Tilted_Axis
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Chapter 69: Prophecy #2 & Final Plans
🕑 Added 2021-03-22 12:38:16 +0000 UTCExtra-long chapter for all of you.
Lots of new exciting stuff happening in and out of the book. Here are some of the things everyone has to look forward to over the next couple of months:
- Book 1 will be completed very soon (as I'm sure you can tell).
- An original semi-realistic illustration starring Constance in her arc suit and two other characters coming next month.
- Everything from chapter 67 back has been sent to the editor, who is going to be smoothing out a lot of things as well as improving the Old English elements.
- Five emoji's that have already come back and I'm going to use to the point you’ll all be sick of them.
- I've been working on a few different maps, one variant I'll be posting above.
-And, of course, the beginning of Book 2.
Enjoy and thanks for your support everyone.
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Around a half-hour after speaking to Earl, Owl stands behind his camera, tapping various things before returning his attention to me. “Okay, Miss Nightingale, just like last time. This time our goal is slightly different. We want to both discourage additional people from migrating to New York City while also suggesting that those who have already arrived move against the Consortium. So are you ready, Miss Nightingale?”
I nod and raise my hands. The process is the same as before, with me signing a single letter at a time with Owl’s help. “The Cosmic System returns, humanity moves ever closer to ruin. I am the Fairy of the Tower, a granter of charity upon all who are worthy. The ensuing prophecy relies on these worthy people. Humanity’s greed hinders the Tower. Beat back the walls that hold the Tower’s foundation ransom. Avoid the frozen water, for mighty beasts dwell in its depths and man is not ready. Free the red, grant the commoners access to the Tower’s location, do so, and the Tower will provide more appropriate beasts for humankind to hunt in the city’s underbelly.’
Pausing, I then progress on to the next topic. ‘This is a message, not for the pilgrims that wish to challenge the Tower, but for those who wish to evade peril. The sleepless city shall soon pray for sleep, beasts shall prowl its streets, monsters shall move beneath its stone, and falsehoods will appear—false idols, potential abominations.”
We spend the next several hours crafting the remaining prophecies. All in all, there are three more prophecies: when I enter hibernation, the rise of the other Kiln, and the Tower sprouting. The first one includes a request for people to bring pets and the second is for whenever the first Kiln sprouts. As for the last one, it shall be shown a fortnight or so after I enter hibernation, depending on if any of the other Kiln has sprouted. It also asks for people to keep three-hundred feet from the Tower’s sprouting location. This is both because I have nary an idea how the Tower’s sprouting will occur, nor do I know precisely how the leeching of essence shall work.
I still have one more vent I can place, yet I am now uncertain about planting it in The Lake. Terra and I chatted about things and agreed it was best to wait for the second vent. That way, we can observe what the first vent does to the chamber pot tunnels before I place the second. Further, I learned there might be a better place for it since, according to Terra, there are several things buried beneath the park. Meaning I have more choices than I realized.
When we finish the moving picture, Owl sits tapping things on his camera. While he does whatever it is he is doing, I take a final look at the cave. ‘I suppose I shan’t return to the cave until after I reawake. I wonder what it will look like when it is finished.’ A fly buzzes by; I swat it away. ‘Hopefully, it shan’t attract flies at least.’
“I’ll begin editing it immediately. It should be ready to share with the world in the next few hours. Once again, you did splendidly, Miss Nightingale,” Owl says with a smile.
I wave like a little gesture of thanks. ‘Now, I suppose we shall see if it goes better or worse this time.’
My arm drops to my side.
…
…
…
It is noon the next day—the day before I am set to enter hibernation. I am standing with my head poking from the top of the black RV, watching events unfold. The RV sways, prompting me to stumble and making my armor bump against the RV’s roof. I use my right hand to brace against the wall and prevent myself from tumbling down the ladder. As for why the RV is swaying, that is because a multitude of passionate people has surrounded it.
People flooded into the park all day and all night. Not only Frisbee Hill but Sheep Meadow has been congested with encampments. Now people are erecting encampments to the east at Pilgrim Hill and the north-east on Cedar Hill.
The people are surrounding the Consortium stronghold. Despite the RV being two-hundred feet away from the exterior of their walls, we are still caught in the happenings. I eye the high fences of the Consortium stronghold. The masses of people beat against the fences shouting at the Consortium concealed behind the plastic blankets that are fastened to the fences. It’s clear the Consortium is struggling; we all are. They are overwhelmed by the people, we are overwhelmed by the people, and the people are overwhelmed by the people.
A stream of water shoots from over the Consortium fence, making it seem as if heavy rain is occurring. This has been how the Consortium has held them off thus far. With it being so cold, the water freezes quickly and makes the crowds disperse. It’s only temporary. People have begun wearing attire that repels the water. The water shan’t work for much longer.
I descend the ladder, retreating back into the interior of the RV. There I discover Terra sitting on the white couches. Her eyepatch is flipped up, her head is tilted back, and her eyes are facing the ceiling. She appears to be deliberating or plotting something.
A purple wall surfaces.
I read the wall, shake my head, and approach Terra. ‘That is the fourth one I have received. Does that mean there are four punctures?’
Hearing my metal boots against the tile floor, Terra says, “We were able to bribe a few people to get some information on the Consortium’s inner movements. They reported that your haze is being siphoned into canisters. They’re probably going to try to take what they can and run. It also seems the Hex Church had a bit more of that acid set aside and sold it to the Consortium for a hefty fee.”
“I presume they are likely siphoning all four types. We already knew the Consortium’s intentions were to do so, so I suppose we should not be surprised.” Halting a few feet away from her, I add, “As for the acid, we cannot be certain how much of it they may have set aside before I took the coffin away. Will the Consortium cede control of the Terrace soon?”
“Something like that, probably. Unless they’re willing to go considerably further than they seem to be at the moment.” While half-nodding, she stirs topics. “I think we’re going to have to shift focus from removing the Consortium to managing the people.” She ceases gazing at the ceiling and switches to tapping on her silver tome while still musing. “I think I’ve got an idea, but I was curious if you had any yourself?”
“Aye. I had thought we might reward choice conduct.”
Raising an eyebrow, she replies simply, “Oh, anything in mind?”
I nod. “When the Tower sprouts, I am not certain how soon, but I shall require people to enter. I believe we might reward people by allowing them to be amongst the first.”
“Are you already considering that far forward?” She smirks, rests her chin in her hand, and questions, “Why not just offer to awaken them? Seems the more obvious choice.”
“Well, it is not as if I have much to give besides awakening people with haze.” I take a seat on a white couch across from her. “That shan’t be an incentive for everyone, though. I would imagine the most dangerous and difficult to control would be those that have already awakened. These people are the ones we require influence over.”
“That’s certainly true and our thoughts are comparatively the same. I was going to suggest that we offer people the opportunity to awaken if they assist the camp in some significant way. We can promote good behavior in that way. As an incentive for the awakened, they could pick someone else to awaken.”
“Aye. I do not see a reason we could not do both.” I lean back, mimicking Terra’s earlier demeanor and gaze at the marble ceiling. “I cannot allow that many people into the Tower, at least initially.”
“And you are okay with offering it this soon?”
I shrug. “Allowing people into the Tower is a necessity as far as I am aware. My only stipulation is they must be aware that there is danger and enter willingly. Then the consequences are their own to bear.”
“Of course. Then we’ll set up some type of system to distribute the rewards. Maybe we can do some type of unique tokens?”
“Tokens? Like a coin...?” I lower my gaze. “I suppose it does not matter what it is, as long as they are not easily forged.”
She nods. “And how many are you willing to commit to when it comes to allowing them into the Tower?”
“Truly, I would like to keep it low, yet with so many people, that does not seem practical...”
“Right. It isn’t very incentivizing if the number is too low. People wouldn’t believe they’d have any chance at all in that case.”
Taking some time to consider everything I learned and chatted with Earl about, I shake my head. “Let’s just say… one-hundred at the current utmost and only after I have prepared things. Not immediately.”
“Then what do you think about a maximum of… let’s say six-hundred tokens, all of which grant one of the earliest awakenings, but one-hundred of them have the bonus of allotting first entry into the Tower.”
“That is fine, I suppose. We should number them, though. I do not believe we may cope with everyone attempting to do either of those things all at one time. Not until we understand our capabilities and circumstances.”
“Yes, we’ll do that. We couldn’t handle six hundred sick or mad people all at once. Especially if they need oxygen like many of the mice in the experiment did. That’s a limiting factor in and of itself. Besides, I’d rather you make the selection for the one hundred. That makes it more meaningful for both you and them.”
“Me?” I glance outside at the people who move about, laughing and greeting one another. “I suppose I should, although I shall be hibernating for a fortnight at least. Then I might spend some time in the Tower itself.”
“I’ll be on the lookout. If I feel someone is worthy, I’ll provide you with their name and qualifications. We’ll give the lesser tokens to everyone we think deserves it, but we’ll allow you to upgrade it. That or you can just pick whomever.” She shrugs. “If you wanted, you could even make a third tier of token for the best of the best. Regardless, I believe it should be your decision.”
“Aye…” A woman carrying an infant and holding the hand of a boy strolls past the window. “That is fine. It is a lot of people to select, but I agree it should be me. I should know who the first one-hundred shall be.”
“I’ll have the Helping Hands make the tokens and gather candidate information if you’re in agreement with everything.”
I return my attention to her silver and green eyes. “It is best we give the people reason to remain calm and docile when the circumstances digress. They have all traveled to this city for a reason; we should allow them to know it is coming.”
Sighing, she crosses her legs. “That’s right. That’s also why I think we need the canisters the Consortium wants to run away with.”
“Thou doth not believe the people will be willing to remain idle until the Tower sprouts?”
“Maybe, or maybe not. I’d prefer we didn’t find out. Moreover, permitting the Consortium to leave with them means they’d have less incentive to barter with us.”
“Then we shall steal them? They belong to me, so I do not see the issue; not that I would have any qualms even if they were not.”
“Agreed.” Grinning, she flexes her eyebrows. “We’ll perform a small heist to retake ownership of the canisters.”
“Heist? Another name for thievery, I presume. Shall we be acting as highwaymen? It sounds fun!”
She nods.
Our conversation is interrupted when someone knocks on the RV’s entrance. Terra flips her eyepatch down and changes which leg she has crossed. “Yes?”
An escort speaks through the door, “Two men outside say they’re Consortium.”
“Consortium!” I straighten my back and place my hands on my thighs. “Art thou going to allow them entrance?”
“The Consortium and I have done business before in the past and they don’t kill business associates. That’s bad business. Besides...” She smiles and then says out loud, “I think I know who it is already; let them in.”
The door to the RV opens.
“Are you sure I can’t just get your number?” a familiar voice asks.
The voice of the woman in red responds, “How about I give you the number of seconds you have left before I draw my gun?”
Terra rolls her silver eye and rests her head in the palm of her hand. In strolls a familiar man, Lincoln the Consortium Solicitor. At first, he walks in with a slight smirk, yet it vanishes upon noticing me.
He raises an eyebrow. His gaze drifts to Terra opposite me—a disheartened sigh escapes.
‘Do they recognize me beyond being the Fairy? This would be simpler if they did not.’
Another man walks in, except he’s walking backward, still speaking to the woman in red. This is, of course, Pierce the other Consortium Solicitor. He points at the woman in red with a chuckle. “Hey, not gonna lie, that was pretty clever.”
Lincoln hits Pierce in the shoulder, prompting him to spin around. His smile fades as his arm drops. “Shit,” he murmurs.
The RV’s door slams shut, leaving Terra and I glaring at the pair alone. Terra sighs. “This is rather rude.” Removing her black rectangle, she peers at Pierce. The black rings around her eyes shiver as she says, “Maybe I should have a conversation with your superior?”
Pierce scratches his chin. “No, uh, sorry Galtry, we just didn’t expect it would actually be you…”
“Galtry? And why didn’t you imagine it would be me?” she asks, raising an eyebrow.
Glancing at Lincoln, he sighs and then states, “No reason, in particular, I’m really sorry, Miss Galtry. I just know not many interact with you in person.”
She shifts her posture. “I believe I understand what you’re implying.” Her brow furrows. “Because I’m a recluse? Is that what you wish to say?”
“No, of course not.” His eyes dart between Terra and Lincoln. Without Lincoln to save him, he responds, “Miss Galtry’s natural beauty just caught me off guard. I was lost for words, that’s all.”
Leaning back, a deep frown comes across her face. “So it wasn’t the reputation I garnered, but something as superficial as my appearance? Is that it? Personally, I’d like to think I’ve grown beyond that.”
Pierce opens his mouth, except before he may say anything, Lincoln grabs his arms. “Pierce, just don’t talk anymore.” Pierce nods and Lincoln proceeds, “I apologize on behalf of my coworker.”
“Just keep him on his leash,” she scoffs. “If I recall, you came to me. What is it you want?”
“May we speak to you for a moment? We’d like to discuss the situation currently taking place outside.”
“And? Why do you think I’d have any control over that?”
“The crowds have repeatedly shouted the phrase, ‘where is Galtry.’ Though you haven’t acted directly, there aren’t many with the resources. Most of all, the Consortium’s roots run deep in the banking industry. Meaning, we are aware that you are the one that owns the Hotel Casale. Everything pointed toward your involvement.”
This is the first time I have seen Lincoln speak in impeccable and precise sentences. To be frank, it’s surprising. He is quite intelligent and well-versed. Honestly, I consider Lincoln the second most dangerous person I have come across since I arrived. Not in a malicious sense, but if it was demanded of him by the Consortium, I believe he could be a very real peril.
“Hotel Casale? Is that the quaint little hotel on the corner of 5th Avenue?”
Lincoln glances at me and then returns his attention to Terra. “Yes, though it was hidden behind dozens of shell companies and listed under the ‘HHands,’ a business of bureaucrats can work effectively with appropriate motivation.”
“Well, the Consortium unquestionably loves their bureaucrats.” Noticing Lincoln's glances, she asks, “Is there a reason you keep looking at my partner here?”
“We’ve met before,” Lincoln says.
Pierce raises an eyebrow.
Shaking her head, Terra waves her hand. “No, that’s impossible. She only just came into town a few days ago. Where she films her videos is quite far from the city. Now please, I expect more professionalism from the Consortium. Even if it’s only skin deep.”
Lincoln nods. “The Consortium would like to discuss the future of the resources buried here.”
“They don’t belong to you, nor me for that matter, but I’m willing to hear you out. Perhaps someone in attendance here might have the right to decide if and how they’re divvied up.”
Without removing his gaze from Terra, he replies, “If they’ve managed to get you on their side, I’m sure the higher-ups will be willing to bargain with them.”
Terra taps her fingernails against the silver tome in her lap. “I don’t think they have a choice.”
“I guess you’re right.” Lincoln chuckles.
After a short exchange of words, it is decided that Lincoln and Pierce shall return tomorrow morning to negotiate. When they walk out the door, Terra smiles at me, “They’re going to start preparing to move the canisters full of haze; I’m going to make some calls. We’re going to take them away.”
“Aye. I had a feeling thou wouldst still wish to seize them.”
Terra stands and walks into the backroom. Hearing her speaking into the black rectangle, I return to what I have primarily done since last night. This is, of course, making the map for the Pantry. I have almost settled on a design with four distinct regions. If I do it this way, it shall allow me the most diversity to experiment with.
An hour passes.
I gaze out the window, watching a man with tan skin standing atop the frozen Cherry Hill fountain. He has straight black hair that runs just above his shoulder. Despite the cold and his dignity, he does not wear a shirt, so his skin has a hue of red. Around his neck, he has a strap attached to a device that resembles a lute with cords running out of it.
Opening the window, I listen.
“Fuck you, I have nothing left to lose!” he screams. The roars of the crowd hit a fevered pitch. Raising his first and making the t-sign, he raises at the Consortium stronghold. “You’ll have to fuckin’ kill me if you wanna get rid of me!”
The crowd mimics him and chants, “King Zero!”
A fly buzzes by as it attempts to enter through the window. ‘Shoo!’ I slap the fly away and listen. He plays the booming instrument.
The deafening noise is comparable to a horse kicking me in the head. I shut the window and the RV becomes silent once again. ‘King Zero? Is that the man from the chat room? I do not believe he is actually a king.’
“Not a fan?” Terra laughs.
I shake my head. “Nay. It is merely an arrangement of loud sounds.”
“Well, I’m certain many people would argue differently, but everyone has their own tastes.” Pressing the button on the wall, the seat embedded in the ceiling begins to lower. “Everyone is coming here. We’re going to discuss stealing the canisters.” She walks over to some papers, shuffles through them. “Ah,” she says, walking back to me and holding them toward me. “We ended up finding the Spirit Scribe who that yellow tome belonged to.”
Reaching out, I take the paper in hand. “That madwoman Emily was able to locate her?”
“It wasn’t hard; she had only just gotten out of the hospital.” A ringing sound comes from the black rectangle. “My phone is always ringing nowadays.” Tapping something on the thing called a ‘phone,’ she says, “Anyway, I already spoke to her. She’ll be here for the meeting.”
With that, she moves to the back room to chat with the phone.
Looking through the paper, I find it is relatively thin. It appears finding information about the person has been difficult for Terra. The most interesting bits are the handwritten notes made by Terra in regards to their meeting.
The notes read, “Ava Gayhardt joined the Hex Church eight weeks ago. An unusual addition to the Hex Church’s congregation because Ava is handicapped, i.e., she is deaf and does not know sign language. Ava is given missions via letters, a security issue, to be honest. I attempted telepathy with her, but it was challenging to converse with her in this way since she doesn’t know nor has heard verbal speech before. Ava seems temperate enough, the opposite of Emily, but she asked about the iron coffin Constance took before her own tome - either has low self-esteem or some attachment to the coffin. [1] Only recently released from the hospital a few days ago after her encounter with Constance’s vermillion haze.”
‘She is deaf…? It also seems I should avoid mentioning the coffin to her. Well, it is not as if I would discuss such topics with just anyone. It is good that there does not seem to be any complications from the haze or my attempt to eat her tome.’
With everyone soon to arrive at the RV, I return to my map-making.
…
…
…
That afternoon everyone from the original meeting has gathered in the RV, excluding the escorts who are outside keeping guard and Owl, who is busy working. We have one new addition—Ava the Spirit Scribe and owner of the yellow tome. Ava has bandages around her fingers from where she clawed at the Arcade’s walls when it was enveloped by vermillion haze. Her hair is dark blonde, straight, and shoulder-length. Unlike when I first encountered her, she wears bright winter attire along with reading spectacles. Fabric is around part of her wrist and nape where it runs into the collar of her shirt. She has pale unblemished skin, aqua blue eyes, and wears a hairpin that favors a white mouse with long whiskers. Similar to most adults of this time, she is taller than me and her lean body exhibits few traces of earthly hardships.
For whatever reason, Ava has chosen to sit a hand’s length away from me. [2]
Terra has been able to gather a bit more information during the hours between meeting Lincoln and Pierce and now. The most significant being that the Consortium plans to move the canisters just before the meeting with Terra. So an hour or two before daybreak.
This was found out by Jessica and Leo, who also said the noble’s guard is supposed to escort the canisters after they exit the park. Evidently, the people are barring any noble’s guard rides that attempt to enter.
We have already discussed how the theft of the canisters shall go and are now reviewing.
At the moment, Terra is shuffling through more papers preparing to speak. Ava glances at my whiteboard and then me. I look over because I cannot take it any longer; she has been doing this since she arrived. Squinting, she raises her hand and makes a talking motion; I shake my head.
I write, “Nay, I cannot speak.”
She nods and does not attempt to communicate further.
On my opposite side is Emily, who is trying to get my attention in my peripheral by waving her hand. I wait to see if she will persist. When a few minutes have passed and she has not stopped, I turn my head.
“It’s good to see you again,” she says, her eyes looking between Terra and me. “I just wanted to apologize for what I did in the past and for implying anyone ‘owned’ you. After a very… very scary talk, I understand that you are your own person and not something to be enslaved.”
‘I thank thee... I guess.’
Terra begins to speak, “Fairy, tell us what your part is.”
I write, “I shall post an announcement early tonight. After which, I shall take position across from Pilgrims Hill to spy upon the Consortium and ensure there are not any unanticipated occurrences.”
“Announcement?” I hear Jessica whisper.
The announcement is about the tokens. Terra wished for me to be unclear to make it sound as if it is some type of grand proclamation. It is merely some signs.
“Hoarse?” Terra says, ignoring Jessica.
“I’m going to be dressed in some ‘lovely’ black robes.” Leaning back, Hoarse sighs. “My job is to remove the tracking device the Consortium puts on everything. I’ve sold some of their shit in the past, so I know what it looks like. Then I’ll put a new license plate on it.”
‘This was the most clever bit, in my opinion. The “heist” makes it appear as if the Hex Church is responsible for the whole thing. We hope this undermines the relationship between Consortium and Hex Church, giving us an advantage.’
Terra gestures for Lorcan to come forward. Carrying a white box full of black frocks and what resembles tomes, he walks out from behind Terra. The frocks are real, but the tomes are “practice tomes” for Spirit Scribes. Their purpose is to teach the Spirit Scribes how easy it is to lose or have their tomes stolen if they are not careful and aware of their location at all times.
Supposedly, it’s common for them to carry these practice tomes around while other Spirit Scribes attempt to steal them while their back is turned. Terra says that this is important until a Spirit Scribe receives their engraving; after that, their tome’s location becomes instinctual. Most Spirit Scribes have not advanced to that point.
Dropping the white box onto the marble table in front of Hoarse, Lorcan lifts one of the frocks. “And I’ll be with Hoarse, outfitted in one of these bad boys that may or may not include underwear under the skirt.” He laughs, punching Hoarse’s arm, who looks embarrassed by the thought of wearing the frocks. “I’ll be in charge of driving the box truck with the canisters to a designated safe house.”
While Hoarse runs his hand over his face, Terra shifts focus to Emily, “And you, Charm.”
Sitting up straight, Emily replies at high speed, “I’m going to be with Hoarse in disguise, well, it’s not really a disguise for me; anyhow, I’ll prepare and hex the driver!”
Terra peers at Ava. Ava refused to pick a nickname or take a whiteboard to write with, so she has merely been listening to the entire conversation. Ava points at Emily and then at herself.
With a frown, Terra sighs and replies, “Right, you won’t have your tome, but you’ll be doing the same as Charm using your quill to hex the passenger if there is one.” Keeping her eyes on Ava for a second longer, she turns toward Jessica and Leo. “Angel and Savior?”
Leo nods and explains his and Jessica’s role, “We’ll be erecting a barricade an hour before departure. We’ll then attempt to keep any officers or citizens from approaching while things go down, claiming it’s for their own safety.”
“And of course, while you’re all doing this, I’ll be here meeting with the two Solicitors.” Things remain quiet as Terra glances between the many faces and then asks, “Any further questions before we separate?”
Everyone shakes their head, excluding Hoarse, who raises a finger and asks, “What if we get caught? What then?”
“Don’t be,” Terra says curtly. “Any other questions?”
Sweat drips down Hoarse’s forehead as he sinks back into his chair.
Without further questions, Terra waves her hand. “Everyone may leave. Go home, get some rest, and be back here at 2 A.M. If anyone doesn’t show, I’ll find you myself. Anyone betrays me, not only will you suffer the consequences of the contract we signed, I’ll drop your body in The Lake to be eaten whole.”
Everyone nods with zeal, except Jessica, who glares at me and moves to the exit. ‘Probably still believes I did something to my vermillion self.’
Ava stands; she also stares at me. Removing some type of paper, she writes something, taps on it, and places it on my whiteboard before following Jessica and Emily out. I watch her leave and then lift the paper that reads, “Deaf, Mute, and Hard of Hearing ASL Society.” In the corner is a note, “Nervous to go alone, don’t know anyone else. Will you go with me?” and then some incomprehensible number that says, “Text Only” next to it.
‘...?’ When everyone has left, I stand and hold the paper where Terra can see it. “What does this note mean?”
Taking it in her hand, Terra reads it. “She wants you to go with her to a group for people with hearing and speaking difficulties. Presumably, one that concentrates on sign language. I assume she wants to learn sign language and doesn’t want to go by herself.”
“Oh, I doubt I shall be able to attend that.”
“Not the best idea, given the circumstances. By the way, two escorts and a Helping Hand will be accompanying you everywhere you go until you enter hibernation from now on.”
“But…”
She crosses her arms and shakes her head. “Sorry, but I refuse to budge on this. It’s too dangerous for you to not have them with you. I have two coming in right now. They’re well-rested and have volunteered to stay with you for the next twenty-four hours.”
“...But I do not even know their actual names.”
The door to the RV swings open and two escorts enter. Terra returns to a more serious demeanor and glares at the two, “Neither of you have introduced yourselves to Fairy. Quit being so rude and do so immediately.” The woman in red opens her mouth, but Terra interrupts her. “You can give her your real names. She’s obviously not like the others and won’t recognize them. A rarity for you, I’m sure.”
‘Recognize them? Are they famous harlots?’
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[1]. Temperate: moderate or self-restrained; not extreme in opinion, statement, etc.
[2]. Hands Length: 4 inches or 10.16 cm.
