« november: open log »

[seaboards]

This is our Open Log for players to have an easy opportunity to tag others and have fun with prompts that deal with current happenings that are not covered by our MANTA Board quests. Sometimes we provide extra quests at the bottom, but oftentimes we just let the MANTA Board cover it. Players are free to include MANTA Board quests in their toplevels!

For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated November 25)

Azur Lane - Enterprise | Paladin
Baldur's Gate 3 - Halsin | Paladin
Daria - Daria Morgendorffer | Corsair
Dragon Age - Fenris | Corsair
Final Fantasy XVI - Joshua Rosfield | Corsair
Final Fantasy Type-0 - Rem Tokimiya | Corsair
Forgotten Realms - Jarlaxle Baenre | Corsair
Forgotten Realms - Kimmuriel Oblodra | Corsair
Genshin Impact - Kaveh | Paladin
Granblue Fantasy - Eustace | Corsair
Kingdom Hearts - Demyx | Corsair
Kingdom Hearts - Roxas | Paladin
My Hero Academia - Katsuki Bakugou | Paladin
Love Between Fairy and Devil - Dongfang Qingcang | Corsair
Shades of Magic - Holland Vosijk | Corsair
Tales of Zestiria - Sorey | Paladin

ELTRUT

ELAH

NOGARD

COMMENTS

ELTRUT

With the Ghoul's Moon festivities over, it's time for everyone to clean up and prepare for the coming winter season. Of course, with the leviathans capable of moving and keeping to warmer waters, it's usually not much of an issue. But it never hurts to be prepared, and the crops and products are always great for export.

One of the biggest products that will be sent off this season will be everything pumpkin. The giant pumpkin shell Eltrut created for Ghoul's Moon will start to shed and the leviathan will need some help in gathering the large chunks before it falls completely into the ocean. Harvesting the pumpkin shell off of Eltrut is no easy feat, but not only is it edible, the rind is also tough and durable.

🔪 Harvest. Using carving knives and pickaxes, everyone must head out of town and into the forests to remove the pumpkin and clean off the shell beneath. Large tubs and wagons will be provided to help haul off the goods.
🐢 Pumpkin Spice Turtles. Drawn by all the pumpkins are small little pumpkin turtles. They are forbidden from being harmed or caught, however, they produce a special "pumpkin spice" and "pumpkin cinnamon" dust that can be carefully collected. While most will respect the law, others will be greedy and try to capture these turtles. Help protect and catch any who try—or perhaps get some extra cash by successfully catching and selling them off.
🔨 Build-A-Pumpkin. To help spur motivation and creativity, there are numerous competitions centered on building the most interesting and durable creation using only the pumpkin rinds. Some small things like nails and bits of wood can be used to help, but it must otherwise be made out of the rinds. From unique artwork to small buildings to carriages to boats and ships—the possibilities are endless. Just don't mind the mess.

Of more concern, both Eltrut and the Naughtilust were weakened from the attack from the Ghost Ship and are dozing a bit for the first week or so. Those in charge are requesting help in preparing special food that will help with their recovery. But to help keep spirits up and to hopefully provide some positive energy to the leviathans, a special hotpot gathering will be hosted for anyone to come and help cook, either for the leviathans or for others. A perfect chance to socialize and catch up with others. Just keep an eye out—someone may try to spoil the food.

To aid the two weakened leviathans, a list of key ingredients is provided for volunteers to head into the forests and out to sea to gather. Large tables and several grills, pots, and other cooking equipment will be provided for anyone to use.

🔥 Fire Sprites. Instead of normal flames, the food for the leviathans needs to be cooked over a special fire created by special fire sprite. They will only appear around campfires or bonfires where stories are told, so time to create a suitable fire pit and get to storytelling! Any kind will work.
🌰 Chest of Chestnuts. One of the most prized ingredients is a special type of chestnut that can only be found in special acorn chests buried underground by squirrel scavengers. These squirrels specifically gather these chestnuts because they are so rare, delicious, and known to have medicinal properties. Said squirrels will also gladly relinquish their store…if they can remember where those chests are. Time to go on a wild treasure hunt!
🐡 Fish Puffing. There is a special type of pufferfish that will be carefully collected and brought to the pier where volunteers must wear special gloves and carefully squeeze the fish to force it to secrete a special fluid that has potent healing properties. Soothe the fish and make them more willing to be handled by singing a cheerful tune. Whistling and other music can help. Feeding them special kelp and gently petting them will also keep them calm and less agitated.
🍲 Cookoff! Whether it's for the leviathans or just cooking a meal to be shared with others, the cooking stations are constantly in use. Who can prepare the most delicious meal?

ELTRUT

ELAH

NOGARD

COMMENTS

ELAH

Things are a bit hectic within Baleen, the capital city of Elah. A wild flock of singing turkeys have been set loose and they are running amok, causing a disturbance to everyone. They are getting stuck in chimneys, popping into bathrooms, and swimming in the many fountain pools found all over town. What makes them more disruptive is their singing, which, unfortunately, sound more like nails dragging down chalkboard. While some may be ready to roast them to send to Eltrut for a feast, perhaps some may try to catch them.

And send them to Nogard. (They likely came from there, anyway—)

Researchers would especially appreciate it if these turkeys could be caught and removed as they are busy studying the tombstone relic brought back from the ghost ship. What secrets could it hold…?

At the Archives, researchers are hard at work studying the broken pieces of the black tombstone that was brought back from the ghost ship. They believe it's the reason the ship and its undead crew appeared, but how?

💤 Energy Drain. Although precautions are set, those who are exposed to the relics start feeling a bit drained, as if their energy is being sucked away. Quickly remove any affected and find a way to seal or contain the relics without being affected as well.
🪦 Undeadly Experiments. Although now in pieces, the tombstone relic still holds some power. Thus researchers decide to perform direct tests and experiments to see how it affects the undead. There are requests made to those who have previously died either in their world or this one, and some venture to graveyards where dead and ghosts are sometimes active. When in close contact with the relic, all who have experienced death in some way will become more hostile and aggressive, some even outright attacking any nearby. Help protect those performing the experiment and subdue the affected until they calm down.
🏃‍♂️ Thief! Those damn Corsair, they can never respect important research! A few bad eggs are breaking the agreement and are trying to steal the fragments, perhaps to sell them off to someone else or for some other purpose.

ELTRUT

ELAH

NOGARD

COMMENTS

NOGARD

In Nogard, the island the leviathan has settled in is teeming with wild beasts, and perhaps due to being in a warmer climate, they are appearing more and more often, as if coming out of hibernation. It makes for a perfect opportunity for hunters to head out in hopes of collecting rare meat, materials, and hides that can be used and sold. To prevent overhunting, a competition is hosted with rules and regulations that all participants must abide by.

As such, there will be a group to help ensure security and they will even request assistance from Paladins, who are also allowed to participate in the hunt if they wish. Thus those who prefer to go after people will be quite useful to keep track and go after anyone who is poaching, hunting creatures under the "protected" list, or wasting the kills. To any who are caught…well, the Paladins may fare nicer compared to a Corsair.

While most predators and creatures of large populations are eligible for the competition, there are a few notable hunts that will reap great rewards for those who dare. Those who turn in their kills will receive a decent portion of the profits and first choice in what to keep for their own. The rest will be turned in to be sold, with the Elphantin tusks going straight to Eltrut to be used for the recovery efforts.

🦈 Goblin Shark. This deep-sea shark has a distinctive long, flattened snout and protrusible jaws, making it look quite unusual compared to other shark species. All parts of its body can be used so it makes for a profitable hunt—if one can brace the cold depths to take it down.
🐍 Coibara. Head of a cobra, body of a bear, and tail and coloring of a koi fish, this snake chimera can be found in dark coves and anywhere near deeper bodies of water. Capable of sprinting over the ground and swimming, beware of its poisonous fangs, which can also fetch a pretty penny along with its hide. The venom can also be collected for both poison and anti-venom purposes.
🦚 Pexeo. An equine beast with the body and markings of a zebra and plumage and head of a peacock that roams the greener valleys. Although not hostile, it can be dangerous if attacked, its beak revealing sharp rows of teeth that can tear up anything that gets caught in it and its hooves sharp as blades. Rather than killed, the feathers are the real prize and can be carefully plucked instead. But its meat can be considered a delicacy in some areas.
🐘 Elphantin. This giant elephant like creature is considered as the top hunt of the list. They can only be found deep within the forests and only appear at dawn when the foggy mist is thickest. While every part can be used, what makes this the top prize is the medicinal properties of its tusks. But it is very difficult to track and hunt and will take a group of skilled hunters to take down.

Afterwards, a large feast to celebrate is thrown, though of course it can get rowdy and with the alcohol fountain brought in, fights and brawls are bound to happen.

But there will also be a "special guest" rushing into town: wild boars. Perhaps agitated by the hunts or out for revenge against those who targeted them (which was allowed), the boars are crashing and charging into everything they see. While this may look like a good opportunity to prepare some BBQ Boar, the conservationists of the Corsairs would like to drive most of them back into the wilds.

ELTRUT

ELAH

NOGARD

COMMENTS

Comments

Dongfang Qingcang | Love Between Fairy and Devil | Corsair

[yuezun]

Elrut
Dongfang Qingcang could care less about the pumpkin harvest or tiny pumpkin spice turtles, but the weakened constitution of the God-Beasts called Elrut and Naughtliust was a concern for him. With his power greatly reduced, any threat to them was a legitimate threat to himself. Especially as one of the two was the home of the only (currently) means to breach the seal on his power. So while he would normally find such tasks as coaxing fire sprites or gently squeezing puffer fish beneath him, he recognized the need for someone with skill in caring for creatures of delicate constitution to participate.

Elah
Dongfang Qingcang, wanting to ensure he was familiar with all the main hubs of power and the God-Beasts that they were settled upon, decided to visit Elah when the opportunity arose. He arrives just in time to be told of a terrible infestation of singing turkeys that no small number of people would like to see roasted. The trail of blue fire he leaves in his wake as he enthusiastically takes to the impromptu cooking session is, unfortunately, just as disruptive to the inhabitants as the turkeys were - maybe more so.

Nogard
Dongfang Qingcang is out to hunt the Goblin Shark and Coibara during the hunting competition. He'll eventually attend the feast because he is, now, (unfortunately), just mortal enough to need to eat. And, other than the absurdity of the alcohol fountain, the food is pretty good.

Manta Board Quest Prompts will be posted separately below. Otherwise, please check out his permissions and feel free to treat this top level as a Wildcard prompt for the month.

Leap of Faith - Closed to Red XIII

[yuezun]

Dongfang Qingcang arrives on Atnam because of the 'quest' listed on the Manta Board in Nogard asking for cooperation between Corsairs and Paladins. While Daqiang didn't really think of himself as a Corsair, he was still nominally among their number. And the reward sounded intriguing. A 'otamatone' (whatever that was) of rare value. It also sounded relatively simple.

So to Atnam he traveled when he found a ship going that way. And on Atnam he put his name down as a 'Corsair' willing to partner with someone of the 'Paladins' for this trust exercise. Not long after, he was told a partner had been found and he was to meet 'Red XIII' (pronounced 'red thirteen' apparently) at a specific spot near the cliffs. Arriving at the predetermined location, he came face to face with-

A cat demon.

He tilted his head to the side and raised an eyebrow in consideration before declaring, "Acceptable."

[feralhumanity]

An otamatone is something Nanaki has never heard before, but it sounds intriguing enough for him to give it a try. He was told to meet his appointed Corsair here at the cliffs, and so Nanaki sets out to go and meet them. Though, meetings with those he doesn't know always makes him a little wary, so he'd given the name "Red XIII" for this challenge instead of his given name.

His ears flick as he hears someone approaching, and he turns to look at his appointed partner with his good eye. Hearing the one word makes him let out a low hum; he's had all kinds of reactions to his non-human appearance, so this one was somewhat better than others he's heard.

"Hmm. Two legs are better than none, I suppose." He says calmly, tail flicking. At least he's not being called someone's pet. "So. How would we like to approach this?"

[yuezun]

"This venerable one assumes the intent is for one of us to go to the top of the cliff and the other to the bottom," Daqiang replied, eyeing the cliff face. If Red was used to others assuming he was a pet or somehow less intelligent a person for his shape, he would not find that same attitude present in Daqiang. His tone was coldly neutral, but he spoke to Red the same as he would any other person. "If one of us is to catch the other and then reverse our positions..."

He turned to look at Red directly, "Are you able to fly or catch this venerable one before he hits the water? Or should this venerable one expect to be 'fished out'?"

[feralhumanity]

For a moment, Nanaki is a bit perplexed as he listens to the man beside him talk. This venerable one? Was he referring to himself? In any case, it looks like he's not talking down at Red for his form, so that's a pass in his books. Nanaki looks up at the cliffs, then down at the water, before turning back to the man.

"No, I'm not able to fly. But I can swim well enough. And I've pulled people out of the water when they arrived here before, if you don't mind being dragged around." Thinking on it, that could be some interesting magic to look into with that tattoo octopus... but that's something he'll have to consider later.

"And you? Are you able to fly or swim?" Might as well ask.

[yuezun]

"This venerable one can do both," he answered, not looking particularly pleased at the idea of being 'dragged around', though the bored tone did not change. A moment later, he shrugged, "This venerable one will go first. Retrieve this venerable one after he has landed."

Claws & Companions - Open

[yuezun]

Dongfang had been walking past the animal sanctuary's adoption set up and originally had no intention of stopping. But... the name... and the regal nature of the beast, caught his attention. He stopped. He turned to inspect the requirements for 'adoption' more closely. He strolled back to the display and looked down at the large, black cat who returned his gaze with a lazy blink. He pointed at it, "You. You will serve this venerable one."

Sometime later, after being informed that he couldn't just tell the cat to follow him and expect it to do so (even though it did) because there was paperwork and other details to go over, Dongfang Qingcang is back at the docks with Deathstar attempting to explain what life on Stormbringer had been like for him so far and the rules of being on a boat.

"...and if you are determined to throw yourself into the water, do not expect this venerable one to fish you out every time," he scolded a very content, very wet, lump of fur that was happily purring while Daqiang attempted to figure out the best way to dry it off. Who knew cats of such size actually liked water?

[minorinpain]

The mere mention of "warrior" animals had caught Nappa's attention real fast; now that he was on his own, he was eager to set up his own crew, since all he had were a handful of Saibamen, and those things were limited to begin with. He was gonna need to be careful about how he deployed them. So the cats seemed like a good first step.

Redbull had appealed by virtue of his name alone; that was a warrior's name for sure. It hadn't taken long for the rough-looking, cat to warm to Nappa. Content with his first real minion, he's heading back to the ship to begin an intensive training regime, Redbull following at his feet. Qingcang probably hears the Saiyan before he comes into view.

"I'm gonna run you ragged, you hear? I don't work with losers. We Saiyans are the greatest fighters in the universe and I ain't slowing down for anyone can't pull their weight. When we get back onto the ship, you're in for the most hellish, intensive training of your life!"

He steps onto the dock and sees Dongfang's predicament. "What's that? Afraid to get yourself a little damp?" He laughs. "Not off to a great start!" No Nappa doesn't know this guy, but that's never stopped him before. Politeness is for chumps and people weaker than he is.

[yuezun]

Daqiang, arms crossed and looking bored - if annoyed - at the whole predicament turned his head to look over at his newest heckler. He had heard and felt the immortal approaching, but otherwise hadn't seen a reason to pay attention to him.

"Deathstar," Daqiang said in his usual coldly neutral tone without looking down at the cat whose ears swiveled attentively at the sound of his name, "Hunt."

Deathstar bolted off the crate he'd been lazing on and immediately darted for the edge of the pier and the promise of the water beyond. He dived and, though his entry into the salty spray below couldn't be seen, the loud splash could be heard. The cat may have been trained as a ratter, but there was fish in the water that was easier to get and it was a water-loving cat.

Daqiang tilted his head as he spoke to Nappa, "This venerable one is not concerned with how dry his servant is."

That he was concerned with the highly likely possibility his cat might divebomb off the side of the boat while they were at sea when told to go and hunt, however...

[minorinpain]

"Hmph." Nappa crosses his arms over his chest as Deathstar jumps into the water. "That supposed to impress me?" He asks. "Guess Redbull here is gonna have to pick up the slack when your cat tosses itself overboard because it spies a guppy."

[spectacleofphantasmagoria]

Oh, Lyney saw the way the large, black cat had leapt into the water, and how the man had to scoop the monstrous cat out of the water. It was honestly quite a funny sight to behold, one that made Lyney chuckle once they were close enough.

"Seems like your feline friend is quite happy of your little game! You've certainly found a way to engage your own feline friend, haven't you? Look at how happy that cat looks!"

Lyney, by his own merit, has his own new cat companion; perched on his shoulder is a sprightly orange and white cat, which is watching the exchange with a swishing tail.

[yuezun]

"It is not a game," Daqiang answered absently in a coldly bored tone as he glanced up at the newest witness to his servant happily making a mess. The mortal looked quite strange, even for the mortals he'd met in this place. The orange cat on his shoulder, Daqiang recognized as similar in nature to Deathstar.

"And his happiness is not relevant," Daqiang continued as he checked a small pile of towels he'd already used to dry Deathstar off previously to see if any had dried out at all. "Only that he serve this venerable one as he's been trained to."

Deathstar, meanwhile, continued to loudly purr, turning over onto his back and stretching his paws out while his tail also swished. He was clearly conveying to his fellow warrior cat that the training of his own 'human' was going very well.

[spectacleofphantasmagoria]

Wow, what a response. But in a way, it reminds Lyney of some of the nobles that frequent the high society of the Court of Fontaine, and Lyney is well adept at navigating the peculiarities of nobility. Which is why he merely offers a pleasant chuckle and a light shrug.

“Forgive me for assuming, it just seems that your cat is so pleased with your actions that it led me to believe that you were engaged in some sort of elaborate game with him!” He says in a light tone, before motioning to Deathstar’s stretched out pose.

“Have you owned cats before? I’ve worked with cats before, so I’m well-versed in their behaviour. You see the way he’s purring so loud? That’s a sign of his happiness. And a happy animal is one that works the best.” The cat on his shoulder meows as if in agreement, purring as well as she looks down at Deathstar. Lyney chuckles, scratching her in the head.

“You see? Even dear Foxtrot agrees with me. Animals won’t be swayed by cruel words or promises of Mora, but rather mutual trust and understanding. The fact that your cat seems so happy with you is a great first step towards a good working relationship!”

Testing the Limit - For Cid

[yuezun]

[[a few days after this]]

After receiving word that Cid was ready to meet, Dongfang Qingcang made his way to the site he'd chosen. It was desolate rocky shelf that was just barely big enough to be called an 'island' and sat just high enough in the water for most of it to remain dry even at high tide. It was far enough from where Elrut rested that a prolonged lightning trial would not be a danger to anyone unless they chose to take the time to investigate, but close enough that the 'fireworks' would likely be visible on the horizon.

Once there, he found a spot near the center of the island where the rock was mostly flat and scattered boulders and step-formations surrounded the space. He made himself comfortable - stretched his legs out, tucked his hands behind his head - and shut his eyes to await his sparring partner.

[ramuhs]

When Dongfang ended the call that day, Cid ended up staring at his phone wondering if he was making a mistake. Or rather...he knew there would be a number of protests if certain individuals knew what he was doing, so he considered not telling anyone at all. Considering his track record of going off on his own so as not to drag others into things, it wouldn't be so surprising. However, given...certain circumstances that had come up in the past few days (why had things been so tumultuous—and it had barely been a week!), Cid did at least tell one purpose about this little meeting.

Dongfang might need to watch his back after this.

But in any case, after alerting the Dongfang of his approach and reaching the island, Cid took a quick look around. He honestly still wasn't sure what to think of this guy, but he could appreciate the effort he took to keep things out of harm's way of others. That had to be worth something to his character...but if Dongfang was a god as he said, it could also mean nothing.

Out of habit Cid touched his left shoulder and then rubbed his wrist, flexing it a bit before resting his hand over his double swords as he walks over the jagged rocks towards the figure lying in the center. He knew his limitations, but it had been at least ten or more years since he was in his prime for, well, priming, semi or not. This was as much of a test for him as it was for Dongfang, and while some may disapprove, knowing how far he can push was better for him to figure out now than find himself in a situation that would put him at a disadvantage.

Especially if he had to protect someone with everything he had.


Although he expects Dongfang to have sensed or heard his approach by now, he calls out with a friendly voice.

"Can't say lying on a rock would be too comfortable. Hope you weren't waiting long."

[yuezun]

Dongfang opened his eyes and rolled his head to look over at Cid after the man spoke. He had indeed felt the man coming, his spiritual presence confirming his connection to an immortal if it was truly not his own. Remaining where he was for the moment, he shrugged a shoulder, "This venerable one has waited longer. A couple hours is no hardship. Have you need of anything to prepare before we begin?"

[ramuhs]

"Not really."

He rolled his neck and shoulder, contemplating for a moment as he studied the man on the ground. He was... Both what he expected and not at the same time. He had only been able to see his face, but he certainly seemed younger than what he would have expected a so-called god to be like.

However, the atmosphere and the aura was legitimate. Although not as sensitive as Dongfang, his lifetime as a soldier, commander, and Dominant has at least honed his senses enough to know that as relaxed as he is, this man holds a lot of power.

And certainly not one he would want to mess with unawares.

"So, how shall we do this? I just throw a few, see how you take it and work our way up?"

Goblin Shark

[cursedwords]

Some people aren't averse to fighting, or hunting and Toge is one of them. Even if the other person answering the call is a guy who he met on what was probably one of his worst days, he seems happy enough to greet him like there's nothing out of the ordinary. "Kelp!" Toge waves a little bit.

He mimes boxing. "Tuna mayo?" Ready to go for a hunt?

Re: Goblin Shark

[yuezun]

Daqiang looks a lot better this time around. His hair is dry and hanging like a curtain of fine silk behind him. The only adornment a strange crown of charred wood that wrapped around the back of his head. He was clothed in an understated, but very expensive looking set of black on black silk robes, the outermost of which was sheer with a copper undertone.

He tilted his head as Toge called out to him and found his strange way of speaking no longer a hindrance in understanding.

"Toge Inumaki," he greeted, inclining his head and then answering the question without asking for clarification as he no longer needed it. "This venerable one is ready. Have you secured a boat for yourself or do you have a means of flight?"

[cursedwords]

"Tuna tuna." Toge answers as he gestures to a rowboat. That's the best he could manage for the hunt, and only because he's going on the hunt.

He doesn't really know what he's doing, but he figures he's going to figure it out. How hard can it be?

[yuezun]

A boat then.

"Very well," Daqiang started towards the boat. "The goblin shark lives in the depths. We will have to travel to where the 'shelf' drops to have a chance of finding it. What weapon or means of subduing it do you plan to employ?"

eltrut, little after that thing with cid (i apologize for her in advance...)

[garudas]

[A man like him was not difficult to find, and even less so for a woman like her. Being Chief Intelligencer for her King taught her plenty about how to find information and people, whether they wanted to be found or not. Fortunately for her, he spilled his name on that message without much thought to what might come edging out of the shadows to find him, and it is this little bird that does.

It is around the fire pits where she follows him to, her presence as inconspicuous as it gets. It's easy. There are plenty of people here—Corsairs, Paladins, and neutrals alike—so it's no oddity to see someone lurking away from the flames.

She has reason to be here, of course. A reason to seek him out, and while she hates pleasantries and small talk and would rather cut to the chase...]

You are Dongfang Qingcang, correct?

[... she'll size him up first.

There's a sudden rustle of wind from the tree behind him, and a thump of her boots when she slips down from the branch to land on the grass.]

<3 he needs all the trouble

[yuezun]

[At this point, with the number of people around, and so many of them reading as 'odd' to him, he wouldn't have been able to pinpoint her as anything unusual had she remained quiet.

But she did not.

Her question has his head tilting to focus his senses in her direction, though he does not turn to face her.]

Correct.

[What Benedikta did not yet realize with her stalking - but would likely come to understand - was that Dongfang Qingcang had not made any attempts to hide his presence since his coming to this place. Perhaps in time he might feel the need to be more discrete, but he saw himself as so far above everyone that hiding wasn't even a consideration.]

[garudas]

[A corner of her lip quirks when his back remains to her, and so she'll make herself seen instead, sauntering like a proud little peacock around to his front until he has no choice but to address her more directly. She makes no effort to hide the way her eyes rake over him, from top to bottom and then back up, seemingly disinterested on the outside, but not at all beneath as she takes him in.

A pause, some silence, before she whirls around to the flames, the feathers along her collar rustling from the motion.]

These fire sprites are interesting, aren't they?

[Not at all anything to do with how she knows of him, or his name, as she points to the one blinking among the flames before she slides her pipe out from her pocket, leans over, and lights it with them.]

Is this one yours?

[yuezun]

[His eyes also give her a long once over as she comes into his view. The grace of her steps and the confidence of her gaze noted. Then set aside as he went back to watching the flames.]

It was here when this venerable one arrived.

[Someone else had coaxed the fire sprite into showing up. But it also hadn't left the fire after that person made their way to another pit. Curious about Daqiang, perhaps. Fire was as much a part of him as it was the sprite. So they had something in common. If nothing else, it seemed content to stare up at him, blinking only occasionally, comfortable where it was.]

Have you need of this venerable one?

[He wasn't inclined to small talk. he got such a bad grade in it. So, if she wasn't going to get to the point, he would.]