Dinu's Duel

General Summary

As the service ended, everyone dispersed. I noticed a small delegation of the Sau had joined us. They were dressed formally, and went to meet with Jduji. I left them. There were important things to attend to. I returned to the alchemy room. The substance was as I left it, untouched and slightly bubbling. It was finished distilling, and the room had filled with fumes. I felt slightly weak. Partially from the smoke, partially from not eating... (I would really have to do that before the day ended...) I shook my head, and opened a window as I gathered myself. As the smoke cleared, I saw that Octaviu's sample wasn't bubbling... No, it seemed to be moving of its own accord. Small tendrils snaked up the flask it was housed in, only to slip back down as it reached the top. Fascinating. My mind raced. How did this happen? I never was gifted with the alchemical arts, but I know enough, I suppose. Enough to know that I had never heard of anything like this before. Perhaps each part of the creature from the portal has its own mind... I had more tests to run. If I split it in half, would it form into two seperate creatures? Does each cell contain its own mind? Minds, of course, I was getting ahead of myself. How intelligent was it, I wondered. Would it respond to the same 'psychic' stimuli that the portal did? I extended a greeting, and a question of intent, as I had the day previous. The goo hissed in response, vibrating in its glass enclosure. It felt non hostile, pleased even. It felt like a cat purring in my mind. Even more interesting...
Ah, but I had something else that needed attending. As much as I hated it, I hated the thought of someone buzzing in my mind even more. Ya'Rubu... I needed to find the razor at least. Confrontation will be easier with him backing me up. I slipped the glass flask into my book bag, swaddled in a strip of fabric borrowed from the curtains. The psychic purr quieted in my mind slightly as I secured my bag.
As I left, I saw the Sau and Jduji. The Sau glared at me. Such a rude sort. I didn't meet their gaze. They seemed to be offering apologies on the death of Master Erol. Strange, they didn't strike me as the type for social visits... "-We could not but hear about the problem with your portal..." I stopped in place. They know of the portals? "...and that will be increasing the cost of security-" Ah, that explains it. Extortion. I scowled. Jduji looked very annoyed. I made to move as if I'd forgotten something. Magically dirtied my closed inside, then ran outside "Jduji! Jduji! I'm so sorry, there was- My sample burned, but it didn't stop and-"
He followed Okay what's all that? What's the problem? They're extorting you Of course they are And you're just going to let them? Why don't you? you guys are the hero "I really don't think they like me. Nah nah, but you get your friends and then we show them the heroes of the portal
I called everyone, joined in the entry.
"Oh oh oh, look at this, see these guys? They're the hero of the portal. They're the ones that're going to protect your village from the demon assuming you don't stop em Boss walked forward, Oh, killing a demon, eh? The translator said, How did you manage that? Dinu thumbed his chest, "Jduji here is my mentor in the magical arts. When the thing had poor master errol in it's grip, he threw fireballs at it... it was quite a show. "Was it? You know, quite a lot of damage this ghost did to the village..."
I assume you it was quite real. Dinu For a ghost, it ate quite a few people... Octaviu added
But if this were just an illusion, would not the people who were killed have returned? Master Errol's death? If true, a terrible tragedy, He said solemnly, But, I don't know that this isn't just some council trick. An elaborate trick, I'll admit, but we've seen this before.

You like to spar? Dinu asked. Oh I didn't mean us, only our sons. You could never handle our fully grown warriors. He laughed. Dinu unlatched his sword and shield, I think I could take one of your adult warriors. This challenge cannot be answered without the approval of the head. Do you grant your approval? Jduji looked to Dinu. Dinu nodded. Yeah! Let's get this fight on! I cannot wait!
We led him to the courtyard, where it was somewhat clear of debris. Jduji looked like his previous tension was fading. Dinu and a shorter Sau took opposite ends of the field. The Sau drew his spear, and twirled it around in a show. He was unprepared for Dinu's quick charge. He struck him with the blunt of his sword. The Sau shouted something, and the translator (only neutral sau we know) called out, "I will not hold back!" He thrust forward, but Dinu bounced it off his shield.
The Sau were cheering. Some of our own had joined in as well. The mood had raised in the courtyard. If Dinu did not succeed, at the least this would raise morale... Not many like the Sau here.
Dinu and the Sau continued trading blows, until- "Wait wait wait, we've begun this too quickly. What do we receive if we win? He looked to Jduji, "If we win, the protection fee is doubled!" Jduji looked to me. I nodded. "Alright! I'll take that deal! And uh, if we win... I dunno, Dinu, ask for something!" Dinu glanced up, "...Make our rent half!" "Alright, done! Continue!"
Dinu and the Sau were right back at it. The fight continued, Dinu keeping the upper hand throughout. The Sau thrust forward again. Dinu bobbed to the side, and struck him with the pommel. The Sau fell to the ground, dazed. He lept back up after a moment, and got a hit in. Dinu returned the favour, and knocked him back. He took advantage of the Sau's confusion, and Dinu grappled the Sau. He asked, "Is this your best?" The Sau spit in his face, and broke free from the grapple. Dinu looked disoriented. In a moment, he snapped out of it, and I felt Davina over our connection. She was helping Dinu see. Clever. The duel continued, until The Sau bowed, and backed off. His leader looked furious. Well then, congratulations. We still must speak of the demon, but we will do so next week when we bring our shipment.
"Aw buddy that was awesome! We really needed that win. You're okay with me. How would you like to be my uh... Rianemi, what's an official sounding name? Chief of security, that's it!" "I think we have some pressing matters, unfortunately, but-" "Oh no what are you saying, "Well done," Zbedi said in a refined matter, then took Jduji back to the mages quarters. The villagers and workers swarmed Dinu. He looked very uncomfortable. I was not envious. I felt squished from even here. "Alright, now that that's settled, we have important matters to attend to!" - me He should hands and nodded and followed me to a quiet spot. The creature in the flask hissed psychically.

Report Date

08 Jul 2023