"I'll admit, you're quite the sight to behold. A first evolution Beast with considerable intelligence, riding one of notoriously hard to approach Wolves of the Gloomstrider family."
Earl Adder was extremely intrigued by the young gnoll in front of him. He's never in his life seen a first evolution so capable of communicating, if weren't for the unique scent and energy of monster kind he would have thought the young man in front of his was a Demihuman, a half-gnoll.
"Fragnir took him as a student." The woman sudden interjected, catching the man off guard and causing his interest to grow.
"I was curious as to why this fellow was able to befriend one of their Wolves, but to think Fragnir would actually take him as a pupil.."
Earl Adder leaned forward in his chair clasping his hands as he seemed to come to a realization.
"So you're also the one who confronted the Red Silk fellows?" Tapping his fingers on his knuckles as seemed to brood over some things in his mind.
He cleared his throat with a cough as he tossed a suggestive glance towards Folia.
Yaren simply nodded as he waited for the Earl to continue. Catching the stray glance tossed towards the woman behind him, Yaren felt a bit uneasy as though a predator was ready to play with him as Folia unleashed a scheming giggle.
Yarens instincts started screaming at him as Earl Adder swiftly stretched out his arm, from the folds of his sleeves a small snake sudden struck out at Yaren at stunning speeds. Caught off guard he barely managed to pull one of his axes out raising the head of the axe just in the nic of time to block the snakes head. A second snake leaped from a bookshelf stationed to the side of the room, the unanticipated strike managed to catch Yaren in the arm. Yarens pupils dilated as he flashed a fanged smile. His heartrate quickened as a subtle Crimson haze faintly secreted from his body.
Deftly tossing his axe to his free hand Yarens hand shot towards of the head of the snake crushing its skull callously. In one smooth motion he then swung his other hand, the sideways slash whistling as it cleanly severed the remaining snake mid Lunge.
In the heat if the moment Yarens gaze fell upon the Earl as his thighs gripped Asena tonthe best of his ability, motioning for her to leap towards the seated man as he drew his second axe. Time appeared to slow to a crawl as dense, pillowy, pure white clouds of wool encased Asenas legs as her haunches were low to the ground ready for her to pounce.
A disdainful snarl formed on Yarens legs as he swung viciously at Asenas bindings.
A loud clap echoed around the room, snapping Yaren out of his rampage causing him to quickly scan the room. Yarens suspecting gaze met the Earls, although he might have almost went wild, that doesnt change the fact that he was suddenly attacked. Still holding his axes he gave Asena an appreciative pat as he leaned back a bit as the Earl held his hands out in apology.
Earl Adder sat with a precarious smile plastered on his face as he rubbed his neck before clearing his throat. He gratefully thanked Folia for her timely intervention as he breathed a large sigh.
Folia nodded as she chuckled wistfully, peering at the two Beasts in front of her with a knowing smile.
"I apologize for my abrupt aggressiveness. I wanted to see what Chief Koly and Fragnir had meant when they said I would be fascinated by your energy."
Yarens body visibly relaxed as the mention of the Chief and Fragnir. What Earl Adder said struck a chord with him. Everytime he fought he seemed to get lost in the heat of the battle. Although an unknown strength surged within him, and a tiny portion of it enhanced his body afterwards, the sense of losing himself every time he fought gave Yaren a foreboding feeling.
Folias sudden intrusion had interrupted the Earl in the midst of administration work. The small test he gave Yaren further disrupted him so he told the two that he would meet with them later In the evening so they could have a further indepth discussion. Before they left the room Earl Adder gave Yaren a dark purple shawl with the Insignia of the Earls house, this one had a faded green snake coiling the crescent moon. Folia was slightly taken aback at the actions of the Earl. The special shawl was given only to the most notable of guests of the Earl, allowing free passage to the majority of the city, except for the hall of the City Lord.
While they waited for the Earl to finish his duties, Folia showed Yaren to some of the landmarks of the city.
"So how did you learn the Inglant Language? Although it's considered one of the universal languages, you're the first Beast I've seen able to speak so fluently.. Even the majority of High Beasts would appear stupid compared to you."
Yaren didn't want to, nor knew how to explain the existence of the system to her. There where still many things that he didn't understand himself, and he had a huntch that nothing good would come of him informing others about it.
"To be honest I mostly just listened to people, I guess I'm a quick learner." Attempting to shrug it off as he turned his gaze towards the large arena in front of him.
Although she knew there was more to it, Folia decided that she wouldn't press it if he didn't want to share. She gave a wry smile as she watched the excitement bubbling up within the young man in front of her.
"I knew you would be fascinated by the arena. Although it's considered tiny compared to others out there, it's still one of the most popular attractions of the city. In fact since Norn City is close to the Urus Midlands almost everyday there are matches against fierce monsters for rewards and glory."
"Can anyone sign up?" Although he knew had to wait another 6 weeks for him to be able to use his legs properly, Yaren almost considered not waiting. After all, with Asena he might have an advantage in a one on one. As he stroked Asenas fur he thought to himself that there was definitely more to her strength then he was aware of. Although it's only a been a couple of days, whenever he was with her he couldn't help but feel as if the young wolf had great strength.
Folia stopped in her tracks abruptly, catching Yarens attention.
"Yes but.. you aren't allowed to sign up.. at least not right now." There was a nervousness to her tone that hadn't been there amount earlier.
Giving her a scrutinizing stare, Folia sighed as her eyes fell to the ground.
"To be honest I wasn't even supposed to take you to see the Earl.. Fragnir was quite keen as to make sure that you don't cause any troubles."
Yaren sensed something was off as Folia mentioned Fragnir. Pondering to himself what seemed so out of place, Yaren suddenly realized that it was fear. For some reason she seemed terrified as though she was going to face divine punishment for breaking the rules she was given.
Yaren scoffed as he tried to gather a little more information on the source of her fright.
"What about that asshole? I've trained with that man for dozens of hours and I don't think he's said more than 20 things to me. Besides, I'll admit I'm very tempted to see some action I know that I have to heal quickly. I've only been here for a short while but danger seems to be not so far off.."
Folias eyes lit up as she listen to Yaren go off about Fragnir before she burst out in laughter.
"If only you knew what you were saying right now...
You'll soon find out what I mean. That man is much more than you think he is. It wouldn't surprise me if Earl Adder asked you not to tell him about his little test he gave you earlier when we meet up with him again."
Yaren obviously knew that Fragnir harbored greater strength than he could imagine. Although he couldn't pinpoint why, he was certain that Fragnir was the most powerful man he had met so far. Even when faced by the pressure the Earl emitted he got the impression that it paled in comparison to the enigmatic force lurking within him. Letting out a disheartened breath Yaren headed towards an area in the city where there was a variety of trees and lush gardens. Despite him wanting to check out the arena further, he decided it would be best to save it for when he was able to.
The two stopped at a small food stall where Folia purchased two pastry like desserts for them to share. As Yaren grew more accustomed to traversing the city and his awe died down, he slowly became conscious of the many gazes directed his way. If he were to think about it it made sense, Not only was he a Gnoll, Asena was particularly wild looking compared to others of her level. Monsters were very rare to be seen in small cities, and they were often victimized by Humans and Demis. Yaren was only a First Evolution, and Folia was certain that he would have been attacked if not for the shawl draped around his shoulders. Unbeknownst to her though, her presence with him was also a large detriment to would be assailants. Not only was Folia a skilled mage, she is considered one the most beautiful Demihumans of Norn City, many have even said that stands above those "peerless maidens" that could topple countries. With such beauty it was only natural that Folia held a high status within a city on the furthest outskirts of a large empire.
As the two sat by a fountain the discerning glances had started to get under Yarens skin. Although he secretly reveled in the jealous stares of those who recognized Folia, the sheer amount of hostility he felt from those who passed by caused him to be on edge. Asena could sense his unease as she would give a toothy warning to those whose gaze lingered a bit too long.
Seeing his discomfort plain as day, Folia ripped off a piece of her pastry as she offered it towards Yarens mouth. Not thinking about it too much, he leaned over and bit from her hand, savoring the delicious snack. This evoked frantic screaming from a group of girls, fans of Folia who had been covertly following her was the noticed she was with a man.
"OH MY GOD SHE FED HIM!"
"THEY'RE REALLY ON A DATE!!"
"He looks so scary.."
Several things could be heard spewing from the young girls mouths, causing Folias face to flush as she jumped up in surprise. Her bright red cheeks contrasted perfectly to her snow white features, causing her otherworldly charm to be elevated a notch. Yaren subconsciously formed a small grin as he marvled at the beauty standing before him.
Folias eyes darted between the girls and Yaren before shooing the girls away.
"W-what are you smiling about?!" She stammered, in a raised voice.
Shrugging it off with a provocative smile Yaren nudged Asena as he prepared to move, stretching his arms high into the sky.
Watching the scene on the street below him unfold, a young man sat gnashing his teeth as he simmered with rage.
"Who the fuck is that beast?! And why is he with MY Folia??" The young man is what you could describe as your typical young master in desperate need for some face slapping. "Hehehe, she wouldn't give you the time of day anyways Elder Brother." The voice of a young girl mocked him from behind.
Folia was quiet as the wandered the streets of Norn City. With his guide gone mute Yaren took it upon himself to have Asena stroll about randomly, figuring that Folia would say something if she had objected. Thinking about that short intimate moment Yaren couldn't help casually glancing towards the woman walking slightly behind. Unexpectedly, he turned around to her already looking at him, their eyes locked causing the both of them to grow flustered.
The sun started to set shortly after, signifying their appointment with Earl.
"I uhh.. I'm kinda lost.." Yaren said sheepishly as he scratched his cheek.
Folia gave him a brief look before turning around in a huff.
"Come on, I'll lead the way." Her voice slightly smaller than usual as if her mind was elsewhere.