Tul'mi POV

With the cleanup of the village well underway and fully managed by the Lucfan family, Tul'mi had turned her focus and efforts back onto her own home. Walking through the doors of the Striking Cat Inn, she couldn't help but let out a soft sigh as she went over the damage that was left in the wake of the battle this morning.

Tables and chairs were smashed and turned over, there were grooves and gouges from sword slashes and other kinds of weapon damage, and various sorts of decorations were ruined in some way or another, not to mention the spatters of blood which have already soaked into the wood.

At the end of the day, all of these things are just that, things, and they can be replaced, cleaned up, or repaired as needed. She still has her life and her daughter is alive and well, as long as that doesn't change, she can pick up the pieces and rebuild as many times as needed.

As the minutes drifted by, she was joined by some of her employees as they helped reorganize the inn; working where they could now that they were done putting their own lives back together as much as possible for the time being.

While dragging large chunks of a shattered table out to a nearby pile of ruined furniture, her attention was grabbed by a small caravan coming into town as they then pulled up to her inn in particular. After a moment of uncertainty ran through her mind she was hit by a wave of relief at the realization that this must be Vito's caravan and that Puh'ma was likely with them.

She watched as a well-dressed rabbitkin woman and a lizardkin man lined their carriages up beside each other before climbing down as the lizardkin began tending to the chivosteids.

The rabbitkin, for her part, made her approach as she walked up to Tul'mi, seemingly noting the badge on Tul'mi's shirt collar and respectfully lowering her head for a moment before standing tall again. "Good afternoon, am I correct in assuming that you are Tul'mi Swiftstrike?"

Tul'mi watched as a group of teens followed by a wolf and some kind of white cub began climbing out from one of the carriages, going about stretching their legs and popping their backs as needed. Turning her attention back to the rabbitkin, she flashed a smile before offering a small nod. "Yes, I am Tul'mi Swiftstrike, and who might you be?"

The rabbitkin nodded in return before making and maintaining proper eye contact. "I am Riley, a representative of Merril's General Goods and Sundries, currently in the employ of Mister Vito." She explained rather dutifully and methodically.

Looking the rabbitkin over, Tul'mi could tell that Riley was truly a professional merchant through and through and that she clearly carried herself with the pride of her success in life. "And who is Vito?" She asked leadingly, wondering if she could get more information about the powerful mage that seemingly appeared out of nowhere.

Riley seemed surprised by the question but responded after taking a moment to collect herself. "Mister Vito is a rank four elite who is a reclusive art merchant that uses magic to create wonderful statues and figurines." She explained though Tul'mi felt that Riley was almost reading off of a script, as if that was simply what she was told and she didn't actually know who Vito was.

Just nodding at Riley's words, Tul'mi glanced over the rabbitkin's shoulders and watched as a young foxkin man made his approach, followed by an oversized spitter wolf with a strange sword strapped to its side and the white cub from earlier riding its back. "I see, and what can I do for you?" She asked as she regarded Riley again.

One of Riley's lop ears twitched at the question as she simply bobbed her head at the question. "The plan was to seek lodging at your inn..." She started to say while looking over Tul'mi's shoulders as she saw some people dragging out more ruined furniture. "Though considering the circumstances, we understand if you're unable to take us in for the night." She mentioned before meeting Tulmi's gaze once more. "We were also escorting your daughter, Puh'ma, at her order. She is currently resting in one of the carriages, safe and sound thanks to Mister Vito's treatments."

Tul'mi's eyes wander over to the carriages again, a small smile on her lips as she gets verbal confirmation of her daughter's safety. Looking at Riley once more, Tul'mi lowered her head in a show of thanks. "Never let it be said that the Striking Cat Inn was unable to provide for travelers that came to her doors. As thanks for making sure my daughter returned safely, I'd be more than willing to provide you all room and board, free of charge."

Riley looked surprised by the offer, shaking her head at first when she spoke up. "I couldn't possibly accept that, we were only doing what was expected of us."

Tul'mi couldn't help but chuckle at Riley's expense, though she glanced behind the rabbitkin to see that the foxkin was waiting patiently behind her for whatever reason. Taking a moment to glance over the rest of the group, she spotted a young mage along with a few capable-looking hands among their number. Looking back to Riley as her tail flicked behind her, she spoke up once more. "Very well, if you don't feel comfortable with free lodging and food, then we could certainly use some help in fixing up the inn among other things. We could especially use the aid of that mage if his choice of colors signifies the magic he specializes in." She mentioned while gesturing to the short young human in question.

Riley appeared rather thoughtful at Tul'mi's proposition, her lop ears slightly twitching as she considered something before piping up again. "While I cannot speak for the group, I will gladly share the terms of your offer and come back with an answer soon." She explained, lowering her head and dismissing herself before turning to leave. She was momentarily surprised to see the foxkin with the spitter wolf and cub standing behind her but recovered quickly enough as she stepped past him.

As the foxkin stepped up, she recognized him to be another sort of professional with how he carried himself and how lightly he stepped. She knew enough rogues in her life to recognize one when she saw them, but it was none of her business at this point.

She watched as his eyes quickly measured her up as if out of habit before finally meeting her gaze. "Excuse me, you wouldn't happen to know where I could find Boss Vito, would you?" He asked politely enough as his tail flicked and swayed casually behind him.

Tul'mi just shook her head before jutting a thumb over towards the plaza further up the street. "I don't, but look for a human woman in a vibrant blue gambeson, she would likely know his whereabouts if he's done helping out where he said he would."

The foxkin followed where she gestured before bobbing his head. "I see, thanks." And with that he dismissed himself as well before rejoining his group and approaching a younger foxkin, speaking with her before heading off on his own with the spitter wolf and cub.

As the caravan continued to discuss what they would do, Tul'mi decided to make her way over to the carriages, peeking in the back before spotting Puh'ma lying in the second carriage.

Tul'mi could feel her throat tighten with distress at first glance upon seeing her daughter, she looked like a wreck, her clothes having been drenched and now dried with her blood and the blood of her enemies. The tears in her clothes betrayed where Puh'ma had suffered truly considerable battle damage, not to mention the spots of her fur around her shoulder and neck showing even more injuries that had signs of magically being healed and closed up.

Seeing her wounds now, she could tell that it was a fool's errand for her daughter to have tried to run all the way to Sunspot Keep to call for help; though she knew in her heart that if Puh'ma had stayed in the village and been captured as she had been, then Puh'ma likely would have died from her wounds by the time Vito had turned up when he did. The only reason she survived her injuries might have been because Vito managed to find her when he had.

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Tul'mi just sighed softly, shaking the possibilities and what-ifs away as she looked over her daughter once more, Puh'ma was alive and well and that was all she needed to focus on. Looking around the back of the carriage, she spotted a waterskin that looked like it still had something in it. Taking it up, she uncorked it before pulling on a brave face and smirking as she began pouring it over the top of Puh'ma's head. "Break time's over! Back to work." She barked out as if waking her daughter from her usual catnaps.

With that, Puh'ma woke with a start, shaking her soaked fur as her hackles rose from the shock of the water. "Wuh?! Where? What?!" She mumbled frantically while still shaking herself, not quite awake just yet while looking from side to side until she spotted Tul'mi, her fur still dripping as she seemed to collect herself. "M-mom?! Mom, you're okay!" She exclaimed excitedly, quickly pushing up off the floor of the carriage and stumbling over herself as she quickly clung to Tul'mi, desperately hugging her with as much strength as she could muster.

Tul'mi returned the embrace eagerly, her hands gently rubbing her upper back while resting her chin against the top of Puh'ma's head as her daughter's ears twitched and flicked with clear distress and anxiety. "There, there... You're okay... It's all over now." Tul'mi murmured softly as she did her best to comfort her.

Puh'ma could only shudder as she desperately did her best to not openly sob, though Tul'mi could tell that her emotions were bubbling up unbearably now that she was finally home safe. "I... I failed... I didn't even come close to getting to Sunspot Keep... I... I thought I was going to die out there... T-the last thing I could remember was losing all feeling in my legs before collapsing in the grass, just thinking about how cold I felt..."

Tul'mi just nuzzled her chin against Puh'ma before speaking up once more. "Hush... It's okay... You didn't fail. The only thing you had to do was fight and not die..." Tul'mi then pulled away a little, looking down into Puh'ma's eyes as she brought a hand and gently cradled her daughter's cheek. "For your first real battle to the death against people, soldiers at that, you performed brilliantly. I couldn't be more proud of how strong you've become my sweet little kitten." She enthused with a small smile. "Sure, you didn't make it to Sunspot Keep, but you did manage to find a powerful mage and send him our way. In that regard, I say you did more than enough..."

Puh'ma doesn't respond, instead just leaning in and hugging Tul'mi tightly while burying her head in the crook of Tul'mi's neck.

Tul'mi accepted the embrace a while longer before putting on a smile as she pat Puh'ma's back some more. "Come along, let's get you cleaned up. Larkis has been real worried about you ya know, you should see how productive he's been in preparation for your return." She mused while slowly pulling away again.

Puh'ma nodded a bit, letting out a shaky breath before managing to work a smile on her face. "R-really? I... I suppose I shouldn't keep him waiting..." She mused quietly, hugging Tul'mi tightly once more before finally pulling away as she started climbing down from the carriage. The two made their way inside as they passed the caravan who were still discussing something or another.

Krys POV

Making his way into the plaza, Krys watched as villagers, guards and soldiers made their way from one end of the plaza to the other, busily working away at cleaning up the village after whatever battle took place here.

From where he stood, he could still see signs of battles here and there, most obviously were the black burn marks on the stone of the bailey's walls as well as the stray arrow that stuck out from various wood fixtures. "You know... I was expecting things to look worse when we first got here. At the very least a lot more fire damage after that giant pillar we saw earlier." He mentioned almost absently while looking over to Legosi.

The wolf in question looked up to Krys before smiling a little, though suddenly Krys heard Legosi's voice in his head instead of it being spoken aloud like before. 'It is an odd sight, no? I think Boss Vito has something to do with it, I can smell the influence of his magic almost everywhere around us.' Legosi explained as he pointedly sniffed around some more, his tail slowly swaying behind him as they walked.

Freyli mrowled in agreement as Krys got the impression that she was getting the same feeling as well.

Krys was momentarily startled by the sudden display of telepathy, but quickly collected himself soon enough as he casually scanned their surroundings. "I see... Also, I guess it's good to know that you don't need to speak aloud if you don't have to." He said with a bit of a smile as he glanced at Legosi. "A little warning next time, I'm not exactly proficient with all this magic stuff you know."

Legosi just chuckled softly with amusement before his attention was seemingly grabbed by something; turning to look, Krys spotted a small set of lines going up to some kind of healer's station.

From where he stood, he could see a group of six individuals each tending to a villager in one way or another. Though when he looked over at a man wearing the bird mask, the man seemingly looked over at Krys almost immediately in the next moment. When their eyes met, Krys got the strange sensation that they shared a bond like he had with Legosi and Freyli, though the man in the bird mask quickly went back to what he was doing as he healed a purpling bruise on a half-orc child. “I guess the Boss has more in his service now?” Krys mentioned with uncertainty as he glanced over at Legosi while they walked closer to the station.

Though at that, Legosi just shook his head before mentally replying. ‘No, they’ve been in Boss Vito’s service even longer than I have, but they’re different now.’

Krys wasn’t sure what Legosi meant by that, but once they were at the station he spotted yet another man in a different kind of bird mask and got the same feeling all over again, shaking off the sensation, he regarded the first man as they sent the child off and the next patient made their approach. “Excuse me, do you happen to know where the boss is?”

The first man in the bird mask looked to Krys for a moment before pointing up at the small castle beside the plaza. “He is ‘resting’, find a member of the Lucfan family to get to him.” He explained in a remarkably soft voice, it certainly sounded masculine, though it was as if he could barely muster more than a whisper. With that said, he proceeded to turn away from Krys and give his undivided attention to the patient in front of them as if they were the only thing in the world that mattered.

“Ah… Umm… Well alright.” Krys muttered with a sigh once it became clear he wasn’t going to get anything else from the masked man, though that was when he heard the clanking of metal boots on stone. At first a spike of worry shot down his back and along his tail at thought of suddenly being accosted by guards, but then he realized that nobody knew him here and he hadn’t done anything particularly illegal yet, so he shouldn’t be in trouble.

Slowly bringing himself around to look at the approaching individual, he spotted a rather impressive looking woman with a gnarly scar on her face and a clearly false eye. She was also sporting a vibrant blue gambeson, so she was likely the person that elite innkeeper mentioned.

The woman flashed a charming smile, resting her arm on the pommel of her blade and bringing her other hand to rest against her hip, she pointedly looked Krys up and down before nodding to herself about something. “You certainly fit the description, you must be one of Mage Vito’s workers, right?”

Krys nodded once, his eyes catching the badge on this woman’s collar as he suddenly realized he was standing before a rank two elite. Standing just a little taller and deciding to play it safe by being more respectful than usual. “Y-yes ma’am, that’s me. My name is Krys… I take it, you know where I can find my boss?” He asked before gesturing to Legosi and Freyli. “I was asked to bring him his familiars once we made it here.” Krys explained while doing his best to sound professional.

The elite woman just nodded intently, looking over Legosi while noting his sword curiously before flashing a little smile at Freyli. “Of course, I’ll have one of my people show you the way then.” She said as she looked around before waving over a soldier who dutifully made their way up to the woman. “Guide them to Mage Vito’s quarters.” She ordered before offering Krys a brief smile as she turned and made her way off.

The soldier nodded before saluting as he smacked an armored fist against his chest. “Yes ma’am, right away.” He then glanced over at Krys before tilting his head towards what appeared to be a stone bridge. “If you’ll follow me.”

Before long, Krys was being led into the bailey itself and then further through the walls until he was inside of the small castle. He soon found himself surrounded by a level of finery that he has yet to experience, everything from beautiful paintings, magnificent sculptures and impressive looking carpets that spanned entire hallways.

He was led through several corridors before they finally stopped at a set of double doors, the soldier turning to face Krys when he offered a simple nod. “Mage Vito is inside, as a guest of this estate and the Lucfan family, his people are welcome here. Have a good day now.” He said being surprisingly polite despite not saying a single word the whole way here as he turned to leave.

With the soldier on his way, Krys looked over the large double doors before rapping his knuckles against it. “Uhh boss? It’s Krys, I’ve also brought Legosi and Freyli.”

It took a moment, though soon the door was being opened much to Krys’ vague surprise as he didn’t even hear footsteps approaching the door. What greeted him was a shirtless Vito, and Krys was suddenly rather aware of just how many scars littered his new boss’ body.

Vito just smiled a bit as he stepped away from the door while pulling it open the rest of the way. “Glad to see you made it to the village safely enough, did you encounter any trouble along the way?”

Before Krys could step forward, Legosi rushed ahead with Freyli, bounding inside while Freyli hopped off his back and trotted around the room when she stopped short and dashed out of sight. “Uh no, everything was quiet on the way over, boss, the only interesting thing that happened was meeting that elite girl that Legosi brought over to the caravan.” He explained simply enough as he made his way into the room.

“That’s good to hear.” Vito commented with a small nod as he shut and locked the door behind them.

Now standing in the middle of the room, Krys was once again floored by the sheer luxury of the place. Doing some quick mental math, he realized that his entire apartment could fit in this room with plenty of space to spare. Though as he looked around, he suddenly noticed a small brown skinned beastkin boy with pitch black hair wearing a raggedy black poncho just sitting there in the middle of the massive bed that was against one of the walls of the room.

He was a catkin of some kind with mostly human features, light brown skin with a small mess of freckles across his nose. He had vibrant green eyes, rounded ears, and a long feline tail that curled in the sheets behind him. He looked younger than Ren, possibly eight or nine but Krys couldn’t be sure.

Freyli sure was excited to see him, mewling excitedly with delight as she eagerly pressed her paws against his face, the boy looked vaguely annoyed by the attention but smiled nonetheless.

“Uh… Boss… Who’s that?” Krys asked, not having realized he had been standing there without saying a word for nearly a full minute as he had been examining the room before being surprised by the sight of the kid.

Vito looked confused for a moment, glancing over at Krys as he put on some kind of gambeson or coat that he pulled from thin air. “Hm? Who’s who?” He asked before looking over at the boy as a flash of realization seemingly dawned on him. “Ah! Right… Um… Well that’s my son… Basmori.” He said as he flashed a sheepish smile.