[jexterarsdon]

"Rabbit stew or cabbage stew?"

"Rabbit stew, the cabbages are too chewy."

Nercy Baudelaire looked up from the book he was reading, and turned his attention towards the man sitting right next to him, Jexter Arsdon.

"Too chewy?" He asked.

"Yeah, they start to go bad." Jexter explained.

"How does that work? Do the leaves suddenly become thicker?"

"Yeah, they start to decompose and shrivel up, which makes them chewier."

"No? Wouldn't decomposure cause them to get softer as the leaves weaken?"

"No, that only works for things like berries or mushrooms."

"Mushroom don't decompose. They're not even a type of plant."

"You don't need to be a plant to decompose, you just need living material."

"No only plants can decompose..."

"The hell you mean only plants can decompose? Then why do cows rot? Why do people shrivel when they die? Why does the rock shrink?"

"Rocks don't have living material."

"That's not the point. That was just a bad example."

"Alright, alright, if cabbages are decomposing then why aren't they being taken off the menu?"

"Cause this town can't afford better food."

"True..." Nercy paused. "Wait, it's summer."

"Yeah, so?"

"This is the time of year when cabbages are harvested."

Once Upon A Time In Xuat

As Nercy and Jexter argued over the ripeness of cabbages, a third man entered the foray.

"Cotton, Wool, shut up and pay attention." The man proclaimed.

The argument stopped immediately, and the two men began to pay attention to the third man.

"Listen, the setup is at Marcellus's house, head over at the crack of moonlight, don't be late."

Jexter and Nercy both nodded, and the third man began to walk away.

"Marcellus's house? The guy from Goldberry?"

"I guess so. Seems we're entering the big rings."

"That's probably a bad thing. Marcellus isn't known for being reasonable."

"Neither was Broost, and we turned up fine."

"Broost is likely coming to the meeting as well, and he doesn't exactly like us."

"True."

"We should've been better about this."

"Nah, things won't be that bad, after all, Xuat is many things, but it ain't unreasonable."

[Asher de Raye]

Asher had been flying most of the day, and her legs had started to cramp. She'd need to land soon to stretch, and to let Viríon rest. As the thought crossed her mind, she felt him shudder in agreement. He was also hungry.  She had taken to the skies to explore the region and take note back to the Athenaeum. As the world continued to grow and change, the archivists in service to the Leaders of Quenyi were tasked with recordkeeping of new and developing settlments, births, deaths and more. 

Asher landed on the outskirts of Xuat, her giant beasts claws sinking into the fertile earth. Viríon cooed with delight as his Rider handed him a haunch of meat. He gulped it greedily, then coiled around hemself for a nap. Asher removed her leather riding gloves and knotted to the belt across her waist and ran her fingers through the knots in her hair as she walked closer into the small village. That's when she heard them. 

"Cotton, Wool, shut up and pay attention." Asher heard from beyond the wall of a thatched farmers house. She pressed her ear against the wall, straining to listen. "..setup is at Marcellus's house.." "..crack of moonlight, don't be late.." A wry smirk crossed her lips. These guys had to be thieves or bandits, and they were up to something. She was going to find out what it was. Asher sent a telepathic though back to her dragon. Conceal yourself, I've found something interesting. Viríon responded by poking around in her memories, to learn what she had heard. Asher felt him settle underneath the sand through their mental bond. 

She snuck around to hide and observe if she would find who was making nefarious plans. 

[jexterarsdon]

"Say, when are we eating? It's almost dinner time." Nercy asked, looking at Jexter.

"Well, we're near Zosardeh'delaah'earasta's tavern. Might as well go in and order rabbit stew."

"Alright." Nercy said, standing up. "No point sticking around here if there's food to eat."

"I'm paying again?" Jexter asked, sounding annoyed.

"You know my financial situation, I can barely afford a slice of bread let alone stew."

"And yet you somehow end up with all the women." Jexter jabbed. "Maybe you should start saving more, after all, you won't be so young and agile forever."

"Hey lay off my friends, they're in desperate need of chairty."

"Oh its charity, huh? I'm glad you're such a charlatan then."

"You know, you could use some charity yourself."

"No, what I need is money and a horse. And I can't have either until I stop paying for your meals."

"Come on, you've saved up, spoil yourself a little."

"Piss off. I'm too hungry for this, can you shut up until we've eated?"

[Asher de Raye]

Asher's patience knew no bounds. She stilled as long as she needed to, poised and ever observant. The sun meandered across the sky, and her prey were on the move. A taven, huh? All the way out here. She wondered, then, what would be in store for their future in this realm. Would they continue to colonize, until the last bit of land was domesticated? Or would something ever come along and stop them. Asher's ears perked when she heard their voices again, trailing behind them as they made way to the tavern. 

She shifted, and walked on the balls of her feet a ways behind them to keep from being discovered. Her heart thumped in her chest as she padded quietly. The tavern was quite larger than the other buildings, with large stone arches carved from pressed sand. Asher considered her situation for a moment. She could folow them inside, but that posed risks. People from small towns knew each other, and vagabonds or drifters were not good news. If they knew she was from the Royal castle, what would they do? If what she suspected were true, that bandits, criminals, thieves or murderers were attempting to make this small farming community a base of operations, would they let her leave unscathed? She clutched the dagger she had strapped to her thigh. Bright, glittering silver, with a bite as sharp as a dragons tooth. The blade was waved, any who were pierced by its likeness would find their insides twisted. The hilt was black, just like her dragon, with a small opal on the hilt. This was her only protection. 

She decided she would hide again, clambering atop the roof and settling herself in between the thatches. It was itchy, but she would endure, like she always did. Asher calmed her breath and strained her ears to listen. Rabbit stew? Her stomach gurgled in response. Hunger would hit her soon, and she wishes she had saved a bite of meat for herself. 

[jexterarsdon]

The tavern was quite empty, which was unusual for this time of day. Jexter and Nercy walked in, and nervously glanced around the area.

"It's quite quiet for what is supposed to be a busy hour." Nercy complained.

"Yeah no kidding." Jexter stated.

"Who do you think got killed?"

"My guess? Either Roender or Smroog."

"Well, come on, the food will come out faster at least."

Jexter and Nercy came up to the clerk standing at a counter. Behind him were bottles and baskets filled with various sorts of crops and wines.

"Two rabbit stews, Zos." Nexter ordered, as he placed five coins down on the counter.

"You still freeloading Nercy?" Zosardeh asked.

"I'll pay for my own next time." Nercy promised.

"That's what you said three days ago. Regardless, it'll be out shortly."

"What's going down now?" Jexter asked. "You usually have more customers."

"There wasn't any murders, if that's what you're wondering about. No, someone from Ocia came into town. Scared off the farmers just by being there."

"Oh, well at least no one got killed."

"Not yet at least, but the stranger had some sort of tattoo on his face. Made it look like he had a smile from ear to ear."

"Should that mean something?"

"It means that he's far more important than you or I. Better hurry and eat, you wont want to be in Xuat by the time it becomes night..."

[Asher de Raye]

Asher snorted humorously. Whoever one these guys was, never caught a break. She had never worried for money, food or housing, coming from a famous pirate family after all. There were times that the privilege had made her a target - but no one would ever get past Viríon. As her thoughts swayed towards her dragon, she sensed his rumble of presence. What are your tidings, Princess of Deserted Villages? He asked, besides himself with amusement at her current predicament. Asher scowled, shushing him, and turning her ear back to listen. As the sun lazily drew across the sky, shouldn't there have been more commotion? Or anything at all? 

"..someone from Ocia came... scared off the farmers.."

What type of being could be so fearsome as to chase farmers from their very own lands? Even if only temporarily. It seems there are powers at work we are yet to understand, Viríon. Stay alert in case I have need of you. The dragon said nothing more, but she could feel the pressure of his awareness in the back of her head. She decided then to go inside the inn, hand at her waist where her dagger stay strapped and ever ready. Asher slipped quietly from the roof, landing on the pads of her feet in a cat-like fashion. If she should be thankful for anything, it would be her athletic capability. Although slender in frame, her muscles were strong and taunt on her frame. Years of straddling dragonscale and holding heavy reins hardened her muscles, skin and resolve. 

Asher opened the front door to the inn, and walked in nonchalantly. "Greetings, friends. I've travelled a long ways and find myself quite hungry. The smell of fresh dinner brought me to your doors. Might I buy a meal?" Asher approached the group, her leather boots clacking against the wooden floor. 

[jexterarsdon]

Jexter and Nercy turned to look at the stranger.

"Who are you?"

Zosardeh spoke up. "I presume you have money? We have rabbit stew, cabbage stew, lamb, roasted chicken, or boiled potatos."

Jexter spoke up again. "No seriously, who is she?"

"A paying customer Jex, until she pulls out a weapon and starts making demands you should shut up."

"Alright, alright. Just don't want to get gutted."

"And you won't so long as you don't act rudely towards every godamn person you come across."

Nercy interrupted the conversation. "Can we get back to the topic on hand? The guy from Ocia?"

"I told you everything I knew. Anyways, why don't the two of you scoot off to the side and wait for your food."

Jexter and Nercy did as they were told, and Zosardeh turned his attention back towards the stranger.

"Sorry about them, everyone here is paranoid. They'll leave you alone so long as you leave them alone."

[Asher de Raye]

"I am Asher de Raye, Steward of the Aeos Athenaeum, rider of Viríon, Bane of Darkness." She responded to the questions curtly, dipping her head in greetings. Viríon purred in amusement at her titles. He would sooner demand answers and accommodation with claw and fire. "And yes, I have coin for payment." She gestured to the leather bag tied around her waist, coin purse resting inside. As the two men were sent off to their own table, Asher turned her attention to the innkeep. 

She handed him a few silver coins, jutting her chin in the direction of the two men across the room. "Who are they?" She questioned in a hushed tone. "I think I'll join them at their table. I want to hear more about this mysterious figure." She found herself unsettled by this. Asher had known vagabonds, thieves, petty criminals and more pirates than one could count. And yet, something about this figure felt different, but she couldn't put her finger as to why. She drew upon Viríon for comfort, tugging at the mental bond they shared. He sent her crashing waves back, calming her heart. 

Somewhere, the first domino fell, setting change into motion. 

[jexterarsdon]

"What the hell did those two do to get your attention?" Zosardeh asked, sounding annoyed. "I just told them to leave you alone and yet you want to go bother them?"

Jexter and Nercy turned at looked at Asher. They both looked uncomfortable, and began whispering amongst each other.

"You're a steward, are two petty fools really worth your trouble?" Zosardeh asked. "And you haven't ordered any food yet, so now I ask, what do you want? We have rabbit stew, cabbage stew, lamb, roasted chicken, or boiled potatos."

[Asher de Raye]

Asher snorted at the man in amusement, her eyes surveying him from head to toe, before meeting his gaze again. "Let's just say, I'm nosy." She replied, attitude dripping from her tongue. She could take and dish it, and she loved a challenge. The people in Quenyi had to be this way, bold and sharp of wit, lest you be seen as soft and an easy target to rob, or worse. He did have a point though - they looked scraggly and worn. What if they were just spewing lies about some figure causing farmers to scurry from their lands? 

"Trouble, hmm?" She replied, only half paying attention to the innkeeps questions. "Oh! Yes, I'll have the roasted chicken, thank you." Asher withdrew some coin from her bag, and pressed it into the mans palm. She left him there, and walked towards the two sitting at the table. They spoke quietly to themselves, casting nervous glances around the empty hall. Asher didn't want to cause trouble, but she did want information. Part of her posted duties was to document happenings around the country, to ensure that Aeos had traceable history for future generations. 

"I don't know this place, but the inkeep said someone about someone coming from Ocia? That's not me, and this place is awfully empty, even for a small village. Can I ask your names and what you know of this place?" She asked, sliding a chair from another table to her and sitting on it backwards, facing them.   

[jexterarsdon]

Jexter and Nercy froze from their conversation. They looked at Asher with fear and distrust in their eyes.

"You seemed really interested in two of the least dangerous people here." Jexter said.

"Yeah, most of us are petty thieves at worst." Nercy added.

"Nercy's right, we'd have no idea who the guy from Ocia is. And frankly, talking to the small fish isn't going to get you anywhere."

"Uh-huh, talk to...Fritzfrotz The Third. Hell let you know the state of this town."

Zosardeh spoke up. "Lying to a steward ain't smart lads, just give her your "proper" names, and tell her the inns and outs of Xuat."

Jexter turned towards Zosardeh. "I thought you were on side."

"I am, I have a cousin in jail cause he lied to a steward."

"You do?"

"Yeah, Xazfodoc, the guy from Port Arwailes, you meant him...once."

"Oh, the guy with strange tattoos..." Jexter whispered, recalling a strange figure who once threatened Jexter.

"Fine...if you really need to know what's going on, I'll tell you. But on one condition...you can't hold me accountable for anything that happens when you search this place..." Jexter tried his hardest to sound tough, but he still sounded somewhat paranoid.

A man from the kitchen appeared, carrying two bowls for rabbit stew. He placed them down on the table, and then looked at Asher.

"Your chicken will be here soon. Rabbit stew just takes longer to make."

The kitchen hand walked back into the kitchen, and Nercy and Jexter began to eat.

[Asher de Raye]

Asher leered at the men across the table from her with a sharp eye under a single arched eyebrow as they spoke to her. "Just petty thieves, hmm?" She muttered, half to herself which she twiddled her fingers. Asher had little patience for games and these two weren't going to give her answers. Viríon poked into her mind, urging her to escalate. Because of their bond, he could see through her eyes, and she his at will. They would serve well to feed my hunger.. I tire of sleep. He sent an image to her of him unfurling from his nest, wings spread wide as his chest burned bright before the breath of flame. Asher rolled her eyes and sucked air between her teeth. She was charged with protecting the history of Quenyi, not destroying it. Not now, Viríon. 

She ran a finger through her hair to soothe her discontent when the inkeep spoke up, urging the two men to speak honest words. Asher gave him a thankful, but curt nod, before turning back to the two who just recieved their meal. "You have my word." She responded, closing her right fist across her chest, to her heart. Whatever powers that be or what may come was intended by forces beyond her control. Besides, she had a dragon. One with a sour and often aggressive attitude. What could possibly threaten them? 

Asher straightened herself while she watched them devour their stew, eager to hear what they had to say, and even more eager for a hot meal herself. In the back of her mind, Viríon smacked his lips, imaging his own feast, with flesh and bone and blood. 

[jexterarsdon]

Jexter and Nercy wolfed down their meal, and then turned their attention towards the stranger sitting across from them.

"Alright...once upon a time in Xuat..." Jexter began.

It was the beginning of the night. The sun was fading, and the moon was growing stronger.

"This town used to be the average farming town, you know, the standard backwards hole used solely to feed the country. Well, a guy came here with an offer, none of us knew his name, but we could recognize his face. He offered a few thousand in exchange for a farmhouse near here. The farmer agreed, and we've been having gang violence ever since. Now, that farmhouse is currently run by a man named Rah, no last name, no idea where he's from. Point is, Rah owns this town, so I'd be careful when looking into him."

The kitchen hand appeared, this time with a plate of chicken and peas.

"Sorry about the wait, here's your food, steward." The kitchen hand stated, as he placed the food on the table.

"Anyways, we ought to be going. It's getting dark and I don't want to stay out past midnight." Jexter said, as he rose from the table.

Nercy followed suit, seemingly unable to comment on anything that was said. He quickly scooted past Jexter, and walked towards the door.

[Asher de Raye]

Asher leaned forward in the chair as she listened to the mans tale. It seemed like there was more to this little village than meets the eye. She was still suspicious of his words, however convincing he tried to sound explaining what was happening here. It did make sense after she thought about it for a moment. What better place to hide, than a village where no one often checks? She didn't know of a Rah, and wasn't sure she intended to meet him alone. If he was harboring villainous people, they would try to slay her, and Viríon would burn the village to ash, with everyone in it. Asher nodded, deciding she was better off taking her intel and making a plan. 

She leaned back as the food was placed in front of her, a plump bird with flaky skin, steam rolling off of it carrying the scent of fire and salt. Her mouth watered, and her eyess shifted as the men arose from the table, the mouthy one awful quiet now. They intended to leave after telling the story, eh? Asher nodded, her eyes glinting  underneath her brow. Viríon. Follow these two once they leave, and do not let yourself be known. I'll save some of this chicken for you. Asher sent her command through her mental bond to her dragon - who finally roused and shook his ebony scales with a great sigh. 

"You speak of dangerous men and yet intend to brave the dark alone? Quite reckless." Asher chuckled as she poked at the meat, opening its flesh to open the insides for inspection, ensuring no poisons or surprises await her within the meal. "What's your name again?" She asked with a sly smile curving at the edges of her lips, pointing her finger at the one who was clearly in charge. Nercy, that was his name right? - didn't seem like the type, but his friend did. 

[jexterarsdon]

Jexter shook his head. "This a town of thieves and thugs, names aren't spoken here, just...phrases. You'll soon understand if you stick around long enough."

Nercy had disappeared, seemingly in a rush to leave the scene. Jexter tried to follow suit, but was stopped by Zosardeh.

"The stranger from Ocia is coming to the meeting, thread lightly." Zosardeh said, in a hushed tone.

"You've known this whole time?" Jexter asked, whispering in a soft voice.

"I figured it out when the stranger was spotted walking to "Rah's" farmhouse."

"Shit, I am in danger?"

"Not yet, but you best hurry and catch up with Nercy. I'm not sure who this stranger is, but he seems to be very important."

Jexter picked up his pace, and quickly ran out the door, where he disappeared into the night.

Zosardeh watched him leave, and then turned towards Asher.

"I'm closing up, the town grows quiet once it becomes moonlight. You can take your time, just don't expect company."