Doman castle looked beyond the giant walls. "Holy shit..." was all she could say as the boat pulled into the dock. [20:22](Jancis Milburga) Jancis had a bad habit of leaning on the boat, looking about and almost losing her balance had she not held onto Denz's prominent armor as needed to lean all the way back and look at the wall, get a better view of the castle, or try to look down into the river. As they docked, she had her hand in the water to get a feel for it. "All the lumber floating. Thaliak's Might..." [20:24](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's eyes looked upon the ruined castle in a mystified wonder and sadness. To see it in its previous glory, but to arrive to late and see only a flooded shadow of itself. "... What happened here?" *Somehow, Denz had not heard this story between the locals and the travelling.* [20:25](Virara Wakuwa) Virara stares up at the ruins. Her blank expression is unreadable. Impressed? Mournful? Is there a hint of recognition? But she hasn't been here... [20:25](Chachanji Gegenji) "When th' Garleans had control'a th' place... they ruled from inside our own castle..." Chachan explained quietly as he pulled himself out of the boat. His gaze, too, was on the ruins of the great Castle. "Go-nii had mentioned tha' they had flooded th' castle in order ta overcome all th' soldiers... but 's... a lot more heavy in person..." [20:26](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara's eyes widened at how large the castle fountain looked as the water feel down majestically into the river. "Holy shit.." [20:27](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara frowned and climbed off the boat, giving him a small hug from behind. She'd attempt to give him comforting pats on the shoulder as she rested her chin in his floof. [20:27](Virara Wakuwa) "..." [20:28](Jancis Milburga) "It looks that the main walls still stand. It is washing away the rest that has been soiled." [20:28](Denz De'bayle) *Denz shook his head.* "The symbol of a country's power, reduced to rubble amidst the war... 'Twould be like setting the Vault ablaze when the Archbishop turned... A victory and a defeat." [20:29](Chachanji Gegenji) "Y-yeah but... 'm jus' imaginin' all th' folks tha' were inside when it happened... how many were washed 'way in th' floodin'..." He shakes his head. "I know they were th' 'bad guys' 'n stuff but... tha' had ta have been a terrifyin' way ta go. Fleein' from a wall'a water..." [20:29](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's long legs easily allow him to make it onto the bamboo strands of the bridge, turning about to hold out a hand for Jancis.* [20:30](Chachanji Gegenji) > Chachan's sympathy for the enemy gets a snort out of Tairyo. But even that is... subdued... as if the heaviness of the atmosphere here is blunting his harsh edges. [20:31](Jancis Milburga) Jancis looks thoughtful a moment, murmuring a soft 'thank you' to Denz as she takes the hand and balances to make it to the dock with a little more work. "That is not a particularly painful or terrible end, Chachanji. That is not the most comforting thing to say. Forgive me." [20:31](Virara Wakuwa) Virara's head turns slightly towards Chachanji, though he cannot see her visible eye. An uneasy atmosphere suffuses the air around her. [20:31](Y'zhara Zekial) "Yeah..." Zhara rubbed her chin. "If it helps... drowning is actually a peaceful death. You go out pretty quick. I know that doesn't completely help... but at least they weren't in too much pain." [20:31](Virara Wakuwa) "What does it matter? The dead are dead. Enemy or no." [20:31](Y'zhara Zekial) "What Jancis said, yes." [20:32](Virara Wakuwa) Virara strolls quietly to the end of the pier, the bamboo slats creaking beneath her. [20:32](Chachanji Gegenji) "W-well... ta be fair, I dislike any death..." Chachan gives an awkward, forced chuckle that quickly fades into an even more awkward silence. He looks down into the waters of the One River. "U-um... I guess we should go... see what remains'a Doma 'n head on past it ta th' smithy." [20:32](Denz De'bayle) *Denz looks at Y'zhara, putting a hand to his chin in thought. Still a bit of struggling involved. Clearing his throat, he followed the lalafell off the dock, going back to look at the larger-than-life walls they had passed under.* "Your family lived here? Inside the palace?" [20:33](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara stood up and followed the group off the bambo pier. [20:34](Chachanji Gegenji) "A-ah... nah. Tha's where th'..." He pauses to think of the right way to phrase it. "... Royal family lived. We were jus' a family of smiths tha' lived out in th' foothills'a th' mountains beyond. But on th' trails ya could always find a spot 'ere 'n there where ya could see th' Castle." [20:35](Jancis Milburga) "Many other families must have lived there as well. And the castle must have asked for your father often?" [20:36](Y'zhara Zekial) "That's really neat." she'd eye the ruined walls as they walked up the slant. She'd frown a little. "This must've been really beautiful." [20:36](Chachanji Gegenji) "A-ah... well... as th' honorable Elder in Namai said... folks us'lly came ta see us. 'm sure someone from th' Castle prolly came now 'n then..." [20:38](Denz De'bayle) "Aye. On the clear days in Coerthas, you could see Ishgard for miles. Many mountains here, but such a sight must've been inspiring." [20:38]Virara Wakuwa drops to one knee. [20:39](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara blinked in surprise as they came upon the ruined outskirts and saw the creatures wandering around it. "... Are those angered Kami?" [20:39](Jancis Milburga) Jancis rounds the corner, a soft smile on her face as she looked at Denz before seeing what was left of the town, her face dropping at the old warzone, eyes leaving the elezen to the metal spikes nearby. [20:39](Chachanji Gegenji) > Thanks to the gentle rise and the rock barrier, the group didn't get a good look at Doma itself until there were already at its edges. The skeletal remains of numerous buildings lay exposed to the open air. A rare few buildings still stood, and the whole of the place was utterly infested with armored puppets and grotesque head-like creatures. [20:41](Virara Wakuwa) "A charming vista." Virara mutters, oddly. [20:41](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara frowned, knowing full well of what probably went on here. Garleans invading, villagers running and getting killed as buildings were lit on fire... this was just the aftermath. [20:41](Virara Wakuwa) "'The Old Country is a nest of twisted spirits and the dead,' eh?" [20:41](Denz De'bayle) "If those are the gods... we're gonna need a lot of offering food." [20:42](Virara Wakuwa) She mutters, in a tone that seems to mimic someone far away. [20:42](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan's response was a bit more... dramatic. The sight caused a hissing intake of breath, looking about as if not believing what he was seeing. Not a single Spoken soul to be seen. Only their creations, left to run rampant in what was once ostensibly his hometown. [20:42](Virara Wakuwa) "Don't look away." [20:42](Virara Wakuwa) Virara mutters under her breath. [20:42](Chachanji Gegenji) "... How could I?" [20:43](Denz De'bayle) *Denz tilted his head at Chachanji's reaction, before sucking in a breath. Oh... they're here.* [20:43](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara's eyes widened and quickly walked up to him, she'd kneel down to give him a tight hug. "It's okay... it's okay..." she'd whisper as she looked on at the ruins. [20:44](Jancis Milburga) "..." Jancis' gaze turns to take in both the ruins and Chachanji's back, oddly enough following Virara's instructions as well to soak in the moment. [20:44](Chachanji Gegenji) "I... I left a'fore this all happened... I heard all 'bout it but... t-ta see it in person..." [20:44](Chachanji Gegenji) He fades into silence again, shaking his head slowly. [20:45](Y'zhara Zekial) "I know... it's probably a lot for you." [20:45](Y'zhara Zekial) "But we're going to be here for you throughout this whole experience." [20:45](Chachanji Gegenji) "This... this was me... hometown... more'r less. I thought I had gotten ov'r th' fact that it was gone but..." His voice hitches in his throat and his shoulders slump. [20:47](Virara Wakuwa) Virara, however, seems eerily calm. It was true that she didn't often show much more feeling than a doll, but she seems almost disarmingly tranquil. Perhaps it is because she has no connection to this land, despite being raised as one of them. [20:47](Y'zhara Zekial) "... You never get over things like this... once something or someone is gone from your life... it still leaves a void. Sure you have a home in Eorzea, but it's reasonable to be sad.." [20:51](Jancis Milburga) Jancis takes a slow breath, sighing and stepping forward to stand beside Virara. “Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak knits up the o-er wrought heart and bids it break.” [20:52](Denz De'bayle) *Denz simply saunters forward, left hand flapping his butt cape behind his knee as he knelt down, a hand coming up to silently mouth a prayer for the fallen. [20:53](Virara Wakuwa) Virara grips tightly at the collar of her coat. Her face is chillingly still, but her eye trembles with a muted energy. "I don't feel. Nothing like that." [20:54](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan merely gazes quietly out at the ruins. "... W-well... m-mebbe wit th' Garleans gone... we can start takin' it back. Rebuild. 'm sure... 'm sure there are Domans plannin' right now ta try'n clean up this place... make it livable again... if'n not here... then def'nitely with folks like Papa back at th' Toll." [20:56](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara smiled. "Yeah... I think this town can be rebuilt and cleared out of the..." she rubbed her chin. "Dangerous creatures that roam the town." [20:56](Y'zhara Zekial) "I'm sure there's plans to rebuild Doma." [20:58](Denz De'bayle) *Denz stood up from his praying kneel, looking back at Chachanji.* "Which house was yours?" [20:58](★Virara Wakuwa) "To send such abominations through sixteen hells. That would be useful practice." Virara muses under her breath. "But such things are not for the soft hearted." [20:58](Virara Wakuwa) Virara's hands tighten, stonelike, behind her folded arms. [20:59](Jancis Milburga) "Yes. Just like the priest who was calling to the kami. The land can now rest and recover and then the soil will return and it will grow and blossom." She looks to Virara, "We could purge some of it. Add to the recovery." [21:00](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan shook his head. "Not here... th' smithy's out in the foothills near Prism Lake..." He motioned beyond the ruins before him. "If'n we stay ta th' outskirts, we might be able ta get 'round... all thi'... wit'out too much trouble." [21:00](Jancis Milburga) "Foothills. If we get to Chachanji's old home first, we can see where the best place to start is." [21:01](Y'zhara Zekial) "Sure, and we can clear out whatever we come across." Zhara would stand up and summon Bunky. Since Denz appeared to be a stable tank, she figured her highest damage dealing carbuncle would help over her more bulky one. [21:01]Virara Wakuwa nods. [21:07](Chachanji Gegenji) > Sticking to the outskirts, the group was able to avoid any real encounters with the new denizens of Doma. However, as they neared the footpath that lead out of Doma and - presumably - to the mountain path Chachan had implied they would have needed to take... they found several of the armored puppets scattered about in pieces and otherwise inactive. [21:09](Chachanji Gegenji) > Closer inspection would find the damage caused by all sorts of instruments... from bladed weapons to things more mundane. The broken pieces of hoes and shovels scattered amongst them hinting to what caused the less precise injuries to the automatons. [21:09](Y'zhara Zekial) "Uhm... looks like someone was here. We should be careful... they might want to harm more than just the beasts.." [21:10](Jancis Milburga) Jancis went over to one of the derelict pieces, a large helm, and tried to lift it. The shape and torn pieces made it clumsy, and she ended up rolling it on the ground to look at its face. [21:10](Y'zhara Zekial) "Huh.." Zhara began inspecting the ruined creatures a bit closer. "... Maybe some people from the resistance wanted to start cleaning things out?" [21:11](Chachanji Gegenji) > The face was cold, expressionless. If it had any life to it, it had long since bled away from being rendered into this state. [21:11](Virara Wakuwa) Virara's dark eye slips from side to side, observing the desolated pass for any malign influence. [21:12](Virara Wakuwa) "Others may be close bye. Don't get careless." [21:12](Y'zhara Zekial) "Maybe we should keep going just in case they're still in the area? I wouldn't want us to get caught up into something potentially dangerous." [21:12](Y'zhara Zekial) "But I guess we're geared enough to deal with such stuff." [21:13](Jancis Milburga) "Agreed. If we stay out in the open and not get caught by surprise." [21:13](Chachanji Gegenji) > As if summoned by Virara's words, a pair of much more active and mobile magatsu appeared from around the corner. The remnants of whatever previous battle had taken place was all but haphazardly kicked aside, heralding their arrival with a harsh clang and clatter of metal and wood. [21:16](Virara Wakuwa) Virara's gaze overflows with unspoken malice. Somewhere in there is the tremble of wordless excitement as well. Iron knuckles flick into her grasp. [21:17](Jancis Milburga) Jancis' eyes locked on the new machines that arrived, her hand going back to her staff, the light ring of the bell on it as it sank into her and and came around her body. [21:18](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara pulls out her book and remains grounded for now. Bunky was arched over, ready to attack when Zhara was. [21:22](Chachanji Gegenji) > The pair of puppets, seeming to sense the impending threat, turn towards the group. With a screeching of steel on steel, they draw their swords - the blades themselves as big as a man. They move forward ponderously to intercept our heroes.

[21:24](Jancis Milburga) Gasping, it's a quick reaction from Jancis to start casting, her words flinging about and focused at the ground, hoping to push up around the machines' feet and knees to slow them down or trip them up. [21:27](Chachanji Gegenji) > The rocks strike true, denting the leg plates of the behemoths, but it only seems to slow their approach for a moment - staggering them as they process this sudden hindrance. [21:27](Denz De'bayle) *Denz was a silent watcher as they moved through the destroyed village, having since kept himself on the look out for attackers. When they neared the outskirts and seemed in the clear, he was lax in seeing the automatons approach and draw steel. He grit his teeth, drawing his own tiny longsword in comparison, before dashing to the fore of the ground to intercept the pair's path.* "I am your enemy!" *He brandished his weapons in a ready position.* [21:28](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara still remained still, waiting for the perfect time to release her carbuncle into the fight as Denz and Jancis began to make their moves. [21:29](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan is quick to move to Denz's side, a sudden determination in his posture and expression. He wasn't decked out in his armor, but he had his hammer and a desire to aid in removing a couple more obstacles that might hurt his friends or his people. [21:32](Virara Wakuwa) Virara flings her body towards the armor, leaping over the upraised stones from Jancis' spell and swinging her right arm downward as she glides by, the strike parting the air into wisps of white vapor. [21:33](Denz De'bayle) *Denz points his sword swiftly at the openings of the creations' limbs.* "Chachanji! The joints! Virara, distract the right one!" *He pointed to the one she was already attacking.* "You two! Make them bleed for every swing!" *His vague instructions allowed Jancis and Y'zhara the freedom to either protect or attack as need be. With that, Denz dashed forward, slamming his shield into the left armor's kneecap, before stabbing his sword into the open joint.* [21:34](Chachanji Gegenji) > As Denz and Chachanji move into position to each take the attention of a magatsu each... the clang of Virara's hora connecting with one of the puppets' leg plates echoes through the otherwise quiet ruins. The impact leaves a sizable dent in its wake... but it seems she has failed to hit anything of value. [21:34](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara would point at one of the Magatsus. "Bunky... Wind Blade, now." The carbuncle would let out a noise before charging with wind aetherical energy toward the armored creature. [21:36](Jancis Milburga) Jancis' words took a new tone, something more inspiring in a way for the familiar ring to it as aether started to gather around her allies, flakes of stone and the like passing by and easily seen in the adrenaline waiting to scatter and take some of the brunt of any blows that might land. [21:37](Chachanji Gegenji) > Denz's blade has a bit more luck. One of Jancis' stones had warped the leg armor of his target enough to give him a clear shot into the inner workings. There's a horrible grinding and a shower of sparks as the Elezen's blade catches... something. The movements of the leg become stilted and awkward, doing it no favors as the combination of Bunky's powerful wind aether assault sending it toppling over backwards. It was down, but by the way it was moving... it certainly wasn't out quite yet. [21:38](Virara Wakuwa) Seeing her last blow ring ineffective, Virara lands, wheeling on her heels in a tight circle to strike the armor in the back of its leg with both hands, delivering an uncanny pressure. Her coat billows in her wake, revealing a brace of strange black boxes surrounding her sides, probably containers for her knuckles.* [21:40](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara smiled, happy at the outcome of Bunky's attack. "Good, very good. Shockwave!" Bunky would press his paws into the ground at Zhara's company before jumping up, and then landing straight to the ground, creating a mini earthquake, potentially causing damage to both targets. [21:40](Chachanji Gegenji) As Virara moves into a new position, Chachanji is also in motion - trying to keep the brute's automated attentions on him so she might find a better vantage point. His eyes trace over its form, seeking weak points in its armor. Denz had correctly identified the joints as a weak point... but the little smith could read far more in the armor than the Elezen like knew. Finding one such weakness, he leaps in for it with his hammer. [21:42](Jancis Milburga) Jancis watched the mechanical 'beast' fall over, conjuring an orb of water over its prone form to have it drip and rain down on the armor, hopefully to get into the cracks and make more sparks happen. [21:44](Chachanji Gegenji) > Chachan certainly had his opponent's attention, and his attempt to strike at a weak point is rather soundly interrupted by the behemoth's sword being stabbed into the ground in front of him. He only barely stops short enough to avoid running into it. However, he was distraction enough for Virara to find a more vulnerable spot, her strike sending a lattice of fractures through the automaton's leg and forcing it to a knee. [21:46](Chachanji Gegenji) > Bunky's sudden seismic upheaval further keeps both magatsus from getting back to their feet, leaving Denz's wide open to being assaulted by Jancis' watery attack. However, no noticeable sparking occurs! [21:47](Denz De'bayle) *Denz wrenched the blade out of the blade, surprised with how effectively it had affected the beast. Seeing it's neck draw closer, he hopped backwards, before grabbing his blade in both hands. As he rushed forward towards the first machine, he was splashed with water, failing to deter him as he hopped up and brought down his blade for the Magatsu's neck with a loud roar.* [21:48](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachanji was likewise not about to be denied. With Virara disabling its movement, the green-haired Lalafell darts around the sword - now being used more as support than as a weapon - to strike at the puppet's midsection! [21:50](Virara Wakuwa) Virara vaults over the metal beast, the earth's force clinging to her body as she thrusts both palms down at the metal armor's gut, looking to provoke a catastrophic shatter from the fighting doll's core. [21:54](Jancis Milburga) Jancis echoed Denz's call, focusing a stone on the swordarm of the machine to damage it or weight it down to keep it away from Denz and his attack. [21:56](Y'zhara Zekial) While Bunky was doing normal hits and tackles to the puppet that Denz was focusing on Zhara would begin summoning a second carbuncle, her new red one! Bunky's size would shrink as the new carbuncle came onto the battlefield. "Bunker!" she'd point to the puppet that Chachan was focusing on. "Attack it while it's down!" the carbuncle, who was half it's size just like Bunky was would charge it and began to assist Chachan in keeping it down. [22:00](Chachanji Gegenji) > The tag-team assault of Virara and Chachanji are quite successful in puncturing their opponent's armor. Chachan's hammer finds a weak-point, causing another spider-web of fractures... but this one is immediately acted upon by Virara, whose strike shatters the breastplate entirely - revealing the clockwork innards of the thing along with the crystal that gives it life. [22:02](Chachanji Gegenji) > Denz's strike is similarly impressive, perhaps moreso due to removing the head of the machine single-handedly with a vicious chop of his blade. Its expressionless face drops to the earth with a clang to land near the one Jancis had been observing earlier. However, it seems beheadings aren't enough to stop the thing! It would have caught the poor Elezen offguard if Jancis' well-timed attack hadn't intercepted the blow meant for him! [22:03](Chachanji Gegenji) > It's this sort of scene Bunker joins, harrying Chachan and Virara's opponent as it swipes at all three opponents in a wide sword arc to try and make space for itself! [22:05](Virara Wakuwa) Virara hunkers down, doubling back with a quick half-step and raises both arms. Her thick coat shouldn't provide that much defense, but her slanted arms and small, boulder-like posture, seems to minimize the damage, causing the blade to shove her back, but she is otherwise unharmed. [22:06](Jancis Milburga) "Quarter?!" Jancis calls out to Denz, the short confusing question she can spare before she gets caught up in calling on the elements, trying to do her part and make a sharp sleet of stone to come down once more on the armor of the swordarm. [22:07](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan is a bit more... dramatic with his defense. The blade is too big for him to evade at this range and he isn't as combat-savvy as his partner in this combat. So he goes for what seems like the crazy play. His hammer swings around to meet the behemoth's with a horrendous clang of steel on steel! [22:08](Chachanji Gegenji) Unfortunately, he misses the point he was aiming for and the beast's greater weight and momentum sends the green-haired Lalafell tumbling into the dirt a short ways away. [22:09](Denz De'bayle) *He grunted as the automaton still functioned after being beheaded, but was indeed saved by Jancis' attack. He held up his shield on reflex, before lowering it to leap forward and stab it into its chest and attempt to crash it to the ground. [22:10](Virara Wakuwa) Virara doesn't spare Chachanji a glance as he tumbles by. He's fine; if he wasn't, he couldn't have made it this far. Instead, she immediately returns to the offense, drawing a thick black chain from her coat and swinging in a wide arc before letting it streak, meteor-like, towards the caved-in chest of the armor. [22:15](Y'zhara Zekial) Bunker looks over at Chachan but otherwise continues his clawing. At this point the Ruby carbuncle was assisting Virara and would get out of the way of the wide arc when she swang at the armor clad creature before jumping up and charging at it. Bunky did the same with Denz and mostly assisted him during his fight with the other Magatsu. Meanwhile, Zhara stayed in the background, casting minor healing spells where it was needed. When Chachan hit the ground she'd move over closer to him and Virara [22:16](Y'zhara Zekial) giving him a few quick heals to any flesh wounds or road burn he got. [22:18](Chachanji Gegenji) > Jancis and Bunky's continued harrying kept the magatsu from being able to levy much of an attack on its closest opponent. Either by luck or pure happenstance, the Elezen's blade digs into the chestplate and strikes crystal! The action causing the whole thing to shudder and jerk as if it had been struck by lightning. The wild flailing, however, could also catch Denz up in the whirlwind of limbs if he's not careful! [22:20](Chachanji Gegenji) > The other automaton moved to continue its attack on the only one it really had managed to knock around, but Bunker's interception saw a stop to that. Reeling from the surprise ruby-hued attack, it only just managed to get its blade in the path of Virara's chain - the links wrapping around it and catching. It was suddenly a tug-of-war between the purple-haired Lalafell and the armored behemoth over control of the weapon! [22:25](Virara Wakuwa) Virara is lifted bodily by the huge blade and swung about. As strong as she is, she's not quite heavy enough to prevent him from tossing her about. Her blows carry an abnormal weight to them, but only in sudden bursts, so it would seem. Instead, she relinquishes the chain, and is flung to the ground, rolling across the dirt before rising to one knee. [22:25](Y'zhara Zekial) At this point Bunker was watching the ongoing tug of war fight between the creature and Virara. Zhara began to mutter an encantation [22:27](Y'zhara Zekial) toward the beast struggling to take control of his weapon. All of a sudden she'd summon a glowing triangle which shot toward the creature like a boomerang, if hit, the creature would begin to feel weakened as small bits of aetherical damage would happen over time. [22:29](Denz De'bayle) *Denz was suddenly flung to and fro as he felt the tip of his blade hit resistance within the device. Letting out up and down pitched yelps, he attempts to pull out his blade and leap from the machine's chest before he took any strikes.* [22:30](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan, revitalized by Zhara's magicks, was quick to scramble back to his feet. Seeing his fellow Lalafell being tossed around, and is a lot less dismissive of it than she was. Seeing that crystal out in the open, he rushes forward under the cover of Zhara's more offensive spell. Leaping up its leg, he'd sheath his hammer for but a moment before unsheathing the thing in a vicious arc that'd seek to strike - and perhaps even shatter - the crystal in the behemoth's chest. [22:32](Jancis Milburga) Jancis stared at Denz as he managed with the flailing machine. Unable to get a clear hit on the beast without risking getting Denz as well, she waits until he is clear, trying to aim a staglamite at the gaping hole Denz created in the chest. [22:38](Chachanji Gegenji) > It was as if the two attacks had been made in unison. Jancis' stalactite slamming into Denz's magatsu as Chachan's hammer struck at the heart of his. There was a crackling, a crinkling, and then an explosion of shards as both crystals shattered. Both automatons spasmed, jerked about, then went still. [22:40](Jancis Milburga) Jancis stayed tensed, staring at the one Denz had just been on, words hanging in the air ready to strike again, and maybe again, trying to use her aether sense to see if she felt anything from it. [22:40](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan was already on the way out as the crystal on his, actually managing some manner of awkward somersault in the air as the shards cascaded around him. He landed on his feet, staggered a couple steps from the awkwardness of the landing... and then put his hammer away once more.

[22:42](Virara Wakuwa) Virara sighs calmly, and takes a moment to tug at her right arm, then her left, adjusting the harness under her coat perhaps. She slips her iron knuckles into her coat pockets, despite their twisted and otherwise ruined shape. She calms herself, normalizing her breathing, like a tranquil pool of water. [22:42](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara sighed in relief once the Magatsu's were down. She'd dismiss both of her carbuncles which turned into large balls of aetherical energy before disappearing. She'd smile and give a thumbs up. "Nice job. Good team work." [22:43](Chachanji Gegenji) "Y-yeah... was a team effort," Chachan agreed, brushing himself off. "Ya opened up th' chest fer me, y'know?" [22:43](Denz De'bayle) "Everyone okay?" [22:44](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara looked around at the party. "I think so... are you okay? You were mostly on the front lines, I was in the back." [22:44](Chachanji Gegenji) "I took a bit of'a tumble... but Zhara got ta me akay. How 'bout ya, Virara? It tossed ya a bit there..." [22:44](Virara Wakuwa) Virara shrugs, rolling her shoulders with a stiff creak. She seems fine outwardly, though scraped up from the fall. Dust settles in the air from the edges of her tattered coat. [22:45](Virara Wakuwa) "It was nothing. The tigers were much worse." [22:46](Jancis Milburga) "I am unharmed." Jancis finally answered as she lowered her guard, her eyes relieved and smiling at Denz enough to show her admiration. [22:46](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara would patch up some of Virara's flesh wounds with her only healing spell, but wasn't able to heal any big wounds or serious injuries like Jancis would be able to do. [22:46](Virara Wakuwa) Virara accepts the healing. She quivers a little as the scratches knit themselves up, but otherwise doesn't respond much. A stoic nod in thanks. [22:47](Denz De'bayle) *Denz looks himself over.* "I think there are no wounds on myself. Good work, team. We should press onwards." [22:48](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara turned to look toward the mountain road they were going to take. "Yeah.. .good idea." she'd look ahead, admiring the beauty of the road. [22:48](Jancis Milburga) "Agreed." She reaches a hand out to Denz, closing the distance to grab his for a minute before relaxing it. "Thaliak only knows how none of that chaotic flailing hit you." [22:50](Denz De'bayle) *Denz sheathed his weapons, eyes going to Jancis and taking up her hand silently.* [22:51](Chachanji Gegenji) Once Chachan had made sure everyone looked like they were okay and tended to, he led them onward. Perhaps with a bit more confidence in his step for having done at least a little to help in the reclamation efforts of his hometown. [22:51](Jancis Milburga) Jancis' hand loosened after a minute, avoiding on hindering the knight if anything else came their way. [22:53](Chachanji Gegenji) Another expanse of wall passed over them as they moved into more mountainous terrain. Perhaps these were the foothills of which Chachan spoke. It was hard to tell too much - the fog was thick here just as it had been with Namai upon their arrival. [22:53](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara smiled, feeling glad that Chachan was a little bit perkier than he was earlier. [22:53](Y'zhara Zekial) She'd gasp a little as she looked up at the rocky mountain faces that surrounded them. [22:56](Chachanji Gegenji) > It wasn't long until Chachan paused again. This time, the weather seemed to be agreeing with him. The fog dissipated just enough to show a series of lakes spread out before them. Each tier a different color from the others. Like someone had spilled a liquid rainbow down the mountainside. [22:58](Virara Wakuwa) Virara relaxes her body, shuffling some of the stiffness out of her form after the fight. She watches the deep valley and its plumes of vapor, the colors dancing across her eye. [22:58](Virara Wakuwa) "A strange place. Master's home." [22:58](Virara Wakuwa) "... Or was it? Hm." [22:59](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara looked out over the series of lakes, chuckling a little as she looked on and admired them. "Wow... is this.. prism lake? It's so beautiful." she'd scratch her head as she continued staring in awe. "I... wouldn't blame your parents if they wanted to reclaim their land. This place... it's magical." [23:00](Chachanji Gegenji) "A-ah, yeah. Th' smithy is up th' mountain a ways, overlookin' all this..." He makes a wide motion with his hand. He pauses, then chuckles awkwardly. "W-when I was real litttle, I usedta think each'a th' pools tasted diff'rent 'cuz they was diff'rent colors." [23:01](Denz De'bayle) *Denz walked forward to see the incredible view of the mountainous valley and the Prism lake, once more caught in the wonderment and unable to speak.* [23:01](Virara Wakuwa) Virara pauses, pressing a small finger to her round chin. "You were building poison resistance?" [23:02](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara laughed a little more. "Oh like the orange ones taste like oranges, and the green ones might taste like green faerie apple and the blue ones like blueberries? Because I'm kind of thinking that as an adult." [23:02](Chachanji Gegenji) "I-I didn't act'lly drink any'a it... It was jus' somethin' I thought." [23:02](Y'zhara Zekial) "Oh I don't think it would be very smart to drink it, no." [23:03](Chachanji Gegenji) "A-anyroad... it ain't much further 'till we get ta th' smithy..." [23:03](Jancis Milburga) Jancis gazed out over the valley, going from each color, then to the four companions ahead, taking in their reaction with just as much as the bright colored waters. [23:03](Y'zhara Zekial) "Alright well it looks mostly safe to cross." [23:04](Jancis Milburga) "Maybe we can taste a couple." [23:05](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara shrugged at Jancis. "I don't know if we could purify the water, but maybe." [23:05](Chachanji Gegenji) "I... uh... think th' color's due ta th' crystals by each'a th' lakes... so... um... mebbe it might be safe ta drink? I 'unno." [23:06](Virara Wakuwa) "Aether poisoning, likely." [23:06](Chachanji Gegenji) "O-oh. Um. Good point... 's-specially wit my... um... condition. Might not be a good idea..." [23:07](Virara Wakuwa) Virara blinks curiously at Chachanji, but says nothing about his malady, wisely enough. "Yes. Unwise. Unsafe." [23:07](Denz De'bayle) *Denz snapped back to reality as the thought of giant Chachanji crossed his mind.* "Hnnngh... Aye, let's keep moving. One last mountain to climb." [23:07](Jancis Milburga) "We still must needs return to the dock. Perhaps another time, then." Jancis conceded, looking at the beautiful colors. [23:08](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara nodded as she began climbing down the cliff, wanting to get a closer look at the lake. [23:08](Chachanji Gegenji) "Ah... m-mebbe," he agrees with a nod before hopping down the side of the hill, sliding down a bit as he lets gravity do its work. Once on relatively level footing, he makes his way towards the lakes themselves. [23:09](Virara Wakuwa) Virara approaches the ledge, takes a long, cautious look, then hops off, sliding down along its rough, uneven edges, hopping from outcropping to outcropping with the easy grace of an opo-opo. [23:10](Denz De'bayle) *Denz blinked, craning his long neck over the ridge to make sure he could make it down in his plated stature safely. He leans backwards as he skids his boots against the dirt and slides down the hill, taking long steps to slowly halt his momentum at the bottom.* [23:10](Jancis Milburga) Taking her staff again, Jancis heads down the short hill, murmuring as the winds pick up around her and soften the drop. [23:12](Chachanji Gegenji) > Chachan leads them on a winding path through the lakes, allowing them all a good look at each of the tiers of pool and their vibrant colors. As they pass the brilliant crimson on the highest tier, he meanders up a path that seems almost camoflagued against the rock face. Had one not known it was there, they might have thought he was walking on air as he continued up on a slight angle over the lakes. [23:13](Jancis Milburga) The desire to touch the colorful water was strong, Jancis walking by part of it just long enough before she reached down to try and trail her fingers through one. [23:14](Virara Wakuwa) Virara's eye widens visibly as Chachanji seems to ascend with such lightness that he seemed one of the sages who feasted on air and glided on clouds. She must climb carefully and slowly up after him, not knowing the path nearly as well. [23:15](Chachanji Gegenji) > The water is cold and clear, Jancis' fingers seeming to take the hue of the waters while within them. It is but an effect of the water, however, and her fingers retreat from the pools unstained once she removes them. [23:17](Jancis Milburga) A childish happy smile comes and goes from her face, looking at her hand one more before picking up her feet and hiking up the rough path. [23:24](Chachanji Gegenji) > Once the path was known, it was actually a relatively simple climb... if only treacherous due to the width being a couple ilms short of comfortable and no manner of railing other than clinging to the rock face. It followed the curve of the mountains before Chachanji seemed to... disappear into the mountain itself. [23:25](Virara Wakuwa) Not allowing herself to overthink the climb, Virara simply puts one gloved hand ahead of the other, clasping an iron piton in her teeth in case she needs it with an expression that unconsciously resembles a wild dog. She creeps upward to where Chachanji disappeared and observes for the way onward. [23:26](Chachanji Gegenji) > It was no trick. The path just curved into the mountain itself - heading into a cleft before delving into what looked like a cave tunnel of some sort. [23:28](Virara Wakuwa) Virara's purple coat likewise disappears into the mountain. [23:28](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara carefully watches her step, especialy since the width of the path was very thin. She'd then eye the cave tunnel and would look up at the mouth of it curiously. She continued to remain behind Virara and in front of Denz and Jancis as they continued their trek. She didn't see Chachan up ahead very well but assumed that he was okay, since he knew where he was going. [23:31](Jancis Milburga) Looking around had made Jancis miss the point where Chachanji went out of view, following Virara's movements. Her pace was slow to keep her feet steady in the thin path. She paused halfway up, looking back at Denz. "I can see why the village elder held this place in such rumor. This path is more of a test than anything else." [23:32](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara turned her head and chuckled. "Yeah... I thought that maybe the smithy would've been destroyed by the Garleans for sure... but I don't know how the Garleans would've been able to find this place. It might still be in tact." [23:33](Chachanji Gegenji) > The cave itself had its own surprises. Not but a couple fulms in, it tilted upwards sharply. The cave itself was sizable enough to fit a Reaper in... and that might be exactly what had gone through here. The otherwise smooth angle upward was littered with divits that looked far too large and too smooth to have been made by animals. [23:34](Chachanji Gegenji) > On the plus side, it made the climb in the low light of the tunnel all that much easier. [23:35](Jancis Milburga) "Quite possible. Depends how well it is concealed from above. And if it is still intact, how could anyone move the mass of smith tools with such a limited means of access?" [23:35](Virara Wakuwa) Virara dips in and out of the large pits, as they're almost large enough to acommodate her. She crawls upwards showing no sign of exhaustion or soreness, though she does pause momentarily from time to time to be sure of her path forward. [23:35](Denz De'bayle) *Denz at first was alright with the climbing, until his larger frame seemed to lack space and his teeth were grit in stress until there were able to get into the cave. He sort of flopped into it, before looking up at Jancis.* "Wh-... who builds a -house- up here?!" *Grunting, he looks down on the cave floor to see the divets, examining them closely before standing up and following the lalafell further.* [23:38](Jancis Milburga) Jancis took a break, leaning her weight into the climbing holds as she looked down at Denz, "I do not know how. Someone more focused and determined on not being found than your cousin." [23:39](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara climbs up the steep slope using the divots as support as she made her way up. She would look upward to see if she could see Chachan... no sign of him. [23:39](Chachanji Gegenji) > The tunnel's harsh incline ended as abruptly as it began - or at least it felt that way with the added benefit of the divots - with a plateau that housed the other mouth of the tunnel. Through it, one would likely first almost stumble over the still form of Chachanji. Only afterward would one understand why. In a natural clearing in the mountain, set on a small land mass in a clear, shallow lake... [23:40](Chachanji Gegenji) > ... was what was likely once a smithy. Though, that was only identifiable by the blackened forge that was all that remained recognizable in the rubble. [23:42](Chachanji Gegenji) > Around it, a lot of the plant-life looked like it had recovered from some manner of damage as well. Jagged, blackened tree stumps jutted from the ground like angry, unkempt fangs, surrounded by scraggly brush. Reaver prints and the gashes left by their weaponry were still visible even through the attempts of nature to cover them up. [23:46](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara frowned as she took in the scene, she actually had some hope that maybe the smithy was still in tact, but she was wrong. She'd quietly and slowly approach Chachan and would kneel down right next to him silently as he remained quiet and frozen still. She didn't say anything, just waiting for Chachan to take it in and react first before saying anything. [23:47](Jancis Milburga) Jancis managed the rest of the way, climbing up and taking in the scene, eyes going up to the open sky for a moment as if anything could come down and do more damage, taking in the scene and even scrutinizing bits of rubble, as if she could rebuild what it was in her mind. [23:49](Virara Wakuwa) Virara comes to a stop at the edge of the lake. She doesn't say anything, instead observing Chachanji's reaction with curiosity. It isn't likely that there is much she could say that wouldn't harm him, unlike the others. Perhaps she realizes that. [23:52](Chachanji Gegenji) > By what one could tell from the charred outline of brick and wood... the place was designed in an almost angular U-shape. The front likely being where the "shop" part of the front of the smithy was, with the blackened forge jutting up from the arm behind it. The other was likely the residential side - where the Gegenji family had lived for generations. Until the Garleans chased them out and burned it to cinders. [23:54](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's labored breathing was calmed as they came up to even ground, eyes scanning the charred remains of the once great house. The sharp orbs looked around for any sign of danger, wandering a bit from the group. [23:54](Chachanji Gegenji) > The open air area in its center, given the mess of blackened, jutting stumps and overgrown mass of plantlife that was creeping out over the rest of the layout, was like once a garden. [23:55](Chachanji Gegenji) > It's almost deathly silent here. Just the faint whistling of the wind, the gentle burbling of the water, and the quiet sound of a Lalafellin heart breaking. [23:56](★Jancis Milburga) Denz's movement catches Jancis' eye, following along as Chachanji still said nothing. But her feet went towards the front edge of what was left of the building's foundation. She looked through the growing plants, pushing some of them away in an attempt to try and sort through the rubble, trying to make piles of like burnt items for what she could lift. [23:59](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara would simply give Chachan's hand a small squeeze before standing up and picking up Jancis's idea to look over the ruins. She'd walk into the water to the land where the building once stood. She mostly was exploring the place and the yard as she rebuilt the place in her head. [23:59](Chachanji Gegenji) > Getting to the front wouldn't be difficult at all. Several wide, flat stones had been apparently purposely set to allow one to make it to the island with a few wide hops. There wouldn't be too much to find. Twisted heaps of scraps melted by the firepower of the Garlean's magitek. Burnt scraps of leather and blackened swatches of chain. It almost seemed a wonder that the forge itself had remained standing under all that. [0:04](Virara Wakuwa) Virara wordlessly stops by Chachanji's side and drops to her knees, sitting quietly by him. Her lips form a flat, calm line, and he cannot see her eye from that side. Outwardly, at least, it seems like she is as stony as ever. But perhaps the way she stares at the ruined forge suggests a mind stirring with a desire to understand? [0:07](Jancis Milburga) The lack of finding anything wasn't showing on Jancis' face, she did put the metals in one pile, the chunks of other things in like piles. The corner she started in was growing a bit, the pile corner, as she worked her way towards the forge. She wasn't going to make it any time soon, leaning into a bigger piece of with both hands and some scuffled noises, pushing it down and out of the way, or dragging larger items that were hard to get a good hold on and lift. [0:10](Chachanji Gegenji) > Closer to the forge, she'd find more and more metallic remnants. Though, it was hard to tell what was actually damaged in the razing and what had simply been left incomplete. There was even a couple intact items. Most notably, what looked like a katana in a burnt and tattered sheath. [0:11](Denz De'bayle) *Denz's patrol continued around the outskirts of the shallow lake, moving to the opposite end of the lake and checking the back area for anything out of the ordinary.* [0:13](Chachanji Gegenji) > The rest simply seemed like the broken remains of other necessities of a forge - a blackened and slightly-melted anvil, a shattered work bench, a pile of used charcoal that had likely only been 'used' by proxy of being in the fire that burned the place down. [0:14](Chachanji Gegenji) > If there was any wildlife around, it was avoiding Denz. There was a sort of quiet, sad serenity to the place. [0:14](Jancis Milburga) Jancis was sweating now. She'd taken off her satchel and staff out of the space she was working in. Spotting something actually in tact, she took a breath and then went back to her belongings to get a handkerchief. Using that to keep her dirt and rust-covered hands from making the sheath worse, she climbed over other rubble to show it to Zhara and hand it to her, nodding back to Chachanji. "Mayhaps he would like this." [0:15](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara eyed the shealth and smiled. "Oh cool find Jancis, thanks." she'd take the weapon and would continue exploring, she'd start checking out the gardens and the leftover yard as she attempted to imagine Chachan playing with his brother outside. She remembered how fondly he spoke of play time with his brother as she held the katana with both hands. [0:19](Chachanji Gegenji) > The garden was certainly overgrown and unkempt at this point, but it still have enough definition to it that it wasn't hard to tell where one section was being used to grow vegetables, and the twisted remains of a bench amongst burnt stumps a sitting area to rest and enjoy the serenity of nature. The very center was still... somewhat clear - likely where a young Chachanji flitted about with a stick pretending to be a hero. [0:21](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara smiled weakly at the garden before finally stepping off the land mass and using the stepping stones to get back over to the side. She'd look down at Chachan and knelt down next to Virara and him, setting the sword in front of them. [0:21](Virara Wakuwa) "You should look. It is still your home." Virara muses quietly under her breath. [0:22](Virara Wakuwa) "?" She peers up at Zhara, eyeing the sword curiously. [0:22](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara looked over at Virara. "Jancis found this near the forge." [0:23](Jancis Milburga) Jancis was getting to the point her arms were getting sore, more and more bits by the forge proper getting dragged out of the way and the piles closer and closer. [0:23](Chachanji Gegenji) That seemed to snap him out of it for a moment, limply dropping to his knees to take up the katana and look almost blankly at it. After a moment, he set it down again and... with a gait that would have you think he was drunk or something... he weaved his way into the lake and waded his way towards his lost home. [0:25](Chachanji Gegenji) > As for the forge itself, it seemed the most intact thing there. As a thing that dealt exclusively with high heats, perhaps that's why it was the only thing to do so. However, the base around it was rather sturdily constructed as well, with many of the stones that made it up blackened but intact. [0:25](Virara Wakuwa) "Nn?" Virara follows him as persistently as his shadow. For whatever reason, she didn't seem to want to be far. [0:26](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara picked up the katana and followed Chachan back over to the house. She was really worried for him since he had never acted this way before. [0:26](Denz De'bayle) *Denz halted in the spot where his comrades walked across the water. Sucking in a breath, he followed behind slowly, unsure if he was meant to walk these grounds. Like walking about a grave.* [0:26](Chachanji Gegenji) > In fact, a section of it seemed a bit... too well-maintained. Curious fingers would find one of the cornerstones... could actually move, revealing a cavity beneath the forge. [0:27](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan, however, seemed intent on flopping his way to the other arm of the house, away from the forge. There, he collapsed in a section there and began digging up... what looked like burnt remnants of scrolls and books. [0:27](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara tilted her head as Jancis began looking into the strange secret hideaway under the forge. "Huh... what's in there..." she'd kneel down next to Jancis. [0:30](Jancis Milburga) Seeing Chachanji move gave Jancis more energy, brushing off the forge where she could of dirt to show what had stood the test of time and war, until her hand found a part that moved all too well. Looking up at Zhara, she held her breath and carefully tried to pull out the stone, holding it up in her hands. "I am unsure. See anything?" [0:30](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara squinted her eyes into the dark hole to see if she could see anything of note. [0:32](Chachanji Gegenji) > Within the cavity was a long box, its surface thick with grime and dirt and dust and neglect. It had a lock on it, though, so it was obviously some manner of importance. [0:32](Virara Wakuwa) Virara wordlessly stoops beside him and begins digging with hound-like vigor. She seems determined to be of some use to him. [0:33](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan doesn't seem to really be digging up anything in particular. With Virara's help, they mostly just unearth what looks like remnants of storybooks, a couple arcanist tomes, and some rather odd scraps of yellow-hued cloth that seem to have a bit of a feather pattern to them. [0:34](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara grunted as she reached in and grabbed the box, she'd tug and pull until she managed to get it out. She panted a little as she tried to open it. ".... It's locked. Where do you think Papa Gegenji kept his keys?" [0:35](Chachanji Gegenji) > Once it was out in the light, the two of them would notice that it wasn't a key lock, but a puzzle lock. Several squares that could be slid about. The engravings on it seemed to hint that... if done correctly... it'd make an image of something. [0:36](Jancis Milburga) "I would not know. Never seen a lock like that before. Lovely box, though. Did he ever mention making boxes before?" [0:36](Y'zhara Zekial) "Ooo um... a puzzle..." Zhara started playing with the puzzle pieces, sliding them and experimenting with them. She'd hold the puzzlebox outward so that Denz and Jancis could see what she was doing. [0:38](Jancis Milburga) Jancis watched, setting down the cornerstone where she'd found it and sliding it back into place, before getting very close to the most curious box to watch them move about the pieces. [0:38](Y'zhara Zekial) "No... they didn't mention ever making boxes... this is a strange thing to have in a smithy." [0:39](Virara Wakuwa) "What are these things?" [0:39](Y'zhara Zekial) "I can't see to figure this out, what do you guys thing?" [0:39](Chachanji Gegenji) > Zhara seemed to have trouble with the sliding pieces, moving one piece here and then back again because it didn't look right. As she moved them about, however, Denz started to notice which bits were supposed to line up with what. And he might have a way to do it, if he can get at that box himself. [0:39](Virara Wakuwa) Virara mutters under her breath, brushing the charred dirt off her gloves. [0:39](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara held up the box. "You guys want to try it? I'm not very good at puzzles." [0:41](Chachanji Gegenji) As Virara brushed off her gloves, Chachan's breath caught in his throat and he lurched at something in the debris. Yanking out... another burnt book of some sort. But... it didn't seem like a published text. The pages were hand-written, at least from what Virara could see from the fragments that flitted free from its bindings, in a neat Doman script. [0:42](Denz De'bayle) *Denz took up the box, seeing the moving parts and analytically beginning to piece the picture together, moving the sliding pieces one by one. He still remains as silent as a ghost as does this, completely focused.* [0:43](Virara Wakuwa) Virara peers curiously over her shoulder. Her eye is curiously dark, pupil wide. [0:44](Chachanji Gegenji) > Click. Click. Clack click clack. It takes a couple attempts and doubling back on movements, but Denz finally moves the pieces into place. The image? The colors are faded but someone like Jancis might recognize it as a purple hyacinth. More noticeable is the solid clicking sound the box makes once the puzzle is complete. [0:45](Denz De'bayle) *Denz silently muses, setting the long box and opening it.* [0:45](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachanji, however, is perhaps unhealthily engrossed in looking through what little remains of this strange text he found. Should Virara take a look over his shoulder or at one of the scraps... she'd note that Chachanji's name is actually listed here and there. [0:46](Chachanji Gegenji) > Within the box is... a bunch of old and musty scrolls and papers. Faded with time, but still readable if one is fluent in the Doman script. [0:47](Y'zhara Zekial) "... That's neat... huh." she'd eye the flower and then the scrolls, she'd gasp a little. "... These documents might be important to the Gegenjis." [0:48](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara would attempt to translate the text with what little knowledge she knew of the language. It probably wasn't going to be very successful but at least she'd try to see if she saw some familiar words. [0:48](Chachanji Gegenji) Back with Chachanji, a bit more damage is being done to the pages he's reading. A bit of water damage from the tears that he seems oblivious to the fact are running down his cheeks. [0:48](Denz De'bayle) *He nods, standing up and taking the box into his hands, moving to find the pair of lalafells.* "Chachanji." *His voice is heavy, and he is slow to speak.* "Jancis found this hidden away. I... opened the lock." *He held out the opened box to the lalafell.* [0:48](Jancis Milburga) Jancis gasped softly at the final deep click, admiring the lovely image of the thick plume of tiny flowers, only looking at the sheets of paper within without touching them. "Must be. Has he mentioned anything about this flower before?" [0:49](Virara Wakuwa) Virara peers curiously over his shoulder. Her eye is dark, pupil wide. [0:50](Y'zhara Zekial) The box and the documents were taken from her before she could actually read them. She'd follow Denz and Jancis. "Yeah Jancis found a secret chamber beneath the smithy." she'd then notice Chachan's tearful face and began to kneel down and tried to give him a hug. [0:51](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachanji seems... engrossed in the fragments of pages he's desperately holding in his clutches. It's all Doman nonsense to Denz, most likely, but to Virara and possibly Zhara... they'd be able to tell that this was the makings of a story about a hero Chachanji. Given the tidiness of the script, likely penned by Gogonji. And based off the story-games they'd play. [0:53](Virara Wakuwa) Virara reads quietly, memorizing what she sees, though it is perhaps an invasion of his privacy. [0:53](Virara Wakuwa) "..." [0:54](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara looked down at the journal and gasped as she looked over the writing, quickly figuring out what it was despite knowing only a few of the words. She'd squeeze a little tighter and even began to cry herself, her tears dripping down onto his floof. "I... I'm so sorry Chachan..." maybe Virara was right, and that it was an invasion of his privacy, but her curiousity got the best of her. [0:56](Jancis Milburga) Jancis looks back up at Denz, face full of worry and confusion at the reaction to their find. Brows furrowed. "I do not understand." [0:56](Denz De'bayle) *The elezen was hopelessly lost, but he knew the depth of his pain was beyond his understanding or ability to aid in any meaningful way. He simply shrugged back at Jancis.* [0:56](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara looked up at Jancis and Denz. "It's... one of Gogon's old journals." [0:57](Jancis Milburga) Realization came to her, her eyes going to Chachanji and the earring he wore. [0:58](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan just hugs the tattered remains of the home-made storybook to his chest, clinging to it like it might dissolve away under his touch. Though, given its condition and age... that was probably not such an unlikely thing. It would certainly be a bit before he would be in any condition to look at the contents of the hycianth box. [1:00](Jancis Milburga) Jancis closed her eyes a moment, empathy flooding her gaze. Her voice was soft to Denz for the brief explaination she gave. "His older brother. He had thought his family perished in the war. And he has been distant ever since." The look in her eyes made it clear it was more complicated than that. [1:01](Virara Wakuwa) Virara's expression was one of silent, quiet contemplation, almost as if she mourns the man, though he yet lives. A far cry from her usual glare of disdain at the mere mention of Gogonji. [1:03](Y'zhara Zekial) Zhara smiled weakly under her tears. "You know you're always going to be a hero to us Chachan, yeah? You're so brave to have come here with us... you're just like the hero Chachan that Gogon wrote about... you're him and have become so much more." [1:03](Jancis Milburga) "I will set up something to eat. We can be here awhile." Jancis gathered up some of the items she could that [1:26]]<Jancis Milburga> Jancis tore her gaze from Chachanji, taking in a deep breath and usefully went back to their supplies they had brought. She went around digging up roots, tubers, and soft plants she knew would be okay to eat. The roasting was on an open fire, flat metal and wood used to cook on. It would have ash on it, but it would make a meal for a day that had so far had been physically and mentally exhausting. [1:06](Virara Wakuwa) "What did you find?" Virara's cool demeanor returns. Her hand twitches at her side, opening into a loose, empty grasp. [1:07](Virara Wakuwa) "Elsewhere." [1:08](Chachanji Gegenji) Chachan quietly nods at Zhara's encouragement, though a few hiccups and sniffles still escape from him. He's obviously trying to regain some manner of composure, at least. How long that'll take, though, is the bigger question. [1:11](Chachanji Gegenji) > Should Virara or Zhara get a chance to look through the papers in the box, they'd find it seemingly mundane. A family registry showing the ancestry back to the first Gegenji. That in and of itself wouldn't be all that surprising. What was of a far more interesting note was the other documents that clarified who that first Gegenji was. [1:11](Chachanji Gegenji) > The first Gegenji... Genji - whom the whole line was named after - was a Roegadyn.