Same as Always

At Night

Cloudless Sky

It was just another day for Korra at the entertainment district, her schedule was sporadic but also easy to predict in a lot of ways. Among adventurers, Korra was rather famous for a great many things; some reasons not exactly reputable or dignified, but others were things that could make the prides of others crumble. It was for this reason, Korra was safe even scantily clad in her hide gear in the entertainment district at this hour when the occasional drunk or foul-mouthed man might cause trouble for a girl who looked as lithe and gentle as Korra did. There were few who wouldn't make eye contact with her, and even more who would flash her hostile looks her way while she played the lute with a mellow smile.

The reason for hostility was her reputation as a skirt chaser, despite being a woman herself, Korra was particularly persistent and aggressive when it came to finding companionship through life. She'd chase after anyone who seemed capable of fulfilling the role, and only ever stop with a slap or some other kind of fierce an determined resistance to her gentle pursuits. It was for this reason that even now, Korra sat with a very clear and visible hand print at her right cheek. Though it didn't fade, it didn't seem to bother her as she sat and continued to sing a mellow song that lacked words, simply harmonizing with the sound of her lute.

There were many who chose not to provoke Korra though for a different reason. Among adventurers, her reputation as a supporter was well known, she was a healer that summoned a mythical beast that could traverse the dungeon rapidly. This alone was of grave importance to a lot of adventurers and have saved the lives of people who have been abandoned or needed to flee a developing army of monsters. She was merely a supporter though, her 'regular party' had another in it, one who was rumored to be the strongest warrior and she was associated with one who was considered the town's strongest rookie mage as well, Korra was a supporter who had connections to people with such a terrifying potential. Whether it was her ability to save lives, or the connection to strong adventurers, few were willing to risk upsetting either of these possible prospects.

Korra herself though, was very mellow by nature. Even though she felt her reputation had taken a bizarre turn and her ability seemed to be overestimated by a few; she was still content to laze about and hope for fated meetings. Even now, she kept her eyes peeled for colorful characters knowing that even if she failed to earn people's affections, she could find a friend, or at the very least, she could find people who didn't suit her to cross off of her list. Playing a few more chords, Korra relaxed back against the wall of a small shop feeling the night air on her exposed skin as she played. The shop itself was pretty active, selling trinkets and baubles for fancy customers to buy, it's appeal was low prices, but at the end of the day what it offered was games and souvenirs. It was a spot Korra usually frequented just because she had a good view of main street, and it was easy to hear her song.

@Marzipan Loaf

 

Korra continued playing, her deft hands and skills with a lute were hard to question, she had a great musical talent that was largely wasted because of her hobbies. The melody was soothing and mellow, well matched to the relaxed nature of the entertainment district but the gruff voice caught her off guard. Seeing Marzipan, Korra's eyes shined brightly with a type of anticipation, looking the woman up and down slowly, as if breaking down every feature from her style to the condition of her skin. It was only after that queer look that Korra'd finally answer with an even and unrushed tone. "Well, aren't you delightful-- It's a song I've been writing since I was young though. Even if I know the sounds though I can't think of any lyrics for it." She admitted knowing that all she had to show for her life's work was a lovely melody.

"I have thought up a name for it though; Kirin's Song will be what I call it, but beyond that it's just so hard to decide~" She spoke once more turning her gaze on the girl, the word 'cute' sprang up in her head quickly, but Korra's eyes closed to a half lid thinking about how adorable this girl seemed. While she did seem very sweet on the outside the gruffness in her voice was a clear indicator to the girl's nature. Coupled with poise and atmosphere that Korra considered faintly aggressive and hostile, she couldn't couple her with those cute and delicate types. Instead, Marzipan seemed more her type instead, the strong and sturdy type she could support. "I haven't seen you around here before though, I know quite a lot of girls in this town too, so I take it you must be new mm?~" She asked, largely because she spent a lot of her time simply watching from a young age. Watching and looking for people to figure out what her type was, and she couldn't remember anyone quite as colorful as Marzipan.

It wouldn't be the first time she was wrong though, naturally making mistakes was a part of life, but she kept a close eye on Marzipan to try and understand the girl better. After all, an important part of achieving her dream was learning about people. "My music is most important for getting around in the dungeon, though it's always a nice plus to have people who admire it." She said flashing a wink at the girl before settling down a bit further into a reclined position for comfort as she talked to this new girl.

 

Korra chuckled a little at the girl's assumptions, returning to plucking the strings with lithe and delicate sweeps of her hand. It was a little interesting that she thought that she got the song from Kirin, in truth it was the opposite, it was a song she made to give to something who had that identity. "There's did you know there's a legend that says Unicorns are attracted to innocent maidens--" She spoke, a bizarre tangent to suddenly go on, it was rather off topic in some ways, but Korra still flashed a knowing grin as she continued down that line of thought. "--If that's true, what kind of girl do you think a Kirin, the Dragon Horse would be drawn towards?" She asked with a musing expression, giving the girl some time to think about that bizarre question.

"I'm Korra Quinn, the kind of girl who drew a Kirin instead of a Unicorn." She explained with a sweet giggle as she explained both the origin of her song and gave an introduction in the same breath. "Marzipan though-- I like it, it sounds like something tasty." She murmured making a connection to food though there were perhaps some unwelcome undertones and innuendo to her word choice. It was unfortunately an unavoidable habit for the Bard woman though. "I am a supporter though, I carry the supplies, and provide temporary healing for adventurers. Just a couple of many services I offer for cheap, but you'll usually find me wandering around town playing for people when my adventurer partner is busy." She explained her tasks knowing that they were probably simple, but she enjoyed being the princess rather then the valiant knight.

Though she continued to play her song, she tilted her head to one side looking at Marzipan with a measure of curiosity. "What brings you to town then though? The allure of adventuring? Or is it because this was just the nearest town with familia to you?" She asked wondering what would prompt someone to migrate here, while Korra wasn't exactly what could be considered normal for things like hobbies or dreams, she was still someone who could understand the allure of those conventional things.

 

Korra only chuckled back, this girl had a different kind of guard, one that seemed weak opposite of people like her. It was a nice change of pace in a way for Korra who ended up getting slapped by people who understood her well. Though seeing the shine in the girl's eyes at the talk about pastries Korra found her to be rather innocent despite her gruff demeanor if she was so easily dazzled by confectioneries. "Oh? It must be nice having that kind of background, a nice home that always smells of baked goods. So strange to want to run from it." She thought out loud, Marzipan seemed bored of such an honest and simple life, but it seemed interesting for Korra who was practically a homeless vagrant.

"I'll support anyone who needs someone, though my usual partner is Kessler-- He has a meek and delicate atmosphere about him, but you shouldn't let that fool you. Out of every rookie adventurer rising up this time around, Kessler's rumored to be the strongest." She explained with a mellow chuckle knowing that people would often think weirdly of her adventurer partner if they saw him moving through life. He had such a fragile silhouette, there wasn't a soul who would think he was able to rip his way through people as he did though. This girl seemed very new to things though making her lean her head to one side in thought. "I see... New though, there are a lot of gods and goddesses, not all of them came here though, some are in other countries doing other things. A familia will be important though if you want to go into the dungeon, someone to watch your back and a status to keep you going will be very important." She explained with a few more strings being plucked as she spoke and explained.

Thinking about this girl's desire for an adventure though, Korra flashed a warm grin knowing that if anyone knew about adventures, she was one of them as a veteran. "I see then would you want to take a trip down with me then? I could show you the way~" Korra offered, her tone relaxed and unrushed. "While I can show you the way, you'll have to forgive me here or there if I get a little playful here or there." She tried to tease with a warm grin after offering to help the girl through her first adventure.

 

Korra continued playing for a short while, but hearing her ask about her partner's strength, Korra couldn't help a mellow chuckle knowing just how much of a monster that guy could be when provoked. "He's one of the few who can fight monsters with his bare hands. I've seen him dig into a goblin with just his fingers and tare the flesh off of it's body." She explained with a simple shrug to let Marzipan judge whether or not he was that strong. Though the thought of people actually being scared of him made her snicker internally, his appearance was so delicate and frail, he seemed like someone who could be blown over by a leaf. She had no doubt this poor girl wouldn't recognize him even if he was standing right in front of her.

Hearing her excitement and awe though, Korra couldn't help chuckling and shaking her head in response without much worry. "I don't mind, I support for some of the toughest, so even if you're trying to do something bad, I could just leave you to die. There's really no risk in it for me, or you if you stay good." She explained with a lazy shrug, going into the first floor wasn't a big deal for Korra any more, though it started getting tough around four or five, as long as they didn't go past three she'd be able to go without being overly cautious. Her confidence wasn't built on some hollow pride or arrogance for her status, but understanding and experience from having journeyed there so often. "I don't mind showing you around, as long as you don't wander off." Korra explained standing and dusting her butt off as she got up.

She slid the Lute in her hands back over her shoulder, letting it click into place using a latch at her back where it could be easily drawn or returned with a simple tug and push. "I have a special place in my heart for girls like you anyway so just leave it to me, I'll take good care of you." She offered dusting herself off trying to approach Marzipan. If the girl didn't shove her away or struggle, she'd try to slip an arm around her to walk towards the dungeon without shame or a sense of personal space.

 

Korra could read the woman's wide eyed awe rather clearly, a warm grin on her face as she nodded along. "He's got the blood of a War Tiger in him, he gets his looks from his human side, but every so often you'll catch a glimpse of that monster." She explained with a mellow chuckle, as a bard after all part of her job was being able to tell fascinating stories, and Kessler's was just one of the few she kept in her repertoire. Though hearing Marzipan talk about being close but not 'too' close, Korra chuckled and shook her head back. "No no, by all means, get as 'close' as humanly possible~" She tried to reassure moistening her lips with her tongue to make them glisten at the very thought of 'closeness'.

The poor girl not knowing Korra's true nature wasn't a problem though, no matter how sly or sharp Korra was, matters of the heart were most important for the Bard, even if she teased and prodded, feelings came first. When they arrived at the dungeon, she'd lower her hand to give Marzipan's backside a soft pat assuming she was nervous rather then excited. "Relax, it's dangerous but we aren't going alone. Whatever weapon or equipment you have or want to use, you should get it out now, make sure your tools and everything are in working order; more then half of the deaths that happen in the dungeon were due to last minute or rushed preparations." Korra tried to explain dutifully, as a support, prep-work was largely her responsibility though which was why she wasn't very worried about Marzipan's preparations. Instead Marzi would be able to see Korra unfolding what at first would have been mistaken as a small bag.

What started like a small side bag had slowly been unfolded revealing an incredibly large pair of bags. Though it seemed to be a pair though, they were connected at the center by a small cloth. "Take your time and look through your things; weapons sharp, armor firmly equipped and not hanging loosely. If you have any necklaces, earrings, jewelry that are loose hanging you should tighten them up or take them off and move them to your clothes instead." She offered more advice before raising a hand. She'd begin a rather strong sounding incantation for something while Marzipan checked her things, the incantation was quite long, there's no doubt Marzi would have finished her prep-work before the spell finished or at least just as it finally began to activate. Exactly what Korra was doing though was a mystery at the moment.

 

Korra chuckled back at the girl's comment about personal space, her response would be almost instantaneous, almost rehearsed, as if this was a talk or conversation that Korra had repeated with others hundreds-- Thousands of times. "Oh? Come now, there's no need for that kind of talk right? We're doing to be companions facing a life or death struggle in a minute. Private space isn't something that should be important to you if you want to survive down there. You'll be brushing shoulders, holding hands, and clinging to people almost every day. If you get so picky and set in your ways so early you'll have a hard time later~" Korra answered with a sly smile. There was a lot of merit to her words, after all, Korra was a veteran, there had been many situations in her career where those types of things happened completely out of necessity. Even if it was an excuse this time.

Her long chant however continued while Marzipan questioned her. It was only a few seconds after that lightning would finally strike down in front of Korra. Carrying with it a very sharp and clear sound of 'neighing', it was the sound of a horse suddenly crashing down carried by the strike. It's color was a nice and pure white, but it's body was covered in tough armor-like scales like a reptilian creature. It's silhouette was clearly that of a horse though, with a mane much like a tiger, it had a blue spiral horn like a unicorn. It's bizarre shape and nature was one that matched Korra's own style of hide clothing and hair band very well. Reaching up a hand, she gave the majestic creature a soft pat before trying to firmly attach the bag to it's back like a saddle, the cloth portion connecting the two bags was draped over it's back as Korra spoke. "This is Kirin-- He's been nearby ever since I was small, though he's just a child himself." She explained giving the creature a soft pat.

Kirin's eyes shined a bright and strong ruby red, the horse was very much a majestic and dignified creature that snorted at Korra's explanation, as if it was bothered by how flippantly it was introduced. Unlike Korra's calm and relaxed nature, Kirin was filled with a regal pride that came with being a creature of it's caliber, but Korra treated it like a helpful pet that she'd raised since she was young even though the reality was the other way around. The only way Korra could be so relaxed and lazy was because she had it here to watch over her. "Now, if you're ready we'll head down. Kirin'll take the outside of the stairs near the railing since he'll stumble if the stairs aren't wide enough near the center. It's a long way down, so don't fall." She spoke gesturing towards the entrance. Within the Dungeon's entrnce, Marzipan would see a long spiral staircase leading down into a dark abyss. It went down a considerable ways, enough that there was a time where the bottom and top couldn't be seen at the same time and there was only darkness. When they hit the bottom though, Marzipan would be able to see the dungeon for the first time, walls set alight by a glowing moss and twisted tunnels that seemed to lead every which way.

 

Korra flashed a sly smile, she could see the struggle on the girl's face but didn't acknowledge it. It wasn't abnormal, but it wasn't typical either, she didn't put much thought to the girl's worries though, instead taking note of the girl's reaction though Korra sighed thinking her approach would have to change next time regardless. Though her reaction to Kirin was understandable, many were awed by her strange magic that called the magnificent beast Kirin from the clouds. She couldn't help a pleased giggle at the girl's excitement, it was something she enjoyed seeing from people who didn't know her well, but Kirin was the symbol Korra was most known for.

"This is Kirin. He's been with me since I was small looking after me. It's thanks to him I can carry the big sack of monster stones from the dungeon up to the surface for adventurers." She spoke gesturing to the saddle bag she fitted to him. Unlike other adventurers who had to carry their own bags, or supporters who bared the weight of the stones with their body, Korra had a much more relaxed adventure relying on Kirin as a beast of burden. Even if he was unsatisfied with his role, the creature complied with Korra's wish not wanting to lose the songstress it adored.

Walking down with Marzipan, Korra slipped onto Kirin's back for the ride down. The creature moved a little slowly down the stairs, cautiously, a little nervously as if it didn't do stairs well downward, but it managed with it's slower pace. When it reached the bottom, the horse snorted at the woman's caution, as if watching a shivering trainee the majestic creature trotted forward with contempt in it's ruby red eyes for the creatures of the first floor. "Now, the thing you have to be most careful of is the monsters dear. They come from the ceilings and the walls, they don't just wander around, the dungeon actually births them from the stone." Korra explained, if Marzipan went too far, the dungeon would let out a low rumbling as the stone walls would begin to crack there or there, green arms or legs starting to appear, crawling out or falling out like zombies or ragdolls.

 

Korra chuckled as she leaned forward against Kirin's head from it's back. Her chin parting it's mane just behind it's horn as she began to speak with a mellow tone and a sweet chuckle as calm as could be. "Goblins are pretty typical in these floors we know, they're strong sturdy creatures but they're small at least and don't wield weapons normally. If you see one that does, you should be careful because it's considered an anomaly." She explained giving Marzipan lessons as she relaxed against the Kirin idly. All the while those green creatures came out of the walls. Some flopped to the ground, some staggered out but none of them seemed combat ready at a glance. It was only the first floor after all, they wouldn't simply leap out and be murderous the moment their born like other floors.

"You have to be careful though-- In the dungeon you'll always be outnumbered, it's not like the surface where you'll be fighting people of similar skill to you, there will be waves, dozens, maybe hundreds of lower level foes but they'll never end." She explained as those goblins began getting their bearings. The closest one would suddenly come to slowly and dive towards Marzipan while Korra was explaining, it's claws were brandished like small knives and it's mouth drooled with a wild and savage desire for combat. It was clearly a monster, there was no way to confuse it with one of the races living outside of the dungeon.

While Marzipan retaliated though, Korra would spend time watching things unfold. If Marzipan couldn't handle her first fight with the creature, Kirin would jump in, if she wasn't needed though, Korra would keep watching with a relaxed position as the other Goblins began collecting themselves. If Marzipan spent too long fighting off the first goblin, another pair would join it resulting in a gang of three small goblins trying to outnumber and overpower the girl.

 

Korra watched the woman dance, a warm grin on her face, moistening her lips again as she watched reclined on her mount contented by the sight. Her role was support, fighting wasn't necessary. Those corpses that were killed by having their stones removed disappeared immediately, those few who Marzipan managed to kill with the stone still embedded in their bodies however wouldn't fade so quickly. The monsters' corpses would remain if they weren't removed properly or targeted. As a supporter, it was Korra's job to take care of logistics as Marzipan fought.

Every swing or death, if there was a corpse left, Kirin would bend it's head down to bite into a stray limb to tug it away from Marzipan to keep her footing clear. If there was a magic stone that fell, Korra would slide off of the creature's back to pick it up and toss it into the saddle bag. The removed corpses, Korra would begin prying stones out from them until another corpse or stray stone would fall down. As Marzipan fought them off though, first the one who's throat was slit, then the pair afterwards, then even more-- She might notice that there didn't seem to be an end, just as one or two died, one or three would fall from the wall forcing the fight to continue as the goblins were reinforced. Though this amount was small and unmentionable in Korra's eyes, for a newbie it might be overwhelming since they would simply keep coming.

"You won't run out just by killing them-- They'll keep coming with maybe a few seconds' pause here and there. The way you move forward, is killing those close while moving forward to keep yourself going. It's your supporter's job to make sure you're not roaming in circles while fighting." Korra explained with a mellow chuckle. The occasional one that turned towards her would be immediately speared or run through by Kirin's horn or stomped under hoof. Korra herself had to do very little though as she took care of the stones letting her mount deal with the corpses.