Nokamata: Initial Recruiting

[11:50] Through the roads she wandered, using a walking cane to support her weight. A passing glance at her right leg would reveal all a curious soul would have to know. Stitches lined cauterized scar tissue: an ugly mess by now, but stable.

A sigh as she hobbled along, but soon quiet.
"Hm?" she hummed, sifting her gander across the trees.
"Is there someone there?" she wasn't used to being so vulnerable. Certainly it wasn't something she was fond of.
(Selena Nokamata)
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[11:55] Whistling to himself, the young dragon slowly made his way towards the quarry near Osrona. He didn't really care who claimed to own which hole in the ground or not; any mine he could reach was fair game in his slitted eyes.

A strange clicking sound from up ahead broke his reverie, as he regarded a young woman who was peering towards the trees. A cane clutched in one hand would reveal the source of the noise he'd heard, a healing injury upon her leg facilitated the use of the device to help her walking.

"Hello there," he called out, waving a hand towards her. "Is it really safe for you to be out by yourself like that?" he asked, canting his head to one side. "Not that it's any of my business." he added with a shrug.
(Morden)
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[11:59] "Heheh…" the woman couldn't help but to crack up, "It's almost as though you noticed the stab wound." she prodded with a smile. Sarcasm? No, it felt too lighthearted.
"Of course not. Just as it isn't safe for you to be out here either." she claimed.

"All sorts of demons and witches that could take advantage of a wandering soul like yourself." The woman's eyes digressed to trail off into the tree line. "But a girl's gotta make some coin... and heaven's know I'm tired of struggling on the streets of Osrona. Tired of being... " she paused for words...

"Disregardable."
(Selena Nokamata)
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[12:06] Scoffing, he shook his head slightly as one hand fell to rest idly on his sword's hilt. Not because he intended to use it, however, but simply because it was a physical sign of the strides he'd already made.

"You're not the first person to tell me that, but I still refuse to sit idly in sheltered cities." he stated, his brow furrowing as she went on.

"If it's coin you want to make, I could always hire you on to help me? I've made a habit of visiting the mines scattered around with some regularity, and having someone else along will make it go more quickly."

Realizing he was getting too far ahead of himself, the young dragon simply rubbed his right hand on his trousers as he approached. "I'm Morden." he said, extending a hand that was surprisingly large for his age.
(Morden)
[12:15] Then, the departure of yet another passerby...
As far as Selena was concerned, it was only them two in these woods.
She pushed herself upright a bit with her walking cane, taking another step closer.

In this closer proximity, did her eyes... Shine? It wasn't too drastic, in fact one could say the sun had an interesting angle against them at such an early point in the morning. Her eyes seemed to hone in on Morden's more youthful own, as though to find an answer lying behind them.

Intrigued, perhaps?

"You seem a bit young to be hiring folks." she acknowledged, "Though, it's certainly a strong trait to say the least. I suppose it's best to grow fast in a world like this."

It should've been a tad bit chillier at this hour, right? Why did it feel warmer? It was a quiet inclination, almost as though someone took their time to approach a fireplace for warmth. It also seemed to cradle at the teenager - only soon after complimented with the scent of citrus, presumably clung to Selena's person.

"Morden, is it? I admit I'm impressed. Though, it must be rather tiresome running around to a new mine every so often, huh?" she advanced yet another step.

"Selena." she introduced.
(Selena Nokamata)
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[12:26] The dragon did not flinch as she approached, nor did the heat radiating from her person seem to concern him. He regarded her calmly, meeting her gaze without reservation. Clearly there wasn't much that would perturb him.

One arm emerged from beneath his cloak to flick unruly blond tresses from across his eye, a faint smirk tugging at his mouth's edge.

"Well, most adults are too preoccupied with the war. Since I'm not involved in it directly, I figured this would be a good way for me to use my time wise and make money."

The smell that clung to her wasn't unpleasant, he himself likely smelled like the musky tunnels that he often frequented.

"Not any more tiresome than sitting in cities dreading the future like so many other people I've met." he hissed, a bit more venom behind his tone than he'd intended for. "Wouldn't you agree, Selena?"
(Morden)
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[12:37] Despite whatever stench may've clung to the boy, Selena didn't seem to even notice them - at least, she didn't act on it.
"Hmm..." she hummed, "I can't say I didn't do that, once upon a time." advancing yet again with her cane, as though to get a closer look at this stranger.

"I'm also not big into politics, so rushing into war to die for people I don't know isn't exactly my idea of a good time." The venom in their tone certainly was paused on, clearly thought about… But no explicit claim on came to light.

"Of course."
Eyes broke from Morden's once again, digressing for the woodlands due northeast.

"Which is why I plan on staking my claim at some point." a bold declaration.
"Though, I know I could never dream of doing it myself. It seems as though fate herself would have me stumble upon you, another person intent on seeing their own growth." Her head was turned due northeast, but her eyes found Morden's own yet again.

"Say..." her lips curling for a more mischievous tone. "Have you ever wanted to ensure a source in income, without needing to hunt for it? Sure, it comes with its own thrill but, it doesn't quite have that..." she moved with her free hand for a broad, vague gesture - only to clasp the hands into a tight fist.

"Guarantee? Stability... Power. Yes, power." she settled on a term, pivoting to face Morden entirely now.

"I've been teetering on the idea of mining now, but I hate the idea of having to find a new mine, and contest with others."
Another step closer...
This time, the woman's gander seemingly scaled the boy entirely as though to capture their every detail... But why? What was there to gain from this? What exactly was her intent?

"What do you think?" she finally asked of Morden, settling her sights of his blade. "You're likely hardened by the roughness of this wilderness in your ventures, wouldn't you like to stake your claim as well? Be a step above the rat-race thousands that cry in the stale daily of the cities?"
(Selena Nokamata)
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[12:52] This woman was quite interesting at the very least. She had a spine to her, and aspirations in spite of the injury that currently plagued her. Their political views were similar, as he didn't fancy the idea of dying in a stranger's war especially when his homeland was involved on the opposing side.

Even if Theria had been stupid enough to allow demons into their midst. Osrona as well. Ridiculous. It was like inviting a grizzly bear into your cabin and expecting it to behave itself.

"Stake your claim, on what?" he asked, narrowing his eyes as he loomed over her, stroking his chin thoughtfully for a moment. Her mischievous glance is met with his typical stoic expression, although his eyes seemed a bit more focused than before.

"And while the idea of getting rich without effort does have its own appeal, that would likely lead me to become complacent and that's something I can't abide."

Clawed fingers drummed onhis sword's hilt as he pondered, noticing she was looking at it. Was she trying to butter him up? A strange approach but not surprising. If you didn't have the coin to buy allies you'd have to use other means. Charms and honeyed words were two such alternatives.

"I've still got a ways to go in terms of my own strength, but at least I can hear you out." Leaning in closer to her ear to offer one hushed addendum.

"I hope this doesn't prove to be a waste of time."
(Morden)
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[13:08] "Our claim" she corrected, "in this world... Aren't you tired of being considered replaceable? A nobleman's resource? If anything, aren't their tools and playthings for matters concerning their war. Yet, it's the city folk that is entirely content with that..." She pivoted her stance if only to put less weight on her wounded leg and center the walking cane before her with arms balancing at its topside.

"Though of course, it wouldn't be without effort." she assured, "Nothing grande in this world is." her tone took a dip for a far more solemn stance.
She was no longer trying to coo to him, but motivate - hype them up even.
"You told me you travel around to mine materials for coin, yes?" she asked of the boy.

"So tell me, why hire people like myself to simply join you in constant wandering... Contesting with others likely faster, or stronger... Or even just praying to be lucky?"

"--when you can round up with others, to simply -take- a mine. No one would officially know." she grinned, "so, of course, no city-state would rush to our detriment."

"Word might spread, but by time that should come up we should be well enough off. Think about it..."

"You, me... Maybe another two in tow? Two taking guard outside of a cave entrance, another two mining and patrolling the interior? Then, to take it a step further, once the cave has been mined out, we send a runner to a nearby village, sell it all, put it towards the pool and everyone gets paid. Sure, they'll be long hours, but..."
She chuckled, "I'm certain there's bound to be a rowdy soul or two that tries to force their way in. Surely, enough reason to test one's resolve? When we're not mining, we could absolutely train those not on guard duty. Though, it's not without its risks."

She had gotten a little closer, close enough that a hand was reached out for the boy's shoulder - assuming he's let her rest her touch.
"That said, I'm certain it'd be anything but complacency..."
(Selena Nokamata)
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[13:19] Morden didn't say much, waiting to hear her piece in its entirety before saying anything. So she wanted to claim a mine for themselves? It wasn't an entirely unsound idea; with the cities busy with the war efforts for the most part they would be not easily able to deal with their presence.

However, there were still countless magi in the world who would likely not have any trouble besting him as he was now. His left hand clenched into a fist, cords of muscle tightening beneath the folds of his cloak.

"There is a small cave in the desert that could likely suit this purpose. It would likely be easier to take hold of instead of the ones on Mount Tarian or in Nysea." he murmured, tapping his foot against the stone beneath. By now she'd approached him reaching a small hand for his shoulder; could she even reach it given the height difference and her injury?

"Basically you want to be brigands, is that it? To steal from those you think have too much already? But why should I change my ways now? The approach I've had has allowed me to afford basically everything I need in life. To top it off, I've had to endure no risk upon my personage while I lack the strength to assert myself martially."

Broad arms folded across his chest, waiting for her input. He wasn't about to march into some hair-brained scheme, but he had to admit there was a certain charm to the simplicity of it. Even if they'd likely just end up in a cell for their troubles, or maybe at the end of a chopping block if they made the wrong people angry.

But in a world where demons could steal their livelihoods away at any moment, was it really worth worrying about the consequences?
(Morden)
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[13:24] "I didn't expect ro meet you so soon." He chuckled seeing the strange woman from before. "How've you been? Is your leg better now?" He asked, chewing a match between his teeth.
(Romulus Aethern)
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[13:30] "Hm? Oh, no-no-no... I'm no petty thief."
The height difference was staggering, from a teenager? What was in the food they were eating? Why hadn't she noted this earlier?
"In fa--" she was cut off by the arrival of yet another, though this time it was a voice she recognized. Her reassuring hand drifted from the general shoulder-region she could hardly reach, back for her cane which now was used to pivot herself.

"Oh? Likewise." she claimed, "Though, it seems fate wouldn't have it any other way." The grin on her face seemed all the more bit confident now. "Though, " Despite this, her voice took a dip in tone, "I can't say it has." she claimed, allowing her pivot to further accentuate her injury. At the least, it wasn't as fresh as it was before.
"--but I'll do just fine. Speaking of which, your timing couldn't be more perfect." Her eyes digressed to find Morden's once more.

"As I was saying, no - Not a brigand, but... An independent faction." she'd clarify, "With our own goals in mind. In this case, the accumulation of wealth. I'm certain as time goes onward, we can choose between going our separate ways, or finding a much more defined purpose. Until then? Financial gain, is that purpose... Not from the pockets of the common man, but through our own merit."

A pause...

"By force, if we have to..."
(Selena Nokamata)
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[13:36] Stavros pauses on his path northbound. There's a light smile that forms on his expression as he eyes the small gathering-- Ultimately, however, he'd remain posted where he was.
(Stavros)
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[13:37] He couldn't help but grin, at least she didn't want to resort to petty thievery. Although taking claim of an owned mine for their own purposes did count as stealing even if she didn't want to see it that way.

Romulus is regarded with a nod but little else, although it seemed that he and Selena knew one another.

"If it's wealth you're after I have something in mind for if the war goes favorably, and while it would take longer the end result would likely be more lucrative than your proposition." he said, canting his head to one side.

"Although I'm not against training and growing alongside this group of yours if you're able to form one. But I intend to try and establish a Tradesman's guild. All of the best and brightest artificers, enchanters, and alchemists all gathered under one banner. Rather than having people try to squabble over vendor spaces in cities, imagine if you could go to one place and find any and everything you could possibly need!"
(Morden)
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[13:46] Aethern took a few steps forward, waving at the man they encountered in the tavern just a day ago, yet his smile slowly faded as he heard about her injury. He was hoping it wasn't infection, the surgery wasn't that hygienic after all. His look only grew more and more worried as he heard about her being... A mercenary? He immedietaly got flashbacks from the dreams of the man he dreamt about. He cringed, feeling his head hurt from that inception.

The sudden thought passed his mind. He too needed support of some sort of a group after all. "You mean... My timing?" Romulus asked, after Selena ended her speech. He started to grow curious about this organization.

(Romulus Aethern)
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[13:47] Selena Nokamata says, "Oh, that does sound interesting indeed! A part of me was somewhat thinking about the idea of completing jobs for coin, but I'm hardly the war-type as I mentioned before.... So it couldn't be something as open as say... Mercenary work."
[13:47] Selena Nokamata says, "--and yes, your timing..."
[13:47] Selena Nokamata says, "I was actually thinking about starting a new project."
[13:47] Selena Nokamata says, "Nothing classless like petty theft mind you."
[13:48] Stavros says, "Pfff... Actin' like s'classless."
[13:48] Stavros snickers from the peanut gallery.
(Stavros)
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[13:48] Selena Nokamata asks, "Something grander. I don't quite like the idea of tying myself up in another man's polit-- Hm?"
[13:48] Selena Nokamata says, "Huh? I didn't even see you over there."
[13:48] Morden says, "Don't worry about them."
[13:49] Stavros says, "All good! S'hard ta see lil ol' me sometimes. S'not too bad a skill ta have."
[13:49] Morden says, "Just know that I have plans for Starfall since the space is all but abandoned."
[13:49] Selena Nokamata says, "I envy that skill. Though, as I was saying before. To rob someone of their coin? It feels... Rough... Brutish, unclean."
[13:49] Selena Nokamata says, "There's a classier way to go about things."
[13:50] Selena Nokamata says, "An -art- to these things."
[13:50] Stavros says, "... Feels pretty normal ta me. Maybe ya jus' ain't doin' it right."
[13:51] Morden says, "And odd jobs aren't a bad starting point but you have to look past that."
[13:51] Stavros says, "Tolls, undercuttin', cuttin' pockets-- S'all classy if ya in tha right settin'."
[13:51] Stavros asks, "Why should tha bluebloods hog all tha coin, y'know?"
[13:51] Sylvannas exclaims, "Or...right mindstate!"
[13:51] Sylvannas asks, "...Aren't you rich Stavros?"
[13:51] Selena Nokamata asks, "Hm? What of you Romulus? What do you think about it? Claiming land for ourselves so that we can gather a nice profit?"
[13:52] Stavros says, "-- Yeh, thank ya Syl... 'n' no, not yet."
[13:52] Selena Nokamata says, "No need to deprived a soul of coin. In fact, all of ours would be hard earned."
[13:53] Morden couldn't help but grin to himself. What had been a passing idea that he'd considered while jogging past Starfall for the umpteenth time, knowing that there were at least a few individuals he could work alongside towards this goal helped to make it seem a bit more plausible.
(Morden)
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[13:57] Romulus was raised an eybrow at the project, a glimmer of interest. "What is it? And why do you need me?" Her explanation hit him like a truck. A truck of gummy bears. Roma. The Industrial Empire his father dreamt of. The opportunity to claim the no man's land. "Count me in!" He shouted, not thinking much more of it and hit his chest with a loud thud of his chestplate. Yet deep inside, a doubt creeped over him. They were discussing the art of theft seconds ago after all...
(Romulus Aethern)
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[13:57] Morden says, "Hmm."
[13:58] Morden says, "I suppose I should spread the word."
[13:58] Morden says, "At least for my own plans."
[13:59] Selena Nokamata says, "Hm, of course. We need one more member to make it... functional, to say the least."
[13:59] Morden says, "Well, someone will come along sooner or later."
[14:00] Selena shifts her focus over to Starvos and co.
(Selena Nokamata)
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[14:00] Selena Nokamata says, "Yes, someone may."
[14:00] Stavros just continues to hold that simple smile.
(Stavros)
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[14:01] Stavros asks, "So where ya plannin' on settin' up all'a this exactly?"
[14:03] Sylvannas was seemingly staring in a random direction with his eyes glazed over just a smidge.
(Sylvannas)
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[14:05] Morden idly glanced towards the voice that just chimed in, a Razuka by the looks of things. They had shrewd minds but were untrustworthy if rumors held any truth. His dealings with them were limited so he couldn't form a clear opinion.

"Starfall Tower was likely the area I intended to host my idea. It's smack dab in the middle of nearly everything, and it has more than enough space to support large gatherings of people. I don't think it gets much use these days anyway, so it's just gathering dust."
(Morden)
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[14:09] Stavros seemed simple, sure, but the stench of alchemy and the sewers were always something to raise alarm bells on. There's a light tilt of his hat towards the trio as the peanut gallery finally places themselves on the table.- Well, one of them on the table.

Poor Sylvannas…

"Mmmm… S'a nice spot. Lotta foot traffick- Well, sorta. Depends on who ya are 'n' what'cha doin' mostly." One hand rose to give a wishy-washy motion as he continued. "I usually go there ta get ta the desert quicker. Thaaaat said though... S'prolly gonna be somethin' ya gotta talk ta Myllie 'bout."

Sienna beads scan the few for a moment or two before he chimes, "Ya all got an alchemist supplier yet?" Business, business... Always had to get into business.
(Stavros)
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[14:11] Sylvannas exclaims, "Oh!"
[14:11] A dragon talking shop with a rat. Of all the things he never expected to happen in his lifetime, this was one of them.

"Can't say that I do. I know a few alchemists, and a painfully small number of artificers unfortunately. What's your name? I don't have much time to talk now but I wouldn't be opposed to meeting later."
(Morden)
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[14:11] Sylvannas exclaims, "I'm-....i'll see you all later I must go heal someone!"
[14:11] Stavros exclaims, "See ya Syl!"
[14:11] Sylvannas exclaims, "If you guys need a doctor...just come find me!"
[14:14] Surely, there was a sense of concern lying under all of this. It was without a doubt in her mind that this individual was a part of Osrona's militia. Thus, it wasn't too far fetched that they'd report her to the proper authorities - especially if her efforts got in their way.

At least, that's how she rationalized it.
She opened her mouth to speak, but the other two seemed more than intent to speak up on her behalf... On -their- behalf. The thought of such put a grin on her face, retracting her digit back to her lips, prodding... thinking...
scheming.

"I'm certain it won't hurt 'Myllie' at all. Besides, the last thing I want is to draw any unwanted attention so early on." Then, came the mention.
"Though... An alchemic supplier?" Her eyes wandered through space, truly thinking on the implications and benefits they'd miss out on otherwise.
"I can't say we do, to my knowledge." she claimed, eyes finding the razuka once more.

"They go by 'Starvos' if memory serves me right." she spoke out to Morden. "A member of the... Vigilant?" It was almost as though she was unsure, paying special attention to the cap they wore.


(Selena Nokamata)
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[14:16] "Good." He said, nodding at Morden. Yet deep inside he scolded himself for not saying his plans out loud. He then shifted his gaze towards the strangers that were mere bystanders seconds ago.

"I'm getting bad vibes from this guy... And I don't think we should be recruiting complete strangers just yet." Aethern whispered. Was that a hypocrisy? They met each other yesterday, but at least he started to feel somewhat safe in her company.


(Romulus Aethern)
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[14:22] On edge - How could he blame them? Beady eyes watch Romulus as they whisper. Turning on his heels for a moment he'd give the elder Razuka a big ol' squeezing hug. He didn't know if they were hurt or not, but family was family even still.

"Well! Name's Stavros, s'pleasure ta meet'cha." Pulling his frame away from Misha he'd address Morden first. "I got connections ta a few things if ya need armor 'n' stuff done. Jus' gimme tha word 'n' some coin 'n' we'll see what we can do."

Grinning from ear to ear those buck teeth are soon turned towards Selena. "Oh, I know it won't hurt Myllie I'm jus' sayin' they might get a lil uppity 'bout someone settin' up shop so close by, y'know?" One hand rolled forth before he continued.

"That said though... Yeh, I'm Stavros. Part'a tha Vigilant but I ain't do much work if I'm honest! Jus' supply 'em with their potions 'n' nothin more." Giving a gentle shrug he'd add in, "I help where I'm best at."

"If ya want maybe we can talk shop 'bout gettin' some potions for ya. Got jus' 'bout everythin' in my lil head."
(Stavros)
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[14:25] Mish seemed to waddle up out of nowhere, arm around the younger rat with a spare glance throw at the trio just over the way.. A puff of smoke was sent their way, not much in terms of words for today from the mafiosa. - Mere squeaked whispers to the littler one.

Though she does throw up a half-hearted wave there, Stavros was doing his part well and good.
(Misha)
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[14:28] Romulus Aethern whispers: I smell trouble... Don't give them details.
[14:29] Morden peered skyward; he'd got so caught up in talking about his plans he had totally let himself lose track of time!

"We'll have to talk more later." he said, his attention flicking from Stavros and Misha to Selena and Romulus. "If you'll excuse me."

With that he'd move to amble off towards the nearby quarry, grinning deviously to himself once he'd disappeared from sight. The gears of his design started to slowly churn forward even sooner than anticipated; he'd expected to have to work much harder to find individuals interested in his endeavors.
(Morden)
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[14:40] Aethern glared at the duo, crossing his arms. Connections... He didn't like that word. Not one bit. If they were to be independent, they really shouldn't be asking for outside help. Especially these people. He already pictured all the hidden debts and threats coming their way. Yet he said nothing, barely whispered something to the woman beside him. On that note, he also should get more info out of her.

"Stay safe, pardner." He said to the man from the tavern before returning his gaze towards the couple. Yes, telling them anything about their plans at this point sounded like suicide. Only worse. Romulus was hoping to not get in trouble with these two.

He nodded at the offer of potion, yet his squint remained. "Thank you for the offer sir, we'll... Think about it." 'Stay neutral, stay neutral.' Those words were repeating in his head like a mantra. As his face remained expressionless, he started to feel small driplets of cold sweat forming on his back. "But you know... I don't think we'll be setting up anything for now." He'd shrug. "For now we're just a group of friends hanging out together." A small smile appeared on his face. He then whispered something, not even opening his mouth.
(Romulus Aethern)
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[14:41] Romulus Aethern whispers: Let's get out of here
[14:50] Selena heard the whispered suggestions, smiled in reverence but did not visibly reply. In fact, it seemed as though they were determined with their next course of action.
"Potions would be great, of course." she claimed, "Though, the others are right. If anything, it was just an idea, not much beyond it yet. So, nothing concrete." Alas, a genuine smile - at least, it appeared to be so.

"I take it it'd be incredibly profitable for us both. Yourself, an alchemist... and us? … A type of 'Revolutionary'." she claimed. Though, given the discussion thus far, it sounded far less moving than the term 'revolutionary' implied.
Surely, they were off their rocker... Or a dreamer...
That was up for the many to decide.

"That said, Starvos and co? I was well met, but I should get going to really feel about the idea. Maybe, it'll turn entirely... Maybe, not at all. Resources and environment are deciding factors after all." She started on her way further north, using her cane to support her weight along the way, one careful step at a time.

"Coming, Romulus?" she asked of the man soon to be behind her, before passing another glance at the razuka. "I'll see you in Osrona, if I ever have a need of your potions though!"
(Selena Nokamata)
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