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 Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 11:01 am
“You want me to keep an eye on things?†Pounamu blinked, the realization of what she could do slowly dawning on her. “If I do that then….then could you help get all of the servants out of here?†There were other Kahi living here that would need a place to go. If they simply ran away then they were lost in a foreign country, an impossibly hot one full of sand at that, and getting home would be near impossible without any source of income since they only had the clothes on their backs. “If you can promise me that my actions will end this then I’ll do my best.†What else did she have to lose? She couldn’t just leave everyone behind and run away on her own. Not when she had cherished stories about heroes ever since she was a youngling. It would be betraying all that she held dear and the guilt would haunt her for life if she simply turned away from this when she could have done something.
[Pounamu 8]
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Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 11:01 am
“I’m going to do my best.†Kitya promised. “I would just need you to leave notes on occasion or send signals on the terrace if things get tricky. I know someone who can easily get in and out of places…he actually sent me this way so he could get any notes if you leave them there.†Valek had known about this and would surely be able to get any updates if they could get the Kahi on board. Kitya simply didn’t want to admit that he had already marked the girl from a previous event that he had sneaked into. The last thing she wanted to do was frighten her with such information. I’ll reveal that tidbit later.
Her gaze flashed though when she heard approaching footsteps. Was someone about to check in on them? “Care to come over here?†She whispered quietly, motioning for the Kahi to join her before relaxing a bit more once she recognized those familiar steps. “False alarm.†She breathed in relief as she straightened her attire and looked at Nathial who had slipped into the room. “You chased off your newest admirer? And just in time to meet Pounamu, I see.â€
Nathial looked around the hall before stepping forward and making certain that the door was locked behind them this time. “You need to be more careful.†He advised as he joined Kitya on the chaise. “But I suppose the warning is too late now. You’ve already picked up a new friend?â€
“I have!†Kitya smiled as she leaned against her companion. “We might have to spend some time here and get a bit ruffled, but it’ll be worth the conversation. I promise.â€
[Kitya 9]
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Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 11:01 am
Pounamu’s blood turned cold in her veins. What was going on? Was someone actually coming down to this far room just to check on them? Maybe Arunika wanted to claim her again for the evening even though she was supposed to be working all night…that would be very bad timing indeed. Panic filled her gaze as she walked towards Nagini, the hybrid ready to do whatever was necessary to keep their ruse before the Oban’s reveal had her relaxing again. “Oh.†She let out a breath and nodded respectfully towards him. “Thank you for your help earlier. I appreciate it.â€
“It’s not a problem.†The Oban replied with a small smile as he tugged the Yaeli woman into his lap so that he could wrap his arms around her. “Thank you for taking care of my companion while I was away. It seems though that we have a few matters to discuss, if Nagini has already brought you here.â€
“Yes.†Pounamu nodded as she watched him pat the edge of the chaise. Did she dare? It would probably be for the best in case someone else did try to barge in. Even with the door locked there was no guaranteeing that they were truly safe. The thought pushed her forward so that she could settle on the edge there, the Kahi even pouring glasses of wine to keep up the ruse.
[Pounamu 9]
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Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 11:01 am
“He’s not so scary, I promise.†Kitya added as she watched Pounamu pouring the glasses of wine. “Nathial runs a tavern in the city and helps to collect information. How we use it is completely up to us and our clients, but thankfully that works in your favor this time around.†She smiled warmly as she leaned back against her companion. “Perks of being a guest here as well. This was supposed to be your room for the evening, right?â€
“Mmmhmm.†Nathial let out a soft laugh as he allowed Kitya to get more comfortable. “I will have to express how much you wanted special service though and had to steal a servant for the evening whenever I meet with the hostess later. You’re truly trying to cause me some trouble tonight.â€
“It’ll be worth it.†Kitya reassured him. “They’ll be wanting to attend a performance later this week so I’ll give my best in return. For now though let’s learn a bit more about Pounamu here and we can swap some information.†They would be content to spend the rest of the evening here and sneak out in the morning while most were still sleeping off the exhaustion from tonight’s activities.
[Kitya 10]
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Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2025 11:01 am
Pounamu simply listened to the two earthlings banter as she tried to adjust to sharing the space with them. It was a weird feeling trying to trust strangers once more, but here she was. If this was a small sign of hope like that shell she had received as a mysterious gift then she would take it along with whatever chance it gave her to help out. “I’ll tell you what I do know.†She began before offering what details she could about the estate and the activities here. And once they were done with this discussion then perhaps they could also help her to gather more information on Naia, her friend whose disappearance had started this journey for her so many months ago.
[Pounamu 10]
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