A return

[grassnorcrystal]

[Franz and Ruby lands outside the gates of the Budehuc, and Franz dismounts. He’s not dressed in his uniform, instead wearing civilian clothes that wouldn’t be out of place in the HSFDF] What in the world happened? Looks like a golem came through here.

Anyways, I’m Franz, from Le Buque reporting here as… a member of the Harmonian Southern Frontier Defense Force as extra security for his Grace, the Bishop Sasarai.

This is Ruby, he’s my mantor. Don’t be afraid of him, he’s harmless so long as you’re not baiting him.

Comments

[miss_matchmaker]

Wow, is that a real mantor?! Like, really?

[grassnorcrystal]

[Is used to people being frightened or disgusted by Ruby] Yes, Ruby here is the finest mantor Le Buque ever produced.

[Pats Ruby's carapace] Aren't you boy?

[miss_matchmaker]

[ Also patting Ruby's carapace from the other side, totally invading the pair's space. ] Yes, yes, I hear they're a real delicacy in LeBuque! [ Something must have been lost in communication there... ]

[grassnorcrystal]

What? [Stops patting Ruby to circle around to other side to make sure this woman's not doing anything like rubbing butter or salting Ruby]

No! Mantors are not for eating!

[belfar_agent]

[ Raises an eyebrow at this suspicious-looking man with the supposedly harmless monster! ]

As long as we're not baiting him? What does that mean?

[grassnorcrystal]

Don't poke him between his joints, don't pretend you're going to feed him and then don't, and don't make threaten him.

[belfar_agent]

Hmph. This creature...

Listen here, a short temper does not give one a free pass to maim! [ Like's she's the one to talk. ]

[grassnorcrystal]

Ruby doesn't have a short temper, and he's more likely to knock you down than maim. He's actually quite playful. Just treat him with respect, and you'll be fine.

[duke_of_hazard]

Well, well, if it isn't LeBuque's favourite bug boy. I've been expecting you.

[grassnorcrystal]

[Snaps to attention] Captain. I'm here to officially join the 14th unit of the HSFDF.

[duke_of_hazard]

[ Not so shocked by this, he's been reading the letters from HQ and Dominic. He looks pleased, although he doesn't want to show it too much yet; not until the new guys passes the hazing period. ] So, you've decided you wanna be part of the greatest unit the SFDF has to offer, have you?

[grassnorcrystal]

Your unit helped my village out in our time of need. Joining the 14th seemed was the best choice for Ruby and I after the Bishop dissolved the Mantor unit.

[gladiatorfist]

[Looks at the giant bug in the middle of town]
W-W-W-What is that? That thing is AWESOME!

[grassnorcrystal]

Ruby is not a thing. He's a mantor.

[gladiatorfist]

MANTORS ARE AWESOME! Ruby is his name? Hi Ruby! I'm Shoon and you are so much cooler than the stupid dragons they refuse to let me ride.

[grassnorcrystal]

[Like you're going to get a ride Shoon]

Excuse me. Who are you?

[trueltning_fury]

[oh hey look who it is]

Franz.

[grassnorcrystal]

Captain Geddoe, I didn't know you were also here.

[trueltning_fury]

Unofficially. [he extends a hand to shake, so at least his manners are still intact]

How is LeBuque doing? I would like to see it for myself but I think it better if I don't show my face while the Bishop is working there.

[latkje]

[ Nash eyes Ruby warily, but the rest of his expression is pleasantly placid. ]

The HSFDF, huh? They must be worried about the Bishop's stubborn remaining in these wild lands.

[grassnorcrystal]

[Ruby buzzes his wings excitedly when he sees Nash, and Franz puts a restraining hand on Ruby's harness.]

I wasn't given an explanation, just orders.

[latkje]

I was never very good at those.

[windbrat]

[He was going to comment on the mantor, but.]

Does he really need that much security?

[grassnorcrystal]

[Looks down at the child, puzzled because this kid reminds him of someone]

The Bishop is an important person within the Harmonian hierarchy, it's why he has a security detail.

[realizes that the kid looks like the Bishop, and is not sure what to make of that]

[windbrat]

[Maybe he is--no.]

This doesn't look like the kind of place that would really need a security detail though. Unless they're afraid he'll trip and fall into the lake?

[actually that's a good idea...]