This time, it's Zed meeting up with Becky!

So you know it'll be good.

 
Takes place after piece: Konall starts a fire

Leaving behind his cloak and sandals, Zed stepped out into the pouring rain a few hours before the crack of dawn. Konall seemed to have agitated the Goblins stationed at the Knob, and now there were often heated conversations that could be overheard referring to the rebellion Konall was stirring, or how swift and brutal the Feline Empire would regain total control over the area. Zed was glad that he wasn't the charismatic and commanding type - as the lack of any pressing objective and the current weather permitted the opportunity for something that was remarkably rare in the lands of his youth.

Zed strolled through the empty streets, keeping his wits about him while searching for an area that fit his goals. Neither the chill waters that fell and collected all around, nor the refuse and cobbled stones lying on the ground bothered him greatly. After a little meandering Zed found a spot that he found agreeable - an empty stretch between a Tailor's Swift store that had not opened for the day, and a specialty shop that sold tiny china bull figures opposite. As a warm-up, he took deep breaths in and out, weaving his perceptive threat sphere steadily about. His hearing and sight were dampened (pun unintended) by the constant rainfall, but his threat detection didn't rely on the physical environment. There was an odd feeling that drifted to and fro as he centered himself, best compared to the tickle before a sneeze.

Beginning with a 1-2 stomp and clap, Zed sung for the nourishment the plants received from the rain and the prospect of future growth to feed the animals and people that consumed them. Chanting in his first tongue, he prayed for the continuance of the land and its inhabitants, though he knew that his goddess and the majority of her pantheon refrained almost entirely from influencing politics or the destiny of the KOL races. Increasing the rhythm he wove, he celebrated the strength and vitality within him by spinning, flipping and pirouetting in a circular space, short thumps marking the moments between each landing and subsequent leap. The pattern of sound changed as he took up his voulge and moved through the movements of the stick dance - sometimes shifting his feet from stance to stance, at other occasions guiding his torso and arms in intricate patterns in the same standing position. An element of mysticism came with the dance, generating a subtle field of static electricity in the air that improved his sense for nearby threats.

And then the long-postponed sneeze ambushed Zed ferociously - "HA --- HA --- HACHOO!! "

"Becky bless you!" came a nearby voice, as Becky Joy herself came into view, She had a billy club and police hat, both of which were made out of ice. "That's me, Becky Joy! I don't really bless people, it's just an expression."

"... And may wealth and good fortune come to you too." Zed replied reflexively but Becky ignored the response and stared blankly at him.

She sounded suspicious as she realized it was her turn to say something. "Heeey, are you KOKOL? Like, are you with KOKOL like Mr. Bearsmasher and Mr. Dash and Miss Aleena are KOKOL? Like them?"

"Uh... I'm with Mr. Bearsmasher, yes - no/maybe to the others as I don't see them often." Zed pondered if this Becky was indeed the infamous Becky Joy, and if he still had time to run like a gazelle. Sir Fumblies winced noticeably whenever her name was mentioned, which suggested the need for cautious treading. "So, I'm Zed or Shadowrun - pleasure meeting you, but I'm about done and I need to go do... something, yeah. I'll let you know what I did later, alright?"

"I'm the law here, and do you wanna know why?" Becky said, crossing her fingers that he'd say yes.

"Well, not really, no. Haven't done anything wrong, don't need to familiarize myself with the law, nice meeting you." replied Zed. His training in recognizing and avoiding straight lines was paying off nicely; next up, disappearing acts in full view.

"Wait!" she said, nervously. "I mean, will you please wait, please? Because I should be asking you questions, I think!"

Becky was starting to create a scene that attracted the attention of the low thorough-fare now arriving for the day. Zed eyed her warily, then shrugged and conceded to her request, stepping under the eaves of a nearby roof and inviting Becky to join him.

"What do you think I should ask first?" Becky asked sadly with a frown. She explained, "I'm still new at being a deputy."

"I've given you my name and you've asked who I associate with. I suppose you could ask what I was doing out here, then explain why you're a deputy now." offered Zed, wondering if he would need to help her with the conversation topic often.

"Which would you like to start with?" she said. "Nevermind. I'm not officially a deputy yet, but Cattaras said he'd think about making me a deputy or maybe just a teacher. But he's in charge here and isn't that cool? Also- how come?"

"Uh, I can't particularly say whether Cattaras being in charge is cool or not, Becky. And I was dancing in the rain, because the opportunity rarely popped up previously. Are you sure you're qualified to be a teacher or a deputy?" questioned Zed.

"Probably not. That's all you were doing?" Becky raised an eyebrow. "Actually, I was saying how come he'd wanna make me a teacher instead of deputy? What would I even teach?!" Becky laughed to herself but quickly stopped when she realized Zed didn't think it was funny.

"Sorry, wasn't sure I should laugh because you don't know how to do something. Seemed a little rude by my reckoning. Anyway, dancing was the main thing - with a little prayer, exercise and devotions included. Anything else you want to ask, Deputy Becky, or can I go along now?" Zed said, silently hoping she would think of something to do elsewhere.

"Okay," she said sadly. "It was fun talking! I should dance in the rain too. Oh, and don't do anything suspicious, kay? We've gotta keep an eye on you new guys cause we don't want you to make us trouble, so please don't be bad, okay? K-thanks, bye!"

Zed nodded and waved goodbye, leaving her to exuberant and slightly mismatched dancing. He theorized that perhaps part of the reason Sir Fumblies reacted to her name had to do with the dizzying train of conversation she led; and partly because it would seem blatantly cruel to go against her in earnest.

"Sigh I thought that would turn out a lot worse, although now I'm going to feel miserable assisting my side against her own. I suppose that makes her an effective if unorthodox deputy..." concluded Zed, as he retraced the path to his quarters.

See? Told ya! Anyway.. the focus wasn't directly on Kadlin, so that's a first for the mission. We've got more Zed up next and more Becky in a bit.