金瓶梅第2部

"You'll have to be more specific, Mister Lone," Tycondrius urged.

There were many harpies in Virgilia's flock, and he was fairly certain he'd met all of them-- even their hatchlings. If one of them was rude to a member of his Sol Invictus, he'd have Virgilia punish them severely.

"Well..." Lone twisted his face, looking up at the tavern ceiling, "She had wings instead of arms..."

Tycon rolled his eyes, "Yes, she was a harpy. I sent a harpy to contact you, but I was asking on identifying details for the *specific* harpy."

"Oh, right," Lone nodded. "The feathers on her arms were... black and white? And the ones on her chest were a bright orange... and her hair--"

"You mean her crest?" Tycon politely corrected him.

"Boss--" Lone frowned, "I'm trying to tell you."

"You're right. I apologize."

Lone finished talking, but Tycon ignored him, instead choosing to review his System's database on Virgilia's flock. One matched the description.

"Ah... You speak of Polixena. Her plumage is indeed, quite beautiful," Tycon smiled.

The harpies that originated in the Holy Country all had lovely, vibrant colored feathers. Unfortunately, because of that, they were also valued as slaves or "pets" in most countries... which admittedly, was slightly better than hunted to extinction by the xenophobic Tyrions.

"Y-yeah... We went on a date," Lone averted his gaze.

"Oh, that's nice," Tycon nodded.

He assumed it was a romantic date. He had recalled that his friend's endeavors towards that tended not to end well, but Tycon still wished the best for him and hoped he would succeed.

...He was fairly certain a harpy and human pairing would create eggs. And that was more potential power for Sol Invictus, several years in the future.

"Sh-she tried to feed me, Boss," Lone crossed his arms, discomfort in his expression.

"Yesssss...." The hooded Isidor remarked, "A romantic..... notionnnn...."

"Isidor, no..." Lone tried to argue, "Boss Tycon..."

"She... she liked you..." Sasha nodded.

"No, guys-- you don't understand!" Lone stood up, looking as if he was about to cry again.

Tycon groaned, "Sit down, young man. Just tell us your issues."

Lone sat down, pointing his finger aggressively at the table and speaking through clenched teeth, "She chewed up food and tried to vomit it into my mouth."

Tycon's eye twitched, "Well, that was... nice of her?"

He didn't see the issue.

"R-romantic," Sasha agreed.

A wide grimace crossed Lone's face, "Guys, no. It was *gross.*"

"Oh, come now, Mister Lone," Tycon chided. "It's just as unhygienic as kissing. This really shouldn't be a big deal."

"Boss! It's different!!" Lone raised his voice, before realizing he was being glared at by the other tavern guests. He shot them apologetic nods, before lowering his body and his voice, "It's... it's different."

Tycon shared an uneasy look with Isidor.

Turning back to Lone, he asked, "If this were to happen to me... should I... also be disgusted?"

Lone pursed his lips, "Yes."

"...Very well, I will take this into consideration."

And thus, Lone taught the three non-humans a valuable lesson.

...

The Lone Shadowdark had indeed received Tycondrius' message by Polixena's mouth, as well as... a uh... a full meal, apparently.

The Archbishop would be journeying to Caeruleum, herself-- which was more sincerity than Tycon could have hoped for, and they needed to stay in the city for a few suns more in the interim.

Tycon had enough coin to keep Sol Invictus fed and sheltered for the time being. They needed more. As a last option, he could withdraw funds from a branch of the Realm-wide Banking Guild, but that would also broadcast his presence to all of his unseen enemies.

He decided not to worry at least Sasha and Isidor. The quartet walked the market streets of Caeruleum, the two of them taking in the sights of colorful street stalls, the smells, and the sounds that they'd been away from for far too long. A small budget had been set aside for the young snake and the "young" snake to purchase food or... souvenirs.

They were enjoying themselves.

Tycon shared his financial worries with Barza Keith, the Lone Shadowdark-- though he honestly didn't expect his human friend to come up with any worthwhile ideas.

"We could just... sleep outside, Boss?" Lone tilted his head as they walked.

Tycon shot back a look of incredulity... then of worry, "Is that what you've been doing? Haven't you earned any coin while we've been out?"

Lone looked away, "I uh... I haven't, Boss."

"You can't... you... no." Tycon stopped and turned to look at him, "You can't be serious. What have you been doing all this time?"

"I've... I've just been doing low-level jobs and selling... pelts and stuff," Lone gulped.

"Why... the..." Tycon shook his head and pulled Lone close to angrily whisper, "Why in the seven bleeding hells didn't you sign up at the Tyrion Adventurer's Guild to take any quests?"

Lone panicked. He was unsure where to place his arms, so he limply flailed them about, "Boss, I thought-- I thought maybe we committed a crime or something?"

"What? No. Neither you nor I have committed any crimes." Tycon rolled his eyes, shoving Lone back, "You're probably thinking of Dragan or... or Horse."

Dragan Ashlord and Horse were two other members of Sol Invictus. One liked to commit murder and had a penchant for the stimulant drug known as cocaine. The other was Dragan.

"Oh... Well, shite. I think I'm just stupid, then..." Lone admitted with chagrin.

"Yes..." Tycon sighed, "I think that, myself."

"Boss?" Lone frowned, "Can... can you be nicer to me? Just today, at least?"

Tycon took another deep breath. He hadn't heard such a request from him before, "Very well. Is there a particular occasion?"

"It's... it's been an entire year since I've taken the name the Lone Shadowdark... and have been in Sol Invictus."

"Your Name-day, then?" Tycon closed his eyes and chuckled, "Has it been so long already? I apologize, Brother-Lone. Let us work together as allies so we don't have to sleep outside the city walls."

Lone pursed his lips... "Should we... rob someone? Together, Boss?"

Ah. There it was, Lone's habits from his original Ruffian class had revealed themselves. That it lacked originality and thought should have bothered Tycon... but it did sound like a viable plan.

"I would love to rob someone with you, Mister Lone."