Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"Uhm excuse me... I'm looking for someone named Anja. She's like, this tall and- sorry..."

Alina stepped back from the ragged man and quickly ran away. She sniffled, wipinghere eyes with the collar of her jacket. She didn't like the slums. Even though the hole in the wall Cheshire and Tro brought her to was fun, but the rest of it looked sad and scary. Plus, after Alina took a nap everyone had left, leaving her all alone.

Sniff. I wish Anja were here. EEK!

A drop of water splattered onto the top of her hood, causing Alina to recoil into her collar like a turtle. She didn't want to be here, she wanted to go home!

"ANJAAAAAAAAAAAAA WHERE ARE YOU?"
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"DEMAAAAAAIIIISSSSS WHERE ARE YOU?" At the same time Alina shouted, a similar shout with a much deeper voice bellowed behind her. If she turned, she'd be able to see a large, muscular man with a white beard and a pirate hat. It looked like he was surveying the roofs of the buildings, which is 100% not where you'd expect a person to be.(edited)
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"EEEEP!"

Alina whipped her head around to stare at the large man also calling from the rooftops. After a second of examination Alina decided that he wasn't actaully that scary. Maybe he was lost too.

"Are you lost too!?"

Alina waved as she shouted over at the big man.
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
Saltbeard heard the yelling below him, and curiously descended to greet the girl. "Avast, not lost, but y'see, me cap'n be missin', n' I be tryin' t'find him... Arrgghh, it be all his fault t'slums be burned down like this n' I still can't find hi-- Errrr, gah, can't believe I jus' said that out loud. Oi, lass, pretend ye didn't hear that, or 'least ye didn't hear it from me."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
Alina nodded

"Who's Demais?"
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Wha-- How'd'ya know that name, lass?!" Saltbeard quickly glanced side to side making sure nobody was listening in. "Ye can't jus' say that name out loud 'ere, people might pick up on what happened, y'see?" He desperately tried to explain.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"Uh huh!"

Alina smiled and nodded her head again, not really understanding why it was so important.

"So are you lost? I'm lost too!"
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Yarrr, a pirate ne'er be lost! Ye jus' gotta look up t'the stars once night be fallin'. Ye be lost in 'ere?" Saltbeard had no idea how the girl was, but she seemed like a kid to him, "Ye don't look like one o'them slum folks, did ye lose yer parents out 'ere? Ye wit' one o'them nobles or somethin'?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"There was this girl! She had really red hair, and a REALLY big doggy! They let me ride the big doggy down here because they said it would be fun! But then I got tired and took a nap, so when I woke up they were all gone."

Alina pouted and folded her arms.

"But then they left, leaving me here all alone!"

She pouted and turned her head away. She pretended to be angry, but the truth was she was hiding her tears. She didn't want to cry in front of other peole, because she was a big girl now.
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Red hair n' a doggy, where've I heard o'those b'fore..." It felt like Saltbeard knew what she was talking about, but come on, it's Saltbeard. No way in hell is he remembering anything. "Avast, they left ye all alone? How could 'ey jus' do such a thing t' a kiddo like ye?! Here, lass, I'll help ye find 'em, ye should be able t'see better on me shoulders. Don't want t'brag, but t'cap'n said somethin' 'bout me bein' 6 foot 11. We'll be findin' those scallywags in an instant!" Saltbeard said as he turned and crouched to let Alina climb up.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"What about Anja? Do you know who she is? She has blue hair, fluffy wolf cloak, and suuuuuuuuuuuper scary when angry!"

Alina clambered onto Saltbeard's shoulder and looked around. She didn't see anyone she recognized but she coudl definetely see farther.
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Avast, ne'er heard a soul who be havin' t'same name. Speakin' o'names, what be yer's, lass? T'people call me Saltbeard by t'way."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"My name's Alina!"

Alina tilted her head around happily.
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Alina, eh? Where'd ye last see yer folks at? D'ye know t'way? Or what it looked like?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"I dunno what it's called. But it was much cleaner!"
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Hmmm, then outta t'slums we go! T'voyage's course be planned out, so now it be time t'unfurl t'sails n' raise t'anchor! Set sail fer anywhere but here!" And Saltbeard went for a mad dash away from the slums. "Tell me if ye see anythin' up thar!"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"AWAWAWAWAWAW NOT SO FAST!"

Alina clung to Saltbeard as he dashed away, also making sure to keep her hood on.
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"What did ye say? Faster? Aye aye, cap'n!" And Saltbeard picked up the pace.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"I WANNA GO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOME"
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"YAR HAR HAR HAR HAR!" All Saltbeard interpreted her screaming was as laughter. "Course ye wanna go home! That be t'point o'all this! YAR HAR HAR HAR HAR!"  He then came to a stop as they reached the nicer part of the city. "LAND HOOOOO!"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"YAR HAR HAR HAR HAR! Ye can stop screamin' now, lass, t'ride be over! Sounds like ye had t'time o'yer life! YAR HAR HAR HAR HAR!"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
Alina shook as she clambered down Saltbeard's back, thankful she didn't pee her pants in fright. She pressed her back against a nearby wall and pulled out a very large stuffed narwhal, which she clung to her chest. How she managed to fit it under her jacket was a mystery itself.

"uuuuuuuuuu"
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"So, now we be in somewhere more "clean", aye? Next we oughta look fer anythin' that be lookin' simil-- avast, ye got one o'them sea critters in yer hands! Where'd ye get somethin' like that?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
“Huh? You mean Cookie?”

Alina turned Cookie to face her, then held him in the air for Saltbeard to see.

“His name is Cookie! He’s a narwhal and he’s my best friend!”
Cookie was also very fluffy
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
Saltbeard inspected Cookie, "Yarrr.... Ne'er seen one o'these out at sea in me life. A 'narwhal'? Some kinda legendary whale or somethin'? Can ye eat it? Does it taste good? Be that why ye named it Cookie?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"Uhm..."

Alina brought Cookie back to her chest as she thought about why Cookie was named Cookie.

"I like cookies...and I like Cookie too... and cookies taste good...."

She squinted her eyes and puffed her cheeks in effort as she tried to come up with a believable explanation.

"COOKIE IS COOKIE BECAUSE COOKIE IS COOKIE!"
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Ah, I get what ye mean." said Saltbeard as he firmly placed the bottom of his right fist on top of his left palm, as if it were a completely feasible explanation. "So, d'ye see anythin' that be lookin' familiar t'ye? Remeberin' anythin' yet?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"Uhmmm..."

Alina stood up and scanned the area. It all looked the same to her, so she couldn't really tell if she had really been here.

"What's this place called?"
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Yarrrrr...." Saltbeard looked around, trying to look for anything that looked familiar, "This place, errr... it be called... Pirate Street! Aye, that be what it be!"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"Pirate street? Never heard of it before!"
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Errr, uh... hmm. Yarrr, I can think o'two solutions. Either we be waitin' till t'stars come up t'guide t'way, or ye take anotha ride on me shoulders n' we zoom o'er t'where t'nobles n' us royal guards be livin'. Maybe someone in thar be able t'find out where ye belong."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"Uhm...."

Alina thought hard about what she wanted to do. On one hand she wasn't looking forward to zooming around again. On the other, waiting till night would worry Anja more than she was already.

"Why can't we just walk to the nobles normally?"
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Avast, why ye be spoutin' nonsense, ye been havin' so much fun up 'ere on me shoulders! YAR HAR HAR HAR HAR HAR! If yer worried 'bout me stamina, these muscles be not jus' fer show, aye? C'mon, now." Saltbeard crouched once again, expecting Alina to hop on right away.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
Alina carefully climbed up once again, this time holding onto Cookie as well.

"Go slower this time it's scary..."
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Scary? Y'mean all that screamin' b'fore be cause it been scary fer ye?" You could see a drop of sweat on Saltbeard's forehead as he realized perhaps he misunderstood something very important.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
Alina nodded and hugged Cookie tighter.

"It felt like I was going to fall off."
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Yarrrr... sorry 'bout that lass, didn't know. Thought ye were havin' t'time o'yer life up thar. Well, I'll jus' be walkin' from now on, aye? Walkin' be nice too, t'city be fun t'look at! We'll be o'er thar by t'noble area in no time." Saltbeard then started walking at a normal pace, humming a cheerful sea shanty.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"That's ok! I'm sure it was fun for you."

Alina patted Saltbeard's head, happy that they wouldn't be zooming anymore.
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"YAR HAR HAR HAR HAR! It be great fun!" As he was humming his sea shanties, Saltbeard realized he didn't know much about this girl he was helping. "Oi, Alina, what're ye here in t'city fer, anyways? Ye got lost, so I know yer not a resident. Yer parents here fer business or somethin'?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"Anja said she was looking for more work. I dunno why she wants more work but I like this place!"
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Anja again, eh? That yer guardian?" Then Saltbeard concluded that Alina not mentioning her parents means he should probably not pry into her personal life all too much. "Work? I heard somethin' 'bout our royal guard havin' a spot open afta... well... I got one o'me mateys killed in t'last fight..." Saltbeard sighed. No matter where he went, it seemed like his blunder would continue to haunt him.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"Uh huh! She's like my big sister!"

Alina hugged Cookie closer to her as she looked around for Anja. Anja wasn't her real big sister, but she didn't want to think about the times before she met Anja. That made her sad.
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Aye, sounds nice. Yer sister much o' a fighter? Could always recommend her if she be havin' a hard time lookin' fer work. Though I s'pose it be sort o' a last resort since it be a dangerous job."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"Uh huh! Anja is super strong! She can even fight bears and tigers!"
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"YAR HAR HAR HAR HAR! Sounds like quite t'fighter! Hope we can find her, we could be usin' a strong fighter like her in our team. Though you'd hafta stay back alone while we go on t'missions, can't be riskin' a lil' lass like ye gettin' hurt."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
Alina nodded. Usually when Anja went hunting Alina only stayed back to help freeze it.  She could probably fight but...

Alina fiddled with the hem if her hood. Anja had said never to show anyone her ears, let alone her whole other form. But if it really was dangerous, wouldn’t it be better if Alina helped?
“What about you? Are you a royal guard too?”

He didn’t really look like one though.
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"YAR HAR HAR HAR! I prolly don't look like much o' a guard t'ye, aye? Can't blame ye, been a pirate b'fore I was a guard. But some bad things happened n' we were outta t'seafarin' business, but we were a bit infamous, n' t'prince asked us t'join t'royal guard fer some reason. Ye'd think we wouldn't be much o' a loyal force, t'cap'n n' I, but t' prince gave us a place t'sleep n' forgave our crimes at sea. Ye could say we be real grateful t'him." Saltbeard then remembered about cookie, "Speakin' o' which, how'd ye get one o' them sea critters as a doll? Ye live by t'sea b'fore?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
Alina’s face drooped and she hugged the plushie closer.

“I used to live far away, with mama. It was always cold there, and during the winter the beaches were covered in ice.”

It had been a while since she had thought of home. It wasn’t as nice there, everyone besides mama was mean but...

“Sometimes Mama would find narwhal horns and sell them. They’re kind of like whales, but with big unicorn horns. I really liked them, so mama made me Cookie.”

Alina buried her face into Cookie’s belly.
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Yarrrr, I see, so it be in cold waters, eh? Ne'er been t'icy regions, don't want t'ship t'crash into an iceberg, aye. Explains why I ne'er been able t'see on b'fore. Sounds t'me yer mama really loved ye, takin' t'time t'make Cookie fer ye. Might t'horn on Cookie be a real one?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
Alina flopped Cookie’s horn with her hand.

“I don’t think so.”

Although the horn may be uninteresting, Cookie’s eyes seemed to reflect the light differently than glass, almost like a blizzard in a stone.

“Narwhal horns are much bigger!”
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Oho, so yer sayin' these Narwhals be huge? Aye, makes sense, thinkin' back, ye compared it to a whale. Yer mama sold 'em?! How strong be yer mama?!" Saltbeard was shocked. Even he wouldn't be able to fight off a whale on his own.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
“Er-“

Alina forgot that her mom hunted narwhals in dragon form so...

“Ah-uhm-Mama can use magic!”

That explained it right? Magic could do anything right?
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Magic! YAR HAR HAR HAR! So ye be a mage too then? Avast, I took ye fer a frail lil' lass, but looks like ye really can't judge a book by it's cover!" Though Saltbeard never really has read a book in the first place. "If yer mama be strong 'nuff o' a mage t'fight off somethin' as big as a whale, yer prolly quite t'lil mage too, aren't'cha?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
“Uh...yea sure!”

Alina laughed nervously.
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Ye got any sorta magics that ye can use t'find yer Anja? Could come in real handy 'bout now."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
“Nope.”
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Eh, really? Oh, right, ye would'a already used it if ye were able t'use it. So I guess ye help out that Anja wit' yer magic, how strong would ye say ye be?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
“I dunno.”

Alina did her best to keep a straight face as she dug her lie deeper and deeper.
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"How much did yer mama teach ye? If yer anthin' like her, ye might be able t'fight 'longside Anja. Ye could help her workin', n' wit' t'both o' ye workin', yer earnin' twice t'salaries if yer poolin' yer money."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"Not that much..."

Alina began to sweat.
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Yarrr... that be a shame... Would'a loved t'meet yer mama, mages be always incredible, nothin' like us scroggy corsairs, aye. YAR HAR HAR HAR HAR!"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
Alina turned her head to the skies. She wished she could meet her mother again as well, but Anja made it seem like that was impossible.
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Ye alright up thar? Not gettin' too scared or dizzy or anythin', aye? Let me know if ye need a break!"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"Ah-no I'm fine!"

Lying was bad, but revealing that she was a dragon could be worse. She hoped she could find Anja eventually.
ExcaliburShines08/01/2018
A slow yet clear voice was heard from across the way. “Saltbeard? Is that you?”
A figure dressed in monk like garb approached. Ah yes, that shiny head clearly gave away who it was.
He gave a quizzical stare to the girl and then back to the pirate, raising an eyebrow at him.(edited)
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"I swear, me matey, I left me days o' plunderin' behind."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
"Ermmm..."

Alina held Cookie closer to her chest and hid behind Saltbeard. She stood on her tippy toes so she could try to whisper to the tall man.

"Why is that old guy glaring at us?"
ExcaliburShines08/01/2018
He blinked. “Glaring?” At most he looked disappointed with Saltbeard.

“I am sure you have, what situation do you find yourself in? And who might you be little miss? Do you know the man here?”
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Aye, she be lost, y'see? Lookin' fer her sister, Anja. Was headin' t'homebase t'see if anyone heard o' anythin' o' t'likes."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
Alina nodded in confirmation, hugging Cookie tighter.
ExcaliburShines08/01/2018
Bernard smiled.
“I see, that clears away worries. Well I don’t think the castle would be the place to look for someone- unless they had a reason to frequent it.”

“Can you tell me what you and this Anja have done in this city so far?” He asked the girl politely.(edited)
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"I heard somethin' 'bout a red haired lady n' a doggy. It be soundin' familiar, but I jus' can't place me tongue on it. I feel like they be important people, Demais might'a told me t'be wary 'o them..."
ExcaliburShines08/01/2018
“Do you have their names?”
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
“The doggy was called Tro! I dunno about the owner”
“But he’s big and fluffy!”(edited)
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Tro... Tro... where've I heard o'that name b'fore....."
ExcaliburShines08/01/2018
Bernard looked more perplexed than anything, seems Tro wasn’t a name he was familiar with.

“So you have been with a dog and it’s owner? What of before that, when you last saw Anja.”
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
“This morning! She gave me a bag of apples and told me to be a good girl. She went looking for a job or something.”
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Aye! She be a strong one, so I was thinkin' o' havin' her join our royal guard after... y'know... our losses."
ExcaliburShines08/01/2018
Bernard briefly gave a cold stare to Saltbeard.

“You wish to drag someone into the frontlines and leave their charge alone?”

His face softened somewhat.

“Our losses...it weighs on you?” he stared away a bit.

“We will help a girl reunite with her guardian Mr. Saltbeard. That should be the primary concern.”
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Aye aye, matey... Sorry, dunno what got o'er me. Alina jus' got me all excited since she described Anja n' her mother t'be really powerful."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
Alina’s face turned a bit pale, and she hid a bit of her face behind Cookie. If they found out she was lying they would be mad.
ExcaliburShines08/01/2018
Bernard smiled towards the girl.

“It’s okay, you will be alright. Saltbeard is a friendly man, despite appearances. Now, where did Anja leave you with the apples?”
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
“I don’t remember...”

Alina hid behind Saltbeard more when he smiled. Bernard reminded Alina of her father a bit.
Admiral Shocking08/01/2018
"Aye, she said somethin' 'bout havin' fallen asleep afta ridin' t'doggy, n' then when she woke up, nobody be thar fer her. She been all alone, t'poor lass..."
ExcaliburShines08/01/2018
"Indeed, but you stopped to help." Bernard pondered for a moment.

"Not knowing where she left you is troubling to say the least, we could check the fruit stall, but that would be unlikely to lead anywhere. What does your friend like to do?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/01/2018
“Uh...”

Alina titled her head as she tried to think where Anja was.

“If she’s not job hunting she’s probably drinking. If we’re lucky she wins a cage match and gets some prize money!”
August 2, 2018
Admiral Shocking08/02/2018
Saltbeard nodded, "Aye."
August 3, 2018
ExcaliburShines08/03/2018
Bernard frowned. "I suppose we will have to check the arena."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/03/2018
Alina stood on her tippy toes and tried to whisper into Saltbeard's ear.

"Does he always look so angry?"
Admiral Shocking08/03/2018
Saltbeard bent down so Alina could reach his ear, but this also made it really obvious that they were keeping something from Bernard, "Aye, errr, well, y'see, ne'er really talked t'the guy much, so I don't be knowin' much either. Don't worry though, lass, he be one o' them healin' n' holy types."(edited)
ExcaliburShines08/03/2018
Bernard continued on the way, leading the way to the Arena. "Something either of you wish to say?" He said patiently.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/03/2018
Alina did her best not to look guilty and shook her head.

"Does the Arena have snacks?"

Alina liked snacks.
Admiral Shocking08/03/2018
As they walked, Saltbeard looked to Alina, "Do ye want t'ride me shoulders again? Dunno how far away it be to t'arena."
ExcaliburShines08/03/2018
"We shall be walking past the food stalls on the way. I shall get us something ripe and healthy. Fruit perhaps?"
Admiral Shocking08/03/2018
"RUM! YAR HAR HAR HAR HAR!"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/03/2018
"Yay! You're not as scary as I thought you were!"
ExcaliburShines08/03/2018
"Thank...you? I suppose." Bernard shook his head while smiling, although since he was walking in front this was hard to see.
"Mr. Salts please think about what company you keep." He gave a sidelong glance at him with disapproval evident.
Admiral Shocking08/03/2018
"Company? Oh, I see, yer right, ye don't drink I suppose, all those old bones o'yers got ye all rusty, can't be drinkin', eh old man? YAR HAR HAR HAR HAR!"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/03/2018
"Anja drinks alot too! I bet you guys would be really good friends!"
ExcaliburShines08/03/2018
They are all bad influences I see.
Admiral Shocking08/03/2018
"YAR HAR HAR HAR! I could always be usin' anotha drinkin' partner! T'more excuses I got me t'drink, t'more fun I be havin'! YAR HAR HAR HAR HAR!"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/03/2018
Alina nodded with saltbeard and pointed to a nearby stall selling roasted cumin skewers. Beef, pork, and squid.

"Hey can I get some of those?"(edited)
August 5, 2018
ExcaliburShines08/05/2018
“I’m afraid not, as enticing as they look. Perhaps apples. Yes apples sound right.”
Admiral Shocking08/05/2018
Saltbeard walks up and buys beef, pork, and squid skewers. To eat for himself, that is.(edited)
ExcaliburShines08/05/2018
Meanwhile Alina got a freshly purchased apple. Woo?
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/05/2018
“...”

Alina didn’t say anything as Bernard handed her the apple. It was alright, but she wanted the meat skewers.

Jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

Alina stared at Saltbeard and his skewers, her mouth watering. She could smell the spices wafting from the meat. If only she could get one bite...
Admiral Shocking08/05/2018
but she couldn't, cause Saltbeard ate it all in one bite, and bought another.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/05/2018
Jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
ExcaliburShines08/05/2018
“Come on you two. We need to move along.”
Admiral Shocking08/05/2018
Saltbeard sensed Alina's staring, looked over, and asked, "What, lass, ye got somethin' ye wanna say?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/05/2018
Alina looked at the skewer cart and then back at Saltbeard, her eyes wide with hunger. They stare into Saltbeard ‘s soul like the moon reflected in a puddle of water.

Jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii(edited)
August 9, 2018
ExcaliburShines08/09/2018
Bernard cleared his throat. "Both of you come along." He smiled lightly and shook his head in disbelief. "Let's focus and afterwords there will be time for food."
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/09/2018
“Hmph!”

Alina pouted and munched on her apple grumpily. She had already eaten a bunch of them and the novelty had worn off.

“I wanted a skewer too...” she mumbled under her breath.
Admiral Shocking08/09/2018
"Aye, we should be focusin'-- oh, whassat? A skewer, eh? Ye want one o'these, aye?" Saltbeard taunts Alina, opening his mouth and slowly feints eating the skewer, until finally he bites down dramatically. "YAR HAR HAR HAR HAR!" He laughed, as he headed back to the stall, and returned with two skewers - one in each hand. He then crouches down and extends one of his hands, giving a skewer to Alina.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/09/2018
"Yay!"

Alina munched the skewer happily, finishing it in seconds.(edited)
ExcaliburShines08/09/2018
Bernard lead them in the direction of the arena.
Admiral Shocking08/09/2018
As he followed Bernard, Saltbeard was completely taken aback at the speed of the decimation of the skewer, Saltbeard looks to his other hand, "Blimey, ye must be a hungry lil'fella if yer munchin' down so fast. Ye want this one, too?"
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/09/2018
Alina nodded and eyed the second skewer eagerly.
August 11, 2018
Admiral Shocking08/11/2018
As he gave Alina the skewer, his eyes drifted towards a nearby tavern. As he was tempted by the prospect of unlimited rum, Saltbeard forgot the task at hand and started for the tavern. "Ahoy, Bernard! Ye can take care o'this, aye? I'll be havin' some fun o'er thar!" And before he could hear a response, Saltbeard was out of sight.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/11/2018
“Bye bye!”

Alina waved goodbye and munched her last skewer.
August 14, 2018
ExcaliburShines08/14/2018
Alina would probably be hoping for more skewers, but alas without her pirate friend there was nothing left to be had. Mostly silence. Soon they were outside the arena where signs of battle could be heard, and there they would wait.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/14/2018
"Do you work with Saltbeard as a guard?"
August 16, 2018
ExcaliburShines08/16/2018
“I would not classify myself as a guard. I merely try to keep everyone healthy and alive. However yes, we are both....kingsguard.”
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/16/2018
"Is being a guard fun?"
ExcaliburShines08/16/2018
Bernard paused.

“It is fun to watch the younger members grow up at least.”
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/16/2018
Alina tilted her head.

"I dunno if Anja would find that fun."

She hugged Cookie as she looked towards the arena.

"Saltbeard said that he wanted Anja to join. Do you think Anja should?"
ExcaliburShines08/16/2018
“I would not wish anyone to join with the war going on, unless it was most dire.” Bernard says slowly.

“In the end it is not up to me however. Although I stress it is not like the arena. If she could find employ another way...and keep you safe.”

He shakes his head.

“Tell her what you will.”
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/16/2018
"Did you lose a friend in the war?"
ExcaliburShines08/16/2018
Bernard raised his eyebrow at the miss.

“Yes.”
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/16/2018
Alina looked up at Bernard as he said so. It was the same face Anja made when she talked about her parents.

“Here.”

She held up Cookie to Bernard’s chest level.

“You can hug him too. It makes Anja feel better so maybe you’ll feel better too!”
ExcaliburShines08/16/2018
He chuckled.

“Thank you. And does this little one have a name?” He gave it a quick squeeze to placate the girl and handed it back,
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/16/2018
"His name is Cookie!"

Alina put Cookie on top of her head and beamed.

"Do you feel better now?"
ExcaliburShines08/16/2018
"Very much so thank you." He smiled.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician08/16/2018
"Yay!"
September 1, 2018
ExcaliburShines09/01/2018
“Let’s see if your friend is in the Arena now shall we? Should be viewable from the stands.”
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/01/2018
“Ok!”

Alina stuffed Cookie under her jacket again and skipped after Bernard cheerfully.
ExcaliburShines09/01/2018
The stands were mostly deserted, it seems some big fight had happened earlier in the day when Bernard questioned some people. Now it was pretty slow, nothing of note.

Bernard pointed to the two fighters currently engaged. “Is she one of them? Hmm it seems we may be out of luck.”
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/01/2018
Alina shook her head.

“Don’t think so.”
ExcaliburShines09/01/2018
He stroked his chin. “If she is not here, she may have returned to where she left you. Are you sure you cannot remember where that is?”
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/01/2018
“It’s one of the hotels, but I’m not sure how to get there.”
ExcaliburShines09/01/2018
“Would you recognize a name? Or how it looks?”
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/01/2018
“It has a big chicken on it’s sign! Umm...I think it’s name was something like black chicken stew or something.”

Alina wouldn’t mind eating some chicken stew.(edited)
ExcaliburShines09/01/2018
“Very well, it could be quite a bit of walking. Let’s be on our way.”
They checked out at least three districts, and asked quite a bit of people before finally finding the directions there. Unfortunately for Alina Bernard didn’t really have money to spare for any of the food she wanted.
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/01/2018
Alina recognized the inn front, which did in fact have a large black chicken sign hanging from above the door.

“Yup! That’s the one.”

She waved to Bernard and headed inside.

“Bye bye Bernard! Thanks fr helping me find it!”
ExcaliburShines09/01/2018
“Now remember! Stay put until you hear from your friend, and if you still do not by days end come seek me at the castle. Just ask for the healer Bernard.”

“Staying put for now is important, or your friend won’t know where to look either.”(edited)
Cyber, Empyrial Flufftician09/01/2018
“Ok~”

And with that, Alina disappeared into the inn.