Logan Faust / (Baff no trip) 28 Oct 2015 7:34:21 AM No.41128552>>41130496
>>41128243 Right!? They can do some really cool stuff! Like, did you hear about the pipeline they developed for Alaestus? The way they lined the pipe with ultra-thin crystal so that the hot water could stay hot while it travelled? It's awesome! How do they even cut it down that thin without it shattering? And you've gotta really carefully monitor how much magic goes in otherwise they'll break under the stress, it's incredible!
>-Ah, there he went again. If there were any subjects he could talk positively on with a hint of passion, it was the Mercenary industry and Crystal, of which he'd always had an odd fascination. Still, this wasn't the time to go on a huge tangent, even if he could talk for days about the latest innovations.
I mean, imagine the kind of refined energy I'd be able to wield if I could get a weapon built the same way - it wouldn't even compromise the structural integrit- Err... yeah they're awesome. Actually, more to the point of this whole thing.
>The pair had reached the corner of a street and, while the road they were on would lead straight to the mines, Logan stopped next to the path, armour covered hand on his hip and the other pointing in the new direction.
I actually know a guy around here, used to run with the Gigas Blades before they split up. Nowadays I think he provides security for the mines, so he might just be able to point us in the right direction rather than having us blindly waltzing in.
Elias Katai!Ren/VL7f/Q 28 Oct 2015 3:55:45 PM No.41128888>>41128911
>>41127910
>It was a bit stupid to assume that they didn't have a language of their own, but he hadn't really thought about it. Really, they were a species like elves and dwarves, they had their own languages, so why wouldn't the beastkin?
>If he ever had to go back out there, it could be handy...But first, he had questions to answer. The half mage sighed as he rubbed the back of his head.
Astrolia itself, unfortunately. My latest mission took me to the mountains on the tail of a particularly ferocious beast, and during my travels, I encountered a few...'Elan'...
>His pronunciation is clunky, but he made an attempt, at least.
Though, like I said, most weren't that interested in a conversation. They're not well received by the Astrolian citizens, so I can understand why they'd be a bit...jumpy.
Leopon-dji (at work) 28 Oct 2015 5:02:41 PM No.41128911>>41128928
>>41128888 Ah.
>Leo turned her head, but the hood didn't completely hide her downcast expression. Perhaps she wouldn't find someone like herself this far from the jungles.
I cannot say I am surprised. The "citizens" you speak of are not the real owners of the land. Despite what they say, they have treated my people poorly and instilled within us a great deal of hatred for outsiders. I would like to apologize on their behalf for any trouble they may have caused you. Not all those who are not elo are bad.
>She continued to stride forward. The lower districts weren't too far ahead.
... keep your head down, don't look at anyone, and we should be fine.
Elias Katai!Ren/VL7f/Q 28 Oct 2015 5:43:28 PM No.41128928>>41129132
>>41128911
>Well...He couldn't argue against that. They were called 'Native Astrolians' for a reason...It was a little disheartening, to think of others looking down so harshly on a form of sentient life. Would it not be so easy to try and push aside years of dogma for peace? It had to be, otherwise it'd have already happened.
>He couldn't imagine what could have happened to people like Leo who faced opposition from people who had merely shown up and decided they owned the land...But he'd interacted with them, and none of them seemed like particularly bad people.
>The mage rubs at his head some more, mulling over his thoughts. This was something that would require proper research, not simply half baked thoughts. He had a mission that he should be doing anyway.
>Elias does as he's told, his head bowed slightly and his eyes watching the ground move steadily forward in front of him.
Leopon-Dji 28 Oct 2015 7:57:17 PM No.41129132>>41129154>>41129183>>41129198
>>41128928
>The lower districts weren't that bad. It's just that, in comparison to the spotless pathways and crystal streetlights of the royal district, it was a little lackluster. The streets were narrower, unable to accommodate more than a single carriage in width. Stones were uneven or missing in the path. There were no carefully placed topiary gardens, giant stone fountains, or guards stationed at every street corner.
>Despite all that, it was, in a sense, more lively than the rest of town. There was always a hum of conversation or song from the thin walls of houses and stores. A drunk stumbled out of a flat, followed by a mangy fleeing cat and a thrown plate that narrowly missed him. Children kicked around a ratty ball covered in hide. Clothes hung from lines strung between houses.
You may look up, if you wish.
>Leo slowed so that she walked by Elias' side.
These people know where the crime is, so if they are enjoying what remains of daylight, we are fine. The gangs roam all over the district. It seems as though they are occupied elsewhere. With the... disappearance, of my family, and the rumors that may have started, it would make sense that that they have gone into hiding for the time being.
>The group of children with the ball ran right past them, shouting and laughing. They reeked of sweat and grime. Leo was unbothered.
However, it is still unusual for strangers to roam these areas, so we best be going.
>Just after Leo said that-- Old man! Oh shite! I'm gonna tell auntie you swore! >--the hide-covered ball flew through the air, right towards Elias, while mortified little kids looked on.
Elias Katai!Ren/VL7f/Q 28 Oct 2015 8:27:22 PM No.41129198>>41129399
>>41129132 >>41129183
>Elias keeps his head down, perhaps longer than necessary. This is essentially a stealth mission, after all. The less trouble made by this, the better. He even keeps his head down as Leo keeps speaking about what is probably quite close to home to her. Literally speaking.
>And since he was far too busy focusing on the ground, he didn't pay much attention to what was in the air.
>It was only by the sound of it whistling through the air that Elias managed to hear the ball coming. Turning around to face his impending destruction, Elias bore witness to the sight of his hide covered undoing.
>He tried to raise his hand in time, but this time, his reflexes weren't quick enough.
>Was this to be his undoing? Is this how the story of Elias Katai ends?
>The ball impacts across his face and sends the mage unceremoniously onto his backside. He blinks. No sound coming from him other than that of his breathing, the mark left by the ball painfully obvious.
Leopon-Dji 28 Oct 2015 10:40:56 PM No.41129399>>41129830
>>41129198 >The ball ricocheted off his face and bounced away, back towards its owners. Between the kids and the mercenaries, not a single soul moved for a good few minutes. They were frozen in observation of the downed man.
...
>It was Leo who made the first move. She kneeled, grabbed one hand, and heaved Elias too his feet, whether he liked it or not. As they weren't shouted at, the gaggle of guttersnipes took them as friendly, and they mobbed the pair.
Did I break somethin? No, he's alive. Sir, are you alive? You can live even if somethin breaks! My mum did it once! Shut up, you don't even have a mum.
>They grabbed and tugged with interest at his cloak, his pants, everything. If they were tall enough, they'd tug his hair and ears, too, just to see what they felt like. >Leo was obviously enjoying this. Beneath her hood, she was smirking. She decided to let Elias handle this one himself, just to see what would happen.
Elias Katai!Ren/VL7f/Q 29 Oct 2015 1:12:42 PM No.41129830>>41129967
>>41129399
>Elias rubs his face. It stung, but he'd certainly felt far worse. So much for the cool aloof wanderer look, he'd gotten beaned in the face by some kids. Maybe from a tactical standpoint, if ne'er-do-wells were watching, they'd get the impression he was soft and be pleasantly surprised.
>Though in all honestly, that was Elias attempting to salvage his pride as an S Rank mercenary getting hit by children.
>He'd been pulled to his feet by Leo and was now being accosted by his assailants. His clothing was being manhandled, but a small part of him was smiling at that. At least the kids thought he looked kinda cool. He taps at the mark on his face before looking back to the kids
I'm fine. I've taken worse hits than that and lived.
>His eyebrow raises and his smile changes into a more playful expression
Or maybe that did actually kill me, and I've just not caught up yet.
Leopon-dji 29 Oct 2015 3:47:23 PM No.41129967>>41129988
>>41129830 What kind of worse hits? Yeah, have you ever got hit by a sword?
>The group of five kids, ranging in age from eight to at least eleven, were enamored with the cool strangers in front of them. How many people were fine with you accidentally kicking a ball at their face? One child's hands wandered a little too close to Leo's pockets, and she harmlessly swatted him away.
Why are you dressed like that? Aren't you really hot? It's probably 'cause he's a 'venturer! I bet you go on all sorts of 'ventures!
>The youngest of the group, clutching the hide-covered ball, pointed up at Elias' face.
<What's wrong with your eye?
>This made the other kids stop. Sure enough, there was some freaky kind of symbol where the youngest pointed. The eldest, finally noticing it, held out his arm to keep the others away and fixed a wary glare on him. The inquisitive youngest spoke again.
<Are you guys magic? ... you're not gonna take us away to magic school, are you?
Do you seriously believe that? Auntie said that's what happens to naughty kids! Auntie said they never come back! It's true, Vernon made that rat catch on fire, and then he got taken away! I watched him! Shut up, you guys, you know that's not true.
Elias Katai!Ren/VL7f/Q 29 Oct 2015 4:21:25 PM No.41129988>>41130062
>>41129967
>Ah. That particular question. Elias straightens up a little bit, his hand moving to massage the area around the eye. He wasn't ashamed of it, he had 24 years to either learn to deal with it or carve it out, but the wary reactions he got...Upset him at times.
>He pauses, before tapping his temple next to the purple eye
Nothing's wrong with it. I can see just fine, it just looks a little freaky. I'm part Elvish, they say that has all kinds of funny effects on a body.
>He folds his arms, looking down at the inquistive children, the smile before having wilted slightly.
And even if I were magic, I'm not here to take anyone away. I'm...adventuring. With my adventuring companion.
>He gestures towards Leo, before flourishing his cloak for dramatic effect.
Here and far, near and yonder, no place is left without my footprint. Rayfield was next on the list...And so, here we are.
>He closes his eyes and shifts his stance, trying once again to look much cooler than he actually was. It also served as a handy-dandy distraction from his freaky genetic mutation.
Leopon-dji (at work) 29 Oct 2015 5:48:19 PM No.41130062>>41130756
>>41129988
>Now even Leo was learning things. Raising a thin eyebrow, she turned to look at Elias. She assumed it was some sort of mutation, and that he was blind in that eye, but he was elvish? That explained how thin he was in comparison to the stocky humans.
If you’re part elf, how come your ears aren’t pointy? You can’t just ask someone why their ears aren’t pointy!
>With that explanation, the kids at least seemed to have settled down. They were once again comfortable around the pair, the oldest kid having withdrawn his arm. The youngest was the wariest of them all, but even then, she was just standing behind the others.
I TOLD you guys they were ‘venturers!
>Leo did her best to pose alongside Elias, one hand on the hilt of her blade, the other holding the scabbard, as if she was about to draw it. Combined with the dramatic speech and flourish from Elias, the children were in awe.
We gotta tell auntie we met an elf guy and his sidekick, c’mon!
Excuse me?
>Leo lost her dramatic pose and elected to glare down at the child instead. The street rat was nonplussed. With an agreeing chorus, they turned around, and dashed back where they came from. The youngest was the last to leave. She lingered for a few moments, regarding Elias and Leo with a suspicious stare, before turning tail and running after her friends.
…
>The beastkin shook her head.
The children here may be superstitious, but they are sweet, if you can keep their hands out of your pockets.
>She began walking further down the street, without waiting for Elias to follow.
!FlamehpHHA 29 Oct 2015 11:57:52 PM No.41130496>>41131129
>>41128552 >Some mercenaries held a personal code of honor close to their hearts. Whether or not this friend of his did, well... They'd certainly see.
>Though he couldn't deny that it was somewhat refreshing to see the man actually invested in an interest. It made him seem less like your average, dumb sword for hire, and more like a person. Someone he could reason with.
Oh yes, you wouldn't believe some of the things they've devised in the capitol in only the last few years. Cooling lockers that don't require ice to be dragged from mountains, handheld fire starters to light cigars without resorting to matches, plenty of little bits and trinkets to make one's life easier.
>The mage smiles a genuine smile, hand resting on his side bag.
The refrigeration system alone is enough to make meat and fruits available to everyone. They can keep for weeks without spoiling after being picked or butchered, and carted off to wherever they're needed. I can safely say that there'll be an agricultural boom within the next few years, and the movement of different foods and drinks will explode in volume. Any man could eat like a king, for the right price.
Logan Faust!pR.BaFF/uk 30 Oct 2015 5:59:42 PM No.41131129>>41131137
>>41130496 Whoa... I didn't know Microcrystal technology was spreading so quick. I mean, I know Termina's not the kind of place to let another country get the upper hand, but I never expected Empyrean to be making a move in a whole different field. I guess if Kantarus has been finding it tough to keep things warm, it's not a real surprise that the capital of the fire kingdom's had trouble keeping things cold.
>It made a lot of sense, in a strange way. Sure, Logan wasn't the kind of mind that could tell you how it was all possible or what went into making it, but there was definitely a vested interest in the goings on in the world of crystal hidden beneath that thick chestplate. Hell, Tai even had him speaking positively about Empyrean of all places. The fact that they were having an actual conversation was staggering on its own, but the subject matter certainly changed the atmosphere.
It really makes you wonder if we're pushing it too far, though. I mean, these new developments are amazing, don't get me wrong, but how long will it be til people don't have to do, well... anything? What if, one day, all people have to do is push a button and the crystal takes care of everything for them?
Well, I guess if it really does happen people like you will be the richest out there, so I don't imagine you've got any complaints!
>A hearty, friendly chuckle. It was pretty amazing what a point of common ground could do for two people who were otherwise opposites in every regard.
Oh, left here. His workshop should be a few streets down.
!FlamehpHHA 30 Oct 2015 6:32:37 PM No.41131137>>41132272
>>41131129 >That was the rub, wasn't it?
It's my personal belief that where the line is drawn depends entirely on the drawbacks versus benefits. If it's just going to make a single person's job easier, while denying many others an income, while only slightly speeding the process, I see no reason to use it. But to create new opportunities, rather than replace, and make what was once implausible, possible...
>Well, it sure beat making jewelry out of crystal that a noblewoman used to pretend she was powerful.
>Taking the suggested turn, and looking pleased as punch, the man silently wonders. Such a nice topic, it brought even he and Mister Faust together on something.