Morning must not be all that far away, judging by the mongoose's internal sense of time … provided that it has managed to adjust properly to his present location. Outside, it is still quite dark, though the stars and city lights evidence that, yes, there IS a wider expanse beyond those windows.
The firepit burns low, little more than a whisper of flame dancing across smouldering embers, though a few extra pieces of wood have been added at some time during the night without waking the room's occupant.
Chiaroscuro stretches and yawns himself awake, and pauses for his morning prayers. After a few minutes, he rises, and steps to the window… looking out at the city.
Something in the window blinks back at Chiaroscuro, then squeals and grins. It's a little gray bat with big eyes, perched in the window like a gargoyle.
The little Eeee chatters something in a very high-pitched voice, just on the edge of audibility – a moot point, though, since Chiaroscuro still hasn't a grasp of the language anyway.
Chiaroscuro smiles at the bat, with a slightly curious look. "Hello. Yclept Chiaroscuro. And I fear as I know not your mode of speech."
The little bat pauses, blinking several times at Chiaroscuro, then sounds as if he's trying to mimic the mongoose's speech. If he is, though, he needs a great deal of work, as it's just as indecipherable as his initial speech.
Chiaroscuro points to himself. .o( Ah, Rik's time runs in circles… ) "Chiaroscuro."
Beyond the little bat, there can be seen lots of movement amongst the buildings and in the sky. There are many bats flying around, and there are some leaping flames in some portions. One flying form abruptly drops from the air like a rock, plummeting downward. Carried on the winds are sounds of shouts and screams. The little bat, oblivious to this, smiles and squeaks back, "Cheeskeeree!"
Chiaroscuro smiles, and nods. "Chiaroscuro." He points to the bat. "You?"
The little bat points back to Chiaroscuro. "Cheeskeeree!" He smiles proudly and nods his head.
Back outside, visible at the edge of the range afforded by the window, there is a flash of light on a distant bridge, and a cloud of smoke explodes upward from it, curling and scrolling upon itself, briefly resembling a mushroom. This catches the little bat's attention, and he swivels around on his perch, squealing in delight and clapping his hands as he watches the cloud dissipate.
Chiaroscuro looks away from the bat, out the window, at Babel, for a few moments. The city seems so unlike any he has come across, and his confusion is obvious… He turns back to the small bat, and tilts his head curiously. "Who are you, and why are you here?"
The bat focuses his wide eyes on the mongoose again, and his ears swivel slightly, as if he's trying very hard to listen. Then, he smiles again, and points with a little hand at the mongoose. "Cheeskeeree!"
Chiaroscuro nods patiently to the bat, and takes the bat's hand gently in his paw. He brings it to the bat's chest, and raises his bushy eyebrows inquisitively?
Chunks of stone, some flaming, crumble away from the distant bridge, plummeting into the depths of the city far below and out of sight, accompanied by a few hurtling forms which might or might not be Eeee. Two waves of bat warriors, the same distance away, fly toward each other, then start flitting around each other in a frenzied cloud. Some of the forms drop out of this group, spinning or simply dropping downward.
The little bat looks at his own hand inquisitively, uncomprehending. He looks back up and chimes, "Cheeskeeree!"
Chiaroscuro's eyes flicker out to the bridge… .o( Battle? Is this city at war? )
Chiaroscuro releases the bat's hand, and says, "Pardon me." He turns from the window, and walks over to his belongings… changing his gift-robes for his own garb, and girding himself properly.
Several more shapes drop from the cloud of Eeee, and the remainder soar over the flaming bridge, toward a large ziggurat where similar activity is going on. Suddenly, many of the bats begin to jerk and dart about, and some drop as if hit by something. Cries of anger and anguish once more carry faintly on the wind … as does the faint smell of smoke.
The little bat stays at his perch, watching the distant spectacle with wide eyes, as if it were all a shadow play put on for his entertainment.
Chiaroscuro gathers all his belongings carefully, and returns once more to the window, beside the young bat. He climbs out on the ledge, looking up along the outside of the building…
The little Eeee looks surprised, and scoots over to one side, making more room – of which there is plenty out here, for a window-ledge. Below can be seen the court of the palace on the "plateau" of the upper level of this stepped tower. The fighting is far away, but guards can be seen on the perimeter, watching the display.
Chiaroscuro touches the hind right leg of his Rikkorrel, and whispers, "Run and find out." He begins to scramble and climb upwards along the building, seeing a higher viewpoint…
The sun begins to ignite the eastern horizon, the glow of the Procession fading before it. As the rays begin to peek over the buildings, some of the combatants begin to break away from the fracas beyond, and fly off, soon disappearing amongst the maze of towers, crosswalks and aqueducts.
Chiaroscuro climbs steadily higher, looking about. His nimble paws find easy footing on the strangely-crafted building.
The building is constructed of multiple tiers, many containing small gardens and even a few dwarf trees. The highest point is much like the rest – a level square with a garden, with no visible means of entering the building from here.
Chiaroscuro looks out at the city, gazing intently in all directions. He sniffs at the air…
A stone wall runs around the entirety of the garden, preventing any accidental falls … though even if that were the case, the drop to the next tier would not necessarily be fatal.
From here, it does not seem that the whole city is at war, after all. The fighting must have been contained to a fairly limited area. Certainly, the whole populace does not show signs of being up in arms.
There are bats and other winged beings flying here and there, but at an un-rushed pace, some bearing palanquins like the one the mongoose rode in.
Chiaroscuro looks at the bats and other creatures for a bit, but says nothing. He climbs back downward to the room he had slept in, traveling a slightly more exploratory path.
As the mongoose climbs downward, he spies another figure leaning on one of the stone walls of one of the other garden tiers, a level above his room.
Chiaroscuro pauses a moment, then moves a bit closer, staying out of (what he think will be) sight of the figure. He looks more closely at who the figure might be… perhaps someone he met at supper last night?
No, it's no one familiar…
A dark blue-skinned creature is reclining upon the garden tier. Blue-scaled might be a better term. A long, sinuous tail curls behind her and a reptillian face turns to regard the mongoose…
Chiaroscuro's eyes glint a firey red, and his tail bristles like a bottle-brush. He makes no movement other than a tensing and readying…
The reptile uncurls, revealing that her upper body, clothed in a dark-gold tunic, is humanoid, while her lower portions are much like a snake. She slides over towards Chiaroscuro and smiles toothily, extending a talon-like hand palm-up, "Taza ne?"
Chiaroscuro steps back a few steps, his gaze fixed on the snake, following every movement. .o( Rik'Tik'Tav, lord, protect me. You know I wish not harm to any, but if this is one of Nakh's servants, guide my strike! )
Chiaroscuro speaks, in a voice filled with tension. "Serve you Nakh?"
The snake blinks, her eyelids closing from side-to-side. She slips back a little, some skin along her shoulders ruffling up. The skin goes back down, and she moves back forward a little, smiling again, showing sharp teeth, "Sala. Wana ke tostentsio Delilah oro."
The sun rises further, reflected manyfold in the scales of the snake-being. Aside from a few curling wisps of smoke beyond, there is no longer any sign of combat.
Chiaroscuro's tail stays bottle-brush bristled, and his eyes still glint with red. But even against a potential enemy such as this, he will not attack first. And she seems to be trying to be friendly. "Yclept Chiaroscuro. Chiaroscuro Themyst, of Kitellia." His voice eases a bit, though still tense.
The snake closes her mouth, and lowers her head a little. She points a clawed finger at Chiaroscuro, "Olo Kitellia?"
Chiaroscuro gestures as if to try to indicate something very far away. Perhaps south of here, but just as likely not. "Kitellia. my home." He remains a few feet back from the snake.
A smile breaks over the snake's face again, and she reclines back down to sunbathe again, speaking as she does so. "Delilah a noro Kitellia." Her tongue flicks once, and she places her claws behind her head, in a position of relaxation.
Chiaroscuro blinks strangely. .o( What could she mean? She knows of Kitellia? ) he lets the tension flow out of him, though still staying alert. "Delilah. Are you from here?" *taps the ground with his paw.* "from Babel?"
One eye slits open slightly on the snake's face, "O Babel? Teko wa naze tredulo kitellia?"
Chiaroscuro sighs slightly, and once more tries to make himself understood. "Chiaroscuro is of Kitellia, Yes." *emphatic nodding*. "Delilah is of Kitellia?" *Questioning, raised eyebrows?*
A cool wind blows, blasting away the last wisps of smoke. There is more activity in the court below, as some cheetah-like Savanites tend to gardening and the wash.
Chiaroscuro ponders carefully .o( Perhaps she knows of Kitellia, that is it. This must be a distant land, where even the serpents have turned away from Nakh.)
Delilah extends a claw towards Chiaroscuro, both eyes open now, "Netu. Delilah sa netta Kitellia. Detsuo." Her eyes close again.
Chiaroscuro rolls this over in his mind, trying to focus. "Dat-suo… I know that land not." He suddenly realizes there might be trouble if he is discovered away from his room. He bows carefully to Delilah, while keeping his eyes alertly on her. "I must go. I was… " .o( I cannot believe I shall say this… ) "… glad to meet you, Delilah."
Chiaroscuro scrambles back down to his room below.
Delilah opens one eye, and watches the mongoose depart with a look of amusement. She scratches under her chin with a claw, tilts her head, and lies back down. A perfect day for sunbathing…
Back in Chiaroscuro's room, a surprised cheetah looks out, apparently having just entered. She has a look of relief at the sight of the mongoose, and looks as if she is about to scold him, though she doesn't say a word. There is no sign of the little bat who was here earlier.
Chiaroscuro smiles at the cheetah, and bows his head. "I am sorry, madam. Just looking at the house."
The cheetah may perhaps take comfort in the mongoose's body language more than his speech. Her expression relents, and she makes a hand-waving motion toward the mongoose over to a washing basin, and pantomimes washing her hands in it, then waves him over once more.
Chiaroscuro nods, walking over and washing his paws and muzzle clean. He dries his hands on a nearby towel, and turns to face the cheetah again.
The cheetah smiles, then heads out of the chamber, beckoning the mongoose to follow.
Chiaroscuro follows along behind the cheetah, slightly curious as to her silence. .o( Though I expect she has realized I do not speak her language, and is just using gestures. )
The cheetah pads along at a leisurely pace, though there is something about her gait that makes it appear that she is restraining herself, and capable of easily walking much faster. Perhaps it is because of those especially long legs.
The hall leads back into the same dining chamber, well lit with the morning light. A low table in the center is laden with fruits and meats, breads and what might be porridge. Some bats lounge about the table, reclining on pillows, chatting to each other and sampling the breakfast meal.
Chiaroscuro walks along to the table, and looks around, before eating a bit of bread and some fruit. He keeps his ears perked for mention of his name, or any words he might recognize.
"Cheeskeeree!" squeaks a voice from a ledge on the wall.
Chiaroscuro looks up, turning?
One of the older bats looks up at the little gray Eeee, with an expression of disapproval. The elder bat says something in a commanding tone, prompting the little bat to sulk, and then flutter out of the chamber.
Meanwhile, the cheetah servant guides the mongoose toward a space to recline at the table.
Chiaroscuro hmmms. making a quick note of the elder bat's features. He then sits, rubbing his temples a bit to try and end that everpresent buzzing…
Chiaroscuro winces, as the buzzing grows a notch louder… .o( Unnngh. Just when I think I grow used to it… )
From the far end of the room, in a shadowy alcove, comes a sudden spit of blueflame. Highlighted by the flames as he lights several candles stands a longsnake, much like Delilah. He is not exactly the same, though. This one'sscales are as black as obsidian, and about as luminescent. He carries himselfwith a self-assured air, his head held high. A strange, metal band curls aroundhis upper chest and rests on his shoulders, and a headdress fans out to eitherside of his sharp, reptillian muzzle like a cobra's hood. In one bony claw, heholds a staff, the head of which is yet another cobra likeness. He appears tobe lighting the candles with the staff itself…
Chiaroscuro starts in his chair. .o( The image of Nakh himself! ) His tail bristles again, and his eyes redden…
A poodle – the same one who was here the night before – walks into the chamber from another doorway, and takes a position, reclining at the table. He watches the mongoose's reaction to the snake with a hint of amusement.
The snake, not noticing Chiaroscuro's reaction, finishes lighting the candles around himself. He coils erect again, and the color the candles burn changes to green.
Chiaroscuro prays silently, touching his Rikkorel. .o( Lord, as you followed Nakh into his hole, so I am in the very den of the serpents. Help me fear not, strike if I must, and pass this test before me. )
The black snake blinks once, slowly, almost reflectively. He barks out a few guttural tones, and strikes his staff to the floor. With his head lowered, he mutters inaudibly… a tangible static builds in the room.
Chiaroscuro slips out of his chair, and starts gauging the exits, sizing up the snake. .o( A black magician, to be sure… Should I run, lord Rik', or have you brought me here to slay this evil? )
The bat at the end of the table furthest away from the Naga magician watches, a look of satisfaction on his face. He is an older bat, his gray fur giving way to white, but still muscular. His attire looks like armor – though more ornamental than functional. It incorporates the shells of many of the horseshoe-crab-like creatures Chiaroscuro faced before, but these inlaid with colored enamels and gemstones.
The snake raises his head, and faces Chiaroscuro. He holds out his claw in a fist, curled fingers facing up. "Sakulath!" He slowly uncurls the fist, one finger at a time.
Chiaroscuro stamps his foot nervously on the ground, tensing, wondering to fight, flee, or stand… his eyes glow a burning red…
Chiaroscuro .o( Rik', protect me… )
Chiaroscuro BOLTS suddenly and wildly towards the door!
The poodle looks positively delighted. He whispers something to the whitening bat. The bat does not look amused, and mutters something back, his eyes following the fleeing mongoose.
The cheetah servant who led Chiaroscuro into the room looks to her master, then chases after the fleeing mongoose, like a bolt of golden lightning.
The black Naga hisses in annoyance at the departure of the mongoose. With a look of mixed disgust and contempt, he rests against his staff, eyes closed.
Chiaroscuro scrambles to the door, and through it, seeking to get away. .o( I am sorry, Lord Rik', I cannot face him! I am too weak in heart, I must flee! )
The cheetah is immediately upon the mongoose, reaching out and attempting to stop him. While she may be fast, though, she is not strong.
The snake strikes his staff to the stone floor, and the ringing sound echoes throughout the hall. "Salaka!" He reaches in the direction of Chiaroscuro, unwilling to leave his circle of candles.
Chiaroscuro squirms, dodging away from the cheetah as best he can. While she is faster, he is more agile, and running on pure fear and instinct…
The cheetah will not relent. She silently pursues the mongoose, following every twist and turn.
The snake hisses quietly, "Cheoskro… "
Chiaroscuro runs down the halls, looking for a room with an open window. The buzzing in his skull is still strong, and he…
The passages do not continue forever, however. The corridor ends in a cul-de-sac containing several small alcoves with statues of bats, and some sort of shrine in the center, surrounded by flickering candles.
An empty windowsill high above lets light filter into this tall shrine room – but it is a narrow circle, far too small for even the mongoose to squeeze through, contort as he may, even if he climbed the height required.
Holding one claw out, palm up, the snake calls out again, still quietly, pleadingly, "Sani, Cheoskro… "
In the shrine room, the cheetah's posture is an echo of the magician's gesture. She holds one hand out, palm up, a pleading expression on her face.
Chiaroscuro turns as he hears his name said, and seeing the dead end ahead… he stops, and looks at the cheetah.
The snake cannot be seen here. Only the cheetah. How can his voice carry through these corridors so clearly? Or does it really do so at all? The cheetah stands there silently, motioning again, trying to beckon the mongoose back with her.
Chiaroscuro .o( There is no choice, then. ) Chiaroscuro proclaims in a lour voice, "I shall face you, then, be you Nakh himself sent after me. I am strong with Lord Rik'Tik'Tav, and my spirit will join him in The Garden, no matter what you may do."
The cheetah, not comprehending the mongoose's speech, tries to make sense of his expression. She pauses, then gestures to him once more. She is not so bold as to try to take hold of him again, however.
Chiaroscuro walks back to the chamber. Despite his bold words, his body is a nervous, twitching mass of energy and adrenaline. He pauses before entering, breathing deeply, tapping his Rikkorel on the teeth and left paw.
The snake smiles as Chiaroscuro re-enters. He raises his staff again, and retreats to the far side of the circle of candles, leaving an open space within the circle. He looks at Chiaroscuro, but says nothing.
The cheetah timidly walks alongside the mongoose. She looks to him, then nods her head and gestures toward the circle.
Chiaroscuro looks at the candles, and the circle. He stares at the snake fixedly. "I am a servant of Rik'Tik'Tav. I shall not aid your dark magic." He stands, defiantly, outside the circle.
The poodle sitting at the far end of the table chuckles, and lightly claps his hands once, earning another stern look from the costumed bat beside him.
Chiaroscuro notices not the poodle, eyes fixed on the snake.
The cheetah only tries once more to gesture toward the circle, but at last backs away, standing against the wall.
The snake looks uncomfortable, almost pained, his eyes slitted in what seems concentration. He gestures with his claw again, "Cheskoro, sani… sani"
Chiaroscuro turns to the cheetah, looking at her. .o( She, I know, means me no harm. But she is under control of this dark mage… for innocents like her, I must face this serpent, and on his own ground. ) He steps into the circle, boldly, pure-ready for combat.
As Chiaroscuro enters the circle, the candles burn higher, changing to a deep, blood red. The dark snake holds out one open claw to Chiaroscuro, gazing intently into the mongoose's eyes with his own black ones.
The poodle looks disappointed, and snorts, leaning further back into his pile of pillows. He still watches, though, focusing his gaze on every move of the mongoose…
Chiaroscuro chitters "rkk-tkk-tkk-tkk, rkk-tkk-tkk-tkk… " He suddenly notes the watching eyes of the poodle. .o( What is his role in this? Can this be all a game to him? )
The snake seems to either not notice or not care about Chiaroscuro's discomfort. As Chiaroscuro watches the poodle, the snake brings his claw to within a very small distance of Chiaroscuro's own, but will not close the final distance…
The costumed bat rises from the head of the table, watching the scene with a stern expression, crossing his bracer-bound arms in front of him.
Chiaroscuro takes a breath… .o( May your life and energy bring down this evil, Lord Rik. All I am is yours to guide. ) He grasps the snake's hand with his, and his claws tighten, just shy of piercing the flesh. Only his greatest of willpower keeps him from the attack.
As the claws meet, the flames from the candles grow higher, and arc to the center of the circle. The flames join at the same spot as the magicians, and the flames seem to be absorbed into them both, traveling up their arms in a glow that fades almost as soon as it is seen, leaving the candles extinguished. The snake's sholders drop perceptibly, as his concentration and tension drop, and he smiles. He speaks in a deep, cadenced voice, "Thank you, Chiaroscuro."
A couple of the bats reclining at the table gasp at the spectacle. The poodle sighs. The costumed bat, standing at the head of the table, smiles triumphantly, sparing only a brief glower in the poodle's direction.
Chiaroscuro does not release his grip. "Who are you? Are you a servant of Nakh, bearing his image?" His mind has not yet caught up with the fact the snake spoke his language.
The snake's face shows no signs of recognition at Chiaroscuro's questions, "I do not know this Nakh. My name is Balthazar, under the charge of Sabaoth." He keeps holding the mongoose's paw, speaking again in a deep voice, eerily familiar, "I ask you to please not leave again… if you exit the circle, the spell will be broken."
Chiaroscuro looks at 'Balthazar', with a look of distrust. "I have little reason to trust you. You look as my most hated enemy looks, and you cast magic as a Nakhite does."
Chiaroscuro says, "Make me trust you, and I shall not attack."
The snake looks weary, "But I should think you have little reason to mistrust me… I have never harmed you, nor has any of my kin to my knowledge."
Chiaroscuro dips his eyes. "In this land, perhaps." He looks back up. "Where am I? And where is Kitellia from here?"
Balthazar nods, "Very well." He hefts his staff, "This has been at my side for longer than you can imagine." He presses the staff into Chiaroscuro's paw, "Until our palaver is done, you shall keep it."
Chiaroscuro looks at the staff, and nods grimly. "Then I shall trust you, for now. Rik's servant is quick to react, so seek not to make me unalert."
Balthazar continues to speak, in a voice which seems to bring memories of altars. "First, I wish to ask you. Who are you? Lord Sabaoth of Babel has commissioned me to find out who you are, where you have come from, and why you are here."
Chiaroscuro says, "I am Chiaroscuro Themyst, of the kingdom of Kitellia."
Chiaroscuro says, "As for why I am here, I do not know. I would guess that magic has brought me to this place."
Balthazar nods slowly, "You are now in Babel. We do not know of Kitellia, word or watch. You were found in a tomb by the son of Sabaoth, Boghaz."
Balthazar continues, "The storm you were found during was heavily saturated with magic. Boghaz was blown into the Forbidden Zone by the winds from the storm, where he took shelter and found you."
Chiaroscuro nods. "I appeared in a forest, and journeyed my way into the… tomb?"
Balthazar gazes more intently at Chiaroscuro, "You wandered to the tomb? You did not awaken there?"
Chiaroscuro says, "I did not. I traveled down a river, then across the bridge, and up to the tomb. I did not know that is what it was, either. I thought it a outpost, or cabin."
Balthazar releases Chiaroscuro's paw, "You know nothing of the Forbidden Zone?"
There's something especially familiar about that voice. A name comes to mind … Ama'anar.
Chiaroscuro tilts his head. The bristling in his tailfur is starting to lessen, and his eyes are returning to a brown color. "I know of no forbidden zone. I have never been to this country. I thought it Cambria, at first."
The costumed bat gives the snake an inquisitive look. So does the poodle.
Balthazar turns to the waiting audience. "Taka no serotaro. Shota tu roko. Yakolaken tse."
Chiaroscuro lowers his voice to a whisper… "Can the others understand us, Balthazar?"
Balthazar smiles, "No… I'm afraid my powers are too limited for such a spell… "
Chiaroscuro nods. "I see. What sort of magic do you practice?"
The costumed bat looks sourly disappointed. The poodle, on the other hand, grins, and whispers something to the bat beside him – something which the bat doesn't seem pleased to hear, as he waves him off. The bat storms out of the chamber.
Boghaz lets out a long sigh, his shoulders slumping, as he stares intently at the table in front of him.
Chiaroscuro turns to look at the reactions of the room. "And what are they saying?"
Balthazar answers quietly, "I practice in the form of Kan Se. I do not know how to say it in your tongue."
Balthazar confers quickly with the bat again. He turns back to Chiaroscuro, "Sabaoth is sorry that you are not of the ancients, arisen from slumber. You do not know the secrets of old. There is much Sabaoth wishes to learn."
The robed poodle barks something at the snake, then heads toward a doorway, and barks something at someone unseen around the corner.
Chiaroscuro shakes his head. "Not I. I am just a humble servant of Rik'Tik'Tav, and my king, Kitell the Sixth.
Balthazar extends his claw for his staff, "Then I'm afraid that our palaver must end. You are now out of Sabaoth's control."
A couple of wolves enter the great hall a short while later, dressed in robes of a similar style to that of the poodle, but much more plain.
Balthazar continues, "Jacobus will see to you now… unless there is anything further you wish to ask."
Chiaroscuro keeps his hold on the staff. "I have just a few questions, first. Where am I? Have you, or anyone here, ever heard of Kitellia? and What shall happen to me next?"
Balthazar looks uncomfortable, "To the second, I answered that before. We do not know of Kitellia. You are in the kingdom of Ashdod, on the world of Sinai. Do you know of Sinai?"
Chiaroscuro shakes his head. "I knew no other world than Tarrah. I had not thought there might be other worlds with life."
Balthazar sighs, "Now, as an exile, you shall be taken to Rephidim, the Land of the Sky. I have never been there."
Chiaroscuro nods. "Rephidim." He frowns slightly.
Balthazar holds out his claw again, "I do not know anything further; I am sorry… "
The poodle nods, and says "Rephidim" again, smiling triumphantly. He barks to the wolves, who move forward. He then makes a gesture that looks like he's trying to shoo off the snake as if the latter were nothing more than a jester providing the morning's entertainment.
Chiaroscuro nods, and gives the staff back. "Then tell Boghaz I am thankful for the hospitality he and his father have shown me. I would have surely perished without it, and if I may repay them, I would gladly do so."
Balthazar takes the staff relievedly, and steps from the circle. The candles reignite to a normal height. The snake moves over to Sabaoth and speaks to him in a low tone.
Sabaoth simmers, watching as the poodle directs his lupine lackeys, only half-listening to the snake.
One of the big wolves rumbles something to Chiaroscuro, but it is in an unfamiliar tongue again, possibly not even the same one as that employed by the snake or the bats. The general message seems to be, "Come with us," though.
Chiaroscuro looks at the wolf, and tentatively follows. He bows deeply to Sabaoth and Boghaz before departing…
The wolves lead the mongoose back out to the courtyard. The cheetah servant reappears, bearing the rest of Chiaroscuro's belongings from his room.
Chiaroscuro takes ahold of his belongings, arranging them in his cloak and on his belt. He pauses one moment, gazing at the servant, and beckoning her over.
Waiting in the courtyard is a palanquin just like the one that brought the mongoose here. High overhead, though not over the palace, is a great ship that floats in the air, like a vessel that sails upon the waters, but it holds up a great gray shape that looks like a collosal melon.
The servant nods and walks over toward the mongoose.
A little bat flutters over to perch on a tree branch, looking down at the mongoose and the female Savanite. "Cheeskeeree!" he chirps, waving his wings.
Chiaroscuro digs into his pouch, and drops a small stone into the cheetah's palm. "For Boghaz." he drops another one. "For you."
The cheetah blinks, looking at the stones in her palm.
The lady cheetah bows her head, clasping the stones and bringing her hands together in a gesture of thanks.
Chiaroscuro smiles at the cheetah, and then turns to the young bat. "Hello there." His gaze is quickly averted by the sight of the airship…
The bat grins and waves his wings again, pointing up at the airship. Meanwhile, one of the wolves grunts impatiently, and gruffly gestures the mongoose to move toward the palanquin, where several bat servants await to bear it on high.
Chiaroscuro nods to the bat, and enters the palanquin, sliding in carefully.
The servants take the cords and lift into the air, bearing the palanquin upward with a brief jolt … and turning toward the airship with their black-and-white passenger.
It is a very short ride to the airship, and with an act of skill, the bats set the palanquin down on the deck of the ship without even landing upon it themselves, letting go of the cords once it has set down softly, and moving free of the craft.
Chiaroscuro slides out, looking about him at the airship. "A boat, on air… the wonders of this world are many."
The crew of the craft consists of wolves like the two in the service of the poodle, as well as some more cheetahs, a couple of raccoons, and at least one fox. There is also a big gruff creature that looks part eagle, part horse and part lion, with ice-white feathers.
Orders are barked about, as the crew sets to work. The palanquin is removed from the deck, and shortly thereafter, the poodle arrives, with his two wolf guards. The airship begins to move away from the palace, drifting across the city, as several bats and a couple more of the eagle-lion-horse creatures flutter in to land on the deck, and join in the work.
Chiaroscuro balances himself on the craft as it moves, still staring about. .o( What a strange world this is, surely. Nakh's evil is not with the snakes… I still cannot belive that. Lord Rik', I thank you for your protection, a hundred and a hundred… )
Sails roll out, bearing an emblem that looks like a four-pointed star intersecting an upended crescent … and faintly resembling a stylized anchor of a seafaring vessel … rendered in red on a white field. The ship passes by the colossal tower in the center of the city, this height offering an impressive view of its sheer immensity.
Chiaroscuro gazes out at the tower, and then to the horizon. .o( I am on another world, one I never have known of… and yet, I think my journey has just begun… )
