fairyland fun! (your levels of fun may vary)

[fair_trouble]

[New day, new town, and hopefully new opportunities. Specifically opportunities to make some money because Zel and Emery’s funds have been running kind of low after their most recent misadventure. This has meant a temporary separation while Zelgadis goes to look for merc-type work and potential cure leads and Emery goes around chatting up the locals without terrifying them.

Or at least that was the plan, until Calanthe showed up.

By the time Zel gets back to the inn, Emery’s still busy talking to Calanthe in their inn room, although the conversation’s just about wrapping up. If he’s perceptive he might even catch a bit of Emery’s words.

“...some funds this time? ...Seriously, is that it? He’s always such a cheapskate. …Okay I got it. I’ll see you later.”

A few moments later a woman wearing a green cloak exits their inn room. Her hood is up, partly obscuring a pale face and hair, and she barely spares anyone a passing glance as she drifts down the hallway.

Emery is still standing inside the inn room looking pensive, but when Zel enters he’ll give him a bright smile.]

Oh! Hey, Zel. Did you manage to find anything?

Comments

[chimerad]

Prophecy about the end of the world.

[it's delivered flatly, but not grimly. it worked out, after all...despite the horrors.]

Lina was getting "tested" to ensure she was the right person for the job...The unified fleet was more or less just collateral in that.

[fair_trouble]

[Emery blinks, staring at Zelgadis for a long, thoughtful moment.]

...And this was a different incident than the one where you met her?

[Damn bitch, how many near-apocalyptic situations have you gotten involved in? Okay, Zel hasn't specified if the prophecy was ultimately legit or not, but even if it wasn't it feels a bit wild that Zel was not only involved with Rezo's attempt to revive the Dark Lord but also an apocalyptic prophecy serious enough to get a dragon involved.

(To say nothing of whatever happened during the time Lina Inverse killed the Hellmaster?)

(Why is Zelgadis here instead of retired to a fancy Seyruun manor or whatever it is world saviors do after they've done their heroics?)]

[chimerad]

[he grunts an affirmative.] Year or so after the start.

[and that's been...a couple years since. the time is going by. Zel feels a little twinge at that, one that he's not in a time or place to ponder on.]

Not sure...what she's up to right now. [with Gourry in tow.] Haven't heard of anything blowing up lately.

[fair_trouble]

Maybe she's finally settled down! You know, now that she's gotten the entire continent terrified of her. She's from Zephilia, right? The next time I'm in the area maybe I can ask around for you.

[Emery deliberately doesn't mention the Field Lord but as he'd told Zel the other day- some of the villages in Southern Zephilia are part of the Field Lord's territory, so the odds of Emery being in the region at some point are high.

Possibly on the wrong plane, but still.]

[chimerad]

[Zel scoffs. the notion of Lina settling down involves way fewer humble vineyard towns and way more palaces and lines upon lines of tribute. gods forbid that happen, honestly.

Zephilia...] Already planning the road ahead of here?

[without him?]

[fair_trouble]

[Emery laughs.]

Planning is kind of a strong word for it. It's more like... [He makes a vague gesture.] ...Considering my options? The possibilities. I'm leaving myself open to possibilities.

[Though it occurs to him that once they inevitably part ways, Emery is unlikely to have a way to get in touch with Zel and update him on Lina's hypothetical situation or anything.]



...Do you have a base of operations anywhere? Maybe not a home per se, but a place you return to a lot?

[chimerad]

[open to possibilities. Zel considers that, but only briefly; being on the road, not alone, makes it harder for deep introspection. he can't deeply misconstrue the meaning into something that hurts him when there's people around to judge him for it, you know.

that aside, Zel looks askance at some of those people ahead of them.]

Not really.

[home died when Rodimus and Zolf did.

beat.]

Seyruun, I guess. [because Amelia will break his spine if he doesn't visit with some level of regularity.] But I don't really... [like establishing himself anywhere with a face like this. he keeps pushing out that notion of home to the after of when he finds his cure. keeps that future more attainable, even if it's so far away.]

It doesn't really help me much to go to places I've already been. [because he's already scoured for his answers there.]

[fair_trouble]

Seyruun, huh? [Well, he did tell Emery he was friends with the royal family! Emery taps a finger against his lips, considering.]



You should use your connections there to set up a residence of some kind! Considering the stuff you've been involved in, I don't think anyone would begrudge it if you got a small townhouse or cottage or something, somewhere people could leave messages for you in between your travels.

[Because even Zel has to take breaks sometimes, right? Ignoring all the evidence to the contrary, Emery forges on.]

I mean, if I'm ever away from you and maybe I find some information that I think you might need, I'd want a way to have at least one way to reach you. I'm sure your friends and past acquaintances would like having that option too.

[chimerad]

[his gaze returns to Emery, at first wide with incredulousness, then softened to something more contemplative, a little sad in a comfortable way.

it's not like he doesn't want somewhere to belong or feel at home at, right? home has only been in people for such a long time, and he can't tie people down like that, can he? even Emery wants to get away for a while - it's what he's implying right now.]

...

[that is what he's implying, isn't it?]

Where would you want it to be?

[fair_trouble]

Eh, me?

[Emery blinks. For a moment, he thinks Zel's asking Emery where Emery would want to live, and it's flummoxing because he's never seriously considered it. But then he thinks that might be kind of a tangent from Zelgadis...]

You mean- Where I think you should live? Or where I would want to live?

[chimerad]

[he flinches a little, starting to feel uneasy about the topic.]

I--where--you'd...want...to travel to. If I were somewhere. I guess.

[he sounds like an idiot!! he hates it!

hastily:] Never mind. It doesn't really matter if I don't have a place anyway.

[fair_trouble]

[Emery continues to look thoughtfully at Zelgadis, not even really acknowledging poor Zel's flustering.]

...What would matter most to me is just that you're there. It doesn't make a difference if that's Seyruun or the Kataart Mountains.

[chimerad]

Gih-- [he scuffs a step and nearly pitches forward, but thankfully he's not going to fully embarrass himself right now. so what if what Emery says is what he'd want to hear? hearing what he wants is still staggering!

also it's kind of a torture right here and now, when he can't just smother his mouth with kisses. too many people! too open!

huffy:] It--I'll! Think about it later! [are we there yet!!]

[fair_trouble]

[Emery smiles. It's a soft expression, and only a little amuse by poor Zel's staggering around.]

Sure. But still think about it, right?

[Emery's not so dense that he's unaware that Emery's sentimental answer is what provoked this reaction, but he does wonder why the idea of making a home, or a homebase anyway, is unappealing for Zel. Maybe he's been a wanderer for so long the idea of putting down roots anywhere is just unfathomable.

Emery genuinely hopes Zel does, however. Even if it's in some distant, inconvenient place, it would be nice for there to be somewhere Emery might have hope of finding him.

They are, sadly, not quite there yet, though the roads get wider and more crowded as they're getting closer- a sure sign that they're approaching an important hub of transportation and commerce. The sun hovers overhead, bright and hot enough to make it difficult to believe it's midnight in the mundane realm. It isn't long before members of the caravan start passing around trail rations and thankfully Zel and Emery are included. Emery accepts his serving of travel bread and water with the politeness and delight that would normally be merited by a restaurant meal.

(Less thankfully, several goblins, particularly the kids, will be sneaking glances and stares at Zel after he's given food, wanting a glimpse at the mysterious face under the mask.)]

[chimerad]

[Zel is barely cognizant of the precocious kids and nosy adults watching him snarf down what's offered him, flashing fangs carelessly. can't worry about it when Emery's words are rattling around in his head over and over.

doesn't make a difference..yeah, right! it of course makes a difference! what if it's too cold! too hot! too out of the way! what if there's tar or quicksand or landslides or annoying neighbors! what if what if what if-!!

in wiping his mouth, the fabric of his glove snags on the stone on his chin briefly, eliciting an irritated click of the tongue and a glare that sweeps over to squirrely kids before the mask goes back up.

right...cool it, Zelgadis. be cool. it's not that long to the next step! and he can't be off his game if, say, a dirt spirit or something gets mad at him for skipping the wrong pebble on the road and tries to gut him.

...where does Emery want to live? does he just want to wander perpetually?

later. think about it later. just be satisfied with furtive looks Emery's way while setting the puzzle aside for later. this mindset makes him more rigid and scowly, but he's not in a bad mood. he's just! trying to be cool!

this is not cool.]

[fair_trouble]

[The squirrely kids have the decency to look abashed and duck their faces at the glare, which might make Zel feel better or might set off another bout of I'm-A-Monster angst if he's paying that much attention.

Emery in the meantime is also casting occasional furtive looks in Zel's direction, enough to catch on to the scowling. It leaves him more than a bit concerned- though if they ever make accidental eye contact while they're both shooting stealth glances, Emery will just smile.

...But he wonders. Did he maybe hit a sore spot with the whole issue about settling down? Emery finds himself wishing they could go hide in Tantabel's suitcase again, not because he's particularly eager to be amongst the root vegetables, but because the privacy might help Zel spit out whatever it is he's thinking.

And then they could make out, which might not solve anything but surely couldn't hurt.

Eventually, after everyone's eaten, the walls of Fairford are visible in the distance; alas for Zel's patience, the pace slows to a near standstill. A few of the caravan members tell Emery this is a common issue, as any merchants entering Fairford have to deal with the custom officials at the gate and get properly processed before they can enter the city. Death and taxes and all that.

As the caravan continues inching forward, a goblin on donkeyback approaches the wagon where Emery's been hanging out. "Ah, Emery, right?"]

-Yes, that's me.

["The Hob wants to speak with you before we enter the city. Says he's got a request."]

Well we certainly shouldn't keep him waiting. [Emery glances at Zel.] Come on, Zel.

[chimerad]

[for the time, delighting the kids with his freakshowness is...harmless, really. nobody's throwing rocks at the rock guy, nobody's crying in terror...this is fine. and kind of funny, given none are projecting a sense of fear for their lives when he glances their way. maybe that'd be a more common feeling were Zel the sort to engage in public spaces more than what was completely necessary, huh?

of course, this easy feeling gets pushed aside for apprehension when Emery's summoned. he frowns, mask back up yet again, and grunts an acknowledging sound, stepping forward to offer an arm to Emery for help out of a still-moving wagon.

muttered to him:] Probably moving goods. They have a lot of it here.

[fair_trouble]

[Emery takes the arm that Zel has gallantly offered and hops out onto the road.]

A little heavy lifting's not too steep a method of repayment.

[...Though remembering how things went the last time they tried to help out gives Emery an uncharacteristic pang of anxiety. His imagination is helpfully providing him mental images of Zelgadis getting swallowed by a mimic or one of the donkeys turning into a giant monster donkey and trampling him or-

Well. If something happens it'll happen.

Emery remembers what the Hob's wagon looks like and is easily able to pick it out among the rest of the caravan, and it's only a short stroll until they're at the Hob's doorstop again.

Emery climbs onto the porch and knocks at the door; he can hear the muffled voice of the Hob bidding them "Enter!" And then Zel will get to watch Emery awkwardly stoop his way inside before it's his turn.

Once the two of them are finally situated, the Hob remarks "The two of you appear to be doing better."]

[chimerad]

[lowering his voice as they get closer to the Hob's wagon:] We already paid, remember? In silver.

[and also chores. but...c'mon! the money's gotta stretch before yielding to labor, right?

right??

out of deference to the Hob, Zel pulls his hood and mask down, still oblivious to the fuckshit state of his face; he's thinking more about getting into this wagon without making the axle snap underneath. sheesh. he manages it, though.

to the remark:] The cover's appreciated.

[and now he has to wonder what price that accrued...]

[fair_trouble]

[Emery kneels on the floor, hands on his knees in a very prim pose.

The Hob looks over at Zelgadis at the remark, and blinks, hesitating for just a moment. Though he may have heard of the fuckshit situation, seeing it is another! Still, the Hob rallies quickly enough.

"The elder of Hepsby Spring was quite angry."]

We're sorry to hear that.

["It's going to be quite awkward whenever we pass through next."

No doubt. Emery decides not to let the Hob go on too much about how the two of them have damaged the reputation of the Yakak Caravan in favor of cutting to the chase.]

I heard you had a request for me? Some way we could help pay you back, maybe?

[The Hob smiles. Emery thinks. It's a little hard to tell, the lips get lost in all the wrinkles and creases.

"As it happens, our booth has been understaffed lately. Have you any experience in sales?"]

Ah- Yeah, actually.

[Emery casts Zel a quick sidelong glance, wondering if Zel has any protests about this.]

[chimerad]

[Zel's scowl grows as Hob points out the consequences. he's used to this - especially in the wake of Lina and company's carnage - but it doesn't feel right to have Emery speak to it.

...what is Zel supposed to say about it, though? sorry for not drowning and making things easier on you? to hell with that.

flatly:] It'll be less awkward because I won't be there. But if you want us moving your wares into town to feel better about it, that's fine. We can leave things at that.

[fair_trouble]

[The Hob briefly inclines his head in Zel's direction. "Actually, I believe Emery should be helping with the customers. But you look like you'd be most helpful moving the wares."

Is he insinuating Zelgadis looks like dumb muscle??? Rude! For a moment Emery's eyes narrow, but he tamps down the defensiveness and thinks over the Hob's request.

Emery really does have experience in sales, dealing with customers, and so forth. He'd had an apprenticeship at Hill & Dale back in the day, and because of his looks and general vibe everyone expected him to be the guy who wooed customers and clients. So the task itself doesn't worry him.

That aside:]

We can spare a day, but after that the two of us will need to keep moving. We've got a travel schedule to keep. [Sort of.

Emery straightens up and levels the Hob with a solemn stare, silently willing him not to argue with them on this. After a beat or two, the Hob nods.

"I understand. Then we're all agreed...?"]

[chimerad]

[one of Zel's ears flicks to vent a pulse of irritation, but his expression remains stony (like...in both senses).

playing to the bit:] Emery says a day, so we'll give you a day. [simple as!

but is it? is Emery up for a day of hocking wares he's not even going to profit from? engh, what a pain.]

[fair_trouble]

["Very well. I'll see that the rest of the caravan knows in short order."

Since the situation is settled Emery gives the Hob a bright smile.]

We look forward to working with everyone.

[The Hob nods and dismisses them with a hand gesture, which means they're now free to begin the awkward process of exiting the wagon (made slightly more awkward by a cluster of goblins waiting outside who will immediately pretend to be very busy the moment the door opens.)

As soon as they're free Emery wastes no time in sidling over to Zelgadis to tease him in an undertone:]



"Because Emery says so," huh~?

[chimerad]

[the wagon groans with the relief of being freed from rock-carrying, and Zel has barely a second before Emery's slinking over; the tone prompts an indignant scoff and slight puff-up of his chest to counteract the flush on his face he's masking up.]

Between a bodyguard and employer, the latter's got the final say. I'm the one that just has to make sure you don't get hurt in the process.

[he pulls his hood back up.]

Are you fine with this? Or did you just agree to avoid causing more strain on this whole situation? Because if it's too much of a problem, we can just leave ahead of schedule; they already have our money.