· 7 years ago · Feb 14, 2019, 01:40 AM
1The day was coming to an end. The sun had long set, leaving the world dark and cold. Yes, winter was one of the tougher times for travelers, something Rena's known for a while now.
2
3Thankfully, with Myth left behind in the stables, she finally had some time for herself.
4
5The tavern is one she's visited plenty of times, many of the people here know her by name. Heck, even the tavern's owner knows her order as her "usual". It wasn't often that she found time to sit and relax like this, to step away from the more formal atmosphere of the shrine. Tonight was an exception however, she had learned that there were some who wished to ask questions of her, those that wanted to perhaps come to understand her a little better.
6
7That meant needing a drink, very much so depending on what questions got asked.
8
9"So..." she takes a sip of her drink before placing it gently on the table, "What was it you wanted to ask me?"
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12Red, Flame Paladin: "How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Rollâ„¢ at the center of a Tootsie Popâ„¢"
13
14"You wanted to as me this? I can't say I even know what that is. Is a food from where you come from?"
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17Flamy: What inspired you to create Rena?
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19If I'm being honest, nothing "inspired" me to make Rena. Her name actually comes from a story that I've been wanting to write forever... but chances are I never will. So when I made my character, I didn't know I'd need a name, and in a rush to try and give her a name... I went with something familiar, Rena. Who she became and where I went with her character came MUCH later.
20It was actually after Rp was discussed here for the first time that I started trying to think of Rena as a real person in the game's world. I started with little writes here and there of her origin, her time back home basically. The more I wrote... the more I started to envision her a bit differently, eventually becoming the sort of bookworm/dragon nerd we know today. Although, I have Theari to thank for that last bit.
21
22Flamy: Is it true that you are secretly not a dragon?
23
24"I can swear to you that I'm not a dragon. Never was, never will be. They're incredibly fascinating though..."
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27Alkaid🌠: What is Blue like?
28
29"The colour blue you mean? It's the colour of the sea, the sky... it's a very freeing colour. Happens to be my mother's favourite, so it has a soft spot to me too."
30
31Sako: "But what is *Red* like?"
32
33"The colour? It's a colour Myth's always hated for whatever reason... but I have a... strange reason for liking the colour." She smirks, "Seems a lot of the books on dragons and history tend to have red covers, perhaps it's the colour of history?"
34"If you mean the man named Red, you'd have to ask a friend of mine at the shrine, she's told me quite a bit about him. Starting there would be good."
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36
37Kassandra Arahan: What are your thoughts on the Church of Lord Loptyr?
38
39She reaches for her drink again, the sip seems... a little longer this time. "I didn't think I'd end up speaking to you in all honesty. But it's conflicting. I understand why there are those like you, and I understand where your rage comes from, perhaps a bit too much."
40A pause. "I'm sure you've been told to stop your fighting and violence, I have no place to tell you the same. I have the mindset of 'as long as your conflicts don't interfere with me or those I care about, do what you will.'"
41
42Kassandra Arahan: Then you understand the meaning of losing. Have you ever wished to return the disgrace to those that have caused it? Some people do not deserve to be forgiven.
43
44If only her drink could get here sooner. "I can't tell you how many times I wished for terrible things to happen to specific people. I can't tell you how many times I've *cursed* those with power and fame they don't deserve."
45Her fingers reach for her pendant, "I agree with you there. There are those I will *never* forgive."
46
47Kassandra Arahan: Would you not find satisfaction in bringing due retribution to those who have caused you harm? It is easier than you believe.
48
49"Of course seeing that *noble* lose everything would help with my anger... but it doesn't erase it, it changes nothing really. He still gained everything my father deserved as well... and while I know it's too late for my father to gain such titles and ranks... I can't really be sure if my anger towards it all will really ever leave."
50
51Her fingers find her pendant again, "It's incredibly easy to take action into your own hands... It's realizing that that changes nothing that makes it even more frustrating."
52
53Kassandra Arahan: It is true. What we do may not revert what happene it may not return that which was taken from us, but it does justice. Is that in itself not enough motive to retaliate?
54
55"It's justice in a sense... and that's what makes taking action so tempting. The problem is that when you do take matters into your own hands, you don't think about what happens after. Chances are you'll be left in a worse state than you started..."
56She sighs, "I suppose that's why followers of Loptyr act as a group. It must make your actions feel a lot more rewarding."
57
58Kassandra Arahan: How versed are you in the Dark arts?
59
60"Dark arts? Like your dark magic? I know nothing about it, haven't the slightest clue how any kind of magic works actually. Staves are the only sort of magic I've been getting the hang of."
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63Arisu: Is this you https://elwiki.net/w/Rena
64
65"I certainly hope not. As far as I can tell, I'm right here." It was time for another sip of that drink.
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67
68Eithne Istalri Lopcarota: Ooh ooh, you're in charge of the shrine garden right?
69Eithne Istalri Lopcarota: So what's your favorite flower, then???
70
71"Hmm? It's been a little while since I've been called that." Despite her initial response being a little cold, she smiles warmly. "I've missed it."
72"My favourite flower? That has to be the first one I ever planted at the shrine, a purple Morning Glory bought in this town right here." Another sip, "If the garden was still around, I could have showed you exactly where I planted it."
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74
75Sutara Io: :squint:
76
77:squintR:
78
79Sutara Io: If we all went to the beach together for a beach episode, would you wear a bikini, one piece, sarong, or not wear a swimsuit at all?
80
81"Again with this beach 'episode'. Is there some kind of joke I'm missing here? Or did something happen at the guild I wasn't there for? If you all want to go to the beach that badly though, go without me. I've never learned how to swim."
82
83Sutara Io: Aww, but you don’t have to get in the water! You can just lay on the sand.
84
85"Just lazing about on the sand? Huh... doesn't sound too bad actually..."
86
87Sutara Io: Yes!! Also, if you want someone to teach you how to swim, I learned when I was younger. I can also help you pick out a cute swimsuit if you want!
88
89She runs a hand through her hair, "You're really enthusiastic about this, huh? I guess that's nothing new for you though..." she shakes her head, "I wasn't thinking of a 'swimsuit', I was thinking more of buying a spring dress for something like that. One similar to the ones my mother gave me when I was younger."
90
91Sutara Io: I'd be willing to help you with that too, really! You seem super responsible and dedicated all the time, it would be good for you to take a break!
92
93"I guess I've never really thought too much about taking a break... thank you. I know I'm... sometimes harsh towards you, Sutara, but I would appreciate the help. A break to remember who I used to be, at least for a little while, couldn't be *that* bad, right?"
94
95Sutara Io: Yes! You need to rest and recuperate so you can do your role with more vigor!
96
97"Well... you're not wrong..." she seems somewhat embarrassed now, "It's just... incredibly hard to pull me away from the shrine."
98
99Sutara Io: I mean, a couple of hours won’t hurt too much.
100
101"Fair enough. I might just need some time away to get my emotions figured out." Man... this would be a good time for a drink.
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103
104Reyson: If there was a beach episode, would you want to be in it!? If so, watermelon smashing game or volleyball?
105
106"Beach... 'episode'? Is there something I'm missing here? 'Volleyball' doesn't ring a bell either..."
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108
109Nayrri, Lady of Fire: "It seems a lot of snow has accumulated in my absence from the shrine... would you like my help in warming things up to melt the snow?"
110
111"The gazebo *has* been having some issues in this weather, melting it off would probably make the whole process much smoother compared to what I've been doing." She finishes off the rest of her drink, then orders another, "That is to say I think I've been covered in snow more often than I'd like."
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113
114Ringo: “Oh! Mrs... Rena, I believe? As keeper of the great Shrine, you must have met many mythical men, women, and manaketes [err, manakete? manaketi? I’ll just go with it.], and heard much of ancient events. What is it like to be as you are now, a warden of such great history, knowledge, and truth?â€
115
116With a deep breath she relaxes herself, perhaps her drink could wait. "I don't think I've met too many 'mythical men, women, and manaketes' if I must be honest. Off the top of my head I can think of Grimnir... wielder of the seemingly unrusted and completely usable Gungnir of old. Arathil, the Wellspeaker. Then there's the Wellkeeper herself... and Eira..." her eyes narrow and she freezes.
117"Perhaps I've met... a lot more notable people than I thought... huh..." with a shake of her head she gets back on track. "I wouldn't say I'm a keeper of knowledge either... but at this point I'm probably wrong aren't I? Regardless, this position of mine was offered to me by Eira, a position a human hasn't held in an incredibly long time... it's... it means the world to me."
118Her smile returns, a light appearing in her eyes. "It's one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever known. There is so much wisdom they can offer us, there are so many tales they know that have never once been written down in ink..."
119
120Ringo: “...and what is it like to meet a real dragon? I’ve only read about them in books, but it sounds awe-inspiring!â€
121
122"I guess I can tell you that the books do not do them justice."
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124
125Reyson: Has your opinion on nobles change meeting someone like Reyson? What about someone who is a royal like Leticia?
126
127"My opinion on nobles will never stray far from my original thoughts as far as I'm concerned. Reyson's a noble that is... strange. Despite that, he's exactly what I hate about nobles... even if he does have a fondness for books. Sharing interests does not mean we share experiences. That is something that will never change and will always keep a distance between us."
128"Leti...cia? I don't recognize that name, should I know them? I guess if she's royalty as you say... I never paid much attention to things like that. And while I'm sure living life as royalty isn't as... simple as a life of nobility, I don't view them much differently. However, it's how they use their power and position that really matters to me."
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131Guillermo: “D’ye think tha’ nobles are a needed facet o’ society? Wouldn’ we jus’ be better off without all’a that legalized enslavement, ‘specially wiv’out any backing reason fer their rule?â€
132
133"I do think they have their time and place. It might just be because I have no idea how they run a kingdom to begin with, but the world needs people who are capable of such things. However, I do think it should be possible for a person with enough knowledge and experience to run the place regardless of 'bloodlines' if they do what's right." Her drink finally arrives. Just on time.
134With a quick sip her eyes then fall to the table with a laugh, "Well, it could also be I've had too much to drink already."
135
136Joyce: "Wait, what is it that you hate about nobles anyhow?"
137
138Yes... her drink was *right* on time. This sip seems to last much longer...
139"Nobles as far as I'm concerned have done nothing to deserve the love and respect that people give them... there are those that work, and *fight* for years for recognition... but simply because they're not from some renowned family they're left in the dark. If a noble charges into battle and wins a war, who is it that gets the praise? It's certainly not the brave knights that followed them onto the battlefield I can tell you that much."
140She pauses.
141"My father was amazing at what he did, he was a knight whose aim was peerless. He served his kingdom with everything he had, devoting his life to that line of work... and he received *nothing* for it. *Years of his life, not one promotion, not one new rank, and outside of the people he rescued no one knew his name*. Despite all of that... the man he served got it all."
142Something resembling a slight laugh escapes her. "And what for? Because he was there? What a joke." It was time to go back to that drink.
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144
145Tsukiko Fluorspar: You look different. How come?
146
147"Tsukiko? Been some time since I've spoken to you too, funny how many familiar faces are here. Do I look that bad though? Here I thought I managed to cover it up well..."
148"I just... haven't been sleeping well these days."
149
150Tsukiko Fluorspar: It's been a while, yes. Busier these days... got myself involved with the northern lands. Somehow ended as Headmaster in a tower with a magic school... The king is a weird dragon, too.
151
152"Northern lands? A dragon king? Now it just sounds like you're living out a story I swear I read at one point." She smiles and shakes her head, "I'd say you're a fine fit for watching over a magic school. Perhaps I could ask you for some pointers sometime, I've been getting the hang of staves lately and I want to know how I can continue my training from here."
153
154Tsukiko Fluorspar: It's hard work... Children are so energetic. The King even more so, and the Queen is...
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156"Children? Wait, how old are the students that go to your school? And the king is as well? Don't even tell me that this 'dragon king' is a young dragon... although I guess it's possible." She has a strange look on her face now, "You're not just pulling my leg with all of this, right?"
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158
159Europa: "Lady Rena, you are the keeper of the Dragon shrine?" She paused for a moment, and sighed. "Im sure you've heard the struggles of many a Manakete before, do you think you have time to listen to the struggles of a Half Dragon?"
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161"I've heard *and* read quite a bit about the way Manaketes were treated in times past... even still to this day. Half Dragons are fascinating... the result of a union many would call wrong or 'taboo'. I'm sure you were treated unfairly because of that... and it's stories like that that I think more humans need to listen to." Time for another sip.
162"Humans tend to not realize the problems they cause, and dragons are beings that deserve respect from us... yet they seem to get these strange looks of disgust from some. Getting past all of that though, if you need someone to speak to about your past... I'm all ears."
163
164Europa: She nodded. "I see, so you havent met many like me before." A sigh escaped her. "Really, Im searching for advice, I find it hard to cope with the fact that I will outlive many of my friends multiple times over, is there any sort of advice you could give me for that? How do I cope with the constant loss of loved ones?"
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166"I've met one other Half Dragon besides yourself, but I'm afraid that doesn't make my advice any better. The most tragic thing about Dragons is how long they live compared to us, and I think it's because of the sorrow that comes with it that forces some into isolation. My natural response is to tell you to befriend more of your kind, those that will age with you. But if you're willing to befriend humans... perhaps keep in touch with their family."
167"As much as it's a curse in a sense... it's also a blessing that only you and those like you get to experience. Keep their memories alive... tell their stories to their great grandchildren that they never got to meet... it's something only you can do. I doubt it helps you much... but I'd like to think looking back on someone's life fondly and following their family's story into the future is an experience worth treasuring."
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170Kedata: >Her smile returns, a light appearing in her eyes. "It's one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever known. There is so much wisdom they can offer us, there are so many tales they know that have never once been written down in ink..."
171Kedata: Ah, yes, their great wisdom clearly is something else.
172Kedata: On a different note, there's a familiar kid taking looking at Rena.
173Kedata: "Oh! Heyyyyy! I remember you!"
174Kedata: "..."
175Kedata: "It's cooold. How do you stay warm hereeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee?"
176
177"It's nice to see you, Kei." Finally, some time to relax. "It's very cold outside these days, dressing warm certainly helps with keeping the cold out. Do you have a scarf you could wear?"
178She takes another sip of her drink, "Sometimes even drinks can keep you warm too."
179
180Kedata: Kei isn't wearing a scarf.
181Kedata: "Oohh! I should get one!"
182Kedata: "Where do I get a scarf?"
183
184"Haha, there's actually a small shop not far from here. The lady that owns it sells all kinds of handmade clothes. I'm fairly sure she started selling gloves and scarves for the cold weather."
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187YourBestFriendJ0: How strong is that drink you've got Rena?
188
189She lifts the drink up for a moment, swirling the contents inside. "Not too strong. I have no intentions of making a fool of myself during all this. I think I'd need... four or so more of these to get to that point." With that she takes another small sip, "If you mean the taste... I mean... there are stronger things available here."
190
191Alkaid🌠: Have you ever been DRUNK?
192
193She shakes her head with a light laugh, "Yes. Once. Never again."
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195
196BunnyBunnyUguu: How many drinks does it take for you to get drunk?
197
198"Hmm? That's an answer I think I'll keep to myself." With a smirk she takes another sip of her drink.
199
200BunnyBunnyUguu: Alcoholic beverage of choice?
201
202"Never wine, wine's a bit too fancy for my tastes. I like sticking to lighter drinks, ones I don't have to be worried about drinking too much of." She lifts her glass, swirling around the drink once more, "So drinks just like this."
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204
205reinfleche: Any music you have associated with Rena?
206
207If you mean like... "theme music"... not really. I've never liked the idea of using existing music to represent a character. But, I have a huge soft spot for all of the Shrine related music, not to mention Eira's theme!
208I think... Eira's theme (O Sacred Scale, Wouldst That Thou Lived) would have to be the closest thing to a song I "associate" with her. But this just because how important of an event that really was for her. It marked a sort of... turning point in her own mindset. She dealt for a really long time with an internal conflict of whether or not someone like her could be called a coward, for a *very* long time she believed she was one. It was that conversation that changed her mind and set her on the path that lead her to where she is now.
209
210Alkaid🌠: Any Rena you have associated with music?
211
212:thonk:
213:xtrathonk:
214[3:18 PM] Retro Hippie: I think the fact that those thonks shrunk makes them even better
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216
217Shinori: How would you react to a manakete that has become void?
218
219"A void manakete? Is there a difference between them and any other? I don't fully know what being 'Void' means, but the Wellspeaker seemed kind enough so I can't exactly expect the worst."
220[3:28 PM] Retro Hippie: If you mean me, then uh... I mean, I think it's a neat concept. I've tried to theorize time and time again what exactly being Void means, and I have a personal belief that the best way to learn about it is to become Void yourself. Just lemme know how it goes. :thumbsup:
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222
223Izaya: "Help I'm being chased by a bee!"
224
225"Well. Hopefully you don't get stung."
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227
228Callisto: "Hello Lady Rena. You seem to be quite wise, or at least good at giving advice since a lot of people seem to seek you out." She sighed. "I'm trying to better myself as a person, I want to be able to be a leader, could you give me some advice?"
229
230"I would never call myself 'wise'. I reserve that word for Eira." Rena sighs now, "You sound a lot like me. Not exactly the whole 'leader' thing, but the way you view yourself. The moment you view yourself negatively, that mindset is going to stick and never leave. Trust me, I made myself miserable for a long long time before basically proving myself wrong without even noticing it."
231Time for another sip, and with that the glass is empty.
232"Don't make yourself miserable. Take a good look at what you've done, at what you have, at those you can find around you. The possibility exists that you're already just fine as a leader, or that the tools you need to become one are already all around you. But a good thing to do along with all this is to never lose sight of the person you want to be."
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234
235Reiji: "I've been looking into tomelore lately, and... the strangest thought crossed my mind the other day."
236Reiji: "...are Bolganone tomes edible?" (Though, I could just... try one myself, given the chance.)
237
238"I don't understand the first thing about tomes... for all I know they might be edible. Don't take that seriously though, they seem to be books with magic in them. Chances are they're not the safest thing to eat... wait, why do you need this explained to you?"
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240
241Dornar: If you could change one thing about this world to make it a better place, what would it be?
242
243"Hmm... that's an interesting one to ask me." Rena falls silent, her eyes looking to the right. "My quick response is to target nobles as I disagree with how often they freely get handed something that commoners have to get *lucky* to ever achieve. They just get title after title, position after position thrown at them because they're nobles. Why not allow those more capable to hold those positions?"
244She finally stares forward, eyes full of confidence. "To me, my title means something. My title was something I worked hard to earn, it wasn't because I was born into the right family, it wasn't because I got lucky. I feel like I *deserve* to have it. All titles should be like this, not just given to those who come from 'distinguished families', or 'noble lineages'. Equal opportunity and recognition needs to exist. I refuse to see anyone else disgraced like my father, something like that should never be allowed to happen again."
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246
247Io: "Rena Rena Rena!" The small girl shouted running towards Rena. "You live at the Dragon Shrine, does that make you a Dragon?" Her eyes were open wide and a smile appeared on her face. The excitement was obvious. "You have to transform for me, you've got to, Ive never seen a dragon up close before!"
248
249Her mouth opens slightly... but no words can be heard. Running a hand awkwardly through her hair, Rena can't help but smile. "I suppose I did call it a second home of mine, didn't I?" With a shake of her head she continues, "I might have said that, but I never actually lived in the shrine. I just meant that I visited it often enough and knew a lot of the dragons there that it felt similar to my small village back home."
250She winks at the young girl, "I like your enthusiasm though. Perhaps you should come visit the shrine, I promise you there are dragons there."
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252
253 Sierrena (Special scene between Sierra and Rena)
254“Renaaa!†Sierra waves cheerfully at her. “When the snow clears away, do you want me to help you with the garden again?â€
255
256"Sierra? It's been a little while hasn't it, I'd love any assistance I can get when spring arrives. I'm sure Eira wouldn't mind more company either."
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258
259 On the shrine and rebuilding it
260Dornar: How often does Eira speak of Loptyr or Naga to you?
261
262"Eira and I don't speak all that often, I... it doesn't feel right to disturb him when he's resting. I find that I speak to him the most when he's asleep if I must be honest. But the few times we have spoken... the conversation has never lingered on Loptyr or Naga. I have been curious to ask of them I'll admit, but I just can't bring myself to ask personal questions of him... even though he asks quite a few of me." She ends on a laugh and another sip of her drink.
263
264Dornar: I see. Have either of you thought of further developing the shrine?
265
266"Mhm. I want to have a building of some sort constructed there in the far future. I think the men I asked for assistance said they'd be free from contracts in a few months or so. The gazebo works alright for shelter for now, but when there are quite a few visitors... it... doesn't exactly fit everyone. Besides, I'd like the followers of Naga to be able to continue their worship there."
267She thinks for a moment, "I'm also planning on hunting down a particular type of tree that used to grow in the old shrine, a rare type of Aspen. They used to be all around the shrine, and every time I visited they seemed to change colour. My best guess was that it was the effect that the dragons that lived there had on the land."
268Her eyes shut as she places herself in a place only she can see. "It was beautiful... and I'd like to be able to see it once again. I'll have to hunt for them when I can find a lead."
269
270Dornar: So you plan on opening it to just worshippers of Naga? I mean, I recognize that visitors will be welcome, but in terms of congregations.
271
272"I don't imagine having a lot of religions in one place is a good idea. Not to mention that the dragons that lost the shrine as their place of worship should have a right to have that back. Although, this is all so far in the future... chances are I'll go to Eira for guidance once the time comes."
273
274Dornar: Would you consider opening it to faiths that worship dragons, at the very least? In addition, are you in need of help with paying for reconstruction? It may be far off, but there is no better time than the present to start figuring things out.
275
276"I appreciate the concern, but I've been doing my best to spend as little as possible these days. My hope is to use the majority of my own funds to handle the construction, I also want to help out with the construction as a whole."
277
278"I never was one to manage things was I?"
279Time for a sip of that drink. "My knowledge on religions is... needless to say, *lacking*. I know of those that follow Loptyr and those that follow Naga... most likely I'm missing a lot of others aren't I. Perhaps that should be something else I begin looking into, seeing as the one I went to for info on that... isn't around these days."
280
281Meri appears once more, this time in a lighter blue not unlike a cloudless morning sky. (Wonder what it's like to drink...)
282"Good day, Rena! I quite like the charming additions made upon the shrine grounds, though it makes me wonder... who sanctions those projects?"
283
284"Good day to you as well, I'm glad you like the additions. I love seeing the empty space get filled one thing at a time, but of course I don't just add things without a second opinion." Sip time.
285"I always tell Eira about my intentions, the last thing I'd want to do is something he doesn't agree with. Although he seems to... give me a lot of free reign when it comes planning. I think he's got a bit too much faith in me."
286
287Kedata: Will all of the constant visitors to the dragon shrine, what do you think about the idea of setting up supporting commercial businesses focused on helping accomodate visitors;s needs to the shrine (such as food and a place to sleep)?
288Kedata: In fact, how about a running some kind of special tavern nearby?
289
290"This village isn't all that far from the shrine, I figure it would help this place out to direct visitors to the shrine here. Although, I get that making it a bit more accommodating would be good, but any kind of buildings are things that are so far in the future... it's hard to know what exactly needs to be built."
291She falls silent for a little bit.
292"I don't exactly know what needs to be built... huh."
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294
295 Rena's Quest to Get Quadra Drunk
296“Do you still plan on going drinking with me when you get back...?†Quadra speaks a bit hesitantly
297
298"Counter question:" Her smirk remains, "Would I be able to convince you to set out on your own if I did?" With another sip she shrugs, "In all seriousness, I wouldn't mind to in the least. Just, do me a favour and leave your formalities at the door, not that that's difficult or anything."
299
300"Probably not." Returns her smirk
301"How formally have I treated you really for you to say that though?" He laughs to himself a bit thinking back to some of their more extreme interactions
302
303"I still think leaving that noble would be better for you, you have the skills to be more than comfortable on your own... I'll never quite get that loyalty. But you're right, unless trying to take my head off was formal--" She laughs... perhaps a bit louder than she intended to, "Hurry up and find some free time though, I'm sure we have a lot to talk about."
304
305“Hey, you treated me with the same respect.†Smirk
306“Anywho, I’ll convince Reyson to give me a weekend off sometime then.â€
307
308"Hey now, *I* wasn't the one who trailed someone they barely knew in the dead of night. And about that time off, make sure you get it. Naga knows you need time away from that man and all of the trouble that comes with him."
309
310“I’d like to protest that but I’m not sure if I can. But yeah, I will.†Quadra offers a wave, before making his exit
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312
313 Rena gives Lucas a hand
314Among the various visitors, a familiar man with brown hair notices the shrine maiden. However, it's a bit apparent that he's... missing a hand.
315"You again? Well, hello, then."
316He looks around.
317"Do you find it fulfilling, living a life like this? All of your dedication for the sake of something beyond your own self..."
318
319"Wait... don't tell me... Lu... cas...?" Her eyes narrow as she tries to recall the familiar face, "Lucas sounds right, you're a knight from the Blue Roses if I remember correctly." She doesn't mention the wound, her eyes glance to it for a single moment but no longer than that.
320"I would call it fulfilling, yes. Before having this position... I lived for myself, and my family and friends. Being a shrine maiden means I've dedicated myself to the shrine, dedicated myself to those that visit it, and I've become a part of its healing process." Her smile looks a little childish as she thinks things over. "You have to realize... I... back home I never even knew dragons existed. In the span of a year I fell in love with everything I learned about them, and then a year and a half after that... I can dedicate my life to the place I thought of as a second home."
321She seems to be elsewhere now, lost to her thoughts perhaps.
322____________________
323
324And just like that, it seems like the questions have ended.
325
326With a sigh, Rena stands from her seat and passes gold pieces over to the owner to pay for her drinks. It was finally over. "I know I'm not the most fascinating person in the world, but, I did manage to have some kind of fun during all of this. Thank you." With that out of the way she heads to the exit of the tavern. After all, she needed rest, and on top of that there was the possibility of lots of work to do at the shrine tomorrow.
327
328With one last look over her shoulder followed by a quick nod, she exits the tavern and walks into the night.