Welcome to Gaia! ::

Shina laughed on the inside as she went to the closest magic vendor and purchased the required spells to breathe underwater incase they ever had to seek refuge under the sea. In these times she would stop at nothing to keep her and her sister safe from what was coming. War. It was on the horizon, anyone would be able to tell. She thanked the vendor as she moved back to Lenore. "Anything else you want while we're here?"

The sound of hammering echoed through Rinaldi's shop as he pounded nails through boards which covered the windows and doors. With all the chaos that was erupting around here, the time for selling was through. It was time to go home, to the Earth, and see if the people would welcome him back.

He picked up his bags and loaded them onto the golem's shoulders. The clay and rock folded over them lightly, forming a perfect clasp. El Roche turned to Miranda and hugged her, gave her a light kiss on the forehead, handed her a small purse of coins, and then left, golem trundling slowly behind.

"No." she replied simply, twisting a finger around a fallen lock of hair that stuck out from her hooded face. A small smirk quivered at the edge of her red lips, "Unless you'd like to get a drink?"
She cocked her head to the side in a bird like manner towards the man with whom Shina's attention was now averted towards, and sighed quietly. "Poor b*****d."

Tala rode through the gates of the Merchant Quarter and was nervous again. There weren't many people out today; she didn't blame them. It was raining. She hadn't seen Raphael in so long.... maybe he wasn't here anymore.

She slowed Makani to a trot and turned to look at Valkyrie. "It shouldn't be far now. I don't think he is too far into the city."

Tala looked around the numerous shops and pubs, hoping to find something that felt familiar- a small trace of her childhood.

And then Tala saw it: A small little sign that said 'Fortune Teller'. Normally, this would have meant nothing to her or to anyone for that matter. But under the peeling painted words was something that Tala would never misunderstand; It was the symbol of the Minami family, the same as the crest on her necklace that she wore around her neck.

Tala was excited. "This is it!" She motioned for Makani to stop and she dismounted. Looking back at Valkyrie. "This is his shop. He must have moved here after our castle was destroyed."

Tala looked herself over, trying to decide if she really was ready to go in. Her clothes were slightly damp. Her clothes weren't dirty, but they looked a tad bit worn. Her hair was curlier than usual from the weather, but she figured that it would make her normal gathering of hair atop her head look more... royal?

Raphael wouldn't care. He knew that she didn't live in splendor anymore. Tala took a deep breath, looking at Valkyrie. She nodded. Slowly reaching toward the door handle, she opened it. The hinges creaked in protest as a little bell rang above their heads.

"Hello? Master Raphael?" Tala looked around the little shop. It was warm with rich purples and reds; very kept and not a sign of age, very unlike the outside. There was a tall counter that greeted them, much like a receiving desk.

She was impressed.

A voice came from somewhere in a back room. "I apologize, but I am not seeing anyone today. Thank you for stopping by," the accented voice called.

That's strange, he usually always sees guests. Tala was puzzled until she remembered what day it was; it was the anniversary of the attack on their home and the death of her father.

But she smiled nonetheless. "But how about seeing an old friend, Master Spaniard?" She replied, using her father's nickname for the fortune teller.

She could hear fast footsteps approaching them. Suddenly, a curtain flew open, the heavy fabric rippling with the action. Raphael stared at her with surprise and awe. His thick mane of hair was now streaked with gray. She wasn't surprised, he couldn't stay youthful forever.

"Tala? Tala mija?! Ay dios mio, you have returned to me!" He said, a smile spreading over his olive face, wrinkles distinct around his eyes. He scooped her up and twirled her around in a ferocious hug and then set her down, still grinning from ear to ear. He looked at Valkyrie.

"And who is this, chamaca?" He said, calling Tala an affectionate term for little girl.

"Raphael, this is my very good friend Lady Valkyrie Faldain," she said, also smiling.

((Lol kudos!))

Raphael smiled at Valkyrie and hugged her as well, kissing her on both cheeks, a traditional custom.

"Welcome, welcome! It is so good to see you!" He then looked at Tala seriously.

"What brings you here, little one? Surely there is something else besides showing off your blossoming beauty."

Tala blushed at his flattery. "We actually came to you for some unanswered questions. Both of us have things we need to confirm, and we were wondering if you could shed some light on it."

Raphael looked at both girls warmly, nodding. "Of course, anything for you, mi amor. Come, right this way!"

He led them back through the curtain he had come from into a room with three chairs around a table, on top of which sat a very beautiful crystal ball.

"Por favor, sit, sit!"