A Chance Meeting [7/26]

[23:20] A very well dressed and appointed beastkin girl wanders around Osrona's market. She looks...

More than a little lost. But also perhaps a little too proud to admit it.
(Artemis Task)
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[23:20] * You have been awarded 10 Roleplay Points! *
[23:21] Honestly? Everything was way too quiet for Osrona. This wasn't the place he knew of at all-- There would at least be idlers about yet... It was dead quiet. Well, bar the non-magi roaming the marketplace and whatnot.

So the moment someone that even remotely looks like a magi comes in? Stavros' attention shoots towards them with a wide, buck-toothed smile. One hand raises up to wave towards them as an attempt to pull some attention.

"Hello, hello! Ya need any help there or..?"
(Stavros)
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[23:24] It is very quiet. That hasn't escaped her notice, as she has her ears swiveling this way and that to detect any noise. They do, finally, and it's when a particular Razuka squeaks up.

And they're smiling. And waving. Just what kind of place even is this?

"Hm? No. Of course not. I definitely know where I'm going."

Her words sound so convincing. The way she glances around uncertainly detracts from them.
(Artemis Task)
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[23:26] Stavros just blankly stares for a second as she spoke. A light, bubbling laugh pours out of his lips as he pushes himself off the wall.

"Yeh? Ya know where ya goin' huh?.. Well where ya headed?" Stavros squeaked, "Jus' wonderin'! I'm bored as all Hel here as ya can see." Gesturing about the marketplace the alchemist relents a sigh. "Not many people here ta really... Talk with."

Scrunching up his button nose the Razuka's head lightly shook. Ever since the war began drawing towards an easy advantage the city changed... Perhaps it was the death of the Petrakis King.

Were people still celebrating that? He couldn't tell.
(Stavros)
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[23:28] Artemis feels a flash of shame as he laughs. At her? It had better not be. She keeps her dignity and poise, that noble bearing.

"Of course I do! I was just...going to the market. To look at things," she replies, scanning around. This definitely looked like one of those.

"I'm from Theria. This is my first visit."
(Artemis Task)
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[23:31] Perhaps it was at her! While she sure as Hel sounded convincing... Well, it didn't exactly feel that way. Sudburians tended to know how to pick people out rather well.

"Weeelll… Ya found it, good job." He'd reply with a gentle nod-nod of his head. "S'somethin' different than Theria thankfully. Os feels a bit more compact than those snowtops."

It was his take at least. With a gentle shrug of his shoulders he'd chirrup, "Stavros though! Who are ya?"
(Stavros)
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[23:32] The beastkin doesn't look too far into it.

"Yes. Yes, I did," she says with her nose aloft. "It is very different. It's very...green, yes. And it smells strange."

Her nose twitches. Is that smell coming from the rat, or is it the city as a whole.

"I'm Lady Artemis Task. I was sure more people would know who I was."
(Artemis Task)
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[23:32] Acerbus yawns.
(Acerbus)
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[23:36] The smell was more than likely from the Razuka. Chemicals and sewage aren't exactly easy to get off oneself-- Especially if you live down there.

"Ain't it? S'better than that fuckin' Myllenoris place where people racially profile ya. Still can't believe they immediately assumed I worked with Demons 'cause I'm a Razuka…"

With a gentle shake of his head he'd cock a brow. "'n' nope! Neva heard of ya. S'nice ta meet'cha though." Placing his hand on his hips he'd click his tongue.

"What're ya tryin'a get from tha market though?"
(Stavros)
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[23:39] Barely, just barely Artemis suppresses a gag as she covers her mouth and nose with a well manicured hand.

"I've never been to Myllenoris. Don't think I'd care to. A bunch of savages trying to kill my family," she harrumphs.

"Glad we could fix that. Everyone should know who I am.

I don't know what I'm here for yet. Maybe some new clothes, jewelry. I haven't found anything I like." Nothing surely that suited her refined tastes.
(Artemis Task)
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[23:43] Seemingly unbothered by even the brief notion of a gag the alchemist's gaze drifts about the marketplace. Did any of them even sell necklaces or the likes..? He couldn't recall.

"Well glad we're both on 'un part of tha discussion already. Buncha knife-eared fucks can rot in a hole for all I care..." Stavros concluded with the tapping of his teeth.

"Wish ya luck in that search though. Ain't check most'a tha stalls in a while beyond my own. Still need'a bother my bud about gettin' a necklace made. Lazy fucker."

Letting a light snicker escape him the sienna beads fall back towards the Task. "That said if ya need cheap potions I sell 'em pretty low."
(Stavros)
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[23:44] "Anyone that is after my family's death can rot," she freely agrees, keeping her hand over her nose and mouth. Oh god that smell.

"I have time to look. I'm free to do as I like now that I can leave Theria. What kind of potions do you have?"

That's certainly caught her interest.
(Artemis Task)
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[23:46] "Well... Pretty much anythin' if I'm honest. Ya'd be 'sprised with tha amount of reagents I have ta work with. C'mon, I'll show ya tha stall 'n' we can move from there."

Motioning Artemis along he'd pivot on his heels to begin moving eastward. "Sell most of tha boostas at a standard price. If someone's buyin' in bulk I'd prolly lower it if I'm honest..."

Idle chit-chatter made should they follow.
(Stavros)
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[23:48] As Artemis follows behind him she outright pinches her nose.

"Is there anything you could make for your awful smell? What is that odor on you? Fireblooded above, you are trying to kill me..."
(Artemis Task)
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[23:50] A light scoff escapes the teen as he peers on back over his shoulder. "What about it? Tha Razuka came from tha sewers 'n' most of my stuff's down in 'em. I'm with a fairly large group 'n' we'd rather save our money than splurge on it."

"Rather have a fortune than be some blue blooded Nysean noble."

Sienna beads roll in their sockets as they arrive just before the stall. Motioning towards the wares he'd let out a huff. "Smell ain't botha me. Ain't mean I can't brew somethin' up ta deal with it-- I'm jus' doin what I want." Hooking a thumb he'd press it towards his chest.

"... I like bein' free. I ain't losin' Yersin's dream of livin' our lives freely."
(Stavros)
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[23:53] "Surely you could spare a few coins on perfume. Or soap," she bemoans, gagging dramatically. Her poor, sensitive nose. If she gets that stench on her finery there will be Hel to pay.

"Well. Being a Task, that's practically our motto. Being free to do what we like; hence why we decided it was better to fight those idiots from Myllenoris and Nysea."

Her slit eyes, those of a predator that cannot be hidden no matter how much fine garb she wears, scan over the shop's contents.
(Artemis Task)
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[23:56] "I could, I truly could. But what'd that change when it comes ta livin' down there? Savin' coin by livin' low?" Stavros retorted as his thumb left his chest. "'cause it ain't work, 'specially with my line of work. Ain't my issue if it bothers ya."

Why should it be? Crossing his arms against his second-hand suit he'd roll his shoulders. It's not the first time he's seen someone with those kinds of eyes-- His own held that yellow tinge amongst its sclera. Whilst she looked through the contents he'd scan the area about them-- Merely searching for the duo he knew that could very well be invisible.

He'd get there one day.

"... That said s'good ta hear othas like that way of life. We ain't live by laws 'n' rules where I'm from-- 'specially in tha group I'm runnin'. As long as we're doin' as we wish, when we want ta, then we're all happy down there."
(Stavros)
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[00:00] "You'd smell nicer. And maybe keep more customers," she reasons, plucking over a few bottles of pale white liquid. Artemis daintily takes the coins from her purse and makes the purchase.

"Might be willing to buy more of these, for example."

She sloshes the phial before she takes a sip.

"I do. It's the only way of life I know, hm? Anyone else that doesn't like it- that's simply too bad."

While she's new to the world outside of the mountain, where she is not as important as she thought she was, Artemis knows full well of her family's infamy.
(Artemis Task)
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[00:05] Rolling those sienna beads in their sockets he'd let out a huff. "Ya'd be 'sprised with how well tha stall's doin'. Got my group dealin' out flyers 'n' all... S'good shit." Watching those coins being forked over towards the vendor he'd chirrup soon after.

"It ain't matta how I appear. S'my skill that mattas."

Shuffling his cap off of his head he'd roll one hand along the edges of his round ears. Despite the holes cut in the apparel it always did make them a smidge sore.

"S'why I mug 'n' rob tha Nyseans most of tha time. I ain't lettin' 'em blue bloods get too comfortable jus' cause Yersin's passed away now. They deserve tha fear I'll strike inta 'em."

Holding a soft pause he'd let his arms cross against his chest, a soft smirk forming on his lips. "On tha notion of skills though, whaddya bring ta tha table as a Task? Fightin'? Craftin'? Or is ya only skill lookin' pretty?"
(Stavros)
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[00:13] "Maybe. Would still be doing better if you didn't smell like raw sewage," she quips. There's no holding back this Task's sharp tongue, which only pales in sharpness to those teeth of hers. As if to prove a point she only purchases one of the potions, swirling the dregs of it once its downed.

"Doesn't sound like a bad way to make money, I suppose. And show them that you're not to be trifled with."

The thought of it must appeal to her, because there's a light swish of that bottlebrush tail. All up until Stavros speaks again. Then she simply appears insulted.

"I'm more than looking pretty! Though I'm quite good at that too. I'm...finding out what I'm good at. Father's only just let me come down the mountain now."
(Artemis Task)
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[00:18] Insulted - It only brings about a light cackle from the Razuka. What would one expect? If they're to bite he'd bite right on back. Buck-teeth are on full display as an ear to ear grin spreads on his mug.

"Well even if ya find nothin' ya still got one thing down ta a tee! Ain't know of ya fatha, but... Seems like he did a decent job in raisin' ya. Fuck if I know though."

Light red gloved hands raise up as yet another shrug is cast upon them. It mattered little to him if they appeared angry - He was having fun. "My business is doin' well regardless of what I am. S'all that mattas ta me 'n' my family."

Shifting his tail behind him his ears seem to lean forward almost. Interest was obviously piqued with her final notion. "What do ya wanna do though? C'mon, ya gotta have plans-- Ya gotta have some magic ya interested in." He'd query happily.
(Stavros)
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[00:22] The rat is possesses of boundless cheer, while Artemis remains stodgy and stiff.

"He did. And I owe my family everything. I think we can at least agree on that much."

He all but dances around her and she bristles from the top of her ears to the tip of her tail.

"I- I don't know yet. Continuing the proud family name, of course. I don't know what else or how, other than that."

She owed them everything.
(Artemis Task)
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[00:25] She didn't know.

Standing there meant little to nothing to the Razuka now. Lips roll upwards a smidge as a grimace forms on his expression - Measured steps soon bringing him around Artemis as if inspecting her. Truth be told he wasn't... It was merely to bring more attention to his point.

"Ya don't know yet." He repeated, "Yeh, s'a dauntin' task! Carryin' on a family name 'n' givin' it more worth if not equal... Well, first steps absolutely gonna be gettin' strong."

Proclaiming such a statement brings him to a halt just beside her. One foot extends outwards to even push a stool aside to allow such a movement.

"So let's start there! What kinda magic ya got?" Stavros quizzed. Rather nosey for someone who'd just got jabbed at...
(Stavros)
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[00:28] If she weren't already stiff, she surely was now. She watches as the Razuka starts to circle her. How funny, a mouse circling a -

What even is she? The bottlebrush tail, the rounded ears. It's hard to tell.

"I know I can do it. I'm a Task," she proclaims, finally lowering her hand from over her nose and mouth. She is starting to slowly acclimate to the stench, even if it's still horrendous.

"Father showed me how to fight with me hands. And I know how to use my teeth and claws. I always have."
(Artemis Task)
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[00:32] A rat circling a... Kitsune? Ookami? Absolutely not a Felinae with that tail. Those were typically more slim... Right?

"Right! Ya a Task, so ya gotta be strong." Stavros reassured as his gloved hands are brought together in a singular clap. "Pugilism's good! Misha's a reaaaal good fuckin' brawler. I'll get that strength in time."

Cocky even in that short stature. Rubbing those hands of his together his brow began to knit tightly; Brainstorming was at least something he was decent at beyond his skill in alchemy.

"Does any kind'a magic interest ya then ta help ya fists?- Ain't know many Tasks beyond Hades. He's an alchemist too that I'm already caught up on recipe wise I believe." Cockiness seemed to mix into that cheerful aura ever still.
(Stavros)
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[00:37] No, not a felinae. Not with that bristly tail. Ookami or Kitsune? Her ears are a little off for that, rounded out to the side before coming to a point at their peak.

"Naturally. Misha? I think I saw her earlier before, making fun of that Nysean idiot. One of you, but with a metal tail?"

The rubbing of his little paws is foreboding. Like Hel she's going to let it disturb her though. Even if she is in wildly unfamiliar territory. A Task won't flinch in the face of this.

"I don't know. Other than fighting with my hands, I wasn't taught much. Fighting was for the boys....N-not that I can't fight!" she hastily defends.

"I know Revan and Father both have energy magic. And Valoran has his occultism."
(Artemis Task)
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[00:41] Glee seems to take over the small teen's frame even further. Were it not for the already disgusting smell about him one would more than likely get a bit queasy by now!

"Mhm! She's got a fancy tail. Someone cut it off but ah... She's givin' 'em Nyseans absolute Hel all times of tha day."

Artemis' defense draws out another light laugh from the alchemist however. "D'aw, someone got left out!" He'd chime, "S'alright! Jus' means ya gotta get hammerin' down on ya fightin' now. Not against me though... Far too strong for yaself."

… Was that a smug smile on his lips? Absolutely.

"Thaaat said... Maybe ya should be tha Task that strays from tha mold. Instead'a goin' energy magic alone maybe ya should masta an element."
(Stavros)
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[00:44] "So I saw. It's admirable. They should know their place," she says curtly. No, there's no love lost on their lot. Anyone that would oppose her family's reign on the mountaintop.

"I...I didn't get left out!" she yips. "I was taught in other things is all. More than fighting. I can always learn now."

There's a thought. She could go with an element. Though energy magic was certainly close at hand. Her tail wags contemplatively and one of her ears twitches.

"I suppose I could. Whatever brings glory to the name. And you don't look that impressive, honestly. Very small."
(Artemis Task)
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[00:48] "They absolutely should! Thaaat said though..." Stavros' smug smile only seems to grow as he continued, "It does sound like ya got left out! I'd be real fuckin' angry if I were ya. All that studyin' 'n' no playin'... Sounds like a borin' life!"

Lips pull back down into that carefree smile of his upon her last few comments however. Maybe she ended up striking a nerve after all...

"Razuka ain't get too tall y'know? Yersin was a good few inches above me from what I know... Somethin' like five foot six if I got that right." Tapping his lower lip he'd let a scoff pour from his lips.

"'n' if ya think I ain't impressive? Good. Keep thinkin' that. I'm far more dangerous than ya think. Ya wanna test that?" Lifting his hand from his lower lip he'd gesture towards the dojo at their west. "Ya more than free ta witness it first hand."
(Stavros)
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[00:52] "Boring? It wasn't all that boring. I've gotten whatever I wanted. I didn't do as much fighting as Revan, or Hades, or Valoran. Father wasn't as hard on me there."

Though with what Revan had said earlier, perhaps she was cheated, in a way. No. Nonsense. Her life has been good.

"Besides. Now I can prove I'm better, and smarter, and more clever. Then I'll get good at fighting, and be better at everything."

Though her first honest fight has proven that she is no great combatant, the stubborn Task won't refuse the challenge. She grins at him; her smile, with so many sharp teeth, leers at him.

"A fight it is then, little mouse."

Time for another beating today.
(Artemis Task)
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[00:58] "Well ya need ta start fast! Cause ya time's fleetin' eva since ya started talkin' ta me. So either use this ta help ya get betta or--… Wait, what do I care?" He seems to recoil, "Do as ya want!"

Regardless that leer is met with an equally pleased grin. Stubbornness was always admirable. It's what set the good Sudburians apart from the bad - The snitches from the true mobsters. Motioning her along towards the dojo he'd whilst a little tune.

"May be lil, but I pack a punch." Stavros commented as he pulled the rifle from about his back. Yanking the bolt back to clean it of any true bullets within its chamber he'd soon chime outwards.

"If ya wanna make any bets on winnin' this shit speak ya peace now! Regular lil scuffles get borin' y'feel?" Sienna beads lift from the chamber of his rifle. "Got any?"

Upon his last question a shroud of crimson began to seep out of cuts that formed along his body. Amongst the heavy stench of chemicals and sewage came the defining sting of iron... Blood was in the air.
(Stavros)
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[01:01] Stubborn is something she's got in her favor. Stubbornness and good looks, but that might not help her win the day reliably.

The beastkin rolls her shoulders and slips down into a simple fighter's stance, curling her claws and baring her terrible, crushing teeth. She looks like she maybe knows what she's doing. A little bit.

While she might have height on him, she's not possessed of a lot of muscle. It's a downside to that spoiled, lavish lifestyle she's had for so long. What might've been a wiry predator is now this pampered princess.

"Talk's cheap, little mouse!" she yips. Then she takes the advantage and begins with swipes of her manicured claws.
(Artemis Task)
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[01:04] No bets, no wagers? So disappointing... He at least wanted something interesting to happen today!

Well, this was interesting in the least.

As the Task yips and rushes in he'd let out a little cackle. Shouldering his rifle she'd soon meet the full brunt of his magic-- Beyond, of course, the flow of crimson between the duo time seemed to shift at his whim.

Time magic, how annoying...
(Stavros)
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[01:05] {Lost Restrained RPB against Stavros}
[01:12] Was the reckless charge what she should've done though? Sienna beads remain wide as Artemis swung first with her claws. If not for his short stature and speed alone she just may have snagged a good jab at his chin there!

Time, though, was held by strings in the alchemist's hands. Green mana surged forth from the rifle as it made initial contact with the Task. Already movements for the poor Beastkin may feel slowed if not weaker during their little scuffle.

"C'mon dear fox! Thought ya'd be a lil fasta than this!" Stavros taunted, "Are ya really gonna be talkin' this strongly of yaself when ya can barely land a blow?~"

Clenching down upon the barrel a few minor cuts seem to form upon Artemis' upper arms. It's only then that she may feel the sudden yank upon the forming beads of crimson. They streak through the air, right into the barrel of the Sudburian's rifle before--

BLAM!

Dull darts of hardened crimson ichor slam into their chest. Whether it's enough to stagger or completely sweep them off their feet was up to their fortitude. Positively beaming with that smug, cocky aura of his Stavros closes the gap between them slowly.

"Aaaas I said! I talk tha talk 'n' walk tha walk... So how was it lil fox?" Lips peel wide in a smirk as a gloved hand is offered forth.
(Stavros)
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[01:22] She's got fire, she's got spirit, but those two alone are not enough to win the day. The rat and his time on the mean streets trumps the domesticated- whatever the Hel she is.

Normally she's so much faster, more agile, yet time slows and all becomes like molasses. Artemis can't quite seem to catch the little mouse in her claws.

He takes her very own blood, draws it into his rifle, and manages to pelt her with it square into her sternum. It knocks her clean off her feet. One moment her eyes are on her opponent. The next? They're on the ceiling.

"I..." she chokes out, wheezing. Defiant.

"I...am not. A fox."

The beastkin swats away the offered hand. No. She's determined to rise on her own steam, just like with the first smack down she'd gotten in Theria.
(Artemis Task)
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[01:27] A pleased hum is held in his throat as his hand is swatted away. Tempermental! Those people were always fun to poke around at and that was the case especially now.

"Well if ya not a fox... Then ya an Ookami, right?"

Tilting his own chin upwards a bit he'd stare down upon her as long as he could. If she was rising? So be it, but he wanted to get that one last insulting jab towards her. Despite being small the teen knew his strength.

He'd never let anyone forget that.

"Eitha way ya gotta get a move on with this stuff Arty." Placing the rifle back onto its sling upon his back his arms would furl against his chest. "'n' I'm sure ya will- No, I know ya will. Cause ya got tha right kinda moxie for it."

"Ya also got my potions but-- That's a side note. Ya gotta find a path ta take beyond ya family's immediate magic. Make yaself unique, y'know?"
(Stavros)
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[01:31] Temperamental, stubborn, just the sort of person to find the ratkin so irksome. No doubt much to his delight.

"I'm not an Ookami either, no," she corrects, staggering up to stand and trying to rearrange her clothing properly.

"I'll move on with it just fine, thank you very much, little mouse."

Moxie she's got in spades. No doubt about that.

"Now...I think my father and brothers are getting back form Ifraheim. I'm going home."
(Artemis Task)
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[01:35] "Then what are ya? C'mon now, ya can't be keepin' me in tha dark like this... S'borin'! I wanna know." He'd press on as he stood upon the tips of his toes - An attempt made to get a better look at those ears.

It had to be Ookami… Right?

A low hum is held in his throat before a light "Tuh…" escapes between his lips. "Ya are tellin' me next I meet'cha… Or next time ya owe me. Now ya got me way too curious."

That in itself was a dangerous thing - For whatever party was still up in the air.

"Buuuut I 'spose I'll let'cha get back ta 'em. Ya betta come on back down sometime though alright? S'borin' 'round here these days-- Need some excitement like yaself here." Ushering a warm smile on his lips he'd plop back down to his heels.

"Fair? We can work out adeal on boostas if that interests ya further."
(Stavros)
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[01:40] Now it's Artemis' turn to be smug, she starts for the door and flashes him that satisfied smile over her shoulder. It's dampened only by the fact that she's still bruised. Yowch.

The ears do resemble something closer to Ookami, pointed at the very top, but far, far too round on their sides than any other of the wolf beastkin.

"I don't owe you anything. Maybe you'll find out when I come back. I suppose I'll need more potions." That at least would put her closer to on even playing field with her would-be-foes.

"Yes. That sounds fair. I'll need plenty. Yours look like the cheapest. You'll have my business for now."
(Artemis Task)
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[01:40] Stavros exclaims, "Pfff! Sounds good ta me! Safe travels up ta Theria Arty!"
[01:40] Artemis Task says, "And safe travels to...whatever awful smelling hole you live in."