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[ { "author": "Sivne", "message": "*Sivne would wander the markets of the south mentian capital. She was out of armour but kept her sword on her hip, just wearing her more traditional clothes from back home. She was currently picking up some rope and climbing spikes.*" }, { "author": "Livio Glace, 'White Death'", "message": "*A white cloak didn't stand out much in the city streets. Neither did white hair and golden eyes; there were plenty of other races here as well. However, the massive arbalest stuck out like a sore thumb.*\n\n*Livio munched on a nectarine, the golden nectar glistening in the gilded rays of sun. His hood was off, partially cloaking the massive weapon on his back. His purpose in the town market was... Unknown. Purchasing items, services, looking around... Many things interested him, but would be too difficult to maintain in his adventures.*\n\n*And then he saw the other, inconspicuous figure in the town square, which he waved to.*\n\n\"Sivne!\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "*She most definately stood out in the crowd. Even by brayer standards she was huge. Her head quickly craned over to where she heard her name being called, spotting Livio. She gave a nod, finished paying for her rope and trotted over to him. She let out a grunt before speaking.*\n\n\"Mmh. Suppose I shouldn't be surprised seeing you here. How's it going?\" *She asked as she shoved the climbing gear into her backpack, greeting him in a slightly more friendly way than she greets most people.*" }, { "author": "Livio Glace, 'White Death'", "message": "*Continuing to walk until he was standing next to the brayer, Livio looked up at the massive woman. A lot taller, even more so than Sonja was. He smiled, and his hand twitched up to give her a pat; but they were in the town square market, not back at the inn. Not the best place to do so.*\n\n\"Just looking around, looking for something to do before night falls.\"\n\n*A crunch of the nectarine, and a small droplet of juice splashed onto his cheek.*\n\n\"You're buying climbing gear? Going for a mountain?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Up a castle wall more like. Signed a contract with the governnent here, we'll be marching off to war soon on a short contract.\" *She moved over to a wall and leaned back against it, crossing her arms.* \"We're all sat in the inn here, I was planning on doing something too, hate being sat around all night.\"" }, { "author": "Livio Glace, 'White Death'", "message": "\"...A *What*\"\n\n*A castle wall. He had a spell that could easily take care of most walls. Plus, he loved nighttime assaults; the best time to scale a castle wall. But it was a government contract; and Livio did not like the government.*\n\n\"Hopefully it goes well with the government. Just... Exactly *Who* Are you attacking?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "*She gave a shug.* \"Don't know, doesn't matter to me much. You found any work yet?\" *She asked, putting her hand against the nearest wall and leaning on it.*" }, { "author": "Livio Glace, 'White Death'", "message": "*Didn't matter? Of course it mattered. Well, to Livio at least. That was the good part about being a private force; he could simply say no to whoever he didn't trust. He definitely did not trust the government.*\n\n\"A couple targets. Still trying to see which one I want to take. Why a contract from the government, just curious.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"We haven't changed clients since our group got together, they've just upgraded us from killing goblins to killing humans.\" *She gave a shrug.* \"How much do you charge anyway?\"" }, { "author": "Livio Glace, 'White Death'", "message": "\"Decent bit, depending on the target. I'm able to negotiate about 6 to 8 thousand a hit. Not per person. Sometimes I take out pairs. Or groups of beasts, though those tend to be a little higher end.\"\n\n*So, from beasts to humans? Armed, from the sound of it. Definitely dangerous prey, and Livio wondered how Sivne was going to sneak on them, if any.*\n\n\"Well, I hope you have a good plan. I've scaled one back in my army days. Hard to infiltrate, even for someone who wears no armor.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"I'm a good climber. And once i'm in, good luck trying to kill me.\" *She said with a smirk.* \"Me and the others took a job a few days ago, ended up fighting off a bunch of knights and crossbows. The idiot let me just walk up to him and knock him off his horse, and they all couldn't lance me. I don't think a couple of garrison boys could take me out.\"" }, { "author": "Livio Glace, 'White Death'", "message": "\"That's fair.\"\n\n*Livio wondered if he should help. After all, he didn't need climbing equipment to scale walls. Eh, Sivne and the crew should be able to handle it.*\n\n\"I will say, the standard issue troop is not the smartest. I was with them. Going to be honest now, I think you guys got this.\"\n\n*Livio gave the minotaur a small pat on the shoulder, for reasons unknown.*" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "*She was probably hard to reach, but she didn't seem to mind.* \"Mmmhm. Want to go for a drink or something? I've got nothing better to do.\" *She said with a grunt.*" }, { "author": "Livio Glace, 'White Death'", "message": "\"Sure, why not?\"\n\n*Livio associated drinking with two things. Women and celebration. He only really celebrated after a nice kill or campaign, of course.*\n\n\"Any good spots around here? You know the area better than I do.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"We're staying at an inn, it's on the quiet side but the drinks are good.\" *She gave a nod and went to trot off in that direction, ideally with him in tow. It was only a short walk away, once inside she found her usual table and sat down, setting her bag down next to her chair.*" }, { "author": "Livio Glace, 'White Death'", "message": "\"Oh, back at the inn?\"\n\n*Livio easily kept pace with Sivne, though he had trouble adjusting his large crossbow to fit next to his chair. He didn't want to advertise that it could transform nor that it could be turned into a darter of all things.*\n\n\"So, what's your preferred drink?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Whatever they serve locally, as long as it's not shit.\" *She shrugged with a smirk.* \"Beer or ale, i'm not fussy. How about you?\" *She glanced over to the bartender, having her order ready but waiting to hear what he liked.*" }, { "author": "Livio Glace, 'White Death'", "message": "\"Hm, I'll go for a beer. Something light today. What kind of alcohol can they mess up so bad you call it shit?\"\n\n*Livio raised his hand to call over the bartender.*\n\n\"Two beers, please.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "*She nodded and took out her money to pay for her own drink, paying for it when it arrived and taking a swig.* \"Mmh.. So how'd you meet the other two anyway?\" *She said in reference to him knowing them in their last meeting.*" }, { "author": "Livio Glace, 'White Death'", "message": "\"Oh, that.\"\n\n*Livio took out his own payment before stretching his arms.*\n\n\"Carlyn I met in Mentia. It was at a farmer's market, and she was able to sell me a dagger and axe. I met Sonja in the forest. I was roasting a boar I had caught, and I guess the smell attracted her. I held her at darter point, but found out soon enough that she was friendly. We talked, ate, and then she left. Never would I have figured out that those two would be working together in a company.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Mmh. I met them both when we were signing up for a job back in that one village. Small world, I suppose.\" *She took another swig of her beer.* \"Me and Sonja were thinking of heading north once our contract's up, there's some slavers who've got her friends she says, planning on going off to liberate them. Want in?\"" }, { "author": "Livio Glace, 'White Death'", "message": "\"It's... Yeah. Definitely tiny for all of us to end up like this.\"\n\n*Livio lied. Part of him longed to go back to Upper Mentia and find Sylvia. Apologize. He knew the world was vast, and it was unlikely he would find her again, even if he did return.*\n\n\"Slavers? I'm in if the pay's good. What's the employer like?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"No employer, this one's personal for Sonja. They're slavers, so i'm expecting plenty of money there. Since i volunteered i'm not taking my share of the loot.\" *She gave a nod and drank more.*" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "Livio: \"Oh, so a raid? Not taking any loot? Why not? I'm sure there's going to be a lot. Count me in.\"\n\n*Livio took a long sip. Sonja had expressed her hatred for Upper Mentian nobility and slavers before. If it was personal, Livio was more than willing to help.*\n\n\"Any details? Or just going in and shooting things?\"" }, { "author": "pluto4608", "message": "*Sivne gave a nod and leaned forward, resting her elbow on the table.* \"I've got a map, we know roughly where to start looking and Sonja should be able to identify them. Plan is to track them down and just kill 'em, interrogate them if we don't find who we're looking for.\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Livio smiled. That was his kind of work. While he hadn't had that much experience with interrogation, he had certainly heard of some nasty tactics used in order to extract information.*\n\n\"Sounds like a plan then. When do we go up?\"" }, { "author": "pluto4608", "message": "\"Got to talk to the others first, and we've still got that contract we already signed. Once that's done we'll be moving.\" *She nodded and drank some more beer.* \"I'll be doing the talking, as usual. You and the others can hang back in a bush and wait for me to start the killing, figured that's your style.\"" }, { "author": "Livio Glace, 'White Death'", "message": "\"Alright, so plenty of time to prepare. It'd be best if we could get some good cover. Trees are good. Snow is better.\"\n\n*The sniper took a large sip, still facing forward though. The beer was indeed quite good; high quality, unlike some others he had been unfortunate enough to have.*\n\n\"Is it the whole gang?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Me and the other three, still need to talk to Ildi and Carlyn about it. It's Sonja's thing though.\" *She gave a nod.* \"Don't know how many there'll be, doubt it'll be a problem.\"" } ]

[ { "author": "Sivne", "message": "*Sivne would be sitting in a room in the south mentian capital, sitting on her bed and wittling down some wood. It wasn't clear what she was sculpting yet. She was being uncharacteristically quiet.*" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "*Oddly, Sivne's peaceful work would suddenly be disrupted by a knock on the door, which opened a minute after. Ildilnytra then peaked her head through the door, searching the room until her eyes found Sivne chipping away at some wood.* \n\n\"Hello, Sivne. What are you doing?\" *She now walked into the room, gently closing the door behind her.*" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Just carving. I don't know why and I don't know what.\" *She shifted the pile of wood shavings away with her hoof and tossed her knife aside.* \"Didn't think you had what it takes. Thought you'd be like Carlyn and shy away from that kind of work.\"" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"Oh... How does that work, then? What will you get without any direction?\" *Ildi walked over and found herself a place to sit, watching Sivne work.* \"Hm? From what, the mercenary job? Well, maybe I had been thinking a little too... Well, not enough. But, it'll be a necessary experience, I feel. Carlyn doesn't do that sort of work?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Wouldn't have accepted that kind of job. She doesn't want to kill anyone. She's too much of a goody two-hooves for the well paying work.\" *She grumbled a little and scooped up her knife again, going back to idle carving.* \"It's been a while since I've hit a caravan, forgot about that empty feeling that hits you after it.\"" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"Really? It's surprising she does this kind of work, then...\" *She leaned back a bit, thinking more about Caryn and how she acted now that she got hit with this revelation.* \"Empty feeling? For me, it's... I feel regretful, right? In the first place, I shouldn't be here. After that, I shouldn't have killed. Then, I should've been able to grab everything. That's how it is, then?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "*A frown crossed her face as she looked over to her.* \"What do you mean you shouldn't be here? Having second thoughts about being a merc?\" *She looked back down at the block of wood and kept carving away.*" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"No, I'm not.\" *She gave a feint sigh and looked at the ceiling.* \"I don't think I would be able to do things any differently... But for now, this seems better than the life I had before in a few ways.\" *She looked over to the horned woman.* \"How about you? You've regretted being in all this before, haven't you?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"No.\" *She responded simply, pausing for a moment before deciding to explain why.* \"I was born for this lifestyle. Back in the tribe we used go out and do all sorts of stuff like this. Cattle rustling, skirmishes, banditry, slave trading. Life was good. Then one of my friends got into debt, had to help him out. Then he gets caught sleeping with a merchant's wife in mipmi. Gets killed over it.\" *She practically sheered the block of wood in half as she said that, her grip on it and her knife tightening.* \"I do the only reasonable thing and now i'm out here. **Alone.** I miss the tribe. I don't have regrets, there's no way things would've gone differently. I've always been a road warrior, going from town to town, taking on jobs, hitting scores on the road. Now i'm with you lot.\"" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"Oh, so like that... I see. So there was no other future. But what about settling down? You can't fight forever, after all. Won't you marry at some point, or at least build yourself a house in the wild and die?\" *Ildi stopped after that last bit, realizing it might be a bit sensitive to talk about marriage. She then continued after letting the air sit still, assuming Sivne didn't cut in.* \"As much as this is our destiny... I hope I'll be able to do that some day. But I get that... It might not be possible to do that. I think that's what I regret. I feel restrained. But at least I'm stuck to this work with someone else, now.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Me? Marry? Bah. Funny. Most male brayers are blockheads. There's no country i could settle down in even. Besides, i've got too much life in me to settle down.\"" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "*A grin grew on her face and she sat up.* \"I suppose so. What do you want to dream of happening in the future, then?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"I don't know. Build up this little company of ours, steal a castle somewhere and I get to be a lady with a big army able to slap around anyone who bothers me. Or just go wipe a few countries off the map, some of them are an afront to the gods.\" *She grunted out.*" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "*Ildi couldn't help but laugh, of course, but seemed a bit somber after she quieted down.* \"So be a noble ruler, hm? That would be a way to live that you might like. What countries are an afront to you, Sivne?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Kadrush. It's an abomination of a country.\" *She shook her head slightly.* \"Conquering Menti is one thing, but having canifor nobility ruling over a bunch of humans? They've all macenized.\"" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"Oh? You have it stuck out for them, then. For me, it'd probably be the lords in Middle Mentia. My family is from southern Silnaria, and there's plenty to hear of them from there. The others don't care much for politics, I'd assume?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"I don't care about politics, neither do the others i think. As long as it doesn't hurt the tribe, i'll fight for anyone.\"" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"The tribe? But you don't keep in contact with them, do you?\" Ildi leaned towards Sivne now, curious as to such devotion." }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"I had to leave. I'll go back one day, once what happend is forgotten and forgiven. You wouldn't understand. A tribe isn't just a village like you understand it, it's a family. I was raised communally, everyone my age was my brothers and sisters, all those older than me were my fathers and mothers.\"" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"That sounds wonderful. It's a pity you had to leave, Sivne. What's your plan once you get back, then? Same as usual, or will you have to do something special?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"No, nothing fancy. I don't know, try to fit in again, I guess. I haven't given much thought to it.\" *She grunted and itched the base of her horns.* \"I'll be a lot older by the time I get to go home.\"" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"Hmm, I see. I don't think I'll go back to my family for as long as I'm able to. Not that I've known what's happened to them for a decade, though.\" Ildi fiddled with the rune she had gotten from the raid. \"Until you go back to your tribe, I'm glad to be in this band with you, Sivne. Hopefully they're quicker to forgive than you think, though.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"We'll see, won't know until I try. Besides, before that I need a peace offering, something like a box full of gold. Until then i'm staying on the road with you lot.\" *She gave a slight nod to her.*" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"Thank you. I'll make sure that at the very least, you don't have too much good when we get paid for this.\" Ildi gave her a smile in return now. \"What will you do with however much we're paid, assuming it's not enough? ... Should we give any to Carlyn?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Carlyn might think it's blood money. I'm not against sharing though. As for spending money, I don't know. Think we should pool our money together and invest in something.\"" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"I would like to give her a portion, at least. Maybe I could tell her I did some doctoring. But if we all end up pooling it together, what would we invest it in? Are you looking to buy a castle?\" She leaned forward and rested her chin on her palm." }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"You can't just buy a castle, have to swear loyalty to someone and them give you the land to build it on. Or you just take it by force.\" *She hummed.* \"We could buy a lot of things with the money we have.\"" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"Hm, perhaps we could buy a boat and sail somewhere? Although, there's not much to be found in drowning. Spend it on arts, maybe?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Ever heard of a brayer sailor? Didn't think so. Mmh. What would i need art for?\" *She grunted, itching the back of her head.*" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"Just to enjoy. My family used to have paintings, but you're not doing anything with them, of course. What would you have, then?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Big house out in the countryside. Plenty of good land to farm and not many neighbours.\" *She said with a quiet contemplative hum.*" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"That could be nice. I used to live rurally, and the quiet is surely appreciated. I do like some neighbors, though. You don't?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"The fewer the better. I try to limit being around the races not from the federation. Last thing I need is to start turning into a macen.\"" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"Well, who knows, perhaps by the time we have something finished for us, you may already be there with nothing but skin.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"No.\" *She responded sternly with quite the glare.* \"I'm too strong willed, I wouldn't let that curse get a hold of me.\"" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "Ildi, feeling strong eyes upon her, yielded. \"O-Of course, of course. That reminds me, is there anything specific you've come to like since you started adventuring?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Getting paid in bullion.\" *She admitted.* \"It feels good getting a proper block of silver. You feel the weight and worth of it. Feels great.\"" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"It's wonderful, isn't it? I'm looking forward to the gold. I haven't seen a fair-sized piece of gold in so long, I feel like I'll cry when I'm able to hold it. Maybe we should have a feast when we're paid?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Maybe. Taking a castle is the kind of job you celebrate after. Mmh.. A feast sounds good.\" *She gave a nod and crossed her arms, leaning back.*" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"What would you like to eat, then? Assuming we're not holding back, we could afford whatever we want. And that reminds me, I wonder what they'll have us do? I've never, well... Invaded a castle before, if it wasn't apparent enough.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Taking a castle? Three ways. Stealth, storm or siege. If we can hit them quietly and get inside without alerting them we can end it in a day. We could build ladders and rush the walls or we could just wait for them to run out of food.\" *She's clearly had some experience at least.* \"As for food? Anything, i'm not fussy.\"" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"Well, I'd like to eat as many perishables as I can. For the castle, though, I'll train my magic before we go. Are you doing anything in preparation?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"I'll buy some equipment for climbing. I don't need to prepare much.\" *She sat up again and grabbed her backpack, rooting around through it to look for something.*" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"I see. I don't know if I'll be able to actually scale the walls with magic, so I might have to buy something in case. What are you looking for?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "*She pulled out a a small book.* \"Just a guide i bring around.\" *She sat down on the bed and leaned back, opening it up and reading it. Ildi could spot that the book title was a guide to knotts.* \"Just making sure I remember how to make a quick ladder.\"" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "Ildi walked around and peered over Sivne's shoulder curiously. \"That's neat. Is everything in this about just knotts? You'll need some rope, though I assume you already have some or plan to get some.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"I'll just pick up some rope at the market. Might not need it anyway, we'll see how things go.\" *She found the correct knott and put the book to the side, keeping the page held open.* \"Mmh.. If we were going to spend our money on some property, where would we buy in?\"" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"Mmm, I'm not sure. Maybe southern Silnaria again? You said rural, but do you know what region in particular? It's not hard to be outside of the cities.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Buying something around here makes the most sense. We might be able to get a good deal through the mayor.\"" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"I suppose that's true. Say, maybe we could hire some maids, even. Or I'll do that work for a price, also.\" Ildi grinned, liking the idea of having an entourage of maids and butlers." }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "*She blinked.* \"*Maids?* We'd want farmhands, not cleaners.\" *She grumbled and shook her head.*" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"Ah, well... You're right. Pity, though. What else would be good, though? I don't think the rest of you have horses, do you?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"There's no horse big enough that I can ride.\" *She sounds like she's definately tried before.* \"We can talk with the other two about it anyway.\" *She leaned back and let out a huff.*" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"Mhm, that's true. Well, I won't be able to teach you that, then. Is there any sort of skill you'd like to pick up?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Doubt it.\" *She said as she went to stand up.* \"I'm heading out to the markets. I'll catch you later, mmh?\"" }, { "author": "Ildilnytra", "message": "\"Mhm. Enjoy your shopping.\" Ildi stood up to leave, giving Sivne a short wave. \"Hope you finish that wood at some point.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Didn't plan on.\" *She said as she headed out. By this point it was more just a thin strip of wood. She left the inn and headed for the markets!*" } ]

[ { "author": "Sivne", "message": "*Sivne would be sat inside her room at the inn, currently doing a bit of maintainance on her sword, cleaning it with a bit of oil amd a rag. She was out of armour and was frowning as always, focused on her work.*" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "*Sonja headed back to the inn after some hunting. Having noticed that Sivne was in her room, the Ursinoid Beastkin thought to pay them a brief visit. She gave their a jar door a knock to signal her presences, before peeking her head inside. Cue fluffy bear ears idly twitching.*\n\n\"...Need any help?\" *She offered cautiously.*" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "*She glanced up from her sword to Sonja, her expression didn't change much as usual, usually only changing when she's all fired up.* \"No, I was just finishing. Come in though, sit, i'm bored.\" *She said as she gave one last wipe of her sword before shoving it back into its scabbard, tossing the rag aside and leaning back against the wall, still sitting on her bed. She had a few books next to her.*" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "*Sonja paused a moment, then silently nodded, wearing a stoic expression herself as she stepped further inside the room. There wasn't any harm in some conversation with her teammates, she supposed.* \n\n\"...Books?\" *Sonja commented, having noticed the small collection.*" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"I read.\" *She said, glancing to her collection.* \"Clan mother taught me how to read, said if I wanted to be a good mercenary I had to read and write. I can't let those humans scam me with a bad contract.\" *She said as she stacked her books up in a pile.* \"I don't read anything special.\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"Wise advice.\" *Sonja nodded slowly in agreement. She didn't usually read for fun, but was not illiterate.* \"...Is there a particular type of book you enjoy?\" *Most of the books Sonja had gotten her hands on were for record keeping, historical documentation, or education. Why anyone would read stuff like that as a pastime was beyond her.*" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "*She itched the base of her right horn and reached over for one of the books, reaching over to hand it to her.* \"Poetry.\" *She admitted. It seemed incharictaristic of her. She usually presented and acted like a bit of an ill-tempered blockheaded mercenary with no morals, but apparently one who liked poetry. The book was a small collection of poems written by a former slave living in the federation, mostly poems about brayer tribes and clans.*" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"...Poetry?\" *Sonja repeated cautiously, raising an inquisitive eyebrow. It certainly wasn't what she had expected. Training manuals would have been her guess, but she was dead wrong. Now Sonja couldn't help but want to learn more.* \"Not read anything of that sort before... What's it like?\" *She tilted her head to the side slightly, eyeing the books curiously.*" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Reminds me of home.\" *She admitted on a more solemn tone. She's homesick, and doesn't seem too prideful to admit it.* \"I like to sit alone and read, I can send my mind away to wherever i'm reading about. Usually back home.\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"Sounds relaxing.\" *Sonja commented with an idle nod, her gaze slowly shifting back towards Sivne. She had longed for her home many times before. It seemed Sivne was much the same.* \"...Ever plan on heading back there?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Not for a long time. I can't go back there, not now. I'm still wanted for murder, going back would just drag the whole tribe into a problem.\" *She let out a soft sigh.* \"Mmh. For now i'm content to stay out here with you three. Working together is making us rich.\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"...I see.\" *Sonja nodded slowly. She'd have probably reasoned similarly under such circumstances. Much to her regret, though, she didn't have a tribe to worry about anymore.* \"Yes... We make a good team.\" *Sonja concluded with a soft chuckle. They had certainly become a lot richer within recent weeks.*" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "*She nodded, falling quiet for a moment, seemingly in thought before she spoke.* \"You never told me your story. We don't know much about each other beyond what's obvious.\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"...Some things are better left in the past.\" *Sonja replied after a long moment. But now that she thought about it, the Ursinoid supposed that Livio, the ex-Upper Mentian soldier, probably knew more about her past than her mercenary companions. Painfully ironic.* \"My tribe is gone now. I'm doing this to get by.\" *But there was more to it than that, wasn't there?*" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "*She gave a slight nod.* \"I won't try to pry then.\" *She took a bottle out of her backpack and took a swig.* \"I've always lived this life, I just now happen to be walking roads far from home.\"*She said, letting out a quiet grunt as she thought about it.* \"I suppose I was born for it.\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "*The Ursinoid nodded slowly, idly watching as Sivne took a swig of their drink.* \"...You're a fairly experienced mercenary, then?\" *Sonja conjectured. This was certainly the impression Sivne's confidence exuded.*" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"It's all I know. My father was our chief's bodyguard, my mother was just as big as he was. I'm taller though. Used to join in the border raids, skirmishes, all that stuff.\" *She paused to itch the side of her head.* \"When I came of age I went to Mipmi for merc work with a few others from my warband. Mostly did caravan raids, border incursions into Kadrush, north mentian raids. Then a friend of mine stuck himself where he shouldn't have and got killed for it. I get revenge and here I am now, exiled for it.\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "*Sonja nodded slowly, absorbing the tale that Sivne had shared.* \"We're lucky to have someone so experienced working with us.\" *The Ursinoid commented with a solemn nod.* \"I was a warrior for my tribe. I am an avid hunter and know how to fight, but mercenary work... The idea of someone paying you to do their dirty work... *That* Is a whole new world to me.\" *The Beastkin revealed with a soft chuckle.* \"...More lucrative than I had anticipated, too.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"You seem like you're used to it now. You're pretty good in a scrap.\" *She gave an approving nod, sitting upright and stretching.* \"Carlyn'll get over killing that guy, hopefully she'll stop moralising.\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"Thanks. We all seem to get getting stronger. Lots of silver for fancy equipment certainly helps.\" *At the comment about Carlyn, Sonja chuckled softly.* \"...It's a good thing she wasn't around to ambush that caravan. I doubt she'd have approved of that.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"She'll learn, hopefully.\" *She went quiet and rubbed her hands together before asking her next line of questions.* \"Help me understand something. You look like a macen but you don't act like one. How'd that happen?\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"...Apparently, it's something that happens when a Beastkin lives among and interacts with Macens for long enough.\" *Sonja just sorta shrugged. She wasn't an expert on the science behind it.* \"...There's probably a book about it somewhere.\" *This explanation left a gap of time between when Sonja was with her tribe and when she become a mercenary, which by her own testament, was quite recent.*" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"You can fight the change. I heard it only happens if you let it. It's a state of mind thing, a willpower thing. So what happened? You don't exactly live around humans much.\" *She leaned forward a bit.*" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"...\" *There was a long pause as Sonja studied Sivne, frowning slightly. The Ursinoid didn't quite like the implication that she 'didn't fight hard enough.' Sonja sighed.* \"...Before I came here, I was in Upper Mentia for a time. Lots of Macens there.\" *She shrugged and glanced towards the window. That almost made it all sound rather voluntary.*" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"You and me don't exactly blend into a crowd. Mmh. And you're not the type to just mingle with every local you see. We've probably been on the road for the same amount of time and been around macens just as much, but you're macenized. I'm trying to understand why.\" *She let out a quiet grunt, not buying that story.*" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"...I wasn't there because I wanted to be.\" *Sonja grimly remarked as she glanced back to Sivne, her eyes narrowing.* \"They destroyed my tribe because they wanted our land. Those unfortunate enough to not escape or die were enslaved.\" *She had hoped to avoid this, knowing it would raise more questions then answers. But Sonja didn't want Sivne to believe she was being untruthful.*" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "*She fell quiet as Sonja told her story, giving a single nod, her judgemental gaze softening.* \"I understand.\" *She rubbed her hands together, seemingly in thought.* \"People can de-macenize. Do you.. Mmh. Like your new appearance?\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"Well, I don't dislike it...\" *The Ursinoid paused a moment, then rubbed her chin.* \"...Macens are as simple as any other people. They tend to sympathize more with those who look more similar to them. Without this appearence, I'm not sure my escape would have been possible. It continues to be convenient when dealing with Macens.\"\n\n\"Though...\" *She chuckled softly.* \"I suppose it's less warm. Camping requires a bit more preparation.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Mmh.. I don't know. I like how I look. It's me, who I am. It helps that I scare the locals, don't think I would without this face.\" *She said with a smirk.*" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"You're 7 feet tall, you'll scare people either way, I'm sure.\" *Sonja remarked with a soft chuckle and shake of her head.* \"That fact we can change so drastically is unique to us Beastkin. And since we can go in either direction, I prefer to think of it like having two potential appearences in our wardrobe, rather than one.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Eight.\" *She corrected her with smirk.* \"I don't know. I don't think I could ever see myself looking like a big human. I like the fear. Besides, mmh, not like I could ever get a husband if I look like one.\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "*Sonja paused then nodded with a small grin.* \"Case in point.\" *The Ursinoid listened intently as Sivne relayed some of her concerns.* \"Depends on what sort of husband you're looking for, I suppose. Everyone has tastes.\" *She rubbed her chin thoughtfully.* \"Worst case scenario, you could always switch back. It isn't a permanent change. Your old face will never be 'gone,' so to speak.\" *Sonja paused again.* \"I think if I was to go live in the wilderness again, find a tribe, or start my own, I would also prefer my old form.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "*She shrugged.* \"I just don't like many macens. I think i'd scare them all away. Besides, I couldn't even have kids with them.\" *She itched the base of her horns.* \"I wonder how I'd look though. I'm not the prettiest. Ugly human faces look especially ugly.\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"I'm sure there are plenty of handsome Beastkin men that have taken to their macenized form.\" *Sonja chuckled softly.* \"I suspect you'd look fine with a human face too. There's beauty in both strength and courage. Being bold enough to explore your other appearance would certainly exemplify the latter.\" *The Ursinoid rubbed her chin.*" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "*She let out a little grunt, thinking. She was stubborn, but Sonja was being quite persuasive.* \"...I don't know. I'll think about it.\" *She said as she itched her horns again, something about them seemed to be constantly causing her to itch it.*" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "*Sonja nodded slowly.* \"Of course. I wouldn't expect such a matter to be taken lightly.\" *She couldn't help but notice that Sivne was scratching at her horns rather frequently.* \"...Are your horns feeling alright?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Growing pains they say. I've never had big horns but they've never stopped growing. My mother said they might keep growing until i'm fourty.\" *She grumbled.* \"Some kind of weird thing, I don't know.\" *She shrugged.*" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"I see... Perhaps Ildi knows some magic that could help with something like that. I'm not much of a healer myself.\" *Sonja chuckled softly at a thought she soon shared.* \"Who knows, maybe they'll grow to full size if you macenize?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Doubt it. I bet they'd shrink. Mmh. Or maybe stop growing..\" *She mused, she'd definately prefer them not to itch.* \"Anyway.. Mmh. What's your thoughts on Mentia? We've both been stuck here for a while.\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "*Sonja nodded. That sounded better than growth pains.* \"Mentia... Where we are now has been alright, more or less. Never seen cities so big before. Their politics are a bit too convoluted for my liking. As long as Upper Mentia doesn't end up on top, I don't much care what goes on with that. You have any thoughts on it?\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"I hate the locals, most of them anyway. Dumb peasants and knights. Still, mmh. The wilds here are acceptable. It's a shame we didn't conquer this place for ourselves, plenty of land to graze and farm. What's so bad about upper mentia?\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "*Sonja shrugged noncommittally. She hadn't really interacted with any Middle Mentians on a meaningful level. Though, even so, she wasn't fond of urban cities in general.* \"...The hypocritical Upper Mentian aristocracy gleefully enslaves our kind for their own gain. Yet, they claim to have some sort of moral high-ground for opposing the slavery of other macenlike races.\" *She grimaced.*\n\n\"...They are still of the opinion that I am their property. I bear the mark to prove it. Should they win the power struggle, it would be inconvenient. If they loose, I might yet have the chance to return to my homeland in this lifetime.\" *Sonja decided to avoid mentioning her rather bloody quest for revenge.*" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"We enslave them too. I've been on plenty of raids in that direction.\" *She reached into her bag and pulled out a biscuit, snacking on it as they spoke.* \"We'll be fighting against them soon enough, probably. If these people actually send us north we'll give them a goos kicking.\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"My tribe had no part in that. We lived peacefully until they arrived.\" *Sonja frowned and crossed her arms.* \"It does seem that way. When the opportunity presents itself, I certainly hope to do so...\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "*She gave a little nod, letting out a hum.* \"When the war's finished around here, assuming we're all staying together, got to think about where we go next.\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"It would be nice to settle somewhere... But depending on which faction prevails, it may not be safe for me in Mentia.\" *Sonja reiterated with a small shrug.* \"I'm hesitant to settle on anything permanent. But I suppose there is no harm in discussing ideas.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"I've been thinking about buying a house, property or something. Mmh. We could talk to the government here, buy a nice big plot of land and a manor house.\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "*Sonja rubbed her chin thoughtfully.* \"That does sound nice... Do you want flat grassland? Mountains? Forest? Maybe a river? I suppose if they reconquer all of Mentia's old lands, they might end up with coastline...\" *The Ursinoid conjectured. Whenever land was involved, terrain would certainly be something to take into account.*" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Somewhere grassy, some woods nearby, good land to graze livestock on.\" *She gave a nod.* \"Mmh.. I think i'd like that. Somewhere remote.\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "*The Ursinoid nodded slowly in approval at this idea.* \"That would be pleasant, I suppose... Did you want to have a farm there too?\" *She wondered aloud. Sivne had mentioned livestock, but hadn't mentioned a farm.*" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"We'd have to get some farm hands if we did. I know goats, horses, cattle, but not wheat and rye.\" *She shrugged.* \"I spoke to Ildi about it, she liked the idea.\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"I see... That might be nice.\" *Sonja shrugged. She wasn't planning to settle down anywhere just quite yet. But when she did, something like that could certainly fit the bill.* \"Didn't think Ildi would be one for warm work, but I suppose everyone has hidden sides to them.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Mmmhm.. Everyone does, i suppose.\" *She reached over for her drink and took a swig.* \"What're your goals anyway? Beyond making money with us lot.\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"At some point, I'd like to return to where my tribe used to reside. And...\" *Sonja let out a dry chuckle.* \"...I need to rescue some of my old friends along the way.\" *And of course, a little bit of revenge would be nice. But the Ursinoid didn't feel the need to let on how truly bloodthirsty she was after all that had transpired.*" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Should've said you had some people to go liberate. Say no more, I'm in.\" *She gave a nod.* \"Upper Mentia, right? We can go there the moment our contract here expires.\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"I... Don't know where they are. Or if they're even still alive...\" *Sonja reluctantly admitted with a soft sigh.* \"It's possible they've been traded away to other lands. There might be some slave records in the capital... But as you said, we don't exactly go unnoticed. And they'll probably still be looking for me.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Only way to find out is to go looking, mmh? Come on, you, me, the other two, we could cut through anyone we come across and go find your friends.\" *She seemed quite serious about her offer to go hunting for her friends.*" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"I'm not sure it would be that simple... But I suppose we could scout out, figure out what we're up against.\" *Sonja conceded with a small nod. She wanted to rescue her friends, but knew it would be tough.*" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Talk to the others about it. I'll join you regardless of if they will or not. Once this contract us up we can get moving on that.\" *She let out a quiet grunt, stretching her arms behind her back.* \"Just tell me when you need to get some killing done.\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "*Sonja nodded slowly.* \"Given the... Opportunistic nature of this power struggle... We might yet be able to convince some nobles to back our foray. Freeing slaves in their enemy's territory could be a way to destabilize their regime and sow panic. We might get extra supplies, fake uniforms, coordinated skirmishes, things of that nature...\" *She rubbed her chin thoughtfully.* \"Who knows, if we help them enough, maybe we could get some free land out of it too.\" *Of course, the main goal was just to free her friends. But if they had powerful backers, that would increase their chance of success, right? So the Ursinoid reasoned.*" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"I wouldn't trust them, or anything they could actually give us. We'd be better off approaching some of our own kind for help.\" *She went to stand up and nod.* \"I'll get a map of the area, see what I can find out.\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"Not saying I trust them, but free stuff is free stuff...\" *She shrugged, not particularly confident that the loose collection of squabbling Beastkin warlords from her homeland were any more reliable than the greedy Mentian nobles.* \"Alright, maps sound like a good place to start.\"" }, { "author": "Sivne", "message": "\"Sounds good. Mmh. Alright, i'll get the map, you talk to the others.\" *She gave a nod and picked up her bag.* \"I'll see you later then?\"" }, { "author": "Sonja Karjalainen", "message": "\"Alright. Till later.\" *The Ursinoid nodded, turned towards the door, and headed off to her own quarters.*" } ]

[ { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*The sky was pitch black, with no moon to light the sky. A dark figure roamed the roads of the small town. However, Zed was not looking for victims to kill. That was for later. He needed salt, as he accidentally contracted food poisoning. He was hungry, and needed salt to purge the illness. He decides to just take it from a nearby house, and jumps through the window of a random building*" }, { "author": ".rybus", "message": "_Almann had made the journey from New Salvainia and was running out of supplies. The snobs at the higher markets didn't open until noon, and the lower markets of Shasaek don't open until sun up. With a lantern in one hand, and the reigns of his rouncey in the other, he attempts to find an inn to stay at, no doubt there were some still open. He'd find food in the morning. Almann currently has some useless spices he's appraised. Most don't fetch but a few coppers per half kilo, the more expensive stuff is farmed and hoarded by the local aristocrats in their fiefs. He'll stick to tinkering and making jewelry and other things. Perhaps this city would present a profitable business venture..._" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*The window shatters as Zed crashes against it, glass flying inward. Turns out it's a house. Whoops. There is a young man getting ready for bed, when he sees Zed crash through the window and screams. Zed simply picks him up and throws him out the window, which is on the 2nd floor. He heads to the kitchen, where hopefully there is salt*" }, { "author": ".rybus", "message": "_Instantly the rouncey reacts to the breaking of the glass, snorting in displeasure of the shrill noise. Almann turns to the direction of the noise and directs the light towards the suspected house. As he does this, he sees a man fly out of the broken window and hit the cobbles._\n\n_\"Dead? Probably.\"_\n\n_Almann calmly makes his way to the unmoving body of the man._\n\n_\"Yeah, he's dead.\"_\n\n_Almann hears the smaller bells of the local guard and sees them far in the darkness. He turns back to the broken into house and unsaddles his horse. He ties her to a nearby post outside of a local tavern and returns to the broken into abode as the guards show and begin shouting at him. Almann points to the broken window and the guards begin banging on the door while the others begin questioning Almann._" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Zed finally makes it to the kitchen, with a few screams and a lot of blood from the family along the way. A wife and an older couple are now dead on the stairs. Too bad. He looks around the cabinets, and finds it. Salt! He pours some into a cup of water, drinks it and proceeds to throw up into the sink, expelling his food poisoning. Finally. He can now hear the guards banging on the door. Guess they have to die too. He climbs back up to the 2nd floor and jumps out, throwing a knife at a guard questioning Almann in the process and landing on another guard's helmet*" }, { "author": ".rybus", "message": "_Almann's eyes are quite accustomed to night hunting. The steppe elves of the Silnaran Khanate were excellent night hunters. They taught him well. He would clearly make out the shape of the beastkin._\n\n_\"A cat? A dangerous cat.\"_\n\n_He jerks the dagger out of the guard's skull. It's obviously well crafted and well used. He could take a wild guess as to what line of business this dagger sees most of it's use in. Just in case as he makes his back to his rouncey while looking at the knicks and marks in the blade and simultaneously glancing at the cat-man murdering the guards. He could definitely fix this, perhaps make it sharper and stronger than before. Though the metal itself was strange, a quick appraisal is all that's needed for him to understand the weapon better. He quickly uses Magical Appraisal on the dagger as he stands next to his horse._" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Zed proceeds to absolutely massacre the guards using his claws and serrated blade. When he's done, 6 guards are dead, and one is left standing.* \"You go. Tell your people about the Terror of the Night.\" *He licks some blood off his blade* \"Or I'll just eat you if you stay\" *The scared guard runs off, leaving only Almann.* \"Now who are you? A macen? All alone at night? Now, I need that knife back, or it's going to end up in you\"" }, { "author": ".rybus", "message": "_Almann looks up at the 'Terror in the Night'_\n\n\"Terror of the Night huh? I find names are much more terrifying than titles. How often do you maintain this dagger? Where'd you get it? I'm Almann Jek of the Moluinwur Steppes, beastkin, looking for a place to stay, and business to be had. I'd be willing to refurbish this dagger for free if you'd like. Refurbishing weapons and armor is a profitable trade... A trade I happen to be adept in. The dagger can me refurbished in front of you of course, I have all my tools here on me.\"\n\n_He continues to run his finger along the spine of the blade, assessing if it's bent after hitting and proceeding to go through bone._" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Zed grins at the man. He doesn't seem to have any real reaction to having a bunch of guards murdered in front of him. Interesting.* \"You are an interesting man. Perhaps you can be useful rather than just food.\" *He yanks back the dagger as it has a rope attached to it* \"I do sharpen them occasionally, normally on the bones of my victims. If you can provide useful however, I do have coin\"" }, { "author": ".rybus", "message": "_Almann shrugs. The steppes are unforgiving, it wasn't uncommon for men to challenge eachother for their honor in market places and gut eachother in an area ring made up of on lookers._\n\n\"Bones aren't good for sharpening, beastkin.\"\n\n_He pulls out a whetstone and waggles it_\n\n\"These, however, made from the finest ceramic from New Salvainia. They aren't that heavy, and they sharpen a mean blade. I'll be around Shasaek for a while. If you are interested in business come and find me.\"\n\n_He tosses the whetstone to the beastkin. A customer who seems to work a lot will also provide plenty of business. Should he have connections to others of his type of work he could also bring in similar business._" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Zed tilts his head. The man was apathetic, crazy or brave, but judging from the way he spoke, he didn't care about the guards. He would look more into Almann. But now, he had other things to do. He decapitates a guard and proceeds to remove art the flesh from the skull, including the internal organs inside such as the eyes and brain. When he is done, he raises up the skull in pride, leaves it one the ground and stabs one of the guards sword into it. He dips his serrated blade into a nearby pool of blood and writes \"Beware the Terror of the Night\" On the house wall, and proceeds to stalk back into the night*" } ]

[ { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*Mevis would let out a sigh. He wasn't much of a sensory type, so he doubted he could find many clues, but it's not like he could tell them that now could he? A hero accepts any and all requests, no matter how unfeasible they might be for them. While he might not have any special senses, he did have a mouth to speak at least. He figured if there was nothing the guild could give him, he might as well start with talking to locals, find out where the most recent assassination occurred, and then work from there. He would look around the streets for someone, and if he does, he would walk up to them and try his best to flash his 'heroic' smile*" }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "\"Uh, hi there! I'm Mevis, a member of New Sunlight. I was sent there to investigate about an assassin. Have there been any recent assassinations lately?\"" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "Mevis would find himself talking to a middle-aged labourer wiping his brow with a towel, who would quirk his eyebrow, and mutter in response:\n\"Ah yes... That trinket merchant that came here some while ago, right? Just your usual crafty trader hoping to make some profits. Well, he is now forever lost in his dreams of riches, now that someone managed to sneak in his room and slit his neck. Tch. Unpleasant, but it doesn't have too much to do with our humble town, though the innkeeper and sheriff are understandably worried about it all.\" \n\nTaking a moment to drink from an opened waterskin, he continued.\n\"One of his enemies probably managed to track him down, I say! With their tendency to engage in all sorts 'o shady matters, was only a matter of time that someone decided to rid of him.\" With that, he shakes his head." }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*Mevis would nod respectively to the laborer. He didn't want to make assumptions on the reason for the assassination till he had more clues*\n\n\"I see, that is unfortunate. I would like to look further into it though as murder is still murder. Can you tell me what sort of trinkets the merchant sold and who and where he hanged around with in his time spent in the village?\"" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "\"What sort of trinkets? Runes, plenty of em, and certainly not just for show. I'm no mage, but I've lived long enough to recognise when something is the real deal. As for who you could see him with... Well, now that you mention it, sometimes when I hang out in the Inn after work- just to have a small pint of ale to share with my buddies, I can see him talking to some shady cloaked figure. Once I could even hear them arguing!\"\n\nAnother pause is taken for another sip, giving some time for Mevis to think.\n\n\"I don't know where else he has been, but that should help you in investigating the issue, aye? At least, I assume you are the one supposed to be investigatin'. As long as you don't stir up an' trouble the the innkeeper would be happy to help you out- he's been plenty stressed over this, y'see.\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*Mevis would bow his head once more in thanks*\n\n\"Thank you for your information. I will try not to be bother in this village. May I ask you point me in the direction of the inn as I am unfamiliar with the area. I will be on my way after that\"\n\n*Assuming the man does so, Mevis would head in that direction. It would seem the man was a rune seller? And a genuine one at that? Well, the man did say he was no mage so perhaps the merchant was a master conman, but for now he was able to deduce that the merchant was assassinated at the inn and he was seen with a shady looking fellow that he had an argument with. If the runes turned out to be fake, it could be likely the assassin was sent by someone the merchant had scammed before. If the runes turned out to be real though, the assassination might have been more than just an assassination. But in either case he needed more information. Once he reached the inn he would examine the area for anything out of the unordinary before heading inside to speak with the innkeeper.*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The labourer does so, and Mevis reaches there quite quickly. There is little to note in the surrounding regions, so entering the Inn is the action undertaken. \n\nInside the Inn, there still seems to be nothing out of the ordinary, though the man manning the bartop, with an impressive stache seems to be looking rather glum as he wipes the table idly, not even noticing that he's been scrubbing the same area for a while- obvious even to Mevis due to the presence of a much damper spot on the bartop where the man is moving his towel along." }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*Unfortunate, it would seem the assassination hit the bartender pretty hard. Guess that is to be expected. The common man doesn't witness death as often as an adventurer. Even now despite all the death he has seen, Mevis still felt bogged down by such events. But right now he was on a job, no time to wallowing in self-pity.*\n\n\"Umm, hello there? The name's Mevis. I am a member of New Sunlight and was sent here to investigate the recent assassination. I was told this is where is the inn the victim stayed out before he was killed. Can I ask you for some more details about the event?\"" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The bartender starts and blinks for a moment, before fully registring Mevis' presence.\nSighing a little, he slowly begins to speaks.\n\"Glad to see that New Sunlight is investigating. You see, there really isn't much to go off. One morning when we were sending food up to his room, then when his guards repeatedly rapped his door to get no response, they realised something was off.\nHad to budge into the room, found him sleeping like a baby with his throat slit open.\"\nFor a moment, there is a pause, as the barkeeper continues scrubbing, though this time he was doing it properly.\n\n\"If you want to, you can go up and talk to the sheriff more regarding what happened- the merchant's guards and some of men from the sheriff are holding down the area so that there is no tampering done to any potential evidence, so you'll need to request permission to take a look under supervision.\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "\"Very well, thank for the information. But before I head up can you perhaps tell me what he was doing the night before? Anything you saw or heard that was unusual?\"\n\n*Mevis figured he may as well pry for as much information he can considering how little he had to work with. Bartenders were great sources of information after all, they just kind of blend in to the background, allowing them to listen in on conversations that people otherwise think no one is paying attention to. If not, hopefully he would have better luck with the sheriff upstairs.*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "\"Now you mention it...\"\n\nThe Innkeeper tells Mevis about the same cloaked person the laborer saw, affirming the authencity of that story. However, there is also an additional detail.\n\n\"If there anything particularly suspicious though. In the last night before the assassination I didn't see him, and while I can't quite be sure about it, the merchant seemed to have been hastily going back to his room. The sheriff knows this and is currently investigating, perhaps you could ask him for more details?\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*Mevis would respectfully bow*\n\n\"Very well, thank you for this information. I am not just saying that either. I know it must be difficult to try to recall the details of such a tragic event. It may not offer you much comfort, but I will try my best to get to the bottom of this to match the effort you've put in enduring this. I hope the best for you and your tavern so you can spread smiles and laughter to this town once more\"\n\n*Mevis would then head up the stairs, slightly red. He wasn't that good at speaking, but he did say he would practice on his 'heroic' speeches even how embarrassing they were for him. He hoped it was good enough to offer some sort of comfort to the man. He didn't want him to feel as down anymore...*\n\n*As Mevis would reach the top floor he would look around for the room with the sheriff. Once found he would walk over and call out not wanting to surprise them as their nerves were likely already on end*\n\n\"Umm, hello there. Did't want to surprise you. The name's Mevis. I've a part of New Sunlight and was sent here to investigate the assassination. I was told I should ask the sheriff for more details\"" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The man, a weary looking middle-aged fellow with an impressive mustache wearing a black sheriff's uniform turn toward Mevis as he went towards them. His eyes are bloodshot from lack of rest- clearly he's been hard at work investigating the issue, at the very least.\n\n\"Oh, New Sunlight? Good, we could really use a hand here.\" After they confirm Mevis' identity as a Squire of New Sunlight, the sheriff waves you toward the inside of the inn room, the guards responsible for cordoning it stepping to the sides to permit Mevis and the sheriff's entry. \n\nAs a whole the crime scene seems to be relatively normal for a decently priced room of an Inn... Aside from the open window and faint footsteps from dirt, and the sheet of silky cloth covering the bed, presumably hiding the victim and preserving any dignity post-mortem.\n\n\"Take a look, but try to be careful. If you have any questions, do ask.\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "\"I'll ty my best to be of assistance\"\n\n*Mevis would take in the crime scene. Dirt from footsteps? Hopefully that was from the criminal and not any of the guards here, but best to ask. Seeing the open window Mevis suspected that is how the assassin got in, but would need to get a closer look at it to see how. He would also like to take a look at the body, but figured it would be best to ask the less sensitive question first before doing so*\n\n\"May I ask a retelling of everything you know so far about this crime? I've gotten the general idea, but was told you would know the most. Also, just want to confirm, is that dirt from you or any of your men? Just want to make sure before I start trying to examine it as a piece of evidence\"" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The sheriff recounts everything previously said about the crime, double backing the statements from the bartender and the labourer. Unfortunately, there still isn't much to go off on, but one supposes that otherwise, it wouldn't be so vexing.\n\n\"Ah, the footsteps? Take a closer look.\" \nAs he leads you to inspect them, you discover that they lead from the windows to the side of the bed, and back out of the window.\nThere are even faint prints on the window sill.\n\n\"Does that answer your question? Don't worry too much. On my honour, I assure you that our men and the guards that offered to help us out have acted entirely in a professional capacity, and done their utmost to prevent contamination to the crime scene.\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*Mevis would nod. He expected nothing less from law enforcement. Well that wasn't true, but it is what he wanted to expect from law enforcement. If that was the case, he suppose he might as well start examining the footsteps.* \n\n*He would try to see if there was anything in the dirt itself, as well as how big the footprints were to get an estimate of the size. It wasn't a good estimate as he wasn't a trained investigator, but as a martial artists he has seen his fair share of feet so to speak to get a general idea of the size and who they tend to belong to. He would also try to examine the window sill and window to see if there was any clues on how the assassin got it. Perhaps a broken lock, a piece of cloth or rope? Maybe he could see the same footprints in the mud? He could use any sort of clues right about now, and would try his best to keep his eyes open for them*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "Medium-sized footprints. Nothing in the dirt, but there were a few blades of grass. There was a small broken lock placed on the window sill, and the burnt-out etchings of runes on the lock itself suggested that the merchant certainly wasn't negligent in guarding himself, though it didn't seem to work out well in the end.\n\"Before you ask, we didn't put it there. The assassin certainly seemed to have all the time in the world however.\"" } ]

[ { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*Mevis would let out a sigh. Well at least this was better than nothing. It was a forced entry and the merchant at the very least was paranoid enough to invest in locks. But the dirt and size didn't help much. He wasn't too sure what the sheriff meant by all the time in the world though*\n\n\"Not sure I follow. What makes you say that the assassin had all the time in the world?\"" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The sheriff says nothing, taking out a pair of well polished gloves made out of hard leather and putting them on, before picking up the lock and flipping it over.\n\nTwo letters, in some foreign language, though it seemed decidedly oriental in nature.\n\nThe sheriff clarifies. \"I'm not very well versed in this kind of script, but the first thing you learn about language are the curses and insults. This isn't much of one, but to translate it roughly, it means 'you seek death'. It was an extremely clean-cut etching- we looked, but there just wasn't any shavings anywhere. Magic was probably used, but still impressive.\"\n\nHe pauses here, waiting for Mevis pose a few questions before continuing." }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*Oriental huh? Well the oriates were known for their magic as Mevis recalled his oriate friends Hitoshi and Arthur and their impressive magical abilities. That being said, it seemed odd to etch the words 'you seek death' on a lock for some you are going to kill. Or was it the merchant that imbued the runes? He was the one well versed with rune magic after all, and would make more sense as a warning to deter others from breaking it. However, Mevis was still lost about the meaning of it all. How did this relate to the assassin having all the time in the world?*\n\n\"I apologize, I guess investigating things isn't my strong suit. Is there some special meaning to 'you seek death' or the way it was carved? I've heard that the merchant was a rune magic trinket seller. Was this perhaps once of his trinkets? Still don't see how this connects to the assassin\"" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "\"Indeed, quite peculiar, isn't it? *Who would send a message to an already dead person?* I wondered myself if it was a rune, but invited over a mage who knows a thing or two about runes and he told me flat out that 'you seek death.' was just a normal etching- perhaps a single shred of the power of the arcane sea could be channelled through it, but just wasn't intended to. It would also not be wise to taunt any potential intruders, so that makes it not likely that the merchant was responsible for the strange message. And yes, it's one of the merchant's trinkets- he's been selling those locks while he was here. So, what do you think?\"\n\nThe sheriff takes a moment himself to think about it again, quite clearly going through the clues in his head." } ]

[ { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would let out a sigh. Nothing really out of the ordinary. Looks like there wasn't any other clues here or at the very least, any clues that Mevis was capable of finding. It might be best to ask the sheriff for any more leads.*\n\n\"So, I heard that the merchant got into an argument with some shady looking person before he died. Do you know anything about that? Also, do you know if any of the rooms next door heard anything the night of the assassination? I am just kind of lost on how to use the current clues to find the culprit.\"" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The sheriff sighed, evidently quite annoyed by how things have been proceeding as well.\n\n\"Ah, the shady person... Yes, he's our prime suspect right now, and we have been tracking some of his whereabouts. I'd recommend that you wait for the investigation to finish later this day, then we might have more to work off. And while you would think someone would have heard *Something*, not a single damn patron claimed to have heard anything.\"" }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would nod and rub his temples. Was there really nothing he could do right now other than wait? He was sent here to investigate after all. It was unusual that not a single patron heard nothing, but seeing how skilled the assassin was it wasn't beyond reason. Mevis for one doesn't pay attention to what goes on in the other rooms when he is staying an inn, or rather he tries to hard not to given the thumping and moaning... But perhaps it would be worth asking them himself to see if perhaps they weren't sharing details to a law enforcer but are more willing to share with young NS member. There was also dirt on the footprints and while they were shallow, he could attempt to try to find any matching prints outside on the ground by the window. Maybe the assassin may have left something there as well*\n\n\"Um, I guess I will wait for that investigation then. While I wait though can I perhaps speak to one of the people that were in a nearby room that night? Not saying you guys didn't do your jobs, but some people are bit more tight lip to law enforcement, so maybe I can get something from them? I'll also be looking outside by the ground for any more clues if that is alright.\"" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The sheriff nods, though it is slightly half-hearted, as clearly he's thinking about something, but he is still paying attention to Mevis. \"If you can help out, that would be great.\"" }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "\"Thank you. I will try my best\"\n\n*Mevis would then head out of the inn and to the spot outside of the merchant's window. He would curse his lack of tracking skills. H already knew he was lacking in many skills as a hero, and this once more was another event to remind him how pathetic he was. He couldn't hide like Hitoshi, heal like Cecile, wield blades as well as Arthur, be as durable as Ralki, or be as capable of clearing out groups of monsters/undead like Kaisa. He was nothing more than an armorless weakling attempting to be strong with nothing but his bare fists.*\n\n*But he couldn't just throw his arms up in the air and give up simply because he lacked the skills. NS was counting on him to help this village, he wanted to help this village. They shouldn't need to live in fear of the assassin coming back, and Mevis wanted to have that merchant rest in piece knowing his murderer was caught. So even though Mevis was about as good as a deaf bat in this scenario, he would attempt to get get on the group and start looking for footprints and any other clues on the ground and possibly on the wall/window of the merchant's room.*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "A closer look reveals that there were footprints on the wall. Clearly the assassin must have been quite good at climbing. As for tracing footprint on the ground, it's faint but they seem to lead from a certain side of the town. But not knowing what landmarks are there, Mevis would have to ask." }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*While Mevis was somewhat introverted, he wasn't going to let that stop him from doing what needs to be done. He would find the closest person and ask them about the landmarks to get there and continue following the trail as far as he can*" } ]

[ { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would thank his lucky stars. Luck usually wasn't on his side, but this time it seemed she was smiling down on him. Well, that's what he hoped at least. His paranoia would start to build up again wondering if this was actually getting him further from his goal, but shakes his head to regain his composure. He has to start from somewhere so may as well start with the easiest location to find*\n\n*With that Mevis would head over in the direction of the cackling, hoping to find its source which should in turn lead him to the artificer.*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "Mevis is led to a simple shopfront by his movements. While relatively nondescript, the constant sounds of metal being worked and the fizzling of magic inside indicated something was at work, though the cackling had stopped.\n\nThere is a sign outside with *Open* On it." }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would head inside, but yell out* \"Hello there?\" *To alert whoever was inside of his presence. Didn't want to surprise them and cause an accident after all. He had never been an alchemist' shop before, and would take the moment to look around the wares being sold while searching for the owner*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "Strange contraptions of all form and manner set on the shelves, a thin film of dust indicating that it had been a while since the last cleaning. Mevis can't quite make out their purpose, though that incredibly strange mix of sword and bow told him that he was better off not looking too closely.\n\nWith the sound of something bubbling and fizzling that could only be the sound of something boiling over, there was a sudden spate of loud cursing. As it would have seemed, whatever the artificer was up to had gone awry. There is a brief moment of silence before you hear some soft clanging and tapping of utensils, sounds that indicated a cleaning up.\n\nAfter some more time had passed, a surprisingly neat looking Mogash steps out of a door leading to the back of the store, a leather long coat covering most of his body. \n\n\"What do you want?\" He speaks in a grumpy tone, and for good reason, if the sounds just now were of any indication." }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would quickly turn away from the wares and bow his head respectively* \n\n\"Um, excuse me. The name's Mevis. I'm a member of New Sunlight and was sent to investigate the most recent assassination. I was investigating some tracks and they led to this part of town. You probably didn't notice much since I was told you work in your workshop all day, but perhaps if by some chance you noticed anything or anyone unusual come through here on that day?\" \n\n*Mevis would realize he probably shouldn't have even talked to these so called landmarks, as per the description provided it would seem all of them wouldn't have been paying attention to their surroundings. But since he was already here, he might as well ask each of them, and if nothing turns up he would have to search manually for those tracks again*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "\"Well, you said it myself. I spend all day and night in my workshop, don't have much to say.\" The mogash continues to grumble. \"Sorry, but you are better off finding someone else, unfortunately. That gives me an idea though...' Muttering something he went back into the backdoor, not even bothering to wave Mevis off." }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*Mevis would sigh, he got the feeling it was going to be same for the other 2. Honestly he wondered why was he trying to go ask them for clues? He would best be trying to find the track on his own considering the 3 individuals listed would likely have no paid attention to their surroundings. Thus Mevis would get to the ground and try to find those tracks again if he could*" } ]

[ { "author": "way8306", "message": "Mevis' attempt to retrace his steps is successful, though as he does so, he feels a sudden chill on his back. Even if he were react properly and look around though, he would perceive nothing. Could it be just a stray winter breeze, or are his instincts telling him something more?" }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": ">*Mevis would immediately flinch and take poised stance ready to sprint. He has and always has been a coward, and as such he knew this sensation very well. He has survived this long after all because of his cowardly instincts, and frankly, they were screaming at him to sprint away right now! His hairs were on end, and his palms were getting sweaty. Even the shadows cast by the nearby buildings were starting to look like monsters. Damn it, why did he have to be suffering a paranoia attack right now. Didn't he make a promise? Had he really not gotten any better from back then?!*\n\n*He would clench his fist and grit his teeth, trying to focus on his master's teachings. He would then take a few deep breaths and feel his nerves start to calm down a bit. He still wanted to run, but at least this level of fear was tolerable. He could not do what he wanted, he had to be a hero. That chill he felt may have been nothing more than a breeze, but it would be better to be cautious when dealing with assassins. With that Mevis would attempt to step into the shadows and activate his stealth perks while shifting his Oni mask over his face to activate his thermal vision. These were the only senses he had that stood a chance in tracking assassins, and he could only hope that his one stealth perks would make it difficult for the assassin to get the drop on him.*\n\n*Now equipped with some line of defense and a stronger resolve, he would continue to trace the tracks once more, hoping they would lead him to the culprit*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "Mevis' effort would unfortunately not yet bear fruit. Either it was again, just his nerves or perhaps the assassin was just that good. Regardless, looking at the tracks further, he would find that they-\n\nStopped. The trail just stopped deep in the middle of the road. There was simply nothing more to follow, and it didn't lead close to anywhere suspicious. At most, it indicates that the assassin might be in this part of town. What a downer." }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*Mevis would sigh, of course things wouldn't be that easy. Guess that meant he had to start asking around and start interrogating people for clues. It wasn't something he was comfortable with, as he didn't like talking to people. \n\n*This quest was making him do many things he didn't like to do. Perhaps that was a good thing, forcing him to act more like a hero? Or was it just a sign that he wasn't cut out to be a hero in the first place. Well, now wasn't the time to ponder about such things, the results of this quest would provide the answer anyway.*\n\n*He would approach the nearest individual he can find, and putting on his best 'heroic' smile he would greet them*\n\n\"Hello there, I'm Mevis, a member of New Sunlight. I was sent here to investigate the assassination that had occurred recently. I know this might seem random, but could you perhaps tell me if there have been any unusual looking people that had passed through here since then?\"" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The person he approached would be quite a queer sight- the pointed ears and rugged constitution that practically *Bulged* Under his work clothes indicated that it was a steppe elf, which was already a rare enough sight, but his most defining trait was the incredibly long wild, writhing mass of beard that antithetically seemed like the most dignified work of art in the world- a trait that could only belong to a Lora, yet here was it, seen on the face of an elf.\n\nAnd then he spoke, \n\"Ah, yer talking aboot tha murder, ain't ye?\"\n\nThe accent thicker than curding milk and harsh enough to rend rocks apart was something that could only belong to a denizen of a harsh Mountainhome and more certainly was a pain to parse through. Still, it was understandable with some focus, which was a relief for any investigator.\n\n\"I was just plannin' ta go ta tha sheriff regarding this matter. Ye see, I kinna sleep that noche, being too busy thinking aboot me knives, an' happened ta hear some strange sounds with tha morgue, courtesy o' me elven ears. Recently me old friend tha caretaker has been sick as well, an' has been acting skittish whenever I went ta visit him. Dunnaw what's possessed 'im, but I worreh... So after much deliberatin', I finally decided that it be better ta confront him than let this stew, bad 'ealth or not.\"" } ]

[ { "author": "way8306", "message": "Nodding, he moves along, but not before giving Mevis the direction of the Morgue. \"Around this week or so. Don't really visit him that often, though.\"\nWith that, Mevis is left alone again, with naught but his thoughts." }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would head over to the morgue. It felt like a long walk, filling him with dread. He didn't particularly enjoy the though of being surrounded by so many bodies, but it also filled him with a sense of guilt in that he wasn't able to give a proper burial to his village or adapted family. He was too scared back then to face the consequences and had left their bodies. The only body he was able to properly bury was one that he had killed with his bare hands. However, even then he had desecrated it by taking the skull as a mask and figured there wasn't much respect to be buried by your killer...*\n\n*With these self-deprecating thoughts in mind, he would make it to the morgue and search for the caretaker.*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The morgue stood on the outskirts of the town for understandable reasons. Non descript as it was, the only noticeable fact was that the plants were starting to become overgrown, and the dust on the window sils of the main building were collecting an awful amount of dust. All in all, it's been a while since this place was well tended. The windows are all tightly shut, and so is the door." }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*The place frankly looked abandoned to Mevis, or the caretaker wasn't doing his job. Was this perhaps what that elf had mentioned earlier, that the caretaker was acting odd? Mevis was feeling rather gloomy just staying here, but he couldn't just leave without some answers. So he would attempt to knock the door and desperately yell out* \n\n\"U-Um, hello?! I-I-Is anyone there?!\"\n\n*He would wait a couple minutes for a response before doing it again. If there would still be no response, he would figure he would need the keys to open the place. In which case he would go back the sheriff and hope the village carried spares. Of course this is all assuming that he doesn't get a response*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "There is silence for a while, but then you hear a faint voice from behind the door. \n\"Come... In. Door... Is open.\"\nIt's drawn out, laboured even, clear strain from using a voice too loudly." }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would be slightly creeped out by the faint voice, and once more felt his legs urging him to run. He would take a deep breath, and resolve himself as he cautiously opens the door and steps inside*\n\n\"Th-thank you for letting me inside...\" *He would say as calmly as he can to mask his fear. He would look around for the source of the voice as well as checking out the general condition of the building*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "Surprisingly enough, a petite, pale-looking girl was sitting there, in a rocking chair. Not quite the image of a someone caring for a morgue, though the similarly pale locks of hair going down her back and her strikingly blue eyes did have the ethereal feeling that somehow matched the atmosphere of the building, which was homely looking, and much more well maintained than the outside was, at least from what could be seen from the indoor lighting, in the form of the ball of light floating above her. \n\nA strange place to wear clothes as bulky as the black cleaning clothes she wore through, but there were stranger matters to focus on, like how the windows were shut even though it was daytime.\n\nShe opened her mouth, and Mevis now could confirm that the voice he heard came from her. It was soft and terse. Not quite how a normal person would talk, but in some odd\n\n\"Sorry... Not feeling well. Why are you here?\"" } ]

[ { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*To be frank, Mevis would be caught offguard by the pale-looking girl in the rocking chair. Infact he would have goosebumps on his skin as he recalled all the ghost stories he had read involving ghosts in rocking chairs. It was the perfect setting thinking about it. A lone boy heading into a morgue in search for a killer, only to be led into an abandoned house possessed by a ghost. He didn't want to stick around for the ending of such a story, and would immediately leap back and run out the door, slamming it behind him. He would be breathing heavily trying to recollect himself. Did he actually see a ghost right now? From what he was told the caretaker was suppose to be a male, but inside was a female. He was pretty freaked out by this, but before running to the sheriff to inform him that the house by the morgue is haunted, he would peek inside to confirm once more that there really was a ghost inside*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The girl would remain stoic for the most part, but would blink in confusion looking at Mevis' strange activity.\n\n\"What... Are you doing? You... Look as if you've seen a ghost?\"\nShe would continue talking in that breathless, spaced out mannerism." }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would quickly slam the door again and take a deep breath. Ok, so there was a ghost in there. Or well, he though so at least. Seemed odd that the ghost would be asking if he saw a ghost if she wasn't one, but it could be that she hadn't realized what she was. Or Mevis was just being an idiot here, and she infact just a sickly woman living in a morgue for some reason... Scratch that, going over that thought mentally made him realize how stupid it sounded compared to her being a ghost. But she didn't seem hostile at least? Maybe he could get some information out of her. He would yell out through the door, too afraid to open it*\n\n\"Um, I think you are one? But you don't seem hostile I guess? I'm here to find the caretaker of the morgue. Have you seen him around here?\"" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "There is a moment of silence before the dumbfounded response comes, muffled by the door\n\"I'm... The caretaker... And not a ghost.\"" }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would scrunch his eyebrows in confusion. She's the caretaker? And not a ghost? Seemed like a pretty terrible lie, so he couldn't see what she had to gain from it. Perhaps she wanted to lure him inside? Perhaps she could only consume his soul if he was inside the house? Mevis was starting to think his imagination was getting the best of him. However, her being the caretaker would contradict what he head earlier about the caretaker being a male... Could it be she was actually a he?* \n\n\"Um, I apologize if this seems rude, but are you perhaps a male?\" *He would ask a bit embarrassed about the question*" } ]

[ { "author": "way8306", "message": "The silence returns, and this time it stays long enough for it to be palpable.\nThen the shrill ranting begins.\n\"FOR FUCKS SAKE, ONE OF THOSE FOLKS?! LOOK, JUST BECAUSE I STRAINED MY VOICE AND WHERE HEAVY CLOTHING DOESN'T MEAN-\"\nHer voice is cut off by loud coughing, which quickly turns into something like retching.\n...\nWhen you hear that voice again, it's so hoarse and raw you feel like you're hearing an old man speak.\n\"...F... Uck... You.\"\nAfter she manages that, she continuing coughing her throat out, or at least that's what it sounds like behind the closed door." }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would be surprised by the deep voice he had just heard. Well then, assume she was telling the truth, he could see why people thought the caretaker was a guy.*\n\n*Still didn't answer if she was a ghost though, but Mevis realized in his stupidity he had a pretty easy way confirming. He would shift over his Oni mask over his face once more and turn on his thermal vision and then turn to face the house. This should reveal any heat signatures within 60 ft of him, meaning if she wasn't a ghost, assuming ghosts don't give off heat of course, he should see her frame through the door as anyone or anything else that may be giving off heat within 60 ft of him*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "As the results of the observation would show, the girl inside was perfectly warm and alive- a blob of heat hunching itself over as it shook uncontrollably. One could guess why it was doing so from the continuous coughs from behind the door." }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would let out a sigh of relief. Turns out he was being rather silly, and well, he owed the caretaker an apology. He would move away his mask, turning off the thermal vision with it, and sheepishly enter the house once more with his head held down.*\n\n\"Um, sorry, I didn't mean to get you upset like that... A-Are you ok? I've got some water on me...\"\n\n*Mevis would be mentally beat himself up for his poor actions. What he had done just now did not befit a hero, accusing someone of being a monster and causing them to get riled up. Worse, if the caretaker was still upset at him, he might not be able to get any information, cutting of the only trail he had in catching the assassin. His cowardice might lead to the downfall of this whole mission... He... He really hadn't changed after all*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "After a while, the girl stopped coughing, and looked back at Mevis, though while previously it was stoic, now it was just a dull look, though her eyes had shreds of frustration.\n\n\"What... Ever. Cut to the chase.\"" }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would let out a sigh of relief to see he hadn't ruined his only lead. But he knew he wouldn't always be this lucky. He... Had to get get stronger, not only physically but mentally. That's the kind of hero he strived to be after all. \n\n\"Um, so, I assume you have heard about the recent assassination in the town right? I'm a member of NS, Mevis, and I was sent here to investigate/capture the assassin. I had followed a lead that brought me to this part of town, but it disappeared after that. So now all I got to go off of is asking people such as yourself if they had seen anything unusual that day/night that might pertain to the assassinations. Think you can tell me anything about it?\"" } ]

[ { "author": "way8306", "message": "The girl scoffed. \"What... About i-\" \nThen her eyes widen. \n\"LOOK OUT!\"\nThe familiar chill falls upon Mevis' back like an avalanche, and as he looks behind a spear shot shoots straight towards his chest from the corner of the room." }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Wha-?! Mevis would be caught off guard by the sudden attack, but with his quick reflexes he would attempt to active air reinforcement and cross his reinforced arms across his chest to brace for the impact. Was the assassin here?! Why?! So many questions were going through Mevis' head right now, but right now his focus was on surviving against his attacker*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The spear impacts against the arms of Mevis, and is promptly deflected to the side...\nBut as it turns out, it was only an opening attack.\nFrom the shadows, a cloaked figure emerged, charging Mevis with stunning speed, longsword in hand.\nOnce within range, the longsword cuts an horizontal arc, aimed at his exposed abdomen, taking advantage of the fact that he had to raise his arms to block." }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis having no way of protecting his exposed abdomen would feel a sharp pain slice its way across it. He would fall over clutching his belly in hopes of preventing his organs from spilling out... Damn, to think he would encounter the assassin here of all place... He had let his guard down... He was careless... To think his lack of paranoia would be his downfall... But even with it he doubted he would've expected a sudden attack like this. For now all he could do was clutch his wound and focus on his inner chi to flow through his body in hopes of healing it in time before the assassin dealt a finishing blow. Mevis would try his best to follow the assassins movements from where he was on the ground in order to move out of the way. He didn't want it to end like this...*\n\n\"Tsk... Some hero I'm turning out to be...\"\n\n```Breath of life cast. 85/110 mana remaining```" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The cloaked being would not stop there, striking with an overhead blow which would-\n*KRATA-KOOM*\n-Be interrupted by a timely bolt of thunder, from behind him- namely, the morgue caretaker.\nA bolt of thunder strike head-on into the cloaked figure's arm, causing it to limp and just almost- *Almost* Cause it to slip from its hand.\n\n\"W-who... Are you?\"\nThe caretaker would call out, panting from exertion.\n\nThe cloaked figure rubbed his paralysed arm with his other, the residue sparks of magical lightning dancing on it. It seems that under the cloak, the assailant had leathers covering both arms.\n\nThen a grave, reverberating voice comes from beneath the cloak.\n\"Tch. Don't interfere again, caretaker. I might be eternally indebted to your kind, but there are always exceptions. You would be more a burden than a help anyway if you decided to truly attract my ire.\"\nThe aforementioned caretaker looked at him with true anger, but both of you knew that whoever this person was, he was right. She didn't seem like she was in any condition to fight in the first place and likely couldn't help much after that timely save.\n\nLooking back at Mevis with his face shrouded by shadows, he would continue speaking. \"A Ki Practitioner. Been a long time I've seen one up close, and so far away from the Orient, but as fate would have it it would be under such unfavourable circumstances. I apologise, but I cannot risk your interference any longer.\"" }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would get up weakly while eyeing the door. His hairs were standing on end, screaming at him to run. He didn't have Hitoshi this time to support him. He didn't have Arthur to fight by his side. He didn't have Ralki to protect him. Right now he should've died if it weren't for the caretaker, but it seemed she was no longer in any condition to fight.*\n\n*The odds were stacked up against him, and his cowardice was reasonably telling him to retreat. What point is there trying so hard to be a hero? What good is any of this if he were to die? Frankly this was some no name assassin in some no name town. Who cared if he stopped him or not. He would start to take a step towards the doorway, glancing apolitically to the caretaker.*\n\n\"...I'm sorry for this...\"\n\n*...And then spill his bag of caltrops all over the ground, covering it in its entirety. In his eyes would be filled with a burning resolve. Yes, he was afraid, as seen by his shaking legs, but he was more afraid of living a life with more guilt. The rest of the world may not know what had happened to this town. But he would, and he would carry the guilt of having run away yet again for the rest of his life. But not this time, he... He wasn't going to run away this time. And if either of them were going to run, it wasn't going to be without a trail of bloody footprints. But that was fine with Mevis, he was used to taking a beating. But he still apologized for the fact he was going to coat the floor of her house in blood.*\n\n\"If you didn't want to risk any interference, you shouldn't have assassinated anybody. For every action, there is a consequence, and it's time for you to face yours\"\n\n*With that Mevis would activate his stealth perks. Sure they wouldn't do being right infront of the assassin, but he hoped it would make it harder for him to focus on his movements for the next part. Hoping to catch the assassin off-guard, he would make use of his ability to quickly gain speed to rush forward through the caltrops, pushing through the pain as they pierced his feet, though grateful that air reinforcement was mitigating most of the damage, and perform a side-thrust kick at the assassin's diaphragm*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "\"Caltrops? What are you thinking, young-\"\nBefore he can finish his lighthearted statement, Mevis' foolhardy, relentless attack arrives.\n\"Shit!\" \nThe assassin quickly realised his mistake, but it was too late.\n*POW!*\nThe painful kick knocked the air from his lungs and sent him stumbling, his feet scrambling for balance.\nA caltrop stabs through his right boot- a burning sensation rising through his feet.\n*Fuck! I underestimated that brat!*\n\nIf it were anyone else, this would be a fatal error of judgement. However, the assassin was not 'anyone else.'\n\nSomething in the assassin's aura changes. A black miasma pours from him- sickly, and reeking of death.\n\"Enough of this.\"\n\nA purple aura envelops his cloak. \"**Mind Wraith**\". You hear the assassin mutter. He steadies himself, awaiting Mevis' next move, in spite of the caltrop sticking through his foot, which he somehow manages to ignore." }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis wasn't done with his onslaught, even with the dark maisma enveloping him, he knew if he backed off he would be done for. If there was anything he learned from all his time being with Hitoshi, never give an assassin the opportunity on when to attack, cus they will generally always get the timing right as seen just moments earlier when Mevis got disemboweled.*\n\n*Thus, carrying on with the momentum, he would tilt his foot and in a scooping motion, send some of the caltrops flying into the air toward the assassin's face. Now this was a simple enough maneuver that Mevis was sure the assassin would easily see through, but he had another trick up his sleeve, one that most people don't expect from martial artists since they focus on close combat. Concentrating on his inner chi, he would gather air around his fist and in a swift motion, launch a ranged projectile of air at the caltrops he scooped up into the air, hoping to disperse them and give them more speed/momentum as they are sent flying toward the assassin face. He knew it wouldn't be a finishing blow, but the attack wasn't meant to be one. It was a distraction to let him slide and sweep the assassin off his feet as he focused on the attacks aiming for the upper body. He just hoped he was quick enough to do so*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "```Sonic Blast cast, 5 mana regen. 80/110 mana remaining```" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The assassin remains silent as it stepped to the side, perfectly moving out of the way of the caltrops not only flying towards him, but on the ground.\nBut then Mevis' sonic blast arrives.\nThe trajectory of so many caltrops suddenly changed, 2 caltrops sink into his arms as the assassin hastily blocks.\nA third flies into his sternum\n\nGrowling, not in pain but in anger, the assassin stumbled backwards once more, but this time, his footing would not be so easily undermined.\n\nCrackling thunder covers his blade, as he channels a **Current* Through it, before he slashes downward, attempting to intercept Mevis' slide-and-sweep, though this action was hampered by his mounting injuries." } ]

[ { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would realize he would have no way of stopping the collision given the speed at which he rushed forward. He would grit his teeth, preparing for electricity to course through his body, but was determined to knock the assassin off his feet as well.* \n\n*The unfortunate thing is that he would likely be partially paralyzed afterwards, and that was basically asking for a death sentence within the presence of an assassin. He needed someone to cover him as he would be recovering from the paralysis, but it didn't seem like the caretaker was in any position to do so.*\n\n*Suddenly he would remember one of the rewards he had gotten on a quest. He certainly hoped it would activate in time, praying to fate or whatever being was watching over him for mercy. He would quickly yank a bongo from his pack as continued to slide-sweep toward the assassins, and bang it 3 times. Those vines weren't particularly strong, but it was better nothing, and he could use all the help he could get...*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "*POW*\nThe assassin would be sent flying as he got struck once more, an incredible feat against someone so competent.\nUnfortunately, Mevis would not fare any better, as firstly he felt the pain inflicted by a deep cut on his right leg, before a numbness and lack of responsiveness in that limb that would render him temporarily immobile. Before long, he would also feel sluggish- This is the doing of **Mind Wraith**, and had anyone been able to strike him at that very moment, he would be good as dead.\n\nFortunately, he had the foresight to summon an assassin vine to cover him. The moment it sprouted, it shambled towards the cloaked figure, who had managed to get on a knee despite the heavy damage he received.\n\nVines slice through the air, attempting to rend the assassin apart, but even so damaged, he was a most formidable opponent.\n*Swoosh*\nTwo vines fall apart. However, the third and fourth were another matter, for they struck true, digging deep into his shoulders. \n\nHissing in pain, the assassin threw himself back, getting a good footing on the floor that would finally let him attempt to stand once more." }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would flinch from the sharp pain coursing through his leg. Damn, so that is what the dark aura magic was for. His greatest asset, his speed had been taken from him, albeit only for a moment, but in a fight a moment is all you need to either be alive or dead. He was glad his summon was covering for him, but it seemed like the assassin was going to tear it to shreds pretty soon. Mevis figured he would have to slow the assassin down somehow else he would soon be the one torn to shreds.* \n\n*From his compromised position on the ground, he would launch another Sonic Blast at the assassin foot just as it got good footing. He hoped that would force the assassin to either stand his ground and thus lock him in place, allowing the vines to do their work, or cause the assassin to lose their balance and fall onto the caltrop filled floor. Of course if it turns out the assassin had significant amount of leg strength, then his attack would be useless, but at least it is worth a shot*\n\n```Sonic Blast cast, 5 mana regen. 75/110 mana remaining```" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "Seeing the sonic blast coming, the assassin hastily stumbled out of the way, coincidentally putting him directly in the path of another wave of the vine's attacks.\n*Shink- Splat!*\nAnother vine is severed, but the last one makes its mark, dragging thorns across the assassin's back.\nHissing in pain, even though the assassin's face remains shadowed, his eyes seem to gleam a terrifying red for a brief moment as he turns to Mevis.\nThen a spear is summoned in his free hand, which he throws straight at him while Mevis is still helpless and affected by the lethargy of **Mind Wraith.**\n```Spearshot.```" }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Using the same trick again huh? Well unlike last time Mevis could see it coming, so even if he was still a bit lethargic, he now had the option of properly defending against it. He would feel his leg also regain its sensation. Not wasting the opportunity to get back on his feet again, he would attempt to get up with his reinforced arms raised. He knew better than to take such a powerful strike head on. Thus, using the same technique he was taught to redirect strong linear kicks and punches, he would angled his arms to direct the spearshot away from his body. He would be spending all of his focus this turn to do so since he had to recover from his compromised position, but thankfully the vine was still active to keep the assassin distracted for at least 1 more turn. He would bend his knees, preparing to rush in the moment he saw the chance assuming he was successful with deflecting the spear*" } ]

[ { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would feel the mind wrath finally wear off and being back on his two feet again, he was in prime fighting condition once more. His eyes would sharpen, following the assassin's movements. The assassin was skilled, there was no doubt about it, but like with all assassinations, if you fail to kill your target with the first strike you've failed your job. He had no doubt that the assassin had other tricks up his sleeve of course, but the battle had shifted from an ambush to a brawl, and as a martial artists the assassin was now stepping into his territory.*\n\n*Of course Mevis was feeling nervous, but for whatever reason a sense of calm had washed over him. He couldn't say he felt confident, but it was more like going through the motion. The familiarity of the situation helped him feel... Comfortable? Perhaps his past encounters were finally accumulated into actual combat experience that he didn't falter at the sight of two weapons coming at him. If he had to choose one to avoid, it would be the spearshot, as he had seen how devastating it was from afar and can only imagine the damage it would deal at point blank, not to mention its greater range of motion due to being a ranged spell attack. It looked like was going to be a battle of speed between the assassins' swing and his martial artists, but if there was one thing he was confident in, it was his speed*\n\n*Hs muscle memory would then take over, side-stepping into the assassin's reach to reduce the impact from reduced rotational momentum for the sword swing. From there he would attempt to grab the assassin's wrist that was casting the spearshot to keep him from using it as well as to keep him in place. He would then quickly pull the assassin forward as he himself thrusted his elbow towards the assassin face. He didn't know how resilient this assassin was, but he hoped this heavy blow would knock the assassin out if not disorient him. But things were rarely that easy. For now he could only brace for impact.*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The sword dug into Mevis' shoulder, cutting deep and severing muscle. While Mevis was fast, that did not mean the assassin was slower.\nHowever, while he succeeded in that Mevis' attempt to grapple succeeded, and while the assassin tried to flick his wrist regardless, letting the magic in the spear work to accelerate it, it went flying wide.\n\nThen the ferocious elbow, heedless of the mark left by the longsword smashed his face in, and as the cumulative wounds finally lead to his will faltering, the assassin felt himself fade out of consciousness before he could resist.\n\nHe would have never expected to lose to someone as cowardly as Mevis, but here he did. What did he have to think about the matter? Who knows, but his reaction will certainly be interesting when he wakes up.\n\n~~**K.O!**~~ *Quest Complete*\n\n** 4PP, because I took nearly a fucking month.**\n**5 Gold, because it's technically the right price and despite the buffed rewards I'm kinda leery about giving him too much. There is also the fact that the entire quest was lethargic on both ends and not really full of too much activity despite stretching over a month, so there's that.**" }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would flinch as he grabbed his torn his shoulder, but not wanting to miss a moment he would focus first on tying up the assassin with the excess amount of rope he has in his bag. This was an assassin after all so he could be faking it. Thus Mevis was alert the entire time as he was tying the assassin up, disarming him of his weapons and searching him thoroughly for any other belongings he had.*\n\n*Once he was certain the assassin was neutralized he would channel his inner chi to heal up and then start cleaning up floor from blood and the caltrops he spilled. He couldn't do a perfect job as he didn't have the right tools and some of the blood had already soaked into the ground, so he would bow his head apolitically to the caretaker*\n\n\"Sorry for all of this... No, I suppose a thank you should be in order instead. You saved my life. Is there anything I can do to repay you? You are not hurt anywhere or anything right? I've got some healing magic if you need it...\"" } ]

[ { "author": "way8306", "message": "The caretaker closed her eyes shook her head with a mostly expressionless sigh, though as she reopened them there was some relief on her face.\n\n\"No thanks. I'm doing well enough. If anything... The... Assailant needs it more. I suggest you hurry... And inform the sheriff. I would come along... To give my testimony, but well...\"\nSeeing how she remains rooted in her chair despite not panting anymore, it's clear what she means." }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would nod in agreement, knowing full well it would best to go to the sheriff to get a testimony, but would glance over her once more.*\n\n\"This might be rude to ask of my savior, but can you perhaps elaborate what the assassin was doing here and what he meant by 'enterally indebted to your kind'? I know it might just be coincidence, but I was wondering if perhaps this assassin was part of the reason you've been acting strangely as well? Your friend, the elf with the beard mentioned he was worried about you. That's why I am asking\"" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The caretaker started to shake her head. \"Don't ask me. I have no...\" Then suddenly her eyes widen, before hardening into a frown.\n\"...Have you... Taken a good look... At him?\"" }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would raise an eyebrow at that? Get a good look at him? Just as she suggested that he felt a shiver travel down his spine as he slowly turned around to face the tied up assassin. He would gulp as he a cold sweat washes over him.*\n\n\"Is he... Am undead?\"\n\n*The only undead Mevis knew of were wights and zombies, but he had seen the recent reporting of the blood plague spreading. Could this assassin be one of those so called vampires? Mevis would nervously kneel beside the assassin and try to get a closer look*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "Lo and behold- the assassin was a surprisingly handsome looking macen, with curly brown locks and a well-trimmed beard- but the most important feature would be that unmistakable red in his now glassy eyes, and the elonged fangs his open mouth revealed.\n\n\"Well, that explains... A lot.\" The caretaker muttered. She continued, haltingly. It's hard to tell whether it's just her lack of breath or if it's because she's reasoning. \"I was... Never of good health, but I've not much... Been at ease, at least recently. ....Could he... Have been hiding here... All this while?\" \n\nThe last part was directed more to herself, and with that she fell into a ponderous thought, no doubt thinking events over." } ]

[ { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would flinch seeing his guess was correct. A vampire assassin that had been living off the caretakers blood while he hid. The question was why he stayed? Surely no skilled or intelligent assassin would stay around the crime scene, especially for this long. Was there an agenda he had here? Well in either case, these question would likely be best answered with the help of the sheriff on his side. He would lift the assassin over his shoulder and bow to the caretaker*\n\n\"I'll be taking him to the sheriff then. Will likely have all our questions answered after a bit of interrogation. You have any questions you would like me to ask him during the interrogation? If not, I guess I'll take my leave\"" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "\"Hmm?\" Jolted out of her thoughts, the Caretaker blinks once and twice before reacting. \"Ah- er...\"\nAfter a moment of flustered deliberation. The caretaker shakes her head with finality. \"I don't believe so.\"" }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would nod once more. He found it odd she had had no questions, but he wasn't going to force her to come up with one either. So he would just carrying the assassin over to the inn where the sheriff was and assuming he was still there he would call out*\n\n\"Sh-Sheriff! It's me Mevis! I think I caught the assassin! Shall we interrogate him when he wakes up?\"\n\n*Of course Mevis was prepared for a barrage of questions from the sheriff given how sudden it is for someone like him to return with the assassin, but he figured he may as well get straight to the point if possible*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The sheriff is pacing around, perusing a document, when Mevis interrupts. He turns around tiredly. \"What is-\" \nWhatever he was reading is quickly forgotten as it flutters to the ground.\n\n\"...\"\n\nAfter a moment of awkward silence as he and the guards comprehended what was going on, he waved his entourage to take and restrain the unconscious body, before he stepped mere centimetres away from Mevis, and looked him dead in the eyes with an almost suffocatingly piercing look.\n\n\"Explain. I have all day.\"" }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would start to cold sweat again. Why was the sheriff looking at him like that... It made him feel like did something wrong... He would take a step away from the sheriff and scratch the back of his head nervously*\n\n\"Uh, well, I told you earlier I was going to try to find a trail to follow right? So I, uh, followed the trail and reached the morgue. I decided to talk to the caretaker as some weird stuff was happening with her, and then I was, uh, attacked by this fella. Given his skillset and how he told me I shouldn't interfere, I, uh, think I can say with some confidence that he is the assassin...\"\n\n*Mevis hoped his response would ease the intimidating stare the sheriff was giving him.*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "Holding the stare for a while, the sheriff let out a long-suffering sigh, before clasping his face with his left hand.\n\n\"That sounds absolutely ridiculous... But I believe you. Looks like we're going to have a lot of work on our hands.\"\n\nSlowly moving his hand aside and levelling his head straight, he continues. \"Anyway, elaborate more clearly what happened on your end. As I said, we have a lot of time on our hands.\" His eyes are now intent with focus, and he fishes out a notepad from his coat, holding what seems to be a magical pen with the other." } ]

[ { "author": "way8306", "message": "The sheriff sighed. \"Well... There isn't much really. We'll probably have to interrogate the assassin, and get the information out of him. Probably when he wakes up.\" Yawning a little, he continues. \"As for you, just wait for the results. I'll hand you a letter regarding the results to hand back to New Sunlight- certainly much more presentable than an oral report, and that'll be that.\"" }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would scratch his head, unsure how to respond. The guild quest had requested him to apprehend and find the motives of the assassin himself, so he didn't feel comfortable leaving the job to someone else. It would feel like a job half-done, and well, being his paranoid self thoughts of the sheriff actually releasing the assassin crossed his mind.*\n\n*He tried to shake his head of the negatives thoughts but they were already filling his head. What if the sheriff had never intended to catch the assassin at all? It seemed a bit too coincidental for Mevis on his first day arriving here to find the assassin's tracks, follow them, meet the right people, and find/apprehend the assassin all in one go. Especially considering that the whole time Mevis has been here the Sheriff had just been idling about this room. Mevis didn't see any other officers in the city either trying to investigate, and worse Mevis was starting to get nervous about the fact the Sheriff made no mention about the elf who had came here, dismissing the topic altogether.*\n\n\"Um, I don't know much about interrogating, but the quest description has it listed for me to question him, and while I appreciate you doing it for me, this quest is to ensure that I am ready to be a squire. I don't feel it would be right to have you do a portion of it for me, but I would appreciate any assistance you can provide.\"\n\n*Mevis hoped the sheriff wouldn't notice his untrusting glare, trying his best to hide it by diverting his attention to the tied up assassin instead*\n\n\"He is a vampire assassin after all. Might have some other tricks up his sleeves. So don't think it would against your interest to have me stay, right?\"" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The sheriff blinked, \"Hmm? You want to do it yourself? Well, sure, we'll be glad to help.\" Noticing his weird tone and suspicion, but interpretating it as apprehension, and thinking about how he always was a little skittish, he chuckles and continues. Ah, young adventurers these days \"Ah, don't be too worried about it. Our local expert is quite skilled at interrogation, and I was just about to get to him when you mentioned him...\"\n\nAs he says that, Mevis feels a tap on his shoulder. \"Oye, boi. Fancy seeing you here! I was just wonderin' where you went...\" As Mevis turns around, he sees the grinning face of the very bulky fake dwarf." }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would leap back in surprise and take a readied stance upon feeling someone tap his shoulder. Was it a trap all along! Damn, he fell hook, line, and sinker to it! Fully turning around though he would suddenly turn flush in embarrassment seeing the familiar face.*\n\n\"O-Oh! S-Sorry about that...\" *And Mevis would immediately take a more relaxed posture scratching the back of his head and bowing his head apologetically. With the sight of the bearded elf some of Mevis' suspicions would be cleared, calming down his overexcited nerves ever so slightly.*\n\n\"I guess I'll be in your care Sir. I, uh, never caught your name, but it's a pleasure to be working with you.\" *And he would bow his head once more before looking over to the assassin*\n\n\"So I guess we just have to wait huh...\"" } ]

[ { "author": "way8306", "message": "Belv's face is set into a frown, as he listens to Mevis intently. After he is done, he simply nods. \"Well, well. Thank you lad, for helping my friend out. I was wondering why she wasn't feeling so hot these days... Well, we still have to verify our story here- and look at who is stirring.\nAs he says that both his and the sheriff's head twist around, in the direction of the assassin.\nHis body seems to be twitching and soon after a groan escapes from his lips.\n\"Now, Mevis boy. You want to have the honours of greeting our guest here?\"" }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would flinch a bit in surprise, not expecting the man to regain conscious so quickly. But perhaps that was due to their impressive regeneration that he had read about. That being said Mevis knew he wasn't exactly the most intimidating person, and was pretty sure the assassin realized that as well when the fought, so he wasn't sure what kind of greeting Belv was expecting for him. He supposed at best he could hide his nervousness with his mask, as shifts his Oni mask to cover his face. For some reason he found some comfort in it, like a sort of protective barrier. Granted it still weighed on him heavily, burdened with the guilt and regret, not forgetting whose skull it was that he was wearing. But in that regard, knowing it was 'that' person's skull still filled him with a bit of courage, just like in the past when 'that' person would go out infront of Mevis to protect him from harm. Mevis would clear his throat and walk infront of the assassin and grab him by the head. Well courage wouldn't be the correct word for it, false bravado seemed more fitting, but Mevis decided he may as well run with it so long as this feeling remaining in his chest. \n\nHe would then walk over infront of the assassin and grab him by the head*\n\n\"O-Oye! Returned to the living eh? W-well guess that's not accurate since you are a living corpse, b-but we are going to change that real soon if you don't give us what I want. S-So no funny business you hear?\"" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "Awkward silence reigns as the assassin stares at Mevis with a dumbfounded, but mostly out of focus look. It didn't help that he was still dazed and groggy from the beating Mevis delivered to him not too long ago.\n\nWere poor, poor Mevis were to try and hide his bashfulness and look back at that very moment, he would see the 'deer in torchlights' look of the sheriff as he dropped the cigar he was planning to light with fire magic, the small flame still crackling above his raised right index fingertip. Beside him, Belv attempted to hide a dwarven snicker as he looked to the side, his hand covering what one could guess was a grin, considering the creases one could see on his check." }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would be really grateful at the moment to have put on his mask, as his face was pretty red in embarrassment, and would've only gotten redder if Belv and the Sheriff were to see it. He knew he wasn't good at this sort of thing, but seeing how the assassin was still groggy, it meant he could have a do over right? At least that is what Mevis wished to believe. But first, he had to get the assassin to actually focus, so he would pull out his waterskin and splash water on the vampire's face. Assuming that would be enough to wake up the assassin, he would clear his throat as well as his mind from the embarrassing memory and try again. This time he figured he would go for a greeting he was more comfortable with*\n\n\"So umm, sorry about grabbing your head earlier. And I guess punching you. Glad to see that you are still al- not dead. So, uh, I guess you can take a good look around the room and realize what's going to be happening next right? In all honesty I want you to make this easy for us as I don't really want to hurt you any more than I already had, but I can't say the same for the gentlemen back there. Doesn't help that you are a vampire either, as I am relatively well informed on your kind's weaknesses, and if push comes to shove, I will not hesitate to try them all out\"\n\n*With that Mevis would pull out 2 silver coins and also point to the flame in the sheriff's hand as examples of what can be used against the assassin*" } ]

[ { "author": "way8306", "message": "The assassin's eyes glint as he finally got Mevis to the topic he wanted to discuss the most- and was about to test how far he could go when he saw Belvador positively glower at him. And the scariest thing was that from some part of his undead being, he could feel himself shiver. \n\nDamn, no concessions he would be getting today.\n\nSighing, the assassin grunted out. \"Fine, fine. I don't know much, except that they are called \"'Ehwaz.' I'm just a freelancer, you see.\"\nTo be entirely honest, he didn't really know if they would really would come after him, since it would seemingly be a waste of resources considering he didn't have any important information on hand, but that didn't prevent him from playing it up to his captors." }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Ehwaz? Mevis would look over to the sheriff and Belv if they recognized the name cus he certainly didn't. The unfortunate thing is he had no way to tell if the vampire was lying either or was spewing out random names. They needed something more solid, as Mevis assumed the reason why this quest requested him to find the identity of the employer was so that they can track them down and snip this kind of activity at its source.*\n\n\" I would like to believe you , but you got anything to confirm that? A letter of sorts detailing your job? An emblem of theirs? Perhaps a location you were going to meet up to receive your payment or something? Something to add more weight to your words so we know you aren't just spouting out names from out of a hat to reduce your punishment\"" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "\"Ehwaz... Hmm, a familiar name, but not exactly a big shot in the underworld... They do have a knack for runes though, and were suspected to be a splinter of a bigger group before it was smashed by New Sunlight and authorities some years back...\" The sheriff muttered contemplatively. Belv on the other hand simply shrugged. At least one of them seems to know the name, so there was a clear lead.\n\nThe assassin groaned in the meantime. \"Fine, left pocket. A token of theirs. Seems to be laced with magic though, and I'd prefer not to know what they've done with it.\"" } ]

[ { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Well that's helpful. Looks like he wasn't just spouting names, but would be better to confirm if it was really the person who hired him. In that regard a token would be useful, but would know better than to grab it barehanded. He would use his arms warps to carefully reach into the left pocket and pull out the trinket, and them examine it assuming nothing happens*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The token is a black, polished wooden circle with an eeriely white engraving of an slim M in the middle. Fits snuggly into the palm. \nThe sheriff walks over and takes a good look at it. \"Well, that's their insignia for-\"\nThe engraving started glowing. Not a good sign" }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis's eyes would go wide as be began to panic over the glowing letter. What's happening?! His brain quickly connected the fact that the merchant they were trying to deal with used runic magic and the strange wording on the lock in the room. By the gods, was this a trap?! Mevis would look over to the window to see if there were any civilians down below. If not, he would break the window and throw it down below, out of a fear that a massive explosive spell was going to happen. Of course, that may not be happening at all, and he would just look like a fool. But living life as a fool was better than living life with regret, as he wouldn't be able to mentally handle the Sheriffs, Belv's or even the assassin's death if this thing blew up in the room and killed one if not all of them.*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "\"Look out!\" The sheriff got that much out before Mevis moved to dispose of the rune. It flies out with the shattering glass and then combusted midair into a great blast of fire- roughly around that of an amped-up firestorm.\n\nAfter that was done, the other occupants of the room were, in spite of their different personality traits, completely silent. \nThen the assassin broke the veil of quietude. \n\"Well. Shit. When I can be ferried away into a safer place than this?\"\nAt least he seems much more comfortable about his situation now.\n\nThe sheriff, on the other hand, picked his cigar from the ground, before commenting. \"Some damn deft fingers you got there, and a very good thing too- even if any of us survived that one, our bloodsucking pal wouldn't have.\"\n\nBelvador mutters some dwarvish curses, before look at the broken window. \"At least n'un was there, or it would gotten real messy. The windows were a shame- were goddamn expensive even with the help of the innkeeper's glass mage friend, but it could have been worse... So good job. I'm sure he'll understand this mess.\" He chuckled.\n\nYou can see a commotion building out there as multiple townsfolk started to see what was going on, though quickly a few confused but upstanding lawmen helped keep the crowd away.\n\nAt the same time, an officer rushes into the room \"Sir, what is-\"\n\"At ease, officer. We've just dealt with the situation. Just keep the crowd calm and keep away from the glass shards for now.\"\nAs the officer rushes downstairs to relay the sheriff's orders, the sheriff takes a deep whiff of his cigar. It's clear to see that the whole case has taken quite the toll on him." }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would be breathing heavy and drenched in sweat. It was no more than a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity as he saw the glass breaking and explosion occur in slow motion basically, as if fate was intentionally showing him what would've happened to him if he was but a second slower. This... This wasn't the life he wanted to live. His legs wanted to give up beneath him, unsure how to handle the sudden change from relaxed, to stressful, and then back to relaxed environment. However, even as much as he hated these kind of situations, he couldn't leave it, as that isn't what a hero would do. He had to carry out his duty, his promise, and that meant he had to get shit together again.*\n\n*He would take a deep breath and turn to the assassin again*\n\n\"Well, I don't know if there is any safe place for you so long as your employer is free to hire as many informants or assassins he wants to bring you down. Your best bet to save yourself is giving any and all information you got so that my guild can bring him to justice. As you can see, he isn't exactly looking out for your safety. So anything else you can give us?\"" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The assassin sighed. \"I wish. But really, that's all I have.\" And he seems to be entirely sincere since no vampire can be calm after watching a massive firebomb go off in their vincity- and was in their possession a mere moment ago.\n\nBelvador frowned, before making a sideways glance at Mevis, nodding just a little. It seems that there wasn't much they could do now but take him for his word." } ]

[ { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would let out a sigh. Well it didn't seem like the assassin was lying to say the least, so in that sense, Mevis had succeeded on his job. He captured the assassin, found the motive, and found the employer. That should hopefully be enough for him to pass his trial into becoming a squire. He would look over Belv and the Sheriff and bow his head in respect.*\n\n\"Thank you for your help, I couldn't have done this without you. If this is all the information we can obtain, I suppose I best return with him to New Sunlight. Might not be the safest place, but it is better than staying out here, and well, he needs to receive his punishment for killing someone anyway. I hope you don't mind\" *He would ask a bit nervously, hoping he wasn't overstepping his authority in bringing this assassin with him*" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "\"No, it's fine. In fact, it's reassuring that we have New Sunlight on this case as well if anything.\" The sheriff sighed. Belvador, on the other hand, let out his trademark dwarven chuckle. \"If anything we should thank you. Hopefully, we'll see you again, we haven't even had the chance to properly thank you yet!\" Indeed, he and the caretaker of the morgue hadn't really got around that but considering the matter at hand, it was best for Mevis to depart and deliver the assassin before any more mishaps happened.\n\n\"That being said... You sure you'll be fine bringing him back alone? That doesn't sound like a good idea...\" The sheriff frowned, and for good reason. Keeping an eye on the assassin alone would be risky, considering the chances that Ehwaz wouldn't be happy about everything that went down. While it was not mentioned, the exploding token might have done more than just explode, and no one wanted to know what they were up to. Then he snapped his fingers. \"Ah, yes. A caravan is heading back to the city today. It might be a bit riskier for them, but that's an unlikely risk with such large numbers, and I'm sure they'll appreciate another guard. How does that sound?\"" }, { "author": "Mevis", "message": "*Mevis would scratch his head. He could understand wanting to bring over the assassin safely to New Sunlight, and he wouldn't mind guarding a caravan. But exposing innocent people to unnecessary risk did not sit well with him. Was he really going there to protect the caravan and the assassin from harm, or was he using the larger group of people to save his own skin? He couldn't risk the assassin escaping, but if he tried to among a group of people, innocent people might get hurt even if it would result in failure. Comparatively if Mevis went alone, even if the assassin would likely escape successfully, at least only Mevis would be hurt. But then he would have let loose an assassin to cause more harm to people in the world. Oh, what a dilemma this is!* \n*He would start to pace back and forth in short steps, trying to destress. He simply couldn't decide which was the better choice. If only Hitoshi was here to help him make a decision, but was all alone in this quest... All alone? He would realize that wasn't quiet right as he looked over to Belv and the Sheriff. They may not be as close as Hitoshi, but so far they've been supportive of him. Perhaps he could ask them for advice? He would clear his throat and nervously speak up*\n\n\"Umm, I'm not sure if that's the best choice. I don't want to put innocent people at a higher risk, but I also don't want to risk the assassin escaping... I really can't make a decision. Wh-what do you think I should do?\"" }, { "author": "way8306", "message": "The sheriff sighed. \"I could borrow you one or two men, but to be frank the easiest option is the caravan- it's a fairly large one assembled by merchants of varying trades, which ironically, makes it safer because they have quite the number of guards. Besides, I doubt Ehwaz or whoever is behind this has the manpower to attack it head-on- would be a waste and a huge risk since it would escalate matters, bringing the full brunt of the local government's scrutiny to them. They might try something else like a quick kill or snatch operation and some may be harmed in the crossfire, but otherwise, it's unbelievable that they'll be able to do anything drastic.\n\nBelvador nods slowly, but with clear approval of the sheriff's line of thought." }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": ">*Mevis would bow his head, grateful for the sheriff's words of wisdom. So that settles it, he would be travelling with the merchants. As much as he disliked the idea of individuals getting hit my the crossfire, he would choose to trust the sheriff's judgement that this was the best choice. The \n odds were in his favor, nothing should happen during the trek, but with Mevis's terrible luck he could never certain. He could only hope that he would be strong enough to handle the situation if things do take a turn for the worse, prioritizing the safety of the merchants over securing the assassin. It would be unfortunate if the assassin escaped, but as a hero, he couldn't let people that needed saving slip between his fingers.*\n\n*With his resolve hardened, he would left the assassin over his shoulder, and bow to the Sheriff and Belv once more*\n\n\"Th-Thank you for your advice. I will be heading with the caravan then. I will do my best to protect them. I hope the next time I come back here it will be much a more livelier and happy place. Till next time\" *And with that, Mevis would walk down the stairs, heading toward the meeting place with all the merchants that he assumed wouldn't be too hard to find*<" } ]

[ { "author": "Oshikuru", "message": "*Oshikuru was wandering on the side of the road, anxious for anyone to rob for money. His white horns would stick out of his helmet, and carrying his weapon across his right shoulder. He had yet to test it out on someone. He would then see a rider with a cavalry saber. Perfect. He hoisted his weapon and pointed it at the person. It looked like another Oni.*\n\n\"Stop. Give me your money, and you'll be able walk away safely\"" }, { "author": "theaerosailor4706", "message": "The rider stopped,and the rider would speak in a low demonic tounge,that most Oni's should be able to understand but not humans* \"You dare to rob another Oni? One of your own?\" *The rider looked up... Her eyes were blood red and filled with not hatred but seemed to be dull and unwilling to fight*" }, { "author": "Oshikuru", "message": "*Oshikuru would respond* \"Race does not matter to me. My own kin disagreed with my actions, yet I saw them right. Only power will get you out of this.\"" }, { "author": "theaerosailor4706", "message": "The demoness would dismount from her steed and step down,she stood at 2.3 meters and sighs as she did. She says* \"Do you really wish to fight me?\" *She puts her hand on the hilt of her Sabre*" }, { "author": "Oshikuru", "message": "*He spins his large weapon around in his right hand, the blood red metal glinting in the light.* \"Show me what you got! I've been itching to test this baby out!\" *'Finally!' he thought 'a worthy opponent!'*" }, { "author": "theaerosailor4706", "message": "She sighs and with that pulls the weapon from its sheath,its cold metal meeting the sunlight,it gives off a dull glint. She says as she levels the sword into a fighting position* \"I am Burning Rose of the Rose clan. I will fight you until I can no longer fight. I will show mercy but expect none.\"" }, { "author": "Oshikuru", "message": "\"I am Oshikuru! I want no mercy! That is for the weak!\" *He hefts his weapon into another fighting stance, the weapon held akin to a baseball bat.* \"Give it all you've got!\"" }, { "author": "theaerosailor4706", "message": "She studies Oshikuru and nods before she takes off attempting to flank him at his right side. She swings using every ounce of strength she has into hitting him*" }, { "author": "Oshikuru", "message": "*Quickly raising his weapon to meet the blow, Oshikuru parries the blade, moving both weapons upward, with his underneath. He then brings it around over his head and drops down at the same time, aiming for his opponent's knee*" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Oshikuru would be able to parry the blade, swinging the saber directly upwards. The strength of the blow completely outclassed the Burning Rose's strike, leaving her wide open for an attack. His speed would allow him to completely overwhelm the Burning Rose's lack of agility, and he would be able to get a clean hit onto her knee. The strike in itself would cause the patella to completely shatter, and cause small fractures towards the femur and the fibula respectively. Needless to say, she was wide open for more attacks, and couldn't really move without feeling extreme bouts of pain on her leg.*" }, { "author": "theaerosailor4706", "message": "She groans as she was now slowed down,she says as abit of blood drips from her now broken leg* \"Not bad for an Oaf!\" *She steadied herself and through attempted to power through the sheer pain,she lets out a ear splitting roar as she charged at him her sword leved aiming for his chest,with every thing she had she thrust the sword in a attempt to stab him*" }, { "author": "Oshikuru", "message": "\"Ha! If only!\" *Looking at his opponent temporarily crumple to the ground put a smile on his helmeted face. This was good. Very good. But not a time to rest. He resets, stepping back, and as his opponent charges him, he raises his spiked kanabo over his head and brings it down, using the full 2 meters of the weapon for maximum speed.*" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*The Burning Rose's attempted charge would come to a complete and absolute stop by Oshikuru's plate armor. The blade would bounce off the steel completely harmlessly, and due to her previous leg wound, she would be impaired considerably, causing her balance to deteroriate completely as the sword strike was deflected off the armor. The force of the blow, however, would cause Oshikuru to be knocked back slightly, causing his kanabo to be slightly off target. Instead of smashing directly onto her skull, it impacted completely with her right shoulder, instantly grounding the Burning Rose and absolutely obliterating her shoulder. The bones would completely shaterin that area, and the spot on impact would look completely mauled and destroyed. Needless to say, she couldnt use her right arm anymore.*" } ]

[ { "author": "Game Master Cid", "message": "*Its a rather usual day, a cool, calm breeze in the air, and its just the **Right** Amount of decency for something to go wrong. Or so the Brayer, Moocifer thought. He had been to Hu Lang's cafe once, and something was **Wrong** Of course. And like any anger-issue dealing moo-er of the combat persuasion, he decided to get revenge, and beat up the owner for what was just a simple mistake.*\n\n*Moocifer stood, clad in his full body Mail & Plate, brandishing a Dane Axe, and walking about. Following him are two Steppe Elf Archers with a Yumi, a Quiver 100 Arrows, a Leather coif, Boiled LEather armor, and a Rondel dagger apiece.*\n\n*Right behind the two Steppes, are two Earth Macens, clad in Sleeved Gambeson w/Pauldrons, leather coifs, 2 Francesa Throwing axes at their sides, along with a sword belt for a Zweihander each.*\n\n*It's important ot note the mail and plate is stamped with 'Property of the Salvainian Army', which means the Brayer must've stolen it. The group of five, are currently looking for their intended target, while Moocifer is mooing angrily, and stamping his feet occasionally. He's getting impatient.*" }, { "author": "'Tian Hua' Hu Lang", "message": "*The oriate would just have finished her day at her restaurant, trusting the few employees to take care of it. God, she was tired. Long days and nights led to little to no rest, and very little sleep. Making food was hard. Maybe she should find a way so she doesn't need to do too much work. For now, she would just be looking for some groceries. Not that she necessarily needed them, but it was always nice to have, and relaxing.*\n\n*Tian would be dressed in her gold and silver robes, shimmering under the sun and flowing in the breeze. Two steel tonfa are strapped to her waist, and over her shoulder is a staff with a somewhat ornate top, though it could still deal a nasty hit if used as a weapon. She would also carry a small pair of metal chopsticks, heavy enough to use as shuriken if needed, or to sample something tasty. A kitchen knife also hung by her waist, a simple blade. Nothing fancy.*\n\n*She would be nearby a stall, to hear 5 pairs of footsteps behind her. Turning around, her eyes would widen at the heavily armored people behind her. Two with greatswords, two with bows, and who she recognized as a particularly angry customer. He had caused quite the tantrum, nearly breaking a table. And he had a massive axe with him. This wouldn't end well.*\n\n\"H-hey, we don't have to fight, you know...\"" }, { "author": "Game Master Cid", "message": "*Moocifer mooed angrily, as he approached towards the Hu Lang, a small grin forming, as he held his axe. The four thugs would get into position in-front of him, protecting him in a line-formation with the two greatswords in-front, archers in the middle, and the big ol' cow in the back, looking like some sort of cowardly giant in his little entourage. He stamped his foot, growling with another moo. He growled, narrowing his eyes, and said.*\n\n\"Did yoooo think I wooould be so forgiving, as to not fight? No. This is only able to be settled with a brawl.\"\n\n*He said, with a moo, getting into a combat stance.*" }, { "author": "'Tian Hua' Hu Lang", "message": "\"Ehhh...\"\n\n*Oh fuck. Now she was in trouble. She would frantically look around for _anything_. A ladder, spices, a piece of chain, even a pot. If she didn't find any, she would take a few steps back, then look towards the river. Damn. Should have moved there. Looking behind her, it also looked like she had just cornered herself. Great. Now it was time to stand her ground. Positioning herself behind a cart, she would plant her weapon on the ground.*\n\n\"Then so be it.\"" }, { "author": "Game Master Cid", "message": "*The two Macen thugs began approaching, as the archers readied an arrow, and Moocifer stepped forward a meter diagonally, glaring, as he mooed angrily. He shook his head, resisting the urge to charge. He'd heard the stories of Squad Moo's mistakes, and while Hu Lang wasn't involved he wasn't going to be as careless as Soldier 3 was, and get disabled in the fight, so easily. Never again would a brayer be so humiliated, he decided, then, and there. He mooed angrily, gripping his weapon tightly, and said;*\n\n\"Don't just hide, stand and fight!\"\n\n*The cart provides exceptional cover from the archers, and hides her from them. Convenient how the cart was placed, nearby, and in place, admittedly.*" }, { "author": "'Tian Hua' Hu Lang", "message": "*Now, to wait. Or she could try to run, but the archers would easily take her down. Even in water. Besides, she hated water. She also wasn't a blundering idiot to stand face to face against multiple opponents, armored, and with superior weaponry, as well as probably a better physical build. She would simply wait for one of the soldiers to approach her. It was a tight space, meaning that only about one of them could approach her at once. Good.*\n\n\"How about I just stay here and get some groceries?\"" }, { "author": "Game Master Cid", "message": "*The Macen approached single-file towards the Oriate woman, swords ready, as one approached, about to step forward. The first one would be visible in a few seconds, as the archers unknocked their arrows to get a better position with their bows, ans Moocifer growled, stepping closer as well.*\n\n\"Damn it woman! Stand and fight!\"" }, { "author": "'Tian Hua' Hu Lang", "message": "*As the first soldier approaches, Tian kicks the bottom of the staff with her foot, sending the bottom into the air, hopefully into the swordsman's groin or chin. Grabbing the back end, she would swing the ornate top part close to the ground, where it would burst into flames, moving upward into the man's chin, hopefully sending him back into the wall.*\n\n\"Why the hell do you have archers? I'm not going out there you madman! It's not my fault you're upset about everything!\"" }, { "author": "Game Master Cid", "message": "\"The same reason I have some swordsmen, to make things easier for me!\"\n\n*The soldier grunted, as he took a hit to his groin, eyes clenching, and he teared up, falling to his knees, and then got smacked in the chin by the staff, being sent back into the wall with a grim, **Crunch**. Poor guy won't be moving any-time soon, no doubt.*\n\n*The second Macen hesitated, thinking. About if this was worth that point." }, { "author": "'Tian Hua' Hu Lang", "message": "*Oh, shit. She didn't mean to hit him that hard. Then again, he probably deserved it. Targeting a lone, small restaurant owner without any proper weapons or armor. She would yell out, her voice seemingly far more threatening, more like an angry tiger than a shy fox.*\n\n\"Leave, and you won't get hurt!\"\n\n*Quickly, she would dart back behind the cart.*\n```Forgot to include mana, but mana is still capped because of regen.```" }, { "author": "Game Master Cid", "message": "*Moocifer chuckled, and stood where he was, the second Macen stood, freezing up, and the Steppe Elves looked at each other uncertainly, furrowing their brows. That wasn't expected.*\n\n\"Got some muscle in ya, you little Oriate? Good, good! Makes this more fun!\"\n\n*He laughed, and walked behind the Macen, smacking his back, and sending him forward with a sudden **Shove.** The Macen hesitated, taking in a breath, and yelped upon being shoved towards the Oriate.*" }, { "author": "'Tian Hua' Hu Lang", "message": "*Her weapon would be poised to strike overhead, and almost does so as she sees the macen pop out. Upon seeing that he was shoved though, she hesitates. Tian doesn't like unnecessary violence, and shakes her head at him.*\n\n\"Leave now, and you'll get a discount!\"\n\n*She's hoping that this will turn into a one on one, as she's quite frightened of the archers. Fortunately, they didn't expect such a small woman to be able to knock out a mercenary.*" }, { "author": "Game Master Cid", "message": "*The Mercenary Arches hesitate again, but ready their arrows, even still. The Macen looks at her terrified, but unsheathed his greatsword, just incase she tried to attack.*\n\n\"A discount, bah. They'll get their gold!\"\n\n*Moocifer laughed, and mooed angrily, tightening his grip of his axe, grinning savagely.*" }, { "author": "'Tian Hua' Hu Lang", "message": "*Uh oh. He's unsheathed his sword now, but she's still not sure whether he's going to attack or not. 'Never the aggressor, Tian. Let them attack, then counter.' She would simply level the still flaming weapon at him, staring daggers into his eyes, blue and gold becoming fierce blazes.*\n\n\"Don't do it. I don't want to hurt you.\"" }, { "author": "Game Master Cid", "message": "*The Macen sighed, and slashed with his Greatsword. Moocifer stepped closer, as he readied his axe, the archers stepped closer, hoping to get a chance to fire at the Oriate though chances are slim unless they could **Magic** A ladder, but unfortunately, they lack the spell, or magic in general, so rip them.*\n\n\"They work for their coin. If they fail, they aren't getting five gold.\"\n\n*Moocifer said, simply, with a faint laugh.*" }, { "author": "'Tian Hua' Hu Lang", "message": "*The swordsman sealed his own fate the moment he began to swing his sword. Moving to the side, away from the cart, the Oriate jabs at his hands with the flaming top end, aiming to break his fingers.*\n\n\"Then you have chosen your fate.\"" }, { "author": "Game Master Cid", "message": "*The mercenary winces, and tensed as she moved to attack. He yelled in pain, as his fingers are hit, and the **Snapping** Is evident, as he stumbled back, going to try and hold his hands, only causing more pain, and yelling. Moocifer hugged, and pushed him out of the way, swinging his axe towards the Oriate from an overhead strike, wildly, and mooing loudly. His archers moved to go help the poor sod calm down, since they can't get a lucky shot in anyways.*\n\n\"Damnit! Woooman! Yoooo, pay for that!\"\n\n*He snarled, mooing angrily. He's big, but a bit slow, it seems in a direct fight, helpful.*" }, { "author": "'Tian Hua' Hu Lang", "message": "*'He did this. That's it. He did this to himself. There's no need to fret. You warned him, after all.' Tian remembers why she left her family. She didn't want violence. She just didn't. But now, it was necessary. For her own survival.*\n\n*She''s not risking trying to strike the brayer as his axe falls down. She would dash for her life, southeast as far as she could to avoid the massive axe. Hopefully the archers wouldn't shoot at her.*\n\n\"What's wrong, big boy? Too strong for your tastes?\"" }, { "author": "Game Master Cid", "message": "*Moocifer mooed loudly, as he was taunted, and stamped his feet. He glared, and huffed, as he swung horizontally with his axe.*\n\n\"Get back here! Yoooo damn woooooman!\"\n\n*The archers watched her, taking aim, although they hesitate. Unsure if they want to open fire on her. Especially seeing she didn't seem as 'unreasonable' as the big dumb cow-creature had said she was.*" }, { "author": "'Tian Hua' Hu Lang", "message": "\"That's not very nice, is it? I'm just a little lady.\"\n\n*Dancing backwards, she would say it aloud such that the archers would hear. She would have to get them to not shoot, somehow. Bending over backwards, the axe head barely passing over her chest, she regains balance using her staff, flipping backwards. By now, she would be about a meter away from the bridge. Good.*" }, { "author": "Game Master Cid", "message": "*The Archers hesitate still, unsure what to think, before the glance at the Brayer, who moos at them angrily.*\n\n\"What are yoooo waiting foooor?! Shoot her!\"\n\n*They glanced at eachother, and fled to the south, retreating from the fight. They decided honor was worth more than their measly pay-check. Though an angry Brayer is likely not a good idea, to have at your back. Which they soon realize as he turns fro Hu Lang, huffing and charges the Steppe Elves, horned-facing them. He's intending to charge and gorge them on his horns.*" }, { "author": "'Tian Hua' Hu Lang", "message": "*The oriate's eyes widen as she sees the brayer turn around. It seems like he had no sense of honor whatsoever. As he turns and levels his horns, a large wing appears on the end of the staff. Quickly lunging towards the brayer, she jabs at the back of his right knee.*\n\n\"Go! I can take care of this! Just make sure to go to the Blooming Lotus!\"\n```Crane's Expanding Wing (Out of my Way!) cast, 10 mana used, 5 regained, 135/140 remaining```" }, { "author": "Game Master Cid", "message": "*The Brayer is knocked down to his feet, with a grunt at the unexpected blast of force. He'd try to get up, trying to shake off the stumble. The archers looked at her, and nodded, dashing away towards the Blooming Lotus. They would drag the two macen with them. The Slammed-into-wall guy twitches, proving to be alive, just injured to hell.*\n\n*The Brayer huffed, and finally got to his feet, his weapon a few feet away, out of his reach. Which angered him more. He huffed, and growled, glaring.*\n\n\"Damn you woooman! Yoooo'll pay for this! I swear!\"" } ]

[ { "author": "'Tian Hua' Hu Lang", "message": "\"Sorry, but taxes are expensive.\"\n\n*After ramming the polearm into the back of the Brayer's knee, she sets it against a wall, drawing her pair of tonfa. Gold and silver, brilliant pieces of work.*\n\n\"You do not want to fight these. Where the pole whips around like a drake, these crush like the jaws of a leopard.\"" }, { "author": "Game Master Cid", "message": "*The Brayer groaned, and grunted, as he fell down, from behind struck in the back of the knee, a yell escaping his mouth, as he struggled, thrashing at the Oriate woman with his horns.*\n\n\"Damn it! When I get free it'll be yooou who pays for this wooooman!\"\n\n*He mooed loudly, growling.*" }, { "author": "'Tian Hua' Hu Lang", "message": "*Quickly ducking to dodge the mighty horns of the bull, Tian quickly slides in between his legs, striking the right side of his knee as she does so. When past him, she would jump back up, and head towards the bridge.*\n\n\"If you want something, come and get it.\"\n\n*The Oriate would then flash him a toothy grin, almost like a taunt.*" }, { "author": "Game Master Cid", "message": "*The Brayer stumbled, and growled, mooing loudly, and angrily as he tried to stand up. He spouted various profanities, panting as he began to feel fatigue get to him. Big dumb cow **Has** Been burning a lot of it with his big, bulky swings, in his heavy, expensive armor. His small coin purse does notably fall to the ground, with a clink of coins.*\n\n\"Wooooman! I will get my revenge yet!\"\n\n*He snarled, still getting exhausted, leaning into the wall, tiredly.*" }, { "author": "'Tian Hua' Hu Lang", "message": "\"Aw, tired already? Come on, I'll be standing right here!\"\n\n*Now, she would simply rest her hands on her hips, somewhat impatient. Getting near him wouldn't be smart, and running would mean that he would return. She had to do something to prevent that.*\n\n\"Y'know, for a big guy, you have quite a small brain.\"" }, { "author": "Game Master Cid", "message": "*He growled, and stood slowly. He panted, standing slowly. He glared at the Oriate who was now taunting him. He hated being taunted, and so, while growling, he turned towards her, and charged at her.*\n\n\"I'll make yooou! Pay for that insult!\"\n\n*He mooed loudly.*" }, { "author": "'Tian Hua' Hu Lang", "message": "\"Fire may melt metal, but water puts out fire. As if you could even call that technique. Have a good time!\"\n\n*The outline of a sort of wing forms on her right tonfa, and she performs a backhand, ducking while striking the Brayer's neck. Hopefully, the force would be sufficient to knock him into the river, and hopefully remained unharmed in the process.*" }, { "author": "Game Master Cid", "message": "*The Brayer grunted, and lost his balance, getting knocked into the water with a surprised moo of anger. He hit the water, stunned by the Oriate's action, and disbelief as he tumbled into the river. He struggled to remain afloat in his heavy armor, growling and grunting.*\n\n\"Damn you wooooman! I'll get revenge for this!\"\n\n*He mooed angrily, splashing ineffectively.*" }, { "author": "'Tian Hua' Hu Lang", "message": "\"Yeah yeah. You're lucky the police weren't here. Trying to assault a small woman with a deadly weapon. Not even a proper duel.\"\n\n*Smirking, she would place her tonfa back on her waist and walk over to the wall, picking up both her lamp and the small coin pouch, looking inside. Then, she would wave towards the stuck brayer, now flowing downriver.*\n\n\"Bye!\"\n\n*Tian would wave towards the large minotaur until he was out of sight. Then, with a smile on her face, she would head back to the restaurant, the Blooming Lotus.*" }, { "author": "Game Master Cid", "message": "*The Minotaur can only moo and shout profanities at the small Oriate woman, as he flowed down the river. Inside the pouch is about four hundred silver. All in all, she did pretty good for coming out of a couple of thugs and a very angry customer, aside form the table he'd busted at the Blooming Lotus, but even after including the payment he had to give, then, and now. She came out pretty well, and even got a couple customers no doubt.*\n\n``As I cannot think of any way to extend this quest, without BS; Quest Complete; Tian Hua, Hu Lang receives 4G, and 2 UP. Well done.``\n\n``Correction, 4UP, my bad.``" } ]

[ { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "*Ah, December... The month of freezing temperatures and mass famines. Yet so widely loved as a festive time, despite what it may bring. Bakers make special cookies, shaped like snowmen and ice flakes. The month where the rich waste so much money and food, just for a stupid celebration while other starve outside of the mansion gates... Horace knew that feeling when he was first exiled, watching with starving and freezing bodies. Looking through the gates of some Lord's mansion, almost dying of starvation only to be shooed away by guards. But Horace was lucky enough back then, lucky enough steal and plunder and never get caught. To take from those wasteful bastards and feed his hungry soul... Horace did it then, and he does it now, taking from those with excess and feeding himself off of it. After all, they have so much that it's a crime not to take some. That's the holiday spirit, to take and give, in this case he's taking food and giving leverage to arrest him.*\n\n*The elf would walk through the frozen streets, dressed rather warmly. A nice warm beanie he took from some noble resting on his head and a furry jacket keeping his body warm. He truly felt bad for those without, but he had work to do, people to take from. No matter how bad he felt for those without, he couldn't exactly steal if he was freezing like them. Continuing throughout the streets, Horace soon notices something out of the corner of his eye. A woman with ears like a bunny, hopping around the city... No doubt some noble's lacky, sent to retrieve sweets from an under paid baker... Horace smiles at this though. It seems like he's found his new target! As such, Horace begins to follow the rabbit, hopping and running about, though at a much slower pace than her. His talents laid more in movements rather than how fast he could run. Still, he managed to follow her for the most part. Though she kept making stops by random folks... Was she taunting them...? Damn, even these employees are fucking evil... The elf frowns, continuing to watch the rabbit go around. He was waiting to make his move, for when she stopped and no one was about. He'd take her there, and steal what was within the bag!*" }, { "author": "Auburn 'Apricot' Arnice", "message": "\"One for you, one for you, and one for you!\"\n\n*Auburn's handing out small meat pasties to the people she passed by. The filling inside would give them adequate nutrition, hopefully enough for the day.*\n\n*Auburn would soon take a break, out of people to give food too. It seems like they were all given food, and there's only a few left. A gurgling in her stomach told the rabbit she was hungry, so she hops into a nearby alley to have a small meal, taking out a meat pasty and nibbling on it.*\n\n*The bunny's experienced thieves before. Those who were greedy and attempted to take her entire bag, often times those who weren't starving to death. Ironic, really, since she herself was one.*" }, { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "*After a while of following, jumping about from rooftop to roof top and traveling a good while, Horace seemed to get his chance. The bunny would sneak into a nearby alley, presumably taking a break for her long run. They'd been travelling quite a distance, Horace himself was a bit exhausted from it all. His stomach would grow lightly, though it'd be filled soon enough. With Auburn in a secluded area, the elf decides to make his move. Travelling across rooftop to rooftop, re arrives at the alley and watches the bunny. She was stuffing her face with a meat pastry, making Horace's mouth drool slightly. He'd taste it soon though... The thief gets ready to pounce on her, soon jumping down from the roof and landing a meter away. He seemed okay despite the fall, but he didn't care for the pain. His eyes staring back at the Bunny.* \n\"Alright, hand it over. Give me the bag, or else!\"" }, { "author": "Auburn 'Apricot' Arnice", "message": "*The bunny would be enjoying her meat pastry, when suddenly a masked figure dropped down next to her, seemingly from the rooftop. Of course, that didn't happen everyday, so needless to say, Auburn was surprised. Like the timid rabbit she was-*\n\n\"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!\"\n\n*She tries to run as quickly as she can, though her start is slower than usual due to the icy ground. She runs out of the alley, faster than Horace can ever achieve. Phew, that was close-*\n\n*-but she ends up slipping. Auburn ends up performing an entire airborne flip, the bag landing somewhere near a snowdrift. Poor Auburn faceplants into the large pile of white powder, soon stuck all the way to her torso.*" } ]

[ { "author": "Auburn 'Apricot' Arnice", "message": "*Time almost slows down for the bunny as she swears she hits the thief, but only hits air. He was almost like a ghost, he was that quick.*\n\n*The attempt at an intimidating scream soon turns into a yelp as Auburn feels her shin impact Horace's, the impact soon breaking the bone in half instantly. The force of the impact caused her to flip over and land on her butt, right on the icy floor and bruising her tailbone.*\n\n\"OOOWWW!!\"\n\n*That's not it though. The momentum of the light rabbit keeps going, and soon smacks into the wall face first, her entire body slamming into the wall all at once. She rebounds off it, stunned.*\n\n\"Uhh...\"" }, { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "*The elf had successfully dodged Auburn's first blow, sliding to the side and out of the way. His counter also seemed to be successful... Though, the loss of his leg would affect him much more than he ever thought. A deep* ***Snap*** *Could be heard in his leg as the two connect. He'd broken his leg, a death sentence for anyone who relied on dodging. Legs as a mobile fighter are the most important limb there, yet he went and stupidly broke his! Though thankfully, it seemed like the bunny took much more damage than him. Thanks to his natural toughness, his leg remained mostly intact... At least to the point that he could stand on it without too much pain. That doesn't stop the initial shock though as Horace falls to the icy floor. He clenches his leg, yelling out in slight pain from the new wound. The elf wasn't about to die from pain thanks to adrenaline, but it still hurt like a bitch!*\n\"AH DAMNIT!\" \n\n*Eventually, he calms himself and gets up, sitting against the alley's wall. He looks towards the stunned rabbit hatefully, a look of immense anger covering his face. He attempts to stand, wincing at the pressure placed on his leg. It would hurt, but he could manage this at least... First, he makes his way over to his mask, picking it up and putting it on. Now he was ready for some revenge! He approaches the rabbit, who's apparently still stunned from her little trip and grabs her by her bunny ears.*\n\"What the hell is wrong with you!? First of all, who the fuck puts metal spikes in sweets!? Are you insane?! You're gonna kill someone! Second, You broke both of out legs! We're both fucked now because of you! You can't get that sack to your rich noblemen and I can't get back home anymore!\"" }, { "author": "com.co", "message": "Grab em by the ~~||pussy||~~ ears" } ]

[ { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "***Horace would only look on in utter disbelief as the bunny spoke. Searching different pastries to find one without a weapon hidden within. How could someone treat pastries with such disrespect? How could summon stuff cold metal weapons into a delicious sweet?! It was madness! The elf shakes his head at the girl rapidly, sighing as he tightens his grip on her ears.***\n\"Not once in my entire life have I ever met someone so... So... Ugh!\" \n***He couldn't even express how annoyed he was at her attitude towards sweets! But at the very least, she seemed to not waste a bite, eating as she unsheathed her weapons. Among her excuses about her use of sweets as sheathes, the elf's attention is spiked. The bunny mentions something interesting, getting Horace to think... 'She hates nobility...? But I thought she was working for them... Hm... I should probably learn more before continuing...' He thought, his grip lessening.***\n\"So, bunny... Who *Are* You working for if not those rich pig bastards up in the noble's district? Or are you telling me you'd do this out of the goodness of your own heart?\" \n***Horace would wait for a response, looking inquisitively at the girl. Depending on her response, he'd have an offer to give her. One she surly wouldn't reject, following his own footsteps.***" }, { "author": "Auburn 'Apricot' Arnice", "message": "\"Ow! Stop that, it hurts.\"\n\n*Oh great. She was going to have some sore ears by the end of this. Auburn was too dazed still to grab a knife, and even if she could, the bunny didn't want any damage to her precious ears.*\n\n\"I don't work for anyone! I simply seize surplus goods and redistribute them. You know. Nobles don't need that many pastries.\"\n\n*Auburn tosses the chakram into the sack, finishing the second half of the roll.*\n\n\"Goodness of my heart I would say is the most accurate. I give to those who truly need it.\"" }, { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "\"Good... I was hoping you'd say something along those lines... I'll leave you be then bunny, just be ready for our next encounter. I'll have something special for you ready by then...\" \n***His grip releases from the bunnies ears entirely, letting her go. Her nods at her before turning around and taking a few steps before stopping next to her bag of sweets. He reaches in, pulling a random pastry out for a small snack on the way back to HQ. Though he ends up pausing before taking a bite of it, pressing his thumb into it. It pierces the bread, moving about to make sure there was no metal inside it this time. Thankfully, there wasn't, as a small grin spreads on Horace's expression. He takes a bite of the sweet, admiring it before continuing to walk. The elf has an obvious limp now, though his face shows no sign of pain. Once more, he stops at the entrance of the alley and looks back at Auburn.***\n\"By the way 'bunny'... Mind if I ask your name before i let you go?\"" }, { "author": "Auburn 'Apricot' Arnice", "message": "*The rabbit is released with a small oof as she lands on the floor, soon looking at her assailant.*\n\n\"Huh? What do you mean by next encounter??\"\n\n*Auburn allows the man to take a sweet from the bag. It's made for that, after all.*\n\n\"My name? How about yours first?\"\n\n*Auburn struggles to get up, her leg completely decimated. Hopping on her right leg would be a pain.*" }, { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "\"You'll see soon enough little bunny... Hm... I suppose its only fair. You can call me the 'Ling of Spades'... 'King' for short of you'd like. Now you?\"\n***He pauses, taking note of her leg as he takes a bite of the pastry. He reaches out, three blue circles opening before him. They seem strange and random at first, but they'd have use in a few seconds.***" }, { "author": "Auburn 'Apricot' Arnice", "message": "\"Um... I'm Auburn. Sometimes I'm called Apricot. Auburn Apricot Arnice.\"\n\n*Auburn sees the three blue circles around the 'King of Spades.' Was he a mage? The bunny's hand reaches towards her belt, bringing out a dagger.*\n\n\"What are those?\"\n\n*Auburn hops backwards a step, careful not to slip.*" }, { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "\"Auburn... A nice name... I have a feeling we'll get to know each other nicely in the future.\"\n***Horace's sharp eyes soon notice the girl reach to her belt for a knife. A bit threatening with her speed but nothing he couldn't handle. Though looking at it from her perspective, this was a very bad situation. As such, he thinks to.Try and calm her.***\n\"Relax. Im just getting some helpers for us, yeah? You won't get far with a leg like that and neither will I. Once they appear, I'll tell them to get you to an Inn or something to recover.\"\n***Horace smiles lightly, though he's still wearing his mask so its hidden. A few moments would pass, and eventually the three circles before him light up. Thier blue hue.Almost blinding at first to the two. After, 3 colored wolves appear in the circles places.***" }, { "author": "NPC", "message": "***Black, white, and brown wolves surround Horace as he seems to communicate with them. Eventually, the brown and white ones look toward Auburn, sniffing at her. They approach carefully but without ill intent. If Auburn allows it, they line up at her sides, serving as supports to help with her leg.***" }, { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "\"You three have fun now~ I'll see you after i get this healed up, don't lock your windows!\"\n***He says teasingly before petting thr black wolf that remained. The two then disappear, exiting the alley.***" } ]

[ { "author": "Auburn 'Apricot' Arnice", "message": "\"Oh, helpers? Alright.\"\n\n*Auburn relaxed, allowing the 'King' to help her. The only problem is that the summons are wolves, which as a rabbit, wasn't exactly the most comforting.*\n\n*\"Oh, shit.\"*\n\n*Fortunately, they seem friendly, sniffing her injured leg and moving towards her sides. The bunny wraps an arm around each one, allowing them to help her move towards an inn.*\n\n\"Alright. Where are we going?\"" }, { "author": "Bravo", "message": "***The white wolf looks up to the bunny rabbit, not exactly able to respond to the question. It barks lightly, as if ordering the girl to move get a move on with the two's help. The whiter wolf begins, leading Auburn's left while the browner hued dog lead her right. Eventually, the three begin to move at a steady pace, shifting through alleys to avoid attention. After a while of movement, the three eventually stop before an Inn. The wolves would leave the bunny at the door, sitting before her and waiting for her to enter so they could dissipate. Assuming she does, the two seemingly fade away, their mana returning to their master.***\n\n```Time skip, 1 week later.```" }, { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "***Horace would enter the same Inn his wolves had left him in. Intel reported the bunny never checked out of the Inn, so it was best to look here first. He enters, his mask on at first and glances around the room. No sight of the bunny at first, but that was good. Better this went down in private rather than having her join a mafia in front of some witnesses. He approaches the front desk, asking for the room Auburn checked into. He gets his information and eventually travels up the steps of the building to the renter's room. The elf stands before the room supposedly occupied by the rabbit, and knocks twice.***" }, { "author": "Auburn 'Apricot' Arnice", "message": "*It's been a week since Auburn broke her leg and met the 'King of Spades.' Since then, she had gotten her leg healed, staying at the inn while still distributing food to the populace. Maybe she had snuck into the inn's pantry, maybe she hadn't.*\n\n*Auburn's munching on a donut when she hears the door knock. Carefully, she walks up to it, drawing a karambit from her back. Once it's opened, she can see that it's the man from before.*\n\n\"So, 'King' mind telling me why you're visiting?\"\n\n*Horace would be able to see the plainly decorated room. A sack of pastries lies on a chair, and on the bed is a massive collection of knives. It was enough to arm an entire clan of assassins. Several belts, individual knives, of different sizes and shapes.*" }, { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "***The elf watches as the door is opened, revealing a fully healed Rabbit in front of him. He takes mild note in the room, the only exceptions being the weapons and sweets. Though he was only here for the rabbit currently... He takes a moment, looking through the hallway to make sure no one else is around. The thief then looks back to Auburn, nodding slightly.***\n\"May I come in first? What i'd like to talk about it... Best left in privacy, for both our sakes.\"\n***He motions to the inside of the room, getting ready to enter. Though the elf had yet to take notice of the bunny's weapon yet. He seems unarmed for the most part, a single knife sheathed on his hip.***\n\"I promise I wont do anything... I just want to ask a question and i'll be on my way.\"" }, { "author": "Auburn 'Apricot' Arnice", "message": "\"Yeah, sure.\"\n\n*Privacy? What was 'King' talking about? Now that she thought about it, she did hear him say \"Sugar Gang\". Maybe it had something to do with that.*\n\n\"Don't mind the knives, by the way.\"\n\n*Auburn opens the door completely, letting Horace in.*\n\n\"There's still more knives, I just haven't taken them all out yet.\"" }, { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "\"Thank you... Uh... Good to know...?\" \n***He soon enters as Auburn opens the door for him. Stepping into the room, he looks around the walls silently. After a moment, he turns back to the bunny with his hands behind his back. He gains a more formal aura as he looks back at the bunny.***\n\"Now then, lets talk business yeah? Since we last met, I've thought about some things. And I've determined you a good fit for our organization. A natural dislike for nobels and a good, pure heart. A skill, with unmatched running speeds... Hell, you even managed to break my leg! You'd be quite an asset to me and my 'family', and I'd be happy for you to join our 'bloodline'. Or course there are benefits to you. Guaranteed protection and assistance with whatever you may need. You wouldn't have to worry about food, shelter, money, anything really. We'd even help with your distributions, both handling and supplying.\"" }, { "author": "Auburn 'Apricot' Arnice", "message": "\"Hmm...\"\n\n*Munch. Auburn continues eating the glazed donut as the man speaks. His praise made her feel good, recognized for something. Something other than being a rascal, a simple criminal, petty thief.*\n\n*And then there was the family. Auburn had take care of her family all her life, feeding them for her entire teenage years. Yet when her parents had found out about her stealing, they had cast her out. The betrayal she had felt that day was immense. She missed that feeling, that of familial love.*\n\n*Plus, the benefits. Free food, free money would allow her to make her trips much more easily. As well as help with distributions...*\n\n\"I'll do it. I accept!\"" }, { "author": "com.co", "message": "That was easier than expected" }, { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "\"Glad to hear it Sister.\" \n***Horace smiles gently, though hidden under his mask. He soon realizes this, and reaches up to his face. The elf pulls off the white plate that covered his features, revealing himself to the bunny. Though she already saw his face once before, now was a good time to truly look at it. He extends a hand to her to seal the deal, a warm smile covering his expression.***\n\"Welcome to the Sugar Gang, im sure the Boss would be happy to meet you. I've told her a lot about you since we first met and she expect great things from you. I do as well.\" \n***He laughs lightly.***" }, { "author": "Auburn 'Apricot' Arnice", "message": "\"Alright. Sugar Gang? That's an odd name.\"\n\n*The elf in front of her had finally revealed his face truly. It was well cut, pleasant to look at, with an expression which seemed like he could always be your friend.*\n\n\"I hope to do well. By the way, uh, what's you're name? It's a little awkward to simply call someone 'King.'\"\n\n*Auburn begins equipping herself with the knives, securing the large belts around her waist and thighs. Then, she would pull up her sleeves, securing smaller knives on her arms. Then, her shins and boots.*" } ]

[ { "author": "Aldea Whitiker", "message": "*After Aldea was done renting her room and setting her stuff up she decided to go look around the surrounding town to resupply from her long journey means she now lives there and is lacking in extra clothes and other vanity items*\n\n*As she walked around she made sure to leave her badge semi open to show she was with the guild and had her baton hidden behind her cloak, which she also put over her head to hide her ears to make sure there'd be no unwanted attention* \n\n\"Wow... This place is huge... I don't even know where to start... I suppose a clothes store would be good\"" }, { "author": "NPC", "message": "*As Aldea walks through the market district, the sounds of thundering footsteps are heard. Not long after are shouts, guards from the sound of it. Their silver armor clanking away as the hustled down the street and after a darkly dressed figure. A path seemed to form as well as large amounts of citizens move out of the way of the hoard. Running and yelling as fast and loud as they could, attempting to chase the man who was sprinting down the street.*\n\"Oi! Get him!\" Shouts one.\n\"Can't wait for my promotion after i catch this ass! Haha!\" Announces another.\n\"On your guard, theres a reason he hasn't been caught yet boys! If you get cocky you might just end up dead!\" Yells the last, appearing to be an experienced guards chief.\n\n*As they quickly move the down the street, past Aldea, one notices her badge. He stops, his metallic feet skidding across the stone floor as he did. He sits there for a moment, panting before looking at the girl and pointing to the run away stranger.*\n\"Miss! Please, you're from the New Sunlight guild right? I beg of you, help us catch him! He's an illusive thief, working for the rapidly expanding sugar gang... Im not sure if we can take him alone, please assist us!\"\n\nIt appears Aldea would have to make a decision and fast as the man impatiently watches his two friends chase after the figure." }, { "author": "com.co", "message": "Tis just story building" }, { "author": "Aldea Whitiker", "message": "*As Aldea walked she found herself right in the middle of the chase seeing the thief run by followed by the guards she was very surprised when one stopped infront of her as she looked at him nervously* \"I... Uh just got this job actually...\" \n\n*She shook her head at the comment she made*\n \"What am I saying... Of course I'll do my best... Just try not to hurt him... I...Have my own ways of dealing with criminals!\"\n\n *She made up a lie to make sure they didn't injure a possible thief who was stealing food or Money for there family*\n\n\"Understood! I don't want anyone to get hurt\"\n\n\n*Soon a vine would grow out from the palm of her hand flying up into the air twitching around as she broke into a sprint trying to chase after the thief*" } ]

[ { "author": "NPC", "message": "*The soldier would just stare back hopefully as Aldea seemed to hype herself up. He arches an eyebrow at the lines about not hurting the thief, but shakes them off. He was just glad they had someone to help other than two rookies...*\n\n*The older officer begins to follow Aldea as she sprints off, the other two iron clad soldiers not far off in the distance.*" }, { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "*Meanwhile, just past the two cadet officers is the black figure seen. Sprinting as fast as he could, which was rather fast honestly... As he runs, a gust of wind flies through the street, causing his hooded top to fly off. This reveals a long main of golden brown hair, flowing freely as the masked figure runs.*\n\n*As they went, the area seemed to get less and less populated. Escaping the market district and entering what appeared to be the slums. It was getting quiet and less and less people would pass on the street.*" }, { "author": "Aldea Whitiker", "message": "*Aldea was no running super star but she was pretty dang fast especially due to her lack of armor as she slowly began to catch up to him as she readyed up her vine intending on catching his leg*\n\n\n*She saw the hear and shook her head abit as she noticed her surroundings becoming less and less populated expecting a ambush far away from other guards as she put her free hand on her spear as she yelled*\n\n\"STOP, I'm not here to hurt you! We can work something out!\" *She panted... Damm he was fast but she wasn't out of energy yet taking a deep breath and running as hard as she could to try and catch the masked man... She had to prove she was useful to the guild*" } ]

[ { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "*The runner seemed to make no visible response, continuing his sprint. His feet silenced and quiet, almost undetectable if people weren't yelling at him.*\n\n*The thief continues to move, a small grin on his lips as the group follows him. His scared mouth holding the smile from under his white mask as he puts his make shift plan into action. No, there was no ambush waiting for them, or anyone coming to help Horace... No, Horace wouldn't need help with a bunch like them!*" }, { "author": "NPC", "message": "*While Horace yields no response to Aldea, one of the younger guards does. He looks back, slowing slightly as he gives Aldea a bewildered look. His looks a bit more revealing now, sharing a lighter shade of blonde hair.*\n\"Oi! Who are you? This is guards business only! You better not be trying to steal our glory when we nab this guy!\"\n\"Calm down you green horns!\" Bellows the older man from behind. \"I asked her to help, shes from the New Sunlight guild! It'll be easier this way!\"\n\n\"Ugh... Old fart...\" Says the blonde haired boy.\n\n\"I heard that!\" Screams the older muscular soldier.\n\n\"Hey, both of you, he's getting away!\" *Suddenly shouts the last soldier, a red head with freckles.*\n\"He went in that alley!\" \n\n*He says, pointing to a nearby alley that's soon filled with a dense smoke. The fiery headed soldier seems to hesitate as he arrives at the alley. The smoke from within was too dense too make anything out... This was one of Horace's tricks... He gulps lightly, continuing to stare back in apparent fear. Though said fear is seemingly broken as the blonde haired man, 2nd in line races past and jumps into the fog.*\n\"H-hey, wait James! You shouldn't go in alone!\" Says the red head\n\"If we dont catch him no one will, its now or never Charles!\" Yells back the blonde. \n\n*The red head, seemingly named Charles, bars his teeth. Grabbing and pulling out his sword, he follows in after with a loud battlecry! But... After he enters the fog... Two deafening screams are heard... Then long, drawn out silence.*" }, { "author": "Aldea Whitiker", "message": "*As they chased hearing the guards she sighed yelling back while still holding speed* \"It's called negotiation tactics... And you just ruined it... Not like he was even listening!\"\n\n*As she stopped for breath seeing him run further off then down the ally she cussed to herself as she took deep breaths*\n\n\"He's not normal... I'll tell you that...\"\n\n*Seeing the smoke she tried to stop the guards from rushing in so she could assess the situation*\n\n\"What don't go i-\" *She covered her mouth as she saw the two guards run in while not listening to her in then scream as she prepared to make a bolt in but waiting for the old man*\n\n\n\"It doesn't look good sir... Your two men went in without listening and I heard them scream... And the fog is too thick to see through... Should I press on?...I can fare better than a average guard with my vine plus I'm versed in close combat\"" }, { "author": "com.co", "message": "Sorry, taking care of the baby\n\nDads got food poisoning" } ]

[ { "author": "NPC", "message": "*It takes a few moments for the elder officer to arrive at the scene... He's pretty hefty and old, so he's not the quickest... He looks like he can throw a mean punch however. After finally arriving next to Aldea, he listens with an almost shocked expression. A small amount of sweat dripping off his brow as he listens to her speak.*\n\n\"U-uh... I see... Those damn fools, it's like they have no sense of fear... There either the bravest bunch or the stupidest... Well, we have to get my men back, even if we stop chasing that monster... Even if they're already... 'Gone', i won't leave them...\"\n\n*He says, reaching behind him and pulling out a sheathed long sword. Shiny and silver, he gets into a stance, his sword pointing at the smoke.*\n\"That's good to hear... Im afraid this old man won't be able to help much, but i'll have your back... Lets move in!\"" }, { "author": "Aldea Whitiker", "message": "*She waits for the old man a bit impatient but she holds through knowing he's important as she nods* \"I'll get your men back... And get that man don't you worry sir, just please stay close to me as to not end up like them, I have a method that should keep us safe\"\n\n*She extends her hand out her two vines came out once again going out as far as possible moving around feeling making sure nothing gets past them and that she can feel anything they come in contact with, With her spear ready she begins to move slowly and methodically through the fog making sure to be quiet to hear anything and everything.*\n\n\"Don't worry, all you need to do is keep againt my back and watch it incase something gets past my vines\"" }, { "author": "NPC", "message": "*The man nods, a slightly nervous expression on his back as the two begin to move. He takes her back, watching carefully with his sword drawn. Its hard to hear with his armor clanking about, but otherwise its completely silent...*\n\n*The two soon enter the alleyway, Aldea's vines being able to feel around. Walls to the left and right, as you'd expect, and various other items... A barrel in the corner, a garbage can in the side, thrown trash and dirt/grime... And... Two bodies! At the very end of the alleyway, stacked next to each other... But there seems to be a liquid pouring out of them each... Not very much of it, but who knows how much blood they've lost by now... Finally, aldea and the chief find themselves in the center of the alleyway.*" }, { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "*It's quiet now... The only sounds heard being the chiefs armor and the two's footsteps... However, a new sound is quickly heard. A kind of buzzing sound, like something quickly gliding through the air... Suddenly, Aldea's vines are quickly cut short by two throwing stars. It seems they're mostly blind now...*" }, { "author": "com.co", "message": "Theres your two responses for the night" }, { "author": "Aldea Whitiker", "message": "*As she walked she nodded... Still paying attention. Yup, everything a ally would have... Nothing special here... Nothing special there... Wait a second... She had to do a double take... Those were the bodies!*\n\n\n *She turned back to the captain* \"I found them sir... I can't confirm if they are alive or not... But there here, let's move u-\" *She turned back in horror as her vines slowly crumbled and withered away, instinctively she ducked along with pulling the old man down* \n\n\n\"He has ranged weapons... I didn't feel anything yet my vines were cut... He can obviously see very well in this... Should we proceed carefully and get the bodies and run... Or should I leave you here to pull out the bodies and I proceed...\"" } ]

[ { "author": "com.co", "message": "Since my laptop is actually fucking dog shit" }, { "author": "The NPC", "message": "*The older man takes a deep breath, nodding to Aldea as she speaks...*\n\"Alright... Good... I just need... To make sure they're alive before anything else... This sick thief bastard could of killed them... Or worse... Let's focus on getting there bodies first.\"\n*He says firmly, looking to Aldea expectantly.*\n\"Lead the way... I can't see a damn thing in this fog, but you caught a glimpse with your vines... Just show me my men and we can strategize.\"" }, { "author": "Aldea Whitiker", "message": "\"Understood... We'll be going in blind so keep your arm on my back so you don't get turned around... I'm going to where i felt them then we'll pull them out, dead or alive...\"\n\n*She slowly began to make her way towards the men low to the ground straining her eyes to see anything If she could attempting to reach the bodies using her halberd to feel anything new infront of her even if it was the smallest of new information while she waits for her vines to come back*" } ]

[ { "author": "The NPC", "message": "*The guard nods, his steel gloved hand reaching over and firmly landing on Aldea's back. He then turns back to the fog, a nervous expression on him.*\n\n*The two would then begin to move deeper into the alleyway, there steps against the stone being the only sounds heard. Seems the thief from earlier was just watching now, maybe even toying with them... He might of even ran at this point and their caution was for nothing... There wasn't enough information to know for sure...*\n\n*Continuing to move through the path, to the two eventually arrive at there destination... Before the two corpses of the men... Well, not yet corpses, as a faint breathing is heard coming from them. It seems they were alive... Barely at least.*" }, { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "*Suddenly, a deep voice is heard echoing throughout the alley way. You can't make out where its coming from, its too echoy for that... But the words are crisp and clear.*\n\"Finally found your boys i see... Don't worry, they're alive. I wouldn't kill a pair of innocent guards who were too stupid to understand rushing in was bound to get them killed. I think you owe me for that.\"" }, { "author": "The NPC", "message": "\"We owe you nothing filth! Come out her and fight us like a man!\" \n*The chief barks, his hand returning to his sword.*\n\"You hurt my men, you'll get hurt yourself!\"" }, { "author": "com.co", "message": "Couldn't work out a decent dialogue for Horace, guess that works" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "Ty, from now on I'll not ping you and let you respond on your own time, just ping me/" }, { "author": "com.co", "message": "I prefer being \"Chased\", otherwise i would never bother with an rp" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "Well I think I'll sleep and respond tommow unless you decide you want to continue tonight, I'm down for either/" }, { "author": "com.co", "message": "You should go to bed\n\nNighty night, *Pat jess*" } ]

[ { "author": "The NPC", "message": "*The chief looks back to Aldea as she hushes him, an angered expression on his face. He bars his teeth silently, stressing from the anger. Though, he seems to calm as he thinks for a moment... His reason for being here was to get his men back... That's all he needed...*\n\n*The soldier would back up, letting aldea speak with the stranger and take the guard while he gathered his men. Carefully slinging them both over his shoulder, he looks to Aldea and nods.*" }, { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "*There seems to be a silence echoing through the alley as Aldea finishes speaking. The elf stares down at them, sitting nearby on an alleyway wall. His expression, though hidden through fog and cloth, is bored. She seemed the reasonable type, which was nice... Might as well try and get something out of this interaction as well.*\n\n*The elf thinks for a moment, sliding off the wall and hitting the dirt floor, an audible oof coming with it. Though he chooses to remain hidden through the fog, a small chuckle escaping his lips.*\n\"What kind of reason is that? A quick thanks before you try to lob my head off and die in the process? No, i think i'll stay away thank you... Really...? 'Not like these other guards...' Don't tell me... People like you still exist, who keep on sparing criminals? The kinds who lose their life as they turn their back to a murderer? That's depressing... Well, you obviously don't know *Who* I am... Other wise you'd know 'minimal time' isn't an option. Im sure your gruff friend in the shiny armor there could tell you.\"" }, { "author": "The NPC", "message": "*The chief seems to freeze slightly as he's mentioned, looking towards aldea. That's right... He had no time to tell her who this guy was... Or what he or his party was capable of.*\n\"His name is Horace... He's a thief but... He's more than that... His abilities are inhuman... Demonic... He's a speed demon who's beat, maimed, and killed just about every bounty hunter and guard party that's taken him...\"" }, { "author": "com.co", "message": "I do believe he's the fastest person on the server currently(" }, { "author": "Aldea Whitiker", "message": "*She turned back to the angry captain*\n\n\"Look im sorry... But we're in no position to fight... So just get out of here...\"\n\n*She saw him get up and leave as she sighed, atleast her stupid mentality didn't get anyone killed... As she turned back to the thief*\n\n\n*She'd hear him slide down and hit the ground backing up a little frightened worried about a possible sneak attack but heard the chuckle listening well when he spoke*\n\n\"I really don't want to hurt you! I swear... You have us in a terrible spot where you could have killed us... I wouldn't dare try anything like that... After the gratitude you showed us\"\n\n\n*She lowered her head a little bit... She had never really been successful... She'd been stabbed bludgeoned sliced multiple times she ever let any criminal off the loose... But there was the rare times they thanked her and truly turned there life around... What's to say this won't be one of those times*\n\n\"Y-yes... I am that type of person... I'm not dead yet and I've helped many... I just wanna help you...\"\n\n\n*She filed her head, of course she didn't know who she was... Thats what she was trying to figure out so she could help*\n\n\"I don't really care who you are... Everyone deserves a second chance... And I could help arrange something\"\n\n*She'd turn back to the old man listening as her heart sank to as she gulped turning back her body shaking*\n\n\"N-nice to meet you horace... My name is Aldea Whitiker... I know your a bad person... But I believe bad people are just misunderstood, so please... Let's just talk this out, and please don't kill me\"" } ]

[ { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "*An audible chuckle is soon heard after Aldea speaks, asking not to be killed. Though he forgets to mask his voice, giving a general location of him. He seems deeper in the alley, his voice echoing through the walls from there. Soon after footsteps are heard as he walks over, a faint figure appearing through the fog. Tall and dark, a white plated mask covering his face and the black clothing that made him appear as no more than a shadow racing down the streets before.*\n\n*He tilts his head at Aldea.*\n\"Aldea Whitiker... That's a decent name... And whether it appears on a tomb stone any time soon will depend on you. Cut the crap about misunderstandings, i don't want your pity...\"" }, { "author": "The NPC", "message": "*The chief hesitantly nods, eventually running away and disappearing through the mist. Though as he goes a shout is heard from him.*\n\"I'll be back for you! No one left behind!\"" }, { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "*Horace laughs again as he disappears.*\n\"How sweet... It'd be a shame if they never made it out though.\"" }, { "author": "Aldea Whitiker", "message": "*Her face darts up hearing his voice cleary, and starts to unconsciously back up hearing the footsteps approaching but holds fast and stays put putting her weapon down showing she really wants peace*\n\n\n*She looked up at the man in the fog as she gulped but began to take deep breaths calming down*\n\n\"T-thank yo- o-oh of course Mister... Sorry... I wasn't looking for pity... Just explai-\" *She'd stop herself while she was ahead turning back hearing the man as she sighed shaking her head*\n\n\n*Shed look back up to see him home as she heard what be said*\n\n\"W-wait! Please don't go after them... Those men are injured and need medical attention... If anything im willing to take the blow in there case so they can get out\"" } ]

[ { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "*As Horace steps closer, he sees Aldea through the smoke. Seemingly fearful of him, backing away towards the exit. He didn't blame her... He had a certain reputation after all. Plus the only help she could get just sprinted off into the exit without her. He sighs lightly, raising a hand to his white mask and adjusting it slightly. When he sets his hand down back to his side and looks again... The girl seemed to of held her ground and... Disarmed herself...? She really believed that stuff about second chances... A guards woman lowering her weapon to a criminal... How brave. Or maybe stupid...*\n\n*Horace would then seem to disappear into the fog once more, his tall black figure no longer visible through the alley's darkness. He hears her speak, sighing once more as he takes a knife. Aldea then soon seems to feel something against her back... Then over her mouth and against her throat.*\n\n*The elf had gotten behind her in secret, his leather gloved hand resting over her mouth and silencing her. She couldn't see it then, but it was obvious that he'd pressed a knife lightly against her neck. Though there's no pain... Not yet... The elf hasn't decided to let her go or not.*\n\n\"You'll 'take the blow' huh... Are you sure about that...? That guard seems much more capable than you... Just give me the word, and i'll let you go... The cost being they wont come back im afraid... So... You or them... Blood will be spilled here.\"" }, { "author": "Aldea Whitiker", "message": "*She take deep breaths seeing him dissaper sure that she'd be fine... And if she wasn't, atleast the others would be*\n\n*She'd feel the sharp knife press up againt her neck feeling his hand covering her mouth as a small tear ran down her face wetting his glove as she gulped hearing the ultimatum as she thought*\n\n\n*She tried to speak but the glove was over her mouth she in a blurt of not Speaking she yelled you*\n\n\"Me! I choose me... Please don't kill those innocent men!\"" }, { "author": "com.co", "message": "Not much you can do in the situation" }, { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "*The elf continues to glare down at Aldea, unflinching at her tear. His hand over her mouth steady and silencing as it had done to so many before. His careful knife, balanced to be threatening while still keeping from hurting her. His breathing steady as he prepares for whatever's to come...*\n\n*But he prepared for the wrong answer it seemed as he stares at her in slight shock. The girl chose herself to die over others, just to save them... How sweet. The elf smiles behind his mask, nodding to himself.*\n\"Really... Well that was the right answer... Seems you're one of the better aren't you...\" \n\n*Though, he wouldn't let her go just yet. His knife lowers from her neck, down to her arm. Drawing the blade across her skin, creating a small gash, just big enough for a little blood to come through.*\n\"There... Now, you're free to go. Check up on that old bastard and his two dipshit friends and tell them not to mess with me anymore.\"\n\n*Horace says, removing his hand from her mouth and letting her be. He steps next to her, glancing at Aldea and fidgeting with his mask. Removing it and giving her a small smirk behind it.*\n\"Try not to do anything stupid like that again... It'd be a shame if you died...\"" }, { "author": "Aldea Whitiker", "message": "*She held her breath waiting to be gutted as she began to pray to herself before feeling the knife leave her neck she bent over breathing quickly surprised she choose the right answer... She just chose the most sensible answer*\n\n*Shed winch in pain feeling the knife cut her arm... It was much better than a throat cut as she was let go she'd hold her arm looking up at him*\n\n\"U-understood horace Caranaro... I'll tell them to not send any more men after you... Or atleast try... Thank you for sparing my life\"\n\n*She didn't say it... But after he removed his mask she saw he was a elf like her as she gulped standing up looking back at him*\n\n\n\"O-okay... But I'll keep trying to give criminals second chances... Because I thought you were going to kill us all, but I knew I could negotiate Instead of using brute force\"\n\n*Without another word she ran off out of the fog back toward the guards*" }, { "author": "Horace Caranaro", "message": "*The elf watches as Aldea sprints back off and races out of the fog, back to the two guards. A light sigh escaping from his face as he shifts his mask a bit more, placing it back on.*\n\"Maybe we'll meet again, Aldea Whitiker... Just hope neither of us are in danger when it happens...\"\n*The elf says with a slight chuckle before walking deeper into the alleyway and disappearing.*" } ]

[ { "author": "Drase Kwak", "message": "\"Damn. You must not have much of anything on you, then?\" Kwak figured that she couldn't get anything off the man, like had been in the back of her mind from the start. She almost pitied the man, but considering she had herself to fend for she didn't see much reason to help him. Besides, she was resting... However, she thought, she might be able to get something out of this. \n\"Hey, you want your shit back, right?\" She asked, talking as if she were making a sales pitch." }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*The man was a bit wary, but raised his eyebrow in intrigue.*\n\n\"Yes. What are you suggesting... Little one? Sorry, I just don't know your name.\"" }, { "author": "Drase Kwak", "message": "Kwak smiled and stood up, swinging her mallet out from in front of her and over her shoulders. She turned to the man, her arms leisurely hanging over her mallet.\n\"Kay, double-u, ay, kay,\" She spelled, \"The name's Kwak, and I'm not that little—just turned 18 a couple moons ago.\"\nShe took a few slow, leisurely steps towards the man.\n\"I kinda feel for you, man, but, honestly, I'm kinda strapped for stuff myself. However! If you can't tell, I have a *Big fuckin' hammer*.\" She shot a glance to her homemade mallet, its wooden faces decorated with metal plates, painted pink and cut in the shape of a heart. It looked like a weapon Kwak would wield, in fact, anything else would look out of place in her hands.\n\"So I'll cut you a deal. If you track down who has your groceries, I'll do a little hammer swinging to get them back, then I'll take... I'll just say whatever you're willing to part with for now, and if I'm not happy with that we'll negotiate after.\" As she finished her proposition, she had paced all the way up to stand right in front of the man. She let her left arm, the one holding the mallet closest to its head, drop slack to her side before holding up her hand to the man in anticipation of a handshake.\n\"We got a deal?\"" } ]

[ { "author": "M'ralind Varangr", "message": "*Our shortstack took a deep breath in, sucking in the dusty, dry air of the library that she had sat herself in.\n\nIt was the middle of the day, yellow rays glaring through the murky windows of the establishment and illuminating old leather with shades of gold. The girl knew that this was prime time for poets, writers and nerds to come in and appreciate the atmosphere - or alternatively ignore it completely as they sank themselves deeply into their books. That was exactly what she did most of the time, after all.\n\nThose poor fools were her targets, and they would know the terror of socialising, whether they liked it or not.*" }, { "author": "Katherine Vayne", "message": "*Study. Work out. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. Katherine was in constant focus; when not physically, mentally. Her smaller frame didn't allow her to progress as easily as some of the others, but she still worked incredibly hard to keep her physique.*\n\n*Maybe it was too hard. Katherine found herself enjoying life less and less. Less talking with people. More running. Less eating out. More studying. The main reason was that she couldn't feel satisfied relaxing. Something got to her mind. It was him. Always him.*\n\n*In the library, Katherine focused intensely on a grimoire. Recently, she had been trying to figure out how to better incorporate spellcasting into her combat style. She wasn't as strong as Sirdan or as powerful a mage as some others, but she certainly held her own in both aspects.*\n\n*The woman would be completely unaware of the dwarf running around.*" }, { "author": "M'ralind Varangr", "message": "*M'ralind had long mastered the arts of sneaking about in a library, masking her footsteps on the creaky floorboards to ensure not a single eeeeeeek- was heard by her prey. \n\nThe dwarf had spotted her target for today. She saw the poor woman's stiff shoulders, her eyes that looked as though they would pop out of their sockets with out intensely she stared at the grimoire. M'ra herself had never, ever focused on magic. It was far beyond what she could bother to understand, despite being such an imaginative person that she would undoubtedly have invented a hundred different spells of varying usefulness. \n\nShe crept up behind Katherine, one hand clamping her mouth shut to withhold her breathing from alerting the studious woman and the other reaching up to her shoulder.\n\nTap tap!*" }, { "author": "Katherine Vayne", "message": "*Deep in her focus, Katherine feels a small tap on her shoulder. Almost by instinct, Katherine throws a quick back fist, which soars to hit nothing, flying over the dwarf below.*\n\n*Katherine blinks, looks down, and then gasps.*\n\n\"Oh god, I'm so sorry! I didn't know you were there, it was just by instinct.\"\n\n*Thank fuck they were a Lora. If they had been taller, she might have ended up breaking a jaw.*\n\n\"May I ask why you wish for my attention?\"" }, { "author": "M'ralind Varangr", "message": "*M'ra was surprised to find a whooshing blast of air blast through her loose hair in such a calm place as a library. Her head slowly tilted up to see the fist, seeing the tightly held muscles that would definitely have given her a bit of a concussion had she been just a bit taller.*\n\n\"I-It's fine, haha!\" *The girl seemed to laugh it off as nothing, though her widened eyes showed now a little more understanding of the target she'd picked for her horrible, twisted experiments.* \n\n*She cleared her throat, moving to her side and climbing up onto a seat on her table after having pulled it to her side.* \n\n\"I wanted t' ask why you were boring yourself with magic when the sun is so pretty outside.\" \n\n*She smiled gently, her cheeks radiating more warmth than the sun's rays.*" } ]

[ { "author": "M'ralind Varangr", "message": "*M'ra's reaction times weren't quite up to par right now, so she took the towel in her face, fumbling to grab it for a few moments. As she wrapped it around her shoulders, she looked down at her dress, realising that she didn't exactly have the best clothes for an extended run. She usually just took a gentle walk when travelling to conserve energy, and her clothes were perfect for that. Her only consolation was that the very short cape on her back could be removed.*\n\n\"I'm definitely gonna have to wash today...\" *She spoke with a wry chuckle. She'd drawn herself into this mess, but at least she was damn well gonna enjoy it. The Lora looked up to Katherine, listening closely to her explanation and then the request for her name.*\n\n\"M'ralind Varangr, daughter of Tubrock and Majil. I'm a novelist, by the way. Funny that I should find another bookworm, even if she was reading those... Icky things with magic.\" *Her head turned to the sun as she briskly jogged beside her. For M'ra, a light jog for Katherine was a little tougher to handle, but not unbearable by any stretch. As she felt the heat start to settle into her muscles, she spoke up again.*\n\n\"I know ya lead others, the Captain kinda insinuates that. I mean the New Sunlight thing. Is it a hunting group, or a mercenary one?\"" }, { "author": "Katherine Vayne", "message": "\"It's not really a run unless you wash afterwards. Otherwise that's called a walk.\"\n\n*Katherine kept her relatively slow pace, not wanting to outrun the Lora too much.*\n\n\"A novelist? I suppose you're more into the story oriented aspects then. And not all magic is the same!\"\n\n*Katherine scoffed, taking slight offense at the jab at magic.*\n\n\"Some magic is closely related to stories and other novels. Faith in particular. The power of belief through texts, practices, and overall willpower is what lends them their power. It's like different subjects. If Alchemy was chemistry, Faith would be theology, and Thaumaturgy would be calculus.\"\n\n\"Ah, more of a mercenary group. Not that it's bad! The quests we do are for good, or neutral. Often we do hunt monsters though, if they pose a threat. Don't want anything stampeding through the villages. Say, you're a vampire, right? You're not sensitive to the sun?\"" }, { "author": "M'ralind Varangr", "message": "\"Ya said two out of three are nightmarish, then. I cannot fathom the idea of stayin' locked up, doin' math an' chemistry fer hours just t' learn how t' hit someone with a shiny effect when ya can go outside and learn how t' smack 'em with a stick.\"\n\n*The Lora could already feel her head starting to ache at just the thought of it, her hands going up and ruffling her own bundled up hair for a moment before she laughed aloud at the whole topic.* \n\n\"If Faith were a measure fer magic, I'd have some nasty spells t' unleash. Maybe I just haven't been givin' enough thought t' Kejomuj recently.\" \n\n\"Mercenary group, gotcha. Monster huntin' is somethin' I dabble in, but I can't really offer myself t' go an' stay in one place. I just started a trek, after all. Been stuck in my shop fer too many years now.\" *Her boots thumped against the floor as the two jogged along. She felt the bouncing of her feet, an unfamiliar sensation after so long spent without jogging properly. It reminded her of the physical education classes she gave the kids at the orphanage.* \n\n\"I ain't really bothered by it much. Though it does make me a lil' sore an' all. The sun ain't my bane nearly as much as fires are. Tis a shame, really, cause it makes forgin' stuff a liiiiiittle harder t' do.\"" }, { "author": "Katherine Vayne", "message": "\"That's fair. I've looked into the Artifice school a bit; they specialize in engineering. It's interesting, but learning that would be a diminished return; I'd gain little for what I've lost. Smacking with a stick is indeed effective, but there's always a better way to do it. I prefer greatsword myself.\"\n\n*Katherine chuckles along with the Lora, enjoying her time.*\n\n\"Well, it's not really something everyone can get into. While I was never religious, I knew some faith users who simply believed in themselves, and studied that. That's how strong their willpower was.\"\n\n*So M'ralind was a wanderer? Just like she was, so many years ago. And a vampire.*\n\n\"Ah, fire. I remember it clearly. Burns the skin like paper, lights up muscle as if it were oily. Faith magic is also one to beware of; radiance does not do well to one. I remember I was also afraid of swimming for the longest time, because I had heard that running water would cause me to melt.\"" }, { "author": "M'ralind Varangr", "message": "\"A warhammer's the thing fer me, lass. Nothin' feels as good as a good ol' reliable block o' iron t' bring down on some bastard's head.\" *Of course, she was going to withhold the fact that she wasn't psychopathic enough to enjoy splattering someone's brains like that.* \"I'm savin' up t' buy some good plate armour though, I didn't quite have enough time t' forge my full set back at my forge.\"\n\n*Her hair bobbed along, bangs swinging from side to side as the two kept jogging along. The sun shone down on M'ra's wax-like skin, starting to make the glistening of sweat a little more evident. Haah, this feeling on her dress was the worst.*\n\n\"Hmm, I ain't gonna lie about my belief. It's one o' the things I'm most proud of. But I ain't never put too much effort into it, it feels counterproductive t' His teachings.\"\n\n*After all, with a god who valued celebration and such, wasting time on worship rather than showing one's appreciation by enjoying the gifts given by him simply felt disingenuous.* \n\n\"S-Such a vivid description...\" *M'ralind winced a little at Katherine, her lips curling up a little and exposing her teeth.* \"Tis a little unpleasant t' hear. But... You were afraid..? Yer one too?\" *She looked up to Katherine, panting a little as the jog started to show it's effect.*" }, { "author": "Katherine Vayne", "message": "\"A blacksmith's weapon, I suppose. Haven't gotten a set yet? Armor is crucial for any heavy weapon user. We can't rely on swiftness like other people. Just try running in it; that way you'll work up a real sweat. It'll also teach you about the lack of oxygen in a helmet.\"\n\n*Seeing M'ra's skin starting to sweat, Katherine begins to up the pace just a little. She wanted to see to what speed the lora could keep up with.*\n\n\"I was never religious myself. I find it hard to believe that a god can allow such suffering in the world when they hold such power. Great power comes with great responsibility, you know.\"\n\n*Katherine audibly winced at M'ra's words. It had been so long since she had become a vampire, but it was nothing compared to how long she spent as one.*\n\n\"I-I was. To this day I can't swim. I used to be a vampire before I got rid of it about a year and a half ago. It was expensive, and difficult, but I was able to do it.\"\n\n*Katherine stares off into the distance as she remembers the dark years of her vampirism. Oppression, pain, fear, and loneliness. All things she suffered during that decade.*\n\n\"Do you see it as a curse? That's what it was like for me.\"" }, { "author": "M'ralind Varangr", "message": "\"I forged half my armour, I just ain't had time t' finish of the last few bits. Like the helmet, fer example. Getting it all rounded off and in a nice fit that doesn't hurt t' wear is a nightmare, and there ain't many peeps who forge fer my size. Plus, I've been busy forging more popular stuff for sale.\"\n\n*The pickup in pace made her start to breathe out through her mouth. She panted softly, her fists raising to hover just at her sides.*\n\n\"Ain't their job t' clean up the mess we made. They offer us life an' opportunities, the unfairness is somethin' we'll have t' answer for eventually.\"\n\n*Katherine's wince didn't go unnoticed by M'ra. It certainly confirmed it better than the Lora's nose, as that had always been quite weak, be it due to her growing up in a cave like most Lora or simply from having bad luck.*\n\n\"Year and a half ago, huh...\" *M'ra's life was always a cheerful one. There were bad parts, horrible things she'd seen, especially when she first settled in the village where she had ran her orphanage. But her faith in a positive future, garnered by her faith in Kejomuj, had always led her out of the oppressive thoughts she had. And her cheerful attitude had, luckily for her, driven away a lot of natural apathy people tended to have for vampires.*\n\n\"I was born like this. No way I see it as a curse. It's part of who I am, me and my ma. At her stage it'll be impossible t' gather the money for purgin' it, but neither of us wanna try regardless. Especially since ma never met a natural born vampire, so she told me not t' try, since it might kill me.\"" }, { "author": "Katherine Vayne", "message": "\"Born with it? I guess it's nice to always have it then. You don't have to feel like it doesn't belong. There are others who claimed it for power that it brings. Others are unfortunate, having it forced on them.\"\n\n*Breathing more quickly, Katherine speeds up the pace once again, and it's plain running at this point.*\n\n\"Try and keep up!\"\n\n\"It's dangerous. You have to fight the vampiric version of yourself. It tricks you, trying to convince you to not get rid of it-\"\n\n*Katherine realizes what she's saying, and rubs the back of her neck.*\n\n\"Sorry, I got carried away. I never liked vampirism; it was forced onto me since I was 14. I despise those who force it onto others; it should be a choice.\"\n\n*The Captain's expression is blank as she stares straight ahead, expression slightly grave.*\n\n\"But hey. A lot of the cult ones are dead now. They can't prey on anyone anymore.\"" } ]

[ { "author": "ansari", "message": "*Naturally, it could be assumed that Kalan gave her the direction to the town. After an hour of walk on well-maintained, paved imperial road, with occasional travellers passing her by, she would arrive at the prosperous port city of Southport. What a creative name.*\n\n*Once she is inside the city of 20,000, she could find the tavern Kalan pointed him to. It has no name on the front, only the sign of a... Prancing Rabbit with a mug of beer. It is probably the right tavern.*" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko's ears twitched at the sight, but nevertheless didn't give any snarky internal comments like she usually did. She took a deep breath to steel her nerves before entering the tavern.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The taverns were bustling and filled with multiple people. The bartender turned toward Yumiko.*\n\n\"Oh hello there! Are you here for a drink? Food? Or perhaps a room? We have a few select premium room available!\" *The innkeeper smiled. His pointy ears seems to indicate he is an elf of some sort.*\n\n*In the corner was a 7 feet tall, blue-skinned Oni, with an entire jug of beer in front of him. He is dressed in a set of rugged, dirty leather clothes, and seems to be carrying quite a lot of tools. Perhaps this is the target?*" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko gave the bartender the sweetest smile she could muster.*\n\n\"No, sorry. I'm just here to meet up with a friend.\" *She responded, friendly tones dancing across her speech.. The elven folk were a people she admired to an extent, and she could feel that some of them perhaps even shared her sentiments about Macen in particular. For them, she'd try to be more civil than usual.*\n\n*With that, she left to approach the corner where her mark sat. Yumiko loomed and cast down an appraising glance on the Oni. She hadn't met many demons before, though their appearance often bred discrimination— or so she heard.*\n\n\"Hello. Am I right to presume you're Everethil?\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The Oni was in middle of drinking when she approached. His eyes rose to meet hers as he drank, and he nodded slightly as he gulped down the drink in his hand. Then, he set down the mug with a satisfied smile.*\n\n\"Ahhh, that's good stuff. You're right, I am Everethil. Sunlight sent you?\" *The Oni smiled at her. Upon further examination, this Oni seems to be very bulky and muscular.*" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"No. I'm the prostitute you called for. I took the quest to 'Slay the Demon', but somehow it ended up being 'Lay the demon.'\" *Yumiko rolled her eyes, crossing both arms as she went back to her grumpy self. She wasn't sure how to respond to demons— whether the rumours about them were true or not. The figure was admittedly intimidating to her, hence why she retreated back to her tough shell.*\n\n\"Yes, of course Sunlight sent me. What's the problem and why do you need escorting? I'd like more details please.\"" } ]

[ { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"WHAT.\" \n\n*Was the response the Oni gave, loud enough for the entire room to hear and half of the tavern to turn around looking. The Oni seems to be in shock. He lifted his hand to his head, and blinked a few time, scratching his black hair.*\n\n\"Uh... Yes, right, ok. Well, you see, my kind is not really well liked around here, but I have important works as a craftman. Specifically, I specialize in crafting ice-infused delicacies, and I serve numerous local lords. The problem? Some of them think I am a really, really bad influence at court, but of course I have the patronage of my clients..\"\n\n\"Still, some of their more paranoid family members wouldn't like me around, so I could use your protection while I am on my way to prepare an icy feast for Lord Bogginton the next town over. His uncle doesn't like me.\"" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*The shocked response he gave actually earned him a brief chuckle from Yumiko. Though she meant it as a sarcastic joke, the reaction really was priceless. Maybe she should do this for all her clients in the future?*\n\n*She listened intently to his explanation and raised an eyebrow. Iced infused delicacies? That was unexpected. Yumiko had him pegged for someone who did heavy labour, not a delicate chef. Surprises can come from anywhere it seemed.*\n\n\"I understand. Oriates are often given strange looks, though our appearance elicits more positive reactions than bad. I bear you no prejudice, and I promise to be your sword and shield until the contract is fulfilled.\"\n\n*Yumiko flashed him a warm smile, hoping to put him at ease if he did feel any nervousness at all. For the duration of the job, they needed to at least trust each other.*\n\n\"My name is Yumiko. Would you like to leave now or would you like to finish your drink first?\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The Oni seems to have recovered his nerves after the terrible joke.*\n\n\"You may have it a bit easier than us. I know some tribesmen in the Empire revers Oriates, and in many case, I know many Macens like you kinds look. Us on the other hand..\"\n\n\"Big scary burly demon. Not the type you expect to be serving iced drinks or iced cream, right?\" *He chuckled and finished the rest of his mug in a single gulp.*\n\n\"I'll not waste your time any longer, let's get on our way.\" *The Oni stood up and walked outside of the tavern. A few feets before he reach the door, the tavernkeeper's raised voice would echo around the tavern.*\n\n\"CARE FOR THE BEAM!\" \n\n*Too late, it seems, as a loud thud indicated the Oni managed to hit his head on one of the supporting beam.*\n\n*A chorus of laughter followed from the tavern, and the Oni lowered his head with a pained look, wandering outside with the Kemonomimi behind.*" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko shrugged and followed him outside, keeping up pace so that she walked alongside him and not behind him.*\n\n\"Are you okay?\" *She asked, a hint of concern in her voice.* \"I would think that such an incident would happen often consdering your imposing size.\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"I've been serving iced creams for years, but Macen buildings still get me from time to time. Back where I came from, the roof tends to be much higher.\"\n\n*He rubbed his head and walked toward a stable next to the tavern, and then talked to a stable boy. Moments later he came out with a pair of draft horse and a wagon attached to it, with a large amount of goods covered by canvas cloth.*\n\n\"Hop on the front, we'll be sitting side by side.\" \n\n*Now that they are in the open, she could notice that the Oni carried a long sword, though it seems to be designed for a one-handed grip and is longer than usual. A shield and a crossbow with a goat's foot lever was also present on his cart, along with bolts and a quiver.*\n\n\"We're delivering food!\"" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"I've actually never had the luxury of eating ice-cream before. What does it entail exactly? Like... How is it made? I know it's sweet.\"\n\n*She inquired, hopping up onto the front of the cart with the graceful agility of a Kemonomimi. Yumiko's fingers brushed against the front of the wagon, making a few audible taps with her fingers.*\n\n*Yumiko had never ridden atop a wagon either. A horse yes, but not a wagon. Though she didn't want to admit such an embarassing fact. It felt like everyone had ridden wagons except for her by now.*\n\n\"Huh...\" *She glanced over appreciatively at his weaponry. It seemed like he was capable of defending himself— that was good. Yumiko respected that strength and willingness. It also meant that she didn't have to babysit him throughout the journey, thank the forest.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The Oni grabbed the reins of the horse and drove it forward. It started moving on the road out toward the town gate. The road was quite steady, though occasional bumps could make the ride uncomfortable. Still, this town's road was quite well-maintained.\n\nThe Oni looked to the side and observed her tapping against the wagon briefly.*\n\n\"Well, first, I use my magic to conjure the ice and breaks them down, and then I would break them down and mixes various sugar, spices and such, make them into a creamy texture. I know some who uses salt and tin pots, but I have the assistance of magic to make the creamiest, fattiest cream from it.\"\n\n\"I also make different type of iced delicacies, and part of my business is to use my magical techniques to preserve food, so they could be brought into place they would never be seen before - Today I bought four cod caught off the coast, with shellfishes, and they are all in the back preserved by magic and will be served to the lord.\"\n\n*The Oni started explaining his work and food happily, and before they know it, they are already out of the town and travelling toward the town. So far, so good, nothing happening.*" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko listened on with keen fascination. The use of the Oni's magic was admittedly rather creative. She learned a few things today; magic could be used in a lot of lucrative ways. Her village had always taught her spells that contributed in some way to bloodshed and warfare. Many often say that an Oriate's appearance was not indicative of their age— though for Yumiko she was still young and inexperienced. The city, the people she met, and the magics she discovered were all still new to her.*\n\n\"That's amazing! I didn't realize that meats could be preserved with cooled down temperatures. Back in the village, we used salt instead.\" *She said, eyes wide and bright with excitement.* \"I honestly don't see the problem Macen have with you. Anyone who'd think up something so clever is bound to be useful. What else can y-\"\n\n*She stopped her speech abruptly— thousand moons, she almost forgot she was on a job! The Oriate flushed upon the realization and decided to focus her senses towards their surroundings. Keeping alert for danger should've been her first priority from the start.*\n\n\"Ah.. A-Ahem. Forgive me. I probably shouldn't be speaking to you so much. The job! The job. You mentioned Lord Bogginton's uncle yes? I'm curious, what made you think you need protection?\"\n\n*Yumiko couldn't help but shoot glances over back to the Oni however, cheeks still reddened from the exposure of her earlier outburst.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"Mhmm. It often becomes very hot up north, and our tribe need to preserve precious food. Some of the tribe's best food are preserved in underground chambers we dig out, stored together with ice conjured by ice magic. I got a bit creative with this tradition, and developed a whole new line of iced desserts with a few fellow Blue Oni mage. Then I travelled south to richer land and started earning plenty of money. Soon I can afford my own house!\"\n\n*The Oni seems to be infected by the Oriate's eagerness, and seems remarkably happy, with a wide, beaming smile plastered on his face.*\n\n\"Right right, we might be in unexpected danger, you are correct.\" *He looked around, but there was still nothing to be seen...*\n\n*Another mile of travel later, the Oni would stand up on the wagon after halting it.*\n\n\"We're almost there, just two more mile before we reach the town.\"\n\n*He sat down and continued driving the wagon forward, and stopped moving once he saw a felled tree in the way, 300 feet away*\n\n\"Ah shit, here we go again.\" *The Oni murmured to himself, and then grabbed his crossbow immediately.*\n\n*The surrounding is clear, with a few sparse trees lining the side of the road. The road is elevated above an endless expanses of farmland. It is the middle of spring, and the rice planted here are short, barely enough to cover a person's lower leg.*" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"Enemies?\" *She asked, drawing Hashimoto from its scabbard and taking a look around her. Yumiko had a few suspicions on what was happening. Either it was a bandit attack or a mercenary hired by unwanted party. If it was the latter, then it was rather laughable, considering she'd be tangling with one just like her.*\n\n*Yumiko activated her sword technique; the Meandering Dance. Magic blossomed around her and luminescent petals swirled. Hopefully the display of her magical ability would be enough to drive the enemies away. If not... Well, if they were going to run afterwards, she wouldn't let them get away. Yumiko didn't know many people who could outrun a bloodthisty Oriate.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"Yes, enemies.\" *The Oni pointed at two blurry figures behind the trees. And as soon as he pointed at them, two more emerged. It seems they have number on their side.*\n\n\"Looks like they're hiring extras!\" *He exclaimed. Upon closer examination one would realize all of them were equipped with lightly curved sabers and kite shield, except for one person with a pair of spears. All of them wore aketon or gambeson, and three of them had a set of sallet and almain-rivet armour, covering their chest and upper arms, once again, except the guy with a spear.*\n\n*The four started to approach in formation quickly, and the Oni loaded a bolt onto his crossbow, drawing it with his bare hand, then loosened a shot in their direction. The shot missed.*\n\n\"Suppose it'd be melee time then.\"\n\n*The attackers doesn't seems to be intimidated at all. They are 200 feet away. The road is roughly 14 feet apart, and has a 2 feet wide slope descending onto the farmland to the side. The farmland are somewhat wet, muddy rice paddies.*" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko's grip tightened on her blade as she observed the advantage of numbers they held. She was not going to earn an easy victory, even with her magical abilities.*\n\n\"How many of them can you take a time?\" *She asked, glaring towards them. There were a few ideas forming in her head already...*\n\n\"Actually, don't answer that. I'll take half and you take the other half.\"\n\n*Yumiko rushed forwards, sprinting at full speed towards the ambushers.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The Oni quickly dropped his crossbow, and grabbed, then strapped the oversized kite shield to himself. With the other hand he drew his \"Short\" Sword and charged besides her. He was remarkably slower than her.*\n\n\"Oi! Don't outrun me!\" *The Oni called out, worried that she would end up fighting four to one before he get there.\n\nWith the Kemonomimi sprinting toward them the distance between the two group would close to 50 feet, with the Oni some 100 feet away, still trying to catch up. He'd rather not run and exhaust himself early.*\n\n*The group of four braced their shields and formed a loose shield wall, with the spearman standing behind them. Now that she has closed in, she could notice that the three swordmen looked somewhat older and experienced, while the spearman seems to be a young Macen, with a bit of hesitation in his eyes.*" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"I'm the mercenary, no sweat off your back if I'm the one getting injured!\"\n\n*Besides, she really didn't want these Macen getting their way at all. The loose shield wall they formed was a common strategy. Cowards. She was going to enjoy this very, very much.*\n\n*As she got closer and closer, Yumiko abruptly stopped just short of several feet and jumped high above them. As she soared above them, she prepared a talisman in midair, launching it downwards onto the spearman.*\n\n*Immediately it flew forwards at high speeds, reaching its destination in almost an instant given their close proximity. A bird of blue energy rushed downwards and exploded, causing an electrical blast which travelled through armour and into his bodies. Should this maneuver have succeeded, the target would suffer a severe shock and be stunned for the next turn.*\n\n*Regardless, Yumiko would land gracefully several feet behind the shield wall. She entered a stance as she landed, casting a Mana Burst which strengthened her muscles with mana.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The talisman flew forward and landed onto the shield of one of the swordman. Blue, visible energy coursed through the man as he shook and shuddered, with a slight burn appearing on his shield-holding hand, though it wasn't visible from this angle. He fell onto the ground, dazed with his mouth open wide.\n\nThe other two swordman turned toward the kemonomimi that landed behind them. Since she would be recovering from the strike, they both charged with sword raised, each preparing to make a horizontal slash at her.\n\nMeanwhile the spearman backed off from her from his position behind the shieldwall, aiming his spear, held in his two hands, at her.*\n\n\"Y-..You better run!\" *The spearman screamed in an unusually adolescent voice. But it looked like he wasn't advancing anytime soon.*" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"Sluggish.\" \n\n*Yumiko murmured, the magic enhancing her reflexes allowing her to duck downwards to dodge their slashes. She retaliated with a counterattack with her sword, angling it just right to stab upwards into the crotch of the one at her left. The sword would proceed to ignite into flames the moment she felt any impact, hoping to at least catch his gambeson on fire if it didn't hit and give him a very, very painful shock if it did.*\n\n*The man whom she shocked probably was most likely going to recover soon, but hopefully the Oni managed to arrive on time by then. For now, she was dealing with the brunt of multiple experienced mercenaries— except for the boy, whom was most likely a fledgling like herself.*\n\n*She wondered if she could keep him? The Empire allowed slavery did it not? Having a Macen at her beck and call would be amusing.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*As the sword went toward the crotch of the swordman on her left, he would bring his shield to block or parry it. Unfortunately for him the girl's sword was travelling faster than expected, so he only managed a partial deflection, with the sword making a loud noise as it was barely parried into the bottom of his breastplate, cutting him partially through his gambeson.\n\nThe swordman, fearful for his life, continued swinging the shield sideward to control her weapon. His experienced comrade covered his center of mass with his shield, and made an upward thrust with his sword at Yumiko's sword arm. The flame seems to have caught on, but it barely ignited his gambeson - perhaps more contact is needed.\n\nThe man she shocked recovered, and stood up to be met by the Oni, who immediately cleaved at him with his sword. Luckily for the mercenary the strike missed, but with the swordman simply backing off from one strike after another, it was clear who has the advantage in the fight.\n\nThe spearman finally mustered the bravery to launch an attack, and let out an exaggerated war cry, charging toward her, and tried to stab his spear at her other hand.*" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko let her sword go immediately as she felt the shield push it away, producing two Barrier Talismans and having them manifest. One Talisman formed a semi-transparent screen which curved around her, securing her safety against the attacks the two men. The other Talisman subtly flew towards the Oni's opponent and formed a thin string right behind his legs— with luck, that would trip him up and allow the Oni to secure the kill.\n\nThe Barrier was to be immediately broken against the impacts of two attacks, though she used this time to back away several feet and resummon Hashimoto back into her hand. The effects of her strengthening magic was dispelled for the time being, though she kept the flower petals to be able to dodge.*\n\n\"You men are working awful hard just to hurt someone. Wouldn't it have been better to hire an assassin to take care of him instead, or did he choose you guys because you were the budget options?\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The screen broke apart against the double attacks, and the two prepared to follow up with another. One swordman approached her steadily from the front, while the other moved to the side of the road, approaching her from the left.\n\nThe unsteady boy approached her from the right, eager to surround her.\n\nSome dozen feet away from her, the duel continued on. The Oni braced his shield and charged toward the smaller Macen, aiming to knock him down and finish him off. The Macen nimbly jumped backward to dodge his strike, and then-\n\nTripped on her talisman.\n\nHe fell onto the ground loudly, and the Oni rammed the bottom of his shield into his leg, followed by a powerful slash that cut off one of his foot, leaving him screaming in pain. As if to add insult to injury, the Oni kicked his stomach before he continued on. He would arrive the next turn to intervene in Yumiko's fight.*" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko smirked as one of the mercenaries was taken down. That left only the three that stood before her. In the few seconds of respite and planning she had, she tried her best to analyze the situation in front of her; two experienced warriors, and one hesitant boy. Should his other two comrades fell, he would most likely lose morale and rout.*\n\n*Though that was easier said than done...*\n\n*She clicked her tongue as they approached from all sides. But the odds were starting to become more even now that she had a demonic hunk of muscle on her side. Yumiko gripped her sword tightly and sucked in a deep breath.*\n\n*The Orient surged onwards, poised to tear into the mercenary on the side of the road. She cast a Barrier talisman right into the one in the middle, forming a dome which would serve as a temporary means of containment. Yumiko began the assault by throwing her blade right at her opponent, and was now seemingly rushing forwards unarmed and a determined look on her face.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*Once again the enemy has been surprised by her talisman. And once again she has prevailed because of it. With the mercenary out of the picture wailing and swinging at the talisman, the other one was left alone to deal with her, with a somewhat useless spearman on his side.\n\nThe mercenary blinked his eyes as he watched her throw the sword at him, and blocked it seemingly easily with his shield, not knowing what is in stock.\n\nThe Oni charged toward the spearman, who seems unaware of a flanker from behind. The mercenary in the dome called out toward him.*\n\n\"Watch out!\" \n\n\"Huh!?\" *The spearman shouted, and let out a loud, pained scream mere moments later, as the Oni cleaved one of his lower leg off, leaving a bleeding, red stump on the floor. Another down. It seems he was aiming for the legs deliberately.*\n\n*The mercenary in the dome looks quite nervous now.*" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*As the thrown blade was simply blocked, Yumiko used the opportunity to utilize her superior physical capabilities. Yumiko vaulted upwards, one hand on shield as she somersaulted over him. In midair her blade was summoned back into her hand— with it, she attempted to stab right into his neck for a lethal maneuver.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The mercenary reacted quickly as soon as he felt her hand on his shield, he immediately pulled back his sword, and thrusted it upward into the way of her sword for a parry, hoping to cut the girl's wrist before he could stab his neck.\n\nThere was a small gap between his breastplate and helmet. However, hitting it mid-air would be quite difficult to do with him counterattacking Yumiko.\n\nThe domed mercenary managed to break out of the dome, and turned toward the Oni, who immediately bellowed out.*\n\n\"OVER HERE!\" \n\n*The Oni charged at him with his shield forward.*" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Fortunately, her wrist was protected by her metal gauntlets, which defended against the attack easily enough. Yumiko commended his reflexes however, and decided to up the ante by utilizing a spell. She drew a talisman and slammed it right into his armour, the Thunderbird manifesting at point blank and electrifying him.*\n\n*In his hopefully stunned state, she raised her sword and attempted to to cut off one of his legs for a non-lethal takedown.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The parry was successful, and he managed to save his neck literally. The mercenary's eyes widened in surprise as a talisman appeared - He knew what was going to happen. But unfortunately, it is a bit too late to react.\n\nHe fell onto the ground stunned and burnt, and let out a muffled, incoherent scream when one of his lower leg was cut badly. As it was a non-lethal strike, it is assumed that she didn't sever his femoral artery or something like that.*\n\n\"I SURRENDER!\" *Was what came from the last mercenary, followed by him dropping his sword and shield and raising his hands. Clearly the day wasn't going too well for the four.*\n\n\"Miss... Us... Yumiko, can you watch over this one and make sure he don't do anything funny? I will get the rope from the wagon.\" *The Oni said.*" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko approached the last mercenary, giving him a threatening glare as her sword burned brightly within her hands. She was careful to appraise him and made sure he didn't try anything devious while her friend was gone.*\n\n\"You heard the man. No funny stuff, and you can keep your life— and all your limbs too.\"\n\n*She also gave a few glances towards the others members of the mercenary party. Macen weaponry was quite troublesome to fight against. Especially those damn shields... Yumiko was honestly shocked at their general effectiveness.*\n\n*Yeah, she needed to invest in something that dealt with those.*\n\n\"How much were you promised?\" *Yumiko asked, curious as to the price of the Oni's head.*\n\n``MANA actually 40, I forgot it regenerataes.``" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The mercenary gulped nervously as the girl glared at him with the flaming sword. After she destroyed her comrade and shocked him earlier, he was not inclined to resist whatsoever. The Oni came back with a length of convenient rope, and tied him up.\n\nThen he repeated the same processes for the other three mercenary.*\n\n\"You have any healing magic? It would help a lot - Wouldn't want them to die on the way home.\" *The Oni asked as he kneeled down and started removing the mercenaries' purse, armour, weapons, and everything short of their clothes. He beckoned his horses to come over with the wagon, and started putting the loot on top of it.*\n\n\"Don't worry, you'll have a fair share of the loot.\" \n\n*The interrogated mercenary finally answered her question.*\n\n\"Uhh, a man with a large bag of money offered to hire us at a tavern, gave us fifteen gold as down payment, and promised twenty-five more once we get the job done.\"" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"Yeah, I know some healing magic. I don't think I'll be able to heal the legs though, I'm not as skilled as the more dedicated healers.\"\n\n*Restoring and reattaching lost limbs was sadly outside of her realm of capabilities. However, she was at least able to pour in some mana to stop the bleeding and ease the pain. Yumiko went over to each of the mercenaries, pouring in her mana and mending their wounds.*\n\n*The loss of a limb was probably a lesson well-learned for attempted assasination. She was pretty sure such a thing was illegal in the Salvain Empire, given they had their sickening creed of honour and brotherhood.*\n\n\"They could be testimonies to your attempted murder you know?\" *Yumiko glanced up over at the Oni.* \"You can have them and the person who hired them put in jail for this. Though... You're an Oni, so they probably wouldn't listen you.\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"That's fine. They just need to be kept alive until we reach the city, I am sure we can find a healer that can fix their limbs.\"\n\n*He grabbed their body and laid them down on an empty area on the wagon.*\n\n\"I'll have to thank you for saving my life today, I'll give you a tip once we've arrived at the city, for now, let's continue on the last two miles.\"\n\n*The Oni walked over to the tree and with great difficulties, started to push it aside and clear the way for his wagon,*\"Lord Bogginton is my patron and doesn't like his ice cream making chef assassinated. I am sure he will bring them to justice. If I may be honest, he might be eager to find out who is behind and get rid of them with this as an excuse.\"" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"I'm just doing my job.\" *Yumiko responded nonchalantly— or at least tried. The praise she got still brought a flush to cheeks.*\n\n*She patiently waited as she watched Everethil push the tree away. Yumiko wasn't the strongest person normally. She utilized magic to level the playing field. It annoyed her that the only edge she had over others was her reflexes and general agility. Though sometimes she wished she could just swing a giant warhammer and crush breastplate like duck eggs.*\n\n*Perhaps in another reality. Yumiko sighed as she waited him to finish so they could get on their way. The quest still wasn't completed after all.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The Oni got back on the wagon, and invited her to sit together with him. The four mercenaries were binded in a pile securely to eachother with their weapons concealed and tied to the back of the wagon, in case they somehow freed themselves.\n\nIn any case, after the last two miles of journey were complete, they arrived at the town. The first order of business was to head straight toward the local Lord's castle. A guard waved at the Oni from a street away.*\n\n\"Hello there Mister Ever! Here to serve our Lord food again?\" *The guard called out in a friendly tone - Like most people here the guard was a Macen, but he seems to be quite accepting.*\n\n\"Yes, yes I am.\" *He chatted as he handed over a stamped document, which the guard gave a cursory look to.*\n\n\"You may enter.\" *The guard replied. At this point the Oni dismounted and turned toward Yumiko, while a few guards took the four prisoners inside to whatever fate await them.*\n\n\"We'll have to part way here, but I should split the loot fairly with you. Here, let's see..\"\n\n*He counted the amount of equipments left on the wagon - Three breastplate and helmet, plus three swords and shields. The spear was barely worth anything. But they could fetch a decent amount of money. Of course, there's also the four human goods.*\n\n\"I'll split you three gold for the equipments here, as for the bounties on the men, that'll have to wait for the Captain to come out.\"\n\n*He took out five gold from a belt and handed it over to her.*\n\n\"80 silver for the fee, 120 silver as a gratitude and three hundred for the equipments.\"" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko obliged, and rode together with him in silence whilst she meditated. She had her mana replenish along the way, and she was visibly restless until it was at moderately decent levels. Magic was the only edge she had against others. Without it, she felt vulnerable.* ***Weak.*** *Perhaps it was just a silly thought, but she rarely dared to tread the unknown without a decent supply.*\n\n*As they arrived, Yumiko took to taking in the breathtaking sight of a real, actual castle! The lumbering stone buildings were a rarity in her eyes. The cynic in her dismissed it as some gaudy and pretentious display of wealth and prestige. Though the light of excitement in her eyes betrayed that part of her.*\n\n\"Woah..\" *She murmured, frozen in her seat.*\n\n*She almost didn't notice that the Oni was offering Yumiko her share of the reward. To which she quickly recovered from her daze.*\n\n\"Ah, thanks! It was no big deal. I hope you succeed in your ventures, I'd really like to see your frozen treats commonplace someday **Mister Ever**.\"\n\n*Yumiko smile was genuine as she took the five gold into her hands and slipped it into her bag. The equipment was... Useless to her, unfortunately. She wasn't a Salvain Knight, she was an Oriate swordswoman.*\n\n*At the mention of the mercenaries, her ears perked up in interest.*\n\n\"Oh... You don't think they'll be executed do you? I think one boy didn't really know what he was doing, unlike the other three. They seemed to be experienced mercenaries in contrast. He should be given a little more leniency at least.\"\n\n*Well, it wasn't like she cared for Macen lives. She just figured that the humans should show a little compassion and understanding in the matter. Nope, she didn't care.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "The building was relatively simple, nothing that could be called exceptionally grand, but it had tall, stone walls with four stone towers in the corner. It had a water-filled moat, and is partitioned from the rest of the town. It was the tallest building in the entire town, and had a commanding position that seems to show the Lord's authority. Multiple flags fluttered in the air.\n\n\"Of course! I have many, many colleagues that've been wandering around the world, spreading their treats and even teaching their secrets - I've had multiple lords try to buy me into making it their exclusive property. In fact. Let me treat you to something.\"\n\nHe opened one of the canvas-covered box and took out three pots. All pots were made out of clay and sealed.\n\n\"Extra tips for you. This one is a pot of iced cream, made with creamy buffalo milk and flavoured traditionally, the other one is flavoured with strawberry. And this one is magically preserved sliced salmon fillet - You don't see them around here a lot - they should be served on rice with soy sauce and sea weed.\"\n\nHe handed her some of the ingredients for what we would know in modern day as sushi. The ice cream were made in a way similar to Kulfi from the indian continent. The pots had a volume of roughly 1 litre, and keeps their contents temperature stable, much like a more powerful, fantasy version of thermal bottles - Once she opened it she would realize that it was 80% salmon, with ice that have never melted in it. All food were of high quality.\n\nThe Captain came after ten minutes, and indirectly answered their question.\n\n\"The four will be handled by our lord and he thank you for bringing them to justice, they'll be sentenced to the mines, and as gratitude he has ordered me to grant you two bounty money in his name, totaling fifteen gold coins, split evenly between you two.\"\n\nThe usagimimi would be handed seven full gold coin and a half-gold coin for her troubles. Shiny and polished." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"W-Woah...\" *Yumiko stared down at the gifts presented to her with disbelief. These were high quality treats— all of them! The look of the fish reminded her of the ones made at home. Oriates in her lands often ate fish in a similar manner, though they utilized magic to make it edible.*\n\n\"Thanks! I.. I guess. I didn't think I would be able to taste something like this so soon, let alone have it for free.\"\n\n*She looked up towards the Oni and nervously chuckled, unsure of what to say to express her feelings at the moment. It was mixed between shame, shock, happiness— Yumiko eventually began having second thoughts before remembering the words from her past. Her Uncle Han always told her graciously accept gifts given. It would be disrespectful to reject them.*\n\n*Right! It would be rude to reject the gift!*\n\n*Yumiko gratefully took the jugs, smiling ear to ear— though that phrase probably didn't work for an Oriate.*\n\n*The money was good, but the good-natured gesture of the demon warmed her heart. She took the remaining gold and stuffed it within her coin purse. The jugs were probably going to be a pain to carry. Yumiko probably needed horse to carry it all back to new Salvania.*\n\n\"I suppose I'll be seeing you around then. If you need anymore escorting I'll be happy to guard you again.\" *She offered as such with an embarrassed look on her face. Yumiko collected the jugs into her backpack and went off to try and find a horse to buy.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The demon smiled and tilted his head slightly as the girl smiled at his gifts.*\n\n\"No problem, generosity is part of my tribe's tradition.\" *And indeed it was, for many tribes amongst the beastkins operated on a gift economy system. Although the Oni is now a part of high society, he never forgot his own tribal roots. The girl looked quite happy about her reward - And that is to be expected, given how much the money amounted to.*\n\n\"Indeed, I will be in the castle preparing a feast. If I need another escort, I will be sure to ask to hire you again too. Good bye.\"\n\n*The Oni waved at her and let her go, turning around to watch the happy rabbit prancing away from him. He can't help but be reminded of the name of the inn they met in.*\n\n\"Interesting.\" *The Oni murmured to himself before he disappeared into the castle.*" } ]

[ { "author": "ward", "message": "*Trot... Trot... Trot...\n\nThe sound of Yumiko's new equine friend trotting forwards served as a sort of pleasant white sound for her. She found herself deep in thought; good performance seemed to help yield better rewards in the form of 'tips'. It was a new concept to her. A reward for good service, not just for plainly achieving the objective. Perhaps her kindness to the Oni also did her a few favours. It would do her good to act a little nicer to her clients from now on.\n\nMaybe act a little nicer in general?\n\nShe scoffed a little at the thought. Despite how she acted previously, she still was a rather bitter person on the inside. Sweet smiles weren't for her. Yumiko still hated a majority of the population in this Empire, regardless of how well they treated her.\n\nIndeed. Humans were the pinnacle of scum. She'd sooner surrender to the raving barbarian beastmen.*\n\n\"Haaah...\"\n\n*The elongated ears of the rabbit drooped downwards along with her gaze. Her lips formed into a slight frown as the thoughts settled back and pulled her back to reality. She still had a mission to do; she'd make the Macen pay for what they had done. To do that she needed power. The guild was just a stepping stone to gain more experience, more prestige, more money— she needed everything she could to make herself stronger.*\n\n*Yumiko looked up to see the guildhall approaching her field of view. She still needed a place to sleep of course. A city this big is bound to have many inns to take residence in. Although there was a far more pressing concern that came up lately—*\n\n\"I need friends.\" *She murmured.\n\nNot actual friends of course. Another co-worker. The last battle was in made it apparently that she herself, while a skilled fighter, was going to have a tough time taking on multiple enemies without expending much of her mana. The fight did also teach her that she worked quite well in a group. \n\nAfter a minute, she finally arrived to her destination. She slid down her steed and secured it outside, making sure to give any bystanders threatening glares as she did. Yumiko was only going in for a brief moment, though if she found anything stolen, someone was going to have their fingers sliced off.\n\nYumiko entered the guildhall, eager to pursue her next venture...*\n\n``` THINGS IN THE CITY ```\n\n*Yumiko exited the guild with a frown on her face. She hadn't expected the quest to be this challenging. The last time she fought against multiple people they were skilled and well-equipped warriors— thankfully the peasants weren't that.*\n\n*She approached her steed and hopped right onto it, moving at a compartively slow pace so Lilium could keep up with her without exhausting herself.*\n\n\"First order of business... I think we should probably store our money in the bank? To prepare for the possibility of it being stolen I mean. We should probably bring just enough to cover our basic expenses.\" *Yumiko explained, glancing over towards her elven companion.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium quickened her pace, catching up to Yumiko as she hopped onto her steed. Thankfully, Yumiko was still moving at a manageable pace and High Elves generally have higher speed than other races. \n\n\" I agree.. \" She replied upon hearing Yumiko's suggestion to store the money in the bank.\n\n\" We'll head to the bank first and bring only the necessities.. Are we going to buy shields as per suggested? Or does the barrier ability he mentioned before compensate for that? \" She asked, concerned on the projectile magics that the Paladin could fire alongside the Archers amongst the ruffians." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"...In case it runs out, I think investing in a shield would be wise for both me and you. I know how to use them, even if I don't use them enough.\" *Yumiko responded.*\n\n\"What about you? What sort of abilities do you bring to the table?\"" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" ..Understood, then let's buy the shields first before heading to the bank. \" She'd suggest. \n\n\" Ah, like I said before, I'm a Mage. I am able to use Fire, Electricity and Wind to a certain extent. I'm also able to heal and purify water if we require any drinking water on the voyage. I am also able to summon a familiar of sorts to help me cast magic.. So I technically can dual cast but my Mana won't last if I do so..\" She listed her abilities, briefly describing it.\n\n\" ..What about you? \" She asked in response, seeing that she has yet to hear of what Yumiko could do besides barrier-making." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"I can make myself stronger and faster, though that steadily drains my mana. I can also use electricity to an extent, alongside healing magic.\" *Yumiko said, listing out each and every one of her abilities.*\n\n*She continued to observe the elf, making occasional glances in her direction to scruntinize her further. A magic specialist... Like someone from the Academia then? Yumiko's village had warcasters that were both capable in the physical and magical sense. Opponents wouldn't just let you stay and cast your magic after all.*\n\n\"In terms of a team, I suppose I can switch between the roles of support and being a front-liner. My abilities don't deeply specialize in one or the other though, which was perhaps a folly of mine.\" \n\n*After the explanation, Yumiko directed herself towards a blacksmith to perhaps purchase a pair of shields for use.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "She simply nodded in acknowledgement. \n\n\" ..I'm mostly a back-liner. I'll naturally support you and aid you. \" She smiled. She then followed Yumiko to the blacksmith, looking at the variety of weapons they offered. \n\nShe then looked around the shop, attempting to find the shields they needed. She soon found the shields they needed. They roughly came in two different sizes, small and large. \n\nShe looked to Yumiko. Seeing that she was an Oriate, she probably focused on speed instead of brute strength. A large shield will simply hinder her agility in combat. And for Lilium herself, a large shield is indeed troublesome to carry around but it is worth it. She can simply hide behind her shield as she chants her incantations or focuses to cast a spell. \n\n*A small shield should suffice for her.. As for me, a large one.* She thought. \n\nShe'd take one small shield and a large one, walking towards the counter.\n\n\" ..How much do these cost? \" She asked politely. \n\n`The blacksmith would look up at Lilium and replied short with a gruff voice, \" 40 Silver total. \"`\n\nLilium simply nodded, untying the string that wrapped her pouch, opening it. She took out the tickets first which was placed on top of all the coins. Then, she dug out a total of 40 Silver and gave it to the man, paying for Yumiko's shield too. \n\n`\" Thank you for your patronage! \" The man simply thanked the girl rather loudly before going back to his smith work.` \n\nLilium would wrap up her pouch quickly, tying the string as she took the two shields, handing the small one to Yumiko. \n\n\" Here you go. \" She smiled as she passed Yumiko the shield. \n\nLilium was now holding a stave, a map and a shield in her hands—. It was rather troublesome to hold but she'll have to deal with it." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko examined the weapons and armours put on sale with an inquisitive eye. As a warrior herself, she should at least know the advantages and disadvantages of each item. She almost died a little seeing the price of plate— thousand moons, those suits of metal were expensive.*\n\n*As Lilium bought the shields, Yumiko immediately reached out a hand in alarm—*\n\n\"Hey, you don't have to...\" *Though it was too late, she already bought the shields. Well she tried to stop her. The fact that she spent her money buying it must mean that she had gold to spare no?*\n\n*Right! She didn't have to feel guilty. It was a senior's duty to spoil the junior right?*\n\n\"Thanks.\" *Yumiko simply said, taking the shield gratefully. She looked over and was slightly concerned when she saw how over encumbered the elven girl was.*\n\n\"If you'd like, we can rest the shield on horseback until we actually get there. It's the least I could do for you, since you paid for my shield and all.\"" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium wasn't particularly rolling in dough, but the shield was an investment of sorts. She wasn't intending to gain favour by doing so, but she did hope a little that Yumiko will now see her as a proper ally of sorts. Buying her the small shield was merely done on a whim. \n\n\" Ah, really? That would help a lot.. I'll take you up on that offer.. I appreciate it! Thank you! \" She smiled fondly upon hearing Yumiko's offer. She then passed her shield to Yumiko.\n\n\" Let's quickly make our way to the bank now then. \" She continued." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko nodded, having the shield strapped onto the draft horse. For her own, she strapped it against her arm to get a feel for the small shield. Moving it about and such— it's been a while since she actually used one of these.*\n\n*Their trip to the bank was short and sweet. After some legal procedures, Yumiko had all but a single gold piece stored within the bank. She'd wait for Lilium to do the same too.*\n\n*Afterwards, Yumiko would put her horse under the care of one of the stables in the city. The shield would have to be carried on foot from then on, though she obliged to help lug it around to make it less tedious for Lilium.*\n\n*Soon they would reach the docks, where their quest would actually begin.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium did the same, storing nearly all her assets into the bank. Lilium hastily took back the large shield so as to not trouble Yumiko.. But since both hands were full and she didn't want to crumple the map, she passed the map back to Yumiko. She followed Yumiko, dragging the large shield, soon reaching the docks. \n\n\" ..Finally. \" She huffed. The quest hasn't even started but Lilium had already felt tired, perhaps from carrying such a big shield. But it was for her safety too, after all." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko noticed how tired Lilium look and tried to muster up a few words of apology.*\n\n\"Sorry it took so long. The voyage should take a day *Unfortunately* So you should have some time to rest before we arrive.\"\n\n*Yumiko sighed. She hated ships. In fact, she had purposefully been dragging the whole process of shopping just because she didn't want to go on the voyage.*\n\n*She attempted to find the correct ship that was to set sail soon.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The ship was listed as \"The Fair Maiden\" On the ticket. Although ship could be quite scary and induce seasickness, it was by far the safest and fastest way to travel to town - going by land could require 3 - 7 precious, and expensive days.*\n\n*Unfortunately there were numerous caravels and carracks in the dock, and none of them had a holographic sign above them projecting its name above. Perhaps one could ask the dockmaster? \n\nThere is a man giving order to everyone, with slightly better quality clothes on one of the pier. He seems to be writing down something on a piece of paper. Perhaps he is the right person to talk to. He seems to be watching workers loading a shipment of rice onto a carrack, destined for some foreign land.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium would untie her pouch which had only 1 Gold Coin and the two tickets in it now. She'd take the two tickets out from the pouch before tying it again.\n\nShe'd look around, seeing that there were no signs to show them which ship was the correct one to board. She'd approach one of the dockmasters, \" E-erm, hello... May I know which ship is.. `The Fair Maiden`..? \" \n\nShe asked rather shyly, showing the dockmaster the two tickets. It appears that Lilium doesn't deal well with strangers." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko stood behind Lilium with crossed arms, keeping relatively silent as her elven comrade took the initiative in the situation.*\n\n\"We're agents of the New Sunlight.\" *She added,* \"They asked us to resolve an issue.\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The dockmaster turned toward the two distinctive person that appeared before him. He looked a bit gruff and seems to be a Macen in his middle-age, roughly thirties or so. He blinked at a few time at the two, dazed briefly by their beauty. Seeing beautiful women at the dock was a rare rarity, and his eyes seems to be savouring the feast.\n\nA few seconds later he seems to have returned to normality from oogling at the two, possibly unknowingly triggering Yumiko's Macen-hate again.*\n\n\"Ah... New Sunlight...\" *He scratched his head,*\"Yes, that bounty hunter guild. You are looking for The Fair Maiden right? It set sails two or four hours later, depending on the wind. Captain William Hemworth captain the ship. It is that small caravel over there. Can't miss it, it's got a wolf-girl figurehead on it.\"\n\n*He pointed at a caravel that looked like it could carry thirty men or so. Like the carrack in front of the dockmaster it was being loaded with cargoes, though the boxes seems to be smaller. Perhaps something more valuable? It has a well-made figurehead of a gorgeous looking, almost lifelike Okamimi on the head. Probably a magical product, as it would be expensive to make a statue like that without magic.*\n\n*A funny-looking moustached man wearing a deformed brimmed hat is sitting on one of the barrel barking orders at the dock workers near the carave.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium looked towards the direction he pointed at, staring in awe at the Okamimi figurehead on the head. It was rather intruiging for Lilium. The figure seemed as if it was `alive` to a certain extent. She'd soon snap out of her daze as she llooked back to the man. \n\n\" A-ah, thank you! \" She appeared oblivious to the fact that the dockmaster was in fact ogling at them. She'd dip her head formally, thanking the man once more before walking towards the small caravel. \n\n*It'll set sail in two or four hours huh.. This'll be a long voyage..* \n\nUpon walking closer to the small caravel, she'd notice the funny-looking moustached man who was wearing a deformed brimmed hat giving orders as he sat on one of the barrels. Judging from how he was barking orders.. Lilium deduced that he was Captain William Hemworth. She'd approach the man.\n\n\" I p-presume you're Captain William Hemworth..? \" She stuttered, asking." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The Captain stood up and turned toward Lilium. Like the dockmaster he was stunned by the beauty of the two passengers to be. But he didn't spend as much time ogling.*\n\n\"Yes, I am Captain William Hemworth, are you a passenger onboard the ship? I've sold a few tickets for this journey, and three of them have boarded my ship already.\"" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" A-ah. Yes. We're agents of the New Sunlight. H-here's our ticket! \" She replied before nervously presenting the two tickets for `The Fair Maiden.` \n\n\" Are we allowed to board now..? \" She asked, meekly." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Normally, someone staring at her in such a way would only cause discomfort and slight irritation. But the prospect of a filthy Macen even thinking such thoughts about her...\n\nIt was worse than disgust.\n\nNot since the massacre of her village did she feel the urge to cut down a Macen so badly. The lecherous gaze of the man almost had her shaking with rage. It was only due to the grace of her calming aura did she manage to keep her emotions in check.*\n\n\"You trash.\" *Yumiko growled, waiting till Lilium left the premises before she spoke out her thoughts.*\n\n*She reached out and summoned Hasimoto into her hand, hand hovering dangerously close to the blade as she glared at him with murderous intent.*\n\n\"Listen to an elder's advice; keep your eyes to yourself, lest you lose them.\"\n\n*The fact that Oriates and Elves having deceiving looks was quite known after all. While she was younger than him, it would be pretty hard to tell. Hopefully a reminder of one of his Empire's principles would keep the man's eyes off of them— if not, her blade would serve just as well. \n\nYumiko strapped her sword to her belt alongside her other blades, storming off to join Lilium.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "**Next to the Fair Maiden**\n*The Captain took the tickets and examined them. They were authentically stamped and signed with his own signature, so he could be sure it is a real one. Signed by the dockmaster as a guaranteer and some clerk of the local town hall too.*\n\n\"Yes, you are allowed to board now. I presume- What the fuck?\"\n\n*The Captain's sight fell upon a highly intriguing scene behind him. It seems the girl's companion stayed behind to talk with the dockmaster... And then... Drew her sword, and then sheathed it. Shortly after she ran toward him, and then the dockmaster fell onto the seas.*\n\n**Where the dockmaster was.**\n\n*The dockmaster blinked nervously as the lady drew sword on him. Killing him would be illegal, but that doesn't mean he doesn't fear for his life right now. Panicking, he screamed.*\n\n\"That's illegal, he-\" *As he retreated backward instinctively, he tripped over the edge of the pier and fell into the water head first. A dock worker laughed at the miserable dockmaster, before he offered his hand to help the struggling man. Looks like someone's cargo list is taking a dip in saltwater because of this. Thanks to Yumiko's action, the city's GDP is probably reduced by some miniscule nanopercent.*\n\n**Back at the Maiden**\n\n*The Captain straightened himself and saluted Yumiko awkwardly, and then started machine-gunning his words out,*\"Yes Hello Missus, are you here for the ship too? The cabin's below the deck, you two will be sleeping on a special guest room at the back with four beds - don't worry, the other two passengers are both females. Welcome onboard the Fair Maiden and I wish you a safe and fast journey.\"\n\n*Wow, he could probably get a job at a modern airline or something.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium would look back at Yumiko upon hearing the Captain uttering crude words. She turned back, only to see the dockmaster dropping in the sea. \n\n\" Ah.. The weather is hot after all.. \" She mumbled, somehow convincing herself that the dockmaster willingly went into the seas to cool. \n\nShe then turned around to look back at The Captain, \" Ah. Of course, I don't mind. \" She smiled. \n\n\" Shall we head up, Yumiko? \" She looked towards her companion which had now reached to her side as she asked." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko gave a assuring nod. In her awful mood, that was probably the most polite thing she could do right now. She didn't want to offend the captain of her own vessel after all. Spending an entire day on water...*\n\n*Ah.. This was going to be a bad day wasn't it?*\n\n\"Yes.\" *She answered Lilium, taking a brief moment to stare inquisitively at the Okamimi flag. Yumiko wasn't sure if that was racist or not— then again, she herself was a racist, so it would be rather hypocritical of her to call them out for it.*\n\n*Yumiko chalked it up to the design being aesthetically pleasant. She made her way onto the ship, immediately going to her cabin below deck. She was not going to enjoy this.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium would notice Yumiko being in a rather unpleasant mood, not knowing the reason why. \n\n*..She was fine a few moments ago though.. What happened..?* She thought to herself as she followed Yumiko up the ship. Lilium would head to the cabin below deck as well, heading towards the guest room stationed at the back. She'd open the door to it, noticing the prementioned four beds." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*Once she boarded the ship, which smelled faintly of spices and onions, they would notice that the cargo hold was remarkably devoid of fresh water, with only multiple strange-looking, almost standard 30 litres undersized barrel stocked all over. And they are empty, except for six of them, which was filled with pristine water.\n\nThen the cabin's door was opened and they were greeted with the sight of two person on four somewhat decently-made bed. Actual bed, not hammocks. In fact, whomever made this special guest room was nice enough to make some sort of crude, hinged railings on the side of the four beds in the room, to prevent its occupants from being swung onto the deck. The beds were laid together by tightly with a small area for baggae, plus a cramped \"Table\" In the middle that were shared by all four beds. The bedding were made out of cheap linen and pillows.\n\nProbably better than sleeping in the wild.\n\nOne of the person in the dorm was a gorgeous, curvaceous nine-tailed kitsune, in some sort of traditional shrine maiden costume, and thar she laid, on the bed, sprawled out on all four, snoring loudly. The other passenger was an Okamimi, literally buried into the neck of the kitsune and grabbing onto her tightly. She is also in a shrine maiden costume and her tail were poking out the wrong direction ungracefully from her dress. Both were gorgeous looking women, however.\n\nLilium could probably see that the two were very, very powerful mage, with their raw power just leaking out enough for her to see with elven magical vision.*" }, { "author": "xyvix", "message": "An Okamimi figurehead.\n\n\"Oh! It's been a while since I've seen one of those, truly.\"\n\nThe melodious voice would ring over the pier that led to where the _Fair Maiden_ was moored for final calls, directed at the poor dockmaster—who, unfortunately enough, was still likely recovering from his little _dip_ into the salty waters of the port. Were he to take a moment to look, he would find a strange individual, garbed in robes not far from the ones worn by a certain swordswoman who had... Ah, caused him to _stumble_ into a watery mishap some odd minutes ago. \n\nJin sauntered up to the dockmaster and gave him a light, reassuring pat on the back, complete with a smile that could disarm even the most guarded of hired men. \n\n\"A feisty group, for sure, no? Make sure to dry off—\" He'd chuckle airily, before flowing smoothly past the stunned worker and stepping his way right up to the captain of the ship, who had likely just gotten through pointing the two ladies who had boarded before him to their quarters.\n\n\"Pardon the intrusion, captain! Apologies for my sudden arrival.\" Jin would bow his head slightly, the remarkably tall Kitsune (in disguise, of course!) shooting the captain a bright, welcoming smile. \"I'm sure you weren't expecting another passenger, but I'm afraid there were some... Ah, _urgent_ matters to attend to.\"\n\nIt was at this point that the robed man would shift the little shadow clipped to his belt forward—revealing it to be the unmistakable helmet of a member of the Dragon Express.\n\n\"I'm fine with staying on deck for the journey—I trust that it won't be too much of a problem?\"\n\nJin spoke with the eloquence and the experience of both a hard-pressing merchant and a regal prince; truly, one who knew how to make things go his way.\n\nAt least, most of the time." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium laid her eyes on the two as the overpowering power of theirs leaked out of their body. She took a step back instinctively as her eyes widened in both awe and shock. The overpowering mana of theirs could be felt as well. It was immense in volume, it was the first time Lilium had laid eyes on two of such powerful mages. Even back in the Silnari Empire, where High Elves who were master mages roamed about, this was **Extremely** Rare.\n\n\" *T-two m-mages of such high calibre.. H-how is this even possible..?!* \" Mouth agape, she muttered, stuttering more than usual as she felt completely overwhelmed. \n\nShe gripped her stave firmly as her eyes didn't leave the two. \n\n*A Kitsune.. One with nine tails at that..! I've heard that the number of tails a Kitsune often represents the strength of the Kitsune.. And the maximum amount of tails they could have was nine.. So basically, she's one of the strongest Kitsune out there...* \n\nLilium knew of Kitsunes as well. From what she had studied, she knew of Kitsunes as a race that were masters in the arcane as well. High Elves and Kitsunes were often compared against each other as both races were full of mages. She had met Kitsunes in the past from her travels and ventures. Though, this was Lilium's first time laying eyes on a fully-tailed Kitsune. Most of the Kitsune she had met in the past were merely 1-4 tailed.\n\nLilium was too captivated by the powers and amount of tails they possess and failed to notice that they were asleep." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"Eh..?\"\n\n*Oriates? In this part of the world? In this part of the ship? Sleeping soundly, cuddling together? From the looks of it—*\n\n\"Nine tails...\" *Yumiko murmured, eyes widened and mouth slightly agape. She wasn't sure whether or not to make some sort of respectful gesture. Should she prostrate herself? Should she shower her with gifts? Thousand moons, she wasn't sure whether she should even stay in this room. It was very strange to see someone who she'd have considered a deity just a few months ago, though she learned since.*\n\n*Still, that didn't change the fact that the woman was most likely a mage of high calibre, and it seemed like her companion saw it that way as well. Yumiko's ears drooped down in a sort of submissive way as she backed off slightly, feeling inadequate in their presence.*\n\n\"S-Should we be staying with them? We didn't mistake this cabin with like... A localized temple or something right?\" *Yumiko said, looking over at Lilium.*\n\n*The shrine maiden dress brought with it fond and painful memories of her own matriarch. It was something she wore often herself, though her own dress was sadly lost to the flames when her village was invaded.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "As she heard Yumiko asking her a question, Lilium would snap out of her daze. \n\n\" R-right.. \" She mumbled before looking around the room. The room was decently furnished with reasonably made beds and crude railings on the side of each bed. It was made with consideration, but the beds weren't exactly of *High class*. In fact, the bedding were made out of cheap linen and pillows—. \n\n\" P-perhaps they're the ones in the wrong room..? I mean.. Powerful mages such as themselves surely won't be staying in such a... Otherwise, *Normal* Place.. \" She murmured." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*As the confident looking Jin approached him, the dock master would be busy patting himself dry to no avail, with his linen clothes soaked in sea water. In fact, as he was patted on the back he was planning to run away to strip and get a much needed change of clothes. And after that pat, he gave a lazy, hurried response* \n\n\"Ah Oui.\" *And then he faded away. Oui? That's definitely not the Silnari Standard, probably some regional language common in Salvainia.*\n\n*The worker walked over to another group of dock workers, who seems to be laughing at the expense of the salted dockmaster and chatted with eachother.*\n\n\"Ah. You are here for a journey too? I still have a few spare hammocks. Now if you were to sleep on the deck, that is going to be a slight issue - if you were thrown overboard I would feel responsible for your life and it would not do. Let's offer you a discount deal - 4 silver for the trip to Garlic Port, with three meals of bread, meat and 5 gallons of beer included. Fair enough?\"\n\n*The captain offered to the strange looking kitsune. For the services he provided the price was probably just right. Three day worth of journey for sure, but who is to say travel was chewap?*\n\n*In the meantime, the two absurdly powerful passengers in the cabin seemed to be paying zero heeds to the newest two intruder into their domain. They were still snuggling into eachother carelessly, accidentally exposing part of their body and snoring lightly. It was anything but graceful or deity like. An utter contrast with their actual power.\n\nPerhaps that is the freedom that come with being powerful, the ability to act like an unemployed bum while dressed in the finest clothes possible and being an archmage. Such is the goal many people should strive for in life.*\n\n*The two could probably just sit down and chat with eachother, and perhaps the newcomer too. It seems the ship is going to finish loading soon, as the Captain's voice could be heard from above.*\n\n\"Get that last bag of spices loaded! The wind's blowing out of the harbour, we set sail now! If you miss it you're rowing the ship out!\"" }, { "author": "xyvix", "message": "\"Oh?\" Jin would grin approvingly, a raised brow accompanying the confidence that played around the corners of his pale lips. \"Perfect.\" He'd nod slyly, hefting his pack onto a more comfortable position on his back. Taking a moment to reach into the depths of his robes, the captain would hear the ever-familiar clink of oh-so-valuable coins: then the strange courier would finally reach out towards him.\n\n\"Here, captain.\" Jin would nod respectfully, dropping the hefty handful into the other man's presumably expectant hand—\n\n... _Five_ silver.\n\n\"A token for your thoughtfulness.\" Would come the disguised kitsune's mysterious whisper, as he slinked silently past the captain and up onto the ship's main deck. An odd character, he was, but at least he paid well; just as he should, for he walked in his guild's name. \n\n\"I'll be on the deck, for the moment—do call if you need help with anything.\"\n\nThen he was gone." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"...I'm unsure. Most kitsunes I've known are very... Let us say 'carefree'. It's not a stretch to see them in a place like this.\" *Yumiko explained to Lilium. The whimsical nature of immortal vixens were not surprising to Yumiko in the least— it honestly just depended on how that whimsy was expressed.*\n\n\"Right, suddenly above deck seems appealing.\" *The kemonomimi muttered to herself.* \"I say we put our stuff down and leave them to their nap.\"\n\n*She strode over and began taking off various things, starting from her bag and working her way down to her armour. Her protections, while useful, weren't the best in keeping her comfortable.*\n\n*By now, she had stripped down to just her oriental dress and her sword belt. Yumiko kept the rest of her inventory shoved collectively into the corner of the room, where it would stay until she got back later.*\n\n*Yumiko made her way up onto the deck of the ship, trying her best to keep a serene state of mind above the sickening swaying waters.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" A-ah.. It seems like the ship will be departing soon.. \" She looked upwards, hearing the faint shouts of the Captain shouting of `setting sail now`. \n\n\" ..I suppose so.. \" Lilium heeded Yumiko's proposal as she headed into the cabin, putting down her large shield onto the floor such that it leaned on the bed she had chosen. She'd still carry around her stave. After all, it is used for spellcasting and if met by some unforeseen circumstances, she needs to be prepared.\n\nShe'd then look to Yumiko, \" Let's go up, shall we? \" She smiled as she proceeded back to the exit of the room." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The captain took the coin as a matter of fact. He doesn't seems to be very excited or grateful for this, it was just a matter of business for the him. He blinked when he counted and saw five silver.*\n\n\"Sir, this is-.\"\n\n*It seems it was a tips of some sort, and he wasn't going to complain about it.\n\nSoon afterward he jumped onto the ship as the last bit of cargo was loaded. Frantic shouting and orders started to overtake the deck, and the sailors unfurled the ship's lateen sails, and it started to move slowly out of the harbour.*" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Step.. Step.. Step..*\n\n*The sound of her boots clacking against wood resounded as the displeased Yumiko arrived up onto the deck of the ship. The salty smell of the sea had it's own merits. She could enjoy the ocean as it was. Her Aunt Sol described it as a beautiful expanse of many mysteries, with levels reaching far down...*\n\n*Perhaps they'd meet merfolk on the way? Yumiko had only seen a few on land.*\n\n*Yumiko looked over towards Lilium and gave her a small smile. Despite all the bad things about this voyage, at least she wouldn't be bored during the trip.*\n\n\"You come from Silnaria, the nation of the elves, I presume? I've heard of their unique beauty. Elven craftsmanship and architecture is known to be rather elegant—\" *She gestured over to Lilium's staff.* \"And your magicians are some of the best in the world. What was it like growing up there?\"" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "As the ship departed, the ship would begin to sway slightly. Lilium didn't mind the mild swaying of the ship, it wasn't the first time Lilium was travelling via ship. She followed Yumiko up, maintaining her balance perfectly. \n\nHearing her inquiry she begin to reply, \" Indeed.. Life there was.. \" She trailed off. `Torturous? Agonizing? Insufferable?` \n\nLilium could only think of the negative side of the Elven Kingdom. Since young, Lilium was bullied by the other Elven children, mainly due to her lilac coloured hair which had caused her great sorrow. Due to her purple coloured hair, they had suspected Lilium's mother for cheating on her father. Her parents both possessed pure white hair and having a child with a completely different coloured hair was simply.. Abnormal. She still loved her Kingdom, as any other Elf would but.. Her life there wasn't as enjoyable as the rest of the Elves.\n\n*Daughter of a slut! Your mother cheated on your father, what a whore!* \n\nLilium would remember what the other children used to say as they threw pebbles and stones at her.. As she bled and wept but no one cared. \n\n\" ..The education there was superb. \" She continued. \n\n\" Wise magicians and profound professors.. Extremely knowledgeable about the world and naturally, magic. \" She forced a smile. She spoke nothing but the truth and omitted the bad parts of her race. \n\n*Despite being so wise... Why does the Slavery system still exist..?* \n\nShe questioned herself once more. She had this question many times while she was studying but every time she had thought of it, she simply shrugged it off." }, { "author": "xyvix", "message": "Jin would let out a soft _yawn_ as he stood near the the ship's fore, leaning on the barebones railing that prevented him from being launched into the ocean's ever-hungry waters. It felt like he had been on a ship just like this one only hours before...\n\nOh, wait. He _had_ been on a ship just hours before.\n\n\"Work's a cruel mistress, isn't it?\" The guised kitsune would sigh to himself, gazing longingly into the deep blue that surrounded their vessel. All for the pay—all for the pay. And he had _just_ casually dropped five silver too, tsk: it would be worth it for the _leverage_, anyway. \n\nTrying his best not to stand out _too_ much—a feat that wouldn't be too hard, thanks to his innate aptitude for just being... Ignored—Jin would hum along to an inaudible rhythm, listening in to the hushed bustle of conversation that rose above the gentle waves: silently resisting the terrible temptation to just splay his tails and feel the roaring winds glide through his fur. He would cradle his guild's helmet in the crook of his loosely robed arm: the red being of stark contrast to the sea's distinct emptiness." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko listened to the words of the girl attentively, keeping her eyes upon the horizon while the words came. Her ears twitched just the slightest bit— she wasn't sure what it was, but something from the girl's voice indicated an underlying story. She could be wrong however, and Lilium really did think that Silnaria was all those things. But from her stance against slavery, one couldn't help but wonder, especially when the entire nation was practicing it.*\n\n\"Sounds like a nice place.\" *She answered finally, deciding not to pry into whatever the girl was hiding. They had only known each other for a day, so it wasn't needed to learn about each other such a personal level yet.*\n\n*Wooosh... Wooosh...*\n\n*As the ship rocked against the waves, Yumiko couldn't help but feel a measure of fear. Fear that she'd be swallowed up in the seas by the waves. Fear that pirates would mount the deck and sink their ship. The water consuming her, stranding her—*\n\n*...But that was probably just her paranoia acting up. The pirates thing was likely, though they'd find an unpleasant surprise in the form of a powerful kitsune.*\n\n\"My.. My home.\" *Yumiko started, trying to distract herself from the silly thoughts.* \"It was a village. We were surrounded by a lot of natural woodland. Oriate architecture is just one of a kind as well... Most of our houses were made of wood. Only the Grand Shrine had the luxury of stone walls and foundations.\"\n\n\"We also had tutors and wise sages. The ones who taught me the most was my Uncle and Aunt, who raised me in the place of my real parents. They taught me about duty, honour, and discipline among other things.\"\n\n*These were memories of the past. Home.*\n\n\"It wasn't just majestic fairy tales though. We had some very bad parts too. Parts that I personally did not agree with.. Every settlement, land and nation, does.\" *She glanced over now at Lilium, giving her a small frown.*\n\n\"So uhm, it's fine if you don't have a high opinion of it, even if it's home. Contrary to belief, home can be bad too. Or, to most, it can be both good and bad. So you don't have to feel bad or anything if you have a problem with it.\"" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" ..I see. \" Lilium replied, slightly shocked upon hearing Yumiko's statement. It was as if the Oriate had seen through Lilium's facade. \n\n*..Home can be bad too, huh?*\n\nYumiko's words resounded in her head. Lilium truly detested the Slavery system which her home had. Perhaps it was due to her empathising to some extent with what they were going through—. Getting injured and screaming as the others close off their ears as soon as they hear you yelping for help.. Treated as a mere tool for others personal pleasure and delight.. The slaves had it much worse than Lilium, hence Lilium felt sympathy towards them and wished to free them. \n\nThe Silnari race in general isn't as bad though. Graceful, elegant, beautiful— these words were often used to describe the Silnari race and they did live up to their name. Most of them showed compassion, especially the species of Elves. The other Elves often show hatred when meeting a High Elf but somehow, Lilium had managed to befriend a few of them. And now, they were valuable friends. \n\nLilium smiled as she inched closer to Yumiko, looking out towards the sea.\n\n\" ..How pristine.. \" She'd make a short comment as she looked to the peaceful waters." }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "```yaml\nAs the boat calmly rocked along the seas, the waves lapped gently against the hull. However, there was a sudden dark silhouette that lurked beneath the waters visible to Lilium and Yumiko; the dark shadow growing notably bigger as it neared the surface.```" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium, enjoying the scenery would notice the dark silhouette from the corner of her eye. The first thing she thought of was—\n\n*A sea monster..?! The shadow is growing bigger.. Is it planning to attack the ship..?!* \n\nAlarmed, she quickly pointed her stave towards the looming shadow. The stave's tip would glow yellow with energy.. \n\n\" ..Show yourself! \" She demanded. If the creature below was indeed a species possessing intelligence, she hoped for it to reply instead of attacking the ship.. If the shadow came any closer to the ship, Lilium would have no choice but to kill it." }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "From beneath the surface, the sharp amethyst-purple eyes of the treton would tilt his head upwards upon hearing a muffled voice from the above. Beyond the blurry waters he could spot a yellow light glowing brighter. A mana source, along with the yelling—inevitably a sign of hostility. He'd gently puff breath through his nostrils, creating light bubbles that brushed past his face and along with the steady current.\n\n*Triton* Didn't intend to come towards the surface and was much more of a passer-by. However, curiosity did tend to get the better of him. Passing ships, unique characters on board. It was a pleasant exchange than being submerged underwater for eternity. *He'd appreciate a bit of fresh air once in a while.* The brute knew that disappearing from sight would defeat his initial goal and possibly stir a possible attack, hence he would rise to the surface.\n\nTriton's pale body rose first, along with the gliding of his ghostly-black tail that streamlined his body in a beautiful formation. Wrapped diagonally across his large torso was layers of kelp, supporting and strapping what seems to be a traditionally-crafted spear of wood and bones attached to his back, through it did brush against his sharp hackles. His dorsal fins gave a light wave as the currents were sliced from their sharp erectness. His fluke gave a light pat against the water surface as he displayed himself to Lilium. His black sclera contrasted against his glowing purple pupils in the form of cat slits, giving him an almost scary look if it weren't for the calm expression on his well-structured face. His appearance and body language enough should show that he meant no harm to the individuals on board. As the boat flowed steadily, so did he swim slowly to match with the pace." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "As Triton's pale body rose, Lilium, presuming that he was a human was shocked to see a Macen in the middle of the seas. It was till a few seconds later that she saw the ominous looking tail he possessed. She quickly analysed the man, judging his body posture and facial expressions. She'd heave a sigh of relief upon realising that the man meant no harm. \n\n\" ..Ah. A M'lysta? \" She questioned the man as she lowered her stave. The yellow energy on her stave slowly dissipated as well. \n\nLilium was rather knowledgeable about the world. She had studied about all the races back when she was under the tutor of the wise Elven professors. She knew of the existence of M'lysta, and in her roughly twenty years of travelling, she had seen a few, albeit rare. \n\n\" ..More specifically, a Treton, yes? \" She continued. She judged his race based on his visual appearance. The M'lysta race consisted of mainly two subspecies, the Treton who were also known as Merfolks and the Uzhi who were known as the slime people. The man clearl belonged to the former. Upon closer observation, she'd notice that the man was carrying around a rather crude spear. The spear clearly wasn't crafted by a professional— it's a surprise that it's still intact even after facing great water pressures at where presumably the Treton race normally dwells." }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "Triton would observe Lilium's look of surprise and watch as her face exhibited honest relief at his docile body language. The sturdy male would dip his head low as an apologetic gesture, keeping his expressions poker-faced and still. *\".. I apologize for my sudden appearance and for scaring you.\"* He'd speak, fluctuating a deep voice that holds a masculine charm in it. His tone was remarkably gentle as well, fit for a singer. \n\nAs Lilium continued, Triton would nod in response, flowing against the gentle currents to meet with the ship's steady pace. He had no difficulty swimming on the surface. \"Indeed.\" He spoke once more, confirming her theory." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" A-ah, it's fine. \" She started growing shy upon realising that she was talking to a sentient species. Lilium didn't do well with strangers, no matter their race. It'd be a lie to say that Lilium wasn't intimidated by the man's appearance. \n\nShe simply nodded in return upon hearing that her theory was correct. If she got it wrong, it'll be embarrassing. After all, she had spent roughly two decades studying about the world with well-educated professors and other Elves. \n\n\" S-so, what are you doing here..? \" She started again, stuttering a little as she asked the man. Her lilac eyes would meet his as she asked. She attempted to maintain eye contact as it is basic courtesy to do so." }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "The shyness and insecurity was practically radiating off the small elf. There were so many species Triton had heard and some he had personally encountered. The most common he had seen were macen. Every land in the Normal Dimension was vast and vague to him. He was more accustomed to the openness of The Arcane Seas where he had been born.\n\nDistancing from his thoughts, Triton would fix his purple optics back on Lilium. So far, he had observed that Lilium was a switch between fear and bravery. However, it was on different aspects—she was brave enough to challenge an unforeseeable trespasser, but frail when it comes to social interactions. He heard stories about Silnari, praised for their nimble figures and graceful presentation. They worshipped their own deities and Gods and are much different from the other races. \n\nSnapping back to reality, the Treton still kept a cool expression. *\"Passing by.\"* He'd respond, \"..Might I ask where you and your group are headed?\" His voice was brooding." } ]

[ { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko jumped in surprise at the arrival of the visitor. A M'lysta, going off the words of her companion. In her stories, they had many names. Merfolk, Sirens, Seamen— it occured to her that she never really discovered the actual name of their race. The presence of the exotic looking fish man had her blushing at his naked top.*\n\n*H-How indecent! Did all that seawater souse their brains and impair their thinking? It was common decency to interact with someone fully dressed. She wouldn't give any excuses, even to a sea-dwelling creature like him.*\n\n*Thankfully, her elven companion took the initiative in starting the conversation. It was strange to see Lilium dealing with this situation so well. Yumiko had figured someone as meek as her would've fainted at such a vulgar display. Perhaps this is the advantage older women had over her? Lilium was likely far more experienced than her in* ***Those*** *Areas...*\n\n*She had underestimated the elven lass' capabilities. Was she dealing with a master here!?*\n\n*Yumiko held two fingers up to her head, giving Lilium a silent salute before turning her attention down to the merfolk.*\n\n\"We're heading to a border province, just sixty miles east from where we sailed from.\" *She responded for her, finally inserting herself within conversation.* \"She and I are on a quest. Guild business.\"" }, { "author": "xyvix", "message": "_Yawn._\n\nWith most of the commotion on deck masked by the gentle sounds of rolling waves, Jin thought that it would probably be a good idea to go below and claim that extra hammock the captain was talking about—of course, he wasn't averse to just staying on deck, but he could only imagine what a headache it would be for the captain if he were to be thrown straight overboard.\n\n_Not that it was an experience he relished going through, anyway._\n\nTurning away from the ocean, lithe steps would quickly bring him to the hatch that led into the depths of the vessel: dark and relatively quiet, just how he preferred things to be. Seeking out a hammock close to the stairs that led to the even deeper passenger cabins, Jin would quickly settle into the comfortable, if a tiny bit wobbly space, setting down his pack beside him. Faint hints of spices and onions mingled with the salty sea air, making the boat smell like some sort of delectable ocean dish. \n\nHumming to himself, the sprightly kitsune would look left, then right—a wave of his palm and a gentle glow revealing the ears and eight tails that he finally had a chance to stretch.\n\n\"_Gods_, finally...\" He'd sigh to himself, bringing his draconic helmet to his lap as he sat on his hammock: rubbing away the dirt from its red hues with a little cloth." }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "Triton's striking purple gaze would flicker over to Yumiko, focusing his sharp eyes on the pink-haired woman. Judging from the way she poised herself and spoke—*A clear woman with a dignified heart.* As he managed to get a closer look, he'd notice two distinct ears upright on her hair—at first, he was clueless as to what race she was, until he recalled one of his mother's most famous stories about *Oriates.* She never briefly explained each of their sub-species, claiming that she never managed to observe their distinctive traits in person for she feared of their kind. \n\nAs the pink-haired lady explained their headings, he would become mildly interested in the term—*'Guild business'.* So far as his travels were endless in the Normal Dimension, Triton had heard of the diversity and snippets of information regarding *Guilds*. Organizations that provide quests in exchange for money. Triton had no reason to join a guild; he was able to hunt fish in the open seas and make his own home underwater, far from the dangers of the overworld.\n\nStill, though he had originally intended to travel elsewhere, he couldn't help but offer himself a chance at something new. Possibly something that could brighten his everyday—rather mundane sea life.\n\nAs such, after a few seconds of quietness, Triton spoke to Yumiko. *\"Would you all mind if I tag along?\"* His tone was polite and laced with a natural charm." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium would step in, interceding on Yumiko's behalf. \n\n\" I d-don't believe that you can come out of the water for a prolonged period of time..? I have heard that your kind requires twice the amount of water a normal Macen needs to sustain yourself.. \" She asked, once again showcasing her knowledge on his kind. \n\n\" A-also, the quest might endanger your life... \" She continued, warning him about the dangers of the quest they were embarking on.\n\n\" B-but if you find a way to deal with that and you don't mind travelling with us then I.. \" She trailed off as she looked to Yumiko for her opinion. Lilium clearly didn't mind the accompaniment of the Merfolk. In fact, she welcomed it. The larger the party, the easier the Paladin would be to take down." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko deliberated over the possibility.*\n\n\"I'm unfamiliar with the needs of your race, but if what my friend says here is true, you'll have to take care of that problem before even thinking of joining us.\" *She explained, casting her gaze off to the side to avoid staring at the sight of the half-naked fishman.*\n\n*An extra pair of hands would be certainly helpful. However the specifics of the quest laid out that the maximum amount of party members allowed to take this job was two people. It also imposed the limitation of the questgoers not being able to gain outside help— at least, from the combat standpoint.*\n\n\"The job request did state that we weren't allowed to bring a third member or accept outside help. But... I suppose if he just wants to tag along and not fight, it wouldn't be considered a violation right? It should be fine.\"\n\n*Quests weren't just about the success and the reward. It was proving one's worth and capabilities to the guild. Yumiko didn't want to lose the guild's trust so early by breaching one of the conditions of the job given.*\n\n\"O-Only if he wears a shirt though,\" *Yumiko quickly added.* \"He's making me uncomfortable.\"" }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "Triton didn't utter a word as Lilium stepped in to explain the circumstances of the quest. He was even surprised at how knowledgeable she was about his own kind—*His mother told him about how elves were known for their remarkable intelligence and brain power,* But was impressed himself. As she trailed off, looking over to her partner for assistance, Triton's gaze instinctively travelled to Yumiko who began to state her own opinion.\n\n*—He also observed how flustered Yumiko was and how she ended off her explanation with a flustered remark.* Triton was—indifferent to this. Majority of the races were fully-clothed, so he couldn't blame a conservative individual like Yumiko for being uncomfortable. \n\nWordlessly, he would suddenly change his movement and dive back down into the water, his silhouette distancing as he swam deeper into the calm ocean." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" ..He left..? \" She mumbled. \n\n*..I realise I never did study about their customs and traditions.. Perhaps wearing clothes was something that went against their customs— Well, now they'll never know.* \n\n\" ..Well, I suppose we should go back to the cabin.. I'll like to rest for a bit, seeing that this journey would take awhile. \" She suggested." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"He left.\" *Yumiko concluded, as if responding to Lilium's rhetorical question.*\n\n\"I'll be staying up here for a bit longer. Sleeping in the same room as quasi-deities is a little too much for my heart at the moment.\"" }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "```yaml\nAll of a sudden, the water would splash and a figure zipped up from the seas—\n```\n\nIn a very brief burst of light, Triton's lower-half where his tail met his hip would glow and conform quickly to that of a pair of strong legs. His torso had emit another glow as something coiled around him like soft linen. As gravity took place, the merfolk-turned-mecan would land onto the deck of the ship with a loud—**THUMP!**\n\nRunning his fingers through his slightly damp hair, Triton would glance to the others. His macen form removed him of all half-fish features aside from a few characteristic traits; his black sclera and amethyst-purple pupils were evident with skin as pale as snow. He would peer to the two, dipping his head as a small gesture of acknowledgement. *To Yumiko's relief*— Triton was dressed in simple attire; he wore a long-sleeved, collared cream-white medieval shirt along with simple, dark grey pants that had a few ripped ends along the side seam and bottom hem. He was also barefooted with bits of kelp sticking to his leg.\n\nHis hand gripped his spear which he had held onto while transforming. Attached to it was a small satchel. By the weight and how it was pulled down, probably something heavy was inside. There was another satchel attached to the spear, the pouch was damp and soggy—containing something very wet inside." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" Ah, I see. Then I'll see you later. \" She smiled, waving goodbye as she headed back down to the cabin. \n\nShe'd begin heading back to the cabin, only to hear a loud thumping sound as the deck shook ever so slightly. She'd immediately turn back, looking to the man. \n\n\" *..Twin Aspect..* \" She murmured under her breath, noticing that the Treton was now in Macen form. \n\n*..I suppose he really does want to tag along..* \n\n\" ..How do you plan on getting the amount of water you need then..? Do you perhaps have a water tank of sorts..? \" She asked, mostly out of concern for the Merfolk." }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "Triton would look towards Lilium, shaking his head lightly. \"It won't be necessary.\" He'd assure her, gaze not holding the least bit of concern for his negative trait as a Treton. **\"I will not let my presence be a burden to you two.\"** He'd add on. Although he mostly preferred to roam in the seas, the abundance of water in The Normal Dimension was overflowing. There are bound to be puddles or streams nearby where he could feast on—and if ever so, he could detach from the group and return to the sea, rejuvenating himself. If not, then he could always use his very small supply of kelp in his small pouch attached with a string to his spear. Luckily, the area they were in contained fresh kelp he could use.\n\n*It was only out of sheer interest that he had chosen to trek along, seeing that the group wasn't entirely hostile.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" ..Well then.. I suppose it's fine.. \" She muttered. She didn't mind the presence of the Merfolk as long as he had his own ways of dealing with his needs. She then turned back, looking towards the Captain of the ship. \n\nShe'd approach the man in small strides, \" How long more till we reach..? \" \n\nLilium asked out of pure curiosity. She felt that she had been on the ship for awhile now.. It shouldn't be long till they reach, right..?" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "The ship continued to sail steadily toward its destination. With all the chatting and good wind, the ship has been making steady progress. The coast is always in sight, only a mile or two away, it was safer from pirate this way, and easier to navigate.\n\nThe captain had just retrieved the chip log from the back of the ship.\n\n\"I reckon we are sailing at five knot, so we will arrive in ten hours. In the meantime, we will be serving breakfast.\"\n\nThe sounds of two women screaming something can be heard downstair, and sailors seems to be dipping the 10 litres barrel you have seen earlier into the water, and then bringing them downstair. They poured some of it out to make sure it is not full." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" ..I see. Thank you. \" She dipped her head formally, thanking the man before her ears perked up, hearing screams coming from downstairs. \n\n*..The sound of two women screaming..? But the only two women downstairs were.. No, it can't be.. After all, they're prestigious Archmages.. Right..?*\n\nShe'd look to Yumiko, \" ..P-perhaps we should check that out.. \"" }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "Triton would listen as the captain spoke, hearing the report of the status of the ship—*Until his ears perked at the sudden sound of women screaming from the deck below.* He'd blink, clueless as to the reason behind the screaming." }, { "author": "xyvix", "message": "From where he sat on his hammock by the stairs below deck, Jin's wolven ears would prick up: the sounds of dramatic screaming and shouting from even further down echoing along the waterlogged frame of the vessel. He would momentarily pause in cleaning his helmet, eight magnificent tails fanning lazily behind him as he cocked his head in thought. Did... Huh?\n\nWhat was going on down there? And why were they so _loud?_\n\n\"You'd think they'd remember that they're on a tiny boat...\" The loosely-robed courier would mumble to himself, soundlessly rising to his feet with helmet still in hand. Curiously, he would walk to the stairway and look further down — the screams were even louder, here.\n\nWere they coming from the _cabin?_ And — what was with that barrel those sailors were carrying?" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"Ah... Right! Let's go check it out!\" *Yumiko agreed with her sentiments, also suspicious as to what would be causing the distress of her fellow Oriates.*\n\n*With that, she sprung herself into action, breaking off into an agile sprint down below deck to see what the commotion was all about.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium immediately followed after, stave still in hand. She immediately rushed to the scene of action." }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "Watching as the two dove down to the scene, Triton would follow after, removing the 2 strings attached to the shaft of his wooden spear that held onto 2 small pouches—one contained a bag of soggy kelp and the other, his coins. He'd place them into his pocket before gripping his spear with his left hand, trailing down to the deck below to investigate the commotion." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "Once they went downstair, they would see the sailor from earlier carrying the barrel to the bunks and eating area in the rear. The screaming stopped, followed by some laughters. Those with sensitive ears can pick out that there were a mix of male and female voice. \n\nLilium could see that in the eating area, some sort of magic was being cast. It seems to be a minor spell or two.\n\nHmm. Just what is going on?\n\nThey could open the door to the eating area 15 feet away." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium stared right at the eating area, her Elven senses picking up that there was a spell being casted. The collection of laughters would reverberate the hallway. \n\n\" ..What on earth..? \" Lilium walked towards the door to the eating area where the laughter was originating from. She'd open it with her free hand, stave in the other. \n\nAs she looked into the eating area, she'd attempt to determine the spellcaster." }, { "author": "xyvix", "message": "Oh — the screaming stopped. \n\n\"Well,\" Jin would sigh, stepping away from the stairwell — _away_ from the other passengers that had come barreling down—and making his way back to his rather comfortable-looking hammock. \"Looks like it was nothing.\" He'd mumble to himself, the momentary tension that had built up in his lithe frame finally releasing to leave him, once more, in peace. \n\nFrom the sounds below, he suspected that food was about to come soon: oh well. He wasn't feeling that hungry, anyway—and he could always come to pick up a little something later. Maybe. Who knew?\n\nReveling in the silence that had once again descended upon his little space, he would resume taking care of his belongings: those didn't clean themselves, after all." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "The eating area was opened, and with it, the truth was revealed.\n\nSomeone's fucking drunk.\n\nIn the eating area was a pair of tables on the side of the ship, and chairs arranged next to them. It seems there was also a square table in middle of the room. In front of Lilium was the sight of...\n\nA wagging, big, scraggy wolf tail, and nine white fox tails, swaying in the air. The kitsune's hair looked a bit unkempt, and she recoiled backward in laughter, as she cocked her head back, Lilium could see a tint of red on her face.\n\nThe subject of her laughter was a sailor who seems to be dead drunk with his face planted on the floor.\n\nSoon, what they were screaming about became clear, as one of the sailor set down a barrel next to the Okamimi, and she started chanting.\n\n\"B-...Bur-...Bu... Bu *Hic* BURIFY WATEH!\" \n\nShe pointed her finger at the barrel and a powerful magical beam landed on it, turning the saltwater into drinkable freshwater.\n\nThe next moment, one of the sailor who seemed to be practically worshipping the Okamimi, scooped a smaller jug inside the barrel, and then the Okamimi worked her magic again.\n\n\"C... CREAA T EEE WINEEE!!!\" *And thus the water was turned into wine. Like some sort of drunken wolf jesus.*" }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "*—The smell of alcohol filled the air with a tangy, spicy smell.* It was a huge contrast to the freshwater air Triton was accustomed to. His poker-face alas changed to that of a slight frown at the behavior of seemingly powerful entities —The last beam of light was massive. Even Triton could feel power radiating off it. \n\nHe wasn't one to encounter crazily powerful individuals capable of performing spell-after-spell without exhausting themselves. But this was just—*Weird.*\n\nHe stood behind Yumiko and Lilium—just—**What the fuck.**" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium would stare at the scene, wide-eyed and mouth agape in shock. \n\n\" E-ESTEEMED MAGES! WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU—! \" Lilium snapped back to reality, shouting. She quickly rushed to the sailor who was dead drunk and laid on the floor. She'd pick him by the collar, dragging him to the side, leaning him against the wall. She'd take a mug and opened one of the barrels filled with sea water.\n\n\" *Purify Water.* \" She closed her eyes and dipped her hand into the barrel before quickly casting. \n\nWithin moments, the salt water would be purified as she used the mug to scoop some of the contents up. She rushed back to the drunken crewman's side as she offered him the water. \n\n\" H-here.. Drink up.. \"" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*I'm sorry..!\n\nYumiko thought, staring at the the scene with shock and embarrassment ridden all over her. Thousand moons, she couldn't bear to even be in the same room these people! They were supposed to be the goddesses, not drunk spellcasters!\n\nShe glanced over her other comrades, who were taking in the scene with the same level of shock she was.\n\nI'm sorry..! We're not all like this!\n\nIt wasn't uncommon to see her kitsune and okamimi brethren act so brazenly. After all, they were longer lived than their kemonomimi cousins, and were generally far more talented in the magical aspects. The mixture of longer lives and the fact that they were frequently worshipped by the people often bred indulgent, haughty, and more often than not— eccentric personalities.\n\nAh... This was so embarrassing. Using their mana on such trivial things.*\n\n\"What is going on in here!?\" *Yumiko finally said in an outburst of confusion, approaching the two Macen sailors with a disgusted glare.* \"You're supposed to be working the ship, not licking the feet of its passengers!\"" }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "In all of Triton's life—*He had never seen a scene so rowdy*—so foreign to him. He watched as the sailors drunkenly sway side-to-side against the tables and walls, though the main stars of this sinking scene was the two entities that drowned their souls with ton-after-ton of alcohol, yelling spell-after-spell, laughing and cheering after what presumably was thought to be a murder attempt.\n\nThe brute watched as Lilium began to snap and break out of her timid character, rushing and dragging a sailor to the side. What he had expect was a slap turned to be the girl trying to wake the poor, drunken character. He'd watch as she murmured something while dipping her hand into the obviously sea-salted water—*A purification spell?* Then it was the same as the one the drunken kitsune's spell—\n\nWhen Yumiko stepped forward, Triton watched her back as she interacted with the sailors, scolding them and berating them—in general, the whole situation was in utter chaos.\n\nExhaling a grunt, the man didn't know exactly what to do—he'd approach one of the drunken sailors who had wrapped their feet around the leg of another drunken sailor who had passed out on the ground, drooling with the smell of alcohol reeking from their sweating body. Blinking at them, Triton hoisted them up one-by-one and chunked them to the side of the cabin. When the conscious one began to grip onto his collar, slurring incomprehensible words, Triton did not fail to notice the smell of bile coming from his mouth—*He was going to vomit.* Instinctively, Triton slapped him across the face with his palm, blinking as the drunk finally passed out with bits of vomit coming out of his mouth.\n\n*\"..Hm.\"* Triton was.. Disgusted quite a bit, but hummed as he simply placed him down next to his supposed friend. He also took the opportunity to drink from one of the open barrels of saline water, quenching his thirst pleasantly." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\" E-ESTEEMED MAGES! WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU—! \" \n\n\"BURP.\" Was the defiant response of the Okamimi. The burp carried the metaphorical force of eight million gods behind it, echoing throughout the entire cabin. Then, she dropped onto the table with her arms crossed around her, like a tired student napping in class. Her tail wagged cutely in the air as she did so.\n\nBut the adventurers would probably have a hard time calling her cute at this moment.\n\nThe kitsune seems to be quite oblivious to what is going on. No one approached her, and she just leaned back on her chair - which surprisingly had a back to support her with. She too, let out a burp, but one that's much more subdued than her comrade-in-crime's.*\n\n\"Ahhh... That was good.\" She murmured to herself.\n\nThe sailor that Lilium grabbed drank the water sloppily. His eyes seems to be a bit dazed and his face was surprisingly, not red at all, despite how out of condition the sailor is.\n\nThe two sailors Yumiko approached was just conscious enough to respond,\"Ohh, the Captain told us to get the water to the two mages, he said she would turn them into water and small beer for us as payment for the journeeey..\" \n\nThe sailor explained. If one walked to the two barels of water that has been turned into wine, it was clear it wasn't small beer. In fact, it was highly concentrated wine. They could even count as spirit with 35% ABV. That might explain why the sailors were drunk.\n\nAnd it might also explain how the pair of drunken mage afford such beautiful, pristine shrine maiden clothing. It seems to be made of the finest silk - assuming anyone bothered to touch their clothes right now.\n\nAs the trio took in the scene, the door would've closed behind them silently. Then it opened with a violent slam. An angry man with deformed brimmed hat was in the doorway.\n\n\"WHAT THE FUCK.\" Is what said man, whose identity is probably known to all, exclaimed." }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "Triton was in the midst of carrying another drunken sailor to the side before the intermission of the captain who had barged into the dining hall. His amethyst-purple gaze would be fixed on him before he glanced to the others—*Looks like this wasn't the end of the chaos.*\n\nThe merman would place the sailor down alongside his *'fallen'* Companions before turning back." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko cast an apologetic look towards the man who just entered, letting loose a tired sigh at the entire scene. She was fairly unsure as to how to explain the situation, but she resolved herself to try her best.*\n\n\"Your esteemed guests seemed to have gone the extra mile to pay for the journey. I'm afraid you have a few barrels of intoxicating wine instead of 'small beer'.\" *She said, ears slightly drooped downwards to signify her general feelings towards this situation.*\n\n*The ability to transmute water into wine would honestly make for a good business now that she thought about it. New uses for magic were popping up everyday it seemed. From iced treats to alcoholic drinks.*\n\n*She approached the angry man put him within range of her aura of tranquility, hopefully the magic would pacify the worst of his anger.*\n\n\"It's... It's a confusing scene for us too.\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The captain looked around and started scolding the sailors one by one. This is troublesome, this journey had turned into an entire mess, and now a quarter of his crew is drunk. He hoped that no strong wind would come over, or his own vessel is doomed.*\n\n\"Just... Uh, go back to the deck and chat, I will handle this.\" *The captain looked as embarassed as the three were, if not more so. The aura seems to have worked.*" }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "Triton would watch the scene unfold with two eyes. *It was a first for him* To experience something so brash. His gaze would then travel towards the pink-haired Kemonomimi, fixing his gaze on her before peering towards a door—a silent head gesture that perhaps they should leave to the upper-deck as the captain said." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko looked at the two drunk Oriates one more time before leaving. Both Triton and the captain had the right idea, she did not want to linger in this place any longer. Coming down below deck was a mistake. She should've listened to her gut feeling from the start.*\n\n\"You're right.\" *She agreed with Triton's silent gesture.* \"I'll come down here when I really need to. Let's leave them to it.\"\n\n*She left the room once more, walking up the stairs. It seemed like she was just going back and forth. Not the mention the voyage was still going to take up around 10 hours till they arrived at their destination.*\n\n*Thousand moons. She was never taking a quest that required ships again.*" }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "Triton could almost sense the bad energy radiating off Yumiko's expression. In her eyes, Triton could see shame dancing in her hollow gaze. However, he didn't say anything as he followed behind her up the stairs to the upper-deck. When they had reached towards the main deck, he would speak up, \"Is this common with your kind?\" He'd question her." }, { "author": "xyvix", "message": "While all this commotion was going on, Jin opted to settle into his hammock—hidden in the darkness below deck. His helmet lay tied down securely on top of his pack, under his gently swaying form. Eight tails lay wrapped around him like some sort of makeshift cushion: it was comfortable enough, really.\n\nIt looked like he was rather drained from his earlier voyage.\n\nReaching into the depths of his cloak, he would be seen taking out a small, tightly-bound notebook: then he would begin to write, slowly and carefully under the pressure of the rocking waves." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"Yes— well, actually no— but it depends..!\"\n\n*Yumiko was quite unsure herself, but her own mistress had been similarly indulgent in her vices. She couldn't believe she was admitting this, but she honestly did not know much of her own people to make such judgement. Oriates were known to be quite uncommon, and the only ones she'd ever met were from her village.*\n\n\"I suppose it just depends on which one of 'my kind' you're talking about. The kitsunes are a wily and strange folk. I can't keep up with their wiles.\" *She said, holding up a hand to scratch behind her ear.* \"Maybe it's common for other long-lived, magically talented races too? I know I'd be bored, having to live a thousand years.\"" }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "Triton's gaze lingered on her for a little while. *It would've been awkward to find people getting the wrong impression of your kind.* Triton has met a few other merfolk in his travels, but most of their interactions were curt and short. There isn't an established civilization of merfolk where they gathered under a monarchy or democratic and had their own values, morals and rules.\n\n*\"..At least you're not like them.\"* That was all Triton could remark. He had his own views on Oriates, but had the proper understanding to know that not everyone of the same race is equal in character. He'd run his free hand through his long hair, the atmosphere having dried it up. He would've been thirsty if it weren't for that sample of saline water he took while picking up those who had KO'ed." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*'At least you're not like them.'*\n\n*W-What was this saline-filled fish think he was saying? Yumiko thought it was most likely a ploy to make her like him better. Perhaps these merfolk had some sort of sensor capabilities where they captured the essence of one's heart— that's what sirens did right? Dangerous. This man was particularly dangerous.*\n\n*Danger didn't usually make her blush though.*\n\n\"Well thats— I mean, thank you.\" *Yumiko simply responded with crossed arms, looking away from him. She wouldn't let herself be socially dominated by a humanoid fish.*\n\n\"Anyway. I'm going to join my friend in the eating area. To eat. I'm very hungry.\"\n\n*With robotic movements, she marched up towards Lilium and sought shelter within her comforting presence. An older woman like her would surely understand the threat Triton posed— perhaps Lilium had already set up wards against it?*\n\n\"Miss Lilium!\" *Yumiko called out, placing a hand on her shoulder as she arrived.* \"Let's sit together and eat. I don't feel comfortable around these strangers.\"" }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "The merman would watch as a cherry, tangy-like blush swarmed over Yumiko's face, turning her almost as pink, if not, more redder than her hair. As she marched off, declaring that she was dismissing herself, Triton let her be, merely watching with amusement as he headed towards the edge of the deck, peering out on the open sea with the waters lapping against the haul of the boat—the vehicle moving at a steady pace along the wide sea.\n\nNo matter where Triton was and no matter what the weather was—*The sea always called out to him.* He doesn't understand himself at times—he could be in the comforts of the ocean, free from travesties. But instead, he chose to tag along with two friends who were on a quest. Even so, he had a first taste of how.. *People* Can be.\n\nEnjoying the soft breeze, he'd simply perch sit down, arms stacked on the railing as he rested his chin on it. His spear was lain on his lap, his legs dangling off the deck as the boat gently swayed." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" ..Right. The eating area is still plagued with.. The smell of alcohol. If you don't mind, then we can eat there but if you'd prefer, we can ask them to set up a table of the sorts and bring our meal here. \" She'd suggest. \n\nIn all honesty, Lilium didn't like the smell of alcohol as well.\n\n`Drunken Silnari? No no, leave that to the crude Dark Elves or the brutes, Steppe Elves.`\n\nHer mother often told her children this whenever her father went out drinking with his friends. This probably had some sort of impact on Lilium's views on alcohol itself but if Yumiko did wish to dine in the eating area, Lilium wouldn't mind at all. It was not as if Lilium hadn't tasted alcohol or gulped down a barrel of wine before, but it was extremely rare for her to do so. And when sober, the scent of alcohol was simply too strong for her." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "The captain spent a lot of time under deck disciplining his crew and sorting out the shifts. Soon enough the quartermaster would be down to help too.\n\nOne hours later, the captain would finally pop up on the deck again, still looking very displeased. And it seems the sober sailors weren't too happy about the state of affair too, with a quarter of the crew drunk, that meant extra workload for the rest of them.\n\nThe captain finally spoke,\"The first meal is ready.\" His voice was a bit too quiet for everyone to hear, but thanksfully the sea were calm." }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "From the past hour in which he was gazing out onto the sea openly, Triton could feel his throat grow parched from the lack of water—he was about to actually fetch himself some, but heard the Captain's voice coincidentally. *Perfect.* Relieved, he'd grip onto his spear and get up from where he sat, headed towards the lower deck and travelling back to the dining room.\n\nAs he headed down, the air was much more fresher than before; the heavy smell of alcohol and wine had vanished, leaving a dining room that was aromatic with food—though with a bit of spiciness left from the alcohol residue possibly spilled on the absorbent deck floors. Triton was more accustomed and regularly ate fresh catches that were cooked over a humble flame, and this smell was similar to that. Possibly more elaborate.\n\nHe'd enter the dining hall." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium looked back, then looked to Yumiko. \n\n\" Mm.. Well, I suppose we're eating down there then. \" She chuckled as she went down behind Triton, heading towards the dining hall. \n\nThe dining room reeked of the smell of alcohol. Lilium simply exhaled a sigh as she took one of the empty seats for herself. \n\n\" ..I wonder what we're eating.. \" She mumbled under her breath. Hopefully, fish. I mean, it's a sea voyage after all! What else do we eat but fish!? \n\n*..Wait, can Merfolk eat fish..?* She looked up, staring right at Triton." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko followed her friend into the dining hall, eager to get her fill of food.*\n\n*She noticed her friend's discomfort, merely giving a sort of apologetic smile as the smell of alcohol continued to permeate throughout the air. Yumiko herself was used to it, as she served her lady many forms of alcoholic drink— once in a ritual, she even made alcohol herself using rice and her own spit.*\n\n*That wasn't to say that she liked the pungent odour. She was able to tolerate it at least.*\n\n\"Either fish or some food they brought along from land.\" *Yumiko answered Lilium.* \"I heard that ships usually carry around preserved foods because of how long it takes to sail from one place to another. I hope it isn't that.\"" }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "Triton would notice Lilium's gaze linger on him and turn to look at the elf. His gaze was still and expressionless, though he'd tilt his head gently to the side, a gesture to which if she had any enquiries or wanted to approach him. He was simply eager to get his fill of water and good grub—it would save him the trouble of hunting." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium simply shook her head, deciding to ask the question later. She then placed her stave down, leaning it on the table. Her table was stationed in upper right corner of the dining room. She'd then await for the dishes to be served. \n\n\" ..Likewise. \" She didn't have high expectations for the meals— she just wanted it to not be preserved food. She had tasted preserved food before and *God, were they salty.*" }, { "author": "xyvix", "message": "_Step, step, step._\n\nThe near-inaudible pattering of lithe footsteps would echo out faintly from the stairway hell, coming from—a once-more disguised Jin, flowing ears and tails hidden behind a light illusion as he, too, answered the call of oh-so-irresistible _food._ As he peered into the dining hall, he would find it already occupied: no matter. Making sure to stay a good distance away from the present party of three, he would settle before a waiting plate of food, his robes flowing gracefully down his arms.\n\n\"Ah.\" He'd hum gratefully, putting his palms together in thanks before slowly and carefully beginning to tuck into his food." }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "The Treton would notice Lilium shaking her head and hence, distanced himself form the group. He would take a small round table near the door leading from the lower deck. He rested his spear against the wall on the other side of the table. Upon taking a seat, the food was served by a fellow sailor who didn't look like any of those who were drunk.\n\nOnce the meal had been lain out before Triton, he took the fork lain on the table—*A trident-shaped utensil.* He had these utensils before; tossed overboard due to some mishap with the weather and hence, sunk to the bottom where it rested on the sea-bed. However, he.. *Didn't particularly know how to use them.*\n\nThe food was graciously pleasant and the aroma was better than the fish he cooked above an open flame which normally had no seasoning, no spices and very so often they tasted bland. Triton stayed humble in his seat, not touching the utensils but instead, ate with his right hand." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "Thanksfully for the group, it seems the food presented on the boat was mostly fresh, as the ship mostly took part in the coastal trade, only ships packed for long range voyage would have a large amount of preserved food, which the ship do have.\n\nThis meal's food wasn't luxurious or anything very special, but definitely quite filling. As the ship was small, there were no breads to be baked. If one had peeked inside, they would notice there's no open fire, but a strange looking magical device and stone that emits heat, which the crew seems to have used creatively as an oven and as a stove.\n\nThe food laid out on the table before them were a few large pot of rices, enough to feed the crew and passengers, large jugs and tankards of purified water and small beer - though there was none of the alcohol the Okamimi made earlier to be found. It seems the kitsune was thoughtful enough to actually provide water for the crew. The sides, unlike the rice, were already pre-portioned for everyone, as they were more expensive. Everyone had a thick slice of bacon, then a bowl of crude gravy. The seasoning were simple and made out of onion and garlic. On top of the heavy dishes, everyone had a portion of 50 grams of cheese assigned to them, along with slices of chickens, roughly 200 grams for everyone, served with simple sauce of spring onion and garlic.\n\nAll of them were properly seasoned and tastes decent." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*The meal laid out for her, while not luxurious, was still considered to be rather exquisite in her opinion. Rice brought with it a comfort, as it was a staple where she was from. Alongside all the pre-portioend side dishes it was shaping up to be quite a hearty meal which should sustain her for the remainder of the journey.*\n\n\"Thank you for the food.\" *Yumiko murmured, grabbing a spoon and starting to dig in at a quick pace. She was a fast eater— it was a habit she had been developing these past few months. She wouldn't be able to fight on an empty stomach after all, she had to make sure she had her fill.*\n\n*She ate in silence, only occasionally stopping to get a sip of water to cleanse her palate. From the twitching of her ears however, it seemed like the food provided was noticeably suitable for her tastes.*" }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "*What is.. This—yellow..* Continuously, Triton was impressed by the new things he was encountering in a single day. The flavors, though common for some people, were rather intensifying for him. He found himself enjoying the meal, though he didn't even know what 80% of the content was. The rice was delicious and the sauce that came with it made it even more delicious.\n\nThe thick slice of bacon was rather new to him. At first, he thought it was a mistake on the meal because of how lean it looked, but once he chewed on it, he realized that it tasted better than he had expected—*A new experience from tasting lean fish everyday.*\n\nThe cheese was puzzling to Triton—never had he seen so many holes in such a strangely-colored organic meal. At first, he wasn't fond of how creamy it felt on his palette, but the bitterness that rasped over the creaminess was exotic. Triton felt as if his mouth was dancing. All the saltiness from eating kelp and aquatic creatures were dominated by these new flavors.\n\nNot even realizing it himself, but Triton had a very eased look on his face throughout the meal." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" ..Eating chicken on sea..? \" She exhaled a long sigh. She wanted seafood! Fish! Prawns! Shellfish! Squid! Heck, Oysters! SCALLOPS! \n\nHer stomach would grumble as she think about the variety of seafood she so yearned for. \n\n\" A—.. \" Her red would flush a bright red as she heard her stomach grumble rather loudly. \n\n*How unmaidenlike...! I want to bury myself 12 feet under the sea..* \n\nShe'd shrug it off as she looked around her, hoping no one heard that. She'd then look to the meal.\n\n*..Well, although it doesn't have seafood.. It isn't that bad..* \n\nShe'd notice that there were large jugs of purified water around and no trace of the alcohol the Okimami made earlier. \n\n* Thank god they aren't serving the alcohol.. And.. This water was purified by the Kitsune..? I suppose that's her payment of sorts for getting onto the ship.. Perhaps I should do the same in the future.. Less travelling expense to worry about too.*\n\nShe'd begin to feast as she took a spoon, scooping up a few spoons of the rice onto an empty bowl. She'd then take the bowl of gravy assigned to her, pouring it onto her rice. She'd then put the slices of chicken on top of the gravy filled rice. She'd leave the cheese and bacon for later. She'd begin to dig in." }, { "author": "xyvix", "message": "\"_Mmm. This captain knows his cooks._\"\n\nThe delighted thought would stand out in Jin's mind as he tucked into the meal before him, peeking at all the viands that he had yet to savor. There was _cheese_, even—_cheese!_ This was heaven compared to the mountains of crusty bread that he had consumed on that _other_ boat, blegh. He was _glad_ that he had given the captain an extra silver at this point—to someone like him, who was constantly walking the land's most barren, uninhabited roads, a meal like this was a rarity.\n\nBetween bites, he would sneak little peeks at the other crewmembers and passengers that had come down to dine—especially at that little group of three a few tables away from where he was seated. That one girl: those flowing robes that weren't too far from his own.\n\n\"_I suppose I'm never really_ that _far from home, truly._\" He'd think amusedly to himself, his gaze bouncing between the trio, a couple crewmembers' faces, then back down at his plate and his food.\n\nIt was all rather cozy—a welcome feeling." }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "Soon, Triton was finished with his meal. Once he had doused the cup of water, he had personally asked for 3 extra cups—once he was fully hydrated, the merman dismissed himself, looking quite fond and thoughtful as he exited the lower deck and traversed up the stairs, proceeding back to the upper deck." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium would soon finish with her meal. She had finished every dish that was given to her and even had a second bowl of rice! \n\n\" ..Mm.. This inspires me to start cooking again.. \" She mumbled. The dishes served were of rather decent quality. Luxurious food such as cheese were a rare sight to see on a sea voyage. \n\n\" ..The gravy especially. \" She looked to the bowl of gravy she was given which was now, empty. \n\n\" ..I have to ask for the recipe..! It's a must! \" She exclaimed as she left the dining room, heading towards the kitchen as she looked for the chef." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko had finished quite a bit before the rest and was now merely waiting for her companions to finish. To pass the time, she meditated, letting the serene calmness of her state of mind take her away from the bad thoughts and happenings that occured on the ship earlier.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*Almost six hours later, another meal would be served. The weather is quite calm and it is middle of the spring, soon, the ship arrived at its destination and docked after an hour and a half or struggling against unfavourable wind. Now the passengers could dismount and get to their destination.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium would have a quick meal before heading back to the cabin. She took her large shield from the side of her bed. Shield and stave in hand, she started to get ready to depart from the ship. She'd head back up to the deck, waiting for Yumiko and her newfound ~~fish~~ Treton friend." }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "By the time they had docked, Treton had simply finished another glass of water and rejuvenated his kelp bag with saline water from one of the barrels unpurified. As he headed back out, he'd notice Lilium already present with all of her necessities. Standing next to her with his spear in hand, he would await the arrival of Yumiko." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko fully equipped herself before she departed from the ship; strapping her new shield to her arm and following Lilium up to the deck. The Kemonomimi produced the map given to her from her robes and rolled it open, seeing what awaited them.*\n\n\"We should be meeting a sheriff soon. Are you ready to do this?\" *She asked Lilium, flashing a nervous smile of her own.* \"This quest will keep us rather busy... Urgh, I still hate the fact that we're supposed to fight an entire group.\"" }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "As the both of them discussed and communed after the quest, Triton simply observed the interaction, recalling that this quest would require the mandatory participation of only the two of them. His intermission into the situation would prove naught to the situation. Thus, the merman would simply peer at the map as he towered over the two, looking at the details marked on it." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" Indeed... \" She exhaled a sigh before looking up to Yumiko, noticing that she was feeling rather nervous about the quest.\n\n\" ..You don't have to feel so nervous. \" She smiled as she hugged Yumiko, hopefully encouraging and bolstering her spirits somehow. \n\n\" It's just lopping off a few evil heads.. It'll be over in a jiffy. \" She huffed before pulling back from the hug. She flashed a smile once more, hopefully cheering the girl up. \n\n\" Now then, where were we supposed to meet the Sheriff? \"" }, { "author": "xyvix", "message": "Jin had gone up to the upper decks nice and early, waiting with all his belongings for the sweet, sweet sight of solid land. A playful smirk would play along the corners of his lips as the port came into sight—the view of their destination causing him to instinctively double-check that his eyes and ears were safely hidden away. \n\nAs soon as passengers were allowed to disembark, he hopped right off the Fair Maiden. He silently wished he had time to say farewell to the captain, but he knew full well that he couldn't let a single moment go to waste—it was time to go to work. With his oriental robes fluttering around his tall form and the distinctive red helmet hanging from the sash around his waist, the kitsune would slink into the sparse crowd that populated Garlic Port: seemingly vanishing without a trace.\n\n_To always deliver._" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"The local town hall. His name is *John Waystone.*\" *Yumiko explained, looking both uncomfortable and embarassed at her hug. She didn't try to resist her however. The gesture was rather warm and endearing.*\n\n*Yumiko started to make her way down to the docks, gesturing for her other friends to follow as she went off in search for the town hall. Hopefully, they'd be able to begin their quest around there.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium quickly found the captain and thanked him for his services. She then followed Yumiko down the docks, lugging her large shield and stave with her." }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "Treton would observe the two interact. Judging from the way they treated each other and looked at each other, it was an obvious *Close friendship.* It did make him feel a bit extra—after all, he was just a tagger. He had no part to play in their quest and simply followed purely out of interest. Yet, for an apparent reason, the sight warmed him just a bit on the inside.\n\n*'Mama!~ Mama!~ I got this for you! Do you like it?'*\n*'My dear boy. That looks lovely!'*\n\nWith the mental snap of a finger, Treton hurriedly pushed the sudden memory out of his mind's main focus. As he came back to reality, he would watch as Yumiko gestured to the two of them. He would observe that Lilium was holding a rather large shield with her stave. Pacing forward and walking alongside the elf, he held out his hand wordlessly as an offer to hold the shield for her." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" A-ah! T-thank you! \" She muttered as she handed the large shield over to the man. She was still obviously conscious of the man. Lilium still considered him a stranger and therefore was still rather meek around him. Under normal circumstances, she would never trouble strangers but the large shield was simply.. Too much of a burden to carry around, especially with frail arms such as hers. \n\nLilium dipped her head down, thanking the man once more before hurriedly catching up with Yumiko, flustered by the man's unexpected actions." }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "Triton would weld the shield, feeling the heavy metal with his rough fingers. *..Heavy.* He also never felt such a good-quality material before. However, having had physical training at a young age, he didn't have much difficulty holding the shield with one hand. The other gripping onto the shield, he'd stay near the group, but was cautious enough of his social status with them to keep a good distance." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "Inside the town they would find a rather large building with the sounds of what seems to be fighting coming from inside. It had an imposing, 3 meters tall iron gate and fences at the front, blocking entrance from unwanted personnel. Two guards stood smartly at attention, equipped with what seems to be standard issue almain rivet armour, common all over Salvainia, especially its richer part, which would include this town not far away from the capital.\n\nThe guard looked toward the newcomers,\"Hello, what business do you three have here?\"" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko stepped forwards to meet them.*\n\n\"We are agents of the New Sunlight guild and we have urgent business with Sheriff Waystone.\" *She answered, frowning slightly at the appearance of the familiar armour. It was no different than those mercenaries she just recently fought.*\n\n\"We'd like to meet him as soon as possible please.\" *Yumiko quickly added, hoping that the insistence would rush the process of this dreary checkup.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" ..Is there any problems..? \" Lilium asked, hearing that there were the sounds of conflict and fighting coming from the inside. Lilium attempted to peer into the town hall but to no avail." }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "Triton would stand behind the two, observing the interaction—and wasn't deaf to hear the sounds of conflict from inside. If needed, he would have to immediately pass the shield back to the elf. He'd take note of his surroundings, eyes wary and cautious in case there were any unexpected attacks—*This was new territory for the Treton,* Hence, he was rather cautious.\n\n—Looking over his shoulder, Triton was in ponder for a few moments. Eventually, he'd reach his hand forward to tap Yumiko and Lilium on the shoulder. *\"I'm going to depart.\"* He'd suddenly declare to them in a murmur. \"Best of luck on the quest.\" He'd note to them, dipping his head in thanks. He'd hold the shield out to Lillium gently, waiting for her to take back the shield." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"Sheriff Waystone, understood.\" *The guard turned around and opened the gate, letting the two inside.\n\nTo the sides were training yard not unlike New Sunlight's. What seems to be a captain with a plumed helmet and slightly more coverage on his set of armour is drilling a group of twenty recruits in how to use their weapons. The captain walked over to the newcomers.*\n\n\"Hail! I'm Sheriff Waystone, and a local Captain too, are you two the adventurers here to take care of our rogue deserters problem?\"" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" A-ah. Alright. S-see you in the future. \" She stuttered as she took back the heavy shield from the man. She strapped the large shield to her dominant and stronger right arm while she carried the stave with her left. She lightly dipped her head, bidding him farewell.\n\nShe then looked back to Sheriff Waystone. She took a step back, waiting for Yumiko to explain the situation and their quest details. Yumiko was clearly the `Party Leader` of the two." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"Huh?\" *Yumiko looked back over to Triton with surprise. She knew that he probably wasn't going to do anything to help them, but this abrupt was... Well, rather abrupt. She supposed that it was for the best. They couldn't bring along a third party into this mess.*\n\n*She had her attention quickly turned towards the captain, nudging Lilium to take care of the farewells while spoke to him.*\n\n\"Oh, uh, yes! We're here to deal with the rogue deserters. My name is Yumiko and my elven partner here is Lilium. We're Pages of the New Sunlight.\"" }, { "author": "konomnom", "message": "Once again, the tall man would bow towards the two. \"I won't hold you both back anymore than I should have.\" His gaze traversed towards the guards before looking back to the two. \"Call me **Triton.**\"\n\nTheir paths were bound to cross one day—but perhaps this abrupt departure was going to be beneficial. Something told Triton that he had been.. Well—exposed to a lot today. It was a strange day, but the aquatic-bred creature had to admit, it was rather *Fun.* Tasting exotic foods—having a taste on what life beyond the sea was like. Although the two girls didn't give him a hard impact, they did leave an imprint of motivation on him.\n\n*'Pages of the New Sunlight.'* As Yumiko told him their positions, he could presume that was the name of the guild that assigned them this mission. Nodding, he would turn around, raising an arm in a last gesture of farewell before disappearing back the way they came.\n\n—\n\nAs Triton made his way back to the docks, he would gently submerge part of his body into the water, allowing his tranformation to take place in a small blast of light—his whole body materialized; pants disappeared with his legs bound together, reforming back to his magnificent tail. His torso attire dissipated, leaving his bare, pale chest open for all to see. With that, he'd grip onto his spear and dive back into the sea." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"Yes, I trust that your leader had given you the instructions on how to find the deserter? My job here is to keep you updated. May I have the map? I know he will probably make a mobile magical map of some sort, probably.\"\n\n*The captain glanced back at the group of trainees he was training, and rubbed his chin for a moment.*\n\n\"How good you two are at magic? You two know about how good the paladins is and how she has associated with deserters, yes?\" *He was worried about the ability of the two to take them on alone.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" A-ah. I'm fairly adept in the arts of the Arcane. \" She spoke. She brushed her hair to the side, showing the Captain her defined Elven ears. High Elves were generally associated with being skilled mages. By doing this, Lilium hoped to convince the man that they were fully capable of handling the Paladin. It technically wasn't a lie that Lilium was skilled in magic, though she had a limited arsenal of skills to back it up. \n\n\" Ah.. But if you're offering assistance.. I don't think we have the need to reject.. \" She murmured, looking to Yumiko in case she thought otherwise." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"Yes, we were given the map.\" *She nodded, producing the map from her robes and handing it over to the Captain.*\n\n\"My skills in magic are decent. I have the ability to create barriers, conjure lightning, as well as heal wounds. My abilities lie mostly within my melee skills however.\" *Yumiko gestured towards her swords strapped her sword belt.*\n\n\"We're quite aware of her skills. Do you have any other information that may be helpful about her..? I'd like to know everything about my opponent before engaging. Further details about the deserters would be helpful too.\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"Mmmph. Well, let's see, I am sure you might've been briefed about it, she has been known to use fireball and lightning bolt. And the last time our men encountered her, they reported that she were of exceptional skills in melee, with unnaturally fast speed and of exceptional strength. The sword she wielded seems to be stronger than usual. Honestly, she is something that is best taken on by two strong page indeed.\"\n\n\"As for the deserters, they were soldiers outfitted to help out with border conflict to the east, but decided to pillage the land here instead. I've heard some of them managed to keep their issue armour for themselves, so that is troublesome...\"\n\nHe turned toward his group of recruits,\"ASTER! ASH! WILLIN! OVER HERE!\" \n\nA group of three strong-looking recruits walked over. All male. How sexist.\n\n\"These three are some of my best men and will be accompanying you on the quest - In exchange I ask that they will receive a fair share of the loot and any proceeds from... Ransoming the prisoners, if you get what I mean. Willin here is a horseman and can help carry your loot. Is that fair enough?\"" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" ..Sure, we don't mind. \" Lilium stepped forward. She smiled at the few Macen that appeared. \n\n\" Ah.. But do take note that if any of them were to die, their original percentage of the loot will be given to us instead. \" She flashed a grin. She clearly wasn't to keen on the idea of sharing the loot. Although Lilium is kind-hearted and unmaterialistic by nature, the man was blatantly asking for the two pages to take care of **THEIR** Problem and they still hope to receive Yumiko's and Lilium's loot.\n\nShe then looked to Yumiko, \" You don't mind either, right? \"" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Armoured soldiers... That was a problem. If that was the case, then the recruits provided to them would be essential to the completion of the mission. It would be a boost to their fighting power and give them a chance to face up against the Paladin without interruption.*\n\n\"I don't mind.\" *Yumiko answered simply. It was a logical decision. Even if they didn't get as much loot, they would still get the prestige and experience of the ordeal. She didn't expect to breeze through every quest by herself.*\n\n*Baby steps. Patience will pay off in the end.*\n\n*Though fighting alongside Macen... What a drag.*\n\n\"You'll be of great service I'm sure.\" *She began, trying her best to keep her voice levelled and steady. In fact, she flashed them her sweetest smile.* \"We're looking forward to fighting with you boys.\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "It seems whatever Lilium has spoke has unnerved and made some of the recruits a bit uneasy. One of the man, presumably Willin, looked amongst eachother and then almost dragged the other to talk with them.\n\nFortunately, what Yumiko said seems to have balanced their opinions of the two comrades they are about to fight together with. Somewhat ironic, given that the two's opinions of the recruits were in polar opposite to what they said would imply.\n\nOne of them stepped up and offered his hand,\"I'm Willin, he is Ash, and this one is Aster. I look forward to co-operate with you two.\"\n\nAfter a handshake (or not), he would walk toward the stables and fetch a rouncey with ropes and supplies strapped to it. The two other recruits would fetch their equipments from the barrack - Kite shield, sword, a crossbow operated by a goat's foot lever, and twenty bolts.\n\nOnce Yumiko and Lilium indicated they were ready, they would set out." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium would readily shake hands with them. Although she said that, she didn't mean to threaten them in any way. Like any other normal functioning party, she'd protect them as per required. \n\nAs they gathered their items, Lilium would look to Yumiko. \n\n\" We should start formulating and discussing our plan with them as we head out. \" She suggested." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko slipped her hand within Willin's and shook it gently, feigning a bashful look before stepping back over to Lilium with a noticeably darker expression on her face. She was vigorously wiping the shaken hand against her clothes, eyes briefly looking back to indicate her clear displeasure of working with them.*\n\n*This stormy Yumiko continued until Lilium's voice shook her from her hate stupor. Her expression changed in an instant; now seemingly pondering their next move.*\n\n\"..Right, the plan.\" *She repeated in agreement, looking back over the Macen to summarize their weaponry. Ropes for subduing the victims, fully armoured and expendable meatshields, and crossbows for ranged combat.*\n\n*All that was left was to command them then. She wasn't really familiar with battlefield tactics, so she'd most likely have to ask the advice of one of the Macen soldiers who were familiar with warcraft.*\n\n\"..It'll take both of us to defeat the paladin. I think we'll carve a few of the deserters first before engaging with her. Let the squires deal with them.\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"That is probably a good idea, we don't have a number advantage, but I am a horseman after all. Let's see if we could bait them into the open ground.\"\n\n*Willin seems to have remembered something and ran off, returning with one, no, two, no three lances, 2.5 meters long, one was rested in a lance bucket on his horse, one he carried himself and the other he slung across his back. Somewhat awkward, but probably a good idea.*\n\n\n\n*The rest of the group seems to be ready to go already.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" May I know how capable the three of you are..? Are you capable of handling around five to six deserters..? \" She questioned the three men. She agreed with Yumiko's statement. The Paladin would indeed prove to be a formidable foe and would require both their strengths to defeat the wretched Paladin. If the three weren't capable of holding their own against the five to six deserters, they'd have to formulate another more strategical plan." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"Let's see... That would depends on how well equipped the deserters are. From what I know, they have around the same equipment as us - whether they have armour or not is a real crapshoot.\" \n\n*It seems the odds were tilted against them. They were relying on the fact they had two magic users to their one to win. And the Paladin seems to be very good at physical combat. But with so many equipments lying around and potential seven live captures, they could be making bucks if they succeeded - even if they split the loot with the three.\n\nFor some reason, the fabrics of the divines tuck at them. Perhaps wise use of terrain and leveraging the one and only cavalryman might prove decisive?*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" ..We'll firstly have to find them and see if the terrain there is to our advantage.. \" She spoke. If it was in a forest environment, they'll clearly be in an advantage as they'd have a chance to ambush them.. But if it was in some place like a barren wastelands.. The odds will still be tilted against them. \n\nShe looked to the Captain who held the map. \n\n\" ..Any ideas? \"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"The deserters was last spotted 6 - 7 miles northeast of here, as you might have been informed of already. There are stretches of untamed, untouched forests, hills and rolling plains there.\"\n\nThe captain explained. It seems where they would encounter the enemies would really be up to luck. Of course, given how fast the party could be, they probably could reposition themselves at will." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" ..Understood. For now, let's locate the enemies. Strategies can come after. \" She spoke as she looked to the three men. \n\n\" Lead the way. I assume the three of you know your way around the place. \" She was practically demanding them to lead the way. Lilium's normal shyness was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps it was due to this being a quest and she wanted to maintain and seem more professional than usual but it may seem unusual for the Kemonomimi Oriate. \n\n*AHHH GOD. DO I SOUND TOO BOSSY? AM I TOO DEMANDING?!* \n\nShe screamed in her mind as she questioned her decisions." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Uwaah... It looks like her elven companion has taken charge of the army now. That's an older woman for you. Yumiko felt safe leaving the planning to her. She wasn't the tactician herself, merely just another soldier. A rather decent one if she were to say so herself.*\n\n*Yumiko nodded in agreement to everything she said, having no real qualms with her suggestions. Forming strategies now would be risky if they didn't know what terrain they were going to be fighting on anyway. It was best to get a lay of the land first.*\n\n\"I'm sorry to say but we are unfamiliar with the territory. We're counting on you three.\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"Of course.\" Willin immediately grabbed the reins of his horse and started walking out of the city, toward their destination. The soldiers marched on too, and if they followed, they would pass by well-travelled road for a few miles without incident, until they started to reach out of the suburbs into stretches of farmland, followed by the untamed wilderness. A good place for bandits to hide and prey on travellers with.\n\nOnce they were near their destination, Willin would mount on his horse and started looking around. They were surrounded by mostly flatland, with a stretch of sparse forest in the distance, some two hundred meters away...\n\n...And there's a small pillar of smoke rising from the middle.\n\n\"Looks like someone missed their officer academy class!\" Ash exclaimed." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Noticing the rather obvious rise of smoke, she looked to Ash who made the remark. \n\n\" ..It's a Paladin, not an idiot. It may be a trap. \" She heaved a sigh. \n\n\" For now, let's get closer.. Don't get too close though, and stay hidden. \" She told the men and Yumiko as she began walking towards the pillar of smoke. \n\n*..If it is a trap.. It might be dangerous..* \n\nThe forest is such a terrain where ambushes are easy to do.. And this goes for both sides." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko did a gesture of understanding, summoning Hashimoto into her hands just in case a battle were to break out. Luckily, she used to live a forest, and thus knew how to maneuver nimbly without making a noise. Her Kemonomimi ears would also pick up anything that sounded suspicious, being far more sensitive than human ears.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "The horseman would dismount from his horse. Meanwhile Ash followed Lilium and Aster followed Yumiko. It seems the two would listen and assist them where possible.\n\nMeanwhile, Willin led the way in front of them, and measured the width between the trees. The trees are sparse enough for his horse to move between, so he still have the advantage of mobility here, he just think that fighting the group outside of the forest would be safer.\n\nAll is quiet as they approached the forest's edge, and the smoke seems to be getting closer, perhaps two hundred meters away. However the loose canopy is obscuring their ability to observe the distance of the smoke, so they have to move around awkwardly to find a clearing that allows them to look up into the sky. This might delay their progress a bit." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium would attempt to find the smoke pillar but to no avail. The trees were simply obstructing their view. She'd look to her Oriate Kemonomimi friend. She had heard about the Oriate race's abilities to be able to jump much more easily than Macens. \n\n\" ..Is it possible for you to jump up to one of the trees and visually confirm how far we are from the smoke..? And naturally, the direction too. \" She spoke, asking for Yumiko to showcase her abilities and natural agility." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"That should be possible.\" *Yumiko confirmed. With a springy leap, she hopped up onto the nearest branch and caught it with both hands. Her natural athleticism allowed her to quite easily swing herself up onto the branch and continue her ascent from there.*\n\n*Should that have succeeded, Yumiko made sure to visually track the smoke from her new vantage point if possible, using gestures to confirm the direction and give rough estimates of the distance between them. She'd keep leaping from branch to branch in this way, keeping as silent as she could while leading them towards the smoke.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The revanchist bunnygirl managed to leap up to the branches quite successfully, and managed to gauge the distance of the fire from the group - it was now some 120 - 150 meters away. And... One of the tree in the area seems to be exceptionally tall with dense foilage, and is 100 meters away from the smoke. The edge of a clearing could be seen there.\n\nIf she is discreet she might be able to scout on the campfire without being spotted.*" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko changed her plans, signalling and leading her friends over to the taller tree. She moved at a manageable pace for them, although she wished she could actually go faster. If only she was an archer, the higher ground would've made for an amazing place to be.*\n\n*If she reached it successfully, Yumiko would begin to hop upwards on the taller tree, using the position to scout out the camp from a safe distance.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The usagimimi managed to reach the tree quite successfully, and weren't spotted by the camp's inhabitants at all. There she was, a person in full plate armour sitting next to armour roasting some sort of... Small critter over an open fire, and a bunch of men sitting in the camp. All of them had spear and shield or some sort, with some weapons laying scatter on the ground, two of them carried a sword, and one of them didn't have a shield anywhere near him, but had his bow and quiver laying down on one of the tent's side.\n\nA total of two of the deserters had armour, and the rest were wearing light clothing armour. All of them had metallic helmet that protected their skull and the side of their face, though their visor could still be stabbed through. By the look of it no chaimails or protection were extended to their throat.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" ..What do you see, Yumiko? \" Lilium would ask, concerned about whether whatever she saw matched with the things they were told about the ruffian group.\n\n\" Could you describe their armour and weapons, and the exact numbers? \" She continued." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko headed back down.*\n\n\"They... They were actually stupid, nevermind.\" *She'd needed to remember to give Ash a little more of her share later— wait no! It didn't hurt to be cautious. It's not her fault for trusting in humanity's intelligence right?*\n\n\"The paladin is there, roasting something, along with a bunch of men sitting around in camp. They all have spears and shields, though there were some weapons scattered on teh ground. Two carried a sword, and there's one archer amongst them. We'll have plenty of cover in the forest.\"\n\n\"A total of two of the deserters have armour, the rest are wearing light clothing armour. All of them have metallic helms. No chainmails or protection extended to their throat, so they have a weakspot around there.\"\n\n*As Yumiko finished, she turned towards Lilium.*\n\n\"What's the plan now?\"" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" ..I see. \" Lilium rubbed her chin, appearing as if to be deep in thought as she began formulating plans and simulations. \n\n\" ..I got it. We'll do an ambush, as per mentioned before. But for that.. We'll need a bait.. Any volunteers? \" She'd look to the three men, hoping that at least one of them were brave enough to volunteer. Lilium required at least a bait for her plan— or if they were too scared to go alone, she didn't mind all three of them baiting as well. \n\n\" The bait would basically lure the attention of the group towards them, while the rest attacks them from behind. It's a simple yet effective plan. Naturally, I'll hand over my Large Shield over to the bait. \" She continued." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "Their answers were quite simple.\n\nAll of them shook their head, and then Willin stepped forth.\n\n\"If I bait, do I get a higher share of loot? Let's... Discuss how we will distribute the loot here. Let's start with 1 share for everyone. Since you two are magick user, I reckon you two would receive a double share, is that fair?\"" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium would simply nod. This was indeed fair. After all, working as the bait will definitely be far more dangerous than those ambushing then. \n\n\" ..How about this. We'll split the loot based on merit. \" She suggested. By following a meritocratic policy, it will be fair for all and not biased in any way. \nThis way, the Macen and Yumiko won't be able to complain. Everything will be based on the actions they took in battle. \n\n\" It'll be fair this way. Does anyone object? \" She continued. She looked to the rest, hoping that no one would object. She was pretty sure Willin won't object as by working as bait, he's already receiving the higher end of the loot." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "Willin rubbed his own chin and debated the merits of the adventurers plan. If he bait them out, then he could probably claim a much larger share of the loot. This sounded fair, even though he thought he adventurers were more qualified to bait them with their supernatural prowesses.\n\n\"Right. I accept your proposal. I'll bait them out\" Ash and Aster seems to not object to Willin baiting them out at all." } ]

[ { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium would nod.\n\n\" Use the Kite Shield and bring a sword. Don't make it obvious that you're a bait.. \" She told Willin before trailing off.\n\n*Would it seem too suspicious for a single knight to be raiding their base..?* \n\n\" ..I'll act as a bait as well. It's simply too suspicious for a single macen to actually confront an entire group. \" She spoke. She then looked to Yumiko, seeing if she had any objections to the plan." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"...No objections, if you think you can handle it.\" *Yumiko nodded to Lilium, silently applauding the mage for her bravery. To her knowledge, Lilium didn't possess any barrier-based abilities, so she should have to rely on her shield and her reflexes to figure things out once combat began.*\n\n*In that case, Yumiko just had to do her best for her part of the plan. Attack from behind, be as rushless as possible.*\n\n\"Shall we proceed then?\" *She said, hopping back up onto the trees, landing atop of and hopping from branch to branch towards teh campsite.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"Yes.\" Willin answered simply, and then readied his sword and shield. Afterward he mounted his own horse and prepared to move toward the camp. He also readied his crossbow - hoping to take one down with a lucky shot before the main engagement began.*\n\n\"The mage and I will attack from the front and catch them by surprise before they get any weapons. The rest of you three go to the back of their camp. The moment they are distracted by us, move in and attack from the rear.\"" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium looked to Willin, slightly surprised. \n\n*It looks like these Macen are the best soldiers the Captain could offer after all.. They aren't brainless, at least.* \n\nLilium looked pleased. Lilium's eyes would then grow a purple hue as a purple arcane circle would appear in front of Lilium. \n\n\" ..Raven. \" She called out as the black feathered creature emerged from the arcane circle. It'd begin flapping its wings, lifting itself up from the ground as it landed on Lilium's shoulder. \n\n\" I'll have him follow you guys. He's capable of using magic as well, though it'd drain my mana much faster. The moment he initiates an attack, there'd be the signal for the rest of you to dash out. We'll leave the Paladin for last and aim for the deserters first.. Since I think the Paladin won't go down as easily as the rest. \" She told Yumiko and the other two men.\n\nThe Raven would then fly over towards Yumiko, landing on her shoulder instead.\n\n``Mana Remaining : 77.5/77.5``\n\nLilium then made her way to the campsite with her stave and large shield in hand alongside Willin." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"Got it, make sure you guys stay safe as well.\" *Yumiko advised, making sure to the other two soldiers a secluded and secure location where they would be able to easily see and atack their opponents once the distraction took place. She just had to remember who she needed to maim.*\n\n*The soldiers first. Then the paladin. If they managed to get numbers on their side, then the paladin would be easier to take down.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "Willin looked at the Raven and then Lilium. The horseman readied himself and started walking his horse toward the camp, with the crossbow in his hand, and the shield and sword ready to be drawn and strapped at any moment.\n\nAsh and Aster both followed Yumiko, and is now under her command. The enemies are not visible nor alert yet, so they still have time.\n\nThey are roughly 100 meters away from the camp.\n\n\"We should wait for the rear team to be in position first.\" Willin commented. Simple physics dictated that it would take more time for them to flank than Willin and Lilium to charge in head first.\n\nAsh and Aster followed her.\n\nWillin now said,\"Let's wait five minutes before we launch an attack - they will need time to move through the forest undetected.\"" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" ..Understood. \" Lilium nodded as she stopped in her tracks. The Macen's remark shocked her once more. She didn't expect the Macen to be this smart—. He most likely went through formal guerilla warfare training under his Captain. Heck, it'd have been better if the Captain himself was here. \n\nLilium would contact her raven via telepathy, asking it to not stray too far from her or else the summoning would be cut off. It had a maximum range of 200 feet after all." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko led the two soldiers under her command, her Oriate agility allowing for swift steps and impressive feats of acrobatics. Though she made sure to check in on the two from time to time, stopping when needed, moving at a pace moderate enough so that they wouldn't get careless and alert the camp to the ambush.*\n\n*She thought through what spells she would need to use. Barriers were a staple— they'd be her biggest advantage over them. Proper use would most likely let them win the battle. The paladin was said to be a powerful self-regenerator and was also capable of 'making a shield for herself'. Whatever that meant.*\n\n*Yumiko just hoped it wasn't another barrier user. If they were smart enough, they'd probably use their barriers the same way she did. That would mean she'd have to be careful of a lot of things.*\n\n*Once they were in position, she waited for the distraction to happen, blade already summoned in hand. She was prepared to rush in at any moment.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "After five minutes were over, Lilium would begin moving again. Once she neared the campfire, she hid behind the bushes and trees, looking to Willin to do the same. She didn't want to be noticed yet.\n\n\" ..I'll need you to stand in front of me with your shield and deflect the attacks. \" She whispered, asking for the man to protect her while she casted her spells." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "Willin nodded and then dismounted from his horse. He rested a shield next to him and and then aimed his crossbow at one of the camp member sitting next to the campfire. He is busy carving up the roast rabbit with a knife to be eaten.\n\nLilium now assume control of Willin. Remember that he has three lances with him and can use his horse, if necessary.\n\nOne man is carving up a rabbit next to the campfire, the paladin is sitting in her armour and chatting with another man. The paladin has a sword sheathed next to her, and two of thme carried arming sword in their sword belt. All of them have shields, but they are laid out throughout the small camp of less than 6 meters across. The rest of them have spears and they are rested against one of the tent.\n\nThis could goes anticlimactically easy if they pulled off their ambush right..." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "*..The Paladin won't go down easily.. We'll group and gang up on her later..* She noted to herself before peering out to look at the others. \n\n*The Archer is...* She looked to the tent, where the Archer laid. She'd extend her stave, pointing towards the Archer, yet still remaining hidden. \n\n\" ..Blade of Wind. \" She murmured. A sword-thin crescent shaped blade would form at the top of her stave. It was 3-feet wide and 1 feet long. It appeared as a silhouette only for a mere second before materializing and firing off at the unguarded Archer. It was aimed for the neck..! \n\nWillin, seeing this would also fire his crossbow at the ruffian he was eyeing, the one who was carving up the roasted rabbit. The bolt was aimed for the neck as well. \n\nBoth attacks were meant to be lethal, and if it missed, they both hoped that it would at least render them useless in battle.\n\n*..Prepare for Spiral Flame.* She told the Raven telepathically. The raven would open its beak, an arcane circle appearing in front of it." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "The paladin instantly bolted from her position as she detected a disturbance coming her way. The blade cut through all of the foilage in its way, and then landed an inch from the archer's leg.\n\nA splatter of blood and brain matters littered the floor, as the archer's head was cleaved in half. He fell onto the ground, obviously dead.\n\nThe bolt flew toward the ruffian, but given how small the neck was...\n\nThe bolt missed and landed on the ground.\n\nNow the camp is alerted, and the remaining five deserters scrambled for their spear and shield. The paladin turned toward the two intruders general direction.\n\n\"Lord! Protect me!\" A magical barrier 6x6 feet tall pushed out from her, hovering 1 feet away, facing the intruders. Then she grabbed a shield and drew her sword. The paladin was some 1.7 meters tall." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium heaved a sigh, signalling Willin to get out of their hiding spot and prepare the shield. \n\nWillin would hold the shield as per requested and got in front of Lilium. He stood on guard, prepared to intervene with the shield if anything were to happen. \n\n*..I have to buy time for my Raven to prepare for my spell..* \n\n\" ..Attention, Macens. \" Lilium spoke monotonously yet loudly. \n\n\" I was sent from the guild, New Sunlight to slaughter all of you. If you'd like to surrender, now's your chance. \" She gave a sinister smile, hopefully being able to scare them with the confident facade. She hoped that this would cause them to believe that she was actually someone strong, giving enough time for the crow to activate its spell.\n\n`Mana Remaining : 67.5/77.5`" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Now!*\n\n*Yumiko signalled Ash and Asher and leapt into action from the back, jumping forwards out from the trees. In midair she produced one of her Talismas, throwing it forwards as it formed into a bird of electricity midair. It soared fowards at high speeds, attempting to slam into one of the deserters and stun him.*\n\n*Ash and Aster rushed forwards, blades gripped in one hand and shield gripped in the other. They moved in coordination, aiming to slam into each of their own deserters with their shields to violently knock them down as they scrambled for their spears. Hopefully the surprise and the distraction would allow her allies to be successful in this endeavour.*\n\n*If not, spears were remarkably ineffective at shorter ranges. Especially when you had a shield with you.*\n\n*Yumiko's attack was to be followed up with a rush and a swing right into her oppoenent's neck, who was hopefully stunned from the previous spell. Her movements were quick, precise, and violent— aiming to cause the most messy and bloodiest death possible.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "The deserters seems to be paying no heeds to whatever the two says. Too busy fighting for their life, it seems.\n\nThe paladin waved her hand, and a crackle of red energy were seen on her hand. Moment later, she pointed her finger at Lilium and Willin.\n\n\"LORD! BURN MY ENEMY!\" She screamed, and a large, basketball sized fireball flew toward them at 100 fps. It would ignite flammable materials and cause a burn.\n\n\"Eh!? BEHIND!\" One of them screamed as three person converged upon them from behind while they were trying to grab their spear, they grabbed their spear and then did what was logical to avoid the shield slam - They ran away from them.\n\nThree deserters remained, with two equipped with armour, they formed a shieldwall behind the paladin to hold off the onslaught from behind, but before they could pivot properly, one of them suddenly dropped onto the ground, spasming in shock from getting tased from behind, then a blade fell onto their neck, severing their head.\n\nThe spearmen might decide to rejoin the battle at any point, or flee. But who know.\n\nThe odds was definitely against the paladin and the deserters. Badly.\n\nWill Lord and Anime save her and win the day?" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Willin would immediately move in front of Lilium with his kite shield as soon as he saw the Paladin's crackle of red energy. As the fireball flew towards them, Willin would brace himself for the impact as he used the shield to guard against the fireball. The fireball would come in contact with the shield, causing it to burst in flames. Willin would immediately discard the shield in a panic and draw his lance. \n\nLilium would flinch but soon regain composure. \n\n*NOW! RAVEN!* \n\nShe telepathically order the Raven to shoot the Spiral Flame at one of the deserters. Their formation was in shambles due to one of them stumbling onto the floor. \n\nLilium would then immediately begin chanting, \" Crimson Fire, gather at the tip of my stave and become an inferno.. \" \n\nAs she chanted, Lilim would pass Willin her shield to replace his old one." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"Hello boys and girl. We've been sent here to kill you— actually... Only one of you.\"\n\n*Yumiko smiled at the sight of Macen blood dirtying her blade. She raised the steel right up and pointed towards the paladin, a cruel glimmer of sadistic pleasure surging through her. Being able to legally slaughter Macen was exhiliratingly satisfying.*\n\n\"So I'm giving you remaining deserters a choice. Fight and die for the woman who would never do the same for you... Or perhaps you can turn on her and keep your lives? Her head is all we're after.\"\n\n*Yumiko shifted into a stance, activating her magic. Luminescent petals burst out from around her, softing twirling within her midst as if an invisible wind directed them. The Meandering Dance. The magic that wreatrhed Yumiko pushed her body's movements and reflexes beyond it's limits.*\n\n\"You have a few seconds to choose.\"\n\n*Ash and Aster moved up right in front of her, holding up their shields to form their own shieldwalls.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "The spiral flame travelled toward one of the deserter like an all consuming tornado. One of the deserter immediately raised their shield and \"Blocked\" The fire, and then ditched it, just like Willin did when he was hit by the fireball.\n\nNow two of them had fled, and one is dead. It doesn't look like that the odds were in their favour at all. The deserters seems to be unnerved by the cruel smile of the bunnygirl, who seems to have some strange petals surrounding her too...\n\n\"Shit.\" The Paladin said to herself, and then started pacing backward into a corner, trying to keep all five attackers in her sight.\n\nIn the meantime, the deserters answered Yumiko's question with actions.\n\nThey fled and scattered into the forest. They can choose to pursue them if they want.\n\nIs that it? Is this going to be the end of the fight?" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "`Mana Remaining : 48.75/77.5`\n\n\" ..Coil and dance, Spiral Flame! \" Lilium would soon finish chanting, pointing her flames towards the Paladin. Lilium would ignore the deserters. They were, after all, nothing but ruffians that weren't related to the quest. She felt no need to pursue them any further. \n\nThe flames would come out in a spiralling motion as it launched itself towards the Paladin. Lilium could see the traces of the Paladin's magic barrier, knowing that her flames wouldn't actually reach the Paladin but damage the barrier instead. \n\n`Mana Remaining : 43.75/77.5`" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Seeing as Lilium was conducting her fire magic, Yumiko produced a knife from her robe and tossed it right into the barrier. She knew that barriers had a limited amount of attacks they would be able to last against— she bet on two.*\n\n\"Ash, Aster. Rush her from the sides.\"\n\n*Both of the men ran forwards, flanking her from both sides with their blades out. Yumiko rushed from the middle, blade out and barrier talisman on the ready the moment she saw her casting something. She knew that the Thunderbirds would be useless in this case.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "The deserters successfully fled, leaving this place to save their own sorry life. Unfortunately that means the party will miss out on the reward from capturing and ransoming them. Unless they choose to pursue them later, that is.\n\nThe Paladin turned toward Lilium, using the barrier to block the flame. Then she turned toward Yumiko next, the barrier blocking the strike - and then disappearing right afterward.\n\nShe is outnumbered and her armour cannot last forever.\n\n*What should I do?*\n\n\"I YIELD!\" She shouted as she backed off from the attack, trying to align the attackers in a single line in case they resumed their attack." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "As soon as she yelled that she yielded, Lilium let her shoulders relax. She then looked to the direction the deserters ran off to. \n\n*..It's my responsibility after all..* \n\nShe heaved a long sigh before running off towards the direction they scattered. Although Lilium didn't care at first, she thought about the possibilities that the deserters had after running.. And it surely won't be finding a proper job. They'll most likely remain deserters, rogues, and continue plaguing the small town. They'll most likely live by robbing and plundering from others— which Lilium definitely didn't like. —And worst of all, they might sell the victims they capture alive as slaves.. Lilium absolutely hated that this possibility existed, hence she chased the deserters. \n\n\" TIE HER WITH THE ROPES! \" She shouted, asking the others to tie the Paladin with the ropes so that she won't be able to do resist anymore.\n\n*..Follow me, Raven!* She ordered, as the Raven soared and flew towards her." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Bind her and gag her so she wont be able to use her magic.\"\n\n*Yumiko said, signalling for the boys. Willin went over to grab the ropes from his horse whilst Yumiko watched with suspicious eyes. She still had her buffs on, in case she tried to do anything stupid while Lilium was away.*\n\n*Ash and Aster were doing the same, circling around her and flanking her on either side. Willin would return after some time, eventually tying her up with the ropes with the help of Ash and Aster. Yumiko would tear off one of her sleeves to use as the gag.*\n\n\"Don't do anything you'll regret.\" *Yumiko murmured, levelling her gaze with the woman.* \"I'm sure you'll receive a very fair punishment for whatever crimes you've commited.\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "The paladin, surprisingly, didn't resist or do anything funny at all, letting the four restrain her. It seems she see no point in continuing to fight...\n\n\"I know.\" She answered curtly\n\nThe deserters that survived amounted to four, with the two spearmen fleeing first, followed by the two men in armour with sword and shield. They might've split up in the forest already while their paladin was being restrained.\n\nLilium's pursuit would bring her behind one of the swordman, who is running with all of his might from the forest, not paying particular attention to what is behind. His armour impeded him, but he was still running as quickly as he can. He is roughly 80 feet away from Lilium." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "*Urgh.. I didn't sign up for a race..!* \n\nLilium was already panting. Clearly, physical activities weren't her forte. Seeing that there was an armoured man in front of her, she'd point her stave's tip towards him. The stave's tip would crackle with yellow energy and in a few moments, an Electric Bolt would be shot from the tip, right at the man's metallic armour. \n\n`Mana Remaining : 31.25/77.5`\n\n*Raven, fly around and try to find the others..! Remain in range though..!* She ordered." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"Wilis. Take the horse and aid Lilium in the pursuit of the deserters. Ash and Aster, you two stay here with the prisoner.\"\n\n*Yumiko looked down towards the woman , deactivating her magic. She'd walk on over and pull the helmet off the paladin's head, having it wrapped around one of her arms. Willis took off with his horse and went to find Lilium whilst Ash and Aster stayed around.*\n\n*She didn't really expect the whole ordeal to go this easy. The numbers really made up the difference. It was a shame about the deserters though, she hoped that Willis and Lilium would be able to find a few and round them up.*\n\n``Mana Remaining: 80/100``" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "The man, unaware of the elven not-princess pursuing him, stopped by a tree and started panting, taking a breath.\n\nAs he opened his mouth an electric bolt struck him, and he is stunned and left lolling his mouth like an idiot on the muddy floor. He see an ant crawling on the floor and starts flailing ineffectually in panic.\n\nThe Raven would manage to find the other swordman, who had split up with them roughly 100 feet to the left. The problem is that Lilium still have to subdue this man first...\n\nThe paladin blinked at Yumiko as her helmet is taken off. Light skin, sharp, contoured, well-defined, East Asian-ish face. A big pair of eyes with blue lenses. And on top of her head...\n\nA twitching pair of neko ears. It seems to be wagging a little bit. She looks young, surprisingly young." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Willin would soon catch up to Lilium. Lilium pointed towards the general direction of where her Raven found the man for Willin to chase after the other deserters. \n\nWillin, with his horse, would quickly gallop towards the direction Lilium had given. \n\nLilium then approached the man she had just paralysed. \n\n\" ..I'm sorry. \" She huffed before holding her stave up high— then swinging it down onto the man's head. She did it repeatedly with all her strength till the man was knocked unconscious. She would stop once she recognised that the man was unconscious, not wanting to bash his head till he bled to death. \n\nThe raven would begin cawing, signalling to Willin on where to go to." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "``A kemonomimi?`` *Yumiko thought, stepping back with eyes widened. She had her figured for a Macen. She didn't think any of her people would even think to dedicate themselves to Macenni religion, much less become a holy warrior in its name. The fact that she looked so young too...*\n\n\"You're... You're an Oriate.\" *She began,* \"That's rather unexpected.\"\n\n*Suddenly the atmosphere became awkward. The woman— no, girl couldn't respond to what Yumiko was saying anyway, she was gagged.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "Willin would have zero issue catching up to the other swordman on his horse, and the swordman turned back toward the rider.\n\n\"Lord have mercy!\" It seems in this case, the Lord in question would be Willin. \n\nHe untied his sword belt and threw it to the ground, signifying he intends to surrender.\n\n*Bong. Bong. Bong. Bong. Bong.*\n\nThe man finally fell unconscious, and stopped moving completely.\n\nMeanwhile, in the camp, the paladin nodded in response to what Yumiko said, but didn't respond anymore." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "After the man completely stopped moving, Lilium would wipe her sweat and exhale an accomplished sigh. She then grabbed the man by his leg and began dragging him back to where Yumiko and the others were. \n\n*..It looks like Willin has caught up..* She turned to look at the direction of where her Raven and Willin was. \n\nWillin would soon catch up to the other deserter. As the deserter begged for mercy, Willin simply used the blunt side of his lance to knock the man by the head with all his force, hoping to knock him unconscious. If it didn't work, he'll knock him several times, like what Lilium had done. \n\nAfter he was unconscious, Willin would hop off his horse. He'll then grab the man and toss him onto his horse's back before hopping back on. The Raven would then land on Willin's shoulder as the horse slowly galloped back to the group. \n\nLilium would have trouble dragging the armoured man.. \n\n*I wonder where the rest of the deserters went.. There were a total of four of them.. Right..?*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "For some reason, Willin would refrain from actually whacking the man, and instead ordered him to put his front to a tree, while he tied him up with the rope to restrain him. The moment Willin arrived back at where Lilium was, he looked at the unconscious man.\n\n\"Did he faint?\" He questioned" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium hoisted the unconscious man up to Willin's horse, panting. She'd look to her raven, smiling as the raven slowly dissipated and faded away in blue streaks of light. \n\n\" Y-yes.. \" She replied as she panted and gasped for air. \n\n*That was unexpectedly tiring..* \n\n\" Let's head back to where the others are.. \" She mumbled as she began walking towards the direction they came from." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "Willin scratched his head - well, he couldn't actually reach his hair, but he tried anyway.\n\nThat doesn't make sense at all. He looked at her staff and the man's face. Something's wrong with this explanation.\n\nSuddenly, he spoke as they headed back.\n\n\"Check his breath.\"" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium turned around, abruptly stopping in her tracks as she looked to Willin. \n\n\" ..Did you say something? \" She asked. She didn't hear what he had said the first time around as well— she was sort of dazed, tired from whacking the man a few times. She was by no means a psychopath— and it was the only way she could get him unconscious without using anymore mana than she already did." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"Check his breath. You knocked him out, right?\" Willin were beginning to catch up to what had happened - his intelligence was useful for more than simple tactics it seems.\n\nWillin's concern was simple - knocking people out with enough force to make them unconscious could often be fatal. If the man is bleeding internally or have a concussion, then only timely intervention could save him. And he want to save him - the man was worth way more alive than dead." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium would do as she was told, checking his breath." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "The man seems to be not breathing at all." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "`Mana Remaining : 38.75`\n\n\" ..A-.. Fuck me. \" She cursed softly. Lilium was panicking. She took a few deep breaths as she calmed and composed herself.\n\n*Did I hit him too hard..!? Ah..! I shouldn't have done something I'm inexperienced at..! I should have just left him to Willin or something..!* \n\n\" Willin, stay still. \" She told the man who was on the horse with the deserters.\n\nShe'd close her eyes, concentrating immensely. She'd then mutter, \" *Healing Array.* \"\n In a few moments, a golden coloured spherical barrier of sorts would erect and enclose them in. The barrier would be emitting a rather bright light as those inside could feel their wounds slowly closing. \n\n*I hope this works..!*\n\n`Mana Remaining : 8.75`" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "Willin felt his own body rejuvenate from the healing array, and then he stuck his finger in front of the man.\n\nStill no breath...\n\nA few seconds later, he could feel the faint brushing of air from his nose against his finger.\n\n\"Oh thank the lord, he is still alive. Let's get back to town as soon as possible - He will need more than that to live.\"" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" ..You head back first. I'll head to Yumiko's group and tell them what had happened—.. \" She replied. \n\nLilium felt responsible for this. It was a blunder on her side—. She didn't expect the man to actually be on the verge of death from a few whacks given by a weak and fragile maiden such as herself. Lilium dipped her head, apologising for the trouble she has caused before breaking into a sprint, running back to Yumiko." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko passed her time waiting by playing catch with the woman's helmeet, wondering what was taking them so long. She was worried. If they were gone for a few more minutes, she decided that she would go and try to find them. While she was confident in their abilities, anyone could be taken down under the right circumtances—*\n\n*The approach of footsteps had Yumiko set up on high alert, grabbing onto her sword and entering a combat ready stance. Though what came out was...*\n\n\"Miss Kempos?\" *Yumiko said, stance relaxing.* \"You've secured the runaways I presume?\"" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Panting heavily, Lilium would quickly reply. \n\n\" I... \" She gasped for air as she began, continuing, \" I— might have overdid hitting him.. One of the deserters is in a rather critical state and Willin is bringing him back to the town for treatment now.. \" \n\nLilium would say with a rather remorseful expression. They weren't required to bring the deserters back alive, but she somehow felt bad for hitting the man multiple times. —I mean, she did already kill the archer deserter but perhaps due to Willin influencing her, she felt as if she did something wrong to the man." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"Yeah... Well, he was a criminal anyway. Now he dealt with the consequences of his actions; his life was at risk the moment he deserted.\" *Yumiko rationalized. It could've been worse, such as being sold into slavery or forced labour in one of those horrid mines. She doubted that the Salvain Empire would let able bodied workers waste away.*\n\n\"Anyway, good job. You did most of the work in this job so I think you deserve a bigger cut of the reward.\"\n\n*Yumiko grabbed onto the catgirl paladin's ropes and pulled her up to her feet, beginning to push her forwards. They were still some ways away from headquarters, so it was best to get a move on now.*\n\n\"Don't feel too bad.\" *Yumiko glanced at the deceased corpses of the Macen, smiling a little on the inside. Dead. As they should be.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" R-right.. \" She mumbled, feeling comforted by Yumiko's words. Perhaps it wasn't as bad as Lilium had initially thought after all..? She'd look to the other two soldiers. \n\n\" L-let's plunder the loot first..? \"" }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"Ah-\"\n\n*Whoops. Thank the thousand moons Lilium remembered.*\n\n*Yumiko handed prisoner over to Ash and began searching through the remains of the dead soldiers in the area.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "There weren't too much left on the body themselves, but they would manage to scavenge a grand total of two hundred silver coins in currency and trinkets. Four spears were laid out on the ground, along with a single kite shield. The one Lilium cut in half had a silver necklace on him, worth 50 silver with a medallion." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "*..And this is already worth more than whatever the Guild is paying us.. I get why there are so many thieves and robbers these days..* She exhaled a long sigh as she gathered the loot. \n\n\" Anyone got a bag? \" She'd look around." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"No... Sorry, I left mine back in Salvainia.\" *Yumiko apologized, though she took up the shield in her hands as they made their way back.*\n\n\"Wilin left with the horse, so you might have to carry all those spears?\" *She said, waving around the big shield in her arms. There was also her smaller shield, which she didn't really seem to have needed during the battle, strapped to her arm.*\n\n\"The coins you can just put them in your pouch.\"\n\n*After those suggestions, Yumiko finally made her way back to the meeting spot to randesvouz with the Wilin and the injured deserters.*" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium counted the amount of coins before placing it in her pouch. Lilium also took the silver necklace from the guy she had killed earlier on.\n\n\" I'll redistribute it back at the town. \" She told the boys. \n\nAsh and Aster would then take the spears, carrying them. They also took the single kite shield as they all began making their way back to the town.\n\n*My first quest successfully completed..!*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "The group managed to meet up with Willin, who would be waiting outside the forest near the road, then the group walked back to town without any further issue. Naturally, the first destination would be the barrack, where the Captain walked out to the front to greet the two.\n\n\"I see you two've caught the rogue paladin and two of the deserter too. That's great to know. What happened to the rest?\" Waystone asked." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"Uh.. They died in combat.\" *Yumiko said,* \"Some of them escaped out to the wilderness. I think around two. You should be able to find them with a sizeable search party or with a skilled tracker.\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"I see. Well, two died, and two escaped. No worry, without the paladin helping them and with their comrades dead, it is a matter of time before they're dead or captured. We will take the Paladin into custody now, and then return to you with the results of us assessing the value of her equipments and everything - minus fees paid to the guild. Her armour was on loan.\"\n\nJohn explained as two more men appeared from behind him, and took the deserter in one by one, then they followed and did the same to the neko, whose ear twitched a bit when she was taken away." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" ..Understood. \" Lilium nodded, handing over whatever they took to the Captain. It was fair this way. \n\n\" Do we wait here..? Or do we report back to the guild and you send a messenger there? \" She asked the man, tilting her head." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"Wait here.\" \n\nAfter twenty minutes and John going back and forth between the barracks and the front door, he finally returned with the adventurer's reward.\n\n\"Right, her equipment were assessed to be worth six thousand silver total, plus the men's ransom would amount to two thousand. Of which you two have the lion's share. The equipments are valued as 40% salvage value, and with that being said..\"\n\n\"We'll distribute half of the total value to you two, so you two will split 3400 silver amongst yourself.\"\n\nHe handed over thirty-four gold coins to the two.\n\n\"You two will have to find your own way back, but I will be sure to report your excellent performance to the guild leader.\" With that, John turned away and returned to the barracks, leaving the two alone here to split the money.\n\nLilium and Yumiko got to keep the pocket money they looted, too." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko turned towards Lilium.*\n\n\"You did most of the work to be honest.\" *She admittedly, sighing inwardly at her lack of presence during this quest. It required a tactical mind, not just an able combatant. Lilium proved herself to be both for the duration of the quest.*\n\n\"I'll just take around ten of the gold and you take the rest, should that suffice Miss Kempos?\"" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" A-ah! No no, feel free to take more! You did a lot of work too! \" Lilium said with a rather red face. She was clearly embarrassed from being praised by the Oriate. Lilium was rarely praised for doing good work— in fact, this may be the second time she was praised ever since she was born. \n\n\" Y-you can take more! Let's just split it half-half..? \" She'd suggest.\n\n\" I-I'll keep this necklace though.. \" She continued. She looked to the necklace she took from the Archer she had killed. It was a medallion— and was rather unladylike but she wanted to wear it—... To keep it as a memento. The first quest she had ever done as a page of the New Sunlight." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "\"Truly?\" *Yumiko was surprised. She would think that most people would've taken the chance to take more money. Either Lilium's meekness was acting up or she was perhaps trying to make it fairer?*\n\n*Eh... She didn't care at this point. She wasn't going to reject free money.*\n\n\"I'll take it then.\" *Yumiko said, giving her the most genuine smile she could. She gratefully took her share of the gold, being around 17 pieces.*\n\n*Now all that was left was...*\n\n\"A way back huh? I would think a gold piece or two would suffice for a comfortable voyage. Unless you'd like to do what those kitsune did and purify saltwater?\"" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium giving her the extra gold was her own way of showing fairness. Although she spoke about meritocracy and the such, as fellow guildmates, they are bound to meet each other in the future again. And earning favours now can't hurt. She passed the 17 Gold to Yumiko, smiling. \n\n\" Ah, that was what I was thinking of too. \" She replied upon hearing the purification of the saltwater. Lilium kept the rest of the 17 Gold alongside the 200 Silver she had pocketed before. \n\n\" Let's get heading to the docks first, shall we? We'll see what we can do then. \" She said as she walked towards the general direction of the docks." }, { "author": "ward", "message": "*Yumiko followed suit, not even noticing that her clothes were most likely stained with a lot of blood right now. She didn't bring any spare changes, so she was probably going to have to wait until they got back to Salvainia.*\n\n\"You did great by the way!\" *She commented,* \"I just wanted to remind you of that again.\"" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "\" ..Thank you. \" Lilium flashed an embarrassed smile. Lilium herself wasn't covered in blood as she used magic most of the time. Only the tip of her stave was covered in blood from bashing the man's head in. —It can be washed off and won't stain so Lilium didn't particularly mind. \n\nThey'd continue walking towards the docks, soon reaching the docks. Lilium looked around, seeing if the Fair Maiden was still stationed at the docks." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "The Fair Maiden was still in port, and it seems they've just finished unloading the ship's vast cargo.\n\nThe captain is now arranging for a new cargo to be loaded onto the ship. It seems likely that the ship will be in port for a few more days. Perhaps they should inquire elsewhere for another ship." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium would look around, heading towards the nearest dockmaster. \n\n\" E-erm.. \" She shyly started the conversation. \n\n\" A-are there any ships h-heading to Salvainia City soon..? \" She asked, stuttering and rather softly." }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "The dockmaster pointed at a fast, modified caravel,\"This one run a ferry service between the city and New Salvainia, no cargo whatsoever. Tends to be pretty quick, maybe 6 - 8 hours from what I heard, but it might take a while because it will land at night.\"\n\n\"I think they charge seven silver pieces and offer one meal.\"" }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "She looked to the modified caravel, examining it. It indeed did look fast and had no cargo on the ship.. \n\n\" ...Do they take purifying barrels of seawater in exchange? \" She asked.\n\n*I mean.. Barrels of drinkable and safe water.. I'm sure that's at least worth something.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "The dockmaster looked at the mage curiously,\"...Well, that's something you ask the captain himself.\"\n\nHe pointed toward the Captain who is onboard the boat and handling passengers at the moment.\n\nAfter the two approached the Captain, he would agree to a scheme of purified water for trip, and the two would have a safe and speedy trip back to Salvainia. By the time they arrive it would be midnight already in the city. On their way there, they would be served a simple meal of yellow croaker with spring onion and rice." }, { "author": "doofiez", "message": "Lilium would enjoy the simple meal before heading to purify the barrels of waters on the ship. She'd then take a short nap, basking in the chilly night sea breezes. They'd soon reach back to the city of Salvainia on the stroke of midnight. She'll quickly thank the Captain before leaving the docks.\n\nUpon reaching back to the Salvainia City, she'd begin walking down the pathways and back to the New Sunlight Guild. \n\n*..The quest was easier than expected with a huge party.. And the loot proved that the journey was worth it..*\n\nShe showed a rather satisfied smile as she continued to trod down the pathway." } ]

[ { "author": "ansari", "message": "As he arrived at the gate. A guard would intercept him*\n\n\"Hello, what is going on with this horse and man? Why is he covered in blood?" }, { "author": "lunarverna", "message": "\"He bad man, robber, yes? I hand him over to you.\" *Kondor spreads his arms, then pointing them towards the bloodied man and back to the guard, indicating that he is giving him over.* \"He and group tried to attack me, yes? I beat one, others run. He leader. Bad man, bad man.\" *A chuckle emits from behind the helmet on his head, and he picks the man up and off the horse, placing him in front of the guard.*\n\n\"You take him, I go on my way, everything solved.\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"Erm... Excuse me.\" The guard looked a bit startled and confused. He had never interrupted someone at the gate that was handing in a bounty. He turned toward one of the other guard and whispered, who went to a building in the side.\n\nA better dressed and armoured man came over.\n\n\"Bad man, robber?\" Come with me please - I'll take you to the guard post where you can hand him over. Think I've seen his face somewhere.\" The captain said.\n\nThe leader seems to be uneasy at the sight of the captain. The captain started walking into the city toward one of the guard post." }, { "author": "lunarverna", "message": "*Kondor gladly followed in suit, taking the horse in if it were allowed, and if not, simply picking up the backs it carried and taking them himself. Coming inside the gates of the city, Kondor looks to be in slight awe, not used to the amount of people nearby, but also rather cheery from the stalls that would be set up and the families that walked around. However, it was for places like this that he hid his horns under his hood, and so he kept quiet.*\n\n*The smells of the city almost attacked him, distracting him from the task at hand, and though he managed to keep himself on the path to the guard post, he couldn't help but begin to salivate from the amazing scent of food that almost enticed him to leave.*\n\n\"Ah, I no need much money, planning to give to orphanage. Children need it more, yes?\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The captain led him to the guard post. The city, the capital of the Empire, was suitably crowded. It seems social life here has taken to a new height, with a few shops dedicated purely to selling food. The smell of bread and meat permeated some of the richer districts they passed through. Kondor wasn't the only one drawn in by food either, as a group of children waited patiently for their kebabs in front of a stall.*\n\n\"You keep the money yourself and do what you like, Mister.\" \n\n*The captain answered and led them to the guard post. This place too, smelt of meat, it seems it was meal time for most people here. Another man came out to meet the bounty.*\n\n\"Ah yes, this man has a bounty on him.\" *He opened the scroll in his hand, trying to match his face with the description.*\n\n\"That'll be..\" *The man stopped, thinking of how much to pay. This person looked dumb, so he could probably get away with paying less than the stipulated bounty, and pocket the rest for himself... Hmm..*\n\n*He looked down at the bounty notice - \"One thousand two hundred - Alive. Five hundred - dead\"*\n\n\"Aye, can you read?\" *The second person asked Kondor*" }, { "author": "lunarverna", "message": "\"Read? Yes yes, I read, just no speak good. Don't need to in the wild! Haha, it no useful to me. But yes, I read.\" *He chuckles, walking beside the man holding the scroll and looking down. Now, it wouldn't exactly be the best if the other man had read it out wrong, but Kondor would probably forgive it. Not everyone was fortunate enough to have a mentor to teach them, so he didn't feel like there was any use getting angry.*\n\n*He then remembered that his gauntlets were still quite dirty in blood, and would probably need to be washed if he did not want them to go blunt. But oh well, right now this mattered more. And so he looked down and read.* **Jiiiiiiii.**" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"*Oh, he is literate.*\" \n\n*The man thought to himself, and thus his plan for scamming him was foiled. He needed to figure out some way to pocket some money for himself.*\n\n\"Right, during the time he's been free the bounty on him has been reduced to one thousand silver. So that's what we will pay out to you.\"\n\n*The captain that accompanied him shot him a suspicious look. Meanwhile, the other man ordered two man to come over and take the captured leader inside. Shortly after, one of them came back with a pouch of jiggling, hard, real gold coins.*\n\n*The pouch was handed over to Kondor.*\n\n\"Thank you for your contribution.\"" }, { "author": "lunarverna", "message": "*A slightly surprised look emerged on Kondor's face, not expecting this amount of money to be handed over to him. Now noticing the not quite so good intentions of the man holding the scroll, he did look a bit bothered but not much.*\n\n\"No, no, thank you! It be bad to let bandits run around free, yes? I only did what is good.\" *He nods lightly over to the captain, taking the pouch in his hand. Oo, he had wanted to donate, but that food looked so delicious! Ah, better idea! Buy food and donate it to the orphanage. Perfect plan.*\n\n\"I see you later, yes? Good times, good times.\" *Saying this, Kondor then makes his way outside the guard post, and begins to walk off, money in his hand and ready to buy the food he had smelt so well.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"Good bye citizen.\" *The captain gave him a salute. Woot, 200 hundred silver pocketed in. After Kondor left, the captain who left Kondor here would talk to the other man, and managed to get his own split of the pocketed money. Yay for corruption. The high bounty had to do with Salvainia's proficiency in putting alive men to good use. Slavery had its own benefits, after all.*\n\n*The horse taken by Kondor was not of very high quality, and is worth around 500 silver in worth. Now Kondor is free to seek his destiny and what he want, with his pocket much fuller than before.*\n\nTotal loot gained by Kondor over the entire quest:\n```\n10 gold of raw currency from reward\n400 silver of raw currency, looted\n200 silver of misc. Loot, could keep for himself if he has use for silk and spices\n\nCompleted a quest and is one step closer to becoming stronger.\n```\n\n**QUEST COMPLETE**" } ]

[ { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Kibaru would arrive in town carrying Adeliza* \"Hey, we're here\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would slowly wake up and rub her eyes* \"Hm? Oh thanks for letting me sleep\" *She would try to get out of his arms*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Adeliza would see a black haired person holding, he had no tails and looked completely like a normal human" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would scream* \"Who are you let me go!!!!!\" *She would be kicking her legs*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*The strange man would put her down* \"Calm down, you're going to make me look like some kind of creep\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Kibby?\" *She would go close to him* \"Is that you?\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*He would just Smile showing his average teeth as she ask that question*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would be confused and then get a bit scared hoping it wasn't the man she had served*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*The scar under his left eye and his deep blue eyes would suggest it was Kibaru. The clothing would as well* \"Calm down... People are already looking at me like some pervert\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Sorry I just didn't know you could do that\" *She would turn away from him*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Something wrong?\" *Kibaru would ask her afraid that she already feared him from something this simple*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Nope I'm good\" *She would smile at him* \"Now lets go look at some houses\" *She would take his hand and begin walking*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Sorry I didn't tell you about this\" *Kibaru would say looking up at the moon as he walked alongside Adeliza*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"It's alright but it's pretty cool you know\" *She would say as she looked up at all the stars*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Yea, my kin isn't exactly welcomed in towns such as these, so it's something I had to learn... Tho your face was priceless\" *He would say laughing a bit*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Hey! You scared me!\" *She would pout and keep walking but she would walk faster than him*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Kibaru would then pull her cheek smiling* \"Now you're the cute one\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would smile* \"What are you talking about? I was always the cute one\" *She would say as she laughed a little*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*He would then act sad* \"Oh, what shall I do now without my cuteness\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would giggle and kiss his cheek* \"You're still cute don't worry\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*He would seem happy again, and this would be where his tails would wag...* \"I'm glad to here that\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would kiss his forehead and continue walking* \"So where exactly are we headed?\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Kibaru tooke the lead* \"I'll show you\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Okay\" *She would follow him*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"So... It's going to be a while, want to do anything?\" *He would ask feeling as bit uncomfortable*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Well I mean if you have something in mind than we can do that\" *She would say as she held his hand*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Well if you see food, then I'm happy to buy us some\" *He would say as his stomach rumbled*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would laugh* \"There's some over there\" *She would take him to a merchant that was selling some food*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Kibaru would follow and buy what the lady would want as it was his job as a gentleman*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Alright what would you like to eat?\" *She would ask with a smile on her face*" } ]

[ { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Honestly... It's all up to you. The woman gets to pick. Besides I don't know where to begin\" *He would say looking at everything*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would get some fruit and meat and bread and anything else that they haven't been able to have and she would begin to look for her money*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Kibaru would hold out 20 silver* \"No no, It's my responsibility as the man. Besides, if you end up paying, then the people would look at me weirdly again\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would look up at him* \"Are you sure?\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*He would smile* \"Yea, I'm sure, I mean, it is food, and we do need food\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Alright but how much do I owe you?\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"You can pay me back by buying me something gooood\" *He would say with a drewling mouth* \"That should be enought for the both of us with some to spare\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Okay\" *She would wait for him to pay*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*He would pay for everything and smile* \"There we go, now do you have any money\" *He would ask worried\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Yea I have 24 silver\" *She would say hesitantly*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"You sure?\" *He would ask her worring that she might not have money if they where to split up somehow*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Once we get the house I should start to have more because of my job\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Yea, And you won't have to worry about water or rent\" *He would smile looking at her* \"But first we have to go to a bank so i can deposit my money\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Alright shall we go then?\" *She would smile at him*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"To the bank then\" *He would say as he started walking towards the bank he knew*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would follow behind him*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Eventually they would arrive at a bank* \"Here we go\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Alright I'll be here if ya need me\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Kibaru then went in and game back a while latter* \"All finished\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Alright where to next?\" *She would look around*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Now we start talking to people to see where we can buy a house\" *He would say holding her hand*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would smile at him* \"Aye aye captain lead the way\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Ok then\" *After asking a few people, they would finally have a lead as to where to go*\n\n*After meeting that person, they end up leaving, not finding a good house* \"And this might take quite a while\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would kiss his cheek* \"Don't worry we will find the perfect house\" *She would smile at him*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"And nothing less will do\" *He would say having his energy restored from her kiss*\n\n*After talking to allot more people, Kibaru finally end up finding the perfect house next to a water fall for a big river and it was in the forest close to a small village* \"What do you think Addy, should we buy it?\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"It's everything we wanted and it's perfect and beautiful so yes I say we should buy it\" *She would say as she smiled while looking at the house and her eyes sparkled*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Kibaru then payed 42 gold for the deed* \"Un fourtunally it's quite a distance and we won't be able to go there over night\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Go where overnight?\" *She looked at him a bit confused*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"To where our new house is located\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Oh...\" *She was a bit sad*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Why are you sad, little addy\" *He would ask her not understanding why she was sad*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"I wanted to go and see the house right now but I guess it'll be easier to see it in the day time\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Well yea, but look at the better side of things, we do own a house now\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Yes that is very true. Oh that reminds me! Do you think there will be materials for me to use in the house?\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Like what materials?\" *He would ask thinking of allot of materials, like for wood crafting, iron smithing and even doll making*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Like for jewelry making, doll making, and toy making\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Well I did hear the person say there is an old mine nearby the village, hopefully it has jewls. As for cloth, animal hides can work and if not, then we just buy some from the village\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Okay but I hope I'm not making us spend too much money\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Well the hunting for cloth instead would cost only an arrow or two, and we'll also have meat to sell and cook. As for the jewls, well I don't really know about that one. But considering you'll be making jewlery, we're going to have to but something for smelting and such\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"It's alright I don't want us to be spending so much money I'll just figure out something else to do like teaching or doing something else\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"No no, it's no problem, I mean it is just investing in future bussiness\" *He would say patting her head*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"If you say so but what should we do right now?\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"We should rest, the journey to our new home will be long...\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Alright\" *She would find a place to sit under a tree*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Maybe we should go outside the forrest, unless you would want to stay in an inn?\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"It's up to you I'm cool with whatever\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"In that chase\" *He would stop and buy a blanket from someone* \"We're going out of this city\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Alright\" *She would begin to get up*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Kibaru would then lead the way to" } ]

[ { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would walk here with nothing more than a small bag with some spare clothes and she would be looking around for some other people*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "Grimzly was a mysterious man, wearing formal black attire and shaggy black hair. He would be walking through the crowd, what made him so mysterious was how he stood out yet was never noticed by any of the passersby's. Anybody who tried to pay attention to him would have had a hard time, it was as if there was something that made him hard to notice. It was as if he was empty, like there was no energy or magic around him." }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would go and sit on a bench and she would take out some of the things that she had made*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "He would notice her, and was curious what she was taking out. He would be walking behind her, making absolutely no noise. Once he got close behind her he would leer over her should to see what she was taking out. All that could be felt was a breeze as he loomed over her, he was hard to notice and used it to his advantage. What else was he going to do in the city other then satisfy his curiosity." }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would take out some jewelry that she had made and she would then touch the necklace that she was wearing and a smile would appear on her face and she would then turn around and face the direction in which the breeze was coming from*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "There she saw the man who would be standing behind her. He would have very ragged hair as if it were never taken care of. He would just stand there looking at her in the eyes, as if he were peering into her soul and would then yawn." }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would be slightly startled but she would manage to put a smile on her face and she would hold out her hand* \"Hi! I'm Adeliza it's nice to meet you\"" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "\"I do not do handshakes, the name is Grimzly. They usually call me Grimzly The Grim\" He said in a lazy tone. He appeared sleepy, but was merely putting up the persona that he were lazy. He would wonder if she had anything of value on her, as he was in the mood to steal something. After all she did seem like a easy target. He would casually awn again, a ploy he uses to get people to lower their guard, as well as he was also tired from not sleeping." }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Alright then it was nice meeting you and i shall be on my way\" *She would begin to walk into the direction where there were more people*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "He would move into the crowd of people, he was especially talented in stealth and could easily blend into the crowd despite his appearance. He would wait for her to walk into the crowd before taking anything from her. He was careful as he hated conflict and wanted to have no problems when he stole. It was either be a wolf or be a sheep and for him he picked wolf. He would watch her from a distance as if he were a wolf staring at the sheep." }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would head back into the forest and climb up a tree quietly but she would be careful that he wouldn't see her*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "He would be following her, careful to stay at a distance where he could see her and not be caught. He was a careful person, if anything came down to it, he would kill her if she fought back. He would then walk into the forest, pretending that he did not see her, he would then yawn. He was debating what he should do and then came up with an idea. He would grab a small pebble and would throw it at a random rabbit that was passing by. He had a decent throwing arm, and the rock would easily kill the poor rabbit." }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Why did you do that?\" *She would say as she moved out of the tree to face him*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "\"Meh just to lure you out of your hiding spot. Now I would suggest you put your hands in the air and give me all the valuables you have on you. It was a bad mistake to go to a unpopulated area\" He would say as he yawned. He had a very relaxed aura around him which was the complete opposite of what he was doing at the moment. He did not mind doing bandit work, although he preferred to steal without being noticed. Bandit work was unpredictable he thought as well as he thought that usually something like this would be conducted by more then one person." }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Why should i? Why do you even steal?\" *She wouldn't move and in fact she had a serious aura about her*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "\"I steal cause I steal, after all life is not fair. So I suggest you take off your valuables, you are fortunate I am the way I am now\" He said sleepily." }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"I'm not giving anything to you\"" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "\"I suggest you do, at the moment I do not feel like hurting people, but I don't mind if the animals of this forest were to incur my wrath same way as this rabbit did\" He said now in a serious tone. He meant business, and he was going to successfully rob her." }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Did you not hear the lady?\" *A voice of anger would come from the shadows as footsteps copuld be heard approaching*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "\"Get permission before joining a roleplay and starting a fight.\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Now I suggest you leave because I don't want anyone or anything getting hurt\"" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "\"Hmm I guess it does get unpredictable. Why does this always have to be such a pain\" He griped. The man would have no magic, which also made him very hard to notice. \"Well I guess two for one, I guess\" He said. \"Now I guess I should kill both of you then. My name is Grimzly and I shall be using this weapon\" He said taking out a extremely small knife. The knife would resemble a pocket knife, something about it was off." }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Kibaru's aura was one of rage and even though his face was covered behind a black mask with blue marking, it was clear he was angry* \"I'd like to see you try small fry\" *He would say as his 4 tails behind him would light up removing the darkness. His claws would extend as he got ready to attack*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would stand beside him and she would get ready to fight as well as she had weapons* \"You know violence isn't always the way to solve problems but i guess we will have to use it in a defensive way\" *She would stare straight at him and she would communicate with kibby through her necklace \"Something is off with his knife be careful\"*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "He did not want to fight, but he had really no choice. He would run into the forage, making no sound. He was skilled in stealth and so he was going to use his battleground to his advantage." }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would make a shield of water that would surround the two of them so that they could observe him*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Addy, I told you that if anyone was to hurt you, I would tear their throught out\" *He would say removing his mask and placing it ontop of hid head.* \"I can deal with this one alone\" *He would say zstepping out of the sheild. His wolf ears were pointing straight and he started sniffing*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"But kibby i can't let you do this alone especially since i started this and it's my fault that you are here\" *She would extend the shield so that it surrounded him as well*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "As he ran through the forest he would recall what he just saw, tails, tails, I guess that is a beast. He then came up with an idea, he would take a piss, this would camouflage his scent as long as he stayed in the vicinity. He would then hide in the bushes, his scent completely masked. This was his domain, he was a natural at stealth and was going to make full use of it." }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Don't worry addy, You'll just pay me back for this one, Ok?\" *He would say leaving her protection*\n\n\"You may be able to mask your sent, but how good are you at hiding your aura\" *Kibaru would say looking around for even the smallest amount of aura*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "He would end up escaping, he was not going to take chances." }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Kibaru would take out his katana, not knowing if he was gone or still there* \"Hey you still there, or did you ran away... Stupit question, not like your going to answer either way. Though if you are still here, know that I don't hate thieves, though I won't tolorate you stealing what belongs to me\" *He would shout out loadly*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would run to Kibaru and hug him tightly* \"I'm really sorry but I'm glad that you're back because I really missed you\" *She wouldn't let go of him but she didn't want to make eye contact either after what just happened*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Kibaru would sigh* \"What would you have done if I wasn't nearby?\" *He would say softly punching her head*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Ow well I'd probably do and use everything that you taught me\" *She would let go of him*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"I hvaen't thought you how to deal with this\" *He would say looking at her with worry, anger and dissapointment in himself*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"It's okay I'm not anywhere near done my training yet\" *She would place a hand on his cheek and smile softly at him*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*He would then put his katana away and his nails would return to their normal size* \"You're doing ok, right?\" *He would say looking down at her belly*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"I'm a little tired but it hasn't been very long don't worry your kids are safe\" *She would smile and look down at her belly*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Our\" *He would say kissing her forehead* \"But remember that I value you more ok\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"I know but don't forget to look out for yourself too\" *She would smile up at him with her eyes closed*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"I'm not the one getting robbed\" *He would say smugly*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Right i'm sorry\" *She would then proceed to make sure she had all of her things and she would begin to walk in the direction of their house*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Well atleast the trip was half as short as I expected\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would giggle a little* \"Did you manage to sell everything?\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Kind of, yea\" *He would say walking nect to her* \"How've you been doing?\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"I've been alright it's only been a month so nothing has really happened yet\" *She would look ahead and not at him*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Well thstd great to here\" *He would say as he put his arm around her as one of his tails wraped around her waist* \"Zzzi just wish IO could have talk to that other fellow a bit more*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"But what would you say?\" *She would stroke his tail and look at him*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Maybe have him join a group... Better to have a friend then a Enemy\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"That's true\" *She would kiss his cheek* \"You always try to help other people and make their live's better and that's one of the things that i love about you\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Well I actaully am quite greedy... But sometimes my greed just end up helping others\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"But you weren't being greedy just now\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Yes I was...\" *He would say truthfully*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"How?\" *She would look up at him with a confused expression on her face*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Strenght in number would help protect us\"\n\n\"Thats the way of a pack... And we are starting our own\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would blush and look at the ground* \"Y-yea we are\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Yea, and a man of his talents would have been quite useful, heck I wouldn't even care if he kept stealling, as long as he didn't get caught\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would nod and keep walking*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"I mean, A man has to make a living someway or the other\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Yes that's true\" *She would then think \"But he could've found a more ethical job without having to steal things\"*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"So could I without having to steal the lives of animals\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would look up surprised realizing that he probably read her thoughts \"Did he just...?\"*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"It's not that hard, it just means I'm really close with you, it happens allot among friends and even couples\" *He would say patting her head*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Right...\" *She would walk slightly faster and she would feel a little sick but she thought it was just because she was tired so she would continue walking at a fast speed*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"You ok?\" *Kibaru would as being drag at a faster speed*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Yup oh yea i forgot you were attached to me i'm sorry\" *She would try to move his tail so that he could walk at a speed that he was comfortable with*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*His tail would not let go as he did not mind walking faster, but mostly because he was worried* \"Listen, you have to tell me if something isn't right\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would stop walking* \"I feel a little sick but i'm sure it's just because i'm tired right?\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Well it might be because you're pregnant\" *He would say a bit less worried*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Right\" *She would turn away from him again and she would look up at the sky*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"And you might be carrying more then just one, so your body is going to feel the stress\" *He would say hoping it was that*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Alright but can we stop for a bit I'm feeling tired?\" *She would collapse onto the ground as soon as she finished that sentence*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Hey\" *Kibaru would catch her just in time and he would sit down with her in his crossed legs. He would then feel her head reall quickly* \"I sure do hope it's just the pregnancy\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"It probably is\" *She would lean on him and lean her head back so that it was resting on his shoulder and she would close her eyes*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*KIbaru would then cut her thumb a bit and taste her blood for any poisons*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would wince a little and look at him* \"But if there is anything in my blood won't it affect you?\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Not as easily, besides, it's just a little bit\" *He would say smiling*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Alright but how does my blood taste?\" *She would giggle a little*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Taste like iron, but not enough of it\" *He would say licking her thumb clean until the bleeding stoped*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would kiss his neck as he licked her thumb and she would stroke one of his tails*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*His tail would wag a little and he would finish up* \"You taste... I mean seem fine to me\" *He would say jokingly*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would tickle him and she would smile at him* \"I really did miss you\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Well I missed you to\" *He would say smiling at her*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would kiss his lips quickly and then turn away*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Don't tell me we're still shy\" *He would say tilting his head a bit*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Well I mean I guess I have to get used to it again it's been a while\" *She would turn back to face him but she would rest her head on his shoulder and close her eyes*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Well we have been furder then kissing you know\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would blush* \"Yes I know\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*He would then poke her top to see how she would react*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would blush a little but she wouldn't move or say anything*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*He would then act and kiss her of gaurd, but it would be a deep one, and not quick*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would blush and kiss him back deeply and with more passion because she truly missed this and him*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Kibaru would hug her tightly while they kissed*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would wrap her arms around his neck as she kissed him*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Kibaru would then slowly let go and look at her* \"Now wouldn't you rather prefer that?\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Okay you've got me\" *She would rest her forehead on his*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Remeber, that I am your's and you should not be afraid to use me in what ever way you want, just as I will do the same\" *He would say, softly brushing her cheeck with his thumb*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would smile and close her eyes leaning into his thumb*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"This feels nice\" *He would say as all of his tails would wrap around her*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"It does and can we stay like this?\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"I wish\" *He would say a bit sad*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Why can't we?\" *She would play with one of his tails*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Because I still have stuff to do\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Well what kind of stuff?\"" } ]

[ { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Stuff to insure a beter future\" *He would say not really wanting to say what*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Well is it something I can help with?\" *She would play with his ears and stroke his hair*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Kibaru would slightly blush as she touched his ears, but he seem to enjoy it* \"Well you could help in your own way, but not with any of my plans\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Oh okay\" *She would braid a small part of his hair and giggle*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Kibaru would smile at her* \"Trying to make me more cute, huh?\" *He would say as his hair did grow quite a bit since last time*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would smile at him and nod* \"Awwwww you look so cute!\" *She would smile with her eyes closed as she finished his braid*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"I look cuter, you mean?\" *He would say kind of smug*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Yes cuter my bad\" *She would giggle*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Though I do need a hair cut pretty soon\" *He would say pully his hair over his eyes to his nose*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Yea we should probably get it cut\" *She would kiss his head*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*He would then pull some hair from the side of his head* \"But maybe braid this part and have it grow longer\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Okay\" *She would braid that part of his head* \"Let me know if you feel like it looks bad or if I'm hurting you\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"I'm a man of war, A bad hair do would only hurt my pride\" *He would say proudly*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Oh really? And what would happen if I were to leave you or if the kids died at birth?\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Firstly, you would never leave me, Secondly, we could always try again... 9 mounths as but little time to wait for... But that would not happen as they will be strong enough to even survive on their own\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would kiss his cheek* \"I love you\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"I know...\" *He would squeeze her tightly* \"And I will forever love you aswell\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would hug him super tightly and she wouldn't let go*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Hey, Ummm... What would you say if I came home with another woman's child\" *He would ask her not knowing how it may have sounded to her*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would let go of him and sit next to him* \"Well did you have an affair with this woman? And what happened to her?\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Firstly, I would never. Secondly... It's just a what if, like would you mind raising a child that's not your's?\" *Kibaru would ask in the sense of a wolf not caring for another's pups*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"I mean it's an adoption and I guess I wouldn't mind I don't know I need to think about it\" *She would get up and go and climb a tree and sit on one of the branches*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Sorry if it may seem strange to ask... But one of my weaknesses are kids after all\" *He would say still sitting on the ground, waiting for her to invite him up*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"It's fine I've never looked after kids myself. If you want to come sit up here you can you don't need me to tell you too\" *She would be playing with the vines while letting the wind blow through her hair*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Kibaru would then stand up and get on the tree in a flash and he would sit next to her* \"Don't worry about looking after our kids, your motherly nature will take over\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"I just hope so\" *She would continue playing with the vine and she would rest her head on his shoulder*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Don't worry... You've got me, and I'm great with kids\" *He would say as one tail wrapped around her waist*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would stop playing with the vine and close her eyes and place one hand on her belly*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Just promise me that you will hold me back\" *He would say slightly worried of his anger*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"I will besides if you're fine with me you'll be fine with them\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"But you're easy to HANG out with\" *He would say making a pun about them in a tree*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would giggle* \"Oh Kibby what will I do without you?\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"I hope you'll never have to know the answer to that\" *He would say smiling*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would kiss his cheek* \"I hope not too\"" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Kibaru would quickly feel his pocket to see if he still had what he went on a trip for*" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"You okay?\" *She would look at him concerned*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "\"Yea, just had to check something\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "\"Alright now I suggest we get going again\" *She jumps down from the branch*" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Kibaru would jump after her, but he would do a flip by instinct* \"Yea let's...\"" }, { "author": "beans16", "message": "*She would smile and begin walking to *" }, { "author": "b.r.i.t.z", "message": "*Kibaru would folow*" } ]

[ { "author": "red.ultra", "message": "*In the larger cities of Salvania, almost no expense was spared in the name of Auctobal Day. The tales of Auctobalfest were grand all across Drase, but here they really came to life. Every gate, street, and alley had a 10ft pole with a pumpkin atop. Booths and vendors filled the streets, alongside longtables holding assortments of ale and meals. Corner after corner had minstrels and bards singing and playing, harmonies swimming over the sea of conversation and laughter. Contests of strength, of showmanship, of silliness were taking place everywhere as children chased each other up and down city streets, some with pumpkins on their heads. The city was alight with candles, bonfires, and Auctolanterns, and couples held hands as they went from one attraction to the next, laughing and whispering all the while.*\n\n*Some pumpkins laid smashed in the gutters, though they were largely ignored. Sure, some tried to ruin the fun of Auctobal Day, but the city was alive in the festivities. All the troubles of the world seemed far away amidst the feasting and music, the unique togetherness filling the city. Some booths accepted coin to participate, as well as bakeries, though others participated freely, demanding nothing in return. Notable figures of powerful houses could be seen, but this evening, they were just another face in the crowd, just another mug to clink together in celebration of Auctobalfest. If one wished to learn more, or where to find what games, the pumpkin posts were practically everywhere, with foreigners and farmer gathering around them all the same to read.*" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "\"Ah! Auctobal day! My favorite day of the year, no amount of gloominess can ruin this wonderful day, I bet this one will be the best one since forever!\" *Ralki says as she walks into the streets of Salvania.*" }, { "author": "red.ultra", "message": "*Children ran past Ralki, one lifting a pumpkin over her head, only to be stopped and scolded by an older lady. She took the pumpkin and whapped one of the kids on the head before walking over to a booth where several people were carving faces into pumpkins. Just beside them, a few men and women were being poured mugs of spiced ale, preparing for a drinking competition. More games and contests continued up the street, with food and musicians joining them all the while.*" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "\"Ah, the carving, the drinking, all the games! And everyone is in the mood! I should get and do something.\" *Ralki looks around, thinking of what she'll participate in first.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*After excusing himself from taking care of a needy kitty, Sirdan rode from the New Sunlight headquarters to a close by city, where Auctobalfest was taking place. Although he would've headed to the capital, this one seemed to be more... Festive. Perhaps it was the same town of Ie that he visited for the meatpie he never eat?\n\nIf so, now would be a good time to grab those meat pie...\n\nSirdan walked past multiple ten foot pole, judging them with the brain of a DnD adventurer wondering how many problems one could solve with a 10 foot stick. He walked by most booth selling ales, occasionally walking up and sniffing some of them, and taking advantage of free samples they offered. A few turns later, he reached the centre of the the festival, and barely dodged his way out of a child about to smash into his stomach with his pumpkin-obscured head.*\n\n\"Free food... I'm sure Kyo would love this.\" *He said, walking up close to where Ralki was. He recognized the scrawny, slightly underweight girl from before, and approached her from behind slowly.*" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "*Ralki smells him, and turns around,* \"Oh hello there again... Uh, Sirgan right?\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*Sirdan halted for a moment, staring at Ralki. With the crowd so loud, there was no way she could've heard him, right?*\n\n\"Dan, not Gan. It is me indeed.\" *He said in a stiff voice, then suddenly switched to a jolly manner,*\"It's Auctobalfest! We should find some food to eat!\"" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "\"Yes! It'd be a mighty shame if we don't try the magnificent food that all of the vendors here made. They make the best, like this last year I ate the best Pumpkin pie,\" *Ralki says in a very cheerful manner whilst looking around for good food from a vendor.*\n\n*Little does anyone know, she already is having a buffet of smell.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"Hmm... I've missed the meat pie of Ie, but perhaps today we could try out some roast meat to celebrate our victory? What kind of food do you fancy?\"" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "\"I don't know, I switch from time to time, but I love mudpie.\"" }, { "author": "red.ultra", "message": "\"HHHEEEYYYY EVERYBODY!!\" *A man stood atop a few barrels, holding his hands around his mouth to amplify the noise.* \"We have some things to announce! Just to my right, we'll be having a spiced ale drinking competition! Finish first, and don't you dare spill a DROP!\" *It looked like the crowd had grown slighlty at the table, with betting taking place to the side.* \"And to my LEEEFFFTT! We have got a pie eating contest! Eat it all before anyone else if you've got what it takes!\" *There sat nine contestants at the table, leaving three empty seats and three steaming pies. Across from the contests were simpler feasts and games, with some meat pies, steaming lamb roasts, and a couple of games of arm-wrestling going on.*" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "\"I wouldn't do well in either of those, I guess I'll have fun watching it.\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"..Mudpie?\" *Sirdan scratched his head, wondering what mudpie is. He turned toward the pie eating contest, wondering if there's an entry requirement. He walked over, and sniffed at the meatpie.*" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "*Ralki also sniffs the pie, but with much more power, and also her amazing smell is on.*" }, { "author": "red.ultra", "message": "*The meatpies would all be freshly baked, steam coming from the hole punched in the brown sugar dusted dough lining. Scents of beef, chicken, and possibly duck came from the pis, making several of the contestant's mouths water as they waited for the seats to be taken. A burly looking Mogash sat in one of the empty seats, wiping ale from his bottom lip as he looked at the pie hungrily. Two spots were left remaining as the herald continued advertising the games, making thinly veiled suggestions that the crowd should bet on the outcome.*" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "\"You should try Sidin, I bet you'd do great!\" *Ralki says to Sirdan encouragingly, but with her butchering his name, it's hard to tell if it's actually encouragement*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"...Sirdan.\" *The elf grunted, and then looked at the table. He don't think he could win the contest, but boy does the pie smell delicious..*\n\n*He took a deep breath, and then sat down on one of the empty seat, staring at the pie intensely. He wonder if he could... Use any magic to help him in eating pie?* \n\n*Think, Sirdan, think.*" }, { "author": "red.ultra", "message": "*As the last contestant sat down next to Sirdan, a young boy looking no older than ten, the announcer began bellowing about the contest beginning.* \"Now, the rules are simply for our pie eaters! Put this pie,\" *The man said, pointing at one of the filled plates,* \"In that mouth,\" *His finger moving to a contestants face before pointing at the rest,* \"Before any other of these lovely people can. It's a test of speed, of endurance, of intellect, of sheer, raw talent!\" *The crowd was going wild, cheering and yelling for whoever they thought would eat the pie the fastest. The announcer was right: there was no real trick to wolfing a pie down as quickly as possible. Nobody had said that magic wasn't allowed, but nobody had invented a 'pie-eating-hastening' spell quite yet. It'd really come down to a person's size and general speed.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*Sirdan waited for the contest to begin. There was no pie eating spell he could use, and he fancied that using pink steel strike to punch the pie into his mouth would probably result in an early demise from choking. He took a deep breath, and then grabbed the pie, devouring it as quickly as he can, chewing off one part and then swallowing it down - while burning hot, electing to deal with the damage to his throat by healing instead.*" }, { "author": "silverkyrielight", "message": "*Somewhere not far from them, there was a cute kitsune girl with pink hair, wearing a blue kimono and having 9 brown tails. She would be sitting at a table on her own, eating a meat pie at her own pace while her tails swayed around.*\n\n*She smiled and thought the pie was delicious, all the while she looked at everyone else devouring their food like nuts and giggling to herself*" }, { "author": "red.ultra", "message": "*Sirdan would do remarkably better than most, eagerly scarfing a hot pie where others could only stand so much. Of the twelve, only four finished there pies. The Mogash finished a few seconds after Sirdan, with a Macen woman finishing just after him. In fact, the only person that came close to Sirdan's speed was the child sitting next to him. He practically inhaled his food, swallowing the last bit of pie so closely to Sirdan that most thought it was a tie... Until the little boy ran off to the back to throw up. A kid's stomach can only hold so much pie. With that, the crowd cheered for Sirdan, the Steppe Elf Pie Eater!*\n\n *A small girl would approach the kitsune, with an even smaller boy trailing behind her, holding onto her sleeve. The girl leading, maybe around seven years old, lightly poked at Kasumi's arm.* \"Uh, m-ma'am. My brother and I were, uh, wondering if, uh, your tails were real.\" *The younger brother said nothing, fascinated by the sight before him.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*Sirdan swallowed the last bit of his pie, having taken advantage of his superior endurance and speed to gobble down the pie. His throat felt like lava, his innards were probably all burned out, and pain emanated from his esophagus. Hiding the bit of tear in his eyes, he stood up and bowed down to the crowd, smiling as he closed both of his hands behind his body, then casted a spell of healing touch on himself, feeling gradually relieved of the scorching pain..*\n\n*He coughed a few time, and then beamed wildly,*\"Thank you, thank you!\"" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "*Is overwhelmed with pride for his friend.*" }, { "author": "silverkyrielight", "message": "*Kasumi's ears would twicth as she looked towards the girl on the feeling of being poked. She chuckled at the question and gave the small girl a warm smile*\n\n\"Of course they're real little one\"" }, { "author": "red.ultra", "message": "*The cheering died down after a minute, and Sirdan was give a small purse of 120 copper as his reward for first place and a kiss on the cheek from the announcer's daughter, who was helping to serve the meat pies. The new contestants went up to the stage, ready to take on the pie challenge themselves.*\n\n*Both of the children's eyes went wide upon hearing this, and the boy in the back would yank on his sister's arm and whisper something into her ear. She nodded, than looked to the kitsune again.* \"My brother wants to know if he, uh, could touch your tail!\" *It seemed like the little girl was excited to do just the same.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "~~*Sirdan draw his sword and strike down the daughter for a sexual assault*~~\n\n*Sirdan blushed and cleared his throat when the announcer's daughter kissed him out of nowhere. He was busy being happy over receiving the small reward. A pittance... But his cheek is worth more than 12 silver. He hoped at least the girl was attractive, as he glanced back at her assailant and forced a happy smile.\n\nHe went down the stage back to Ralki with the purse in his hand.*\n\n\"And I won! That was fun! I don't really feel like eating for a while though... But the food around here are tempting - Did you smell those special foreign food over there?\" *He pointed at a stall serving foreign delicacy.*\n\n*Then he widened his eyes as he examined the stall's name*\n\n*\"Arslan's Shirdan\"*" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "\"Oh cool, you have a shop Shirdan?\" *Again messing up the name.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"...No, I don't. But this is quite a coincidence I did not expect.\" *~~Shirdan~~ Sirdan commented, looking over at the food on the stall - He couldn't see it clearly from this distance.*" }, { "author": "silverkyrielight", "message": "*Kasumi just looked towards Sidran and waved at him for a moment. She didn't know him or... What exactly he was doing. But she answered his question*\n\n\"I only really tried this meat pie\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*He turned toward the Amber fox, his attention caught by her tails and exotic appearance - if a pretty girl is starting a conversation randomly, so be it!*\n\n\"This... Meat pie?\" *He questioned,*\"You looks foreign to this land - first time in an Auctoberfest?\"" }, { "author": "silverkyrielight", "message": "\"Yeaa pretty much\" *Kasumi said as she took another bite of the meat pie and looked towards Ansari with a smile* \"I am from a foreign land\"" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "\"The meat pie is really good, right?!\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"I came from the Khanate to here in search of work. You... Did you come here for opportunities, too?\" *He asked, glancing at the meat pie in her mouth. After guzzling down a hot meatpie for 12 silver and an unwanted sexual assault, meatpie doesn't look too appealing to him at the moment.*\n\n*He placed the coins into his own money belt hidden underneath a coat.*" }, { "author": "silverkyrielight", "message": "\"Yes actually, I came here looking for opportunities and other things. Meeting new people and such\"\n\n*She said with a smile as she continued eating her meatpie before she replied to... Piney*\n\n\"And yea this meatpie is delicious!\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"Work perhaps? I've heard many kitsunes mastered magic. Ralki and I here is probably going to try out that stall over there. It seems to selling food from my homeland... But with a strange name coincidence.\" \n\n*He pointed at Arslan's Shirdan shop. The smell of spices blew in from the direction of the stall.*" }, { "author": "evocativesun.png", "message": "*Drakorn wanders about checking out the stalls and festivities that have been put on for Auctobalfest* \"I have never seen it quite as grands as it is this year\" *He mutters to himself admiring the 10 ft. Poles* \"They really went all out. . .\" *He continues moving about occasionally stopping to have a closer look at a few of the stalls before moving on to the next one*" }, { "author": "red.ultra", "message": "*Vendors stalls would be filled to the brim with exotic foods, festive knick knacks, and plenty of drinks. There were game booths for arm wrestling, pumpkin carving, fortune telling, and far more. Children still ran about, playing their games and singing along to the songs that filled the streets. A spiced ale drinking contest was about to start, and those not already enamored in conversation turned their attention to the ever-loud announcer and his dutiful daughter.*\n\n*Leopold had parked his cart at a stable near the city gates and had been wandering the streets. The pumpkin posts had thankfully reminded him of the event and its activities. He didn't quite know what he was looking for, but the Auctobalfest seemed like a perfect representation of his lord, the Warmth of Shadows. The bald Steppe Elf picked up a pumpkin, planning to carve it at a table.*" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "\"I want to try carving a pumpkin! Just watch me make the best!\" *Ralki clenches her fist.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"Pumpkin carving, aye?\" *He turned toward one of the bald man who just walked up to a table with... Strange intentions in his eyes, at least from what he sees,*\"It looks like that man over there wants to do something to the pumpkin.*\n\n*Several food vendors hollered at Drakorn as he walked past. Most of the stall did not have any sign on them, with the exception of one that read,\"Arslan's Shirdan\" Below on a cart. Two patrons sat in front of his small stall, serving what appears to be... Just some weird looking thing.*" }, { "author": "silverkyrielight", "message": "\"Ohh so you've heard alot about my race hm?\" \n\n*She said with a chuckle towards Sidran as her fluffy white tails swayed around alittle. She then looked towards the stall that Sidran was talking about with a curious look* \n\n\"Hmm... Well I might just stay with my meatpie for now\" \n\n*She said before she continued eating her pie and was soon done with it as she let off a sigh*" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "*Ralki looks around for a pumpkin carving game or someone that sells pumpkins for carving*" }, { "author": "red.ultra", "message": "*Leopold sat down and placed the pumpkin on the table, withdrawing a dagger from his sheath. He stabbed the top of it and cut a jagged hole to remove the stem, then began to gut the pumpkin, there on the table.*\n\n*For anyone who didn't want to act like a filthy savage, there was a small vendor stall selling gutted pumpkins for 5 copper and carving tools for 2 silver, or renting them out for 10 copper. They had a wide supply, with most pumpkins being the big and wide kind. A tired looking lady was set to work, gutting yet another pumpkin behind her stall as her husband stood at the front, collecting people's coin.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"A kitsune once came over to our tribe and started healing everyone. He was quite talented at his art.\" *Sirdan murmured.*\n\n\"Only meatpie? It would be a waste to not try other food - Perhaps you could try that stall of fried rice and roast beef over there? It smells amazing.\"" }, { "author": "evocativesun.png", "message": "*Drakorn stride immediately halts at the site of the pair, he racks his brain trying to figure out what it is the have. Eventually realising he has no clue as to what it is he decides to approach them. Drakorn walks up to them*\n\n\"Sorry to be a bother goodman, but I have never encountered that. . .\" *He pauses to figure out the correct terminology* \". . . Thing you have.\" *He says after giving up trying to identify it* \"May I enquire into what it is?\"\n\n*Drakorn steps back as to not encroach onto any personal matters*" }, { "author": "silverkyrielight", "message": "*Kasumi would then think to herself for a moment and stand up, stretching her body as her tails swayed around a bit. She made the decision to heed Sidran's reccomendation*\n\n\"Alright... I'll go with it then\" *She said with a warm smile*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*One of the patron - a middle-aged, light skinned male Macen with brown hair, turned toward Drakorn after adding some black pepper onto his own dish of Sirdan.*\n\n*The dish has a mild, unfortunate resemblance to certain organ,*\"Oh! It is great! Delicious food from foreign land! They call it Sirdan - stuffed intestines!\" \n\n*He took up his fork and lifted up the partially bitten piece of Sirdan on his plate - It was full of meat, rice and onions, boiled in a pot, sprinkled with cumin and pepper, and smelled quite delicious, if not for its unfortunate look and perhaps, pungent smell of lamb - if Drakorn was not used to it.*\n\n*The vendor pointed at the pot, in an attempt to encourage him to try some. The letter \"2 copper\" Was scribbled on a wooden board in front of the pot*\n\n\n*Sirdan (person) offered his hand to Kasumi, and then shrinked it away, realizing that handholding were perhaps, inappropriate on a no name basis. He led her over to the stall of wild rice, after bidding farewell to Ralki.*\n\n\"Right Ralki, you go have fun!\" \n\n\n*Sirdan would lead Kasumi to another stall, this time manned by a man with sun-baked, dark skin, and a long beard. He wore a turban and tunic - clothing more appropriate for the desert than humid Salvainia. On one of his hand was a Chinese spatula, which scrapped the edge of the wok as he stir fried some delicious fried rice mixed with herbs and meat in the wok. Underneath the wok was a glowing red stone that seems to be heating it up.\n\nHe put down the spatula and then started carving up the roast beef for another patron.*\n\n\"Welcome you two! Fried rice or beef? Or would you like a drink? Or all three for a set meal?\"" }, { "author": "silverkyrielight", "message": "*Kasumi looked towards all of the food with great interest as her tails swayed around. Her ears twitched once she heard the man proudly yell towards them amd asking them their requests*\n\n\"Hmmmm... Do you have any beef ramen? As well as... A nice drink of wine?\"\n\n *She asked with a warm smile*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The vendor looked at his food,*\"Don't have ramen here - but I do have some good beef. Why not ask Anh over there? He serves some good noodles!\" \n\n*He pointed at the neighbouring vendor, who seems to be pulling some ramen. After pulling and splitting it to the applause of several child surrounding the stall, he placed it in the pot, and took out another batch of ramen from the pot, serving it to a customer.*\n\n\"Delicious ramen! Come with beef from Ahmed! Just three copper with a drink!\" *He called out.*" }, { "author": "silverkyrielight", "message": "\"Hmm...\" \n\n*She then looked over towards the other vendor who seemed to be serving Ramen and gave him a mischievous smile as her tails swayed around. She then looked back towards the beef vendor*\n\n\"I'll take your finest beef then. Theeen I'll take a visit over there\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*Anh took winked back at Kasumi forcefully, and then returned to serving his Ramen* \n\n\"Big man winky winky at fox lady!\" *One of the children squealed out.*\n\n\"One fine serving of finest beef coming right up.\" *Ahmed took out his carving knife, cutting off a few succulent slice of roast beef - seasoned with salt that penetrated evenly into the meat, and with a generous amount of black pepper, and some rosemary.* \n\n*He placed the beef on a plate along with a fork,*\"Two copper please, and please bring the plate back here!\" \n\n*Sirdan mimicked her order, with additional rice on top of the plate, for three copper.*" }, { "author": "silverkyrielight", "message": "*Kasumi patiently waited for her food. She seemed well mannered enough and had an expression as exotic as her looks. Her fuffy tails swayed around slightly as she had her hands in front of her while she waited*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*Anh would serve up ramen for her - delicious, bounced ramen with a bit of spring onions added into the bowl for flavouring, along with a fork,*\"Also two copper please, madam.\"\n\n*It seems he've added egg and some seaweed for flavouring, too.*" } ]

[ { "author": "silverkyrielight", "message": "*Kasumi would give him the copper and she would take the bowl of ramen.* \"Thank you.\" *However, she didn't dig in just yet, she waited on her beef to get done*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*The beef was in fact done and on a plate that Kasumi was probably already holding.*" }, { "author": "silverkyrielight", "message": "*And in that case, Kasumi took the plate of beef and the bowl of ramen back to a table and began to try them both out first. She found them both delicious... And then she commited treason* \n\n*Shee began dumping her beef in with her ramen and mixing the two. She soon grabbed some chopsticks and began eating the new dish that she just made, she was giggling mischievously. This was one of the best things she's ever had. Who will stop this devious girl!?*" } ]

[ { "author": "ansari", "message": "*Sirdan handed over three copper, taking a few slices of roast beef and a bowl of fried rice. He sat down in front of the table, then he grabbed a spoon and fork, and then started eating.*\n\n*He glanced over at Kasumi when she returned with the ramen,*\"How's the noodle?\" *He asked, and then he saw her dip the beef into the ramen. His eyes widened in surprise.*\n\n\"Won't that make the spices less tasty?\"" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*Muu walked in, the small slime walking past the two eating and heads to the counter.* \"Muu want to work .. Make tasty things yes\" *She looks to the two eating and cooes before looking forward again. She puts her hands on the counter and looked at the person behind the counter in hopes they would let her work as a chef or perhaps someone who just made the snacks.* \"Muu can make good things for the people ... Pretty please?\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*Ahmed looked at the newcomer with widened eyes. A tiny slime girl at 4 foot tall, who seems to be anything but strong. But the spirit of festivality demands he offer something.*\n\n\"I make fried rice and beef here. What can you help out with?'" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*Muu cooes sweetly.* \"Muu can make beef slices ... On a pan and fried rice yes yes ... Do you have garlic and other spices? Muu want to feed the hungry as long as muu get something like money and water ... Is that possible?\" *She wiggles around innocently and rests her chin on the bar.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"Mmm, yes, of course.\" *Ahmed pointed at the mixture of spices right next to him. Behind his stall was another counter where spices and meat were prepared to be roasted. It seems there were a mix of garlic, onions, pepper, salt and butter behind him, along with uncooked rice.\n\nThere was two open fire behind the stall, one with roast beef being rotated over it, while the other one had a currently empty wok.*\n\n\"Ok. I will hire you for food, money and water, maybe 2 silver or more depends on how much business Ahmed get. Help me mixes the spices and make more fried rice. Two ounces ginger... One ounce...\" *Ahmed started counting off the ingredients, expecting Muu to get to work right away.*\n\n\n*The steppe elf was watching the slime girl stumble into the stall for work curiously, while eating his delicious fried rice*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "\"Muu can do that .... Roast beef isnt heavy so muu can cook that yes yes\" *She moves around the counter and heads into the kitchen. She takes the rice and starts to put the needed ingredients in the wok to heat it up and then adds the rice to fry. Putting what wasnt used down she begins cooking for the next hungry patron that came in and looks to the elf eating the rice in between cooking the food.* \"Does mister want muu to add the roast beef to the rice once its finished?\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*Sirdan grabbed some soy sauce that was conveniently placed on the eating table, and added it to his fried rice, and then mixed them together. He grabbed a spoonful of it and stuffed it in his mouth, chewing while staring awkwardly at the slime who just asked him a question.\n\nHe let out an audible gulp,*\"You should ask the owner - I am still hungry and would like another bowl of roast beef with rice. And some small ale to wash it down, too.\" \n\n*It looks like there were jugs and barrels of small ale and wine at the stall, ready to be served to customers in wooden mugs.*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*Muu nods and continues cooking, she looks to the owner.* \"Add the beef to the rice yes mister?\" *She looks to the roast on the spit then back at the owner as if asking permission to use it. She continues cooking the rice and hums a song.* \"Muu like cooking ... Cooking is nice ... Its relaxing and helps keep energy up for doing things yes yes ... Plus its tasty!\" *She checks the noodles once every so often and stirrs them.* \"So whats your name misters .... Muu is muu\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*Ahmed turned toward Muu,*\"Yes, add it, three copper for a bowl of fried rice with roast beef. 2 copper each on their own bowl - make sure to slices off at least five ounces of beef for everyone, and 12 ounces of rice.\" *He pointed at the ladle on the side,*\"That should be a good measurement.*\n\n\"I'm Sirdan, Miss Muu. You looks like a newcomer to the city, are you?\" *He asked as he watched her cook the beef, and help out the neighbouring stall with their noodles too.*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*Muu gets the ladle and gets a bowl putting twelve ounces of rice in it before setting it on the counter before moving to the roast beef with the other bowl and cuts off five ounces of meat to but in the second bowl before moving to the counter and setting them there. She looks up with excitement on her face and cooes sweetly.* \"Did muu do good, huh huh huh?\" *She looks to sirdan and giggles.* \"Muu traveled from the arcane seas ... Where muu was spawned and travel inland, stopping every now and then to eat, hydrate and cook food\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*Sirdan took the bowl of rice and put down three copper for Ahmed, and then took a copper as tips, sliding it over in front of Muu - A pittance for an adventurer like him, and perhaps the equivalent of tipping someone $3.5 in modern day.*\n\n*He leaned his head forward and sniffed at the food, and then placed a spoonful of the spicy fried rice in his mouth, and then chewed on a tiny slice of beef,*\"Tastes good - I think you'll make a good cook,*\"You sounds innocent and new to this world - You travel around without a home and cook for strangers for a living, do you?\"\n\n*A worrying way of living..*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*Muu cooed and took the copper tip and put it into her pocket and cooes softly.* \"Thanks mister!\" *She wiggles innocently and listens as he spoke.* \"Muu want to explore and make food ... But cant travel far without supplies of water to keep muu from well .... So muu work for payment and water so muu can stay on land longer and feed the many hungry people who want to sit and enjoy a meal\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*Sirdan put down his spoon, and then smiled at Muu as she cooed. He has gotten addicted to the cute cooing and wiggling. What a cute little slime! With an innocent goal, too,*\"If you are looking for a stable job - I happens to work for a guild of adventurers - and they are full of hungry people. The food isn't so good, but maybe you could work there for money and water - and perhaps join an adventure, too.\"" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*Muu claps happily and wiggles again.* \"Muu could do that yes yes... Could muu get a tub of saltwater in a room so muu can stay there and not have to worry about leaving too much?\" *She moves around the counter and stands by the one offering her a job and looks at him hopeful.* \"Muu will make muff yummy food ... Such as gravy beef noodles and oyster sauce noodles ... Maybe some roasted chicken over potatoes and corn\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*Sirdan maintained his smile, like an adult taking care of an oversized child. Though in Muu's case, she's an undersized child for sure - Probably an adult, but doesn't speak like one,*\"A tub of saltwater... I am sure someone could accomodate that - I could scoop up some on my cart and bring it to your new room when we are free. But I will have to ask the guildmaster when you join. So, after Auctobalfest, maybe you could come with Ralki and I to New Sunlight and get you a job?\"\n\n*He turned away from Muu, looking amongst the crowd for the illusive Ralki, trying to find out where she's gone.*" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "*Ralki is busy carving a pumpkin, for quite a bit of time too. It looks really good so far, as her job of pottery makes her good with tool use and design and yeah. The pumpkin has stars as eyes, an a mouth with 2 buck teeth.*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*Muu giggles.* \"And where does muu stay until then ... Muu cant stay here long unless muu has a tub of water to be in or is hydrated every so often ... Water very important to muu as it keeps muu alive yes yes\" *She follows his gaze around the room and goes to look for whoever he was talking about and waddles to the woman and watches her carve.* \"Thats pretty ... Muu like that ... You are very talented\"" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "\"Thanks, I know I'm great. I'm a pretty masterful potter!\" *Ralki says with pride, boastingly, pretty egotistical tbh.*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*He turned toward Ralki, wondering whether to yell at her and get her to look at his newest \"Catch\" - A 4 foot tall slime girl cook! For some reason, he felt that the two would fit in together.*\n\n*He prepared to put down his bowl of newly cooked fried rice to talk to Ralki, only to see Muu have pre-empted him and approached Ralki. He decided to follow her,*\"I was about to introduce her to you, but Muu made it here first.\" *Sirdan said with a mischievous smell.*\n\n\"As for water... How long can you stay outside of salt water Muu? It is getting late - I am not sure if I could scoop up some saltwater all the time - fresh water should be easier..\"" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "*Thinks for a moment, and inspects her pumpkin, there seems to be nothing else to add to it. Ralki returns the tools that she rented out and then goes to Muu* \"Hello! What is your name? I assume Muu because you say it lots.\"" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "\"Muu just like salt water because it reminds muu of home ... But any water would do as long as its fresh ... Muu can buy salt to add too it too to make it cozy , if thats okies\" *She sits in a chair and giggles.* \"Yes muu is muu ... Does muu doing this bother you any... Muu has done it since muu learned muus name\"" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "\"Ralki likes Muus name... Wait I'm doing it now, is this infectious?\"" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*Muu giggles and shakes her head.* \"Only if you let it become that ... Muu does not infect things only gives food, hugs , and much attention\" *She pats the pumpkin as if it were an animal and cooes at it.* \"Whos a cute pumpkin... Thats right , you are... You are much adorable\" *She looks over.* \"Did ya save the seeds ... Or havent thrown them away yet? It may take some time to seperate the seeds from the goo but if you bake them in garlic salt they make for yummyness\"" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "\"Ah, sorry, I bought the pumpkin from a dealer, it was already hallowed out. Ralki sorry Ralki couldn't get seed for Muu.\"" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "\"We could always get a new pumpkin at a vendor and turn it into pumpkin pie and bake the seeds too\" *She pets the pumpkin and looks over.* \"Muu like pumpkins, they are yummy and make muu happy ... Mostly the seeds as they are yummiest part of the pumpkin\"" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "*Seeds are definitely not the best part of pumpkins, but ok,* \"That sounds like a wonderful idea\" *Ralki told as a half-truth.*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*Muu claps excitedly.* \"Yay .... Thats good yes yes ... We can make baked seeds when we get to your umm... Place?\" *She hugs the pumpkin and rests her head on it.* \"Muu wanna make pumpkin art too ... Never did it before .... Can you teach muu how?\"" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "\"Of course, I am also an amazing teacher,\" *This was a total lie, 100% further from the truth, Ralki is infact a terrible teacher.*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*Muu giggled and cooed* \"So when do we leave ... Muu will be needing water soon... Lots of it to stay hydrated , is that okay if muu gets water before we leave?\" *She looks to the man then back at her to see if she had permission to use the sink.*" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "\"Of course you can get water\" *Ralki has not met many slime people before, so she is quite new to the fact that Muu needs lots of water.*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*Muu heads to the kitchen and goes to the sink, she turns it on and cusps a hand to lean in and start drinking directly from the tap. After a bit of drinking she turns the water off and heads back looking slightly more chipper than when she had head in.* \"Muu good now ... Lets go ... Who we waiting on?\"" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "\"I don't really know, I'll just go and get a pumpkin\" *Gets a filled pumpkin, so they can be barbarians and scoop it out and have seeds and gooooooooO!*" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "*Muu would be given quite a bit of clean water from a barrel with a plug. There were also clearly labelled barrel of small beer and ale. Sirdan stood up and smiled,*\"Let's go back to New Sunlight then. Should I buy you a barrel or water or two? Perhaps a bag of salt, too?\"" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "\"If thats not too much trouble for you mister ... Muu would appreciate the water and the salt would be a bonus\" *She pats the pumpkin and giggles. She hugs the male and cooes.* \"You are nice ... Muu likes you\" *Before letting him go and skipping after the woman who had the pumpkin.*" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "\"I'll just take my wagon and horses there, you're welcome to ride in the wagon as well\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"Right. I will need to buy you some barrels - But I have no wagon or draft horses to pull them. Would you like to come with me to the market and buy some? I'll lift the barrles onto the wagon.\"\n\n*He asked Ralki, after realizing his horse isn't particularly suited to carrying large barrel of water.*" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "\"Alright... Dirtan? That's your name right?\"\n\n*Goes with Sirdan and gets water and salt.*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*Muu cooes and nods* \"Muu can go with yes to buy water and salt ... It should last muu some time before muu needs to get more.\" *She follows the male out the door and then looks around for the wagon before cooing.* \"Wheres the wagon.. Muu never ridden in a wagon before ... Sounds fun!\"" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "*Points to a wagon, with 2 horses,* \"It's right there Muu.\"" }, { "author": "ansari", "message": "\"..SSSIRRRRDAAAAN\" *Sirdan said after taking a big, exaggerated breath, following by an exaggerated sigh of despair. He bought two large barrels of water, along with some salt for her - just a small bag, because they were expensive.*\n\n\n\n*He set down the barrels on top of the wagon, and then got on his horse Alice - a brown-coated, fit looking courser. He patted the back of its neck before mounting on him*" }, { "author": "pineywoods7124", "message": "*Gets on the wagon and beckons the others to get on. When they do Ralki will get a move on to" } ]

[ { "author": ".sneezyanus.", "message": "*Needless to say, no one would have expected the small, wildling to venture her journey through the city, with people hustling and bustling through the streets like there wasn't a tomorrow. You wouldn't think that she would venture here for any reason, yet there she was. The Wood Elf, roughly 5ft in height with long, black hair and pale skin, wandered through the streets with her head low and her anxiety high. Her bright grey eyes stared at the people going past, hating the looks of suspicious gazes looking in her direction. They mostly looked at her, because not a lot of elves have impurities on their faces.\n\nAnd that's what she had.\n\nFreckles not only sprinkled along her cheeks and nose, but some trailed down along the sides of her neck, her shoulders, disappearing under the green blouse she wore and appearing faintly under the sleeves of her blouse.\n\nHer hands fiddled with the bottom of her corset, incredibly nervous while walking through the city.\n\nWhy was she walking here anyway? Was she on some great adventure and needed to head her way towards a building in order to get a top secret mission?\n\nNo.\nShe was lost.\n\nImmensely lost.*" }, { "author": "ryromancer", "message": "*Nira, whom had transformed into her human form before leaving her house earlier that day, had been leaning against a small stall filled to the brim with various weapons near an intersection of the roads within the city, a place not to far from where the small wood elf was wandering. Now of course this was the Naga's source of income, she made and sold weapons for whomever wanted to buy em, though that wasn't important right now. All in all, from a distance Nira looked like a regular Macen, about five seven and decently shaped... The thing is, if one was to get closer, they would probably be able to see that the pupil in her one good eye was slitted much like a snakes than circular like a human's. Now through this one eye of hers, Nira had spotted this obviously lost Elf not far away and since she wasn't someone to just ignore those who need help, Nira started to approach to see if she could assistant the wood elf. This naga had also left her bird behind at the stall because she frankly didn't want to hear an earful about whatever it may be at this moment.*" }, { "author": ".sneezyanus.", "message": "*The Elf's eyes bounced from body to body before they stopped at the approaching being. She gave a faint, nervous smile to the being, not realizing that this one named Nira was actually coming close to offer assistance.\nThe Elf wasn't too certain on social norms because, well, she lived a large portion of her life not in the company of Macen beings.\n\nAnimals were her forte.\n\nOnly recently she decided to come a little bit out of her shell, that was when she decided to take the role as a bounty hunter. Since then she hasn't even looked at the requests of people to find as she doesn't exactly have the courage to do that yet.\n\nSo, in actual fact, she was somewhat awkward as the being approached. She just held his weird, nervous smile, but when her attentive eyes caught the appearance of Nira's eyes, a sense of unease brought itself into her body.\n\nShe didn't show it outright, but it actually made her stop. Her one-track-mind focused solely on the appearance of Nira's eyes. She wasn't disgusted. She was intrigued.*" }, { "author": "ryromancer", "message": "*It didn't take long for Nira to finish her approach, by then it should have been near obvious that this girl couldn't see all too well considering the eyepatch covering her left eye... There was a story to that but that was for another time, one in which she wasn't attempting to help out a stranger.*\n\n\"Heya there Miss, I noticed that you seem a little bit lost. May I ask where you are trying to go?\" *Besides her eye Nira looked fairly unremarkable, which was what she was going for because she'd rather blend in with the Macen crowd than stick out as a snake person in a city mainly dominated by Macen. It was a little comforting to Nira to see another non-Macen in this city though.*\n\n*As for what Nira thought of this girl? Well she definitely saw her as interesting, considering the whole wood elf in a Macen city fact. She wasn't put off by the other's nervous smile either, she could understand being nervous in a place like this after all, which is more than half the reason why Nira wanted to help this person out a little.*" }, { "author": ".sneezyanus.", "message": "*... Oh good lord on whatever's Earth, she's being spoken to.\n\nShe immediately snapped out of her trance and she blinked rapidly, her grey eyes still looking at Nira's face before she quickly turned her head away and looked at the crowd rather than at Nira. One would've thought she couldn't speak with her absent answer, but she soon looked to Nira and spoke.\n\n**\"I uh... I'm looking for a way out here- Um.\"** She looked around again, her black hair cascading over her face for a moment before she turned to Nira and moved her long hair out the way. Her voice sounded foreign, but not the Elf kind of foreign. She sounded like she hadn't used her voice in some time, and the little times she has she only spoke a few words at once. \n\n**\"I don't... Know how I came here and can't find way back out to forest\"** She now fiddled with her hands nervously, her shoulders tensed up.\n\nShe clearly felt out of place. She hadn't seen this many people, at once, in an area.*" }, { "author": "ryromancer", "message": "*The forest? That was definitely a bit away from where they were in the city, but Nira knew exactly how to get there... Her cottage wasn't exactly in the city due to a few reasons after all. She wasn't going to lead the poor girl to her house though, that would be weird, but Nira couldn't help but wonder why this elf had decided to wander into the city? Eh, that could be asked in due time* \"To the forest... Yeah I can lead you there, it's a decent walk though\"\n\n*Nira had also taken note of this elf's cadence, especially how she both sounded a tad bit foreign but also nervous, the girl's body language also reflected this quite a bit which kinda confirmed Nira's suspicion that this elf was essentially a fish out of water... It was now Nira's duty to return this fish to water in a sense.* \n\n\"Well, I guess we shouldn't dawdle, follow me and I'll get you to the forest\" *And with that, Nira started to walk down the cobblestone road towards an intersection, she walked slow though as to let the other actually keep pace with her of course. Other than this, Nira hadn't really noticed much else about this elf, though that didn't eliminate her curiosity in her... Though that was to be left unmentioned for now*" }, { "author": ".sneezyanus.", "message": "*To say this elf was happy someone would help her was an understatement. She was relieved to finally be back home. As Nira began walking, she caught up beside her and spoke with a voice of relief.\n\n**\"Thank goodness, I been out of the forest for days!... I can't remember when last I was home.\"**\n\nShe was out of 'her home' for three days straight, meaning she was lost in the city this whole time. She looked somewhat skinny and the bags under her eyes were visible but not too dark, as though she had missed some sleep but had managed to squeeze in a few hours when she could. \n\nHer eyes looked up to Nira before she looked down to the floor. She was bad with small talk, again, she didn't quite know what to say, but she'll make the effort nonetheless.\n\n**\"My name Thasinia Ratha. It's a pleasure to meet you.\"** She spoke with a smile, a less nervous smile at least.*" }, { "author": "ryromancer", "message": "*Once the two had reached the forest's edge, Nira could tell that the other had eased up... A few more worrying details had also been made clear upon further inspection, but she wasn't going to bring that up, she had no reason to after all* \n\n*This was also the time in which the elf had introduced herself to Nira, she hadn't really expected this... Probably because she expected the elf to hightail it out of here as soon as she could... But this was a pretty welcome surprise, especially considering the fact that having connections was a good thing in her line of work* \"I'm Nira Augsburg, the local blacksmith here, its a please to meet ya as well Thasinia\"\n\n*Nira didn't really care for what Thasinia did for work, though she bet that it would probably require some forged tools, what she was interested in was what brought this elf into a city that she was obviously not comfortable in being in... Especially for what seemed like a decent while. There was also the fact that Nira was curious on where Thasinia was from, but that was only secondary right now* \"Also I must ask as you seemed a bit anxious back there, what brought you into the city? Also if you don't mind me askin, where are ya from?\"" }, { "author": ".sneezyanus.", "message": "*Her eyes looked at Nira before she looked back toward the city.\n\n**\"Many years I spend in home forest. I came out some time ago to get out my comfort zone. I came out again to explore but on my way home, I got lost. I not find where forest was, I thought forest had moved away somehow.\"**\n\nHer eyes moved up to meet Nira's gaze again, a faint smile on her face again.\n\n**\"City difficult to navigate.\"**\n\nAnd a forest isn't?\n\n**\"As for where I from, I-... Can't remember name of place.\"** She scratched her cheek softly and giggled nervously. **\"That a bit silly but it truth. Where are you from, Miss?\"** She tilted her head now to the side a bit in curiosity.\n\nLike a curious dog.*" }, { "author": "ryromancer", "message": "*The way Thasinia spoke was definitely a bit odd, Nira was only now picking up on the fact that this girl may not have had spoke in a little while, her grammar sorta reflected such. It didn't hinder Nira's ability to understand her though, which was good considering the few words that were missing in each sentence. Nevertheless, Nira still had to answer the questions that Thasinia had asked* \"Where am I from? Hmm... Well I can't really say I know where I was born, but I do live near here so I guess it could be said that I'm from here.\"\n\n*Yeah Nira's memory wasn't exactly stellar, she couldn't remember her childhood before the incident in which she lost her left eye... The loss of memory was probably due to trauma, but she wasn't too sure. All that Nira did know that that this city had been her home for a long while and frankly she didn't plan on changing that fact anytime soon.* \n\n\"Before I head out, is there anywhere else that i can lead you to?\" *Frankly, Nira was a little interested in Thasinia, she was a little rough around the edges but she seemed like a nice person to become friends with nonetheless. This didn't give Nira any reason to push this notion on the other though and even if the wood elf did look a little tired and a tad bit skinny, she still didn't want to overstep any bounds. Besides, she had only offered to lead Thasinia to the woods, not to a place with food and bed... Not yet at least*" }, { "author": ".sneezyanus.", "message": "*She blinked in thought. It appeared like she just absently stared at Nira, but she was definitely thinking in her head.\n\nDid she need anything else? She was tired and hungry. Usually she ate like a horse but with no knowledge of the city, she doesn't know where to exactly go. She looked to the forest for a while, taking in whether or not she'll make it to her little home she built out before she collapses from exhaustion. She should probably eat and sleep a bit.\n\nHer eyes moved to Nira and she looked at her eyes- er... Well, eye.\n\n**\"Is there place I sleep and recover? Maybe uh... Eat food? I not have much for days, but if too much to ask I understand.\"** She brought her nervous smile again. She felt really bad for asking this of anyone.\n\nIf she felt right about it she might have asked someone else. Alas, she didn't, but it couldn't hurt to ask this kind woman.\n\n... Or is this the worst mistake she's made in her life?*" }, { "author": "ryromancer", "message": "*The more Thasinia spoke of what had occurred the past few days, the more and more empathetical Nira was towards her... It may have been long ago, but there was a time when she too was without food. That's a story for another day though, maybe Nira would get to tell it though that was unlikely* \"My home is nearby, it isn't large but it should be a good place for you to be able to recover\"\n\n*As for why Nira's cottage was on the outskirts of the city? Well she wasn't a serial killer or any psycho like that, it was simply because there was less a chance that a random person would see her actual form and spread the news that a seemingly Macen blacksmith was actually a naga... That was a kerfuffle that she just didn't want to get into. As for housing Thasinia for a day or so, there was no problems with that, though Nira figured that she would have to refrain from transforming, no biggy to her though.* \n\n\"But yeah, I wouldn't mind letting you stay for a little, it isn't like I have company over often...\" *Nira paused a little like she was thinking on saying something, she wanted to bring up the fact that she wasn't a Macen but she was honestly a tad bit nervous about doing so, but the truth had to get out if she was gonna have company over* \"Also there is one last thing that I have to tell ya, I may look like a Macen, but I'm actually a naga... This is just a form I can shift to to make things a little easier on the city\"" }, { "author": ".sneezyanus.", "message": "*Thasinia stared at Nira.\n\nLong and hard.\n\nThe stare seemed confusing at first glance but then it slowly became more and more visible... \n\nShe was clueless. She had no idea what a naga is, and it was evident in her face. Her knowledge lies more in nature and animals, she's not too aware of the bi-pedal species that she shares this world with. In her mind, naga sounded like a type of food.\n\nThen Nira mentioned she's a naga.\nSo Thasinia thought that 'naga' was a term for some sexuality or gender? Which would just confuse her further.\n\nThen she mentioned form she can shift into.\nIt clicked that the being she is seeing isn't actually who she is. She this came to the conclusion that whatever this 'naga' was, it altered the being's appearance somehow in a drastic way.\n\n**\"That sounds fun!\"**\n\nShe meant 'fine' but that word will do. She hoped that she looked like she knew what Nira meant.*" }, { "author": "ryromancer", "message": "*Nira saw that Thasinia didn't understand, and though she expected such, she was still a little exasperated by it. This was because how was she going to explain that she was half snake without freaking her out? Well there was one way and that included just telling and showing, wasn't that hard of a concept right?* \"Naga is... Uhh, well, my race. I look half Macen and half snake in my true form... Lemme show you\"\n\n*And with that, Nira's legs seemingly phased out of existence and was replaced with the lower half of a red scaled snake. It was also evident that Nira was now slightly taller than before due to how her tail kept her upright, she was now edging closer to five ten instead of her original five seven height. Nevertheless, Her sudden change would probably shock Thasinia a little bit, or well that's what Nira expected at the least... Especially considering how shock is the usual reaction to such a thing* \n\n*So there sat Nira, her tail coiled up a little, minus the fact that her upper half was upright, as she nervously waited for Thasinia's reaction which she hopped wouldn't be that of fear or anger or shock. Well at least she was getting this done and over with now instead of later*" } ]

[ { "author": ".sneezyanus.", "message": "*Thasinia's little eyes widened upon the change Nira underwent, her jaw nearly dropping upon this sight. That long tail with those red scales, how the thickness of the tail in certain areas looked and how the thinness in certain areas looked. Curvy. Her eyes took in every detail of Nira's newly formed tail and she never took her eyes off the tail once.\n\nOne would think she was shocked, no, terrified. But when Thasi's eyes looked up and met with Nira's, a big smile grew on her face.\n\n**\"Snake girl!\"** She whispered slightly but also somewhat exclaimed happily.\n\nThasinia likes snakes.\n\nThasi kneeled down beside the tail and she investigated it closer, reaching a hand out and gently caressing down along her scales. She liked how snakes felt, their scales were awesome. She then looked up at Nira and she quickly stood up.\n\n**\"I sorry, snake skin look and feel nice. Your scales are pretty! Why keep it hidden?\"** She tilted her head a little bit to the side in curiosity.\n\nIn her mind, things as unique as having a literal snake half should be embraced. She embraces the little freckles along her face and arms, why was this such a bad thing? It's not like she was some Medusa or something.*" }, { "author": "ryromancer", "message": "*Nira was honestly surprised on how Thasinia had reacted to her transformation, it was less out of the usual disgust that she had seen with judgmental macens and more of a childlike excitement that was... Really cute actually. Was this Naga ever going to say such a thing towards the other? No probably not, but that didn't mean that she wasn't happy to be reacted to in a lighter note* \"Oh don't worry about touching May scales or anything, I really don't mind\"\n\n\n*As for why Nira kept her lower half hidden, well she wasn't ashamed of her lower half nor was she embarrassed by it or anything of the such. It was mainly because the largest group of inhabitants of the city, macens, were more likely to trust blacksmiths of their kind more than a beastkin like her. So, she kept her lower half hidden for the sole reason of business... There was also the fact that transforming her snake half into legs was more compact, but that was a lesser reason* \"As for why I keep this part of me hidden, well it's mostly because when people see that their tools are made by a race other than their own, they tend not to trust the quality I guess... It sorta hurts business so I just eliminate the problem\"\n\n*Nira honestly wished that her appearance wouldn't effect her business or anything like that, but that sadly wasn't the case... That was no problem though as there was a fix and she had been living with such for a few years now. Besides for the effects on her business, Nira couldn't really care less about how others saw her... Unless it was in a positive light like Thasinia had shown just now, she really really appreciated that*" }, { "author": ".sneezyanus.", "message": "*Thasinia seemed to genuinely get a little bit angered. She put her hands on her hips like a sassy little girl and she puffed her cheeks out a bit while frowning before she spoke.\n\n**\"It should not bother customers! They should appreciate foreign crafts, not dismiss them!\"**\n\nThe idea that people would EVER think an object is of poor quality simply because someone who isn't a macen made it sounded incredibly preposterous to her. Not everything is authentically made from Macens, for example her longbow, which she had failed to bring with her on her adventure, was made by a wood elf. Herself. A mere Macen wouldn't be able to craft such a fine weapon.\n\nAlas, Thasinia isn't a racist, but hearing news like this would drive her to become one. But she's better than that.\n\n**\"I sorry for customer preference you change such beauty of yourself. It not fair.\"**\n\nTo her it wasn't fair. Alas, who is she to say this? She hasn't really had a lot of contact with the bi-pedal world, but maybe judgements like this is what makes her favor animals. Thasinia suddenly perked up and she bounced once before relaxing on the spot.\n\n**\"Let's go to your home! If you are not busy with work, you can let your tail out free and be happy!\"***" }, { "author": "ryromancer", "message": "*Nira couldn't help but let out a small chuckle when she saw Thasi's reactions to her statements before, it was honestly a little funny but definitely a tad bit cute to see someone at her stature get so worked up one something like this. It wasn't like Nira disagreed with what the other said though, no she agreed quite a bit but before she could really speak up, Thasinia had mentioned actually heading to Nira's house. That was fine by this Naga as it was best that they waste little time after all* \"Well I can tell you that I am not busy with any work so looks like I'll be keeping my tail out for now. As for heading to me home, follow me\"\n\n*And with that, Nira had turned and started to slither towards the path that lead to her home, she made sure that Thasinia was following beforehand first though. In all reality, it had been ages since Nira had company over in quite a bit of time. This was no problem though, as Nira usually kept things tidy in her home... Minus her forge which was almost always messy, but no one was really going to go there... Hopefully.*\n\n*Besides that all another thing had happened, a small Swallow, which seemingly had flown from the direction of the city, went and landed on Nira's shoulder. This Swalloe was no other than Nira's pet bird which she aptly named Speck, after the black specks that dotted the bird's brown feathers. Now for now the bird was pretty silent, but Nira knew that it was only time until this bird thought it best that it speak up and talk smack about whatever it comes across...*\n\n*Nevertheless, they were now on their way to Nira's home!*" }, { "author": ".sneezyanus.", "message": "*Thasinia actually stepped beside Nira, her eyes immediately caught on the swallow that had come to join them on their journey. Her eyes widened at the bird and she smiled more, suddenly immensely excited to meet the bird.\n\n**\"Oh, is this your companion?\"** She asked before she gave a little wave to the swallow. **\"Hello, little bird companion!\"** She smiled widely at the bird.\n\nThasinia could talk to animals, of a low level. Neither Nira nor her swallow companion would know this, especially considering the bird hasn't spoken yet. Regardless, Thasi was incredibly interested in the bird. She liked birds, though her specialty was reptiles and arachnids. Bigger animals were okay, not comfortable for her, but they would do.\n\nThasi's eyes looked up to meet Nira's eyes.\n\n**\"What is your lovely feathered friend's name, Nira?\"**\n\nAdorably, Thasinia rolled her 'R' with each word she said containing the letter. It made Nira's name sound beautifully foreign, like it came from wherever Thasinia originally came from.\n\nRegardless, Thasi brought a hand close to the swallow in an attempt to scratch under the bird's beak. Most birds like that, at least the ones in the wild did.*" }, { "author": "ryromancer", "message": "*Nira knew immediately that she was gonna get an earful from the bird when Thasi had reached to pet it, what she didn't know that that the elf could understand what birds like Speck were saying... All in all, this may not turn out well.* \n\n\"Watch where you are reachin you long eared freak!\" *This is what the harmless looking bird had said just as it flapped its way up over Nira's head onto her other shoulder. With this statement alone, it should have been made known that this bird was a little shit. The deadpan look that Nira had upon her face even showed that this was a common occurrence... Though the fact that Thasinia could probably understand the bird, well that was something that Nira was not prepared for at all. Well, that bridge could be crossed when she came across it though* \n\n\"I-err-yeah the bird's name is Specky and honestly I'm sorta stuck with her\"\n*The story in which Nira got stuck with this bird was fairly cliche, she found a sick chick and nursed it to health. This chick then grew up into a healthy sparrow and would not leave Nira, soon after that Nira soon could actually understand what the tweets of the sparrow meant and well... Most of it was shit talking, it wasn't like Nira could change this fact or get rid of the bird, that would just be mean and cruel... Despite obvious reasons on why she should. Other than such, Nira continued to walk a path towards her home with Speck on her shoulder and Thasinia following along*" } ]

[ { "author": ".sneezyanus.", "message": "*Messy? Something Thasinia should care about? Preposterous. This woman has lived years and years in a forest talking to nothing but animals and the odd bi-pedal passerby. The look of this home wasn't messy, besides, it's no where near as messy as her home.\n\nAnd her home was messy. Dried leaves littered her floor everywhere, ants carrying their eggs from one place to the other, animals just making themselves comfy in her bedroll. Kind of chaotic. In this case, Nira's home was very orderly to her. The lack of leaves, animals and insects made her feel quite homely to say the least.\n\nEven though Thasinia used to live in a home with a roof over her head back when she was a youngster, Thasi doesn't have the brightest or longest memory. To be frank, she'd rather she forget those memories.\nBut regardless of this, when she saw the table and chairs, she threw herself across the room, landed on her haunches beside the table and investigated the table and its crafted beauty.\n\n**\"This so good... Did you make?\"** She turned to look at Nira. Seeing as Nira makes weapons, Thasinia had to conclude that the passion came from somewhere, whether it be creative or not.\n\nNeedless to say, she was intrigued by the naga lady. She seemed to hold so much intelligence. Well, a lot more than Thasi could ever hold at once.*" }, { "author": "ryromancer", "message": "\"Thank you... Did I make?\" *Frankly Nira only made most of the metal objects within her home, mainly because that was what she was good at of course. As for the actual structure, she payed a normal nine gold coins for its construction as well as an additional nine gold coins in both furniture as well as the addition of the forge on the side of her house. All in all, it wasn't too expensive, but it wasn't a cheap house either.* \"I didn't make any of the wooden things in here, most of the metal things, like the wood stove and such I did forge though\"\n\n*It is good to mention how though Nira's house was fairly orderly, it was obvious that a few spiders had taken residence in the corners near the ceiling due to the webs that stretched across. Now this wasn't a problem for Nira because not only did her spider housemates take care of most insects that would dare to enter her home, they also provided a good snack for Speck whenever she was hungry. It was like perfect harmony.*\n\n*Other than that, Nira had made her way over to the wood stove that she often used to cook and placed some chopped wood in it in a small tower like fashion. She then took some tinder made of birch bark she had nearby and set it in the middle of the wood tower thing before setting that ablaze with a flint and steel. She did plan on making a meal considering how it was around midday, though it was probably best she ask Thasinia if she wanted anything. Nira could probably guess the answer, but it was best she ask anyways* \"Also, I'm going to make a stew, would you like me to make you some?\"" }, { "author": ".sneezyanus.", "message": "*Thasinia looked back to the beautiful make of the table before she stood up straight and her eyes watched as Nira made her way to the kitchen. The small elf toddled her way over beside Nira, initially curious as to what she was making, but at the mention of stew her eyes widened and she looked to Nira's face, now smiling widely.\n\n**\"Of course I'd love some! May I assist?\"**\n\nShe didn't necessarily like the thought of people cooking for her, so picture her being in a restaurant. She'd absolutely go bonkers. So, she felt obliged to help. Needless to say, the question to help wasn't a question in itself, it was rather a statement.\n\nShe was demanding to help Nira.\nThough because she's such a small elf girl with the cutest face and stature, she wasn't looking like she was demanding.*" }, { "author": "ryromancer", "message": "\"I don't really need any-\" *Nira was just making sure that the wire was lighting when she had looked back over to see that not only had Thasi waddled her way over, she was also asking to help in probably the cutest way possible... Well asking wasn't the best way to put it because the elf girl was a bit more affirming in her statement. Now usually Nira would have reaffirmed that she didn't need help, but with what she was doing and how low maintenance the meal was, including Thasinia wouldn't be too hard.* \n\n\"Well, I need to do some prep work, so if you can keep an eye on the fire, that would be grand\" *And with that Nira went to a cabinet to the left of the wood stove and pulled out a few jars of various jarred vegetables as well as a slab of smoked meat covered in canvas. She had then taken the items to the table that Thasinia was at first sitting at and set said items down before heading back to the stove and grabbing the cast iron pot that was sitting atop it.* \n\n*With her items gathered, Nira started to take note of what she would need, well she had all the ingredients but she was going to have to get some water for the pot, but that could be done after she prepped the meat and all. All in all she felt that she was ready to start, so Nira undid the twine that tied close the canvas covering of the smoked meat, thus exposing the cut but also making a nice work area atop the unfolded canvas* \"Okay! Time to prep the meat and gather some water afterwards, easy peasy!\"" }, { "author": ".sneezyanus.", "message": "*If one knows of that video where the man asked the child to 'keep his eyes on the ball' and the child was literally watching the ball and nothing else, that is what we can compare Thasinia too. Thasinia legitimately stood there and 'kept an eye' on the fire, ensuring that it never went off and ensuring that it didn't burn the entire place down.\n\nShe then glanced up to Nira upon hearing mention of the time to prepare the ingredients. Her favorite part! She looked to Nira and the cut of meat she had exposed, stepping over and nearly drooling at the sight of the meat.\nShe hadn't eaten for some time, so to see such a delicious cut that will soon be made into a stew sent her crazy. She then looked back to Nira's face.\n\n**\"What may I do to help?\"**\n\nShe had her own ways of preparing food. Nira had hers too. So, in order not to do something that would offend any food Gods above, she wanted to follow by Nira's instructions closely so that, she too, can learn from the nice naga lady.\n\nShe was so excited she could stand still in one spot for too long, ie, she was tip-toeing on the spot.*" }, { "author": "ryromancer", "message": "\"Hmmm... Well outside around the side of the house there is a hand pump, can you run out and fill this pot about three quarters of the way with water please?\" *Nira of course did a gesture to the pot that she spoke about before resuming her preparation, which consisted of rubbing the meat with various herbs that she had around as well as a bit of salt to enhance the flavor. Nira had also noticed how impatient Thasinia was and couldn't help but find it a little funny, she was like a child but obviously not.* \n\n*Other than this, the fire within the wood stove was burning fine now and everything else was going perfectly! The only things needed now was just the water and the prep, all in all easy peasy. After this of course, cooking would have to be done, but that was easy considering the rest* \n\n*All in all, Nira was honestly having a great time with Thasinia over. The odd thing was though that they had only recently met, it was almost like they had been friends for a bit... Was that a good way to put it? Nira didn't know, but she did know that of all people, Thasinia's company was one hundred percent welcome... Especially if there was going to be any meal prep like this, cause it was pretty fun*" }, { "author": ".sneezyanus.", "message": "*About three quarters. \n\n... Oh no.\n\nM a t h s.\n\nTo a normal being, the term 'three quarters' is nothing. Not in a long shot. However, to Thasinia, estimation was a bed thing for her to do, especially for her to estimate and calculate how far her arrow needs to go to hit its target. But, he'll do it. She can manage!\n\nShe took the pot and toddled her way out of the home towards the hand pump to fill it with the required amount of water. Firstly, the hand pump contraption was confusing as hell.\nHow does the pump function?\nWhere does the water come from?\n\nThis isn't the running water she's used to back in her forest. But learning was fun!\n\nSo to make a long story short, there was the sounds of her talking to herself along the lines of what to do, followed by her trying to nudge certain parts of the pump and getting nothing, then lastly one could hear gurgling as rushing water blew into Thasinia's face before she turned it off, now drenched.\n\n... At least the pot was filled to the required amount when she stepped to the front door. She didn't step in, simply because she was soaking now, and she didn't want to ruin the floors.\n\n**\"Niraaaa!\"** She called out like a young sibling needing help.*" }, { "author": "ryromancer", "message": "*There Nira was, working on making the meat have the right amount of everything when she heard the commotion that Thasinia had made outside. Of course it was a little funny, hearing the little elf struggle such with the pump. What Nira didn't expect was Thasinia showing up at the front door partially drenched in water, what she expected even less was the girl shouting her name with such jarring ferocity. It would be an understatement if Nira said that she didn't ~~have Vietnam flashbacks~~ jump a little* \n\n*When Nira had rather quickly regained her bearings and hurried over to the door and with the tip of her tail grabbed the pot of water before taking Thasinia by the hand and leading her to the stove where the heat was coming from, sure it wasn't cold out, but it was best they didn't risk much... Especially considering how bad colds can be* \"Please stay in front of the stove and warm up, also take off any wet clothing so you don't get sick\"\n\n*Nira had gone into full damage control mode by accident, she was hurrying around gathering things to dry Thasinia and the floor and just about everything else that was wet. The floors were less important though, she mainly focused on Thasinia at this point*" } ]

[ { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*The monastery was beautiful, inlaid with gold and silver. There was no one outside, but a little noise could be heard from the inside, as it seemed a party was going on. Spices could be smelled, as it seemed that the elves were cooking something*" }, { "author": "komisama0649", "message": "Deciding to get to the monastery quickly to scout it out beforehand, Yuuki was covered in a field of pure white light and apparently vanished. When one looked down, they could see a pure white fox quickly running down the street, winding between the legs of passersby as it hurried toward the monastery's location. Nobody paid the fox any mind as they bustled on toward whatever they were heading for, used to animals scurrying underfoot here and there in the city." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Oshikuru took the shadows, hidden under his cloak. He decided to wait and see what the Kitsune saw, since she seemed much more able to infiltrate*" } ]

[ { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*Shank stays with Oshikuru, partly because he was reluctant to actually do anything related to the mission and partly because Yuuki would be a far better scout than either of the two men. He can't really hide under a cloak, but staying with the Oni warrior and being in the shadow might help.*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "The map that Yuuki had memorized was very detailed and showed paths that her nimble fox forms could take to easily make it to the monastery. Yuuki quickly traverses the city streets and eventually makes it to the monastery. \nAs Oshikuru saw from the distance, the monastery was very beautiful, albeit some would argue overdecorated with the inlaid gold and silver designs. If Yuuki was familiar with the elven pantheon, she would see fountains and statues dedicated to the God of the sea, Osin. Her sharp fox nose would also pick up the scent of exotic spices from the open windows and would hear festive activities occurring inside. There didn't appear to be any guards by the front entrance, but the doors leading to inside the monastery were closed. Going around you would find an open back door, but there is a high elf priest praying to a statue of Osin right next to it." }, { "author": "komisama0649", "message": "Making sure the other two were following her, Yuuki made her way to the back of the monastery, quietly approaching the praying priest as she shifted back into her normal form. Her katana in hand, she would step to his side and enter a combat stance. With one swift cut, she aimed to decapitate the man with a two-handed swing to prevent him from alerting the monastery to their presence. More importantly, she did not want to alert anyone outside who might try to interfere with their mission." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Oshikuru quickly snatched the head, and body as he did not want any noise. He placed the body and head in a bush to hide it. He looked for windows to climb up to.*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*Shank just stands with his hammer in his hands, ready to back up his \"Allies\" If the situation arrives but secretly hoping that the job goes as smoothly as possible. He didn't want to kill anyone here.*" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Oshikuru sees several windows, some lined with candles. He takes a running start and jumps to climb the statue. He gets to the head and crouches, becoming unseen. He motions to the Kitsune and the Felinid and points to the window*" }, { "author": "komisama0649", "message": "Yuuki looked up at the man on top of the statue, the blade at her side slowly shaking blood off as its cutting enchantment made it vibrate, and quietly pointed at the open back door. \"We can split up to cut off their avenues of escape,\" She replied to his motioning, turning to the other man with the hammer. \"If you take the front, you can barricade the doors to prevent them from getting out that way. You seem uncomfortable. If you don't like getting dirty, just guard the door; we'll take care of it.\" Lightly swinging her katana to fling off the last of the crimson clinging to its surface, she tucked it under her arm and went through the back door, prepared to cut the throats of anyone nearby to silence them as she closed it behind her." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Oshikuru nodded to the shy guy, then leapt to the window. He saw elves drunken and partying, too drunk to notice the Kitsune, who was hard to notice to begin with. He silently drew his sword, but planned to leave some alive for more silver.*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "\"Thank you.\"\n\n*Shank climbs through and then does just that, barricading the door and watching for anyone who tries to escape that way. He keeps a firm grip on his hammer, as despite the fact that he doesn't want to kill or hurt anyone, he is aware he might have to.*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "The elven priest's head is swiftly decapitated, his eyes and hands still closed in prayer albeit now separated. The poor elf didn't even know his life was over as his body started to drop, but with perfect coordination Oshikuru grabs both the head and body, preventing them from making any noise and is able to toss them into a nearby bush. That of course doesn't hide the blood that spilled from the decapitation and the leaves on the bush are slowly being tainted red from the bleeding corpse.\nAs Oshikuru climbs the statue and jumps through the window, he see two high elf priests sipping wine from the goblets. They are slightly intoxicated and don't immediately catch onto the fact that you are an armed stranger that just trespassed private property, but they are looking at you with a confused expression.\n\"Uh, who are you?\" One of them asks\n\nDown on the ground floor with Yuuki, she walks past a gallery room filled with portraits of the sea portraying Osin in all his glory. There are 3 high elf priests chatting nearby about the wealth and prosperity Osin has brought them while eating some delicious looking spiced chicken. They have not yet noticed that you are in the room with them. \n\nYou hang out in the front Shank, and notice a squirrel with unusual intelligence in its eyes hanging from a nearby tree. Other than that it seems things are pretty peaceful in the front for now." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Oshikuru jumps down, blade hidden behind his arm.* \"I'm what you call a drinking problem\" *He slices at the throat of one and punches the other square in the nose, hoping to knock this one out for more silver*" }, { "author": "komisama0649", "message": "Taking advantage of the priests' lack of awareness and her own inherent silence, Yuuki dashed into the middle of the three priests while bent low, before rising and sweeping her blade in a circle at neck height. She knew that despite the fine cutting edge of her blade, there was a possibility that she would be unable to take all of their heads, and thus pulled her katana inward as she swung, aiming to cut their throats. If she succeeded, then at best, they would bleed out as their arteries were cut. At the very least, it would be good if she could cut off their voices so they couldn't raise the alarm. And in that instance, she'd just cut their heads one by one in the confusion." }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*Shank continues to keep a lookout, anxiously fiddling with his hammer's handle but still showing little emotion on his actual face. Yet again, he keeps telling himself that \"I need to do this\", in order to rationalise what he is doing. He notices the squirrel... And pretends not to, just incase that gives the man away.*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "The one with his throat cut falls over clutching it desperately while the other falls backwards with a bloody nose after getting bopped on the nose. Wine and blood and soak into the fine velvet carpet as they both dropped their goblets and this point and are now slowly realizing they are in danger. The one with the bloody nose yells \"HELP!! I PLEAD TO YOU OH HOLY LORD DYRAN, SPARE MY LIFE!!\"\nThe one with the cut throat concentrates magic on his hands as he touches his neck and the wounds start to slowly heal. He looks up at you with terror in his eyes.\n\nYuuki, you are able to slice across all the priests necks in a swift manner and they are completely caught off guard and drop their meal onto the floor while clutching their necks. However, as it might have been expected, you see holy magic gather in all their hands as the wound slowly starts to close up as they now see you and are terror-struck. They attempt to back away and flee, unable to yell as their throats were still healing. With your keen hearing, you also hear \"HELP! I PLEAD TO YOU OH HOLY LORD DYRAN, SPARE MY LIFE!!\" From upstairs. \n\nShank, as you continue to guard the front, you suddenly hear some screaming coming from inside. It would appear your groups presence has been made known. You suspect it would only be a matter of time before panicked elves try to leave through these doors now." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Oshikuru turns his sword into a massive glaive, brings in an overhead swing and brings the heavy blade down on the injured elf's head. He lets go of the blade and kicks the other in the groin and punches him in the face again*" }, { "author": "komisama0649", "message": "Seeing that stealth was swiftly no longer becoming a viable option, Yuuki sprinted through the elves towards the door, swinging her blade to try and take the head of the last one in line before turning around to face them. Holding up the sword with a thin line of crimson at its edge, Yuuki lifted a finger to her mouth. \"Be quiet, be still,\" She warned them, flicking some of the excess blood across the floor. \"There is no need to fret. You're more valuable alive. We only need to send a message, so if you're cooperative, you may live. If not... I still get paid, so I won't lose sleep from killing you either. Your choice.\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "The poor elf gets his head split into by your mighty glaive Oshikuru while the other elf cries in agony as you kick his groin and passes out as you punch his face. Looks like the room is cleared.\n\nDownstairs with Yuuki, she attempts to swing her blade and take the head of the last one, but the elf quickly summons a barrier made of light and intercepts the blow. He then runs down the hall toward the front door screaming. The remaining priests look at you in horror but one of them has the courage to softly whisper. \"W-What did we do? W-We we are but simple priests. T-T-The gods will show you no mercy!\" \n\nShank, you hear rapid footsteps coming your way and with a mighty push the door burst open as 3 high elf priests are scrambling to escape this massacre. They are shocked to see you at the door and one of the immediately falls onto his knees and pleads \"Have mercy! What sin have we committed?! Why are you carrying out this injustice on sacred land?!\" The other two attempt to run past you in hopes that you will spare them." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Oshikuru sees the bodies lying on the floor. Seeing as there are no more, he decides to head down to see how the Kitsune is doing*" } ]

[ { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*Shank swallows and swings the hammer at one of the priest's knees, and then rushes toward the other, attempting to tackle him. If the tackle succeeds, he attempts to use his hammer's pommel to hit the priest in the head and knock them unconscious.*" }, { "author": "komisama0649", "message": "\"Your sins, however great they may be, are of no concern to me,\" Yuuki replied dispassionately, using her mana to imbue her blade with electric energy. Anyone trying to pass her by would suffer brief paralysis before a swift execution. \"Rather, you seem to have offended my employer in some manner, and he wants a message sent. As for the gods...\" She looked up at the many paintings and tapestries depicting the glory of the ocean god, a near indiscernible frown appearing on her face. \"Their mercy is something I have never experienced. That is why I am strong, and why I'm thankful to the gods.\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "You walk down the stairs Oshikuru and see 3 high elf priests on the ground looking at the kitsune in terror. They appeared to have asked her something and you hear her response. Yuuki, you and the priests also notice Oshikuru coming down the stairs.\nThe priests eyes only widen with more fear as they realize there are more of you. \n\n\"W-w-we don't know what we did to deserve this, but please, let us compromise. You can take whatever you want from this monastery, we will even tell you the combination to the safe. S-s-surely that is worth more than whatever your boss is paying you? W-w-we will also leave this city, praying to the gods to never cross paths with your boss ever again. That should be good enough to let us go? R-r-right?\" One of them asks in desperation while the other two eye both Yuuki and Oshikuru cautiously. \n\nIn the front with Shank, you successfully your hammer down on one of the priest's knee with a sickening crack as he cries in agony and falls to the ground. You quickly turn and attempt to tackler the other one and successfully do so. You bring your pommel down and in one swift motion the priest is knocked unconscious. The only one remaining is the priest that begged for mercy, but after seeing you ruthlessly take down his comrades he gets up and points his hand at you. \n\"You won't get away with this! Even if the law won't, the gods see all! \"\nA golden chain made of light appears and flies toward you and attempt to tie you up." }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*Adrenaline kicks in at this point. Shank jumps to the left, pinning his back to the wall, and then he lunges at the last priest, swinging his claws directly at the man's face and hopefully hitting the eyes. If this succeeds, Shank attempts to swing his pommel into the man's nose.*\n\n\"Don't make this hard for me.\" *Shank has snapped into a defensive frame of mind. Although he's trying not to kill anyone, he's ready to defend himself much more now knowing that these people aren't completely defenceless.*" }, { "author": "komisama0649", "message": "Yuuki looked back at the priest, resting her sword on her shoulder as it continued to gently arc electricity. She seemed to be in thought for a moment before she spoke. \"The safe can be easily dismantled if we find a smith who doesn't ask questions, and we can take what we want anyway. You can't bargain with them. If you have something incredibly valuable that would be worth staining my reputation as a reliable worker and betraying my client for, then for your sake I suggest you mention it now. Otherwise, you can just wait here to have a word with them.\" She angled her katana slightly on her shoulder, allowing her to use a one-handed swing if anyone got too aggressive." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Oshikuru sees that the Kitsune has the situation handled, and decides to check on the Felinid. He sees two elves on the ground, and another standing up and pointing his finger at Shank with a golden chain of light*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "The priests see Oshikuru leave the room and they visibly relax a little. \"T-there is an artifact of Osin that is sealed away so that only devotee worshipers would be able to access it. But we would rather die than let you scoundrels touch it, and if you will be pillaging the monastery regardless...\" \nThe closest priest then jumps and tries to leap on Yuuki while another one quickly starts casting some sort of healing or buff spell on him. The third priest leans to the side and a beam of holy light shoots out aiming for your feet. \n\nOutside Shank dodges the chain of light, but when he attempts to claw the priests eye out, the priest that had his knee crushed quickly raises his hand and summons a barrier of light to intercept it. The standing priest has not yet noticed Oshikuru, and is shocked to see that Shank dodged his attack. He thrusts his palms out as a ball of light slowly drifts over the barrier and heads toward the unconscious priest that Shank knocked out.\n\"You're the one making this hard for yourself! We have done nothing wrong, we just want to live!\" The priest yells out at Shank" }, { "author": "komisama0649", "message": "Yuuki read the priest's movements as he tensed to jump at her and stepped to the side, lifting her katana from her shoulder and attempting to bring it down on the man's arm with a lightning-imbued cut. Regardless of the result, she would quickly dive and roll towards the priest casting the offensive spell, remaining crouched as she gripped her katana with both hands and swept it across his knee from the back." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Oshikuru readies his glaive and spins it around. He uses the momentum to bring it into an upward strike into the standing priest's groin. He then punches him in the back of the head*" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*Shank leaps toward the kneeling priest and attempts to grab him by his neck from behind. If this succeeds, he slams the man's head into the floor to knock him out via concussion. His ears twitch as he glares at the standing priest.*\n\n\"You want to live? Then give up.\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "The leaping priests has his body reinforced as you swing your katana, unable to pierce his skin as deep as you hoped, but the electricity still flows through and renders him unable to move for the moment. You are able to successfully roll out of the way of the attack with your quick reflexes and easily cut the priest's knee. He grits his teeth in pain and the electricity flowing through his body prevents him from moving.\nThe one remaining priest who cast the buff spell turns and points his finger at you and golden chains made of light fly toward you. \n\"The gods are on our side! Even if you succeed today, know in the future you will receive your due punishment!\" He yells\n\nOutside the poor priest that didn't see Oshikuru clutches his groin in agony as his knees collapse to the ground. \"...No... Honor... You... Scum...\". \nAs you punch him across the head he falls to the ground unconscious. \nShank grabs the kneeling priest, but as he does so, the priest attempts a point blank blast with a beam of holy energy aimed at Shank's chest before his head is slammed into the floor and is also rendered unconscious. \nHowever, the holy ball of light that was ignored by both Oshikuru and Shank makes its way to the unconscious priest that Shank knocked out earlier and the priests head wounds are healed and he slowly gets up. He sees the situation and yells in terror as he attempts to sprint for the gates again." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Oshikuru notices the escaping priest, and locks his sight on him. Running at 27 miles per hour, Oshikuru jumps at the priest and launches a 360 roundhouse kick at the priest's head*" }, { "author": "komisama0649", "message": "Alerted by the man's yell, Yuuki grabbed the paralyzed man with one arm and pulled him into the path of the chains, letting him take the blow in her stead. She'd then put her sword against the priest's neck, drawing a thin line of blood as her cutting enchantment barely edged into his skin. \"I'd stop with the temper tantrum if you don't wish to meet your gods in person,\" She warned the others, gripping the priest by the hair." }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*As Shank notices the man about to cast, he grabs the man's arms, pulls them to the side, and uses his knee to slam the head in. He looks at the man trying to escape, but simply watches, hoping Oshi can catch up.*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "Yuki, you block the chains and they wrap around the paralyzed priest, immobilizing him. The last non-paralyzed priest take a deep breath and looks at you with resolve in his eyes. \"Take our lives. 3 souls may not burden a cold-hearted person like you, but in time it will add up. Praise be to Osin...\" And the priest makes a desperate attempt to launch another spell at you despite having a katana next to his neck. \n\nShank is able to push away the beam from his chest, but it grazes his side. The priest is now unconscious.\nWith Oshikuru's impressive speed he easily closes the distance and launches a kick at the priests head. The priest falls over and his body skids across the ground from the momentum, dead. There are no more priests in the front." }, { "author": "komisama0649", "message": "\"Of course it will add up. If I am to ascend to greatness, I must build a mountain. I'm not going to concern myself with what it is made of.\" Yuuki immediately moved to the priest's side as he raised his hands to cast a spell, bringing her blade down in a heavy overhead swing to cut both his hands off and stop his spellcraft, as her katana quietly hummed with a cutting vibration. She'd back away and shallowly cut the other two priests across the shoulder, using the last of her paralysis spell to keep them still, before hacking off their hands at the wrists as well." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Oshikuru pokes the priest he just killed with his foot. Seeing as he is not moving, he decides to head back into the room. He sees the dismembered hands and looks back up at Yuuki.* \"They're all gone. 7 captured and 2 dead.\" *He remembers the one he kicked in the head* \"Wait, let me check\" *He goes back to feel the pulse of the dead priest and finds none, walks back and says* \"Correction. 6 captured and 3 dead\"" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*Shank grits his teeth as he looks as his wound, which (I'm assuming?) has melted some of his skin. He didn't kill anyone. That's good. He slowly gets up, puts his warhammer back on his side, and swallows.*\n\n\"What now?\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Oshikuru points to the Felinid's wound* \"You need help with that?\"" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "\"No.\"\n\n*The Felinid shakes his head. Chances are, he could just find some bandages and patch it up. No use getting the Oni to waste his mana, and let's be honest, he's also trying to look tough. He's still a young adult, practically a teenager.*" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Oshikuru nods.* \"I think we're done. Should we group all the bodies together?\"" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "*The Felinid nods... He begins dragging the bodies together as the Oni suggested.*\n\n\"Do we have rope?\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Oshikuru scratches his helmet.* \"I don't know. We can check, but these guys are in no condition to escape\"" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "\"I suppose. So that's...\"\n\n*The boy tilts his head and thinks to himself for a bit.*\n\n\"...600, multiplied by 6... 300 by 3... 900 plus 3600.. 4500 silver...\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "The squirrel you saw earlier Shank hops on over and you expected it slowly transforms into the robed figure. He is clapping as he walks over to the two of you. \"Splendid work. I assume the inside is cleared as well?\" He asks\n\nThe priests inside with Yuuki slowly turn pale as they continue to bleed out from their decapitated hands. The don't offer any resistance, even when the paralysis wears off. Rather they weakly smile at one another, the light in their eyes dimly fading as they accept their fate." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Oshikuru nods* \"Yep\" *He walks inside and realizes that the priests are bleeding out, and that means a loss of silver.* \"Keep them alive, they're worth more that way\" *He grabs two torches from the walls*" }, { "author": "komisama0649", "message": "Satisfied that the priests were pacified, she dragged them one by one over to a pair of open braziers set on either side of a particularly grandiose painting. Without remorse she thrust their bleeding arms into the flames in turn, cauterizing their wounds, so they might live for however long their client wanted to keep them. \"You don't seem to know who you're speaking to,\" She replied to the man without looking backwards, finishing up with the last priest and throwing him aside onto the floor. \"I know the conditions of payment. I only ask that you allow me to do my work in peace.\" She turned back to face him, her katana tucked under one arm." }, { "author": "Shank Karushi", "message": "\"We're done.\"\n\n*Shank folds his arms, and turns to the contractor.*\n\n\"This is something I'd rather forget...\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "The robed man nods \"Good\"\n He looks inside and see Yuuki performing her handiwork and chuckles \"Well aren't you efficient\"\nHe heads upstaris and to the back and nods \"Looks like you captured 6, killed 3. 45 gold total. You can split it however you want. However I suggest you do it quickly and leave the premise as discreetly as possible.\" He snaps his fingers and herd of mice appear carrying a pouch of gold coins and drops it at your feet. \nThe man goes around and gathers the living and dead priests and stacks them in one pile. The priests who are missing their hands are still conscious weakly ask \"What did we do?\"\nThe robed figure shrugs \"Perhaps you should ask what we're going to do, or better yet ask what aren't we going to do to your bodies.\" With a hint of haughtiness. He pulls out some chalk and starts drawing sigils on the ground around the priests. He then pull 10 rings and 10 vials from his pockets. He goes up to each of the priests, dead or alive, and pours a vial into each of their mouths and then a ring around their finger. \nThe conscious ones try to resist, but the robed figure easily pries their mouths open. As they drink the contents of the vial their eyes roll back and their bodies go limp. The figure then puts on a ring and drinks the vial.\n He then turns to look at you three. \"You all did good work today. I hope you don't mind if the boss requests your services in the future?\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Oshikuru grins behind his mask.* \"All you need to do is ask\"" }, { "author": "komisama0649", "message": "Yuuki shrugged, holding her katana over her shoulder as she watched the man perform his work. \"So long as they payment is appropriate, there is no task I will not take nor a client I will deny. If your employer is always this generous, there will be no problems. On the subject of payment,\" She diverted the topic, looking at the pouch of coins on the ground, \"Do you two wish to divide it evenly, or by the amount of work done? I've taken four, three of them alive. If we divide by merit, I should be getting 21 gold pieces for my participation. What say you?\"" }, { "author": "Shank Karushi", "message": "\"I think I get 12 gold. I knocked two out.\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "\"I say we divide it equally. After all, we all need to live, so 15 gold for each person\"" }, { "author": "Shank Karushi", "message": "*Shank nods his head. That's fair. Oshikuru was ten times more skilled than he could ever hope to be... All he did was knock two people out by the skin of his teeth.*\n\n\"Sounds good.\"" }, { "author": "komisama0649", "message": "Yuuki shrugged again. \"Majority rules. 15 for each it is.\" Picking up the pouch of coins, she counted out 15 pieces of gold into her palm, then tossed the pouch to Oshikuru, putting her share into her own coinpurse stashed in her chest. \"May you die in battle with a weapon in hand,\" She bowed as she recited a peculiar farewell, before transforming into a fox and quickly running back out into the city, mingling with the crowds." }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "The robed figure chuckles at all your responses. \"Very well. I will keep your choices in mind the next time the boss has a job to offer\" He then mutters some arcane words that none of you understand and all the priests turn into baby possums while the robed figure turns into an adult possum. He stuffs them all in his pouch and walks into the monastery, expecting you all to leave." }, { "author": "Shank Karushi", "message": "*Shank just sighs, deeply ashamed of his actions, and leaves.*" } ]

[ { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur arrives at the trail leading to Salvainia city, trailing Hu Lang (thats the character, right?) and the masked figure. He attempted to look as inconspicuous as possible, so he wore his cloak around his head and his armor. Judging by the suns position, Arthur guessed that it was late afternoon. He checked the timepiece his dad left him, and it showed that it was currently around 7:41. Arthur sighed a deep sigh, preparing himself mentally for the job he was about to do. He had been on this trail before for when he took the job that required him to kill the cultists of Aventurr, so he knew it would take around 20 minutes to arrive at Salvainia city.*" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu Lang arrives at the gate with the masked figure. Seeing as it is not night, he motions for Arthur to scout the area as a fox until it gets darker*" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur turns to the hooded figure.*\n\"It's not yet night time, so what should we do until then?\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "The robed figure shrugs \"I'm merely an observer to ensure the job is completed, to deliver your pay, and to clean up the mess left behind. I would not dare interfere with the work of those more skilled in the field. Do what you believe must be done. I will watch over the two of you from afar.\" And you see the man transform into a squirrel and quickly dashes into a nearby bush" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu Lang whispers* \"Scout the area as a fox. Let's wait until night, then they'll all be more tired\"" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur nods towards Hu Lang's direction. He agreed to scout the grounds, but there was one tiny issue that remained bothering him.* \n\"We need to find a rendezvous point so I can tell you what I find. We'll determine it once we get there. Is that good for you?\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu Lang nods* \"Seems good.\"" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur nods his head again, and continues to walk down the trail eventually leading to New Salvainia. It had been a good while since he last came, and recalled the time here he spent with Hitoshi. He looked to his left; he saw the clearing where the two had fought just days earlier, and wondered how he was doing now. He was probably at the New Sunlight guild HQ, looking for some quests or training his Naginata skills. Arthur turned towards Hu. He wondered what the man did for a living. Arthur noticed that Hu was a kitsune like him, and remembered an important detail about the mission.*\n\n\"Hu, we should conceal our ears and tail for this mission. It'd be troublesome if the headmaster, or any others on the grounds, were to discover our true nature.\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu shakes his head* \"I don't have the concealment spell. I'll wear a hood to cover my ears. I don't have a tail.\"" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "\"Oh, you're a half breed? That's cool, I never met one of your kind before.\" Arthur said.\n*Turning to the hooded figure ahead of them, Arthur began to ask a question.*\n\"So, where exactly is the mansion located? Is it on the outskirts of the city?\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "The man is nowhere to be seen, but being intelligent Arthur remembers he has a map. Looking at it, it would appear that the mansion is on the outskirts of the city as it took up a large amount of space." }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur and Hu walk towards the outskirts of the city, following a road leading from the center out. As he walked on, Arthur noticed an exponential increase of buildings and roads until only one had remained. Up ahead, about 500 feet away, was the mansion in question. Arthur, being able to see in the dark fairly well thanks to his amulet, noticed a few things at first. There was a 5 foot tall brick wall surrounding the mansion with large iron gates leading to where the road ended. He could very well jump over the walls, but first he needed to get closer to the building to make sure there weren't any guards surrounding the area's perimeter.*\n\n*Arthur then spotted an abnormally large oak tree near the outer walls. He turned towards Hu, pointing towards that tree. By this time, it was already night, so they could probably sneak up to the tree relatively easily.*\n\n\"See that tree?\" Arthur began. \"That's probably going to be the best spot to rendezvous at. Ill go scout the insides of the building, then ill tell you what I find. Is that good?\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu nods* \"It also makes a good hiding spot. There are also several ways in, so this is good\" \n*Hu was thinking of different ways. They could easily jump over the wall, and he could cut through the iron gate using his swords*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "As you scout the area Arthur you see there are infact 2 guards patrolling the perimeter of the mansion as well as 2 guards that seem to stand constant guard of the heavy oak doors leading to the inside of the castle. You also notice that none of the guards have torches. The mansion appears to be have 3 floors given the positioning of the tainted glass windows. Sadly none of the windows seem to be open and as they are tinted you can't get a clear view inside. However you notice some light in the upper floors as well as humanoid shadows. It would be safe to assume that there are some people up there. \n\nGoing around you see an impressive rose garden in the back as well as another entrance of thick oak doors. There is also a trapdoor to a cellar but it isn't connect to the mansion. There doesn't appear to be any guards, however you notice a pair of blood hounds chained up nearby keeping watch. That is what you are able to gather from your scouting." } ]

[ { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur returns to Hu in his fox form, and goes to pick up the armor and sword he left behind at the tree. It was dark, so he couldn't spot Hu easily, but noticed a shadow move amongst the still darkness that was near the oak tree. Assuming that was Hu, Arthur goes to check; and sure enough, there was Hu Lang, standing at the tree, absentmindedly.*\n\n\"Hu,\" Arthur began. \"Theres a bit of an issue. It's dark, and there are guards blocking the front of the mansion, but they don't seem to have any sources of light that I could spot. At the back, there was a rose garden, but that seemed unguarded for the most part. However, there are two bloodhounds keeping watch at that end of the mansion, plus I saw what appeared to be shadows of people on the upper floors. None of the windows are open, however. There WAS a cellar though, I doubt thats connected to the mansion. What do you suggest we do?\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "\"You distract the bloodhounds by turning into a fox. Have them chase you, then I'll try to find a way through the oak doors\"" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "\"No. Thats going to make a shit ton of noise, which will alert the guards, and then we'll eventually be discovered. I won't risk that.\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu Lang thinks* \"I see several options. We silently kill the bloodhounds and the patrolling guards, and enter through the back. We get in through a window, which I can remove silently using my swords. Or we can kill the front guards, and enter through the front. Any way we do this, the patrolling guards need to die.\"" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "\"I agree with the killing the bloodhounds, but how are you going to remove the windows with swords? Smashing them will make too much noise, and besides, there are several people on those floors. If we assume that the headmaster is on the top floor, then we need to find a secure way to sneak in to the top without being spotted by ANYONE. We should take care of the dogs and the guards, then we both can go in as foxes and recon, leaving our equipment in some of the bushes near the doors on both sides. Kill ANYTHING that moves. Or at least, thats what I think should happen.\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "\"Well my swords are extremely cold and hot. But I agree with your plan\"" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "\"So, you take care of the dogs in the back. Ill attempt to take care of the guards at the front. After that, Ill probably try and send a signal of sorts to you, its probably going to be a small flare shooting towards the direction of the tree. Thats the sign to go in. Is that good for a plan?\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "\"Probably not a small flare. Just meet up by the tree. Let's go\"\n\n*Hu Lang creeps through the roses, the wind heading towards him. He launches Lunar Crescent, the spinning blade aimed to decapitate both dogs in one line* \n\n```Lunar Crescent cast. 10 mana used. 115 out of 125 mana```" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur put on his armor, but left his backpack and lute at the tree where they chose to set up their base. Sneaking towards the corner of the wall, he cast flame daggers twice, having a total of 8 flaming daggers orbiting his left and right hands. The guards wouldn't be able to take notice, however, because Arthur was hidden behind the corner where the east and the front wall met. Swiftly, he launched all of his daggers at the guards' heads, then dashed close to prepare to follow up with a piercing strike of his sword.* \n\n``` Daggers of Flame cast twice. 40 mana used. 85/125 mana remaining. ```" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "The bloodhounds smell Hu Lang approaching and start let out a single bark before Lunar Crescent drops their heads from their bodies. However you hear a male voice in the distance.\n\"Did you hear something?\"\n\"Yeah, I think it came from the back\"\n\nThe daggers that Arthur lets loose pelt the guards' heads as they both let out a quick cry of pain before falling to the ground with the stench of burnt flesh." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu sneaks back into the roses, ready to draw his swords.*" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur emerges from the shadows, and gets the whiff of burnt human flesh before he begins to stare at the iron gate. He decides not to take any risks, and takes the bodies to the tree, hoping to leave no evidence behind. No blood was visible on the grounds, seeing as it would have been burnt and dried, and changes back into his fox form once he reaches the tree. Leaving his armor and sword, he hops over the wall to see if there were any other guards. In the distance he could hear two guards talk to each other, exclaiming that they heard a noise coming from the back.*\n\n*That must have been Hu,* Arthur began to think. *Those damn dogs, they made a noise!*\n\n*Arthur hoped to himself that Hu had the competence to take care of the guards that were closely approaching. If they were found out, its game over.*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "As the guards reach the back they step back in horror at the sight of the dead bloodhounds. \n\"By the gods... John, quickly, you go alert the kingdom guards. There is a violent intruder on the premise. I'll alert everyone else inside\" Says one of the guards as you see him pull out a large bell from under his belt. The other guard nods and you see him turn and start to run towards the front. They both seem to be alert and cautious of danger." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*As soon as Hu sees the guards, he draws his swords, igniting and freezing some roses. He casts both Solar Flare and Lunar Crescent, each hurtling towards their necks, hoping the projectiles will reach the guards before they can ring the bell.*\n\n```Solar Flare and Lunar Crescent cast, 110/125 mana remaining```" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "Your attacks sail through the air, but the one holding the bell sees a bright flash of light as solar flare makes its way toward him. He raises his hand in an attempt to intercept the attack and it cleanly cuts if off leaving a severe burn, however the guard's head is still intact. However, he yells in agony as he reflexively clutches the burnt arm, dropping the bell. \n\nThe other one unfortunately had its back turned, so his head is cleanly cleaved from his neck as his body falls to the ground with a thud. You have at least stopped the guards from altering anyone, but you have certainly left your mark in the area as some of the roses are burnt and there is a lot of blood from the enemies you killed with lunar crescent. You can only hope the robed man is good at cleaning up messes." }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur sighs with displeasure. He heard a piercing scream in the night, telling him that Hu didn't take care of the guards silently. He decided to hop back over the fence and get his armor and sword, then returned to the door at the front of the mansion. He decided to wait for a little while longer before entering, and stayed inside the rose bushes. He waited to send the signal, and proceeded to sit in silence as he waited for Hu to take care of the guards.*" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*As soon as he sees that the guard isn't dead, he rushes towards the live guard, and slashes at him using both swords, ice and fire arcing through the air. For the blood spilling, he could freeze it and prevent it from spreading*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "The guard is already overwhelmed from the pain of the previous attack, leaving him to be easy pickings as you bring both your swords across his defenseless head. He collapses to the ground, now dead." }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur notes the silence that ensues after the one of the guard's agonized screams. He takes this to mean that Hu Lang disposed of the guards and the bloodhounds in the back of the mansion, so then assumed that he could fire the signal to enter the mansion now. Carefully picking a spot where no windows could see the signal, Arthur cast and shot four Daggers of Flame once more, aimed towards the skies. His waiting in the bushes had revitalized the Kitsune, so he felt full of energy as of now. After this, he took his sword and slashed open the door to the mansion, and entered. There was no light on the bottom floor; only the top, as he noted. He waited on the inside of the mansion, waited for Hu to get in.*" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu Lang presses his ice blade into the lock at the oak door for 5 seconds, chilling the lock to -150 degrees. He presses his fire sword to it next, heating it up to 600 degrees. He repeats this process 3 times, finishing with his ice blade, and slashes it again using his fire sword*\n\n*He pushes open the doors, and walks inside*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "You both would enter the mansion around the same time and given how quiet the mansion is, you hear each other's doors bust open.\nOn Arthur's side as he came from the front he is in the reception room. There is a double staircase leading to the 2nd floor with a massive chandelier hanging from the ceiling. To his left is what he would assume to be a massive walk-in closet for guest to place their coats. To his right would be well decorated room with trophies, seemingly the trophy room. Arthur would hear giggling come from the upper floors.\nOn Hu's end as he came form the back he would find himself in the kitchen. Hu may or may not be a food expert, but there are many high quality spices and produce lying around. There is a small exit leading to what he could assume to be the dining room given the massive table and how spacious it is. He would also hear the echoes of footsteps nearby." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu draws his ice blade, ready to slay anyone he meets.*" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur heard laughing coming from the upper floors. The room he appeared to be in was a sort of reception room, featuring a table. Arthur also spotted a double staircase, seemingly leading to the second floor. The giggling was soft, and Arthur assumed that there were guests within the building. To his right was a trophy room, and Arthur opted to take advantage of the lack of people within the bottom floor. He made his way towards the trophy room, and then walked towards the door. He readied his sword in case there was someone within the room, and walked in.*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "As you wait in the kitchen Hu, the footsteps draw closer till they are infront of the kitchen door. It is another guard, and it can be clearly seen on his face that he is terrified. \n\"... I could've sworn I heard some screaming. Please let it all be my imagination. I wanna go home already...\"\n\nAs you enter the trophy room Arthur you see it filled with taxidermy and diplomas and paintings. One of the diplomas is framed very elegantly. Approaching it, you see it reads 'Darius Wellington Cornelius, Headmaster of Silver Academy' at the top. \nThere is also a massive portrait in the room of a man, wife, and two children, a son and daughter. They all look elegantly dressed, but you in particular recognize the man's face to match the portrait given to you. You also see a couple of small trophies reading 'Jimmy Cornelius, 1st place in Archery', 'Jimmy Cornelius 1st place in Horse Riding' etc." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu Lang swiftly turns, facing the guard. With intent to kill, he stabs his frost blade into the man's neck, hoping to silence him as well as kill him*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "The poor guard is caught completely off guard as he falls to the ground clutching his neck. You see him desperately pull out a locket and attempt to open it as the light quickly fades from his eyes, however he is bleeding too quickly and his body quickly goes limp." }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur stares at the portrait of the man. 'Darius Cornelius.' That was the name of his target. Suddenly, everything about this entire job felt more personal than it should have. These people, these guards... They had families. How many of their children would anxiously wait in the middle of the night, waiting for their fathers to come home? Those two guards... They probably had a wife and kids. They were merely doing their jobs as guards, and Arthur had mercilessly slain them on the spot, without any hesitation. Arthur stared at his hands as he held it up to his face. Killing these people were different from killing the cultists; they weren't evil people, they were merely doing their jobs! The Kitsune knew the pain it felt to lose your entire family, and if that was enough to cause him much grief for 6 years. How much pain would it give to the son, the daughter, the wife, if Darius Cornelius were to die tonight? He stared at the portrait, in a sort of contempt manner. He felt ashamed, but realized he could not back out of this now. After all, he had a job to do.*\n\n*However, this time Arthur had made a resolve; a resolve to end this operation without killing more people. He didn't want to have any more grief than he should by the end of the night. Exiting the room, he walked towards the staircase, and silently made his way up.*" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu walks around, and sees the open door on Arthur's side. He sees Arthur walking up the stairs, and does so as well*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "You both walk up the stairs and are now on the 2nd floor. You do not hear the giggling anymore. However, you hear a door creak open to the right and around the corner you hear the sound of someone walking out. You can see the flicker of a shadow and hear an angry yet young female voice\n\"Master Cornelius, how long are you going to keep me waiting?! What's taking you so long?!\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu Lang darts behind the largest statue he sees, and hides in the shadows. He hopes that master Cornelius will be drawn out by the woman, to make for an easy kill*" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur peeks out from the stairway entrance. He sees a young macen girl within the darkness, and decides to wait on until Cornelius were to exit the room he was in, lured by the girl's dialogue. Taking out his sword, his plan was this; he was to take Cornelius hostage swiftly, preferably without any bloodshed. He didn't want to kill the man, but Arthur attempted to maim the headmaster as soon as he came into view. Hu could deal with the girl, Arthur didn't care.*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "As you peeked around the corner you could see it is young blonde water macen dressed loosely in what you assume to be a school uniform. Looking on it more closely it has some sort of Rose emblem around the chest area the reads 'Silver Academy'. She is walking toward your direction and you can see her carrying a candle. She calls out again \n\"Master Cornelius? Is that you near the stairs? I thought I heard someone coming up?\"\n\nYou then hear some steps coming from the left on the 2nd floor around the corner. They sound heavy and you can hear the sound of metal clashing with metal. You a hear a gruff voice respond \"Miss Emily, I ask that you wait in your the bedroom for a room. The Headmaster will be with you shortly after he has finished entertaining your friends\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu motions to Arthur that he will take care of the girl. He rushes out and lunges towards her, his hand extended in a spear-like shape. He aims his blow to a pressure point in her neck, aiming to knock her unconscious*" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur wondered; entertaining? What could that possible mean? Was the headmaster showing some more students some interesting magical concepts or theories? Thats what Arthur guessed was happening. Arthur looked towards Hu, and nodded towards him. He was ready to attack. He had no other choice but to kill the person emitting the gruff voice, lest they get caught. Again, he cast Daggers of Flame twice in both hands, then in the same manner he killed the guards he launched himself towards the voice, launching only four daggers this time, but swiftly slashed his sword in a downwards strike.*\n\n``` Daggers of Flame cast twice. Remaining mana: 85/125 ```" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "The girl was visibly upset by the gruff's voice answer. She is a weak girl with no combat experience whatsoever, so Hu would be able to easily knock her out, but not before she lets out a short shrill scream of terror as Hu lunges for her neck. She passes out and falls to the ground with a thud. \nArthur shoots his four fire daggers at the gruff voice. They all collide, but to his surprise the man remains standing. He appears more well built than the previous guards and is wearing higher quality armor. As a skilled magic user, you could see the man had used some magic to reinforce his body just before the daggers hit. The man quickly pulls out his sword and parrys Arthur's downward strike.\n\"Intruders?! How did you get past the front gates?!\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu Lang draws his two swords, and they become one. He casts Frostburn, sweeping his sword in an upward motion, and a wave of orange and blue snow is sent towards the large man, slowing him*\n\n```Frostburn cast, 105/125 mana remaining```" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "\"Heh, you seem tough,\" Arthur began. \"I'm going to have to put a little more effort in taking you out, I suppose.\"\n*Arthur swiftly backflipped away and cast Burn Up! On himself, increasing his gen speed by 0.5, and his speed by 20 mph. Then, with his other hand, he cast Hellfire Blades, causing two large crimson longswords to orbit him, facing downwards. Now, there were four Daggers of Flame cast around his left hand, and 2 longswords circling Arthur. He felt empowered and unstoppable, and then with even greater speed than before, he spun and slashed downwards at the man starting from his left shoulder, then fired his remaining four daggers at the man, while also having one of his Hellfire Blades slash at the man starting from the right shoulder downwards.*\n\n``` Hellfire Blades and Burn Up! Cast. Remaining mana: 27.5/125 ```" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "The guard is hit by Hu magic and feels his legs freeze over. He looks visibly frustrated and as he looks up and sees Arthur become a living incarnation of the flame he yells out \"Head Master Cornelius! There are intruders! Run for yo-\" Before he is slammed again with your four daggers and your long swords slash away at his arms. His armor is now melting into his skin and his arms lay on the ground as they are separated from his shoulder sockets. He falls face down into the snow Hu summoned, screaming in agony." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*The snow erupts into 800 degree flame. Hu rushes down the hall, searching for the Headmaster*" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur stares down at the man. He was still shrieking in agony, arms now severed from his body, and face onto the snow Hu had summoned. Arthur extinguished the magical flames on the man and on himself, dispersing all of his magic until there were no more flames on his swords, nor his daggers. After all, he didn't want the place to go up in flames. The man, if he had the constitution, would survive this attack only maimed. However, there were still metal fusing and etching itself into the man's skin. Arthur looked down onto the man in contempt, and then knelt down.*\n\"I didn't want to do this, trust me. I had a job to do, and you were in the way.\" Arthur said, in a hushed whisper. \n*He then turned towards the hall Hu had run down.*\n\"Although, would you mind telling me where the headmaster is? I sort of need to know.\" He asked, audibly louder this time.\n\n*Arthur looked down, however. He saw the snow beneath his feet blow up in flames, but it didn't bother him. However, the guard had already died when Arthur gazed on him again. Arthur, somewhat tired, sat down on one of the nearby walls. If the headmaster was within shouting distance, he'd probably be around here somewhere; maybe even within the room the guard came out of. Arthur sat in silence, regaining his energy.*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "Hu runs around the hall but doesn't find anyone. However he does find a spiral staircase to the side leading to the third floor. That being said, the 800 degree snow that he left to explode the guard has set some of the railings and wall on fire. Arthur is a skilled pyromancer, however he is not able to put out flames that are not his own. \nThat being said, you both then hear the sound of a door opening along with the crying and sobbing of young females from up above." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu Lang sheaths his fire sword, running towards the flame.* \"Go. I'll take care of the fire\" *He tried to put out the fire using his cold sword*" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur quickly sat up, feeling slightly revitalized. He heard loud crying and sobbing from above, and decided to follow Hu's path leading upstairs to the third floor. He went up the stairs, but also hid behind them. Right now, he had an unlit sword orbiting him, and his basket-hilt sword was in its sheath. Everything was silent again, except, of course, the crying coming from what sounded like girls from the upstairs floors. Behind the stairs, Arthur waited, looking out for people.*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "It takes some time and effort, but Hu successfully puts out the flames before they got out of hand. \nAs Arthur waits behinds the stairs he hears an older male voice whispering \"Hush girls, we must move quickly. The intruders might already be here. I fear our lives are in danger. You all must head to the library...\"\n\"W-W-What about *Sob* You Master Cornelius?\" Whispers one of the girls\n\"Miss Emily is still down there. As Headmaster I can't leave any of my students in danger. I will go fetch her and quickly meet up with you all in the library\"\nYou then hear a multitude of footsteps walking away from you as the crying gets more distant while another pair of footsteps is walking toward you." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu Lang waits behind a statue, positioning the unconscious girl near him. He is ready to draw his ice sword, as he doesn't want to accidentally ignite the headmaster*" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur peeks from the stairs. Since he could see very well in the dark, Arthur saw his target slowly approach him. He waited in the shadows for Cornelius to pass, and then with swift brutality, he came up from behind the man and held his sword at his neck.*\n\n\"Id like to have a private talk with you,\" Arthur began. \"My employer sent me. It doesn't matter to him whether you live or die; personally, I get paid if I keep you alive. Failure to comply will result in... Hmm. I don't know, but it begins with me slitting your neck open, and then ends with me walking out of here, your body shouldered over my shoulder. Now, what's it going to be, Cornelius? Your life right now is under my control, but it isn't the only one. Those girls. They could be targets if I so desire. I get paid for how many bodies I take out.\"\n\n*Arthur said the last part as a hollow threat. He didn't want to kill those who didn't stand in his way, but he would harm them if need be, although he would reluctantly.*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "As you expected, Cornelius is now in your grasps, your sword next to your neck. He gulps in fear but slowly opens his mouth to speak \n\"I don't know who this employer is, but whatever you are doing, you aren't getting paid enough for it. Do you know who I am? Do you know what you are doing? You are still young, there is still a bright future for you out there. Don't do this. What you are doing here isn't worth your future. If you let me and the children go, you have my word that I never saw you here. If you are doing this because you are desperate for money, just know there are other ways to earn it...\"\nCornelius then tries to slowly grab ahold of Arthur's sword and push it away from his neck in a nonthreatening manner if Arthur allows it. \n\nMeanwhile, both Hu and Arhtur hear another door open and then close. The crying sounds have gotten a lot softer now." }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur puts his sword back on Cornelius' neck, applying a tiny amount of force to it, in the hopes of deterring another attempt by Cornelius to push his sword away.*\n\n\"I know exactly who you are, Darius Wellington Cornelius. Family of 4, including yourself. It looks you really value your son. Such a shame that he might never see his dad alive again...\"\n\n*Arthur slightly let his sword dig into the side of Cornelius' neck, avoiding the middle part of it. He didn't want to kill Cornelius yet, but wanted instead to do the job he was assigned; take out the headmaster. Before that, however, he wanted some stuff of his own.*\n\n\"Now you tell me, what valuables are stored within this mansion? And what were you doing, exactly, to those young girls? I heard the man below say you were 'entertaining' them. What could that possibly mean, I wonder?\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "Cornelius is visibly sweating at this point \"I-I don't know what you mean. I-I was just giving the students extra lessons. T-There aren't many valuables here either. I don't know what else more you would want, but look, I can pay you double whatever your employer is giving you. Don't have to do any of this shady work, just let me and the children go. Please, I'm begging you.\"" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur stared at Cornelius, disgust in his eyes. He could smell lies coming from the man. Arthur didn't trust his words one bit, and so he had his sword dig in even deeper into his neck, causing Cornelius to slightly bleed.*\n\n\"Extra lessons, hmm?\" Arthur began. \"Mind walking me up to the room where said lessons were held? I am an aspiring mage, after all. Tell me, what exactly were you studying?\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "Cornelius winces in his pain as you dig the sword deeper into his skin. \"O-Old works of literature. Why are you so interested, there is nothing that I can teach a mage. Please, let me go. How much do you want? Name your price, I'll pay for it. Just let me and the children go!\" He pleads" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur walks Cornelius up the stairs. He still held the man at knifepoint, and didn't relax in the slightest. He was ready to slit the mans throat when the time came, but he wanted to know more things first, and also wanted to make some profit off of this hostage situation.*\n\"First things first, I won't let you go. However, I might take it into consideration once you show me a hefty amount of silver. Silver and gold. What say you? I personally think you should take this offer. My hand might just slip-\" *He emphasized this with a slight cut to the side of Cornelius' neck.* \"And, who knows? You might find yourself visiting the afterlife when the night is through.\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "Cornelius hesitantly walks with you as he doesn't have much of a choice. \"L-Look, I can't pay you now, I keep most of my valuables at a bank. I-I can arrange for your payment at a designated location once I go there and retrieve it though. As I said earlier, if you let me go, I won't say anything. There's no need to get violent, both of us can get out of here with what we want\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu Lang walks out of the statue and up the stairs with his mask on, and both swords drawn, glowing in the dark hallway. He says* \"There's really no way out of here. Your guards are dead, and we're much faster than you are.\" *He levels a sword at him* \"I would suggest unconditional surrender\"" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur looks down at the man, disappointment in his eyes. He started plotting a way to get to the money.*\n\"Tell me, Cornelius. Why would I have you go get the money if I could get it myself? Ill tell you what - write a note for me, saying 'I, Darius Wellington Cornelius, gives the Kitsune Arthur Dax permission to withdraw all the moneyand valuables from my bank account.' Add whatever reason to withdraw next, then end it with your own signature. You got it? I dont think you have a choice either way.\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "Cornelius is surprised to see Hu appear \"There are two of you?\" He looks up at Arthur then back to Hu. He lets out a sigh of defeat \"Very well, I will write you a note, though I don't know how well your friend here trusts you to split it with him, but that's not my business. But, at the very least I ask that you let the students leave the premise first. There's no need to keep me and the students here. I should be enough of a hostage...\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "\"We have no intention of harming the students. However, they won't leave yet.\"" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur turned towards Hu. He had an idea to force Cornelius to act in compliance with Arthur's demands. He knew that the rest of the girls went off somewhere, hence the sound of crying fading into silence, but there was one student that they had leverage on. The one they knocked out earlier. With a somewhat evil glint in his eye, Arthur spoke to Hu.*\n\n\"Hu?\" Arthur began. \"Could you bring that girl from before up here? I have an idea I wish to try.\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu Lang brings up the girl he knocked out*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "Corenlius eyes are filled with fear as he sees Hu bring up Miss Emily. \"My god, what have you done to her?! No, what are you going to do with her?! Just let her go, I don't see how she has any role in this!\" He says frantically" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "\"Don't worry. She's just knocked out\"" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur turned towards the girl. After gazing at her, he turned back to Cornelius.*\n\"Lets head to your office. You can write the note there. If not...\" \n*Arthur casts Burn Up! On Emily. He controlled the flames so that the flames wouldnt burn Miss Emily, and kept the heat low enough so the strength bopst wouldnt be as major as it was to himself. The temperature of the fire being about 160 degrees fahrenheit; as of right now, the fire wouldnt harm the girl, but Arthur wanted to give the illusion that she was being set on fire.*\n\"This young, young life will go up in flames.\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu Lang pokes the headmaster, motioning him to move. He whispers to Arthur* \"Make sure to not mention my name. I run a school as well\" *When the headmaster is out of range*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "Cornelius looks in horror as Miss Emily catches on fire and tears swell up in his eyes. He then takes a deep breath and grits his teeth in anger \"...You're all going to pay for this you know. It may not be tomorrow, or even the day after that, but you monsters will pay for this. I know your kind. You're just going to drain me every single thing you can, using the girls as sacrifices, and at the end, you're still going to kill us all. To that I say, damn both of your bloods. I may not be able to save the girls' or my lives, but I won't give you the satisfaction of taking my wealth also. At least that way I can ensure my family can live well off without me...\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "\"If you do as we say, they all live. You probably have enough contacts to live decently\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "\"I'm no fool. You're going to kill us regardless. You said you killed all my guards, that is enough evidence to show murder is a convenient option for you...\" He growls" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur snapped his fingers. The fire that had set Emily on fire been extinguished. Cornelius was still being held at knifepoint by Arthur, but Arthur began to get pissed. He felt like he made a stupid move trying to excercise his power, so he really got upset. He threw Cornelius to the ground with a lot of force, pressed his knee onto the mans chest, and sheathed his sword.* \n\n\"Cornelius, Cornelius. You think your family is safe? DO YOU?!\" Arthur yelled. \"The way things are going right now, Ill make sure that Im going to track them down and personally kill every last one of them. Youve cheated me out of gaining a shit load of money, sure. But at what fucking cost? Your family? Keep this attitude up, and the Cornelius bloodline might find themselves on the way to extinction. I hold grudges, and Im a man of my word. Do you really want to salvage the last of your pride by saying this? Because I personally wont stop hunting down the remnants if your family, **Darius.**\" *Arthur paused for a moment, hoping to find more ways to exploit the man's love for his family.* \n\n\"I'd say, when I looked at your trophy room, I saw multiple trophies of your boy, Jimmy. You must be a really proud father, eh? I assume he goes to your school, seeing thats what all principals of schools do; they have their children attend their schools. I really dont know, Cornelius. I wonder what would happen if, one day, Jimmy were to suddenly wind up... Dead?\"\n\n*Arthur didnt like making this threat, but his anger clouded his judgement. Right now, he really felt the urge to murder someone just in spite of Cornelius' resistance.*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "Cornelius has the wind knocked out of him as he is thrown to ground with Arthur's knee on his chest, and starts coughing. He simply looks at you anger and the anger only continues to build up as you mention his family. The moment you mention his son Jimmy, there is an inferno blazing in his eyes and his face is red from anger as he lunges at you \"DON\"T YOU EVER DARE THINK ABOUT TOUCHING MY BOY!!!\"" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur slams his fist into Cornelius' chest, with a load of force behind it. He smirks with cruel happiness, and presses his knee even harder on Cornelius' chest.*\n\n\"I've seemed to have struck a nerve, havent I? What if I did, hypothetically, 'touch your boy?' What would you do? Oh thats right, Darius, you cant do anything when youre dead, can you?\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "Cornelius starts coughing again, but the anger has not diminished from his eyes \"Mark my words Arthur Dax, I swear on the name of Darius Wellington Cornelius, that even if you kill me I will haunt you even after death! And if you so much as touch my family, I will drag your soul to the depths of the Arcane Sea!\" And he then spits at your face" } ]

[ { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur sighs in exasperation. He knew that there was no more reasoning with this man. Unsheathing his sword, and setting his left hand on fire, he cut off both of Cornelius' legs, and held out his left hand, now set on fire, out to both stumps to cauterize the wound. He didnt want to kill Cornelius; Arthur felt like he could do much worse. Next, he took his sword and cut of the man's left arm, cauterizing the wound the same way he did with his legs. He was about to stop, then realized that Cornelius could still speak and write. With great force, he brought down a fist onto Cornelius' throat in attempt to permanently disable the man from speaking.*\n\n\"I wont kill you. I wont. But when Im finished here, youre going to wish you were dead.\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "During the whole cauterizing process Cornelius did not let out a single scream, he bared it all while gritting his teeth. As you punch his throat you hear a crack and some blood drips from Corenlius' mouth, but he is still able to weakly speak\n\"Y-... You... P-p-poor... S-....S-soul... T-talent... Wasted...\" And instead of anger he stares at you with pity." }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur stared at Cornelius' face impassively. The man stared at Arthur, pity in his eyes. It was reminiscent of his own father's gaze after he had done something that he disapproved of. Arthur paused for a moment, then put his sword back in his scabbard. He picked up what remained of Cornelius (A head, torso, and right arm) and carried him to the room that he had emerged from prior to this.*\n\n\"One way or another, Im taking whatever valuables you may have in this room, even though you wont write me that bank note. I'll find your son, Cornelius. And I'll have you watch what I do to him.\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "Cornelius weakly beats at your back with his one remaining arm. \"F-fuck... You...\"\n\nYou walk in and see it is a study with a fireplace. There are shelves filled with books and a statue of Ynis, the elven god of the beyond, worshiped by scholars and explorers alike. Infront of you, you see a high quality mahogany rocking chair next to the fireplace with a book laying atop of it. To the left you see a massive maplewood table with the design of what you assume to be a map of Drase embedded into it. To the right are shelves with scrolls, paper, and ink. On the floor there is a bottle of fine wine with 4 chalices as well as many articles of loose clothing." }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur notices a large book laying on a rocking chair near the fire place. He set Cornelius down onto the maplewood table, and also notices many clothes upon the floor of the study, as well as a bottle of fine wine and four chalices. The Kitsune came to the conclusion that Cornelius was clearly having an orgy with his students, which made Arthur cringe in disgust. Turning back to Cornelius, Arthur looked down on him.*\n\n\"You were giving them extra lessons, huh? Piece of shit liar. I knew you were up to something like this, you filthy old man. Maybe ill set your DICK on fire now, you lecherous, creepy bastard.\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "\"I... D-d... Don't... Kn-.....Know... You... T-talk... Ab... Ab-about...\" He replies weakly and makes an attempt to spit at you again, but with his throat messed up and him stuck laying on the table, he simply stats choking on his own spit and has a coughing fit." }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur still looks at him with disgust, then walks over to the book on the chair. He heard Cornelius pathetically choke on his own spit, which slightly humored the Kitsune. He sat down on the chair, and picked up the book, closing it so that he could see the front cover.*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "You pick up the book Arthur and the title reads '100 Erotic tales of Monks and Nuns'" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu Lang walks around the room, looking for valuables*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "Walking around the room he could see most of the things in here are of high quality, but would be difficult to sell as most of it is scholarly. The books have all been marked as property of Silver Academy and the table and statue would prove too large to drag around. At most the parchment, wine bottle, chalices, and loose clothing are all that you can reasonably loot and sell later." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu grabs a loose jacket and empties the chalices on the floor. He wraps them using the jacket, hoping to sell them later*" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur stares at the book with modest disgust. This only proved that the headmaster was engaging in sexual activity with his students, and he probably planned to do the same with poor Miss Emily back there. Arthur watched Hu round up the chalices in a jacket, and Arthur decided to pick up 3 books from off the shelves for his own personal use later. He didn't bother to read the titles, as he would later once he and Hu secured a route of exit. Arthur picked up the books, and went over to what remained of Cornelius. He picked the man up, and motioned over to Hu, who was still bent over on the floor.*\n\n\"Hey,\" Arthur began. \"Let's get a move on and report back to our employer.\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu nods.* \"Let's go\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "As you turn around toward the exit to your surprise you see the robed figure standing by the door. He seems to be scanning the room and nods \"I see, so this is what was causing the hold up. I can't say I wasn't expecting this, but still slightly disappointed that you two would start plundering before securing the perimeter. If it weren't for me keeping watch-\" He says as he drags 3 unconscious young female macen in loose school clothing from behind him\n \"-these three would've escaped through the library window, and who knows what sort of ruckus they would've caused.\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "\"We could have caught up to them. So the job is done?\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "\"If you say so. But, yes, looks like the job is done\" As he turns his head over toward Cornelius and Miss Emily. \n\"So 2 live captures, 6 dead. The boss has no use for dog bodies, but will compromise and pay 2 gold in total for the both of them. So 32 gold total. You two can decide how to split it.\" He says as he snaps his fingers and a group of mice come forward carrying a pouch of gold and drop it at your feet. \n\"Simply hand me the target and the lady and I will clean up the area. Overall you two did a good job. I hope you both don't mind if the boss requests your services in the future?\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu Lang bows.* \"It would be a pleasure\"" }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur looks at his employer. 16 gold? That was pretty good. However, Arthur felt like he did a majority of the work in bringing down the headmaster, but Hu had gotten more kills, after all. He'd take 16 gold; it seemed like an adequate amount of payment for what he had gone through.*\n\n\"Yeah, that's fine. Here-\" *Arthur tosses Cornelius' maimed body to him.* \"Take care of him however you wish, but I have one request. Keep him alive; I have business with him that I can't attend to as of now. Also, I definitely would like to work for you in the future. Even now, I'm down whenever. So that's no issue, but how will we keep in touch?\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "You can't see the robed figure's face, but you get the feeling that he is smiling \"Oh, don't worry, there is a reason why the boss paid more for live captures.\" He says as he tosses both Cornelius and Miss Emily over his shoulder with ease. \n\"As for contact, when the time comes, you will conveniently find a letter. Now if you will excuse me, I got some cleaning up to do. I advise you both leave as quickly and discretely as you can after splitting the pay. Till next time\" He says as he walks off heading into another room within the mansion." }, { "author": "eriidyne", "message": "*Arthur looks at Hu, and takes out the gold pouch. He singles out 16 gold, then puts it in his pocket. He then proceeded to grab his bag from the oak tree they had rendezvoused at earlier, and then slung his lute over his shoulder.*\n\n\"I'm going to head back to the New Sunlight guild. I'm going to take some jobs there, move up the ranks perhaps. I'll see you, Hu.\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Hu bows.* \"See you.\" *He grabs 16 gold and heads out*" } ]

[ { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "Greetings Oshikuru,\nI've received news on how well you did on the previous job. I appreciate capable individuals. If you are motivated by wealth, know that I still have thorns to pluck out, if you catch my drift. Same pay and conditions like last time, including time and general location. Just shift over to River alley this time around( There you shall receive more details as well as any teammates you may have for this job. If you refuse, simply toss the letter somewhere and it will be disposed of. Otherwise, I look forward to working with you.\nE.O\n\n*Oshikuru was wandering the streets of Salvania disguised as a human when he recieved the letter. They found him despite him having a human face. Guess the employer had powerful magic to see through it. He traveled to the river alley in full samurai armor this time, glinting blood red with a katana sheathed by his side. He had yet to name this blade, maybe after this job. He waited patiently by the river alley waiting for any teammates he had for the job*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*Noon eventually arrives, and unlike the last job you don't see anyone else in the alleyway waiting. This alleyway seems to be closely connected to sewers and the sound of flowing water can be clearly heard beneath the streets. What catches your attention however is the sound of something flopping through the water. A couple seconds later from one of the openings lead to the sewer way you see a green snake slither out. You get a sense of deja vu as it's reptilian eyes clearly possess intelligence, and aren't that surprised that a few seconds later you see the snake transform into that robed figure that had given your job last time. He looks at you and bows his head in greeting.*\n\"Pleased that you could make it. Returning mercenaries make explaining easier.\"\n*The robed figure then pulls out a piece of parchment from his pocket and hands it to Oshikuru*\n\"This here is the portrait of the target, a runner up for mayor of a small nearby village. He had promised the boss to make him the sole trading partner with the village, and thus was given a sum of gold to carry out his campaign. However, he was nothing more than a lying fox, using the same trick to gain support from various other sponsors. Needless to say, the boss is not pleased.\"\n*The figure then hands Oshikuru a second piece or parchment*\n\"Today he is going on a fishing trip with his buddies near the coast. Here's a map with their general location. They have professional body guards. I'll leave it up to you on how to handle the job. Any questions?\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Oshikuru eyes the paper. A lying mayor? Interesting. The professional bodyguards shouldn't be* Too * Much of a problem, provided he could take care of them quickly.* \"No questions\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "The robed figure would nod. \"Good. As with last time, I will be acting as an observer and will clean up the area after you've finished. I'll meet you there in an hour, and if possible, try to leave the area without anyone noticing\"\nThe robed figure would then step back and transform into a snake again and slither into the sewers, out of sight. (" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Oshikuru proceeds to walk to the coast. He grabs a cloak on the way*" } ]

[ { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "Lenore came to the specified place, she was wearing a hood and mask, she had 2 blades in the scabbard, and behind her was a bow with a quiver. She was expecting a \"Customer\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*She would continue to wait for said \"Customer\" For a bit. She was a little early after all, but better early than late. The sound of the river flowing and the winds bellowing through the trees was rather calming though for an Elf such as Lenore. As she continued to wait though she would still see no one in sight. Was it some sort of prank? If so it was a rather elaborate one, but the thought that this might be a trap might fill Lenore's head. Who's the say the letter wasn't bait to lure gullible people to be jumped? The peaceful sounds of the forest began to sound ominous as she continued to wait with her nerves only growing more tense by the second.*\n*Just as Lenore might be deciding to leave though, she would notice an unusual rabbit near a bush. There were no deformities with it and it's fur looked normal, but its eyes possessed intelligence not found in wild beasts. The rabbit would hop on over toward Lenore and maybe to her surprise it would slowly transform into a tall robed man whose facial features were full covered up by its hood. It would then speak*\n\n\"I'm pleased to see you've made it Miss Lenore. I apologize that the boss cannot meet you in person, but hope that is understandable given this line of work. I'll get straight to business. There is a nearby village that's been causing the boss some issues for a while now. They've cheated the boss out of a trade deal and have instead spent their wealth on hiring mercenaries instead of paying for the goods. We've tried various methods to get our message across, but alas they continue to refuse. We believe it's partly due to the fact that they are able to sustain themselves despite our methods.\" *The robed figure will then pull out a piece of parchment*\n\"That's where you shall come into play.\"\n\n\"There is a merchant from the village that is responsible for bringing in important imports that the village cannot acquire on their own. Prevent the cargo from reaching the village through any means necessary. This parchment has the travel path of the cargo. We ask that you do not damage the cargo itself as we will be taking it for ourselves to partially acquire the wealth that we've been cheated out of. Any questions? \"" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "Lenore looked impressed, trying not to show it she said to the masked man:\n\n\"I understand.. I'm not used to asking questions, I don't care who you are or who your boss is. If there is a demand, there will be an offer just give the name, description and approximate location, the rest is a matter of technique.\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "\"The boss will pleased to hear that. The name and description of the merchant does not matter much, as even if the merchant was not escorting the cargo the primary concern is to prevent it from reaching the village. As for the approximate location, 1 hour from now 5 miles south of here you the cargo will by passing through a wide curve onto a path diverging from the main road. The forest will be much thicker there as well. I suspect these conditions will work in your favor. I will be observing you from the distance to confirm the outcome. If that's all you will be needing from me, then I suggest you head out.\"" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "She did not hesitate to say: \"Of Course, wait for the task to be completed\" And hurried to the position in order to prepare an ambush. She is going to use the \"Embrace of darkness\" To immobilize the horses(and possibly the guards). The spheres will be slightly buried in the ground so as not to give themselves away from far away. Also Lenore calls 3 owls to provide cover in case of something" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*It wouldn't take long for Lenore to arrive at the location, especially with the map provided. It was pretty clear that your employers either knew the terrain very well and or were skill map makers. As described, she would come across the wide curve with the path diverting from the main road, leading into the much thicker forest. The employer said the cargo would be here in an hour, and as it only took around 30 minutes for Lenore to reach the location, she would still have a remaining 30 minutes or so for whatever preparation she wishes to make*" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "After arrival on place, Lenore not losing time makes small deepening in road and is placing in them spheres of darkness which must will oplesti any who be appropriate too close, such spheres of was put 5 units not far from each other if trader will go with convoy.\n\nAfter the improvised mines were ready, she started calling her three \"Heralds\", one of them she planted on a tree, Lenore herself climbed into a secluded place in the bushes and contacted the owl waiting for the caravan." }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "```5 Embrace the Darkness used. 75 mana & mana cap spent. 75/75 mana remaining```\n\n*Lenore wouldn't have to wait long as just as the robed figure had said her owl would notice a caravan line of 3 carts heading toward the diverging road. There were a total of 6 moderately armored guards, 2 for each cart. An individual in rather fancy clothing would be sitting at the front holding the reins for the 4 horses pulling the carts. It would be safe to assume him to be the merchant. The cargo was covered in cloth so Lenore wouldn't be able to see what was inside, but given the size it would be safe to say there was a lot of it.*\n*The caravan would then approach your trap. Given the road was rather narrow 3 of your 5 mines would make contact with the horses, immobilizing them with shadowy tendrils, immobilizing the cargo. The merchant would look alarmed and the 6 guards would pull on their weapons and scan the premise. One of the guards who seemed to be best equipped would start shouting*\n\n\"Everyone be on guard! We're being ambushed! Protect Sir Leo and the cargo!\"\n\n*The immobilized horses would receive arrows to the neck and eye and quickly fall to the ground dead. The merchant at this point would be clearly agitated and afraid, knowing full well without his horses he can't get his cargo out of here. The owl targets one of the guards without a helmet, albeit all of them had melee weapons so the guard would start swinging at the owl, unfortunately killing it, but not without a few scratches on his face. They would look in the direction the owl came from and the supposed leader of the guards would motion 2 of them to head in the direction of the owl and another 2 from where the shots came form.The 4 guards would nod and cautiously head out into the underbrush*" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "```1 Embrace the Darkness used. 15 mana & mana cap spent. 60/75 mana remaining```\nLenore, seeing that a couple of guards are approaching her, created a sphere of darkness in the hope that one of the guards will touch her, and then using the surprise effect, the blade will pierce the throat of the one who did not fall under the spell, after which she will neutralize the already immobilized one\n\nThe second owl flies through thick bushes and between trees creating a noise around the guards in order to confuse them." }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*The poor guards would be caught off guard by Lenore's attack, the sphere of darkness would immobilize one of them and before the other would could even respond your blade would slide through his throat, causing him to fall the ground shortly after. However the immobilized one would still be able to talk and would thus warn the others*\n\n\"The ambusher is here! It's a roguish female elf with shadow magic!\" \n\n*As for the guards searching in the direction of the owl they would look around in confusion seeing the 2nd one flyby. However hearing their comrades warning they would immediately start to run over. The leader guard and one other would continue to stand guard by the cargo, seemingly as a safety measure to make ensure there wasn't another bandit nearby*\n\n*The foolish guards would follow her distraction, leaving only the leader and one other guard to defend the cargo and the merchant. The leader however seems to be well trained and notices you approaching. As you let loose an arrow the leader would raise his shield and block it. In his other hand was a longsword. The other guard standing by was wielding a greataxe. The leader would motion for the guard to charge you. The guard nods and runs at Lenore with his axe held high with terrifying speed*" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "*Lenore seeing the Berserker mindlessly rushing at her, she tries to Dodge the blow, and strike at her hands forcing her to drop the axe*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*The guard would sweep past you, but as you strike the guard's hands you would find that he has a stronger grip on the weapon that you would've expected. The guard turns and swings wildly sideways aiming for your extended hand*" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "*Noticing that her opponent is swaying, she hits the enemy's side with her body to make him lose his balance*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*The guard would fall over surprised, but would quickly get up with the weapon still in hand. He looks over to the leader and yells*\n\n\"Need some assistance!\"\n\n*The leader would sign and come running forward, flanking Lenore and swings his longsword at her back*\n\n\"Kind of foolish to attack a caravan alone, isn't? Who sent you?\"" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "\"But I'm not alone here...\"- Said Lenore\n*She whistled, and a second owl (which had initially spotted the caravan) flew down from the tree and tried to fly into the captain's face. Taking advantage of the moment Lenore tries to recoil sideways and push the captain who put his sword on his own soldier*" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*The leader would be caught offguard by the owl, but would raise his shield to block the distraction. As Lenore would attempt to push the leader though, she would find that he was too heavy and or strong to be shoved with her lvl of strength. Taking advantage of this opening the other guard with the ax swings at Lenore's feet*" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "Taking advantage of the fact that the captain is extremely clumsy (dressed in heavy armor, has a shield and a long sword) Lenore tries to call and throw a dark sphere at the soldier to immobilize him." }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*The axe guard would be caught by the sphere to his surprise and struggle against the tendrils. The captain having deflected the owl would now use his superior body size and strength to body slam Lenore onto the ground with his shield, following with a downward thrust with his longsword aiming for her legs*" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "Lenore received a bruise from falling to the ground, but seeing that either she will suffer pain now, than dont feel anything anymore at all, she makes a somersault towards the soldier and tries to lean the knife to his throat." }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*The guard would look at the leader with fear in his eyes but the leader merely smirks*\n\n\"We took this job fully expecting to die. Shameful to see that you are afraid of it.\"\n\n*The leader would then charge Lenore and swing his longsword aiming for her neck without hesitation*" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "*Lenore uses the soldier as a human shield*\n\n\"Strong in words? Haha, are you ready to kill your own colleague?\"\n\nLenore whispers in the ear of the soldier \"You see, he does not put you in anything, what kind of commander he is after that if he does not worry about his subordinates?\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*The solider wouldn't be able to get a chance to respond as his head goes flying through the air. The leader's swing was apparently very powerful that it continued to move forward and cut into Lenore's neck, causing a huge gash with plenty of blood spilling out*\n\n\"They listen to me not out of respect, but fear. I hope after seeing my strength you can see why\" *The leader says smugly pleased to have drawn blood with his sword*" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "Lenore staggered, but remained on her feet. She decided that to engage in an open battle with the captain is not profitable, so she decided to wear him down. She grabbed the wound on her neck and began whispering a healing spell ```(Healing touch, 5 mana will take 2.5 turn because racial trait) 70/75 mana.```" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*The leader would charge forward but as he had mentioned earlier his senses were pretty good and weaved around location he suspected you've placed traps after seeing what had happened to the horses. However this weaving around would slow him down and allow you get some distance from him*" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "After running away from the captain to the last mine, Lenore almost healed from a wound on her neck. She took out her bow and started shooting at the captain, who was slowed down by the sphere. She's waiting for him to come closer..." }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*The captain would get past the mines Lenore placed and as she expects, comes charging at her with his shield expecting you to shoot an arrow*\n\n\"Running away coward? Stand and fight me!\"" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "\"Ha-ha-ha first catch up with me, bully\" - Lenore provoked the captain to run straight at her.. Through a mine.." }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*The captain would continue to run forward, but as mentioned earlier, his spatial awareness was pretty good, and would notice the disturbed earth infront of him and leap over it while continue to run toward you*\n\n\"Your cheap tricks won't get me you bitch!\"" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "It was a surprise to Lenore that he would be able to jump. She immediately ran to the nearest ravine, which is closer to the forest. \"Ha-ha-ha how slow you are!\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "The guard would spit to the side, visibly frustrated that he couldn't catch up with her. But would then smile\n\n\"Well time is on our side, I'm sure one of my men or the merchant at least will get someone from the main road to help him. Then we will be on our way again. So sure, let's continue playing this game of cat and mouse.\"" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "Lenore created another owl, ```\"Herald of the Night\" Mana 52/75 mana``` \"Thank you for reminding, but don't worry, the guards will make sure that we are not disturbed, the turtle\" The Owl flew towards the merchant attacking him every time you try to get out on the high road. \nMeanwhile, Lenore continues to provoke the capitan, she stands at the edge of the ravine waiting for him to run at her. She screaming to him: \"Hey, armadillo, are you so afraid of me that you put on this pile of iron? Chicken! Yes, kokoko chicken. Catch me if you can!\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*The captain would run after Lenore, but would only smirk at her taunts*\n\n\"Chicken? I think that would be you considering how you like running around everywhere. Too afraid to come face me?\"" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "Lenore bounces to the side hoping that he will not have time to slow down and fall into the ravine.\n\"Would you find someone from your own category, how weak can you fight without this pile of iron?\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*The captain would almost slip into the ravine, but as he wasn't full on sprinting he is able to catch himself at the last second while tethering on the edge*\n\n\"So that was your plan, you dirty slut! I won't fall over that easily! And I will let you know this armor has saved me multiple times!\"" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "Look at you! You're already suffocating, aren't you tired? I'm not impressed.\" - fun says Lenore jumping around the tired captain sometimes trying to hit between the iron plates. \nAlso, being behind the captain, she wanted to throw a dark sphere at his feet \"Hey loony, catch this!\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*The captain being exhausted by all the running would not be able to dodge the dark sphere launched at his feet and is quickly immobilized*\n\n\"You and your dirty tricks! Fight me fair and square!\"" } ]

[ { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "\"Of course I will\" Lenore said. She came up from behind and tried to stab the dagger in the back(or somewhere where there is no thick armor). \n\"I even respected you until you opened your mouth.\"\nThen she takes off the captain's helmet, and with the second blade she carves the moon emblem on his forehead. \"Any last words?\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "\"You will get what's coming to you one day\"\n\n*He would then spit at your face*" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "\"My life belongs to my goddess, it is up to her to decide when the dawn will come for my life\" With these words, she cut the captain's throat" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*The captain falls to the ground, dead. However, at this moment Lenore would realize all her owls had been killed and given her distance she can't see where exactly the caravan is right now given the thick underbrush of the woods*" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "The merchant can't move the cargo alone, especially without horses, so she went to the place where he was last seen" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*As Lenore makes it back to the cargo she would find the guards that she distracted with the owls have returned and are seemingly standing guard muttering among themselves unsure what to do with their given situation. The merchant has seemingly left and if you look down the main road you see him off in the distance talking to another merchant line, clearly gesturing toward their horses and toward the forest where his cargo is*" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "```Lenore heals herself from a bruise (2.5 mana)``` after which she approached the guards(at a distance of about 10 meters) and said: \"Look What your commander did. He didn't hesitate to kill one of your colleagues, were you afraid of him? Now go and look at his lifeless body, you are free, and since you will not see the payment for protection, go and search his body, he saved on your protection to stay in the best armor. One only his sword, say so not from the most cheap. Or do you still want to fight?\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*The guards would look at each other then at the dead horses, then at their dead comrade, then back to the heavy cargo. One of them would let out a sigh and take charge*\n\n\"You're right. Fighting you won't do much since we can't get the cargo moving anyway... We'll just leave you be\"\n\n*The other guard would nod in agreement and both of them would leave behind the cargo and walk toward the merchant that was on the main road. It seemed the merchant was successful in acquiring new horses. However, it would seem they guards and the merchant would get into an argument but after a couple of minutes the merchant seems to have given up, albeit still upset. The 2 guards and the merchant would then walk away back to the town they came from seemingly, leaving the cargo behind*\n\n*It would be peaceful once more in the forest besides the scent of blood from the men and horses you killed. Lenore would then notice a squirrel climb down a nearby tree and slowly transform into the robed man*\n\n\"Ah, seems like you were able to secure the cargo. Killed 4 of the guards as well. A job well done. That would be 12 gold total.\"\n\n*The robed figure would snap his fingers and a herd of mice would approach carrying a bag of gold and drop it at Lenore's feet*\n\n\"I'll be taking this cargo and the bodies back with me. Before I leave though, the boss would like to know if you would be interested in future jobs like this?\"" }, { "author": "uuncleiroh", "message": "Lenore took the bag of gold and replied: \"Of Course, as long as you treat me fairly, my blade is at your disposal.\"\nThen she said,\" I Guess that's it? If you no longer need my services I will go\"" }, { "author": "frankenstein", "message": "*The robed man would nod*\n\"The boss will pleased to hear that. I look forward to your future feats\"\n\n *He would then simply head over to the cargo and clap his hands twice. 4 elk would then appear from out of the forest. The robed figure would attach the reins to them, toss the dead bodies into the caravan and travel down the road without looking back*\n\n**Quest complete**\n1.2 pp rewarded" } ]

[ { "author": "Isfridr Veidimadr", "message": "A generic night at the tavern yeah? She was having some fun outside, searching for another place to take a nap and get a drink. She hasn't had some alcohol in... Don't know... 2 days? She was in desperate need of something that gets her drunk. But of course, knowing her, she probably has some innate skill that allows her to sniff out the alcohol. Strange, would have reckoned she had a hard time smelling in all the armour. \n\nIt wasn't smelling by the way, it was actually just her looking around for the words, Tavern, Inn, or Bar. God forbid... A bar. That was a place that a lot of unsavoury men go to when they need to cool down their log. Poor girl, she probably just wants to be left alone for a while. \n\nShe approached the door, pushing on it. She looked confused, a person piping up from behind her. \n\n```\"It's a pull door. Try pulling\"```\n\nTo which she replied in the... Nicest way she can. It is honestly difficult. She was still extremely scary with her visor down... It gave her that mysterious... Evil aura that seemed to stop at 30ft away. Strange. It's as if there is a dome that just suddenly stops her aura! \n\n\"That's th' bloody plan pal! Whit did ye think ah wis aff tae dae? Pull th' pumpin' door fae doon tae up? Dae ye tak' me as an eejit?\"\n\nPoor man probably has never heard someone speak like that... They promptly stepped away and the girl walked into the tavern/inn. She ordered a beer and sat off to the corner, taking off her helmet and allowing her hair to just hand. That beautiful golden hair... And her beautiful blue eyes. Sad that she always has that... Dead... Cold... Look to her" }, { "author": "Momo Chabashira", "message": "Momo already had been leaning on the tavern wall. He had strategically set himself up near good lighting, sipping away at his drink patiently waiting... Oh waiting for what? For men to hit on him! What is this? Where are all the men?! Aren't they suppose to approach cute, pretty... People?! This is *Nothing* Like how people said it be. \n\nMomo had heard that men at a tavern will fawn all over you, throw themselves to your feet and lick your boots. *The lies!* He'd been wearing his regular outfit, while it isn't the most the *Highest* Of fashion it's still cute! And he couldn't hold this posture forever. The way he stood made it so he would look utmost appealing. The crinoline for his dress would not let him sit... Oh gosh please please please some dashing young man offer Momo a drink and a seat. *Oh crap. Momo needed to not have a drink.*\n\nHe made his way to the bar to, uh, return the drink. Loud commotion was heard nearby the dooryway but Momo was too focused on trying to walk elegantly he didn't pay attention to the blabber. Although what he did figure out was just another loud person strutting into the tavern. *Great.* When he finally made it to the bar, slowly by the way, a heavily armoured figure had walked past him. *God what kind of short boy compensates with that armour-*\n\nA beautiful macen was revealed and Momo's jaw dropped... With deep rooted *Jealousy. Oh crap he dropped his drink too.*" }, { "author": "Isfridr Veidimadr", "message": "She somewhat slid past the boy. Probably accidentally hitting shoulders with him. You see, she was carrying a lot... 55lbs was just her armour. Didn't account for her COOL cape and COOL SIDE BAG! They were C O O L. No but seriously, her cape was really cool looking... It sort of waved behind her like an army of carpets. Carpets are strange. Why did she think of carpets? Does she have a carpet fetish? No... She just... Really likes carpets. They feel good on her skin... The way they are so soft... Especially the new carpets made from the finest wools... Yeah she is a strange person \n\nShe found herself sat down in the corner, drinking her beer. Unlike practically... All of my characters, she can actually hold her alcohol! Hold as in... No passing out on half a pint of basically water, but actually passing out on... The 5th pint of basically water but with 5x more alcohol, bringing it to 12%! She's amazing I know. She even thinks she is amazing. In reality... She was actually really light weight.\n\nLight weight physically and light weight when it came to alcohol. \n\nAs she drank, she found her eyes... Trailing up to the boy, which she thought was actually a girl. What a pretty girl! She was once like him her. The bad days when she was still a house wife to some rich not-midget. Not a good time. In fact, she was specifically raised and bred —yes, she was specifically bred from two desirable people— to be 'attractive' in her owner's eyes. Little did the poor man know, she also inherited some magic! As he slept, she... Made sure he couldn't move for a prolonged period of time with quick sand and... A few books. Lets just say the quick sand actually did all the work. \n\n\"Whit an bonnie wee lassie? Brassic me wishes ah cuid be lik' that again. Then again... Dinnae wantae hae tae deal wi' perverted pricks wha ainlie waant an airmie o' cute girls as thare servant.\"\n\nShe whispered to herself... She didn't want to terrify the poor boy girl. Seems like she did when the boy girl dropped his her drink. She looked away as to... Not gather attention to herself." }, { "author": "Momo Chabashira", "message": "*Oh crap oh crap oh crap.* Momo dropped his drink after being absolutely stunned. The bartender is looking at him with disappointed eyes, *Oh no.* In a panic, Momo uses the sleeves of his dress to wipe the mess-**Wait why is he use the freaking sleeves of his dress to clean the mess?** \"Oh god, I'm so so sorry.\" He apologies under his breath. The bartender scoffs indifferently and motions Momo to step aside as he cleans up the mess himself. Momo obliges, and the bartender thankfully hands Momo a dry yet slightly dirty cloth. \"...Thank you.\"\nMomo wipes away at his sleeves although they are now a tad blackened. He sighs, *Why is everything such a mess?* Then he remember why! He snapped back to turn to the beautiful macen who Momo had seen turned away!\nWhy would she turn away? Perhaps common sense says that she had turned away to mind her own business. But for Momo, *Everything was his business.* Did this gorgeous girl turn away from Momo... As a challenge?!\n*Oh by the pantheons Momo has heard of this.* This is his first **Cat fight at a bar!** This is a cat fight right? Is this how challenging each other to a duel of beauty works?!\nMomo was starting to panic! How can he compete with that? Alright he needs analyze his opponent. That cape... What kind of fabric I that? Why did it flow so perfectly from her armour and match her hair? *Oh no this is making things worse!* \nMomo had to make the first move while she wasn't paying attention. Number one rule of a fight: get a sucker punch in. Taking a second compose himself, he walked over to the macen to give him a piece of his mind! He tried his best to keep his chest high and when reaching the corner, he puffed up his chest, taking in a large breath in before saying, \"H-, I-\" Momo began to mumble. \"Uh, well... I am Momo Chabashira!\" Momo declared confidently crossing his arms with a grin!\n*AHA, Momo got the first introduction in. A killer move! She must be intimidated now!*" }, { "author": "Isfridr Veidimadr", "message": "In reality... She just didn't want to be associated with the mess that just occurred at the door. She silently sipped her drink as the ||boy|| girl was having issues in ||his|| her side. Ah yes... Having fun they are. Cleaning up their mess they are. Why did she suddenly turn into yoda? What is going on in her head? She is most definitely clinically insane at this point. She didn't want a fight... She just wanted to have a drink. \n\nShe had some excess weight on her, taking off her sword... Placing it on the table with an audible s l a m . Everyone looked at her in... Sheer... Well, terror! Was it because of her threatening aura? Or was it because she just put her sword on the table like she was about to slice someone's head off. Either way, her Sword was on the table! So was her helmet! It looked rather expensive. A full coverage steel sallet... Super high quality too! \n\nSeems like the ||boy|| girl was approaching. Ara ara? A challenger. She looked at the ||boy|| girl with the look of a person with a purely frozen heart. Honestly... This was the kindest look she could give. She even gave ||him|| her a smile! That isn't a smile Ísfríðr... That's a look of 'I'm gonna murder you in your sleep tonight'\n\n\"Hmmm? Th' lassie approaches? Errrr... Awright? A'm ísfríðr?\"\n\nShe most definitely sounded confused. Like... Dead pan confused. Didn't match her look. Oh look! It lightened up. Maybe she was terrifying when she was focusing on looking nice... That happens sometimes y'know?" }, { "author": "Momo Chabashira", "message": "Momo shuddered as the sword **Slammed**. Taken off guard, he would not be ready for when then macen turned back to look at him...**It was as if the pressure from a waterfall began to push down on him. Or how'd he imagine a Gorgon staring directly at you**. What was this menacing aura? Why did Momo feel so intimidated? \nThen the final blow, she started to speak! *The... Lassy approaches? Alright? I am... Is a feared!?*\nThe consecutive combos of moves! The higher quality equipment, the luscious hair, her eyes, her beauty, her intimidating aura! Momo had to... Admit defeat.\nMomo nervously began to twinkle with his hair and play with his fingers. *What should he do now?* The woman basically just introduced herself as fear incarnate? *This was more intense than Momo thought.*\nMomo skin began to itch with irritation as he turned red. He averted his own eyes, which immediately latched onto ísfríðr's shining helmet. It was clearly made of the highest quality, this macen had everything! \nHe needed to ease his tension, he had to say something to break the ice. He lowered his head in defeat and mumbled the first thought that popped in his head, \"...Um, where'd you get your armour and stuff?\" *Oh god why'd he phrase it like that? Well actually Momo was indeed interested. ísfríðr armor is excellent and not to mention aesthetically pleasing! He might need a blacksmith like that, *You'll need to look good while bashing your enemies.* But would someone with as much prestigious as ísfríðr and an aura of a death knight really help Momo?" }, { "author": "Isfridr Veidimadr", "message": "Good lord this ||boy|| girl was a mess! ||He|| She is even turning into a waterfall! Amusing! She used to bathe in waterfalls. It tends to cover her from the prying eyes of perverted and unsavoury men! That and gave her a nice morning wash and wake-up to keep her awake! She isn't a morning person... In fact, she'd rather stay up all night and sleep through the day than just sleep normally and wake up in the morning. Probably something she had to do in her work as a slave back in the old days. \n\nShe was practically fear incarnate! She liked that name... If she got called that. She should get a business card! It would look something like Name: Ísfríðr Veiðimaðr. Occupation: The Literal Definition of Fear. Number: You don't want to dial up Satan... He be my bro and secretary. Yeah... She is really weird. She is also extremely creative in her brain! \n\nShe tilted her head, the ||boy|| girl was flustered? Why? Maybe she scared ||him|| her like she always does to anyone new. No one stayed with her long enough to know her nice side... She can really get affectionate y'know? Sad Ísfríðr sounds... She will always be known as 'That one girl that is literally the Definition of fear.' \n\n\"Borrowed it fae a corpse. Th' brassic jimmy didnae need it anymair. He wis practically turning tae stoor 'n' ah didnae waant ony rid stains oan it\"\n\nThis honestly was probably scarier than it was. In reality, she was actually just saying (Don't click if you don't wanna know) ||I just got it from an old man. He didn't need it anymore and he didn't want his blood on it.|| Misunderstandings will always be amazing with her." }, { "author": "Momo Chabashira", "message": "Did Ísfríðr just say fae corpse? Momo instinctively covered his elf ears with his pigtails. The classic Jimmy didn't need it anymore? The armor? He was practicing turning the store around and didn't want any red stains on it?\nThe accent was quite heavy for Momo to understand. Although he still tried his best to match the Ísfríðr's lingo! From what he understood, it was gift from a man's store who has been closing down? And it was considered undesirable because of its red stains? Well that's unreasonable to give away such good armour just cause of stains. It was probably a gift out of good faith. \n\"Umm...\", still holding down his pigtails to cover the sides of his face, \"Well I mean stains aren't so bad. Is it like that saying where scars have a story? So it's like that with stains.\" Momo looked down to his sleeves. \"Actually on second thought no stains are ugly. *Wait I'm not saying your armour is ugly,* It's beautiful, you're beautiful-\" Momo needed to stop. Momo tugged on his hair to help distract him from talking. He needed to change the subject. He backtracked his thoughts... Oh yeah. \"Miss Fear, why do you need all this armour?\" Momo asked out of genuine curiosity. She was beautiful and honestly her menacing presence didn't need armour to protect her. If Momo was her enemy, he'd run the other way!" }, { "author": "murio876", "message": "~~11/10 rp was nice to watch~~" }, { "author": "Isfridr Veidimadr", "message": "With all the questions the ||boy|| girl was asking, she slowly went back to being uncomfortable... And her cold hard stare returned! So did the really scary aura! Like... Scary scary. Just pure dread... The Definition of bloody dread right there! Nothing worse than the manifestation of your worst fear getting more threatened. \n\nShe stood up, looking up/down at the ||boy|| girl. She had her sword hooked onto her sword belt the girl turning away and walking towards the door... She stopped a few feet away.\n\n\"Sorry. A'm feelin' fair fauchelt. If yer curious, th' jimmy wis dying.\"\n\nShe said, leaving the scene and... Nothing else happened. Momo was free to do what ||he|| she wants... And Ísfríðr is now... Going to find a Momo free tavern to chill in. Maybe without nosy people asking a lot of questions. \n\nOn her helmet goes and... Off this scary creature goes. Gosh... She was terrifying. The rust looking stains on her armour didn't help (dried blood on clothes looks like rust), and the res stains on her halberd's axe head also... Made her look more scary than she actually is. \n\nShe was just... Slaughtering some pigs for a poor old lady who needed help to get some dinner. She just happened to be around." }, { "author": "Momo Chabashira", "message": "\"Oh wait I-\" Momo didn't have a chance against Ísfríðr's dominating presence. All Momo could do was left there to be baffled. *What had just happened?* Of course, all eyes had been on Ísfríðr's as she left through the door. Momo shook his head and let out a frustrated grunt \"Argh!!\"\n*Momo messed up again.* He stomped his way out of the tavern to go back to his inn. *Why does Momo always have to mess it up like this??* Okay, next time Momo goes to a tavern he is going to not be holding a drink. *And* Not talk to people first. All he has to do is stand there, look pretty, and they should come to him... Right?" } ]

[ { "author": "Ardon Surfist", "message": "*The large and intimidating figure of Ardon the four armed titan was walking about on the street under the lush orange sky signaling to Ardon that he should be inside the inn that he was going to be working for. Whenever he can get through to people who don't focus on his... Strange exterior he can usually talk things through with people in allowing him to get jobs that might not usually be fit for a mercenary or a fisherman. He told the owner of the bar that he had four arms so he could do four things at once! And that he's very nimble and quick since he trained alot in the past.\n\nHe took this job because it was more money and it was also helping out people but a part of him really took this job because maybe just maybe he could meet Momo again. What would he be doing right now? Was Momo thinking about him like he is right now? Pah! Why would Momo even think about him anyways, its clear he left so soon without even telling him where to go if they wanted to see each other because Momo didn't want to see him. Why has he been the only person in Ardon's mind lately? Why?!? Its not like this was the first time Ardon met someone and left them but... With Momo it felt different. With him the titan felt something warm and fuzzy inside that just made him happy whenever he was with them.\n\nEventually he reached the tavern and happily said hello to the owner. He then was given a broom, a dust pan and a wet rag to wipe things with aswell as a bucket filled with water all of the things placed on a different hand. The owner of the inn instructed Ardon to go and clean the first room to the right as she said it was* **Extremely messy** *Ardon nodded and quickly walked inside the room and saw how messy everything was. Why was it so messy? Everything was just all over the place, he couldn't possibly clean the room with all the things being so unorganized so he began taking all of the things and just placing it on top of the bed for now so that he could sweep the floor properly. He swept and swept but he didn't know why everything just seemed so familiar inside the room, Furry The Furrow had just been chilling on top of his head trying to blend in with his hair alittle but he poked out to just check in on his master. When he had revealed himself the furrow quickly noticed the other furrow that was in the room and began playing with it on the windowsill.*\n\n*Huh the person owns a Furrow too!!! L-like Momo... Well if they ever get to meet it would be fun to just let their two furrows play with each other for a bit. To him and his simple minded brain he didn't jump to the conclusion that maybe this was Momo's place because its not like they were the only people who owned Furrows right? Ardon let out a deep sigh as he continued on cleaning the room not wanting to take too long to clean it.*" }, { "author": "Momo Chabashira", "message": "The cheers and clanks of tankards signal the night has started. Upon opening the tavern's door, clamors of rambunctious chatter resonated throughout the place. An atmosphere that Momo was not in the mood for. He quickened his pace towards the stairs until he heard someone cheerfully call his name, \"Momo!\" \n\nIt was the owner with a tankard in hand, he signaled Momo to come over to join them at the bar. It had a string of drunk men gambling amongst each other. Trying to be as polite as he could, Momo forced a smile and shook his head. The owner shrugged, counting it as Momo's own loss as he went back to divulge in the men's stories of harlots.\n\nHe escaped into the stairway, each step muffled the hollering from the tavern. Momo just wanted to lie down on his bed and relax. In the hallway, the wife had been organizing the decorations.\n\"Oh!\" The wife greeted Momo. \"Good evenin' to you Momo. New boy already workin' on your room, just a heads up.\"\n\nMomo didn't put much thought onto her comment, only hoping that they didn't steal anything. He'll have to double-check his mess. Other than that, he should apologize for it being a mess in the first place. He grasps the door handle and takes another moment of self-reflection. Perhaps it was all a sign. It was time for him to get his act together. *He's going to open this door, apologize for the mess, clean it himself, feed these mealworms to Ushiwaka, and go downstairs to the tavern and actually try to enjoy himself. Opening this door will be him turning over a new leaf.*\n\nWith a strong push, the door burst open! \"Hello! I'm sorry, I-\" Momo began to ramble his sentence before even registering who was in his room. An 8'10\", four-armed, red-haired Titan. A hunk Momo had to lift up his head to take in the full view. *Deja Vu.* \n\nMomo was stunned there. Words could not escape his lips, only the emotions on his face could be translated. His heart dropped as he realized Ardon stood in front of him folding his clothes. Then his heart picked up again, fluttering and racing with an odd excitement." }, { "author": "plague0886", "message": "*As Ardon heard the door swing open his head turned towards it and his eyes just widened when he saw the 5'4, two-armed, blonde haired Fae just stunned upon seeing him* \"M-Momo!\" *He shouted out as he quickly stood up and rushed to hug the Fae but before he could wrap his arms around him he suddenly remembered that Momo didn't actually like him. Momo was probably shocked because he was touching all his stuff and he just wanted him to leave, his arms slumped as he had this realization and his face that was once overjoyed to see them just dropped as quickly as he gained the smile* \"Hello... I was just cleaning your room but umm I-I don't think you want me here so I'll just go.\" *His low almost bellowing voice spoke, it was filled with just sadness and longing . His body instead of embracing the elf instead turned towards his cleaning supplies slowly picking them up. Furry would realize that this meant they were going to leave so he just quickly rushed up to Ardon looking back at the other furrow sadly.\n\nHe was so happy when he saw Momo overjoyed if he was to be honest with himself! But he knew that he had to think about how Momo felt and that he would probably not be as happy as him if he was there especially when he just started touching his stuff. With each heavy step he took the wooden planks creaked alittle, the room was alot less messier than when Momo left it, not exactly really clean but it was alot less disorganized with all the clothes neatly placed ontop of the bed while the floor was swept. It seemed like he tried to do his best to clean the room for Momo whether he knew it was Momo or not*" }, { "author": "Momo Chabashira", "message": "Momo's first thought was: *Oh crap I'm in my training clothes.* He looked like a mess, only second to his room. Before Momo could process anything else, Ardon lunged himself at Momo for a hug!\nAlthough, you couldn't really call it a hug. Momo's head was stuffed into Ardon's chest. The four large arms didn't have much to hold onto the elf's small frame. It was an uncomfortable caress that... Was comforting to Momo.\n\nMomo's momentary peace was hastily broken as Ardon backed away. Ardon was dejected and resigned. *Did Momo do this? Momo's heart wrenched. He never intended to lower Ardon's lovable spirit. It was something he didn't want to see and something he didn't know how to apologize for.* \n\n\"Wait!\" In an impulsive decision, Momo threw off his backpack to the side. He shifted into a short sprint to tackle Ardon picking up the cleaning supplies! Normally this tackle would knock down a macen sized person. But with Ardon's stature, when Momo threw his weight onto him, Ardon only nudged a bit. \n\nNow, Momo's tackle proved to be ineffective as Ardon was still kneeling. Yet one of Momo arms wrap around Ardon's neck. The other was placed onto Ardon's chest. Their faces gravitated only a few inches away. *Deja vu*.\n\n**...**\n\nTime froze for a few seconds. *What did Momo want to say?*\n\"Don't-I'm...\" Momo couldn't get the words out of his mouth. His heart was racing faster than it did when they first met. \"...Can I get you a drink?\"" }, { "author": "Ardon Surfist", "message": "\"I-I'd love too! But umm... I'd rather not make you do this just because you feel bad for me or want to be a good host. I-Its okay Momo.\" *Ardon felt the elf's hand on his bare chest and the other just surrounding his neck. They were so close just like before... Before Momo quickly left him to go to his inn. He took this tackling gesture as just a way for Momo to stop him so he could offer a drink but Ardon was trying to think more about other people's feelings and read inside the lines? Whatever they say, just use his brain more. He always just thought simply maybe that was the reason that Momo left him the first time, because he was being to annoying, dumb and needed to be told what to do all the time. Why was he so stupid! Now that he has the opportunity he should use this and use his head to actually think about his actions. The way they were so close though... It made his tanned face blush redder than his hair! This again this feeling. Why was he feeling this with him?! He was petrified and he couldn't move the way he just wrapped around his body, he wanted to just stay like this forever...\n\nHe couldn't! He needed to get up and leave so that he could stop making Momo so uncomfortable, if he wanted to make him happy that's the right this for one to do. His hands still held the cleaning supplies tight but the large titan who had no problem in moving anything just felt so weak next to this small elf*" }, { "author": "Momo Chabashira", "message": "Momo recognized Ardon's blushed expression from before. Momo's eyes followed this rosy tint from the Titan's cheeks to his ears, and finally to his crimson hair. Ardon's hair actually nested his pet furrow. \nSurprised by this, Momo releases his hand wrapped around Ardon's neck. He gently sits down on Ardon's thigh and pets Furry. It nuzzles against Momo's fingers.\nUnintentionally, *Or perhaps not,* Momo's fingers shifted to play with Ardon's hair instead. Momo's hand was now very close to Ardon's ear, his wrist could feel the radiating heat . His other hand was still placed on Ardon's chest but now curled into a soft fist. \n\n\"Stay...\" Momo mumbled. \"I mean, do you have a place to stay? For tonight?\" His eyes were hinting for a specific answer.\n\n*Momo was acting out of character. It didn't suit him to be so needy. Normally, he would've been consumed with embarrassment and run the other way. But right now, Momo was compelled by something stronger than his pride.*" } ]

[ { "author": "Ardon Surfist", "message": "*The way Momo was sitting on his thigh, the way his hand played with his crimson red hair, the way the other hand just rested on his large muscular chest. His heart was beating so fast and his emotions were all over the place! Embarrassment, joy, confusion and longing all of these emotions were happening at the same time and it overwhelmed him. \n\nWhen he heard Momo's question his face just had this familiar staring expression like a dog just staring into nothing but instead of staring into nothing he was staring at Momo, what? Why was Momo asking this and what was he doing with his eyes? Didn't Momo not like him?!? The big oaf was just so confused* \n\n\"W-What? Umm well I-I don't but why are you asking me this? Umm is it about...\" *His forehead scrunched up as he began trying to think of what that meant. He couldn't heard what Momo was first mumbling but d-does this mean Momo actually wants to be with him?*" }, { "author": "Momo Chabashira", "message": "Even after Momo's advances, Ardon was still dense! Least he answered Momo's question.\nHowever, the embarrassment caught up to Momo at that point. \"...Hmph!\" With a pout, Momo turned the other way and let himself of Ardon's thigh. He was still nervous, yet tried his best to appear collected. \n\nUshiwaka had already been snooping around in Momo's backpack during this whole interaction. Momo picked up the bird and his backpack. Rummaging through it, he takes out the container of mealworms.\n\n\"...Can you stay the night? I have snacks we can feed our furrows with...\" Momo almost completely slurred his first sentence, hoping Ardon would just agree. He didn't actually have a plan on how Ardon can stay for the night. Of course, Ardon and Momo could pay the fee or sharing a room. And they'd still have to clean his mess...*But* They'd have to share a bed... What would it be like to cuddle again? This time throughout the night? He imagine it'd be snug fit, like cuddling with your big pet dog. \n\n*They had only just met last week. Yet Momo wanted Ardon to stay with him. He wanted only him and Ardon to share these kinds of moments. But after leaving Ardon, does Momo even have that right? Was that selfish?*" }, { "author": "Ardon Surfist", "message": "\"Yeah I-I'd like that alot! I'm happy with it as long as you are... A-And I'm sure that Furry would enjoy it alot too!!! Ahahahaha\" *The first two sentences he spoke he said truthfully and earnestly but quickly after realizing what he said he decided to make it about his furrow instead of him and his actual feelings. Ardon has this big embarrassed smile while his eyes tried to avoid eye contact with Momo, his bottom set of hands were twiddling their thumbs while his too hands were crossed cause he was trying to look menacing and not at all embarrassed or blushing. \n\nIf he was to stay though were would they sleep? He was fine with sleeping on the floor but what if they slept on one bed?!?! Just the idea made his heart race, him and Momo in one room, one bed so close together something he had never experienced before in his entire life! Has Momo slept in one bed with another person before? Oh no! What if he's so big that he wouldn't be able to fit in the bed with Momo? He didn't want Momo to feel uncomfortable on his own bed that'd be so mean. Furry meanwhile would begin staring at the container of mealworms just staring waiting for them to open it! And feed him already!!!!*" }, { "author": "Momo Chabashira", "message": "*Oh, so he named his furrow Furry? Honestly, that's such an Ardon thing to do. Simplistic, fun and cute!* Momo opened the container, pouring half of the mealworms into one hand. Then he'd place the container on the wooden floor next to him for Ushiwaka to begin pecking at. \n\nMomo offers up the handful of mealworms for Ardon to take. *Deja vu, felt like the grains all over again...* While Momo offered up his hand to Ardon, he'd be immensely relieved that the Titan accepted his offer. He started to admire the Titan's features again. Seeing that smile, like when they first, was a reassuring comfort. It's like his worries from the past couple of days seemed to fade away as Ardon's heavy voice and laugh bounced around in the room. It was different kind of loud, different from the rambunctious men downstairs. \n\nStill holding up the mealworms, Momo wanted to know more about Ardon. \"So... Uh... What do you do? For a living I mean!\" \n\n*Momo also had an urge to wrap his arms around Ardon and squeeze him! Like when you see something so cute you turn aggressive!*" }, { "author": "Ardon Surfist", "message": "\"Haha don't you think this is like when you were giving me those grains back then?!\" *Ardon enthusiastically pointed out to Momo as he was so proud to make that connection! He was big brain* \n\n\"What do I do for a living? Well umm its not really much I just do quests and stuff, any job that's available I'll take so I can help out people in need and if there aren't any quests or jobs to take I usually go fishing and sell my fish! It doesn't really give me much but its honest work and I know that it still helps people!\" *He said happily as he now made a whistling sound with his mouth to signal to Furrow that he had food! Quickly the furrow would begin to start eating from the titan's large palm even offering Ardon some before he'd politely decline instead giving the boio some pets and caresses with his finger.\n\n\"So Momo!.........\" *Ardon started to think of a question but he just kinda fell silent while thinking about it. He kinda could maybe guess what Momo's job was but he wasn't really interested in knowing that instead he blurted out the first thing he thought of* \"Why are you so cute and nice?\"" } ]

[ { "author": "Momo Chabashira", "message": "Momo giggles at Ardon's grain comparison. *They thought the same thing!* Momo intently listens as Ardon spoke about himself. \n\n*Do anything available huh. Sounds like most people nowadays. There was also that helping people in need comment, did he mean it? Probably did. It suits him. Fishing and selling fish? That reminds Momo of his hometown Hovia! He loved raw seafood. Hm, honest work huh. Ardon seems to be just going with the flow, it matched his relation to water.*\n\nHonestly, a part of Momo was scared that Ardon was *Too carefree*. That he'd go with the flow and that flow would leave Momo behind. But now, Momo should just relax. He'll trust the feeling of wanting to spend time with Ardon, plus they've only known each other for a week. He shouldn't worry too much! \n\nFinally, Ardon directed a question at Momo. Momo had already begun a mental preparation and conversation explaining his own career involving New Sunlight. Then Ardon blurted out, \"Why are you so cute and nice?\"\n\n\"Wha-\" Momo was immediately taken aback! That was so sudden, it came out of nowhere. He knew Ardon was straightforward, but Momo didn't expect...\nMomo quickly spun his head around looking around the room, nearby was a stray pillow on the ground. Momo snatched the pillow and began to smack Ardon with it! *Of course, these smacks weren't with full force and he tried to avoid Furry.* Ushiwaka followed his owner's lead and started to gingerly squeal at Ardon! \n\n*Momo began to clench his teeth and curled his toes. He didn't know what to do with how Ardon made him feel. He felt so aggressive! So flustered, so confused! So...*\n\nMomo took back the pillow to clutch it in his arms as tight as he could. Finally, throughout this mini outburst, Momo got a reply out his mouth. **\"I could say the same about you Ardon...\"** Momo gave Ardon another yearning pout." }, { "author": "Ardon Surfist", "message": "\"Ah!!! Okay! Okay! So not cute and nice! Just cute?\" *He shouted out as he felt the barrage of pillow smacks that compared to everything else he's faced weren't really all that painful and it also didn't seem to be at full forced, Ardon also tried to not let Furry be hit by using his arm to just keep him away from the pillow. He was giggling and laughing while Momo did all of this as for him it was really fun!\n\nThe Titans his large eyes widened as he heard Momo's reply.* \"W-Well... I-I'm not really all that cute you know! I'm really big and I have more arms than normal people have and also people don't seem to think my scars look very cute.\" *The red haired titan said embarrassingly while he tried not to make eye contact with Momo so that he won't be able to see how he was so incredibly embarrassed. Should he not have said what he said? It was true though, he did think that Momo was really nice and cute. He even gave some food for Furry and he let him stay the night cause he didn't really have a room today also even if he was still in his training clothes he was very very cute!\n\nWhat would it be like if he hugged him? He really wanted to do it again but this time more properly and alot longer! He didn't want to break Momo's bones though that would be very very bad for Momo and for him! Would they like fishing? What if he invited them to fishing would they like it or just think its boring? Why does Ardon have so much thoughts?!?!?*" }, { "author": "Momo Chabashira", "message": "Momo ignored Ardon's excuses to himself about why he wasn't cute. Well, Momo does care about how Ardon feels! But Momo completely disagreed with him. The extra arms weren't a problem *(was it weird Momo found it attractive?)* And the scar didn't seem scary. Everything Ardon listed was so superficial. None of it described his biggest charm. \n\nMomo had enough of Ardon's blabbering! With another pout, he gets up to go towards the bed. Momo tries best to not ruin what Ardon had already *Somewhat* Cleaned earlier. He hastily organizes the mess to the side and clears the bed. \n\nHe then throws down the pillow on the bed and turns back to Ardon! He points a finger to the now empty bed.\n\"Lie down.\" *It was like a command to a pet dog.*\n\nMeanwhile, Ushiwaka would finish his mealworms by now and lie down on a nearby bed of messy clothes." }, { "author": "Ardon Surfist", "message": "\"Yes!\"*Ardon would quickly go up to the bed and do the command obediently indeed similar to a big pet dog. While he was very dense he also was very obedient and followed just about any instruction told to him. Its was alittle too small for him but he was able to squeeze inside the bed just laying there as he looked at Momo patiently on what to do next, why did Momo make him lie down on the bed? Wasn't it his bed? He was okay with sleeping on the floor.* \n\n\"But Momo where are you going to lie down? Hmm... Oh! How about you lay down on me?! Or I could just lay down on the floor while you lie down here? I'd rather not take your own bed away from you.\" *Ardon would say politely as he began trying to stand up from where he was lying down on. Furry meanwhile would begin trying to follow Ushiwaka taking some of his left over mealworms and offering it to the fellow furrow that was on a pile of messy clothes*" }, { "author": "Momo Chabashira", "message": "Momo would be glad Ardon followed what he said, and was already following Ardon's suggestion. He straddles himself on Ardon's lap then pushes the Titan back down. It was an uncomfortable fit at first, but Momo managed to snug both his legs in between Ardon's to get into a comfortable position where he laid his head on Ardon's chest.\n\nThen, one by one, Momo grabs Ardon's arms to envelop himself with; almost like a blanket. Momo could feel the heat from Ardon's arms and his cheeks pressed against Ardon's bare chest. It was both physically cozy and warmed his heart. It eased his mind, let him think straight once more. *Therapy dog.*\n\n\"..I'm sorry. About last time. Y'know. About being a jerk. And all.\"" }, { "author": "Ardon Surfist", "message": "\"You don't need to be sorry about anything you've done Momo! You aren't a jerk you just kinda left me hanging in the middle of a field that one time making me wonder where you were when I had no clue whatsoever where you stayed in at the country... That's not being a jerk.\" *Ardon would say simply and plainly like it totally wasn't at all a big deal for him as he just let his four arms be a blanket for Momo, he even used his feet to cross over ontop of Momo's like he was just wrapped in a big Ardon cocoon of warm and coziness! \n\nThis felt really nice, he liked it when he felt people around him happy and this just made his joy skyrocket! This just felt so nice embracing another person, the last time he properly felt this was when he left his village to go and help other people around the world.*" }, { "author": "Momo Chabashira", "message": "Momo was a little confused. Ardon describing what Momo did... Sounds like a jerk move. But Ardon accepted his apology. Momo could never understand Ardon, if he were in the other's shoes he wouldn't forgive himself. Actually, he still didn't really forgive himself. He still felt guilty but the amusement of Ardon's easy-going attitude was a comfort. It made Momo like this big adorkable oaf even more. \n\n \"You're a good guy. Ardon.\" Momo said softly in a drowsy like state. He delicately takes one of Ardon's large hands and puts it close to his face. Ardon's fingers were touching Momo's lips. \"You're a *Really* Good guy...\"\n \nThe restless nights from before, the constant training from New Sunlight, the excitement from tonight; Momo was getting sleepy. He didn't care about the mess of the room or how'll they explain that the part-time cleaner is sleeping at their inn. For now, Momo only cared about how cozy his big personal teddy bear was..." } ]

[ { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*The three of you would receive a desperate call for help. This wasn't a simple pest infestation or rescue. No, it was bandits. A series of small towns had already been struck by a massive group of bandits, and it was soon found where they would hit next. They were willing to hire anyone, and they just so happen to reach out to you three.*\n\n*Riding in, you would see the village nearly empty, windows boarded up. A man seemed to peek outward, seeing if you were a threat.*" }, { "author": "d.l.j.", "message": "*Ventus nickered softly to himself as he trotted into the square at a flick of the reins, bearing his rider, Alloces. A dark, battered cuirass briefly poked forth from the cloak that he had around himself. His twin swords Eins and Zwei were in the saddlebags, although his stilletos were both tucked within the heel of his boots. His longbow was strapped besides the saddlebags, along with his quiver. Alloces glanced towards his teammates with calm dark eyes.*\n\"What now?\"\n*He said, glancing over to spot the peeker but refraining from doing anything yet.*" }, { "author": "Azazel", "message": "*Azazel the monster walked up looking just as monstrous as ever, his face had no easy to see features, and his skin looked like it was made of rocks. Azazel looked at his teammates and then looked around for who he was assigned to kill, he extends his claws and just decides to follow wherever his teammates go, he figures they will lead him to who he needs to kill. When he hears alloces speak he turns to him.* \"Do you know where the enemies are?\"" }, { "author": "Sebastian Cavalier", "message": "After a long time wandering around in different places looking for nothing, a desperate cry for help was heard by Sebastian, who soon decided to go and see what it was out of sheer curiosity. Arriving at the place where the request for help came from, dressed in a normal blouse and pants and with gauntlets that covered his hands, Okamimi arrived next to two other companions. Deciding not to say anything, as he was not interested in talking to other people, he waited with the two men for an answer to their questions." }, { "author": "d.l.j.", "message": "*Alloces looked at Azazel with a slightly puzzled expression. Well, his appearance was certainly abnormal, but his erm... Enthusiasm was good? He dismounted from Ventus with a graceful swing of his leg, hopping down as he got out both his blades, buckling them and their sheaths to his back with swift, practiced motions.*\n\"I don't know, but I suspect that someone might. However, its a very good chance that they'll be arriving here sometime.\"\n*With no one really going up to talk with the vilagers, Alloces decided to take it upon himself to be an ad hoc diplomat of sorts, walking up to the boarded window where the man was peeking out, and pulling down his cloth piece covering the lower half of his face to reveal his features briefly.*\n\"Hello, you requested help from some bandits that have been ravaging small villages in this area? We're the help. Could you kindly provide us with some information about the situation and the bandits?\"" } ]

[ { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*The man would slowly walk out with his hands up, slowly approaching the group. His shirt and pants were dirty and tattered, his beard long and gray.*\n\n\"Y-Yes, of course.\"\n\n*He seemed to keep himself away from Azazel, moving closer towards the mounted elf.*\n\n\"The bandits plan to destroy us! Our lives are in peril! Please, protect us!\"\n\n*He took a moment to catch his breath and clear his throat.*\n\n\"They attack at dark! From the west! We know not where they are, only when they strike!\"\n```Take time to set up for preparations! You have the equivalent of 70 turns.```" }, { "author": "Azazel", "message": "*Azazel heard what the man said and decided to swiftly walk towards the man, as he approached the man he retracted his claws as he noticed they tend to frighten villagers.* \"Please tell me do you know what type of weaponry and armor these bandits have, and how many of them will be coming if you know?.\" *Azazel tried to speak in a calm and none threatening voice as he did not want to frighten the man, he only wanted to know at to expect to prepare for.*" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*The man would take a step back and gulp nervously.*\n\n\"I know not of their weaponry. I only know that there are many.\"" }, { "author": "d.l.j.", "message": "*Alloces frowned, looking to the man.* \n\"How many people are in this village, and is there some large sturdy building you could all shelter in while we fight the bandits?\"\n*He said, also scanning around for any potential places that he could get up high on to essentially shoot down at the incoming bandits.*" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*The man would nod.*\n\n\"We are all hiding. There are 38 of us.\"" }, { "author": "d.l.j.", "message": "\"Alright. Is there a watchtower, windmill, some high-up place I could position myself for shooting? And, when do they tend to attack? At night, dawn, noon, etc?\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*The man would point towards an outcrop on one of the buildings.*\n\n\"That's the best we have. I hope it will do.\"" }, { "author": "d.l.j.", "message": "*Alloces nodded towards the man, frowning at Ventus, before leaving him where he was as he got into the outcrop, taking his composite longbow and arrows with him. He pulled forth a paper talisman labeled Soldier, dropping it down onto the ground besides him. It burst in a brief splash of grey light, before revealing an impassive macen soldier, holding a crossbow and quiver of crossbow bolts in place of their polearm.*\n\"Alright, I'll hole up here, and shoot as much as I can before engaging in melee with my summon. What are you two good in?\"\n*He asked, addressing the other members.*" } ]

[ { "author": "Sebastian Cavalier", "message": "And again he had to say something. Sometimes even Sebastian himself thought he was too lazy, especially after 3 years ago. But what could he do, he needed money. Looking at Alloces with his idle and careless expression in his honey-colored eyes, he thought for a while before speaking in a cold tone in his voice.\n\n\"I can do many things. I have long-range spells and melee, I have a sword, a spear... Well, I also have wolves.\"\n\nSebastian put a hand on the hilt of his sword, waiting to hear what the... Creature, had to say." }, { "author": "Azazel", "message": "*Azazel walked over to the western entrance to the village and extended his claws and stood ready to hold back a horde of bandits, when he heard Sebastian speak he turned to him and held up his hand.*\n\n\"I'm a durable fighter and I'm gonna be holding back the bandits here, I can't do much from a distance so I'll try to make sure they don't get past here or at least as few as possible get by.\" \n\n*As he finished speaking he turned back to facing the west and was ready for the fight.*" }, { "author": "d.l.j.", "message": "*Alloces summoned another footsoldier with the same gear as the last, and they quickly spread out into the town square, making sure to stick close enough to Alloces to not be unsummoned.*\n\"Me and my summons will provide fire support for as long as we can, before joining into the melee. Has everyone finished preparing? If not, quickly do so befote the sun goes down.\"" }, { "author": "Sebastian Cavalier", "message": "Sebastian nodded as a way of signaling that he understood, and then pulled his sword from his belt. With his other hand, he raised it in the air and whispered.\n\n\"*Kanas, share my burden.*\"\n\nAt the end of the sentence, a talisman with a wolf symbol appeared in his hand, then being thrown right in front of him. A black wolf soon appeared on the ground, 1 meter away from Sebastian. With a look given by the man in the direction of the animal, the canine walked to the side of Azazel.\n\n\"I will leave him with you if you need help, anyway I will not go too far.\"\n\n```Spirit Wolves cast, 25 mana spent, 12.5 mana cap. Mana remaining: 105/117.5```" } ]

[ { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Darkness would soon fall, and a full moon would rise, barely giving vision to the intruders, but also to the protectors. Amassing in the west entrance of the town is a group of 10 bandits, several carrying torches in their off hand, illuminating them easily. (those with only one short weapon).*\n\n*Soon, the leader of the 1st group, a bare chested Mogash, would pound his chest.*\n\n\"Out of the way, dog! Or we'll eat you for supper along with the cows!\"\n\n*The group behind him would cheer, brandishing their weapons. More invaders can be seen on the horizon.*\n\n*However, it doesn't look like _any_ of them have any ranged weapons or shields. Most of them simply appear to have boiled leather or gambeson.*\n```Start with Full Mana!```" }, { "author": "d.l.j.", "message": "*Alloces blinked in a hint of surprise at the raiders, before sighing to himself and shaking his head. They actually carried torches to make themselves better targets. Still, he wasn't taking any chances, telepathically guiding his soldiers to center on their respective targets, as his eyesight was better than theirs, before drawing his own arrow. Being up on the rooftops without any form of light, they would not be easily spotted. With a single telepathic commands, two crossbow bolts and one long arrow streaked towards the bandits, the crossbow bolts at the nearest bandits, and the arrow straight towards the chest of the Mogash that insisted on wearing no armor.*" }, { "author": "Azazel", "message": "*Since they amassed around the western entrance where Azazel was, it wasn't hard for him to simply walk forward and attack, Azazel walked forward and used his claws to stab into the chest of the machete bandit, Azazel seemed not to concerned by the bandits because he saw they were Ill prepared, they were probably expecting a town of defenseless villagers, he thought to himself as he would begin to figure out which bandit he would kill next.*" }, { "author": "Sebastian Cavalier", "message": "Sebastian would watch the village's entrance until the group of bandits arrived, his four wolves waiting for his orders behind him. With their arrival, he would watch each of them well with patience. *'Are we going to fight these idiots?'* He thought, before discreetly lifting his left hand, nine boot knives appearing between his fingers. Casting Discharge on one of the knives, Sebastian would throw it at the Mace Bandit, seeing that the other two were being attacked by his teammates. \n\nHis wolves would walk forward, wolf 1 and 2 walking 5 meters forward, waiting for Sebastian's command.\n\n```Blade Throw and Discharge cast, 25 mana spent. Mana Remaining: 92.5/117.5```" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "**Alloces**\n*Alloces's arrow and the summons' crossbow bolts easily bypass the essentially non-existent defenses of the three Mogash, easily landing their mark and killing them. They're able to walk a little more after they get hit, but not much more after a few steps.*\n\n**Azazel**\n*Azazel wouldn't be able to get close to the spearman because, well, it's a spear. The bandit holds the weapon out in front of him, preventing him from getting close, otherwise he'll get stabbed.*\n\n*Azazel's options:*\n\n *Get himself impaled, ignore the weapon impaling him and run into the spearman and kill him.*\n\n*Stop, don't go for the spearman, and don't get injured.*\n\n*Or some other option if you can think of it.*\n\n**Sebastian**\n*The 9 tightly packed knives would majorly hit the falling body of the now dead mace wielder, but the one electric knife happens to get through, and hits the right shoulder of the Elven sickle wielder.*\n\n*Even though he's injured however, he's able to move his arm, and he attempts to set the building next to him on fire.*\n\n**All**\n*Soon, you three would realize that the others would do the same. A tiger striped felinid, wielding a torch and serrated falchion, would also rush towards the building close to him, also trying to set that one on fire as well.*\n```3 mogash are dead!\nElf Sickle has medium knife wound and medium burn on his right shoulder\n2 buildings are being set on fire unless stopped!```" }, { "author": "d.l.j.", "message": "*Alloces sighed to himself, even as he drew back his bow again after fetching an arrow from the quiver behind him. The soldier to the left of him, the one closest to the bandits, would carefully get down from the building and draw his arming sword and shield, tucking the crossbow away while the one farther away began to reload. \nHe would fire carefully at the tiger felinid, taking care to account for movement of the target and distance, aiming to hit his chest and thereby kill the raider. His soldier on the ground would need a bit more to actually get into combat, most likely.*" }, { "author": "Azazel", "message": "*Azazel would use his left hand to grab the spear and hold it aside, and he then pushed forward and pushed his claw into the spear bandits throat and ripped it open, he would then let go of the spear and prepare to combat the next bandit that pushes towards him. \"These people should have worn some chainmail or something\" *He thought to himself as he saw the bandits coming closer.*" } ]

[ { "author": "Sebastian Cavalier", "message": "All of Sebastian's wolves would walk forward with him. Wolf 1 and Wolf 2 both going to their right, jumping over the dead body of one of the bandits, and attacking the bandit with the daggers. Each of them would attack him from a different direction, left and right. Meanwhile, Wolf 3 and Wolf 4 would run towards the man with the spear if he was not killed by Azazel, if the man was already dead, both wolves would attack the bandit with the axe.\n\nSebastian, on the other hand, would cast Blade Throw again, and aim 6 knives for the elf who tried to set the house on fire. The other 3 knives, he would save for later if needed." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Alloces is easily able to take down the Tiger Felinid, and he's not able to set the building on fire.*\n\n*However, the sickle elf is, during the 1.5 second spellcast. A building is set on fire, though he takes 9 knives to the face immediately afterward. Needless to say, he dies.*\n\n*Wolf one would take two knives to the throat as the double dagger wielder grins, but his throat is ripped out by Wolf 2.*\n\n*Wolf 3 unfortunately takes an axe to the head, as weapons tend to be effective towards wolves. There's power in numbers though, as Wolf 4 tears his neck out, though Wolf 4 is also killed by the Dual Axe wielder.*\n\n*The sword and dagger wielder charges at Sebastian. There's not enough time to cast another blade throw.*\n\n*The spearman also easily dies, but there's several more bandits to take care of.*\n\n*Alloces and his summons would see a far bigger problem though. Another massive swarm of bandits appears, this time, from the North. It seems like they flanked, since entering from 1 entrance isn't the smartest.*\n```Tiger Sword, Sickle Elf, Axe, and Double Dagger are dead!\nWolves 1, 3 and 4 are dead!\nA building is on fire!\n12 more bandits appear from the north! All have gambeson except for the halberd wielder, who has Almain Rivet! One has a shield!```" }, { "author": "d.l.j.", "message": "*Short and concise once again. Alloces quickly turned, eyes slitting in wariness at the new and much better equipped bandits. He would fire off a quick shot at dual wielder, since someone with two blades probably wouldn't be good at dodging a shot from a composite longbow at a fairly close range, and he was the closest. Ample excuse for snuffing out the poor raider's life first. \nMeanwhile, the summon down on the ground would proceed to run to the well, draw some water, and try to put out the fire. His comrade would continue loading.\nAlloces himself would carefully slide off the roof of the house. He advanced, making sure that his dual blades were sheathed at his back. He would only advance a couple meters as he did so, stopping behind one of Sebastian's traps, facing the northern raiders.*" }, { "author": "Azazel", "message": "*As the sword and dagger bandit charges at Sebastian Azazel would charge at the sword and dagger bandit and using his left hands claws, he would slash open the sword and dagger bandits abdomen, and then he would turn to his left and using his right hand he would slash open the left side of the bandits throat, after he finished this and was now facing the northern entrance he started running towards it as fast as he could run after he saw all the bandits over their." }, { "author": "Sebastian Cavalier", "message": "Even if his teammate attacked the bandit, Sebastian would walk away so he wouldn't be hit if something went wrong. Trusting Azazel and Alloces to have eliminated the rest of the bandits on that side, Sebastian and Wolf 2 returned to the traps he had set earlier.\n\nThe man would again summon a talisman and drop it on his right side, a black wolf appearing and growling as it looked at the bandits. \n\n```Spirit Wolf cast, 25 mana spent, 7 mana regenerated. Mana Remaining: 74.5/105```" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*The sword and dagger wielder, being an utter dumbass, gets his stomach ripped open by Azazel. He tries to make a wild cut at him, but his slash simply deflects off Azazel's skin. He soon dies by getting his throat ripped open.*\n\n*The dual axe wielder would have already had his weapons raised to strike the Ardent, but he catches an arrow to the face, and he's knocked back by the force of the projectile.*\n\n*Summon 1 is able to make it to the well this turn.*\n\n*The straw roof soon catches fire quickly, and the fire begins to grow.*\n\n*In the northeast, the bandits begin to spread out. Some move to the other side of the 2nd summon, who can no longer see them unless he moves. The rest begin to charge at the protectors, eager for blood. A warhammer wielder with a torch sets another building on fire.*\n```All Western Raiders are dead!\nFire 1 continues to burn!\nFire 2 is generated!```" }, { "author": "d.l.j.", "message": "*Unfortunately for the raiders, Alloces and his summons possessed the cheat known as telepathic communication. However, the ones off to the side, Alloces could not see. He did notice them going off in a different direction, though, and so ordered his summon to check the other side and pop a crossbow bolt in anything that was there. In this case, it would be Mr Exotic Dagger. The other summon dutifully hauled the water from the well to the fire, using it to hopefully put it out. Alloces saw the warhammer do that and sighedx2 in annoyance. He would shoot an arrow at double scimitar because this here town was too big for multiple dual wielders.*" }, { "author": "Sebastian Cavalier", "message": "While Sebastian again summoned another wolf, through telepathy he commanded the other two to try to delay the approach of the bandits. Their mission was to lure one of them into one of the traps, or just serve as a distraction until Azazel, Sebastian and the third wolf joined the fight.\n\nWolf 1 went towards the trap to the north, approaching the bandits slowly, not enough to put him at risk. Meanwhile, wolf 2 headed a few meters to the right of the well. When the third wolf was summoned, he would stand beside Sebastian and wait for his next orders.\n\nSebastian would wield his sword and wait for the bandits to get a little closer and end up separating themselves from the main group.\n\n```Spirit Wolves cast, 25 mana spent, 3.5 regenerated. Mana Remaining: 53/92.5```" }, { "author": "Azazel", "message": "*Azazel sprinted towards the northern bandits even tho his face seems mostly devoid of features and can't express much, he was eager to kill the bandits to stop them from harming the villagers as he took pride in his work, and these bandits with barely a braincell rattling around in their skulls won't ruin his successful mission streak of 0.*\n\n \"Wow my teammates have a lot of minions, and they seem very efficient and killing their targets, I'm glad they are on my side.\" *He thought to himself while running towards the northern bandits.*" } ]

[ { "author": "Azazel", "message": "*Azazel ran at full speed into the scimitar wielding bandit with his left hand he pierced into the bandits abdomin at an upward angle to pierce his lungs, he then ripped the left side of him open as he pulled his claw out avoiding the ribcage as he did so, and as he pulled it out he lunged at the greatsword bandit and using his right hand slashed his throat open, he then set his sights onto the battleaxe bandit.*" }, { "author": "Sebastian Cavalier", "message": "Sebastian would put his sword away and hang it on his belt, glancing at each one of his wolves. Wolf 1 would follow Azazel and attack the bandit. Wolf 3 would run towards the shield and short sword bandit, attacking him from his side while he tried to hit Wolf 2. Meanwhile, Wolf 2 would just try to run away if possible.\n\nSebastian would start to approach more the bandits, staying behind the well to watch them while his wolves attacked." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*The summon would be able to successfully push the spearman off the slanted roof, so he's not able to climb on top. Alloces' arrow though would glance off the Almain rivet of the halberd wielder before it was able to make its mark, the shaft breaking from the impact.*\n\n*Azazel may have had fury on his side, but the scimitar wielder isn't a wooden dummy. He steps off to the side, using the spine of his blade to keep his lungs from being punctured, and delivers a slash using the curved blade. The scimitar, being an excellent cutter, would have left a pretty good cut, though Azazel's tough skin negates quite a bit of damage, turning what might have been lethal into livable.*\n\n*If Azazel does in fact continue towards the greatsword bandit, he would really just find his arm chopped off. 50 layers is not enough to stop a greatsword. Do not do this, please.*\n\n*However, the scimitar wielder _is_ quite close to one of the Static Traps.*\n\n*Wolf 1 ends up getting a large cut across its shoulder, as it seems like this scimitar wielder is quite fast.*\n\n*The short sword and shield man takes a wild stab at the incoming wolf. If it was injured or not depends on said wolf.*\n\n*The hook and sickle wielder ends up gaining control of the torch, and another building is set on fire. The fire on the 2nd building is growing still.*\n```A new building is set on fire!```" } ]

[ { "author": "d.l.j.", "message": "*Alloces' summon 1 would essentially just run over towards the burning house, stopping by the well to collect water before continuing to run, ending up about two squares diagonal to wolf 1. Summon 2 would slip off the right side of the house carefully, turning to put his shield between himself and Rapier/dagger in case that person saw him. Alloces himself would move up one square closer to the front of the fighting, and with a help from telepathy from Summon 2, would fire at Rapier/dagger with his composite longbow.*" }, { "author": "Azazel", "message": "*Azazel would stay 2 meters back from the great sword bandit and run to the scimitar bandit, he would then use his right hand to stab at the left hand side of the bandit. Using his left hand he aims it forward at the bandits chest, and as he does that he leaves the scimitar bandit distracted for wolf 1 to attack the bandit from the behind, so even if Azazel fails in killing him the wolf will have a great shot at it.* \n\"Hey! Archer kill the great sword\" \n*He said in the direction of alloces*" }, { "author": "Sebastian Cavalier", "message": "Sebastian would command wolf 1 to try to attack the bandit again. Despite being just a spell wolf, the man did not like to see one of them 'suffering', so at least the animals could try to attack again if they had already been hurt. While the bandit attacked wolf 3, wolf 2 took advantage and jumped towards the man, trying to bite him on the arm. Wolf 3 would try to dodge by jumping away." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*The rapier wielder would rush at the wolf, quickly closing the distance.*\n\n*As the rapier wielder was already moving, Alloces wouldn't have enough time to draw and fire a bow in time, the arrow whizzing past a nearby tree. He turns around after he hears a noise from Summon 2.*\n\n*Azazel's tactic works more or less as the scimitar wielder isn't able to get his sword in between him and the Ardent in time, and is only able to make a tiny, minuscule, cut on his shoulder, so small that it's not even noticeable. The combined attack of him and the wolf kills the scimitar wielder.*\n\n*However, as Azazel moves, so does the greatsword wielder. His savage attack leaves him open, and he gains a deep cut into his side, his thicker skin no match for the pure cutting power of the greatsword.*\n\n*The shield and short sword wielder quickly pulls his hand back to avoid being bit assuming it was his sword hand, as a wolf wouldn't bite a shield arm.*\n\n*The spearman has gotten back up, and takes a jab at Wolf 2.*\n\n*The halberd wielder takes a swing at Wolf 3. It seems like they're outnumbered now.*\n```Building 2's fire grows bigger!\nScimitar wielder is dead!```" }, { "author": "d.l.j.", "message": "*Alloces was a wee bit shocked that he couldn't track a moving target, but shrugged to himself and simply dropped his bow and arrows, taking it as a sign for him to get into melee. Now then, he would charge the almain rivet dude (Not reckless charging mind you, he would just advance quickly so he doesn't get spitted accidentally), drawing blades as he went. Eins in his left, Zwei in his right. Both are the same type of sword, both custom, both with the same enchants, both effectively identical. He would hold his left hand under his right arm, across his chest in a straight line, holding the blade which would extend out his right side, blade tilted sideways, cutting edge facing forward. His right, with Zwei, would be lifted upwards, perfect positioning for a downward slash. As he advanced, he would simultaneously swing at the Almain Rivet, Zwei slashing down with the intent of cutting his head open, and Eins slashing sideways from the right to the left, at his side. But in reality, Eins was more of a ploy, as the slash would curve up slightly to sever the man's left arm instead, rather than potentially not doing damage against the almain armor. With all buffs, the slashes would be done with 1.18 gen speed and 8 strength each.\nMeanwhile, summon 1 would go up to the back of the burning house and attempt to put out the fire from there. If required to do so from the position of Hook and Sickle man, he would put down the bucket to level shield forward, sword tip forward for thrusting at the side like roman legionarres, and advance towards him, aiming to thrust into his abdomen and put him down. Summon 2 would do the same. Shield forward, sword tip pointed at target, advance, at Rapier and Dagger.*" } ]

[ { "author": "Azazel", "message": "*Azazel instead of running took the wolf attacking the great sword bandit as a opportunity to attack the bandit. He moved to the other side of the bandit opposite to where the wolf was moving in to attack, and he lunged towards the bandit, aiming his left hand for the side of the abdomin of the bandit, and aiming his right hand to slash the back of the bandit, and as he makes his attack he let's out a war cry. As he is doing this blood is gushing from his side and his chest, he feels weaker but tries to fight on to finish the mission he agreed to, he has to much pride to just lose here.*" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Alloces's first strike would end up being blocked by the halberd head between the spike and the axe head and is pushed away, but the second cuts a deep groove into the shaft of the weapon.*\n\n*The 2nd building is now completely consumed by the flame.*\n\n*The 3rd building grows, but still salvageable. The bandit picks up his hook (think of a meat hook) and his sickle, carefully backing away. Before this, he leaves the torch on top of the building.*\n\n\"OY! SOMEONE 'ELP ME WIT THIS GOY HERE AY?\"\n\n*The rapier and dagger wielder also runs away. It's not wise to face an armored soldier that has a shield with a rapier.*\n\n*The greatsword wielder takes after the wolf attacking him, letting out a yell of might before getting absolutely ripped to pieces by Azazel. However, he's soon replaced by a massive man with a battleaxe, who takes a horizontal swing at Azazel's upper arm.*\n\n*Wolf 3 takes a minor cut from the halberd wielder as it backs away.*\n\n*The halberd wielder then throws a downward cut at Alloces, and the spearman takes yet another stab. The flamberge wielder tries to threaten the wolves using his wavy blade.*\n\n*The shield and short sword wielder would rush Wolf 3 with its shield, trying to stab it after bashing it.*" }, { "author": "d.l.j.", "message": "*Alloces wouldn't extract his blade wedged in the halberd blade, using it to essentially redirect the blow safely away from him on his left, while the blade on his right would cleave through the shaft itself. Then it was simple, flip the blade so that the slashing edge was pointed upwards, and slash upwards to lop the man's right arm off, now that a lot of the shaft was gone and now that he was within the man's guard. \nSummon over by the hook and sickle man would warily put out the fire from where he was standing, before charging the hook and sickle man, shield first. Essentially, holding the shield out in front, he would shield bash the man and then use the arming sword to finish the job. Meanwhile the summon over near the right side of the map would shrug and run around the top of the house to get at the bandits from behind, although he would stop at the edge to avoid detection so he could surprise them next turn.*" }, { "author": "Azazel", "message": "*Azazel seeing this bandit swinging for him ducks by crouching down, and after the battleaxe passes over his head he lunges forward while the man is slowed a bit by the momentum of his own swing, he then rams one of his claws into the bandits ribcage, and rams the other into his abdomin at an upward angle as to pierce his lungs heart and other various vital organs, and while he makes his attack the slash across his chest and the giant wound on his side start to close and heal, you could barely even tell there was an injury to begin with by the time it finishes healing. Azazel let's out another war cry as he starts getting a bit of a blood lust.*" } ]

[ { "author": "Sebastian Cavalier", "message": "Wolf 3 and Wolf 2 are commanded to immediately run back and stand back next to the traps, while Sebastian does the same, keeping a safe distance from the bandits. With his spear finally being summoned, he also took the opportunity to try to ward off the bandits with it. Out of the corner of his eye, the man could notice that one of his wolves died, and that Azazel was not in such a good situation.\n\nWith the power of telepathy, he commanded wolf 3 and 2 to help Azazel. *'I need time...'* Sebastian thought, while still holding the spear as a way to keep his enemies away. As he stepped back, he whispered to himself.\n\n\"*Kanas, share my burden...*'\n\nWhen the talisman appeared in his hand, Sebastian threw it a few feet behind him and Alloces. Wolf 2 and Wolf 3 still wouldn't make an attack on this turn.\n\n```Warrior's Spear summoned, Spirit Wolves cast, 50 mana spent, 14 mana regenerated (From previous turns). Mana Remaining: 17/80```" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*Alloces easily chops through the rest of the halberd and ends up taking the halberd wielder's arm. He's now unarmed, literally, and stumbles back in shock.*\n\n*The summon is able to put out the fire, but the hook and sickle wielder runs away, soon replaced by a Mogash wielding a mace and a warhammer.*\n\n*Azazel is able to stab his claws deep into the battleaxe wielder, as it seems like he's overcommitted his swing far too much.*\n\n*The rest of the bandits see Alloces cut through the halberd wielder's arm, and realize that maybe fighting these people isn't the best idea. They begin to try and turn tail, with exception of the Mogash, who takes a double handed swing at the summon.*\n\n*The halberd wielder is a bit slower due to shock and blood loss.*\n```Almost done! Only problem is a massive house fire.```" }, { "author": "d.l.j.", "message": "*Alloces would follow up as the halberd wielder stumbled back, using the blade locked with the halberd to jerk it over to him, pulling the wielder closer to him or forcing him to give up the blade. Meanwhile, he would flick his other blade to point the cutting edge sideways towards the wielder and slice horizontally, directly at the wielder's head. If the halberd wielder fell, Alloces would disengage his blade from the halberd and proceed to rush at the shield/short sword man, slicing both blades at diagonals. \nOne would start up in the air and travel down from right to left, while the other would start low and slash up from left to right, planning on both blades meeting in the middle.\nSummon 1 would backstep the swing, before using the shield to bash the Mogash's swinging arm, and lifting the arming sword above the shield to thrust down at the Mogash's chest. \nSummon 2 would charge hook and sickle, planning on bashing him with the shield, thus unbalancing him, before thrusting into Hook and sickle's abdomen.*" }, { "author": "Azazel", "message": "*Azazel takes a breath and calms down, since they are running away and he has successfully assisted in fending off the bandits his mission is completed and he sees no reason in chasing them to kill them, so he then retracts his claws and begins pulling water from the well after he has a bucket full he runs to the building engulfed in flames and tries to put out some of the fire, this isnt really apart of his mission but he felt like doing it to be helpful to the villagers.*" } ]

[ { "author": "Sebastian Cavalier", "message": "Wolves 2, 3 and 4 would run towards the bandits who were trying to escape. Wolf 2 and 3 would jump on the man with a spear and bite him, while wolf 4 would jump on the back of the bandit with flamberge, aiming to bite his head when he falls." }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "*To sum it up: Every bandit is dead. Pools of blood litter the ground, and the fire is eventually put out, though one of the buildings is utterly ruined. Overall, good job!*\n\n*Alloces's blades would glide right through the unarmored opponents, and the wolves would end up tearing into the others.*\n\n*The man from before, hearing silence, peeks out, and walks towards them, obviously trying to hold in a retch at the scene in front of him.*\n\n\"You guys, stay inside! Thank you so much for this! We've been saved! Though, uh, could you clean up a bit? It's not exactly good for the kids to see... You know, this.\"\n```Quest complete! 6 UP and 400 silver awarded!```" }, { "author": "d.l.j.", "message": "*Alloces nodded to the man, gesturing for him to get back inside even as his summons started dragging the bodies into a pile a good distance away from the village to burn.*\n\"Not an issue sir. It'll be just a bit before we're done, so why don't you go back into the house? Sorry about that building over there, we got to that one a bit too late.\"" }, { "author": "warlordsuntzu", "message": "\"Of course. And don't worry about that one, we had actually expected worse.\"\n\n*He heads back inside.*" }, { "author": "Azazel", "message": "*Azazel helped carry the corpses with alloces summons, he doesn't mind moving corpses at all and this is apart of his job now since the villager asked them to remove their bodies, Azazel started by moving the corpses of the bandits he killed, since he basically eviscerated every bandit he killed, and he knew most people don't like getting covered in blood so to be a bit nice to the summons which watched his back he carries those first. Upon arriving at the corpse disposal site Azazel begins cutting the grasses around where they will set up a burn pit for the bodies, he then gathers rocks and places them in a square, he then digs up the dirt inside the square using his claws he digs down about ⅓ of a meter and moves the bodies into the burn pit, he then uses the grass he cut down to put over their corpses as kindling of sorts and lights the fire.*" } ]

[ { "author": ".solrise", "message": "Solden walked in the fields, looking up at the bright sky and the peaceful environment around her. She sat down in the soft grass, leaning against a tree and strumming her lute to pass time. It was a rather nice place to relax and destress, she decided, and took a mental note to come back to the fields when she had more time again." }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "The Oni, not long after her tasks in the graveyard, had just... Well, wandered. Bain had his work. She had her own. Really though she had quite a bit to do. Wandering away from the civilization she found herself, for the moment, set towards the farms until she heard the lute playing.\n\nShe paused, not frowning or anything really, just focusing on it as her eyes stared off into nothing before she opted to follow the noise. Tilting her head she watched Solden with pale eyes, not unlike a ghost watching the living." }, { "author": ".solrise", "message": "Solden played the lute, not really paying attention to her surroundings until she saw an Oni watching her and practically jumped out of her skin. \"Holy shit. Don't scare me like that.\" She took a second to catch her breath. \"Do you creep up on people a lot like that?\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "She didn't answer immediately, which did not help the appearance of Solden being watched by some earth bound spirit. Rude, right? She simply tilted her head to the other side and said, \"Does one often sit in fields strumming with clear lines of vision yet still become frightened?\"\n\nShe didn't have much tone to her voice, or emotion, just as though making an observation of the one in front of her." }, { "author": ".solrise", "message": "She snorted a little. \"I wasn't paying attention. People don't always stay alert, aware of everything in their surroundings. When you play something, it makes more sense to focus on the instrument rather than what is happening around you.\" She stretched. \"Plus, it's the afternoon, which is prime time for naps.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"It sounds as though the folly is your own then,\" She says, and that it seems is that. She looked away towards the farm houses, debating her options. Talk, or go to the farm? She then said, \"Then did you plan to nap here?\"" }, { "author": ".solrise", "message": "\"It is. The 'folly', I mean. I might take a nap, It's quite peaceful here, and it's not exactly like I'm short or restricted on time.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"I see. You don't have many concerns or worries of indivduals finding you whilst asleep and robbing you?\" She asked, like it was a normal sort of question to ask random sleepy lute players." }, { "author": ".solrise", "message": "She shrugged. \"Well, I can sleep lightly if I want to, and I don't think it'd be very wise of someone to rob a person who is holding a sword in their hand. Plus, it's pretty quiet out here and there aren't many people around.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"You don't sound as though you've actually encountered very many real dangers in your life,\" She says, head tilted to the other side like being questioned by an inquisitive dog that's somehow taken on an oni's shape." }, { "author": ".solrise", "message": "She let out a dry laugh. \"Oh, I have encountered dangers. It's because of those dangers that I'm not scared to take naps in fields, because I have learned from those experiences of how to protect myself.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"This sounds ill advised.\" The odd Oni says. \"It takes very little to sleep. Less to stumble upon someone sleeping, or perhaps playing a lute. Less still for accidents to occur. Or animals. Change of weather or fancy.\"" }, { "author": ".solrise", "message": "\"You seem like the kind of person to plan, or look out for everything. I assure you, I am prepared for these things. I've run into them before and I can fend them off again.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"Plan?\" She paused. \"No. I like to watch things happen. I like knowing how they can and will happen. But there's no point in stopping them.\"" }, { "author": ".solrise", "message": "\"So, that kind of person, huh. Why come to a peaceful field where excitement is nowhere to be found? If I was that kind of person, I would go to a place with war and tension.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"Why?\" She asked, wee bit oddly. \"That seems quite narrow.\" She says, looking away after a moment or so. \"It ignores what happens everyday.\"" }, { "author": ".solrise", "message": "\"War is anything but boring and peaceful. It's chaotic and grim, filled with danger around every turn. In war, you can't really miss what's happening because you're shoved right into it.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"Seems a waste to go there. Perhaps sometimes, but 'chaotic and grim' are side effects and results. Not causes or triggers.\" She says simply, pale eyes focused on Solden. \"While one can follow it's many variables and results outward, there was also a cause to it. Focusing on the extreme would mean one would miss out on the first slight that lead to two nations rising. That is a waste.\"" }, { "author": ".solrise", "message": "\"First slight leading to two nations rising?\" She narrowed her eyes. \"So you're the kind of person that knows things, too. People who watch how things unfold tend to do that.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"I believe I said what I like doing. If it leads you to believe I 'know' things, then that is your assumption.\" She said, looking away. \"It is simply something I have learned to enjoy. Small actions snowball into larger ones. Like a bit of snow landing on a roof and collapsing it inward. It wasn't an event which happened all at once. It took time and was negligible at best until the moment it was not.\"" }, { "author": ".solrise", "message": "\"Butterfly effect.\" She leaned back against the tree. \"It can, sometimes, as you say be entertaining to watch it snowball. Do you ever try pushing some things in certain directions?\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"No. You may start the events, but afterward you ought not to interfere. Otherwise you've influenced it. Made it lean one way or another. Ruined the whole thing.\" She says, eyes shifting to follow Solden. \"Everything then is tainted by your outside influence. It is better to simply watch. Perhaps ask questions, but only questions. Let them form their own ideas and opinions.\"" }, { "author": ".solrise", "message": "She tilted her head. \"I'd join in on the fun. Why watch the show when you can pull the strings? It can server to be interesting.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"Perhaps but then you've left your prints on it. It becomes you, rather than it's own entity. It becomes, perhaps, a selfish wish to see yourself in what surrounds you whether that be helping others... Or thousands of innocent deaths as a warside.\"" }, { "author": ".solrise", "message": "\"Just pull a few strings here and there and let the rest unfold. You can see people and groups for what they really are, tear them apart and push them to their limits. I don't know about you, but that seems quite the temptation.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"Well then that begs the question... If you've interfered, if you've pulled the strings and given these people or groups the nudge in order to see them pushed to their limits, or torn apart... Really then, are you seeing them? Or are you seeing yourself?\" She let the question hang. \"Two families are feuding, and one has a precious calf. So you take one family's axe and kill the calf with it. The family mourning their loss turns and takes one of the other's animals. It escalates. Then one slaughters a child. The family in question picked up the blade to kill the child, yet you kicked the pebble which lead to the events which killed them. So are your hands clean because you simply influenced the outcome?\"\n\n\"Or have you now killed a child?\" Head tilted." }, { "author": ".solrise", "message": "She smiled, and then started to laugh. \"Quite the interesting question you have posed. I'd say my hands are clean, because I may have killed the calf but the family was the one who decided to kill the child.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"I would disagree. Without the calf being killed, perhaps the child would have survive. Perhaps, even, the families would make amends down the line. But now you won't know. You simply have a dead animal, a dead child, and your own influence from pulling strings. That's how small actions work. They're quite easy to excuse as not your own, even when you've not bothered with the outcome that may be born of them.\"" }, { "author": ".solrise", "message": "\"You are quite the interesting person. You think everything through, know a lot, and watch how events play out.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"Interesting might be a word for it. I think curious is more accurate. I've simply learned to be patient enough to observe. The world does not need a cat's paw in the shadows. There is enough to see without me.\"" }, { "author": ".solrise", "message": "\"Life is not a spectator sport. Do you only watch?\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"If it is what I please, then it is what I wish. Rather than clouding the supposed meaning of life with anecdotes and sayings meant to spur individuals onto greater goals, usually at the wishes of others, I find that what I do gives me meaning. I needn't be a mastermind, nor even anyone great, but I will understand how the world works down to the smallest actions.\"" }, { "author": ".solrise", "message": "She complentated her words. \"Well, to each their own. Whatever suits you.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"Generally speaking, yes.\" Okay weird Oni. \"Regardless I find this lifestyle suited to me. Seeing means understanding, which lends an amount of ability to understand the outcomes of different events. Which is ideal.\"" }, { "author": ".solrise", "message": "\"I see. I prefer to participate, as I enjoy being part of the action.\"" } ]

[ { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*It was in the dark of night, as a lone stranger walked along an old path leading towards town. His horse trotted alongside the figure, and a hawk sat on his shoulder. A thick fur cloak shielded the man from the winters cold, making his frame seem much bulkier than it was. A pair of ever-weary fox ears sat upon his head, black with a bluish sheen at the tips. Mid-length, unkempt raven hair covered the mans face, making it hard to distinguish him from afar, if anyone could even see it in the dim light of the moon. Strangely, he didn't seem to be carrying any sort of melee weapon, even lacking a sword belt from what one may be able to tell...*" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "She hadn't wandered nearly as far as she'd expected to. Usually by now she would have been quite a ways from the city and well off to another one, but she'd found herself wandering, almost circling, the province and often returning to her hidey hole to rest. Tonight however she was out, wearing a shirt loose around herself and pants. Despite the cold air, her skin steamed from fever and her clothes stuck to her skin. Walking a rather drunken path, she turned her head often to track and follow movement. \n\nAbove her, flitting rapidly through the air, are bird sized figures. They dart around with seemingly no real planned path, aside from out and around. They spread outwards, until they find anyone, or anything out and about. Then they flit past repeatedly, as if observing like curious dogs." }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*A night like this was a peaceful time to travel. The sun having sunk hours ago meaning these roads would be far less traveled and contested. Another perfect night to be out and moving to the next town, next city, to see if they have need of another sword. The Black haired man may see another in the distance walking this same path. The figure in the distance was mostly obscured by a cloak, what features visible hinting at a tail and ears with short kept blackened hair. The steel head of a halberd catching the light of the moon as they walk. If the travelers nose was strong enough they may be able to catch the scent of a canifor upon the wind as the stranger continues down their path.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*The Kitsunes ears twitched as it picked up the sound of something above him, tensing slightly. He continued down the road, keeping an eye out for anything else that may be near by. The Hawk on the mans shoulder flew up into the air, noticing the creatures in the sky as well. It would circle them briefly, before flying back down with a thundering of wings. The figure would gently pet the beast, attempting to look nonchalant. As his hawk landed, the horse to his side let out a nervous whinnie, the man tenderly patting it on the muzzle. It seemed any hope of passing silently had been shot down.*" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "The hawk circled something with wings, but no feet, and no mouth. Just a single seeing eye with winged growths circling around and observing with an unblinking stare. They went so far as to stare at the hawk as it circled briefly with an open curiosity before streaking away to return to its summoner. Psyche paused as it did so, turning in the direction the eye came from and walking unsteadily towards it. She inhaled softly, catching different scents but unable to identify them as the eye pushes under her shirt and the fabric smooths out over a bump on her shoulder. Head tilted she continues the odd, drunken pace as the second eye follows Mox like some overly curious bee from high above. \n\nAt least they weren't going after anything, but as she got closer she said, \"Is someone there?\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*The whinne was what finally caught Canifor's attention. One ear swiveling to catch the sound as his pace slowed. The halberd twitching on their left shoulder as defensive instincts took over before being clamped down upon. Slowing to a stop they turn around to see what had caused that sound. Ears swiveling to catch any sound as he waits to see who or what may be coming down the road. As the Kitsune gets closer they'll be able to finally make out features. This Canifor's pattern was potentially new, an Orange base with a darker near black coloration covering most of their muzzle and what was visible of their arms and legs. Earrings jingling on their left ear as, was that a voice?*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*The Hawk on his shoulder seemed a bit unnerved after what it at seem, if a bird could be unnerved, but Ishikawa did his best to calm his friend and companion. Ishikawa sniffed the air. Was there someone else here? His ears twitched once again, the Kitsune not sure what to think. He eyed the Canifor cautiously, raising his hands slightly in the case he had to defend himself. His right hand shook horribly, as if it had sustained some sort of horrible damage in the past, and, as they came close enough to get a good view of each other, it was clear the Kitsune had been through hell at some point. Underneath his icy blue eyes lay deep-set circles, as if he hadn't slept for several days, and there was a fresh scar running across his nose. What was strange about the scar was that parts of it seemed older, with the new wound being simply overlaid. Ishikawa didn't have the time to say anything to the man as his head snapped in the direction of the voice, the hunters eyes darting around the area.* \n\n\"...Hello?\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "She came in view of the two slowly, pale eyes unfocused as the second 'bird' found her when she met the group, then crawled haphazardly beneath her shirt. She frowned with discomfort, grunted faintly, then relaxed again as it vanished before tilting her head. She finally let her eyes land on Ishikawa, eyes focusing on the tremor in his right hand then shifting to the scarring with an odd appreciation before shifting to Mox. Taking a measure of the two allowed the same to be done of her; A dark haired Oni, quite small honestly and pale with a sick-sweat stench clinging to her skin and soaked into her clothes. She's carrying a bow with a relaxed grip as if she's not yet found a reason to draw it, or perhaps doesn't have the strength to be bothered yet. \n\n\"...I haven't seen either of you in the area yet. He hasn't either.\" Mostly to herself as she then says, \"Passing through then?\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*From the moment the Kitsune came into view the Canifor's right hand was set on the sword belt at his waist. A short sword visible as it hung from his right side. This close his armor was visible, a full brigantine coat covered in a blackened cloth.* \"Evening.\" *Adding another to the little stand off that was just happening a moment ago. Compared to the battle scarring and bags under the Kitsunes eyes the Canifor must have clearly been younger, very few scars visible on their exposed fur as they size up the newcomer with yellow eyes. The grip on his halberd shifting as he grinds the butt of the handle into the ground.* \"Did not expect the road to be busy this time of night.\"" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*The hawk on his shoulder continued to shift uncomfortably, the animal shying away from Psyche as she approached. Ishikawa took note of this, the young man eyeing the surrounding area cautiously, as if he were formulating a plan of escape, if needed. He looked the Oni up and down, before straightening his posture slightly. His hand still shook.* \n\n\"Mm. Yes. My home is near Narshapi... I was just making my way back...\" \n\n*Ishikawa had of course been walking the direction opposite to Narshapi, but it may be that something had rattled him enough to get his directions mixed... Or he was lying. He didn't seem very intimidating now, yet, he was also more than he let on...* \n\n*Underneath Ishikawas fur coat was brigadine armor that had been painted black, so it was near impossible to see at night. Despite his eyebags and scars, the Kitsune seemed only around 16-20, his face was very young. Ishikawa kept watch on the Canifor out of the corner of his eye, murmuring,* \n\n\"I could say the same...\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"I've been walking a lot lately. It clears my head,\" She says quietly, wiping dried lips with the back of her hand. Maybe she was simply diseased from her appearance, but she was up and around. Glancing at the hawk she smiles, a look that seems entirely inappropriate for the moment, then looks away from it. \"Narshapi... Is the other way, isn't it?\" Not looking at Ishikawa as she spoke, instead examining Mox. Despite that she spoke to Ishikawa, \"...Are you hurt? Or scared? Your hand shakes.\"\n\nShe seemed somehow less interested as she looks away. \"It's usually not. Usually it's just us walking and nothing bothers us. Seems that tonight it's different.\" As she itches at the fabric over the lump on her shoulder, stretching her arm back awkwardly. \"Maybe it's about time for us to leave, but it feels wrong to leave yet.\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox tries his best not to deadpan as he hears the Kitsune pretty much repeat him. Fighting the urge to snark in this situation with the Oni acting the way they were.* \"The road is a public one last I recalled.\" *Mox did not know where this Narsphai was, this was not his territory, only a place he was passing through.* \"They are far clearer in the evening then day. Less chance of a carts wheel catching a tail or one with swift fingers taken your purse.\" *His right hand on the sword belt refused to let go at the moment as his thumb quietly pressed itself against the guard of the blade.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa gave a quiet nod to Psyche, believing her, for now at least. The hawk settled itself down, though it was still wary of Psyche and... The creatures that surrounded her. Ishikawa looked at the ground, mumbling,* \n\n\"I suppose it is, isn't it..\" \n\n*The monster hunter made note of her appearance, taking care to check for fangs. That was the most important thing, for now. Ishikawa looked to his hand, sighing.* \n\n\"A recent injury. It was healed, but my hand... It will likely never be the same.\" \n\n*The Kitsune tilted his head at the mention of 'us'. His ears perked, but he didn't say anything quite yet. He held less trust in the Canifor than he did the Oni. Ishikawa didn't look to the Canifor, but he addressed him curtly,* \n\n\"Well stranger, you've clearly never walked this road before, then. It usually isn't very busy at any time...\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"Suppose. Sometimes bandits pass through but not often. None very strong.\" She said, like discussing the weather with strangers and not armed and ready to fight individuals. Her head rolls slightly along her shoulders, eyes shifting to the ground blankly as she says. \"Should see a healer then. And should tuck your tail into your belt if it's so long as to get caught by a wheel,\" Before smiling, then laughing as if the idea is funny. Rude much.\n\nChewing on her thumb she pauses before speaking again, \"You're both armed. I'm sure you'll deal fine with bandits. We have. So far.\" Then she shook her head, letting the two talk as she turns to look behind herself as if hearing a whisper. Indeed, anyone with strong hearing might hear it as well. Frowning she says, \"A healer. I should find a healer before I leave...\"\n\nThen she looked at the two, frowning and brows furrowed as she grounds herself back in reality slowly but surely." }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*This time Mox's annoyance was rather apparent as a brow twitches.* \"Ah good to know. I'll keep that in mind next time I'm through these territories. I shall scratch it into my journal. Helpful advice from a twitchy stranger.\" *The canifor does seem to begin to relax a little bit considering no one is trying to kill him at the moment.* \"Ain't from here and tucking tail into belt is uncomfortable.\"\n\n*Picking back up the Halberd he rests it once more on his shoulder and looks over his companions again. Ears twitching once more at the sound.* \"You look like you could use the touch of one anyway. Seen a few tribemates come down with mange. Not a pretty sight, not sure thats what you caught but the scratching is at least similiar.\"" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa nodded at the notion of bandits. Nothing he couldn't handle. The Kitsune turned his attention from his hand to Oni, speaking rather somberly.* \n\"I've actually just gotten back from being with a healer... If I hadn't, we wouldn't be speaking right now.\" \n\n*Something about the way he said that last part implied something more sinister than simply dying. Ishikawa finally turned to the Canifor, giving him a glare at his statement about Ishikawas state. It was a hardened glare, as if the man had regularly committed himself to staring down monsters. It certainly would make one uncomfortable, that's for sure.* \n\n*Ishikawas ears craned back slightly, and he turned to the woman yet again, an air of compassion in his voice, which starkly contrasted the glare he gave the Canifor moments ago,* \n\"There's a woman in Narshapi, Ellaine... She might be able to help you.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "She watches the two, pale eyes shifting between the men and their hardened eyes. Not particularly bothered it seems, or even offended, or concerned. She was visibly curious as she watched them interact and weighed their responses. She did pause at the ominous statement the kitsune made, whispering, \"What happened?\"\n\nShe wasn't scared, just curious, and as she focused on Ishikawa's wounds the bump on her shoulder visibly shifted, stretched, then relaxed as she bites down on her thumb to stifle any sounds of pain she may make. Exhaling slowly she paused and nodded. \"Ellaine. I'll look for her.\"\n\nShe then hesitated with a shiver before looking at Mox. \"What does mange look like?.. Would you recognize it if you saw it? He hurts me, but he's new. I don't think he knows any better.\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox's focus never shifted from the woman before her. The kitsune could see one of the canifor's triangle ears was turned his way, either an acknowledgment that they are still part of the conversation or a reminder he is actually paying attention. For a good minute he doesnt respond to her question, who did he know that had mange? Was it his uncle? By the ancestors it had been farrrr to long since he had seen it.*\n\n\"Neverrrrrrrr seen anyone but a beastkin or a beast with mange friend.\" *He was stumped. Every instinct was telling him something was off with this situation. The shifting of the wound not at all going unnoticed as Mox debated continuing down the road.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa looked to the side upon being questioned, his voice falling to a whisper. He had a far off look in his eyes... Whatever had happened to him, it was likely beyond words.* \n\"You don't want to know.\" \n\n*Because Ishikawa had turned away, a scar going across his neck had been revealed. It looked as if something had bit it, and ripped its teeth out of the soft flesh. A vampire, likely. Though, Ishikawa didn't have any traces of the disease himself.. Ishikawa eyed the moving wound, not sure what to make of it. Some sort of new parasite? He would ask to look at it, but there was one more person among them than he'd like there to be.*" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "The Oni examined the scarring with her head tilted, pale eyes locked on the flesh. She sniffed slightly like she expected to smell something odd or off before murmuring, \"It looks like it will leave a nice mark behind.\" And she meant it honestly, as if the scar would be *Pretty* Somehow. \n\nRubbing her eyes with the heel of her hand, she paused a long moment. \"Can I ask you to look at it? I think something's wrong with it, but I'm not sure. I just feel... Very tired.\" And for half a second she sounded rational, and perhaps a little afraid even rather than half present and spacey." }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox sighs heavily at that. He wanted to leave but still.* \"Its a dark night out tonight. If there are really bandits that roam here you'll leave yourself vulnerable to them if you try dealing with the wound.\" *He taps his nose.* \"I'll keep my nose to the ground and keep any off you if you want to look her over.\" *He speaks, finally addressing the kitsune next to him, his voice seeming genuine.*\n\n*Without waiting for an answer he steps off away from them and takes off his cloak to reveal a quiver full of arrows hanging just above his tail with a bow stored in leather. The cloak would slow him down if he had to face anyone. Scanning the tree line as he keeps watch.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa became more concerned for the woman as they spoke, beginning to realize that she may not be all there in the mind. His voice was still soft and compassionate, the monster hunter allowing his ears to fall slightly.* \n\n\"Yes.. I can do that. If it's some sort of creature I may be able to deal with it.\" \n\n*Given the fur he wore it was clear he was some sort of hunter, but whether he meant he would kill it by dealing with it was ambiguous. The man would gently put his hand on her other shoulder, leading her to the side of the road. He'd whistle quietly to his horse, the large animal following after him and laying further into the trees surrounding them. Ishikawa shot Mox a grateful look, nodding.* \n\n\"Yes... That would be most appreciated.\" \n\n*Ishikawa would make sure that the two weren't easily visible from the road, preserving their privacy somewhat. Firstly it was to make sure that no passers by could view whatever affliction the woman had, but it was also to conceal her state of undress, since she would likely have to take her shirt off for Ishikawa to get a good look at it.*" } ]

[ { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "She followed the urging, skin hot beneath the damp fabric of her shirt. Her lips moved as she spoke to herself without any breath to make actual words aside from quiet, uneven hisses. She frowned, muttering softly, \"They're not going to kill us,\" To no one in particular as she watches the road grow smaller behind them, eyes locked on Mox.\n\nShe was quite aware of the odd shift in behaviors between the two, but seemed to take it and let it go as they moved, being led like a child until they stopped. Still gripping her bow she shifted uncomfortably, then reached up with shaking hands to tug her shirt up and off without ceremony. \n\nLuckily for all involved, her chest was bound in bandages and wrapping to make it easier for her to draw back the bowstring; Nothing was exposed aside from her pale and sweat-sick dampened skin. On the back of her shoulder there was a lump, maybe the size of a melon with deep grooves in it. Three smaller lumps nested inside, a thin membranous sheen over them, and they shift slightly against the covering. \n\nThe Oni's head drops a bit, murmuring, \"It feels a bit warm.\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox was not the most veteran of his craft but if there was one thing he remembered from boar hunting as a kid it was how to make himself a target.*\n\n*Circling around on the road till the current wind was at his back he relaxes his posture. Looking as one who was bored waiting for someone to catch up to those without sharp eyes. To those of experience they could see how the canifor's ears twitched and moved at the first sound. His eyes never resting. Humming a tune aloud as his scent was carried on the wind and hopefully obscured the other two.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa watched her carefully as they went, and also as they stopped. It wasn't because he had any perverted intention, if one might think that, but to make sure that she didn't try and attack him, given her erratic behavior. The Kitsune's tail began to glow, giving a soft blue light for him to use to look at her wound more clearly. He gently raised his hand, taking off a glove.* \n\n\"Is it alright if I touch it?\" \n\n*He murmured quietly to her as he continued to observe, the Oriates naturally curious nature showing,* \n\n\"Now, you've been referring to yourself as 'we' for a bit now, is whatever it is... Sentient? Is it some sort of parasite?\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "She still gripped the bow in her hand but seemed rather docile at the moment; Just tired, too warm and uncomfortable. At the request to touch it she nods a bit, shifting her eyes back towards the road and inhaling again. If she was concerned about the kitsune's curiosity it didn't register in her eyes or on her face; Or perhaps she didn't mind others being the same sort of curious she was. \n\n\"I think it's fine?\" She said quietly, chewing on her finger again. \"He talks. He's quite different now.\"\n\nClear as mud really. She didn't flee being touched though if he did, the skin felt hot like a wound or infection did. She shifted, unsettled, and frowned. The lump shifted as well as if to escape touching or prodding, one of the three nested bumps slowly sliding open and watching; One of the earlier eyes that had taken to the sky now resting inside the Oni's back like a baby bird." }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa nodded as he listened to her, slowly moving his good hand towards the lumps. He wasn't sure if it would hurt her as he touched it, so he would move with caution over speed, for now.* \n\"Different? In what way? Has 'his' personality changed?\" \n\n*He seemed concerned at the feeling of warmth, now being quite sure the thing he was dealing with was a parasite. He feared it had to much control over her body for him to attempt to remove it without violence, but he would continue. Ishikawa stared back at the eyeball, having... An idea of sorts. As the eye looked at her, his Hawk would fly off, joining his horse not too far away. Ishikawa would directly address the things inside of her,* \n\n\"Do you know what you are?\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "She didn't move, just stood there chewing aggressively now on her finger as the hand probed. The flesh was soft as one might expect in others, then firm elsewhere as if the thing is developing muscles. One wrong prod causes a deep groove to open and a mouth with a developed tongue to open and yawn. \n\n\"He's outside now.\" Psyche said, looking at a knot on a tree as a second lump opens into an eye with a feather stuck to it's surface; Ill formed but still usable. \"He used to just be inside.\" Her tone had lost its fear and was regaining it's slow, unfocused tone. As the hawk flies off the third lump opens into an eye and begins to dislodge itself and, well, flies off after tumbling forth. That does cause a small sound of discomfort.\n\nWhen addressed the eyes focus on the kitsune, pupils visibly focusing and mouth opening, closing, working itself slowly before there's a barely whisper with immatured vocal chords, \"*What am I?*\" Psyche flinches, her own mouth moving slightly. \"*No. Yes. Psyche?*\" As it cycles through unformed ideas before continuing on. \"*What are you?*\" Maybe it simply has no brain of it's own, repeating back the ideas in a jumble of words." }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa quickly moved his hand away from the mouth, not wanting to risk a finger. He wasn't sure if it had teeth, but he wasn't going to try and find out. Ishikawa gave her look as she spoke more about it, becoming more concerned as he continued to examine her. He wasn't even sure what he could do to help, besides kill her. And he didn't want to do that. Death was always a last resort.* \n\n*If the eye got too close to it, the Hawk would likely fly up and attempt to dive bomb the flying eye. The bird wouldn't try to kill it yet, but certainly drive it away.* \n\n*Ishikawa momentarily looked back at his bird, worried, but then turned back to Psyche. He kept his voice as gentle as he could, not wanting to alarm her. He was afraid that she wouldn't let him continue if he wasn't careful.* \n\n\"Do you remember when these... Do you remember when they started to appear?\" \n\n*The Kitsune frowned as it spoke, softly murmuring back to the creature.* \n\n\"My name is Ishikawa... I'm..\" \n\n*He paused. He still wasn't sure who he was in the grand scheme of things.* \n\n\"I'm figuring that part out.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "The oni shifted slightly from side to side in a vague rocking motion, closing her eyes. Any sense of fear seemed to have faded out of her as the eye in the air dipped and dodged away from the hawk. It kept a distance but watched both the hawk and Mox. It was oddly agile, though shaped wrong, and just as curious as the... Growth.\n\n\"Mm?\" Psyche shook her head, as if trying to wake up, then said, \"A... Long time ago? I had to help someone find their son.\" She frowned, rubbing her eyes as she tried to regain some coherence, but she was quite tired and visibly so. \"I found him and brought him home. Then we left.\"\n\nThe thing in her back watches, pupils dilating as Ishikawa answers as if now excited or pleased. It even makes an odd, high pitched croon. The muscles stretch and flex, causing the unnatural movement previously seen when the Oni had worn her shirt. \"*Ishi.. Kawa... Figuring that out?*\" It repeats before seeming to consider the answer. It finally settles on, \"*The same. Figuring that out.*\"\n\nA small shiver runs through Psyche, cold settling into her skin slowly." }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa noted that the departure of the eye seemed to calm her, and he would keep his ears out, making sure it didn't try anything with his beloved companion. The hawk had been with him since he was a child, and he would be deeply upset if anything were to happen to him. Tilting his head again, he thought for a moment,* \n\n\"You helped someone find their son? Were these with him too, or did they only appear in the process?\" \n\n*The man didn't like the fact that it appeared to hurt her when it spoke, but he wanted to gather more information. If this was some sort of new parasite as he thought, he decided it would be his duty to make sure it didn't harm anyone else.* \n\n\"When it speaks, can you hear its thoughts? Are they your words?\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "Any quick glance at her face would show her pupils had ceased responding. With the eye out of her back, they seemed to have gone blind. She tilts her head upwards, blind eyes shifting to the left, then the right.\n\n\"A farmer. Others were with the son. I don't know... If they had others. I brought him home. Then we left.\"\n\n\"*To learn.*\" The small face yawns, expressing the same exhaustion the Oni is before Ishikawa speaks again. \"*We share.*\"\n\nPsyche tilts her head down, shivering again, \"My words? I don't know. We talked before without using words. Then it itched and hurt, and now we can do either. So we can understand everything better.\"\n\nIt seemed it made sense to her, in some aspect, but it also had frightened her in her more rational moment." }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa visibly seemed concerned at this point, but he hoped that the eye departing made it so whatever was infecting her couldn't see his expression. He didn't want to have to fight her, if the things determined that he was a threat.* \n\n\"What you're saying is they came from him, but now... They're with you.\" \n\n*He glanced at the small face, wanting to try something. He debated internally whether or not he should try it now. So far she was complacent, but who knows as they continued. Ishikawa put his glove back on, not wanting to continue contacting her skin directly, knowing that these things were contagious, in some form.* \n\n\"Psyche... Do you remember who you were before? Before 'us'. What was 'I'?\" \n\n*The fact that she was still self aware in some way was what made the man feel the worst. That somewhere deep inside of her, she heard his voice clearly, and couldn't do anything about it.*" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, then paused and frowned. Eyes continuing to shift lightly from side to side she said, \"I don't remember. Before I was alone. Now I'm not. We left and started learning more to understand.\"\n\nThe face watches Ishikawa pull on his gloves and without looking at him Psyche shifts as if to pull on her shirt again, then pauses as the question. The face frowns, matching her expression of contemplation.\n\n\"*I am Psyche.*\" It said though the Oni answers, \"Farmer's daughter. My parents farmed too.\" As if confused as to who he's addressing, wiping her face on the shirt. \"It's cold.\"\n\nThe lump yawns, mouth toothless though it seems to possess something like a tongue mostly unformed, \"*Should rest.*\"" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Realizing that there was no way he could speak to her directly without alarming the thing, he resolved that he would stay with her until he could get her to a healer. In her current state, it was dangerous to leave her by herself. She could even infect someone else, if left unwatched. Given he had been absent from his group for quite some time, him taking further time by himself should be fine. He doubted they still thought he was alive, anyways. It wouldn't take to long by horseback to get to Narshapi...* \n\n\"Rest... Hm. What if I took you to Narshapi? To the healer? It wouldn't be long by horse...\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "Pulling on her shirt she adjusts the fabric to cover herself, closing her eyes again. The eye returns upon dismissing the actions of Mox and the hawk, wriggling beneath the fabric again. It smooths out once the eye seemingly finds its nesting spot. \n\nPsyche straightens, eyes focusing again and exhales slowly before looking at Ishikawa. \"...That would be fine, but I would like to sleep.\" She says after a moment or so of thinking. Then she begins to move back towards the road, rubbing her eyes again. \"It's been a while since I last slept.\"" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa turned away from her, his ears still perked. He watched the eye fly back, relieved it didn't try anything with the hawk. He glanced back, nodding. He took a few steps forwards to queue in Mox, before pausing. Murmuring,*\n\n\"Likewise... But I shall last another night.\" \n\n*He continued, looking for the Canifor.*" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox was not hard to find. Standing near the center of the road itself so that anyone approaching from either side would see him first and foremost. Ears perking up when he hears them coming back out from the treeline.* \"Take it the aid's done then?\" *He asks of Ishikawa. Relaxing the halberd against his shoulder once more.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa looked somewhat disturbed as he came out the woods, looking at the Canifor. His ears were craned back, the Kitsune nervous that she would attempt to escape while he was absent. He seemed reluctant to speak. What he did say was hushed.*\n\n\"I don't think there's anything I can do... There's...\"\n\n*He fell silent for a moment, dark look crossing his face.*\n\n\"She's resting now. I'm going to make an attempt to take her to Narshapi in the morning... She- she isn't *Well*. Whatever it is, it's far worse than mange.\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox remains silent for a moment. His own ears folding back as it only confirmed his suspicions that this was just not something simple. Once more he sighs heavily. Moving to pick back up his cloak.* \"She's asleep now or just hunkering down in the dirt? Trembles weren't just for the cold. You'll want to build a warm fire and see if she's eaten anything of recent.\"\n\n*Clasping his cloak around his shoulders again Mox stares intently down the road. This wasn't his business. Tightening the grip on his halberd before turning back to Ishikawa.* \"Said I'd help ya, you want to take her to a healer in the morn I'll stay till then at the least. Two blades are better then one when taking care of the sick.\"" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa half looked back towards the woods, frowning.* \n\"I'm not sure. I believe she's awake. Physically, at least.\" \n\n*He murmured the last part. Ishikawas ear flicked with slight annoyance at the suggestion he wasn't aware that one needed to build a fire, but his expression didn't change. Right now was not the time. He'd eye Mox, wondering if he was going to leave. He seemed relieved when he offered to help.* \n\"Thank you. It's.. Much appreciated. I can fight if needed, though my arm isn't as steady as it used to be.\" \n\n*He'd lead Mox into the woods, going to where his animals and the woman lay. He'd begin to set up a camp, tail still glowing with soft blue light. Now that his tails were made more clear by the light, it was clear that the Kitsune had 2.*" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox follows the Kitsune back to where they were to set up camp. Making note of the surrounding area as they do.* \"May be a mercenary but that don't mean I've sold my soul for coin.\" *While Ishikawa set up the fire Mox dropped his pack on the ground. Taking a seat as he begins to rummage through for some of his provisions. Pulling dried meats and some hard trail bread.*\n\n\"Not how I expected to spend my night but ah well. Beats taking a knife to the gut any day really.\" *He speaks aloud, eyeing up Psyche as he makes sure to keep at least a few feet between him and her.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*The Kitsune quickly began to gather kindling and the like, making a shallow pit for a fire. Given the fact he had done this quite a few times, the fire started easily. Since Ishikawa didn't plan on sleeping, he wouldn't set up a tent, simply settling down next to his horse, gently leaning onto its side. The beast would tenderly nuzzle his shoulder, and he would in turn lovingly pat its muzzle.* \n\n\"Aye. Life certainly has its moments...\" \n\n*Because Mox was eyeing Psyche, Ishikawa would motion to him to look out for a flying object. It wasn't quite clear what he was trying to pantomime besides that, but Ishikawa was sure that Psyche couldn't see him. Hearing him was another thing...*" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox slowlyyyyy scoots a little further away from Psyche at those gestures. Fingering a knife on the belt across his chest as the fire begins crackling.* \"That it does. Don't recall catching a name there.\" *He calls over as the knife he was fingering was taken out to slice off a bit of the dried meat for himself. Offering a bit of it to the Kitsune as well. Mox finally noticing the pair of tails that they had. Ear twitching as he tries to recall what that means.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*The only thing Ishikawa did to clarify was point at his eye. But a flying eye? Surely that wasn't it... Or was it?* \n\"Saito, Ishikawa. You?\" \n\n*It was likely that the adventurer may have heard some vague mentions of the Saito name, but whatever it may have been wouldn't be too impactful to remember. Ishikawa would graciously accept the meat. Traditionally, the more tails a Kitsune had, it would be the older they were... Or the number of significant deeds they had committed.*" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "\"Mox. Mox Tamebolt.\" *The Canifor answers before popping the meat into his mouth and begins chewing. Falling silent in thought as he stares at the fire. The name was unfamiliar to him, being a wanderer and a foreigner he may not have heard of it. His own name would carry no weight, what deeds his ancestors did only really known to his tribe.*\n\n*Pulling his cloak around him Mox sits in silence for a bit before finally piping up again.* \"So why exactly where you out and about on this road tonight if you don't mind the proddin. Sounds like you are from around here.\"" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa slowly ate his food, as if it seemed distasteful to him in some way. Any sort of consumption seemed like a labor to him, though one couldn't be sure why. The Kitsune looked up at his companion, his ears perking slightly,* \n\n\"Well, you see, I've been...\" \n*He paused, a pained look on his face.* \n\"*Away*, for quite some time, and I was going to visit some acquaintances, assure them that I wasn't dead...\" \n\n*He murmured,* \n\"I don't sleep much, so I wasn't planning on stopping to rest tonight.\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "\"Right.\" *Mox answers. Studying his current companion as he leans back and relaxes by the fire.* \"Well sleep doesn't always come to people easily. Just need to rest when you can an all that.\" *Mox dismissed the fact that the Kitsune was hiding something, it didn't matter much to him as they would be parting ways soon enough.* \"Do have to say you have some knowledge on this stuff I guess. Never seen it before myself.\"" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa was telling the truth, whether or not Mox believed him. Ishikawa looked off into the dark woods, a far off expression painting his face.* \n\n\"I prefer to keep moving, if possible... Idle hands and all that.\" \n*He eyed the Canifor from the side, not turning back to him.* \n\"As far as anything medicine related goes, no, but I've certainly...\" \n\n*He looked at Psyche momentarily, dropping his voice down,* \n\"Dealt with parasites before.\"" } ]

[ { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*A parasite? Mox eyes Psyche even more cautiously at that. Just what has he gotten himself into here?* \"What kind of parasite? That don't look natural. Never seen one big enough to see its movements.\" *Pointing his knife at Psyche he twirls it around while using it as a pointer.* \"How does one manage to catch something like this anyway? It common in this place or something of a unique situation?\"" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa motioned for him to hush, in tbe case it could hear them*\n\"As it is, it appears to be a face growing out of her back... Sentient, as well.\"\n \n*He was now watching the knife Mox was holding, a bit concerned he might try something.*\n\"From what I understand, she got it from a farmers boy.. I-\"\n\n*He sighed, shaking his head.*\n\"I've honestly seen nothing like this before. I'm just hoping it doesn't spread through touch...\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox blinks, she had a what? The canifor making a face as his ears fold back. What in the name of the ancestors did he get himself into!* \"You think it can spread?\" *He asks a tad nervous. The knife in his hand was thin, sharp, no cross guard. The thing was probably balanced for throwing as where the three others accompanying it on the belt across his chest.*\n\n*For now it remains idle in his hand, the canifor squinting at Psyche. Then turning to look at the fire again as he fiddles with the knife in his hands.* \"Really hoping that healer can help her now.\"" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa shifted, absentmindedly grasping his hands together, squeezing the one that had touched her.*\n\"From what... *They've* Said, there was at least one othe host, but it was unclear if he remained.. Afflicted. I doubt something such as this would spread over a night, but I certainly wont be resting either way...\"\n\n*He looked back to Psyche with concern, giving a nod and a look of compassion.*\n\"I feel terrible for them, their mind seems altered the most. If Ellaine was able to heal me, hopefully-\"\n\n*He'd gently rub the scar on his neck.*\n\"Hopefully she can save them before it's too late.\"\n*He murmured darkly,*\n\"If it isn't already.\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox continues to play with his knife.* \"Ain't right to let another suffer when the problem can be fixed. I'm with you on that.\" *An ear swivels towards Ishikawa as a name is mutterd, Mox looking their way once more.* \"Friend of yours that knows the healing touch? Must be good if they managed to close that up before you met your end.\" *He points his knife at the scar along their neck.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa shook his head at the notion he was friends with Ellaine, further leaning back against the fuzzy wall that was his horse. The horse, of course, paid no mind.* \n\n\"No... She just happened to be in the right place at the right time...\" \n\n*Ishikawa cringed slightly at the mention of the scar on his neck, his bad hand still trembling, He was wearing gloves, so one couldn't see any scarring on that hand, but it seemed... Disjointed. As if his fingers didn't line up entirely as they should.* \n\n\"Let's just say... There are things worse than death.\" \n*He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath in and out, before opening them again. Whatever she had helped him with was clearly something that hurt him in more of a mental way than physical, though his wounds were still numerous from what one could tell.*" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox slowly nods. Digesting that comment as he let his mind wander.* \"For someone so scarred you don't carry much in the way of weapons. Don't recall if Kitsunes have claws.\" *He lightly teases, trying to change the subject and keep the talking going as it kept his mind off the fact they had someone with a parasite in them within arms reach.*\n\n*With a warm fire the night was looking just a bit better for the canifor. He didn't make much headway today to the next city but compared to how the night could have gone it wasn't the worst thing he has run into. Since he was going to be here for awhile? He swings his pack around once more into his lap. Digging through it to go through his nightly routines. Making sure there wasn't damage or rust collecting on the steel of his weapons and just generally busying himself while he speaks.*" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "The oni had gone quiet and unmoving, aside from quiet breathing. Even the bump had ceased moving. For quite some time she didn't do anything until, finally, she rolled over onto her other side. She didn't say anything, and one could assume she'd rolled over in her sleep, but the pale eyes were open again, staring at nothing for a long moment before focusing on the fire. \n\nShe closed her eyes again, pushing herself up to a sitting position and pulling her knees tight to her chest to rest her chin." }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*The man laid his head back onto his horse, staring up at the winter night sky. His breath formed a cloud in front of him, and he lazily looked over at the Canifor, smiling slightly.* \n\n\"I don't have claws, however...\" \n\n*He lifted his good hand in front of himself, and a silvered Rapier began to form in it. Altogether, it took about 12 seconds for it to completely solidify.* \n\n\"I have this.\" \n\n*Ishikawa quickly de-summoned it once he had showed it off, not wanting to risk the chance of alarming whatever was afflicting Psyche. Ishikawa would take a book out of his pack, gently opening it. It was leather bound, and had no title, as far as one could tell. He stared at Psyche over the pages of his book, watching her to see what she would do next.*" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox whistles at the delicate looking blade that forms.* \"Never saw the appeal, but I've seen their work in the hands of a professional once so. Have to respect the craft at least.\" *His ears perk up as Psyche stirs, switching the grip of the knife in his hand to an icepick grip to defend himself if the thing got hostile. When she turns over and goes quiet again he relaxes.*\n\n*Looking from Ishikawa, to the book, then to the Oni again he just shrugs and sits back down. Justttt had to get through this night and things could go back to normal. Hopefully.*" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "She heard the whistle, opening her eyes briefly, then closing them again and rubbing them. Pushing herself into a standing position, she looked at the two. \"Should you rest?\" Voice quiet, and a bit raspy with having slept. Or dehydration.\n\n\"Tired eyes don't see very much.\"" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa grinned, turning slightly to face Mox. He didn't say much more, but it was clear that he was confident in his swordsmanship. Turning back to the fire, Ishikawa eyes the Oni, the flickering flames in front of them reflecting in his eyes, but not in a threatening way. Not yet.* \n\n\"Sleeping eyes see nothing at all.\" \n\n*Ishikawa turned back to his book, before ruffling around in his things, throwing her a water skin.* \n\n\"Here, drink.\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox just taps the side of his muzzle with the flat of his knife.* \"Eyes aren't the only way to keep watch. Ears work as well friend.\" *He followed the flight of the water skin as it was tossed through the air.* \"You look like you need it more then we by far.\" \n\n*Warmed up by the fire with his gear cleaned Mox grabs his cloak and stands up. Moving over to a tree just short of the fire light with his Halberd in hand.* \"So what's in the book anyway? Odd looking cover on that thing.\" *He calls over to Ishikawa as he gets comfortable. Wrapping the cloak around himself with the blade resting within arms reach.*" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "She caught the waterskin haphazardly, setting it on her lap to examine before she bothers opening it to drink. She frowns, lowering it from her mouth and forcing the water down before handing it back. Like it just doesn't agree well with her stomach. \n\n\"Just haven't slept for a few days. I didn't think I would get this tired,\" She said, looking towards the book, curiosity starting to form on her features. As she had before, she begins to chew on her finger; a nervous habit." }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawas ears flicked at Mox spoke, seemingly confirming his assertion. Ishikawa watched Psyche for a moment to make sure she didn't do anything strange to his waterskin, and then continued reading, raising an eyebrow at Mox from the corner of his eye.* \n\n\"It's simply a novel, nothing more.\" \n\n*Ishikawa flipped a page, his face now blocked by the book from Psyches point of view.* \n\n\"I prefer not to sleep. I'm fine without it.\" \n\n*Given how he looked, that was a lie. Perhaps he had convinced himself it was the truth, though.*" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox was trying to get comfortable leaning against the tree he decided to sit under. It took him a bit before realizing he still had his bow slung upon his back. Unbuckling the leather container for the weapon to lay it across his lap. Finally leaning back against the tree truck as he shrugs his shoulders.* \"Not an expert on books.\" \n\n*He simply answers, smelling the lie about not needing sleep but making no attempt to call him out on it as he closes his own eyes. Focusing on his hearing and sense of smell then his sight.* \"I would say you've earned the rest my friend. Let us two keep watch. If you're worried about either of us stabbing you in the back while you rest I am a mercenary who keeps his word. If I break that I'll be falling on my own sword.\"" } ]

[ { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "Working her fingers through a worn fabric of her shirt she nods, eyes closing slightly. Listening she says, \"I can go a long time without resting now, but I still need rest. So, you should rest. Otherwise you'll miss something.\"\n\nIt sounds logical enough, even if the 'nothing' sounds like missing out on some sort of sight seeing instead of danger. Sitting back more to look clearly at Ishikawa she says. \"You should sleep, or you'll become sick either way. If you don't, please let me know how long you've been awake. I would like to observe the effects in others.\"" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*The Kitsunes twin tails lazily moved from side to side, indicating his contentedness. The pages of his book were near silent as he continued to flip them, the paper it was printed on being quite new. Ishikawa stopped when Mox spoke, putting his book down onto his lap. His eyes shifted nervously to look at Psyche, and his ears slanted down just a touch, the movement only noticeable if someone was watching them. He let out a sigh, his breath having a slight rattle to it as he did.*\n\"4 days. I haven't slept... In 4 days.\" \n\n*While Ishikawa could go without sleep longer than the average person, the symptoms he showed mafe it clear he had gone far past even his own limits. The constant trembling, the dark circles beneath his eyes...*" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox remained leaning against his tree with his eyes closed. Following their conversation with his ears as they perk and swivel to each speaker in turn. One brow twitching as he listens.* \"Oh by the elders at least try getting some rest you fool. I can keep watch and its not like that horse of yours wont alert you to some thing prowling in the woods nearby, I've seen what one of those things can do when it panics.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"...We think you should sleep, or else you're useless to us.\" She said after a moment of silence, lips moving slightly as if mumbling. She looks at Mox. \"He is right. I can still draw my bow, and have help watching the area.\"\n\nHer shoulder shifts uneasily before she continues.\n\n\"You'll either sleep now, or when your body drops at an inopportune time. Five days is our limit. We don't think you can go much longer.\"" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*He was incredibly hesitant to attempt to go to sleep, especially because he didn't want to keep his gaze off of Psyche. He didn't know how the weird face thing felt about him, and he didn't want to wake up to any weird shit. However, as much as he wanted to, he was struggling to stay awake.* \n\n\"No... Really, it's-\" \n\n*Yawning, his eyes dropped shut for a moment,* \n\n\"I'm *Fine*.\" \n\n*He then passed out.*" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox's ears perked as the kitsune passes out. Opening his eyes to confirm that, yes indeed, he had clocked out for a bit. He points at Psyche.* \"Girly you sound like death. Bravado doesnt work when I can all but smell theres something wrong with you. Just take the offered rest.\"\n\n*At this point Mox was getting frustrated with this entire situation. Squeezing the wood of the bow on his lap in frustration before getting up again to walk back to the fire. Dragging his gear along with him to get a good look at the Oni in the fire light.*" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "She looked at Mox, pale eyes semi-focused at best. \"You all talk loudly.\" She said it blandly and without much inflection to indicate annoyance, or irritation. Looking back at the fire she says, \"We'll get stronger. We're just growing.\"\n\nIn the firelight a few things were easy to see. Her dark hair is tangled, as if she hasn't bothered to deal with it in weeks. She looks pale and her skin is faintly damp from fever sweat. She taps her fingers on her leg, lips moving silently before looking at Mox.\n\n\"Do you want to leave?\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "\"If that's meant to be a way of asking if I'm going to sneak off the moment you both close your eyes the answer is a no.\" *Mox sets himself down by the fire again. Laying his own bow across his lap as one hand idly runs down the length of the wood. What he saw just screamed she was diseased, whatever parasite she had would of had to be bad for this to happen.*\n\n*His gaze was wary, his posture tense as if the Canifor would spring into action the moment she even coughed wrong.* \"Growin. Right.\" *He mutters aloud as he pulls his cloak around him again.*" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"You seem uneasy,\" A statement rather than a question. She watches the fire, faintly frowning with a twinge of pain before the expression smooths out. She settles in, hanging onto her own well worn bow but without any of Mox's tension. She seemed rather disconnected from the events unfolding.\n\n\"Yes. Growing. Like when your legs cramp in the night as a child. Growing hurts.\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox bristles when she flinches, puffing up slightly all the way down his tail before he catches himself. Clearing his throat as he works to smooth down his tail with one hand.* \"Its a quiet night with one person who has fallen into a deep sleep from exhaustion and another who is clearly too sick to fight. I'll relax when the night is through and bandits no longer stalk the roads. Only one will come true at daybreak.\"\n\n*He lied through his teeth. In truth wary of catching whatever she had. Tales of scores of mercenaries dying to disease holding a castle or withering slowly to something they caught in battle coming to the forefront of his thoughts. A worse death he couldn't think of, it took hin a second to realize how she was speaking. His attention slowly focusing on her again.* \"I'm not talking to the girl am I.\"" } ]

[ { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "Her eyes shift to Mox when he bristles; To the raised fur pushing his shirt up near the nape of his neck, to the puffed tail, and then shift to meet his eyes. There's curiosity rather than concern. \"We can handle it if someone arrives with ill intent.\" Her head tilts, or rather rolls to the side almost. \"I think you are scaring yourself. What are you thinking?\" Without the audible curiosity in her voice; It seems to simply linger in her eyes.\n\nWhen Mox states that he isn't talking to 'the girl', her head rolls to the other side. \"To the girl?\" There's a brief pause, and her lips move again, eyes shifting with a faint wince as the bump stretches a moment, then stills. \"Psyche. This is Psyche. We're still here. Should we not be here?\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox fixes his brigantine coat. Pushing down the puffed up fur poking out of his collar with a huff. Scaring himself? Hardly.* \"We, don't really work for one person less times have changed eh?\" *He fires back. Crossing his arms over his chest as that same tail of his gives a single flick of annoyance. He sizes her up again, taking in the fever sweat upon her brow.* \"I heard Oni are strong but I doubt the powers of one who looks as if she will pass out any moment.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"You have never been involved in a collaboration?\" Is that some weird joke? It hardly seems it given the deadpan nature she has. It may be a legitimate question. Stretching her shoulder she says quietly, \"We needn't be physically strong. Just more aware than others who may come here.\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox just squints at her. Not the oddest question he has heard but still. He didn't seem inclined to answer as he pokes at the fire instead. Giving a grunt as he stirs some of the coals.* \"Ya, well. There's a reason why I'm keeping an ear out for anything that could potentially be showing up.\" \n\n*Mox continues to play with the fire. Looking over in Psyche's direction every few moments and whenever she so much as moves.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*The sleeping Kitsune seemingly began to stir once again, until violently twitching, breathing heavily in his sleep. There seemed to be some sort of struggle as the unconscious man tried to cry out, but was silent even in the realm of dreams. He'd claw at his own neck, mainly around the area of the scar. Tears fell down the Kistunes face, and his entire body trembled. His eyes still wouldn't open. It was clear why he refused to sleep, now. Would they let him suffer, or would they wake him?*" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "She looks at the kitsune as he sleeps, head tilting. Her eyes shift to the scar, then the tears, then the trembling with a detached interest. Like observing an altercation at the market you don't care enough to stop. \"It seems that the incident resulting in the scarring left emotional trauma behind.\" She says, observing aloud. \nShe does not however move to awaken him. Instead she shifts uncomfortably and exhales, then grits her teeth briefly. Something slips from her back. Then another. A third. She puts her head on her knees, opening unfocused eyes as three... Winged eyes push themselves from under the hem of her shirt and take wing; Awkward and damp at first then moving quickly.\nShe closes her eyes taking deep, forcefully evened breaths to calm herself and manage pain. Her only comment on the Kitsune? \"He should continue sleeping or else he won't recover. I'll watch the area.\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*The sight, and possibly sound, of those things fall from her shoulder will be something Mox will not forget anytime soon. Ears falling flat against his skull as he just stares at her for a few silent seconds before he can get a hold of himself again. Sucking in a deep breath as he looks away from her.*\n\n*His ears perk up again as their sleeping companion stirs and goes through their fits. One ear going down then up as he weighs his options again before deciding that he did not want to deal with... This. By himself. Standing up to walk over to the sleeping Kitsune to prod at them with a toe to see if they will stir.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa continued to squirm and claw at himself in his sleep, eventually beginning to draw a small amount of blood due to the continuous scratching at his neck. When he was prodded, he reacted violently, twisting his body to try and kick it away. He mumbled something else, but it was still hard to hear.*" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "Psyche turns her head towards the sounds but her eyes simply don't focus, staring onward past the Kitsune. Her eyes shift side to side periodically as if scanning before she says, \"If you want him awake, perhaps the waterskin.\"\n\nShe sniffed, catching some faint smell of blood, but didn't seem moved to action yet. Instead she felt across the sand and dirt until she felt where it had been warmed by the fire and pushed her way across slowly until she managed to position herself close to the fire as if blind." }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*The toe is a swift target as Mox pulls his foot back before it can become a victim of the Kitsune's nightmare thrashing. Turning to look over his shoulder at Psyche.* \"Waste of good water if there isnt a source along the road.\" *He watches as she crawls closer to the fire. Smelling blood as the kitsune begins to cause self harm in their thrashing. Finally relenting as he uncorks his water skin to pour some out on Ishikawa's head.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa awoke with a loud yelp as he scrambled to look at his surroundings, smelling blood as his tails wagged in an alarmed manner. He whimpered slightly.* \n\n\"Wh- what did I miss?\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "The Oni shifts her head in the direction of Mox's speech and tilts her head. Resting where she is and warming up slowly, she lifts her head from her knees upon hearing splashing. \"Ah.\" A simple sound of recognition before she hears the yelp.\n\nSomething shifts in the trees but she doesn't seem alarmed or concerned. Not at the moment. \"He's awake now? He should find someone to talk to of what happened. Otherwise it will just... Come out. We've watched it happen with victims of war before.\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox slaps the cork back into his water skin. Waiting for Ishikawa to fully wake up before answering.* \"You clawing your throat out and the girl arguing over needing rest.\" *As Mox speaks his hackles twitch, tail flicking back and forth behind him as the scent of blood gets stronger.*\n\n*A shift of underbrush? Mox's ears snap to attention and turn, just before his head does, towards the woods. His frame going ridged as he waits. Trying to catch the scent of whatever was near.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*The Kitsune looked over at Psyche, not saying anything as he locked his jaw. The expression of his face wasn't exactly that of resentment, per say, However...* \n\n\"I-\" \n\n*Ishikawa wiped tears from his face, and touched his neck, taking his hand back, staring at the blood quietly. He snapped his head to the side as he heard something in the woods, ears twitching.*" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "The Oni sits there, watching the fire before saying, \"It's only him.\"\n\nPerhaps referring to the three individual... *Things* That separated from her and escaped into the air. Keeping an eye on things. She keeps her eyes closed, adding, \"Will you two be alright out here? You don't seem to be alright.\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox stares off into the woods.* \"Starting to think heading to town tonight is better then the woods friend.\" *Letting out a huff as it was just another false alarm Mox behind walking back to the fire again to sit down next to his gear.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa began to straighten, hastily standing up. Small amounts of blood dripped from his neck, but he didn't seem too concerned with it.* \n\n\"Yes... It seems it'd be better to head to town tonight than wait.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "The Oni pushes herself up, wobbling slightly before stiffening her form. She turns on her heels, avoiding the fire by simply not moving until she's facing away from it before she begins walking. \n\n\"Then you should both go. We know where to go in order to find the Healer, and while we thank you for the assistance, we're not sure if you can handle these situations as they currently stand.\"\n\nHer back over her shoulder has dampened and her walk is again, almost drunken as she uses her hands as much as her... Well, seemingly as much as her eyes to guide herself back towards the road." }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox stops to put one hand on her shoulder, the one that didnt have those... Things... Fall from it.* \"Horse is steadier then whatever you call walking right now. This ain't no request. You can either have the kitsune help ya or Ill drag you along following him till we get to the city.\"\n\n*Mox was tired at this point of this mess he was in. Willing to risk it just to finish off this chaotic mess of a situation. While his halberd and bow were left sitting on his cloak near the fire his short sword still hangs from his right hip. The scabbard clasped in his right hand just below the cross guard.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa looked at the woman, shaking his head.* \n\"We're not abandoning you, I keep true to my word..\" \n\n*In truth, he didn't want to leave her on her own, and he wasn't going to be taking no for an answer. He was determined. Ishikawa began to put out the fire in front of them, his horse standing, and his hawk flying up onto his shoulder, as if the animals were prepared to leave as well.*" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "She stopped moving when the hand landed on her shoulder, head tilting without facing Mox. \"Why do you feel compelled to help? We can see that you dislike this. There is no need to expose yourself to things you dislike. You could leave, and more than likely, you would never see us again.\"\n\nIt wasn't sullen, or upset. She delivered the information as if pointing out a rather obvious plothole in a book. As if trying to understand from the narrator's view why perhaps someone would feel the need to over extend themselves when there was no obvious gain.\n\nHer shoulder shifts uneasily, and a soft voice whispers, \"*Are they going to kill me?*\"\n\nPsyche manages a shrug to it, blinking as the firelight dies off and waiting as she counts, waiting for night vision she doesn't seem to have before moving again.\n\n\"We did not say you could not follow, but we think moving rather than lingering with poor moods is better.\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Why was he helping. Did his word really mean that much when it came to reputation? Mox just shrugs. Ignoring those thoughts for now as he comes up with an excuse. Pointing towards the road.* \"Not to burst your bubble but think you were sleepin when I said I'm a hired sword. I do bodyguard work on occasion as well. So wandering the roads looking for the next one to purchase my blade is normal. You wanna assume its personal? Alright.\"\n\n*Letting go of her shoulder he goes to collect his things. Resting the halberd against his shoulder once his cloak is clasped.* \"Could just say I'm keeping the knife out of my back by helping what could be a monster. You wouldnt eat someone who helped ya right?\" *He answers. Only half joking as he steps past then to wait at the road.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*The Kistune looked to Psyche, just watching her quietly. He didn't think she'd attack Mox, but was still prepared to restrain her if necessary. Ishikawa got onto his Horse, the beast beginning to slowly trot towards them.* \n\n\"Yes, it's much faster to travel by horse, and some extra protection shouldn't hurt...\" \n\n*Ishikawa offered his hand to Psyche as his horse slowly moved forwards, a compassionate look on his face, rather than one of hate, as the creature might assume.*" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "At the excuse of coin Psyche's head tilts the other way. \"If you want we can pay and let you go.\" A genuine offer as she waits before pausing. \"It isn't healthy to eat people of any race typically. It causes many issues, diseases aside.\"\n\n\"*Monster?*\"\n\nHer lips didn't move with the odd whisper came about. She just looked down the road as they finally got to it, pale eyes focused on nothing. She blinked once when Ishikawa offered a hand and reached her own out, missing once, then catching it for the help needed to mount the horse." }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "\"That was... That was a joke. The eating people part. Many still think that's what we beastkin do.\" *Mox made a mental note not to make any more jokes near her. Both ears peeking as she finally decides to accept the help.* \"Pay me back later. Dont worry about today.\"\n\n*When they finally start moving he keeps pace with the horse. Staying on their left side as they head down the road, muttering to himself.* \"Ain't desperate enough to take advantage of the sick anyway.\"" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*The Kitsune gently helped her up onto the back of the horse, the hawk on his shoulder fluttering uncomfortably before finally accepting her presence next to her. Ishikawa spoke softly as his horse trotted along, trying to stay as friendly to her as he could, given Mox's comments.* \n\n\"The sooner we get you to the healer, the better. She might be able to ease your pain.\" \n\n*He didn't elaborate, but it seemed more and more like it would involve removing the thing in her back.* \n\n\"You aren't a monster... Just... Different. Monsters have intent in what they do. True ones.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "It took a moment for her to settle, as if remembering how to sit on a saddle. Her head tilts back awkwardly as three things fly past, spreading outwards again as if they had simply been passing by for a look-see. \"We'll remember to pay you.\" Then a pause. \"Why do they think beastkin eat people? It sounds like poorly formed understanding, or perhaps like purposefully spread misinformation to present the idea of a monster.\"\n\nShe was definitely on the weird stuff tonight (or the fever) but at least she wasn't attacking anyone, or anything. Just... Talking. \n\nAs Ishikawa spoke, Psyche kept her head up to face the moon she could not see, and though her mouth still wasn't moving there was that odd whisper again from the immatured mouth. \"*Different? What intention do monsters have? What intent makes them a monster compared to others?*\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox shrugs. He knew one that could have spread the rumor, put the fear in the elves. But this goes further back then that.* \"From what I understand most of you cant eat meat raw. Never had any of those issues back when I lived with my tribe. Could be some beastkin were desperate enough or lost their senses and decided to try elven or even Oni meat.\" *The thought perplexed Mox, they were probably way too tough to be a good meal.*\n\n*Mox followed the odd shapes as they flew over them. Tracking them as they walked.* \"We can discuss payment later as I said. Get to a healer first.\"" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*The Kitsune allowed the reigns to fall from his hands, leaning over to give his horse a good pat on the neck. The relationship he had with his horse was one of deep companionship, and he trusted it to know where to go, even if he didn't direct him. Ishikawa murmured, joining the conversation about eating people.* \n\n\"Most likely it started to keep the Silnari away... They haven't the best relationship, as far as I'm aware.\" \n\n*His hawk never stopped watching the flying shapes, jerking around nervously. The poor bird didn't seem to like this *At all*. Ishikawa addressed the mouth that spoke to him, lowering his voice slightly.* \n\n\"Well, most people...\" \n*He paused.* \n\n\"Most people don't have eyes growing out of there back... Or a mouth, for that matter.\" \n*He continued, remaining fairly calm with the creature, despite the fact that its existence disturbed him, and it could easily sink a knife into his back.* \n\n\"There are creatures in this world that may appear monsterous, but they act like any other beast, they hunt, they sleep, they mate, just as any other. A beast only does what it is in its nature to do. When it attacks someone, it's not out of malice, it's because it's hungry, or scared... No, a monster is someone who intentionally harms others, who feeds on society, manipulating others because it wishes to...\" \n\n*He murmured quietly, knowing that Psyche could hear him, or at least the face probably could,* \n\n\"Someone like what did all of this to me.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "The shapes were spheres it almost looked like... Ones with wings. Given what Ishikawa had said, and Psyche's own words as to 'keeping watch', it left little to imagine what they were. Though perhaps it did explain why the Oni suddenly seemed blind and reacting to things she could not perhaps herself see.\n\n\"Most cannot due to their bodies losing such an ability.\" She acknowledged. \"Cooked meat is gentle on the stomach. Raw is not. Though one can do so when it is needed. But then that is not considered 'civilized' either.\" Her eyes shift as the things continue spreading out a good distance in the sky. \"...I wondered once if it was purposefully spread by the Silnari given their penchant for slavery of such races hurt by such ideas. It becomes noble in the eyes of those frightened by the ideas to subdue and 'civilize' such individuals if the idea of fear and distrust is strong.\"\n\nAs Ishikawa says what he does there's a measured pause before the odd voice emanating from Psyche's back shoulder speaks again.\n\n\"*We do not think we are a monster then. We wish to watch and observe, and understand.*\"\n\n\"Though we may have met one full of hatred and need for revenge. We watched what they did in Silnaria.\"\n\n\"*They've traded their eyes for ones black as soot now. They would enslave the Silnari if it pleased them, but they will settle for their blood and deaths whether they are guilty, or not.*\"\n\nThere's another pause.\n\n\"*Is that a monster?*\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "\"As someone who lives on intentional harm I'd say it takes more then that to be considered a monster. Then again I have been called that before.\" *Mox goes quiet as Psyche talks of one who seeks to destroy Silnaria, having a good idea of just who they are speaking of.*\n\n*He remained silent instead of joining in on this conversation. Keeping track of the flying things for a moment before focusing straight ahead.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa slowly closed his eyes, listening to the others carefully, finding some peace in the relative quiet of the night, turning slightly to Mox.* \n\n\"There's a malice in it... You are not a monster. I should have clarified. A mercenary holds no malice when they kill someone, they don't torture, they just... End it. As it should be.\" \n\n*His hand creeped up along his own body, gently touching the scars that ran along it, sighing quietly.* \n\n\"Hatred, yes...\" \n*He frowned, his ears perking up slightly at the talk of the eyes.* \n\n\"Ah, yes. A vampire. They feed upon others without any concern for the damage it causes... *Parasites*. The one you speak of certainly sounds like a monster, someone who has allowed themselves to harm with no reason except for pleasure, to permit wanton death wherever they go.. You're lucky to still be standing after encountering that.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"So harming is not inherently evil, but the intention behind harming. For sake of living, it is not. For the sake of a job, it also is not?\" Psyche asks, staring at nothing. \"It makes things difficult then.\"\n\nShe paused then as she listens to the talking, head tilting again, mouth slightly opened as the words begin again.\n\n\"*Are parasites bad?*\" It whispers, voice high and whispery. \"*We think he became one. What he did indicated such. However, we do not fear seeing him again. We are not the ones who made them a monster.*\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox thinks on it while they continue forward. Wary of joining in on this conversation before finally deciding to speak.* \"There are rumors they've been experimenting on slaves. It really anyone they can get their hands on. Could be they made their own monster.\"\n\n*He tried to think back to anytime he might have enjoyed killing. There were a few who deserved it really, but that was neither here nor there.* \"What do you do for a living that such thoughts are common enough for these conversations.\"" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa nodded slightly, opening his eyes just barely. He'd glance at the stars above them, trying to pick out constellations among them.* \n\n\"Things in life often are difficult..\" \n\n*Ishikawas hawk would attempt to nuzzle into his neck, wanting to avoid the eyeballs flying around. It didn't hurt that Ishikawa was warm, as well.* \n\n\"Parasites feed on their host, weakening them. Generally the host dies by the time it is done. In some cases, they even take over the mind, until the person that used to remain within the shell is dead. It's still their body, but it simply... Isn't them.\" \n\n*He turned to Mox, raising an eyebrow.* \n\"I'm surprised you don't know what I am by looking at me. I'm a monster hunter. Mostly hunt beasts, but I wouldn't call them monsters... People, on the other hand...\" \n\n*He trailed off, looking at the road ahead, not focusing on any one thing in particular.*" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"They didn't mention specifically, but it seems they brought the monsters he feared to the surface. Which is not ideal for them.\" She pauses, speaking over at Mox. \"Where did they do this? Do you know?\"\n\nThen she paused at the question. \"Do for a living? I watch. I want to understand why. If I can I want to know why things happen and how. This requires watching. So, we watch.\"\n\n\"*Feed on their host? How? Is that malicious?*\"\n\n\"So you hunt beasts... Then not monsters. Why be called a monster hunter?\"" } ]

[ { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox just shakes his head at the question.* \"Not a clue. Been asking around but the only other I've found who says she was experimented on would not tell me of where they came from. Got little to go off of then what two have said.\" *Notice by looking at him? Mox stops for a second to stare at Ishikawa for that.*\n\n*Blinking one before picking up the pace again.* \"Nah. Can't see it. You looked more like a hunter then a warrior on the road there friend. I take it such work has some good pay to go along with the threats eh?\"" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa pursed his lips, not entirely sure how to explain why a parasite was bad, and a regular creature wasn't.* \n\n\"When an animal eats something, they simply kill it and consume it, it's the way life is.. But with a parasite, something like a vampire, it slowly drains, taking from the host while it's still alive. It's one thing to be killed, but so slowly have your life stolen from you, the essence of what you are... That's unacceptable.\" \n\n*He murmured quietly,* \n\"Sometimes, they take even more than that.\" \n\n*Ishikawa looked at Mox, and then back to Psyche, shaking his head sadly.* \n\"Many people don't see the things I hunt like I do. They only look at their appearance, they can't see past it to the animal behind. Most of the things I hunt are only hungry or in pain, and that can be fixed well enough. But... I do hunt real monsters as well. People. Not often, but I do.\" \n\n*He looked up at the stars again, the light shining in his eyes,* \n\n\"I will admit, it does pay quite nicely.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "There's a long, drawn out pause before it speaks again.\n\n\"*Then am I a monster simply for existing? Are they for doing what is in their nature? Or does it depend on **How** They feed?*\"\n\nDifficult questions really. Psyche does not weigh in on the... Things questionings, simply turns her head at Mox, pausing. \"Maybe that's what they meant by monsters being made then.\"\n\nShe kept her head turned as she spoke in response to Ishikawa. \"Those jobs sound complicated.\"" } ]

[ { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox snorts at the mention of the pay.* \"I'll have to keep that in mind if I ever tire of selling my services against just another soldier on the field.\" *Mox had fought others, even other canifor on the battlefield, he couldn't see what Ishikawa could be on about. When it came to battle there was only the then and now, blade against blade, till one is struck down.* \n\n\"The one I spoke too was an odd creature. Could not tell what they were just by sight or smell alone. They told me it was the elves who did it to them. Reluctant to relive through how they escaped or even where they came from. Pressing would have yielded nothing so here we are now. I may still find out the truth one day.\" *The same monster that Psyche spoke of was the one that clued Mox in to this truth in the first place, or half truth. He still could not fully grasp that anyone could do such horrid things. Who knew at this point.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa turned back to look directly at the face, not sure what to say. He did see it as wrong, but it was also like a child. If it wasn't removed by the healer, it would likely continue on, and he didn't want to put any bad ideas in its head. Ishikawa acknowledged that most weren't born monstrous, but became that way.. He spoke gently to the thing,*\n\n\"Did you chose to exist, or was it forced upon you? It is in a parasites nature, and most natural parasites do not think like we do. It's those that are concious.. *Aware*, that I hold the most qualms with. I would not blame you if you were unaware of what you were truly doing, I feel there's still a chance for the person inside.\"\n\n*Ishikawa seemed to be addressing both the parasite and the person with his words, choosing each carefully. He shrugged at the mention of his job, murmuring,*\n\n\"I generally face more hardship outside of my work.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "The pale Oni listens and then nods, \"I didn't ask much of how he got to where he was. He mentioned seeing 'monsters' when he had fevers as a child and then resolved to be one by necessity. The shadow has overtaken the whole.\"\n\nWhatever that means. The face, hidden beneath the fabric of Psyche's shirt, stretches as it listens to the questions. It again gave a long pause as if *Thinking* Though the space the face was didn't have space for a brain. Where and how it thought then was a question for another day. \n\n\"*Did you chose to exist?*\" A question with a question. \"*We've been together forever. We've been understanding for as long as I know. Seeing things. Measuring snowfalls until a roof collapses. Watching families feud with neighbors and then blowing up simply because a child lost an heirloom and the blame was poorly placed. But I am not sure if any of us choose to exist.*\"\n\nPsyche's mouth moves as it talks but she follows through with the ideas presented, murmuring, \"We exist by another's whim. Not our own.\"" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox remains silent, the conversation at hand had nothing to do with him. Instead taking the time to study the land, watch out for bandits, and really just be bored.*\n\n*This night didnt go anything like he expected it to. Not really something he could complain about considering his goal was to head for the next town to see if anyone hiring a merc. They were going to a town anyway, so not a full loss.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa continued to ride quietly, now not as confident as he was about ridding the woman of the thing inside of her. It was more childlike than anything. He wasn't even sure if it had a concept of good or evil at this point. No doubt removing it would kill it, but at the same time, it was inhabiting a body that didn't belong to it, and had stolen away the inhabitants free will. Was it mercy to let someone live deluded, half-there, rather than allow them to fully realize what has happened to them? Ishikawa couldn't say. Ishikawa frowned deeply, turning back to the road. He wouldn't say much more to the being, it could probably sense that there was some sort of dilemma rattling around in Ishikawas head. He shook it, breaking the stillness. Instead of focusing on that, he would quietly hum.* \n\n*The Kitsune looked up as a snowflake fell gently onto his forehead, and his eyes shone with the moon... And something else.*" } ]

[ { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox marches on as they continue down the road. Keeping an eye out to their surroundings as they go. One ear perks and swivels at the humming. Mox following the tune with the small tap of the halberd's haft against his shoulder. While it wasn't a marching tune it will do for now as they go.*\n\n*There wasn't much he had to say on the situation he was in now, nothing really, but he speaks up all the same after a few minutes of silent marching.* \"There an Inn at this little village of yours or will I be looking at moving on once you get her settled with the healer?\"" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*The sound of the horses hooves echoed in the silent, Ishikawas ears craning as they continued on, listening for danger. At some point he'd finish humming, glancing over at Mox when he spoke. Ishikawa took a moment to think, shaking his head.* \n\n\"My home isn't far off from town, so I've no clue what there is for places of rest.\"" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "She tipped her head, listening and shifting her eyes side to side. She acted as if, perhaps, she had completely checked out despite how closely she had begun listening. She was curious for one and wanted to know what precisely they planned to do with her; After all her life was in the balance.\n\nHer life and ***It's.***" }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox sighs at that, some help they were.* \"Eh. Won't be the first time I'll be camping out in the woods. Just means I save some coin.\" *Mox's right hand rests on his sword belt again as they continue forward. The Canifor's ears were sharp, he knew the sound of breathing that came with sleeping. Saying nothing to the fact she was still awake and listening as he pops the question.* \"What will you do if the healer can't cure her.\"" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*He tilted his head at the question, not responding initially. Was it because he didn't want to say with her there? Was it because he wasn't sure? Who could know. But the silence definitely wasn't comforting,* \n\n\"I have something in mind... Though..\" \n\n*He trailed off, seeming reluctant to even think about what he was going to say. Whatever it was, it'd be a last resort.*" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "\"I suppose kill us.\"\n\nShe says it quite calmly and almost detached, like she was talking about someone else, or a situation that did not involve the end of her life. \"If we're monsters and a threat to others, then logically, you remove the threat. Like a beast or a disease.\"\n\nWell, that was blunt. And a damper." } ]

[ { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox didn't say anything. Instead looking to the Kitsune when Psyche speaks up. IF there was anyone who would need to say anything for this situation it was them.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa looked back at Psyche, shaking his head, he wasn't able to bring himself to speak at first. No, not that. He would try other options before making that decision. After all, **It wasn't his to make**. While he still tried to find the words, he looked up, noticing the scenery had changed. Soon they would come upon a building, and Ishikawa gently took the reigns, stopping. He hopped off, murmuring quietly to his horse as he began to walk.* \n\"Stay.\" \n\n*Clearly, they had made it to their destination. Ishikawa knocked softly on the door, sighing. Who could be knocking in the middle of the night?*" }, { "author": "Ellaine Lockhart", "message": "*The door was large and the path was clear and paved with cobblestone with only a light dusting of snow that covered the smooth rock, each step that was taken by the horse made a clacking noise while the footwear made the sound one would expect. Ellaine who's room was near the entrance of the orphanage had actually already heard the small group a ways away once they began nearing, her senses usually keeping her awake when a patient or someone needed helping. If anyone was to actually look up they would see a woman with blond hair and a simple night gown was watching...? As Ishikawa knocked at the large door Ellaine would quickly rush down towards and open it with a large key, pulling it inwards to fully reveal a short statured woman who's skin was pale and fair, that kept her eyes closed at all times. Softly the woman spoke as if trying not to make too much noise that will rouse the resting.*\n\n\"U-Umm... Hello?\" *Huh this wasn't the guest she was expecting...*" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "The Oni tilts her head hearing the knocking and frowns. Her 'eyes' return, scuffling to get back into their places as she grimaces, closing her eyes. By the time they, and she, have settled in she looks tired again, quietly climbing off the back of the horse and looking at the building. She starts counting the windows quietly, lips moving without making much sound as she scans the front and what she can of the sides of the building. The woman's voice barely draws her attention from her activity." }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox kept to his role in guard duty here. The armed Canifor staying just a bit down the smooth stone path to keep an eye out for anyone who may have been following them. The new voice caused his ears to perk, one ear swiveling to keep track of the conversation.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa looked at Ellaine, and then back to Psyche, motioning to the woman to step off of his horse. Not taking his eyes off of Psyche, he would softly murmur to Ellaine.* \n\n\"I'm aware I've returned rather quickly... I'm fine, don't think I managed to grievously injure myself again in such a short amount of time...\" \n\n*He smiled and laughed slightly, but it was pained, as if he was thinking of something he'd rather not. His voice dropped even further, the Kitsune frowning,* \n\n\"I've found a woman... She... There's-\" \n*He paused, taking a moment to figure out how to word what he was going to say,* \n\"She's afflicted with some sort of parasite... It's...\" \n*His voice dropped again to barely a whisper, and he turned to look back at Ellaine. She couldn't see his face, but the deep concern in his voice was enough,* \n\"It's ***Growing*** Out of her.\"" } ]

[ { "author": "plague0886", "message": "\"A... Parasite? G-Growing out of her!?\" *Ellaine seemed slightly alarmed, her facial expressions scrunching in confusion and worry. The healer stepped forward, with the step she activated her Empath's Eyes that allowed her to see people and their emotions. A blue glow emitted from under her eyelids and when she opened them up spectral orbs were under them colored light blue and slightly translucent, one was able to see that behind them were but empty sockets of nothingness.* \"Who is this woman? May you people elaborate on this... Parasite of hers? When did the affliction start? What kind of affliction is it? Describe the growth. I need to know if this is something within my capabilities of expelling or not\" \n\n*She quickly dropped her whisper, her voice starting to take this occurrence more seriously as perhaps this could be something dangerous and lethal. Or even something mystical rather than a simple affliction. After taking the step forward she quickly turned back, opening the doors wider and letting the people with a hand motion before starting to head over towards a larger space where they can all discuss freely rather than in the streets.*" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "The Oni tilts her head a bit, forehead resting on the horse's side as she listens and hears the voices drop in volume. Closing her eyes she relaxes there momentarily until she hears the woman speaking. Pushing slightly from the side of the horse she steps into view, watching the woman and Ishikawa quietly.\n\nHer form is primarily compounded in shades of brown and white, as she cycles her way between the two steadily; The unexpected disrupting her usual low hum of the day. Contrary to the mass of herself however, the parasite radiates edges of black from the back of her shoulder, blending smoothly into the other colors. \n\nShe shifts her eyes between each of the actors around herself, keeping an eye on them before she begins to follow slowly, chewing on her thumb." }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Mox's ears were sharp enough to pick up the conversation. Causing him to sigh inward at the panic in the girls voice. Remaining calm and distances was his best choice at the moment. Far less if a headache in the long run when an outcome.*\n\n*Reading his emotions would be simple. The Cross fox canifor's stance, the twitch of his tail, and the way his ears moved could tell just as easily as the colors he was annoyed and anxiety which lessened just a little bit when they were ushered inside. Taking the time to rest his halberd near the doors frame when finally allowed in.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*Ishikawa was clearly concerned, though, there was something deeper hidden within his emotions. It was hard to read, but it almost seemed like fear... Or anger. Or both. His form was a melancholic blue, with a dark core in the middle. He nodded as she questioned him, still keeping his voice low. He was able to stay outwardly calm, at least.* \n\n\"She's told me her name is Psyche, though we just met... She seemed sickly when I first ran into her, wasn't sure what, but she asked me to take a look after some conversation...\" \n\n*Though Ellaines opinion of him was likely negative given the first conversation they'd ever had, it was clear that Ishikawa kept to his word when he said he wished to help people, he barely even knew this woman.. Ishikawa shrugged when asked when it started, murmuring,* \n\n\"A couple of years ago perhaps, she isn't exactly 'all there' in the mind, and didn't give a clear answer when asked. As for what it is, it appears to be..\" \n\n*He sighed quietly, looking off the side, out into the woods, at the horizon that was far, far away. It was hard for him to describe, hard to say, even.* \n\n\"It appears to be a face growing out of her back. At the moment, it seems to be more in control than she is... It also... Speaks. It spoke with me. I don't believe it to be dangerous, it's more child-like than anything else, but... She seems like she's in pain.\" \n\n*Ishikawa would glance back at Psyche, unable to hide the worry he held for her anymore, but at the same time, he would attempt to keep a warm expression towards her, offering her his hand as he started to walk inside with Ellaine.*" } ]

[ { "author": "Ellaine Lockhart", "message": "*Her face contorted even more so as she heard of the parasite's description and her spine shivered. A parasite that is a face and that grows and even speaks separate from the main person. It was terrifying to hear, quickly they were led to a dark room that was only lit by the moonlight coming through from the windows. \n\nIt was hard to see any shaped for the others put Ellaine confidently sat down on a strange grey shape before offering everyone else a seat. There seemed to be another shape on the opposite side of them. She would begin to analyze the woman named Psyche who she would gather was the one with the very inconsistent colors with the black hue on the shoulder like the one that the man described to her. White and Brown weren't colors that were normally able to mix... It was strange how was one both in a state of being calm and stressed at the same time? She thought to herself before looking over to Ishikawa that had a slightly expected yet still saddening color. It seemed like he was the brains of the operation so she would talk to him* \n\n\"Aside from the face formed on her back is there anywhere else that the parasite has formed in? Perhaps we could take out the main large core of it, heal the wound and then try to Purge Disease any residual parts if it's simply one large mass that has attached itself onto the woman's back.\" *She would towards Psyche then towards Ishikawa yet give a side glance towards the other figure in the room. Why were they there? Why have they not said anything? What was their purpose being in the room?* \"I doubt that it's not dangerous Sir if she seems like she's in pain. If it seems to be more in control of the body than she is I worry that this parasite has been feeding off of her for far too long...\" *A part of her immediately wanted to rip that face out of the woman but she still needed more information about this strange and unheard of parasite*" }, { "author": "Psyche Yorecaster", "message": "The Oni walks slowly, pale eyes staring in the darkness as they try and pick up excess light to understand where they are. She didn't sit down, head instead turning towards the window as she lets out a long, soft breath. As Ellaine speaks to Ishikawa she turns to look at Mox.\n\n\"Do you think they've made their decision?\" As if her these events were happening outside of herself, or she were not involved in them somehow. Traveling has given her skin a fresh sheen of sweat from the moving. \"We're not sure what to think of this. What's going on?\"\n\nHer shoulder remains black and begins to tinge with shades of sadness." }, { "author": "shatterdcoyote", "message": "*Why was Mox still here. The Canifor kept asking himself that as they walked through the dark hall. The moonlight giving him enough light to see clearly in the room as they step inside. Elaine's inspection of Mox would yield the fact he wore armor under his cloak with a short sword at his belt, maybe hired security? Her looking his way would produce a spectrum of colors as he notices the empty sockets of nothingness where her eyes should be. Taking a second to compose himself after that sight.*\n\n*While he tried to keep his nose out of this, he really did, but he couldn't help but overhear the conversation. One ear twitching when Psyche asks if they have made a decision.* \"They are going to try helping you but javent decided on what actions to take to help.\" *He answers loud enough the others could hear him.*" }, { "author": "nikstarling", "message": "*As Ishikawa continued to speak with Ellaine, his shade turned to a darker shade of blue, as if he was starting to have second thoughts. While it was a parasite, it was still a sentient being, and it was ultimately childlike at that. Why was he suddenly so conflicted? Was it because he spoke with it? Did he feel some sort of pity for this creature? He had always had more empathy for things labelled as 'monsters' than he had for people, though he told himself everything he did was to protect other people. He was shaken from his thoughts by Ellaine, looking to her. Psyche and Mox could see he was clearly starting to have second thoughts, though this was his initiative to begin with... His ears perked up, and he looked at Ellaine, an uncertain look on his face,* \n\n\"I'm not sure... There are several... Eyes. As well.\" \n\n*Ishikawa stopped for a moment, looking at the ground. He tilted his head, taking a glance at Psyches back.* \n\n\"Do you think...\" \n*He murmured, the dark core of Ishikawas emotions growing a bit,* \n\"Do you think it'd survive?\" \n\n*Ishikawa tuned the rest of it out, struggling with his own thoughts for the current time. The Parasite no doubt would notice this.*" } ]

[ { "author": "Amos", "message": "Want to know what can completely disrupt your life? Besides siblings at least. Being randomly threatened by an unhinged canifor delusional enough to think they have something on you. That had been a *Real treat*. Running into the odd elf in the pig mask had briefly brought up the background concern again, but they'd had... Well, little interest in him aside from some good natured fun. \n\nStill it was a strong enough reminder that Amos had, in short order, left his home in the Silnarian Empire and shifted out to Salvainia. ...Just for a short while at least. Just long enough to get his bearings and get the hell out of such a large city like Ulnoor at least. It was amazing just how much calmer you could feel without the constant din of people and the walls all around you. \n\nHe'd stopped to rest in a nearby town. Had to change clothes. Had to wash. Had to restock on the basic necessities like food... But he couldn't quite bring himself to check himself in for the night anywhere. This lead to where he was now, slowly heading towards the outsides of the small town and debating resting, or just pressing onward. Choices." }, { "author": "Adrian Siren", "message": "After his interaction with Ishikawa, The Drama had very quickly left for his home in Gerong. However, as the sun rose, the skin on the back of his neck began to tingle. Ah, that's right, just yesterday he had walked all the way to Ishikawa's cabin, and him and his neck were not in good standing. The sunlight it received was less than pleasing, and while there was no visible burning, it was very sensitive and would feel far more hot to the touch than the rest of his body. Much to his dismay, he would have to stop in a nearby town and stay for the day, then make the rest of his trip back home by night.\n\nNo matter, he thought, he needed a break from work. For the day, he merely spent it where he normally spends his days not at work: spying on the common folk and sleeping. He couldn't do it how he would before, as a small town like this didn't mask his shenanigans as well as the bustling city, but where he found a good hiding spot that also had good shade he would sit there for hours, and watch and watch to his heart's content. The most standout thing he saw all day was two little boys getting into a fight over who had the bigger toy wagon: one said his was longer, but the other said his was taller. Ultimately, they got distracted by a large dog that ran by, and completely dropped the argument and started talking about how cool the dogs were. He was somewhat sad about this, as he was curious as to whose wagon they would conclude was truly bigger. Oh well.\n\nAfter all this, the sun finally began to set, and he crawled out from under the porch of an old elf lady who had been on her porch humming sweet tunes for most of the day. She had finally retreated back into her house after her partner peaked out of the house and called her in for dinner. Thankfully, the Drama was able to hide without getting dirty, a miracle that surely only he could pull off. At this, he finally set off for his trip back home, when, in the distance, he spotted another traveler. Normally this wouldn't catch his eye, but this traveler was different. Oni always turned his head, as he wasn't incredibly used to seeing them, but this time his head turned for another reason. He knew almost immediately that he wasn't looking at an Oni, but he wasn't quite sure what he *Was* Looking at. Whatever it was, he *Had* To know more. The night had ample time to allow him to do this *And* Get home, so he decided he would sneak up on this curious amalgam and witness his behavior." }, { "author": "Amos", "message": "Certainly Oni *Like*. There were horns of a sort. Their skin was also pale, but it was also red at the hands. Whether the redness extended past his wrists was anyone's guess; He wore long sleeves that went a bit down his hands. About there was where similarities ended however. He's too lean to look much like an Oni, and his coloring is all messed up. One could conclude poor breeding. Or selective? Or an odd lottery draw or... Well, cosmetic even. Plenty of ideas there.\n\nAmos exhales, cheap bag slung over his shoulder as he walks. At least the bag matches his overall appearance; Clothes selected specifically to blend in with a working class crowd, even if everything else stood out loudly against it all. He opts, finally, to find somewhere to sleep just outside of town perhaps. He can't quite stomach the idea of staying indoors again for a night, and if he's honest about it, isn't willing to too closely examine his whys and why fors of it. \n\nThen he might have to do some self reflecting and that just isn't in the cards tonight.\n\nThe walk in the dark is a bit longer than he'd like but at least no one's bothered him yet. Once he's settled into the idea of a night outside he smiles and hums some tuneless melody of sorts. Never was that great at stringing together songs, though ones he knew he'd worn out years ago." }, { "author": "Adrian Siren", "message": "The Drama observed Amos with utmost scrutiny. Every detail he could take in was taken in. He began to paint a picture in his mind of what might have happened to the creature before him, whether he be a pale Oni with a set of gross disfigurements, an elf who was cursed by some sort of witch, or something more sinister and macabre, the Drama had a little narrative play out in his head. This narrative was riddled with gaps, though, and he wasn't even sure which one -if any- was true. He hummed quietly, so much so that his silence would basically make it all but null. How strange, how strange indeed.\n\nWho was this man? Where was he from? What was he actually? There was almost no way the man was born like this, the pieces that stood out looked almost grafted on to him, like an apple tree that suddenly becomes a cherry tree part of the way through. If so, how did he come to be like this? The Drama wasn't sure, but he assumed that maybe -just maybe, if he got a closer look- maybe he could figure out what happened, or at least get a better clue." }, { "author": "Amos", "message": "Turns out ignorance is bliss, especially when one is being followed in the night. It's a nice night though and he settles into a reasonably comfortable pace as he makes his way outside of the town. He has a nagging feeling in his gut that he's being followed, but isn't really sure if it's just himself, or something real. After all why would *Someone else* Be following him outside of Ulnoor? Or Silnaria in general? He opts to ignore it for the moment. It's probably just his own mind playing tricks.\n\nOnce outside, that tension he continued to carry and not acknowledge finally dissipates. He lets out a breath he hadn't accepted he was holding and lets his shoulders loosen, standing still a moment before continuing. It's quite a short walk from here; Off the path, into a field of grass tall enough for him to find some reasonable amount of cover and privacy. Somewhere he can lay down and not be easily seen, though the crushed grass would probably make an awkward patch from a distance.\n\nIt's about time to sleep, and he makes short work of setting up his own little patch to sleep in. All he really needs is his bag and the cloak to rest with. No weapons it seems oddly enough, but maybe he's just an 'Oni' that doesn't think it necessary." } ]

[ { "author": "Adrian Siren", "message": "The Drama continued to watch Amos, closing in silently to get closer and closer looks on the creature set before him. Maybe, he thought, he was a poor mix between a red and pale Oni. His odd mix-matching of skin tones and the strange presence of spiny red horns on such a starkly white background could easily be explained away by that. Still, it wouldn't explain his slender, almost Silnarian frame. He had seen starving Oni before, and none of them looked quite as thin as Amos. Oh, and now that he was closer he could smell something too...\n\nNow, he was never particularly good at this, identifying folks by their smell. It was a skill he was trying to pick up, as it was somewhat useful, but not one he was hard pressed to hone, as it was rather niche. However, the scent he picked up was... Mixed. It was primarily elf, which he found odd, then a mixture of various other more muddied smells, like Oni and Oriate... Elf. That word rang in his mind. Of course, he thought. Normally, he'd like to write off that a man as handsome as Amos had simply gotten his clothes covered in the pheromones of an elf he wooed, but the scent was so overpowering that there was no way that was the case. Things got more and more interesting by the second, and he thought back to his grafting example.\n\n*...Like an apple tree that suddenly becomes a cherry tree part of the way through,* Did this have any merit? After all, he was shaped like an elf, he had the natural beauty of an elf, and he smelled very strongly of elf. However, the features that made him first think that he might be an Oni almost seemed out of place, as if they were a genetic afterthought. He stifled a chuckle. How how interesting this was.\n\nWhat slipped his mind, though, is, perhaps, maybe the Drama had gotten too close." }, { "author": "binaryprime", "message": "The Drama around other pcs: Bumbling fucking idiot" }, { "author": "Amos", "message": "A few things may have worked to force The Drama to move in closer. For one, Amos laying down in the tall grass made it a bit trickier to get a good view of the odd amalgamation of... Whatever he seems to be. Another issue was his scent, somewhat cleaned up by the wash he'd taken not long ago, but still muddled by the earth, grass and his own clothes that held the distant scent of a flower and the local folks that he had interacted with. Not near as strong as his own, but there underneath everything. Other features could help confirm The Drama's theory; The pale hair was a rather prominent feature shared by High Elves in particular.\n\nResting under the traveling cloak, he couldn't shake the subtle alarm that made him even his breathing and count his heartbeats that came too fast. His skin felt prickly and his fingers, and even toes ached. Laying on his side he felt his nails grow hidden under the cloak even as he kept his face relaxed. If someone was going to attack him where he lay, then there wasn't much of a point in showing his cards so readily, now was there?\n\nInhaling softly he focuses on his hearing and picks up the soft, furtive footsteps and the hiss of grass moving. Divorcing himself from the deep seated stress he was beginning to feel, Amos waits patiently until he feels the sounds have grown close enough that, if he sat up, he would see who it was. Then? Well, then he treats it the same way he did the stalker in the city.\n\nAmos sits up, keeping the clawed hand hidden and raising his normal one to rub his head, then looks at The Drama and blinks. Well he ought not be surprised, and this one did not in fact have a pig mask on. \"I don't remember ordering room service,\" He quips, tone light and smirking as he falls back on the best defense he has." } ]

[ { "author": "Adrian Siren", "message": "The Drama didn't realize that Amos noticed him, nor that he was really as close to the \"Elf\" As he was, until the \"Elf\" Sat up. Yes, now that he was this close he decided elf was appropriate now. The Drama didn't panic, nor did he make any sudden movements. In fact, he froze completely and stared at Amos with his smiling mask. Behind this mask was actually a face so quizzical and eyes so piercing one would think he was trying to count the scars on their soul. Amos, however, would only see his piercing eyes, if anything at all.\n\nWith Amos's quip he realized he was safe enough, and let his frame relax some. As he relaxed, he allowed himself to chuckle at the passing comment. He switched from a position of crawling to one of squatting. After all, he went through all this trouble to keep his suit clean and dry, if he put any part of it against the wet, muddy ground all two days of his hard work would have neen nullified. He folded his hands in front of his face and rest his elbows on his knees leaning forward some.\n\n\"And I can't seem to recall ordering fusion cuisine; However, we both sit here, dumbfounded by our discoveries.\" He retorted Amos's quip with one of his own, and punctuated it with a sly chuckle." }, { "author": "Amos", "message": "He watched the masked man stare at him, up until the comment he made and then watched his frame relax. He tried, but wasn't quite able to follow suit yet. There was just something unsettling about having to confront someone crawling through the grass to your resting place, and only decent hearing had helped him keep track of him. He kept smiling despite his unease, keeping his hand at his side below the cloak with the nails extended. Better safe than sorry.\n\nHe did not lean back at The Drama leaned in, commenting on 'fusion cuisine' and raising his brows and smirking. \"If that's some sort of pick up line, I'd rate it subpar at best. Besides, who am I to judge whatever it was my mother enjoyed?\" Shrugging lightly. \"Seems rude to judge the elders, doesn't it?\" Though he didn't sound at all offended, more like some odd joke at perhaps his mother's expense. Letting out a breath he added, \"But if you are here to drag me home by my ear, or back to anywhere I've been before, let me get some rest first. It takes a lot of energy to try and harass people into early graves.\"\n\nReally, all he had sometimes was sass and that definitely showed. He paused briefly however, commenting, \"Second person this week I've seen with a mask on. Curious, isn't it?\"" }, { "author": "Adrian Siren", "message": "The Drama listened to Amos, and chuckled some at the crude joke. After his chuckle, he mused in return to Amos, \"It would be rude if there was judgment. My actions and words stem from morbid curiosity.\" He punctuated this duo of sentences with another chuckle.\n\nThen, his posture changed to one of surprise. Another mask wearer? Perhaps he had made the mask... He knew, though, it wasn't him. After all, he'd never seen Amos before. Truly, it was curious.\n\n\"I assure you there is no connection. I have been rather occupied this week, and I assure you this is my first time laying eyes upon you.\" The Drama narrowed his eyes and his posture returned to a quizzical, peering one.\n\n\"What is your name?\"" }, { "author": "Amos", "message": "\"Well, plenty of that going around,\" He said with a sigh and shrug. \"Though judge all you want, gods know I do.\" He leaned back slightly, resting his weight on his unclawed and exposed hand as he raises his brows. \"Come sneaking up on odd looking, horned folks often do you? Or do I just attract that sort of attention? Goodness knows the last masked fellow had to have followed me halfway across the city before I turned around and got to know them.\"\n\nThe posture change was at least welcoming. So he didn't know Mr. Piggy. Good to know really, and somewhat of a relief that perhaps his own concerns were just a healthy sense of paranoia. It'd been a bit uncanny to get followed around somewhat secretly by *Two* Masked individuals, so maybe he would just have to assume he attracted that sort of attention.\n\nYep. Masked, sneaky folks. Could be worse.\n\n\"I suppose I'll have to take your word for it.\" He says before pausing, brows raised briefly at the question. \"I'll trade you a name for a name if you want. Amos has worked long enough and I don't think I'm going to be varying from it anytime soon. So Amos. What about yourself?\"" }, { "author": "Adrian Siren", "message": "\"Amos. My name is...\" The Drama thought. In all the years Adrian has been playing his character he had never settled on a name. Some of his merchants he bought from new him as \"Raphael\", some strangers whom he happened to strike conversation with knew him as \"Norman\" Or \"Tyler\", but he had never truly identified with those names. They were masks on top of what he already wore, curtains draped in front of himself to hide his true self. He had never actually named himself though. Those who called him these fake names were often people who didn't know him close enough to deserve to call him by a true name. All of this he thought in an instant, though, as there was only a brief pause between the Drama's first utterance and his next.\n\n\"...Johnathan. You may call me John.\" He lied, his lie perfect and entirely opaque.\n\n\"You must excuse me, I do not talk to many people, and I do not get called by my name often. I tend to forget it until it's brought up.\" He lied again, right through his teeth. He punctuated what he thought to be a humorous statement with a few short chuckles. \n\n\"Now, your comment about your mother—what was it? Ah, yes, it was in response to my quip about fusion cuisine—you spoke of your mother's tastes.\" The Drama smirked slyly underneath his mask and continued to speak.\n\n\"That comment is confusing to me. Amos, I don't believe you to be a product of interbreeding—far from it, actually; From this distance and after having looked at you for so long you almost certainly have the features of a purebred high elf.\" The Drama punctuated this with another series of chuckles before hitting the nail he's been setting on the head:\n\n\"Tell me, Amos: what *Are* You?\"" }, { "author": "Amos", "message": "The pause was there and he, briefly, felt an urge to ask but let it pass. If he was lying as well and he pushed for honesty, well, then he just opened himself up for push back about his own lies. Better to let it lie than grasp at straws really. \"John then. It's a pleasure to meet you, John.\" Then he smirked at the comment, head tilting. \"You mean you crawl up through tall grass to others for conversation? Well now I don't feel nearly as special. Shame.\" With a mock tone of resignation but as the tension drained out of things, he finally let the claws retract into his hand. Once they were settled into place, he finally withdraws his hands from beneath the cloak.\n\nSee? Nothing to worry about, no weapons here.\n\n\"My mother, yes, don't know what she got around to but she sired three of us and apparently I was the odd one out,\" He said which was both true and untrue. He was the middle child between a younger and elder sibling, and that had been hell, but... Well, he earned most of it. \"Oh, is it?\" He said, brows raised and then laughing quietly as if the comment on what he looks like are somehow funny as The Drama pretty well nails what he is. In a way it was; One other person had asked him so bluntly what he was and he rather missed them.\n\nStill, no reason to let it go yet.\n\n\"Well, you said you think I look like a High Elf. I suppose that works if it isn't going to get me drawn and quartered by you. I've been an Oni and plenty of other things as well. They all work really. I don't have many ties to any of them anymore.\"" } ]

[ { "author": "Adrian Siren", "message": "The Drama chuckled quietly as Amos spoke; his reactions, his words, everything about this particular interaction was amusing, very amusing. Yes, the Drama may have been backed into a corner if he wasn't a good writer, maybe if he wasn't as good an actor as he was, maybe if he didn't lead as interesting a life as he did, maybe, just maybe the Drama might be in trouble. Thankfully, though, the Drama had many lies to tell, as this moment was one he prepared for. \n\n\"You caught me. If, and only if I die one day, it will ultimately be the fault of my undying curiosity. If I must confess, it's truly the reason I was sneaking up on you in the first place. Just looking at you—you fascinate me. It's nice to know you feel the same.\" The Drama nodded, as he fully agreed with Amos's sentiments. In fact, his writer brain had been reeling at the thought of Amos monologuing from the very beginning. Though, at first, he was prepared to ignore it, now he had the perfect opportunity to lay his weary mind to rest.\n\n\"It is, very much so. I don't believe I'd be able to live with myself as a writer if I made you talk as if you were some tavernkeep from a poorly written novel, so I simply must accept your offer.\" The Drama nodded, and quietly wondered which lie to tell. Would he tell a story of a bartender who worked under a former crook, and has slowly been becoming close friends with her? Would he tell of a once famous warrior who went into hiding to find himself, only to come back as a simple, hard-working man who wore eccentric, self-expressive clothing? Or, perhaps, would he..\n\n\"I shall start the trade with a snippet of my story, then we shall go from there. That seems fair, wouldn't you agree?\" The Drama chuckled some, and went along right after his rhetorical question. As he spoke and chuckled, he unbuttoned the lowest buttons on his suit, before pulling it open to reveal his belly.\n\n\"I'll tell you of how I acquired this scar.\" He pointed to the gnarly, crooked scar that entered his belly right below the left of his ribcage and seemed to drag down and to the right until it abruptly stopped- as if whoever made the scar was in a rush. Truly, the story behind the scar itself wasn't interesting. The Drama, however, intended to lie." }, { "author": "Amos", "message": "It seemed this whole charade was going well, though it had last time as well so why wouldn't it this time as well? Still he kept up on it, using the one thing he'd been able to keep in his time away from everything to play at this game; Words and wit. He supposed, off and on, that he may have been quite a good bard if he put his mind to it, but he wasn't sure he could tolerate the attention. So onward he goes as John speaks.\n\n\"Fascinate you?\" He chuckles, shaking his head. \"It seems an odd or 'exotic' appearance does that to folks, doesn't it?\" He sits, cross legged now with little mind to if his clothes become dirty. A little bit of dirt hadn't killed him yet and he doubted it would anytime soon. \"I suppose so long as you don't try and stick me in some gilded cage to gawk at however, that's fine enough.\" And if he did then he'd have to put up with a hundred years of his sass too.\n\n\"As a writer? You write?\" He asked, brows raised. Really it'd been some time since he had been able to *Read* Anything, and he briefly wondered if he would even recall it without a few minutes to become familiar with the pastime. \"Either way I'd hope not. There isn't an acceptable vintage anywhere near here to make a bit of droning on tolerable. Still, a trade for a trade is fine. Once you finish, I'll share a bit of mine, and we'll continue on from there. Trading back and forth if you will; Keeps things fair, I'd agree.\"\n\nHe paused as John undid the lower buttons on his shirt, waiting patiently, then tilted his head. Scars tended to be fascinating things to him. All he had to show for his time locked away were the worn, smooth rings on his limbs, and he kept those well and truly covered. \"Alright. Then I'll tell you how I came to acquire these horns.\" \n\nThough similarly, he did intend to color the story with lies. Some truth helped keep the yarn together of course, but no reason to spill your sad life story to a stranger." }, { "author": "Adrian Siren", "message": "Truly, the Drama was already beginning to enjoy talking with Amos. He hadn't felt this enthralled having an actual conversation with another person in a long time. As Amos spoke, the Drama felt like he was understood, even though the elf didn't really understand the Drama's true feelings. The Drama believed that if Amos *Did* Know the truth of the Drama, Amos would understand, and he felt comfortable with that... No matter, though. That wasn't for this time, as the Drama was still skeptical of other people. He didn't really *Want* To reveal his secrets. So, he began his lie.\n\n\"Yes, I write. I only publish under pseudonyms, but I write. Now, I believe it was an autumn day when I was roughly sixteen years old,\" He started in truths, \"I much enjoyed roaming near the bases of the forests near my hometown, and would often get myself lost in them.\" Then he immediately broke down into lies.\n\n\"If I recall correctly, I had someone whom I called a friend at the time in the woods with me, and we were foraging for berries to bring home to her mother for a pie. It was about noon, maybe a little past that, I remember that well, as I recall specifically looking up into the sky after my friend asked me the time.\" After he finished this sentence he smirked invisibly and chuckled some.\n\n\"I do believe that sets the scene quite well, and would be a nice place to leave off for you to speak, no?\"" }, { "author": "Amos", "message": "He had some odd feeling in the back of his head, underneath his well learned behaviors, that... Well, this odd fellow didn't really mean him harm. Whilst the pig headed man had played along with him it'd felt plenty like a competition or a formal event; No one laid their cards on the table, just smiled, nodded and continued with the motions of a back and forth. Some of that was certainly here. Some of this was also a real interaction. It was odd, but not unenjoyable. So as John began to lie, he listened, head tilted.\n\n\"You'll have to tell me what pen names you use. Gods knows it's been quite a while since I last read a book, though books are something of a luxury when you travel,\" He commented before taking in the scene John set for his tale. It had some weighty detail to it, and he took it in, listening for odds and ends to collect and weave up into the tale. The probables, inprobables and outright lies. When he finished speaking, his mouth tips and he nods. \"Sets the scene quite well, yes, I suppose then it is my turn,\" He concedes before exhaling and looking up. Playing into the earlier, playful lie of his memory of the incident being poor he takes his time as if reaching deep for some distant gleam of remembrance.\n\n\"Well, as I said, I have two siblings. I am the middle child between an elder sister and little brother. We've always had something of a rivalry going to see who can one up the other in various ways, I suppose. Our parents felt it was good for us; Like it would help us grow as people,\" Amos said, adding his own truths here and there amongst the lying. \"This of course led to some interesting attempts to humiliate one another, either in private or public. Of course once *One* Of us got one over on the other, we would always have to up the stakes. It was only fair.\"\n\nAll in all the truth, except for how *Badly* That rivalry and one upsmanship went. But no need to dwell on that.\n\n\"I think I managed to ah, get my brother to miss some important party or another, and used his absence to my advantage. Like I said, it's quite a long time ago, but he was constantly one for trying to look good in front of others. I suppose I should have known that he would try something after that but, well, pride before the fall?\" He smirked, voice light and amused before giving a nod. \"And back to you, sir.\"" } ]

[ { "author": "Adrian Siren", "message": "\"Uuuhuhu! What a hook!\" The Drama was truly entertained. So much so that he clapped some. It was less applause, and more an expression of excitement. As he released his final clap, he clasped his hands together, and prepared the next portion of his lie.\n\n\"Thank you, I will take this baton and run with it, uhuhu.\" The Drama nodded.\n\n\"Yes, we were in the woods at the time. I remember how crisp the air was, it was very wonderful weather. If I may drop a slight opinion,\" He started a truth, trying to make sure his story wasn't only a story, \"I find Autumn to be the most pleasing season. I know that this may seem... Irrational, but it has the most quiet *Vibe* Out of the four seasons. It's easily the most peaceful, and I find that peace calming in the eventful life I lead.\" He chuckled.\n\n\"Back to the story, I believe we were in the midst of picking our berries when in the depths of the woods we heard a voice cry out to us. Now, we had never been told stories or warnings of the terrible creatures of the wood, so, being young and naive, we followed it. Deeper and deeper into the woods we went—I lost track of time. She as well, I believe. What was most troubling about that is that, though we didn't notice until it was too late, we ventured into woods so thick the only light was that of bioluminescent critters and plants. So, when we finally got tired of running and tried to look at the sky, we realized that we were not only lost, but we didn't know what time it was...\" The Drama told his story.\n\n\"Then, we heard a giggle followed shortly by growling.\" The Drama's eyes widened behind his mask as he said this to emphasize his point. Then, his face came to a rest and went back to a smile as he parroted Amos's \"Back to you, sir.\" With mild, teasing sarcasm." }, { "author": "Amos", "message": "There was some amusement, and certainly appreciation, for the antics even if he suspected John was simply humoring him. A little effort was nice either way. He quietly folded the traveling cloak, setting it on his lap as he was not going to get sleep anytime soon as it were, and listened as the man took off with his own half of the story. \n\n\"Autumn, eh? I'll let you know how I feel about it next time we have it. It's been almost a year and my memory is just *So* Faulty,\" He said, both a lie and a truth though which was which... Who knows really. \"So far I've enjoyed Winter. It's cold and bitter, but nothing can hide its tracks, and everything looks serene and white once you get further out from others. Everything is muffled and quiet as well. Quite nice, I suppose, if you're feeling over stimulated.\"\n\nListening, Amos paid John his full attention in increments as his attention and focus on the world narrowed onto the story. He was quite sure they were both telling tall tales with a grain of truth in them, but whether that be in the big or little details he wasn't sure. Then again, it didn't really matter either did it? This whole ordeal was one campfire short of being a splendid time. Shame that. And shame on John for ending on a cliffhanger, though his scowl was visibly faked. He did however return the clap, chuckling, \"Shame on you, and that stopping point, but leave them wanting for more I suppose?\"\n\nHe paused before speaking again, \"Somehow this reminds me of a book I read as a child, before I was told off for reading such fanciful things. I used to smuggle a book into my room and hide it between the wall and a wardrobe on nights I knew the moon would be full. Then I could drag it out under the window and read it. It had a, ah... A sort of creature in it that mimicked voices of recently dead, but it had no form unless it chose one. Just this oily, lightless light that of course chase you to drag you to death with it. A... Duppy. I think it was a duppy.\" He exhaled, \"Or I'm thinking of another story entirely.\"\n\nHe closed his eyes, thinking a moment before speaking, \"My brother was sore of course. He'd been wanting to prove himself to a nobleman and lost the chance. Worse, *I* Had taken it and made it my own. I had certainly gotten under his skin with that one, and perhaps fairly, he had made his own plans. Rather than his usual antics however of sulking, throwing things and aggression, he suggested a party to celebrate cementing common ground between the Noble and our family. A shared victory, if you will. I remember wanting to remind him that it was *My* Victory, not *Ours*, but I wasn't quite that petty at the time. Not *Yet*.\"\n\nHalf truths. Half lies. And as Amos transitioned into speaking only lies, he half mirrored John's own actions either intentionally or subconsciously. Maybe both for the pure theatrics of it. \"So of course we get our feast together and our drink and we have a hardy round of patting ourselves on the back for no good godsdamned reason at all. We all drank, of course, but looking back on it, I must have had something else in my cup. Much of the night dissolved into a blur...\" He paused a long, long moment as if he might continue, just to smile. \"Back to you, sir.\"" }, { "author": "Adrian Siren", "message": "The Drama chuckled quietly as Amos spoke. Something told him he was being lied to just as much as he was lying. No matter, he intended to keep tabs on Amos. He would find out the real reason later on. For now, though, he decided to accept Amos's story. As much as the cliffhanger irked him, he found it amusing, both the cliffhanger itself and the story. He was hooked in the lie, just as much as Amos. \n\n\"I suppose it is my turn. I believe we are both going to end it here, so I will spoil it for you some, this is the part where I get my scar.\" The Drama chuckled and went along with his story.\n\n\"Soon after we heard the sounds, we began to panic. We tried to turn back to where we came from, but we had lost it, and began running in a completely wrong direction. At some point, we got tired of running again, and had to stop. Then, we heard the giggling and growling once more, so we bolted off again, in yet another direction. Eventually, we were both exhausted, and stopped once more. Once more, we heard the growls and giggles, only this time, I felt something burning hot in my side.\" The Drama touched the part of his stomach that was scarred.\n\n\"My friend, with her knife, stabbed me right here. I didn't know she had a knife, and I never learned why, but she stabbed me in the stomach, then took off. Of course, I collapsed to the ground in fear and accepted that death was to come. However, I was sorely mistaken. Whatever had been chasing us for so long pitied me, for as the giggling and growling closed in on me, the growling passed me and the giggling stopped on top of me. I didn't open my eyes out of pure fear, but I felt the pain in my side slowly subside. Then, only after the source of the giggling had left, I opened my eyes and looked around. I was at the mouth of the forest, and my wound had healed into little more than a scab. I returned home, and never saw or heard from my \"Friend\" Ever again... Nor did I ever return to those woods. Huhu...\" The Drama knew his story was far fetched, but he had no reason to be true. Amos was just as bad a liar as he, and, at this point, both of them seemed to only intend to entertain the other, rather than speak in full truths or even half truths. After all, reality was often disappointing." } ]

[ { "author": "Amos", "message": "Listening closely to the story as John continued on with it, Amos realized the reason why he felt so comfortable was because there was no competition here. Nothing seemed to be at stake, and the interactions were cordial. After the canifor and city, it was a bit of fresh air to just be able to... Well, bullshit with someone and not be at risk for something going the wrong way. Thank the gods.\n\n\"Well, I suppose when you're done, I'll do the same,\" He said with a nod and smirk. As John went along with his story, he decided to fill in a few of the gaps, speaking briefly, \"If she was worried that you were being hunted, then leaving someone weak and injured behind would conceivably give her a better chance at escape. Assuming of course that the mind behind the stalker isn't as sharp as your own.\" Before making a brief 'Continue' motion. It was a fun story, and really you didn't *Need* To explain everything, now did you? Stories without a hand holding outline tended to be best anyway. \n\nAs John finished he thought and nodded, chuckling, \"Seems you lot were lucky enough to run into one with a human mind. Or, you were rather.\" He left the fate of his 'friend' out as he felt he'd already alluded as to her end. Letting out a breath he smiles, \"Well, well done, I suppose now I have to hope I can tie up mine if I can shake enough cobwebs loose.\" But that wouldn't be hard. Not at all.\n\n\"Whatever was in my cup, I woke up with a terrible headache and quite a bit of pain. My mouth was dry and I remember opening my eyes felt like a task fit for a stronger man than I was. Awful taste as well,\" As he interjected more truth to season the story. \"By the time I fully got around I was plenty shocked to find that I was in some godforsaken Inn! Several towns over at that! I had one set of clothes I'm quite certain my sister bought off a farmer on their way to dispose of me, and of course I looked, well, *Look* Ridiculous.\" Reaching up he touched the base of a horn. \"My sister always did have a soft spot for alchemies and strange magics. Given that I had played hell with her life as well, I'm quite sure that when my brother sought her out for help she jumped at the opportunity to have a living practice dummy, as it were.\"\n\nHe closed his eyes as if 'fondly' reminiscing, \"They weren't quite this large to start, if I'm honest, but they were certainly noticeable. Not quite a hat rack I suppose but I couldn't hide them either, and the whole area was bruised, but not a mark otherwise. See for yourself,\" He said, and even obligingly parted his hair to prove there was no scar should John look. However, Elves tend to be incredibly resistant to scarring, so who knows? \"To say the least I was both embarrassed and ashamed. Looked like a donkey as far as I was concerned, and how was I supposed to do anything in our circles being the literal ass in the room?\"\n\nHe chuckles, shaking his head, \"I never went back home. Never saw them again either. Probably for the best really.\"" }, { "author": "Adrian Siren", "message": "The Drama chuckled some and nodded when Amos made his statement. It was a detail he chose to leave out, preferring to infer her intentions and subsequent punishment. After all, if he said *Everything* There would be no interest to be had.\n\n\"It seems are stories have somewhat similar ends and means. Where there is revenge and betrayal that ends in a form of injury and being away from some place.\" The Drama nods as he speaks, quietly affirming that his words are correct. He knew that Amos was telling the truth, but also telling a lie. He felt that Amos knew that about his own story as well. Though he had already conceded to accepting this lie and pretending it were true for long enough to slink away into the dead of night, it still irked him slightly. It was only fair that a liar would be lied to—of course—but he felt as if he was missing out on something incredibly interesting.\n\n\"Thank you for your time, truly. You tell good stories, Amos.\" The Drama smiled behind his mask and chuckled, reaching out his hand to shake Amos's." }, { "author": "Amos", "message": "Stories finished, he supposed they had nothing left to do now. That was the only issue with telling lies to folks; Eventually they ran out, and eventually for that reason alone you parted ways. Reaching out he shakes John's hand, and up close perhaps Amos' nails looked odd; Thickened and oddly shiny. Though perhaps it was simply some cosmetic effect.\n\nHe kept his sleeves pulled well over his wrists however; That was not something he wished to have seen by anyone, and he didn't want to entertain a story about them. \n\n\"Likewise, John. Better than most I've heard,\" He admits, letting go and exhaling as he looks at the road. \"So now you know how I got my horns. That story under your belt, what will you do now? Head on your way? Add it to your collections?\" He puts the cloak on, fastening it as he decides that he does not wish to sleep in the same location now. It felt a great deal less safe now that he's shifted his attention off of John's tale, and back onto his surroundings. Or it was simply knowing someone had just snuck up on his resting spot." } ]

[ { "author": "Adrian Siren", "message": "The Drama noticed this, what with his nails, and merely marked it off as another effect of the alchemy that Amos underwent. Yes, he had decided that if any aspect of Amos's story was true, it was that aspect. It seemed to be too good of an explanation to mark as a lie. The other thing he decided to believe... Oh, most certainly, it was the competition, and the fact that he had stolen his brother's show. That seemed all too plausible for high elves, but at the same time would be too unbelievable for someone to say if it were a lie. On top of that, he felt that if these competitions happened, the story with the brother had to have happened as well, or Amos had previously schemed about doing it, even if he never truly did. However, he didn't connect Amos betraying his brother to the alchemy; truthfully, he found that connection to be a particularly weak part of his story. Why would such petty competition escalate to something so dreadful? \n\nAnd another thing... Why would Amos be so careful as to not show the Drama his wrists? Yes, he had noticed full and well how careful Amos's movements were, and it was puzzling to him. Truly, the mystery of Amos has yet to be solved, and all of these small hints and half-truths made the mystery that much sweeter. Truly, Amos knew how to make curious men like him come back for more.\n\n\"I shall tell you one of my pen names, and be off.\" He replied, readying one of his names to tell Amos to find. There was a catch, though. \"However, I will only tell you if you promise you will visit me in Gerong on some later date, and perhaps then we can discuss one of my books, or whatever else you may find interesting.\" As the Drama added another trade to their interaction he let out an impish chuckle." }, { "author": "Amos", "message": "On the other side of the coin, Amos was quite sure most of the story was a lie he'd been given. Perhaps he had been stabbed, yes, but he felt like much of John's story was far too fantastical to be real. Mostly because any Oriate's story he heard before never read out like an actual story. But, John also claimed to be a writer, and he was not someone Amos had much time to pull apart and examine, so he could be truthful. \n\nStill he was a bit surprised to find he genuinely *Liked* Being around the odd fellow. He didn't want to tell him his life story, but he likewise wasn't put out by his disposition or attitude. It was sort of nice as he waited for John to decide upon which pen name to give him (Another thing; If he has so many, which is he using now?). Then he smirked at the catch, pausing to think a moment before answering.\n\n\"Gerong? That's ah... Down the river, heading towards the ocean, isn't it now?\" He said after a few moments of thinking and orientating himself. Getting to his feet properly, he held out his hand briefly to help John from his crouching position. It was also another trade and he paused in thought before speaking again, \"Well, that sounds fair, however only if you don't mind meeting in the outdoors again.\"\n\nIt was a minor requirement really, but it helped him feel more comfortable." }, { "author": "Adrian Siren", "message": "Outdoors? The Drama was hoping that Amos might be able to meet him in a better place, like a restaurant or one of the shops that he frequented. No matter, he supposed, a park would do. The Drama nodded with a slight bit of wait after the question, as he could do nothing to hide his thinking.\n\n\"I believe you would enjoy a good mystery novel or two, no? I write most of my mystery novels under the name *Jessica Cross*. You might be able to find them in libraries or the occasional book store.\" The Drama took Amos's hand and pulled himself up. For a macen, even for a vampire—especially one wearing gloves—his skin was remarkably cold. His grip was firm but even through his gloves Amos could tell that the Drama's hands were soft. The Drama was extra sure to keep his hands in pristine condition, and because of his job as a clay mason he had to work extra hard to do so. His remarkably clean and spotless body was one of his most prized accomplishments.\n\n\"I shall see you around, Amos. Again, thank you for your time. It was wonderful.\" As he spoke, he began to away, roughly in the direction of Gerong. He carried himself with elegance and style, and his walk had a sense of majesty to it." }, { "author": "Amos", "message": "The nod was enough though he waited patiently at the silence as John seemed to be rolling around pen names in his head. Pausing at John's assessment he shrugs faintly, \"I would, really, read anything by now. A bit of escapism wouldn't be a terrible thing, and mysteries do tend to be a bit of fun.\"\n\nHe paused at the name, nodding and committing it to memory as he helps John up. He notes the hands, but if John is a writer? Well, that didn't seem all that unusual. The coldness however *Was* Odd; Macen ran just as warmly as Elves did, or any other race. His gloves should insulate his hands, build up heat, but...\n\nHe did not mention it, just smiled and nodded as John headed off in the vague direction of Gerong. \"See you when I make my way there then, John.\" He paused to make sure that John is definitely making his way off before he begins to walk, moving in the other direction. He just needed a place to rest, really, but away seems the best for now." } ]

[ { "author": "Narrator (The Drama)", "message": "The day had been dreary and overcast, and a lady elf was wondering the streets of Gerong. The servant of a family of Silnarian nobles, she was ordered to scout out the area around Gerong and find someone capable of eliminating their runaway son. Lenore had visited a couple places, mostly bars, looking for mercenaries or trackers. Three days ago, she visited a little hole-in-the-wall pottery shop, thinking she might find something. She heard the best people were often in odd places, perhaps this place might be odd enough. Little did she know, she had met a person who already had ample opportunity to eliminate her target, but had rather befriended him." }, { "author": "Adrian Siren", "message": "\"Hello, miss.\" The Drama said with a smile in his voice. In reality, his face was inquisitive. Already, he knew he was looking at a steppe elf. However, the individual went to a ridiculous extent to hide that fact. *Why?* He asked himself. Lenore nodded at him.\n\"Hello, uh... Sir? Hey, do you know of anyone who can, say, *Get rid* Of someone, if you get what I'm saying.\" She said with an aura of misplaced confidence. The Drama was mildly appalled. Lenore was a *Terrible* Actress.\n\"I'm sorry, miss, I can't say I know of anyone like that...\" He lied, \"If you wish to b-\"\n\"None of that.\" Lenore interrupted. The Drama's eye twitched and he hummed quietly.\n\"I didn't come here to buy some stupid ceramic, I came to buy help.\" She furrowed her brow at him and leaned forwards over the counter. The Drama didn't move, he only looked down at her.\n\"Then leave.\" He spoke concisely. Lenore scoffed, turned around, and left with angry vigor. The Drama sighed and began closing up shop. He decided that he *Had* To find out what she was up to.\n\nAfter a few days of intense stalking, the Drama decided he had found his next meal. He decided that he truly hated Lenore. He came to the conclusion that she was a leech on society, and that the leech had to be cut off... But he would ensure she had some use at the end of her life. He chuckled to himself as he thought this, stalking behind the woman. He actually intended for her to see him, unlike his previous encounters. He knew that, this time, she would be scared of him, and would try to run away. As she caught glimpses of him, his mask seemed to shift and warp in impossible ways. She began to walk more briskly. As the city became outskirts, she sped up some more. No matter how fast she walked, though, the Drama was always too close to her for her to be comfortable.\nLenore decided to lose the Drama, she would take a turn and hide in an alley before he could see her, and thus was the end of Lenore.\n\nThe Drama's fluid tentacles retracted into his back, leaving a slightly black, perfectly circular mark on the back of his clothing. He gently removed his gloves and stuffed them in his breast pocket. Then, he grabbed his mask, and pulled it up over his head. He set it on the ground next to him, and bit into Lenore's neck, starting his meal" }, { "author": "Amos", "message": "Amos had traveled, shortly after parting from Adrian, as if half aware that something was wrong. Despite his resistance to the indoors, he began spending more time in them to rest. However little rest that brought him, his memories far too active inside of an enclosed space to give him that rest and slowing him down. \n\nThat lag was what had allowed Lenore to get ahead of the 'runaway son', and after her encounter with The Drama? Well, she tried other methods. Tried to seek out guards that could get the job done with some thin story of a man who was stalking her, unaware of just how true that would become. Looked for thugs who may take a bit of coin. Her last stop had been with mercenaries, and the story she sold them was of an escaped slave she needed to be recaptured (\"*He's very valuable!*\"), but in the end her coin wasn't as impressive as she thought and she was turned away. \n\nShe was not as good a liar as she thought, and certainly not persuasive either.\n\nAmos for his own part had gotten to the outskirts of the city. He had a book tucked into a thin bag useful only for carrying absolute necessities, and little else. He was tired too, sleeping indoors had begun to play a merry hell upon his dreams. It made it difficult for him to think clearly and he knew he had to at least sleep *Soundly* Before he continued onward. And well, if an alley is fit for a vagrant, it ought to be for him as well. \n\nSo he was there, at the outskirts of Gerong, seeking a place to rest where the refuse and unwanted kept themselves when he heard a cry. He was not a brave man, or did not consider himself as such, but neither did he feel that he was in immediate danger. He healed better than most. He also carried his weapons within himself. By the time he approached the alley, the sounds had gone quiet and his fingers ached something terrible as the things they had replaced his nails with slid out. He got to the mouth of the alley and stopped.\n\nHe thought he may recognize the mask, sitting on top of the hair. The coat as well. But he could not comprehend, for the life of him, what was happening. He thought a moment maybe he found someone in an intimate moment, but he could *Hear* The light crack of skin breaking and could see the drips of blood on the ground. He wasn't aware he was standing stock still, thinking maybe he was having another bad dream." }, { "author": "Adrian Siren", "message": "The Drama heard Amos coming, but only when it was too late. He pulled his teeth from Lenore's neck to look up to Amos. This was a rare sight for him, another person witnessing him feeding... It was an exciting sight, to say the least, but what made it even more exciting is that this was the first time someone who had previously met him as the Drama was witnessing him feeding. Something inside of him was unsettled by that, but the Drama ignored that feeling. Rather, he focused on his curiosity.\n\n\"I didn't expect to see you again so soon.\" He said to break the silence. His voice was calm, completely contrasting with the scene before Amos. Adrian's face was clear and almost perfect, if you ignore the sharp canine teeth and mouth covered in blood. It was clear he took good care of himself." }, { "author": "Amos", "message": "Head lifted, there wasn't a doubt what had been happening. John's face, covered by the mask he'd worn the entire time they had spoken, was quite lovely. The almost half mask of blood across his lips and mouth looked startlingly out of place and only added to the unreality of the situation. It wasn't an unusual feeling; He'd felt the odd sense of displacement plenty of times before in his life, as though he'd become an observer rather than an actor in his own world.\n\nBut something about seeing John like that was unnerving to him. \n\nHis eyes shifted to the woman, and he recognized her after a few beats; Lenore, an easily offended servant his sister preferred. \"Oh she will be *Livid* About this...\" He said to himself in a near whisper when John spoke. It startled him, and he realized his fingertips were edged with long, sharpened claws at full length in anticipation of some kind of conflict.\n\n\"I wasn't sure I would see you again here to be honest, but I suppose I've a habit of being a nuisance,\" He said, following the odd calm of John's voice with his own casual tone. It did not match his mental state, or emotions, but burying those things was normal. \"I see you've met Lenore.\"" } ]