Dutifully, as always, the tiny fluffy baby bat managed to squeeze through a window -- leaving the newest delivery for Amon, before going to find Cadu quickly to see if the snake was up for a play or two.
Another letter, written in encrypted Allagan, very specifically the difficult type just for Amon to enjoy. No question who it is from.
It is with fond exasperation that I write this letter for you. Howler is doing quite well in the much warmer region of Thanalan, but has also found their rather ornery* streak. The freedom of which they feel is a lovely refresher, despite the fact that I find myself being driven up the proverbial walls at this point. There has been quite a few developments in the short time we have arrived. Allow me to paint for you some pictures my friend.
First, we have been mapping the region to some degree, finding friends and foes in our explorations before we take any serious moves. The heat has been rather cruel upon me, as you know my natural element is quite the opposite. Howler however? Completely at ease! Not a single sun burn! Let alone the fact that apparently, that arm of theirs has a built in cooling system. Which they had the gal to tease me about.
Now, I pride myself in remaining calm… But this child has been cracking my icey shell like a nut cracker. Of my next reaction I am not proud of.
In my frustrations and our banter, which has become too comfortable, I had shot some ice at them. Unfortunately it had caused them to fall, and continue to fall of their sun rock. Straight down a raveen. Now before you panic, they have been completely fine. Rather instead, Howler had come across something that had their attention more than a little bit. When I managed my way down to join? What does mine eye witness?
A crashed air ship. A hybrid build of parts really, and Howler was quite heated about how butchered it was. I recall that they have already sent you a letter detailing this. Even if we were arguing over leaving it or fixing it.
And so, now, our goal is to acquire new parts, tools, and fuel.
Which brings us to the next little detail.
Howler has convinced me to finally… Put my armor away, you see. At least the plates of it. Instead, I had to dig through my old wardrobe, and find some of my damaged old clothes. Howler had found a boutique out in Vesper Bay, with multiple seamstress masters from across the ocean due to its port nature. I took time to let them decide how to fix and use scraps I had. As a result?
My new outfit is… Quite a bit more cooling, for certain. But not something I was looking forward to. It does allow for more breathability and movement however.
Howler made sure to let me know just how happy they are to have won this back and forth as well. Honestly, it feels like I am a mother again some days.
Speaking of cloth. Amon, my friend, do send me various pages of styles or dresses if you would, I believe Howler would adore trying one on. I’d love to show them options. Or at the very least some frills or fancy clothing. Being a Bard of such repute and fashion, I can only assume you know of some rather more interesting outfit options?
I ask this because it seems that Howler had a moment of, what some folks call, gender envy? They were quite interested.
Now, we come to our most recent event.
And it has certainly left me wondering if I am going to develop grey hairs!
Howler had decided the best place for our target goal, was Castrum Marinum, just off the coast of the bay itself. Considering its isolated nature, it was not the worst place, however we went in without preparation!
It had been a relatively simple infiltration, meant to just scout our ways in and out, to figure out their supply storages, and patrol routes, before making a move. Unfortunately for us both, their patrol drones and magitek are far more difficult to predict and observe. It had ended up with the two of us detected and sprinting away from guards flowing out from almost every hallway. Chaos, honestly. And not the kind I am used to making, before you poke fun at me, sir.
Howler was laughing as we ran. Laughing! Honestly! It’s like I’m raising children again!
Anyway, we had soon found ourselves some cover behind crates and storage, alongside an ice wall. Howler then had found a powered up Reaper, but not yet ready to be used. I did not have a chance to fully analyze or review it for damages to work it. Howler had decided to use their tools and talent for this, while I went to entertain our guests…
Well, madness is not that far off of a proper description.
Between myself distracting the Garleans and their magitek, alongside the magic I had to tap into, I missed just what sort of work Howler was doing. Turns out that they are quite a bit more well versed than just a little when it comes to such technology. They got the Reaper working, alongside a supply sled.
And I do believe your personality has bled into them, considering the entrance Howler did.
They shouted for me, allowing me to drop combat to retreat behind the makeshift shelter. Help pile supply- and then Howler moved the reaper. Fast. Blown through the ice wall and crates with a maniacal laugh. A few explosions and rushed escape later? I find myself in the back of that sled with the new supplies, aether conductive panes, while they flew through the skies laughing and shouting! I hadn’t a chance to strap anything down, just holding on as if I was a young adult on a party binge in Allag!
By the end, we did have some of what we need. And have safely arrived at the old air ship, of which Howler has not yet settled upon a name for. They are currently working on it- as well as keeping the Reaper now. So we’ve got some options of traversal beyond our normal options.
All in all, there is never a dull day out here. I shall surely be going grey at this rate.
Hope you find some enjoyment in all of this.
If you hear rumors of a mad, or crazed, machinist that harassed Garleans? That was Howler… I doubt they will forget that laugh.
Please send me some calming teas, and maybe a small file of your music for my tombstone. I am going to need it at this rate.
Sincerely your ancient friend,
Igeyorhm Shemhazai, The Martyr
Amon gave a slight grin as Cadu snaked out to greet Pipsqueak, clearly happy to see his friend. Then they were off – doing whatever it was they did. The Elezen did hear the sound of a distant squeaky toy, however…
Unfurling the letter, the bard immediately saw the encrypted Allagan language and rubbed his hands together in expectation. It was satisfyingly challenging to crack, but what Amon noticed above all else was the fact that the Lady Ascian had signed the note with her full name and title this time.
He was sure that not many could brag to say they had the same. That was an interesting observation, and required like in return.
Amon immediately sat down to work on a suitably tricky encryption for her to puzzle.
It sounds like you’re having a glorious time (living up to your title), from what I have read! :) :) :)
I know you have a reputation to maintain, but I also know you’re exceptionally fond of your ward, even when they are being an absolute nuisance (said affectionately). I swear I had nothing to do with their changing perspective... aside from some gentle encouragement!
‘Twas likely always a part of their personality to hone and let shine! :D
I know that you and I both can agree we’d rather see Howler up-and-at-them than in the gloom that they struggled with by-the-by. In fact, I can vouch for the purpose a good piece of fixer-upper tech can bring to the right-minded individual.
I’m convinced that Howler is merely a mech-nerd waiting to happen. Said in all affection, as a fellow tech-nerd. Please let them nerd freely and you will see them blossom, my friend!
My further suggestion? Nerd with them! Not all chaos is destructive, and you might discover something enlightening in the middle of it all!
And good on Holwer for salvaging some Garlean tech for more useful purposes! I’ve considered paying a visit to a Castrum, but I doubt my chances of emerging in one piece are very high. I’d love to take a look at that Reaper one day!
All this to say - if you (and I) were put here with a second lease on life, I claim ‘tis best to live it up to the fullest! ‘Tis more fun that way, if nothing else!
I’ll send along the calming tea blends you requested… as I know taking this advice is easier said than done for more orderly personality types. (Nothing wrong with being organized, either!)
I’m happy to hear that you’ve been prudent in changing your gear out in the desert. Howler spoke concern when it came to the heat’s affect on you in particular – see, they do care about you in return!
As for asking for designs centering around frilly garments, you came to the right place! I can absolutely provide some data on the newer fashion trends, along with some of the tried-and-true. I’ve sent along a data chip with some fashion images for Howler to partake of – I’m going to assume your Tomedevice can read and relay such storage tech?
‘Tis far smaller and easier than trying to shove paper scrolls in a satchel for poor Pipsqueak to lug around. If you don’t have a Tomedevice adapter for said chip type, mayhaps I can refurbish you one for next time. Just say the word and I’ll see what I can scrounge up. ‘Twont be fancy, but ‘twill be serviceable.
Oh, and aye, I’ll send along some tunes as well! Specifically, the kind of music my own mother would indulge in after dealing with a headstrong son such as myself. :) :) :)
No, I’m not chuckling to myself about your experiences with what may as well be an adopted child of your own. Why would you ever think that?
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
Amon of Syrcus, Lead Technologist
@dogicrimsonofficial
