One day, walking through a plane field of Milkweed, they told me to drop to the ground. I grimaced - again!? - but did as I was told. Well, almost. I peeked this time, lifting the cloak a little bit to get an eyeful of whatever they were keeping from me.

With a final flap of their wings, they struck the earth heavily, shaking me where I lay. They did not appear to be aggressive, but they walked like they owned the land they trod upon. My friends were acting unusually - smiles and politeness, but ears flat. Tails lashing unconsciously, shearing through the Milkweed stalks. The small one spoke:

“Salutations, my Verre brothers and sisters. We continue our hunt, and we thought from above that we spied a shade of hated crimson. Have any of you seen a Fortugnat wandering these lands, perchance? “
My hearts stopped. I dared not gasp, but I wailed inwardly. My People! Hunted by these beasts these past years while I hid. My shame crushed me to the floor.

Crackle spoke, his aged voice firm.
“No, sir Palaitin. Once again, there is no one here but the Verre. We have no quarrel with the unfortunate Fortugnat, but neither would we risk the wrath of the mighty Laitache.”
“Nor must you, friend Verre. Do not mistake my vigilance for a threat!”
A frosty Milk laugh.
“On the other hand… I would be very disappointed to find I had been misled! Farewell - until the next time! “
With a blast of displaced air, they took off, winging away into the open sky. I held the cloak tight against the gale, chilled to my core.

When the others came and uncovered me, one look told them that I knew.

-O-
Later, in a safer place, we camped for the night on our way to Chromeport. I kept a fair distance from the others, looking at the stars. Down below, we had told stories about them, the great glowing pips set into the tallest cavern. I turned away. What had happened to my comrades? I hadn't seen any other Fortugnat in ages, and even those strays hadn't been anyone I recognized.
“They're Gods, you know.”
I started, wheeled around. Crackle was old, but I could never hear him coming just the same.
“The stars, I mean. An old friend told me - he looked upon their naked power, and I think it drove him a trifle mad - but he was still a good man.”
I smiled softly, but didn't look at him.
“Listen, Shi. We didn't want you to be concerned, but I see now our secrecy was misjudged - call it a vagary of our nature as Verre. Here is the truth - the Laitache, the Milk People, have sworn a vendetta against the Fortugnat for the murder of their God. They hunt them like beasts, and take them to ParaDice… or slay them where they stand. It is hard, but it is the truth.”

I curled around myself , feeling numb. He lightly patted my head and turned to leave. A few steps away, he stopped.
“I meant what I told him earlier, you know. You are Verre in spirit if not flesh, and you are welcome among us forever, if you wish”

• 1A Sadness!
  I lament the loss of my friends and family, my People, alone. I do not blame the Verre for keeping this from me... but it hurts me, just the same. I will close off my heart from the Verre, somewhat - a broken trust is slow to mend.
  
• 1B Bittersweet!
  I have lost my People - or near enough - but I have found another. I will take life where I can get it, and live the best I can! I will help my People if I can, but the Verre are my family, now, and their safety comes first.
  
• 1C Resolve!
  I will live among the Verre for now, but my People face the lash once again. I alone am in a position to do something - and I still bear the power of my Goddess, foolish and flighty though she was. I will take my revenge where I can!

-O-
The next afternoon, we arrived at Chromeport. Nevermind the stars, just LOOK at this place! I had never seen some place so bright and beautiful, so full of motion, so LOUD!

I did attract some strange looks walking in, but any trepidation I felt vanished as Murano grabbed me by the arm and yanked me towards the market. I’d done some trading in my travels with the Verre - Glass-Shaping comes in handy in that regard - but this was far beyond anything I’d ever imagined. I couldn’t even describe half of what was being sold. Murano dragged me over to a stall selling some sort of Marblemoss salad with Aqueau Cheese and Orchidice glaze and made me try some. Indescribable. Certainly better than our trail rations! Murano wandered off, meeting up with some long-lost friends, and I smiled after her. Though I felt uncomfortable alone, there were no Laitache about, and everyone was treating me with relative politeness. I jingled a pouch of Glass beads I had made - some of my best work. I could trade it somewhere here, probably. I'd just have to experiment and see how it went!

• 2A Something Sharp!
  My 'encounter' with the Palaitin earlier made me feel a little powerless. Chromeport abounded with an absolutely astounding variety of weapons and armor for some bizarre reason - surely one of them would serve. It would certainly make me feel better in a fight, anyhow.
  
• 2B Something Tasty!
  That food was completely ace. I have to wander the food stands and see what else seems interesting. Maybe Murano would like a bite? She's always hungry, that girl!
  
• 2C Something Pretty!
  All sorts of indescribable art was hanging, propped up or stacked on stands all over the market. A quick glance revealed, yes, even Manga! Whether captured as spoils of war or purpose-drawn for the market, I couldn't tell. Regardless, the Verre like pretty things - Murano likes pretty things - and I might find something perfect!
  
• 2D Something Else!
  I just can't decide! I'll wander down the aisles until I find something cool! [Like What?]

One factor eluded me. Some of the People buying (or selling) had glowing sigils floating above their heads. No one commented on it, and they passed through objects and People without affecting them, like fog. Even as I watched a conversation unfold between a sigil bearer and another, the sigil vanished, popping out of existence into a swarm of glowing motes and flooding into the non-sigil bearer. Both seemed pleased by the transaction, but I could not determine what was happening.

Distracted, I walked full on into one of the stands, winding myself on the Silver counter. Sheepishly, I glanced up at the shopkeeper - and his golden sigil - and apologized, but he seized me by the arm and said:

“So, you’re here for a Quest, eh? Never passed one out to one of the Dice Folk, but no one else is willing to help me! I’m desperate here, lady - what do ya say?”

• 3A Easy!
  I stammer an affirmation, and he hands me a bundle of cloth and an address. A delivery, I guess? Quest accepted?
  
• 3B Medium!
  I nod kindly, and he writes me a map - it sends me someplace called the Crystal Spires, way up top of Chromeport. He tells me to watch out for the Water, and I shudder. I felt something like a light flick on inside me - Quest accepted!
  
• 3C Hard!
  I slam my fist down on his counter with false bravado and tell him that I could do whatever he wanted! He paused for a second, then drew me a map to a place just west of Chromeport. One of his deliveries didn't make it to the city, and he needed someone to check it out. He looked at me doubtfully, and warned me it was dangerous. I assured him I was the Fortugnat for the job, and he gave me the Quest. I hope this wasn't a bad idea!
  
• 3D No Thank You!
  I back away, trying to defuse the situation with a smile. He frowns at me, then turns away, grumbling.
  

Gravedust fucked around with this message at 01:03 on May 11, 2016