34: Recount the Funny

Billblok says:

No reason to be dishonest; negotiating with unpleasant people, you did something unpleasant to save a far more pleasant person.

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Sunbird-at-Sea:

Be honest to Zeb. There isn’t much to gain from lying to someone who owes you their life (and part of their business considering what cargo you managed to save).

TheAmazingGoob:

Just tell Zeb the truth. He seems like a good partner to have around, and if any more time is spent between you, it would suck to get caught up in a lie. Beyond that, Zeb seems sensible enough. He’ll understand that you did what you had to do.

Psion:

I mean, you were surrounded by cannibals and honestly going along with their game just a little bit to get out alive isn’t like, reprehensible – i’m sure Zeb would understand considering it wasn’t exactly voluntary.

I’d be honest, or say i’d really rather not talk about it – those would be more understandable than a lie.

If you were being honest, you’re still trying not to think about the fact that you might’ve eaten a person. I mean, last time you checked smoked road meat isn’t really cause for ceremonies. But hey, maybe he’ll understand and appreciate the honesty. You did it for him, so you have that going for you.

Donna says:

NOPE, lie, you wouldn’t want one of the few people you can 100% trust in this place to be freaked out at you. Of course be wary of not making up something too outlandish, you wouldnt want that to bite you in the ass later, would you?

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Lavender:

Zeb… probably doesn’t need to know the whole story. Just tell him you’ve got a killer poker face, and you managed to bluff your way out of there with a lot of luck and some distracting cultural exchange.

I’d leave out the part where they said they wanted to eat him though. You don’t want to have to carry Zeb around again should he faint a second time.

Bell:

Don’t eat your trampler. But don’t freak out the hand that currently feeds you. That Bovani has just given you a heap of new opportunities. A white lie never hurt anyone…

On the other hand, the truth could be too much for him though, given you’ve possibly become the exact type of hunter that he’s scared of. Don’t expect him to let you, a near stranger, into his home after knowing just what you did back there. You’re not the hero he might take you for.

Garfunk says:

Might be best we omit the part in the story where you ate what may or may not have been people jerky. Zeb looks almost as rough as you do, and could always faint again. Also congrats on almost getting through this absolute bitch of a day.

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Flawedspirit:

Agree with telling the truth, to an extent. You did what you had to do to get both of you out of there alive. After all, you don’t like what you had to do, even if the meat was suspiciously good… (Best leave out that part)

BlockCheddar:

Maybe ease Zeb into what you did? Give a brief version, leave out the more gruesome details. He’s already had a lot of scares… we don’t want him passing out before he takes you to his tenement.

Thanks… First day in Siltria, right? We should probably not scare off the first potential friend we make. We’ll cut out the funny part.

“I… was able to play the part. I threatened to cut the throat of one of them for trying to steal my ‘catch’ —that’s you. Luckily, they were impressed by that – or found it adorable, so, I gave them a Jar of Ominous Fluid in exchange for our release. Not sure why they’d just let me go like that, maybe it was some kind of religious code they were following. I don’t know… weird people.”

“You’re very cool, Glass. I bet they were scared of you –n-not saying you’re scary. Well, I mean you kind of are, but I mean –like in a good way… context-wise?”

“Thanks, Zeb.”

“I’m just glad Yuovo sent you to protect me. Though I’m not sure what a Jar of Ominous Fluid is.”

“It’s a Gnomanyan thing.”

“It must’ve been worth a lot then.”

KeshieNorthStar says:

Hey, that wasn’t an easy thing to do, all things considered. You’re no hero, but most heroes don’t consider themselves one in the heat of the moment. You did good today. ‘Little thought bubble Glass’ is possibly relieved of your choices.

I mean, should we be relieved it took you that much to show basic decency?

Actually we should, because you’re a Gnomanyan. That good deed probably knocked ten years off your life.

Maxwell says:

In lieu of payment, see if we can negotiate for more than a night at his place. He lacks coin currently with a busted crank engine and we lack supplies and shelter. We aren’t likely to track down the lightkeeper and save Iron in a single day, so an opportunity to secure shelter is a must.

We could also barter a portion of our time to providing any muscle needed to fix the crank engine in exchange for meals, clothes, and other essentials we lack. While we have a mission to attend, we can’t forget we are penniless, homeless, and nearly friendless in a land that’s hostile towards us.

You negotiate if you can stay a little bit longer, just to have a place to rest if your search for this Lightkeeper drags on.

Zeb giggles and tells you that you probably don’t need to search far, as the ridiculously obvious and pretentious tower of gold in the city is currently housing a Lightkeeper. However, you can’t exactly get an audience with one. They’re like royalty around here, it’s even against the law to bother them. But if what you say about running into her is true, then surely his cousin may help you find a way.

Zeb then humbly accepts your request and even says you are welcome to stay with him for as long as you need.

Consigliere says:

Honestly, just make sure to protect Zeb at all costs, boy really looks like he needs protection, even more in a city this big, and YOU need something to eat and somewhere to spend the night…

After all you went through to save him, he’ll probably give you a 5 star restaurant meal (sarcasm).

Yeah, he definitely needs protection. Aside from a few scuffs, he has possibly the most pristine kempt fur you’ve seen. Doesn’t really give off the “rugged frontiersman” vibe to you’ve grown accustomed to back home.

Come to think of it, you haven’t really eaten at all today. Actually, make it two days since you barfed up your last victual on the boat last night. But it’s fine; skipping days of eating is normal for you, especially growing up. Apparently sorrova such as yourself are supposed to grow taller, but you’ve kind of just accepted being short, or “palmhead sized” as your folks would put it.

Something to eat right now does sound nice, though—and—wow you can’t feel your legs. Did you just walk up seven stories?