While Menelik was itching to chase after Taharqa and Idris, Kazuka insisted they stay put and wait until Burkin reached the capital of Ayce, Rünhaven. Reluctantly, Menelik agreed, knowing that Rünhaven lay to the North, the direction they had originally intended to head. Though they had agreed to continue northward even if separated, being kidnapped by a wannabe King was a whole different ordeal. However, Kazuka assured him they would find assistance in the capital, emphasizing the necessity of allies if they planned to confront Dohon.
Having left the living quarters situated around the waist of the colossal Frost Giant, they ascended to the market area located on its abdomen. After a considerable walk, Kazuka turned to Menelik and asked, "Hungry?"
Menelik pondered for a moment. It hadn't been long since he last ate with Loki, but the prospect of food is alway grander than the fullness of one's stomach. He nodded in agreement, and with a mere smile, Kazuka led him across two more bridges and up a flight of stairs to a small wooden shack. Inside, the space was illuminated by the warm glow of flames emanating from a stove. There was no menu, and the woman behind the counter, a High Elf, bore the marks of past trauma. Her burned ear tips and scarred face, though striking, were impossible to ignore. Despite this, her intense blue eyes captured Menelik's attention momentarily before he noticed her thick silver dreads cascading over her shoulders. Her pale skin, marred by burns, was hidden beneath a worn apron that barely concealed her tattered attire.
Upon spotting Kazuka, she straightened up and greeted him enthusiastically, "Kazuka! Back for another bowl?"
Kazuka nodded, patting his belly, then motioned towards Menelik. "I've brought a new friend along, so two bowls, please."
The Elf nodded in acknowledgment and swiftly turned to the stove to prepare their meal. As they settled at a small table near the railing, Menelik glanced out at the snow filtering into the Frost Giant's body. Closer to the city, a magical barrier caused the snowfall to dissipate, revealing Burkin beneath with minimal snow coverage. The city appeared to be held together by sheer determination, yet it somehow managed to function. Unable to see beyond the giant's waist due to the ongoing snowstorm below, Menelik couldn't help but marvel at the sight before him.
The market district sprawled with countless shops, each as diminutive as the one they were in front of now, stretching across several floors. While the living quarters were abundant, it seemed insufficient to sustain a burgeoning city. Moreover, the city appeared to have reached its limits in terms of expansion; the favelas were packed to capacity, and any further growth would necessitate moving upward towards the chest and neck, areas seemingly reserved for the city's elite. Menelik surveyed the scene, taking in the bustling sights and sounds of a thriving city filled with diverse inhabitants. He listened to the sizzle emanating from the nearby stalls, the cacophony of voices blending seamlessly into the city's vibrant atmosphere.
After a brief moment of observation, the Elf called out to Kazuka, signaling that their food was ready. "It’s an Onyx each, right Elsa?" Kazuka inquired.
Elsa shook her head with a smile. "You know our deal, Kazuka. If he enjoys it, it’s on the house; if not, then it's one Onyx each."
Kazuka nodded in understanding before retrieving the bowls and returning to their table. Placing one in front of himself and the other before Menelik, he watched as Menelik's eyes lit up with curiosity and hunger. The bowl contained a tantalizing mixture of noodles, dark and rich in color, with hearty chunks of vegetables and what appeared to be succulent meat, emitting an irresistible aroma.
"What is this?" Menelik inquired, his mouth watering in anticipation.
"Elsa calls them Arlo Noodles," Kazuka explained. "They're a combination of her homemade egg noodles, grilled chicken, bell peppers, carrots, diced onions, minced garlic, and topped with chopped green onions."
As Menelik reached for the chopsticks beside his bowl, Kazuka interrupted, "Do you know how to use those?"
Menelik nodded, albeit hesitantly, as Kazuka demonstrated the proper technique. After a few attempts, Menelik managed to grasp the chopsticks and began to eat, albeit clumsily at first. "Mmm, this is delicious and so comforting," he remarked between bites.
Kazuka exchanged a knowing smile with Elsa, who responded with a nod before returning to her tasks behind the counter.
Kazuka and Menelik quietly slurped their noodles, enveloped by the symphony of urban sounds. Amidst the bustling cacophony, there was an odd serenity. Their silence was eventually joined by Elsa, who settled in with her own bowl, pulling a chair from a nearby table.
The atmosphere tensed until Menelik broke the ice. "You’re a High Elf. What brings you here?" Elsa, without a word, brushed her hair aside, revealing the scar tracing her entire left side of her face. "Banished for your appearance?" Menelik’s empathy rippled through the air. Elsa simply nodded, returning to her meal.
"My father's doing," she confessed after finishing her noodles, her gaze piercing. "When I refused to tread his path as a Nature Guardian."
"Why do Elves insist on banishing those who follow their own paths?" Menelik shook his head, his eyes shifting to Kazuka. "Dark Elves do the same."
Kazuka nodded, acknowledging the shared sentiment. He turned to Elsa, who mirrored his nod. With a resigned sigh, Kazuka placed his empty bowl aside. "It's the Elven way. Each tribe adheres to its own code, but still follows the ways of the originals, the High Elves. It has always been that way, unyielding through time. Convincing the Grand Council of Tzang to alter their traditions would be an impossible task."
Menelik's gaze darted between Elsa and Kazuka, contemplating. He then redirected his attention to Elsa's weathered shop, a stark contrast to the surrounding establishments. His mind churned, deliberating, before decisively addressing them both. "Come with me."
"Where to?" Kazuka inquired.
"Back to Sidra, then onwards to Tzang," Menelik declared, his hands emphasizing his resolve. "I’m tired of my friends being estranged because of stupid ass Elven bullshit."
Elsa hesitated, then intervened, "I can’t leave."
"Why? It’s a fresh start," Menelik urged, frustration creeping into his tone. "We'll take care of you. Maeve—."
"Did you say Maeve?" Elsa's eyes widened in excitement.
"You'vegottabeufuckingshittingme," Menelik muttered under his breath. "Yes, Maeve. She's the reason I’m here, along with my friends. You know her?"
"She frequented my shop," Elsa explained. "Daily on her way to Rünhaven."
"Well, we’re here to seek aid from the Dwarves, per Maeve's request."
"What does she need from the Dwarves?" Elsa inquired.
"A multitude," Menelik replied, determination etched in his voice. "Are you joining us? Because once we reach Rünhaven, I’m heading north to engage the Dwarves, then I'll find my friends."
Elsa deliberated briefly before nodding. "Why do you prioritize the Dwarves over rescuing your friends?"
"If they die, well I’d likely die too. Even with the help we get from the capital, the Dwarves could still be of use," Menelik explained.
"You plan to enlist the Dwarves in a war?" Kazuka exclaimed, his disbelief palpable. "They’re isolationists, focused solely on Aglazad."
Menelik halted, facing them squarely. "They may resist initially, but I gotta plan."
"And what might that be?" Elsa’s concern was evident.
"Simple. Offer them the gold reserves beneath Sidra in exchange for aid against Dohon. Maeve can appeal to them herself for a new cloak and assistance in rebuilding Sidra when they come to get it," Menelik outlined confidently.
Kazuka sighed. "It’s a bold plan." He turned to Elsa. "What do you think?"
"I think he’s gonna get us all killed…" Elsa's expression was a mixture of seriousness and amusement. "...but I’m in."
While Menelik was itching to chase after Taharqa and Idris, Kazuka insisted they stay put and wait until Burkin reached the capital of Ayce, Rünhaven. Reluctantly, Menelik agreed, knowing that Rünhaven lay to the North, the direction they had originally intended to head. Though they had agreed to continue northward even if separated, being kidnapped by a wannabe King was a whole different ordeal. However, Kazuka assured him they would find assistance in the capital, emphasizing the necessity of allies if they planned to confront Dohon.
Having left the living quarters situated around the waist of the colossal Frost Giant, they ascended to the market area located on its abdomen. After a considerable walk, Kazuka turned to Menelik and asked, "Hungry?"
Menelik pondered for a moment. It hadn't been long since he last ate with Loki, but the prospect of food is alway grander than the fullness of one's stomach. He nodded in agreement, and with a mere smile, Kazuka led him across two more bridges and up a flight of stairs to a small wooden shack. Inside, the space was illuminated by the warm glow of flames emanating from a stove. There was no menu, and the woman behind the counter, a High Elf, bore the marks of past trauma. Her burned ear tips and scarred face, though striking, were impossible to ignore. Despite this, her intense blue eyes captured Menelik's attention momentarily before he noticed her thick silver dreads cascading over her shoulders. Her pale skin, marred by burns, was hidden beneath a worn apron that barely concealed her tattered attire.
Upon spotting Kazuka, she straightened up and greeted him enthusiastically, "Kazuka! Back for another bowl?"
Kazuka nodded, patting his belly, then motioned towards Menelik. "I've brought a new friend along, so two bowls, please."
The Elf nodded in acknowledgment and swiftly turned to the stove to prepare their meal. As they settled at a small table near the railing, Menelik glanced out at the snow filtering into the Frost Giant's body. Closer to the city, a magical barrier caused the snowfall to dissipate, revealing Burkin beneath with minimal snow coverage. The city appeared to be held together by sheer determination, yet it somehow managed to function. Unable to see beyond the giant's waist due to the ongoing snowstorm below, Menelik couldn't help but marvel at the sight before him.
The market district sprawled with countless shops, each as diminutive as the one they were in front of now, stretching across several floors. While the living quarters were abundant, it seemed insufficient to sustain a burgeoning city. Moreover, the city appeared to have reached its limits in terms of expansion; the favelas were packed to capacity, and any further growth would necessitate moving upward towards the chest and neck, areas seemingly reserved for the city's elite. Menelik surveyed the scene, taking in the bustling sights and sounds of a thriving city filled with diverse inhabitants. He listened to the sizzle emanating from the nearby stalls, the cacophony of voices blending seamlessly into the city's vibrant atmosphere.
After a brief moment of observation, the Elf called out to Kazuka, signaling that their food was ready. "It’s an Onyx each, right Elsa?" Kazuka inquired.
Elsa shook her head with a smile. "You know our deal, Kazuka. If he enjoys it, it’s on the house; if not, then it's one Onyx each."
Kazuka nodded in understanding before retrieving the bowls and returning to their table. Placing one in front of himself and the other before Menelik, he watched as Menelik's eyes lit up with curiosity and hunger. The bowl contained a tantalizing mixture of noodles, dark and rich in color, with hearty chunks of vegetables and what appeared to be succulent meat, emitting an irresistible aroma.
"What is this?" Menelik inquired, his mouth watering in anticipation.
"Elsa calls them Arlo Noodles," Kazuka explained. "They're a combination of her homemade egg noodles, grilled chicken, bell peppers, carrots, diced onions, minced garlic, and topped with chopped green onions."
As Menelik reached for the chopsticks beside his bowl, Kazuka interrupted, "Do you know how to use those?"
Menelik nodded, albeit hesitantly, as Kazuka demonstrated the proper technique. After a few attempts, Menelik managed to grasp the chopsticks and began to eat, albeit clumsily at first. "Mmm, this is delicious and so comforting," he remarked between bites.
Kazuka exchanged a knowing smile with Elsa, who responded with a nod before returning to her tasks behind the counter.
Kazuka and Menelik quietly slurped their noodles, enveloped by the symphony of urban sounds. Amidst the bustling cacophony, there was an odd serenity. Their silence was eventually joined by Elsa, who settled in with her own bowl, pulling a chair from a nearby table.
The atmosphere tensed until Menelik broke the ice. "You’re a High Elf. What brings you here?" Elsa, without a word, brushed her hair aside, revealing the scar tracing her entire left side of her face. "Banished for your appearance?" Menelik’s empathy rippled through the air. Elsa simply nodded, returning to her meal.
"My father's doing," she confessed after finishing her noodles, her gaze piercing. "When I refused to tread his path as a Nature Guardian."
"Why do Elves insist on banishing those who follow their own paths?" Menelik shook his head, his eyes shifting to Kazuka. "Dark Elves do the same."
Kazuka nodded, acknowledging the shared sentiment. He turned to Elsa, who mirrored his nod. With a resigned sigh, Kazuka placed his empty bowl aside. "It's the Elven way. Each tribe adheres to its own code, but still follows the ways of the originals, the High Elves. It has always been that way, unyielding through time. Convincing the Grand Council of Tzang to alter their traditions would be an impossible task."
Menelik's gaze darted between Elsa and Kazuka, contemplating. He then redirected his attention to Elsa's weathered shop, a stark contrast to the surrounding establishments. His mind churned, deliberating, before decisively addressing them both. "Come with me."
"Where to?" Kazuka inquired.
"Back to Sidra, then onwards to Tzang," Menelik declared, his hands emphasizing his resolve. "I’m tired of my friends being estranged because of stupid ass Elven bullshit."
Elsa hesitated, then intervened, "I can’t leave."
"Why? It’s a fresh start," Menelik urged, frustration creeping into his tone. "We'll take care of you. Maeve—."
"Did you say Maeve?" Elsa's eyes widened in excitement.
"You'vegottabeufuckingshittingme," Menelik muttered under his breath. "Yes, Maeve. She's the reason I’m here, along with my friends. You know her?"
"She frequented my shop," Elsa explained. "Daily on her way to Rünhaven."
"Well, we’re here to seek aid from the Dwarves, per Maeve's request."
"What does she need from the Dwarves?" Elsa inquired.
"A multitude," Menelik replied, determination etched in his voice. "Are you joining us? Because once we reach Rünhaven, I’m heading north to engage the Dwarves, then I'll find my friends."
Elsa deliberated briefly before nodding. "Why do you prioritize the Dwarves over rescuing your friends?"
"If they die, well I’d likely die too. Even with the help we get from the capital, the Dwarves could still be of use," Menelik explained.
"You plan to enlist the Dwarves in a war?" Kazuka exclaimed, his disbelief palpable. "They’re isolationists, focused solely on Aglazad."
Menelik halted, facing them squarely. "They may resist initially, but I gotta plan."
"And what might that be?" Elsa’s concern was evident.
"Simple. Offer them the gold reserves beneath Sidra in exchange for aid against Dohon. Maeve can appeal to them herself for a new cloak and assistance in rebuilding Sidra when they come to get it," Menelik outlined confidently.
Kazuka sighed. "It’s a bold plan." He turned to Elsa. "What do you think?"
"I think he’s gonna get us all killed…" Elsa's expression was a mixture of seriousness and amusement. "...but I’m in."
