Tyrannian Nights {OPEN!} (673 views)

[Mo]

Across the simmering Tyrannian plateau, finally cooling off with the setting sun, a Pirate Xweetok exited the food shop with a bag full of various (mostly rocky) groceries. She stuck out like a sore thumb among the natives, clad in her blatantly nautical attire, but her mind was elsewhere and she noticed none of the attention she drew. Deep in thought, she was pondering the novel she was currently in the middle of. It was a philosophical work, written to engage the reader's current opinions and to open their mind to other perspectives (an interesting read, really), and she thoroughly enjoyed the way the author--

BOOM!

Liquorice toppled to the ground, spilling the contents of her grocery bag and landing smack on her tail. She yelped in surprise, and immediately scolded herself for not paying attention in a busy area in the evening, when many were active. Looking up, she noticed that the person she ran into seemed a little steamed- perhaps they had called out to warn her before their collision, but she hadn't heard them? Her ear twitched; of course she couldn't hear them. She can't hear anything.

[Otter]

There was always fighting; there was always challenges; there was always victories, and losses. Every day was another battle to win, and she reveled in it. Every battle made her stronger, every wound toughened her, and every defeat offered her new lessons to learn. What more could she want from home?

There's no such thing as "peace" in her family. What one would consider a break is scanning for enemy weaknesses, waiting for opportunities, then striking. Peace is a weakness. Letting your guard down is admitting defeat--and defeat is the ultimate disgrace. It was better to be beaten in combat than to give up.

Audrey limped through the Plateau with her head held high and a grin to boot. She was covered in fresh bruises: her left face was swollen, her right arm looked virtually limp, and her left leg ached with every movement. She was in pain--she'd never admit it--but even she knew she had to visit a doctor. Though some of the natives approached her with understandable concern, each time she'd rebuff them with the pride of winning against one of her most challenging foes. Her cousin was a ferocious one as well, one of the most fiercest of the family, so winning against him was a miracle--a miracle she held with the highest esteem.

She heard yelling amongst the crowd and, anticipating another brawl, diverted from the doctor's path. What she got instead was an odd sight: a Grarrl yelling furiously at a pirate Xweetok. What was a pirate doing here, of all places? She seemed relatively harmless too, but Audrey figured that was how the pirate got her victims. Audrey snorted. Maybe she robbed this guy? she thought, beginning to fold her arms when she winched, then chuckled. Oh...right...arm's broken.

The Xweetok wouldn't be going anywhere. Tyrannians were known to hold grudges, and since she unfortunately bumped into a Grarrl, that ugly trait was made ten times worse. From what Audrey knew of pirates she figured the Xweetok would use some sweet talking to get herself out of trouble, or call her crew. The Tyrannian Grarrl looked ready to turn violent, however, so she decided to step in.

"Ugga," she called, reaching out and grabbing the Grarrl's shoulder. Immediately the Grarrl turned his head towards Audrey to re-direct his anger, however he was caught off-guard by the bad shape she was in. His staring made her chuckle and pat his shoulder. "Uggaugga ugga ugga," she continued, laughing afterwards.

"Ugga..." The Grarrl replied hesitantly, but then remembered the Xweetok and instantly returned to anger. "Uggaugga uggaugga ugga!" It yelled, pointing fiercely at the pirate.

"Ugga ugga," Audrey replied confidently, her grin ever there. She looked at the Xweetok. "He's waiting for an apology."

[Mo]

Everything happened so quickly, Liquorice was left in a bit of a daze. Promptly, she jumped to her feet when she realized what was going on, scolding herself again for letting her guard down. She had to remember, Tyrannia was no Faerieland- it held some of the toughest Neopians around, and they, in short, weren't the best people to anger.
As she stood, she noticed two Grarrls standing in front of her- one fuming with rage, and one battered and bruised to a pulp. She raised her eyebrow. Yep, she was definitely in Tyrannia.

She brushed herself off and started to bend to the ground to retrieve her fallen groceries when she noticed the beaten Grarrl speaking to her. Her ear twitched, and she furrowed her brow in concentration. She hadn't caught that one. "Sorry, could you repeat that?" She smiled apologetically, but payed no mind to the angry one. She didn't want to heave the blame for this collision onto her shoulders just yet, and it seemed the brown Grarrl was trying to be reasonable whereas the other just wanted to rip her tail off.

[Otter]

"Ugga ugga, uggaugga," Audrey said to her fellow native. She patted his shoulder in a friendly gesture, giving him a bright smile once more. Despite the wreckage that was her physical body, her teeth were mysteriously, perfectly white and completely intact.

The Grarrl glared at the Xweetok before nodding and snorting in satisfaction. He grumbled under his breath before sweeping Audrey's hand off his shoulder and walking off. The surrounding crowd, whom had gathered in hopes of a brawl, slowly dispersed; many were disappointed.

Audrey chuckled and looked down at her dysfunctional arm before turning her attention to the Xweetok. "Good thing that's over," she casually remarked, her Neopian clear yet heavy with Tyrannian accent, "'cuz I wouldn't want to embarrass him in front of the crowd. Here, let me help." She walked over to the fallen groceries and proceeded to pick a few of them up with her lone arm. "And be careful next time. Even your slippery pirate ways couldn't save you from the rage of a Tyrannian Grarrl."

[Mo]

Liquorice watched the scene of scattering natives with a hint of amusement. She couldn't help but smile a little bit; Tyrannians love a good fight, she recalled. It'd been a while since she'd come here. As the remaining Grarrl bent to pick up Liquorice's groceries, she suddenly remembered their presence and bent down to gather the other side.

She watched the other Neopian, focusing on the movement of her mouth as she spoke. She smiled at her casual attitude, a little surprised that she'd help the foreign Xwee after that whole scene. "Thank you for helping me. That's very kind," She spoke, a little more slowly than the average person.
"Oh, yes, that's what I love about you Tyrannians. Lots of spunk, and vigor." She laughed a little, obviously unabashed despite the potential fight that almost broke out. "I didn't mean to cause trouble. It was my fault; I didn't see him coming until it was too late." With their combined efforts, the groceries were back in their bag pretty quickly.

Liquorice noticed that Audrey was only using one of her arms, slowing her at the task of gathering the food. "Do you have a habit of finding trouble?" She smiled with only a twinge of sympathy, referring to the Grarrl's injuries. "You may want to see a doctor, if they have one nearby. I know some first-aid, if not." She glanced towards the direction of her temporary living quarters, over towards the Jungle. Eh, what the hell? She was in a pretty good mood today, for whatever reason. It's always interesting having a good conversation with a Tyrannian, and this one looked like she had a lot to talk about.
"Either way, I'd like to repay you for your courtesy, somehow. A pirate doesn't often get hospitality around here."

[Otter]

She couldn't help but chuckle at the description of her people. The thought of rotten elders throwing rocks because their soup was too hot made the statement all true a fact. She was glad to hear acknowledgment from an outsider, even a suspicious one, for many regarded the Tyrannians as dimwitted barbarians. Even if it was true sometimes, she still found it disrespectful.

"You would know trouble, wouldn't you?" Audrey joked, smirking. "Alas, t'is many an infliction from the family. This here was my father, this my great grandfather, and this being my dear, sweet cousin." As she spoke, she pointed towards her cheek, a bite mark on her thigh, and the broken arm respectfully. She exploded into a hearty laugh when the Xweetok mentioned doctors.

When one thinks of a doctor, they imagine a professional trained in the medical arts, knowing every ailment and every cure for such ailments. When one images a doctor they see someone confident, clean, well-dressed and civilized. When one visits a doctor, they expect to be treated in a friendly, caring environment. All of this is what the modern world sets for the occupation known as "doctors," and understandably so.

What one calls a doctor in Tyrannia is a random person off the streets whose solution to all problems is: either hit it with a rock, wrap it up in leather, or give you meat and send you on your way. Somehow these random people earned the public's trust with their certified ways and were given the title "doctor"--which, in Tyrannian, was "ugga." Audrey was laughing because she realized this, and was wondering why she was finding a doctor in the first place.

"I think I'll be safer in your hands," Audrey chuckled, patting her broken arm before flinching. "Besides, I'm curious to see how pirates mend broken bones. Lead on." Remembering the Xwee's drifting eyes she turned and looked back, down beyond the cliffs, into the deep Tyrannian Jungles. Ah, she loved the Jungles, a place brimming with creatures never seen before. Most of it was tamed, unfortunately, but it was still a fantastic place for adventure now and then.

[Mo]

Liquorice raised an eyebrow with her crooked smile, then laughed lightly as Audrey explained the family connections between her injuries. "That's what they call 'tough love,' isn't it?" She joked, taking her grocery bag and getting back on her feet.
As soon as the Grarrl broke into laughter, Liquorice realized her mistake. Doctors were... different here, and, like the other mentioned, Liquorice was probably more capable of medical care than they. Tyrannians aren't exactly the "caring" type.

She laughed along with her, and agreed. "I'm not exactly an expert, but I've read lots of books... And I've learned a thing or two from experience. I think I can help." Before she started to head towards their destination, she clutched Audrey's good arm very lightly. "I hope you don't mind," she mentioned, "but it's easier for me to lead you this way, so I won't lose you." She moved slowly at first, waiting for the Grarrl to match her pace.

"I'm just staying over there, near the village. I'm sure you know where it is."

[Otter]

"Tough love indeed," Audrey replied with a nod and grin. She watched as the Xwee approached her and took up her good arm, winching slightly. Although it functioned, it was hurting just as much as the rest of her body. She didn't mind the sudden contact, however she made a mental note to keep tabs on her pockets. Audrey followed the Xwee along.

"I doubt I'd be that hard to miss, but alright," she replied. She kept her eyes on her new companion. "You read books? I never would've imagined pirates being literate!" Audrey laughed at the thought of educated pirates--the very notion would make Neopia explode! It was also a terrifying thought, for power existed in the written word. It was one of the reasons why her family accepted her educated upraising in the first place.

Her warrior instinct clicked at the realization, and quickly began to work on analyzing the Xwee...

"I know of what you speak," she confirmed, nodding her head towards the Xwee's statement. "Do you read many books?"

[Mo]

Liquorice nodded politely in response. As they walked, she frequently glanced at the path they walked but, strangely enough. kept her eyes on Audrey's face as she spoke. She eased up on her touch as she felt the other flinch, minding her bruises. At her remark, Liquorice just smiled.
At the sarcastic jab towards her Pirate color, Liquorice met the Grarrl with a playful smirk. "Oh, really? I could say the same about you!" She laughed. "Assuming you read, that is." The Tyrannian stereotypes never involved much intelligence, either; mostly just lots of stones and gruffness. ...Well, Pirates tended to value a pint over a good book in for the most part, anyhow. She couldn't call her out on that.

She smiled, looking towards the jungle to which they were headed. In the few seconds that she did, she missed what Audrey was saying, but realized moments later that the Grarrl looked at her expectantly for a reply. Her ear twitched. "Sorry," She said, "but could you repeat that?"

[Otter]

Audrey laughed at her response. This Xweetok was a clever thing! "You speak nothing but truth! Ahhh, no need to play around it, my people are dumb as rocks when it comes to knowledge. But we are smart; no one knows survival and physical perfection better than I. And we have fun in simple ways! Gotta admire that, at least."

She took a moment to spit out a blob just as Liquorice turned, turning away her head to be polite. By the time she turned back and heard the Xweetok's question, she figured the pirate got distracted by looking ahead. "Oh, I was just asking if you read many books. I love reading books as well." She smiled broadly, figuring the pirate would be shocked at this revelation.

[Otter]

Audrey laughed at her response. This Xweetok was a clever thing! "You speak nothing but truth! Ahhh, no need to play around it, my people are dumb as rocks when it comes to knowledge. But we are smart; no one knows survival and physical perfection better than I. And we have fun in simple ways! Gotta admire that, at least."

She took a moment to spit out a blob just as Liquorice turned, turning away her head to be polite. By the time she turned back and heard the Xweetok's question, she figured the pirate got distracted by looking ahead. "Oh, I was just asking if you read many books. I love reading books as well." She smiled broadly, figuring the pirate would be shocked at this revelation.

[Mo]

"Yes, you're a sturdy bunch, I'll give you that!" She was enjoying her conversation with the Grarrl, who was very amicable, despite her appearance. "I'd actually like to learn a thing or two from some of the fighters around here, sometime. Combat isn't my strongest suit, but it never hurts to know some good moves."
Her smile widened at the word "simple." That was the perfect way to describe Tyrannians, both in negative and positive terms. "I do admire that," she admitted with a swish of her tail.

Glad that she didn't show confusion, Liquorice payed close attention to Audrey when she repeated her statement. "Do you really?" The Xweetok looked a little startled, but in a pleasant manner. "That's fantastic. Books... They're my life," She laughed a little and blushed, deciding that sounded a little too silly when she said it aloud. "I mean, I collect them. I love reading, and there's so much it can offer. It's great that you do, too." She smirked a little. "I wouldn't have thought you'd have enough time, between all your family feuds."

The unlikely duo travelled to a modest yet homey little nook that Liquorice was staying in, and made their way inside.

[Otter]

"You have been saved by no better a fighter than I!" Audrey boasted loudly, tightening her hand into a fist and holding it up in the air. Her arm ached, but she was too proud to notice. "Combat is my soul. I can teach you many things!" Her already powerful pride was dampened into modesty when the Xweetok admitted her admiration. Her large smile receding into a grin, a warmth in her heart burned. She thought she was going crazy, liking a pirate--the first she'd meet, in fact. Though not completely trusting Liquorice, having accepted the Xweetok's intelligence, she considered herself lucky that her first impression wouldn't be all too bad.

Her warrior instinct hesitated on the thought of educating an enemy...and yet...perhaps she'd end up creating a worthy opponent to defeat. It pondered the decision.

Audrey chuckled with a tone of wise old men. She had seen Liquorice's embarrassment. "It is your passion," she spoke, her voice low yet strong with hidden emotion. "I understand." The empathy vanished with another chuckle, but her tone remained the same. "Despite what you believe, I don't stay home and spend the rest of my life wrecking and getting wrecked by my family--as much as I'd like to. I travel the world for personal reasons; you just caught me coming home."

She analyzed the Xweetok's home as they approached. She had long since been drawn into the jungle, closing her eyes to inhale the fresh, thick air. Oxygen was pure and delicious here compared to the smoke-filled skies of the Plateau. Grass, dirt, and rain-weathered rock tickled her feet; rarely did they ever walk on land that wasn't hard stone in Tyrannia. Compared to the stone houses and mountains of the Plateau, the jungle villagers lived in huts made of clay, wood, and stone, with straw, twigs, and leaves used for roofs. They were always a lot cooler within these homes.

Audrey rarely came down here. Whenever she did, though, it felt like a vacation. She made a note to come here more often.

"You live in the jungles?" she questioned.

[Mo]

Liquorice could feel the confidence radiating off of Audrey, and her eyes gleamed when she spoke of her passion. The Xweetok herself knew much about passion; it had brought her where she is now, so to speak. It was a beautiful thing.
"I don't doubt that for a second," She chuckled. She couldn't hear the enthusiasm in the Grarrl's voice, but she could feel it, and she felt the warmth that came from her toothy grin. Was she warming up to Liquorice? She knew that, traditionally, Pirates made more enemies than friends when it came to Neopets from lands foreign to them. She supposed she wasn't a very traditional Pirate, anyways.

At that, Liquorice's blush deepened a bit. "Yes," She said with a shy smile, "Reading has shaped me into who I am. I've learned so much from my books, and I hope to learn more." Her tone softened, sensing a certain sincerity about the words the other spoke. For a moment, she thought she read them wrong; she soon realized that the understanding was genuine.
"You travel, as well?" Liquorice's ears pricked upwards, interested. What a character she is! A reading, traveling, brawling Tyrannian who got along with a Pirate.
"I suppose we have more in common than we'd originally though," She said with a laugh as they approached the famous Jungle.

Liquorice noticed how Audrey changed, stepping into the jungle. The serenity that bloomed from her countenance was immediately recognized by the Xweetok. She must love it here, Liquorice smiled to herself. She felt more at ease just watching how Audrey greeted the Jungle.

The brief moment of silence was soon penetrated. "Oh, no," She held the unlocked door open for the other. "I'm renting this place out, temporarily. I don't really live in one set place right now. I am a traveler, too."

[Otter]

It took a moment to realize that she had been standing there like a doofus smelling the jungle air. She smiled and apologized to the Xweetok, carefully entering the hut. Thankfully it was spacious enough for her to stand straight; many Tyrannians were smaller species and, thus, were their living quarters.

"What brings a fellow traveler all the way the boring o'l rock that is Tyrannia?" she questioned with a chuckle, looking around the living space. "The entertainment we have here surely couldn't please a pirate such as yourself. Unless you have learn something from the books you've read?" She smirked. "None of them I have read give me such wonders."

She had been thinking about what the Xweetok said, about the two of them being more alike. She wasn't sure whether to take it as a compliment or an insult. It was a compliment of two beings, she knew, instead of occupation and moralities--clearly the Xweetok willingly took up the mantle of 'pirate' so her moralities were questionable at best. Still, Audrey had to admit that she was enjoying her brief amount of time with the stranger. She had to constantly remind herself not to let her guard down.