Acanthus 0 Posted September 27 Author #21 Share Posted September 27 "um, are you sure you're going to be alright?" “I am.” Acanthus became strangely intense. “But there is a rush. Every minute I spend here—we spend here—is part of our prison sentence. I’m ready to leave, and I’ll do anything to make that happen.” Acanthus fidgeted with the cloak NIGHT had given her. It felt soft and comfortable as it flowed through her fingers. “If you don’t mind, could I possibly keep this? I’d like to have something that reminds me of you, even when we’re not adventuring together. I promise to take good care of it.” * * * * * They returned to the gypsy’s camp at last. The gypsy approached them again, this time, with an air of composure, scrutinizing the bear. Kumaki stared back vacantly. “I see you found your familiar. And a cute one at that.” “Yes.” The gypsy waited for more from Acanthus, but Acanthus was comfortable with the silence. “I suppose not everyone ends up with bugs or fish or other strange things. And you returned rather quickly.” Acanthus looked over to NIGHT gratefully. “I had some help. I don’t know that it would have gone as well without someone else here.” “Teamwork. Good. An important quality to have when you choose a familiar. You’re not just taking care of a pet. She will be your closest ally.” “Speaking of that… When I found Kumaki, she had some wounds and matted fur. Is that normal for familiars?” A look of fury passed the gypsy’s face. “Step aside.” “Hey, it wasn’t—” “I know it wasn’t you. Now step aside.” Acanthus did not step aside, but instead gestured to invite the other woman closer. The gypsy accepted the invitation and kneeled down to check the cub over like a careful doctor, gently pulling aside tufts of fur, checking Kumaki’s ears, and even pulling her lips back to check teeth. Kumaki appeared confused, but acquiesced. Acanthus’ worry was slowly turning into impatience. “Can you tell me what’s the matter?” Thumb tracing lightly over one of the healed wounds, she muttered a name Acanthus didn’t catch. The anger had disappeared; the gypsy now looked worried. Finally, she stood up and locked eyes with Acanthus in sorrowful intensity. “Bearold has seen some harsh days. Take good care of her. It is unusual, but not unheard of, to inherit a familiar.” “Inherit? What do you mean? And her name is Kumaki.” The gypsy woman sighed. “It is now. And to be honest with you,” she gave Acanthus a large, gap-toothed smile, “it is a good name. A much better name than Bearold.” The gypsy knelt down once more to Kumaki, and seemed to transform into a different person entirely. She now acted like a doting grandmother, procuring food for Kumaki from her dress pockets. Kumaki ate eagerly as the gypsy stroked the bear soothingly, whispering to it. “And I know you’ll take good care of [Acanthus] here. Keep her safe, keep her fed, and guide her through this world. She is worth it.” The gypsy stood up one more time, returning to her “normal” self. “And if you prove me wrong in that, then you may find the favor you owe me to be a dire circumstance indeed.” Link to post Share on other sites
Acanthus 0 Posted September 27 Author #22 Share Posted September 27 THREAD SUMMARY Acanthus EXP. [Word Count: 10789/10 = 1078.9] * [True Tier: 2] * [Group Factor: 0.7] + 300 (Quest) = 1809 * 2 = 3618 EXP Col. 400 (no take base money i got so many) = 400 col Familiar unlocked. <<Training your Friend>> Unlocked. | eval NIGHT EXP. [Word Count: 10789/10 = 1078.9] * [True Tier: 15] * [Group Factor: 0.7] = 11319 EXP * 2 = 22638 EXP Col. Laurel Wreath: = 3395 col Link to post Share on other sites
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