He laughed. "This is an interesting way to talk."
I smiled, feeling his features both soft, and tight with amusement. "You do like speaking to me. Your cheeks softened when I explained, even with the muscles that are used when you smile."
"I enjoy speaking with you a lot." Kershka said.
I smiled, and started telling him a story about when Biri was little. I'd just finished the story when our food was served to us. "It smells good." I said, feeling a little self conscious to dine in the open.
"It does smell really good. Time to dig in." Kershka said.
I nodded and gave him his space to eat, I made sure I had ample ways to clean off my hands, then I made sure the plate and anything else I would need was adequately within reach, so I wouldn't have to search for it. I certainly had better manners than my parents, but it did raise eyebrows. I knew because the Ranger that had been my roommate had made comments.
Sandwiches were a compromise, but there wasn't sandwiches on the menu. I did use a roll to make a sandwich with. But rather than bother to ask for another, I just worked my way through the rest of the plate. Even when I used a spoon for efficiency, I still had to use my other hand to ensure the food got on it. And this is when I noticed someone commenting on how I was eating.
I started to hear Kershka start grumbling about people being rude. I wiped my mouth and said, "Well, I don't think there is a law against farting in public. Perhaps there should be."
He went quiet, perhaps trying to understand my meaning. Then began laughing loudly. I heard Biri doing the same. I cleaned off my hands and touched Kershka, "Have you had enough? We can order more."
"I will need a second plate. I have to keep up my figure." Kershka said.
"Yes, you do. Elsewise you might just have lazy sons." I joked.
"I could never allow it." Kershka said.
We went ahead and ordered him and Biri more food. I ordered a drink and said for a damp cloth. They did as I asked. I was able to properly clean my hands up. His and Biri's food came out, and they took my napkins away for me. As I had a hand resting on the table, I felt when something seemed to be added to it. Just a quick vibration.
Kershka also seemed to be getting tense, as was Biri. So I figured something bad was probably happening. Then a man said, "I feel you missed a few etiquette classes. Should we educate you?"
"I hardly think you could when you approach uninvited and speak without introduction." I responded.
"My apologies, my name is Astral. And my companions name is Tharivol. Now, abut those lessons." He said.
"Do you know how to teach a blind person?" I asked.
Astral slapped the table, "Blind! I should have guessed blind. There is no reason someone so fair should eat so poorly."
Kershka said, "You are quite rude. I would like you to leave."
"We actually have a room here. If you wanted to come up, we could teach you all kinds of etiquette." Astral said, ignoring Keshka.
"And what exactly would that entail?" I inquired, placing a hand on Kershka's leg. He was incredibly tense.
"Well, it would entail having cutlery set up there, and books. Because we love to teach etiquette to the ignorant masses." Astral said.
"Hilarious, since I am blind. I can't read." I said.
"Then we will simply read it to you. I have a very soothing voice." Astral said.
"You sound like a snake oil salesman." I replied. "The animals aren't going to care if I have manners, and if I need them, it falls on Tilton to teach me, as he is my supervisor."
He scoffed. "That rude old man? Too much of a fool to be able to teach manners properly if-"
Kershka stood up. "I tried to be nice. But you are being rude to her, and now you are insulting my friend. You need to leave."
"And now you have upset my darling." I commented. I borrowed Biri's vision to see what happened. There were two intimidated, yet annoyed Elves standing before us. I placed a hand on Biri, and she sat back on her haunches looking at them intently, beginning to pool her energy in her mouth.
"Darling? Here I thought he was just a large rock with air escaping it's crevice. We will be on our way...for now." They started to leave.
"Biri, teach manners non lethally." I said.
She jumped on them, narrowly avoiding knocking over a table. She latched onto one of their arms with her mouth, then grabbed the other, and started dragging them towards the doors. I wasn't sure who, but someone opened the doors for her to drag them out.
"I wanted to hurt them. I don't like violence, but I hate when people are rude. Are you alright?" Kershka asked.
"Yes, I'm fine. I was only bothered when they spoke I'll if you and Tilton." I said.
"Next time I might go past the nice part." Kershka said.
I reached for him, "It's ok, just finish you food, Fjell Hjerte."
He took my hand and sat down. "Okay, I will calm down."
"I will definitely have to explain to Tilton why Biri harmed them. She is teaching them well." I said.
"I can help tell him. I am good at explaining." Kershka said.
"Alright. I am sorry I let that continue over-long." I said.
"It's okay. I really wanted them to apologize, but they wouldn't." Kershka said.
I reached around him and started rubbing his back. "People can not hurt my feelings. For that to happen, I would need to care about them and their opinions."
"Hmm.. not caring leads to indifference, indifference leads to lack of empathy, no empathy leads to not helping others, then we all suffer alone. That's what Bibs taught me." Kershka said.
"That can be true." I agreed, still rubbing his back.
"It's hard to care sometimes. But doing what is right is usually harder." Kershka said.
"To me, it's subjective. Morals are different per culture, raising and understanding." I said.
"That sounds like Tilton. Everything is subjective." Kershka said.
I smiled for him. "It's fine to stick to what you feel is right, I think."
"I think I'm finished eating. Should we head to Tilton?" Kershka asked.
"Are you alright?" I asked.
"I am ok." Kershka said. "Just trying to calm down."
"Alright. We can go see Tilton, then. Do you want to grab some treats from the bakery?" I asked.
"Ok. Would you like to get an Elven Pillow?" He asked.
I frowned in confusion, "... What is it?"
"I don't think I can explain it very well." Kershka said.
"Well, I'll trust you on it." I said. I went ahead and settled the bill and reserved a room for the night. A comment was made that they were glad for a break from the two rude Elves.
"Parently a lot of people not happy with them." Kershka said.
I nodded, "I can understand why."
"Yep. They are very rude to everyone." He agreed.
He took my hand and took us to the Bakery. The baker said, "Welcome to Kaz's Bakery, where the bread is as tough as my wife."
"Hello, Kaz. We have come for Elven Pillows." Kershka said.
"Well, I believe I can help you with that." Kaz said.
"It smells wonderful in here." I said.
"Well, thank you. I think the smell of baked bread should be how everyone starts their day." Kaz said.
I smiled. "What is the fruity smelling things?"
"Well, that could be either the fruit-cookies, or the small cakes with fruit." Kaz said.
"That does sound good, doesn't it, Hjerte?" I asked.
"It does." Kershka said. "But you should definitely try the Elven Pillow first."
"You know, you two remind me a lot of me and my wife." Kaz said.
I grinned big, squeezing my arms around Kershka's arm and said, "Thank you. I intend to keep him well."
"Good, good. Let me see if the wife has gotten those pillows out of the oven." Kaz said.
I heard him go to the back room, I snuggled Kershka's arm, "It's a wonder that I don't smell chocolate here."
"What's a 'chocolate?" Kershka asked.
"It's a type of dessert made from cocoa beans. I like the milk ones because they are sweeter." I said. "Chocolate chip cookies are regarded as the world's best cookies."
"How could it be World's best is it's not here?" Kershka asked.
"True. But this continent is regarded as cursed and avoided. Even the gods have tried to isolate it." I said.
"It has been said that they are cowards and skimping on their responsibilities." Kershka said.
"I don't disagree. Do you feel better?" I asked.
"I do. I like Kaz's bakery. Sometimes I can smell it from the bench." Kershka said.
"Perhaps I should give him the recipe for turnovers." I said.
"You could. He would make them. Lots of them. I would still like yours." Kershka said.
"That is alright. I should have a home built, that way I can cook for you." I said.
"Where would you want it built?" He asked.
"I don't know. I would need to speak to Tilton about it, since it's his territory." I said.
"Well, we were going to talk to him anyway." Kershka said.
"Biri just left them in the woods." I said.
"I hope she didn't have any trouble." Kershka said.
"She is fine." I said, as Kaz came back out.
A lovely and warm smell surrounded him as Kaz said, "Alright, they are ready. Hot, fresh out of the oven. Don't burn yourself."
I heard him set the trey on the counter. Kershka took my hand after picking one up, "He is right. This is a little hot." He dabbed me with it, "Okay?"
"It is only a little too hot. My hands are sensitive since I use them to understand what is around me." I explained.
"I can hold it for you, then. Want to bite?" He asked.
I nodded, and took a bit from it while he held it. It was a bit hot, but seemed to practically melt. "Oh, my. It vanished like fairy floss." I said.
"I don't know that one, but these are real fun." Kershka said.
"It's spun sugar that melts like this does. But this is a bread-ish sweety." I said.
"It is wonderful. I love them. Have to have self control, though." Kershka said.
"I can see why." I grinned.
Kaz said. "Well, how many would you two like, hmm?"
"I think five for Kershka and I and two for Tilton." I said.
"Can do. I'll bag those up for ya." Kaz replied.
"Thank you. Do you make pies, sir?" I asked.
"I do, but it's a newer concept without meat." Kaz said.
"If you would like, I can tell you a recipe before I go work tomorrow. It's for turnovers, which are like hand held fruit pies." I said.
"Well, that sounds wonderful. I can try to get them hammered out by the time you return." Kaz said.
Once he was done, we paid, thanked him and headed out. I figured I could write down measurements and such to the recipe for turnovers over night to share with him. Kershka and I left the bakery with our treats and went all the way to Tilton's home. Biri joined us once we got there and knocked.
Tilton answered and said, "What happened?"
"Kershka wanted to explain the why of what happened. But, the short of it is Biri dragged off some Elves." I said.
"Ah, yes. I had been told the Elves were being taken out of town by your dragon. I was waiting for the why of it." Tilton said.
"They were being very rude. They tried to get Vern to go to their room. They said you were a fool." Kershka said.
"Oh really? Well, then I suppose I'll have to invite them to a room of my own the next time they act up." Tilton replied.
"I only cared about them insulting you and Kershka." I added. "Them being upset with my lack of typical table manners is common."
"I'm guessing they didn't have the purest intentions for inviting you to their room. I will deal with them soon." Tilton said.
"I can understand the concerns related with going with unknown men into rooms." I said. "I appreciate how annoying the situation likely is for both of you. Anyways, Kershka and I brought you Elven Pillows from Kaz's Bakery. And I wanted to inquire about a zone I could have a house built."
"Thank you for the.. Elven Pillows. As for the house, let us go and take a look at the map." Tilton said.
"Alright. Let's go." Kershka said.
We went together into Tilton's study. I heard him pull paper out of a desk. "These spots here are probably good for close areas." Tilton said, tapping twice on the map.
"Out towards Heartstone, right?" Kershka asked, sounding slightly awkward.
"Biri," I said, she brushed against me, and looked at the map, and I borrowed her sight. "Which locations?" He tapped each again. "Zone six part one or zone six part seven. A hard decision. What do you think, Kershka?"
"I think the one with the pond will be good." Kershka said.
"Will builders need your specifications on land allotted to be property?" I asked.
"Let me know who you will have build it and I will send over specifications." Tilton said.
"Do you have any recommendations on who?" I asked.
"Yes, I have a few recommendations actually." Tilton said. "There is a union of Dwarves that actually did the construction for Hearthstone. I believe a few of their teams are available again. You could also onto the lumber yard if you prefer more of a lumber style."
I nodded. "Which do you think will be able to best meet my accessibility needs?"
"Either of thm would do just fine. They are both professional groups and can easily handle requests." Tilton replied.
I nodded, "Thank you. I will take some time tomorrow to speak with both an make a decision. I will let you know right away."
"Alright. Was there anything else the two of you needed from me?" Tilton asked.
"I do not believe so. You got the report about this morning from Biri?" I asked.
"Yes. I am glad you were able to handle it with no injuries to you or Kershka." Tilton said.
I nodded. "Thanks, Tilton."
"I will come back to visit later, Tilton." Kershka said.
"Well, you know where I am Kershka. Stop by any time." Tilton said.
We headed out, then. On the way back, I said, "Do you have any preferences towards the house?"
"I have always liked wood. So a cabin would be nice, but stone would remind me of the mountains. It is a hard choice." Kershka said.
"I think it could be combined." I said.
"I think you are right." Kershka said. "They could be combined into best house."
I smiled and hugged his arm. "I'll speak to someone to have them draw up some plans. Is there any feature you'd like? It will bave to be roomy."
"A big tub." Kershka said.
"Yes, so I can help you bathe." I grinned. Biri gagged.
He laughed,"I could use the help, I can't reach my back."
Kershka brought me to the Inn, Gabe me a strong hug, lifting me up off my feet. I squeezed him in return before he set me down and we bid each other good night. I went inside, while Kershka and Biri returned to Bibs' home. I found my way upstairs, heading for my room since I'd been told which it is.
As soon as I left the stairs, I heard Astral speak. "It's rude to pass someone without acknowledging them."
I paused. "I hadn't realized anyone was about."
"Yes, I suppose we should all be much louder in order to let you know where we are." Tharivol commented. "Nothing like having to adapt for the decrepit."
"I'm only nearly two hundred. That's hardly old. And I am capable, which means not infirmed. Goodness. You should read more." I said.
"I read plenty, thank you." Astral said. "I'm surprised you don't have a companion, though, since you just used the stairs. That could have been very dangerous."
"You needn't worry. I am capable of walking up simple stairs." I replied.
"It's not the up part you should be concerned with. It's the going down. You should be careful. Goodnight." Atlas said.
"Somehow, I don't think you should tamper with the stairs. I will not be fooled by small minded Elves." I said. Then I used Starlight Step, teleporting further down the hall.
With them doing nothing about my words or action, I continued down to my room. I wasn't worried abut them knowing exactly which room I was staying in. Nor was I worried about their warning. I used the Port Key to go to the Night Market where a person could be found that designs houses. Visiting with them, I told them the specifications I wanted. They drew up three final results with their blueprints to get there.
Knowing I was blind, they used special ink that raised up so that I could trace it to understand. I fell in love with a particular one. I could imagine my babies with Kershka growing up in that home. I understood that Kershka should have a choice in what our home would look like, even though I desperately wanted to be greedy and select just that one.
But I bought two of the designs the one I loved, and one I would accept. I paid for both and then purchased a large amount of chocolate before returning to my room at the Inn. Next, I bathed in the tub, it felt wonderful. Once I was finished with my soak, I got out and began writing the recipe for turnovers. I chose to sleep after that.
When I woke up, I dressed myself and combed my hair before plaiting it. Then I packed up my things and headed out of the room. I was doing my best to be cautious, but as nothing felt slick as I descended, I thought it was fine. Half way down, though, a board came loose at my light frames step, and I fell down the stairs.
Several people let out sharp gasps and sounds of alarm, I also felt Biri take not of the injury, and thought I heard her shriek. I was evaluating my body and processing what occurred. That's when I heard Astral's voice. I pinpointed on it.
"That's why the disabled should always have someone with them. She can't even handle stairs properly." He said.
Another was heading towards me, I heard the tavern owners voice say, "Ma'am are you alright?"
"You fuck." I shouted, using my divination magic to locate a person, I teleported to Astral and jumped on him, knocking him to the ground as I wailed on him. Tharivol tried to stop me, I elbowed his dick with a Fire Giant strike and went back to wailing on Astral.
Astral screamed and poofed out from under me. Tharivol was still just lying there whimpering in pain, so I redirected my rage hitting him too, "Learn to be better! I told you both to not tamper with those stairs!" I shouted.
I heard loud steps, then Tharivol was just gone, then a roar and cursing in Giant with the owner yelling not to destroy his inn. Then the foot steps went outside. I turned my head about, unsure what had just happened. My hands absolutely throbbed and my ached in various places. I heard my things being tidied up, and then I felt Biri's head press against me.
I turned my head about again, "Are there damages to the building?"
The owner sighed. "I'll need to check the table and chairs also those steps, apparently. I'll take it out of their hide."
"I am sorry. I did not mean to lose my temper. I should report to Tilton." I said.
"Something tells me he will know all about this soon." The owner said.
"That's alright. It is only by his grace that I am permitted to continue my work as a Ranger here, as my supervisor, I have to report to him when my actions are negative, or I am aware of an incident that disturbs the peace." I explained, standing up despite being in pain. "Was that Kershka?"
"Yeah, that was him. I don't think I've ever seen him so angry. His tattoos were glowing. I didn't even know they could do that." He said.
"Thank you." I said, hurrying outside with Biri. She led me to Kershka.
Biri told me Kershka was holding the elf aloft by the neck. In giant he shouted l at him that if he ever catches him in town again he will rip him apart. Then threw him to the ground hard. I ignored the guilt, instead taking his hand.
"Kershka? Are you alright?" I asked.
He scooped me up and held me. "I am fine. You look hurt, I will take you to Bibs."
"Yes, I'll go with you." I said. Through our bond I asked Biri to take Tharivol to the church for treatment. She did not like it, but agreed to.
Kershka took me to Bibs' house. "Bibs must be upstairs." Kershka set me in a chair at the table. "I'll go get him." He headed upstairs.
Bibs came down without Kershka. I only knew he was there when Bibs spoke. "Hello. I've been asked to give you a look over. You seem a little banged up." He opened a drawer and pulled out something glass. "Alright, this potion will fix you up. Simply drink it and it will fix what ails you. Just drink half though, if you aren't wanting a complete rejuvenation."
He handed it to me, and I thanked him. I wasn't sure what he meant, but I drank it. My hands were throbbing painfully. "I am glad I fell down the stairs, rather than a child." I commented.
"Yes, if a child would have been hurt.. I don't think Kershka would have held back." Bibs said. "Just so you're aware, that potion takes a little while to really complete it's process."
"That is fine. Thank you, Bibs. And I am sorry Kershka was upset." I said.
"I would say Kershka is more upset that he wasn't there to protect you." Bibs said.
"Biri feels the same. I had her take Tharivol for treatment at the church." I said.
"Well, hopefully that fellow takes it as a sign to change his ways." Bibs said.
"I should not have stricken him with a Fire giants might in his nethers.." I sighed.
"Well, if that's not a sign that he should change, I don't know what will be." Bibs said.
"I should work on my temper." I said.
"And some people should work on their manners. But alas. This is the way of the world." Bibs said.
I smiled, flexing my hands and checking over my wounds in earnest.
"How are you feeling?" He asked.
"Tenderized." I answered.
"Good, then you're alive. I have to get back to my project now, hopefully Kershka hasn't moved to much." Bibs said.
After a moment, I heard Kershka coming back down. He approached me, "Are you ok? Did he fix the hurt?"
I could hear a bit of upset to his tone. "It's ok, Fjell Hjerte. He said the potion would take a bit of time to finish working."
"Oh.. ok." He sighed. "I'm sorry.. you got hurt."
"Honey, you didn't cause me to be hurt. You don't have any reason to be sorry." I said.
"Still don't like that you're hurt." Kershka said.
I opened my arms for him, trying to distract and comfort him, when a knock occurred on the door. Kershka hugged me, saying , "Coming." Then went to open the door. "Hello, Tilton."
"Hello Kershka. I have come for yet another explanation." Tilton said, sounding impatient.
"Come in." Kershka said. "Easier to talk inside."
I heard Tilton come in. "Well, you look a little worse for wear. Can only imagine what the other two look like." He said.
"What method would you like your explanation to be? Direct or in depth?" I asked.
"Oh, I don't have anything else going on for the rest of the day. In depth, please." Tilton said.
"Alright. After Kershka went home and Biri went with him, I went upstairs at the Inn. I encountered Atlas and Tharivol there, and they commented that they were surprised I didn't have a companion because stairs are dangerous for me. I told them that I have no problem with going up stairs. They specified going down is dangerous. I warned them they better not tamper with the stairs, then went to my room. This morning, checking for oil l, I went down the stairs. They had loosened a floor board, which caused me to fall. They taunted me about it, which set me into a rage. Biri probably felt my fall through our bond." I explained.
"Well, that could have gotten some killed. Do we know where they are currently?" Tilton asked.
"Atlas seemed to teleport somewhere while I was pummeling him. I had struck Tharivol in his genitals with a Fire Giant's strike, so he did not escape." My face turned red with shame, "I had been hitting him instead when Kershka took him away. I had Biri take him to the church for treatment."
"Thank you for the detailed information. I will be heading to the church to hopefully at least find one of these two. Perhaps he can lead me to the other." Tilton said.
"I do apologize for getting into that situation and creating a ruckus. I normally conduct myself in a better manner." I said sincerely.
"Judging from your reports, I believe that. Everyone has their limit. If anyone had pulled that on me, I could not guarantee my restraint." Tilton replied.
"I am also sorry that this incident will delay my work." I said.
"That is alright. I can have Mills step in for a little while until you are fully recovered." Tilton said.
"That is alright. I should be fine to head out tomorrow." I said.
"Well, if it's that quick, I won't bother Mills with it. It's hardly a delay at all." Tilton said.
I smiled and after a brief farewell, Tilton headed out. After a moment, Kershka said, "Would you like to go outside? I do not know when Biri would be back."
"Yes, we can go outside. Biri is probably close by. I need to figure out what happened with my things." I said.
"I can go ask. I'm gonna scoop you now." Kershka said, and scooped me into his arms.
I winced a little, my body was improving, but was still sore. He took me outside, and set me on the bench. "I will go check on your things."
That turned out to be unnecessary, though. Because Biri told me she had the stuff, she bumped Kershka and plopped my things next to us. "Biri says she had it."
"Thank you Biri. Very helpful." Kershka said.
She was pleased with the compliment. I got into the main pack and pulled out a hankerchief. I cleaned up my hands with it, then took out the papers. After running my fingers over one if them, I made sure the second choice was presented first, and offered Kershka the sketch of the two houses. "Look."
He accepted them from me and looked them over. "These are very pretty houses. But I think I like this one." He said, offering one towards me.
I felt it over with my hands, "... This is the one I had my heart set on." I admitted.
He laughed, "Then I am glad we agree. The other one didn't feel like home."
"When I felt this one, it seemed as though I could clearly picture our babies growing up there." I told him.
"Hopefully has big doorways. We don't know how big they will get." Kershka said.
I nodded. "Yes. And Biri is growing still. Shaska will live there, too, right?"
"Oh yes. She will love the move." He said.
I smiled. "I think I will requisition the Dwarves to build it."
"Ok. They are good builders." He said.
Biri got nosy about it, which I knew because she knocks into people to look at things. She told me it does look nice. Then I heard someone's light footsteps approaching.
"... Hello, Kershka, Vern. I'm surprised there is an obsidian dragon here. I thought they lived in the Underdark." Isarial said. He sounded cautious or hesitant.
"I've had her since she was an egg. She was left in the roots of my home." I explained.
"Huh. Well, I suppose not every dragon is a good parent." Isarial commented. He seemed to hesitate, then said, "Well, I brought you another gift, Kershka. I heard today has been exciting.."
"Very. I almost killed a man." Kershka replied.
I heard him ruffle in his ba for a moment and he took something out that I couldn't identify. "Here you go, Kershka."
Kershka gasped with excitement. "Is this what I think it is?"
"Yes. It's a spider egg. It's rather warm." Isarial replied.
"We are going to need fruit trees." Kershka told me.
"That's fine. We can grow them." I said.
"Fruit trees?" Isarial asked.
"Uh-huh. They only eat fruit." Kershka said.