Imperia They'll call our crimes a work of art

Imperia grunted. "Perhaps not." She flicked her tiny tail before retracting her claws. The claws her gem resided in still poked out a bit, but she ignored them. She wasn't in any mood to fight anymore. She watched the other for a moment.

"Eira," she tested the name. "Eira. You put up quite a fight. I thank you for that." She absently began to lick her paw where her pink claws from her gem stuck out. "My name is Imperia. Make sure it is a name you do not forget."

"Listen to me."

table by lisa

@Eira

Eira Look into my eyes, it's where my Demons hide...

Eira gave a small nod, and watched as they finally withdrew their claws. He seemed to relax slightly at that, and watched as the other began to lick their claws. Looking down, Eira slowly and halfheartedly began to lick the fur around one of the worst wounds. That salty taste filled her maw, and he couldn't help a little cringe. The white otter probably looked like he'd been red dyed or born with a ruby coat!

Perhaps wrongly so, Eira decided that he was safe to slowly let down his guard. This was... very un-demon-like of them. Eira wasn't sure if he could trust it, but if he at least made an effort, perhaps they would come through. Perhaps fighting wasn't the only technique he could use against these demons.

"...So did you," the otter admitted reluctantly. He was willing to give acknowledgement where it was due, and this seemed like one of those times. "Imperia. I'll be certain to remember that," he assured with another dip of his head.

"And you? Remember me, citizen. If any demons come to trouble you, come to me, and rest assured that I'll keep these caves safe."

"Listen to me."

table by lisa


@Imperia

Imperia They'll call our crimes a work of art

Imperia continued to lick their paw, trying to soothe the burns that were likely going to be permanent by this point. They'd just have to get used to it. They looked over and saw the otter-Eira-licking his wounds as well. They grinned slightly at the sight of his fur. Their grin only widened as Eira said that they had also put up quite a fight. They nodded as he said he'd remember her name. They didn't normally tell anyone they came across their name. Perhaps they should. Maybe more would fear them.

At his next words, they let out a chuckle. "I don't think that will be necessary. But...thank you anyway. I guess." They set their paw down and shifted a bit.

"Well, this seems like a nice time for me to leave. Maybe I'll see you some other time. Maybe not. Either way, I wish you luck in...your endeavors." They sat for a moment longer, a bit awkwardly, unsure of what to do. They then stood, gave a brief nod to Eira, and began to walk away, limping just the slightest because of their burnt paws.

-exit Imperia-

"Listen to me."

table by lisa

@Eira

Eira Look into my eyes, it's where my Demons hide...

Eira listened, and slowly bowed his head. He said nothing for what felt almost like a lifetime, until they drew this whole thing to a close. Just like that. In his core, Eira felt like something was... off, here. She was unsure whether she had in fact fought off a demon, or whether this was simply a misguided citizen with the same quest as himself. In the end, did it matter? Eira felt his chest sink. He'd protected the den, and Kimen, who lay sleeping inside.

His fur was stained with blood, and now, he needed rest."I'll await that day, 'demon'," he replied, an edge of respect, and even joking lingering on his voice.

And as he watched them walk away, Eira slowly began to limp his way back towards the den, struggling all the way.

-exit Eira-

"Listen to me."

table by lisa