Void Rift (rp) - Intermission

"Why's a tree called a tree, why's a bush called a bush? Hell if I know. And, it's called corn if it has an outer layer of yellow-white bumps and an inner layer of a substance that is not that. Also, there should be an even outer layer of leaves and a hair-like substance."
I inform.

 

"Really? Coins are the easy part for us. Making gold is impractical, so we conjure alloys to use for things like keeping Xlentia cooped up in her room if she's about to throw a fit."

"We ate that too."
"Good point."
"Sorry for asking."

 

"It's fine to ask questions. And, don't judge the humans if they take the leaves an hair off first. I don't believe they eat it like that."

 

"Well, I can easily make the coins, but I can't make the legal currency coins or use fake ones. That's sort of illegal." Stephanie says.

 

"Duh. We haven't had a currency system since the Hive Master, so we've just traded for things. Most soldiers are craftsmen of sorts, be it musicians or woodcarvers."

"I can't blame them."
"Got stuck in my teeth."
"It was about par with corpses."

 

"Well, anyways, I need to speak with Aral'hrah. Know where he is?"

 

"Hopefully he'll be dead before us." Stephanie says, getting distracted by her tome again.

 

"Of course."

"Mantis forest."

 

"Alright. Thanks."
I say, then head over there, as Crystal follows.

 

The Matriarch's guard is around, but you don't see Aral'hrah or the Matriarch.

 

I approach the nearest guard.
"Hello. Have you seen Aral'hrah or the Matriarch around?"
I ask.

 

"Yes, the Matriarch had the crazy idea to paint Aral'hrah, so... that's what they're doing in her room."

 

"When did she start?"

 

"I'd say... and hour and a half ago? I'm not sure. Sundial's up on the canopy."

 

"Thanks."
I say, entering the palace, Crystal in a bit of awe from it.

 

There's not much to be in awe of, since there are scars of the rioting fires, but it's still intact.

The Matriarch is visible in front of a canvas, a part of the walls of her chambers burned down.

 

I look around for Aral'hrah.

 

He's sitting beside the canvas.

 

I try to see how much progress the Matriarch has made.

 

She's got the outline and the base colors, now is working on detail.
Aral'hrah seems to have fallen asleep, though his armor is rigid enough to keep his pose... for the most part.