Road to The White Tower- Walking and Talking

[redcoat]

Migration from the Enjin platform

[opius]

CautionCat:
On the morning of the fourth day, nothing seemed out of sort. Some breakfast and whatever routines everyone had would be done, and they would be off on the road again.
Alain would take the steering of the wagon for the day, and Konane and Klinkle would be sitting in the back once again. After some time, she would ask if Alastair wanted to trade places. Saying no (as mentioned verbally in the last play), she would jump out of the back and join him, and Jaeger, walking behind the wagon.
"I should walk more. It is good for you, and although I have done a lot of walking, it does not hurt to do more." She nodded, smiling, and folding her arms behind her head as she stretched. "What do you think of the travels so far?" The Otonin glanced between the half giant and Liorian.

Opiii:
Alastair tilted his head when Konane popped out of the wagon, but couldn't disagree that waking was good for the body. Cardio, calisthenics, he'd learned the usefulness of these repetitive exercises in his years at the Lyceum, but never really appreciated them until they hit the road.

He thought about what Konane asked while simultaneously directing his clockwork companion at the head of the line. "So far? You mean since we all met at the crossing?" He frowned a little.

"It's been a learning experience. Harrowing, at times... But it's been interesting. And there's been some really good perks. Like the white tower- I thought it might take years to work my way through study and coin to get a look at that place... But now we're getting an access pass from our very important Kings councilman. Surprising what doors open up when you go out of your way to do the right thing."

Uberwulf X:
Jaeger didn't mind walking at all. Of course he would have liked to spend some time in the wagon, but it didn't make sense, space-wise, for him to do so when he took up so much space. Besides, his being visible was sure to have steered off a few of the more weak-willed bandits watching them from afar, non? He was surprised when Konane joined them, and she was given a nod of greeting.

Konane was given another nod when Alistair finished speaking; it seemed that he agreed with what his former ward said.

CautionCat:
Very important King's councilman. Konane slightly frowned to herself, forgetting a question she wanted to ask Alain. Than again, their chat the night before was cut short... Because she was a little spooked at his words.
She smiled, looking to Jaeger. A man of few words. Though, it only meant when he did speak, people would listen. She liked that.
"Ah, yes. We seem to have fallen into a good place. Though, I still feel more like a tag along... Hopefully Alain is... Right and my abilities will grow stronger."
She mused to herself a moment, trying not to let paranoia take hold of her.
"We did chat. I was curious about his book." She smiled to Alastair, chuckling some. "It is a journal! I should really get my own."

Opiii:
He raised his eyebrows, listening, somewhat surprised. "Alain talked magic with you? Huh." He wasn't sure what to think about that. Was Alain a teacher? That might be interesting information to know.

"Well, journals are super useful. And not terribly hard to find." Pause. ".. in the city, that is. You'd uh, be a little hard pressed to get ahold of one out here."

The ginger held onto his side bag strap with one hand, looking toward Konane with his bushy brows raised. "I could throw something together for you if you like? I've got some spare leather, some adhesive and paper I could cut to size. Or if you're more into arc rings or coil I could try my hand at that with my tinker gear."

CautionCat:
"Arc rings?" Konane raised her brows, shaking her head, smiling. "A simple book to write in. If you were to make me one, I would be deeply pleased!" She clapped her hands together, nodding.
"I am awfully forgetful of things. I make a point of repeating in my mind, if it is something to remember. Or, I usually tell Klinkle. She is... very good at recalling... information." She nodded again, a little skip in her step.
"I talked to him about my magic, how it is... unpredictable. Sorcery!" She paused, and ended up moving to Alastair's other side, excitement in her steps. "Oh! Oh and he said he used to be in a traveling group! He even knew an Otonin!"

Uberwulf X:
"You used fire at the barn when you wanted to use ice," Jaeger noted. It was something he had wanted to note for a while, but all's well that ends well; with 90% of that group saved and the Delmonds having a few gold to get them back on their feet, he'd forgotten about that troubling bit of magework. However, the current conversation reminded him how... disappointed he was in Konane.

"You should probably try to make sure something like that never happens again."

Opiii:
He laughed. Konane's excitement was infectious. "Give me a couple hours in the cart and I can whip something up for you. You'll need a pen too, if your handwriting's good. If not, some coal or graphite for writing, some alchemists wax or gum for erasing. I think we've got materials enough for dry writing, but ink I'll need to make. But oh! If we come across a river or a pond, I can show you how to make a reed pen. It's really easy and writes well."

Rambling. He was rambling. Jaeger spoke and he listened. A type of sorcery that was unpredictable, fueled by emotion or will... He was only somewhat familiar with the concept of sorcery, but this wild style seemed dangerous. "Yeah, maybe you should practice. I could use practice myself... Casting type magic is kind of, uh, new to me."

CautionCat:
Konane clapped her hands a couple times. "Oh! I am very good at writing. A reed or a feather would be fine. Klinkle has plenty of feathers... I am sure she would not mind." She giggled, and looked to Jaeger.
"Ah, yes. I did... accidentally use fire..." She frowned, scratching the back of her head a moment, looking to the side. The skip in her step faded, and she fell into a steady stroll.
Then her gut twisted when he mentioned that she should make sure that never happens again. Her eyes went to the ground, and she fell silent for a moment. "Gomen. Sori..." Konane looked to the trees, spacing out a moment in her silence, before looking back to Alastair. "Practice." She nodded, and looked ahead to the wagon. To Alain's back.
"What would you like in return for making this? You could be... working on something else. I do not want to take your time away from your work. A book... after making such a... beautiful creature?" The mechanical flying cat caught her eye next. Magic was really amazing... Her eyes went back to Alastair. "Really seems... mundane and... well, a waste?"

Opiii:
He chuckled. "Building stuff isn't a waste. It's what I do." He smiled at Konane. "It's not wasting a Bard's time to ask her to sing a popular song, is it? Or to ask Jaeger to help bring back some hunting spoils." He laughed again.

"I mean, if you want a magical book with brass locks and bronze doohickeys, certainly I could make that happen. But sometimes simple is all you need?"

Uberwulf X:
As long as there was mention of practicing in a controlled environment, Jaeger was content. Having dulled Konane's peppy mood was an unfortunate side effect, but it had to be said. It would be wonderful if they could keep Konane and Jennar from... doing that again.

He walked silently, listening as the other two talked business.

CautionCat:
Konane waved her hands, shaking her head some. "No no nothing special! It is nice enough for you to offer to make one. I would not want you to go out of your way..." She smiled, her mood picking up slightly again.
"Plus, you will get to sit! If you keep walking like this, your thighs will grow as big as mine!" And she laughed, patting the front of her thighs.

Uberwulf X:
"I was joking and teasing when I mentioned a harem," Jaeger muttered. "I didn't think you'd actually join in to tease him..."

The only thing Jaeger could think would happen is that Alistair would look at her thighs and get flustered. The guy wasn't comfortable with his own body, and now a girl was inviting him to observe her?

Opiii:
There was a young pretty lady offering for him to observe her. Did he dare? For science? She had an excellent hypothesis, but were the end results feasible?

He glanced to the side at Konane... And saw her Kimono top and baggy trousers obscured all but the faintest hint of her silhouette. More poof than definition. He wasn't sure what he was expecting, but found the garment pleasing to watch as she moved.

A much less jarring outfit than the cloak and form fitting wraps!

(Wis save: 3)

...oh no, now he was thinking about the other night when she'd walked away wearing only said wraps. Her thighs were impressive. Formidable, even.

"Gho- I uh, don't uh, think that's uh..." He shook his head. "Unlikely. Very very uh, unlikely. For me, I mean. To end up with that, uh, build. It's not- it's not quite in my physiology, I think?" He patted his thighs down, noting the absolute lack of bulk.

CautionCat:
Konane barked a laugh, arms crossed at her midsection. "Anata wa orokana damī! I joke! I'm kidding!"
She looked to Jaeger after he spoke. "Owaah don't you start that, aho. I am not teasing him about my body. My thighs grew from all the walking! It is good for you, builds stamina." She nodded, and ruffled Alastair's hair gently. "Don't listen to Jaeger, he is a mean!"

Uberwulf X:
"I am not mean," Jaeger protested. "I am only truthful, insightful, and full of worldly wisdom. It's not a bad thing to be lavished by women you're traveling with, as payment for helping to keep them safe and alive. As long as you don't get distracted enough to get ambushed on the road, or wake up with a rash, do whatever you please. You only live once-- twice, if you know a lich."

Opiii:
Alastair looked to Jaeger, half thankful with the distraction the half giant offered. He offered an ear and found little to argument in Jaeger's description of himself. However, the lich comment had him a little wide eyed. Was he... Did Jaeger know a lich...? What kinds of things happened in Nekohl?

The ruffling of his hair pulled him from the macabre line of thought which would have followed. He nodded in kind and straightened himself. "I'll uh, keep on my toes to avoid the, uh ambush... And the rash."

CautionCat:
"What do you mean by rash?" Konane narrowed her brows, looking to Jaeger. "I understand a man of few words will have something important to say when he does speak, but..." She frowned some, and shook her head.
"I am sure to avoid poison ivy. I have yet to catch any." And she stuck her tongue out at him.
"Now, Alastair! How long would it take to make a journal? I... do not want to rush, but I am making a point of remembering a quote I liked that Alain had said last night." She had a wide grin on her face, as she bounced lightly in step. "I want it to be the first thing I write in it."

Uberwulf X:
"Yes. Do not catch poison ivy."

>_>

Opiii:
Alastair scratched his head slightly, glancing at Jaeger before glancing away. He thought about Konane's question... but admittedly her exuberance was actually making him feel some slight doubt. Performance anxiety. He decided on a rough estimate with a wide breadth to cover any mistakes on his part, or bumps the wagon came across. "Wow, uh, eager, huh? I think I might be able to get something quick and simple to you before.." He glanced upward at the sun's position.

"Maybe before we settle down and rest? Probably before you and the others finish making camp and foraging. If I run into an issue, i'll probably be able to get something done early tomorrow. I think I might have all the supplies I need, though."

CautionCat:
Konane puffed her cheeks, and squished them together with her palms, pushing out the air in a raspberry, and distorting her speech slightly. "Oowwaaah that is... undorstondoble..." She huffed, and dropped her arms, before raising her brows and moving to Alastair's other side.
"Oh! Oh what if you write it in your journal for me? So I can copy it later! Is that okay?"

Opiii:
He tilted his head, looking toward the excited Otonin woman, "Whot..?" but after a few moments it clicked. "Oh! Wow, uh, that must have been some talk. He must have left a real impression if you're looking up to his quotes already!" He laughed, but it was endearing.

It reminded him of his own experiences with his mentors. Some left greater impressions than others. One sent him on this crazy ride to begin with- a choice he still thought about daily.

"Yeah, sure, I can pencil in a quote- though my handwriting is admittedly not the best."

CautionCat:
"That is okay, as long as you can read your own writing." Konane smiled, laughing some.
"Looking up to him... I suppose I am. It is an admiration. He is wise, and full of tales, I think." She paused a moment, thinking back to the night before. She remembered his words well enough from the fright he gave her. Her heart pounded some from recalling the event.
Sitting there at the campfire, his whimsical gaze on her, remembering his smile.
"He said that there is truth to every story, in every belief, far-flung tale... No matter how much scholars might mock it." She watched the ground as they walked, enjoying the patches of grass holding together the worn dirt.
She smiled. "There are more things in heaven and earth, than they have dreamt of in their philosophy."
And I am living proof. She thought the last of it to herself, falling quiet.
Although Alain gave her a scare, she also grew confident. Maybe she shouldn't be so afraid...
"I think I may have not exactly quoted it. But it did stick to me." She looked to Alastair, her voice a little softer.

Opiii:
He inclined his head to listen to Konane, nodding and smiling at the Otonin woman's continued praises of their very important person. He nodded to her explanation, that there's a truth to every story, filing it away. And again he turned his ear, absorbing the quote she wanted scribed. It sounded fam-
(wis save : 7)
Alastair tripped over his left foot, stumbling forward.
(dex save: 11)
But managed to right himself before face-planting completely. Hobbling, teetering slightly, he managed to somehow keep up with the group. He didn't bother dusting himself as he straightened and looked ahead at the wagon. His voice was quiet, brows somewhat furrowed. "...No, I think you've quoted it pretty accurately.. I've heard that one before. A wise man said it once."

CautionCat:
"Oh!" He tripped, and she reached out to grab his arm.
(Dex: 7)
His sway caused her to miss, but he was able to right himself. "Be careful! You should look at the ground for roots. Also you find shiny things while watching the ground." She pat his shoulder, raising her brows some.
(Insight: 18)
He seemed really caught off guard by the quote. "Nani? Someone has said it before? Oh no, is Alain-sama a... plagerist?"

Opiii:
Alastair moved ahead, not quite making eye contact with Konane. With Jaeger behind, the Goliath could tell something was on the boys mind. Something that took some of the spring out of his step.

"No, I wouldn't call him that... I wouldn't call him that at all." He responded quietly, hands sliding into his pockets. It was a few moments before he spoke again, just quiet enough for Konane.

"That turn of phrase isn't adopted by many. It's... People who approach magic and science differently use it. It was something I heard a lot from one of my professors- I guess I just... Assumed that it was his own sayings. Now I'm thinking he adopted it."

It made sense. The quote was written in Fenderberrin's book, but not in the gnome's handwriting. Clearly Alain and his own professor had adopted that same philosophy.

Small world.

Alastair doubted that.

Uberwulf X:
It was Precicely because Alistair seemed thoughtful that Jaeger hadn't spoken or otherwise interrupted the conversation at hand; the talkative Konane was more likely to draw it out of him soon enough, even if she talked about it in a roundabout manner. He also, didn't understand why it would be an issue that the phrase was shared, not until he remembered that Alistair had been trying to piece together secrets of their VIP's identity.

"You seem angry," Jaeger fibbed. He knew anger wasn't the emotion on display, but it was a vocal nudge to get Ali to continue talking.

Opiii:
His brows rose when Jaeger spoke. Turning to observe the Goliath, he studied him a moment. Well, it had been enough to pull him out of good spiral thinking, even if it was inaccurate.

"Angry? No, uh... A little... Surprised is all." He pursed his lips, looking to the wagon. He spoke quietly.

"...For a guy who says he never met old Fenderberrin, he seems to have some things in common with him." He rolled his shoulders and glanced away. "... Or maybe I'm just... Barking at ghosts, finding connections where they don't exist."

Yeah. Grief will do that to you, won't it? He shook his head. "... Just going to keep this under my cap for now. Uh, Konane, I'll put that quote in the book, sure."

CautionCat:
Konane frowned, feeling that the mood dropped. But no one was mad. "It is a good phrase but not know by many... The other night, at the baths, you were upset. Something about the tiny picture? Is this... Related?"
She tilted her head some, folding her hands behind her back.

Opiii:
Alastair shook his head and laughed sightly. "Not upset... Just cautious really. Curious, even." He leaned toward her, eyes on the wagon. In s hushed tone he spoke.

".. I don't entirely trust him. Something's... Up about him and I can't put my finger on it. I'll tell you more if we get a private moment." He looked to Jaeger. "...or if you have a moment with Jaeger or Sae- far, far out of earshot of Alain, they'll explain."

CautionCat:
Konane flattened her lips, feeling a bit of a chill. So, she wasn't the only one with the odd vibe? Well, with what Alain said, although both inspiring and yet frightening...
Brows slightly narrowed, replying with just as hush of tone. "He knows some Otonin tongue. Said he used to be in a group like ours... Knew an Otonin personally... I want to know more, but I do not want to press... He... Seemed awfully sad. As if recalling old memories were painful."
She shook her head. "I can talk to Jaeger if we need to go gathering. The... Knowledge is not pressing, but I am deeply curious." A slight sigh, and she folded her arms, thinking.
"I wonder... If taking his journal..." She paused, and shook her head. "No no that is too mischevious..."

Opiii:
Alastair's brows rose. He glanced at Konane, then the wagon with Alain at its head. "Mischevious- that's one way of putting it."

That Alain was sad was interesting to hear. Another level of mysteriousness to add to the pile. Now his gears were turning, however. A different angle of approach- was Alain... Coping? With the dismissal, the teasing, the whole... Act.

Certainly that wasn't his place to psychoanalyze the guy... But the coincidences were piling up in equally thick layers. Alastair may not have been owed anything, but he at least deserved to know why this man was quoting part of Fenderberrin's final words...

There had to be a connection. Even if it was something as simple as attending the same seminar.

CautionCat:
Konane sighed. "We still have... eight days of travel left. Maybe we can coax him into telling us a story by the camp fire? Brew tea..." She shrugged. "He is a strange man, who... knows things but... I do not feel anything bad about him. I am interested in the Otonin... and if he is willing to share his stories of the party he used to travel with."

Opiii:
"you think he'd be willing to tell his stories?" Alastair glanced at the wagon again, frowning. If Alain was the sorrowful and guarded person they were deducing him to be, that seemed unlikely.

"... Maybe if he warms up to us. Eight days is a long time. And then there's the return trip... So who knows?"

CautionCat:
Konane nodded. "Who knows. He did not seem to mind the small talk we had last night. Warming up to him..."
She shrugged again, and smiled. "Plenty of time to get to know him. Or anyone, really."
She looked to Jaeger. "Maybe if we all talk of our own stories, he will open up? Rather than have him on the spot. Casual conversation before we rest."

Uberwulf X:
"My stories would likely bore him," Jaeger interjected. "If it helps, I can go more into the story of General Bobblesnoggins."

After a couple seconds he spoke again. "Was there an Otonin in your mentor's party? If not, that would help settle this."

Opiii:
Alastair looked toward Jaeger, pausing as tingling roots of understanding wove their way through the chaos in his mind. With it came excitement and a slight bit of pride. "Jaeger, you clever, clever mountain of a man."

One hand already deep inside of the bag at his hip, he fished around and plucked the shoulder strap of a different bag, tugging it up and out. It was a narrow fit, but he'd managed to cram his backpack in there. Once in his arms he fished around inside, retrieving his own book.

"...If there is, then Alain might not be teasing or dodging at all. He might be- gosh, I don't even want to consider it.." his voice was quiet, hushed even. Flipping to the back page, he found the tiny painting. "...testing me, testing us by leaving a trail of breadcrumbs." Fingers pinching the corner, he lifted the painting so it could be seen.

The scene was pleasant in the photograph. A collection of people all grouped together. The details were exquisite, each person's essence captured perfectly as if Frozen in time.

There were seven people total: a gnome, a human couple, a human male, a female tiefling, a large male dragonborn, and an elf. Jaeger could get a closer look if he leaned in, or if he took the photo. "I'm not exactly keen on identifying people... I've uh, only met two Otonins so far, and one's bird, you know?"


Uberwulf X:
Jaeger leaned over to look at the picture, taking it hand to look at it closer. He studied the manner of dress the closest... he should be able to get something from that, if not their accessories.

He studied.

And studied.

And studied.

Not wanting to admit that staring and thinking so hard was actually beginning to hurt his eyes and brain-- was he hungry or tired?-- he handed the picture back with a small shake of his head. "Nothing stands out to me. Sae may know, but unless one of these people is a twin of the cute girl or her bird friend, I couldn't guess."

Opiii:
After Jaeger handed the picture back, Alastair nodded. "I only recognize one person in it. The others must have been people close to the old man. A traveling party, college buddies, something." He nodded at Jaeger's suggestion before turning the small picture over to Konane next. "You're from Otori, maybe you can see?"

The painting in question had several figures which she could see in greater detail, without having to squint so much like Jaeger.

The Gnome appeared to be an elderly, short gnome with frizzy white hair both on his chin and head. It gave him the appearance like that of a little man with a cloud for a head. Though old, with wrinkled brow and weathered eyes, he appeared spry, grinning before the painter. The Human Female was slender with pale blonde hair and bright blue eyes, she appears to be laughing in the arms of her lover, who is holding her from behind and nuzzling her neck. The human male beside her was of a similar height as the woman, whom he held in his arms. He bore a wild mane of red-orange hair, one green eye turned toward the painter, a wide grin on his face. Another human male was a tall, barrel-chested man of deeply tanned skin and almond-shaped eyes, with a short black beard and a scar across one cheek. His long black hair was drawn back into a braid. He grins broadly, his eyes almost closed, while his thick arms are crossed over his chest. He looks like a swarthy sailor of significant wealth. The Tiefling Female: Blue skinned with black hair and white eyes, she holds herself regally with a green book held in the crook of one arm. She appears to be tolerating those around her, if that. The Dragonborn Male: Standing behind the others, large and wearing platemail, flexing both hands as he looks at the painter. He has yellow scales.The Elven male was tall and aristocratic, with long black hair pulled back into a ponytail. He wears a vest of green over a white tunic and slim-fitting black breeches of an Aegien style. He's smirking slightly, and his eyes appear a deep purple.

CautionCat:
Konane watched as Alastair took a bag, out of a bag, to take the journal out from the bigger bag. She snickered, and shook her head. "Why do you not keep the book in the small bag alone? Wouldn't it be easier?" She watched as he showed the picture to Jaeger, before being handed the picture as well.
How quaint and detailed... Her fingers touched the front of the mini painting, amazed by it. She recalled at the dinner that Alain said something about magic shrinking a normal sized painting, when Alastair showed it. She knew the tan, large man was Otonin by their appearance, but he did not look familiar to her. However, the red headed man gave the same impression to Konane, as it did Alastair.
He looked... familiar, but not exactly like Alain. Defensively related looking- like a cousin. Or a grandparent, considering the picture was old. She assumed.
"Huh... Sōdesu ka... The red head looks like he could be related, hai? Though, I could say the same for you. The eye color is similar to yours. Is it a grandparent?" She tilted her head some, handing the photo back to Alastair.


Opiii:Alastair looked it over before sliding the painting back into his book, and the book into the bag. He slipped that backpack back onto his shoulders and laughed slightly. "What, mine? I wouldn't know."

Chuckling, he shook his head, looking at the wagon before them. "...I'm sure it'll come out in time. I'll... figure it out, or he'll say something. Eight days travel is a long time."