Fantasy Aetherspark IC

[Gummy Worm]

"Korro...If...IF, it comes to that it wont be me...Id rather be struck down than have my face be used to commit atrocities...Just...promise me" he said gripping him tighter, the words he wanted to say were so close to spilling out, he felt like he would vomit if he didnt speak. Before Korro could even respond to his previous sentence Denver groaned "I cant wait any longer...i fell like im going to explode! Korro... I think im in love with you!!!" he said shutting his eyes tight.

SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

Korro froze, stunned. The words were so simple, but it felt like they had flipped his world upside-down. His elation was only matched by the growing sickness he felt from what Denver had asked him to do.
Without thinking, Korro pulled Denver into a tight hug. He held him fast, pressing the bridge of his muzzle into the goat's soft hair.
"I...promise." He whispered, and the words hurt.
For a long moment, Korro would not let him go. The lingering fear of losing him, just after he felt he had found something so precious...Korro had no idea what to do with all the feelings boiling over inside of him.

"It won't come to that." Korro repeated, finally stepping back, holding Denver at arm's length, determined to make it so.
He smiled, and though it was happy, there was a bitterness to it too.
"Let's look around the town together, where would you like to go first?"

Gummy Worm

 

[Fangs9090]

"G-goop?"

Kanon spoke up to help Adelynn. She had more experience with death, anyway. "Not exactly. The 'meat' part decays over time and falls away, leaving only bone. I'm not one for proding corpses, so I don't know how 'goop like' it becomes during that time."

MoonShadow spoke up. "Not very. It actually gets pretty tough at first."

Adelynn didn't want to know how she knew that, but it wasn't hard to guess.

 

[Noble Scion]

Aaliyah Sh'ahn

Noticing Elixen staring at her, Aaliyah would give her a charming, photogenic smile and a wave that would've made any merfolk blush, as they'd walk, before merely shrugging at their question. She didn't know what lucid dreaming was, so she couldn't give an answer, though she would frown at Korro's irritation, annoyed on the cheetah's behalf.

Though despite her pouting at the wolf, the silence would be contagious, their group tired from the battles of the day as they'd focus on getting to the next town in good time, but unwilling to let everyone stew with their thoughts, Aaliyah would start singing softly to give their trekking some ambience until they'd reach the village.

Spoiler: The girl from Ipanema

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The people were strange, she'd seen a number of different species in her brief time journeying on the overworld, but the strange vegetable people definitely were the most unusual. So as usual, she couldn't help but gawk at each one as she'd listen, enamored by Barracuda's lore.

"Ah! So they are unusual. They won't do anything scary, do they? Like... They won't try to eat us back for revenge?" The merfolk would ask warily, her eagerness being replaced with concern as she'd move from staring to watching them for any sudden movements, at least until they'd reach the inn and make their way inside.

"U-umm.. If it's not too much, could I have one of the rooms? I haven't slept on a bed in ages and... Um... Nevermind..." Aaliyah would hum to the group, greedy for the prospect of sleeping in comfort before realising everyone else was probably feeling the same way, leaving her feeling awkward and guilty.

"I... Don't mind sharing either... Oh, bye Helena!" The sahagin would tag on, before waving goodbye as the fae would depart, before giggling at Korro mispeaking, only to put more thought into it as they'd leave together. He did seem to have an uncanny amount of affinity for Denver...

Clapping her hands on her face to shake off such thoughts, she'd find herself with a choice of people to hang out with, though it didn't take long for her to decide as she'd give Elixen the honor of the princess' company, making her way over to the cheetah with a cheery smile on her face, deciding to get to know the woman better. Cats liked fish, right? So it only made sense that they should be friends.

"You don't have to sleep outside! You can sleep in my room if you like, I don't know how big the bed is though..." Aaliyah would suggest naively, apparently not having the same level of awareness as Korro had as she'd poke at her chin thoughtfully, a little embarassed at having worked up the courage to offer.

"I-If you want..."

MageMantis Stern LuLuLu SilverFlight Gummy Worm

 

[Stern LuLuLu]

Lena was given the time frame in which she had to have her brew done.” Five minutes. You guys are being very generous with my time I see well I appreciate that.” She would begin making her concoction putting together a midst of colors, and even hopping off of the stage to grab a rock off of the ground. Hearing the words from the announcer, Lena would take in the information. “I would definitely like to volunteer for my brew if you would. “looking over to the carrot, who just talked to her. “Oh, what are you making? Is it something cool or helpful? Maybe itis nasty?”She would not care for the insult. Only that she was around other alchemist and excited to be around others. then something popped into her head.” Oh yeah, I almost forgot.” See you pull some things aside and start to make a separate brew on the side of her one for the contest.

MageMantis

 

[MageMantis]

Down the village street from where Korro and Denver sat, there was a tavern with a sign reading “The Gilded Goat.” A sign on the Gilded Goat told of a bounty board inside that contained a few bounties left by travelers from all over. Next to the Gilded Goat was what seemed to be a bakery. Across the street from the bakery was a small makeshift fortune teller’s shop labeled “The Mystic Eyes.”

The carrot Innkeeper looked surprised to learn that meatlings didn’t turn to goop post mortem, but rather decayed like a rotting fruit. “Fascinating…” Commented she as she jotted it down in her journal. “Second question: Do you meatlings have an organ that draws upon the fleshpits of the Nine Hells to sustain yourselves and regenerate from cuts and injuries, and if not then how do you do it? Do you need oxygen to survive like us? Do your heads explode if you hold your breath for too long?” Prodded Phloee. Even though plants needed carbon dioxide to survive, Krathkonians operated in a way were like fauna-folk, they required some level of oxygen to sustain their locomotive bodies, although not necessarily in the same way as fauna.

Elixen smiled at Aayliah. “Child of the Seas, you have a good heart.” Complimented she. “I accept your offer.”

Quickclaw swiftly walked to the desk and paid for a room, as did Barracuda and Blestare, Tonnie and Blestare agreeing to share one. While Quickclaw offered Steel-Mage her room, he instantly denied, insisting that he should scout outside for signs of the “Forces of Evil.”

A Carrot Krathkonian Druid walked to Aayliah, noticing Garuda in Aayliah’s care, “Excuse me dolphin-thing, can you look after my Ripper Flytrap? He responds to the name ‘Nectar.’ Thank you, be right back, bye!” Asked she in a hurry as she set a baby Ripper Flytrap in Aayliah’s hands, not allowing the sahagin any time to conjure a response. The baby Ripper Flytrap was the same size as Garuda, and seemed to have three large eyes not dissimilar to a puppy’s. It only had eight vine-tentacles and panted like a puppy. Unlike the adult one the group had encountered, this one had yellow spiky stripes and also unlike the one they had encountered possessed a long leafy-tongue that dripped with honey. Like a puppy, it’s mouth was constantly open and panting as it licked Aayliah’s face before crawling over her back to Garuda, licking him before snatching an unfinished slice of cherry pie from
a table with a vine and offering it to him.

Garuda could sense that he had a pushover at his disposal.

Meanwhile, near the alchemy competition, two minutes would have passed, leaving three minutes before the potion presentations commenced. Rabbitteeth leaned against the counter, laughing at Helena. “Brightest meatling.” Sarcastically complimented he. “This should be interesting.” He smugly crossed his arms as he waited in anticipation for the contest judging to begin. “Tell me meatling, have you ever even mixed saliva with Gelatinous Cube Gel to make an adhesive? Or have you still yet to memorize the basic ingredients for a potent novice broth?” Belittled he. In a distant field of crops over a hill and behind the stage, three apple Krathkonians peaked their heads out of a bush suspiciously.

If Shinobi snuck to their position, he would overhear the following from them,

“…at its wings, and how its face squashes and stretches.” Jeered one silently, referring to Helena.

“Meatlings are so gross. First they call us the ‘weird ones’ when the world we live in is literally like us and not them, then they eat us like savages, and now they think they’re welcome to infringe on our activities. I think not. Pass me the fruit, Orchard.” Commanded one.

They seemed to be watching Helena prepare her potion, and one of them lifted a strange small fruit, aiming for Helena’s brew as they seemingly were attempting to sabotage her. Helena wouldn’t notice, but Shinobi definitely would. Causing a disruption could risk making Helena look bad, but Shinobi had the power to do something; Or Shinobi did not have to do anything if he didn’t want to. After all, a thief needed not compassion, only cunning.

SilverFlight Gummy Worm Fangs9090 Noble Scion Stern LuLuLu

 

[Gummy Worm]

(edited)
Shinobi definatly noticed, he groaned to himself as he drew his dagger and threw it, it stuck into the arm of the Krathkonian who was holding the fruit. It was nonfatal but would definatly hurt, Shinobi charged in and pushed him over before climbing on top of the apple and placing his foot on his head and drawing his sword "First off, You are weird, your litterally a walking food item, second off give me two good reasons why I shouldent make a pie out of you jackass" he growled pressing the tip of his blade to the apples head

Denver smiled and looked around "Lets check out the bakery!" he said his cheery face back as he took the wolf by the hand, despite the dire circumstances Denver felt good, he finally got the weight off his chest and now he could explore these mutual feelings.

MageMantis SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

Korro laughed as he let himself be pulled along. For now, he was glad to leave darker thoughts aside.

The beautiful smells from the shop hit him as they approached: crisp, fresh bread, croissants, danishes, pies and a plethora of pastries Korro could not even name.

He pulled a few coins from a pouch on his belt.
"Pick whatever you want." He told Denver cheerfully, waving his tail and not minding who saw it.

Gummy Worm

 

[MageMantis]

The apple Krathkonian dropped the fruit as he clutched his arm in pain, amber sap acting like blood as it poured from the wound on his bark arm. The Krathkonian trembled in fear when he felt the blade touch his apple-head, before one of the two other apple Krathkonians that had been accompanying him snatched Shinobi from behind, holding him in a bear-hug. The apple Krathkonian who’s entire body was mostly bark except for his apple-head was too strong and bulky for the small Possumfolk to escape by overpowering him, and he squeezed Shinobi to where retaliating with his sword and dagger was out of the question.

The other two apple Krathkonians walked to the restrained Shinobi, a single cracking his wooden splintered knuckles. They all seemed to be Shinobi’s age, and about as hot-headed as he. Orchard stared at the Possum, him and the other apple Krathonians’ emotions harder to read as apple Krathkonians lacked noses and mouths upon their apple visages, only giant black sockets with glowing yellow pupils for eyes that did all of the facial emoting for them. “No, you are the weird ones.” Begun Orchard. “We are relatives of nature itself. Your kind are sacks of water stuffed with blood and meat.” A single apple Krathkonian struck Shinobi across the snout, light enough to avoid drawing attention but forceful enough to make his nose bleed.

“We are tired of you meatlings bullying us. We are no more somebody’s food than you are, and our culture is all we got. We won’t let you meatlings spoil that too.” Monologued he, as the apple Krathkonian tightened his hold on Shinobi. The other one picked up the dropped strange fruit and aimed for Helena’s brew once more, who of which would likely still be none-the-wiser.

Gummy Worm

 

[Gummy Worm]

Shinobi struggled and growled before getting cracked across the face, his vision went blurry as he soon went limp, out cold in their arms.

MageMantis

---

Denver blushed a bit "Ok...but only if you share with me" he said with a smile as he looked up at Korro

SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

Korro couldn't help but grin down at the goat. "All right."
He looked back at the display, admiring all the beautiful confections. They were expertly baked.
"Gangway!" one of the attendants wove her way past the seller with a fresh tray of strawberry hamantash. Korro's eyes lit up
"We have to try at least one of those." He told Denver as he watched the baker pour them into a basket.
Korro reached for one, tossing a coin to the clerk and bringing the pastry back over the counter for Denver to try.
He waited for his reaction.

Gummy Worm

 

[Stern LuLuLu]

Lena would answer the rabbit teeth Krathkonian. “Well, I’ve been doing this for a while. I usually try to avoid mixing in things like saliva that is not from something new or stranger that I haven’t seen before. I even got an assistant who helps me out with my testing. He is invaluable when it comes to physical labor.”

As the other contestants did their thing around her, Lena scanned the area, noticing the quarrel involving Shinobi and the other small Krathkonians. Not Noticing the tampering with her brew, she darted over to the group, her eyes locking onto Shinobi and the feisty little creatures. With a firm grasp, she pulled them apart surprisingly stronger than she looked. Only coming over after she heard Shinobi's growl after he passed out.

"Listen, everyone," she said, her voice steady but kind of excited. "You shouldn't be fighting like this—look at him! Poor Shinobi is all tuckered out and bleeding. I don’t know what this is all about, but I know you shouldn’t be fighting especially around this stuff it can go very badly. I know from experience." She held the wounded Krathkonian in one arm, still flaring with energy, while keeping Shinobi cradled in the other. "I’m sorry about my little friend here, but you all should apologize too."

Lena carefully moved them to her workstation, placing Shinobi on the table and setting the small Krathkonian down on the floor. Her hands worked swiftly as she wrapped up the little one's injury, her focus unwavering. As he began to protest her attention, she quickly slipped a sweet, lively treat into his mouth—a small gel that seemed to delight even the grumpiest of Krathkonians.

"There you go, little buddy," she said with a playful grin, giving his head a gentle pat. "Now scurry back to your friends and try your best not to let this happen again." With a flick of her wrist, she shifted her focus to Shinobi, carefully tending to his wounds while he peacefully slept.

With a tender smile that was barely ever seen, she lifted Shinobi onto her head, making him the most adorable little hat. A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she contemplated her next brew. Time was slipping away, and with it, her chance to perfect it.

"But I’m sure you have plenty of wisdom to share, Mr... Oh dear, your name eludes me," she mused, casting a glance at the toothy rabbit, Krathkonia, who watched the scene unfold with curious eyes.

MageMantis Gummy Worm

 

[Gummy Worm]

Denver smiled a bit as he walked with the wolf and took a bite out of the treat, his tail wagging as he did with a smile. "Mmh..." he said as he looked down at it, it reminded him of being back in the fox den, Mrs. Copper would always use their gardens strawberries to make all sorts of pastries and treats. Denver could almost feel her warm fur against him as he ate before he snapped out of it "I-Its really good!" he said to Korro

SilverFlight

---

Shinobi would hardly stir at first, his dreams were full of needless slaughter. covered in fruit juice and dirt as he laughed manically. as he took his revenge against the Krathkonians who knocked him out. However soon he would sit up and rub his eyes "うわー、頭が" he would groan before falling backwards, not realizing he was up so high. Falling on his back with a grunt.

MageMantis Stern LuLuLu

 

[Fangs9090]

Kanon was glad she stayed with Adelynn as these questions were a bit out of her depths. It also reminded her that she’d need a proper education, eventually. “Now, we don’t have a power-drawing organ. Each of us has a heart that produces and pumps blood throughout our body. It’s this blood that comes from wounds and helps to heal them. Yes, we require oxygen to breathe. No, our heads will not explode if we hold our breath. After a time, we’ll pass out due to lack of air, at which point we automatically resume breathing, if possible. If not possible, we eventually die.”

Adelynn looked at Kanon. “Where did you learn all this?”

“Combat training teaches one quite a bit about anatomy.”

 

[SilverFlight]

"Let me try." Korro said, breaking off a corner of the pastry and tossing it into his mouth. A dreamy expression crossed his face.
"I'd like four More please." He told the seller. "Denver, you choose something."
Korro helped himself to a second hamantash when they were handed over, eating the whole thing in nearly one bite and getting jam on his nose.
He laughed as he tried to lick it off.

Gummy Worm

 

[Noble Scion]

Aaliyah Sh'ahn

"Hehe~ Is this a sleepover? I've never done one before." Blushing with a bright, evidently proud smile as she'd look forward to getting some well-deserved rest, though her smugness at Elixen's praise would soon turn to confusion as the stranger would thrust a second pet onto her, one that Garuda seemed to adapt to quite quickly as he'd recieve a stolen slice of pie like some sort of crime boss, a strange glimmer in the dragon's eye as he'd accept the plant's place under his mother's care... For now.

"Hello- Ripper wh- Nectar? Is this your son or a pet-? Where are you... Oh... He's gone. Eck-" Aaliyah would attempt to talk back, but her words would largely go unheard as the Krathkonian interrupt almost each word, disappearing out the door as she'd shut her eyes and scrunch her face at the sweet tongue lapping at her face before it would crawl onto her back, greeting her other new pet currently half-wrapped up in a pseudo-backpack made up of a length of cloth as it would make the pecking order clear.

Aaliyah would simply be bewildered, turning to Elixen with a confused, disbelieving expression, seeking guidance as she'd wipe some of the honey off her face. At least it smelled nice, its honey-scented fragrance mixing well with the ocean-flower fragrance she had going on.

"U-uhm.. I'll... go get the room, I suppose." She'd hum to her bedroom partner, before making her way over to the receptionist and pulling a handful of around 20ish coins from her pouch, carefully putting them on the table so that they wouldn't roll off.

"One room please! I'm sharing it with her and Garuda here, and.. um, Nectar too, I suppose." The princess would bumble, apparently not bothered too much by all the extra weight she was carrying in the form of her two pets.

MageMantis

 

[MageMantis]

While Helena was distracted, one of the apple Krathkonians chucked the strange small fruit into Helena’s brew. A subtle splash came from the pot as the fruit dissolved in the mystical broth, discreetly altering its function. The situation would deescalate thanks to the Fae’s interference. The smaller Apple Krathkonian was shocked at the Fae’s strength. He lacked a visible mouth like all Apple Krathkonians, but the liquid treat was absorbed by his apple-head, disarming him as his friends and he ran from the scene. On the stage, Rabbitteeth seethed in annoyance at Helena’s ignorance,

“Rabbitteeth. A name you won’t forget after I humiliate you in this competition, meatling.” The Carrot Krathkonian claimed snobbishly. Soon, Gunda walked through the red curtain to the side of the stage where the alchemists were preparing. “30 seconds before the competition begins. Hope you’re all ready to blow us all away!” Announced the Potato woman before vanishing behind the red curtain to hype up the crowd before the judging commenced.

Meanwhile, Phloee jubilantly jotted down the details Kanon described to her. A smile spread across the carrot woman’s snout as she accepted Aayliah's coins. She handed the Saha a silver key. “Upstairs, sixth door on your left.” Nectar stole a sweetened roll off of a table, handing it to Garuda as they all ascended up the stairs. When Aayliah arrived at the door, Elixen and her would be greeted by a spacey, cozy interior with two beds. Elixen curled up on the fuzzy rug on the floor, yawning. Elixen turned to Aayliah, “Aayliah, do the seas have seasons? If so, what are they? If not, does the environment ever see scheduled change, and if it does then I’m what way?” Ignorantly asked she.

Phloee made eye-contact with Kanon. “Last question: Is it true that you meatlings only fall in love once in your lives? Also, you can call me Phloee!” Spoke she.

At the Bakery, Denver would catch glimpse of a little patron on top of a counter: A Jumping Spider. It was looking right at Denver with eight puppy-dog eyes, curiously watching the goat. It then leapt to a closer counter, crawling closer as it stopped and watched him. It appeared to tilt its head, as if a complex mind was running through its fuzzy compact square body.

SilverFlight Fangs9090 Gummy Worm Noble Scion Stern LuLuLu

 

[Fangs9090]

Kanon glanced at Aaliyah as she passed, noting her additional companion. That hopefully would not lead to trouble later on. She turned her attention beck to the innkeeper, Phloee, apparently. "Well, that varies from one individual to another. Some find one mate and stick with them for life, others never find anyone at all. And then some others mate with far too many different people. I wouldn't know if love is involved in that."

Adelynn looked at Kanon again. "What about you?"

"I've not found anyone, but I won't go out of my way to do so. My duty takes priority."

 

[Gummy Worm]

Denver paused as he looked around to look at the spider "Well hey there little guy" he said offering his finger to the spider, Denver loved all creatures, even the small and some what creepy. He gently pet the spider before setting him down and continuing to look. Eventually Dever found a loaf of cinnamon and pear bread and his tail wagged, he counted out his coins and paid for it before Korro could notice "Alright! I'm ready to go!" he said holding the large loaf in his arms.

MageMantis SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

Korro watched Denver play with the spider, a look of utter adoration on his face. It took him longer than it should have to realize Denver had paid for something.

"Hey!" He laughed, but Denver had already walked away, the prize in his arms. Korro trotted after him, falling into step beside him.

A faint voice made him look around.
"Step right up! Step right up!" A pumpkin mad shouted. "Knock over the bottles win a prize!"
There was a stall across the square that looked like a type of game: a tower of bottles were set up against a canvas backdrop, along the other walls was a collection of things that were clearly designed to be prizes: a delicate scarf, a beaded bag, a crystal charm and many others.
"Do you see anything you like there?" Korro asked, sizing up the game as something he could probably win.

Gummy Worm

 

[Gummy Worm]

Denver looked over his tail wagging slightly "A few things, but you don't need to waste your money on me Korro" he said shaking his head "Besides! I don't think I could carry anyhting else in my bag" he said as Dio stuck his head out "Crowded" he mumbled before nestling himself back into Denvers bag. "Bugs sleep alot more than I thought" He said as the green companion shuffled around in his bag. "But it does seem quite easy to win so...if you wanna do it then go ahead!" he said leaning on his staff.

SilverFlight

 

[Stern LuLuLu]

Lena would still not pay attention to her brew for the competition but instead work on her second one. “Okay, I will try and remember that Mr. Rabbitteeth I hope that whatever you made is interesting, I want the same thing for all the other contestants here too.”She would then look over to see Shinobi, fall off her head where she placed him. Turning to look at him helping him up .” Hey there little guy are you okay I saw you got into a fight with those little Krathkonians. I don't really care if you do that but try to keep the blades sheathed. You should run along to the seats to watch the show, I'm going to be one of the last to go so you have some time to grab a snack or two.”She said with a smile.

MageMantis Gummy Worm

 

[Noble Scion]

Aaliyah Sh'ahn

Aaliyah was quite pleased with herself as she'd recieve her fancy key that matched her other adornments, eagerly charging up the stairs, but not before giving Kanon and Adelynn a cheerful wave as she'd pass by. Pleasantly surprised by the room, It was far from anything at her home, but it definitely beat sleeping outside

Letting out a giggle as Elixen would curl up on the rug in a very cat-like way, Aaliyah would place Garuda on her bed to claim it before struggling to get Nectar off of her back, letting the tangle of vines lightly slide onto the ground before she'd answer her roommate's question.

"In a sense, but nothing like up here. We have a 'plentiful' season and a 'dry' season, Lots of fish in the plentiful, with most going into hiding, migrating, and having children in the dry. The water gets warmer and colder too respectively, but that's about it. Why, do you want to visit?" Aaliyah would bumble back, more than happy to talk about her home as she'd slide onto her bed, wrapping Garuda up in her arms as she'd poke her head off the edge of the bed to look at the cheetah.

"We have artifacts for your kind that we can gift to important overworlders, so I'm sure I could ask my dad to let you borrow one for a visit." She'd beam at her, before a pensive expression would make its way onto her face at a new thought springing to mind along with some guilt at having run away. It was only natural she felt homesick since this was her first big adventure.

"If... I'm not grounded... that is... I hope he's not that mad at me."

MageMantis Fangs9090

 

[SilverFlight]

Korro smiled while furrowing his brow at the goat, then, he leaned down and spoke gently by Denver's ear: "Nothing spent on you, is a waste."
He lead the way to the game booth, petting Diorite as the little creature clambered out of the bag for a moment.

The vegetable man behind the counter at the booth gave them a nod as they approached. Korro watched another villager try the game: he threw the ball as hard as he could at the 9-bottle tower, but only managed to knock over the first 3. The bottles were made of tin, not glass, and dented all over to prove their service.

Korro leaned over to Denver. "I think there is iron in those bottles, making them much harder to knock down."
The wolf rolled his shoulders and set a coin down on the counter. The look on his face told Denver that he intended to do something about the cheat.
He was handed the ball and tested it's size and weight, then, he pulled his arm back and launched the ball at the bottle tower...
Not only did the tower get blown apart, but Korro managed to put a hole in the wood backdrop of the booth, and a dent in the tree ten paces behind it.

Korro stood there, still in his stance after launching the ball. The man behind the counter looked at the hole in his booth, complete shock etched onto his gourd-like face, then back at Korro. Korro, looked immediately to Denver. "W-what do I do?"

Gummy Worm

 

[MageMantis]

Phloee finished jotting down what she had just learned. She then closed the book shut. “Thank you guys so much!” Spoke she. “That will be five gold for the fountain time and the cleaning supplies. If you don’t mind, I’m just going to…” Phloee reached over the counter and booped Kanon’s nose with a carrot-finger. “Boop.” She let out a giggle of delight as she watched the Red Panda’s nose squish. “Sorry, couldn’t resist: I love it when your guys' faces squish!” Post-apologized she. With Phloee having already informed them about Cider’s Armory across from the Inn and the fountains out back from the Inn, Kanon and Moon’s next destinations were clear.

Meanwhile, the alchemy competition was heating up. The potion presentations the commenced. The first Krathkonian alchemist came onto the side of the stage’s curtain where the crowd watched, an apple Krathkonian equipped with a bandolier of brewing tools and an aura of confidence. In his bark-hand a gleaming yellow potion’s contents sizzled. A test subject volunteer was called onto the stage, a carrot Krathkonian woman. The alchemist handed the test subject the potion. Eager to get it over with, the carrot Krathkonian woman shut her eyes and downed the potion. By the time she opened them, she would be horrified to find out that her body was now a standing but flat flag of herself, with all of the same colors as her usual self but made out of flag felt instead of her usual carrot and vine composition. Somehow she hadn’t folded onto the wooden stage floor as she struggled to maintain balance in her new temporarily flimsy form, her one eye on her now 2Dimensional head facing a chaotic crowd that shouted and laughed at her as the three Krathkonian judges sat at their desks, watching with a sense of boredom. A gust of wind shot through the area, carrying the flagified test subject with it as she let out a scream. The Apple Krathkonian alchemist quickly hurried to catch her by her legs before she was blown away, her body fluttering as the judges begun to make their verdict. On the table which they sat, each of them possessed a pile of fruit that had fruits ranging from completely rotten to the most fresh. Each of the judges selected one of a certain quality and lifted them up to score the Apple man’s potion, the overall score seeming to land on just above average.

The next alchemist’s presentation saw a potion that temporarily transformed the naive and eager male carrot Krathkonian test subject into a puddle of still living carrot juice, his eyes darting around wildly as the audience burst into chaos at the sight. The judges scored the alchemist of that presentation slightly lower than average, branding the judges’ tastes as picky. The next presentations would ensue, including a potion that gave its test subject hypnotizing eyes that briefly entranced the whole Krathkonian crowd before its effect wore off, the judges left unaffected by the test subject so that they may fairly score the potion. The judges’ scores for that one averaged to in-between good and highest quality as they prepared to judge the next potion, which entailed a magical elixir that granted the user full obedience to the potato Krathonian Alchemist who stood proudly on the stage as he watched his creation take effect on his appointed test subject. The same alchemist had not been watching the competition, having worn a shield of arrogance as he shopped around the village until it was his turn to present. This made him oblivious to the fact that his potion was essentially a lesser version of what came before. The next Alchemist’s presentation included a potion that when swallowed by a Carrot Krathkonian, a dazzling display of fireworks flew from her mouth and into the sunset sky above. After a few more Alchemist potions were judged, it would be Rabbitteeth’s turn to go. The snobbish albino carrot man walked onto the stage as he shook a green potion. The judges seemed to perk up as Rabbitteeth made his entrance. A carrot Krathkonian was called onto the stage, eager to have the honor of being the demonstration of one of Rabbitteeth’s potions. Rabbitteeth passed the potion to the test subject who scarfed it down without a second thought. Rabbitteeth then whispered to the subject to jump off the stage and into the crowd. The subject backed up a few feet as the crowd spectated in anticipation, before the subject leapt off the stage and then a green flash blasted from his body as the subject was temporarily frozen in time in mid-air. The audience and judges gazed in astonishment as soon the test subject unfroze and landed on a few shocked audience members who collectively squealed.

The audience exploded into applause while the judges scored it near perfect, the highest any potion in the competition had been so far with the mass hypnosis potion coming right behind it. Now, it was Helena’s turn to present her potion. The audience stared silently when she came onto the stage, Rabbitteeth watched smugly from the audience as a carrot Krathonian test subject nervously manuvered onto the stage and stepped towards the Fae (you can control this test subject Stern). With Helena being the last act of the night and the competition a hard act to follow, the odds were not in her favor.

Meanwhile, Elixen met Aayliah’s gaze with a somber look. “I had a Demi-Titan Telchine friend who was the appointed protector of a sea kingdom populated by Mermaids off the coast of the Savannah of Ta’Komb. His name was Lithor. He was arrogant and boisterous, but headstrong, fierce and loyal to the end. He was a lot like Korro, but twice the brooding and unhinged. You could count on his brutal honesty.” Recounted she fondly. “Moons ago, a villain of great power cast a curse on not just Ta’Komb, but the whole continent it was on during his defeat that with passage of time every appointed Demi-Titan Protector would turn to stone. One-by-one, five of my six allies succumbed to the curse. The curse didn’t petrify them unexpectedly, it seemed to manipulate the strands of fate itself so that their fates would be guided to situations where the petrifaction would meet them. They all fought valiantly, some even delayed it, but eventually it would circle back to meet them. Lithor fought against an evil Sea Gorgon Queen, and was petrified. His statue drifted to the depths of the seas. It’s been half a century since. I asked because I was hoping that his statue has not yet deteriorated to the wrath of the deep. I hope to someday recover his statue and find a way to restore him. The curse entailed that we all turn to stone once, but it never was written that it would afflict us twice. He should be safe after restoration.” Elixen looked to sunset out of the room’s window. “With every breath I draw, I know my time to turn to stone inches closer and closer.” The quadrupedal Cheetah turned back to Aayliah.

“I am afraid very seldom do we escape our destinies.”

Fangs9090 Stern LuLuLu Noble Scion