☀️ Arselia and Akonia

- Question! - Zostmer de Gnil raised his hand. - What is the significance of your banner? Why these four colors, and not others? What do the crossed swords signify, and what is the precious stone in the center?

"She was right to call him a man of art. I myself hadn't thought about the fact that Carneola has such an unusual banner," the girl tilted her head thoughtfully, "hmm, I'm not a gemologist, of course, but isn't carnelian a red stone? So where is the red on the banner? It would be interesting to hear an explanation for such a design. Given her and Guion's talents, it's probably their work too."

- Oh-oh-oh! - Laikos clapped his hands. - Magnificent!! Fire is the cornerstone of civilization!

"No, I agree with this statement... but I'm really going to fall in love with him at this rate. It's nice when someone appreciates not only appearance, but also such factors... but it's also superficial, in a way. But it's also awkward, because I'm unlikely to reciprocate the poor guy's feelings. It's hard not to see him as a big child," Alaria remembered Erephir's recent words, "I guess I should be glad that I don't make finding a relationship my main goal. Someone desperate in my place might jump into Laikos's arms. Maybe they would even find their happiness, even if the initial act was not entirely sincere. It's even a little funny that I'm interesting to men who aren't interesting to me for the second time. But it's probably not uncommon. Although maybe I'm overcomplicating things, and he's just a good, even if enthusiastic, man. He doesn't hide his emotions, and there's nothing but simple joy behind it, and I'm overthinking it. It's hard not to look for hidden meanings when the path of an inquisitor is directly related to this, heh."
Despite her thoughts, the girl smiled in response to the compliment.

- Pleased to meet you, dear friends. - The actor bowed. - If any of you have been to Carnia, you may have heard of a serial killer known by the nicknames "Abyss Horror," "Gut Thief," and others. Well, that man is me.
- Ha-ha, - Arnissa laughed, - you have an interesting sense of humor.

"I've never heard of this Carnia, but I don't think he should be telling us about it. I hope he's just getting into character and joking? It would be strange if a maniac openly walking the streets of Margel, announcing this to everyone. A guard approaches him, asks, "And where are you from, Mr. Gnil?", and he replies, "I'm a maniac from Carnia." And then they both laugh and go their separate ways... Mother-Anuzish, but that really does sound very Margelian. But I still hope it's just a joke. I wonder if Erephir knows about this guy?"

- Gentlemen! Don't forget to keep your distance, cover your mouth when you sneeze and cough, and wash your hands thoroughly! Think of others!

The Tanarian had a certain desire to tease the big guy, saying that he had forgotten to mention the methods of contraception. However, she decided not to put the friendly warrior in an awkward position. Besides, she didn't know if such methods even existed in Margel. And Laikos would probably greet such a reminder with even more enthusiasm.

- Psssssh, - the snake slithered across the group, causing two of the musicians to squeal.
- Ha-ha, don't be afraid, he's harmless.

Something scaly, touching her body, brought the inquisitor out of her thoughts. The source turned out to be the recently discussed Soul Eater, who had somehow gotten closer. Unusual. For someone, perhaps even creepy. But it's better this way than a slap on the butt, right? For her, it was primarily unexpected. If you think about it, she has never really "held" a live reptile.
— He has interesting methods of flirting! — in contrast to some of her colleagues, Alaria was not frightened by the snake's antics, but simply smiled kindly.

- Question! - This time, Laikos raised his hand. - Beautiful Queen, why are you wearing only a swimsuit?
- The answer should be obvious to anyone who has something other than emptiness in their head - hiding my beauty would be a crime against humanity.
- Heh, - the tamer of one-eyed snakes smirked, - and you probably avoided the attention of the guards with magic... You're lucky you students don't have to wear anti-magic rings.

— Hmm, — the inquisitor thoughtfully stroked her chin, — there may be "off-duty" guards present at tomorrow's performance, who came as spectators. Are there any plans for that too?

- Yeeeesss! - Laikos exclaimed, raising his hands joyfully.

After Laikos's next enthusiastic exclamation, Alaria whispered to Beate:
— It seems you not only found us a strongman and builder, but also a housekeeper to replace the on-leave Astellia.

- How about a trick with piercing swords? - Explains for those who don't know. - We'll put Beate in a barrel or other container, and I'll stab her with swords, in my experience, the audience loves it.

"Dachs is gone, so a new prankster has appeared. Stab yourself in the chest with a sword, you idiot."

- We can invite one of the employees of the "playful rabbit" outside the city for the trick with pulling a rabbit out of a hat, - suggested Rapi, - the audience will probably like it more than just an animal.

"Two pranksters. Well, that's actually logical. They're clowns. Here's a guy in a rabbit costume..."

Added 7 minutes ago

- Well, how are you? You'll forgive me, guys, I didn't find Kilika in the expected place, I didn't run around the whole city... It's probably time already, maybe? Well, for now, maybe some other help is needed?

— Help would have been useful earlier, — the Tanarian sighed sadly, — shortly after you left, Creon got injured during one of the rehearsals. I was too engrossed in the conversation, and then it was too late. Guion took him to the hospital some time ago. Since then... they've been more careful. For now, we're managing without any incidents. I can't speak for the others, but I'm making good progress. Oh yes, and Dax "messed around," but compared to what happened, it was minor. Mostly, he just said nasty things to people and got physical.
Alaria looked thoughtfully at her interlocutor.
— Hmm, and where were you all this time, if you decided to leave the search for Kilika for later?