[Pumpkin Festival] Part of The Greater Good (Sondra & Grom)

[Alice]

“Gromhir …”, she repeated, as if trying the taste of his name on her tongue. Perhaps it would remind Gromhir of his first days and nights with Kamalia when he had slowly learned to pronounce the common language. Of course, her pronunciation was already running smoothly, but names always had a special sound to one’s ears.

When realizing that he was indeed willing to help her – at least until they reached the ship –, her expression turned into relief. Apparently she truly appreciated what he wanted to do, even if it wasn’t much. Her reaction, however, indicated that she believed in her innocence. The fact that he still didn’t trust her fully didn’t seem to bother her, although her stunningly blue eyes looked at him with a mixture of gratefulness and something else … but that wasn’t something to decipher yet.

To the relief of the shop owner, Amite led him out of the shop and into the bright afternoon sun. There she paused for a while, as if she wasn’t sure if she should open her mouth and say what was on her mind. Perhaps that situation would make Gromhir uncomfortable, since she had behaved quite similarly in the dimmed light of the shop. However, this time she gave him at least enough space to breathe. “I would like to change into my animal form. The way down to the harbor would take too long if I’m in human form, I suppose.”

Although she did wait a few moments, she almost immediately disappeared into the next shady alley regardless of the reaction she got. Soft light flashed, and shortly after a white seagull appeared and fluttered into the air. At the next roof overhang the small bird settled and peered down to Gromhir while tilting its bold head with curiosity. The tips of its wings were dipped in black. Apparently Amite was waiting for the other Kelvic to change as well. The question of where to store clothing away didn’t cross her mind. She had simply placed it on top of the beautiful masonry of the next building bordering to the abandoned alley so that it couldn’t fall to the ground.

If Gromhir paid attention to the environment a little bit longer, he would definitely notice a dark shape flying over the street. It looked like a coincidence, as if one of the various peaceful animals was floating over the city, but then … After all, crows or ravens weren’t often seen around the island, although they did appear every now and then.

[Gromhir]

Gromhir still struggled with names. Especially Konti names, for they were complex and formed of many different words and sounds. Human names tended to be more simple and feral yet despite the apparent elegance of the Konti, it didn’t stretch to their abnormally long names. Even Kamalia’s was too long for him sometimes; it took him a long time to get used to it.

As the other Kelvic led him outside, he looked up. What had Nature gotten him into now? It was clear to him that she at least believed that she was innocent. His thoughts went back to Mages again. While they were responsible for the creation of their race, or one was at least, their magic stole so much from them. It was not something he wished to dabble in and was something he did not enjoy seeing Kamalia go through. When she used her powers, even for the smallest of moments, she changed. It was a foul art.

He saw something in Amite’s eyes and could sense the very tinge of it on the edge of her soul. But he didn’t know what it was. It was too hard to decipher and he could not understand it. As she spoke, he barely took heed of it until he realised what she’d said. Before he’d even had a chance to stop her, she was perched on top of a building. He was right about her though, she was a bird. He watched her, a dock bird, what were they called? They were noisy creatures always calling out for no reason. Maybe he could ask her why they did so?

The dark shape. It was back. Maybe she hadn’t been playing tricks on him. He couldn’t make it out. A bird of prey maybe? He doubted it would bother him, but it might Amite. That would at least get rid of her. He could run now, of course. She wouldn’t be able to catch him and he could loose himself in the crowd. No. What was he thinking? He had promised he would help and he had to see that through to the end, no matter what end that came to.

Gromhir followed her into the alley. He hastily wrapped his clothing up in a ball and his body burst into small specks of white light. They reformed back together into the powerful form of the Ivaski. Massive paws, gleaming fangs, shimmering coat and those same blue eyes, the mark he was still a young pup. The huge wolf strode mightily to the end of the alleyway and looked up to the bird waiting for her to lead the way.

[Alice]

Of course, considering his looks and demeanor Amite had already guessed what kind of animal Gromhir could shapeshift into. Her animal form didn’t seem to be surprised, but rather delighted by the strong, large form he was taking on. It showed that he would be a good protector, even a good fighter if it came down to that. Not that Amite wanted him to give his life for her; no, certainly not that. She hoped that he wouldn’t have to use his impressive claws and fangs.

The shadow was gone as quickly as before. The streets and the passersby were as usual. The Kelvic pair had no difficulties with getting through the city and approaching the cobbled path that led down to the White Harbor, apart from the usual raised eyebrows. The Konti were familiar with the Ivaski, but seeing one strolling through the streets on its own couldn’t be seen too often. Still they knew that there was no sense in preventing it from doing whatever it was about to do. Trust was of essential importance in a community.

After entering the harbor through the huge main gate that was decorated with elaborate carvings of Laviku, corals, shells, fish, serpents and sea horses it got easier to move for the huge canine. Amite had no problems whatsoever, because she was flying a few feet above the heads of the earthbound beings and leading Gromhir to where the ship was located.

While passing the house of the harbor director, Gromhir would perhaps notice that several people were standing in front of the main door and discussing about something. Their voices were low, even for Ivaski ears, but the faces and general melody of the conversation indicated that it was a serious matter. Muti, the director’s assistant and clerk, was standing a bit at the side and browsing through a pile of papers she carried with her. Her brows were furrowed.

However, Amite didn’t stop to look at the unusual gathering, but rather glided into the direction of the main dock. The ship she had spoken of was indeed a trade ship, and one of the biggest that currently anchored at the harbor. Featuring a big belly, a high main deck and two masts it looked like the archetype of a big trade ship. Naturally, both canvases were wrapped up. Apart from a few people sitting at the quarterdeck, talking and drinking out of dark flasks nobody was visible. Since the ship was already anchoring in Mura for a few days, the cargo had already been unloaded. Perhaps the crew was only staying in town to attend the festival.

There was no plank that enabled people to enter the deck. The Ivaski would have to shapeshift back, swim or jump, although the latter options obviously weren’t recommended.

[Gromhir]

Gromhir was used to the stares and raised eyebrows. It wasn’t hard to block such things from your mind. He simply focused on following Amite through the streets towards the docks. He was glad people parted the moment they saw his white form approaching them, it made it far easier for him to move but it was not like the woodlands. The people milling around were not trees.

As they passed into the harbour proper, Gromhir found himself astounded by number and size of the contraptions humans called boats. He’d only been on one once and that was the boat that had carried him here with Kamalia. That day seemed so long ago now.

Gromhir turned his attention to the matter at hand once. But was immediately distracted by the crowd gathered outside the house. He slowed to try and overhear any of the conversation he could but was more distracted by where Amite was heading. Muti and the others milling around outside could wait for now. It wasn’t really any of his business and probably nothing he could understand anyway.

Looking back to where Amite was heading, it was of course, one of, if not, the biggest vessel laid to rest here. And typically there was no way for him to get aboard either. He would have to talk to the humans aboard the vessel. Or would he? Gromhir looked back to Muti. The Kelvic let out a series of short barks to try and get her attention and would then motion towards the ship in the hopes that the Konti would understand.

[Alice]

Muti jumped at the unusual noise of a bark and a few sheets of parchment slipped from her arms, but she soon recovered, picked them up and then looked into the right direction. Being a dear friend and training partner to Kamalia, she had also heard about her Kelvic and caught one or two glances from him when they had met. In fact, their friendship had decreased lately, but Muti, a nice and empathic girl, had simply assumed that Kamalia had important things to do.

Now she walked over to Gromhir and greeted him with a friendly smile as ever, although her eyelashes were heavy from a lack of sleep. Odd things had been going on for the last few days … but for now she concentrated on the visitor. “Good to see you, Whitemane! What …” Her gaze moved towards the trade ship that Amite had led him to – the seagull was now sitting at the top of a smaller vessel’s mast, tilting its head in a questioning fashion and waiting for him. Muti, of course, didn’t pay attention to the common sight of the animal, but instead turned back to Gromhir. “Are you serious about approaching the ‘Ocean Typhoon’?”

After receiving whatever kind of answer his Ivaski form allowed, she continued: “It is no good. Although it’s bigger than the ‘Swan’, the amount of cargo was only insignificantly higher. I suppose they hide something its belly, although it really is none of my business. And there have been rumors …”

Suddenly one of the men was calling her name, and she turned and assured him: “Not now, give me a single chime!” Then she faced Gromhir again, a slightly stressed look at her pretty features. “Listen, I do not have much time. I can give you an official permission to inspect the ship, but you have to appear human. Also, perhaps you should know that someone has stolen something out of the Kilana’s office. An expensive glass figurine. Only the Gods know what the thief wants with it, although we suppose that he or she plans to escape on board of the ‘Typhoon’, because it’s the only ship leaving in the next few days. We don’t have any proofs yet, but we’re working on it.”

After giving him a worried look, she rummaged around in her papers and produced one of the sealed letters the harbor stuff used. The seal showed the seer’s lily framed by three waves. The letter said that the owner was allowed to search every inch of the ship and demanded true answers to any questions he asked. The last thing Muti could do for Gromhir was providing him with decent clothing which she did: A linen shirt, linen trousers with two pockets and a vest, everything in shades of white and grey.

Amite’s shrill seagull voice was calling out to him, demanding his attention. What did he do that took so long anyway?

[Gromhir]

Gromhir took in the sight of Muti as he did with any other person. They had shared glances with each other but never actually spoken such was the way that things had fallen. Kamalia had spoken about her a little, more to put Gromhir’s mind at ease than anything. He wondered where Kamalia was right now. He hoped she was safe with what she was doing. It had something to do with those visions that Konti received.

Muti on the other had looked tired. She was struggling to concentrate, he knew. The last few days had worn her out by the looks of things. What those days actually entailed was not made clear until she spoke. Gromhir took the papers as they were handed to him and donned the clothes out of sight before appearing again, now fully dressed once more.

He looked over the letters then up to Amite. A glass figurine stolen. Could she be trying to play him for a fool? Maybe she was really a witch as well? He should play along for now. He was a Guardian and had to his duty to protect this Isle in anyway he could.

“Excuse me, gentlemen?” The Kelvic had an astoundingly powerful voice that presumably carried over from his Ivaski form. It would easily reach the ears of those aboard the ship.

[Alice]

Gromhir Experience: 1 pt Interrogation, 1 pt Observation, 2 pts Intelligence, 1 pt Investigation Lores: Child Screams, Meeting a Seagull Kelvic, Helping a Possible Thief, Not Trusting a Stranger, Seeking Help from a Friend, the ‘Ocean Typhoon’ (partial) Sondra Experience: 1 pt Rhetoric, 1 pt Hospitality Lores: Soothing a Child Comments It would have been fun to see the most exciting part of the adventure unfold, so I’m sorry I can’t continue this thread. If you’d like to have it continued by another mod, this is entirely possible. I liked how Gromhir weighed the possibilities in his mind and thought about his decision. Sadly there wasn’t much to do for him yet, so I haven’t awarded many xp. If you feel that something about the award is wrong, please tell me.