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The Big Oof! Volume 2 Chapter 45: A City of Contrasts
🕑 Added 2023-06-02 11:58:32 +0000 UTCBennett couldn't help but gawk at the sights that surrounded him as he followed Azeline through the winding streets of Aldenshor. It felt like he was playing another strange off-brand RPG where the dev’s decided to be more creative than functional. The technology here was obviously scarce and most people lived a simpler, more primitive life, but at the same time, the city was alive with magical oddities. Everywhere he looked was something casting an ethereal glow over its inhabitants and buildings or lining the street to illuminate the way. The blend of the medieval and the mystical was both jarring and enthralling, and Bennett found it difficult to tear his eyes away from the spectacle.
As the crew walked along the paved roads, Bennett nudged Elijah and pointed at the various groups of Ferfolk beings they had never encountered before, scurrying about. The majority of them were humanoid Satyr-like beings, tending to the streets and keeping the city tidy. They worked alongside the familiar feline Ferfolk and the two races worked by ripping out the growing foliages in the cracks of the roads with remarkable efficiency.
“You think they’re slaves?” Elijah asked with a mixture of disgust and curiosity in his voice.
A frown formed across Bennett’s face as he looked at the hustle and bustle of the town, observing the Elves and Beastkin wandering about. "I don't know," The Engineer replied, his tone cautious. "They don’t seem to have any masters around whipping them, but it's hard to say for sure if they’re not forced labor."
Elijah had noticed the same thing as he went back to scanning his surroundings in search of any overseers standing about. However, Azeline’s voice interrupted their thoughts. "Most of the Ferfolk you see working here aren't slaves," she explained. "Last I heard, a lot of them have been bought, freed and given jobs by the new local lord, a Half Ferfolk bastard that inherited his position after the Count’s ship sank with his entire family.”
Both of the human’s eyebrows shot up as they turned towards Azeline in surprise. "A Half Ferfolk lord?" Elijah repeated incredulously. "I thought you guys thought they were lesser beings or something."
Azeline gave a simple shrug. “A lot of people think that way, yes, and a lot of people are quite unhappy with the current ruler. Personally I couldn’t care less who ruled these lands.” She said, glancing back at the two men. “Man, woman, Aethari, Ferfolk, it’s all the same to me.”
“Fair enough.” Bennett said as he glanced at Elijah. “We’re not here to get involved with the local politics and rock the boat anyways.”
Elijah nodded in agreement, turning his attention back to the nearby satyr-like creature. The being observed him curiously, its strange dark orange eyes and unusual goat-like ears dangling at the sides of its head while small goat-like horns protruded from the top. However, what gave the creature an air of wildness was that it was mostly covered in fur apart from its face, forearms, and upper chest.
Even then, the fur coverage wasn't uniform. The light gray fur seemed to continue from its neck to its clavicle, but tapered off as it approached the face and ran between a pair of bare breasts. “Uh… Hi.” Elijah said awkwardly trying not to look at the female’s Satyr’s chest as she gawked at him. “May I help you?” He questioned, shifting his eyes over at Bennett and Azeline for help as they all continued walking.
This seemed to catch the attention of another Satyr-like creature as it bolted over to the girl and dragged her away, giving Elijah a terrified look. The newcomer also had two mounds on its chest, but this one was at least decent with a top covering them up.
"I apologize sir!" the second Satyr said in a panic, dragging the first one away. "My sister is just curious is all!"
The crew came to a stop as they all turned their attention to the two Satyr’s. "Ah… No harm done, we know that we’re bigger than normal." Elijah said cautiously, attempting to diffuse the situation. "Just passing through is all."
Still attempting to drag her resisting sister away, the larger and older Satyr gave him a relieved look. "Thank ye for understanding, sir! I shall get her out of ye way right away!” The larger Satyr basically yelled, struggling to pull her sister with her.
As the two Satyrs disappeared down an alleyway, Elijah and Bennett gave each other a strange look before turning towards Azeline. “What the fuck was that?” Bennett asked what was on both of their minds.
“Enaeris have always been weird.” The woman shrugged nonchalantly. "But, they're also known to be helpful, so I don’t tend to mind them.” Azeline added before turning around and resuming the journey.
Following right behind her, Elijah’s face shifted into different stages of befuddlement as he tried to process all that had happened. “Okay so,” the man brought his hands up as if he was trying to grab onto something. “Why are they… Why are they naked?”
Auri was the one that spoke up as her voice resounded from the back. “Well, they don't really need it. They’re a docile race and their culture really doesn't place the same importance on clothing as other more civilized peoples. For them, clothing is more about adapting to civilization, personal expression, or ceremonial purposes rather than modesty." She said, turning down another path with more Enaeris. “They’re also everywhere throughout the mortal realm. You can find them in various environments, from dense forests and hidden groves to rocky mountain sides and even bustling cities. They're highly adaptable and skilled at blending in with their surroundings due to being weaker than everyone else.”
“More-or-less.” Azeline supported Auri’s explanation. “My old crew used to hire them to carry our belongings whenever we were out on extended tasks out of the city.”
Bennett's curiosity was piqued. "Really? They worked as porters for you?."
Azeline glanced over her shoulder. “Their backs and legs are rather strong, making them more than ideal for carrying heavy loads. Plus, their natural agility and connection to nature makes them excellent navigators." She added. “Just don’t take them anywhere near sand or mud. They’ll sink with those tiny hooves of theirs.”
Elijah and Bennett just nod in understanding. It made complete sense that the Enaeris-Satyr-things would sink given the heavy weight was distributed across a small surface area, but they still couldn’t help but be stunned by it all. They really were in a strange, alien and magical world full of fantasy creatures and other crazy shit.
As the crew continued to weave through the maze-like streets of Aldenshor, they continued to encounter these strange Ferfolk beings wandering the streets and alleyways. Even though the majority of the denizens wandering around were Aethari, it was still interesting so many races mingling together in a society that still had literal slaves.
Passing another group of Ferfolk, Elijah noticed that this time there were more kobolds and those anthropomorphic felines scurrying about. The beings were keeping a close eye on them, staying in the shadows and dashing between alleyways and buildings. He would have passed it off as curiosity, but the man noticed they were effectively walking into a much dirtier and rougher district.
“We’re being cased, huh?” Elijah muttered, looking at his surroundings.
It wasn’t quite a slum, but the magical lighting had abruptly ended and the buildings were clearly in slightly worse condition.
Scrunching his nose, Elijah could smell the waste that was thrown on the narrowing streets and seeped down into the uneven and cracked cobblestones road. The laughter and friendly chatter from the more affluent areas of the city had been replaced by hushed whispers and furtive glances, indicating they had entered a less desirable part of Aldenshor. This thought was reinforced by the fact that every single one of this districts inhabitants carried some form of weapon
Elijah's eyes darted from person to person, noticing the daggers, clubs, and even a few swords rattling away as the residents went about their way for the most part. Other than their furry and scaled tails, most simply looked like your standard adventurer from some kind of video game or a ne'er-do-well ruffian minding their own business. But, it still was clear that this district had a more dangerous atmosphere compared to the swank and bourgeois district they had just left.
Scratching his head, Elijah decided to speak up, “Is it normal for us to be followed?” He asked, flipping his newly found axe in his hand. He tried to speak loud enough for the Ferfolk shadowing them to hear.
Azeline stopped and turned around as if she had remembered something. “Oh, right. I forgot to tell you that people here can get pretty handsy, so be on your guard. They might be trying to size you up or see if you're an easy target." She said, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the surrounding area. "But don't worry too much. Most of the time, they won't risk confrontation if you show them you're more effort than it’s worth."
“So what happens if a fight breaks out and we end up killing one of them? Do we go to jail or something?” Bennett spoke up, bouncing his Halligan bar in his hand.
A thoughtful look flashed across Azeline’s face for a moment before she shrugged. “Just don’t get caught.” She said dismissively before turning around and continuing their trek. “From what I know, you could quite literally kill a Ferfolk in front of a guard, but you may get into some trouble if you Kill an Aethari or perhaps a Beastkin.” The woman explained. “But, as long as it's no one fancy, just pay them to look the other way.”
Bennett couldn’t help but flutter his eyes in stupefaction at the casual discrimination on display. “Of course, why wouldn’t that be the case?” He asked rhetorically. “What else would I expect from a society that practices literal SLAVERY.”
Elijah felt Bennett’s gaze fall on him as if he was supposed to do or say something. “I dunno man, when in Rome, do as the Romans do?” Elijah shrugged in reply. “What do you want me to say? No! Bad Alien culture! You must abolish your Caste systems and conform to my modern sensibilities!”
Even though he was equally as disgusted by the practical, it still wasn’t their place to tell the locals how they should run their society. They were going to have to deal with it and find a way to navigate this complex social structure without overstepping their boundaries or drawing unwanted attention to themselves.
A sigh left Bennett’s lips as he ran a hand through his shaggy hair. “Ya, ya, I know. We can't just barge in here and change everything.” He repeated a line Elijah always said to him in irritation. “We need to focus on our own mission and adapt to the circumstances as they are."
“Good man.” Elijah replied, slowing down so Auri was in front of him.
He then pointed his axe at a shadow where a Kobold lurked and followed it up with a motion that mimicked slitting a throat. The action seemingly spooked the creature and its cohorts enough to scamper away into the darkness of the alleyways.
Bennett looked behind him and watched his captain chuckle lightly to himself and shook his head in incredulity. “Ridiculous.” He muttered, clutching his Halligan bar tightly.
It wasn’t much longer until the crew found themselves outside of the largest building in the area that looked to be made of old, weathered wood that creaked and groaned under its own weight. As they approached the entrance, they couldn't help but notice a strange mix of dangerous-looking individuals seemed to loiter outside, staring at them in contempt. Even though it was a strange new world, it seemed no matter where they went you could find the stereotypical mercenary types with hardened expressions. However, unlike the standard seedy dive bar full of heavily armed aliens wielding an assortment of energy and kinetic weaponry, here was a gaggle of even stranger beings.
A hulking anthropomorphic beast completely covered in fur, reared up to Elijah’s height and started to limber its way towards him and the group. The air around the beast seemed to crackle with the tension of a thousand unspoken threats, and its eyes bore into the crew with a mix of suspicion and curiosity.
“Y'all pretty big, but y’all look too clean to be comin’ to a place like this. ” The thing spat at the ground, stopping just in front of Elijah. “A Freelancer joint ain’t fer someone as soft lookin as ye as ye.”
Elijah looked at Bennett with an amused yet incredulous look. “What the fuck, is he serious? ” He asked mockingly before looking over at Azeline. “Am I really being gate kept because I don’t meet some kind of dirt standard? Should I roll on the ground for a bit and come back later?”
Rolling her eyes, Azeline thought better than to indulge in Elijah’s nonsense and focused on the Freelancers standing in front of them. “We ARE freelancers and looking for a place to stay. I’ve been here before, Marrut knows me.” She said to the beast crossing his arms at Elijah’s snickering.
A few more of the rough looking individuals stood up at the mention of the tavern owner and started to make their way towards the group. An Aethari in the group then recognized Azeline and let surprise show on his face. “Aye, ain't that Rackliff’s woman? Aze-whatever, that arcane user?” He asked, looking at the rest of the ruffians. The others then started whispering amongst each other and gave her a questioning look. “He always bragged about that… I thought ye all died clearin’ out those bears in the forest.”
Azeline’s eye started to twitch at the mention of her old crew and especially being called someone's woman. “Just because I got drunk and fucked him once doesn’t mean I was his damned woman!” She snapped. “And yes they all died because…-!” Azeline paused on the reason and thought better of mentioning they were stabbed in the back by Kjadnar’s men until she had more details on what actually happened. “We got ambushed by something much more powerful.”
The woman then turned her head back towards Elijah and Bennett and gave them a genuinely grateful look. “These guys saved my life and now I have a new crew.”
All of the ruffians gave a difficult face knowing that’s just how it went sometimes and gave ach other a nod. "Fine, but yer friends still look soft." He shot a stern glare at Elijah, who was still grinning mischievously. “Don’t go cryin’ to the guard that we here be a bit too rough.”
Letting out a chuckle, Elijah threw his arms partially up. “Sure, whatever you say.” He said half-heartedly while rolling his eyes. “I’ll try to make sure to jump in a mud puddle next time to make sure you’re a little more comfortable.”
The beast’s eyes narrowed and its nose flared in anger at Elijah's dismissive response. However, before it could say anything else, Azeline let out a sigh and strode past the group of ruffians. “We can handle ourselves." She said in an annoyed tone leading the group to the tavern doors. “Eli, stop being an asshole and come on.” The woman ordered, pushing against the heavy wooden door that was adorned with innumerable deep gouges.
Elijah offered a mock salute to the beast before joining Azeline, Bennett, and Auri as they entered the tavern full of bright lit torches. The atmosphere inside was heavy with the scent of stale ale, body odor and a cacophony of yelling and laughter that filled the air. And once again, the human’s were surprised by the sheer diversity on display here. Men and women of varying species and sizes mingled together, sharing drinks, stories or fists. There were more of those largest beasts, Beastkins, elves, and even more exotic beings, such a strange crossover between an imp and a dwarf and other humanoid creatures, all of which were shooting the shit.
It now made sense to Elijah and Bennet why Azeline decided on bringing them to this pisshole of a tavern. They were nothing more than another strange oddity wandering in to have a good time or look for work. Sure a few curious points and curious looks were their way, but they soon turned their heads back to mind their own business, hooting and hollering.
Squeezing through the raucous crowd, Elijah, Bennett, and Auri followed Azeline as she confidently strode towards the kitchen doors. It was apparent she was familiar with the place and its workers as a barmaid looked at her to protest Azeline’s entry, but quickly recognized her and gave a nod of approval.
“Stay here and DON’T kill anyone!!” Azeline shouted over the din of the tavern. In response, Elijah’s eyes shot between Bennett and Auri and then pointed at his chest as if he was asking if he was being spoken to. “YES, YOU!” Azeline pointed her finger directly at Elijah’s face before disappearing through the kitchen doors, leaving the trio to the boisterous crowd.
Once through the doors, Azeline noticed the kitchen was a bustling, chaotic scene, with numerous cooks and staff working diligently to prepare meals or ales for the insatiable patrons. The sound of sizzling pans and clanging utensils filled the air, accompanied by the occasional yell from the head chef, a skinny, but tall Northern Aethari woman. Her silver hair was pulled back into a tight bun, and her sharp eyes scanned the kitchen with an intensity that left no room for error.
Azeline carefully navigated her way through the organized chaos, avoiding collisions with the busy staff members before calling out. “Ulina!” She shouted out with a raised hand. “Ulina, it’s me!”
The silver haired Northerner’s head snapped towards Azeline, and her stern expression softened for a moment as recognition flickered in her eyes. "Azeline! Oh heavens, I thought you were dead!" She hurried over, her apron stained with various ingredients, and embraced her old friend briefly before pulling back. "What happened!? They told me you and that Rackliff boy were slain doin’ one of Indi’s jobs!"
Azeline smiled, grateful for the warm reception. "Well, that’s mostly true. Rackliff has indeed passed, but it seems I'm a little harder to kill than most think," she joked, then continued, "Indi's job went south, and I barely made it out alive. I've been laying low for a while, but I've managed to gather a new crew.”
Ulina’s eyes went wide before hugging her friend once more. “Oh thank the god’s you made it out alive! You always were a tough one.” She pulled back, her expression turning serious. "So, what brings you here? Does this new crew of yours need work?"
"That's right.” Azeline nodded. “That and a place to stay until we establish ourselves. My rep died with Rackliff and I’m afraid of what will happen if I run into Indi…” She said, cautiously eyeing the workers. “I need to rebuild it quietly if I want to protect myself and my crew.”
A difficult expression spread across Ulina’s face. “Did Indi set you up?” She asked quietly and carefully. “Her name carries a lot of weight in the shadier side of Freelancing…”
Hesitating for a moment, Azeline thought carefully about the question and responded in a voice that was barely audible over the clamor of the kitchen. "I honestly can't say for certain, but it's possible. The job was supposed to be straightforward, but it turned out to be a trap. Kjadnars goons stabbed us in the back and I was the only one to survive.” She looked around her once more before continuing, “It could have been Rackliff was on a hit list or the local boss wanted our cut for clearing out those bears, but either way it was interrupted by a very old, very powerful and very hungry Mana-beast.”
“A Mana-beast!?” Ulina shouted, causing everyone in the kitchen to briefly look over at her before continuing their work. “A mana beast? No wonder only you survived…”
Azeline nodded, her expression grave. "Ya, it appeared suddenly and was indiscriminate, but Rackliff managed to get a lucky spear in its eye before he was mauled.” She explained, “Those bastards stabbed in the back first, so I was already on the ground when the monster showed up and…”
"It killed everyone while you slipped away," Ulina completed for Azeline while embracing her. "Don't worry, we'll keep everything hushed until you and your new crew can get back on your feet." The silver-haired woman smiled. "We're fully booked today, but I'm sure Marrut will make room by evicting a few customers who haven't settled their tabs in a while."
Comments
scribbles
Ferfolk are furries, beastkin are humans with animal ears
Alphonso
What was the distinction between Ferfolk and Beastkin again?
