Thread: [CLOSED] Pulp Inc. Presents: Thrilling Tales of the New Continent! [Deante & Lasciel]

As Siona explained the war engines, the cats seemed to grow tense and uncomfortable, if not wary. Finally Dorandi broke in, Those are too big and expensive for us. I just wanted to taste boar again. Which brought a laugh that broke the tension. Razel could clearly see that both the cats were not an offensive minded people, not interested in war, but they also didnt have anything in sight made of metal. All the visible edges were the glittery dark rock. And while all the clay said they had a kiln, shed seen no forge. Which would explain why she was getting looked keenly, but not on a threatening manner. Although the look she was getting from a few of the young men was not just limited to interest in her gear. I was told the river was as far as they've traveled, Cesarin said, even as Razel was shaking her head sharply. They had even been instructed to try and find a suitable place that was not the original colony's location. Much to the grumbling of those at the base camp the month they'd been there, sitting on their hands, accomplishing nothing but cutting firewood and swatting mosquitos. They wanted to make sure whatever happened wasnt repeated, and that meant finding it and stopping it. Siona returned, Parani began, There is... a splash interrupted them. They stood close enough to the river to see a circular pattern of waves in the center of the water, before a spout sprayed straight up, like a geyzer. Siona has the sense sone magic followed, a message she just could not hear. Parani sighed. Kanjalli calls. I must go. I can go instead, so that you may continue, cut in the oldest of her assistants. She looked more eager. To do this service for her teacher, or to visit Kanjalli, wasn't clear. The younger girl's expression was more that of an uncertain bride-to-be when thinking of her betrothed. No. The wise woman wore the expression of one disrupted by their duties, with perhaps a wry smile underneath. When the older girl dropped her eyes in acknowledgement, Parani continued. Unless you were called by name, the Speaker is expected. To send you instead would be an insult. She looked to Siona, then her apprentices, lips pursed. She took her apprentices aside, having a short, one sided word with them. She stepped to the river's edge. Siona, I hope to see you again soon, that we may talk of magic and more. With that she dove into the river. Briefly they could see the spotted cat through the clear water, and then she was simply gone , as though the river ate her. The oldest apprentice took a breath, with clear effort drawing on the mantle of serious responsibility. Then she turned. I am Tolani. You asked about a taboo... A sigh. Three days walk is a wall, the Divide. It goes further than any of us have traveled, said to go from sea to sea. It is a barrier that protects us. Some things can crossit is low enough we could climb overbut it bars the darkest things, for the lands beyond are fearsome and the roots of demons run deep. On the horizon is a mountain that breathes fire and ash, and Kanjalli says there is a spirit of great fury inside that demands the sacrifice of lives into its fires. Along the wall are towers, and each tribe of all races on this side sends a Watcher to fill a post, to wait and look for anything that crosses, so that we may have warning. Each Watcher spends half the year there, and half off. Our Watcher is my father, who will return soon. This she said with pride and sadness. Glancing towards the village she added, The Divide scares them. Beyond it is death, or worse than death. But Kanjallis waters begin past it, and Parani is there now. We Speakers have a better idea of what evil lives behind the Divide, and have the magic to survive. Tolani answered any follow up questions before saying, You wanted to know about medicines? Which meant the talk of possible danger was over. Razels possible interest could have been stomped, but shed noticed the trio of men watching. Well, a teen and two somewhat older. They stood close, chatting and looking at her in a way that men universally did, when they were seeing who would approach a woman first. Finally one did, striding forward in what wasnt quite a swagger. Greetings. That on your back, would you show me? He tilted his chin at her axe. Like the other cats he was sleek and toned and taut, and this was shown off by the fact he wore a garment a little more than a loincloth, but not by much. A few bright feathers decorated a necklaceno way hed wear that hunting. Had he went home and put that on? His tail flicking in lazy little sways, what felines did when they were watching sonethong they wanted to pounce, just not yet.