Hello There - 📝

The strange run-in was not the last time Semi and the Pterrabbles saw the blue trabble or the irrabask.

Semiplume spotted the pair a couple of times at the Creoi market and Buttercorn reported seeing the large trabble swimming in the creek below the town. There was something about the duo that Semi couldn't quite place. However, whenever she brought them up Alicanto would glare at her and remark for the human not to get any ideas. (Semi's research was suggesting trabbles were surprisingly territorial.)

The group's preparations were just shy of complete when they had their second run-in.

Semiplume was leaning against a stone wall by the market, waiting for Butter to finish choosing a folding water bowl for the desert leg of their journey, when her ear drew a familiar voice from the crowd. The pair was tucked in a far corner of the market, almost part of Creoi's residential neighborhoods, and shaded by an outcropping of moss and mushrooms.

The irrabask was holding an unfolded map in front of him, his face buried in its details as he muttered grumpily. The blue trabble, Abalone she recalled, was seated on the ground and almost wrapped around the irrabask, who was leaning against his wing.

Semi had thought she had been stealthy as she snuck close to observe the pair (a foolish idea in retrospect), but the trabble caught her eye through the dabbled light and nudged his companion.

(Did irrabasks truly have eyes either?) Recognition and annoyance flickered through the irrabask's expression.

Semi's checks burned as her hands and brain flopped through an explanation. "Uh, h-hi! Sorry! I-uh remembered you guys from last time, and, um. Well, here you are!"

"...Yay?" The irrabask gritted out. Semi could feel him cringing from here.

"Uh, so. What brings you travelers to Creoi?"

The irrabask glared at Semi and she got the feeling he was deciding whether or not he wanted to be having this interaction.

Apparently decided he didn't, because he curtly responded "Stuff." and buried his head back in the map with a flap of paper.

Abalone made a noise that sounded like a sigh. He turned Semi and, with something between a rasp and a pur, he replied "losts."

"Abalone." The Irrabask snapped. The trabble retorted by letting his large tail flop onto the irabask's head.

"Oh!" Chimmed Semi, "Could you use directions then? I've collected a few maps myself and I know some vendors who could-"

"No, we're just fine. Th- hmmrph!!" This time the trabble's tail had knocked the irrabask over and Semi could see a flurry of arms indignantly trying to shove the tail off.

"...is harde. sune... pass desert" Abalone attempted to explain. He was about to say more when a voice cut into the conversation.

"Human. Who are they?" 

Semiplume turned to find both of her pterrabbles behind her. Buttercorn was carrying her new water bowl in her mouth, and she eyed the other pair with interest. But Alicanto glared at the red haired human and the strangers.

When Semi had turned back to the irrabask and Abalone, they were both on their feet and they looked ready to leave (or perhaps dodge Alicanto.)

"Well," said the irrabask, "Abalone and I must be leaving. Pleasure to cross paths, and safe trails and travels."

Alicanto nodded in acknowledgment and duo began to depart. But Semi's mind was churning and possibilities were starting to form.

"Wait, what if we can help you cross the desert?" Said Semi.

Two glares settled on the human, one from her front and one from behind.

"...I doubt you can." Said the irrabask.

Semi motioned to the tall (and grumpy) pterrabble. "Alicanto is a Karramesh local. They've crossed the desert multiple times and has done jobs as a guide before."

"Human. A word." Ali said and they spread their wings, cutting the world off like a draw of curtains.

"What are you trying to do?" They whispered, gaze firm.

Semi met their gaze. Alicanto was protective and at times intimidating, but they weren't cold hearted. "I think they've been stuck in Croei. They don't seem to be locals, and they don’t appear to be trading or collecting any of the local resources. And they’ve been here at least as long as us! If they could have left, why haven’t they?"

“And what does that have to do with us?” Ali retorted.

“Well, if we’re going in the same direction, why not help them?”

Ali seemed to be about to say something, and then stopped. Semi noticed they briefly glanced at Buttercorn.

“Fine.”

Alicanto drew their wings back and Semi noted that it appeared the irrabask and trabble had taken the opportunity to talk as well.

The irrabask spoke first. “We’re willing to hear you out, and if it’s mutually beneficial… we could pool resources for the journey to Karramesh."

“Wait, we’re gonna travel with them??" Buttercorn suddenly jumped in.

“Um, if we can be helpful to each other, then possibly.” Semi said with an encouraging smile.

Butter looked at Semi, then at the Irrabask and the new trabble. Like an inflating balloon, Butter’s feathers slowly puffed up and she gave the newcomers a pouty look.

(Semi noted to herself to add this to the evidence for the territorial trabble hypothesis.)