44: The Shoemakers


zebediah zebbins says:

Maybe he’s still disturbed about the whole Hunters-of-the-Circle thing. Ask him about it?

FoxxArie says:

Try to comfort Zeb the best you can; you both have been through all too much in just the past day, and he clearly has his own personal issues being around you due to his upbringing, culture, and who knows what else.

Even if it doesn’t do much at this moment, I’m sure he would greatly appreciate the kindness and might want to open up later on.

“Hey, Zeb. Are you holding up okay from yesterday?”

 His eyes widen. “What? W-What do you mean?”

“Y’know, your crank engine? Those lunatics… from the forest?”

“Oh… yeah. I’m fine… Heh.”

“Then why are you shaking?”

“I–  eh… I– I don’t know.”

“You don’t know why you’re shaking?”

Zeb does not answer.

Hmm. Now you’re a little curious.

MickelPickel says:

Zeb looks shaken, but based on how easily he got intoxicated last night, maybe he has jitters from the warm bean juice y’all just drank.  Maybe ask for a glass of water for him so he can rehydrate!

You actually filled up on water. You’ll give him some. Just to check something.

You pull out your waterskin, “You must be hungover.”

“Oh, yeah-I guess… Heh. Sorry…”

“Then have some of my water, it helps.”

“I-I’m fine, thank you.”

“No. Drink.”

He reluctantly takes a drink. He thanks you and hands you back your waterskin.

No, he’s not hungover. You’ve seen it all too much.

Cordwainer says:

Zeb’s scared. Apparently he’s still afraid of you. Can’t possibly be yesterday’s wine at this point. And it’s not that he’s flustered by the mock-flirting in front of Janko either; that could explain embarrassment but not fear.

Just be blunt and ask him why he’s finding you so scary. You’re good at asking blunt questions, and they’re a good way to get a straight answer.

It’s true he’s still scared of you, but he seemed as fine as ever during dinner last night. And comfortable enough to share a bed with you as well; though you’re not sure if it was his Shama or his wine talking. Anyway, while Zeb’s squirming is a little amusing, you’d really like to know why he’s acting so strange right about now.

Kluskap O Kom says:

Look him dead in the eyes and ask him if there’s something wrong and if so he needs to tell you right now ASAP. Being so direct and forceful can’t be a bad idea!
Or just put your hand on his to calm him down.

You tell Zeb to look at you.

You can feel his heart beat faster.

“You’re not hungover. You’re scared of me still. Why?”

Zeb fidgets on the bench. “I-I  just… I’m sorry. I just have a lot on my mind at the moment, okay? Th-there’s nothing wrong with you! –at all– context wise. I- I just… lived my entire life in fear of hunters and there’s just some things th-that I can’t shake a-and there’s some things I need to get used to.”

Zeb glances rapidly, “-And also I feel like you’re staring into my soul. …Sorry.”

You tell Zeb that if he feels uncomfortable around you, perhaps you can give him space for a time.

After some silence, he finally turns towards you.

“…No. Stay. I… I think I need this.”

“Th-though I have to ask, Glass…  Do you… ever… sleepwalk?”

What?”

The shoemaker comes back. She tells you that you’ve found yourself a bit of fortune. It was the only pair they had on hand for your measurements. She hands them to you and asks you to try them on.

You slip on the shoes. It’s been a while since you’ve worn a pair like this. They’re comfortable, though they do remind you that it might be time to trim your nails.

Garfunk says:

Be sure to strike another cool pose when you get your new shoes, because you got that shit ON

Okay, fine. But only a quick one.

After thanking the shoemaker, Zeb pays the silver and you both leave to meet Janko.

“Aha! Now that is a fit worthy of the Qohva’s gaze! Splendor! Those will suit this one quite nicely in The Beacon!

“Is that where we are headed?” You ask.

“Yes, this should be a good time for Lightkeeper Kivari. I figured to give you the best chance to see her, you must wait until after her morning duties are completed. Are you two ready?”

Zeb says, “Me? Is it even okay for me to be there because I’m… you know…”

“A Pasturist? Of course, Dear Cousin. What are we, the Nanzuul? The light is for everyone! Even those who may hold the wrong beliefs. Yes, yes, I know that look. You have opinions–best get them out now before you embarrass yourself at the beacon, yes?”

As you set out towards The Beacon, you cross through what appears to be a merchant’s district. While you take in the sight of rather tall buildings, Zeb and Janko are currently having a religious debate of sorts. You hear every 5 words or so, but the profusion of art and newspapers on the wall catches your attention instead.

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14 Comments
Alex
Alex
1 year ago

Aw, that’s a cute pose.
https://imgur.com/a/dgv1sTy

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 months ago
Reply to  Alex

THE FRAME!

Heek89
Heek89
1 year ago

Noooo! I caught up!

Anonymous
Anonymous
1 year ago

Look, Zeb! It’s my uhh identical twin sister

someone
someone
1 year ago

Orgna ylakme indeed!

Anonymous
Anonymous
1 year ago
Reply to  someone

THERES CHILDREN HERE!!!!!

Echinator
Echinator
1 year ago

thumbs up for the gif work on these, amazing as usual the two a’ you

Yitexity
Admin
Yitexity
1 year ago
Reply to  Echinator

<333

KCDodger
KCDodger
1 year ago

Damn, really kicked it up a notch with this one. I’m impressed.

I really must say, I appreciate the age and wear in Glass’ face. How old is she anyway?

Yitexity
Admin
Yitexity
1 year ago
Reply to  KCDodger

She’s a young adult, just lived in Gnomanya is all lol

KCDodger
KCDodger
1 year ago
Reply to  Yitexity

Hah, makes sense! I was starting to wonder if she was somewhere in her mid 30s. Gnomanya must be a hard place.

What with the twisters and guns and all.

Dalken
Dalken
1 year ago

Uh-oh!

All11eels
All11eels
1 year ago

Why did they draw the grime on your face? They literally did you dirty.

Anonymous
Anonymous
1 year ago

Damn they did Glass dirty on that poster lol

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