This is new. Is the first thing Sniffles thinks as they slither through Scorpio. They've abandoned their home in Cetus temporarily to explore - it's been a while. Their kids will be safe back home, and Dragon will keep an eye on them.

They eye a stall with weapons for sale, wondering how they could possibly hold one. The idea of holding a sword in their tiny bird-like legs is an amusing thought. Even a dagger would be too heavy to swing, they think. Even then there's not much they could swing at except for themselves or the floor. Ouch.

They continue on, away from that stall. Maybe they can come back another time with some bounties to get some shinies. That'd be nice.

@Vestyge

Vestyge was nursing a couple of injuries by the time he got back to home base. Some from the dungeon, and some from... Other places. But he got back in one piece, and he got to spend some time languishing on the palace's stolen pillows. He'd taken up half the floor space in the Lapidary. Maybe the lack of business thus far was a good thing.

He didn't have to care about finances anyways. He'd pocketed the small amount of money (A figure of speech - he kept it clasped in one of his fists) he'd found in Fornax, and was considering spending it at the tavern. He didn't dream often. Maybe he'd treat himself to one.

But a scent was rising above Scorpio's usual savory smoke. And it smelled incredible. Vestyge couldn't recall the last time he smelled something that good. Like a perfectly-aged wine.

Maybe something had died in a dark corner somewhere while he'd been away.

He paced the cobble, following the trail. He spotted Sniffles from a way off, but he wasn't the sociable type, and he had more important things to chase. It was only when he was a few strides away from them did he realise the smell's source. He was beginning to drool.

This discovery was a little disappointing - it wasn't something he could eat, after all. Or, not without consent. But he couldn't pull himself away from the stench of rot. But what could he say to them other than you smell delicious?

He moved to stand alongside Sniffles. A little too close. Whatever. "Hello."

Creep alert.

@Sniffles

Sniffles, too trustful for their own good, does not notice the strange creature approach them. They've never truly been in the face of danger before - showable by their pitiful magic (and combat) skills. So when Vestyge says something, Sniffles turns to face him. Sniffle raises their body up to look bigger - and even then still cannot reach Vestyge's height. Three pairs of eyes stare at the odd hybrid.

He's standing very close. Is the first thing they think.

"Hello!" They reply, cheery like always.

Maybe this one is one of the ones that comes out full grown? Sniffles cannot tell. The lack of personal space is something common with children - or was this one just not raised? They know most gembound do not have a family to call home like they do. A shame, really.


Sniffles will give this one the benefit of the doubt. They're sure he's either a child or someone who needs some direction. It's better than thinking he's a weirdo.

@Vestyge

Ok. Greetings exchanged. What the hell was he supposed to do next?

Vestyge stared down at the smaller Gembound, shockingly few thoughts in his head. He'd left it too long since his last meal. The stench of death filled his brain, choking most coherent sentences other than the obvious. The pause was long, stiff and awkward.

They didn't seem to recognise it, at least. Or maybe they had chosen not to draw attention to it. Both worked well enough in the short term.

"What brings you here? To uh," With the opening of Vestyge's jaws, the smell began to flood his mouth too, and he slammed them shut with a clack as a new torrent of drool threatened to spill outward.

"... To Scorpio?"

@Sniffles