Thread: Unlikely Saviors [-:Haru|Luana:-]

Tika tilted her head at the offer. Her ankle burned like a forge fire and it made sense. Yet her pride was screaming for her to decline. He wasn't her friend and she wasn't his. They had a business deal. At the same time that was exactly what mounts were. The pain in her ankle decided it. With an almost defeated sigh she finally nodded. They would move faster anyway. Slowin' us down I am, she said derisively. She clambered up to his shoulders, careful not to tug on his man. It wasn't so bad seated behind his head, a leg on either side. She leaned forward some and rested her forearms atop his head. Didn't run out of things t'make. Ran out of money t'buy parts, she piped with a small frown. Honestly, Biggins didn't listen even if you're right next to their ears. She was a little surprised that he knew the general direction of the artifact. West t'be sure. Airships are fine with me. Built by Gnomes they are. Her voice and chest swelled with some pride. Built at biggin demand but still built by them. No better way t'travel. At the airship port the pair got strange looks. Some were perplexed, others amused. Tika made faces at those who gave them disapproving or disgusted faces. One group of humans broke into laughter. Tika gave a little growl and fired a padded bolt at one. Their laughter halted and for a moment they looked murderous but thought better on an attack. The last thing they wanted to tangle with was a seven foot pneumafera with his own turret. It was Tika's turn to laugh. See their stupid faces? Ohhhh scary big kitty cat with a shoot in' Gnome atop! Hah! Kion could almost see the little gnome cogs work in her head, but eventually she gave in and Kion knelt to allow her to clamber up onto him. Many pneumafera might view this as an insult, and yet Kion had offered and saw it as no worse than carrying a child due to her small size. An adult human might have been another matter. Though soon the little gnome was seated on his shoulders and he hardly noticed her weight there. Though he would never have told her as such, Kion could smell her much better where she now sat. All of her truly, and her scent made his nose twitch a little. It was quite nice, and he noted how she was careful with his mane. She then moved on to explain what had happened. I see. No money to be loaned out either then I take it? That would make completing projects rather difficult, I agree. he mused, and as she explained about the airships Kion would head toward the closest port. The little gnomes antics were quite amusing, and though the humans she shot at were not hurt in any way, a glare from Kion and they backed off, much to the Little One's delight. Her words brought a smile and Kion made a suggestion, Perhaps on this little trip you should think about some sort of harness to hold you. Any traveling on land will mean we either need to get you transport such as a horse, or I will have to slow down considerably. If you're to be riding on me in some way, then are you sure that way is the most comfortable? he asked. It was an innocent question, sure enough, and by now they'd approached the counter. Kion checked his money and found that they could get transport to Delaram, but no further. I suppose that will have to do. he told the little gnome, and they could see on the map that it would get them quite a ways. A few days by airshp that would have taken a couple weeks on foot. Or more, depending on weather. The airship that would take them along the river westward to Delaram, was an immense passenger freighter, and they even got to see the crew going aboard as they made preparations. Sure enough, a gnome mechanic and oddly, her assistant seemed to be a half-orc female. Though it did make sense that dealing with a ship that large that someone with considerable strength would be needed. The ship will be disembarking in about an hours time. the attendant told them. Kion murred softly. I never did get to eat because someone interrupted my meal. I wonder if there's a place close to grab a bite? he asked, looking over his shoulder at the little gnome. She knew the city far better than himself. Tika tilted her head some when he mentioned the harness. She almost couldn't believe he was directly offering to ferry her around. He wasn't wrong that it might be slow going if she also walked. Getting a horse was nearly out of the question. She hated animals and the feeling was mutual from them. Only good for eating. Her brows furrowed as she thought about how such a harness might work. It was a decent enough challenge. The trip on the airship would be perfect to at least draw up designs. No materials to make anything just yet. I'll see what I can do. She said just before they got to the ticket counter. Delaram was fairly far. Not quite far enough. She should have hid in his pack. Stupid, greedy biggins. Charging same prices for Gnome and Pneumafera. Didn't make a cog of sense. Still better than walkin' the whole way, she said with a small shrug. Tika peeked up when she saw the gnome mechanic with her half-orc assistant. She would think that was strange but for the fact she was riding a Pneumafera. With a little jump she looked to the lion. She laughed quietly and scratched the back of her neck. Don't suppose ya mean me. Still she laughed and looked around. Most of the places around the port could be pricey. For long trips the meals were included in ticket pricing. Nothing fancy of course unless you wanted to pay extra. She chewed her upper lip as she scanned the area. Ah! Here! Still careful of his mane she swung down, using his arm almost like a pole to slid down. She landed gingerly on her good ankle. This wouldn't be as easy with a bum ankle. Stay here. I owe ya I suppose. Ruining your meal n'all. Not waiting for a response she tottered into the crowd and quickly disappeared. Tika was gone for almost forty-five minutes. All aboard! Was being shouted and passengers began boarding. A commotion erupted at a nearby restaurant. No explosions before thick, dark smoke filled up and poured out of the few open windows. Patrons and staff fled, coughing and hacking. Out of nowhere Tika appeared by Kion's side and grabbed his wrist. Her pack was suspiciously fuller looking than when she left his side. Just walk, she said as calm as could be. Once onboard she glanced back to the restaurant. The smoke was clearing. She smirked and giggled quietly. Once they were fairly well settled she opened her pack. A veritable buffet had been carefully crammed inside. Likely eight pounds of meat, various bread, and her personal favorite cheese. Three wheels about the size of her head. Not to mention three flagons of a nice, sweet summer wine. Dig in fluffer! Gesturing roundly to the small, potentially suspiciously obtained feast. Much better than walking. Weeks turned into days. Kion agreed. It was hard to miss the tiny pink-haired gnome that walked with the crew, and then the half orc as well. There was a question then, that sprung to mind, but he was far too noble to ask it, and kept his peace. Though it seemed that the gnome with him might actually work on a harness. It would certainly not have to be very large! When the little gnome took a bit of responsibility for ruining his meal Kion had to chuckle. I do mean you, though you don't have to make it up to me... he said, but before he knew it she was sliding down and landing on the ground. Then at her instruction to stay put he quirked a brow nd watched her little frame move off through the crowd at the port. He knew she was going to get into trouble, but maybe if he stayed where he was he could distance himself from the chaos. She was gone for quite some time, and Kion began to worry as they called for people to board the ship, and he stod, pacing where he was for several minutes before the orange haired gnome reappeared and grabbed his wrist. The thick smoke pouring out of the place was surely her doing, but a this point all he could do was follow along unless he wanted to miss their craft. What did you do? he hissed down at her as they boarded the ship. It was easy enough to find their cabin , it was 1L, and soon they had settled in a bit. Kion found the accommodations a little small, but for the gnome they were likely quite spacious. As she opened her pack and began to unload what she had taken, Kion knew she had to have stolen it, but at this point he did not care, and was quite famished. You did well. he complimented her, and patted the top of her head. Then he dug in. He quite liked the huge roast she had brought, as well as the cheese and bread, and he could get more to drink from the galley aboard the ship. Now seemed as good a time as any to ask some questions. So, Peanut, where exactly are we going? he asked.