Doling Out Plans

• Summary: Slix is busy watching people enjoy the hot day with a liberal use of hydromancy be utilized, her flicking motes of bad luck to those that deserve a slap on the wrist. Patch joins her, along with Etzli working on a basket. They catch up, Eztli preparing for an outing, and everyone dealing with the undead scourge in one way or another. Plans are arranged as well as encouragements before they depart to prepare.

Festival Grounds, Midday

It's yet another hot and hazy day, though on the open skies of the Festival Grounds holds barely any reprieve from the heat. But that doesn't stop kids from being kids. The grounds that normally hold jousts and archery is amok with many children running around playing ball, throwing sticks and having a general ruckus in the mud as a nearby Althenean is facilitating the fun with a simple blessing of water, spraying it up into the air. Parent sit by idly, thankful for the reprieve of attention for now.

There is a lone Egalrin in the stands. Down to a single robe and sitting in the shade of a side wall, their flight feathers were all but gone, replaced with a rainbow of ribbons to take their place. They're watching the little once play and laugh. But she's looking a bit bored, a hand in a palm with the other hand idly extended.

She mutters something. Twirls a finger.

A bullying kid slips and lands face first in mud.

Patch had seen that child fall, smirking to herself from where she enters the stands. She hadn't noticed the bit of magic, nor heard muttered words, but the sight was amusing on it's own. It causes her to pause, adjusting her coat that's held in arms. She's without weapon and instrument today, a sleeveless blouse worn as she turn to catch sigh of Slixvah off on their own. "Slix!" a face recognized, and soon she's crossing the stands with a meandering step towards the ribboned bird.

GAME: Eztli rolls craft/basketweaving: (16)+0: 16

Hot, humid weather? It didn't matter when you basically felt none of the heat in the air whatsoever. Which meant that a certain sith-makar could make the most of the sunlight.

Eztli was on her stomach under one of the trees that bordered the stands, and in front of her was what looked like it may have been part of a nest from a very disorganized egalrin. On further examination, it was the base and beginnings of the sides of a basket of some sort. Eztli had the ends in both of her hands, but she wasn't making much progress yet.

"This would be so much easier without giant claws." She grumbles, before looking up and failing to suppress a snort as the kid eats dirt.

Slix didn't seem too bemused by the sudden splat of mud, a sigh leaving her before her attention is caught by someone else.

She perks. "Oooh! What a catch, it's Patch!" she chirps, sitting more upright. The one-bored fortune teller scoots over and pats the bench beside her.

There's no one else on the bleachers. "What's good, girlie?" she hums.

Sharp eyes spy a mixed scaled figure across the way, and she mutters something into her robe before a white plumed thrush flies off and coasts on over to the tree.

They land in the middle of the halfway made basket. Nestle in. And start to take a snooze.

Patch sits with Slixvah, eagerly taking the offered seat. "It's been... interesting." she says vaguely about things.

It's an ear twitch, and muttered breath about claws that gets the bard to look for Eztil as that white thrush and bit of fun from Slix causes a wide smile. "Mischievous aren't we? How is it with you? How are the wings?" her questions always coming in batches.

Eztli sighs and throws up her hands once after she fumbles one of the movements and causes a row of reed to come undone. and then there was a small bird inside the basket. She blinks once, and chuckles quietly. "Well, at least you like it, Fiadh." She huffs, looking up and over and waving up the stands. "Figured if they were here, you were too. That, and hearing you talking up there. Peace on your nest Slixvah, and you too, Patch!" She greets.

Slixvah's brows pinch. "Interesting? That don't sound fun. Well, don't gotta tell me nothin'," she shrugs, reaching up to pat Patch on the shoulder. The wing spars in question flutter some, the rainbow hue of ribbons dancing on an idle breeze. "A bit. Need ta be. Doin' just okay if I'm right honest wit' ya. Wings are uh... still hurtin' a lil'. Broke all th' feathers off doin' somethin' while I was out and about wit' some otha's tryin' ta get 'em out of a village."

The little bird, Fiadh, looks down at the basket and pecks at a weave to shove it back into place. Slix on the other hand, waves a ribboned wing. "'ey! Get your cute self up here! What'cha makin'?" she calls out.

"Just chasing a mad-bard in the dark with a few folks." Patch admits, flashing a small smile on that note. "If I find out anymore I'll share... but things are just weird."

"Yeah, Eztli! Why not come join us?" Patch asks after Slix, smirk broadening again.

"Sorry about your wings... it was worrying." Patch admits this in a quieter tone to Slixvah. "Just don't go over-stressing it."

"What, is this not better?" Eztli snorts, before she sits up and scoops the basket with Fiadh in it, and the rest of her supplies next to her. The small makari hops up the steps and sits down next to the two, setting down the project and bird beside her. "Thanks for the help Fiadh, appreciate it. As for what I'm making? I'm attempting to make a picnic basket, that's all."

She takes up some of the reeds again, and works on tucking everything together on the next row. "Harder than I expected it to be. I'm a bit worried too, but I think her wing feathers will grow back just fine. Not stressing them out more is a good idea though."

Slixvah nods sagely. "I getcha. Weird stuff is weird, and gets double weird when its spoken aloud." A slight shrug and a little crinkle of the eyes. "Can tell me mo' later. Over dinner or somethin'."

Her expression softens some, and she leans against Patch to bump against her. "Thanks fo' ya concern, hon," she intones before turning her attention to the makari.

Fiadh is now asleep. Which Slix reaches in and unceremoniously picks them up and shoves them into their pocket. Don't worry, the birb is fine. A little gleam of understanding flashes through Slix's sky blues. "Ah. I getcha." Wink.

She waves a hand off. "It's coo' ya'll. Appreciate it. I just gotta... wait. Which is the lame part. Us Egarlin don't like walkin' 'round so much. I wanna flyyyyyyyyyy....."

She trails off, leaaaaning all the way back before reclining against the row behind her. "Feh."

Patch snorts at the bump, smirking. "Concern and care. Yes." musing as she seems to stew over some of the other words before speaking. "I'll tell you both more for sure, but I have my ear to the ground, and I am waiting to see what whispers come back."

As for Eztli, Patch watches with curiosity, glance focused on Fiadh, and the basket. "Is this a hobby? Or is the basket for something special?" she finally asks. "You're doing good. It does look like it will be a basket."

"Slix knows a lot of good places around the city, you should take her up on that." Eztli offers, chuckling a bit at the bird being dislodged from the basket. "Even if you don't want to talk about whatever weird things are going on."

"Hey, you're an egalrin, you've got time to wait." Eztli points out. "Take your time, It's not the first time you've had to replace feathers is it? If you dislike walking that much, you can always hire a carriage."

"That was the plan, so I'm glad it looks vaguely basket shaped." Eztli nods. "Not a hobby, just something I was trying. Something special? Sort of, I guess. Just for a picnic, is all."

Slixvah bobs her head, shoulders relaxing somewhat. "Gotcha, gotcha, sounds good."

She casts a glance towards Eztli, squints a bit in a smile, and she splays her arms across the bench behind. "Yeah, know some slick spots." A hand smooths her crown feathers back.

A finger gun snaps towards Eztli. "Yeah, got time. Not totally beat up ova' it. Just the first time its been so... abrupt is the only difference this time 'round. But Ez, baby, sugar, honey, carriage is cramped and smol. It ain't the wind through your wings and the utter freedom of soaring through the air," Slix paints with a hand wafting through the space in front of her.

"Well, I mean... dinner is always a good thing." The Bard reasons, smirking again as she looks back to Slixvah at the explanation and reasoning of flight to walking. "It does sound lovely when you put it that way, but... I am a creature of boot and heel." she muses. "I don't much like horses either... they make me nauseous." this last bit said with a simple shrug.

"Nah, Eztli. I get it. I do. Doing something and being proud you did it, and it causes the piece to have special meaning. It's creativity, and purpose." The bard says with a nod, glance going back down to the grounds below. "We should do a picnic sometime. That sounds delightful."

"Yeah, I'll admit that it's not really nearly as cool as going out and flying, you know." Eztli chuckles. "Just a suggestion, is all. Not sure what carriages you're going into that are cramped though. Maybe I'm just really short."

"It's a bit more meaningful than getting it from a shop, you know? Even if I like supporting them where I can, sometimes, it's the thought that counts. I just hope the value of thought doesn't have to make up too much of it's value as a storage vessel." She snorts. "That sounds like a good idea to me though! Tell you what, if it does end up working out, we can all go out for a picnic another time, it does sound real good. What do you think, Slixvah?"

Slixvah rubs her neck, a shoulder rising. "'ey, I mean, when ya grow up on mountains and ya glide 'round ta get everywhere. It's grand. I got some mojo where we could coast 'round a lil' bit if you wanna give it a try..." she hums to Patch.

She sits back up to rest her elbows on her knees, smile cresting her eyes. "Oooh, I sure do hope that the picnic goes well. Looks like it's comin' along right good. At least it could hold up for a one time use, yeah?" she coos. "And yes. You are small. And don't have these really massive things on your back called wings, cutie," she teases.

The fortune teller all but perks up. "A picnic?" she echoes. Taking a beat to read the room, a finger scratches the side of her beak. "Yeah!" she chirps. "We can totes do that!"

Patch strikes a fist lightly into palm, nodding. "Good." seeming to be pleased that all agree with a picnic. As for Slixvah, Patch smirks. "Well, you call them massive... but I just see you, Slixvah. Bird and wing are one." her hand then mimicking that gliding motion the woman had just made earlier.

"So, Eztli! What of you? How are things of late?" Patch asks of the two-toned Sith-Makar.

"I hope so too, you know?" Eztli sighs, picking up the basket and plopping it in her lap so she can go back to working on it. "No wings, just a tail that gets in the way half the time and is good for tripping over."

"Well, that sounds good then! Just gotta find a good spot to go for that. Patch has the right of it, they are nice. And when your feathers grow back in, they'll be nice and fresh, and look even better than before, right?" Eztli grins.

"I've been doing well enough! No sewer diving of late, and less undead dealt with, so that's always a good thing. And well, I'm going out to the river with Nemori some time, so that's good!"

Slixvah stares at the sun elf for a moment, the small feathers on her face fluffing up. She points a finger to her face, does a circle around it, then simply states, "This is what happens when Egalrin blush."

She smooths it all down with the palms of her hands. "Yeah, yep, yessum. They'll be real fresh. Look right forward to it."

A heavy sigh leaves her. "Thanks gods for no more sewer diving. Feh. The smell is bad, but bein' so cramped is worse."

Patch smiles at Slixvah's blush, her eyes given a playful roll. "You're welcome. I can't go calling you a pretty bird. First off, that's reserved for Pothy.... second. Might be demeaning to you." she muses with a wink.

"I have a good idea where the undead and wights are coming from. A mad-bard raises them, and lures them with magic flute." the bard says suddenly on the topic, her smile fading. "I didn't see him myself. Truefeather did. However I heard his tune, and fought his beasts."

"Just call her pretty instead, it's fitting." Eztli chuckles, before turning her focus back to the basket weaving to ensure she didn't mess it up.

"Ah, that's nasty. If you see him, well, I won't be bothered if you put them down. That's what they deserve for raising the dead." She states bluntly. "Integrity is good for that sort of thing. The C stands for cognizant of their surroundings, after all. More importantly, glad you're all okay."

Slixvah gives a quiet laugh. A nod toward's Eztli's words. "I'll take just pretty instead," she winks back, bumping elbows with the bard.

A little sigh leaves her. "Prolly one bad actor out of a lot, multiple fronts, long marches and all that. Least ya'll have a lead on it."

She nods slowly. "Tegri's good. The C also stands for consistent. Take that as you will."

Patch . "Well, Integrity really is good people. I still need to visit his office some time." Patch muses, as she bumps Slixvah back. Much smaller and weaker, but bumped all the same. "We're on the case anyways, but I still don't like wights." she admits, laughing.

"As for pretty? It's too plain a word. Pulchritudinous is a better word. Beautiful, but more amazing." she muses to Eztli, her mirth contained as she bites on her own lower lip in thought. "Both of you are very pleasing to look at."

"Yeah, at least you know something's going on. That's the start to putting things right." Eztli nods, working on another layer on the basket. "Just if you go to his office, well, don't sign anything you don't read through in it's entirety."

"I hate the things too." The small makari shudders. "But ah, me? Well, thank you, Patch. That's real nice of you to say. I guess bards sing a lot, and know all sorts of words for things like that yeah?" She notes, rubbing one of her horns.

Slix bobs her head. "Yeah. Good folk, should totes give him a visit. Having a lawyer in your pocket is good biz. And, well, he's a loyal bird." A quiet laugh. "Yeah... I don't think anyone likes thems."

A slight glance to Eztli at the mention of wights. "Yeah. Read everything."

The egalrin snickers. "Yeah? I keep tellin' her that."

A beat to inhale, and the side of her face rests in the palm of her hand. "I think we may have a mutual appreciation," she hums. "Eztli has plans with Momo, so that just leaves you and me."

Her other hand smooths her crown feathers back. "So... you free later?"

Smooth.

"It's from reading trashy love stories.... I learn words fanciful and plain, but that one wasn't mine." Patch muses, blushing as she looks away from the two. "I sing, and play music, but I am just a student of the hymn." her cheeks flushing further. "Bards do a lot more than music... I just fancy it. A lot. Some dance, others draw. Vaire paints no singular path."

"And I don't say things to be nice... people keep thanking me, but I say things because I see them as true." Patch tries to defend, but she stops, smiling again. "Thank you, it's good you both appreciate it." winking, and standing to Slixvah's play. "And plans? The two of us? Sure. Well... after my practice, and some business." she muses, bowing. "I'll catch up with you at the Fernwood in a bit." leaving from the two, laughing.

"You have." Eztli nods, looking to work on her basket more instead, and fumbling even more for a moment before she just sighs and pauses. "I'm still going to thank you for making me feel better. Gives me a bit more confidence about things."

"Slix has the right of it, I'm going to be busy making sure that this is made and ready to go, and fretting over other things. So, you too enjoy have a good time!" Eztli grins, waving to the bard as the were leaving.

Slix quietly chuckles. "It's all good, hon. All words are borrowed, it's what language is made of. How /you/ use it though is a different story. And since you're sincere about it, it's right grand to hear."

Her eyes sparkle as Patch gets up. "I'll most certainly catch, ya later, hon~," Slix coos before giving a wave.

She holds herself for a moment before shaking herself out, ribbons rattling against themselves. Hands lightly smack her cheeks, and she's pumping fists. "Hot damn, yes, finally...!" she cheers quietly before flopping sideways on the bench and splaying out, happy. "I thinks ya got it, Ez."

"Enjoying watching her leave?" Eztli laughs, weaving a few more loops into her basket and stopping to check everything was properly fitted.

"Only a matter of time, I knew you had it in you, Slix." She adds, before she sighs. "Thanks, I hope I've got it, too. I'm still not sure what to expect. Do you think I should get something to wear? I could go see that tailor Ravenstongue mentioned, but, I'm not sure if that's too much."

Slixvah can't help but burst into laughter. "Caught me red handed!"

She pops back up to a sit, ribbons unfurling out behind her in a twirl. "Thanks, cutie. Just wanted a lil' fun is all, and now I finally can!"

She turns and stands. "Just be yourself, sugar. And sure, why not? Can just get somethin' casual, don't need fancy dresses and the like just for a lil' picnic by the river."

"Speakin' of preparin'... I should get some sleep after throwing all that mojo 'round. And figure out what I'm gonna wear too."

"I'm sure you'll have a good time, Slix." Eztli grins. "I wasn't thinking of like, a dress or something like that, not a good idea for a river anyways."

"Well, not entirely, I guess. Maybe like, some sort of sun dress? That sounds perfect, actually." The small makari hums. "Yeah, guess we'll both be busy preparing, huh? Only thing is, there's no doubt in my mind things will go great for you, Slix." Eztli notes. "Go, get some rest, I've taken enough of your time, and I need to focus to get this thing done on time."

Slixvah twists a bit, cracking her back. "Hellll yeah I am!" she snorts. "Sundress sounds dope."

She chuckles, stepping behind the mixed scale makari and patting her head. "Like I said, hon. Just be you. You'll be fine."

The hand lays atop Eztli's head as Slix points to the sky. "Oi! Don't fuck it up for my friend!"

She leans down and whispers conspiratorially, "I gotchu, boo."

Pat pat. "Later!"

The egalrin hops off the stands, and starts jogging towards Lower Alexandria.