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| − | Five seasons have passed. Life for Dyna since her awakening has been hectic and more than a bit dangerous, but she's gotten an impressive grasp of her gifts in that year. Still, she can't rest on her laurels; even though she's presently shaken off a small group of Wyld Hunters that have dogged her for months, it pays to remain hidden. Thus, she's taken to travelling with... the same circus she 'freed' Breon from on that fateful day.
| + | #REDIRECT DarkheartOne/IdeaDump |
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| − | They're a lively bunch, and quickly found a way to fit Dyna in amongst the various curiosities as 'The Living Abacus', an insanely fast calculator. Recently, word of the growing mass of people at a new Guild outpost has drawn their attention. The place is indeed in sight, no more than an hour away.
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| − | Breon, of course, gives his mistress a ride with no trouble, sniffing at the hard-packed ground below. Nearby on the main wagon is the head of the show, a wonderful fop of a man; bald, dotted with piercings and dressed in (cheap) colorful silks. He looks quite happy... well, he always looks quite happy.
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| − | Dyna is thumbing through the pages of a small, leatherbound journal from atop Breon's mighty back. She's apparently gotten rid of her scholar's robes, now clad in a pair of sturdy trousers, a sleveless shirt, traveling boots, leather gloves and a wide-rimmed, pointed hat. She lightly pats Breon on the side, and points towards the colorfully dressed man on the main wagon.
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| − | Breon moves towards him slowly, announcing his and Dyna's presence with a loud 'whuff'. The ringleader glances over and petpets the big kitty on the head. "Ah! It seems that Gallant's animal magnetism is still at its peak after all these years!" That said, he focused on Dyna. "And as for you, my dear... what can Gallant do for you?"
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| − | Dyna smiles, closing the journal and sticking into a belt pouch. "I was just wondering if you knew exactly what this Guild Outpost has in the way of libraries and such."
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| − | Gallant roots around in his pocket and produces a well-worn sheet of velium. "Well... apparently this... 'Solace' place is in the middle of building a laboratory, whatever that is... and touts itself as a---" Gallant clears his throat. "---a place of both Southern charm and desert wisdom. Gallant imagines that have something there that would interest you."
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| − | "There might be some money in that, if I can be of assistance to them."
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| − | "Oh definitely! But... does that mean that we will be parting ways? This place seems lovely, but we won't stay more than a season or so." Gallant looks a bit saddened at the possibility... that, or he's just being overdramatic.
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| − | "Life is change, you never can tell." Dyna shrugs. "But I don't forget who's been kind to me."
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| − | Gallant holds a hand to his heart for a moment... then laughs heartily. "Oh, of course! Wherever the wind takes you, dear. Trust us, we understand that things change. And you've been such a help for us in the time that you've been here, how could we not be kind in return?"
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| − | "The Living Abacus is a name that I wouldn't mind keeping... it has a ring to it..." Dyna smiles at that.
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| − | Gallant nods once, twice. "It is yours, no matter what." He does pause, however. "... Gallant must ask, though. There is an air of mystery about you. You haven't revealed all, but there is certainly something that writhes below the surface. Gallant doesn't wish to pry too much... but he is curious."
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| − | Dyna gently scratches Breon behind the ear. "I'll answer what I can."
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| − | Gallant nods. "Gallant suspects you have the blood of gods, but he is not certain. Is he close?"
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| − | Dyna nods. "And I thank you for not sharing that with anyone who'd act on it."
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| − | Gallant lets a little grin play along his lips. "Gallant is good at keeping secrets. Aside from that, all he wishes to know is... how did you come to tame that beast below you?"
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| − | "... I've known him since before I was born. He's a part of me."
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| − | Gallant ooooooohs, leaning back in his perch. "Finally... would you mind if we took you out for a night on the town once we arrive?"
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| − | "Well... I should be careful, but that doesn't mean I can't live--I'd be happy to. " Another happy little smile from Dyna.
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| − | Gallant grins. "Then it is settled! No matter what, we will treat you well, Dyna the Living Abacus!"
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| − | Dyna smiles warmly. "You're too kind."
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| − | "In this day and age, no one can be too kind."
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| − | "I agree. Kindness is in short supply, these days. I really just hope I can make a difference... even a small one."
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| − | Gallant shrugs. "We all hope that. Gallant things you might actually be able to make a difference, if you are what you say you are."
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| − | "I plan to do my best. But I need answers, first."
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| − | "Oooooh? Anything old Gallant can offer?"
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| − | "Well... where did you find Breon?"
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| − | Gallant hrms, tapping his foot against a nearby wall. "Ah, it was almost by sheer chance! A show in the Southeast, a celebratory cookout, and one... very hungry, very weak tiger."
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| − | "Hm... You wouldn't remember precisely where, would you?"
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| − | Gallant shakes his head. "If Gallant remembered, he would most definitely tell you."
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| − | Dyna nods. "I appreciate it. Was he always so big?"
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| − | Gallant nods. "Little more than skin and bones, but once we started feeding him, he recovered far faster than a beast should."
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| − | "Thanks, Gallant. I owe you guys one."
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| − | Gallant simply nods once, all smiles. "It's nothing, really. We owe you for your work as well!"
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| − | "You know, I really don't think I've ever seen so many people get so excited about math."
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| − | "There is a certain sort of magic to be found in numbers, dear Dyna." Gallant wags a finger. "It is one of the many mysteries that mortal man can grasp without having to know some kind of godly force."
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| − | "I'll have to remember that one, when I actually have students again."
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| − | "Do tell them that a man who called himself Gallant told you that!" Gallant flashes a dazzling smile.
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| − | "I always give credit where credit is due." Dyna smiles back. "So, I understand these Guild Outposts are usually just full of things to do. Do you have any plans?"
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| − | "Great... and... well, I think we're almost there." On cue, what comes immediately into view is a sea of tents, canvas lean-tos and temporary shacks... and this is just <b>outside</b> of the walls of 'Solace'. "Perform! What else does old Gallant do?"
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| − | "Well, I guess I'd better do the same... any business concerning the lab and such can wait until we're done."
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| − | Gallant waves her off. "Oh, pshaw! Do what you must! We can go a few days without you."
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| − | "Alright then... I'll see you once we've both done what we came for. Knock 'em dead, Gallant." Dyna offers Gallant a thumbs up and prompts Breon to fall back from the front of the group.
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| − | Gallant bows as best as his position allows, then goes back to enjoying the ride. Before them lies Solace. And, perhaps, destiny.
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| − | * Back to [[/RisingForce|Rising Force]]
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