Walking around bored (Open to everyone)

[Josephine Wis]

Cryxatum, Summer,
Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIV Post Fractum

What was I if I haven't been a Moonstar? How can someone answer such a question? A human being is the sum of his own experience in life shaped by his family and friend's influence on him.

Or...

Maybe a human being stays the same as he was when he was born, no matter what happens to him later in life?

How can one know?

Where those the thoughts that went throw Josephine's mind? They could have been if she had the time and effort to put the things that hung in the back of her mind into words, but she never bothered. Josephine wasn't a thinker, unless she had to. She was a simple energetic woman who loved action and excitement.

At this very moment, she was bored... She was on vacation from the West Wardens and had nothing to do. She still had no idea why she choose this city as her vacation spot, but she did. Now she just walked the streets, seeking for something to do and people to meet.

[Rioshi]

Curiousity was a strange thing sometimes. It can make you steal Leon's chickens, replace Roland's stuff with a hairbrush, or just follow another Moonstar around. Rioshi had seen enough of the intrigue and dour spirits of Vortex, so an unreturned trip back seemed a better battle for his thoughts than most. He had not seen many Moonstars about lately, so it always was interesting when one or two popped up every now and then. Sure, he was not human, but he tended to think that humanity was a bit... overrated at times. So many were too quick to contemplate the unsewn mysteries of their kind, but did not take the initiative to change their fate. As a Katta, he enjoyed seeing through all of that and decide for himself what was neccessary and what needed to change in this world. Roland's haircut, for example.


Time was always an unpredictable ally, so Rioshi decided that he might as well say greet his returning comrade. Mysteries of life and curiousity were all well and good, but even he was not one to show rudeness such as that. With an idle stretch and a flick of his tail, the Katta rose up to say hello.

"Serale, Jos. Long time no see."

[Josephine Wis]

Josephine turned her head when she heard Rioshi's voice. She smiled a little, her dark eyes shining "Rioshi..." she started softly, her voice as smooth as drops of honey could be, charming many men but having no effect on Kattas "It's been a while..."

Jose always like the little Katta that was part of her family for so long. She and him shared many adventures during their youth. The one she liked the most was 'Roland's hair'. She and Rioshi had spend many fun hours together thinking of fun tricks to pass the time. One evening she convince Roland that he needed a little haircut, just a little so it will not fall on his face. While Rioshi kept Roli busy with stories, she cut and cut. Roland did look lovely latter, with all his hair on the floor and his head bold.

Being on vacation, Jose didn't bother wearing the West Warden's uniform. She was clad with a leather tunic that reached below her waist and pants with a brown belt. Her dagger, as always, was attached to the belt. Touching her dark curly hair, she rolled one long piece of it around her finger. She haven't seen him since... since Roland's cakeday party three months ago. How fast time fly...

Her face thoughtful, she scanned the little Katta and nodded her head slowly "Looking good as ever, Rio." she started, using her own nickname for him. Jose liked nicknames. Roland's was Roli, Eninia's was Nin, Tylag's was Goli, Elroth's was Ro, Ruth's was Tutti and so on. "What are you up to?" she winked "Came to see Roli? I do think his hair had grown a little since we last sow him..."

[Rioshi]

With a slight grin echoing hers, Rioshi chuckled, thinking of what Roland's reaction was after he had given him a nice, shiny comb for his nice, shiny dome. Most Katta would find such bad humor distasteful but really, he was more Moonstar than Katta at heart. Besides, most Katta aren't revolutionaries so he was fine as it was. "Interesting, to say the least. Roland needed a new hairstyle anyways. Still does, matter of fact.

Information was his trade, and at the moment the Katta was well into a higher state of boredom. Vortex had been a bit of a letdown, and Paxia was too quiet for his tastes at the moment. The only cure for boredom is curiousity. Sadly, there is no cure for that. Since boredom advances and boredom is the root of all evil, no wonder, then, that the world goes backwards, that evil spreads. This can be traced back to the very beginning of the world. The gods were bored; therefore they created human beings. And Kattas. And Dorins. And what/whoever else Rioshi really cared to think about at the moment.


It had been a while since their last encounter. Matter of fact, Rioshi had scarcely seen any of the Moonstars for too long...Difficult times have helped to understand better than before how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things that one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever...

Funny, that.

The Katta loved truth so passionately that he often resorted to lying as a way of introducing it into the minds which were ignorant of its charms. But for now, he had no wish to do so. "Eager soldiers, druids and revolutionaries, may attempt to refashion the world in accordance with their dreams; but evil remains, and so long as it lurks in the darkest reaches of the heart, utopia is only the shadow of a dream for our kind, Jos." Rioshi stated, implying something he had no right to speak of in public. "But I tire of waiting. Sooner or later we have to start it, shouldn't we? Though our liberty comes with hands stained with blood, we must accept it one way or another..."

After a moment Rioshi stared off into the distance, but his cheerful nature would not let him last in that way for long. Suddenly shaking his head as if waving off the darker shades of his past, the Katta gave a feeble grin. "You on vacation too, Jos? It's been awfully boring nowadays, and I'm afraid these times have been a bit tiring for me. I took a break from all the dark brooding in Vortex to try and lighten my spirits, I suppose..."

[Josephine Wis]

Josephine was no philosopher, but a woman who carved action. She didn't like long boring talks into the night, like Roli did. When Rioshi started talking about evil in the corners, she frown, trying to understand what he meant. She was sure he was driving at something but wasn't sure what at.

As Rioshi mentioned his luck of patient to wait, she grinned. Here was a Katta to her own liking! "Sooner is batter then latter, Rio." she remarked and glanced around them to see if someone was listening. When she was satisfied, she nodded her head "We can't wait for the others to come to their senses. Roli acts too slowly for me, but do we need his agreement for every little thing we cook between us? He maybe the oldest, but we can start something on our own too."

When the Katta mentioned Vortex, Josephine looked interested "Never been there myself. Vortex, I mean." she looked around her in distaste, seeing signs of the Orcs attack that wasn't fully rebuilt "But I'm sure this place is a good start." she smiled, a crocked smile "The people of Paxia hadn't forgotten who didn't come to aid them when the Orcs attacked. I bet they also haven't forgotten who had ordered to level the city after it was 'liberated'."

Josephine didn't want to talk too openly in the street. Even thou she haven't seen anyone interested in the conversation she and Rioshi were having, she still felt nervous.

[Rioshi]

Noticing Josephine's problems comprehending some of what he was driving at, Rioshi grinned good naturedly and put some matters to the side. For now. As far as the other thing, well.... patience is a virtue- just one Rioshi really didn't care to acknowledge all that well. Too bad!

After hearing her consideration of progressing their mutual goals, Rioshi grinned. "Just what do you have in mind, Jos? So long as it doesn't hinder the others' operations, I'd be willing to hear out anything you might have on the mind..." he said. "But Vortex? It's alright. I might have been offered a better position elsewhere though.... Only time will tell."

"Just keep in mind though. All the others have been relatively quiet. If the Moonstars don't keep up, sooner or later we might just become another thing of the past. In fact, I'm one of the few people who does his bit everyday. Roland is great with his work, just... a little eccentric on the timing-where he can be here one day, then gone for months on end without a word. We'll have to do something eventually...

But given our current location, I'm afraid I cannot give details into this matter. Too public herabouts. Maybe later I might have a chance to speak clearly with you on such things?", Rioshi asked idly, his eyes focused on something in the distance.

What a fate for the "humble" Moonstars, no?

[Josephine Wis]

If Josephine liked to read, she would have probably suggested that they could read up the history of combat and learn from the past mistakes of other revelations against the Empire, like the Jaedaxian fight for liberty that resulted in the Republic of Libertas or the Elven Rebellion led by Moonstone Ap'Silrosan who build the Kingdom of Coldmoon. But, as she wasn't a book-lover, the only revolution Josephine knew about was Archprelate Maximilian's rebellion that resulted in his escape to Aslangrad (in Arium). The result of this tragedy was well known all over Arium, because of the brutal way the Imperials eliminated the Chesleyan resistance. They had delivered a potent rain of fire upon Aslangrad, killing millions and turning the city into ruins. Till this brightening, Aslangrad's ruins stood in the middle of Arium, a symbol of the cruelty of the Empire.

As it was, Josephine struggled her shoulders and said "I'd love to kill some, but I guess it isn't such a good idea as we're supposed to keep quiet." she looked around her again and asked "I wander why people are so afraid from the Empire. I'd love to take a trip to Prime and have a face-to-face talk with that Regent we have now. What is his name anyway? Mili or something like that?"

Josephine's replay was probably making Rioshi a mental pain. She wasn't stupid but she always wanted action and didn't stop to think much of the results.

"Lets settle down in Roli's office or rent a room. I still haven't done that." she smiled "We'll need a place to sleep in anyway and we could continue our conversation there."

[Rioshi]

If Rioshi had liked to talk, he would have probably already announced that he had been to Jaedaxia and seen the results firsthand. No dusty old tome, no matter how enriched with knowledge, could compare to first hand experience in that regard, sadly enough. But it was odd... seeing Jos speak so freely of revolution soon after warning Rioshi of the dangers in doing so. Oh, well.


With a brief shake of the head, Rioshi dispelled such notions.

"Unless you manage to work your way up to him, unless you somehow catch him with his guard down and his men away, I doubt you'll have much success in that particular venture- sorry to say. No worries, though. If there's a will, you'll find a way.

To where do you ant to go, exactly? Well, lead the way Jos." , the katta finished, moving to stand behind her against the wall with a grin. He had time to relax, but never enough time to speak freely, sadly enough.

[Josephine Wis]

Around the two travelers were half fallen buildings, but Josephine knew exactly how to get out of this area of Paxia. Walking slowly in the path, they were soon approaching the east center of Paxia. This area seemed to be the place where all the rebuilding had started.

Josephine stopped and glanced at Rioshi "I've lived in Paxia for 3 patterns so I know the place. It did change after the war, but I've been here a few times since then." she said, explaining how she quickly led them to this part. "We could rent a tent in the Housing Complex, I guess. It is Summer now so it will not be cold, but..."

The woman looked at the tall building that used to be a warehouse and frown. "A tent can't give us privacy." she remarked slowly "So we might try the Curtain."

When Paxia was first reclaimed and building had started one area had been bought fast. Not many knew exactly who bought it or what was happening but one of the large had been blocked out of view by a curtain that stood erect around the area. There had been lots of noise for the entire season coming from there though few people were ever actually seen going in and out of it.

The beginning of winter however revealed a small building surrounded by stepping stones and some small trees. The crater had been filled in – at least it seemed- and this building now stood where it had been. Curiosity of the public hadn’t been blind to it’s owners and so they gave the small two story building and so gave it it’s name.

A popular spot for labors and the such was The Curtain as it had much of what any man, and some women want. It was a bar, a place to rest your head, and a place to get some if you wanted to. To start there were only a few women and a man to satisfy any of the patrons needs, guaranteed to please and they did their jobs well. Over priced as the booze was people still paid for it while they waited for their chance to enter the ‘red’ rooms as they were called. The business made a killing, all those workers away from their wives and mostly being men. Really a shameful thing to cash in on but the owners didn’t mind.

As an exciting spot as this was though there was something more, something much more. They didn’t have many members that were known to go down to the unknown of basement. They had to get by the burly human bartender and one of his large guards to even think of entering. People had to be rather tough looking if they wanted to find out just what it was.

Anyone who came here more than once would know that brightening in and brightening out sat a man in the corner of the establishment. He was always smoking and wore very fancy clothing. He had a cane leaning against his large chair and always had his eye on what was happening. If a fight were to break out he went missing along with –usually- the members of the fight. Rarely did fighters ever get thrown out the door. Not many people cared enough to find out where they were going.

After they had entered, Jose looked around her and grinned. She moved toward the human male who was sitting and smoking calmly "Got a room for me and my friend here?" she asked.

The man took out his pipe and looked at Jose and Rioshi "We gots all sortsa rooms. Some filled with pleasure, others simply rest. Price aint all dat cheap though, it’ll be 4 crowns for the brightenin’ if you want a regular room."

Josephine nodded her head "I want a regular room." she said and turned toward Rioshi "What about you? Want a separate room or we could share... I'll take the bed, of course." she winked as she added "Cats like to sleep on the floor, right?"

[Rioshi]

Raising an eyebrow at his companion, Rioshi sighed. He knew better than to try and return Jos's taunt, and so merely nodded his head in acceptance. Best to not tempt her, no matter how uncomfortable the floor might be...

However, he was not fully used to this area of Paxia, so Rioshi took a look around him. He already had a tent if he really needed somewhere to go, so the katta was not really worried. The place resembled a tavern, but the sleeping quarters would be sufficient. If he got bored, the katta would be more than happy to take a look downstairs. No worries. He had not been asked to drop his weapons yet, and neither did he proffer them to the owner. Best to keep an eye out, just in case.


Dropping eight crowns on the counter, Rioshi grinned. "Your choice Jos. Either way is fine by me. This should cover it whichever one you choose..."

That said, Rioshi took a chair for the time being and flipped a coin idly to the side.

[Josephine Wis]

Josephine signed. She was just making a joke, but Rioshi had taken her siriously... or was he teasing her? And why 8 crowns? Josephine frown trying to understand the Katta's intention. Did he wanted her to stay here for two brightening with him at the same room or did he wanted her to take two rooms for one brightening each?

The woman frown, her eyes on the coins, while the human returned his pipe to his mouth and enjoyed it "One or two rooms?" he asked after a moment of silence.

"Err..." started Josephine with no idea what to say. She looked at Rioshi and signed. Why does he always leave her with the hard choices?! "Do you have blankets on the bed?" she asked

The man frown a little "It's summ'r, not cold. Why'd y'ou need a blank't for?" Josephine frown too and the man signed "Yea, it's gotta blank't."

"Good. Then one room for two brightenings." said Josephine happy. She could spread the blanket on the floor so that Rioshi could sleep on it. He had fur, it wouldn't be too cold for him, right? Especially that it was Summer.

The man grabbed the crowns and handed them a key with a large circle on it with the number 4 on it.

[Rioshi]

Alas, poor Rioshi. Was he fated to live this way, with his sarcasm and wit dying at the hands of those with no sense of humor? Bad enough she could not tell the meaning behind the other things, but to not even comprehend that he was teasing her was a bit hard for Rioshi to believe.

Although really, why else would he put extra money on the table except to get food as well as rest, not to mention the possibility of a spare bed... But of course, Rioshi knew better than to make her concede to this lack of foresight.

With a grin, Rioshi took the key and ran up to the room. By the time his companion arrived, she would find the tables turned; Katta lying on the bed and blanket laying empty on the floor. But, he did at least have the grace to give her a pillow, despite her refrences to no such thing.