Xinnidy

Shortly after Tiernan excused himself --and with him enough people to raise eyebrows, what followed was an incredibly damning report by the leader of the Tigers, something that even made Gio wince. "I see." Giovanna's reaction was muted, her gaze down to the table, her hand clenching into a fist for a moment. Words didn't need to be spoken. Even people close to the Kanseian crown had these kinds of dealings with Kazran. Lovely. Like all of the muck is connected in some way or another, and all the roots have dug deep. She exhaled loudly, waiting for Celine's reaction, which was understandable, and equal parts frustrating. Everybody seemed to agree in equal parts on that man being a burden as well as being too important to get rid of easily. Before long, his aide returned, before Giovanna could sort her thoughts about the matter. "Ah... well... like I said, I can set up contact with Lord Gaffney and Lady Serdio for you. Having my vouch for your identity, and a proper explanation for... the little stunt within Islexian territory, should be enough for a small hand of support at least, perhaps even guided by yours truly." She forced a smile, the gesture came naturally enough. "I'll have to trust you can handle the matters of your entourage of your own." She kept it vague enough, not bothering to look at their returning guest. "If that's sorted, I'd love to get going. I will contact you as soon as I have their replies." Truthfully, she wanted to leave and sort her thoughts after learning of one of Kazran's collaborators. As soon as Celine would grant it, she'd be gunning to her room for a few hours. " Most I can say for now is... your search is east, I've got the lords you need to convince sorted. Nicolas and his orbiters will still be looking unkindly at what just happened, but their reach in the eastern lands has been... shortened." "Right... it's nice to have some options for your fighting style." It was neat that clothes that could conform to fighters like himself and Cinaed were available, fire resistance was an unique ask, but with all those years of fighting, somebody surely had thought of it before... and a clever fox naturally had grabbed some of it for her own. It was business, as some would say. "Mmm..." the back and forth between Kise and Cinaed had brought him to a sour memory, and Üllr found agreeing with Kise as she quickly interrupted his brooding. "She's right, Cin. She left now, but you still know her. You can go look for her, right?" It was a weird feeling... Üllr understood he needed to be thoughtful about what he was saying on such a topic, but the right words just weren't coming --his rough vocabulary came to the forefront as a curse. "Mmm... though, you don't if you don't think you should. It doesn't have to be right now, too. All I want to say is, you can fight your share and hers. You're a good fighter, I've seen it." It was getting uncomfortable... he hoped his point went across well. "Ah... Kise, can you help me too. Not sure what fits best... Iris bought me clothes last time." To her credit, they were good clothes, much better than what scraps he had before, but Üllr was certainly lacking the distinguished eye from his own assessment. "Ah, I didn't mean to offend. Sorry! You truly are a modern marvel~" Christopher had assumed Kleo was more of a relic considering how this technology had vanished, but... evidently some tact would be preferred when referring to a lady. "Um, right. Her situation is quite unique... my mind also went to the Lufirian Empire when she spoke about the intricacy of her construction. Runeweaving is pretty much an art we're re-treading from the base in Glacies as of right now, and no other kingdom is as amiable to it, so... yeah..." He trailed his words, unsure if he wanted more attention drawn to them at that point. The head was an eye-catcher for better and worse, and now they were talking about Lufiria --and the woman revealing herself as one, no less-- in the middle of an Islexian town. "It's fine. I'm a Clouded and she is... well, Kleo is Kleo!" Trying to avoid any further gaffes, Christopher kept it simple. "I figured anybody around these parts working with magic tools has some story to then. Ahem..." Before getting too side-tracked, he adjusted himself, holding Kleo against his chest in a more comfortable position. "I'm equal parts a ballistician and a runeweaver, is why I asked. I can still use tomes, and I work with some mercenaries, so I'd be interested in seeing what work you have that I can buy~."

"I understand your skepticism, Sir. The events that led to Kazran's death are much too recent, the two of them have the need to focus on their lands as their new alliance is settled, with that in mind, they couldn't have sent aid to your search personally... but thankfully, as the former tactician for Kazran's lands, I am here to assess and delegate such a decision." She raised a finger triumphantly, holding a slight smirk. It seemed like the men's standing was diminishing quickly, anyways, with Celine's words and magic making a resounding point, even to the obnoxious lout. Giovanna had to try her best not to break out a wider smirk at the situation. With some class, she looked down at the table as the nobleling finally snapped and excused himself out of the room. "...It's true, we should get back on topic. I will not be making my leave soon, so rest assured we can speak more later." With a brief nod at Zephyr's and Rina's way, Gio continued. "The rest of Islexia probably won't be partial to your search now, but I can reassure you that the Eastern Peninsula is not of the same mind as the rest of Nicolas' domain. With the Tigers involved, you'll find our support will be easier to gain as well." Christopher couldn't help a bit of a smirk as he found a kindred soul as impressed by Kleo's make as himself. "A piece of work, isn't she? I'd love to say I had a hand in it... but I just found her, myself. She's a relic." He raised Kleo's head for the lavender haired woman's interest... and also to give Kleo a better view. "And I mean that literally, her circuits are holding a soul according to herself. She's autonomous enough for me not to doubt it. Her name's Kleo." "Mine is Christopher, by the way. I'm a runemancer by trade, so I was thinking of stocking on supplies... maybe getting something useful for combat. I'd love to help her with her body struggles, but it's a bit out of my pay grade right now, hahaha..." With a sheepish smile, Christopher looked at the items at the table, "I see your work is in the field... do you work with, hmm, larger-scale weapons?"

Giovanna... was equally confused about the canine subordinate excusing herself, aware she had been under the subject's gaze until she left. Hopefully, this wasn't some faux pas of hers, Giovanna didn't recognize them at all. Still, with the meeting moving on, Celine was willing to present sensitive information: Cyrus Belrose was moving east, and knowing where he was bound, Giovanna got antsy, leaning forward on her seat. Before she could say something, however, the door opened, and a few newcomers had... graced their presence, varying levels of grace at that. Giovanna bit her inner cheek as the Kanseinian noble made an ass of his group in front of Celine. It was a laughably pathetic sight, but now wasn't the time to mock potential aid. Most of the Tigers seemed to concur, with varying levels of poker faces... save for Sami, that poor girl. Gio picked up on Versaris' cue, clearing her throat. "Ahem. Giovanna Kastille. My house rules over territory once belonging to the late Kazran, here by the name of Owen Gaffney and Lati Serdio." Her red eyes cast a judging gaze at the irreverent boy, before setting on Rina, her warning was a little... dire. "...If your presence is known, you'll surely need some extra help." Giovanna almost pitied Celine, turning to meet her gaze once more. "Of course, it makes more sense to ask an Islexian's help to search Islexia~." This... certainly tempered her expectations of Celine's current capabilities. "Ah... makes sense you need to change more often." Üllr somehow wasn't surprised Cinaed seemed just as out of his element about clothing. It made him feel less bad about himself, as well. "I guess with how we fight I also need more... mmm." He still felt out of his element, but it was easier to look at the clothing options knowing it wasn't so weird to be that way. "Mmm... Ah." Miria showed up for a moment, seemed she was busy with figuring out clothes for herself and another person, so Üllr didn't want to add to that, waving back and nodding at her. "Okay, I should have something light like you, but... for my size." He would leave Miria and Cinaed to bother Krystal... if Kise hadn't showed up once more, earning his staring as she pulled out some magical clothes for Cinaed. "...Forgot you were a merchant." Üllr mumbled, now interested in staying with the group, as Kise sets her sights on Miria. "...mm." He opened his mouth to ask her for help, but thought against it in the moment. He wasn't sure what she would even suggest for him... how much did she know? "Ah... nothing aside from the basic, hmm? I suppose that's to be expected around these parts..." Christopher managed a sheepish, diplomatic smile as his disappointment followed his tone. "Eheheh, it does seem like Islexia is pretty adverse to magic... if you're not a warlord's child." He raised Kleo the slightest bit, searching for the mentioned book with his eyes. "Ehhh? They give us the stink eye and yet have those kind of books here? ...well, that's the most Islexian thing I've heard today~. Well! Don't let us waste your time. Au revoir~." Christopher shot a glance to the shopkeeper, giving a wink, before turning around with Kleo. "...Pffft." After enough distance, Christopher finally loosened his composure. "It's still funny to mess with Islexians in other towns. You don't get to see people this stuck up in Eslcas unless they're passing by. Anyways, that one was a dud, as you expected." He continued on, trying to keep his distance from the busier roads. "Maybe we should check the stalls for something, but they're so busy..." There were some stalls distanced further, without much traffic... it was as good as shot as anything... "Hmm... oh, a levin sword crystal..." Something caught his attention, looking at a certain magic artifact at the distance, and its lavender haired artisan. "Hello there, if you don't mind the intrusion do you deal with magical item in general, or is it more focused on weapons like this one?" Christopher approached, Kleo in his arms, curious glint in his eyes. "I've been looking for some magical conduits... It's refreshing to see someone versed in magic around these parts~."

"Hmph." Üllr shot back a squint at Kise's 'good boy', unpleased with the way she treated the conversation. Was she testing him? Why? Did she want him to go and punch her? "Haaah..." Shaking that confusing frustration off, Üllr flinched a little at the following comment on the company he'd keep while visiting the shops, quickly averting his gaze. "It's not a problem to me. It's fine..." Kise seemed to leave the issue, and Krystal seemed fine inviting him, while also throwing quite a few questions. "Hmm? Ah... Once. I shopped with Iris already." It was a nice trip, and ended even nicer, bringing a slight blush to Üllr as he mentioned it. Krystal's idea on a Tiger side gig did bring some confusion. "Not sure the Tigers would like that..." Many of them were proud of their fighting prowess, magic, or something else. Why would they want to engage in something lascivious for money, whatever that was? Following Kise, they met another group, Miria, Cin, and a few others... and Kise quickly interjected in the same way. Why is she doing that to everyone... The mind of the fox was truly puzzling, but sensing it seemed to stop an altercation this time, Üllr followed Krystal and Saffira, giving the other group a greeting nod. The new face didn't seem to have the friendliest of reasons to be around... "She is... like that. We can handle it." He slipped in after giving his piece on the fox, trying to catch up to Krystal and Saffira, at least. I can already imagine how much worse Kise would tease Krystal if she weren't wearing this. Poor girl. "Also buying clothes, Cin?" Üllr was glad to not be the only guy in this aggregation, to say the least, and a sparring partner was a bonus. "What do you look for yourself?" Maybe it'd help him find out an appropriate style too... he just went with Iris' gut last time. "Malachite... is the most affordable out of these today. Well, Larimar, actually, but you don't seem to need much more of that. I can't say I've heard of anyone using Musgravite for conduits in recent memory... that's the killer one." He sighed, even the Tigers didn't have the budget to make a whole body out of granite and clay pure enough to resist conduit wear and tear while holding these gems. "Mmm... A bookstore sounds fine. Doubt Cael has anything too fancy, but it's better than scaring the stalls." Christopher hopped off the wagon and walked into the quieter roads. "Guess you'd want to stay quiet for the ride, huh..." It made sense, with things already weird as they were, the added attention Christopher felt on his back was a lot more uncomfortable this time. Luckily, finding the way to the bookstore was straightforward, not too close to any of the market points. "Now, hmm... what to see..." Quickening his pace, he entered the bookstore with a skip, a sheepish smile as he remembered he was still carrying Kleo's head. "Erm..." Swallowing a dry gulp, he looked for what seemed appropriately like the librarian. "Where are the sections on magical theory... or history..."

"Eh..." Üllr didn't like how Kise turned her attention to him, her gaze was intense, taunting to his instincts, which didn't sit right for an ally. She wanted a fight? That didn't make sense... He fought back the instinct to ready a fighting stance, but with the pressure Kise was exerting, keeping it cool was hard. His brows furrowed, he wanted to stare back in kind, but he lacked the same intensity, for several reasons. "It makes sense, if that's tru--Ah, okay." Krystal corroborated, his ears twitched, still standing alert, but Üllr was trying to hold back that instinctual conflict. Guess it makes sense. Iris even wanted me to have better clothes back then, so Krystal would need more. Still, why did she seem so threathened by Kise earlier? Was it really just how intense Kise was? Well, Üllr could understand that. "If it's all... could help you look. Still don't know much about here." His gaze fell again on Kise, curious to what her reaction would be. Christopher bit his inner cheek. "Hecatia... is a bit of a detour right now, depending on how close to the border it is." He released a sigh right after, picking Kleo's head up and examining. "Mage of some renown, huh? But you can't use magic now... still, instructions would be worth something, I don't know if I mentioned it, but working with runes and conduits were part of my job before I joined this group~." With a little bit of pride, Chris puffed up his chest. "...or, well, I'd like to say I could help you for sure, if I know I could get those materials. I haven't worked with anything as complex as a moving automaton... and considering you're alive, you must have used something that's capable of storing quite a bit of mana, huh?" As far as modernity was concerned, the finer details of runic magic were a lost art, he couldn't begin to fathom the complexity of the alloys Kleo was working with. I can't exactly disassemble the head to figure out her materials... better to aim small, with what know-how she can help with. "Well... I was, ambivalent about walking around town on this one. Cael isn't exactly friendly." Though, the bizarre scene did bring a chuckle out of him, "I guess there's no harm in giving these people a small scare if they're forced to be nice to us. How long has it been since you walked around a market?" A little act of kindness wouldn't hurt. Thus Chris adjusted Kleo in his arms, holding by the base of her neck, back of her head against his torso, before making his way down from the wagon. Giovanna followed the group inside, glad to find little resistance as the group found Celine's place, stepping in and quickly finding a seat to relax. At first, Giovanna was planning to wait for Tasha's reply to introduce herself, but Versaris quickly spoke up, which made Gio feel it was fine to pick up the momentum. "Mm. I'll let Natalya introduce the group formally, I'm officially part of the Tigers, but I also mean to sit here on behalf of Lati Serdio and Owen Gaffney." Without their explicit blessing, sure, but Giovanna was sure they'd find in their hearts to forgive her~, with her introduction done, it was only appropriate to put down the mask. "Giovanna Kastille. Turned on Kazran and helped his daughter take his title." Hopefully, it was brief enough to not upset etiquette on the Captain's importance. ...Giovanna couldn't help but feel a bit uncomfortable, however. She was in a meeting, sure, but there was this feeling of undue attention. Like she had too many eyes on--Ah. There it was. Her eyes met for a second. A clouded woman on Celine's entourage was, to put it politely, boring a hole through Giovanna with her gaze. Did she look that suspicious? Do I know her? I don't think so... Hoping it was just some happenstance, Giovanna shifted her weight on her seat a little, gaze returning to Celine.

Üllr tilted his head as Laela seemed to backpedal her emotions. "Really, if he's a bother, we can--" Too late, as she'd made a break from the group, he could only follow her with his gaze, apprehensive. What did that man do to her? His gaze and attention were tugged away the moment the new Clouded interjected, apologizing profusely for the man. "Uh... okay." She'd introduced herself, and her last name put Üllr in a brief lock. "Shihas.. sesi...? Michiru." He tried to recite the name under his breath, quickly giving up. It was too long, he wasn't fond of names like that. "Mm." It nearly put his mind too out of their current situation. His gaze fell on the human man again. For now, if this man was intending to help a fellow Clouded, and Laela wasn't starting a fight, Üllr had no reason to punch him, and relaxed his stance. As things were, the fox lady arrived, with... Krystal? in tow of all people. Üllr didn't know they talked at all, and eyed Kise with a bit of suspicion. Then Lumina came to ask what was going on, and even Üllr was starting to feel like that was a lot of Tigers and a lot of attention to the commotion at once. It wasn't surprising that what followed was Michiru and the human disengaging. "Haah... mm, okay. Goodbye." He didn't feel comfortable speaking at length with strangers still, anyways. Their ties to Laela and how Cael seemed to be for Clouded, meant they'd probably meet again, so he let it go without much else. "Sorry, it was just that man made Laela upset. Laela knows him, some 'terrible past', that Clouded said." Üllr tried to explain to the arriving Lumina, following it with a shrug. "Just saw her speak loud and get ready to punch him. So I thought it was a fight." His attention once more switched, to Kise this time. The fox seemed more interested in speaking with Saffira, but Üllr couldn't help but be curious about Krystal's discomfort. "Are you just buying clothes...?" He didn't mean to be that direct, but better words failed him still. "Well, thanks for the vote of confidence, and I'd say you're absolutely right. I can pull well beyond my house name right now." Or at least, Giovanna thought as much. She was still the Kazran killer, and now helped the group that handled Jalen. Owen and Lati were still the big names, but Giovanna believed herself an apt catalyst for sympathetic Islexian support. Getting a meeting with Celine could also weight her side of the scale more in the future. Truly, her goals here were a bit selfish, but it's not like she was going to offer Celine nothing. "I can only hope she'll find the time to discuss it, then. I will make it worth her while." A faint smile graced her face, Giovanna wanted to move up the world and help fix Islexia's political landscape, she had to cling to every opportunity that presented itself. "Farther than ever before... that's not good at all." Christopher had time to ruminate on her words as Kleo spoke of her past. "That's really awful... no ability to manipulate magic, and losing your body to something like that. I'm sorry you were picked by some bird memory member of the Tigers..." He exhaled, crouching closer and giving the head an examination. "Hmm... If you can't use magic, that complicates what I can do for you... maybe learning how your body was made can help after all." It wasn't much to go on, but for somebody this tied to older history, it was worth investigating. "And erm, when you meant farther than before... can you feel where it is at now?" At least a direction, maybe a small group could handle it...

Preparing the Fish [In the midst of travelling to Cael] Üllr was gauging the city, he walked in without hesitation once the caravan settled down. It was a first that he felt the citizens this concerned but this reserved from stopping him. They were afraid, but impotent. For a first, it was a relief --a step above the average Hecatian experience, though he found himself missing the reception they had at Eslcas. Perhaps the wishful thinking had spoiled him a little, he sighed, elbows over his head and hands behind it. He relaxed his stance as he walked in --none of these people could do something to him that would matter. It wasn't a long walk to some stalls, and the noise he'd expected from a marketplace was disrupted by another, the sound of a commotion and a familiar voice... and there Üllr found four people --Laela, a human male, and two others... at least clouded, and one was definitely part of the group, though her name escaped Üllr. "Hm. What's going on here?" He'd approached in time to hear the tail end of Saffira's callout to Laela, turning his eyes to the man, a quick glare, then turning to the fellow canine Clouded. "...Did this man hurt you?" Clearly, nothing had happened yet, but it felt like that man had a story... he didn't seem like the most reputable fellow, but perhaps that was a bit profiling from the eyepatch. "She's right, shouldn't fight humans here. Can keep watch, though." His gaze turned to the man, once more.

"Hm..." Giovanna was perhaps a bit hopeful that her standing with the Tigers would've brought her the favor to go, but things weren't as simple as she'd counted on. "I thought, as part of the small group of nobles in Islexia trying to stop Nicolas' plans and changing this land's diplomatic landscape, it'd make sense for me to go go and make somebody like Celine aware. If she's considering contact with either Lati or Owen, then..." She wasn't expecting it, or really thinking much of it, so Giovanna's body language became a bit more guarded at her response --one step back, arms crossed. She put down the mask as well, looking Tasha, "I'd be the fastest way. I think it'd be worth making my presence for that alone." She gave the others a glance following that. The dark-haired woman seemed just as notorious as Giovanna had heard, she hadn't realized Gean did not notice the "shadow", offering an awkward smile to the same. "If you'll lead, then, Tasha." The captain was wasting no time, and Giovanna hoped that her explanation was enough to stop the others from asking more questions of her, quickly following. "Ah, the name's Christopher Verraine. I'm just performing maintenance on our equipment right now, and happened to see you were here." It was a bit odd to be talking to a disembodied head, for sure, but Chris sighed in relief that he hadn't hallucinated the information they had one dollperson to begin with. "I... can't say I know why she just kept you here, but last battle was really hard fought, so forgive her for being a bit forgetful, haha..." It felt embarrasing to make excuses for somebody else, but he couldn't imagine Kleo's predicament was any enjoyable. "That said... how long ago did you feel your body closer? That might come in handy, actually." With a twitch of his ear, Chris adjusted his beret. "I can't imagine being stuck here would be good for you, maybe... hrmm..." He started mumbled, closed fist next to his lips. "What about wheels...? Could be jarring for people, but it beats nothing... e-er, anyways," His volume slowly rose, "Can you, um, control magic in any capacity like this?" It'd be a start for his brainstorming, at least.

With the supplies growing thinner over their extended marching, Christopher spend the days recounting and sorting the goods as he hopped along the wagons. To him, it felt like an efficient way to manage what was going bad and, more importantly, ensure he could see every cart's integrity. Now that they'd arrived at a town again, he was giving it all a quick check, writing down what he'd suggest Tasha to restock on. He'd found himself checking cargo next to the belongings of one of the Tigers that had already stepped down, Miria. As it was often with personal belongings, he'd just pass through, but a realization slowly set in as something caught the corner of his eye. "That's not... oh." Stored for protection and keeping it away from prying eyes was a... doll's head. He remembered something about it, though the name didn't come to him. "Are you... uh, a person? S-Sorry, I don't have your name, but, uhh, we found you back in Eslcas, right?" Christopher hoped he was not talking to an actual doll head right now... Being just a head stuck in cargo... that sounds dreadful. The days went by awkwardly, Giovanna could feel Sylmaria further isolated through it all. She started to wonder if the space was a mistake, sigh escaping her. I should've been more pushy, leaving her with her thoughts are only making this worse. Just like before. The though of tailing Sylmaria came naturally, but was cut short as Sylm approached another of the Tigers, Roxanne, who'd seen some success talking to her. Better leave it at that for now... Take good care of her, Roxanne. Making a silent wish for her friend, Giovanna turned around, taking in another group, and the connections that were slowly taking shape. "If you don't mind..." Slowly and surely, she'd approached Sari and Gean, "There's a lot happening in Islexia lately relating to other sovereign lands... I'd like to meet Celine for myself." If nothing else, it'd be worth gauging the reaction this group would accept, but if given the okay... well, gaining more acquaintances would only help her position later.

"Perhaps not... but comfort and fashion means either eightfold more coin than either on their own, or that you've spent a lot of time learning about both." Following Coral's suggestion, Christopher nodded and sat down, hailing a waiter as he did. "Leathers I can understand... chains sound a bit convoluted, however. Just for the tome? I can see the convenience, but if you had multiple..." Coral certainly did not lack for confidence, and their suggestions were new, if anything. "Where did you think up of something like that? Seen it before, or came up with it on your own?"

Üllr huffed, still willing to retort to Iris' taunts. "I can handle it. One chapter. Can probably go two." He was familiar with what a 'chapter' meant. It was like... a section of a book, yeah. Books had a lot of sections, like centipedes. This was an easy win. "I'm not backing away. I can hold it in. I'll show you." Üllr was perhaps too eager, keeping his grip as he led Iris along to the upstair rooms. "I might have been the one to end Kazran's life, but if you hadn't joined up with the Tigers, I might have just been one of the bodies in that Keep, that fated eve, you know?" Giovanna decided to add her quip as Sylmaria continued to deflect from her own attention. Gio avoided turning to face Sylmaria, conscious of her friend's pain, but a comment would just have to be allowed. "Mmm..." Jane's enthusiasm remained, despite Sylmaria's mood. The young girl was intent to peer into her hurt heart despite Sylmaria's discomfort, and Giovanna was fine in letting it be. Perhaps Miria and the child were easier company to bear for the moment. "Mmm... I'll go get some. I've been meaning to try something... as long as you're fine with something not too strong. We both know this isn't your first glass." Also, it's 'Alma' while we're in public, but it shouldn't matter in a loud space like this. "Keep her good company for me, Miria, Jane." With a smirk escaping her, she stood up, headed to the counter. "Oh, well, robes just tend to be simple enough when handling most of Glacies' seasons, and you can get many pockets sewed in besides. I suppose this ease and convenience are what made it so popular. Still, most people at the faculties tend to have some means to look for distinguishing fashion. I... believe it's the way the more gifted lineages enjoy distinguishing themselves." Some of the Evoker candidates came to mind, and he found himself nodding with Thalia's comment. "Still, there's a demand for more intricate outfits, so there's a selection of better tailors to pick from, at least." From what Christopher understood, it was not a culture dissimilar to Lufiria, so perhaps some of the cultural exchange had seeped in. "Some people do enjoy the stereotype in their own way, though." A certain alchemist's pointy hat came to the cat's mind, followed by a slight smirk. "But yeah... it's a definite improvement compared to here, from what I remember."

"I'm..." Üllr grumbled, wagging his tail, he knew Iris knew she was provoking him deriberately. "I think I can last longer than you, too." The prospect to use the book for learning was a bit ridiculous after all the truths were laid bare, but Iris' taunting had been effective, and for what it was worth, he would be improving, somewhat. Maybe. Üllr stared as Iris made her side eye, a little confused at the theatrics --safe to say it flew past him. Still, the overall message was understood, and he grabbed her own frisky arm with surprising strength following that. "Let's go. I can take one chapter." On that, they were of the same mind. "Mm... hm, yeah. Hence why I thought it was worthwhile to ask while we were here. As I said, no worries about deadlines. Much appreciated." His verbal needle flying past the conversation, Chris offered a sheepish smile. Coral's self-perception was quite resilient... and a little prickly, but it was not something worth more consideration at this point. "Our builds are... different enough, I wasn't expecting a hand-me-down, don't worry. And if you need any materials while we're still in town, I can go take a look." For now, there was no harm in trusting Coral's fashion sense and ability. Seeing what they'd come up with would be something to look forward. "I hope you're right on that one!" Chris responded to Thalia's speculation. Going to Glacies sooner than later would be a nice excursion... and a trip down memory lane with how much history he'd left unfinished there. "I'm not a stranger to Glacies, but some helpful company could make for a fun trip!" "..." Giovanna slowly returned her hand to herself, with Sylmaria's discomfort apparent. Giovanna was trying to be understanding of her friend's needs, especially with the rollercoaster of emotions that had been the past few weeks, but she'd be lying to say it didn't hurt a little. It's okay... it is. Give her the space to heal. It took a moment to reply to Jane's enthusiasm, doing her best to avoid drifting the mind into divergent thoughts. "You promised Miss Tio, huh? That's a pretty important task, then." Gio chuckled, finding some solace in the girl's earnest approach. "And yes, she is very pretty and cool. She helped the Tigers a lot at the Keep." With lips curled into a smile, Giovanna cast a glance at her pale friend. It still came to her mind how close Sylmaria's life was to tragedy at the moment of infiltration, something to be eternally grateful she avoided...

Üllr flinched a little as Iris whispered to him, a little flustered beside everything. "You..." He knew Iris was getting friskier and a little more aware of things recently, he had his suspicions about it, but the confirmation that the Texts not only broached these topics but was even more thorough than expected was still a lot. "...haah..." He'd not often been brought to sigh before, but it was evident he was out of his element there, not to mention the word she'd uttered at the end. "Not a puppy." Üllr squinted back at her, "I can handle it fine." He spoke, following a grumble. Üllr adjusted himself on his seat, leaning forwards onto the table. "I can hold back a lot! I have good control." "Oh, a long while eh? Nevermind." Chris could tell he'd broached an iffy topic the moment Coral dismissed it quickly, agreeing to move on to the following topic. There'd always be another way to get news about the homeland. "Mmm, well, we'll be travelling together for a while, so I don't mind waiting for a deadline. And--" Chris was cut off by Coral's grin and... critique. Not expecting something so forward from a first meeting, the cat Clouded took a moment to process. "Ah... ahahah..." He looked down for a moment, "That's a way to think, I suppose. It does come from within, if you think about it enough. I'd think treating myself something nice is a way to keep it up." Christopher forced a smile, nothing to the magnitude of Coral's grin, still, only the slightest pushback. "If I'm always being austere and not treating myself, I feel it'd start affecting me... wouldn't you?" The question had genuine curiosity, but it couldn't be helped the slightest phrasing as a test, as if Chris wanted to know how far Coral would put their philosophy. Chris' smile eased at Thalia's interjection, a glance offered, followed by a nod. "It's something to think of, for sure... you won't need to be going to town with arenas as much now, but I'll let you know Islexia's tailors just don't tend to the extraordinary in general. Maybe it we head to Glacies..." The cat's tail wagged idly at the thought. "Hah. Point taken." Giovanna was willing to discuss Lufiria if it was for Sylmaria's sake, but she'd rather not, especially if Sylmaria was of the same mind. "Well, I'm also staying with the Tigers because of you, I owe them and Esclas for the chance to finish Kazran, and now I can start working on the rest of these warlords." Sylmaria continued to drown her sorrows, it was a pitiful scene, and painful, for someone as close to her. "Sylm..." Her mask was down on the table, Giovanna's hand moved to hold her friend's, looking at her face. "I'm not going to let them try to kill you either." Her fingers intertwined Sylm's, "You've been through enough. We've been through enough. Even if not enough changes during our lives, I'll still be here for y--" She was cut off her speech by a joining presence --two, to be exact, Miria and a little Clouded girl. Giovanna was aware of the little one being related to someone in the group, but no names came to mind. Giovanna trained her red eyes on the two. "It's fine..." She cast a glance towards Sylmaria, "You'll forgive her for going ahead and starting without you this time, yes?" The slightest smirk followed the passing memory of Sylm and Miria wasted back in Eslcas. "And you, little girl, what's your name?"

"Hmm? Oh, I guess it's a bit sudden for me to just use your name. I'm Christopher. I make runes, helped with the Kazran offensive, but that was before you joined." Chris offered a quick bow, "I took note of who joined after me. A little bookkeeping since I'm helping the wagons when we're moving. And... good to know!" He eyed Coral's dress once more as the elf emphasized its custom made nature. "You've done a good job, then, I'd have believed a seamstress made it. It's not anybody that can reuse a piece of an outfit and still make the rest come as a cohesive whole." A chuckle did escape him at Coral's final offer. "I'll consider it, depending on the price. Variety can be hard to come by here... something to impress never hurt anybody." Something else Coral spoke of embedded Chris' thoughts, "You've come a long way, if you're here from Kansei." Islexia was not the most common progression for Kansei Clouded and Monsters to move to. Chris would know. "Mmm, ah! Ahahah..." Not expecting Thalia's words, Chris felt a bit bashful. "You could say... well, no point beating around the bush. It's nice to just have something different --and alluring, to dress once in a while. It builds confidence, doesn't it?" They had a hunch Coral would understand the sentiment. -- Üllr tilted his head at Iris' warning. "Why should I watch out? What's this questionable material..." It sounded like a warning, but as far as he understood, Iris was an enjoyer of the book. Was there more he didn't understand? "I know you got some ideas from it... I thought if you read it fine, I could too." He watched Iris play with the straw dancing along her cup, before taking his own to sip. "Mmm, well, I still want to try, at least. I was asked to read something, last fight. I had to say I couldn't." His gaze was a bit sheepish, settling down on his plate again. "Didn't feel good, want to fix that." He eyes his empty plate some more, considering another meal. "And if you like it, if could be nice to read with you..." -- Giovanna did her best to withhold a sigh as she saw her friend indulging in old habits --alongside a new one, that didn't seem to agree with her older ones that well. "Just fine, huh?" Giovanna had a sense of what was going on in Sylmaria's heart from her demeanor, what was left unsaid. "Mmm, this power is pretty unique, so I'm thinking the Tigers will have need of you for a while." Giovanna took a sip of her own, though she avoided alcohol on her drink --too many people were already indulging for her taste. "And what you are exactly sounds worthwhile... Considering the Serdio range's history and location, it's very possible that you have Lufirian ancestry somewhere in your veins. Have you ever thought about that?" It... wasn't a thought that Giovanna found too fun to entertain. She was still raised to hold a grudge against that country, and Sylmaria was no different. Still, for a friend's sake, she entertained the possibility as neutrally as she could. "I know about as much of that place as your average Islexian, but... what if you found out there were more people like you in the world, just living their life?" It was just conjecture and speculation at this point, she more wanted to know whether it brought comfort to her friend, or was an idea best to never entertain.

The logistics of maintaining the siege platform during their travels was enough to keep Christopher's mind busy for most of it, a pause such as the night afforded to them was a great time to unwind, sure... but to him, with mental faculties already tired, a quiet drink and a quick night were more appealing. "Mmrh..." An almost silent mumble escaped his mouth as he took a sip of his liquor --by no means a heavy drinker, but not a lightweight either. The Tigers were vibrant enough that he took his leave to a corner table, letting his thoughts flow unimpeded. One of the wagon's got a cracked wheel, but we can swap it tomorrow morning... What else... Mentally recounting the little maintenances he'd written down on the road, he spared the others a glance, gaze sitting on Coral for a moment, a silent, approving nod to their attire. Chris took another sip. "...Didn't get to see the Evokers before they left. Shame." The idle thought passed him by, reminded of his days in Glacies. Now that he was away from Esclas, maybe he should've asked about the state of that kingdom. I'm sure I'll get another chance. He looked around again, wondering if he could pinpoint whoever else was from Glacies. The Tigers hailed from there, but it wasn't easy to tell which were actually from there. A sudden yawn broke his thoughts again. It figured it was a bad idea to stay sitting after a long day. Chris slowly got up, eyeing the room again. It was time to stall the sandman with some small talk, his legs taking him towards one individual he eyed recently. "Excuse me, ah, Coral, yes?" He addressed them, a quick nod Thalia's way for acknowledgement. "You two are the mercenaries we picked up at Esclas, correct? I wanted to know, uh, where you bought this dress." A sheepish smile followed, half embarrassed, half sleepy, "I don't remember any weavers making dresses of this kind back there... not any selling their wares to us commonfolk, at any rate, so I got curious." He forced a chuckle, "I guess it isn't the most pertinent of matters. It looks good, though, so I got curious." Giovanna took to the outside earlier, still not too comfortable in a peaceful Islexian village. It was both a rare sight and one that reminded her how Kazran wouldn't stand for any such thing. Besides, trying to keep her identity on the low was keeping her reserved, she felt it was best to create some distance. ...Eventually, the desire to check on the others and do something with the night won out. She walked back into the establishment, still reluctant to let the half-mask go. Maybe I should'be asked to go to Lufiria... The thought of finding herself at foreign grounds with light tying her past to herself was appealing... but she'd never separate herself from Sylmaria like that. "We've got a few heavy drinkers... hmm, where's Pashmina..." She'd gotten distracted in her mumblings, spotting a few new faces close to some of the Tigers. That white haired woman... she's not part of the crew, neither is that Clouded, I don't think. Gio stepped along, not too concerned, considering the Tiger's generous and somewhat haphazard way of bolstering their numbers... "Mmm, Sylm, how are you handling?" Spotting her oldest friend, Giovanna approached sheepishly. "We weren't there for it, but Jalen is actually dead... it's a little hard to believe how quickly things changed." She waited a moment, taking a seat across, not wishing to invade. "Did you think we could watch Kazran die back then?" Her chuckle was reserved, "When the Tigers finally leave Islexia... what would you want to see out there?"