Through the Looking Glass

[Thot]

  

 Raalk Gremweld

Their plan being set, Raalk cleansed himself one last time in the pure waters of the river, and nodded to the Genasi.

"(Primordial) I am not a fast runner, but I don't tire easily. We need not stop for rest for me until sunset or later. Let me know if you need a break, though. (/Primordial)" and it was no empty boast, as he would prove if she wanted to try him.

Sweeping the area one last time by his gaze to make sure they were not forgetting anything on the battlefield, the Trollkin waved his hand for Vanora to take the lead, and set to follow her again, probably much more silently this time, though.

 

OOC

HP : 60

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[ArcaneDesperado]

The rest of the days travel would prove to be uneventful. The evening as well would provide nothing other than the site of a herd of dinosaurs cross in front of them. They were roughly the size of the one that Raalk had seen back at the Genasi village that was playing with the children. These however had a massive like ball at the end of their tails, and their body was covered with bony plate like armor, almost like a oversized turtle shell.

After a brief camp to get a few hours of sleep and a quick meal, the group would be on the move again. Arriving at the fishing village in the early morning hours Raalk would be greeted again to the sight of Genasi again of all various shapes and sizes. A few Sprites buzzed around this village as well, but not as many as down river. A few more dinosaur like creatures flew overhead. They were high in the air, but it looked like at least one of them was fitted with a saddle and had a Genasi riding on its back.

The village here was probably about half the size of the other village. Most of the houses were on the river's edge or partly into the water on stilts. The probability that a large portion of the village was water-bound was high.

[Thot]

 Raalk Gremweld

Being a seafarer, Raalk had of course seen his share of various creatures, and he knew he had not seen half of what the sea had in stock. But the dinosaurs around here were obviously a various bunch and it interested him each and every time. From a distance.

On the morrow, when they arrived near the village, he felt the familiar atmosphere of a fishing village, and it brought back memories of what he had left, weeks ago, when he set on his quest for Razorback. It was slightly different because it was not sea-based, but the similarities were still aplenty, and the Trollkin knew he would feel weel, here. Even if their stop was to be a short one.

It also meant that the time was near when Vanora would have to choose her way.

"(Primordial) I like this place. (/Primordial)" was all he allowed himself to say, but by the way he breathed in heavily, or the creasing at the corners of his eyes, it was plenty clear that he really meant it.

"(Primordial) Next step is to find the local Elders, I guess ? (/Primordial)" he asked, though he was already pretty sure of the answer.

 

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[ArcaneDesperado]

As Vanora moved through the settlement, Raalk felt the same reaction that had occurred when he arrived in the last village. The mixture of surprise, fear, apprehension, and curiosity. There were more than just a few eyes peering up out of the water like crocodile eyes. The water elemental splishing and splashing taking up the rear.

Eventually they would make their way to an area with a number of Genasi bringing in fish from their boats. The fish were all sorts of colors, shapes, and sizes. A few river eels also hung from make shift racks, and several large pots of water contained river prawns.

Vanora made her way over towards a group of the men. They seemed to recognize her, and let her by to stop with a male Genasi that was busy filleting some of the catch.

(Geant) Caspian. It has been awhile. Elder Eiche has sent me to secure a boat for passage. The traveler with me seeks the land of the red sands. Eiche has granted him an escort to the Nico Swamp (/Geant)

There was a brief exchange in a language that Raalk didnt recognize. The blue skinned Genasi looked at Raalk for a moment before nodding pointing over at a row of boats that was moored to the nearby pier. Vanora looked back to Raalk with a satisfied smile.

(Geant) We have a boat (/Geant)

[Thot]

  

Raalk Gremweld

Even thouhg the ring given to him by his tribe ensured he actually needed no food, Raalk still salivated at the sight of some of the fishes on stalls. And the smell... smoked fish was the best of both worlds, really. He would have had little effort to make to fit right in, he thought. But that was not his fate.

The Trollkin looked pointedly at the man with whom Vanora was talking, and only really relaxed when she came back and shared the good news. Apparently, Elder Eiche had a long reach, and not only through his limbs...

"(Primordial) Thank you very much for escorting me this far. (/Primordial)" he said to the woman who was his proxy, and perhaps a bit more, he assumed. An heir of sorts ? She obviously had the makings of a leader.

"(Primordial) So do we leave straight away, or is there anything else that is appropriate we should do first ? (/Primordial)" Lending a boat was not insignificant, and the Trollkin didn't want to look ungrateful or rude to fellow fishmen. He was borrowing one of the tools of their trade, after all.

 

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[ArcaneDesperado]

Vanora smiled lightly.

(Geant) Well if you know how to clean fish, I have no doubt that the help would be appreciated. They will be losing the boat for a time once we leave with it. So making the most out of what they caught would probably be best. We didn't take much time to sleep, so it is still early. I am to escort you to the Nico Swamp. However there was nothing stated about the pace of which you needed to travel. If you would like to spend some time here in the settlement, I am not opposed. (/Geant)

She glanced up as one of the dinosaur riders flew overhead. The creature's wingspan stretched out nearly eighteen feet and full length. The shadow overhead blocked the sun for a moment as it turned midair partly and circled back around. It's face was something similar to a pelican, though it lacked any feathers, and its skin was more akin to a lizard's hide. The Genasi sat on its back in a simple saddle like device with a set of reins. A gentle tug here or there and the creature looped and flew over head again before taking a lower pass just inches above the water before returning back up to the sky again.

(Geant) Have you ever flown before? Would you like to? (/Geant)

 

[Thot]

  Raalk Gremweld

Lessening the burden of the loan of the boat by doing some honorable work sat well with the Trollkin.

"(Geant) I don't know how long it will take to the Nico Swamp and back. How long will I take this boat for my own needs over theirs ? (/Geant)" if it were just a couple of days, probably he could make up for it by working with them. Otherwise, he would feel bad, but he would not be able to properly compensate them. Would it deprive them of food ? Would it weaken them if the insect-people attacked in retalation of the previous skirmish ?

The sight of the dinosaur flying over them lightened his mood though, and even more so when asked if he would like to fly. Like the Dragons do. Without the same majesty of course. "(Primordial) I can't say that I have flown before. My magic has grown since I left my village, and I feel like it could probably carry me, but this is a very different thing. Those creatures are massive, but do you think they could carry my bulk ? I am considerably heavier than you. And also, would it accept a rider like me ? (/Primordial)" but he was clearly eager to give it a try if at all possible.

 

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[ArcaneDesperado]

Vanora shook her head.

(Geant)I cant say out far the swamp is. Maybe a few days, maybe a week at most. It will be a bit further than I have traveled before. It depends on how well we manage and if we have any delays like the Mantis before. Our water friend should help deal with moving against the current and any rapids a bit. (/Geant)

She looked to the creature again as it moved through the sky.

(Geant)It should be able to handle you. While most that are bound to Earth to not ride often, they are able to handle them fine. I do not believe you would be a burden. If the idea of staying in the saddle is a concern, there are also baskets that they can carry in their talons. People can ride in those as well. (/Geant)

The Lightning Genasi frowned a bit.

(Geant)If the creatures were not so territorial I would try to get them instead of the boat. They however would likely refuse to fly after a day or so, being too far from their nest. (/Geant)

 

 

[Thot]

 Raalk Gremweld

When Vanora told him it would be a week away, then as much back, Raalk tilted his head back and grunted. He wouldn't be able to properly make up for it. And also the opportunity to fly was too good to pass.

"(Geant) I would like to request flying one of those beasts for a little bit of reconnaissance, then I will have to make myself useful. I can't just take the boat without giving anything at all back, even if only a single day. And we could depart tomorrow at dawn, what do you think ? (/Geant)" Probably what he could do that would be most useful would be to share with them some fishing or sailing technics from his place that they may not know. He would have to be on the lookout for something to improve in their ways.

"(Geant) Do we need to go and see any Elder here perhaps, or is it already done perhaps ? (/Geant)" the man named Caspian had seemed young for a leader, but looks could be deceiving. "(Geant) Otherwise let's be about it, unless you have anyting to do while you are here that I could help with ? (/Geant)" The female warrior may also need some outsider's view on things, after all.

 

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[ArcaneDesperado]

Vanora shook her head.

The Elder here...

There was a bit of a pause.

Lets just say the Caspian is capable of making the needed decisions in his absence. He is his soon. He can make the choice by right of lineage.

She looked back to the Water Genasi, who nodded to her. Looking back to Raalk.

If you would like to help them with the fishing tasks, I will see about getting a rider to take you up for a ride. The idea of some higher recon isnt a bad idea either. It might only give us a visual of what to expect for the first day or so of travel, but if there is a problem already ahead up river it would be good to be aware.

Assuming Raalk didnt have any objections, she would make sure that the Trollkin was set up to help clean the fish and cut them for smoking or salting as needed. Once done with that she would hurry off towards what looked like a giant wooden birdcage structure on the far side of the village.

 

 

[Thot]

 Raalk Gremweld

Apparently there was some story about the Elder of the place, but it wasn't Raalk's place to inquire so long as it didn't interfere with his mission. The Oracle didn't pry into it.

"(Geant) Thank you for your help. Let's do as agreed. (/Geant)" and the huge Trollkin set to remove scales and fishbones and entrails as he knew how to, while waiting for the opportunity to ride flying dinosaurs.

 

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[ArcaneDesperado]

Raalk was working with the other Genasi fishermen maybe over an hour when Vanora finally arrived back at the dock area.

I have secured us two of the pteranodon that can take us up. We'll each have a rider that will take us up, and we'll be on the back as passengers. It should make it easier, and no worries about trying to learn how to control the beast midair. While I trust your regenerative abilities, I am not sure a fall from even that height would be within its strength. I made sure your rider also can speak Geant so you can communicate with them if there is a problem.

Vanora helped to finish up the batch of fish that Raalk was working on, before moving to gather their belongs and head back towards the aviary.

[Thot]

 Raalk Gremweld

Efficient as Vanora was, it was clear why she would be a leader and chief-warrior of her people. Raalk could appreciate that, and he also didn't want to deprive her people from her support for longer than necessary. Finishing the gutting and finning of the biggest fishes, to which he had been assigned because of his bulk, the Trollkin quickly followed in her stead after a couple of thanks to the other fishmen.

"(Geant) Great, thank you very much Vanora. This kind of thing will be a first for me. We'll be mostly going North-East, right, for an hour or so and then back ? (/Geant)" he asked, so as to get a general picture of the trip.

 

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[ArcaneDesperado]

 

 

That should be a good estimation. We'll get a better idea once we're in the air.

Getting to the aviary didnt take very long and Raalk could see a number of the flying pteranodon saddled as Genasi went about cleaning and feeding them. As they continued to the area that would be considered the runway for landing and taking off, we would see two large pteranodon await for them. By one stood a male genasi that Raalk would likely be able to determine had been bonded with an air elemental. His skin was clearly as white as a cloud, and his hair seemed to be swaying against a non-existant breeze.

The creature standing next to the one pterandon however likely would give the Trollkin pause. Dressed in what Raalk could see as what would be riding gear for flying the mount, was a female dragonkin. Standing well over six feet tall, she had a slim muscular frame despite the more bulky leathers covering most of it to cut on the wind. What wasn't covered by the gear was red scaly hide. A crest of horn like scales formed what could resembled a mess of ropy hair. Her eyes glinted with an amber hue.

Vanora smiled lightly.

Raalk. I would like you to meet Samaa. She will be riding with you.

The dragonkin extended a clawed hand out to the Trollkin. She spoke in Geant, though it seemed a bit broken. It was clear it wasnt a first language for Samaa, but it was passable in basic conversation.

Delightful. It is nice to see another outsider for once.

 

 

 

Edited February 3 by ArcaneDesperado (see edit history)

[Thot]

 Raalk Gremweld

Walking toward the aviary, Raalk wished they could have such mounts as well back in his village. It was only too obvious how much help the tribe could get from flying creatures. But what were the odds he could ever have some live there ? He was idly musing such comfortable thoughts when he spotted another creature, and he skipped a beat.

He finished his walk with his eyes affixed on the Vayemniri, trying to wonder if this could be true. Vanora introduced her as Samaa, and the Oracle of Dragons answered deferentially in the Tongue of Dragons, his eyes downcast.

"(Draconic) It is an honor to meet you, Lady Samaa. I am Raalk Gremweld, at your service and your family. (/Draconic)" he did not yet dare to talk much lest he would inconvenience her. Her first words had been a kind greeting, but Raalk knew very well of the temper of Dragons.

 

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HP : 60

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