<div></div><br> <br>Tis unusual for so many gifted to happen on the same place at the same time outside the city, but fates, or perhaps something else, conspires to make it so, causing so many to just happen to gather in the summer afternoon. The sun beams gently through the canopy of the forest in brilliant shafts of light.<br> <br>Leian sighs softly to herself, a cheerful smile on her muzzle, as she enjoys her stroll through the woods, humming softly to herself. Tail swaying slowly behind her, eyes partially closed, and ears perked atop her head. Her arms behind her back, paw holding her wrist behind herself.<br> <br>Mirana comes walking along in the East Forest, her creator machines beside her to help keep the maternal vixen safe.  She wonders a moment whatever could have possessed her to come out here again. She reaches up to her golden earring and thinks. Seeing Leian she gives a slight smile and a wave!<br> <br>Sveta arrives in the forest perchance, having being sent out here to collect various odds and ends for the craft school's alchemical needs. Sure, the marketplace - and less reputable places - are often enough to supply most of their needs, but why spend money when one can get the journeymen to do it for free?<br> <br>Rixo shuffles through the forest, plate rattling as she makes her way back towards Firmament. She slows to a halt upon seeing others, however. "Oh. Is something going on over here? I don't usually see many others out here!"<br> <br>Ictus looks to have been out for a walk before he blinks as he realizes there are others around, "Ah, hello there." he might look a little different to Rixo than the last time she saw him<br> <br>There is a sound of money, crowns on crowns, tinkling as if in great number being poured into a pile. From the undergrowth emerges a familiar vulpine, his hat tipped forward, "My my, so many answered my call, so many eager for a chance at riches, fortune, and ready to test their mettle against mine," speaks the Puzzler.<br> <br>Leian stops and smiles at Mirana, returning the wave and blinking slightly, looking around herself as more arrive, tilting her head a bit in confusion " Where.. Did I just get myself to?" And jumps a bit, startled by the sudden appearance of the puzzler " Gah!" she looks at him confusedly " Who are you?... What call?" she seems.. Puzzled!<br> <br>Mirana looks over to Rixo, Sveta, more waves, more smiles, then to Ictus and she moves to give her soon to be life bond a strong hug. Without releasing him yetshe looks to the other fox, "Riches, fortune? Tests?" she asks, a bit surprised herself.<br> <br>Rixo blinks a little, glancing among those assembled from behind her helmet. Quite a few people are... Different. "Well, I'll give anything a try, once." She rolls her shoulders a little. "Nice to see you all again. It has been a while."<br> <br>Sveta acknowledges the Lord and Lady Solacious' arrival with a brief and respectful dip of her head. The Puzzler...less so. Slowly, the goshawk tilts her head at him, ignoring the crowns altogether. "I don't know who you are, but a call, you say? Riches I could care less for, but you seem like a bit of a puzzle."<br> <br>Ictus blinks at the sound of money and looks over at the puzzler, "Oh? What's this then?" he glares at the fox a little before he is hugged, he smiles at that and noses his love gently<br> <br>"Puzzle is the game, and the name," he agrees, removing his hat to tip it  then placing it back deftly, ears poking out. "I am the puzzler, and I feel it's long past due time for introductions. I am sure we've all met at least once, have we not? My daring riddles, my charming challenges, my rich rewards?"<br> <br>Leian tilts her head slightly " Games? I used to play many games with my family back home to keep them entertained. As well as many of the neighboring children." she smiles softly " I always do enjoy playing games." her tail sways behind her in an excited manner<br> <br>Rixo bobs her head. "I believe so, yes. You've been a pretty good source of funding for me, fox." She plants the tip of her shield on the ground and leans on it. "So, what did you call us out here, for? Seems rather unusual."<br> <br>Mirana looks again and shakes her head, "I'm not sure that we have, maybe in passing." she says nussling up to Ictus a bit more. "Dear heart, please tell me more about this, ok? It wasn't wise for me to head out here. I'm going to hed back." She turns to the puzzler, "Thank you, but, I should be off to home." She waves to everyone once more, smiling mostly to Rixo, Leian, and Sveta. Another hug to Ictus, and she starts her way back to the city.<br> <br>Sveta sighs. "So all those riddles were your doing? I came out here for business, good sir, but if it's a game you want, then a game you shall have. I can't say I'm being very enthusiastic about being a glorified herb-picker anyway. Well, then. I suppose we can begin when everyone's ready?"<br> <br>Ictus hmms? at the puzzler and nods at that, "I see, I've never been one for puzzles though sadly..." he watches as Mira leaves and frowns, "I should at least make sure she gets back safely..." he bows a bit before departing.<br> <br>"Of course. It's just as well your misses departed. I don't think she's interested in what I have to offer anyway," he says with a dismissive wave of a furry hand. The brightly dressed fox turns to his side, "Answer me these riddles three. First, what soul do we hold first, but put down almost as quickly, yet never forget?"<br> <br>Rixo tilts her head. "Sounds like the parent soul, to me. Farewell, Ictus." She looks back to the Puzzler, to see the answer to her... Answer.<br> <br>Leian scratches her head slightly in thought, ears twitching upon her head " The one the parent receives to give ones child when they are born?" she tilts her head softly, inquistively<br> <br>Sveta nods. "I would have to agree. We first receive our parents' soulgems, yet relinquish it almost immediately in favour of another one that gives us greater opportunities for learning, yet it is not something even the Good King wishes to take even from the most vile criminal."<br> <br>He snaps his fingers, which is something of a trick when one's fingers are fuzzy, "Correct, we have a sharp one," he says, approaching Leian. He reaches out to take a hand of hers, "Such a clever madame, it is a pleasure to match wits, but that is only the first of three."<br> <br>Leian tilts her head slightly as she reaches out for the hand a bit nervously at the gesture at first " Whats next?" she tilts her head softly, ears perked atop her head as she watches him carefully<br> <br>Rixo peers at Leian for a moment, shrugging. "Yes, give us your best and I will answer to the best of my ability. It's a refreshing change of pace from my usual work."<br> <br>When his hand draws away, a handful of 1000 crown coins are left behind, lustrous and as shiny as if newly minted. "Number two," he says, "Though undeath is its garb, death is its profession, what am I?"<br> <br>Leian's ears fold back slightly and she gives a bit of a frown to the question, her tail slightly slowing in her movement " Doesn't.. Sound pleasant to me.. Nor do I know how to answer that anyway.."<br> <br>Sveta blinks. "Well, I would guess any of the monstrosities shambling about in Mossy Stone. They certainly are undead and have the bodies of such, yet are more than willing to kill. So, I would say either the jawless zombies or the headless soldiers to be found there."<br> <br>Rixo tugs off her helmet to scratch at her ear. "Hmm. That is a very good question. I  believe our feathered friend was on the right track. Perhaps not the dead themselves, but the one who raises the dead? Necromancers?"<br> <br>Sierra approaches the group, having been out field testing a few things. She's riding on the back of her large armored golem. She raises an eyebrow at the arranged sorts, then taps on the golem and gestures it to the side where she pulls her cloak a bit tighter and hops down to get within earshot without shaking some teeth loose. She only catches the tail end of the question and keeps quiet for now.<br> <br>He shakes his head slowly, "Afraid that's not the answer I'm looking for, but I am a generous sort. One more chance, think it through. Undeath is my garb, death is my profession," he reports, almost sad in tone.<br> <br>Leian lower sher head and steps back slightly, a soft sigh escaping her " I cant answer.. I'm not familiar with everything.. But from what I know, I can guess it has to do with one of the spirits."<br> <br>Sveta thinks a moment more. "A dark knight. I've seen various beings with said soulgem in action, and garb themselves in powers eerily similar to undeath while about their grim business. If that's not the answer, then I have no idea."<br> <br>Rixo folds her arms. "It's a good riddle. I'm honestly not too sure." She closes her eyes in thought. "Perhaps an undertaker? Death is their business, but I'd hardly say that they're dressed with undeath." A look is given to Sveta at mention of dark knights, then at herself.<br> <br>Sierra taps her foot as she thinks, leaning from side to side. "Undertaker would've been my guess, problems with it aside. Other one would be uh.. death masks? Curios, that sort of thing? Hi there by the way."<br> <br>The puzzler smiles, "Oh, clever. A knight that dresses in undeath is a good answer, good... Good enough to continue the game, but not enough for a prize, I say. The answer is truth are the dragons of bone. They appear as the undead, but they are not, tis only a garb they were for disguise, to deal in the death they have in surprise."<br> <br>Leian frowns slightly at the mentioning " That sounds horrible!" she shakes her head unhappily, crossing her arms in front of herself, hugging herself slightly<br> <br>Rixo chuckls softly and shakes her head. "Never heard of a Dragon of Bone, before. Is it an actual creature, or the name of some kind of... Cult, or group of assassins? I'm quite curious."<br> <br>Sveta looks askance to regard Sierra, then realising it's no one she knows, turns back to the Puzzler and shrugs. "Well, if your riddles are much like your puzzles, good sir, then one can hardly hope to win them all. But there is still the last riddle, is that not?" And to Leian and Rixo, "Go out to Drytongue and see them for yourself - they're crawling all over the place. I suppose I should have thought of it, but it's hard to take a really good look at them when they're bearing down on you."<br> <br>"Too right," says the puzzler to Sveta, "Pyrrha's little pets are quite a bother, but let us put them aside as we move on to the next query. I am your cousin, but father never told. I came with upheaval, I greeted with blood, I met in friendship. What am I?"<br> <br>Sierra raises an eyebrow and asks, "Pyrrha? Well, there's something to look up. Some kind of victory I guess" She glances over to her golem and adds, "They're kind of.. they look weird, the bone dragons. Hard to kill too."<br> <br>Sveta thinks and answers confidently. "The shadows. Now we know they claim to be related to us and from the Creators, as we were, they are our cousins. Yes the Creators never told us we were related. They greeted us with blood at the outset, and yet when we properly met, some of them came over in friendship. Yes, that is my final answer. The shadows."<br> <br>Leian rubs her ears slowly, with one of her paws, still slightly crossed over her chest " I don't think I'll be visiting there anytime soon, for certain.." she seems uncomfortable about even thinking to " And this next one.. Sounds familiar. But I cannot put my tongue to it."<br> <br>Sveta thinks and answers confidently. "The shadows. Now we know they claim to be related to us and from the Creators, as we were, they are our cousins. Yet the Creators never told us we were related. They greeted us with blood at the outset and came amidst the upheaval of the moon's destruction, and yet when we properly met, some of them came over in friendship. Yes, that is my final answer. The shadows."<br> <br>Rixo offers another shrug and gestures to Sveta. "Yes, I'd have to say the Shadows, as well. The choice seems sound. And I'll have to investigate these Bone Dragons, sometime. Sounds like they'd be a good challenge."<br> <br>The puzzler removes his hat, "Ah, bested, two out of three. Any would agree, that you've bested me. But today is not one for me to mope, because you've just opened a whole new hope. You've learned of my kin, and I won't be left out, for I am a spirit, of this there is no doubt. Perhaps you would care to walk on my path, to hone the mind, it just adds up, you can do the math."<br> <br>Leian shakes her head slowly " As much as I do enjoy games.. I've already got my mind on protecting families and children, and one day my own whenever I may have one to myself." she flicks her tail softly behind her again<br> <br>Sveta finally allows herself a small smile. "No, thank you. Honing the mind certainly is one of my pasttimes, but I tend to be a little more serious about things. Although I do know of a certain Lion of Jolly and Unpredictable Frivolity who might be interested in hearing of your existence, at the very least." To Rixo. "Drytongue is a couple day's travel to the west, past the abandoned Kindcraft mining outpost. Don't go alone if you intend to hunt bone dragons, but bring a friend. I mean it - slaying one yourself is possible, but they have the tendency to creep up on you when you're still winded and unprepared from your last encounter."<br> <br>"What, Shiela?" he asks, "Don't be a fool. Protect your loved ones with your mind, not a protruding belly and good will. When you're face to face with a zombie, what would you rather have, a sunny disposition, or a cunning plan of escape and counter attack?" he challenges haughtily, "The answer is clear for all to see. That shapely bimbo has nothing on me." Spirit rivalry, definitely a thing. "I offer cunning, and wealth." He brings his hands together, and from between them comes a trickle of single crown coins, tinkling to the ground and forming a slow pile, "What is there to deny?"<br> <br>Sierra raises an eyebrow and says, "I hone my mind often enough. Find out that if you can't fix it with percussive maintenance you're just not hitting it hard enough. What do you mean walk your path though? If you're talking just learning and whatnot, I do that well enough?" She looks to the others gathered and asks, "What's he on about?"<br> <br>Rixo grins at Sveta. "We shall see. I do love a good challenge." Her attention goes back to the trickyfox for a moment. "I am not so sure about tossing my lot in with any spirit, but I will hear your terms, gifts, and conditions."<br> <br>Leian frowns, her ears falling atop her head as her paws slip down to her flattened belly and she looks to him " To me, children are most important.. I want to help to prevent still-births, like my brother when he was born had been!" she seems on the verge of tears " I want to protect the children from that happening to them! With whatever way I can! And I feel like being with Shiela will help me do that much better! Using what knowledge he will give me, to help those who need my help to have a healthy family!"<br> <br>A question someone is asking her, that she actually knows something about! Sveta clears her throat and launches into full pedantic mode, relating briefly to Sierra all about the various sightings of Shiela and Kendrac she's come across, never mind that she hasn't even introduced herself to Sierra yet. "...And that would appear to be the case. In essence, they appear to be beings of power who grant said power in exchange for a code of conduct and supplication from those like you or me. Terms and conditions appear to vary from spirit to spirit, of course."<br> <br>"Ah!" says the Puzzler with sudden realization, "I had thought tales of my kin were spread far and wide, but here I find a new surprise. You do not know of our ways? Well, what better time to learn than today. I make an offer, a new way of thought, if you like it, we shake, and the pact has been bought. When you call, I will come, fast as a whip, when I call, you will come, with a hop and a skip. My power I will lend, my way will be yours, we will be tied together, forevermore." Having no particularly good response to Leian's emotional display, he gives none, and looks towards the more confused Sierra instead. "As your friend says, she is very wise, perhaps she would care to claim this prize?"<br> <br>Rixo leans back and shrugs. "You're the first spirit I, myself, have met. I'm still not sold on it, though. I like my power to come from myself. As I said, I'll at least hear you out. No promises on accepting, though."<br> <br>Sierra looks to the spirit and says, "Yeah well, I'm a recluse, the sun being painful and all, I tend to miss out on rumors. And I throw wrenches at visitors to my shop sometimes. Might need to stop that." Looking to Sveta, she nods, shifts from foot to food and says, "And what's his conditions and the terms to it all? I. Other than being summoned back and forth? Seems annoying really. Is there more to it?"<br> <br>Sveta pats her pockets until she comes up with a few scraps of paper and a sliver of charcoal. Not the best writing material, perhaps, but it will suffice. That done, she addresses Sierra. "From what I've gathered from my interviews with the Lord and Lady Solacious, powers, subtle shifts in one's personality, and physical markings of some sort. All of these vary from spirit to spirit, of course, which is why we do need to hear our friend out. At least, I must get this down for posterity, if nothing else."<br> <br>Leian closes her eyes tightly, a tear running down the side of her muzzle before opening them again " I cannot.. Have that happen to someone else.. I have to do what I can to prevent it from happening.. And the best way I feel to do that.. Is to help the parents and children with compassion.." she stares hard at the puzzler, almost trembling a bit<br> <br>"Hmm, it is not unreasonable, I should say not. Would you not go when a friend calls out?" asks the purple and green garbed fox, "It is a pledge of friendship, and it goes both way, will you not accept my gift of cunning and wealth on this day? If you are truly not interested by what I offer freely, there are others out there, I'll find one soon ideally."<br> <br>Rixo raises her brow and shakes her head. "I believe that I will pass for now. I may change my mind in the future, but I like to know exactly what I'm getting into. And that's if I choose to get into it at all!" A moment is taken to rub her chin. "But I wonder, was this your intent on calling us out here, or did you have need of us for something?"<br> <br>Sierra looks at the fox from behind those dark lenses and asks, "Why is it you're not mentioning the actual details? You keep skipping on answering beyond answering a summons. Well, I guess knowledge and wealth, but knowledge in what? Wealth isn't as much an issue really, especially when it apparently falls out of middair and might have strings attached."<br> <br>Sveta scribbles furiously, recording the Puzzler's words in a maddened scrawl. "Cunning? It is useful, but it is inspiration I seek. And wealth...well, money is like air, or water, or friendship, or as some I know might say, beer. Important when you don't have enough of it, less so when you do. And I think I have enough wealth for now. So I think I will pass on your offer, especially since the details are sort of dubious, as our friend the lioness has pointed out. Yet, well, I'll mention you to those I do know. Although if you do know one of your kin whom you think might be a good fit for me, or any of us for that matter, an introduction sometime down the road might be welcome. Perhaps that would be a suitable prize?" Then more softly, "if it really IS you putting all those riddles out in our paths...well, it's appreciated. You do good work, and it does make a long trip out into the wilds more interesting and less uniformly bloody." A little flattery never hurts, right?<br> <br>He lifts his shoulders, "You seem to know Shiela well, what power does she offer that's so swell? I offer a keen mind to evade any trap, there will be no riddle capable of stumping your intellect." He lifts his shoulders, "Perhaps I was mistaken. Even I'm not perfect. I can only work with what I'm given, even when it's not correct. You don't want my money, you don't want my wit. I'll simply take my leave, and not carry on with it. I understand how its played, you've shown your true colors, you only wish for my money, and not to deal further."<br> <br>Sierra looks confused and asks, "I missed money somewhere? I've got a hard time seeing out here, wouldn't surprise me." She looks to the fox after and sighs, then says, "We're not, not really sure what all you're offering. Were offering. The ability to evade any trap? What's the cost? What're the details, it's what we're asking. I'm asking. They're passing. I'm just making sure everything's there since missing parts tend to cause issues. Should've seen the time I forgot to properly counter-bore the socket of a joint. Literally melted, then tore itself apart when the golem tried using it. Then tried forcing it. Kind of neat really."<br> <br>Rixo frowns at that, eyes narrowing. "Oh stop that. You're acting more like a neglected child than some great and powerful spirit. Everything comes at a cost, and like she," Rixo gestures towards Sierra, "says, I'm interested in hearing what you would be wanting us to do in return. I enjoy your puzzles and riddles for the challenge, not for monetary reward."<br> <br>Sveta sighs. Seems like flattery isn't working on the tricky trickster. It was a bit of a long shot, after all. "You know, I'll pass on the prize this time around, sir Puzzler. But they're right - at least let us know of the details, so that we can better explain things to those who might be interested. The more they know, the more attractive your offer will be, won't it?"<br> <br>The spirit has no further words to share, convinced the world just doesn't care. He vanishes away, his hat last to go, the money goes with it, except for Lein's left for show. The clearing is empty, save for those mortals that linger, but nothing is left of the spirit put through the wringer.<br> <br>Leian shakes her head slightly as she sighs and takes a deep breath calming herself a bit " A family.." she says sadly as she lowers her head again " Encouragement to.. Make and have a family.. Children.. Love.. Affection.. And life. I want to bring more life into this world." she shakes her head slowly once more " And I cant do that on my own. I've.. Oft' been nervous around other males at times. I've never even.. Been with one. If you want your money back, you can have it! But I rather wish to bring more life than coin! I can make my own coin well enough to help the children and families who need it, without such help! I.. I know I can! But coin will not bring life to the world!"<br> <br>Sierra tilts her head and says, "Maybe I should've phrased it in the form of a riddle. What conditions do you ask for us to make a deal? Ugh.. not my thing." She looks to the others and asks, "That wasn't a mass hallucination right? I wasn't really joking about not knowing about the spirits, I've been working on making a golem that can spray things because uh... that's what I'm working on" She decides to just let it drop.<br> <br>Rixo pulls her helmet back on and sighs. "Well. I'm in no habit of agreeing to terms unknown. I shall win my wit and intellect the normal way. Through practice and thought. And I am fairly certain that was real, yes. My first encounter with one."<br> <br>Leian holds up the bit of coin in her palm with a sigh and looks to the others slightly "These.. Are certainly real.. So it was no hallucination.." she frowns as she eyes the coins a moment more before putting it away