Snark and Bark

[Balmafula]

I've been wanting to throw my hat in the ring as far as reviews go for a while now. It's not like I can vote for anybody, but maybe I can provide some insight here or there, or just (hopefully) be somewhat amusing. I mostly will just make little comments on bits I like or don't like, and I'll try to add a general overview of the character at the end.

Starting off with Poko a Poko!

?I am not lost. I know my way back.? Takis?s voice broke in a way that made him sound more petulant than he had likely intended.

Poko's writer is good at making those little touches to remind us that the younger characters are still young.

?You need to get out and see more of the world,? Poko advised, shaking her head with pity.

XD Jeez, way to be a jerk to your boyfriend, Poko. It's not his fault he lives in the middle of nowhere!

"Truly honorable beasts often make great sacrifices to benefit those they care about most.

It is odd that a beast who never learned to read or write is this articulate. Granted I'm glad you didn't go the opposite direction and have the ermines all speak in stilted primitive tribe talk. "ME TAKIS YOU POKO!"

As they stood, holding paws, they both tried to ignore the fact that everyone was looking at them, even though they were pretending not to.

They also pretended not to hear the chants of "Takis and Poko sitting in a tree!"

?I was thinkin? of havin? a smoke?? She jerked her head toward a gray rock outcrop and left the unsaid question hanging. Nyika blinked rapidly then smiled shyly and followed the ferret over to the outcrop.

Haha, I love this so much. Poko's forgiveness of Nyika has been handled really well. It just makes me happy to see them starting to accept one another.

The wildcat was looking back toward the campfire where a certain tattooed otter was making his way toward them, holding a torch.

Let me guess, it was Zevka wasn't it?!!

"When you dirty the essence of the Mother in your body, it is not only your business. It is equivalent to a grave insult against the essential goodness of the world."

And then Istvan went on to become Surgeon General of Carrigul.

?If you thought you had all the answers and knew with certainty what right and wrong were, you might be a little pushy and inflexible too. Gray is hard to deal with when your world is black and white.?

Actually, gray is pretty easy to relate to black and white, being in the center of them and all. It's salmon plaid that's REALLY hard to deal with.

?At least back at the ruins I could run around and do whatever I wanted.? The ferret sighed again. ?I wish I could have just stayed.?

I would make some snarky comment about "yeah, as long as do whatever you want means go to your choice of: the ruins, the hot springs, the geysers, the forest, the poisoned tunnels or the abandoned village." But then she thinks about that as well.

Suddenly she realized she had been holding the pipe for a very long time, and passed if off to Nyika with a muttered apology. She was not used to sharing.

Nice bit of character.

Nyika took off at a run and soon Poko could hear her shouting at the big otter, who merely stood and replied in his usual somber, matter-of-fact way. She realized that she did, in fact, like Istvan, despite his abrasive nature. She only wished he cared as much about her as he did Nyika?s ?purity.?

I love the dynamic Nyika and Istvan have. It's nice to see Poko's opinion of Istvan, too.

By the time she approached the space where Zevka sat it was apparent that she was awake, yet still listlessly groggy. Her words ran together and her eyes were unfocused. Vanessa was helping her drink water from a flask and it dribbled a little down her chin before she turned and threw up. Poko decided it was a bad time and changed direction toward the captain.

Thank you, Poko.

The owl turned his head from looking out across the valley until his great amber eyes rested on the young ferret with a smile.

When owl eyes are smiling, why it's like a morn' in spring~

?I?m good.? She replied, then reconsidered the phrase in light of Istvan?s recent accusation. ?Or at least, I?m alright. How ?bout you??

*snickers*

Poko nodded sympathetically. The ermine mask had fit over Noonahootin?s beak with some adjustments, but his eyes had to be covered with a blindfold to protect them. He had not only been cramped in a narrow tunnel for hours, but also blind. Poko could tell by the way he held his foot also that it ached from all the walking over uneven ground.

Huh, I didn't even think about that, but it makes sense the masks wouldn't fit him. Nice touch there.

Poko shook her head. ?No, they don?t really like Yew there. I mean?Yew the city. Not you personally.? She smirked at the unintentional play on words.

Tch! I'm actually surprised nobody made this joke earlier though. Risk-ghost oughta be kicking himself.

?A disguise,? she shrugged simply. ?I?m pretty good with disguises. Sometimes, in our line of work, it was important to be able to disappear in a crowd. Or hide in plain sight.? She smiled, remembering some of her favorite identity swaps and the chumps that fell for them.

Yes! Love the throwback to her actual profession as well as actually making her performance skills relevant to the situation at paw.

The owl seemed affronted at the implication. ?Whoo-what? Why of course! I was nominated the highest thespian award at the Golden Oak Pavilion in my youth, you know! Accents are easy. Hurrumph.

Poko: Okay, be Vanessa.
Noonahootin: ACH MAH BLOODY ARM
Vannessa: *comes over and smacks him*

I do love Noon's fake accent XD Noonahootin von Karma! Or he's a pure owl.

One thing though that kind of bugs me... So they don't want anybody to recognize Noonahootin, but it's not like Noonahootin is the only long-eared owl. If it's the fact that he's part of the Yew Guard, then just removing his guard uniform should suffice. Yeah he's going to look different in subtle ways than others of his species, but considering how little the cast seem to know about birds and owls, unless there's somebody in Carrigul who knows him, I doubt anybody would look at him and instantly recognize him.

Overall this was a nice post. I'm super relieved that Takis didn't decide to join them. And it makes sense that he wouldn't, either. The scene where they part ways is very sweet and sad and now Poko needs to live so they can get back together again. They will always have acorns.

I love the little subtle changes coming over Poko's personality. She's starting to really think about her actions and the consequences that come with them. Realizing that she was selfish about wanting to be with Takis, that she isn't used to sharing her things, and that she wants a life of freedom - all really nice bits of character. This is what I really like to see; everybody starting to come into their own and the group just getting closer. They really are one big disjointed family.

[Poko]

Balma, you make me laugh. :D thanks for this! Can't wait to see how you do the others' too!

[Balmafula]

Time for Vanessa!

Once I had a love, and it was a deal
Soon turned out had a heart of steel~

... Sorry, I think of that every time I see that post title. Onward!

Nessa smiled again, a bit more warmly and her good arm came out to wrap around Zevka?s shoulder.

?Ah know, Zevka. Ah know.?

This is very sweet, but it brings to mind something that bothered me a lot about Vanessa last week. For almost the whole week she was being very unnecessarily birchy toward her. I get that she was really upset with her for what she did, but at the same time... she saw how distraught and upset Zevka was. And Zevka apologized for it; what else did she want from her? But even more perplexing was the sudden change in Vanessa not wanting anything to do with Zevka in Istvan's post to having her care so much about her that she's willing to sacrifice her livelihood for her. Where did that come from? When did she forgive in her mind? Or did she just not want to have somebeast die on her account?

I guess one thing that made it seem more sudden is that all of Vanessa's hostility toward Zevka is only witnessed in the third person through other characters, so we don't really see what she's thinking. But even if she was holding it back, she was being unreasonably harsh. And now she just forgives Zevka again. Maybe she realizes that she likes Zevka too much to stay mad, or she might be just too tired to bother.

?Zevka, please, leave me alone.?

?No, I won?t leave you alone. Nessa, you?re not you anymore! Just talk to me; stop blocking us out!?

Gee, I wonder why THAT is, Zevka. It's not like she just lost an arm. Because of YOU.



Well, damn. There's not really a lot for me to say. This post is really short, which is actually not that bad when you compare it to everybody else's posts this week *glares pointedly at Nyika's 8k+ mini novella*

Okay, I lied. I was concerned about how Vanessa would act in the aftermath of her sacrifice. I think it was done very well. She's not immediately back to normal. She doesn't rush up to Zevka and say how happy she is that she's safe. She made a snap decision and it's catching up to her and she just crashes. I like that she shows a jealousy of Zevka and her intellect. But just as well, I like that it's Zevka who knocks her out of her funk. I love the way their personalities bounce off each other. I didn't quite believe Vanessa had forgiven Zevka at the start of the post, but by the end I was convinced that this is a true friendship that can't be broken.

The fight scene is really cute by the way. The whole end of the post can just be summed up with: d'awwww! :3

So, yeah. It's short but sweet. I guess this is the end for Vanessa, but I'm glad that she didn't die. And I'm also glad she didn't just vanish in this one post, even if she's 'gone' from the story. I don't think I've ever seen that happen before.

[Nyika]

This post is really short, which is actually not that bad when you compare it to everybody else's posts this week *glares pointedly at Nyika's 8k+ mini novella*

I'M SORRY IT'S NOT MY FAULT. I blame everyone around me, because, umm ... there were a lot of scenes involved.

=( ^. .^)=

[Balmafula]

It's okay, Nyika. Everybody does long posts these days, you were just an easy target. I still love you!

[Balmafula]

Root'n Toot'n Noonahootin!

?Leave him alone, mum,? Nyika groggily chimed in, her eyes still closed as she rested with her good arm behind her head.

Haha, Zevka really HAS taken up the role of 'team mom,' always fussing around with everybody.

Nyika's brow furrowed for a split second before her face returned to normal. A thought had clearly passed her mind.

Nyika: (damn, I would kill for a blueberry pie right about now.)

?Good lass!? the owl cheerfully said, and then flipped his fish into the air and caught it in his beak. He tilted his head back, his spine straightening, and with a few quick twitches of his throat muscles, the fish slid down and was never seen again.

Noonahootin is very good at conveying those little owl/bird mannerisms. It's part of what makes him so fun.

?It's so strange that birds don't have teeth,? Nyika mused.

?If we did, we'd never stop smiling,? Noonahootin hooted, and together they shared a laugh.

Awww :3 See, Nyika can be cute and funny just as much as any other beast. This post is really good about that, in general.

The ground-walkers would only have a couple hours longer to walk before they reached the massive city wall that seemed to rise up out of the snowbanks that smothered its foundations.

This is super nitpicky, but the use of 'ground-walker' seems kind of odd to me. It makes sense - bird characters use at least something like that a lot, but has Noonahootin ever used it before?

No surrender, the owl told himself. No surrender. We finish this, for everyone we've lost. Miss Gashrock, Captain Flax, the ermine, the snowy owls...I'll figure this out. I'll make it right.

Owch. I can understand why you wouldn't include Goragula, but come on, man... even if you didn't like him, Risk did a lot to help the group and at least deserves a mention.

?Yes, sweetheart!? Noonahootin glided down from his perch, landing and smiling at his favourite strategist. ?How may I be of assistance??

Noonahootin is SUCH a sweetie.

Nyika's whiskers bounced as she smiled. ?I'm particularly good at being curious.?

?Haha! Because you're a cat,? Poko observed, smiling widely.

That's racist :(

?It's not that, Poko. I'm very anxious to find Mekad,? the pine marten answered more gently.

Wait a minute... she wants to find Mekad?!

?Oh, please, Miss Blackbriar,? Noonahootin pleaded childishly, stamping his feet on the ground and prancing from toe to toe. ?Oh please, please, please, please, please!? At one point, his head had begun to turn, and Zevka looked horrified when the owl's face was upside-down on his body. He blinked up at her, and asked once more with a quiet hoot. ?Please??

XDD I demand this become a picture. Oh, Vizon~ *wibbly eyes*

As Noonahootin watched the maids run off, he kept close attention on Nyika. Doubt clouded his mind as to whether or not she'd truly be alright. Would the young molly find a knife in Carrigul and cut herself again, or would Poko keep an eye on her?

Ooh, I love that Noonahootin calls Nyika a molly. The overuse of 'jill' is a pet peeve of mine. Not all female mustelids are jills anyway, but if you're going to go that route to begin with, you should do the same for the non-mustelid characters, too.

Zevka tapped a footpaw impatiently on the ground. ?I still don't understand what's going on. Why are those two so out of breath and...sweaty?

Looks like Poko and Nyika haven't just been making up... THEY'VE BEEN MAKING OUT, TOO

?You lied to us!? Zevka shrieked, and smacked a paw right across Noonahootin's face. The owl blinked, not sure if his face was stinging from the cold or Zevka's wicked southpaw. ?You lied to us and let them go into Carrigul by themselves! HOW COULD YOU DO THAT?! They're just children!?

Three things come to mind right away:

1. Zevka's Wicked Southpaw needs to be a band.
2. Why has Zevka been so freakishly uptight, lately? Is it just because she's worried about Poko and Nyika because of their age? In that case...
3. Poko and Nyika really aren't children. This is also something that's been bothering me. Poko has a lot of street smarts; she and her family had to survive by trickery and all that. Nyika is an older teenager. She's been living on her own and, while maybe not doing exceedingly well, can survive just fine. They can both take care of themselves. Just leave them alone, Zevka, stop being such a fussy mother hen... marten.

?We weren't alone, we had each other,? Poko argued, her brow furrowing. ?And we're not children.?

I'M SAYIN'!!

Istvan blinked up, disturbed from his most contemplative of stares. ?Yes. It fits you. Good colour.?

XD Bad Istvan! Heh, at this point he could be paired up with everybody.

?Where did you get it?? Nyika asked sadly, a very alarmed look crossing over her face.

Sadly alarmed? Interesting concept.

The word came out like bitter poison, sliding off his tongue and greasing up his mouth so that speaking became difficult.

Nice.

He probably had a paw in your father's death, Corporal. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, if I had just stayed back instead of flying ahead that day, I could have helped...could have at least died with some honour, trying to save him.?

Why would he add that? Honestly, what good does that do other than pour excess salt in the wound?

?I'm cold,? she muttered bitterly, rubbing her paws together. ?I'm so sick of being cold. My tail is cold. My nose is cold. My toes are cold. Well, what's left of them!?

?Oh, Poko...?

Excited from receiving a response, Poko sat up straight and clapped her paws together. ?It's alright! Less is more!?

?No, no, that's not right.? Noonahootin raised his chin, looking up at Poko with large doe eyes.

?There you are,? Poko cooed, and smiled sweetly at him. She gave his head a gentle pat, resting her fingers between his head feathers. ?It's alright, Noony. No one's mad at you any more. They're worried and want you to come back.?

XD Poko and Noonahootin are just so cute.

His ear feathers quickly tucked down onto his skull. ?Oh my.?

XDD

?Owls are strange.?

XD This should be the subtitle for all of Noonahootin's posts.
Also, I'm glad that Noonahootin was able to explain that those tufts aren't really his ears.

She greased his feathers up heavily around his eyes until the sun glancing off the snow no longer forced him to squint.

The goth look is totally in this season in Carrigul.

She reached into the sack again and withdrew a pair of sheers, snipping them together twice with glee. ?For your trim!?

Nitpicky, but she just said that exact same line just a few paragraphs earlier.

Now that I find myself a spy, I need a new name, something...something foreign. Something fierce, that no one will question.?

MANFRED VON KARMA!!!

?Impressive,? Noonahootin hooted, nodding his head. He liked that name. ?Duke von Metzger. Ja. I am Duke von Metzger. Mein first name?? He paused, then with a flourish spread his wings and bowed low. ?Duke Sigurd von Metzger.?

Awwww :( Well, that other name is pretty cool too, I guess.

?I...I'm not going to say I'm not mad. I am. I'm furious with you today. Absolutely furious. I think my brain might just explode out of my nose, I'm so mad.?

This is really irritating me. Why in the world is Zevka mad at Noonahootin anyway? Why would ANY of them be? He's so terrified that they're all going to hate him, but... why? He did not make this decision jointly with Aster. He says he should have saved them, but there was no way he could know. He didn't tell the group right away when he found the feather, but really, what would it have accomplished if he HAD told them? Nothing. It's too late for them to do anything about it at this point.

Also, the only people who should be upset by this are the Guard characters. Of all the characters to be this upset, why Zevka? Zevka has absolutely NO connection with the guard WHATSOEVER. Why the heck would she care this much about the betrayal of an entity she doesn't even know? You could say "well, the whole reason she's in this position is because of said betrayal." Fine, then. Be mad at Aster, not Noonahootin. He didn't do anything wrong. If Noonahootin had known about the feather and Aster right from the start and had been keeping it with him since week 1, then yes, maybe they'd have the right to be a little miffed. But he literally just found it and put the pieces together himself. What do they want from him? I just... don't get it.

And because of that we had to waste time in this post because Noona went off by himself and pouted for no reason. I liked that he got some time with Poko, but that could have happened anyway without all that drama.

As they caught up with their companions and the intimidating gates of Carrigul rose up before them, a heat filled him once again. It wasn't the fire of hate, or betrayal, or shame, but rather the warm glow he had felt whenever he thought of his beloved children.

Awww! What a great ending. Noonahootin's last ending was really nice too.


So, here's the deal. I love Noonahootin. As a character, he is so full of life and I love his little quirks and idiosyncrasies. I love how consistently true to his species he is. I like how he interacts with the others. His posts are (mostly) enjoyable to read. But that Aster-feather freakout didn't need to happen. Or rather it didn't need to happen in the way it did. It should have just been something like:

Noonahootin: Okay, well, I didn't want to mention it before... but Aster betrayed us all.
Everybody: *shock*
Noonahootin: I know how devastating this is, but it's happened. We can only move forward. We need to find out more...

The twist was finally revealed, which was good! But it would have been nicer if they had done something about it or at least made a plan instead of just having Noonahootin brood about it. I don't mind introspection - it really is such a big deal to Noonahootin, after all - but I just think it could have been handled differently.

Everything else about the post was solid, though. Noonahootin is just such a cutie. Noona-CUTE-in! ...okay, maybe not.

[Noonahootin]

Noona?s used ?earth walkers? before, so it?s not a complete stretch. Just another bird thing ; ) And Noona-cute-in is adorable! Haha!

[Nyika]

I'm so glad you caught the molly thing! That was something I had wanted to call Nyika for a long time but I don't know why I never did. I always stuck to "the wildcat" or "the seer". Noon has a great way of taking my greatest desires and putting them in his own posts and I want to take a moment to recognize that. It's hard to take odd suggestions from other writers but Noon does it with ease and a smile.

=^.^=

[Vizon]

?Oh, please, Miss Blackbriar,? Noonahootin pleaded childishly, stamping his feet on the ground and prancing from toe to toe. ?Oh please, please, please, please, please!? At one point, his head had begun to turn, and Zevka looked horrified when the owl's face was upside-down on his body. He blinked up at her, and asked once more with a quiet hoot. ?Please??

XDD I demand this become a picture. Oh, Vizon~ *wibbly eyes*

[TNT]

Aww, Nooners! <3

[Noonahootin]

I am just...oh my, my, my...I'm flattered and laughing and HARUMPH!

[Balmafula]

XDD Oh man, you just made my morning, Vizon. Thank you! :D

[Balmafula]

Istvaaaaaan

It was a plain scarf, a few shades darker red than the color of blood. It rather suited the pine marten, and Istvan said so.

Haha, I like how the first red thing to come to mind was blood, of course.

Interested by the debate, Istvan turned directly at the rat for the first time, and when their eyes met a curious change came over the seller's face. His eyes widened, he shrank back, and he even bowed his head slightly.

"Oh, my apologies, sir! I didn't realize who you were. Please, I would be honored if you would purchase it for three coins."

Wow, I wasn't kidding when I said that EVERYBODY in the story could be paired with Istvan. Even the random NPC merchants want him!

"You're as bad as a mother hen."

Look who's talking, Zevka.

She gave him a queer look. ?Really? Well, try tellin? that to them up there on the platform.?

Queer eye for the straight otter.

The otter felt as if he had been slapped across the face. No, worse than that. The sensation reminded him of when he had taken a cobblestone to the helmet while on riot duty, of the world shrinking to a tiny ringing vortex of pain and confusion.

Excellent description and callback.

He almost thought, almost expected that she would tell him not to bother, but Zevka only nodded and strode away through the thinning gaggle of vermin.

Silly beasties, thinking your friends are going to reject you for no reason because of somebody ELSE doing evil things.

Apparently his lurking had attracted the attention of the wildcat shopkeeper, who approaching him with crossbow raised.

Oops. (I'm such a jerk  :evil:)

Yes, that was good. White, for her purity. To save a fallen faith, he would use a beacon of light.

This is so cute I just don't even know.

When he exited the shop shortly afterward, several coins lighter and one jar heavier, he barely made it half a block before he was accosted by a familiar short figure in a long coat.

Let me guess, it was Zevka wasn't it?!

?Next time,? he said when they arrived at the inn bearing the sign ?The Orange Weasel?, ?I am choosing the sleeping arrangements.?

Orange you glad it wasn't the banana weasel?

The ferretmaid punched him in the arm. ?Don?t be so picky. They?ve got beds and food. What more do ya want??

?A door would probably be a start.?

XD pfft

?They?re holding Mekad somewhere here,? added Zevka, ?and I am not leaving until he?s free.?

Gotta have the obligatory Mekad reminder.

?Somebeast here ordered thaise ermine tae kill mai faither. Ah intend to faind out exactly who, and give them what they daiserve.?

Oh, oh! Wouldn't it be great if it turned out to be Mekad all along?

?It would probably be wise to switch inns every night,? put in Istvan. Poko stuck out her tongue at him.

XD

?Tell the others that I have an important duty to attend to,? he said to the wildcat as he rose from his chair.

?Where are you going?? she asked.

Istvan: ... Have you seen a washroom hereabouts? I have much to do. So much.

Istvan sighed. On the one paw, he strongly disapproved of exposing the Divine Voice of the Voiceless to any risk whatsoever.

But she's known Risk for a while now...

?I suppose a drink would be too much to ask for, then. I?m parched.?

She shrank from his glare. ?Joking.?

WERE YOU?!

Within a few seconds the whole scene dissolved into a senseless orgy of violence.

As opposed to those tasteful and poignant orgies of violence.

Istvan realized that he wasn?t going to be getting any useful information here, and backed quickly out of the room.

XD Jeez, good job Istvan. Way to run away from the bar brawl that you caused!

?Well, that could have gone better,? he said to Nyika as the pair walked down the street in search of another pattern.

I thought Gashrock was the only one who would have cared to look for patterns at a time like this...

?You think?? She cocked her head. ?Risk?s impressed. Says that even he?s never managed to start a barfight that fast.?

Tch, silly Risk.

?Not a feat I am proud of, I assure you. At least the blood of many sinners shall surely be spilled, though I would have expected them to be more respectful.?

...but if the bar brawl is in itself a sin, caused by drinking which is another sin, wouldn't the spilling of blood be even more sinful? It's a sin within a sin within a sin for extra sin..ness.

?True, but I do not anticipate spending days wandering the wilderness with these beasts. In any case, Zevka is? special.?

;)
Ah, too bad that she's already got Vanessa.

She threw her good paw up in the air.

Huh, I didn't think Nyika had hurt her paw that badly.

Istvan?s face cycled through a range of emotions before finally settling on ?distressed.?

XD awww.

fought against the owl, who found me alone in that temple

I get what she's saying here, but because of the slight inconsistencies it almost sounds like the owl found her in the temple and not Istvan.

The otter blinked back tears, embraced the wildcat, and then stood up straight. ?Nyika? you?re right. You?re so very right, and I?m sorry. But I have my duty, just as you have yours. I cannot and will not cast aside everything that I am so easily? However, nor will I let this group down. There are many forms of priesthood besides the one that we saw in the square this morning, and perhaps it would be good to remind these beasts of that.?

This is my counter-argument to anybody who still thinks Istvan is crazy. Istvan is a very rational creature. His religion is a big part of who he is, so it is difficult for him to just toss it aside. But he is beginning to realize that his own personal potential goes beyond his religion. He is also able to concede that somebeast other than himself is right about something. He very much cares for Nyika and his friends, something else to believe in other than his beliefs. It's a slow change, but he's coming into his own.  And if he does not agree, he is willing to at least somewhat meet halfway.

?Thank you, you?ve been immensely helpful. Here, accept your meal on my compliments.? He withdrew a few coins from his bag and slid them to the stoat before standing up. ?Though I would warn you against the consumption of any alcohol. Such things poison the living essence of the All-Mother within you.?

"And take care to go easy on the cholesterol. Those artery-clogging sins have brought many a beast to their doom."

?So, that?s how you get to the Rusty Bucket? Thank you very much, and here?s something for your trouble.?

*splutters* Nooo, not the Rusty Bucket! Whatever you do, don't go to the engine room!!

The pair started on their way back to The Orange Ferret, walking through the dusky streets looking for all the world like a kit and her overlarge shadow. Presently, Istvan?s curiosity led him to ask, ?What exactly were you conversing with those beasts about? I hope you?re not putting yourself in any danger.?

D'awww. Also, when is Nyika ever NOT putting herself in danger?

?Be that as it may, I will always stand beside you.?

?When you say that, I can almost believe it? Thank you.?

*wibbles*

This was his mission, and the Mother had given him the tool to accomplish it. The Mistress of Spirits? but she was not a tool, was she? Not like him. Would he trade her for the belief of every beast in Carrigul? No, he supposed not.

Some things were more important.

.....
Istvan used adorable ending!
It was super effective!




So yeah. Love this post, haha. Not too much else to say, sorry. Before now I had kind of thought that the whole All-Mother religion was much smaller and less widely followed, but I guess not. Istvan is in a very good position to be a mover and shaker in Carrigul... well, until he has this talk with Tikora. That can only end well.

[Balmafula]

Unya nya Nyika~

After the ordeals of the wilderness and having a proper bed to sleep in, it was not long before everybeast was asleep, save one.

Zevka?!

Nyika lay with eyes wide open, the contents of Goragula's letter she had filched from Noonahootin's discarded uniform burning a hole in her eyes.

It fill Nyika with strength, when she felt she had so little.

Oops.

A tear slid down the wildcat's muzzle before she could brush it away with a hasty paw. Unstable as she was, who would ever want her?

Jeez, Nyika, did you even read Istvan's last post?

It was clear who had betrayed them all, but still the question of why was unanswered.

Because Aster's just kind of a jerk.

The otter priest was there in the hallway sitting with his back against the wall, playing with the blade of his knife as he drew imaginary lines on his arm.

In the days before the 3DS...

Nyika found herself skipping a breath as pain blossomed in her chest. Her heart ached for him.

Awwww! ;~;

Nyika's whiskers drooped. His words hit too close to the heart. "But you would have never met me," she tried, realizing the hypocrisy of her words even as she spoke them. She had been cruel to him, and yet he still held so much devotion. What right did she have to offer sympathy? "Your Mistress of Spirits, aye? What would have become of me?"

Haha, Nyika is so selfish sometimes.

Together, they left the tavern. The streets were mostly empty of live beasts, though the dead still roamed in droves. Nyika was prepared, however, keeping her head alert and her tail slim as she wandered about the cobblestones, eyeing which ones she could walk through and which ones she had to sidestep to avoid. She was not perfect, however, and through Istvan's eyes he could see the way she occasionally hopped to one side or collided with a beast who hadn't been paying attention. Every once in a while she would stop and ask directions, though it was just as often for a beast to respond as there was not.

I love the way Nyika writes about ghosts and spirits as ever-present and ordinary. 

He was watching her, and her hackles raised when she considered his blind trust. He had not once stopped to question their direction or if Nyika knew what she was doing. The wildcat wasn't sure how she would respond if asked. Still, it was something to command a beast with such undying devotion, and it unsettled her nerves to know Istvan held her in such high regard.

So manipulative. Nyika really is one to watch for, more than the others would realize. Poko came the closest. I love that side of her.

Dealings with seers and apothecaries were probably blasphemies to the Mother, who cared for all beasts and held them in her protective bosom.

Considering how Istvan feels about Nyika, I think its clear that seers by nature AREN'T considered blasphemous. But I see what you mean; there's a distinction in what kind of seer we're talking about.

It was pitch black inside and Nyika stumbled, grunting as she collided with unseen objects as she felt her way around the shop.

This reads kind of awkwardly. One 'as' too many, I'd say. "It was pitch black inside. Nyika felt her way around the shop, stumbling and grunting as she collided with unseen objects."

Held in terror and allowing her tail to double in size, Nyika waited for the wailing to cease before she spoke.

Nyika is so polite, always allowing her tail to properly emote. 

The vixen frowned, cocking her head as she considered the wildcat before her. "Were you not scared?" She sounded disappointed.

XD awwww

The vixen's grin widened, displaying a mouth of missing teeth and rotted gums.

Looks like the spirit world is in need of a good dentist.

"Perceptive." The vixen sounded pleased. "I let them come and go as they please. They do not bother me."

Are they easy to please, if you please?

Rising from her seat, Nyika made her way over to them, her paw rummaging for the tincture she needed. Her muzzle adopted a frown.

She got it from the local shelter. She named it Joe.

"These aren't labeled," she whined.

I like the little bits here and there that show she's still a moody teenager.

"Wait here," she whispered to Istvan. "If trouble happens, make the sound of a crow."

Istvan frowned. "I can't do that," he whispered back.

Nyika pouted. "Then?" She paused to think. "Do nothing."

Thanks, Nyika. Thanks.

The last thing she heard was Risk telling "Inkface" that he had found a brothel he might be interested in before she slipped through the window, keeping her bag of tinctures close.

Oh, Risk XD

She never knew if the friar saw her, leaping down into Istvan's waiting arms the moment she had climbed out the window. Motioning him and Risk to follow, she darted further into the alleys where they sat and hunkered down for a spell.

Get it? Spell! 'CAUSE SHE'S A MYSTIC!

Do you realize," she said, looking back at him, "the dead never rest?"

...Except for the ones who do. Haven't we seen a few spirits pass on already?

Nyika bared her teeth in a false smile. "Aren't you going to order me a drink?"

Love this line.

"So tell me what happened," Ruark said, adopting a conversational tone. "I'm always up for a tale. Was always jealous of ol' Goragula's."

"Goragula didn't have a tail. He was a toad, remember?"

"Aye." Ruark nodded, playing with his glass. "That he was. How did he croak, iffen ye pardon the expression?"

XD Nice dialogue. To be honest, the whole exchange between Nyika and Ruark was entertaining.

"Moles, and an owl."

I've read this post through twice now, and both times I keep seeing that as "Moles, an owt." Dammit, Gashrock!

There was noise coming from the common area?wailing, and screaming. Through the door, Nyika could vaguely hear the sound of a multitude of beasts retching. What was going on out there? They should all be getting drowsy from the tinctures she had poured in their drinks.

Istvan's preaching can't be THAT bad...

It was too late, now. She answered his question by splashing the rest of the spirit in his face, glass and all. Ruark recoiled, sputtering, and with a surge of strength born of desperation Nyika upended the table, throwing it against the old rat and pinning him beneath it. There was not much of a struggle as the keen edge of Risk's blade came to rest against the sagging skin of Ruark's throat.

Well well... looks like the, ah, tables have turned? :D

"The Yew Guard," Nyika said, panting with fear and exertion. She pressed the blade harder against his throat. She had to know. "What's their involvement?"

I like how Nyika is still fearful even when she's being a total badtail. It keeps her grounded.

"So there's war involved," she murmured, wondering the reasoning behind it.

We've been over this before. Aster's just kind of a jerk!

"No," Risk said. "Your own."

Nyika paused, then moved the knife to his right forearm and began dragging the blade to the shoulder, then diagonally down his chest, and then up his neck to his ear. Ruark moaned in pain, but Nyika did not stop. Blood was everywhere.

Out of the night, when the full moon is bright
Comes the wildcat known as Nyika
The bold renegade carves an N with her blade
The N that stands for Nyika!

Seriously though, props for being both awesome and creepy at the same time.

"You told me you wanted enough to put an entire tavern to sleep. I did not have that much Valerian, so I gave you the next best thing."

"I'm a haunt," the vixen said simply. "It's in my nature. You of all beasts should know that."

*snrk* A spirit that's a trickster! Nice!

Through the corner of her eye she could see Risk retaliating, fighting back as he tried to reach her side but there were too many. He was overwhelmed, held back as the rest continued to attack her.

I like that Risk is always interacting with the other haunts.

Istvan sat back down. "With what?" Through it all, his voice was still calm and comforting. A rock for which Nyika could stand on.

It really is amazing how calm and understanding Istvan is, even after hearing all this and even without being able to see the ghosts. That's love.

Nyika traced the line Istvan cut on her arm with a claw, but even now she could not remember where it was. "I didn't know?"

"But do you now?"

She nodded.

"Good," Istvan said, passing her back Risk's knife. The wildcat took it, cocking her head at the unexpected action.

This whole scene is brilliant. I'll probably talk about it more later.

"Let us go," he said. "I could not remember where this place was, and it took me longer than I had hoped to find you. If we return to the tavern, we still might be able to get a few hours of rest before dawn. Then we shall tell the others."

So much has gone on, I almost forgot it was still the same night >_>

They all watched as he drew a knew cut along many, all watched as the blood pooled to the surface and drip harmlessly on the floor.

Oops.

There was nothing she could do. Rising, Nyika took Istvan's paw and left the shop, Risk trailing behind them.

"Let's go back," the wildcat said, a sad expression on her face with whiskers low and ears pinned back. Nyika could hear the vixen's cries as she mourned for her lost companions.

Wow... Taking a vile character and then making me feel terrible for her... ;~; Well done. Except now you made me sad. Gee, thanks.

"Aye," Nyika said, removing her hood and sitting on the bed. "I will be your Mistress of Spirits."

She just hoped Poko wouldn't start calling her "Inkface."

XD So cute. I wonder how tattooing actually works here? I can't imagine it being very pleasant... but at least it will look awesome :D



Phew. I know I teased Nyika before about length, but honestly, there are just so many good things going on this post that I really can't hold it against her.

What can I say about Nyika? She is possibly the most well-rounded character in the entire group.  She is mature beyond her years and yet still whines and throws tantrums and demands fairness in the world. She is constantly involved in power struggles and games of cat-and-mouse with other characters, sometimes demure, innocent and vulnerable and at other times cunning, manipulative, and downright vicious. Nyika is one dangerous beast, let's just say that much. This post proved that she is fully capable of tangling with powerful beasts and coming out on top. Nice. A far cry from the helpless kitten she used to be.

But she is compassionate, too. From the very start we've seen that Nyika wants to help others. She helps the living and the dead move on, and if she could, she would have helped the spirits at the mountain pass find peace. She is the only creature who would think to have a conversation with an angry wraith. Even the vixen, who tricked her and caused the deaths of countless creatures, garners her sympathy and she wants to go back and help her. And even though she uses Istvan and can be very self-centered, she really does care very deeply for him. She wants to be by his side. They are SO very cute together I can't even say.

I also liked the echo when it comes to blind trust between the two of them. They are connected, spiritually and now visually through their tattoos.

Nyika has walked a very dangerous tightrope throughout this competition and I would like to applaud her on how very brave she is for staying true to her character throughout it all. Some people might not like the darker side of her character, but one should not fear the dark. The sacrifice sub-plot was an especially risky move, but the payoff - the scene with Nyika and Istvan in the shop - was amazing. Nyika has learned now, and she can only get better from here. This post was fantastic. I really hope Nyika lives... I have become personally invested in her story by now.

[Balmafula]

Zevka is Zevkaka, mew.

"And Nyika? I'm very, very proud to know you. You were amazingly brave last night. Are you alright?"

Nyika laughed bitterly. "No, I'm not alright. I...left a bad impression of myself last night--"

Zevka leaned forward. "And by 'bad impression,' you mean that you now have a bunch of cutthroats trying to kill you."

Nyika: Nah. I AM regretting asking to have "The All Mother Rocks" tattooed on my face now, though...

Zevka sighed, her head filling with arguments against Nyika running off on her own. There was no mistaking the young wildcat's determination.

She might be going off to get an All-Mother tramp stamp next!

"All these rooftops are calling my name!" Poko chirped, bringing Zevka back to reality. "I had so much fun running across them the last time we were here! There are places where you can spend all day without ever touching the ground -- you just hop from roof to roof, and watch all the other beasts below you.

Welp, looks like Poko was either a squirrel or Super Meat Boy in a past life.

"Maybe you should finally get a decent meal in you, now that we're in civilization again!" Zevka pointed at a tavern whose sign identified it as the Green Campfire.

Aw, after the Rusty Bucket I was hoping they'd find the Click Clock Wood.

However, the marteness paused for a moment as her eyes noted a rather disreputable-looking stoat manning a street stall that was lodged in an alleyway. The sign over the stall read 'Speshiality Foodstufs.'

XD I'd go there.

"I think you can. I have a friend with...dietary needs. You know, the sort of beast who isn't always happy with just woodpigeon and fish...an adventurous palate, if you know what I mean."

"Okay, One Baconator coming right up."

I knew a bloke who got the stuffing beaten out of him over it in Yew. Wouldn't you know, broad daylight on a crowded street, but nobeast saw or heard anything. Bloody Yew Guards."

"I wish they'd all just die in a landslide!"

The stoat rolled his eyes. "Alright, settle down, Miss. What do you want? I can get you some decent rat for--"

"No rat!" Zevka snapped angrily, an image of Gashrock bursting into her head.

"Or mouse or shrew!" the stoat said quickly, paws raised. "We might even have some mole, if I remember correctly. Or if you're really willing to shell out the money..."

"...we have a nice fresh wildcat :D"

A short while later, Zevka was comfortably seated at a table with Istvan and Poko, who had both waited for her to order anything.

This reads awkwardly. "Zevka was comfortably seated at a table with Istvan and Poko, who had both waited for her before ordering."

"The Mother has given her so much strength...even without a paw, I don't doubt that she could win a fight against such decadent beasts," the otter said.  "It is good to see that you two have reconciled. Our group is too small to be divided."

"I'm glad you made up, too!" Poko chimed in.

"Not as glad as me," Zevka replied.

D'awww

CRASH!

LET'S DO IT!

The reaction from the three beasts was instinctive and instantaneous. Zevka and Istvan leaped up, paws seeking the hilts of their weapons, as Poko pulled out her crossbow. It was only after they had already done these things that they realized two things: somebeast had accidentally knocked a glass bottle off of a high shelf, and everybeast else in the tavern was staring at Zevka, Poko and Istvan, who were the only ones to have reacted that way.

That's just what happens whenever somebeast leaves a tip.

"So...does anybeast else think that we're all still wound too tight?" Poko finally asked.

"Yes, I think we are, Poko," Istvan replied.

Zevka found herself laughing nervously. "None of us is ever really going to be normal again, are we?"

XD Were any of you normal to begin with?

Istvan, can you make sure some of this gets back to Nessa? I want to make sure she doesn't pass out from hunger or anything."

"I certainly shall."

"Thanks, Istvan."

"Oh!" Zevka paused on her way out. She reached into her pouch and gave Istvan more coins. "Can you get us all lodging for the night? We're probably better off not staying in any one place for too long -- we're a pretty conspicuous group."

"I will certainly try," Istvan replied.

"Thanks!" the marteness replied.

Zevka: Oh, Istvan? Would you also get up on that table and do a dance while singing "I'm a little teapot?"
Istvan: I shall certainl- wait a minute  >:(

Zevka and Poko rose and began to make their way out of the tavern. However, on her way out, Zevka's eye was drawn to a tall stoat jill in garb that left little to the imagination. An idea formed in Zevka's mind. She sidled up to the stoat.

No, Zevka! What would Vanessa think?!

"Hey, you see my friend over there? The jack with the muscles and the tattoos? He was just telling me that he likes you, but he's too shy to say anything. A little nervous around females, you know? Why don't you go over there and talk to him?"

"Ye don' say..." the stoat eyed Istvan and grinned. "Thank ye fer the tip..."

Zevka and Poko managed to not burst out laughing while still in the tavern. Barely.

XD tch! So bad.

"Istvan..." Zevka turned to the otter slowly, not wanting to believe what she was already starting to suspect. "Where is Nessa?"

It was Poko who answered first. "I saw them take Nessa from the market when I was up on the rooftops."

"Take her?!?" Zevka demanded. "What do you mean? Who took her?!? What happened?"

Poko: Well, there was a vote and... yeah. Balmafula came and took her away.
Zevka: Wow, what a jerk.

Poko nodded. "I tried following them as far as I could, but I lost them when they turned down a side street." The sprites ears drooped, and she looked away from Zevka. "I don't know where they took her."

They not only abducted Nessa, but they cloned Poko too!

"We survive avalanches! Moles! The cold! We survive everything the mountains can throw at us, and then she get kidnapped from a place where we're supposed to be safe?!?"

To be fair, though, it seemed like Carrigul was never really a super safe place to begin with... Moreso than a mountain, but still.

It was at that point that Zevka made a decision.

"I WILL buy that gingham skirt I found at the market yesterday!"

"Damn right, we will. Istvan, you're coming with me. Somebeast in this town has to know where they take prisoners that aren't slated for public execution. We're going to find that somebeast, and you and I are going to take turns asking them nicely and beating the stuffing out of them until they tell us where Nessa and Mekad would have been taken."

XD pfft. Zevka is always so charming.

Noonahootin's eyes narrowed. "Injured wing or none, these eyes are a good deal sharper than yours, and if the stick-wielding rats who hurt Guardsbeast Fern accost me, I will have no hesitation in reminding them who eats whom."

Nice :D

Poko chimed in. "And I can go back across the rooftops another way to try to see where they went. They don't know you or me, Zevka! We're vermin, like everybeast else here, and we don't really stand out the way Nessa does."

Tch! Sounds like an excuse for more Poko parkour to me.

"I remain unconvinced that this is the proper time for solitude and contemplation," Noonahootin opined. "But Miss Nyika has clearly had an enormously significant experience lately, and it is times like these that make beasts turn inwards."

"I think we should return to the scene of the kidnapping as quickly as possible," Istvan said, switching subject.

Hm, nice touch there.

It did not take long for Poko to lead the rest of the group back to the spot where Nessa had been abducted. The sprite and the owl proceeded to follow the path that Nessa's kidnappers had taken, while Zevka and Istvan remained behind at the scene of the crime.

This week on CSI: Carrigul

"That is certainly true in Yew," Istvan said, a hint of irritation in his voice.

Awwww, Istvan is a poet AND he doesn't know it!
...Now I can only imagine him going on to write a bunch of kits books under the guise of Dr. Istvan. Starting with Horton Hears the All-Mother.

You never know what beasts like that might do." She looked up at Istvan with a wry grin. "Present company excluded, of course."

"Thank you," Istvan said dryly.

XD

Zevka siddled up to the fox, drawing in close enough to smell the slightly cloying scent that the fox had over-applied to his fur and clothing. She ignored it, clapping a paw on his shoulder and leaning in.

Oops.

"What is the me--"

Zevka cut off the fox's protestations by turning him towards Istvan, who had come up on the other side of him. Zevka felt the fox go tense as he took in Istvan's tattoos.

Istvan just has this effect on everybeast.

"As my associate said, we would have words with you...in private." Istvan said, putting a deliciously ominous inflection on the last two words.

XDD

"We've received word that a group of beasts came into this part of the market and abducted an otter from Yew, in broad daylight.

Wasn't the whole point NOT to let anybeast know you had anything to do with Yew...?

It is as we were told: somebeast -- can't tell you who, I'm afraid -- just got a bit impulsive and ordered Naksha to grab some otter from Yew without thinking things through."

Egads! Now Zevka's doing it! It's just too easy to rhyme things with Yew.



This conversation with the fox is amusing (and helpful) but it's kind of dragging on a bit. I think this is part pf the problem:

Zevka nodded vigorously. "I couldn't have said it better myself. Thank you, you've been quite helpful. And by the way, please keep this quiet. It wouldn't do to have too many beasts hearing of Council business." The marteness leaned forward with an unsettling grin. "Spreading gossip of dissension among the All-Mother's faithful children is a grave sin, is it not?"

Istvan nodded sternly. "Very much so. To spread news of a disagreement or error of this type would be to seek to undermine the All-Mother's servants, to the detriment of all who worship her. Such an act wold not be lightly forgiven, except with deep penance."

They both pretty much say the exact same thing here. I think it would have been fine to end it with Zevka, or to have Istvan nod gravely in the background.

"I'm not sure," Zevka admitted with a sigh of frustration, kicking a piece of trash down the road ahead of her with great ferocity. I think we're going to have to somehow get our paws on a Carrigul Guard -- and a relatively sharp one at that -- to find out where Nessa and my friend Mekad have been taken." Zevka looked thoughtful. "Or maybe they have maps or records somewhere that could tell us th--"

With great ferocity is the only way to kick. Or do ANYTHING, really.
Also Mekad was her friend?! I had no idea.

A group of thuggish looking beasts in guard uniforms, lead by a similarly attired ferret, were moving aggressively through the market, shoving beasts aside and making no effort to hide the fact that they were angrily looking for somebeast.

I do this all the time too, but it's not really necessary... we can tell that it's aggressive and angry by the fact that they're storming through a crowd pushing beasts out of the way. One or the other would have been fine, just not both.

Zevka swore.

Fudgesicles!

"A ghost tricked her into poisoning a whole tavern full of beasts? No wonder they're angry! And no wonder Nyika didn't want to talk about this in front of Poko! She must feel horrible!" Zevka snarled. "And over beasts who probably don't deserve her guilt."

"But that is the sort of beast that Nyika is."

Zevka sighed. "Yes, it is."

I like how Zevka doesn't even question that it was a ghost that tricked Nyika into doing it. She could get away with anything at this point.

Zevka: who took the last cookie?! I really wanted one!
Nyika: Oop, was it me? I was talking with this ghost and then I just blanked... :<
Zevka: Awww that's okay Nyika.

Zevka's eyes widened a bit at the revelation. "Well, thanks for warning me, Nyika! Seems like you could have mentioned that back at the Green Campfire."

Zevka's eyes do quite a bit of widening in this post. Also, if she mentioned it back then it would have ruined the surprise!

"Why did you come storming in? I told you to wait!"

"Well, you didn't answer!"

"I was in the back!"

"How were we supposed to know that!"

"I don't know!"

"Well, that's real helpful, Nyika -- never mind." Zevka rolled her eyes, then looked back down at the carpet.

XD

Nyika swore.

Dagnabbit!

Zevka and Nyika slipped past a gaudy purple curtain into the back room, where Nyika began raiding the Vixen's wardrobe, eventually coming out with a red skirt with purple accents, topped with a lace up white bodice. It fit Nyika surprisingly well, considering that its past owner was not the same species.

Ooh, nice detail. Nyika IS small for a cat...

"Tobley, you search the building! The rest of you, GET THAT OTTER!"

I like to think that Tobley is short for Toblerone. The most delicious vermin guard of all time.

"I don't have much time. Where did you put the otter you took earlier, and where are they keeping Mekad Mayvery?"

The rat spat at her. "Rot in--"

Zevka put her sword through his chest without another word, twisting the blade in the wound, then wiped it on the dying rat's tunic.

Good job, Zevka! Now you'll never know!

Zevka stopped running, and gestured for Nyika to do the same.

"Stop running.

"I know, you already gestured me to do that!"

Remember, if you're a priestess, you own this place. Act like it."

Nyika's the priestess, she can run if she wants to.

Another thing -- he was never really fond of traveling with a heavy coterie of armed thugs.

Well, thanks to Zevka I now know what coterie means. Sweet.

The marteness looked at Nyika, and her eyes narrowed.

"And one more thing: he has a great deal to answer for."

Bum bum buuuuum!



So yeah, this post is pretty solid. Again, I love the interactions going on here within the group. A lot was accomplished too, even if they didn't actually find Mekad and it sets up a nice little cliffhanger here in regards to both the meeting with Beechton Valash and what's going to happen with Istvan. I wasn't sure what to think at the start of the week about the group getting to Carrigul so quickly, but I am excited to see what happens next!

Also I know Matra already mentioned this, but it's true. While Noonahootin was the group's leader and guide in the wilderness, this is Zevka's time to shine. She is completely in her element and it's very nice to have somebeast like her to guide us along with the other characters through the city. Not much else to say... Zevka is always amusing to read, even if a tad anachronistic at times.

Oh, and she and Istvan make great buddy cops.