The New Zodiac Braves

And they leave via the bridge.

Taiyo: "I kind of want one of each kitty."

Azuma: "I bet this'll go over well in the next town."

Zac chuckled a bit, "'Lily', how cute."

Mortal puts a hand on Aroma's back, "It is just a little further. I'm sure you can do it."

L"No, it's not."

*Aroma makes a valiant show of trying to push forward, but just keeps getting further & further behind. So much so that she is forced to turn around & acknowledge Taiyo's existence. She tries to maintain a stiff upper lip & not show that she's about to pass out, overall kind of looking like a psychopath with stomach pain.*

Aroma<Oh...hello. Fancy meeting you 3 here.>

*The people on the street give a wide berth to the newcomers, several casting confused or disgusted glances at the Vampire Cat. For its part, it begins to hang back, the hair on its back standing on end. Overhead, the sky darkens & rumbles.*

Zac raised his hands in surrender, though he still had a small smirk, "Right, right."

"Should I give her a piggy back ride, or something?" Mortal asked Euryale. She had turned back to look at the lagging Aroma.

Taiyo: "Hi."

She crouches beside Kitters, rubbing its cheeks.

Taiyo: "It'll be fine, don't worry."

*Fortunately, Lilith isn't looking.*

E"It might be a good idea."

*Aroma gives Kitters a cold stare.*

A"I don't think it likes it in town. Does anyone else see that as ironic?"

Mortal nods and starts to head over to her. When she gets there she says, "Hey, Aroma, would you prefer if I carried you? That way you can rest."

Taiyo frowns.

Taiyo: "I guess that makes sense. Although letting it roam outside of town might be a bad idea."

*Aroma turns to Mortal.*

"Yes, I think that would be for the best."

Taiyo: "I guess you'd rather  be outside of town, huh?"

"Uh, would you prefer a piggy back, or in front?" She asked, holding her arms out bridal style.

*The Vampire Cat just tilts its head & stares at her. Meanwhile, a sly look comes over Aroma's face, just before she laughs & taps Mortal on the arm.*

A"Oh, dear, you spoil me, but mayhap we should simply rent a carriage."

*She heads off in the direction of the Chocobo stables.*

Taiyo looks in Aroma's direction.

Taiyo: "Bye."

She looks back to Kitters.

Azuma: "Don't think it understands you."

Taiyo: "Yeah, but I don't just want to ignore it. Kitters is apart of the group. Even if no one can really speak to it, at least it should know we're friendly."

And so Taiyo returns to the town entrance so Kitters can be more comfortable outside.

Mortal follows after her, "Uh, are you sure? Will a carriage fit us all?"

--

Sab looked at Euryale, "Uh... where are Mortal and Aroma wandering off to?"

A"Oh, I'm quite certain that it will."

E"I don't know."

*She walks over.*

E"Hey, where are you 2 wandering off to?"

A"I am going to rent us a carriage to take us the rest of the way."

E"Oh, that's a pretty good idea. Maybe I should go find the rest of the group."
-----------------------------------
*Meanwhile, those yobs are standing around outside.*

"That would help," Mortal said, "Lest Lilith begin to worry about why we're lagging behind."

Taiyo: "Well, we'll be back in the morning. Have fun, Kitters."

Azuma: "Yeah, he really doesn't understand."

They head for the tavern.

Tavernmaster<What can I do for you?>
===============================
*Meanwhile, all of the group is gathered together & boarded into a Chocobo-drawn carriage, the magenta coloration signifying it as belonging to the church. Lilith wrinkles her nose as she gets inside. The journey across the Tor is bumpy & there is water sloshing outside & starting to seep in, but at least they aren't being attacked by monsters.*

Azuma: "A room for the night and what's on special?"

"The ride is kind of bumpy, but at least we're not being attacked by monsters," Mortal commented.

"Very astute observation," Noct replied a bit sarcastically.

*Finally, the carriage drops them off & they enter the entrance hall that most of them have been in several times. Aroma strides in, spreading her arms.*

Aroma<Welcome to my castle.>
============================
<I can do that, & the special is ribs.>

"Quite a place you have here," Noct said, "Thank you again for your hospitality."

*They follow Roatha to wherever he is going*

Azuma: "Three specials."

Aroma<Yes, of course. I'll have clothes laid out in your rooms as soon as possible. And we should be able to eat dinner in an hour or 2.>
==============================
<Coming right up.>