Fantasy Sorcery!!! (Completed)

[ArcticFox]

Part I - The Shamutanti Hills

Aquila

Guardian Spirit: Panther


Money: 0 gold
Stamina: 7
Rations: 0

Stats:

Dexterity: 3
Agility: 4
Strength: 1
Accuracy: 5
Offense: 2.5
Defense: 2.5
Magic: 4

Equipment:

A backpack
Leather armor, cloak and boots
Spellbook
Map of the Shamutanti Hills/Khare/Baklands
Alianna's amulet
Rhain's long knives
Sun Stone
A handful of sand
Galehorn
The Beacon
Pearl Ring
A compass
Brass Pendulum
Alianna's clock

Spells:

-fireball - she can summon a fireball in her hand and hurl it at the enemy, takes a couple of seconds (5)
-electroshock - shock the opponent, quicker than fire, less potent (5)
-create a physical barrier around her for a minute (5)
-become weightless, works only on herself (3)
-sense danger, see if there is any danger ahead (1)
-protect herself from magic, doesn't work against the most potent only (10)
-confuse the opponent for a couple of seconds (1)
-take control of lesser creatures for a minute (3)
-open locks/doors (3)
-spell of light (3)
-cause explosions, zero available (3)
-create live sand, one available (3)
-summon a gust of wind that can blast human-sized creatures (3)
-make herself invisible for three minutes (4)
-spell of sleep (3)


~~~

​

"Take it. You are going to need it." The Sergeantmaster spoke, placing the small pouch of coins in Aquila's hand. When she looked up at him, she could almost imagine a kind smile beneath his mask. She had never seen the Sergeantmaster without his mask. He was a Seer as well, and that meant looking the part. They all appeared to look the same, even though Aquila was able to recognize her Sergeant by voice, the way he walked and the tiny gestures he made when excited. She had spent much more time around him in the past five years, than she did with her own family.

Now, she was leaving Analand. The outside world waited for her and a small party of people gathered at the gates to see her on her way. They wished her good fortune and quick return. Her parents were not there. But, the Sergeantmaster gave her a warm squeeze of the shoulder and an approving nod.

"You have a long way to go, friend." He spoke. His voice was calm and gentle. It could sound both young and old at the same time. Aquila did not know his age, nor his name and she probably never will. It did not even matter at this point, she was leaving Analand on a quest that would take at least three months, if she was lucky, but in fact, even though it was not spoken out loud, no one really expected her to return at all.

And how could they. No one had come close to the Archmage since he climbed to power. No one sane, that is. He had his own servants, creatures and people he bent to his will, his spies were everywhere. Aquila was going deep into his net, to the very fortress he built so he could watch the world above and move his subjects like marionettes. She could not defy the King even if she wanted to. She was trained for this kind of a task after all, a perfect soldier, a sorcerer. This was her big test, she would either succeed or die in the attempt.

The sun was beating down on them as the gates opened. Aquila could see the dirt road ahead and on the very verge of the horizon - houses that made the village of Cantopani. This was the first settlement outside of Analand's borders and there were man more ahead.

- Ask Sergeantmaster what lies ahead.
- Ask Sergeantmaster about the crown.
- Ask Sergeantmaster for advice.
- Say goodbye and continue ahead.

 

[Yokai]

>> Ask Sergeantmaster for advice <<​

​

Squinting against the intensity of the sun and into the distance, Aquila could make out the village of Cantopani along the horizon. It didn't seem so impossibly far from where she was standing; then again she wasn't alone on the road yet. She'd trained for this moment for five years, had drawn her bow until her fingers crack and bled, had practiced her spells until her fingers blistered under the heat. Aquila had poured so much of herself and her soul into this moment that it almost felt anti-climatic. Her parents hadn't even bothered to show up; she pretended that their absence didn't leave a bitter taste in her mouth. Her mother's absence wasn't a surprise, but her father's?

Aquila decided to focus her gaze back onto the Sergeantmaster. She liked him, for all that she rarely liked other people. He was kind and honorable and she respected him for that. Though the masks unnerved some, Aquila liked the mystery and the guessing of what the person underneath looked like. Secretly she thought her Sergeantmaster was an old man with bright orange hair -- that thought cheered her up immensely.

"Thank you for everything. I don't..." Aquila trailed off, her eyes focused on a point over his left shoulder as she was unused to displays of sentiment or emotion. "Have you got any good advice for me? Other than don't die?" Her lips quirked up slightly at the corners, blue eyes darting back to his mask as she imagined a smiling old man with nectarine hair. Truthfully Aquila was terrified; the journey ahead was long and like nothing she'd attempted before. And sure, the simple act of getting there was intimidating and it'd no doubt be a struggle but assuming she does reach her destination? She then has to face the Archmage, and that was a lot more terrifying. Aquila needed all the help she could get.

 

[ArcticFox]

"I wish I could say something that would be useful to you." The Sergeantmaster answered with a slight sigh. "Your future, my friend, was always very muddled to my eyes. I don't know if it is the influence of the Archmage or yours, but either way you are your own woman and you will forge your destiny." He moved ahead to escort her to the opened gates, his movements slow and precise. The Sergeantmaster used a spear as his weapon of choice, but he was well versed in other weapons, and he transferred some of her precision and wariness onto Aquila. He was a good teacher and a better friend.

"In front of you are the Shamutanti Hills. There are many villages on the road between you and Khare. My advice is to stop at most of them and rest, when you have a chance for that. Conserve your strength on this part of the road, since it will be readily taken from you once you reach Khare." He gestured toward the horizon, though nothing except the shingled roofs of the first village could be seen. "Beyond Khare you have the Baklands. That is where your journey will get even worse. Baklands are devoid of all life except the most foul of Archmage's servants. And then, Mampang. That fortress is concealed from my sight fully. The crown lies there, there is no doubt in my mind about it. Be careful, my friend, your life depends on it."

He gave her another pat on the back, before stepping backwards through the gate. It started to creak and move, closing behind Aquila, shutting off Analand for her, until she came back with the crown, or until her corpse is brought inside to be buried. Ahead of her was the first stretch of her journey. The village of Cantopani laid an hour of walking straight down the road. To her left were the grass fields and beyond them, a river.

- Go toward the village.
- Go through the grass fields.

 

[Yokai]

>> Go toward the village <<​

Aquila hums quietly to demonstrate that she is listening to him as she absorbs the readily given information and advice. Blue eyes track his gesture to the horizon, to someplace that she cannot physically see, and her gaze narrows. Out there, beyond the little rivers and towns of the Shamutanti Hills, lies the Archmage and his fortress. Half of her recklessly wishes that she was already at Mampang, ready to make her stand. The other half of her recognizes a death wish when it hears one and quickly stamps those feelings down.

With a pat on the back the Sergeantmaster leaves her in front of the gates. Aquila watches them close over her shoulder with a building feeling of melancholy, catching the final glimpse of her home and friend before she turns back to the road. This is it then, the beginning of her journey. Uncomfortably her chest tightens as if in warning, reminding her to keep her emotions in check. Pulling up the hood of her cloak to protect her face from the sun, and to hide her shock of red hair, Aquila sets off down the road for the village of Cantopani. She re-adjusts her pack and hides her newly appointed coin pouch on her person, preferably out of view. The walk ahead wasn't too long and Aquila tried to reason with herself that she was looking forward to the silence.

 

[ArcticFox]

The birds fluttered around her as the gates clothes, their cries making her uneasy. Everything seemed different beyond the borders, new, strange, even though she was simply a step through the gate. "These are the lands of devils." Her Sergeant had told her. She had to be very cautious on her journey.

In front of her, the road went slightly up the slope. She walked it in silence with only an occasional bird overhead, watching her progress. She crested a small hillock, from which the path led downward, toward the village. The shapes of the huts were now getting closer. As she trod town the dirt road, she could see them, round huts, made of hard baked of hard baked clay, and roofs which were made out of thatch and not of shingles, as it first appeared. This was not the town she grew up in after all, it was only a small village out here in the wilderness.

The first thing she noticed, though, were eyes, watching her from the doorways, moments before the doors slammed shut. It looked like the villagers were not very hospitable at first, but in the next moment she was stopped by a lone villager standing on her path, hands on hips. His arms are strong from the hard work and his clothes are dirty and tattered. His blue eyes moved to look at her, under the tangle of his hair.

"Halt, traveler." He called out, not moving from the path. "What business do you have in Cantopani?"

- Say you are passing through.
- Say you want to buy supplies.
- Say you need directions.
- Pass by him.
- Attack him.

 

[Yokai]

>> Say you are passing through <<​

Initially Aquila is struck by the sudden wave of unease that washes over her as she steps into the village. The sheer foreignness of the village -- the thatched roofs of the circular buildings and the skeptical natures of the villagers that reside within its walls -- all of it leaves her feeling on edge. Aquila tenses beneath her cloak, readying herself for trouble as she continues deeper into the village. Doors slammed and the suspicious folk within them hid deeper into their homes, burrowing away from the stranger amidst them. It appeared that life in the small village was hard if this was the typical reception brought by travelers. The sudden appearance of a villager in her path only seemed to cement this observation. He was rugged to say the least and Aquila blinks back, surprised by his confrontational approach.

Aquila peers up at him suspiciously from beneath the thick material of her hood. Briefly she wonders what he could want from her and immediately her mind whirls to her money and supplies. She makes a conscious effort not to let her fingers twitch to her bow. Straightening up slightly, she raises her chin to meet the man's gaze with what is hopefully a placating, totally-not-a-bad-person, expression.

"None," Aquila admits, raising her voice so that he can hear her clearly. "I am merely passing through, I don't want any trouble." Mentally Aquila recounts her supplies and figures that she has enough for now. She doesn't want to risk the hospitality of the villagers.

 

[ArcticFox]

His eyes squinted a little as he scanned her with more attention, shaking his head in disapproval of what he saw. "You don't belong here in our village. You are one of those city folk, hiding behind your borders or stone." He spat aside in contempt, but he did not move from his spot nor did he look like he would attack her.

The other villagers now started to peak behind their doors again, beady eyes watching her from the darkness, their gaze mistrusting and scared.

"I have advice for you. Better to leave quickly." The man continued, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "There are two roads leading out of Cantopani, left and right. There is another one that your kind might find interesting." He said, throwing her a smirk that was supposed to look intriguing. "You want more details, pay a fee. Three gold."

- Give him the money and ask about one of the roads.
- Attack him.
- Leave.

 

[Yokai]

>> Leave <<
​

Aquila grimaced slightly at his obvious contempt, a deep sense of pity welling in her chest though she smothered it. How bad did things have to be for people to view safety as weakness? Aquila didn't want to stick around and find out. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled in apprehension and she caught sight of the curious villagers, peaking around their doors with hooded eyes like vultures. 'I'm not the one hiding,' She thought of the irony, though carefully kept it to herself -- no need to rile the man up more than he was.

The offer of information was weighed for a second before ultimately discarded. He'd made it pretty clear what he thought of 'her kind' and Aquila wasn't sure whether another path would benefit her right now. Let alone what could be on that path. She just wanted to safely reach the next village on her map; Kristatanti.

"Thank you for the advice," Aquila replied softly as she pushed back her hood to get a better look at the man's strange smirk. "But I should really follow it and get going. Take care of yourself." With that she stepped around him in an attempt to leave without getting too far into his personal space. He didn't seem to want a fight and Aquila really wasn't looking for one on her first day on the road; but one could never be too careful. Best to avoid conflict for now, there'd be a lot of that later.

 

[ArcticFox]

For a moment the wind haired man just stood there, looking at Aquila. Then he darted away, disappearing in the alleys.

The doors of the huts started closing again. It seemed that the villagers had their fill of watching her exchange and were losing their interest. They did not look like they would bother her, so she went on forward, thorough the center of the village, past some larger houses and through the exit on the other side.The village was too poor and small to offer much hospitality.

The dirt road let through the Shamutanti Hills again, a fork in the road ahead, by a large tree and a sign under it. Just when Aquila walked outside the village to be on her way, two figures stopped in front of her, cutting her off. They looked much the same like the man in the village, tattered, dirty and wild-eyed. The only difference was that they had their swords drawn.

"Two against one." One of them said with a grin.
"Hand over your stuff and we'll let you live." The other one added.

They were far enough that Aquila would have enough time to escape, before they closed in on her. She also had many spells in her repertoire if she wanted to have an advantage. Or she could try to talk them down.

- Give your backpack.
- Give your gold.
- Reason with them.
- Cast a spell.
- Attack them.
- Run away.

 

[Yokai]

>> Reason with them <<​

Breathing a sigh of relief Aquila felt the building tension for a fight melt away. Continuing down the path through the village she sent a couple apprehensive looks over her shoulder, though the strange man from before didn't show himself again. As she walked Aquila analyzed the poverty stricken state of the village and found that her earlier conclusions were confirmed. How would her quest affect little villages like this one? She didn't know.

As the village exit came into view Aquila relaxed again -- pleased to be out of the enclosed space -- when suddenly two men blocked her path. It took a split second for her to notice they were armed and instinctively her hand twitched back to draw her bow. They looked just as feral as the man that had confronted her only moments ago, except this time they were clearly looking for a fight or at least to rob her.

"Is a few gold coins and low supplies really worth dying over?" Aquila demanded, training her arrow between the closest one's eyes -- if he attacked she'd fire her arrow and run for it. She wasn't a close-range fighter after all, not with her bow and arrow, and she wasn't going to be taking any chances on getting injured. "Because that is what you're looking at."

 

[ArcticFox]

"More than worth." The bandit growled. Since Aquila did not let the arrow loose right away, the bandits had time to rush her. She stumbled and fired the shot, which went astray and hit one of the bandits through the calf. He went to the ground, letting out a yelp. He was not a threat to her at the moment.

But, the one that had spoken had reached her already, his sword slashing at her as she quickly ducked under the blade. Her bow was now useless and she had to discard it and rely on her spells or hand to hand combat. The bandit had a sword, though, so he would have reach. She will have to try to get under his guard to dispose of him. Or she could run for the hills.

Choose Difficulty 8 for either option:

- Fight (roll d20, Bonus 6.50 to try to get under his guard).
- Fight (roll d20, Bonus 3.50 to try to overpower him).
- Escape (roll d20, Bonus 5.50, to run away).

 

[Yokai]

>> Escape <<
​

Aquila had little time to ponder over the bandit's response as they were suddenly rushing forward like a mounting wave. From the second that her arrow went astray she knew that she was in trouble. Aquila was almost exclusively a long-range fighter and having a bandit up close and personal with her, whilst wielding a sword?

Time to nope out of here, which was why she turned tail and ran.

 

[Yokai]

**Can't seem to get the dice to post.

 

[ArcticFox]

The bandit was just readying for a sweeping strike, when Aquila turned around and ran. He stood baffled for a moment, looking at her back in surprise. He really did not expect her to just run for it. The other bandit wailed on the ground, calling out to him, so after a moment of watching her, he shrugged his broad shoulders and went down to help his companion.

Aquila managed to escape easily, with neither of them following. It did not look like the villagers were disturbed by the conflict as well, because none came to check on them nor to follow her into the hills. The bad thing was that she was forced off the path now, running to the right and toward the hills of Daddu-Ley.

As soon as she stopped to catch her breath, far out of sight of the road and completely sure that no one was following, she felt a different kind of disturbance. A faint whisper in her ear, much like the one she would feel while visiting a temple back home. There was the scent of magic in the air as well. It was stronger further into the hills and toward the cliffs. Her stamina had dropped due to running and she had been on foot for good two hours. Finding her way back to the road would prove more tiring than going onward and resting for a moment. Though she did not know what lies ahead.

- Press on.
- Go back to the road.
- Cast a spell.

 

[Yokai]

>> Press on <<
​

Leaning over Aquila braced her hands on her knees as she hung her head, taking deep breaths to center herself and bring down her heart rate. Needlessly she checked over her shoulder, half-expecting some bandit to come rushing out of the hills. She needed to rest for a moment, re-think her strategy, and find out how to get back to the road. Self-directed anger welled in her stomach, and Aquila scowled back down at her dusty boots. She hated feeling useless, hated feeling weak, hated that she didn't even know how to get back to the road.

For now she'd press on and find somewhere safe to rest -- maybe re-check her and see if she can navigate her way back to the road. Straightening up Aquila pulled down her hood and ran a hand through short auburn hair, wiping back the sweat from bolting across the hills. With her breath finally caught she continued forward.

 

[ArcticFox]

The path through the undergrowth led her to a clearing between low hills. As soon as she emerged from the cover of the hills, she caught a scent of something new. Ocean air. Faint, warm wind was blowing hair over her face. It was summer still and the wind carried no chills. Summer in the Shamutanti was mild enough for her to walk during the day without feeling too uncomfortable, but as she pressed further east, the heat will get more inconvenient.

One thing drew her attention when she emerged into the clearing. Totems. Stone totems in the shapes of animals, placed in a straight line, one next to the other. She knew totems like these, they were in the temples back home. Each temple belonged to a different spirit, for her people knew no gods, only guardian spirits. Did an Analander carve these totems? And how long ago? The man in the village could have been speaking about this when he mentioned an interesting path off the main road.

The magic around this place felt nostalgic. Not at all malevolent. The animals watched her with stone eyes and they were so lifelike that it looked like they might spring out at any moment.

She knew that it was polite to kiss the top of the totem's head and then kneel, offering a small prayer of gratitude. At least this was what the priests taught her. This was what her Sergeantmaster did in the small temple of the Eagle, set by the barracks where she trained. There were 7 of them in total. Eagle, Fox, Rabbit, Gorilla, Jackal, Elephant, Panther.

- Pray at one of the totems.
- Rest then leave.

 

[Yokai]

>> Pray at one of the totems <<
​

Magic saturated the forest air, making Aquila's hairs stand on end in attention despite the heat of summer. The feeling was reminiscent of the temples she'd visited in her youth -- ancient but familiar in its intensity and intention. It was almost unsurprising when she finally stumbled across the totems, though it was strange to see the guardian spirits of her people all crowded together in one individual place. Regardless, Aquila felt her eyebrows rise in surprise as she glanced about the clearing in wonder; half expecting the carver to jump from the bushes in some ambush or shouting 'surprise!'.

Nothing of the sort happened and after a poised moment Aquila felt her tensions melting away. It would be nice to find solace in prayer, she decided, as she approached the totems cautiously. Glancing over the gathered creatures before her Aquila recognized the Eagle as one that held her namesake, no doubt her parents were devout in their faith to the Eagle. But she herself did not pray at that particular totem, instead she moved on towards Panther.

The Panther represented a lot of what Aquila held in high regard -- it was strong, powerful, dangerous, and most of all protective; it protected those precious to it and Aquila found herself in that desire to protect. She pressed a soft, reverent kiss to the totem's head and knelt deeply before it. Her prayer was a familiar one, one that asked for the Panther's guidance, strength, and courage. Aquila thanked it for her good luck, for giving her the skills to get this far and the determination to keep pushing on. When she finished she stood up and dusted off her pants, feeling better for the prayer.

 

[ArcticFox]

As she bent the knee underneath the Panther totem, speaking a prayer for the guardian spirit, she heard a voice in her head. A calm female voice, husky and seductive, but very soothing.

"Analander." It greeted her in a purr and she could almost imagine a ferocious cat-like smile somewhere in the darkness of her mind. "You have a very big task in front of you. It was wise of you to come and pray in this sacred place. Know that from this place you bring a part of me with you, to protect you in the perils to come. Whenever you are in a situation that you cannot escape out of, call on my name and I will come." Then, the voice changed, turning into a warning. "But do not call on me too often, for my strength also needs replenishing. Be wise, Analander, and be safe." Then, the voice went silent and she was left alone, the breeze twirling the strands of her hair.

She sat close to the totems for a while longer, enjoying the warmth of the sun. But she could not stay too long, it was midday already and she did not make much progress.

- Eat then leave.
- Just leave.

 

[Yokai]

>> Just leave <<​

Hearing a voice in one's head was typically quite discerning and not necessarily welcomed and yet Aquila felt a strong sense of relief wash over her. She wasn't alone. Despite the peculiarity of the situation, and even Aquila's general quest at hand, there was somebody looking out for her. Silently Aquila thanked the spirit for its inspiring words and she prepared to move onward. Relief and rest gave her the strength to stand up and continue forward with renewed purpose.

Aquila set off once more in an attempt to rediscover the road she'd so readily run from. Hunger could wait a while longer as she decided that she would eat tonight after she'd covered more ground. The position of the sun was a warning that she was falling behind on her first day on the road. That wasn't something she wanted to make a habit of.

 

[ArcticFox]

It took her a full hour to find her way back to the road. The hillside here was tricky and the bushes thorny and they kept slowing her down. It would have taken a considerably longer time, if she did not have the whisper of her guardian spirit slightly nudging her in one direction and setting her on the right path at times when she went too astray. Still, the journey back had left her slightly breathless.

When she finally emerged back onto the road, she found that she was past the Cantopani village and just at the fork in the road that she had seen prior to the attack. The sign pointed to the right and left, to Schanker Mines and to Meddiki Forest. It did not indicate any settlements. This spot was a border between some sort of civilization that her homeland represented and the wilderness that laid beyond. Yes, there were villages and the big city of Khare ahead, but all of them were touched by darkness now. The Baklands, and the long shadow cast by the Mampang Fortress, darkened everything.

With the Crown stolen, things could only grow worse. The Kindoms had forged an alliance ages ago, when the Crown was first discovered and its power recognized. They shared that power among themselves, as equals, every four years, giving every Kingdom an opportunity to lead for a little while, but nothing more than that. But, when it was turn for Analand to have it, it was stolen by Birdmen, Archmage's foul servants, making him unstoppably powerful.

Aquila was stirred from her thoughts by a cry close by. She looked around and then finally up into the branches of the tree and she flinched. A pair of bare feet was hanging above her, about to drop on her.

- Call out.
- Move away.
- Cast a spell.

 

[Yokai]

>> Call out <<​

Emerging from the woods Aquila breathed a heavy sigh of relief, the road finally back and safely under her feet. She quickly thanked Panther for her guidance and patience; because it had to be tedious watching her stumble blindly through the woods. Casting her gaze around Aquila caught sight of the sign posted paths leading in opposing directions towards the Schanker Mines and Meddiki Forest, and allowed her thoughts to drift back to the quest at hand. Aquila would reclaim the Crown and defeat the Archmage, she'd return the Kingdoms to their former glory, she'd --

A scream cut through the air and Aquila jolted backwards, thoughts disrupted as her hand twitched for her bow, fingers curling around the smooth, familiar wood. Immediately blue eyes were drawn skyward to the dangling pair of feet right above her head. Instinctively she took a few large steps backwards, retreating to a safer distance where she could peer curiously up at the pair of feet. Aquila kept her hand on her bow, ready to draw if they attacked or attempted to ambush her. Again.

"Hello?" She called up hesitantly as her muscles bunched for a fight.

 

[ArcticFox]

"Hey!" The voice called out in turn, a little louder this time. "Help! I can't get down!"

The feet dangled for a while and then the man managed to pull himself up on the branch, now peeking down through the leaves. Aquila was faced with a thin, feeble, old man, his face a grimace of fear. He was very thin and dressed in rags, without any shoes. He continue speaking in shrill voice.

"I was travelling to Analand's gates from Dhumpus when the Elvins got me! Damned creatures!" He flailed his arms in anger, but then lost his balance and almost fell down, struggling to keep the hold of the branch. "They robbed me blind and left me up here! Please help!"

Aquila knew that the Elvins lived in forests and fields. They looked much like their cousins, Elves, but with a far worse nature. They were known for playing pranks and disturbing travellers. They also very much liked their thievery. It was never good to fall into their hands, though they were not known for murder, in that way at least, they were mostly harmless.

- Help the man down.
- Leave him.
- Talk to him.

 

[Yokai]

>> Help the man down <<​

Aquila blinked owlishly up at the trapped old man for a few stunned moments before she glanced warily over her shoulder, half-expecting to catch sight of a particularly gleeful rabble of Elvins. She snorts in amusement at her thoughts and drops her defensive position, fingers lax around the curve of her bow. Blue eyes flicker up to the frightened old man and she felt a burst of sympathy for him --- did they really need to take his shoes as well? That was cruel even by Elvin standards.

It was decided; the sooner she got him down the better it would be.

"Don't worry, old man!" Aquila called up with her best attempt at a reassuring smile. "I'll get you down, just hold tight!" With those words she ambled towards the tree's trunk and rolled her shoulders back, loosening up the remaining tension. Aquila grabbed the nearest branch and pulled herself upwards, hooking her leg over the same branch with the familiarity of somebody who did this regularly.

 

[ArcticFox]

"Get up here before I fall and break a hip!" The old man called, gripping the branches white knuckled. He was shaking with the effort to stay upright and Aquila had little time to get to him.

Thankfully, she was capable enough and climbing a tree was an easy task for her. The old man weighed next to nothing when she picked him up and let him lean on her, climbing down with him in tow. It took only a small effort.

"Thanks for that." The old man said, his feet touching the ground, knees shaking like he might tip over in any moment. Though he did not, his eyes glinting as he grinned at Aquila. He was a very tiny man, she now saw, barely reaching up to her shoulders. He tried his best to brush his ragged clothing down, almost tripping in the process. "That whole situation was just starting to get a bit... you know... troublesome. Thanks to you I'm now safe." He beamed up at Aquila now, looking much more confident than before, though it still seemed like even the slightest wind might break him.

- Ask for directions.
- Ask for something in return.
- Say goodbye and leave.

 

[Yokai]

>> Ask for directions <<​

When the old man was returned to solid ground again, Aquila gave him an inquisitive glance over. She was ultimately concerned by what she witnessed; he was built like an impoverished toddler and looked one, strong breeze away from breaking a hip. His gratitude and grin were met with a shaky smile and a soft 'you're welcome', though when he almost tripped Aquila's hands reached out as if to steady or catch him, instead her hands merely ghosted the air around him. She quickly retracted them and a blush that rivaled her hair rose over the height of her cheekbones.

"Are you going to be safe on the road?" Aquila asked, "I'm unfortunately travelling to Kristatanti so I can't escort you there; the roads have been dangerous recently and I was almost mugged outside of Cantopani." She warned him as she glanced at the sign posts, internally debating whether or not to ask for directions. Aquila figured the man's advice couldn't hurt -- the idea of a mine made her physically nauseous, but the idea of deep, fast-moving water wasn't her idea of a picnic either.

"If you came from that direction... which path would be the safest?" Blue eyes turned back to focus in on the old man, genuine in their intent but intense nonetheless.