(I29 – Late Afternoon)
It was later than Hunter would have liked when he headed through the gates and into the city proper. But he had a mission and not much time in which to complete it. He’d changed his look somewhat, putting on a shirt with far fewer holes and rips, trading his striped (wick-made) cloak for a more muted green jacket. He’d left his animals in good hands with Calli and her friends. He wanted to be as unmemorable as possible.
Okay. He took a deep breath as he came through the gates.Crosstown Court’ll be a good place to look for general news, but if you want the Seventen, they’re right here at the gate. Only now they’ve probably been at the post all day and won’t want to bother with a troublesome boy and his awkward questions…
As he made his way into the city, he kept his eyes and ears open and tried not to look too much like a tourist. With luck, he might find one of the uniformed initiates in not too bad a mood. Failing that, there were bound to be other potential sources.

Ensign Ermanno leaned listlessly on his pike, watching with distant interest the people entering and leaving his gate. The blond-haired initiate was a little distracted, for his shift was almost up and it would be time to meet some of his old student buddies in the Dives for a rousing game of Kingdoms and several rounds of drinks, if his pockets were deep enough.

Nearby, leaning against the smooth red stone of the guardhouse was his dark-haired superior, a sly looking galdor with broad shoulders and cleft chin. He seemed to enjoy caressing the hilt of his rapier, and it was more than a little disconcerting when coupled with his greasy smile.

Inside the guardhouse, Hunter could just make out a glimpse of a third Seventen. He was red-headed, freckled, and reading a newspaper like he didn't have a care in the world. He could have been on break, or he could have just been lazy. It was hard to tell.

None of the three looked particularly busy; in fact, they might have been bored. The question was, then, were they in a talking mood?

Frederick Vespasian had only rarely interacted with any members of the fearsome order. Those were mainly limited to showing his credentials when leaving or entering the gates. There had been one once, when he was small, assigned to accompany Felix Vespasian on one of his journeys. Hunter only remembered that it was the first and last such escort that his father had allowed. Time among the wick nomads had only solidified the shiver of anxiety that accompanied his mental image.

Gulp!

So this was it. How to play it right... Too timid and they would just dismiss him as a joke. Too demanding and... Well, it couldn't be a good consequence whatever the result.

"Greetings, noble officers. I wonder if you might be able to spare a few minutes to help me with an educational project."

He kept his field controlled but not pulled in defensively and his tone respectful and inquisitive.

Should I try to play the admiring future recruit?

The blond-haired initiate blinked as if he hadn't quite heard the question. Snapping into better posture, his pike clinking once on the ground as he did so, he eyed the student before him with wary blue eyes, "Educational whot?" He snorted and looked to the dark-haired man he called a commanding officer, "He wants to know if we have spare time, Ciro. Sir."

The greasy galdor chuckled, stepping up from the wall, hand resting firmly on the hilt of his blade. With a smirk, he gave Hunter a rather rude once-over before speaking, "Does he now, Ensign ... Hmm. Well, I suppose it depends. Is it our education or his?" He raised an eyebrow at the boy. His inflection implied he hoped there would be something for him in this exchange.

The red-head put down his paper at the sound of voices, leaning back in his chair to peer out the narrow window with green, curious eyes.

The idea of bribery was not entirely foreign to Hunter. There had been the occasional bribe to a foreign official or underworld contact in his father's dealings. But it had never occurred to him that a member of the Seventen would accept let alone demand or suggest such a payment. Wasn't there a rigid code of conduct? The thought of such a powerful force not held to the code that should have kept it in check... well that was just crazy talk. His naiveté acted as an effective barrier to the officer's implied meaning. It was just as well, as he would not have known to make a monetary offer with the proper subtlety.

"Well, strictly speaking, mine. But the project is for the benefit of everyone in my class. I'm in Ambassador Romley's Diplomacy class, you see. And with the recent proclamation we're all curious as to the reactions faced by the forces of order, which would be yourselves, in keeping the peace while still fulfilling your already demanding duties."

"Also, as an upperclassman, it is about time for me to start getting some practical ideas as to career choices once my term at Brunnhold is over. It's all well and good to sit in a cozy classroom and say I want to serve my people by helping to maintain order, but it means nothing if I don't know the reality of such a calling."

This wasn't going well at all. Hunter had thought he might simply draw them into a conversation. Instead, his nerves had him blathering on, spouting a foggy fen of words.

Ciro let his hand slide from his rapier and up to his chin, where he rubbed it thoughtfully, blue eyes narrowing at the boy as if he wasn't sure what to do with him at all. He felt a little flattered; it wasn't everyday some spunky student called him a force of order. The dark-haired captain liked the ring of that. Ego-stroking for the greasy galdor was often much more desirable than coin.

With a snort, he crossed his arms over his chest and laughed, "Hey, Matthias, get your lazy ass out here. There's a student here who wants to further his education."

Ermanno smirked; he really wasn't that much older than Hunter. Maybe two years. Still as green and fresh as his uniform. The blond seemed to size the student up, as if trying to determine how he'd fit in as a career Seventen. He leaned on his pike and looked curious, but otherwise didn't say anything.

The freckled red-head stumbled out from the guardhouse, looking somewhere between disgruntled and curious.

Almost in unison, the three Seventen looked at Hunter expectantly.

"So, uh, did you want the recruitment pitch, kid?" Captain Ciro smiled coldly; he was obviously very much an eel of a galdor, "Or did you already have some questions in mind?"

Well, that's a start. Better than being tossed out on my ear.

It was obvious that Hunter's response could swing their opinion of him in either direction. He was going to have to build some kind of relationship before he could try to maneuver into a discussion of the riots. A potential recruit... with the right set of interests... and if he could somehow convince them that he would be able to mention their good treatment of him to someone of influence...

"Well... I mean everyone knows the Seventen. Just the presence of the uniform is enough to demand respect. The snaps are a sign that the wearer is a force to be reckoned with. We learn in school how important the Seventen are in keeping order considering how few our numbers are in comparison to the lesser citizens of our country. Great honor and noble pursuit..."

Maybe it won't be so hard to get them talking, even bragging about their activities. Some details might slip...

"...but there usually isn't much detail in those discussions. The details of the duties and day-to-day activities. The sacrifices made daily or the rigorous training experiences of our Seventen. Personally, I'm good in the classroom and sharp with my studies, but I want to do something a little more active."

He emphasized the word with a hint of eagerness.

The gate loomed ahead of her, and Ilyia felt her heart sink. Well, what's another day, right? Sighing she, took stock of the situation while internally fighting herself down.

She'd been keeping away from Alstair for... reasons. And it was very, very stressing wondering where he was and what he was doing all the time without bringing herself to break down and talk to him. But it wasn't a huge problem... until you considered the doctor's ultimatum. Ah, clocking hell, I can't believe I'm on gate duty. That greasy officer makes me uncomfortable.

stepping up, she saw a kid talking to them. Hm... oh well. I'm supposed to be here and I am not getting docked for lateness again. Sidling up politely, she made a smart, quiet salute.

"Recruit Lutgardis, reporting sir." She looked down at the boy again. She internally complimented his choice of wear; comfort and ability before fashion. Smart boy. She tried her best to look as uninteresting as she could; Illy had forgotten how awkward it felt around these men.


---



While Hunter was speaking, Matthias actually paused to examine the snaps of his uniform, as if they had suddenly developed a whole new meaning. Ermanno looked bored, but perhaps it was only on the surface; he was at least looking at the student as he spoke.

The dark-haired captain, however, seemed quite impressed. He was either good at faking it, or he really just had quite the ego that needed constant attention. Ciro chuckled at the words "lesser citizens," his expression turning into something darkly amused.


It was Matthias' turn to chuckle. The red-headed initiate squinted his green eyes as he spoke, as if it took effort for him to make conversation, "If you want active, kid, you should be speaking with those on patrol. We're not that -"

"Shut your head." Ciro laughed, "Guarding our fine gates is just as important as patrol. We're the ones who decide who comes in this city ... and especially the ones who get out. For good. Like those poxy half-breeds." The greasy galdor spit, narrowly missing Ermanno's shiny boots, "Good riddance to those wicks, I say."

The captain was about to open his mouth for a further comment when he was interrupted.


"Aaah. Good evening, Miss Lutgardis." Ciro smiled in a way that would have made any woman in a ten-foot radius instantly uncomfortable, especially with his cleft chin and slicked-back hair. He would've winked if the kid wasn't around, but he thought it best to set a better example than that, for now, "I am sure Ermanno appreciates your timeliness." He smirked at the blond, "Dismissed, Ensign."

Ermanno saluted sharply before grinning and wordlessly escaping from both conversation and the gate vicinity.

Ciro waved a hand at Ilithyia, indicating Hunter, "This boy here wants to know more about our fine Seventen training. As a recent initiate, Miss Lutgardis, do you have any words of wisdom?" His voice was like hot oil, smooth and painful at the same time.


-----


Hunter kept a pleasantly neutral expression throughout. He listened and watched with great care because he wanted to be able to remember as much detail as he could about these men and their reactions to his words. Ciro’s reactions were unfortunately much as the young investigator had feared. Ermanno was not as easy to read, perhaps because there was nothing there to read. Or maybe he was just anticipating getting out of there as quickly as possible. Of them all, Hunter judged the redhead as the most likely to form an exploitable bond.

And then an entirely new factor entered the mix. The Lutgardis woman seemed not to have been touched by the casual arrogance of the others. Perhaps Hunter was projecting – he tended to think overly well of females. At any rate, the leer Ciro sent her way struck the young galdori as a touch revolting.

I wonder if she feels an outsider… perhaps she will be more open to an honest version of things…

He waited to see how she would play it.


----




And with that, the discomfort came in full force. After a polite headbob, Ilithyia pulled at her tunic in an attempt to make it more androgynous and less form-fitting. It was a wasted action, and Ilyia had to admit defeat with a subtle sense of disgust deep in her gut. She looked after the ensign with a great deal of envy and longing as he bolted away to freedom. Fumbling with her snaps (would she ever get used to having two?), she looked at the captain with wariness; Al wouldn't really appreciate those eyes.


She wanted to flinch. Ciro's voice and looks made er feel awkward and unreal, like a piece of meat or an osta at a show. "Yes sir." Fighting back the blush of shame that threatened, she turned towards the boy, hiding her discomfort as best she could. It wasn't good form to be frightened of your superiors.

"You wanted to know about the training? It's very thorough physically. If there's anyway you can get a head start on fitness I'd recommend it. If you're in Brunnhold, I know they have sports like fencing." It felt very mechanical, the way she was speaking, but it was what was expected. So long as she followed orders, she hoped that the captain would leave her be.

Suddenly, she saw an out. Turning back to the slick officer, she inclined her head respectfully. "If you would like, captain, I can explain things to the boy in greater detail so your work wouldn't be inconvenienced." It might get her out of his sight long enough that the feeling of it didn't begin to cling.


----


"Oe- yes, well I can run circles around most of the other students my age in fitness. Never tried fencing though. More practiced with my knives."
Hunter took care with his tone, making it polite and with a hint of invitation – much like he might try to coax a nervous osta out of a tree. The woman seemed nervous and he wanted to make her at ease.
"So what other sorts of activities would you recommend? Are there classes you wish you would've taken?"

Please can we get away from this fellow?


----


Captain Ciro only enjoyed Illithyia's discomfort, despite her efforts to contain it. He did so like it when those he pursued fought back. He chuckled at her suggestion, "Inconvenienced? Come now," He chided, but it was without humor, "You make it sound as though there is something more pressing I should be doing ..."

The eel of a galdor glanced at Hunter, then back to the red-headed initiate, "You're the freshest meat, however." His grin was crooked and terrible, and his gaze threatened to see past her uniform just for the embarrassment it might cause, "So, it's as you wish. He might appreciate your gentle perspective compared to mine. I will leave this youth's education in your hands for now."

Ciro sneered and waved a dismissing hand at the two of them, returning his other hand to the hilt of his blade. With an almost disappointed look, the captain turned on his heel and returned to leaning against the wall, making sure to watch the pair, mostly letting his gaze linger on the female Seventen.

Matthias kind of hovered near Illithyia and Hunter in order to listen and possibly to offer his opinion should it become necessary, still a little miffed that he was interrupted from his leisurely reading for a nosy student.


----



I'm sure there's something you'd rather be pressing, you disgusting man. If Al made her feel beautiful, Ciro elicited a feeling of deep loathing for her form, on the other end of the spectrum than what she usually felt. She was finally glad not to be one of those adorable little girls, because as it was she was having enough trouble with him. She blanched as rumors from the women's side rang in her ears; Ciro had a reputation of doing this kind of thing... and worse.

Quickly gathering the boy forward with a gentle hand at his shoulder, she grinned at him lightly, a look to Matthias offering him the chance to follow but not exactly inviting it. She really didn't like any of the gate guards, however compared to the captain they were all everine.

"Well let's get settled kiddo, and you can ask everything you ever wanted to know about the Seventen." She leaned against the wall, arms folded in front of her in a subtle form of authority, but her eyes belying the stiffness in her posture. She always did like kids.


----



I doubt very much I'd be leaving here unrestrained if I did.
A funny little half-smile accompanied the thought, more out of stress than amusement.

"Well, I'm taking Diplomacy this term, and was wondering how often and what methods such stategies could be used to disarm a potentially violent or already-escalated conflict? In other words, are advanced studies in this area likely to come into play in real-life situations?"


-----


Matthias, who had followed the two like a lost red-headed puppy, snorted. His green eyes narrowed and he gave Hunter a knowing look, "You just missed a real-life situation, ya know."

Glancing at Illithyia, he sighed. He hadn't been there for the riot, but he'd seen the results as he was part of the clean-up afterward. He still saw the mess in his sleep. His face contorted, freckles making his displeasure more obvious, "That riot was not the best example, in my opinion, so maybe you're lucky you weren't here. Something was not procedure there, if you ask me."

He put a hand over his mouth, as if he had made a mistake. His eyes grew wide and he looked away, afraid that he had said something wrong. Ciro apparently didn't notice, however, but the young Seventen was unsure as to Illithyia's opinion.

He knew she had been there. He couldn't look at her.


----



I was underestimating him! He's sharp as a blade! She grinned broadly, liking the boy's train of thought. He was very much like she had been, intellectually. It seemed they both shared a love of fitness, too. I like this kid. I hope he gets in.


Glancing quickly at the captain as well, she gritted her teeth. Alstair... you rotten sonofabander. We are so going to have a discussion about this, goddess be my witness and heaven my savior.

"I was there. It wasn't pretty. At all." She tossed her head,teeth gritted and shoulders tight. She had hated the riot, and it showed on the lines about her eyes. "There was a miscarriage of justice. People should not have been hurt like that." Suddenly, the tide of unhappiness that plagued her since her brail came back and she lowered her head, trying to hide the weakness in her eyes.

"To answer your question, the diplomacy of dealing with large, violent groups is often more large groups. The problem with the riot was there were too few officers in the area to deal with the out-of-hand violence. The best thing that could have been done was subduing spells." She rubbed a hand across her tearing eyes. You're a damn foll, Ilithyia. "There wasn't anything talking could have done there. It was save who you could and stop those who were fighting." With a sad laugh, she looked down at him.

"You do your best. Really, that's all I can answer for that one. It gets so chaotic it's hard to tell ally from enemy. If you'd be willing to cast something on a comrade, then use it, because there's friendly fire." She looked at her still astoundingly sensitive feet. Alstair...


------


It was hard to maintain a straight face. Hunter would never have dreamed the conversation could turn directly to the disastrous riot. He brought his hand up to cover his eyes momentarily – until he was sure they would not betray his eagerness. Looking at the young woman grounded him rather quickly. Her pain at the memory was all too real. Was there some guilt there as well?

"I'm sorry, miss."
The boy almost took her hand in his to offer comfort. Amongst the tekaa, such a show would not have been out of place. But for gollies, unfamiliar ones – not to mention that this was a guard at her post. No. The best he could do was to give her a reassuring look in hopes that the sleazy officer wouldn't decide to butt into the conversation.

"I'd heard something about that event. Some of those spells, whew, it must have been harrowing. But, like you said, you did your best. What you had to do, right? So, was that a demonstration of some sort to start out with? I'd heard the wicks were involved, but it seems too large a thing just to chalk up to random villainy."

"I mean, they may be loony, and a tad jealous of us, but something on that scale doesn't mesh with anything I've learned about how they operate."


------


"Those Crows and Eyes seem to always be fighting," spat Matthias, a little disturbed by Illithyia's description of the riot, but still ingrained with the same mechanical understanding of wicks as most of his kind, "So while it might not have been 'villany,' it was still violence. It's not our fault they can't get along, is it?"


------



Illy looked at him with eyes unused to concern. He was worried about her? Hahaha, what a laugh that is. Alstair didn't even show real concern after he carried me back to the barracks. Or maybe he did and I was too angry at finding out THAT HE CAST THAT FUCKING MAGMA TO EVEN CARE! AHHH. Her fingers dug into her palm, though she managed to keep expression and field calm. And Ivan told her he stared that riot too...


She spun on her heel to look Matthias dead in the face, her field flicking with cold fury.

"A galdor cast magma, you fool," she hissed through clenched teeth, a muscle in her forehead jumping. "They were fighting, yes, but goddess above that magma is what did the most damage. I wasn't just there for the riot, I helped with the wounded." She spat the words out, ignoring the boy for the moment, knowing she'd regret her tirade in a moment but too emotionally strung out to care anymore. How dare you blame innocents. Did you know children died? Mothers? Innocent bystanders, that could have escaped the riot but not the spell? Children. There was this wick girl... Goddess. You can't understand. She shook her head, ridding it of the thoughts before her mouth could form them.

After a shaky breath, she looked at the boy again, eyes slightly pink. "That's not an opinion shared by most, kid. I think a lot of people would like to blame everything on the wicks. Look at our legislation now." She purposely skirted her own opinion. She was going to get her ass chewed by someone for her little outburst, might as well avoid anything else.


-----


Whoops. A little too much sharing, given the present company. Hunter spoke quickly to try and move the topic away from legislation.

"Well, they're not entirely free of blame here. I mean if there is some inter-tribal conflict, they don't really have any business bringing it into one of our good towns. There's plenty of traveling space for them to knock each other about without endangering our people or inciting violence in the human civs. Keeping them out is not too unreasonable if other safety precautions can't be arranged. In the long run, it should cut some of the strain on the guards' workload, eh?"

Magma, and what else? What about that ball o' fire? If I could just get her alone... Still don't know if there was even a justifiable public threat involved before the magma.



----


Matthias narrowed his eyes at the red-headed woman, drawing himself up to his unimpressive full height and straightening the sash of his uniform, unintimidated by the anger in her field, "While I may agree with you that there was a possibly mistaken use of excessive force, I'd have to say that it's clocking stupid of you to make the assumption that everyone involved was innocent. Those wicks should keep their clocking fighting outside the city in the first place."



He pointed at the student with his thumb, "See, he gets it. Of course we'll have an easier time keeping the peace when there's less folks on the streets trying their damnedest to cause it between each other."

He scowled. Matthias didn't trust wicks any more than he generally trusted humans; both never really looked at him the way he felt they should as they passed through his gate. In the red-headed Seventen's mind, his job was to keep them both in order so that galdor society could move smoothly and everyone could have their own life out of each others' hair. He was responsible for their well-being, yes, but he couldn't help but feel as though many of those under his 'care' were stubborn, rebellious children who refused to see the service that was being offered them through galdori guidance.

"Did you ever stop to think that they don't appreciate all we do for them? We've been fair enough, considering all we have to put up with between the wicks and humans."

He shrugged, unsure of really how to feel about the law, knowing somewhere in the back of his mind that there were useful services the wicks provided both in and outside the city limits, "I'm not about to question the Judge's decision. Someone up there must have our well-being in mind."

His voice carried a bit of doubt, but he wasn't about to express his entire opinion in front of a student or another Seventen with his Captain nearby.

Ciro was watching, cold blue-eyes mostly focused on Illithyia, but drifting to the student occasionally. His face left no indication as to whether or not he was actually listening, however, from his post leaning against the guardhouse wall. He was, for the most part, distracted by actually working – watching the crowds disdainfully as they passed through the arches of the gate.

Desperation drove Hunter to another gambit - one that should have occurred to him sooner. Perhaps he could change the subject and get her away from the officer after all.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Do you think you might show me the chroven? I was thinking of doing a presentation on them for class. Show off one of the special aspects of Seventen duties and all."

Ilithyia just shrugged. She hadn't wanted to come work at the gate in the first pace, now she was being attacked for pointing out some of the blame was on her own kind. It wasn't strange, but she just didn't care. She had seen atrocities, and tried to make them fit with her knowledge of justice... and found it wanting.

"Fine. I'll not bicker any longer, it's over and done with, and we have our duties. I just think it's foolish to fix half the problem and call it done." She had to get her temper under control; she was endangering more than herself now. Shaking her head to clear away lingering rage, Ilithyia stared down at the boy. He was a sneaky little thing, she was starting to see it. I'm not that long out of school, kid. I know my way around the halls still, and I can tell a manipulator when I see one.


"The chroven are back in the main building. One of us would have to get permission to leave our post to show you." She threw a glance at Ciro, meeting his eyes accidentally. Ilyia blushed and looked down at her feet, hoping she wouldn't have to work at the gate very often; all these eyes and questions made her awkward.

Sighing, she looked down at the kid and shrugged. "Give me a moment, I'll ask." After smoothing her tunic again, she stepped easily over to the captain and bowed politely.

"The young man wishes to see the chroves. I realize that it would take special permission t leave duty to escort him." She kept her face lowered, unable to look him directly in the eye. "Your orders...?"

The dark-haired captain caught the red-head's gaze, blue eyes narrowing mischeviously and a sly smile creasing his weathered face until she looked away. He scowled a little in unhidden disappointment.


One of the many reasons Ciro preferred gate duty to patrol was the chroven. They smelled. They were often cantankerous. While they were intimidating and impressive to the ladies, the greasy galdor just couldn't get over his distaste for the creatures enough for patrol duty to be worth his while. He sneered at Illithyia, "There are many things I'd rather give you special permission for, Miss Lutgardis ... but, considering at least one of us has to be working, I suppose I can allow you to take the boy to see the kitties. Briefly."

He waved a hand in displeasure, almost as if he was reluctant to let them go. He might have even begun to be suspicious of the boy's motivations. He glared at Hunter, practically looking through Illithyia to do so, "There's no need to linger. Understand?"

Excellent!

"Thank you, Sir."
The gratitude was sincere on a number of levels.

"And thank you, Miss Lutgardis. I've never seen them up close before."

Oh, I hope she likes them. I'd hate to think I just made her volunteer for something even less pleasant than gate duty with this guy.

Rage and shame were the orders of the day, and Illy hated herself for the blush that refused to fade. It disgusted her to think of what he meant... there's so much of a difference between him and Alstair. Suddenly realizing her love came out ahead for the first time when compared with another male in tact and decorum, Ilyia actually smiled.

Well, my heart, you are many things but coarse is not one of them. Evil... perhaps. You may have rough edges, but soldiering has worn away the sleaze.

"Thank you, sir. I shall be quick." She saluted, and turned to the boy. "Let's go then, kid." She tapped him on the shoulder (being tall had it's advantaged some days...) and started walking.


She grinned down, cautious but kind. "Well, they're something else all right. I personally love them to bits; they're trained and vicious when in the field, but generally we have a good rapport." Besides, what would she do without Spondola to wear off energy? Somtimes a good ride would turn a terrible mood into a good one. Realizing her mind had wandered, Illy grinned sheepishly and continued on.

The walk wasn't a long one, but Ilithya felt the need to fill the silence. "Hahaha, and I'm too close to your age to be 'Miss Lutgardis.' Besides, when around other Sevens, you might want to use 'officer.' Most of the ladies do not appreciate the special treatment. Call Me Ilyia." Now, kid, if you don't show your cards soon, I'm going to call your bluff. I don't have all day and while you seem really sweet, I have things going on and a man argue with.

"I've mostly studied different wolf species and some rodents, but I've read up on some of the cats."
Well what golly child hasn't been curious about the big cats and chroven?
"I'd heard the chroven were pretty ornery, though. I'm assuming you partner with a particular mount long-term. How much of a training or familiarizing period do you get... Ilyia?"

The sheepish look on Hunter's face said there was something other than chrove on his mind, despite the genuine interest his questions showed.

Do you really want to send her on an emotional topsy-turvy by mentioning the riot? Then again she's the only eyewitness you've got... Gently then.

"Of course the area of study that I'm most familiar with is wick culture."

Clearly it was bait.

The stable came into her sight and Ilithyia smiled, knowing at least one of the big creatures was waiting for her. Turning to the boy, she ruffled his hair and grinned, catching some of his interest. Kid's good at his shenanigans, I'll give him that much.

"You're assuming I don't like a little roughhousing, kid." She rolled up her sleeves, showing several slices and puckering, healing cuts. "I got these from my favorite the other day. He's a big baby, but doesn't know his own strength. And those claws are nasty even when he's being careful."

As they reached the doors, she straightened and actually began answering his questions. "Actually, I haven't been assigned yet, being new, though if I am it'll likely be with Spondola." She escorted him into the strong-smelling area, the shafts of light illuminating dust in the air.

"Usually, it's not as formal. Chroven aren't life partners, but many officers have their favorites." She stopped by the coolchest and pulled out some savory kenser bits, and as she made her way down the line, allowed the monstrous creatures to not-so-delicately eat the lightly cooked flesh from her hand.

Chroves, because of their violent and carnivorous natures, couldn't be kept like horses or kenser. Instead, each had is own cell, large enough for it to curl up, stalk, and roll in. They were closed with barred doors, and each had to be tended to often enough that they weren't jealous of their neighbor. However, for the most part, they behaved when locked away.

By the time she reached Spondola, her she only had a few pieces left and her hand was sporting some new cuts. She knelt down in front of the stall, and with a couple of deep growls, stuck both arms inside the cage. There was an answering grumble, and an immense head pushed itself against the bars.

"Grrr, how's my maneater, how's my boy today." She leaned down and rubbed her face against the creatures, ignoring the smelly spittle around it's thin lips. Looking to the kid again, she grinned, wondering how he'd take her display of affection with the monster.


Ok, here we go. "Wicks, you say? Well... I know something about wicks. They're a pressed people right now." She continued nuzzling the beast, feeding him the bits of meat.

"Are you finally gonna cut the kensershit and tell me what you want to know? I'm not really in the mood for subterfuge today." She wanted to go in with Spondola, but she really didn't dare with the kid in the room; he loved her, but she wasn't sure how he'd react to a stranger that her field told him she wasn't fond of.

Hunter had done his fare share of mucking out stables and cleaning up after banders, kensers, horses and moas. He had also observed the nesting habits of animals with even less pleasant habits. So the smell and associated mess was not such a disturbance. He began making mental notes on the creatures almost immediately, to the point where he almost got swiped with a claw trying to see into one of the pens. He adjusted his proximity appropriately and looked again.
“They’re ben- magnificent.”

He was not a cat person, mainly because he found ostas and their relatives to be incredibly annoying. However these great cats were something he instantly repsected.
Pretty savage on the surface, compared to canines. That might be training- oh look, She just presses her face right up against ‘em.Typical feline recognition reflex…


He still wasn’t sure how direct he wanted to be. What if she got upset and decided to just open up ol’ Spondola’s pen…
“I’m not trying to trick you. You seem nice and I don’t want to upset you. The wicks are a pressed people as you say.”
Does she mean oppressed?
“I wanted to see if I could find out what started the whole… situation before magic came into play. If it was some kind of organized protest or if there were weapons involved… It’s not like a large group of spokes – even the Crows or Eyes - to make such a mess in plain sight.”

"Kid, don't take this the wrong way, but I'm not a clocking doll. I don't know what you're used to with girls, but I am not a person who needs to be coddled and led to a question. Ask me outright or don't expect an answer." her hand passed over the small ear of the chrove, and Spondola growled lovingly, steel tipped claws racking into the dirt. "I don't pick up hints. My... outburst earlier has to do with the fact that none of those officers at the gate could find their ass with either hand, not any emotional weakness on my part. The Seventen allows for no real weaknesses." She tossed her head, trying to get rid of her hypocrisy. If she'd really been fine she wouldn't have snapped, then or now. Oh well, clocking curse them all.


Oh shitfuck. He wants to know how it started. I sure did trap myself with this one! How was she supposed to answer? 'Yeah, I know what caused it, my insane lover had a retired officer mix up some bad blood between the Eyes and the Crows and he used that to make chaos?' Hahaha. Hell no.

Spodola picked up on her turmoil, and with a throaty sound, rubbed against her again. Smiling at the creature most found ugly and hideous, Ilyia felt a rush of affection warm her body. I do so love my chroven, so empathic and sweet. Standing, she unlocked the door and stepped inside his cell, arms spread.

"Hello m'lovely." Sinking into a cross-legged position, she patted her lap and instantly the creature's massive head was laid there, beady eyes flashing affectionately. She began her petting again, enjoying the closeness of the creature.

"So far as we know, a smaller riot sometime earlier in the month foreshadowed this event. Anti-Crow sentiment started to flare amongst the Eyes, allegations of stolen children and the like. However, the larger riot was being dealt with as well as possible by civilian resources until a breech in conduct was enacted and magma was cast."

Pausing only to shift position a little, she glanced back at the boy. "He's in a good mood, and normally peaceful as well. Want to meet him?" She pressed her forehead against the top of Spondola's skull, murmuring quietly to him. "Yeah, hows about meeting the nice boy?"

"I'll have to get my father to update his notes on the tribal conflict then..."

Hunter couldn't help himself. Animals were, in many ways, a sort of religion to him. Not that he worshipped them or anything. It was just a sort of peace, an internal balance that felt more complete with each little part of the biosphere that he grew to know. It was unscholarly, unscientific... but inescapable. It was why he spent so much of his free time avoiding Brunnhold and even the nearby community. And he thought it had something to do with the East Gardens, just maybe. But that place was far away.

The great cat and his sister-rider were here, now. He dimmed down the eagerness that was a boy's natural reaction, as well as the little bit of fear. Respect. It was with respect that he would have to approach this fellow being. And care. There was always the danger of a miscue, but Ilyia seemed quite familiar enough to know her companion's moods.

"May I?"

Illy could sense the respect and awe the boy had for the chrove, and the silly trick she had been about to play died in her thoughts. Scooting a ways back, she waved him in, keeping her face near Spondola's in a display of trust.

"Yes, come along. He's in a very happy mood since he got treats. Isn't that right?" Spondola growled at the sound of her voice, returning her pleasant vibrations with his own. On slow days, she would sometimes steal an hour to just sit and talk to him, just to share that sense of peace.

Spondola's head lifted to scent the boy, eyes focusing on him, nostrils dilated to catch his scent. Illy's hand stayed on his neck, thumb smoothing little circles onto the scaly skin. After a moment, the chrove's
nose went back to it's normal position and he growled again.

"It's ok. He's scented you now and decided you're no threat. Besides, chroven only attack on command or if they feel threatened." Spondola bumped into the boy's gut kindly before returning to Ilithyia's lap, nuzzling her belly gently. A strange look passed her face.

He's never payed so much attention to my gut... did I eat something interesting? Shrugging, she watched the student with wary but not cruel eyes. It wasn't her fault she was off balance.

Fascinated, Hunter reached out once to pet Spondola. He had to feel the pulse and the solidity of the creature. He stepped back to observe the interplay between rider and mount, determined to hold the images in his memory. There probably wasn't time for a sketch now, but surely later there would be.

"He's very protective of you."
Something about the way he laid his head... it was more than just not spending enough time...
"You haven't injured your stomach lately, have you?"
Surely... that's just an old witch's tale. Isn't it?

She laughed, his voice finally wearing down her defenses. So, in the end he's still just a kid. Well, he has a good passion, animals are amazing. Spondola's warmth was a comfort that she hadn't really realized she'd needed, and leaning down, she planted a small kiss on the black skin.

"He's my friend, and I treat him like one. I'd like to think he's not this way with all the ladies." She chuckled, luxuriating in the semi-constant rumbling that he sent through her. "Ahaha, being perfectly honest, I'm glad I let that courier ride him back to the complex instead of taking him into the riot. Done more harm than good, and I'd be devastated if anything happened to him."


Ilithyia shrugged. "Not that I can recall. The riot was a week ago, and nothing strenuous since then." Unless you count sparring. Or fighting on a roof. Or... other things on a roof. "He's just being dopey." Ilithyia grinned.

"He won't bite, you can get right here with us. Closer you get, better sense of you he gets. Ain't that right, Spondola?" She hugged his head with a chuckle.

Three things happened then in quick succession. Hunter took the invitation and moved closer with some hesitance. Then he realized that if he were in wick company he would probably already have moved closer. Finally he realized that he was in very close proximity to a very attractive, physically daunting woman. His cheeks felt warm and he was certain he was blushing. Sometimes the fair skin from his mother's side of the family was quite inconvenient.

He stepped back a little bit.
"I trust you, but, um, if that man comes he might say something inappropriate if we look too chummy."

And if what Hunter suspected was correct, she was going to have enough trouble from the male officers without him adding to it.

His blush made her grin a a little. What was he, embarrassed of his passion for living things? That's kinda sweet of him. She shook her head in amusement.

"I don't care, but if it bothers you..." She shrugged, and with a sigh, began to disentangle herself from Spondola. He looked reluctant to let her leave. "Come on, kitten, time to let me go to work." He let out a sort of deject huff and stood, allowing the tall woman stand.

Rolling her shoulders to get the tension out, she did another two or three quick stretches to get the soreness out of her bones.

"Well, if you got what you came for, we ought to be on our way." She alluded to both creature and riot, and she hoped there wasn't too much else. "Tomorrow is a school day, unless Brunnhold changed dramatically on me, and I have to get back to my post." Pausing to grin at the kid, she realized she was kind of fond of him.

I Hope he never finds out what I'm involved in, then. I hope I never find out everything either. This is getting too hard. Smiling wanly as she relocked the cell door, she bowed politely to her companion.

"After you, kiddo."

Hunter accompanied her back towards her post.

"Well..."
He really wanted to ask about the "great fireball" that people had been describing. But he was fairly certain that she was protecting someone. That was probably why she hadn't mentioned it specifically and had stuck with the magma spell.
"... This'll give me enough for a short report - on chroven."
He smiled, hoping that she'd understand that the riot had no official place in his studies.

"If you're ever at Brunnhold, maybe you could pay me a visit. It would look oh-so-impressive, and it would give me a chance to introduce you to my own companion, Streak."

Ilyia chuckled, knowing a stressed line when she heard one. "That's good to hear. Just... watch yourself kid. There's a lot of people who don't want you thinking about these kinds of things."


She looked away, stopping for a moment. Brunnhold was not on her list of places to visit anytime soon. Or ever again, for that matter. Sighing, she shrugged apologetically.

"Well... suffice to say I don't have fond memories of the place and I don't really see me venturing there." Kid, maybe if you were a student in my form, then I could have had a nice time there. As it stands, however, it'll take a hell of a lot to force me back into those halls.

"I'll make you a deal, though. Why don't you write me? It'll look just as good on your end of things, keeping in contact with an officer. Upper officers have encouraged us to make a good impression on the populace. So, win-win as far as I see it." And I don't have to go back there... yet. She did plan on going back sometime, when she;d made something of herself and showed all of the Una's of the world how far she'd come.

With a shrug, she smiled again down at him. I really ought to call him by his name, I guess now that we're going to be pen-pals.