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Before the Vampire Ball

Scene details

Setting: The Star Chasers' winding journey to the eastern reaches of Oradia is concluded and our heroes bring back with them to Rosia revelations regarding the Ankhialeans... and a certain Ankhialean sorely in need of a makeover. The party simply has no choice but to visit the capital's markets to prepare everyone for the big event to come.

Log


 The sun, on the verge of setting, paints the vast plaza an opulent gold, setting the green streaks in the stone to glimmering like veins of emerald on which the bustling crowds heedlessly tread. In the shadow of a statue of an early queen, represented with a python draped over her shoulders like a mantle and a cobra curled obediently at her sandaled feet, a band of bards plays a merry tune, long-stemmed flute joining cello and drums. The stands are packed tight, to one another and with customers, and the goods on display are as dazzling in their novelty as the edifices bordering the expanse are stirring in their aged dignity.
 "As anticipated, they're proceeding without restraint!"
 So Ivo calls over the bustle, raising his voice slightly to be heard by his friends. He recommended moderating the report to the Vanguards Association, focusing on the discovery of the strange ruins near Hidden Hearth rather than revealing information about the Ankhialeans themselves, judging that they did not know enough about Xiuhcue's intentions to be obligated to say more and concerned about exposing Atl's people to unnecessary risk. Primarily, he wanted to *gather* information, and what they have learned has likely squared with expectations: after reinforcing security, especially around the waterways beneath the Hanging Gardens, the Palace at the Gardens' peak will be hosting the Royal Ball as planned. At last, the highest of vampire society will make their stunning debuts.
 And not only them.
 "We must be attired for the occasion!"
 Ivo has been angling to be selected by Madonna, Ruidosa's tempestuous sister, as her escort, not out of personal preference -- really, he promises -- but primarily so that both he and Reize can be party to any exchanges or gossip that might be reserved *for* the heights of vampire society, of which Ruidosa and Madonna are surely a part. As much as he'd enjoy a date with Daiby, his hope is that his sweet senpai can help to ensure that Atl is not... *too* overwhelmed.
 "The Queen is said to enjoy surprises," he cheerfully quips, "so rather than follow the fashion, let's follow our hearts and style ourselves accordingly!"
 Ivo glances with a smile to Reize, who he somehow doubts will be allowed to style himself as *he* wishes on this occasion, and then lowers to their fearless leader's swaying pendant. Yacumama has been contemplative, even brooding, here in Rosia, amidst all the trappings of the glorious centuries-long success of the nation that was once her serpent cult and which left her, or a remnant of her, long abandoned in a ruined temple. As playful as Ivo sounds, a difficult question continues to turn in his head: should they have the opportuniy to at last meet the Queen at the Ball, should he mention Yacumama's existence... and if so, to what end?

"Mom!" says Ruidosa La Crima as she embraces Lady La Crima tightly. "We learned a lot! We can talk about it later at the summer house!~" she says. Lady LaCrima nods. "Good, I'm glad. We already picked out your dress so we're merely waiting for it to be fitted..."

Then her sister gets a tight, but less grandiose hug. "Tranquila we got some junk for you!" she says. "Yay, junk!" says the blonde/yellow vampire. "I'll look through it soon!"

Madonna and Lady LaCrima finally notice one another and the atmosphere tenses in the market. Even some sellers are and bystanders are cringing that know these two nobles. "Madonna." says Lady LaCrima. "LaCrima." says Madonna coldy. Madonna suddenly looks towards Ivo. "I'll see you later. I smell trash here. Pick out something nice~" she says as she walks off towards the noble district.

Lady LaCrima watches Madonna leave, takes a cleansing breath. (Even though vampires don't need to breathe!) and looks towards the group. "What did you all think of your adventure out?" she asks. Then her eyes might trail eventually to Atl. Oh! Someone new. She looks quizzically to to the others, waiting for an introduction!

(Lady LaCrima is the purple one, Ruidosa the blue, Tanquila the Yellow!: https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/1440f6ba3fef.png)



 It is the return to Rosia that elates the young explorer. The sight of the celebration continuing as preparations is rather exciting. It won't be too long before the ball starts.

 "Yeah! I'll style myself---..." He then recalls the looming three La Crima nobles when it came to his fashion. His antenna hair droops as he wilts, "...I'll have the outfit that La Crima and the others picked out for me."

 What does come to a discord is the reunion of both Madonna and La Crima. Reize looks over the interaction between the two. As tense as the atmosphere is, Reize elicts to stay quiet.

 He gives an uneasy smile, "...Well, we uncovered an old site related to the beastkin here. It looked to have been hidden away for a very long time."

 

  • Character: Atl
  • 4 days, 11 hours ago


In so many ways, Atl has spent a lifetime out of her depth; poorly socialized, outcast, and left to wander a vast and unforgiving jungle biome not designed for a single human to survive. Acting as scion, channeler, and fleshy vehicle to the struggling fragments of a slumbering god has been both her saving grace and another wave to labor under. Despite her adjustment to her tragic circumstance, and the joy she takes in all things natural and wild, and even the emotional support she's learned to take in her whirling wisps...

Atl has never had her head above water. Not truly. But there's a difference between desperately doggy-paddling in a pool beneath a waterfall, or floundering in the river rapids, and being crushed under the figurative but so-very-real tsunami of civilization.

She's essentially not even present, lost in her sackcloth and primitive jewels, carnelains fixated downward, shoulders narrow and hands clenched taut as though she were forced to carry the entire city upon her skinny back. It's how she feels, unable to even remember to breathe and swallow, now and again huffing a breath and panickedly wiping a line of drool from the outer curve of her lips.

The wisps - Ankhiale - is no more comfortable, diminished to the subtlest glow within the sweaty confines of the girl's torso, clinging to her like she's clinging with one hand to Daiby. Her initial reaction was the same wonder expressed so many times on the journey here, but the noise, the people, the *economy*, the oppression of hierarchy and technology and its myriad expectations... it's too much.

She doesn't even start to speak up when Reize regales tales of adventure she was on, that meant so much to her, that she could offer at least her typically-obtuse commentary upon. This isn't her place.

Just... just keep pretending I'm not here, she thinks. They won't notice me if I don't notice *them*.

  • Character: Daiby
  • 4 days, 11 hours ago


In the glamorous golden light of the setting sun, Daibenzaiten No. Sarasabattay admires the statue whose shadow shelters a group of lyrical bards piping and stringing and drumming and other such things. Around her neck is a long example of the Boaide clade, whose fine details are veiled by the sun. Around her arm a different snake, this one gleaming with gold light atop of ruby-red scales.

"Indeed," Daiby concurs with Ivo, her tone grave and solemn.

"Don't you think going *completely* with your imagination has its own risks?" Daiby asks Ivo then, rhetorically. She looks at him (so does the red snake). "Sometimes your imagination can fail you. Imagine showing up in the deliberately distressed work fashions of when I was a little girl!"

That was a Cosmopolis trend for a hot minute. You wore clothes, get this: *that someone else had already kinda messed up*. And if that person could not be found? *The tailor does it for you.* This was considered rather wasteful even if a little artful sun exposure or minor acid-washing remains rather common.

Daiby's head also swivels (as does Mr. Red Snake) to watch LaCrima and Madonna speak.

Daiby leans over towards Reize. "psss," she says quietly.

"you should do your own accessorizing if nothing else," Daiby continues to tell him. (It's not sure if he can hear Daiby, who is not the best whisperer, but she IS trying.) "that's what really brings everything together and you have to push back a little, or they'll get bored! Just a little," two fingers and thumb pinching together, "but it's true!!"

After this Daiby asks Atl, in a more genial and less conspiratorial way, "Would you like to get some shaved ice while we're about? I suppose when the sun goes down it's going to be a bit less *pressing* but it won't cool off that quickly." A beat. "My treat," Daiby adds. Another beat.

("that means i'll pay for your shaved ice")


 Ah, if only Ivo could escort the lovely Lady La Crima herself. Alas, such an endeavor might cause certain complications that would interfere with their quest. Thus, selflessly, he will instead devote himself to an excitingly sadistic-- er, similarly well-endow-- uh, thrillingly swimsuit-clad-- OK, maybe being Madonna's escort has its upsides, too, if he's being honest.
 "Leave everything to your humble servant," he says, bowing to the redhead's departing back, before glancing sidelong to the Lady La Crima and smiling warmly, as if to reassure her that he is intent on buttering up Madonna and mollifying her to whatever degree he can. This is entirely to keep her more destructive impulses in check, as part of his strategic master plan, and not because he's into that sort of thing.
 When he notices that the Lady La Crima is looking curiously to Atl, he straightens and turns that warm smile to the girl.
 "Atl here is of the Ankhialeans," he explains, "and a gifted channeler of spirits. She will be essential to our tracking down those responsible for the attack on the Palace and resolving this conflict, rooted in the history of this very nation."
 Given that the Ankhialeans are little known in modern Oradia and their connection to the attack is not public knowledge, Ivo judges there is little harm in speaking freely about this, and given La Crima's own knowledge (as represented in Rui's tome), she may pick up on the subtext: the embers of the ancient battle between the serpent-vampire alliance and the fire-worshippers may be glowing again, but our heroes and their Ankhialean ally are determined to prevent another blaze.
 "And our consummate merchant will be essential to our finding only the finest of wares for our debut at the Ball," he then remarks to Tranquila, flashing a smile at the blonde. He's always felt her to be a kindred spirit, amiable and deliberative, calculating when needs be. "As you can see, Atl here must be fully equipped."
 Ivo can tell that Atl is struggling -- speaking of "distressed" -- but fears he lacks the requisite tenderness to soothe her, and hopes that Daiby is better suited to the task. As for Ankhiale herself... all the magitechnician can do is marvel that Yacumama and Ankhiale, such as they are today, would be gathered here in Rosia, in the same party.
 "Speaking of new outfits..."
 Ivo then attempts to lean closer to the Lady La Crima conspiratorially, after bracing himself for the swoon-inducing effects of her proximity.
 "If you would be so generous as to share any insights on the Lady Madonna's tastes, so that she might be most soothed and appeased... I would be infinitely grateful."



 When Daiby leans over to inconspiciously give him some advice, Reize leans over to hear herr thoughts. "Oooh, that is true." He'll still have his pendant! That will remain with him. Maybe he can probably bring his scarf as well.

 ... That may be pushing it.

 However, he smiles as Ivo tries to get Tranquila to work with Atl. "Yeah! Our new friend will need some help having something comfortable for the ball." He starts to trail off, looking over towards the interactions: Daiby is able to provide some comfort for Atl, Ivo is inquiring to Lady La Crima regarding matters.

 ...Reize reaches over towards Ruidosa's hand. "Ahh, excuse the both of us, we have to go somewhere for a moment." Reize looks for a path where he can beeline to and take Ruidosa off with him. Perhaps closer to the hanging gardens.

 

Lady LaCrima looks around. Everyone acts like they weren't just staring and gets back to business. Her eyes suddenly look on Ivo. There's a certain coldness in her eyes for a second before her expression softens. "Ah. Are you. Taking her? Surprising. She's never taken a human before." she says. "She's going to wear something revealing. Wear a tight undershirt that looks like you might explode out of it. A looser jacket that shows off the shirt. The most expensive you can find. Same with the pants, and shoes. Look like you like more casual parties. Don't worry. EVERYONE will figure out who's escort you are." she rolls her eyes. "Dressed like this. Don't worry. I'll pay for your outfit." she says.

LaCrima and Tranquila try not to crowd Atl, but do carefully approach. "Hello Atl. I'm Lady LaCrima. Ruidosa's 'mother'. This is Tranquila my other 'daughter'. Tranquila and I will help you find some proper clothing. Okay?" she asks.

Ruidos smiles at this exchange and looks to Reize and whispers. "My mom is used to dealing with kids similar to Atl. She'll be patient." she says. Hold on. She meanders over to Tranquila and whispers into her ear. 'Try baggier/free clothing. I think she likes to move around. Hide those wisps.' Tranquila 'ohs!' and nods to Ruidosa as Ruidosa returns to Reize and blinks. As Reize tugs her off.

"Huh? Where we going?" she asks, letting herself be carted off.

Ivo Galvan rolls 1d20+3>=10.
Comment: Shopping luck check (La Crima advice bonus)
Roll(s): 18. Total result is 21. This is a success (by 11).

  • Character: Atl
  • 4 days, 10 hours ago


Truth be told, Daiby is not entirely in-character as the person whom Atl chooses to cling to in this nightmare of noise and deceptively-genial treachery, but at least in this mode she's the kind of beacon that pulls the eye away from everything else - near and far. The girl isn't a fool, she knows she stands out, and it's easy, childish logic to surmise that the best place to hide is in the plainest of sight beside what she interprets readily as the person everybody *should* be looking directly at.

Daiby is an awkward, lovable quaintrelle. *Daibenzaiten* seems to have her proverbial shit together so hard she might as well be a wall, that Atl can just disappear behind. Win/win.

Popping her own head behind this wall, the serpent-adorned sorceress provides an escape - perhaps for them both - and for a brief moment, Atl lets her gaze ride upwards past the ground and the skirts brushing it. The people of Hidden Hearth use ice rather sparingly, of course, but the concept of shaving it sounds absolutely wild, and curiosity - brought to the table by said quaintrelle - starts to win out.

And then she's given no choice, as Ivo speaks up and drags her kicking and screaming into full exposure.

Mortified as she is, she's aware there are expectations and aware that she doesn't meet them, and that not even trying make things worse. So she takes a stumbling step away from Daiby, like a baby deer, and presses both hands to her chest - where that oh-so-faint glow resides. Right. This is who she is.

Unacquainted with either gesture, she half-bows, half-curtsies, ending up in what amounts to a spinally-devastating squat that sends her outrageous mane of hair flopping across her features. She straightens up after a moment, sucking in a breath - and immediately sending a wide-eyed stare to Reize.

"I--" she starts to speak up, and is utterly blindsided as the fabulous vultures descend, "...am comfortable."

Nobody is convinced. Even the wisps buzz a little, as if in amusement. Atl had a follow-up question for Daiby that just goes forgotten, as she snaps her bright carnelians frantically between the La Crima pair. They can approach as carefully and kindly as they like; combined, they're almost as scary as her big sister. One towering and dark, the other bright as the sun and wearing what she assumes are devices that enhance her vision. Can she see the wisps? Can she see Atl's very soul?

Trying to do so surreptitiously, the Ankhialean looks to Daiby and silently screams, 'help!!!'


 "Your generosity is truly boundless," Ivo murmurs, gallantly inclining his head to the Lady La Crima as she turns to mother Atl with Tranquila. He glances to Reize leading Ruidosa away and then back to Daiby, smiling. With this group, Atl will surely be fine.
 Just look at her. She's doing great.
 "Now, then..."
 It's time for Ivo to work his own manner of magic.

  • Character: Daiby
  • 4 days, 10 hours ago


Daiby gives Atl a minor squeeze, by hand or by smile or by PURE EMPATHIC EMANATION, as she is Introduced by Ivo. Daiby has faith in Ivo, an ontological matter derived through pure observation of cosmic truth and unhindered by such mere things as win/loss records.

"Fully!" Daiby says, before adding to Atl, "We won't get you an entire trousseau here, of course, because you'll probably have to move it all around, but I hope you'll have some lovely options --"

She doesn't go too in depth. She watches LaCrima and Tranquila; she has, as it were, a certain working knowledge and relationship with Ruidosa thanks to long exposure. (Daiby probably likes Rui more than the converse, but that may just be a question of demeanor rather than authentic sentiment levels. ("oh good thought," she asides back to Ivo.)

As she does, she tells Reize one last word of wisdom. Perhaps a string of hope.

'Remember the advantages of the micanga,' Daiby tells Reize.

What's that mean?

Reize will have to figure that out himself. Good luck, bold hero.

But Atl's struggling. Daiby looks at her, and maybe this is the face of someone who has their shit together or simply the face of someone who has looked into the gut-clenching fear of how to address the existence of other people, but either way she is at elast *composed*. "Would you mind if I came along?" Daiby asks the two grandes dames. "I'd be glad to interlocute and advise, and I think this is Atl's first time in a genuine shopping trip of this sort. Is that not so?" that to Atl.

The red snake peeps up, having slithered up to Daiby's shoulder/bicep area between shots. The red snake looks at Atl. The red snake flicks out a forked searching tongue, and its - his - their? - head bobs up and down in a crude approximation of a nod. That's probably the most emoting you're going to get out of a snake, but there is, in the words of the ancients, an Attempt.


 "Your generosity is truly boundless," Ivo murmurs, gallantly inclining his head to the Lady La Crima as she turns to mother Atl with Tranquila. He glances to Reize leading Ruidosa away and then back to Daiby, smiling. With this group, Atl will surely be fine.
 Just look at her. She's doing great.
 "Now, then..."
 It's time for Ivo to work his own manner of magic. His adventurous spirit is that of an aesthete, attentive to peculiar details that might be arranged into an unconventional scenario. The recommendations that the maternal vampire have given him scream "dirtbag," suggesting that Madonna is want to brashly parade her vulgar tastes before all and dare them to say or do something about it. Obviously, Ivo must appeal to said tastes. The question is: can he transcend them, thereby both preserving his own dignity somewhat and, perhaps, impressing her?
 "Aha!"
 If Atl's desperate gaze were to shift to Ivo as he searches among the stands, she might witness, by all appearances, a master at work. His fingers graze seemingly identical bleached-white undershirts, their subtle differences in cut and style hardly registering except through following his own eyes and movements, and eventually he finds one that gives him genuine pause, those eyes lighting up. It only appears to be a simple undershirt from afar: its low cut is charmingly turned into an artful little collar, its stitching both structuring the torso fetchingly and faintly decorative, little details revealing themselves on close attention and practically demanding that it be exposed by an open jacket. Such a jacket is soon deftly selected, black and emblazoned with copious gold embroidery, as if a matador's garments were made party formalwear, complete with matching trousers.
 The overall effect is roguish but discerning, a swagger that suggests self-awareness and a loud boldness that hides keen attention. One first looks because once is struck, and before one can feel any snobbish contempt for the excess on display, one notices an artful touch after another until shock becomes intrigue and admiration. Perhaps if Ivo were to stand alongside Madonna, similarly brashly clad, a viewer might imagine that she, too, possesses hidden depths.
 Is that true? Well, it may mean that Ivo's presence is an even greater boon to Madonna, and really, that's what matters for his purposes.
 Now that's a crit shopping success!

  • Character: Atl
  • 4 days, 10 hours ago


Atl... feels about as helpful as the red snake, which is to say she's trying. She's really trying.

Her tortured brain lunges for anything she can cling to, any beacon of hope as she's surrounded by stunning, statuesque women fixated on tearing her from the rags she's been festooned in as long as she can remember. There's no fear regarding her culture, her ways, or anything of the sort - she's just found what amounts to a comfort zone, and losing it - losing all she's lost thus far, even balanced against what she's gained - is a horror it never occurred to her she'd have to face. Everybody told her what to do, once, where to stand, how to be... and with a single exception, they all stopped caring when she busied herself with nothing they saw as worthwhile. She always, at least, had the option to just pass as nobody.

Now, people DO care about her. They want her to be somebody. Perhaps she even can be...

But alone? Ugh. How do 'civilized' people escape loneliness? Who do they turn to? Oh!

"Yes!" She latches onto Daiby's semi-rhetorical query, nodding rapidly, and then does what she's seen them all do at one point or another: wear an expression that's a lie. She smiles, tries to fill it with warmth, and then quickly settles on a doozy she can drop, a piece of driftwood that these very scary ladies will believe is hers to cling to. "My--" Bravery, Atl. "My sister should come with us."

She almost said 'mom'. Let's not think about it.



 Reize finally takes Ruidosa to the Hanging Gardens, separated from the rest of the group for just a moment. The young explorer originally had one of her hands, but then his other hand takes both of them.

  "...I know I have not been the most reliable fiancee during our trip. ...And I know our first date was not... the best." He did try to make up for those times and think he did well. "However, I got you something to ... make things feel proper."

 One hand releases her hand, instead reaching into a satchel. He procures a small ring, made of a smoldering red and black ore. It's appearance pulse with a faint glow. Once it gets closer to Ruidosa's hand, it appears to 'absorb heat' that would get close.

 "So... will do it properly."

 Reize leans over to place the ring into Ruidosa's finger, "... Will you marry me?" He gives Ruidosa a gentle, warm smile.

 

Ruidosa La Crima rolls 1d20-3>=0.
Comment: Say what's in her heart without think! (Ring...bonus?)
Roll(s): 7. Total result is 4.

LaCrima looks at Atl, she doesn't frown. Never frowns. "Atl. They had to have found you mostly alone out there. Dressed as you are." she says quietly. "I promise, I don't hurt friends of my friends, and am here to help you as I help them." she says. She looks to Daiby, who the girl seems to have some repertoire with. Maybe she can reassure her.

Tranquila gets a look from LaCrima and a nudge, and Tranquila backs up a bit, fixing her glasses and a nervous smile, but says nothing more. LaCrima nods at Daiby's request. "Please, do!"

Ruidosa La Crima is led to the Hanging Gardens, not too far off from the Market Center, and she figures Reize wants to talk about something or some treasure, or about something else. And then Reize gets into his words.

>>> "...I know I have not been the most reliable fiancee during our trip..."

"Uh Huh." she goes to that entire passage, eyes lidded looking away.

>>> "However, I got you something to ... make things feel proper."

"Eh?"

Reize produces a ring. Not just any ring. She knows this ring, at least, what the the material is. Only the most HIGHEST Nobles have such a ring, and even then only a scant few, who have risked themselves (or others!) to obtain one. D-Did Reize?

Her eyes go wide as it slips on her finger. And then Reize asks:

>>> "... Will you marry me?"

Ruidosa La Crima losses all tackt on the spot, and leaps onto Reize into a spin hug and a kiss and a little squeal. "You're not an idiot dummy afterall!" she says with a beam. "Of course I will, silly!"


 Ivo, having secured his outfit for the ball complete with some fabulous matching shoes -- all purchased on credit thanks to the magnaminity of the Lady La Crima, who is as generous financially as she is generous in her proportions -- turns with his packages under his arm just in time to see Reize reach out with the ring that they had found during their delve into the discovered ruin. His eyebrows shoot up just in time to hear Rui's delighted cry and see her embrace his dearest friend.
 "There it is!"
 This he exclaims with amused delight to no one in particular, evincing little surprise except at the timing. Well, it wouldn't do for Ruidosa to otherwise accessorize when Reize had this planned for her. Ivo watches from the sidelines, as he prefers, smiling over the two of them, and elects to not disturb the moment by offering his congratulations now.
 "Nicely done, chief."
 So Ivo says with great satisfaction, warmth, and a touch of melancholy he can't quite articulate. Reize is growing up and, in some ways, may be leaving Ivo behind. This is a feeling with which Ivo has not yet properly grappled, merely one he knew was someday on the way. With a kind and contemplative expression, he maneuvers to the sidelines and seats himself a little out of the way of all the crowding, helped by the fact that passerby have stopped to cheer and applaud this sudden proposal.
 In a moment, a passing server has brought Ivo a cup of the house tea. Here, with a clear view of Ruidosa and Reize but not in anyone's way, Ivo takes a moment to reflect, closing his eyes and breathing deep of the tea's fine aroma. It is delicate yet robust, as if a reminder that there is strength in sensitivity. Soothed by this thought and the scent, he takes a sip, crossing one leg over his thigh and looking, this time unintentionally, like a truly refined aristocrat.



 Reize smiles brightly as Ruidosa leaps into his arms. He spins her around, embracing her in his arms. As she kisses him, he happily returns it and embraces her close.

 "...Hee, we can share the news with the others. Oh, also, I still need to give Tranquila and Lady La Crima their gifts!"

 ... It takes a bit of time, but Reize would return to the group with Ruidosa by his side. He brightens, "Ruidosa and I are officially engaged." Ivo's congratulations is met with a warm smile. "...Thank you, Ivo. I know it's been overdue for some time." He rubs the back of his head, looking uneasy. In a way, he does wonder a few things. However, he tosses those thoughts away as something else is on his mind. With a wide grin, "Also! I managed to find something for both Tranquila and Lady La Crima during our trip!"

 ...It is then that Reize takes out a copperish red ore-beaded necklace. It is the rare carnelian copper necklaces. There are additional gems, one purple and the other is yellow. They let out a shimmer, as if finding befitting hosts nearby.

 Just as Reize slipped the ring on Ruidosa's finger earlier, he places the yellow necklace around the neck of Tranquila and then the violet version of the necklace around La Crima's neck.

 He gives a bright smile.

 

Ruidosa La Crima rolls 1d20+2>=10.
Comment: How far does Reize Seatlan fly across the market?
Roll(s): 17. Total result is 19. This is a success (by 9).

LaCrima and Tranquila relax and is glad Daiby is here to attend to Atl and help.

Meanwhile, Ruidosa and Reize speak. "Let's! Oh gifts?" she asks. "What did you get them? I can't wait to find out, did you find some sort of precious wood carvings in the village?" she asks.

"Mom likes stuff like that!" she beams happily.

Ruidosa is ready to tell mom the news. Well. She already KNEW the news, but. She is about to speak when LaCrima and Tranquila are given their gifts. Rather than hand them to them, he puts it around their necks himself. Which they allow but then look down at the necklaces. Both of them and they both GASP and puts their hands to their mouths. They back up.

And turn away from Reize and start whispering. Ruidosa blinks and suddenly looks STUNNED. Is something wrong? Did something happen?

It is QUITE a long time before the two turn back around, and both beam, hands on the main gem of the necklaces. "We Accept, Reize Seatlan, as you new finances!" they both say seriously, with a tone of pleasantness.

SUDDENLY

|_____|_|_|___|_|_|__|_|__|_|__|_|_|_
\(|_|__ \\ /|_|_\\ / \)\( \\/ \\|_|_
\) __/\(|_|_O \)\\ /\\ /\\_/|_|_
\(__\)|_|_|_\\__/ \(_/\\_\)\(_\)|_|_

Ruidosa La Crima just punches Reize Seatlan in the gut. It's...strong.

"REIZE SEATLAN WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?" she screams.

The market suddenly is staring at this all.



 Look at Reize, he's all dumb, happy, and oblivious. Everything is all fine, right?

 However, Reize looks over towards Ruidosa. "See? It looks great on them, right?" However, he does pause when Ruidosa's expression appears... stunned? "...Rui? Are you okay?"

 And when he turns over towards both La Crima and Tranquila. "....Ah?"

 Slowly turning around towards Ruidosa, "What did----"

 *POOOOOOOOOOWWWWWW!!!*

 Reize's caught with a powerful punch in the gut. He is sent flying across the market and into the sky with a *DING!*

 MEANWHILE, LONG... LONG... LONG TIME AGO. During the age of the beastkin civilization.

 It was the lizardfolk ruler, the tribal leader of the group. By his side was his mate, who wore the ring created from the Cinderheart ore. And by his side were the other wives, bearing the yellow and violet carnelian copper necklaces. All in harmony.

 ...Some cycles repeat in the future.