OOM All Skate Skellig Dream Magic Weirdness -Part 10

[brave_kreyu]

Kreyu has taken a different shape than is usual for her. A dragon, yes, but one of quite different build and coloration!

This shape is more serpentine, although it still has four legs and wings. Her body and her wings are covered in feathers that are all the colors of the rainbow. She fusses with some of her wing feathers, the claws of this shape far smaller, as dexterous as human hands.

"How do I look?" she asks, a little nervous about her appearance.

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[brave_kreyu]

THIS trip proves to be much shorter, as they can see the city they are headed for by mid afternoon!

She lands in a set of ruins outside the city, concealed from prying eyes.

"I'm nervous," Xenophon admits.

[27_53]

"Understandably so," Skellig says, keeping his voice on an even keel as he works to undo the gear rig from Kreyu's body - easy enough, even if the knots are slightly different with this form being a more serpentine shape. Once she is free, he guides Xenophon away, faces him the other direction.

"She requires privacy to shift," he offers as explanation. Xenophon blushes faintly at the thought, the reasons why she might, but doesn't go further than that. He is no fool - for her husband, the DRAGON'S HUSBAND - has his hand in his shoulder.

"The last time you set foot here in Mycenae was under very different circumstances," he says. "It is right to be nervous, though it would aid in your negotiating if you could hold it back."

[brave_kreyu]

Skellig might be able to tell that Kreyu is amused at Xenophon's blush. She assumes her calico cat shape and then leaps up onto Skellig's shoulder. She's careful not to claw him or damage his clothes, like the lady she is!

"Skellig is right in that it would be helpful if you could hold back your nerves, but we will manage even if you can not."

"Thank you," he says, his gaze including both Skellig and Kreyu. "I, I will try."

[27_53]

"That is the best we could ask of you, effort counts for a great deal."

With her perched upon the shoulder of his chiton, he reaches up to scratch beneath her chin lightly. "I have gathered the bag we discussed before we left home," Skellig tells her. "Is there anything else you think we might need?"

[brave_kreyu]

Chin scratches are lovely, causing her to purr a little.

"Nothing comes to mind," she replies. She settles herself into a position where Skellig can carry her comfortably on his shoulder.

(You didn't think she was going to WALK, did you? Walk where she might get stepped on or kicked by someone's shins when her lovely husband is available. we think not.)

Most people don't pay them much mind as they approach the city, although a few give Skellig an odd look.

The city looks...damaged, soul weary. The ash and rubble of war have not been entirely cleared away and the statuary that once lined the front of the city walls near the gates has been decapitated wherever it could be readily reached.

[27_53]

There is absolutely no need for her to walk! As it is, Skellig is contemplating creating some sort of shoulder 'armor' from a leather pad, that would allow her to grip if needed without causing him any discomfort.

"The energy is...ragged," he comments idly as they approach. She will understand what he means. It is definitely a different mood than that of the city near the Lair or that of Amikaya; there is more ache and resonating sadness within the walls.

[brave_kreyu]

"Yes," she agrees. She is speaking so quietly only Skellig will hear here. "In much worse shape than both of our homes thanks to war."

"His residence is this way," Xenophon explains. "I think he is the king's son, but not by the queen," Xenophon whispers. "There's a strong family resemblance and he..." Xenophon frowns, trying to put a feeling into words. "He hates the princes too personally for them to be strangers."

[27_53]

"Makes sense," Skellig nods. "Lead on, and then do not fear; no harm will come to you regardless of what happens during our discussion."

Whether this goes smoothly (Skellig doubts it) or not, Xenophon will leave the city today a free man. Hopefully his sister will join him, but Skellig does not voice that thought yet, still holding onto some hope.

[brave_kreyu]

"Sired on a slave or someone else of very low social status, most likely," Kreyu growls. Her tail lashes. "It is no matter who sired him, he is no match for us."

They happen to be passing someone selling leather work. By fate or by luck, there is a piece on offer that would fit over Skellig's shoulder, give Kreyu a pad to grip.

[27_53]

"Fate would have it, I was looking for a leathersmith," Skellig exclaims, holding up their progression.

It is similar to what might be considered a pauldron (in later times than they are currently occupying) and the exchange of coins for the piece is simple enough; with the help of the seller to get the straps fitted around his upper arm and torso, it is settled, and Kreyu can jump back up and settle in with a little coaxing.

The seller is DELIGHTED by this - never what they intended this for, but it works perfectly!

Kreyu gets a friendly pat on the head from the seller (Skellig manages somehow not to laugh) as they set off, and he glances over at her once they are out of earshot. "Better, love? I feel you will be more secure there, with your claws able to grip."

[brave_kreyu]

"Thank you, love. Yes, this feels much more secure," she assures him. She rubs her cheek against his face.

Xenophon grins. "You look like a hero out of a story," he tells Skellig. "Your magical companion on your shoulder."

As they near their destination, something occurs to Kreyu. "It may be prudent to APPEAR wealthy, to aid in getting through the door." They ARE wealthy, but appearances are important.

Skellig has the arm band Kreyu gave him from her hoard and there's plenty of jewelry in the bag they brought to trade.

[27_53]

"You may be wise about that," Skellig admits. "I would be better served to appear as more than just the traveler with his feline companion perched on his shoulder..."

There is an alcove near an alleyway that is out of the way enough that traffic is light; any other traffic that MIGHT have chosen to turn down this path suddenly finds themselves gently encouraged to choose a different one. Perhaps they remembered they forgot something at the market, or meant to grab an item from their home before they set out this afternoon? Who's to say...

The arm band peeks out from beneath her leather pad (he is already calling it HER spot in his mind - must be the feline influence) and he selects a few other items to add to his own self. It still feels a bit foreign to him, unnatural, but with her guidance...

"That should suffice?" He runs his fingers over a bracelet strung of small purple stones, then glances over at Kreyu, holding it up. "Unless my companion also might require a sign of her status?"

Meaning - does she want a 'collar' made of shiny stones?

[brave_kreyu]

"You always look lovely darling, but now you look to be a man of wealth," she confirms. "A collar might be wise, and it would certainly be fitting that a companion carried so closely would be suitably decorated."

Yes, she WOULD like a collar!

She looks every bit the exotic companion animal of a wealthy eccentric. (If you have enough money, you're never odd or weird, just eccentric.)

Xenophon smiles at the two of them. "I don't think you will have trouble getting in now. I saw him eager to welcome visitors as well dressed as you when I was there last."

[27_53]

Skellig - who mentally reminds himself Sokratis - reaches out and carefully adjusts the collar - the amethysts are stunning against the shades of white, orange, and black that color her fur near her neck and face.

"I don't believe we will," he agrees, scratching beneath Kreyu's neck and smoothing the fur around the collar. "This will be a part easily played."

[brave_kreyu]

"It's that building, there," Xenophon says, pointing at a richly decorated villa. There are two burly looking guards outside the front door, armed with bronze weapons and bronze armor.

"A bit excessive as far as security goes," Kreyu drawls. "I wonder if anyone's actually tried to murder him or if he's just paranoid?"

[27_53]

"Hopefully just paranoia," he says. Glancing to his shoulder: "Should I insist that Xenophon come inside with us if he is stopped?"

He is hesitant to leave him out alone with these guards. But also isn't sure what the correct protocol is in these situations.

[brave_kreyu]

"I think so long as he sticks close to us, looks subservient, they will presume he's your servant or slave," Kreyu explains.

Xenophon nods. "They've no reason to remember my face, and I know how a servant looks when they are following their master."

Xenophon's face twists as if he's bitten into something sour. "His name is Cylon. Cylon of Pergamon."

[27_53]

Skellig does not yet utter the name as he doesn't want to taste it on his tongue any longer than he has to. "Makes enough sense."

Once it becomes obvious that they are headed in the direction of the doorway of the building, the guards bristle up a bit, looking tough.

"I've come to speak with Cylon of Pergamon," Skellig says, puffing HIMSELF up with all that he can muster. "If granted an audience, I would make it quite worth his time."

[brave_kreyu]

Kreyu is doing her very best 'just a fancy cat' act, and it seems to pass muster. The guards never even really LOOK at Xenophon, dismissing him as of no importance whatsoever.

"Of course, Sir," one of the guards says after he glances at the other. The other guard moves aside and the one who spoke moves to escort them into the villa. "He will be pleased to meet with you as soon as possible."

Indeed, a slave is already running to 'fetch' Cylon, Skellig can hear his racing footsteps.

[27_53]

Skellig is listening quite closely to everything he can hear - the hurried footsteps, the hushed conversations - there is someone here to see you Sir, he looks to be important.

It will take a few moments for Cylon to ready himself to 'receive' guests. In the meantime, Skellig does his best to look 'bored and wealthy' as they wait.

Another slave comes out with a pitcher of wine and cups made of fine gold - completely unnecessary for the drink itself, but clearly meant to show off how much 'prowess and wealth' Cylon possess - clearly!

[brave_kreyu]

Xenophon's heart rate SURGES in relief and recognition at the slave pouring the wine, it's his sister Kirke!

She hasn't noticed Xenophon yet, as she sets down the cups, carefully pours the wine. Skellig can hear her heart beating rabbit fast, and Kreyu can smell her fear. She might be afraid of Skellig, or something or someone else close at hand, it's hard to tell for sure.

Her attention is entirely on Skellig and her duties, as if she's VERY afraid of making a mistake of any kind. She offers him the filled golden cup, and the tremor in her hands would be unnoticeable to most. "My Master bids you welcome, good Sir." Her voice doesn't shake, and she's proud of that as well as relieved.

[27_53]

Unnoticeable to MOST, but Skellig notices. As he takes the cup, he smiles warmly.

"Thank you," he replies kindly. "It is most appreciated, my dear."

Scent is not his strongest sense, but even he can smell the fear on her, and that concerns him for a number of reasons. He's also noticed the way Xenophon has reacted to seeing her, so he has his suspicions. He keeps up the air of 'wealthy eccentric' as he brings the cup closer to his lips, but does not drink of it.

(Kreyu would be better suited to scent poison; he doubts it, but it isn't worth it to risk it.)

[brave_kreyu]

Everyone knows cats are nosy, so it is entirely in character for Kreyu to stick her nose into the cup. Not close enough to drink it, but the scents are clear. She makes a rumbling purr. No poison, so far as she can tell!

(And it isn't poisoned, Kirke is just afraid of being punished for a spill or any damage to the drinking vessels.)

Kirke has placed the pitcher back on the table when she catches sight of Xenophon. She goes pale, like she's seen a ghost. "He told me you were dead!" she blurts out to her brother. Then she glances at Skellig, worried about his reaction to her outburst.

[27_53]

Skellig sips from the cup but lifts his eyebrows slightly in Kirke's direction, in a vaguely amused expression. He can't fault her, and he won't - thinking a loved one is dead and then seeing them in the flesh isn't something that happens often!

But her reaction...

Someone has struck her, he thinks. Cylon is still at least a few moments off from making his 'grand' entrance.

"No harm will come to you," he reassures her. "But it will be explained once I finish discussions with Cylon." He specifically does not call him her 'Master', as he refuses.

[brave_kreyu]

Xenophon smiles at her in an encouraging way and some of her fear fades. She WAS about to speak, but hears Cylon's footsteps and scurries back to the table to be in position to serve him and his guest.

"Welcome, welcome," Cylon says as he enters the room. "It is always a pleasure to have guests." He's a man nearing middle age, finely dressed, with enough gold and jewels that they would be considered a bit excessive even by local standards. He is, on the surface, every bit the genial host.

But he is a man obsessed with wealth, with power, a war profiteer, and most of what he has traces back in some way to human suffering. The echoes around him are likely unpleasant.