NPC Stats
Samarta: HP = 54, PP = 67, EP = 67, Status = Fine, Pregnant
Inka: HP = 51, PP = 61, EP = 44, Status = Fine
Rebecca: A coon. A fluffy fluffy coon.
Orgrosh: Fine
Sarah: Fine
"Probably Therion then," Orgrosh grunted solemnly," hopefully they didn't run into trouble in the Pass of Ghosts. That's some pretty rough territory, and even a couple of demons could have trouble making it through. Especially considering that Cory was... Errr, her condition at the time. That was still a thing, right?" The orc woman's mannerisms at discussing Cory became slightly awkward, no doubt due to the fact that she was speaking of the fact that the half-demon had been carrying Bakan's child when she'd been sent to Therion.
"Yes," Sarah would say after Bakan's exclamation, "but, we might seem a bit... Odd, if all of us go at once. We do stand out! It might be best if just you and I go, since we look the most... Normal." Samarta frowned at this suggestion, as did Inka, but Orgrosh quickly supplied; "She isn't wrong, and she means no offense by it. We've been through issues like this before." Samarta, still frowning, would nonetheless sigh and say; "Well, what are the rest of us supposed to do then? Just stand around out here getting glared at?"
Shaking her head, Orgrosh replied; "We've got a room at an inn run by a guy who doesn't mind people who aren't human. We can stay there and wait for Bakan and Sarah to get back." She would glance at Rebecca on Bakan's shoulder, "it, uhhhh, might be best if she stays with us too. Walking around with a raccoon on your shoulders is... Kind of conspicuous."
Orgrosh would likely seek to think otherwise about continuing her words. Right after she said, 'hopefully they don't-' he suddenly put his hand on her shoulder and looked at her square in the eyes. "Please, Orgrosh." he said, trembling slightly. "I feel that if you say any more, you may deal the final blow." he said, looking quite distraught over the idea of Cory and Rhep in danger.
Though Sarah would thankfully distract Bakan, who would look worriedly to his friends. "Be extra careful, and don't be afraid to trust Orgrosh. She's a good friend of mine as well, even if we did have a bit of a rough start..." Bakan idly thought to her riding him in the rough and lewd way that she did, held by his ankles while she shifted her hips up and down, pounding her ass against his scrotum while her pussy sucked his cock inside... And then Bakan punched her in the face. And then they were friends. 'Somehow, it made more sense when I didn't think about it.' Bakan concluded. His wings were pink, and then quickly white again. "Either way, she fought by my side to help protect the precious lives of others, and that's good enough for me. I accept full responsibility for her actions," he said, nodding to Inka and Samarta, in hopes that they understood that Orgrosh was a good friend.
Though Orgrosh's regard couldn't be left alone when directed at Rebecca. "This is no mere raccoon, Orgrosh. This is a woman!" he declared respectfully to Rebecca. "Take care of her, and don't feed her scraps. Her name is Rebecca. She's a very nice girl." he declared, before letting Rebecca go over to Orgrosh's shoulder if she wished. He wouldn't have her walking around the streets, liable to be stepped upon. "If it looks like she wants to speak, get a paper and quill, and write out the alphabet. She'll spell out her message." he instructed. "... I'll also explain that later... Though it involves me being very stupid." he said honestly with regards to his agreement to punish a goddess, before inquiring as to whether or not who he was punishing was a goddess.
After Rebecca, Orgrosh, Inka, and Samarta were off to the hotel, Bakan joined with Sarah, walking beside her. "You're a very intelligent woman, Sarah." Bakan said with a smile. "I wouldn't have thought to walk with just the two of us to help maintain appearances. Though there's no helping my wings..." he frowned, looking back, and finding them to be blue, which bothered him a bit, before they became white again.
NPC Stats
Samarta: HP = 54, PP = 67, EP = 67, Status = Fine, Pregnant
Inka: HP = 51, PP = 61, EP = 44, Status = Fine
Rebecca: A coon. A fluffy fluffy coon.
Orgrosh: Fine
Sarah: Fine
Orgrosh would show surprise at Bakan's interruption, but would then opt to discontinue the dark suppositions she had been about to make upon seeing the expression on his face.
"Alright," Samarta would reply when Bakan told them to trust Orgrosh, "if you trust her, I suppose I should too!" Inka would no her agreement, and despite again noticing the brief shift in color of his wings and frowning slightly at the implication, they would calmly move to join Orgrosh while Bakan went to walk off with Sarah.
Before he did so, however, Orgrosh and Sarah would seem surprised at his outburst following the orc's reference to Rebecca as her apparent species. The raccoon would, nonetheless and albeit somewhat hesitantly, walk over to Orgrosh's shoulders and cling to the orc's armor. "Uhhh... Well alright then," Orgrosh replied to his commands regarding her care, and would glance uncertainly at the chittering raccoon before shrugging lightly and bidding Bakan goodbye. Samarta would do the same, and then they would be off to their separate directions.
As they walked close together through the town, Sarah would break out into an absolutely stunning smile that she would gracefully turn upon him at his compliment, an expression of delight that he had never seen upon the face of the angel that she so resembled. She looked extremely young then, and full of life and joy in a way that the often serious Ashloriel had never been as far as Bakan had known her, though that wasn't to say that his adoptive mother had been a dour sort. Ashloriel had been a grown woman, and had possessed a surety and confidence and dignity that Sarah was too young to replicate as yet, but the younger formerly human woman had her own qualities to make up for that lack. "Oh, you are too kind sir!" she said brightly in return, "it isn't true, oh it isn't! I really am very daft sometimes, I just... Well, occasionally I guess I must get something right, right?"
She would, upon seeing the distress upon his face at seeing his wings briefly turned blue, close the distance between them and slide an arm between his. She was quite warm, and the barrier provided by both of their clothes ensured that none the slime that she secreted could get onto his skin. "Don't worry too much about that," Sarah would say evenly as she walked along, offering the comfort of her proximity and the surety of her voice, "everyone knows about angels, even if people are superstitious. It was really that we were with so many odd folks, with Ser Orgrosh and your friends. When it's just the two of us together we look almost normal, even though I'm... Not actually human anymore."
The closing statement came with a swirl of emotions in the young woman's voice, but it was certainly a break from her confidence and cheer. As they walked along, Bakan would notice that the looks had most definitely become both slightly less common and decidedly less hostile. He no longer had a group of angry guards trailing him, for one, and now the children who briefly followed after them mostly looked in open awe upon his shining white wings.
Eventually, they would arrive at Brightearth Plaza, a grand place to be sure. It was crowded with bustling people who mostly ignored them in favor of their own business, leaving Bakan feeling less gawked at to be sure despite the denser crowd. The buildings here were massive, including a grand opera house, the governor's palace, a number of modest mansions, and a great bazaar centered around a large marble fountain with the stone figures of a group of imperial guardsmen marching in formation to watch scowling over the populace. The addresses were all listed, but it was an office building that sat off of the main plaza itself that Sarah led him to.
Inside, Bakan would find a building that felt oddly lived in and homey, and would feel welcomed within it even though the receptionist's desk, a slightly rickety construction that was cluttered with papers that nearly covered the small bell used to signal for service. The left hand wall had a window that allowed daylight to stream inside, but on the right wall there was a board covered in pictures, photos or drawings of people who were apparently missing. It was absolutely covered, with no empty space at all and many posters trying to edge over each other for attention, and some of them looked fairly old. When he opted to ring the bell or if he waited a few moments and let Sarah do it, a man's voice would call out from the doorway behind the desk; "Just a minute!" A few moments later a handsome young man with dark hair clad in somewhat shabby but oddly nice clothing would appear, offering a welcoming smile to both Bakan and Sarah. "Hello! I'm David, what can I help you two with?" he asked as he sat down at the desk, folding his hands and maintaining his friendly smile. Sarah would give a small step back and allow Bakan to do the talking after offering the young man a friendly smile of her own.
As they walked, Bakan took a moment to think to himself. Long during his adventures did he meet many different people. During both invasions initially, he had spent many days traveling alone. After he became an adult, and set himself on his path of helping his father protect the world, he could have had many allies, perhaps. But he had always believed that the path he set himself on was one he had to walk alone. He had to become powerful in his own right, or that's what he thought. He ran into many issues along the way. Failures, setbacks, and defeats at the hands of greater foes upset what would normally have been a perfect road to victory. There was always someone to show up, however, to defeat those greater foes. Bakan always viewed them with jealousy, and a tinge of hopefulness. He viewed them as milestones. One day, he'll be as powerful as them, and then he'll be even more powerful. He'll be able to slay any cruel foe who would seek to bring darkness and despair into the world, and let everyone enjoy their peace.
But now, things were different. He wasn't walking alone. He had those beside him, and those connected to his soul to fight with him. To hold such a connection even to angels... Bakan never thought of it as a blessing. It was nice to share such a bond, but he desired to never need to call upon their aid. Though he did always wonder the idea of just summoning them... To have someone to talk to. He always wondered, is that strange? All he could summon were those ready for combat, and they'd likely expect to be in a fight when his message reached them. Was summoning them for conversation rude? He imagined that would be the case in the Knight's case, whom he met at that party before. He didn't seem like a talkative fellow. But what about the sphinx?
Bakan was about to summon the sphinx to experiment with the idea, before Sarah (thankfully) cut him off. That's when he looked at her beaming, smiling expression. That alone made him blush, and his wings turn a light shade of pink amidst the glowing white. It just wasn't fair. He looked straight ahead, focusing on something else after getting a good look at her smiling expression and sealing the memory away for safe keeping, to remember later if he wanted. It wasn't fair that Sarah looked so much like Ashloriel. The comparison alone made his heart race a little, and her respectful, ladylike approach left Bakan with all his defenses down. What's more, she soon had her arm wrapped around his own! Sarah's motions attached many strings and tugged at him like a hooked fish. Bakan always talked of getting a polite and refined girl, and here she was, all that and more. Mannerisms in spades. Bakan had to swallow a lump in his throat and focus. He still had Cory. Despite how much he would love to court Sarah, he had to remain loyal. But then...
She wrapped her arm around his own. Her action shocked Bakan, and caused him to look over at her, not hiding his shock in the least, to shocked to even do that. She's a good girl to be sure, taking such action to comfort him as they walked, but he had to wonder if she knew how much she was making his heart skip. She had to about him and Cory as well... Bakan took a deep breath, relaxing himself. It was a kind gesture, nothing more. Soon, he was smiling back at Sarah, a friendly smile. He didn't want her to know he was thinking she was putting moves on him... Which would be rather effective in this case. There was little doubt about it, Sarah is good, and her ladylike approach was very refreshing. It was just Bakan himself who had impure thoughts. Though, while thinking of who he was reserved for, he thought of the one and only. Off-hand, he wondered about what Orgrosh was about to say. The dangers they likely faced... he wondered if they would make it... But then he remembered...
Cory had great passion when she shouted that at him. There was no mistaking it. Cory 'will' make it. She had to. Her fury in that moment was pure, and her words wise. There was no way she'd get beaten or taken before letting Bakan feel the full extent of her wrath. Bakan felt a fire of passion burning within him then. It was a shame. It truly was. When he felt the fire of confidence burn within himself, he wondered why he never had it before. 'I know you're going to make it, Cory! I'm ready for whatever punishment you have! Once you make it to Cheydin, I'll never be more happy to receive a beating in my life!'
Looking to the sky, he shed a single tear, so badly wanting to shout out his inner thoughts. 'I'm waiting for you, Cory! I'll use every ounce of faith I have to believe in you! You'll be okay! You have to! WHO'S GOING TO KICK MY ASS IF IT ISN'T YOU!?'
With that emotional outburst reserved, Bakan heaved a sigh, feeling a little relieved. He put forth that prayer, begging Cory to arrive safely, before looking to Sarah. "Who cares what you are?" he asked Sarah. "You're still Sarah, a wonderful, strong, and kind woman! So long as you're still who you are, the details don't matter! Even if you made me another replica of Sarah, nothing beats the real deal!" he said, suddenly booming with enthusiasm, his white wings suddenly shimmering like they once did when he first got them, leaving what seemed to be magical dust behind. Anyone who knew about his wings would be able to tell he was in a good mood.
Once in the building, Bakan rang the bell, and greeted the man who came out. "Hello, David. My name is Bakan Jeru. My friends and I got separated, and we're looking to reunite in this city. I could use some help finding them. Their names are Cory and Rhep, and they probably want to cave my face in." he announced, ready to draw their profiles if needed. Thankfully, Bakan was good with his hands.
At that, Janne's voice giggled in the back of his mind.
'Shut up, Janne! I meant that I was good at art!' he scolded the little Janne living in his head.
NPC Stats
Samarta: HP = 54, PP = 67, EP = 67, Status = Fine, Pregnant
Inka: HP = 51, PP = 61, EP = 44, Status = Fine
Rebecca: A coon. A fluffy fluffy coon.
Orgrosh: Fine
Sarah: Fine
There was, as they walked and Bakan offered his comforting rationalization on the subject of her race, a slight pause in Sarah. Not just a pause in her step that briefly threatened to cause their arms to disengage, but a pause in her expression that was a dramatic enough shift in the dynamic and lively mannerisms that she had displayed up until that point that even the relatively oblivious Bakan would be able to detect it. The sudden pause, even as dramatic as it was, was also extremely brief, and Sarah fell back into step beside Bakan with a smile that a more perceptive man might have recognized was forced.
"Of course you're right.... I shouldn't fret over such things!" she said meekly, offering a passable facsimile of her previously bright beaming back at him. The change in her demeanor would not be repeated, at least not without further action on Bakan's part to cause it, and she would remain her bright and cheery self for the rest of their walk to the office of the group who searched for lost people, a sign over the entrance into the small office building labeling them the Peace Seekers.
When they'd arrived, David would frown and nod, "alright. Can you provide a likeness in some way? I can draw based off of a description if you like, or if you've got the talent you can do so yourself, we've got pencils with color stained cores for detail." Bakan would be given such and two pieces of paper if he requested them, and as he drew David would bombard him with questions and write down answers on a sheet of paper; "Have you got their last names? Any distinguishing features? How about other names that they might go by? How did you end up getting separated from them in the first place, and would they be in any trouble because of it? Are they dangerous if approached?"
After that, he would fill out a few other things based on the pictures that Bakan drew, still frowning, and would then set the papers aside and say; "We do, because we offer rewards and pay people to work with us daily, have to charge a little bit of money. You're free to offer a reward of your own, but the default is three denarii for a week up on the wall, with another denarius to keep your case up there. We brief our street employees and the bounty hunters we have on retainer on every case. I also have to warn you that, even though we try, we don't always find everyone. It's a sad fact, but we hope and pray that your friends won't remain on our board for any length of time. Now, is there anywhere that we can contact you?"
Even a daft a man as he may be, Bakan would catch the sudden pause she gave. Not being a subtle man either, nor one to hide his feelings or thoughts, he'd quickly address what he saw. Stopping in place, going no further until he said his piece, he put his hands on Sarah's shoulders, where the fabric would shield his skin from her touch, or touching her bare skin regardless, mostly because he wouldn't be thinking about it. "Sarah... Please tell me how you feel. I will be able to move on even if you don't want to... B-but if I said anything that bothered you just now... Please don't forget that I'll do anything I can for you. If you're worried about me... Just remember this... I'll be far more hurt if you suffer alone than if you chose to share that suffering with me. So please... It's best to open your heart. I learned that myself the hard way."
With that said, Bakan would gladly hear out anything else she had to say. He wanted to support her... And he had to admit it. He wanted her support as well.
With David, Bakan would hand out everything. He didn't know their names... Which was a mistake. He'd have to know the last name of the woman he's going to make a child with! But regardless, he gave their names. He used his own skill with his hands to draw out the best picture he possibly could... Before asking for another paper as he ended up glorifying Cory and Rhep in an attractive light that was beyond realistic measures. He'd correctly portray them then, and give out all other information as best he could. "Cory and Rhep were teleported somewhere safe by my own request, but did not linger in the town so that I could request that they come back. They came south, and I have reason to believe that they would head here. They're not really dangerous if you approach them... I mean, if you create a big misunderstanding then that's only reasonable... Just don't give them reason to find you to be a threat. They only need to come to Cheydin, and find Bakan Jeru..." He let Sarah describe where they would meet, before Bakan would ponder his belongings and state his reward.
"I'll offer a five-hundred denarii reward for their safe arrival." he announced, hoping that was a huge amount that would have everyone running to help him.
NPC Stats
Samarta: HP = 54, PP = 67, EP = 67, Status = Fine, Pregnant
Inka: HP = 51, PP = 61, EP = 44, Status = Fine
Rebecca: A coon. A fluffy fluffy coon.
Orgrosh: Fine
Sarah: Fine
"Hrm? Oh it's nothing.... Really!" Sarah replied when Bakan stopped in place, adopting another bright smile that seemed genuine. "Really, it's nothing that you need to be concerned about sir! I promise!" She would maintain her reassuring attitude and refuse stubbornly to offer any further information on what might have bothered her, displaying at least as much hardheadedness as Bakan in her refusal to reveal what he desired of her, at least unless he did something completely insane.
The man taking his directions, David, would frown at the idealized picture that Bakan initially produced and silently handed him another paper on which he made a better interpretation of their likenesses. Nodding along to Bakan's explanation, and then Sarah's when she gave the name and address of the inn that they were staying at, David looked about to say something before his jaw silently dropped at the reward that Bakan offered. Five hundred denarii was a small fortune, and the man gaped in awe for a minute while Sarah briefly gave him an appalled look.
"You... But... Well, uhhh... Yeah. Well, if you've got that kind of money for the bounty, I guess you... Probably won't have any trouble putting up the board fee, right?"
"To me, it's a small fee." Bakan replied to their awe. "In my opinion, nothing is enough, not all the currency in the world. Not for those precious to me, that money could never pay to replace." Bakan declared, before pushing the (three or four) denarii forward for his case to be displayed. "Thank you for your help. Please find them quickly." Bakan requested, giving David a respectful bow before turning and heading to leave unless David required something more from them.
Though, in regards to Sarah, Bakan would smile at her somewhat sadly. "It's okay to call me Bakan. I've been calling you Sarah, after all." Bakan said with a kind tone. "I trust you, Sarah..." Bakan declared following her promise. He had to trust her. She was to be his companion much like everyone else. He had to take the first step forward to a reliable relationship. It began with trust.
NPC Stats
Samarta: HP = 54, PP = 67, EP = 67, Status = Fine, Pregnant
Inka: HP = 51, PP = 61, EP = 44, Status = Fine
Rebecca: A coon. A fluffy fluffy coon.
Orgrosh: Fine
Sarah: Fine
"We'll certainly do our best," David replied quickly, still apparently somewhat shocked by the bounty that Bakan had promised to whoever found Cory and Rhep. After handing in his three denarii, David would quickly put up his wanted poster, including an emphasized label displaying the potential reward. Requiring nothing else, David would bow back at Bakan as he turned to leave, Sarah reflexively following in his wake and evidently still shocked by Bakan's actions. Where they went from there was seemingly up to him, though he could prod her from her stupor in some way in order to lead him back to the place where Orgrosh had taken Inka, Samarta, and Rebecca if he so wished.
"Was what I did really so shocking?" Bakan inquired. "I'd think it pretty normal to spend any fortune for the sake of those you care for. In my opinion, along with you and everyone else... You're my precious friends. I'd spend even more than that if I could if it meant your safe journey." Bakan said with a smile, indicating that if it was Sarah who was missing, she'd see her own face on that board with a huge denarii reward for her safe return.
"Let's go back to the others, okay?" Bakan suggested kindly. "Lead the way!" he declared, needing her support and sense of direction for what he obviously lacked.
NPC Stats
Samarta: HP = 54, PP = 67, EP = 67, Status = Fine, Pregnant
Inka: HP = 51, PP = 61, EP = 44, Status = Fine
Rebecca: A coon. A fluffy fluffy coon.
Orgrosh: Fine
Sarah: Fine
"Well.... My family wasn't poor, and that was more than five times as much money as we ever had at once!" Sarah replied, still evidently somewhat flustered. "You could probably have gotten away with just offering one hundred, or even two hundred... But, I guess what's done is done. Do you even have that much money?"
She would, when prompted, take his arm somewhat shakily and start leading him off. It wasn't too terribly long that, after another walk along the same route that they'd taken before but in reverse, Bakan and Sarah were outside of a tavern called The Drunken Wench, which she seemed slightly disapproving of. Inside, he would find the place packed and sweltering with body heat despite that the windows were open, though many incense candles placed around it would keep it from smelling bad. The place was full of people who seemed extremely energetically drunk, as everyone was swaying when they walked and talking loudly with slurred words, even the barmaids. Due to the heat, many people were in various states of undress, while the staff seemed to all prefer fairly skimpy clothing that nonetheless managed to be tastefully decent, save for the short, pudgy man with a boyish face who had manned the bar. The inside of the place, despite that the building was fairly spacious, felt very cramped both due to how full it was and because of the arrangement of the tables among the numerous thick oak columns that filled the room. One corner had been cleared for a group of minstrels, who seemed as intoxicated as anyone else and were swaying in time with their own somewhat haphazard playing.
In a table over on the right but not even really near the back Bakan would find his assorted companions, Samarta sitting with a glass of water in front of her seemingly the only sober one. Inka, with a half empty mug of what looked like wine in front of her, was swaying back and forth to the tune of the music played by the minstrels with the widest smile he'd ever seen on her before. Rebecca, sitting on the table next to a little saucer of wine and some half-eaten crumb cake, was lying out on the table and being petted by Samarta. Orgrosh, her torso clad only in a fairly thin tank top so that a dark metal pendant was visible dangling into the cleavage of her ample chest, was sitting across from a fairly drunk looking balding man while both laugh uproariously, a seemingly common occurrence.
The women were outnumbered here almost three to one, but oddly even the unusual sight of his inhuman comrades didn't seem to earned even an odd look from anyone here, even if a few men were looking appraisingly at the gathering of women as if calculating their chances. Orgrosh at least wasn't giving any signals suggesting that she was going to be unfriendly, to which Sarah looked even more disapproving. Stepping into the tavern, however, would find Bakan walking into a highly infectious atmosphere that was intoxicating in and of itself, almost as if he had entered a faerie sanctuary, and it threatened to send him into a state of utter giddiness if he allowed it.
"I think so." Bakan replied. "I've got lots of things from my travels, and it should amount to more than enough to pay for the reward. Besides, like I said, those who matter to you are priceless. I don't think it should be any surprise that anyone would pay so much for who they care for." he replied, before following with Sarah to head to the place where their comrades awaited them. The ratio of men to women, as it wasn't so much that Bakan would panic over the amount of women, was overlooked. He paid no heed to who occupied the place, and as far as the men's looks towards his comrades went, if any of them so chose to accept any of the men's advances, that was their right.
The giddy atmosphere didn't quite reach Bakan when he noticed his drunk companions, all except Samarta it seemed. He felt relieved that Samarta seemed to be sober so as to protect Inka, as she took to being fairly smashed it would seem. Bakan would approach the group, eventually feeling a little giddy once he observed that everything was alright. "Hi, everyone." Bakan greeted them all. "Don't let yourselves go too much. We've got to keep an eye out for Cory and Rhep. Remember to keep an eye out for a black haired woman walking with a little green goblin girl," he said, also informing them of Rhep's hair (orange?). That should be enough to spot them if anyone sees them walking around. "I've still got to deliver something," Bakan's meaning towards the giant pulsating evil heart that came from the evil plant. "Could you guys get a room for me if you haven't already? We might be staying here for a while as we wait for Cory and Rhep. I'll be off to make the delivery. Anyone's welcome to come." he invited, looking over to Sarah if she decided to come along, and Orgrosh as well, though she looked to be having fun with that man, so it would be understandable if she had more interests towards that. Actually... He did have something to apologize for. "Whenever you have time, Orgrosh, I'd just like to say something real quick." he offered, and left it at that. She could finish her business with the man or choose to come with him and talk, the choice was hers.
NPC Stats
Samarta: HP = 54, PP = 67, EP = 67, Status = Fine, Pregnant
Inka: HP = 51, PP = 61, EP = 44, Status = Fine
Rebecca: A coon. A fluffy fluffy coon.
Orgrosh: Fine
Sarah: Fine
"Hello Bakan!" Samarta said brightly. Inka would wave, and Rebecca would roll onto her back and do the same, curling up slightly and waving her back paws in the air, prompting Samarta to start tickling the raccoon's belly. "Ahhh, Bakan! I was wondering when you'd get back!" Orgrosh said brightly, prompting the laughing man to turn a welcoming grin upon Bakan and Sarah, the latter of whom appeared slightly abashed at so much open friendliness. "Brando here was just trying to tempt me into his game of cards tonight! I am so terrible at them, but he seems unwilling to accept my refusal!" the orc continued, but her joviality and grin made it relatively clear that no ill feelings were had. "She's got talent she does! I can tell! Besides, we've not had a proper warrior in our game for months now, and we could use someone with a bit of courage in a game of cavala!" the man, apparently named Brando, replied boisterously.
The reminder of their ultimate purpose here, to find Cory and Rhep, didn't do much to sober his companions even though all of them did offer an affirming nod. "Sure. We don't have any money on us though.... Do you?" Samarta asked, having to raise her voice to be heard over the boisterous tavern room. Whatever Bakan's answer, Orgrosh would take some interest in his delivery, turning from Brando and his coercion to try and get her to go to his card game and saying; "I'm not doing anything. Where's your delivery supposed to be? I'd like to come along, get some fresh air and stretch my legs."
A game of cards? That sounded an awful lot like the time he and Cory played, and then... Bakan's face went blank for a moment, before he sighed. Mister Brando wouldn't really be doing anything wrong, even if he was being a bit of a rogue about it. Orgrosh should know better than to end up in such a situation if Bakan would have avoided it as well when Cory proposed it to him back then. Except unlike him, Orgrosh has no reason to actually accept, other than to acknowledge the wagers. So, with that in mind, he couldn't see any ill on either side, despite his need to worry. "I hope you're not too bothered, Samarta, but I'll have to ask you to take care of Rebecca and Inka while I'm gone for a little longer. I know you probably want to have a little fun too, but someone has to stay sober, and I'm glad it's you." he said, having faith in the lamia. "I have a means to get enough money. Though it's nothing right now. Don't worry about it, I'll handle it." he said, giving her a confident nod and wink.
"We're going to..." Bakan hummed, before reaching into the pocket of his green coat and pulling out a note. "37 Brightearth Plaza. Know where that is?" he asked, looking at both Sarah and Orgrosh. "Finding that place would be a good first step. Though I imagine things will naturally get complicated..." He hummed, looking at Samarta, who was expected to die by the one who posted the reward. Showing up with the darkheart and without her head would likely raise questions. She was actually trying to help all along and everyone didn't understand that, assuming her evil because of her monstrous appearance. The location helped him to understand how well that conversation might go on...
He'd wait for either Sarah or Orgrosh to announce their aid. On that note, he looked to Sarah for a moment, before simply smiling at her. "You can come with us as well, Sarah. Or get a room here if you wish." he offered. "Whatever you feel like doing, really."
With that, he took a moment to look at Rebecca. Goodness, she was so fluffy and cute... He just had to step closer and rub her fuzzy belly. And her tail. "Look at you~ You're so cute~" Bakan cooed if she didn't immediately bite him, happy to rub and love on Rebecca.
NPC Stats
Samarta: HP = 54, PP = 67, EP = 67, Status = Fine, Pregnant
Inka: HP = 51, PP = 61, EP = 44, Status = Fine
Rebecca: A coon. A fluffy fluffy coon.
Orgrosh: Fine
Sarah: Fine
"It's no problem" Samarta replied to Bakan's request, "it's what I was gonna end doing anyway." She would nod to his promise to acquire money later to see to their accommodations, and would have no real concerns beyond that.
When he told everyone where he was going, Sarah and Orgrosh would both nod, though the latter would look somewhat surprised for some reason. "Yeah, I'll come along. Sarah, you stick around, make sure this lot doesn't get into trouble" the orc knight announced, and then rose. "I've just gotta change. See yah later Brando!" she continued, and the man named Brando would look no worse for her departure, merely smirking and rising himself. "See yah later!" he replied jovially, and then went off to another table while Orgrosh went upstairs.
She was gone for a few minutes, allowing Bakan to reach down and rub Rebecca's tummy in an affectionate manner. Just like for Samarta, the raccoon curled up around him, all four of her paws closing onto his wrist and her tail sweeping about the table happily. She did give him a light nip, but it was entirely painless and affectionate, and so long as he kept rubbing her belly she would keep squirming underneath his hand and nibbling him.
When Orgrosh returned, the crimson haired warrior woman was almost like an entirely different woman. He had seen her naked, in her armor, and in the casual clothes that she had worn in the bar, but when she stepped down into the bar again the rosy coloring to her cheeks wasn't entirely from alcohol. She was clad in a fine blue-green dress that clung quite appealingly to her finely sculpted form, one that displayed only a small amount of cleavage and was largely free of frills of patterns, simplistic but still elegant. Her boots still peaked out beneath it, but that was more or less the only evidence of the orc woman's rough and tumble lifestyle on display, as her sword had been left behind and her hair had been left to fall from its usual ponytail to curl lightly around her face, framing it in red.
She approached Bakan, turning quite a few heads along the way, and once standing in front of him would say; "Well? Are you ready? 37 Brightearth Plaza is in an upper class neighborhood, I figured changing into this would be best. Sarah got it for me."
"I can wait." Bakan replied. He wondered why she needed to change. Then again, he was sure she had a good reason, so he trusted her decision and took to rubbing Rebecca. Her nibbling was truly effective, making him coo from how adorable she was. After a bit of belly rubs, he'd conclude with petting her head affectionately. He wondered why someone like this would be transformed into such a creature. With this attitude, kind and playful, why did someone think Rebecca deserved this? Is the goddess who did this evil? She can't be a kind person, he'd think. Or maybe it was a misunderstanding... He hoped it was a misunderstanding... At least that way, he could try to work his way around trying to punish this goddess...
But then he realized what he was doing to an actual person. A mental image suddenly flooded into his mind, of a pretty girl laying on her back on the table, drunk with a deep blush on her face, squirming happily as Bakan rubbed her belly, before leaning up to kiss and lick his hand...
Bakan slammed those thoughts out of his mind, before feeling the urge to slam his head against a wall to punish himself. "WHAT THE FUCK AM I DOING!? REBECCA IS STILL A PERSON!" Bakan thought to himself, before he glanced at the culprit. 'DAMN YOU, FLUFFY TAIL! DAMN YOU!'
Bakan would have enough time to calm himself down from that excitement, to see Orgrosh coming down...
It was a direct hit, straight to his heart. He literally felt his chest tighten when he saw her. Her dress, showing her beauty and refined quality, made Bakan feel like they were going on a date. Rosy red cheeks appeared to come from makeup, a message to Bakan's mind that told him that Orgrosh cared how he looked at her. Just seeing her was one thing, but knowing this woman was going to be walking by his side made Bakan truly flustered. So dumbfounded was he, that when Orgrosh walked up to him and spoke, her words went through one ear and out of the other at first. His brain could barely process it as he stood there, looking dumbfounded.
It would take him a moment, before Bakan would shake his head to get some sense into his head. It was difficult to find the right words to say. Orgrosh's appearance suddenly overwhelming. She truly would fit in, no doubt. "C-certainly... Very effective..." Bakan nodded nervously, while all he could think of was giving Sarah a thumbs up and saying, 'Good job, Sarah!'
Rather than the deep pink of arousal that few may recognize, Bakan's wings turned a light shade of pink mixed with a white shimmer from his feathers. Twas a different kind of excitement he felt, but quite effective all the same. Still, if it was Orgrosh's intention to get intimate with Bakan... She was making all the right moves. 'Cory needs to hurry up... If even Orgrosh is going to do something like this, I don't know how much I can resist... For now, I'll have to be a gentleman.'
"I am ready," he said nervously, before offering his arm to be taken much like how Sarah took it. "At least I look like a knight. You've certainly set the bar very high." he said in regards to her current state of attire.
With that, either walking arm in arm with Orgrosh or not, he'd be ready to walk with her to the high class area. A part of him was quite excited, wondering if he'd be the focus of envy for walking by the side of such a pretty lady.
NPC Stats
Samarta: HP = 54, PP = 67, EP = 67, Status = Fine, Pregnant
Inka: HP = 51, PP = 61, EP = 44, Status = Fine
Rebecca: A coon. A fluffy fluffy coon.
Orgrosh: Fine
Sarah: Fine
Orgrosh would flash a brilliant smile, the very same that Bakan had prompted her to give when last they had met, at his flustered complement. She would hook her arm under his when offered, and his other friends would wave them goodbye while Sarah looked on worriedly. Orgrosh would continue to turn heads along the way out of the overly warm bar, many men looking jealously towards Bakan for having such a beautiful woman on his arm.
Those looks would, sadly, not take place when they went outside and started walking through the streets of Cheydin. It was getting later in the afternoon, adding a tiny golden tint to the light given that autumn was falling, and many people could still see that, despite her looks and elegant dress, Orgrosh was not human. In some places that wouldn't have been a problem, but Cheydin was still a Badarian city even with its proximity to Crolia, and that Orgrosh was an orc and that Bakan had wings caused many of the men and women that they passed to turn scowls upon the pair rather than show proper appreciation to Bakan's luck at having the beautiful warrior woman with him.
At first, those hostile looks would be born with dignity by Orgrosh, but gradually the high mood from the Drunken Wench would be worn away by the show of open hostility. Her smile would slowly turn to a frown, mostly of distaste but with the corners showing something more troubling. Shame. Whether or not it made sense, the often openly hateful looks from the humans around them were not something that anyone could easily take without some harm to their self esteem. That only one of them was armed now seemed to make the people of Cheydin more courageous in their disdainful looks as well, as many of the guards didn't even bother their hostility to Orgrosh.
Still, they would make it to their destination unmolested, going past where he and Sarah had gone to a large square that sat nearly in the center of the city. There, Bakan would find the address to which he had been pointed belonging to a literal palace, one that had once belonged to the ruler of the city in the days before the Empire. It had been reverted to personal property of the original owners, the Alvarien family, according to the sign by the palace's entrance causeway, which had been left open. They would pass under a fine marble archway as they entered the courtyard, a few guards in the uniforms of private security rather than city soldiers watching them idly with none of the hostility possessed by the common folk. The fine oak doors up ahead were gilded in bronze, and the gardens through which they passed were rife with beautiful late blooming flowers and fruit trees and bushes bearing healthy yields that were ready to be picked.
Any guard they asked would tell them to just go up to the house, and when they arrived, Orgrosh seemingly feeling a little bit better at least for their changed attitude, a butler would answer them when Bakan reached forward to knock on the door. He was a fairly spry man given his apparent age, his hair still darker than it was light and full, drawn back into a carefully maintained ponytail. His suit was excellent and perfectly fitted, marking him as the servant of an incredibly rich man. His eyes were so dark that they were almost black, and he possessed an air of competence and intelligence that demanded respect despite his role as an underling. "Mmmm.... Yes? How may I help you?" he said politely but pointedly, glancing between Bakan and Orgrosh searchingly while awaiting an answer from one or the other. Orgrosh would leave Bakan to speak, remaining silent and leaning slightly into Bakan in the face of the butler's piercing gaze.
How disgusting. Bakan was nervous about being seen like this, and the result was something worse than he thought. The hatred was too plain. Too constant. Too irritating. By all rights they should be giving looks of the envy that he expected. Despite being all smiles as she used to be, Bakan quickly began to understand. He and Orgrosh were not all that different. Walking around in her dress was one thing, but going without her weapons was another. It was then that he truly wondered what caused her to want to do this? Was it really just to look appropriate for that part of the city? Somehow, given the looks from people around him... That didn't sound right. It didn't seem to matter what she was wearing.
Still, Orgrosh was not to be scolded. She looked like a right and proper lady, and she deserved to be treated like one. "People with no respect." was all Bakan said to Orgrosh in regards to the public opinion of them. "I feel bad for them, and I feel a little happy too." he said. "I'm the only one who appreciates how glorious you look. It truly feels like I get to have you all to myself, which is something I value." he said, smiling at Orgrosh. If she'd respond, and look back at him, his grin would grow wider as he'd add on. "You look very beautiful and strong, but it's your smile that really completes you. Makes you look confident." he said, making sure to let her know that he recognized her efforts. The last thing he wanted to do was let it all go to waste. With that, rather than Holding arms, he put his arm around her shoulders, and held her close, walking down the street full of sneering hateful people with a kind smile on his face, filled with characteristic innocence.
Eventually Orgrosh would look better if she didn't already after his words to her. Coming up to some guards and being told just to walk straight up to the house, Bakan was actually quite happy that he didn't have to go any roundabout way in order to deliver the dark heart. He'd thank whoever helped him and continue towards the house, knocking and getting the attention of a fancy looking man. Bakan still wore a smile even under the gaze of the man before them. He also appraised the man, albeit with less depth of thought than perhaps the other man had. "Wow, you look very good for your age." Bakan complimented the man. "My name's Bakan Jeru, and this is Orgrosh. I'm here to deliver on a bounty that was placed, and also to clarify a few things, if that's alright." he announced, showing the butler the bounty paper if he needed some information. "I found the serpent that was supposedly causing all the trouble, but I quickly discovered that she wasn't the culprit. A bunch of alraune and some giant plant were being led by an alraune with some evil spirit inside of her. The serpent in question ended up aiding me in the destruction of their leader. After which, the attacks against the town and hostility in general of the swamp seemed to decrease immensely. Once the leader died, all of the other alraune seemed to lose all hostility. I understand what the bounty was asking for, but I still ended up taking care of the problem, and bringing the darkheart." Bakan declared, holding up the bag with the cursed thing inside.
NPC Stats
Samarta: HP = 54, PP = 67, EP = 67, Status = Fine, Pregnant
Inka: HP = 51, PP = 61, EP = 44, Status = Fine
Rebecca: A coon. A fluffy fluffy coon.
Orgrosh: Fine
Sarah: Fine
Bakan's words and actions in response to the hostile attitude issued toward them did seem to have a positive effect. Her posture, which had begun to falter slightly as she sought to shrink away from the hostile glares, straightened as her pride was given cause to recover. "You're right," she replied softly as she leaned against him, "it doesn't matter what any of those people think anyway! As long as you appreciate the dress, that's all that matters!" Orgrosh's confidence and comfort would definitely be better for Bakan's efforts to cheer her up, and they would arrive at the palatial estate with his arm around her shoulders and her arm around his waist in turn.
The butler, at Bakan's compliment, would maintain his professionally flat look, and nothing that he said would seemingly inspire any evident reaction from the older man. His poker face was such that he could have competed with a boulder for stoicism, and when Bakan offered the sack containing the darkbrain that had been inside of the abominable plant he only glanced at it for a second before looking back at Bakan and replying; "You are here to collect on the bounty for the darkbrain that was in the monster that rose in the Manmere swamps, am I correct? I was instructed that that must be delivered straight to the master of the house as soon as it arrives. He is out currently, but this matter is urgent to him. You will come with me."
His statement was, in both wording and in tone, not one that could possibly be mistaken for a request, and the butler's authoritative posture was reminiscent of one of his most intense faerie combat instructors, giving Bakan a natural inclination to obey even if he didn't want to. Orgrosh certainly jumped to his demand immediately, nudging Bakan along after the butler as he walked around them towards the entrance that they had just come from. If Bakan went along, the butler would lead them through the streets a short ways, and along that path they encountered an entirely different reaction from their walk to the massive estate. No one seemed to dare to cast a hostile or disapproving look towards them in the wake of the man they followed, who was seemingly known quite well by the generally wealthy people who congregated around this section of Brightearth Plaza, and the guards they passed actually stopped to salute him as he moved past them.
Leading the way, Bakan and Orgrosh would find themselves approaching a very strange place, the grand opera house that had once been a coliseum in ages past. It was an ancient structure built of fine marble, and despite its age it was in excellent repair and saw regular use, the wealthy and middle class people of Cheydin often going to see the grand plays of drama, comedy, tragedy, and history that were put on there. The poster on the wall for today's show that Bakan could see as they approached the front door was for the play called "The Black Rose of Lockacre" performed by a group called simply "Victoria's Company." Even as simple as the name was and as relatively isolated as he'd been from such portions of Badarian culture, Bakan would have heard of Victoria's Company before, from Ashloriel. His angelic adoptive mother had told him of their performance quite favorably, and had recommended that he go and see them if he could.
The butler approached the man out front, who frowned at their approach and went to have a hushed conversation with the man leading them. It was quick, and Bakan couldn't catch any of it save for a single word, "Alvarien," and the man would let them pass. "My master is in the top booth. Come," their guide said quickly, and then moved to lead them through the cavernous amphitheater that made up the entrance hallway of the grand opera house. They heard snippets of song, but the walls had been built to direct the sound inwards rather than allow it to escape, so it was impossible to make much out as they went up a flight of stairs.
He and Orgrosh would go up a flight of stairs to a landing, and then up another flight of stairs to a second landing, and then another flight to another floor. Had it not been for their relatively good conditioning, they would both have been breathing quite heavily at that point, but the butler looked completely unphased. They would go a bit farther, past numerous staff, until they reached a pair of guards standing in front of a door. One of them was an official looking sort, almost knightly in appearance, but the other was unique in their lack of armor. They wore simple street clothes, not those of a peasant but not those of a person of wealth like the butler either. Still odder, the butler and the other guard nodded in greeting to one another, as if they knew one another, and taking a cue from the other man the armored knight stepped aside to allow the butler, Bakan, and Orgrosh to pass.
They emerged into a comfortable, lavishly furnished booth. A half dozen servants were present, giving out food and drink to the eight or so people present who were all obviously extremely wealthy. A young couple, both in heavy makeup and clothes so lavish that they were almost gaudy, sat in the middle. An older couple in more reserved garb sat on the left with a younger man with black hair in similar stately but not overdone clothing on their left side as the outermost guest, all of them having silver necklaces with the official symbol of the Star God hanging from their necks. Towards the right was a man with sandy blonde hair and a very serious looking face, the bags under his eyes and the slightly disheveled state of his fine clothes giving off the impression that he was a man who had been working hard, though his overall state did nothing to make it seem as if he belonged there, as he alone looked truly and completely comfortable in the clothes that he wore. To his right were two women, both gorgeous in fine red dresses and with finely applied makeup and jewelry, apparently sisters judging by their similar features and dark brown hair.
The opera was in the middle of the story, when the key figure of the tragedic story, a famed but poverty-stricken singer for a well known troupe who had sold her soul to a demon for her singing ability on the condition that she could escape her debt if she could perform perfectly one hundred times in a row, was on her way to her one of her performances, the last that she had before managing to pay off her debt not only to the demon, but to the cruel master of her troupe, when she was waylaid not by subterfuge by either of the cruel figures who had dominated so much of her life, but by random mishap. Forced to go through a poor quarter, a mercenary took her off the street and raped her, leaving her broken and bloodied in alley. Her beauty spoiled and purity stolen, she was forced to rush to the theater so that her battered state could by hidden by makeup, and then to perform only for her voice to crack on the very last note of the conclusion of her play, thus damning her in both body and soul. It was a tale about the natural cruelty of the world, and even without the context of the first half of the play Bakan couldn't help but be swept up in the drama when he looked upon the stage from such a perfect angle as the top booth and heard the music.
Victoria's Company had its own orchestra, a large number of apparently extremely skilled players with many different instruments. They were just going into the rape scene then, and the singer in her fine black dress was slowly dancing towards the center of the stage as a menacing masculine figure slowly approached the center of the stage from the background, his head turned to signal that he was gazing at her with a grin so filled with malice that Bakan could practically feel it. The woman's singing rose above the orchestra, her singing so flawless and beautiful that it stole all attention in the room, even the butler being seemingly affected as his gaze swiveled to her. She was herself stunningly beautiful, pale and raven haired and with a tall, statuesque figure that was possessed of ample curves that were only accentuated further by her fine black dress. She was so fine a creature, so beautiful, that she could have been compared to the most beautiful members of the sidhe or the most seductive demons. Her singing was even more powerful than her appearance in garnering all attention in the grand theater, however, as it was so powerful as to nearly be magical in and of itself. So potent was it that he could practically taste the intertwined hope and despair of the character that the singer was playing, an escape from her torment both physical and mental so close at hand, yet the journey having been so painful that it had nearly crushed her spirit along the way.
The play would continue, the two fated figures slowly drawing closer and closer together as the orchestra strung a tone that emphasized the emotions of the scene, the lead character's hope and determination evident in the upbeat and triumphant primary track of the music while another tune, one that was low and menacing, hung barely audible beneath the primary in order to build the tension of the moment. The effect on the silent crowd was palpable, every eye below and in the various boxes watching the scene unfold, and when the duo finally met there was a clash as they both went still in dramatic poses, a silence, and then the two actors began to dance closely together while the two differing tunes replaced one another in prominence while the menacing one grew more intense.
It was during that time that the butler finally stopped watching the play and moved to the seated individuals, specifically the blond man, and whispered into his ear. He would turn his head from the play as well, and then rise smoothly from his seat to walk around to stand squarely in front of Bakan, the butler standing behind and to his right. "Hello!" he said brightly, and broke out into a boyish grin that made his formerly serious face seem a whole lot friendlier, "I am sorry that my servant had to drag you around so much, but I left instructions that anyone bringing the item that I requested should be brought to me immediately, regardless of where I am. He told me that there was a story involved, and I would like to hear about that... But first, I should introduce myself. My name is Dovikulus Alvarien, but to my friends I am called Dove. I would like it if you would call me that." He held out his hand for Bakan to shake, and then turned to Orgrosh only to bend slightly and kiss her on the hand. "Milady," he said respectfully, and Orgrosh beamed and quietly replied; "Orgrosh Del-Groblik, honored, of the Colcheck tribe." Dove would offer her a nod, "very well... A pleasure to meet you Lady Del-Groblik," and then turned to Bakan, "and you?" Dove hadn't been keeping his voice particularly quiet as he spoke boisterously, and a few of the people behind them were starting to adopt annoyed looks.
Bakan gave a bit of a pout when the man didn't seem too inclined to be friendly. He got the whole idea of being business-like, but there was way too much ice to break. Bakan had hoped that the people he'd meet to deliver that evil rock thing would be easy to deal with. Apparently he just set himself up to be disappointed. Still, the importance of what he brought didn't surprise him. However, being told that it was important enough for them to have to search out the butler's master did surprise him. Normally people who find themselves so important wouldn't bother with a delivery... Wait, wasn't this just supposed to be a confirmation of a kill? Bakan wondered to himself. It could be coincidence, maybe they just really wanted to know that the monster was killed... Do they need the darkbrain for more than just confirmation?
Bakan couldn't think of why. He's used plenty of such dangerous things in his smithing work. 'That must be why.' Bakan concluded. He didn't want to point his finger needlessly. Innocent until proven guilty was a policy he agreed with. Still... He couldn't help but ask. Not to the butler obviously. He'd have to wait until he could speak to a human being. Not a statue. When it came time to follow the butler, the man's authority bounced right off of Bakan's thick head. "Alright... But I can still wait. I'm sure he's busy and wouldn't want to be rude." Bakan said lightly, putting it out there that he has no intention of interrupting whatever the master of the estate is up to. He was a bit shocked too to see Orgrosh reacting as she did. Bakan had a mild moment of bewilderment towards her reaction to what Bakan thought was merely a request, before letting it go and following the man.
Walking through town, Bakan was relieved that the hostile gazes were gone, and the cause of that didn't evade him either. The butler was important enough to be saluted? That would make more sense in regards of his lack of friendly attitude. If he's respected by the very same people who would sneer at him and Orgrosh, then he no doubt shares their views. 'Well, that's that, I suppose...' he thought with a bit of a sigh. Orgrosh's words from before about her people's attempts at peace rang through his memories. On one hand, it was quite harmful to be so xenophobic. On the other hand, he didn't believe a total invasion was the correct course of action, even if the orcs would let noncombatants be at peace. If things aren't changed, then war will be inevitable. Bakan had no idea how to make the world change to such an extent as to allow the best solution, as the problem at it's core was the people themselves, who hate as they do.
But there was little in Bakan's mind that he alone could do. He had to focus on what he actually could accomplish. For now, all that he can do is pray for Cory's safe arrival, and acquire enough money to pay off the reward. To that end, Bakan followed the butler diligently, aiming to acquire the funds he needed. He couldn't afford to hold unreasonable doubt. He normally wouldn't care too much for what was going on in the Opera, but something caught his eye. "The Black Rose of Lockacre?" he murmured. Victoria's Company as well. The words of praise Ashloriel had to share about them surprised him a little now that he was seeing the name before his own eyes. Normally the thought would never have crossed his mind, but after a moment of thought, during which the butler was speaking with the guard, Bakan nodded. "I think we should all go see that play. My mother said it was really good." he said to Orgrosh. He of course wouldn't want to leave the others out. Not even Rebecca. Wouldn't be too polite.
He made a mental note to go see the play, before he followed the butler into the cavernous tunnels that led through the unseen areas of the Opera. He was actually quite excited. More so when the butler revealed that his master was in the top booth. 'So I get to see the play after all!' Bakan thought with excitement. Led upstairs, the long wind was making him more impatient than tired. He didn't want to miss much of the play.
When he got up in the top booth, Bakan's eyes sparkled like that of a child's. His heart was racing with anticipation, and the view was great as well. Bakan watched eagerly, the other inhabitants of the booth lost to him as he watched the play. He was quickly steeling his heart as he listened. The woman's story reached his heart and had him making another prayer for the woman to sing her final song with success. So eager was he to hear of her success, that the following story of rape made Bakan's heart skip a beat. His eyes went wide with shock, as the story cut right at home. Still, he had learned from that experience. He shoved that pain aside and continued to root for the girl.
It all just ended in tragedy. The girl was damned, and had no hope. The crushing result of her situation made Bakan stand with shock. 'That was it?' he wondered. His fists drew up, squeezing into a ball. Orgrosh would feel his intensity build from her connection to him as his arms trembled. 'This was the play Ashloriel wanted me to see?' Bakan wondered. Why on earth would she want him to see such a thing? It was horrible. There was no enjoyment to be had from this story. All it did was make him cry visibly, his feelings reaching that of the protagonist of the story. But the worst part was that his feelings made no difference. She was damned.
What kind of conclusion is that? Why would anyone create a story that builds hope only to have it crushed in the end? To push forth the idea that one's best efforts only end in such tragedy? This play...
"This play is horrible!" Bakan voiced aloud. He wasn't sure how loud he said that. He could have mumbled it, or screamed it. He wasn't sure. It just escaped him like a bubble in boiling water. He just didn't understand it. The cruel fate of the singer left Bakan with an unsatisfied hunger for the good ending. The suffering this caused to his mind caused him to continue crying as he shook his head in disbelief. "There is no one who saves her? No second chance? She performed perfectly ninty-nine times!!!" he defended her case. This play was awful! An abomination of all that was good! An endorsement to suffering and despair! 'Why did you want me to see this, Ashloriel!? Why!?' Bakan exclaimed, as if yelling at Ashloriel herself. 'You should have known I wouldn't stay quiet and simply watch this unfold, even if it is just a play!' he declared. Then, he'd cast a look over at Orgrosh, one of warning that he was about to do something perhaps quite stupid. "I refuse to let this play continue in this direction!" Bakan declared. "She has to make it to her final play!" Bakan declared.
Those around him were free to stop him. Likely given the competence of the butler and the guards, they'd be able to do so. If such occurred, Bakan would profusely apologize for his outburst and ask to speak with the man out of the view of the play.
If Bakan is stopped:
"I'm so sorry!" Bakan would announce to any who managed to halt him, allowing Bakan to realize what he was about to do, and that it was just a play, and nothing more. "I just... This play touches too close to reality for me... If it's alright, can I see you outside? Maybe after the play is over?" Bakan said, giving the man a deep and apologetic bow, keeping his wings drawn in with shame.
Provided his punishment for disruption wasn't too severe, he'd await to speak with the man in private.
If Bakan isn't stopped:
After letting Orgrosh know he was about to perform a foolish action, Bakan would charge forth and open his wings wide, shimmering gold with a demand for the good ending. "I take full responsibility for my actions!" he announced, before he'd jump off of the booth, his wings, while not full, allowed him to glide, and drift him towards the stage. Bakan, in that moment, forced himself into the story. This play had to change, in his mind. The woman had to have her happy ending. Even realizing how insane Bakan likely appeared to be, he couldn't accept the story of this play. He had to change it.
Rushing to the stage, either by arriving there by gliding or running there on foot after landing, Bakan would barge into the play and break the woman free of the man. The uproar and backlash would likely be severe. Booing was to be expected. Guards were likely to subdue him and even knock him unconscious and hold him as a criminal. Still, this was what his heart commanded.
He had to rewrite this story.
By pulling the woman free of the man, Bakan would stand before her, and stand tall in front of her. "You have a play to attend." Bakan declared firmly. Such was his self-obtained moment of glory. The man to be her rapist was cast aside. Now, in Bakan's mind, she could perform her final play perfectly, and be free of the curse. "Your ending will be a good one." Bakan promised, tears still in his eyes. Though they were a bit happier now. He already felt like he had broken the old story, and had it rewritten.
When the mercenary went to take the woman off of the street, an angel appeared to save her, so that she could make it to her final play and be free of her curse. She performed the play perfectly, and the curse was broken. She was free.
