There was a monster loose in the warrens today. It was not an Inquisitor, no, but a different creature entirely. Taller, stronger, far more intimidating for it. It was not the first time this massive figure had cast its shadow across the streets, and so as heavy footsteps echoed between the ash-blackened buildings the skaa knew exactly what course of action needed to be taken:
Gather the children. The behemoth always wanted the children.
Children shrieked and some scattered as the monster took thundering steps after them. Clouds of ash rose up into the air like smoke from the monsters mouth as it roared mightily. Bleck. That looked impressive, but that was NOT my brightest idea..
Brave skaa boys latched on to the giant's powerful arms and were lifted high into the air despite their efforts. Another pair wrapped around his legs from behind, and still his footsteps thundered on. Yet one more, wrapping tiny arms around as much as the giant's waist as he could manage, was all it took to cause it to bellow out, toppling forward.
"Bwaaaaargh!! Alas, I am defeated!" The Behemoth, better known as the blacksmith Eythen of Goldheart Forge, stated all too dramatically, splayed out on the ashen ground in a fashion that had harmed none of the children. In fact, this had been the best reception he had received yet in the slums. Word must be spreading...good.
The children climbed off as others began to peek from behind doors, crates, and brown skirts, eyes wide with curiosity. Shifting up into a sitting position, Eythen slid the heavy pack off his arms and set it down with an appropriately heavy 'clunk' before him.
"I suppose I aught to give you my treasures, then. Great legendary beasts always have amazing hordes of treasure, after all! And you brave warriors certainly proved your mettle in defeating me!" The pack was opened wide as the children stared on, some with eyes almost anticipatory. Word was spreading indeed.
The tin soldiers were pulled out first, each one carefully crafted so not a sharp edge could be found upon them. He would know, after all. He had made them himself. The ragdolls that came after them, however, he had not made. Eythen shuddered to think what his thumbs would look like if he had tried sewing something at all, much less so delicate. Blue eyes looked up from the still half-full pack at the slowly gathering children.
"Well? Surely someone must want treasures such as these.."