Hassian Onobanjo’s perspective:
After I failed to get the Innovators budget naturally I was scorned and mocked by the rest of the clan. Some clanmates were even using my failure to convince Uncle Dirar to pick a different heir. Uncle shot that Idea down quickly. He simply said some optimistic nonsense about how “no one won so no one lost” and “Success in life largely depends on how you handle your failures” and then invited them all to our sky island for a party. What was supposed to be the victory party? Most left after the first night, something about the garrison leaving for a bit. Then the party got a lot more…sleazy.
Now I am in the one place not reeking of booze or the problems it created The roof.
Leaning on the railing I could see a drunkard attempt to grab another drink only to faceplant mere seconds after getting on his feet while not too far away one of Uncle’s more artistically built mercs was fending off a hoard of drunken partygoers.
Similar occurrences were likely happening all over the island, Gods know the palace's rooms aren't much better. Just this morning I was unfortunate enough to run into the same “””entertainer””” 7 times with 8 different clientele. She had started winking at me after the third encounter and I’ve seen her so many times she’s started making up nicknames for me.
“Argh” I shuddered in disgust at the many positions I saw her in.
???:” Brother! There you are!”
I turned to see my Half-brother, Musa, a giant of a man standing more than 2 metres tall, built like a gorilla from the great mountains and crowned with massive dreadlocks thick as a thumb and long as a hand, hiding all but his clean-shaven face he was also wearing long royal blue robes, and adorned with 3 large golden rings hung at the right side of his robe. His appearance and general aura screamed “Leader” and the fact he gave up his right as heir baffled me to this day.
Walking with him was the stunning beauty I’ve had the frequent misfortune of observing her many talents. She was barely a metre tall but her shorter stature didn’t hinder her lion-like beauty and grace. Her short straight black hair and slightly dulled skin hinted at a mixed heritage, was she born from a forced slave union or perhaps, lucky enough that her pale parent was free? She walked like she was caught in the sea, simply and directionless, but it was an act. I saw it while she worked and I can see it on her face even now. She grinned upon seeing me and stopped her silly deception. Why is that? Does she realise I know?
“I see you’ve met Kibibi,” Musa said while grinning
It seems I was staring at her without realising
“Oh, um. Well I’ve just seen her a lot” I stammer out while refocusing my gaze on Musa
Musa's grin only grew wider
Hassian: “Not like that!”
Musa laughed at my correction “I jest, I jest! If you say you haven't bedded her, you haven't bedded her. Besides, it would make my turn far more awkward”
“I’ve done weirder,” Kibibi said in a sultry tone.
Musa turned to her, surprised at her comment
“She’s not wrong” I quietly affirmed
Evidently, not quietly enough as they both stared at me as soon as that gem left my mouth, Musa in mortification and Kibibi barely stifling a laugh that would last days if let loose.
Cheeks red with embarrassment I tried to speak and dispel any thought my brother might have but he simply raised his hand to my face and reiterated “If you say you haven't bedded her, you haven't bedded her.” relief flooded me till he added “And whatever you did do, I don’t wish to know.”
At that kibibi’s dam broke as a long giggling laugh escaped her.
Annoyed and thoroughly embarrassed at my brother’s assumption, I changed the subject by asking him why he was even up here
Musa: “I just wanted to check up on you little brother. Heard what happened at the workshop and honestly, if your engine works the way you showed me, then the royal representative or whatever is a fool.”
He placed his hand on my shoulder and gently shook it ”Don’t let one failure stop you from enjoying uncle’s party”
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His words were comforting, but it wasn’t like I didn’t want to party. The food and drink oddly tasted like shit, and everyone was far too drunk or “””preoccupied””” to socialise for more than a minute. But I wasn’t going to tell him that. He idolised our uncle. Insulting my uncle's efforts just because I didn’t like the food and the guests? I might as well insult him.
Hassian: “I’m just…enjoying the view of the night sky. I’ll rejoin the party later.”
“Good good!” Musa exclaimed with uproarious laughter “Just be sure to do it before the night ends, with how empty the cellar is, I doubt the party will last another day”
With that, Musa turned to leave with his lady friend.
Hassian: “Brother,”
He turned back to look at me,
Hassian: “Thank you for believing in me”
He smiled and nodded before finally leaving.
Musa Onobanjo’s perspective:
Musa:” Are you sure you spiked his drink and food?”
Kibibi:” On top of what your precious uncle put in? I’d think his aphrodisiacs would be enough for this month’s inocula-”
”Did you or didn’t you?” I interrupted
With a sigh, Kibibi answered “Yes, dear. I did. Even my own boys and girls don’t have enough resistance to the doses in drinks and food. 5 of my workers have already acted without pay multiple times.”
Musa:” I’ll pay you b-”
Kibibi grabbed my side. “Don’t. You need that money more than I do.”
I stopped walking and sat down on the steps while Kibibi joined me.
Kibibi: “You're a good brother you know?”
Musa:” I know, it’s just…I'm rushing this?”
Kibibi: “He's 21. And still can’t act outside what is expected of him”
Musa: “What if you were right? What would have happened if it was too much?”
Kibibi: “Then I would have paired him with one of my distant girls or a stand-off-ish boy”
Musa: “But-”
Kibibi silenced me with her love and started petting my head. Her lips were soft like the clouds and her kiss was as passionate as a fire. Then she pulled away.
Kibibi: “Better?”
I nodded dumbly
Kibibi: “Good. I don’t need my man overthinking his brother’s future.” she then grinned “I need you overthinking ours.”
I smiled back “Yeah, I guess you're right. I just can’t help but worry his plan will work-”
She squashed my face and turned in towards her “Look at me; It won’t, we’ve put in the work now we just need to finish the last few steps. And. We’re. Done. You, me, and your brothers will be safe and happy.”
“Greatsh, cansh you lesh go how?” I ask through my sandwiched face.,
Kibibi: “Fine, but no more beating yourself up. I deal with enough of those customers at work”
Musa:” Speaking of; anything new”
Kibibi:”Yes actually. One of those royal guards paid a quick visit before they left. The girl assigned to him didn’t learn much but he was apparently incapacitated by, and I quote, a living sexy obsidian statue.”
Musa:” Some kind of creature or spirit perhaps?”
Kibibi:” Whatever it is, we don’t have information on them. I’ll have to send someone to research it in a town with an available library.”
Musa:” I’ll arrange for transport.”
Kibibi:” Should I send out some eyes to find this statue?”
I shook my head and got up “No, something that powerful should be the crown’s problem, not ours. Only collect what information you stumble into rather than actively search. Our priority should be stopping my uncle’s plan.”
Hassian Onobanjo’s perspective:
I remained alone on the roof. The party was moving back into the palace and the night was thankfully becoming quiet as a result. It was approaching midnight but the lights from the city hadn’t dimmed even a bit.
Hassian: “I wonder what going on down there”
Then I saw it, a ring of lights approaching from the horizon. I empowered my eyes, hoping to see the lights in higher clarity but failing.
“Maybe the city has some answers?” I thought “Asking Uncle to let me go down would be pointless seeing as everyone is drunk. Hopefully, I can see something while my eyes are empowered?”
I turned my gaze past the crest of the island and to the city only to see the distinctive upturned bird head of a Kiinua Hewa landing in, what I think is, a residential district.
Hassian: “Who the hell is landing a Sky Ship in the middle of a street?”
| ATTENTION! |
|You have triggered the quest ”Observant Opportunist” |
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Observant Opportunist
Quest:
You have spotted an ongoing fate quest.
Due to your unique set of circumstances, there is a chance you may join said fate quest.
Current Goal:
Investigate the landing site
Failure:
unknown
Rewards:
Join a unique Fate quest.
Good luck.
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