0
This is a Joint Post Starring:
TheLoneGentleman, Valentine_K1S5, Galahad_Mills, Katsucha, and Bagman.
Owain and Morgan walked through the city streets towards the center of town where the group was supposed to meet up. Anastas and Masaki were already there waiting for their captain. Morgan remembered them from the line earlier.
Anastas who was leaning on a wall stood up straight as the two approached. Masaki turned and waved excitedly.
“I see you found her after all,” said Anastas nodding politely to Morgan.
“Mmhmm,” Owain replied happily. Morgan nudged him slightly.
“Aren’t you going to introduce me?” asked Morgan.
“Ah! Yeah,” Owain realised, “Anastas, Masaki, this is Morgan Yohlna, an old friend of mine,”
Masaki extended his hand for a shake. “Nice to meet you,” said Masaki with a bright smile. Morgan shook his hand and nodded.
“Likewise,” answered Morgan.
Anastas shook after Masaki and looked her over. For a guardian she didn’t look particularly strong, but he knew looks could be very deceiving. “A guardian at such a young age, you must have some real talent.” he said.
“Soon, I will be even stronger. The elder is very strict with her training.” answered Morgan with a confident stance. “You guys look like you have seen some combat recently. What happened on the way here Owain?”
Owain sighed, “Too much,” he said, summing it up in two words, “We ran into a crazy woman from the cursed, roughed us up a bit,” he elaborated.
“Crazed woman? What was she like?” asked Morgan trying to get an accurate description of her. She would know to look out for anyone like that entering the village.
“Black hair and red eyes. Slim figure.” answered Anastas. “Her voice was rather sultry.” Anastas would never forget her face. Taking an arrow to the heart and walking it off wasn’t something that should happen.
“Ya and she was super creepy…” said Masaki sticking his tongue out. “But cute…” He continued.
“I see...” answered Morgan. “We’ll look out for someone like that…. So where is the rest of your group Owain?”
Owain sighed again, “Wish I knew. Who are we waiting for? Reymond, Ari, Razta and Adelina… well I can think of several things they could be doing,” Owain smirked.
“You really need to learn to let people in,” said a familiar voice approaching.
“I think I’m fine the way I am,” answered Ari turning her gaze away from Reymond. As the two reached the spot they saw that most had already arrived.
“Oh are we late?” asked Reymond. Then he looked to Morgan who was almost hidden behind Owain. “Ah, sorry I didn’t see you there. I am Reymond Talin. This is Ari Fay.”
“I can introduce myself.” spat Ari. “Nice to meet you,”
“And I am Morgan, an old friend of Owain.” she answered with a polite nod.
“Morgan, this is Ari Fay, my fiancé,” Owain said, pulling Ari close to him.
“Y-y-your fiancé?!” exclaimed Morgan.
Ari squirmed out of Owain’s hold and kicked off the ground delivering a swift kicked directed at his right side. ”I-Idiot! W-what do you think you’re saying!!”
Owain moved out of the way in the nick of time, feeling the wind of the kick on his stomach. He was getting used to Ari’s violent outbursts. “Now, now, darling, there’s no need for that,” Owain said, unable to hide a smirk forming in the corner of his mouth.
“Captain, cut that out this instant or else.” Ari said angrily. Reymond sighed and looked at the two arguing like a couple.
“I think you should listen Captain, just this once.” answered Reymond. “She’s out for blood.”
Owain sighed, was he doing that a lot recently? Things seemed to be spiraling out of his control before his eyes, only, in slow motion.
“Just this once,” Owain said, the grin disapitating.
“I should have known,” said Morgan shaking her head. “You used to pick on me the same way back then. Nice to see you haven’t changed much.”
”I wish he would stop stuff like that.” Ari said with a sigh.
Owain grinned again, “You should have seen your face Morg,” Owain laughed, “Y-y-your fiancé!?” he mimicked in a girly voice. Making a club she tapped him on the head before making it disappear. It was enough that he would have a knot soon.
“I was simply surprised that someone like you could find a fiancé at your age is all…” she answered.
“C’mon Morg,” Owain said, “That was a look of horror.”
“Horror for what reason? What you do with your life is your own choice.” she answered crossing her arms.
“You were jealous,” Owain said moving his face within an inch of Morgan’s, smirking.
“I’m going home,” she said turning and walking off. “It was a pleasure to meet you all!” she yelled to the rest of the group.
“H-hey, Morg,” Owain said, running to keep up with her, “Wait up.” Ignoring him she continued to walk, and even increased her pace. It wasn’t long before they were out of sight from the group.
Chuckling Reymond turned to the group. “I say we head to the inn, all this drama has me sleepy.”
TheLoneGentleman, Valentine_K1S5, Galahad_Mills, Katsucha, and Bagman.
Owain and Morgan walked through the city streets towards the center of town where the group was supposed to meet up. Anastas and Masaki were already there waiting for their captain. Morgan remembered them from the line earlier.
Anastas who was leaning on a wall stood up straight as the two approached. Masaki turned and waved excitedly.
“I see you found her after all,” said Anastas nodding politely to Morgan.
“Mmhmm,” Owain replied happily. Morgan nudged him slightly.
“Aren’t you going to introduce me?” asked Morgan.
“Ah! Yeah,” Owain realised, “Anastas, Masaki, this is Morgan Yohlna, an old friend of mine,”
Masaki extended his hand for a shake. “Nice to meet you,” said Masaki with a bright smile. Morgan shook his hand and nodded.
“Likewise,” answered Morgan.
Anastas shook after Masaki and looked her over. For a guardian she didn’t look particularly strong, but he knew looks could be very deceiving. “A guardian at such a young age, you must have some real talent.” he said.
“Soon, I will be even stronger. The elder is very strict with her training.” answered Morgan with a confident stance. “You guys look like you have seen some combat recently. What happened on the way here Owain?”
Owain sighed, “Too much,” he said, summing it up in two words, “We ran into a crazy woman from the cursed, roughed us up a bit,” he elaborated.
“Crazed woman? What was she like?” asked Morgan trying to get an accurate description of her. She would know to look out for anyone like that entering the village.
“Black hair and red eyes. Slim figure.” answered Anastas. “Her voice was rather sultry.” Anastas would never forget her face. Taking an arrow to the heart and walking it off wasn’t something that should happen.
“Ya and she was super creepy…” said Masaki sticking his tongue out. “But cute…” He continued.
“I see...” answered Morgan. “We’ll look out for someone like that…. So where is the rest of your group Owain?”
Owain sighed again, “Wish I knew. Who are we waiting for? Reymond, Ari, Razta and Adelina… well I can think of several things they could be doing,” Owain smirked.
“You really need to learn to let people in,” said a familiar voice approaching.
“I think I’m fine the way I am,” answered Ari turning her gaze away from Reymond. As the two reached the spot they saw that most had already arrived.
“Oh are we late?” asked Reymond. Then he looked to Morgan who was almost hidden behind Owain. “Ah, sorry I didn’t see you there. I am Reymond Talin. This is Ari Fay.”
“I can introduce myself.” spat Ari. “Nice to meet you,”
“And I am Morgan, an old friend of Owain.” she answered with a polite nod.
“Morgan, this is Ari Fay, my fiancé,” Owain said, pulling Ari close to him.
“Y-y-your fiancé?!” exclaimed Morgan.
Ari squirmed out of Owain’s hold and kicked off the ground delivering a swift kicked directed at his right side. ”I-Idiot! W-what do you think you’re saying!!”
Owain moved out of the way in the nick of time, feeling the wind of the kick on his stomach. He was getting used to Ari’s violent outbursts. “Now, now, darling, there’s no need for that,” Owain said, unable to hide a smirk forming in the corner of his mouth.
“Captain, cut that out this instant or else.” Ari said angrily. Reymond sighed and looked at the two arguing like a couple.
“I think you should listen Captain, just this once.” answered Reymond. “She’s out for blood.”
Owain sighed, was he doing that a lot recently? Things seemed to be spiraling out of his control before his eyes, only, in slow motion.
“Just this once,” Owain said, the grin disapitating.
“I should have known,” said Morgan shaking her head. “You used to pick on me the same way back then. Nice to see you haven’t changed much.”
”I wish he would stop stuff like that.” Ari said with a sigh.
Owain grinned again, “You should have seen your face Morg,” Owain laughed, “Y-y-your fiancé!?” he mimicked in a girly voice. Making a club she tapped him on the head before making it disappear. It was enough that he would have a knot soon.
“I was simply surprised that someone like you could find a fiancé at your age is all…” she answered.
“C’mon Morg,” Owain said, “That was a look of horror.”
“Horror for what reason? What you do with your life is your own choice.” she answered crossing her arms.
“You were jealous,” Owain said moving his face within an inch of Morgan’s, smirking.
“I’m going home,” she said turning and walking off. “It was a pleasure to meet you all!” she yelled to the rest of the group.
“H-hey, Morg,” Owain said, running to keep up with her, “Wait up.” Ignoring him she continued to walk, and even increased her pace. It wasn’t long before they were out of sight from the group.
Chuckling Reymond turned to the group. “I say we head to the inn, all this drama has me sleepy.”
0
This is a Joint Post Starring:
TheLoneGentleman,BlinkXPoke, and Ezlare.
It was a few days before there was any new orders from Marian. She kept to her room these past days planning, and met with only a select few. Once she had everything in order the time came to select her team. Since the defense of the castle was handled by another group. Her and her small group had more freedom. Her first picks were the remaining representatives. Soul and Charlotte were easy enough to secure, but Emma was a different story. Still shaken up from the loss of her friend she had not eaten or slept in days.
Walking into Emma’s room she found that it was still as quiet and dark as the last time she visited, and the door was wide open. The smell of corpses lingered in the air, but they didn’t seem to bother Emma in the slightest. As she was simply laying in her bed amongst the gore and rot. As Marian approached she felt a pressure in her chest. Spirits were thick in the air around Emma as if they were seeking to protect her.
“You cannot stay like this Emma. You will die if you don’t eat something.” said Marian sitting on the side of the bed. She was indeed concerned for Emma since after all, she knew what she was going through.
“It doesn’t matter. None of this mattered Marian. You knew all along this would happen didn’t you?” answered Emma. Marian nodded.
“Yes I did. I knew that there was a chance you all could die in there.” answered Marian. “But I am afraid. I am afraid of Cain.” Emma was surprised to hear anything like that from Marian.
“Then why do you go along with this? Why didn’t you just run?” asked Emma.
“No matter where you go. He can and will find you.” answered Marian. “Be grateful to be alive, and carry in your heart the memory of your friend. The way that I have.” Marian placed a comb in Emma’s hand. Emma looked it over confused. It was old, and most of the teeth were bent or broken off.
“It was a friend’s. She always used to be infatuated with my hair. I guess that habit stuck with me in the strangest of ways.” said Marian. “It helps steady my nerves when I did your hair. Even if it wasn’t as enjoyable for you.” Marian laughed.
Emma gripped the comb and held it close. “Can I hold on to this…?” she asked realizing it was the same comb that she used on Alma. Marian nodded and stood up from the bed. “You are a true representative now. I can’t discipline you the same way anymore.”
“I will kind of miss it.” answered Emma slowly moving out of bed to stand next to Marian. She was wearing tattered gown that was covered in blood. Of course, none of it was hers.
“We’ll have this mess cleaned up...In the meantime how about a shower and some new clothes?” said Marian. Emma looked around the room at the bodies on the floor. Hesitantly she allowed their spirits to go free, and then took Marian’s hand clinging to her like a child. Marian smiled, and led her out of the room.
After Emma was taken care of Marian met Soul and Charlotte in a conference room. It was a small room with eight chairs on each side, and a large circular table in the center. The room was circular and decorated with Agreyus flags. Red background with two black serpents eating each other in the center. Since there were only four of them it seemed a lot bigger than usual. Soul had his feet propped up on the table, while next to him Charlotte rested her head on the table, bored out of her mind.
“Its about time you got here Marian.” said Soul. He looked to Emma who’s eyes showed something he knew all too well, loss. Soul sighed and took his feet off the table. “So what is the plan?”
“Cain wants the elder dealt with.” said Marian. “He is ordering all cursed refugees to return to Agreyus or face death.”
“I knew he wouldn’t let that go on for very long.” said Charlotte sitting up straight in her seat. Emma walked to a seat across from Soul and Charlotte and took a seat without saying a word. Soul avoided eye contact with her, and focused on Marian.
“So what is our plan?” asked Soul.
“We are being sent for peace talks. We will talk with Elder Edile, and try to come to some sort of agreement. It is my belief that this will fail. In this case we are ordered to kill her and any cursed that resist. We will be taking a small escort group with us as well. No more than ten soldiers and us will be allowed. Soul you of course will not be allowed into the forest.”
“Those three that fought with you on the bridge should do. What were their names again?” asked Soul changing the subject off him not being allowed in.
“Selanus, Sonya, and Luna. I had drinks...with them the other night. They seem like a good enough sort. The others can be elites.”
“Selanus left Agreyus already…” said Marian looking to Charlotte who averted her eyes. “Luna was promoted after the battle, and will be joining us as an elite. Sonya I hope not to be as troublesome this time.” Turning to a guard by the door she ordered him to fetch Sonya and the elites.
Thirty minutes later there was a knock at the door. Marian walked up and opened the door. Luna, and the elites from the military had arrived. Sonya however was running late. The elites consisted of eight soldiers. Two women and six men that were the strongest in their roles. The role of elite was directly under the guards that watched the upper levels of the castle. Their armor was black and red with silver snakes wrapped around the neck guard. Luna was also wearing this armor.
“I see congratulations are in order.” said Charlotte to Luna. “I see my recommendation did some good. You have the potential for it. I hope it goes well.”
Luna smirked and nodded in appreciation. "Thanks a bunch Charlotte, I'm glad you would do that for little ol' me. Plus, this armor is really snazzy!" Luna said, looking down and admiring her own armor.
“It is surely armor to be proud of.” replied Marian. “It also means we will be working together more often.” Charlotte always dreamed about being an elite as a kid, but her fate brought her higher than that. Still she was happy for Luna.
“Good going Lunnie!” she said with a wave from across the room. Emma looked over at the elites and then returned her gaze to the bare table.
Luna glanced across the room to Charlotte's gaze. Even after their night together, she still got goosebumps every time she came in contact with the girl. Luna waved back, almost embarrassed, but with a smile on her face. Soul smiled at this and nudged Charlotte.
“I see you two have something going on.” said Soul. Charlotte punched him hard enough to knock him from his seat. Suddenly someone rushed into the room almost falling over, and sadly lost their balance as they tried to stop. Sonya fell flat on her face and sat up rubbing her forehead with teary eyes.
"You okay, kiddo?" Luna said as she rushed over to Sonya, extending a hand out to her. "You took a nasty spill, there."
“Nnngh… I’m fine…” Sonya whined as she grabbed Luna’s hand. Once she stood up again, she looked up and down on Luna’s new armor with awe. “Whoooooaaaa, that’s cool!”
"Aww you really think so, hon? Heh heh..." Luna modestly replied. She made this upstanding pose while rubbing the bottom of her nose with her finger. She wrapped her white scarf around her neck as a finishing touch for her armor. The thought of fame and glory came to mind, Luna was ensnared into a trance of screaming women chanting her name and surrounding her in awe. "Hee hee, ladies, ladies, one at a time. There's enough Luna for everyone~!" She was saying to herself out loud. Marian lightly tapped Luna on the forehead snapping her back to reality. Sonya and Luna took seats as the other elites filled up the seats.
“Now that Sonya has graced up with her presence I will go over the plan in detail,” said Marian walking to the back of the room where a giant map of the continent was displayed. “We will be making our way northwest for the Forest of Origin. Past Waycastle Talahar and through the canyon. You elites will be responsible for guarding us until we reach our destination. In order to get anywhere in the forests we need to have a small force. Sneaking in is not an option. So we follow their rules until we can secure a meeting with the elder. We won’t count on Soul until there is an issue. I will be communicating with you via signal so everyone keep your veils up. Whatever you do. Do not start anything with the locals. Am I understood? Not even a bar fight. So I want you all sober during our entire visit. Especially Soul!”
Sonya nodded her head to confirm her understanding.
Charlotte looked as if she were about to cry. †˜Why did I agree to come?” she thought as she laid her head on the table. Soul laughed as he raised his hand acknowledging that he heard her.
Marian looked around at the table before continuing. “I will be engaging in a meeting with Elder Telkines. The rest of you will remain together in the village until it is concluded. If things don’t go as planned you have a secondary order. Soul will meet up with the group, and you are to kill every cursed refugee there. No mercy. They are traitors, and will be dealt with as such.”
“Huh?” Sonya expressed her confusion out loud. “What did they do? If they’re traitors, wouldn’t we have dealt with them already?”
Luna rested her chin on both her hands. "What did they do to be labeled as traitors, exactly..?"
“They abandoned their fellow country men and fled. Some are even deserters of the military.” said Soul picking his teeth with a sharpened nail. “Even if you retired from the military. You are still required to stay in the service of Cain.” Soul shrugged. “If you want to complain I can take you to him now.” Soul laughed.
Emma glared at him from across the table. It was enough to make even Soul shut his mouth. “Tough crowd…” he said.
Tilting her head to the side in confusion to Emma's rather dark disposition towards Soul, Luna extended her neck over and whispered to Sonya. "What's her deal? Bad morning much?"
“I haven’t heard…” Sonya murmured in response.
"Well, she looks like she's been ran over by a cow rolling down a hill." Luna replied jokingly. "I'd be pissed too."
Sonya wondered what could have happened. She’s never seen Emma act this way before. It brought another question to her mind, as well. “What happened to the other representatives, by the way? Where is Selanus, too?”
The last Luna heard of Selanus was the other night when he stormed out of the bar- when he heard the news about Alma. Luna turned to Sonya with a worried look on her face. "Sel...he, Charlotte and I went out for drinks the other night, we all got hammered and...I remember Char' telling Sel to look for other options." She continued. "For some reason, she told him that Alma was dead." She replied, unsure of herself. "After that, he thought Charlotte was joking. Then he got mad and stormed out of the bar, said somethin' about finding answers. That's the last I saw of the guy."
“Alma is dead!?” Sonya exclaimed softly, so as to not draw attention from those around her in the meeting.
Luna nodded. “I would assume so. Weren’t Alma and Emma cool? I guess that would explain why she’s so down today.”
“That’s…” Sonya couldn’t believe it. “What happened? We just saw her yesterday…” It was unfathomable that she could have been killed this deep into their homeland.
Luna tried to wrap her head around the situation. The very thought of Alma dying a day after she was seen led Luna to deduce that she was murdered. "One thing’s for sure, there couldn’t have been any natural causes to her death; she was likely murdered...
“Enough!” yelled Marian. It was such a sudden change in her that even the elites were startled. [b]“This is none of your concern.”
“Y-y-y-y-y-yes, Representative!” Sonya yelped, frightened.
"Right, right.” Luna acknowledged impatiently, picking her now ringing ear with her pinky finger.
“Alright that concludes today’s meeting. Meet by the main gate tomorrow morning. You are dismissed.” ordered Marian. The elites stood and saluted. They heard plain as day that Alma had been murdered, but they knew it wasn’t their place to question it.
TheLoneGentleman,BlinkXPoke, and Ezlare.
It was a few days before there was any new orders from Marian. She kept to her room these past days planning, and met with only a select few. Once she had everything in order the time came to select her team. Since the defense of the castle was handled by another group. Her and her small group had more freedom. Her first picks were the remaining representatives. Soul and Charlotte were easy enough to secure, but Emma was a different story. Still shaken up from the loss of her friend she had not eaten or slept in days.
Walking into Emma’s room she found that it was still as quiet and dark as the last time she visited, and the door was wide open. The smell of corpses lingered in the air, but they didn’t seem to bother Emma in the slightest. As she was simply laying in her bed amongst the gore and rot. As Marian approached she felt a pressure in her chest. Spirits were thick in the air around Emma as if they were seeking to protect her.
“You cannot stay like this Emma. You will die if you don’t eat something.” said Marian sitting on the side of the bed. She was indeed concerned for Emma since after all, she knew what she was going through.
“It doesn’t matter. None of this mattered Marian. You knew all along this would happen didn’t you?” answered Emma. Marian nodded.
“Yes I did. I knew that there was a chance you all could die in there.” answered Marian. “But I am afraid. I am afraid of Cain.” Emma was surprised to hear anything like that from Marian.
“Then why do you go along with this? Why didn’t you just run?” asked Emma.
“No matter where you go. He can and will find you.” answered Marian. “Be grateful to be alive, and carry in your heart the memory of your friend. The way that I have.” Marian placed a comb in Emma’s hand. Emma looked it over confused. It was old, and most of the teeth were bent or broken off.
“It was a friend’s. She always used to be infatuated with my hair. I guess that habit stuck with me in the strangest of ways.” said Marian. “It helps steady my nerves when I did your hair. Even if it wasn’t as enjoyable for you.” Marian laughed.
Emma gripped the comb and held it close. “Can I hold on to this…?” she asked realizing it was the same comb that she used on Alma. Marian nodded and stood up from the bed. “You are a true representative now. I can’t discipline you the same way anymore.”
“I will kind of miss it.” answered Emma slowly moving out of bed to stand next to Marian. She was wearing tattered gown that was covered in blood. Of course, none of it was hers.
“We’ll have this mess cleaned up...In the meantime how about a shower and some new clothes?” said Marian. Emma looked around the room at the bodies on the floor. Hesitantly she allowed their spirits to go free, and then took Marian’s hand clinging to her like a child. Marian smiled, and led her out of the room.
After Emma was taken care of Marian met Soul and Charlotte in a conference room. It was a small room with eight chairs on each side, and a large circular table in the center. The room was circular and decorated with Agreyus flags. Red background with two black serpents eating each other in the center. Since there were only four of them it seemed a lot bigger than usual. Soul had his feet propped up on the table, while next to him Charlotte rested her head on the table, bored out of her mind.
“Its about time you got here Marian.” said Soul. He looked to Emma who’s eyes showed something he knew all too well, loss. Soul sighed and took his feet off the table. “So what is the plan?”
“Cain wants the elder dealt with.” said Marian. “He is ordering all cursed refugees to return to Agreyus or face death.”
“I knew he wouldn’t let that go on for very long.” said Charlotte sitting up straight in her seat. Emma walked to a seat across from Soul and Charlotte and took a seat without saying a word. Soul avoided eye contact with her, and focused on Marian.
“So what is our plan?” asked Soul.
“We are being sent for peace talks. We will talk with Elder Edile, and try to come to some sort of agreement. It is my belief that this will fail. In this case we are ordered to kill her and any cursed that resist. We will be taking a small escort group with us as well. No more than ten soldiers and us will be allowed. Soul you of course will not be allowed into the forest.”
“Those three that fought with you on the bridge should do. What were their names again?” asked Soul changing the subject off him not being allowed in.
“Selanus, Sonya, and Luna. I had drinks...with them the other night. They seem like a good enough sort. The others can be elites.”
“Selanus left Agreyus already…” said Marian looking to Charlotte who averted her eyes. “Luna was promoted after the battle, and will be joining us as an elite. Sonya I hope not to be as troublesome this time.” Turning to a guard by the door she ordered him to fetch Sonya and the elites.
Thirty minutes later there was a knock at the door. Marian walked up and opened the door. Luna, and the elites from the military had arrived. Sonya however was running late. The elites consisted of eight soldiers. Two women and six men that were the strongest in their roles. The role of elite was directly under the guards that watched the upper levels of the castle. Their armor was black and red with silver snakes wrapped around the neck guard. Luna was also wearing this armor.
“I see congratulations are in order.” said Charlotte to Luna. “I see my recommendation did some good. You have the potential for it. I hope it goes well.”
Luna smirked and nodded in appreciation. "Thanks a bunch Charlotte, I'm glad you would do that for little ol' me. Plus, this armor is really snazzy!" Luna said, looking down and admiring her own armor.
“It is surely armor to be proud of.” replied Marian. “It also means we will be working together more often.” Charlotte always dreamed about being an elite as a kid, but her fate brought her higher than that. Still she was happy for Luna.
“Good going Lunnie!” she said with a wave from across the room. Emma looked over at the elites and then returned her gaze to the bare table.
Luna glanced across the room to Charlotte's gaze. Even after their night together, she still got goosebumps every time she came in contact with the girl. Luna waved back, almost embarrassed, but with a smile on her face. Soul smiled at this and nudged Charlotte.
“I see you two have something going on.” said Soul. Charlotte punched him hard enough to knock him from his seat. Suddenly someone rushed into the room almost falling over, and sadly lost their balance as they tried to stop. Sonya fell flat on her face and sat up rubbing her forehead with teary eyes.
"You okay, kiddo?" Luna said as she rushed over to Sonya, extending a hand out to her. "You took a nasty spill, there."
“Nnngh… I’m fine…” Sonya whined as she grabbed Luna’s hand. Once she stood up again, she looked up and down on Luna’s new armor with awe. “Whoooooaaaa, that’s cool!”
"Aww you really think so, hon? Heh heh..." Luna modestly replied. She made this upstanding pose while rubbing the bottom of her nose with her finger. She wrapped her white scarf around her neck as a finishing touch for her armor. The thought of fame and glory came to mind, Luna was ensnared into a trance of screaming women chanting her name and surrounding her in awe. "Hee hee, ladies, ladies, one at a time. There's enough Luna for everyone~!" She was saying to herself out loud. Marian lightly tapped Luna on the forehead snapping her back to reality. Sonya and Luna took seats as the other elites filled up the seats.
“Now that Sonya has graced up with her presence I will go over the plan in detail,” said Marian walking to the back of the room where a giant map of the continent was displayed. “We will be making our way northwest for the Forest of Origin. Past Waycastle Talahar and through the canyon. You elites will be responsible for guarding us until we reach our destination. In order to get anywhere in the forests we need to have a small force. Sneaking in is not an option. So we follow their rules until we can secure a meeting with the elder. We won’t count on Soul until there is an issue. I will be communicating with you via signal so everyone keep your veils up. Whatever you do. Do not start anything with the locals. Am I understood? Not even a bar fight. So I want you all sober during our entire visit. Especially Soul!”
Sonya nodded her head to confirm her understanding.
Charlotte looked as if she were about to cry. †˜Why did I agree to come?” she thought as she laid her head on the table. Soul laughed as he raised his hand acknowledging that he heard her.
Marian looked around at the table before continuing. “I will be engaging in a meeting with Elder Telkines. The rest of you will remain together in the village until it is concluded. If things don’t go as planned you have a secondary order. Soul will meet up with the group, and you are to kill every cursed refugee there. No mercy. They are traitors, and will be dealt with as such.”
“Huh?” Sonya expressed her confusion out loud. “What did they do? If they’re traitors, wouldn’t we have dealt with them already?”
Luna rested her chin on both her hands. "What did they do to be labeled as traitors, exactly..?"
“They abandoned their fellow country men and fled. Some are even deserters of the military.” said Soul picking his teeth with a sharpened nail. “Even if you retired from the military. You are still required to stay in the service of Cain.” Soul shrugged. “If you want to complain I can take you to him now.” Soul laughed.
Emma glared at him from across the table. It was enough to make even Soul shut his mouth. “Tough crowd…” he said.
Tilting her head to the side in confusion to Emma's rather dark disposition towards Soul, Luna extended her neck over and whispered to Sonya. "What's her deal? Bad morning much?"
“I haven’t heard…” Sonya murmured in response.
"Well, she looks like she's been ran over by a cow rolling down a hill." Luna replied jokingly. "I'd be pissed too."
Sonya wondered what could have happened. She’s never seen Emma act this way before. It brought another question to her mind, as well. “What happened to the other representatives, by the way? Where is Selanus, too?”
The last Luna heard of Selanus was the other night when he stormed out of the bar- when he heard the news about Alma. Luna turned to Sonya with a worried look on her face. "Sel...he, Charlotte and I went out for drinks the other night, we all got hammered and...I remember Char' telling Sel to look for other options." She continued. "For some reason, she told him that Alma was dead." She replied, unsure of herself. "After that, he thought Charlotte was joking. Then he got mad and stormed out of the bar, said somethin' about finding answers. That's the last I saw of the guy."
“Alma is dead!?” Sonya exclaimed softly, so as to not draw attention from those around her in the meeting.
Luna nodded. “I would assume so. Weren’t Alma and Emma cool? I guess that would explain why she’s so down today.”
“That’s…” Sonya couldn’t believe it. “What happened? We just saw her yesterday…” It was unfathomable that she could have been killed this deep into their homeland.
Luna tried to wrap her head around the situation. The very thought of Alma dying a day after she was seen led Luna to deduce that she was murdered. "One thing’s for sure, there couldn’t have been any natural causes to her death; she was likely murdered...
“Enough!” yelled Marian. It was such a sudden change in her that even the elites were startled. [b]“This is none of your concern.”
“Y-y-y-y-y-yes, Representative!” Sonya yelped, frightened.
"Right, right.” Luna acknowledged impatiently, picking her now ringing ear with her pinky finger.
“Alright that concludes today’s meeting. Meet by the main gate tomorrow morning. You are dismissed.” ordered Marian. The elites stood and saluted. They heard plain as day that Alma had been murdered, but they knew it wasn’t their place to question it.
0
BlinkXPoke
Cards and Hugs abound
This is a Joint Post Starring:
TheLoneGentleman and BlinkXPoke.
Marian approached the gate to find Soul sound asleep in a stable. With a swift kick to the side she stirred him from his slumber.
”What are you doing Soul?” she asked, her arms crossed. Soul slowly got up sitting crossing legged at he let out a mighty yawn.
“Well I knew that I wouldn’t make it...on time otherwise. So I slept here.” answered Soul. Marian looked at him not with anger, but surprise. For Soul that was actually a well thought out plan. Besides him having straw in his hair, and dirty clothes he was infact on time.
“Good job Soul.” said Marian.
“Hey I was just...wait what? Did you just...compliment me?” asked Soul still not quite believing it himself. Standing up he gave her a tight hug. “I knew you would come around!” She kicked him hard right between the legs, and he crumpled.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself. Now pull yourself together before the others arrive. Now go and fetch Sonya. Charlotte and Emma are being escorted by the elites.” she ordered leaving the stables to double check that all their horses were accounted for and ride ready. She was an hour early than the meeting time, but to her surprise there were a few that showed up early.
“Sure thing…” Soul responded rising to his feet as his bones began to snap as their structure changed. Changing into a red panther he sped off towards Sonya’s house.
For once, Sonya had woken up early, and was unsure why. As usual, her bed was a mess, due to her sleeping habits. While she picked up sheets and pillows that had fallen off of the side of the bed, she peered out of the window to find that the sun only had just started to come over the horizon. Rubbing her eyes, she thought out loud, “What happened yesterday again…?”
The only significant thing she remembered happening was the meeting, and more specifically, the news about Alma. That night, she spent hours in her room pondering the possibilities. Was she murdered or assassinated? Why would someone do that? Is there a traitor…? While lost in her thoughts, she closed her eyes at one point and fell asleep, much earlier than usual. “Ah, maybe that’s it…” She said to herself, in a tired tone.
She was not used to having so much time in the morning. Usually, Sonya would be awoken by a guard, Marian, or Soul, the latter two coming most often when she is late. After she had fixed her hair and finished all her preparations, she found that there was plenty of time left. She paced around her room, unsure of what to do. “Ah, perhaps I can properly eat breakfast…” she mumbled, heading out of her room and towards her kitchen.
The chefs were shocked by Sonya’s early rise. They usually spent this time dawdling about, not needing to prepare food for her until much later. Upon seeing her, however, they sprung into action immediately, producing in a short time what would be a simple meal for her, but a rather extravagant one to the more common eye. She enjoyed it slowly, letting her mind focus on the taste, rather than her wavering thoughts toward Alma and the mission she was tasked with today.
Afterwards, Sonya sat on a couch in her living room, letting the food she had just consumed digest a bit before heading out. There was still some time left before Marian or Soul would fetch for her. She even considered going back to sleep for the time being, but she fought back the urge to. Instead, Sonya decided to just head out early. Maybe I can meet with some of the soldiers before the battle. She thought optimistically, hoping to redeem herself from the tragedy that befell her squad in the previous one.
As she stepped out of her home, Sonya spotted something in the distance. It was some kind of red, four-legged beast that was running toward her house. It was too far to make out clearly, at the moment, though.
In the blink of an eye it closed the distance and stopped in front of Sonya’s house. Slowing to a prowl Soul sat in front of her. “I didn’t expect to catch you awake...Are you ready to head out?”
Sonya was surprised for a moment at the beast’s speed, but once she realized it was Soul, her tension died down. “I sure am!” She replied, full of energy. The full morning plus full breakfast gave her enough time to really wake up and prepare herself mentally.
“Good then lets go. Marian is waiting.” answered Soul.
TheLoneGentleman and BlinkXPoke.
Marian approached the gate to find Soul sound asleep in a stable. With a swift kick to the side she stirred him from his slumber.
”What are you doing Soul?” she asked, her arms crossed. Soul slowly got up sitting crossing legged at he let out a mighty yawn.
“Well I knew that I wouldn’t make it...on time otherwise. So I slept here.” answered Soul. Marian looked at him not with anger, but surprise. For Soul that was actually a well thought out plan. Besides him having straw in his hair, and dirty clothes he was infact on time.
“Good job Soul.” said Marian.
“Hey I was just...wait what? Did you just...compliment me?” asked Soul still not quite believing it himself. Standing up he gave her a tight hug. “I knew you would come around!” She kicked him hard right between the legs, and he crumpled.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself. Now pull yourself together before the others arrive. Now go and fetch Sonya. Charlotte and Emma are being escorted by the elites.” she ordered leaving the stables to double check that all their horses were accounted for and ride ready. She was an hour early than the meeting time, but to her surprise there were a few that showed up early.
“Sure thing…” Soul responded rising to his feet as his bones began to snap as their structure changed. Changing into a red panther he sped off towards Sonya’s house.
For once, Sonya had woken up early, and was unsure why. As usual, her bed was a mess, due to her sleeping habits. While she picked up sheets and pillows that had fallen off of the side of the bed, she peered out of the window to find that the sun only had just started to come over the horizon. Rubbing her eyes, she thought out loud, “What happened yesterday again…?”
The only significant thing she remembered happening was the meeting, and more specifically, the news about Alma. That night, she spent hours in her room pondering the possibilities. Was she murdered or assassinated? Why would someone do that? Is there a traitor…? While lost in her thoughts, she closed her eyes at one point and fell asleep, much earlier than usual. “Ah, maybe that’s it…” She said to herself, in a tired tone.
She was not used to having so much time in the morning. Usually, Sonya would be awoken by a guard, Marian, or Soul, the latter two coming most often when she is late. After she had fixed her hair and finished all her preparations, she found that there was plenty of time left. She paced around her room, unsure of what to do. “Ah, perhaps I can properly eat breakfast…” she mumbled, heading out of her room and towards her kitchen.
The chefs were shocked by Sonya’s early rise. They usually spent this time dawdling about, not needing to prepare food for her until much later. Upon seeing her, however, they sprung into action immediately, producing in a short time what would be a simple meal for her, but a rather extravagant one to the more common eye. She enjoyed it slowly, letting her mind focus on the taste, rather than her wavering thoughts toward Alma and the mission she was tasked with today.
Afterwards, Sonya sat on a couch in her living room, letting the food she had just consumed digest a bit before heading out. There was still some time left before Marian or Soul would fetch for her. She even considered going back to sleep for the time being, but she fought back the urge to. Instead, Sonya decided to just head out early. Maybe I can meet with some of the soldiers before the battle. She thought optimistically, hoping to redeem herself from the tragedy that befell her squad in the previous one.
As she stepped out of her home, Sonya spotted something in the distance. It was some kind of red, four-legged beast that was running toward her house. It was too far to make out clearly, at the moment, though.
In the blink of an eye it closed the distance and stopped in front of Sonya’s house. Slowing to a prowl Soul sat in front of her. “I didn’t expect to catch you awake...Are you ready to head out?”
Sonya was surprised for a moment at the beast’s speed, but once she realized it was Soul, her tension died down. “I sure am!” She replied, full of energy. The full morning plus full breakfast gave her enough time to really wake up and prepare herself mentally.
“Good then lets go. Marian is waiting.” answered Soul.
0
This is a Joint Post Starring:
TheLoneGentleman, BlinkXPoke, and Ezlare.
Charlotte, Emma, and the other elites stood in front of Luna’s new quarters for a moment hoping that she was up, and would come out on her own. Ten minutes went past however, and Charlotte was forced to pound on the door.
“Hurry it up you're late!” yelled Charlotte into the room. There was no response. Charlotte broke her knuckles and gave the door a punch hard enough to weaken the hinges. Then she turned the broken knob with ease. Opening the door she walked into a snoring Luna. Kicking the side of the bed she sent Luna falling over the edge.
"Gah, what the hell!?” Luna exclaimed, quickly knocked out of her grogginess. “Hey, what’s the big idea wakin’ a gal up, barging in her room like that?! I coulda been naked for all you know!”
“Nothing I haven’t seen before.” said Charlotte smirking. The elites chucked a bit. “Hurry and get ready. We are moving out.” Emma simply looked on at the scene with dead eyes. She was only there because Marian ordered her to be.
Luna ignored her quip, and shook her head instead. After walking to the wardrobe, she turned to Emma, noticing her disgust. "Come now, we're all adults here, don't look like that!"
“Don’t mind her...She has her reasons.” answered Charlotte. Charlotte sat on the bed while Luna got ready to head out. Emma held her comb in her hand moving her fingers over it gently. It soothed her in ways that nothing else could.
"Why hello there, little lady!" Luna exclaimed as she picked up Zweihander, sheathing it onto her back. Before she could even say something, she was stopped by Emma's incessant stroking of the comb she was holding. "So... Is she going to be okay?" She whispered to Charlotte as she wrapped the scarf over her shoulder.
“No clue, but as long as she fights I really don’t care.” answered Charlotte standing up. “Let’s be off. I don’t want to keep Marian waiting.” She walked out of the room, and Emma followed behind her putting the comb away.
Soul and Sonya rode up to the stables in Sonya’s family carriage. As they stepped out they saw that Charlotte, Emma, and Luna had already arrived.
Sonya greeted them. “Good day to you, Luna, Representative Emma and Charlotte.”
Charlotte looked over to Sonya, and gave a simple wave. Emma only looked at the two as they approached. Marian was glad that she didn’t have to send more people to retrieve them. She half expected them to get distracted, and go exploring the city.
“With them here we are ready to head out.” said Marian. “Let’s get a move on.”
Once everyone was saddled and ready to ride the group moved out in formation and approached the main gate. In a few moments the doors opened allowing them to leave the city. Marian rode out front with the other representatives right behind her. The elites formed a diamond shape behind them. Luna and Sonya rode near the center of the group.
“What is the first waypoint?” asked Soul.
“Talahar.” answered Marian.
“Going kind of easy on us aren’t you?” answered Soul. “That is only about a two and a half day ride. Any reason?”
“Kudzu is there. I have something for him.” answered Marian. Thinking about that man made Soul cringe. He was the only one besides Cain that Soul actually had to watch his mouth around. Even if Kudzu couldn’t exactly kill him, a beating from that man was something that should be avoided at all costs.
“Understood.” replied Soul riding back a little bit. Looking at Charlotte he spoke the name: “Kudzu” and she shivered.
“Why do we have to see him again? My body hasn’t worked the same way since our last training session.” complained Charlotte.
“He was nice enough to me…” said Emma.
“That’s because he has a soft spot for kids.” answered Soul. “I’m envious. He has never liked me.”
“Luna Marcell, you sure have guts talking about things like that right in front of Marian at the meeting.” said a male elite catching up to Luna’s horse. He had short brown hair and a thin beard that covered his chin. “I thought she was about to end you right there. She has a habit of doing that”
Luna swiftly turned her head to the direction of the elite with anger, glaring at him. "Marian, isn't a factor." Luna snarled with bags hanging from her eyes from this morning. "She could try something if she wanted, I can't guarantee she'll walk normally after."
The man whistled and smirked. “That’s some confidence.” answered the man. “The name is Bruin Edwick. Let’s hope we don’t lose you too quickly.”
“Did something happen between you and Marian?” asked Sonya.
Luna shrugged. "Can't tell ya, all I know is that I don't care for her." She said.
Bruin laughed and looked forward at the representatives. “That is where I want to be one day. How about you Luna? Have any goals?”
She raised her eyebrow at the question. "Not...really, I actually see myself doing this line of work for quite sometime." She said. "Who went and made you a counselor?" She joked, trying to keep herself awake.
“I just like to get a feel for what my comrades are like.” he answered. “You after all have just joined our ranks. I guess I’m just a curious sort. Sonya is easy enough to figure out, and I have heard plenty of stories about her anyways.” answered Bruin.
Luna covered her mouth to keep herself from laughing out of turn. "Well-- Bruin, was it? I'm sure you'll hear many stories about me..." Luna said looking down at her hand. Bruin looked at her strangely and looked down to a ring on her ring finger.
“I didn’t figure you for a married woman. Who is the lucky man?” asked Bruin.
"Woman..." She corrected, darting her eyes towards Bruin. "And she's dead." Luna's glare got bigger as she stared at the ring.
“My condolences,” answered Bruin seeing that he had stepped into a sore topic.
“What have you heard about me, Bruin, sir?” Sonya inquired of the elite soldier. She had heard that her exploits became well-known, but didn’t know of the extent.
“Heard you are quite the man eater,” he said with a laugh. “The man that was killed was an old squad-mate. He always had a thing for the ladies, but like then it seems to have gotten him into unwanted situations.”
“Ehhh? I’m… I’m sorry about that…” Sonya said softly. She recalled that time vaguely. It was the first time she had seduced somebody using her power after joining up with the military. She had forgotten about that event until now.
“He wasn’t the smartest or most useful in our group. Nothing lost.” answered Bruin with a chuckle. “Just keep it easy around this lot. They aren’t as friendly as me…” The other elites focused on the ride ahead of them and didn’t even turn to acknowledge that they heard their conversation.
TheLoneGentleman, BlinkXPoke, and Ezlare.
Charlotte, Emma, and the other elites stood in front of Luna’s new quarters for a moment hoping that she was up, and would come out on her own. Ten minutes went past however, and Charlotte was forced to pound on the door.
“Hurry it up you're late!” yelled Charlotte into the room. There was no response. Charlotte broke her knuckles and gave the door a punch hard enough to weaken the hinges. Then she turned the broken knob with ease. Opening the door she walked into a snoring Luna. Kicking the side of the bed she sent Luna falling over the edge.
"Gah, what the hell!?” Luna exclaimed, quickly knocked out of her grogginess. “Hey, what’s the big idea wakin’ a gal up, barging in her room like that?! I coulda been naked for all you know!”
“Nothing I haven’t seen before.” said Charlotte smirking. The elites chucked a bit. “Hurry and get ready. We are moving out.” Emma simply looked on at the scene with dead eyes. She was only there because Marian ordered her to be.
Luna ignored her quip, and shook her head instead. After walking to the wardrobe, she turned to Emma, noticing her disgust. "Come now, we're all adults here, don't look like that!"
“Don’t mind her...She has her reasons.” answered Charlotte. Charlotte sat on the bed while Luna got ready to head out. Emma held her comb in her hand moving her fingers over it gently. It soothed her in ways that nothing else could.
"Why hello there, little lady!" Luna exclaimed as she picked up Zweihander, sheathing it onto her back. Before she could even say something, she was stopped by Emma's incessant stroking of the comb she was holding. "So... Is she going to be okay?" She whispered to Charlotte as she wrapped the scarf over her shoulder.
“No clue, but as long as she fights I really don’t care.” answered Charlotte standing up. “Let’s be off. I don’t want to keep Marian waiting.” She walked out of the room, and Emma followed behind her putting the comb away.
Soul and Sonya rode up to the stables in Sonya’s family carriage. As they stepped out they saw that Charlotte, Emma, and Luna had already arrived.
Sonya greeted them. “Good day to you, Luna, Representative Emma and Charlotte.”
Charlotte looked over to Sonya, and gave a simple wave. Emma only looked at the two as they approached. Marian was glad that she didn’t have to send more people to retrieve them. She half expected them to get distracted, and go exploring the city.
“With them here we are ready to head out.” said Marian. “Let’s get a move on.”
Once everyone was saddled and ready to ride the group moved out in formation and approached the main gate. In a few moments the doors opened allowing them to leave the city. Marian rode out front with the other representatives right behind her. The elites formed a diamond shape behind them. Luna and Sonya rode near the center of the group.
“What is the first waypoint?” asked Soul.
“Talahar.” answered Marian.
“Going kind of easy on us aren’t you?” answered Soul. “That is only about a two and a half day ride. Any reason?”
“Kudzu is there. I have something for him.” answered Marian. Thinking about that man made Soul cringe. He was the only one besides Cain that Soul actually had to watch his mouth around. Even if Kudzu couldn’t exactly kill him, a beating from that man was something that should be avoided at all costs.
“Understood.” replied Soul riding back a little bit. Looking at Charlotte he spoke the name: “Kudzu” and she shivered.
“Why do we have to see him again? My body hasn’t worked the same way since our last training session.” complained Charlotte.
“He was nice enough to me…” said Emma.
“That’s because he has a soft spot for kids.” answered Soul. “I’m envious. He has never liked me.”
“Luna Marcell, you sure have guts talking about things like that right in front of Marian at the meeting.” said a male elite catching up to Luna’s horse. He had short brown hair and a thin beard that covered his chin. “I thought she was about to end you right there. She has a habit of doing that”
Luna swiftly turned her head to the direction of the elite with anger, glaring at him. "Marian, isn't a factor." Luna snarled with bags hanging from her eyes from this morning. "She could try something if she wanted, I can't guarantee she'll walk normally after."
The man whistled and smirked. “That’s some confidence.” answered the man. “The name is Bruin Edwick. Let’s hope we don’t lose you too quickly.”
“Did something happen between you and Marian?” asked Sonya.
Luna shrugged. "Can't tell ya, all I know is that I don't care for her." She said.
Bruin laughed and looked forward at the representatives. “That is where I want to be one day. How about you Luna? Have any goals?”
She raised her eyebrow at the question. "Not...really, I actually see myself doing this line of work for quite sometime." She said. "Who went and made you a counselor?" She joked, trying to keep herself awake.
“I just like to get a feel for what my comrades are like.” he answered. “You after all have just joined our ranks. I guess I’m just a curious sort. Sonya is easy enough to figure out, and I have heard plenty of stories about her anyways.” answered Bruin.
Luna covered her mouth to keep herself from laughing out of turn. "Well-- Bruin, was it? I'm sure you'll hear many stories about me..." Luna said looking down at her hand. Bruin looked at her strangely and looked down to a ring on her ring finger.
“I didn’t figure you for a married woman. Who is the lucky man?” asked Bruin.
"Woman..." She corrected, darting her eyes towards Bruin. "And she's dead." Luna's glare got bigger as she stared at the ring.
“My condolences,” answered Bruin seeing that he had stepped into a sore topic.
“What have you heard about me, Bruin, sir?” Sonya inquired of the elite soldier. She had heard that her exploits became well-known, but didn’t know of the extent.
“Heard you are quite the man eater,” he said with a laugh. “The man that was killed was an old squad-mate. He always had a thing for the ladies, but like then it seems to have gotten him into unwanted situations.”
“Ehhh? I’m… I’m sorry about that…” Sonya said softly. She recalled that time vaguely. It was the first time she had seduced somebody using her power after joining up with the military. She had forgotten about that event until now.
“He wasn’t the smartest or most useful in our group. Nothing lost.” answered Bruin with a chuckle. “Just keep it easy around this lot. They aren’t as friendly as me…” The other elites focused on the ride ahead of them and didn’t even turn to acknowledge that they heard their conversation.
0
This is a Joint Post Starring:
TheLoneGentleman,BlinkXPoke, and Ezlare.
In two days they reached Waycastle Talahar at high noon.The gates opened to welcome them. As group of soldiers received them and stood at attention as the group approached. An unfamiliar man was in charge of the waycastle now. Marian slid off her horse raising a brow as the man stepped forward.
“Where is the former commander of this waycastle?” asked Marian.
“Representative Kudzu...reprimanded him.” answered the soldier. Marian let out a sigh.
“And where is he now?” asked Marian.
“He went out with two warriors to deal with a beast that has been causing trouble in the area. We were told it was dealt with, but he has yet to return. We have men out searching for him now.”
Marian turned to the group with an angry expression. “We don’t have time to wait on dead men. We are going to search for him ourselves.” announced Marian. “We split into two groups. Me and Emma will lead the first group. Soul and Charlotte will lead the other. Sonya and Luna you are with me, and I’ll take you three.” She pointed out three elites who moved over to stand next to Marian. Bruin was in this group. “The rest go with Soul and Charlotte. The canyons aren’t safe for horses so we go on foot.”
“Yes, Representative!” Sonya responded as she took position behind Marian.
Luna swore under her breath and frowned as she stood behind the two. "Damn it, I'd kill for Selanus to be here right about now..." She whispered to herself.
“Are you going to be a problem?” asked Marian turning to her slightly. Her face didn’t change, but her tone of voice showed that her patience was thin.
"...Of course not, Rep." Luna clenched her teeth as she strained to spit her words out, almost twitching. Despite her petty resentment for Marian, she attempted to stay in the mindset that she could put her down within a minute if she wanted to and decided to keep her mouth shut. "Just... thinking out loud, is all."
“Selanus is not officially apart of this military, and has no obligation to stay with us.” she answered. “As much as I’d like my soldiers actually thinking…” she continued glaring at Soul. “Please keep your mind at the task at hand.”
“What happened to him, though? He left so suddenly…” Sonya commented. To her, he didn’t seem like the type of person who’d leave without saying goodbye. He seemed so pleasant before some incident as they were returning from Raltese that she didn’t know about. I wonder if it has anything to do with Alma… she thought, remembering that he was quite close to her.
“He isn’t a child. He can make his own choices.” responded Marian.
Soul looked at her disinterested in whatever she was saying. [b]“Are we ready to head out? What direction did he head out in?” asked Soul looking at the nearest soldier. The soldier walked to the edge of the bridge overlooking the canyon to the west.
“This way sir, and deeper into the cave area.” he answered.
“Excellent,” answered Soul. Emma cringed at the word and gripped her chest.“We will head out first, and clean out resistance. Don’t fall behind now.” Soul turned and made his way for the side building. There were stairs inside that would let out to the canyon. Marian and company waited behind for a moment.
“Alright we will be the tracking team. Luna I need you to watch my back while I keep up a veil for communication between the two teams. We will fine comb this canyon until we find him.” she ordered. The group saluted, and then they all headed off to follow up after the first team.
As Marian and company moved through the canyon they heard the carnage ahead. Soul and Charlotte were doing an excellent job of clearing the dangerous wildlife from the area. Sure some would argue that they were destroying the ecosystem, but there was little chance of stopping them now. Suddenly Marian’s eyes closed in on a hole in a wall that didn’t seem to be made by anything human.
[b]†˜Was this you Soul?’ she asked over spirit signal.
”Not this time, we passed that a while ago, and left up to you. he responded.
Marian nodded and cut the connection. Looking to the hole she rubbed her hand on its edge. It was rough to the touch, but at the same time there was a pattern to it. She knew about many types of monsters in the canyon, but tried to remember one like this. As she further examined the rock it came to her.
“Ugh Kogok infestation. Why didn’t they just send for more soldiers?” she answered. “Alright listen up! These things are subterranean, blind, but extremely powerful. Keep your wits about you, and be careful of loose ground.”
Sonya immediately shifted her focus to the floor beneath her after Marian’s warning, keeping an eye out for anything peculiar. She admitted to Marian, “I’ve never heard of Kogoks before… What exactly should I do?” Sonya immediately thought of bugs when Marian described it as an †˜infestation’, but wasn’t sure whether they were actually a larger species that traveled in groups. “What do they look like?” she asked to confirm.
“Big lizard like creatures with three horns meant for digging. The adult horns are a lot harder than the adolescents. Meaning they can dig faster.” answered Marian feeling like she was spouting random trivia. Clearing her throat she continued. “The only difference between the two are their size.”
Luna shivered at the thought of lizard-like creatures, even more when Marian said that the adults were larger. She prayed that they wouldn't encounter any Kogoks while during the mission, but of course that was impossible with their luck. "Lizards, with horns? Of all things it just had to be lizards..." Luna groaned, hesitating to even move.
“You’re afraid of lizards, Luna?” Sonya assumed from her reaction. Sonya, herself, was taken aback a bit by the thought of lizards, but she didn’t fear them greatly. The fact that they had horns concerned her, however.
"Nah, I just think they're...gross is all, this is nothing about fear, sugar." Luna replied with a tingling sensation run down her spine along the thought of the creatures. "Say if we do manage to spot some, I'll take 'em down a peg, easy." Suddenly there was a tremendous roar that came from the hole they were investigating. It was enough to leave the ears ringing for several seconds.
“I say we go in, and have you take them down a peg then.” said Bruin with a smirk.
"I mean, we don't wanna be disturbing their natural habitat, I mean, come on! What if we run into one and you all rely on me to take it down, huh? I would be swinging my damned sword around like some inebriated fool and I might hit one of you guys, then what?" Luna responded to keep from going in. She has no love for giant lizards or dark holes, she would surely go mad from both.
“Don’t worry, we’ll help you, Luna. We need to clear these lizards out, anyways. They’re dangerous.” Sonya replied. She just wanted to get this over with and not need to deal with it anymore.
She squeezed the bridge of her nose, realizing her excuse was a bad one. "Okay, okay I'm going, damn it." Luna replied in a defeated tone. She hesitantly entered the hole with Zweihander drawn cautiously to the darkness.
TheLoneGentleman,BlinkXPoke, and Ezlare.
In two days they reached Waycastle Talahar at high noon.The gates opened to welcome them. As group of soldiers received them and stood at attention as the group approached. An unfamiliar man was in charge of the waycastle now. Marian slid off her horse raising a brow as the man stepped forward.
“Where is the former commander of this waycastle?” asked Marian.
“Representative Kudzu...reprimanded him.” answered the soldier. Marian let out a sigh.
“And where is he now?” asked Marian.
“He went out with two warriors to deal with a beast that has been causing trouble in the area. We were told it was dealt with, but he has yet to return. We have men out searching for him now.”
Marian turned to the group with an angry expression. “We don’t have time to wait on dead men. We are going to search for him ourselves.” announced Marian. “We split into two groups. Me and Emma will lead the first group. Soul and Charlotte will lead the other. Sonya and Luna you are with me, and I’ll take you three.” She pointed out three elites who moved over to stand next to Marian. Bruin was in this group. “The rest go with Soul and Charlotte. The canyons aren’t safe for horses so we go on foot.”
“Yes, Representative!” Sonya responded as she took position behind Marian.
Luna swore under her breath and frowned as she stood behind the two. "Damn it, I'd kill for Selanus to be here right about now..." She whispered to herself.
“Are you going to be a problem?” asked Marian turning to her slightly. Her face didn’t change, but her tone of voice showed that her patience was thin.
"...Of course not, Rep." Luna clenched her teeth as she strained to spit her words out, almost twitching. Despite her petty resentment for Marian, she attempted to stay in the mindset that she could put her down within a minute if she wanted to and decided to keep her mouth shut. "Just... thinking out loud, is all."
“Selanus is not officially apart of this military, and has no obligation to stay with us.” she answered. “As much as I’d like my soldiers actually thinking…” she continued glaring at Soul. “Please keep your mind at the task at hand.”
“What happened to him, though? He left so suddenly…” Sonya commented. To her, he didn’t seem like the type of person who’d leave without saying goodbye. He seemed so pleasant before some incident as they were returning from Raltese that she didn’t know about. I wonder if it has anything to do with Alma… she thought, remembering that he was quite close to her.
“He isn’t a child. He can make his own choices.” responded Marian.
Soul looked at her disinterested in whatever she was saying. [b]“Are we ready to head out? What direction did he head out in?” asked Soul looking at the nearest soldier. The soldier walked to the edge of the bridge overlooking the canyon to the west.
“This way sir, and deeper into the cave area.” he answered.
“Excellent,” answered Soul. Emma cringed at the word and gripped her chest.“We will head out first, and clean out resistance. Don’t fall behind now.” Soul turned and made his way for the side building. There were stairs inside that would let out to the canyon. Marian and company waited behind for a moment.
“Alright we will be the tracking team. Luna I need you to watch my back while I keep up a veil for communication between the two teams. We will fine comb this canyon until we find him.” she ordered. The group saluted, and then they all headed off to follow up after the first team.
As Marian and company moved through the canyon they heard the carnage ahead. Soul and Charlotte were doing an excellent job of clearing the dangerous wildlife from the area. Sure some would argue that they were destroying the ecosystem, but there was little chance of stopping them now. Suddenly Marian’s eyes closed in on a hole in a wall that didn’t seem to be made by anything human.
[b]†˜Was this you Soul?’ she asked over spirit signal.
”Not this time, we passed that a while ago, and left up to you. he responded.
Marian nodded and cut the connection. Looking to the hole she rubbed her hand on its edge. It was rough to the touch, but at the same time there was a pattern to it. She knew about many types of monsters in the canyon, but tried to remember one like this. As she further examined the rock it came to her.
“Ugh Kogok infestation. Why didn’t they just send for more soldiers?” she answered. “Alright listen up! These things are subterranean, blind, but extremely powerful. Keep your wits about you, and be careful of loose ground.”
Sonya immediately shifted her focus to the floor beneath her after Marian’s warning, keeping an eye out for anything peculiar. She admitted to Marian, “I’ve never heard of Kogoks before… What exactly should I do?” Sonya immediately thought of bugs when Marian described it as an †˜infestation’, but wasn’t sure whether they were actually a larger species that traveled in groups. “What do they look like?” she asked to confirm.
“Big lizard like creatures with three horns meant for digging. The adult horns are a lot harder than the adolescents. Meaning they can dig faster.” answered Marian feeling like she was spouting random trivia. Clearing her throat she continued. “The only difference between the two are their size.”
Luna shivered at the thought of lizard-like creatures, even more when Marian said that the adults were larger. She prayed that they wouldn't encounter any Kogoks while during the mission, but of course that was impossible with their luck. "Lizards, with horns? Of all things it just had to be lizards..." Luna groaned, hesitating to even move.
“You’re afraid of lizards, Luna?” Sonya assumed from her reaction. Sonya, herself, was taken aback a bit by the thought of lizards, but she didn’t fear them greatly. The fact that they had horns concerned her, however.
"Nah, I just think they're...gross is all, this is nothing about fear, sugar." Luna replied with a tingling sensation run down her spine along the thought of the creatures. "Say if we do manage to spot some, I'll take 'em down a peg, easy." Suddenly there was a tremendous roar that came from the hole they were investigating. It was enough to leave the ears ringing for several seconds.
“I say we go in, and have you take them down a peg then.” said Bruin with a smirk.
"I mean, we don't wanna be disturbing their natural habitat, I mean, come on! What if we run into one and you all rely on me to take it down, huh? I would be swinging my damned sword around like some inebriated fool and I might hit one of you guys, then what?" Luna responded to keep from going in. She has no love for giant lizards or dark holes, she would surely go mad from both.
“Don’t worry, we’ll help you, Luna. We need to clear these lizards out, anyways. They’re dangerous.” Sonya replied. She just wanted to get this over with and not need to deal with it anymore.
She squeezed the bridge of her nose, realizing her excuse was a bad one. "Okay, okay I'm going, damn it." Luna replied in a defeated tone. She hesitantly entered the hole with Zweihander drawn cautiously to the darkness.
0
BlinkXPoke
Cards and Hugs abound
This is a Joint Post Starring:
TheLoneGentleman, BlinkXPoke, and Ezlare.
The group moved into the tunnel carefully with Luna taking point. Her body shaking nervously as she moved through the dark cave. Suddenly there was a snapping sound behind her. Startled she spun swinging her sword at the sound. Bruin narrowly dodged the blow holding his chest as if his chest stopped. A small flame in his palm grew brighter as he caught his breath and lit up the cave.
“Calm it lass…” said Bruin glaring down Luna.
“S-Sorry…! I warned you, didn’t I?” she replied whispering as if she would cause the entire cave to collapse only by speaking in her normal tone of voice, she took a deep breath of air before continuing to walk cautiously along the cave.
“Scary…” Sonya mumbled. Luna seemed like anything would startle her, so Sonya was extra cautious not to make any sudden movements. However, she couldn’t help but jump back at some rumbling that occurred just beneath her feet, nudging against Luna in the process. “Ah-, I’m sorry!”
Luna jolted forward, blindly swinging her sword downward in Sonya’s direction, only grazing a lock of her hair. She managed to leave a large laceration on the rock behind Sonya. “Seriously love, you gotta watch yourself; that coulda been your head!” She warned, sighing in relief while Sonya stood transfixed by the close call.
“Didn’t I say to calm down…” said Bruin. As the silence set in a slight clicking sound could be heard all around them. As the flame grew bright enough in Bruins had three Kogoks waited for anyone to make a move.
Marian slowly flicked her fingers up as three pairs of scissors flashed between them. †˜We are surrounded. Get into formation.’ ordered Marian through spirit signal.†˜Be ready on my command.’.
"Ohshi-" Luna hardly had any time to say as she took formation aside her comrades, holding her blade cautiously to the Kogoks.
“There they are, now, Luna! Please hit them instead of us!” Sonya said as she formed up with her comrades. She was still somewhat shaken from being attacked by Luna just recently.
Marian spun her scissors open and flung them at the Kogok. The blades stuck in the beast as it screeched loudly. Confused the beast lashed out at the closest enemy. Biting into an elite’s shoulder it then lifted her in it’s mighty jaw and slammed him on a wall. The female elite screamed loudly as she felt the teeth shred her armor and flesh.
Luna ran for the monster assaulting the elite, and cleaved her sword through the air almost severing the Kogok’s head. Blood sprayed through the air as the Kogok’s jaw hung lifeless releasing the elite. Another beast now had Luna’s location from the commotion she made. Dashing towards her it roared loudly. Clicking its jaw it sent the sound around the cave getting a better feel for Luna. Cocking its head back it slammed down directly on Luna. The force was enough to leave her at least stunned if not break a few bones.. “Argh, damn it!” Luna grunted in pain as she kneeled onto the ground and held her wound.
“Luna!” yelled Sonya as she was forced to witness the beast take her down. She didn’t look dead, but she was surely hurt. Looking at her doll she gripped it tightly. She blew a kiss towards the beast, but it was clearly harder to charm something of a different species. It shook off her spell as it looked at the party making more clicking noises.
“Let me take it from here lass,” said Bruin placing a hand on her shoulder for a moment. The flame he held in his hand was taking the shape of an orb. Placing his hand over the orb he slammed down on it, and darkening the cave for a moment.. The flames shot out in a fan shape towards the beast. The flames swarmed around the Kogok searing it. The scales helped to reduce the damage but not enough to dismiss the attack. With concentration Bruin was able to make the flames linger on the beasts skin.
“That is how you do it.” said Bruin as he formed another orb in his hand and the light returned. Taking this chance the other elite dashed towards the beast daggers drawn. Jumping off a large stone the elite dug his daggers into the back of the Kogok. His blades found the bite they needed and ripped through the flesh with ease. Once on the other side the elite dashed to the injured female elite to try and help her back to the party. The third Kogok swung its fearsome tail, but lost track of the party in a blind rage. Instead it hit its sibling hard across the back. The female elite regained her senses and gripped her spear. Standing up she charged the weakened Kogok and aimed her spear for its heart. Sadly she was unable to pierce its thick hide.
Marian reached to her sides and slid out her two thin blades. The last time she had drawn them had been against that knight in the forest, but she would not let any of her elites fall to these vermin. Dashing towards the beast she leapt onto it’s back. Stabbing rapidly she landed four blows into its neck before launching off back to the center of her elites.
Luna shook her head as her muscles began to respond just in time to see Marian’s display of power. Carefully she rose to her feet, feeling a surge of anger hit her as she could still feel the pain from her wound. “Son of a bitch…!” Exclaimed Luna at the top of her lungs. She hoisted Zweihander onto her shoulder and took a swift dash towards the weakened Kogok. The very moment she got within arms reach of the Kogok she brought the massive blade down onto it, nearly splitting it’s entire body in half, covering Luna in blood, along with a few drops raining on her teammates.
“Ah!” Sonya yelped, feeling a warm, wet sensation splash onto her leg. It was the blood from the Kogok that Luna had just killed. She was surprised it reached this far; Luna was several meters away from her. “You really don’t like lizards, do you, Luna?” Sonya asked nervously, as she prepared herself to strike at the last remaining Kogok. The last of the three Kogoks, injured and scared, backed up into a corner before choking out a loud screech. It was calling for help.
“Shut up…” Sonya muttered darkly as she dashed toward the final Kogok. It would be inconvenient if more showed up and attacked. When she was in range, she snapped her whip toward the Kogok, striking it twice with a single swing. The first lashed it’s jaw, silencing it, and the second targeted it’s throat, slicing it and rendering it immobile. For good measure, she whipped its dead body several more times while it laid motionless on the ground, relieving some pent-up frustration. “Of course… this isn’t as fun as playing with people…” Sonya had hoped that this would bring her at least a bit of pleasure, but it was impossible to bring an enjoyable reaction out of this creature.
The ground began to shake violently, but in the commotion of Sonya terrorizing the creature not everyone noticed. Bruin seemed to be the only one who noticed this. Marian seemed preoccupied with something else.
TheLoneGentleman, BlinkXPoke, and Ezlare.
The group moved into the tunnel carefully with Luna taking point. Her body shaking nervously as she moved through the dark cave. Suddenly there was a snapping sound behind her. Startled she spun swinging her sword at the sound. Bruin narrowly dodged the blow holding his chest as if his chest stopped. A small flame in his palm grew brighter as he caught his breath and lit up the cave.
“Calm it lass…” said Bruin glaring down Luna.
“S-Sorry…! I warned you, didn’t I?” she replied whispering as if she would cause the entire cave to collapse only by speaking in her normal tone of voice, she took a deep breath of air before continuing to walk cautiously along the cave.
“Scary…” Sonya mumbled. Luna seemed like anything would startle her, so Sonya was extra cautious not to make any sudden movements. However, she couldn’t help but jump back at some rumbling that occurred just beneath her feet, nudging against Luna in the process. “Ah-, I’m sorry!”
Luna jolted forward, blindly swinging her sword downward in Sonya’s direction, only grazing a lock of her hair. She managed to leave a large laceration on the rock behind Sonya. “Seriously love, you gotta watch yourself; that coulda been your head!” She warned, sighing in relief while Sonya stood transfixed by the close call.
“Didn’t I say to calm down…” said Bruin. As the silence set in a slight clicking sound could be heard all around them. As the flame grew bright enough in Bruins had three Kogoks waited for anyone to make a move.
Marian slowly flicked her fingers up as three pairs of scissors flashed between them. †˜We are surrounded. Get into formation.’ ordered Marian through spirit signal.†˜Be ready on my command.’.
"Ohshi-" Luna hardly had any time to say as she took formation aside her comrades, holding her blade cautiously to the Kogoks.
“There they are, now, Luna! Please hit them instead of us!” Sonya said as she formed up with her comrades. She was still somewhat shaken from being attacked by Luna just recently.
Marian spun her scissors open and flung them at the Kogok. The blades stuck in the beast as it screeched loudly. Confused the beast lashed out at the closest enemy. Biting into an elite’s shoulder it then lifted her in it’s mighty jaw and slammed him on a wall. The female elite screamed loudly as she felt the teeth shred her armor and flesh.
Luna ran for the monster assaulting the elite, and cleaved her sword through the air almost severing the Kogok’s head. Blood sprayed through the air as the Kogok’s jaw hung lifeless releasing the elite. Another beast now had Luna’s location from the commotion she made. Dashing towards her it roared loudly. Clicking its jaw it sent the sound around the cave getting a better feel for Luna. Cocking its head back it slammed down directly on Luna. The force was enough to leave her at least stunned if not break a few bones.. “Argh, damn it!” Luna grunted in pain as she kneeled onto the ground and held her wound.
“Luna!” yelled Sonya as she was forced to witness the beast take her down. She didn’t look dead, but she was surely hurt. Looking at her doll she gripped it tightly. She blew a kiss towards the beast, but it was clearly harder to charm something of a different species. It shook off her spell as it looked at the party making more clicking noises.
“Let me take it from here lass,” said Bruin placing a hand on her shoulder for a moment. The flame he held in his hand was taking the shape of an orb. Placing his hand over the orb he slammed down on it, and darkening the cave for a moment.. The flames shot out in a fan shape towards the beast. The flames swarmed around the Kogok searing it. The scales helped to reduce the damage but not enough to dismiss the attack. With concentration Bruin was able to make the flames linger on the beasts skin.
“That is how you do it.” said Bruin as he formed another orb in his hand and the light returned. Taking this chance the other elite dashed towards the beast daggers drawn. Jumping off a large stone the elite dug his daggers into the back of the Kogok. His blades found the bite they needed and ripped through the flesh with ease. Once on the other side the elite dashed to the injured female elite to try and help her back to the party. The third Kogok swung its fearsome tail, but lost track of the party in a blind rage. Instead it hit its sibling hard across the back. The female elite regained her senses and gripped her spear. Standing up she charged the weakened Kogok and aimed her spear for its heart. Sadly she was unable to pierce its thick hide.
Marian reached to her sides and slid out her two thin blades. The last time she had drawn them had been against that knight in the forest, but she would not let any of her elites fall to these vermin. Dashing towards the beast she leapt onto it’s back. Stabbing rapidly she landed four blows into its neck before launching off back to the center of her elites.
Luna shook her head as her muscles began to respond just in time to see Marian’s display of power. Carefully she rose to her feet, feeling a surge of anger hit her as she could still feel the pain from her wound. “Son of a bitch…!” Exclaimed Luna at the top of her lungs. She hoisted Zweihander onto her shoulder and took a swift dash towards the weakened Kogok. The very moment she got within arms reach of the Kogok she brought the massive blade down onto it, nearly splitting it’s entire body in half, covering Luna in blood, along with a few drops raining on her teammates.
“Ah!” Sonya yelped, feeling a warm, wet sensation splash onto her leg. It was the blood from the Kogok that Luna had just killed. She was surprised it reached this far; Luna was several meters away from her. “You really don’t like lizards, do you, Luna?” Sonya asked nervously, as she prepared herself to strike at the last remaining Kogok. The last of the three Kogoks, injured and scared, backed up into a corner before choking out a loud screech. It was calling for help.
“Shut up…” Sonya muttered darkly as she dashed toward the final Kogok. It would be inconvenient if more showed up and attacked. When she was in range, she snapped her whip toward the Kogok, striking it twice with a single swing. The first lashed it’s jaw, silencing it, and the second targeted it’s throat, slicing it and rendering it immobile. For good measure, she whipped its dead body several more times while it laid motionless on the ground, relieving some pent-up frustration. “Of course… this isn’t as fun as playing with people…” Sonya had hoped that this would bring her at least a bit of pleasure, but it was impossible to bring an enjoyable reaction out of this creature.
The ground began to shake violently, but in the commotion of Sonya terrorizing the creature not everyone noticed. Bruin seemed to be the only one who noticed this. Marian seemed preoccupied with something else.
0
This is a Joint Post Starring:
TheLoneGentleman,BlinkXPoke, and Ezlare.
“Everyone spread out!” yelled Bruin, but the warning came too late as the ground quaked and split. Gaping jaws came up beneath the two elites, and in a flash their lives were snuffed out. An enormous Kogok stood before them. Towering over two stories and from its head to tail measuring 12 meters. Clicking at a higher frequency than the young Kogok they just fought, it seemed to immediately know where everyone was.
“Well isn’t this a fine situation we have found ourselves in…” said Bruin clapping a hand to his forehead.
“We put it down just like the ones before.” answered Marian. “We honor our dead.”
“Ugh, I am not in the mood for this shit…” Commented Luna hoisting her sword on her shoulder, wiping excess blood from her face. “I hope you guys have some more fight left in you.”
“W-why is this one so big!?” Sonya cried out in disbelief. The small ones were irritating enough, despite dying rather quickly. She started getting frustrated as the larger Kogok ceaselessly clicked. She growled as she took a stance to prepare for battle once more. Needing to deal with these creatures was just becoming more and more annoying for her.
“This is the queen I take it.” said Bruin as he grimaced at the beast that just claimed two of them in an instant. This wouldn’t be an easy fight, far from it.
Marian spun her blades around her finger once before sheathing her blades. Flicking out her fingers she summoned three scissors to her hand. As their form took hold Marian swung her arm hand implanting the blades into the Kogok. The Kogok screeched as she reeled from the attack. After she recovered she glared down at Marian with its eyeless gaze.
Marian felt that the attack was coming, but nothing could prepare her for the speed that such a big monster could move. With a lightning fast snap the beast snapped her up into its mighty jaws. She struggled but the beast got two bites in before Marian managed to free herself. Falling down to the ground she climbed to her feet assessing her wounds. Lucky for her she was able to avoid a full on bite.
“This one is fast, but it makes itself obvious to who its target is. Watch for this, and plan accordingly.” ordered Marian. Form the corner of her eye Marian saw a smaller Kogok like the ones they fought earlier jump out from a tunnel. “Shit more are coming...don’t let us become surrounded!”
“What a pain…” Sonya turned her head to look at where the small Kogok was coming from. “We need to kill this fast… I don’t think we can hold out against too many of these at once!” She yelled while refocusing her attention on the mother Kogok.
Luna started to lose her mind after seeing the second Kogok emerge from the hole, she gripped her sword tighter as she began hyperventilating from the pressure. “Why won’t you bastards die!?” She snapped, the entire cave was filled with Luna’s shriek possibly breaking whatever silence there was. Pulling her sword from the body of the recently killed Kogok, she took her two fingers and slowly ran them across her tongue, tasting the blood left from it. She smiled darkly, eyeing the mother Kogok as her face twitched. “I’ve had just about enough of you freaks…”
“Hyaah!” Sonya, meanwhile cracked her whip toward the larger Kogok. It was the biggest threat at the moment. She was just able to make a clean lash against it, with the second lash headed in a different direction: toward the newly spawned youngling Kogok. To Sonya, she figured it wouldn’t be wise to ignore the smaller ones completely, so she divided her effort. However, neither was put down by her strike, irritating her greatly. “This isn’t fun… Why won’t they die already…” She groaned.
“Time to set off the funeral pyre.” said Bruin with a grin. Explaning the flame orb in his hand he clapped his hands sending the flames forward and guiding them around allies. Once they were under the queen they shot up enveloping her in intense flames. The mother barely flinched from the flames as she peered down instead at the one who hurt her child, Sonya. The Kogok child walked behind its mother and tried to locate someone to attack, but was having trouble finding anyone.
In anger the mother began smacking the walls with her tail. The ground began to loosen up, and a few rocks fell down from the ceiling.
“She is trying to bring down the whole damned thing!” exclaimed Bruin. As the rocks fell there was a large tremor that smacked the side of the cave. A kogok even bigger than the queen shot out from the wall. Its hide was deep crimson. The large Kogok look one look at the mother before it snapped open its jaw and attacked. The kogok mother shrieked loudly before the larger red kogok bit down hard silencing it. After it was sure the mother was dead it threw its bloodied carcass to the side, and moved over to enjoy its meal.
“Its about time…” said Marian sheathing her swords. The young kogok, after witnessing his mother being eaten, turned to flee.
“Oh no you don’t!” yelled a familiar figure leaping off the back of the red kogok. Kudzu seized the smaller lizard’s neck and squeezed setting it aflame and snapping its neck.
“Thats a good boy Soul,”[/b] said Charlotte petting the red kogok head before jumping off and landing next to Marian. “You guys can’t last a day without us.”[/b] said Charlotte smirking.
“I was doing fine without your interruption.” replied Marian.
“I’m not complaining,” said Bruin. “Thank you kindly!”
Luna looked as if she was about to cry as she fell down to her knees. “I’m not going down anymore holes...ever.” She panted in a defeated tone.
“Phew…” Sonya sat down on the floor and let her body relax after seeing Soul devour the mother Kogok. “So nice of you to join us, Chief Soul, Representative Charlotte. Did you find the missing representative?”
“That they did,” answered Kudzu walking over as the blood evaporated off his glove. [b]“But I wasn’t missing. That queen is quick for her size. In order to catch her I needed someone who could dig faster.”
“Good thing you have an idiot who can change his shape correct?” replied Marian looking to Soul. Soul ignored this insult and proceeded to finish up his meal. Emma walked over to Marian and stood behind her. Kudzu looked at her and closed his eyes sighing.
“Let’s get out of here. Without their mother directing them the rest will die out in a few weeks. I dealt with the problem ones before you got here.” said Kudzu walking past the group and towards the exit.
TheLoneGentleman,BlinkXPoke, and Ezlare.
“Everyone spread out!” yelled Bruin, but the warning came too late as the ground quaked and split. Gaping jaws came up beneath the two elites, and in a flash their lives were snuffed out. An enormous Kogok stood before them. Towering over two stories and from its head to tail measuring 12 meters. Clicking at a higher frequency than the young Kogok they just fought, it seemed to immediately know where everyone was.
“Well isn’t this a fine situation we have found ourselves in…” said Bruin clapping a hand to his forehead.
“We put it down just like the ones before.” answered Marian. “We honor our dead.”
“Ugh, I am not in the mood for this shit…” Commented Luna hoisting her sword on her shoulder, wiping excess blood from her face. “I hope you guys have some more fight left in you.”
“W-why is this one so big!?” Sonya cried out in disbelief. The small ones were irritating enough, despite dying rather quickly. She started getting frustrated as the larger Kogok ceaselessly clicked. She growled as she took a stance to prepare for battle once more. Needing to deal with these creatures was just becoming more and more annoying for her.
“This is the queen I take it.” said Bruin as he grimaced at the beast that just claimed two of them in an instant. This wouldn’t be an easy fight, far from it.
Marian spun her blades around her finger once before sheathing her blades. Flicking out her fingers she summoned three scissors to her hand. As their form took hold Marian swung her arm hand implanting the blades into the Kogok. The Kogok screeched as she reeled from the attack. After she recovered she glared down at Marian with its eyeless gaze.
Marian felt that the attack was coming, but nothing could prepare her for the speed that such a big monster could move. With a lightning fast snap the beast snapped her up into its mighty jaws. She struggled but the beast got two bites in before Marian managed to free herself. Falling down to the ground she climbed to her feet assessing her wounds. Lucky for her she was able to avoid a full on bite.
“This one is fast, but it makes itself obvious to who its target is. Watch for this, and plan accordingly.” ordered Marian. Form the corner of her eye Marian saw a smaller Kogok like the ones they fought earlier jump out from a tunnel. “Shit more are coming...don’t let us become surrounded!”
“What a pain…” Sonya turned her head to look at where the small Kogok was coming from. “We need to kill this fast… I don’t think we can hold out against too many of these at once!” She yelled while refocusing her attention on the mother Kogok.
Luna started to lose her mind after seeing the second Kogok emerge from the hole, she gripped her sword tighter as she began hyperventilating from the pressure. “Why won’t you bastards die!?” She snapped, the entire cave was filled with Luna’s shriek possibly breaking whatever silence there was. Pulling her sword from the body of the recently killed Kogok, she took her two fingers and slowly ran them across her tongue, tasting the blood left from it. She smiled darkly, eyeing the mother Kogok as her face twitched. “I’ve had just about enough of you freaks…”
“Hyaah!” Sonya, meanwhile cracked her whip toward the larger Kogok. It was the biggest threat at the moment. She was just able to make a clean lash against it, with the second lash headed in a different direction: toward the newly spawned youngling Kogok. To Sonya, she figured it wouldn’t be wise to ignore the smaller ones completely, so she divided her effort. However, neither was put down by her strike, irritating her greatly. “This isn’t fun… Why won’t they die already…” She groaned.
“Time to set off the funeral pyre.” said Bruin with a grin. Explaning the flame orb in his hand he clapped his hands sending the flames forward and guiding them around allies. Once they were under the queen they shot up enveloping her in intense flames. The mother barely flinched from the flames as she peered down instead at the one who hurt her child, Sonya. The Kogok child walked behind its mother and tried to locate someone to attack, but was having trouble finding anyone.
In anger the mother began smacking the walls with her tail. The ground began to loosen up, and a few rocks fell down from the ceiling.
“She is trying to bring down the whole damned thing!” exclaimed Bruin. As the rocks fell there was a large tremor that smacked the side of the cave. A kogok even bigger than the queen shot out from the wall. Its hide was deep crimson. The large Kogok look one look at the mother before it snapped open its jaw and attacked. The kogok mother shrieked loudly before the larger red kogok bit down hard silencing it. After it was sure the mother was dead it threw its bloodied carcass to the side, and moved over to enjoy its meal.
“Its about time…” said Marian sheathing her swords. The young kogok, after witnessing his mother being eaten, turned to flee.
“Oh no you don’t!” yelled a familiar figure leaping off the back of the red kogok. Kudzu seized the smaller lizard’s neck and squeezed setting it aflame and snapping its neck.
“Thats a good boy Soul,”[/b] said Charlotte petting the red kogok head before jumping off and landing next to Marian. “You guys can’t last a day without us.”[/b] said Charlotte smirking.
“I was doing fine without your interruption.” replied Marian.
“I’m not complaining,” said Bruin. “Thank you kindly!”
Luna looked as if she was about to cry as she fell down to her knees. “I’m not going down anymore holes...ever.” She panted in a defeated tone.
“Phew…” Sonya sat down on the floor and let her body relax after seeing Soul devour the mother Kogok. “So nice of you to join us, Chief Soul, Representative Charlotte. Did you find the missing representative?”
“That they did,” answered Kudzu walking over as the blood evaporated off his glove. [b]“But I wasn’t missing. That queen is quick for her size. In order to catch her I needed someone who could dig faster.”
“Good thing you have an idiot who can change his shape correct?” replied Marian looking to Soul. Soul ignored this insult and proceeded to finish up his meal. Emma walked over to Marian and stood behind her. Kudzu looked at her and closed his eyes sighing.
“Let’s get out of here. Without their mother directing them the rest will die out in a few weeks. I dealt with the problem ones before you got here.” said Kudzu walking past the group and towards the exit.
0
This is a Joint Post Starring:
TheLoneGentleman, BlinkXPoke, and Ezlare.
The group made it back to the waycastle. The soldiers saw that they had two missing from their numbers and their expressions dimmed.
“They died for you, if I see this area in such condition again. I’ll have all of you executed,” spat Marian as she passed by the soldiers. They saluted hastily as one of them nearly pissed himself. Kudzu and the others passed by them on the way to the barracks.
“Y-yes Representative Marian!” answered both of the guards.
Two sections of the barracks was cleared for Marian and her elites. Sadly there were two extra beds that ate at Marian’s mood. Placing a hand on her forehead she let out a sigh showing her frustration. She had not planned on losing men this soon if at all. Now they had to complete the objective with lower numbers.
“You feeling a bit better scaredy cat?” asked Bruin tapping Luna on the shoulder.
Luna scoffed. “You weren’t saying that when I almost cleaved that head off your shoulders, little man.” She retaliated with a sinister smile.
“Not like you would have actually hit anything paying attention, with a half-ass strike like that,” he joked. “You really don’t like lizards, eh?”
“Hell no, never did never will.” she replied. “I’m just glad we’re out of that hole; I don’t see becoming Kogok food in my future.” She shuddered ignoring Bruin’s first comment.
“Ya, well, some of us weren’t so lucky.” answered Bruin. “But thats all in the job description right?”
Luna nodded indifferently. “Yeah well, they were dealt a shit hand.” She responded. “Happens to the best of us,”
“I don’t blame fate, it’s always someone's fault.” answered Bruin. “What about you Sonya? What do you think?”
“It’s unfortunate for them, but we got revenge.” Sonya replied with a tired tone. “I hope we don’t have to deal with those icky lizards again, though…” she added, while groaning.
“Women…” replied Bruin.
After a quick dinner, and some small talk between the elites the group decided to go to bed early. Since Marian would give them no mercy even if they were too tired to even stay on the horse.
At dawn everyone was awake and getting ready except for one, Sonya. Sprawled out across the cot with her hair in a mess, Sonya was still sound asleep by the time Marian came back from her talk with the waycastle captain. When her eyes rested up Sonya who was still sleeping her eyes narrowed. As Marian passed the elites stood at attention. Marian stood over Sonya with her hands behind her back. Lifting her leg she stomped the side of the bed making it fall apart, and sending Sonya tumbling to the hard floor.
“Oof… oooowwww…” Sonya whined as she rolled over on the floor and sat upright. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and looked up at who dropped her out of her bed. “Oh, Representative Marian!” Sonya stood up immediately and bowed her head to Marian. “I’m sorry, did I hold something up?” she asked while still bowing.
Marian growled lowly. “Hurry up and get ready to head out. You have five minutes or we are leaving without you.” answered Marian before walking off. Bruin chuckled as quiet as he could, but Marian still picked up on it.
“Something funny?” asked Marian.
“No ma’am,” answered Bruin standing up straight.
“Good, then you will be staying with Sonya if she doesn’t meet her deadline.” answered Marian as she walked out of the room, and the other elites including Luna followed. Bruin clapped a hand over his face.
Sonya hastily found her uniform and whip and started changing once Marian left her room. This was a relatively normal occurrence, as she oversleeps often, but regardless, Sonya was still afraid of what Marian might do to her if she doesn’t obey her instructions. Added to that, she was somewhat uncomfortable with disrobing in front of a man she had only met yesterday. “Could you turn around for a bit?”
“Nope this is the cost of making me wait,” said Bruin with a smirk.
Sonya pouted and murmured “Pervert…” under her breath as she started changing out of her night attire and into her uniform. Despite still not being entirely comfortable with him watching, she somewhat trusted him to not do anything, judging from the impression she got from him yesterday.
“Woah Woah! I was kidding!” he answered turning around hastily. “Jeez kid, gotta know when someone is joking.” He stared at the wall with his arms crossed. ’Still…’ he said getting a sneak from his peripheral vision. ’Not bad...’
Almost out of time Bruin and Sonya ran out after Marian and the group. At this time everyone was already on their horses getting ready to head out.
“Y-you weren’t planning on waiting at all were you!?” exclaimed Bruin out of breath. Marian laughed with a hand over her mouth.
“Have a †˜hard’ time getting ready did you?” said Charlotte.
Bruin looked at her before he looked down covering himself as he walked off. The group laughed as Sonya looked on confused.
“What’s so funny?” asked Sonya tilting her head.
“So, clueless,” Luna giggled a little before quieting down.
“Hmm?” Sonya tilted her head the other way, looking over at Luna, still confused.
“Alright, let’s get a move on, I want to make good time today.” announced Marian. “Bruin, pull yourself together.” Bruin gritted his teeth and moved over to his horse and adjusted the saddle before climbing onto the horse.
Sonya followed suit and climbed onto her horse and formed up with the other soldiers.She let out a yawn once she was in position. Without a further delay, Marian snapped her reigns taking off as the gate opened to let them out. Once everyone was out the gate closed as they rode off down the dusty canyon path.
TheLoneGentleman, BlinkXPoke, and Ezlare.
The group made it back to the waycastle. The soldiers saw that they had two missing from their numbers and their expressions dimmed.
“They died for you, if I see this area in such condition again. I’ll have all of you executed,” spat Marian as she passed by the soldiers. They saluted hastily as one of them nearly pissed himself. Kudzu and the others passed by them on the way to the barracks.
“Y-yes Representative Marian!” answered both of the guards.
Two sections of the barracks was cleared for Marian and her elites. Sadly there were two extra beds that ate at Marian’s mood. Placing a hand on her forehead she let out a sigh showing her frustration. She had not planned on losing men this soon if at all. Now they had to complete the objective with lower numbers.
“You feeling a bit better scaredy cat?” asked Bruin tapping Luna on the shoulder.
Luna scoffed. “You weren’t saying that when I almost cleaved that head off your shoulders, little man.” She retaliated with a sinister smile.
“Not like you would have actually hit anything paying attention, with a half-ass strike like that,” he joked. “You really don’t like lizards, eh?”
“Hell no, never did never will.” she replied. “I’m just glad we’re out of that hole; I don’t see becoming Kogok food in my future.” She shuddered ignoring Bruin’s first comment.
“Ya, well, some of us weren’t so lucky.” answered Bruin. “But thats all in the job description right?”
Luna nodded indifferently. “Yeah well, they were dealt a shit hand.” She responded. “Happens to the best of us,”
“I don’t blame fate, it’s always someone's fault.” answered Bruin. “What about you Sonya? What do you think?”
“It’s unfortunate for them, but we got revenge.” Sonya replied with a tired tone. “I hope we don’t have to deal with those icky lizards again, though…” she added, while groaning.
“Women…” replied Bruin.
After a quick dinner, and some small talk between the elites the group decided to go to bed early. Since Marian would give them no mercy even if they were too tired to even stay on the horse.
At dawn everyone was awake and getting ready except for one, Sonya. Sprawled out across the cot with her hair in a mess, Sonya was still sound asleep by the time Marian came back from her talk with the waycastle captain. When her eyes rested up Sonya who was still sleeping her eyes narrowed. As Marian passed the elites stood at attention. Marian stood over Sonya with her hands behind her back. Lifting her leg she stomped the side of the bed making it fall apart, and sending Sonya tumbling to the hard floor.
“Oof… oooowwww…” Sonya whined as she rolled over on the floor and sat upright. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and looked up at who dropped her out of her bed. “Oh, Representative Marian!” Sonya stood up immediately and bowed her head to Marian. “I’m sorry, did I hold something up?” she asked while still bowing.
Marian growled lowly. “Hurry up and get ready to head out. You have five minutes or we are leaving without you.” answered Marian before walking off. Bruin chuckled as quiet as he could, but Marian still picked up on it.
“Something funny?” asked Marian.
“No ma’am,” answered Bruin standing up straight.
“Good, then you will be staying with Sonya if she doesn’t meet her deadline.” answered Marian as she walked out of the room, and the other elites including Luna followed. Bruin clapped a hand over his face.
Sonya hastily found her uniform and whip and started changing once Marian left her room. This was a relatively normal occurrence, as she oversleeps often, but regardless, Sonya was still afraid of what Marian might do to her if she doesn’t obey her instructions. Added to that, she was somewhat uncomfortable with disrobing in front of a man she had only met yesterday. “Could you turn around for a bit?”
“Nope this is the cost of making me wait,” said Bruin with a smirk.
Sonya pouted and murmured “Pervert…” under her breath as she started changing out of her night attire and into her uniform. Despite still not being entirely comfortable with him watching, she somewhat trusted him to not do anything, judging from the impression she got from him yesterday.
“Woah Woah! I was kidding!” he answered turning around hastily. “Jeez kid, gotta know when someone is joking.” He stared at the wall with his arms crossed. ’Still…’ he said getting a sneak from his peripheral vision. ’Not bad...’
Almost out of time Bruin and Sonya ran out after Marian and the group. At this time everyone was already on their horses getting ready to head out.
“Y-you weren’t planning on waiting at all were you!?” exclaimed Bruin out of breath. Marian laughed with a hand over her mouth.
“Have a †˜hard’ time getting ready did you?” said Charlotte.
Bruin looked at her before he looked down covering himself as he walked off. The group laughed as Sonya looked on confused.
“What’s so funny?” asked Sonya tilting her head.
“So, clueless,” Luna giggled a little before quieting down.
“Hmm?” Sonya tilted her head the other way, looking over at Luna, still confused.
“Alright, let’s get a move on, I want to make good time today.” announced Marian. “Bruin, pull yourself together.” Bruin gritted his teeth and moved over to his horse and adjusted the saddle before climbing onto the horse.
Sonya followed suit and climbed onto her horse and formed up with the other soldiers.She let out a yawn once she was in position. Without a further delay, Marian snapped her reigns taking off as the gate opened to let them out. Once everyone was out the gate closed as they rode off down the dusty canyon path.
0
This is a Joint Post Starring:
TheLoneGentleman,BlinkXPoke, and Ezlare.
As the group passed by a ridge they could see far into the distance. Thick trees seemed to almost reach the clouds, and around it was a seemingly endless plain.
“Have either of you been to Origin before?” asked Bruin to Sonya and Luna.
“I’ve only heard a little bit about it…” answered Sonya.
“Not exactly a place I expected to be welcomed with open arms.” answered Luna.
“Well the place is super strict. As soon as we enter we gotta be good little boys and girls.” said Bruin laughing. “But besides that. It has some of the best entertainment.” The last thing he said was in a hushed tone. “I plan to have myself a bit of fun while we are in town. You in?”
“Sure!” Sonya replied giddily, curious as to what kind of entertainment there was available.
"That depends on what type of entertainment you're leaning towards." Luna responded with a raised eyebrow.
“I will have to just show you when we arrive.” answered Bruin sitting up straight on his horse.
Down the canyon path and across the plains the group finally arrived in the forest. Almost instantly they were surrounded by hooded soldiers. Marian raised her hand to calm her men. She knew why they were here.
“Chief Soul must remain outside of the forest,” barked one of the soldiers. Soul was about to say something sarcastic, but Marian raised her hand again quieting him down.
“You heard the man, this is what I agreed to.” said Marian. Soul growled by got off his horse and walked it to the side of the path. Four guard took up positions around Soul with their weapons at the ready.
“Heh, you might need more than this if I get too hungry.” said Soul looking around.
“Alright men, lets keep moving.” ordered Marian. Soul smiled and waved at the group and he sat cross-legged on the floor. Sonya looked sad as she waved back to Soul.
“Why did he have to stay behind?” asked Sonya.
“Him entering the village it considered a declaration of war.” answered Marian. “I am also only allowed in certain parts of the city, and I must have escorts with me at all times. You all will also be watched closely. After all we are already being watched.”
Bruin looked around before he caught the glimpse of someone through the trees. They disappeared a moment later behind another tall oak.
“Jeez, this is a bit overkill don’t you think?” commented Bruin.
"Have you noticed this is a neutral area, and we just so happen to be heavily armed elites in a competitive side?" Questioned Luna. "I would have people watch me too."
“Ya you’re right, but how is a guy supposed to get some kickback?” complained Bruin.
“You aren’t,” answered Marian. Bruin began to sulk into his saddle.
They were guided by their escorts to a side path that lead to the gate used by the military. They probably didn’t want them to be mixed in around the civilians, but Marian was grateful not to have to wait in that god awful line. Passing by the gate she examined it thoroughly. It was formed of metal, and wood. The metal was only reinforcing the frame. The spikes seemed to be formed completely of wood.
“Thats kinda weird…” said Bruin examining the wall as well.
“In some places I hear that wood grows harder than steel.” said Marian.
“Marian with the random trivia like always…” said Charlotte. “So when is your meeting with the old crone?” A few soldiers seemed angered by Charlottes comment, but didn’t do anything about it. Luna stared them down as if trying to dare them into doing something foolish. When no one took her up on it she seemed very disappointed.
“In the morning,” answered Marian. “I will be meeting her bright, and early. I expect you all to be up as well.” Sonya could almost feel Marian stare solely on her. It sent a shiver up her spine. As they passed through they were stopped by two guards.
“Your horses will stay here in the military camp. They will be returned assuming there is no incident.” announced the guard. Marian was annoyed, but none of it was shown on her face.
“Fine,” she answered as she slid off her horse, and the rest of the group reluctantly did as well. The horses were guided to the military stables. The group stood in front of the guard waiting for some sort of approval. The guard nodded and along with the other guard they turned to the side and stepped back.
“Please be on your best behavior.”
Marain gave no reply and simply walked past him with her eyes directed forward. Charlotte and Emma followed close behind. Charlotte flashed one of the guards a smile as she passed. The group was now in the city, and it was clear as they entered that all eyes were on them. Cursed weren’t the most trusted, but this was a neutral territory. It was just well known that the cursed were the aggressors in this war. They just didn’t want this place to end up like Raltese.
“Alright I will be staying in the inn until it is time to meet with the elder. If you need me you know where to find me.” As she walked she felt a hand grasp her arm. Emma was sticking to Marian desperately. “Alright you can come along for now.” she said looking to Emma with a sigh. The two walked off leaving the rest of the group to the command of Charlotte.
“Finally, now I can finally relax. She is always so uptight!” she said stretching. The other elites walked off following Marian to the in hoping to avoid whatever Charlotte had planned.
“Man they are no fun,” said Bruin.
“Alright, if you are staying, follow me,” said Charlotte. “If not, go on with the rest. I don’t need anymore goody goodies.”
"No argument here," Said Luna folding her hands behind her head. "I'm game to look around for a bit." Sonya nodded with a wide smile on her face.
“I guess that is a yes from the both of us,” answered Bruin. Charlotte looked at the three and thought of what trouble they could get into.
“Alright first stop is the hot springs!” announced Charlotte. “My muscles are killing me.”
Hot springs. The phrase burned itself into Luna's brain as the image came to mind, it was a place one can relax his muscles from an exhausting day at work or from the weariness of war. In Luna's case the hot springs could be used for other matters...
The thought weighed down on Luna, causing her nose to bleed rapidly. Sonya noticed this and panicked grabbing a handkerchief and stuffing it up Luna’s nose. Bruin sighed knowing that he would be all alone on the male side. †˜Maybe with a little cunning...’ thought Bruin with a smirk.
“That sounds like a great idea, Charlotte!”
“Sure, why not,” replied Sonya.
“I guess that doesn’t leave me much of a choice.” answered Bruin. “Shall we get going?” Charlotte turned and stopped a civilian. The man seemed quite startled as Charlotte yelled after him.
“Hey, you, where is the hot spring?” Charlotte said sternly. The man stuttered at first, but told her what she wanted to know. She thanked him and permitted him leave. The man scrambled away and disappeared from sight. Beckoning the others she lead them down the street towards the fabled “Origin Onsen”.
[color=#0000a0]“Oooooh…”[/b] Sonya looked in awe at the atmosphere. She was getting exciting about hopping into the hot spring.
TheLoneGentleman,BlinkXPoke, and Ezlare.
As the group passed by a ridge they could see far into the distance. Thick trees seemed to almost reach the clouds, and around it was a seemingly endless plain.
“Have either of you been to Origin before?” asked Bruin to Sonya and Luna.
“I’ve only heard a little bit about it…” answered Sonya.
“Not exactly a place I expected to be welcomed with open arms.” answered Luna.
“Well the place is super strict. As soon as we enter we gotta be good little boys and girls.” said Bruin laughing. “But besides that. It has some of the best entertainment.” The last thing he said was in a hushed tone. “I plan to have myself a bit of fun while we are in town. You in?”
“Sure!” Sonya replied giddily, curious as to what kind of entertainment there was available.
"That depends on what type of entertainment you're leaning towards." Luna responded with a raised eyebrow.
“I will have to just show you when we arrive.” answered Bruin sitting up straight on his horse.
Down the canyon path and across the plains the group finally arrived in the forest. Almost instantly they were surrounded by hooded soldiers. Marian raised her hand to calm her men. She knew why they were here.
“Chief Soul must remain outside of the forest,” barked one of the soldiers. Soul was about to say something sarcastic, but Marian raised her hand again quieting him down.
“You heard the man, this is what I agreed to.” said Marian. Soul growled by got off his horse and walked it to the side of the path. Four guard took up positions around Soul with their weapons at the ready.
“Heh, you might need more than this if I get too hungry.” said Soul looking around.
“Alright men, lets keep moving.” ordered Marian. Soul smiled and waved at the group and he sat cross-legged on the floor. Sonya looked sad as she waved back to Soul.
“Why did he have to stay behind?” asked Sonya.
“Him entering the village it considered a declaration of war.” answered Marian. “I am also only allowed in certain parts of the city, and I must have escorts with me at all times. You all will also be watched closely. After all we are already being watched.”
Bruin looked around before he caught the glimpse of someone through the trees. They disappeared a moment later behind another tall oak.
“Jeez, this is a bit overkill don’t you think?” commented Bruin.
"Have you noticed this is a neutral area, and we just so happen to be heavily armed elites in a competitive side?" Questioned Luna. "I would have people watch me too."
“Ya you’re right, but how is a guy supposed to get some kickback?” complained Bruin.
“You aren’t,” answered Marian. Bruin began to sulk into his saddle.
They were guided by their escorts to a side path that lead to the gate used by the military. They probably didn’t want them to be mixed in around the civilians, but Marian was grateful not to have to wait in that god awful line. Passing by the gate she examined it thoroughly. It was formed of metal, and wood. The metal was only reinforcing the frame. The spikes seemed to be formed completely of wood.
“Thats kinda weird…” said Bruin examining the wall as well.
“In some places I hear that wood grows harder than steel.” said Marian.
“Marian with the random trivia like always…” said Charlotte. “So when is your meeting with the old crone?” A few soldiers seemed angered by Charlottes comment, but didn’t do anything about it. Luna stared them down as if trying to dare them into doing something foolish. When no one took her up on it she seemed very disappointed.
“In the morning,” answered Marian. “I will be meeting her bright, and early. I expect you all to be up as well.” Sonya could almost feel Marian stare solely on her. It sent a shiver up her spine. As they passed through they were stopped by two guards.
“Your horses will stay here in the military camp. They will be returned assuming there is no incident.” announced the guard. Marian was annoyed, but none of it was shown on her face.
“Fine,” she answered as she slid off her horse, and the rest of the group reluctantly did as well. The horses were guided to the military stables. The group stood in front of the guard waiting for some sort of approval. The guard nodded and along with the other guard they turned to the side and stepped back.
“Please be on your best behavior.”
Marain gave no reply and simply walked past him with her eyes directed forward. Charlotte and Emma followed close behind. Charlotte flashed one of the guards a smile as she passed. The group was now in the city, and it was clear as they entered that all eyes were on them. Cursed weren’t the most trusted, but this was a neutral territory. It was just well known that the cursed were the aggressors in this war. They just didn’t want this place to end up like Raltese.
“Alright I will be staying in the inn until it is time to meet with the elder. If you need me you know where to find me.” As she walked she felt a hand grasp her arm. Emma was sticking to Marian desperately. “Alright you can come along for now.” she said looking to Emma with a sigh. The two walked off leaving the rest of the group to the command of Charlotte.
“Finally, now I can finally relax. She is always so uptight!” she said stretching. The other elites walked off following Marian to the in hoping to avoid whatever Charlotte had planned.
“Man they are no fun,” said Bruin.
“Alright, if you are staying, follow me,” said Charlotte. “If not, go on with the rest. I don’t need anymore goody goodies.”
"No argument here," Said Luna folding her hands behind her head. "I'm game to look around for a bit." Sonya nodded with a wide smile on her face.
“I guess that is a yes from the both of us,” answered Bruin. Charlotte looked at the three and thought of what trouble they could get into.
“Alright first stop is the hot springs!” announced Charlotte. “My muscles are killing me.”
Hot springs. The phrase burned itself into Luna's brain as the image came to mind, it was a place one can relax his muscles from an exhausting day at work or from the weariness of war. In Luna's case the hot springs could be used for other matters...
The thought weighed down on Luna, causing her nose to bleed rapidly. Sonya noticed this and panicked grabbing a handkerchief and stuffing it up Luna’s nose. Bruin sighed knowing that he would be all alone on the male side. †˜Maybe with a little cunning...’ thought Bruin with a smirk.
“That sounds like a great idea, Charlotte!”
“Sure, why not,” replied Sonya.
“I guess that doesn’t leave me much of a choice.” answered Bruin. “Shall we get going?” Charlotte turned and stopped a civilian. The man seemed quite startled as Charlotte yelled after him.
“Hey, you, where is the hot spring?” Charlotte said sternly. The man stuttered at first, but told her what she wanted to know. She thanked him and permitted him leave. The man scrambled away and disappeared from sight. Beckoning the others she lead them down the street towards the fabled “Origin Onsen”.
[color=#0000a0]“Oooooh…”[/b] Sonya looked in awe at the atmosphere. She was getting exciting about hopping into the hot spring.
0
BlinkXPoke
Cards and Hugs abound
This is a Joint Post Starring:
TheLoneGentleman, BlinkXPoke, and Ezlare.
As they arrived they noticed the place wasn’t especially busy that night. The line at the cashier only had a handful of people. Walking to the counter Charlotte paid for the group and was about to go ahead to the changing room before she was called back by the cashier.
“M-ma’am you can’t take the in there. Leave your weapon here, and it will be returned to you when you leave.” she said. Charlotte gave her an annoyed look, but complied placing her blade on the counter. Sonya and the others did the same with their weapons. A man came and took the weapons to a back room.
“Enjoy your stay.” said the cashier with a bow. Charlotte waved as she walked into the female section with Sonya and Luna. Charlotte wasted no time changing out of her clothes and dawning the simple white towel, her large breasts barely contained in the towel. The bandages she had from before were gone now. Faint scars taking their place.
’Training accident huh?’ thought Luna looking over the scars. Now that she saw them she wasn’t sure if she believed that it was as simple as that.
“What happened?” asked Sonya looking over Charlottes skin up close. She had never seen scars that looked like that before. Charlotte ignored her and walked towards the door to the showers and female bath.
“Let’s go already, I can’t wait to get in.” she answered. Sonya tilted her hand confused. Luna bumped into her snapping her out of this, and followed behind Charlotte.
“Hey!? Wait for me!” yelled Sonya running after the two holding up her towel.
The bath had a about twenty women in it, and for how big it was that wasn’t a lot. It was easily able to fit sixty or more comfortably, and so everyone had plenty of room to make their own.. Most were already in talking about random things. That meant that all the showers were currently open for use.
“Lucky break. Luna come wash my back for me.” ordered Charlotte. Walking over to the stools she removed her towel, and began washing her body and hair. Luna reddened up brighter than a tomato, but slowly moved over to Charlotte picking up a down and soaking it in water and soap. Looking over Charlottes back she noticed something about the scars. They were almost in the shape of snakes. Multiple snakes coiling all over.
“What's wrong?” asked Charlotte in a slightly annoyed tone.
“N-nothing,” answered Luna and she began washing Charlottes back covering the scars in suds. Sonya sat next to Charlotte and began cleaning herself as well. Looking over at Charlotte she was impressed with how nice she kept her figure.
“Wow, you look great!” complimented Sonya. She was surprised that despite how strong she was she still kept a feminine figure.
“You’re not too bad yourself,” answered Charlotte pouring a supple amount of shampoo into her hair. Reaching up she began to lather it into a nice foam. She had forgotten just how nice it felt to wash her hair.
"So, out of curiosity what was it like for you two before you joined the army?" Luna attempted to engage in small talk to change the subject and to avoid getting another nosebleed. She surprised herself that she didn't get one at this point gazing at the two women before her but still found herself a 'bit' flushed. After finishing Charlotte she moved on and did Sonya’s back as well.
“I had my own gang of lowlives,” answered Charlotte. “We took what we wanted, and never spent a dime on anything that wasn’t fun. I guess I haven’t changed much.” She took a bucket of warm water and splashed it over herself wiping away the suds. After she was done Luna took her seat and began washing up. Charlotte took the rag and began washing her back.
Luna flushed feeling the contact on her skin. Even if it was just her back for some reason it was still enough to get this reaction from her.
“Is the water too hot?” asked Sonya looking into Luna’s red face.
“N-no its nothing.” she said shyly avoiding eye contact.
“Alright all done,” said Charlotte putting away the cloth.
“Already?” said Luna a bit disappointed. Sonya stood up grabbing her towel before running over to the bath. Charlotte following behind. Sorrowfully Luna picked up her towel and followed suit.
The bath was large and grand with carved stone around the bath. Large boulders decorated the side giving its patrons a place to lean against. The warm rocks soothing their back as the drank and talked between themselves. There were about ten or so other woman, but the bath was large enough that there was more than enough room for more.
Charlotte found a spot next to one of the large boulders and sat down. Luna and Sonya took up spots next to her. Charlotte raised her hand calling over a server and ordered a round of sake for her and her companions. The woman nodded and went off to complete the order.
TheLoneGentleman, BlinkXPoke, and Ezlare.
As they arrived they noticed the place wasn’t especially busy that night. The line at the cashier only had a handful of people. Walking to the counter Charlotte paid for the group and was about to go ahead to the changing room before she was called back by the cashier.
“M-ma’am you can’t take the in there. Leave your weapon here, and it will be returned to you when you leave.” she said. Charlotte gave her an annoyed look, but complied placing her blade on the counter. Sonya and the others did the same with their weapons. A man came and took the weapons to a back room.
“Enjoy your stay.” said the cashier with a bow. Charlotte waved as she walked into the female section with Sonya and Luna. Charlotte wasted no time changing out of her clothes and dawning the simple white towel, her large breasts barely contained in the towel. The bandages she had from before were gone now. Faint scars taking their place.
’Training accident huh?’ thought Luna looking over the scars. Now that she saw them she wasn’t sure if she believed that it was as simple as that.
“What happened?” asked Sonya looking over Charlottes skin up close. She had never seen scars that looked like that before. Charlotte ignored her and walked towards the door to the showers and female bath.
“Let’s go already, I can’t wait to get in.” she answered. Sonya tilted her hand confused. Luna bumped into her snapping her out of this, and followed behind Charlotte.
“Hey!? Wait for me!” yelled Sonya running after the two holding up her towel.
The bath had a about twenty women in it, and for how big it was that wasn’t a lot. It was easily able to fit sixty or more comfortably, and so everyone had plenty of room to make their own.. Most were already in talking about random things. That meant that all the showers were currently open for use.
“Lucky break. Luna come wash my back for me.” ordered Charlotte. Walking over to the stools she removed her towel, and began washing her body and hair. Luna reddened up brighter than a tomato, but slowly moved over to Charlotte picking up a down and soaking it in water and soap. Looking over Charlottes back she noticed something about the scars. They were almost in the shape of snakes. Multiple snakes coiling all over.
“What's wrong?” asked Charlotte in a slightly annoyed tone.
“N-nothing,” answered Luna and she began washing Charlottes back covering the scars in suds. Sonya sat next to Charlotte and began cleaning herself as well. Looking over at Charlotte she was impressed with how nice she kept her figure.
“Wow, you look great!” complimented Sonya. She was surprised that despite how strong she was she still kept a feminine figure.
“You’re not too bad yourself,” answered Charlotte pouring a supple amount of shampoo into her hair. Reaching up she began to lather it into a nice foam. She had forgotten just how nice it felt to wash her hair.
"So, out of curiosity what was it like for you two before you joined the army?" Luna attempted to engage in small talk to change the subject and to avoid getting another nosebleed. She surprised herself that she didn't get one at this point gazing at the two women before her but still found herself a 'bit' flushed. After finishing Charlotte she moved on and did Sonya’s back as well.
“I had my own gang of lowlives,” answered Charlotte. “We took what we wanted, and never spent a dime on anything that wasn’t fun. I guess I haven’t changed much.” She took a bucket of warm water and splashed it over herself wiping away the suds. After she was done Luna took her seat and began washing up. Charlotte took the rag and began washing her back.
Luna flushed feeling the contact on her skin. Even if it was just her back for some reason it was still enough to get this reaction from her.
“Is the water too hot?” asked Sonya looking into Luna’s red face.
“N-no its nothing.” she said shyly avoiding eye contact.
“Alright all done,” said Charlotte putting away the cloth.
“Already?” said Luna a bit disappointed. Sonya stood up grabbing her towel before running over to the bath. Charlotte following behind. Sorrowfully Luna picked up her towel and followed suit.
The bath was large and grand with carved stone around the bath. Large boulders decorated the side giving its patrons a place to lean against. The warm rocks soothing their back as the drank and talked between themselves. There were about ten or so other woman, but the bath was large enough that there was more than enough room for more.
Charlotte found a spot next to one of the large boulders and sat down. Luna and Sonya took up spots next to her. Charlotte raised her hand calling over a server and ordered a round of sake for her and her companions. The woman nodded and went off to complete the order.
0
This is a Joint Post Starring:
TheLoneGentleman, Cinia Pacifica,BlinkXPoke, and Ezlare.
Louise was laid out on a massage table – enjoying the floral scent of the oils used to rub her back. The strong hands worked the sore muscles of her back.
“Your skin is impeccable. You take good care of it miss,” said the masseuse working on her shoulders.
“Of course I do – as would any proper lady,” Louise replied – seemingly pleased with the services. Moderately, anyway. Masario would regardless have better quality services available, but this was still within acceptable standards, according to Louise.
After the massage, he turned so that Louise could wrap herself back in her towel. After she did so, and up from the table, he turned to her and bowed. “Please enjoy the rest of your stay.”
Louise gave a nod before taking leave of the room. Her body now draped with the bath towel; she walked past the wooden hallways towards the hot springs. “Mn, may as well take a bath for further relaxation,” she thought out loud as she made way for it.
Adelina and Ari had found their own corner of the bath to relax in. Talking about random things the topic of the hot spring that Razta found came up.
“It was much better than this in my opinion.” answered Adelina. “Something about being out in nature just makes it all better”
“Hey! what’s up with this? This isn’t what I ordered at all!” yelled a voice not to far from where they were. Adelina’s expression soured as she heard all the ruckus the woman was making. She was surprised at how little manners some people had. Standing up she seized her tower from the side of the pool. Ari raised her hand in protest, but Adelina was already up and out of the water before she could say anything.
Waving off Ari she walked over to the group of women behind the rock to see if she could help remedy the situation somehow. As she passed the rock that blocked her vision of the three women she cursed her luck. She recognized them all immediately. Two of them she remembered from Raltese, the third was impossible to forget. †˜Representative Charlotte Valmont’ she thought as she halted her approach.
“M-ma’am this is exactly what you ordered…” answered the waitress looking over the order one more time.
“I said for all of us. Do you think this is enough for even me?!” yelled Charlotte.
“Sorry right away ma’am,” said the waitress wanted to remedy the situation as swiftly as possible. Bowing the waitress hurried off to fetch more sake. Adelina was having second thoughts about getting involved at this point, and started to ease back.
“You look kinda familiar,” said Sonya who had already poured her own cup of sake from what they had received. Eying up Adelina she remembered her face, but couldn’t remember where she saw it. Luna looked up with faint interest, and looked the woman over.
“Not bad,” said Luna looking at her supple figure, but in her mind Charlotte was still leagues ahead of this woman. After she looked at her face however, her memory seemed to fill in. “...for a scion.”
Charlotte sighed. “Buzz off,” she said as she picked up the bottle of sake and raised it to her lips. Taking a deep sip she felt a little drip off her lips and over her. Finishing the whole bottle that quickly gave her body instant warmth. “I have enough to worry about right now.”
Adelina gritted her teeth as the waitress returned with multiple bottles and set them down on the side with the now empty bottle of sake. Adelina hadn’t budged and simply looked on at the scene in disgust. As the waitress stood she bowed once more before moving to attend to other patrons. Adelina turned to return to Ari.
Charlotte grinned and chuckled. “That’s the scion way,” said Charlotte lifting another bottle to her lips. Suddenly the bottle flew out of her hands landing in the water and sinking to the bottom of the steaming waters. Adelina smirked having been the culprit.
Easily set off by the loss of precious alcohol she shot up out of the water stark naked. Grabbing Adelina’s towel she ripped it off throwing it to around where her sake landed in the water. Adelina blushed slightly, but didn’t give her the chance to enjoy this small victory. Tackling Charlotte into the water she shoved her head into the water.
“Ah!” Sonya squealed as the splash from their scuffle caused her to jump away, right into the girl who was accompanying Adelina and knocking herself and the girl into the water, as well.
“G-get off me!” exclaimed Ari as the freaked out female collided with her. Freeing herself she looked over to Adelina who was still scuffling with the blonde woman. She had never seen Adelina this mad before.
"Bitch!" Luna seemed angered by the woman attacking Charlotte though it was a facade. She had aught but a pure thought in her head- she figured she could sneak in a few gropes whilst joining the melee before her.
TheLoneGentleman, Cinia Pacifica,BlinkXPoke, and Ezlare.
Louise was laid out on a massage table – enjoying the floral scent of the oils used to rub her back. The strong hands worked the sore muscles of her back.
“Your skin is impeccable. You take good care of it miss,” said the masseuse working on her shoulders.
“Of course I do – as would any proper lady,” Louise replied – seemingly pleased with the services. Moderately, anyway. Masario would regardless have better quality services available, but this was still within acceptable standards, according to Louise.
After the massage, he turned so that Louise could wrap herself back in her towel. After she did so, and up from the table, he turned to her and bowed. “Please enjoy the rest of your stay.”
Louise gave a nod before taking leave of the room. Her body now draped with the bath towel; she walked past the wooden hallways towards the hot springs. “Mn, may as well take a bath for further relaxation,” she thought out loud as she made way for it.
Adelina and Ari had found their own corner of the bath to relax in. Talking about random things the topic of the hot spring that Razta found came up.
“It was much better than this in my opinion.” answered Adelina. “Something about being out in nature just makes it all better”
“Hey! what’s up with this? This isn’t what I ordered at all!” yelled a voice not to far from where they were. Adelina’s expression soured as she heard all the ruckus the woman was making. She was surprised at how little manners some people had. Standing up she seized her tower from the side of the pool. Ari raised her hand in protest, but Adelina was already up and out of the water before she could say anything.
Waving off Ari she walked over to the group of women behind the rock to see if she could help remedy the situation somehow. As she passed the rock that blocked her vision of the three women she cursed her luck. She recognized them all immediately. Two of them she remembered from Raltese, the third was impossible to forget. †˜Representative Charlotte Valmont’ she thought as she halted her approach.
“M-ma’am this is exactly what you ordered…” answered the waitress looking over the order one more time.
“I said for all of us. Do you think this is enough for even me?!” yelled Charlotte.
“Sorry right away ma’am,” said the waitress wanted to remedy the situation as swiftly as possible. Bowing the waitress hurried off to fetch more sake. Adelina was having second thoughts about getting involved at this point, and started to ease back.
“You look kinda familiar,” said Sonya who had already poured her own cup of sake from what they had received. Eying up Adelina she remembered her face, but couldn’t remember where she saw it. Luna looked up with faint interest, and looked the woman over.
“Not bad,” said Luna looking at her supple figure, but in her mind Charlotte was still leagues ahead of this woman. After she looked at her face however, her memory seemed to fill in. “...for a scion.”
Charlotte sighed. “Buzz off,” she said as she picked up the bottle of sake and raised it to her lips. Taking a deep sip she felt a little drip off her lips and over her. Finishing the whole bottle that quickly gave her body instant warmth. “I have enough to worry about right now.”
Adelina gritted her teeth as the waitress returned with multiple bottles and set them down on the side with the now empty bottle of sake. Adelina hadn’t budged and simply looked on at the scene in disgust. As the waitress stood she bowed once more before moving to attend to other patrons. Adelina turned to return to Ari.
Charlotte grinned and chuckled. “That’s the scion way,” said Charlotte lifting another bottle to her lips. Suddenly the bottle flew out of her hands landing in the water and sinking to the bottom of the steaming waters. Adelina smirked having been the culprit.
Easily set off by the loss of precious alcohol she shot up out of the water stark naked. Grabbing Adelina’s towel she ripped it off throwing it to around where her sake landed in the water. Adelina blushed slightly, but didn’t give her the chance to enjoy this small victory. Tackling Charlotte into the water she shoved her head into the water.
“Ah!” Sonya squealed as the splash from their scuffle caused her to jump away, right into the girl who was accompanying Adelina and knocking herself and the girl into the water, as well.
“G-get off me!” exclaimed Ari as the freaked out female collided with her. Freeing herself she looked over to Adelina who was still scuffling with the blonde woman. She had never seen Adelina this mad before.
"Bitch!" Luna seemed angered by the woman attacking Charlotte though it was a facade. She had aught but a pure thought in her head- she figured she could sneak in a few gropes whilst joining the melee before her.
0
This is a group post Starring:
TheLoneGentleman with co-stars “Everyone!”...except nooby
“All alone eh?” said Bruin smiling as he paid for the spa visit. The smile he gave freaked out the clerk a bit, but he made no comment. After he paid Bruin went to his own side to get changed. As he walked in he saw three men head out into the spa area. †˜Damn they might get in my way...’ thought Bruin as he tried to hurry up and get changed into his towel.
“It’s a shame that Razta couldn’t join us this time,” said Masaki.
Owain looked around, looking for blind spots. There was only one reason he would agree to a spa visit with two men. “Huh…?” Owain said not paying attention, “Oh yeah, it is, real shame,” he murmured. Owain forced Nimue’s power into his body, feeling a surge of power rush into him.
“Tch,” a female voice said inside his head.
Reymond turned to Owain sensing the influx of power flowing into him. “What are you up to captain?” asked Reymond.
“Huh?” the corners of Owain’s mouth turning up slightly, “I don’t know what you mean.” Anastas ignored him and moved into the warm waters of the onsen.
“Why don’t you all just relax, its the whole reason we came here.” replied Anastas. “The ride back is going to be just as long as the way here. Get in some rest while you can.” Masaki didn’t think twice about what Anastas said and jumped into the water with a large splash. Anastas smirked and shook his head in disbelief.
“I suppose you have a point, it would be a shame to waste this.” answered Reymond moving into the water as well. “Coming captain?”
“I’ll be there in a bit, I have something to do first…” Owain said.
Owain exited the mens bath without the rest of his team noticing, a smirk forming on his face. Pulling up his towel to cover his chest he walked quickly to the ladies bath without a second thought, a makeshift reed snorkel in his hand.
As he entered the changing room, determined to just breeze by he was stopped by an old lady.
“Aren’t you a man?” She asked curiously.
“What kind of question is that?” Owain said pretending to sound offended, “I’m as much a woman as you.”
The old lady raised her eyebrows, “You think you can fool me young man? I may be old but I’m not stupid.”
“Listen old lady, you’re really hurting my feelings,” Owain said, “Just because I don’t fit the stereotypes of attractive women, suddenly I’m a man? Low blow lady, low blow, you shouldn’t force other people to conform to gender stereotypes just because you think they should.”
The old lady was taken aback by Owain’s tirade of lies that she was practically convinced, but Owain wasn’t finished.
“Look lady, I may not have been born with spectacular looks, and I may never get a boyfriend but I don’t think that exempts me from enjoying being a woman. You want me to go to the men’s baths? They’ll look at me funny, I don’t want to be raped by their eyes,” Owain continued, “Just… let me be a woman for once okay?”
The woman was completely stunned and all she could do was nod and walk away, completely speechless.
Owain smirked, a small mean laugh escaping his mouth. Nearing the baths he could hear shouting from inside.
“Perfect,” he said, relishing the prospect of what was about to come. Ladies please, you shouldn’t fight, you should know that your true enemy isn’t each other, it’s me
Walking out into the spa area it would seem that he hadn’t run into any other resistance. His goal was inches away. As he pulled back the curtain to the bath area he took in the wonderful reward. He wasn’t sure if it was the steam, but he was feeling more than a little hot under the collar. Looking around he saw ladies showering to the sides before the grand bath. The layout was similar to the guys side. Hearing shouting coming from the girls bath he looked out straining his eyes past the steam.
Adelina was fighting with someone, and holding their head under the water. Suddenly a hand reach out from the depths and seized Adelina by the hair before ripping her into the water. Charlotte came out of the water with a sinister grin before holding Adelina under. Luna was moving over to assist Charlotte.
Owain smirked at the sight of the lovely ladies and their assets, but quickly realised Adelina might be in danger. That wasn’t good. He made a note to help her if this continued any longer. For now, however Owain was simply admiring the ladies. He quickly entered the water so as to not be seen. Finding a choice spot for some quality voyeurism he leaned back.
“Hrmmm,” Owain thought deeply looking at Charlotte, leaning against a rock several meters away, “Eight? No… nine!” he said nodding thoughtfully, before moving his gaze to Luna, “Gah, it’s that muscle head,” he said, “Still… muscles aren’t half bad… eight,” he made a mental note. Ducking his head under water he opened his eyes with ease, after all, water was his thing, peering at Adelina through the water he was honestly surprised, “Huh… I didn’t think they were that big… Razta is a lucky man, nine,” Owain said finishing his mental photo shoot. Those images were staying there. With bodies this good, Owain didn’t care about sides, after all, Owain was on the side of boobs.
Louise walked into the scene. Leaving behind her precious dress – which she changed to before coming here – in the basket back in the establishment. She found herself in a rather strange scene. So many women; some having a sparring bout while others relaxed regardless of the commotion, or what it seemed like, anyway. So much for being †˜ladies’, she thought, shaking her head with disappointment. As she proceeded towards the bath itself, she made sure to took the corner spot – of course, her body draped in the familiar white bathrobe, which she dropped subsequently as her seemingly frail-looking slender form submerged into the water. As she did so, she noticed a few familiar faces. Faces from the previous group she was travelling with. How troublesome, she thought nonchalantly. However, she didn’t bother trying to approach them. So what if they were acquainted? It’s not like they were members of higher-society – that she’d have to pay her respects to them every time she finds them within sight.
Struggling under Charlotte’s strength she saw yet another pair of legs approaching. Even if it was Ari she couldn’t tell from her position, and her air was almost out.
Owain, could see everything, Louise’s perfect proportions, Ari’s frankly huge tits and Sonya’s… well… Sonyas, but he could also see a friend in need. There was no way Adelina could hold on much longer.
TheLoneGentleman with co-stars “Everyone!”...except nooby
“All alone eh?” said Bruin smiling as he paid for the spa visit. The smile he gave freaked out the clerk a bit, but he made no comment. After he paid Bruin went to his own side to get changed. As he walked in he saw three men head out into the spa area. †˜Damn they might get in my way...’ thought Bruin as he tried to hurry up and get changed into his towel.
“It’s a shame that Razta couldn’t join us this time,” said Masaki.
Owain looked around, looking for blind spots. There was only one reason he would agree to a spa visit with two men. “Huh…?” Owain said not paying attention, “Oh yeah, it is, real shame,” he murmured. Owain forced Nimue’s power into his body, feeling a surge of power rush into him.
“Tch,” a female voice said inside his head.
Reymond turned to Owain sensing the influx of power flowing into him. “What are you up to captain?” asked Reymond.
“Huh?” the corners of Owain’s mouth turning up slightly, “I don’t know what you mean.” Anastas ignored him and moved into the warm waters of the onsen.
“Why don’t you all just relax, its the whole reason we came here.” replied Anastas. “The ride back is going to be just as long as the way here. Get in some rest while you can.” Masaki didn’t think twice about what Anastas said and jumped into the water with a large splash. Anastas smirked and shook his head in disbelief.
“I suppose you have a point, it would be a shame to waste this.” answered Reymond moving into the water as well. “Coming captain?”
“I’ll be there in a bit, I have something to do first…” Owain said.
Owain exited the mens bath without the rest of his team noticing, a smirk forming on his face. Pulling up his towel to cover his chest he walked quickly to the ladies bath without a second thought, a makeshift reed snorkel in his hand.
As he entered the changing room, determined to just breeze by he was stopped by an old lady.
“Aren’t you a man?” She asked curiously.
“What kind of question is that?” Owain said pretending to sound offended, “I’m as much a woman as you.”
The old lady raised her eyebrows, “You think you can fool me young man? I may be old but I’m not stupid.”
“Listen old lady, you’re really hurting my feelings,” Owain said, “Just because I don’t fit the stereotypes of attractive women, suddenly I’m a man? Low blow lady, low blow, you shouldn’t force other people to conform to gender stereotypes just because you think they should.”
The old lady was taken aback by Owain’s tirade of lies that she was practically convinced, but Owain wasn’t finished.
“Look lady, I may not have been born with spectacular looks, and I may never get a boyfriend but I don’t think that exempts me from enjoying being a woman. You want me to go to the men’s baths? They’ll look at me funny, I don’t want to be raped by their eyes,” Owain continued, “Just… let me be a woman for once okay?”
The woman was completely stunned and all she could do was nod and walk away, completely speechless.
Owain smirked, a small mean laugh escaping his mouth. Nearing the baths he could hear shouting from inside.
“Perfect,” he said, relishing the prospect of what was about to come. Ladies please, you shouldn’t fight, you should know that your true enemy isn’t each other, it’s me
Walking out into the spa area it would seem that he hadn’t run into any other resistance. His goal was inches away. As he pulled back the curtain to the bath area he took in the wonderful reward. He wasn’t sure if it was the steam, but he was feeling more than a little hot under the collar. Looking around he saw ladies showering to the sides before the grand bath. The layout was similar to the guys side. Hearing shouting coming from the girls bath he looked out straining his eyes past the steam.
Adelina was fighting with someone, and holding their head under the water. Suddenly a hand reach out from the depths and seized Adelina by the hair before ripping her into the water. Charlotte came out of the water with a sinister grin before holding Adelina under. Luna was moving over to assist Charlotte.
Owain smirked at the sight of the lovely ladies and their assets, but quickly realised Adelina might be in danger. That wasn’t good. He made a note to help her if this continued any longer. For now, however Owain was simply admiring the ladies. He quickly entered the water so as to not be seen. Finding a choice spot for some quality voyeurism he leaned back.
“Hrmmm,” Owain thought deeply looking at Charlotte, leaning against a rock several meters away, “Eight? No… nine!” he said nodding thoughtfully, before moving his gaze to Luna, “Gah, it’s that muscle head,” he said, “Still… muscles aren’t half bad… eight,” he made a mental note. Ducking his head under water he opened his eyes with ease, after all, water was his thing, peering at Adelina through the water he was honestly surprised, “Huh… I didn’t think they were that big… Razta is a lucky man, nine,” Owain said finishing his mental photo shoot. Those images were staying there. With bodies this good, Owain didn’t care about sides, after all, Owain was on the side of boobs.
Louise walked into the scene. Leaving behind her precious dress – which she changed to before coming here – in the basket back in the establishment. She found herself in a rather strange scene. So many women; some having a sparring bout while others relaxed regardless of the commotion, or what it seemed like, anyway. So much for being †˜ladies’, she thought, shaking her head with disappointment. As she proceeded towards the bath itself, she made sure to took the corner spot – of course, her body draped in the familiar white bathrobe, which she dropped subsequently as her seemingly frail-looking slender form submerged into the water. As she did so, she noticed a few familiar faces. Faces from the previous group she was travelling with. How troublesome, she thought nonchalantly. However, she didn’t bother trying to approach them. So what if they were acquainted? It’s not like they were members of higher-society – that she’d have to pay her respects to them every time she finds them within sight.
Struggling under Charlotte’s strength she saw yet another pair of legs approaching. Even if it was Ari she couldn’t tell from her position, and her air was almost out.
Owain, could see everything, Louise’s perfect proportions, Ari’s frankly huge tits and Sonya’s… well… Sonyas, but he could also see a friend in need. There was no way Adelina could hold on much longer.
0
This is a group post Starring:
TheLoneGentleman, BagMan, BlinkXPoke, Cinia Pacifica, Ezlare,Katsucha.
Owain reached out his hand to cast a spell, but instead of concentrating on the water manipulation, the girls’ bouncing milk jugs kept breaking it. Shaking his head to rid him of impure thoughts Owain began to focus for real, now wasn’t the time for boobs, or well it was but he could enjoy them and cast a spell at the same time. Focusing in on Charlotte, Owain created a huge whirlpool to break her grasp.
While the whirlpool was in effect Adelina kicked with both legs with all her might. Sending Charlotte flying to the other side of the whirlpool before behind taken by its current. All the patrons in the pool were dragged by the intense current. Bottles and cups that were floating on the water were strewn about. As the whirlpool finally subsided the water slowly calmed, but everyone was left very confused.
Meanwhile, Louise’s gaze was shifted to a certain direction as the spell was cast. Her usual pleasant smile from the sensation of relaxation was gone; disturbed. With a cold look, she turned with her heartless and empty gaze – only to find the rising steam of the water. Despite the whirlpool; the heat never ceased. However, her spiritual-senses were sharp, as she deducted the location of the caster- no, the perverted peeper, or what it seemed like. Who’d run away from a ladies’ bath anyway? Obviously a man who trespassed a territory they’re not welcome to. May as well teach this man a lesson, she internally said to herself with quivering anger. How dare he – to peek into her magnificent figure without permission? Justice would be served no matter the excuse. From the bathrobe that was dropped, the hidden golden wand was drawn as Louise chanted mentally in her mind. Pointing it towards the person running away, she gingerly casted her teleportation spell. A dimensional oval-shaped hole opened just before Owain as he desperately ran, his eyes widened as he practically hurled himself to the side as he felt cold air coming from the ominous portal… where had that witch been planning to send him?
“Who the hell was that?” said Charlotte looking at the strange person running off like a murderer was chasing them. That figure was no doubt that of a man however. Cracking her neck she looked around at the chaos the whirlpool had caused. Adelina was holding onto a rock catching her breath. †˜That might have been a stroke of luck, almost killed her,’ thought Charlotte. The rest of the women left the pool tried to regain their balance.
“Who did that?” said a black haired woman. She was a little shaken up from the ordeal.
Charlotte snatched a stray towel from the water and stepped out. “We are out of here,” said Charlotte laughing. Luna and Sonya made their way out of the water and followed behind Charlotte as they left the bath area hastily. Adelina waded through the water to Ari who was just now getting to her feet.
Heh, you’re such a handful – captain. I shall make sure you get your deserved treat, Louise internally thought; pulling up her bathrobe to cover the body that is her milky white porcelain wonder – up to her well-endowed chest. As she surfaced from the steamy water; she begun to stroll away. The bath wasn’t so relaxing after all. Who’d brawl in a place where you’re meant to relax? How barbaric the plebeians can be! She’d have to come back when it’s less crowded – Louise concluded.
As Ari and Adelina made it out of the water, the two noticed a head of glimmering blonde hair from across the pool. Louise was taking her leave of the hot spring. Walking over to her before she entirely left, they covered themselves up with their towels.
“I didn’t expect to see you here, High Priestess,” said Adelina. “So much for a relaxing visit.”
“I know, I feel the misfortune from having picked this inn, too,” Louise stopped to reply without turning her head, then resumed her graceful walking yet again. Who’d have thought that coming here would coincidentally cause her to meet so many unwanted faces? Truly, a misfortune indeed. Especially the fact that Owain was here.
“I wonder who caused that whirlpool,” said Ari looking around. “Whoever did it saved a bit of grief. That fight was getting out of control.” Adelina was a bit embarrassed at her lack of self control, but she would have felt worse letting the comment slide.
“You seriously didn’t notice who it was?” Louise turned with a look of disbelief, with a little hint of disappointment. Then again, what did she expect? These two were hardly well-versed in spellcraft. Their sensing abilities were far from being developed, she assessed in an instant. “Well, I suppose the whirlpool did quite well to veil the sight for him.”
“It was a man?!” Said Adelina, feeling very much violated. She grabbed onto her towel tightly. “Wait…ya it was probably him,” added Adelina. “I mean who else would be that stupid?”
“Hence – I am more than glad to have left your group,” Louise said, as if providing a conclusion. There were more than a single reason, but a pervert such as him was an enemy to many – it was good enough for a reason, especially considering her positon. The church of Masario would throw a raging fit if they knew of this. Actually… she thought, that’s not so bad an idea; I may have the church exact a punishment – a harsh one, at that, she plotted while grinning internally. Louise then left the bath. She entered the changing area where her hands ruffled about in her basket; getting her dress.
Adelina sighed. “As much as I hate it. He saved me. That would have escalated without his interruption,” said Adelina hesitantly as if saying those words hurt her somehow. “Come on, let’s get dressed Ari,” Ari who still felt like someone was still watching followed behind Adelina very quickly.
Getting dressed, they could see Louise getting her elaborate dress together. “I take it that you are well, High Priestess?” Asked Adelina as she grabbed her clothes from her basket.
“Why’d you ask?” Louise asked nonchalantly as she ran her frail-looking hands down her sleeves; wearing her white one-piece. It seemed simple, with a ribbon hanging from the side of her hip, yet it seemed to be littered with an intricate pattern of design that glittered mysteriously. It was a simply yet a graceful cloth. Who knows how much it cost considering the materials used for sewing it.
“We were quite worried about you after we lost your tracks, what happened in that town anyways?” asked Adelina as she put on a blue oriental blouse with a red lined collar and some black shorts. The shorts had white frills lining the bottom. She wore some white boots that went up to her upper thigh.
“Worried about me, or your position?” Louise seemed to have scowled; but it didn’t show as she turned, then patted her white dress as if to straighten it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she added, addressing the latter part of your sentence that posed a question. Whatever happened in that village was hardly her business. Louise wouldn’t let just anyone collect information out of her, anyway.
”What position do I have to be worried about?” Adelina replied. “Your tracks ended at the scene of some sort of battle. Surely you know something.”
“You’re hardly an acquaintance; what reason do I have – to divulge any details, or care for whatever worries you may have?” Louise sighed as she replied. She didn’t really wanted to reply, at all. She’d rather ignore and be on her way. Yet this person poked for details vigilantly, regardless. What did she deserve to have a questioning woman onto her? A knight should simply obey what they’re told – it’s convenient that way. However, people have emotions – curiosity is but a natural occurrence. Louise knew this, despite the acknowledgement; something irritated her. It was the fact that she was reminded of their faces. The faces she met at said village. Way to ruin the mood... Who was she to ask questions, anyway? She should know her place – Louise felt.
Feeling the brashness in Louise’s response she sighed. “That was hardly called for…” she responded as she tied up her boots. “I suppose we'll be seeing each other later, then,”
Louise didn’t look Adelina in the eye as she turned and strolled away without replying; now done dressing up; ignoring her as she inquired about the most unwanted topic. Adelina gathered her things and looked to Ari to see she too, was ready to go.
TheLoneGentleman, BagMan, BlinkXPoke, Cinia Pacifica, Ezlare,Katsucha.
Owain reached out his hand to cast a spell, but instead of concentrating on the water manipulation, the girls’ bouncing milk jugs kept breaking it. Shaking his head to rid him of impure thoughts Owain began to focus for real, now wasn’t the time for boobs, or well it was but he could enjoy them and cast a spell at the same time. Focusing in on Charlotte, Owain created a huge whirlpool to break her grasp.
While the whirlpool was in effect Adelina kicked with both legs with all her might. Sending Charlotte flying to the other side of the whirlpool before behind taken by its current. All the patrons in the pool were dragged by the intense current. Bottles and cups that were floating on the water were strewn about. As the whirlpool finally subsided the water slowly calmed, but everyone was left very confused.
Meanwhile, Louise’s gaze was shifted to a certain direction as the spell was cast. Her usual pleasant smile from the sensation of relaxation was gone; disturbed. With a cold look, she turned with her heartless and empty gaze – only to find the rising steam of the water. Despite the whirlpool; the heat never ceased. However, her spiritual-senses were sharp, as she deducted the location of the caster- no, the perverted peeper, or what it seemed like. Who’d run away from a ladies’ bath anyway? Obviously a man who trespassed a territory they’re not welcome to. May as well teach this man a lesson, she internally said to herself with quivering anger. How dare he – to peek into her magnificent figure without permission? Justice would be served no matter the excuse. From the bathrobe that was dropped, the hidden golden wand was drawn as Louise chanted mentally in her mind. Pointing it towards the person running away, she gingerly casted her teleportation spell. A dimensional oval-shaped hole opened just before Owain as he desperately ran, his eyes widened as he practically hurled himself to the side as he felt cold air coming from the ominous portal… where had that witch been planning to send him?
“Who the hell was that?” said Charlotte looking at the strange person running off like a murderer was chasing them. That figure was no doubt that of a man however. Cracking her neck she looked around at the chaos the whirlpool had caused. Adelina was holding onto a rock catching her breath. †˜That might have been a stroke of luck, almost killed her,’ thought Charlotte. The rest of the women left the pool tried to regain their balance.
“Who did that?” said a black haired woman. She was a little shaken up from the ordeal.
Charlotte snatched a stray towel from the water and stepped out. “We are out of here,” said Charlotte laughing. Luna and Sonya made their way out of the water and followed behind Charlotte as they left the bath area hastily. Adelina waded through the water to Ari who was just now getting to her feet.
Heh, you’re such a handful – captain. I shall make sure you get your deserved treat, Louise internally thought; pulling up her bathrobe to cover the body that is her milky white porcelain wonder – up to her well-endowed chest. As she surfaced from the steamy water; she begun to stroll away. The bath wasn’t so relaxing after all. Who’d brawl in a place where you’re meant to relax? How barbaric the plebeians can be! She’d have to come back when it’s less crowded – Louise concluded.
As Ari and Adelina made it out of the water, the two noticed a head of glimmering blonde hair from across the pool. Louise was taking her leave of the hot spring. Walking over to her before she entirely left, they covered themselves up with their towels.
“I didn’t expect to see you here, High Priestess,” said Adelina. “So much for a relaxing visit.”
“I know, I feel the misfortune from having picked this inn, too,” Louise stopped to reply without turning her head, then resumed her graceful walking yet again. Who’d have thought that coming here would coincidentally cause her to meet so many unwanted faces? Truly, a misfortune indeed. Especially the fact that Owain was here.
“I wonder who caused that whirlpool,” said Ari looking around. “Whoever did it saved a bit of grief. That fight was getting out of control.” Adelina was a bit embarrassed at her lack of self control, but she would have felt worse letting the comment slide.
“You seriously didn’t notice who it was?” Louise turned with a look of disbelief, with a little hint of disappointment. Then again, what did she expect? These two were hardly well-versed in spellcraft. Their sensing abilities were far from being developed, she assessed in an instant. “Well, I suppose the whirlpool did quite well to veil the sight for him.”
“It was a man?!” Said Adelina, feeling very much violated. She grabbed onto her towel tightly. “Wait…ya it was probably him,” added Adelina. “I mean who else would be that stupid?”
“Hence – I am more than glad to have left your group,” Louise said, as if providing a conclusion. There were more than a single reason, but a pervert such as him was an enemy to many – it was good enough for a reason, especially considering her positon. The church of Masario would throw a raging fit if they knew of this. Actually… she thought, that’s not so bad an idea; I may have the church exact a punishment – a harsh one, at that, she plotted while grinning internally. Louise then left the bath. She entered the changing area where her hands ruffled about in her basket; getting her dress.
Adelina sighed. “As much as I hate it. He saved me. That would have escalated without his interruption,” said Adelina hesitantly as if saying those words hurt her somehow. “Come on, let’s get dressed Ari,” Ari who still felt like someone was still watching followed behind Adelina very quickly.
Getting dressed, they could see Louise getting her elaborate dress together. “I take it that you are well, High Priestess?” Asked Adelina as she grabbed her clothes from her basket.
“Why’d you ask?” Louise asked nonchalantly as she ran her frail-looking hands down her sleeves; wearing her white one-piece. It seemed simple, with a ribbon hanging from the side of her hip, yet it seemed to be littered with an intricate pattern of design that glittered mysteriously. It was a simply yet a graceful cloth. Who knows how much it cost considering the materials used for sewing it.
“We were quite worried about you after we lost your tracks, what happened in that town anyways?” asked Adelina as she put on a blue oriental blouse with a red lined collar and some black shorts. The shorts had white frills lining the bottom. She wore some white boots that went up to her upper thigh.
“Worried about me, or your position?” Louise seemed to have scowled; but it didn’t show as she turned, then patted her white dress as if to straighten it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she added, addressing the latter part of your sentence that posed a question. Whatever happened in that village was hardly her business. Louise wouldn’t let just anyone collect information out of her, anyway.
”What position do I have to be worried about?” Adelina replied. “Your tracks ended at the scene of some sort of battle. Surely you know something.”
“You’re hardly an acquaintance; what reason do I have – to divulge any details, or care for whatever worries you may have?” Louise sighed as she replied. She didn’t really wanted to reply, at all. She’d rather ignore and be on her way. Yet this person poked for details vigilantly, regardless. What did she deserve to have a questioning woman onto her? A knight should simply obey what they’re told – it’s convenient that way. However, people have emotions – curiosity is but a natural occurrence. Louise knew this, despite the acknowledgement; something irritated her. It was the fact that she was reminded of their faces. The faces she met at said village. Way to ruin the mood... Who was she to ask questions, anyway? She should know her place – Louise felt.
Feeling the brashness in Louise’s response she sighed. “That was hardly called for…” she responded as she tied up her boots. “I suppose we'll be seeing each other later, then,”
Louise didn’t look Adelina in the eye as she turned and strolled away without replying; now done dressing up; ignoring her as she inquired about the most unwanted topic. Adelina gathered her things and looked to Ari to see she too, was ready to go.
0
This is a group post Starring:
TheLoneGentleman, BagMan, Galahad Milsl, and Valentine_KiS5.
Owain put the gears back into motion, no time to stop as he grabbed a random towel that was left on the side just as he left the water wrapping it around himself for decency sake and hurtling back to the men’s baths, laughing his head off.
Masaki and the others were standing listening in to what was going on at the other side of the dividing wall.
“What the hell is going on over there?” said Reymond. Suddenly Owain came running in holding onto his towel tightly.
“Where have you been captain?” asked Masaki.
“Toilet,” Owain said, “Been getting mean shits recently,” Owain said relaxing into the water and rubbing his stomach.
“There was quite a commotion going on at the girls side,” said Anastas looking at Owain suspiciously. “You know what happened?”
“Couldn’t hear anything from the toilet I’m afraid,” Owain smiled apologetically, “Any ideas? I’m curious now,” Owain smiled. A man with brown hair came up to Owain and gave him a thumbs up. Then walked off with a little pep in his step. Masaki and the others looked after him confused.
“Anyways I think its about that time,” said Reymond looking at the others. “Whatever is going on over there, I’m sure that the girls will want to avoid it. Let’s not keep them waiting.”
“Huh?” Owain said questioningly, “But I just got in…”
“Not our fault you spent the entire time on the toilet,” and Anastas with a chuckle. “We could always leave you alone here.”
“Ugh,” Owain grunted, “I guess I’ll come,” he said begrudgingly. Masaki laughed as he began walking off with Anastas. Reymond glared at Owain with a knowing look. “Bathroom, huh?” he asked now that Anastas and Misaki were out of hearing range.
Owain grinned, “That’s what I’m going with,” he said still smiling. Reymond patted him on the back.
“I wish you all the luck in the world friend.”
TheLoneGentleman, BagMan, Galahad Milsl, and Valentine_KiS5.
Owain put the gears back into motion, no time to stop as he grabbed a random towel that was left on the side just as he left the water wrapping it around himself for decency sake and hurtling back to the men’s baths, laughing his head off.
Masaki and the others were standing listening in to what was going on at the other side of the dividing wall.
“What the hell is going on over there?” said Reymond. Suddenly Owain came running in holding onto his towel tightly.
“Where have you been captain?” asked Masaki.
“Toilet,” Owain said, “Been getting mean shits recently,” Owain said relaxing into the water and rubbing his stomach.
“There was quite a commotion going on at the girls side,” said Anastas looking at Owain suspiciously. “You know what happened?”
“Couldn’t hear anything from the toilet I’m afraid,” Owain smiled apologetically, “Any ideas? I’m curious now,” Owain smiled. A man with brown hair came up to Owain and gave him a thumbs up. Then walked off with a little pep in his step. Masaki and the others looked after him confused.
“Anyways I think its about that time,” said Reymond looking at the others. “Whatever is going on over there, I’m sure that the girls will want to avoid it. Let’s not keep them waiting.”
“Huh?” Owain said questioningly, “But I just got in…”
“Not our fault you spent the entire time on the toilet,” and Anastas with a chuckle. “We could always leave you alone here.”
“Ugh,” Owain grunted, “I guess I’ll come,” he said begrudgingly. Masaki laughed as he began walking off with Anastas. Reymond glared at Owain with a knowing look. “Bathroom, huh?” he asked now that Anastas and Misaki were out of hearing range.
Owain grinned, “That’s what I’m going with,” he said still smiling. Reymond patted him on the back.
“I wish you all the luck in the world friend.”
0
This is a group post Starring:
TheLoneGentleman, and Valentine_KiS5.
It was a few hours of lying awake in his bed before Anastas felt the need to go out for a walk, perhaps he just needed to work off his earlier meal or he was just plain restless. Regardless of the reason, he set out from the inn hoping the slow pace may help him relax a bit. As he walked through the semi-empty village streets he couldn’t help, but feel a strange chill creep up on him. It all felt somewhat familiar. Turning into an alley he hope to force of his tail.
“Finally got you away from your chaperons,” said a voice next to him in the alley. She smirked as she had completely blindsided him. “You have gotten rusty it seems,”
Anastas furrowed his eyebrows, as if fighting the conflicting information in his head, ”That voice. It can’t be-” He turned a glance to the figure and stood shocked as if he’d seen a ghost. Two odd colored eyes glowed radiantly as if the sun and moon stood side by side and locks of icey blue hair which reflected starlight, it was by no doubt Katya in front of him. ”What are you doing here?” He asked, regaining composure.
“I’m taking you back,” answered Katya bluntly looking him straight in the eye. “The ceremony isn’t complete until you are my husband, Anastas.” She was somewhat reluctant to draw her weapon, but she knew that she wouldn’t be a match for him without it. Sliding a delicate finger across the hilt she gripped the handle of her blade.
Anastas gave a stern expression, ”You know I can’t follow with you on that. It’s not right to be with another just for the sake of formalities.” Spotting her reach for her sword, he took a step back and gripped his own in response. But it was only then when he noticed her hair was tied up, which he knew she didn’t like. Raising an eyebrow in intrigue, he eyed her figure and also spotted the new attire she adorned. This caught him off guard and his cheeks glowed a cherry red. He turned away, covering his blush with his free hand but accidentally let out a squeak which she mistook for stifled laughter.
As she felt Anastas’ intense gaze looking her up, and down she couldn’t help but feel a little self conscious. Remembering what Selanus said earlier she thought maybe Anastas would have the same reaction. However as he turned, she swore she heard him laughing. Blushing out of embarrassment she ripped her blade from its sheathe. Its cold temperature breathing a light frost over the blade.
“I simply hoped to blend in, n-nothing more. I don’t even like it.” she replied. Forcing her thoughts out she focused on the task at hand. Though deep inside she was hoping for some sort of compliment. The time for words was over. Her eyes changed to that of a bird as her pupil shrunk. The ultraviolet spectrum that her spirit saw also became part of her vision. Determined she now waited for her †˜fiance’ to make his move.
Feeling the intense aura she gave out, Anastas only felt it was right to return it with his own. Drawing his shashka, he infused it with Demyans flame, the blade glowed red hot before igniting into an inferno. He readied his stance but was reluctant to strike, ”Such a nice dress too.” He thought to himself before stepping forward to strike.
Katya wasn’t sure what she was feeling, but everything inside her wanted to lash out at Anastas. Dashing in swiftly her hair whipping back and forth violently she ducked in slashing diagonally. She made a satisfying blow that hissed as the cold metal met warm flesh. Anastas barely lost any blood as his wound quickly cauterized itself but he certainly felt the damage.
Quickly shrugging off her hit, he returned with blows of his own, delivering strike after strike before landing one. The cut tore across her midriff shredding that part of the dress. Luckily the attack wasn’t to deep. But the blood that stained the dress and began to seep from the wound was still substantial. Sliding her blade across it the blood froze and sealed the wound in frosted red.
“Not bad,” she said giving her blade two swings before she held it backwards. With her free hand she slid her fingers on the dull of the blade as it froze over in smooth ice. Moving to a more crouched position she began to look at Anastas for an opening. Realizing this, Anastas went on the offensive. Dashing forward, he bombarded Katya with multiple swift strikes, leaving very shallow cuts at the borders of her defense. Anastas was getting heated from this battle, his sabre’s blade continued to blaze intensely, occasionally flaring.
Getting hit by the first hit she deflected the rest as steam began to fill the alley from their blades colliding. Predicting an attack she parried a blow before slicing down and cutting into Anastas’ thigh. Wincing from the pain, he stepped back from her range, assuming his stance once again as his wound sealed up.
”I guess you have no intention of letting me go.” He asked, knowing well the answer.
“Of course not,” she answered snapping back into proper stance. “You have no idea how long I have waited for this moment!”
He sighed,”Shame. I really don’t want to damage that dress anymore.” He dashed forward, keeping low to the ground as he charged an upwards swing. As Katya prepared for the coming attack, she was caught by surprise as Anastas instead went for a tackle. Colliding with her gut, he stood upright using the momentum to lift her up onto his shoulder as he ran out from the alleyway.
Struggling Katya tried to free her arms from Anastas’ grip, but he was giving her no room to wriggle. “L-Let me go!” she protested kicking her legs. Suddenly there was a barely audible tap behind them. As Katya looked she saw a shadowy figure with long black hair. A glint of steel showed he was holding a rapier.
“Yes why don’t we do that,” said the figure. “You two have made more than enough trouble this night. If you continue to fight I will put you down by force.”
Anastas stopped and turned to the figure, he could already judge that he was a guardian. Complying almost immediately, Anastas put Katya down on her feet and sheathed his sword, the radiant flames dying down to nothing but cinders flying in the air. ”Of course, it was my intention to end this fight at that.” Anastas replied, raising his hands to his head.
Katya glared at Anastas before turning her eyes to the guardian. This was exactly what she was trying to avoid by fighting him in the alley. It would seem that Anastas had this plan in his head all along. Sheathing her sword she raised her hands with her eyes closed in disgust.
“Very good,” answered Ezekiel. “Now you will follow me. You both will be locked up for the night. We will decide what to do with you there.” Katya eased her foot out about to run, but in a flash she felt something cold against her neck. As her mind registered what had happened she felt a hand on her shoulder. The contact seemed to drain her strength and she crumpled to the ground. Two guards lept down from the rooftops next to Ezekiel.
“How predictable,” he said looking to Anastas wondering if he would attempt the same. “Carry her to the cells men. You follow close behind. I don’t expect you’re as foolish as this one.” he said looking into Anastas’ eyes.
”There was no way out of this situation, that much is sure.” He walked up face to face with Ezekiel as the guards went to pick up Katya, ”But I won’t stand for it if you insult that woman again.”
“What is it that you will do if I do?” he replied curiously.
Anastas shrugged with a smirk, ”I’ll leave it to your imagination.” and gestured him to move on.
“You are an entertaining one to say the least, but you would do well to remember your situation young one.” he answered with a grin. Nodding to the guards he signaled them to walk. Then he waited for Anastas to begin walking before following close behind sword still drawn. Anastas gave nothing but a small grunt in response before marching on, remaining silent the entire walk.
TheLoneGentleman, and Valentine_KiS5.
It was a few hours of lying awake in his bed before Anastas felt the need to go out for a walk, perhaps he just needed to work off his earlier meal or he was just plain restless. Regardless of the reason, he set out from the inn hoping the slow pace may help him relax a bit. As he walked through the semi-empty village streets he couldn’t help, but feel a strange chill creep up on him. It all felt somewhat familiar. Turning into an alley he hope to force of his tail.
“Finally got you away from your chaperons,” said a voice next to him in the alley. She smirked as she had completely blindsided him. “You have gotten rusty it seems,”
Anastas furrowed his eyebrows, as if fighting the conflicting information in his head, ”That voice. It can’t be-” He turned a glance to the figure and stood shocked as if he’d seen a ghost. Two odd colored eyes glowed radiantly as if the sun and moon stood side by side and locks of icey blue hair which reflected starlight, it was by no doubt Katya in front of him. ”What are you doing here?” He asked, regaining composure.
“I’m taking you back,” answered Katya bluntly looking him straight in the eye. “The ceremony isn’t complete until you are my husband, Anastas.” She was somewhat reluctant to draw her weapon, but she knew that she wouldn’t be a match for him without it. Sliding a delicate finger across the hilt she gripped the handle of her blade.
Anastas gave a stern expression, ”You know I can’t follow with you on that. It’s not right to be with another just for the sake of formalities.” Spotting her reach for her sword, he took a step back and gripped his own in response. But it was only then when he noticed her hair was tied up, which he knew she didn’t like. Raising an eyebrow in intrigue, he eyed her figure and also spotted the new attire she adorned. This caught him off guard and his cheeks glowed a cherry red. He turned away, covering his blush with his free hand but accidentally let out a squeak which she mistook for stifled laughter.
As she felt Anastas’ intense gaze looking her up, and down she couldn’t help but feel a little self conscious. Remembering what Selanus said earlier she thought maybe Anastas would have the same reaction. However as he turned, she swore she heard him laughing. Blushing out of embarrassment she ripped her blade from its sheathe. Its cold temperature breathing a light frost over the blade.
“I simply hoped to blend in, n-nothing more. I don’t even like it.” she replied. Forcing her thoughts out she focused on the task at hand. Though deep inside she was hoping for some sort of compliment. The time for words was over. Her eyes changed to that of a bird as her pupil shrunk. The ultraviolet spectrum that her spirit saw also became part of her vision. Determined she now waited for her †˜fiance’ to make his move.
Feeling the intense aura she gave out, Anastas only felt it was right to return it with his own. Drawing his shashka, he infused it with Demyans flame, the blade glowed red hot before igniting into an inferno. He readied his stance but was reluctant to strike, ”Such a nice dress too.” He thought to himself before stepping forward to strike.
Katya wasn’t sure what she was feeling, but everything inside her wanted to lash out at Anastas. Dashing in swiftly her hair whipping back and forth violently she ducked in slashing diagonally. She made a satisfying blow that hissed as the cold metal met warm flesh. Anastas barely lost any blood as his wound quickly cauterized itself but he certainly felt the damage.
Quickly shrugging off her hit, he returned with blows of his own, delivering strike after strike before landing one. The cut tore across her midriff shredding that part of the dress. Luckily the attack wasn’t to deep. But the blood that stained the dress and began to seep from the wound was still substantial. Sliding her blade across it the blood froze and sealed the wound in frosted red.
“Not bad,” she said giving her blade two swings before she held it backwards. With her free hand she slid her fingers on the dull of the blade as it froze over in smooth ice. Moving to a more crouched position she began to look at Anastas for an opening. Realizing this, Anastas went on the offensive. Dashing forward, he bombarded Katya with multiple swift strikes, leaving very shallow cuts at the borders of her defense. Anastas was getting heated from this battle, his sabre’s blade continued to blaze intensely, occasionally flaring.
Getting hit by the first hit she deflected the rest as steam began to fill the alley from their blades colliding. Predicting an attack she parried a blow before slicing down and cutting into Anastas’ thigh. Wincing from the pain, he stepped back from her range, assuming his stance once again as his wound sealed up.
”I guess you have no intention of letting me go.” He asked, knowing well the answer.
“Of course not,” she answered snapping back into proper stance. “You have no idea how long I have waited for this moment!”
He sighed,”Shame. I really don’t want to damage that dress anymore.” He dashed forward, keeping low to the ground as he charged an upwards swing. As Katya prepared for the coming attack, she was caught by surprise as Anastas instead went for a tackle. Colliding with her gut, he stood upright using the momentum to lift her up onto his shoulder as he ran out from the alleyway.
Struggling Katya tried to free her arms from Anastas’ grip, but he was giving her no room to wriggle. “L-Let me go!” she protested kicking her legs. Suddenly there was a barely audible tap behind them. As Katya looked she saw a shadowy figure with long black hair. A glint of steel showed he was holding a rapier.
“Yes why don’t we do that,” said the figure. “You two have made more than enough trouble this night. If you continue to fight I will put you down by force.”
Anastas stopped and turned to the figure, he could already judge that he was a guardian. Complying almost immediately, Anastas put Katya down on her feet and sheathed his sword, the radiant flames dying down to nothing but cinders flying in the air. ”Of course, it was my intention to end this fight at that.” Anastas replied, raising his hands to his head.
Katya glared at Anastas before turning her eyes to the guardian. This was exactly what she was trying to avoid by fighting him in the alley. It would seem that Anastas had this plan in his head all along. Sheathing her sword she raised her hands with her eyes closed in disgust.
“Very good,” answered Ezekiel. “Now you will follow me. You both will be locked up for the night. We will decide what to do with you there.” Katya eased her foot out about to run, but in a flash she felt something cold against her neck. As her mind registered what had happened she felt a hand on her shoulder. The contact seemed to drain her strength and she crumpled to the ground. Two guards lept down from the rooftops next to Ezekiel.
“How predictable,” he said looking to Anastas wondering if he would attempt the same. “Carry her to the cells men. You follow close behind. I don’t expect you’re as foolish as this one.” he said looking into Anastas’ eyes.
”There was no way out of this situation, that much is sure.” He walked up face to face with Ezekiel as the guards went to pick up Katya, ”But I won’t stand for it if you insult that woman again.”
“What is it that you will do if I do?” he replied curiously.
Anastas shrugged with a smirk, ”I’ll leave it to your imagination.” and gestured him to move on.
“You are an entertaining one to say the least, but you would do well to remember your situation young one.” he answered with a grin. Nodding to the guards he signaled them to walk. Then he waited for Anastas to begin walking before following close behind sword still drawn. Anastas gave nothing but a small grunt in response before marching on, remaining silent the entire walk.
0
This is a group post Starring:
TheLoneGentleman, and Nooby2.
Razta had already visited with his father, and wandered around the area looking for Adelina who was supposed to meet him around there after. Sadly even as it reached midnight there was no sign of her. Leaning against a wall he flipped out his knife and stabbed it into a stone wall. He was frustrated to the least, but some part of him found comfort in the fact his blade still cut as well as he remembered. Ripping the blade out and flipped it once before sheathing it.
†˜Where the hell are you...’ he thought looking around the now empty streets. He was done with this mysterious routine she had adopted as of late. In his opinion if there wasn’t trust, then what was the point.
As Razta looked through the streets lost in thought, he himself was unaware of the person watching him. On a rooftop not far, Selanus observed his target, his form hidden in the shadows of the town. ”It’s time.” Closing his eyes, he felt a surge of power as Astaroth flooded in, a rush from head to toe as his body became lighter. He grinned as the fusion took hold, his spirit back where she belonged, together. Plucking a grenade from its bandolier, he infused a slight amount of spirit, the contents turning a murky green as it roiled within its container.
Easily shifting with their combined power, Selanus made his way over to Raztas position, the night making his move from cranny to cranny all the easier. His incorporeal form slinked right up to the shadows surrounding Razta and swiftly, he formed up, pushing Razta down onto the ground as the gas grenade went off, spraying its contents into Raztas face.
Razta quickly tried to reach for his dagger, but his arm went limp before he had the chance. Whatever the gas was it was doing a hell of a job on his nervous system. Soon his body felt heavy and he eventually lost consciousness.
Selanus checked to ensure Razta was out cold, patting him down and taking the dagger before hefting him onto his shoulder. A faint smile graced Selanus’s features at the easy takedown as he began to run, eager to leave. With Astaroth’s help, an extra humans weight was manageable and he intended to leave once everything was secure.
From behind Selanus heard the whistle of an object closing in. Shifting out of the way just in time he spun to see what it was. A familiar figure was in a landing position. Holding her sword Adelina glared at Selanus. Something floated over her shoulder, her spirit. A masked woman with dazzling black and white wings. For a small flicker of time a cross-over occurred. She looked down at her hand as something shone brightly in it.
“You have something that belongs to me, monster.” she spat walking towards Selanus dragging her sword on the ground.
Selanus backed up a bit, keepin pace as he tried to discern what was in her hand. He was reminded of the bridge, where there was no body when Marian had engaged the woman and that at the very least, she was powerful. Chuckling, he pointed at Razta in mock curiosity before grinning and running off as fast as he could away from Adelina.
Taking off into a swift sprint she made almost no sound. Shield poised forward as she held her sword at the ready. Again her spirit flashed behind her. The last time he saw her she didn’t appear to be even half as powerful, and people didn’t just grow this powerful at that rate. She was obviously holding back before. On top of all that she was slowly gaining on him. Gripping her sword tightly she closed in on Selanus with a serious expression.
”Heh…” Selanus chuckled inwardly even as he ran with all their combined might, making sure not to drop Razta in his escape. Through their link, he could feel Astaroth shift interest from the man on his shoulder to Adelina, both eager and apprehensive about their pursuer. ”Maybe next time, I don’t wanna stick around to find out how she survived Marian.”
Turning a tight corner, he ducked into a small alley and dropped a gas grenade, the toxic air hissing out as it filled the street. Not bothering to look back, he could feel the spiritual pressure for Adelina still on his tail.
A flicker of the future flashed before Adelina’s eyes. Gritting her teeth she was forced to go around it at the cost of time. When she finally regained visual on Selanus he had switched to running on the roof tops. Looking to the object in her hand again she crushed it. Her spirit crossed over completely and glared at Selanus.
“Are you going to let him escape?” Yevan said to Adelina with a smile. Adelina threw her shield onto the roof and held her sword similar to her spirit. Then with a breakneck speed she took off towards the shadowy coward.
With no time to catch a break, Selanus could feel himself wavering as Astaroth began to decouple, leaving him a bit worse for wear. Shaking his head, he turned to Adelina in resignation, knowing there was no way he’d be able to outrun her now. Adelina stopped across from him on a rooftop. Seeing that he stopped she was curious if he would actually fight her now. Gripping her sword in both hands she called out to him.
“Finally gathered the courage?” she yelled across to Selanus.
Glancing at her spirit, he smirked and yelled back. “Only if I’m fighting a monster like you, but then again you aren’t the target so there’s no point getting my hands dirty.” Selanus hefted Razta up as an indication.
“Sorry to be the one to tell you this, but he is spoken for.” she answered. Her spirit began to fade slightly, and noticing this she knew she had precious time left. Kicking off the side of the roof she launched herself at Selanus. Her spirit grabbed on to her giving her just enough hang time to make the jump. Bringing her blade back she prepared to deliver a devastating overhead slash.
“Astaroth!” Selanus snarled, eyes glowing red as he dredged up whatever energy he could before hurling Razta at Adelina with all his might. “Here, take sleeping beauty then!” yelled Selanus. Stopping her attack Adelina collided with Razta in mid-air freeing an arm and catching him. As she she caught him she looked to Selanus who was smirking, his gun pointed straight at them. A glimpse of the future flashed before her, he was aiming straight for Razta in the vision. He thought ahead
Pushing Razta away at the last moment the shot instead nailed Adelina right in the side of the helmet. Denting the helmet as it flew off her head. Her long brunette hair flared out as she spun smacking the side of a building hard enough to knock her unconscious. Razta hit the ground hard near the middle of the street.
Selanus slunk over to Razta, hefting him once more as Astaroth responded with sardonic mirth. Glancing over at Adelina, he shook his head once more in slight exasperation. “Try harder next time princess.” murmured Selanus, before shifting out with Razta as he walked away, the shadows quickly flitting into the darker parts of the village.
TheLoneGentleman, and Nooby2.
Razta had already visited with his father, and wandered around the area looking for Adelina who was supposed to meet him around there after. Sadly even as it reached midnight there was no sign of her. Leaning against a wall he flipped out his knife and stabbed it into a stone wall. He was frustrated to the least, but some part of him found comfort in the fact his blade still cut as well as he remembered. Ripping the blade out and flipped it once before sheathing it.
†˜Where the hell are you...’ he thought looking around the now empty streets. He was done with this mysterious routine she had adopted as of late. In his opinion if there wasn’t trust, then what was the point.
As Razta looked through the streets lost in thought, he himself was unaware of the person watching him. On a rooftop not far, Selanus observed his target, his form hidden in the shadows of the town. ”It’s time.” Closing his eyes, he felt a surge of power as Astaroth flooded in, a rush from head to toe as his body became lighter. He grinned as the fusion took hold, his spirit back where she belonged, together. Plucking a grenade from its bandolier, he infused a slight amount of spirit, the contents turning a murky green as it roiled within its container.
Easily shifting with their combined power, Selanus made his way over to Raztas position, the night making his move from cranny to cranny all the easier. His incorporeal form slinked right up to the shadows surrounding Razta and swiftly, he formed up, pushing Razta down onto the ground as the gas grenade went off, spraying its contents into Raztas face.
Razta quickly tried to reach for his dagger, but his arm went limp before he had the chance. Whatever the gas was it was doing a hell of a job on his nervous system. Soon his body felt heavy and he eventually lost consciousness.
Selanus checked to ensure Razta was out cold, patting him down and taking the dagger before hefting him onto his shoulder. A faint smile graced Selanus’s features at the easy takedown as he began to run, eager to leave. With Astaroth’s help, an extra humans weight was manageable and he intended to leave once everything was secure.
From behind Selanus heard the whistle of an object closing in. Shifting out of the way just in time he spun to see what it was. A familiar figure was in a landing position. Holding her sword Adelina glared at Selanus. Something floated over her shoulder, her spirit. A masked woman with dazzling black and white wings. For a small flicker of time a cross-over occurred. She looked down at her hand as something shone brightly in it.
“You have something that belongs to me, monster.” she spat walking towards Selanus dragging her sword on the ground.
Selanus backed up a bit, keepin pace as he tried to discern what was in her hand. He was reminded of the bridge, where there was no body when Marian had engaged the woman and that at the very least, she was powerful. Chuckling, he pointed at Razta in mock curiosity before grinning and running off as fast as he could away from Adelina.
Taking off into a swift sprint she made almost no sound. Shield poised forward as she held her sword at the ready. Again her spirit flashed behind her. The last time he saw her she didn’t appear to be even half as powerful, and people didn’t just grow this powerful at that rate. She was obviously holding back before. On top of all that she was slowly gaining on him. Gripping her sword tightly she closed in on Selanus with a serious expression.
”Heh…” Selanus chuckled inwardly even as he ran with all their combined might, making sure not to drop Razta in his escape. Through their link, he could feel Astaroth shift interest from the man on his shoulder to Adelina, both eager and apprehensive about their pursuer. ”Maybe next time, I don’t wanna stick around to find out how she survived Marian.”
Turning a tight corner, he ducked into a small alley and dropped a gas grenade, the toxic air hissing out as it filled the street. Not bothering to look back, he could feel the spiritual pressure for Adelina still on his tail.
A flicker of the future flashed before Adelina’s eyes. Gritting her teeth she was forced to go around it at the cost of time. When she finally regained visual on Selanus he had switched to running on the roof tops. Looking to the object in her hand again she crushed it. Her spirit crossed over completely and glared at Selanus.
“Are you going to let him escape?” Yevan said to Adelina with a smile. Adelina threw her shield onto the roof and held her sword similar to her spirit. Then with a breakneck speed she took off towards the shadowy coward.
With no time to catch a break, Selanus could feel himself wavering as Astaroth began to decouple, leaving him a bit worse for wear. Shaking his head, he turned to Adelina in resignation, knowing there was no way he’d be able to outrun her now. Adelina stopped across from him on a rooftop. Seeing that he stopped she was curious if he would actually fight her now. Gripping her sword in both hands she called out to him.
“Finally gathered the courage?” she yelled across to Selanus.
Glancing at her spirit, he smirked and yelled back. “Only if I’m fighting a monster like you, but then again you aren’t the target so there’s no point getting my hands dirty.” Selanus hefted Razta up as an indication.
“Sorry to be the one to tell you this, but he is spoken for.” she answered. Her spirit began to fade slightly, and noticing this she knew she had precious time left. Kicking off the side of the roof she launched herself at Selanus. Her spirit grabbed on to her giving her just enough hang time to make the jump. Bringing her blade back she prepared to deliver a devastating overhead slash.
“Astaroth!” Selanus snarled, eyes glowing red as he dredged up whatever energy he could before hurling Razta at Adelina with all his might. “Here, take sleeping beauty then!” yelled Selanus. Stopping her attack Adelina collided with Razta in mid-air freeing an arm and catching him. As she she caught him she looked to Selanus who was smirking, his gun pointed straight at them. A glimpse of the future flashed before her, he was aiming straight for Razta in the vision. He thought ahead
Pushing Razta away at the last moment the shot instead nailed Adelina right in the side of the helmet. Denting the helmet as it flew off her head. Her long brunette hair flared out as she spun smacking the side of a building hard enough to knock her unconscious. Razta hit the ground hard near the middle of the street.
Selanus slunk over to Razta, hefting him once more as Astaroth responded with sardonic mirth. Glancing over at Adelina, he shook his head once more in slight exasperation. “Try harder next time princess.” murmured Selanus, before shifting out with Razta as he walked away, the shadows quickly flitting into the darker parts of the village.
0
Marian awoke early in the morning. Emma was asleep on the opposite side of the bed. She smiled sweetly as she recovered her with the blankets. Since she didn’t have to worry about being seen, she wore a silk white teddie and lace shorts to bed. Sleeping in that comfort felt absolutely liberating. Stretching as she walked over to the bathroom to take a well deserved morning shower, she confirmed in her head the time that she needed to be at the elder’s office.
After religiously cleaning herself she dried and did her hair. She always made sure to mind her appearance. Putting on some black long pants before she placed on a white button-up blouse. Then she sat on the edge of the bed as she pulled on her black knee high boots. The movement on the bed made Emma stir a little, and she cracked her eyes open to see Marian dressed and ready to go. Noticing the eyes on her she turned to Emma.
“I will be back soon. Just sit tight until then.” said Marian as she stood up and tapped her feet settling her feet into proper place in her shoes. Emma nodded, but still decided that it would be better to get up and make herself ready as well. Emma simply wore her shirt and undergarments to bed. Walking to the shower she seemed like a kid. Smiling at this before walking out of her room she was greeted by four guards at her door. She still wasn’t used to the hooded guard uniforms, and she almost let her hand instinctively go to the hilt of her blade.
“Are you ready to meet Elder Edile?” asked on of the guards.
“Yes please lead the way,” answered Marian. Two guards nodded and began walking down the hallway as the other two walked behind her making sure she didn’t fall behind.
Walking through the city with that many guards would have felt slightly annoying if it weren’t for the lack of people in the streets. At that early morning hour most of the street lights were still on. The only people who were on the street were the occasional shop owner who opened early.
At the pace the guards were forcing her into they made it to the elder’s building in less than half an hour. As they approached Marian spotted two people standing outside the door to the building.
One was a pale looking gentleman with jet black hair. His clothes were a simple black long sleeve and black slacks. The other a mysterious man with his eyes covered in a silk cloth. He wore a white and jade monk robe. Dark brown hair was at about shoulder length and well maintained. He said nothing however it was the pale gentleman who spoke.
“We will take her from here,” said the man smiling eerily. Marian ignored him and walked past him following the other man who had just opened the door for her. Walking past him she looked him over. She had often met those who relied only on their spirit to see. She understood the concept, but thought that the practice was a bit silly.
With the two men behind her, and none of her soldier to back her up, Marian was more than a little nervous. This feeling in her only escalated as they approached a large doorway at the end of a long hall. As she neared it the man in black passed her up and tapped his knuckles on the door.
“Representative Marian is here for you,” he announced as he waited for a reply.
“Bring her in,” called a voice out from the room. The man turned the handle as he let in Marian, and the blind monk before closing the door and taking guard outside. As Marian looked around the office she saw many beast trophies hanging about the walls. Each more intimidating than the last. They varied from bears to man-eating lizards. The floor was made of well cared for wood, and the walls the same. On the floor there was a grand bearskin rug that found its place in front of a fireplace. Two plush crimson chairs sat upon it facing the flames. Marian could see the top of the elders head and her boot from where she was.
“Come and take a seat,” said Edile in a demanding voice. Marian walked over making sure to watch her step and not trip on the rug. As she passed the chair she immediately took a seat in the open seat on the left. Turning to look at Edile she didn’t see the frail woman she was expecting. Wearing a short green cloak she had her hand coming up from beneath it holding a steaming tea cup. Raising the cup to her lips she took a short sip. Her hair fell to her sides and in her hair there were ornaments tied to the ends.
“A pleasure to meet you, Elder Edile,” greeted Marian.
“Likewise Representative Marian,” replied Edile. “Would you like some tea perhaps?”
“Sure, that sounds nice,” answered Marian. Edile placed her cup down on an end table on her right and poured a second cup. Her tea set was all white with gold trim around the edges. The cuts were clean and not a chip was to be found on them. After pouring the cup she placed it on a plate before standing up and handing it to Marian. Taking the plate she rested it on her lap. Then taking the cup she sipped from it. The tea was sweet with a refreshing taste of mint.
“This is good,” replied Marian. The two sat there drinking tea and looking into the flames for a few minutes. Marian was surprised that she was being treated this well. From the security that was given to her alone she expected something entirely different.
“Now,” said Edile after she had finished her tea and saw that Marian had finished hers as well. “Let’s move on to business.” Marian nodded and set her cup and plate on the table to her left.
“Yes,” answered Marian simply.
“So out with it then,” answered Edile.
“As you know, leaving our lands without a traveling permit is illegal. As is harboring people performing such an action. Yet you have hundreds of them that you have allowed to stay within your city.” said Marian.
“Yes, this I know,” answered Edile. “What is your point?”
“We ask that you allow us to take them from the city. As well as reject all future cursed refugees that seek shelter within your walls.” answered Marian. Edile chuckled and reached over to her side to pour yet another cup of minty delight.
“I’m sorry,” she answered. “But I must refuse. Anyone that claims to have control over another’s life has no right to lead them. These people have the right to make their own choices.”
“Cain-” started Marian.
“Let him come,” she snapped. “That lazy king does not rule me. No true king rules with fear alone.” Edile took a long satisfying sip of her tea. Marian sat deep in her chair and sighed. Nothing was said between the two for what seemed like an eternity. They both knew what that meant. Cain was not the type to accept no for an answer. Marian and the group were to come back with the refugees or blood on their hands.
“Let me ask you this young Representative,” said Edile. “What makes you follow a man such as Cain?”
“I...cannot answer that,” answered Marian looking at her hands in her lap. Closing her eyes she focused on sending out a spirit signal. Edile sighed and set her cup down.
“I guess this all starts now?” Edile said standing up. “Bael have the other guardians informed, and see to it that the citizens are kept safe.” The blind man nodded and tapped four times on the door. Marian stood up and drew her blades.
“I wanted to give you all another chance,” said Edile pulling a strange curved dagger off the wall. Bael walked over and stood next to Edile as his hands began to glow slightly while he moved them around slowly.
“Some people are beyond help,” answered Marian holding both her blades at the side. Off in the distance a howl echoed out that tore through the forest and shook the windows of the office. Edile narrowed her eyes at the window, knowing that Soul was on his way.
After religiously cleaning herself she dried and did her hair. She always made sure to mind her appearance. Putting on some black long pants before she placed on a white button-up blouse. Then she sat on the edge of the bed as she pulled on her black knee high boots. The movement on the bed made Emma stir a little, and she cracked her eyes open to see Marian dressed and ready to go. Noticing the eyes on her she turned to Emma.
“I will be back soon. Just sit tight until then.” said Marian as she stood up and tapped her feet settling her feet into proper place in her shoes. Emma nodded, but still decided that it would be better to get up and make herself ready as well. Emma simply wore her shirt and undergarments to bed. Walking to the shower she seemed like a kid. Smiling at this before walking out of her room she was greeted by four guards at her door. She still wasn’t used to the hooded guard uniforms, and she almost let her hand instinctively go to the hilt of her blade.
“Are you ready to meet Elder Edile?” asked on of the guards.
“Yes please lead the way,” answered Marian. Two guards nodded and began walking down the hallway as the other two walked behind her making sure she didn’t fall behind.
Walking through the city with that many guards would have felt slightly annoying if it weren’t for the lack of people in the streets. At that early morning hour most of the street lights were still on. The only people who were on the street were the occasional shop owner who opened early.
At the pace the guards were forcing her into they made it to the elder’s building in less than half an hour. As they approached Marian spotted two people standing outside the door to the building.
One was a pale looking gentleman with jet black hair. His clothes were a simple black long sleeve and black slacks. The other a mysterious man with his eyes covered in a silk cloth. He wore a white and jade monk robe. Dark brown hair was at about shoulder length and well maintained. He said nothing however it was the pale gentleman who spoke.
“We will take her from here,” said the man smiling eerily. Marian ignored him and walked past him following the other man who had just opened the door for her. Walking past him she looked him over. She had often met those who relied only on their spirit to see. She understood the concept, but thought that the practice was a bit silly.
With the two men behind her, and none of her soldier to back her up, Marian was more than a little nervous. This feeling in her only escalated as they approached a large doorway at the end of a long hall. As she neared it the man in black passed her up and tapped his knuckles on the door.
“Representative Marian is here for you,” he announced as he waited for a reply.
“Bring her in,” called a voice out from the room. The man turned the handle as he let in Marian, and the blind monk before closing the door and taking guard outside. As Marian looked around the office she saw many beast trophies hanging about the walls. Each more intimidating than the last. They varied from bears to man-eating lizards. The floor was made of well cared for wood, and the walls the same. On the floor there was a grand bearskin rug that found its place in front of a fireplace. Two plush crimson chairs sat upon it facing the flames. Marian could see the top of the elders head and her boot from where she was.
“Come and take a seat,” said Edile in a demanding voice. Marian walked over making sure to watch her step and not trip on the rug. As she passed the chair she immediately took a seat in the open seat on the left. Turning to look at Edile she didn’t see the frail woman she was expecting. Wearing a short green cloak she had her hand coming up from beneath it holding a steaming tea cup. Raising the cup to her lips she took a short sip. Her hair fell to her sides and in her hair there were ornaments tied to the ends.
“A pleasure to meet you, Elder Edile,” greeted Marian.
“Likewise Representative Marian,” replied Edile. “Would you like some tea perhaps?”
“Sure, that sounds nice,” answered Marian. Edile placed her cup down on an end table on her right and poured a second cup. Her tea set was all white with gold trim around the edges. The cuts were clean and not a chip was to be found on them. After pouring the cup she placed it on a plate before standing up and handing it to Marian. Taking the plate she rested it on her lap. Then taking the cup she sipped from it. The tea was sweet with a refreshing taste of mint.
“This is good,” replied Marian. The two sat there drinking tea and looking into the flames for a few minutes. Marian was surprised that she was being treated this well. From the security that was given to her alone she expected something entirely different.
“Now,” said Edile after she had finished her tea and saw that Marian had finished hers as well. “Let’s move on to business.” Marian nodded and set her cup and plate on the table to her left.
“Yes,” answered Marian simply.
“So out with it then,” answered Edile.
“As you know, leaving our lands without a traveling permit is illegal. As is harboring people performing such an action. Yet you have hundreds of them that you have allowed to stay within your city.” said Marian.
“Yes, this I know,” answered Edile. “What is your point?”
“We ask that you allow us to take them from the city. As well as reject all future cursed refugees that seek shelter within your walls.” answered Marian. Edile chuckled and reached over to her side to pour yet another cup of minty delight.
“I’m sorry,” she answered. “But I must refuse. Anyone that claims to have control over another’s life has no right to lead them. These people have the right to make their own choices.”
“Cain-” started Marian.
“Let him come,” she snapped. “That lazy king does not rule me. No true king rules with fear alone.” Edile took a long satisfying sip of her tea. Marian sat deep in her chair and sighed. Nothing was said between the two for what seemed like an eternity. They both knew what that meant. Cain was not the type to accept no for an answer. Marian and the group were to come back with the refugees or blood on their hands.
“Let me ask you this young Representative,” said Edile. “What makes you follow a man such as Cain?”
“I...cannot answer that,” answered Marian looking at her hands in her lap. Closing her eyes she focused on sending out a spirit signal. Edile sighed and set her cup down.
“I guess this all starts now?” Edile said standing up. “Bael have the other guardians informed, and see to it that the citizens are kept safe.” The blind man nodded and tapped four times on the door. Marian stood up and drew her blades.
“I wanted to give you all another chance,” said Edile pulling a strange curved dagger off the wall. Bael walked over and stood next to Edile as his hands began to glow slightly while he moved them around slowly.
“Some people are beyond help,” answered Marian holding both her blades at the side. Off in the distance a howl echoed out that tore through the forest and shook the windows of the office. Edile narrowed her eyes at the window, knowing that Soul was on his way.
0
Charlotte was already up by the time the tumult started. Getting geared up for combat along with Sonya and Luna. The signal had already come in loud and clear. Charlotte stood up and walked towards a wall in the room. Slashing at it with her blade she decimated the wall. Behind it her elites were finishing preparing. Walking through that room she attacked the next wall where the rest of her elites were waiting.
“Alright ladies, you know what your jobs are!” she announced. “Guards are going to be up our asses soon. Make em bleed!”
“Heh-heh. With pleasure, boss...” Luna replied cracking her knuckles, wearing a twisted smile it’s as if she’s been waiting an eternity for some action. “I’m sick of these guys breathing down our necks anyways!”
“So loud…” Sonya whined as she finished dressing herself in her combat uniform. “Last night was so fun, too… I guess I’ll just have to have fun with these guards…” She giggled as she snapped her whip once, making sure it was good to go for battle.
Charlotte smiled and slung her sword over her shoulder. “We are making for the elder’s building to retrieve Marian. Once we have her Soul should have finished his job. We leave the city after that. Anyone caught will be left behind. No exceptions.” answered Charlotte. Walking to the wall facing the street she stepped forward before swatting the wall down with her blade. The chaos of the guards and civilians and guard around echoed into the room. Charlotte walked to the edge then jumped down two stories to the street.
Luna peered down from the large hole as Charlotte parlayed through the street. “Whoo...well, better now than never. Let’s see how far our kill count could go before we get to the building, shall we?” She said lightly jabbing Sonya on the shoulder before jumping down to the street along with Charlotte.
“Sounds fun…” Sonya mumbled while giggling. She followed Luna’s lead, jumping down and stepping forward after her landing, asking toward the chaos, “So, who’s first?” she asked playfully, holding her whip behind her back and waiting for the first victim to respond.
The rest of the elites jumped down and landed behind Charlotte. Bruin leapt down last and looked around yawning. “Some vacation this turned out to be…”
“What do you mean? This is when things get fun.” answered Charlotte. Sliding her sword from its sheath she turned to a group of guards that approached from the right and left.
“Put down your weapons and surrender!” yelled one of the guards. As Charlotte sized them up she counted about five guards. Smiling she turned to them and gave her sword a quick test swing before falling into proper stance. The guards moved back slightly in response, and that made Charlotte chuckle.
“I guess its time to test out a few things,” said Charlotte gripping the handle of her sword tightly with both hands. Her scars began to ebb slightly as she focused on her spirit. “Sonya and Luna you are with me, the rest of you watch take the other group.”
With a powerful step Charlotte dashed towards the guard closest to her. Swiping his feet with the blunt of her blade she heard a bone crack. Then using that momentum she swung again with an overhead that slashed down the mans chest with a deep gash. He screamed out in agony as blood spurted into the air. As another guard ran in to save the man Charlotte jumped back laughing. As the guard chased after Charlotte something struck him from the side.
His mind was hazy, and now all he could focus on was Sonya. Dropping his spear he began to walk slowly over to Sonya giggling like a fool. The guard that Charlotte had thrashed painfully climbed to his feet and grabbed his spear to act as a crutch.
“Captain!” he called out trying to get the charmed guard’s attention, but there was no reaching him. Breathing deeply he focused his spirit into his spear. Spinning once he threw the spear straight at Sonya with all his might hoping to break her spell on his captain. However in his injured state that was too much for him. His spear fell just short of its mark as Sonya simply stepped back with a playful smile.
“Is that all you can do?” taunted Sonya as the guard she seduced stood in front of her. She have him a peck on the cheek.
Luna stepped forward drawing her sword, eying the guard that was near death, a curved smile came across her face as she hoisted the blade over her shoulder, she saw this as the perfect opportunity to lessen the group’s burden. Without hesitation, she charged the grounded guard to swiftly end his life. As she pushed passed the group she closed the distance between her and the wounded guard, her smile got bigger as she swung Zweihander through the air, cleaving his head right off, a gushing sound was made as blood splattered through from where his head used to be onto Luna’s face. She turned back to the group of guards holding the sword on her shoulder. “So...who’s next?”
Looking on at the carnage the remaining guards were horrified. Their captain was taken from them, and they were facing beings with monstrous strength. Hearing the carnage on the other side didn’t help morale much either.
“Tch, should’ve known better than to step up against us.” Expressed Luna coldly.
“Retreat and regroup!” yelled one of the guards. Charlotte narrowed her eyes and scowled. She hated cowards more than anything else. Turning to Luna she grabbed her sword and stabbed it into the ground. Then she leaped kicking off of it firing off like an arrow. Stabbing through the back of one of the fleeing guards he was killed instantly. As the guard breathed his last Charlotte ripped her blade out swinging in a wide arc decapitating the other two.
The only guard left was the one completely entranced by Sonya. She thought he might be useful for something. She whispered into the guard’s ear, “Hey, do you mind escorting us to the Elder’s home? If you protect us, I might give you a niiiiiiiiiiice reward…” Sonya emphasized the extent of her promise, though had no intention of fulfilling it. In the guard’s state, however, she felt that she may be able to use him as a human shield to make the trip a bit easier.
“Right this way…” said the man in a dazed state. Charlotte slung her sword over her shoulder and smirked.
“I guess you are more useful than I thought,” said Charlotte to Sonya as the man began to lead the way for them. Turning to see the elites finish up the last of the other guard group she chuckled. Bruin walked up to her followed by the other four elites.
“That’s mean… I always do my best!” Sonya retorted with a pout.
“You guys sure didn’t pull any punches,” said Bruin looking to the massacre Charlotte and Luna left behind.
“Why should we? This is our vacation after all.” answered Charlotte before walking off to follow the charmed guard.
“Alright ladies, you know what your jobs are!” she announced. “Guards are going to be up our asses soon. Make em bleed!”
“Heh-heh. With pleasure, boss...” Luna replied cracking her knuckles, wearing a twisted smile it’s as if she’s been waiting an eternity for some action. “I’m sick of these guys breathing down our necks anyways!”
“So loud…” Sonya whined as she finished dressing herself in her combat uniform. “Last night was so fun, too… I guess I’ll just have to have fun with these guards…” She giggled as she snapped her whip once, making sure it was good to go for battle.
Charlotte smiled and slung her sword over her shoulder. “We are making for the elder’s building to retrieve Marian. Once we have her Soul should have finished his job. We leave the city after that. Anyone caught will be left behind. No exceptions.” answered Charlotte. Walking to the wall facing the street she stepped forward before swatting the wall down with her blade. The chaos of the guards and civilians and guard around echoed into the room. Charlotte walked to the edge then jumped down two stories to the street.
Luna peered down from the large hole as Charlotte parlayed through the street. “Whoo...well, better now than never. Let’s see how far our kill count could go before we get to the building, shall we?” She said lightly jabbing Sonya on the shoulder before jumping down to the street along with Charlotte.
“Sounds fun…” Sonya mumbled while giggling. She followed Luna’s lead, jumping down and stepping forward after her landing, asking toward the chaos, “So, who’s first?” she asked playfully, holding her whip behind her back and waiting for the first victim to respond.
The rest of the elites jumped down and landed behind Charlotte. Bruin leapt down last and looked around yawning. “Some vacation this turned out to be…”
“What do you mean? This is when things get fun.” answered Charlotte. Sliding her sword from its sheath she turned to a group of guards that approached from the right and left.
“Put down your weapons and surrender!” yelled one of the guards. As Charlotte sized them up she counted about five guards. Smiling she turned to them and gave her sword a quick test swing before falling into proper stance. The guards moved back slightly in response, and that made Charlotte chuckle.
“I guess its time to test out a few things,” said Charlotte gripping the handle of her sword tightly with both hands. Her scars began to ebb slightly as she focused on her spirit. “Sonya and Luna you are with me, the rest of you watch take the other group.”
With a powerful step Charlotte dashed towards the guard closest to her. Swiping his feet with the blunt of her blade she heard a bone crack. Then using that momentum she swung again with an overhead that slashed down the mans chest with a deep gash. He screamed out in agony as blood spurted into the air. As another guard ran in to save the man Charlotte jumped back laughing. As the guard chased after Charlotte something struck him from the side.
His mind was hazy, and now all he could focus on was Sonya. Dropping his spear he began to walk slowly over to Sonya giggling like a fool. The guard that Charlotte had thrashed painfully climbed to his feet and grabbed his spear to act as a crutch.
“Captain!” he called out trying to get the charmed guard’s attention, but there was no reaching him. Breathing deeply he focused his spirit into his spear. Spinning once he threw the spear straight at Sonya with all his might hoping to break her spell on his captain. However in his injured state that was too much for him. His spear fell just short of its mark as Sonya simply stepped back with a playful smile.
“Is that all you can do?” taunted Sonya as the guard she seduced stood in front of her. She have him a peck on the cheek.
Luna stepped forward drawing her sword, eying the guard that was near death, a curved smile came across her face as she hoisted the blade over her shoulder, she saw this as the perfect opportunity to lessen the group’s burden. Without hesitation, she charged the grounded guard to swiftly end his life. As she pushed passed the group she closed the distance between her and the wounded guard, her smile got bigger as she swung Zweihander through the air, cleaving his head right off, a gushing sound was made as blood splattered through from where his head used to be onto Luna’s face. She turned back to the group of guards holding the sword on her shoulder. “So...who’s next?”
Looking on at the carnage the remaining guards were horrified. Their captain was taken from them, and they were facing beings with monstrous strength. Hearing the carnage on the other side didn’t help morale much either.
“Tch, should’ve known better than to step up against us.” Expressed Luna coldly.
“Retreat and regroup!” yelled one of the guards. Charlotte narrowed her eyes and scowled. She hated cowards more than anything else. Turning to Luna she grabbed her sword and stabbed it into the ground. Then she leaped kicking off of it firing off like an arrow. Stabbing through the back of one of the fleeing guards he was killed instantly. As the guard breathed his last Charlotte ripped her blade out swinging in a wide arc decapitating the other two.
The only guard left was the one completely entranced by Sonya. She thought he might be useful for something. She whispered into the guard’s ear, “Hey, do you mind escorting us to the Elder’s home? If you protect us, I might give you a niiiiiiiiiiice reward…” Sonya emphasized the extent of her promise, though had no intention of fulfilling it. In the guard’s state, however, she felt that she may be able to use him as a human shield to make the trip a bit easier.
“Right this way…” said the man in a dazed state. Charlotte slung her sword over her shoulder and smirked.
“I guess you are more useful than I thought,” said Charlotte to Sonya as the man began to lead the way for them. Turning to see the elites finish up the last of the other guard group she chuckled. Bruin walked up to her followed by the other four elites.
“That’s mean… I always do my best!” Sonya retorted with a pout.
“You guys sure didn’t pull any punches,” said Bruin looking to the massacre Charlotte and Luna left behind.
“Why should we? This is our vacation after all.” answered Charlotte before walking off to follow the charmed guard.
0
This is a group post Starring:
TheLoneGentleman,and Valentine_KiS5.
A howl stirred Anastas from slumber, and it sounded like no animal that he had
ever hunted. This was the stuff that you heard in your nightmare just before the monster got you. But this wasn’t what you were supposed to hear when you woke up from said nightmare. Sliding out of the uncomfortable jail bed he heard the howl once again.
As he stepped up to the bars to see what was going on in the jail he saw guards scrambling to gather weapons rushing past. He could only assume that Katya was also awake in the cell next to him.
”Is it an attack?” Anastas asked himself, ”By who. . . or what.”
“Two representatives in the city, and you don’t notice? You really are getting lazy,” answered Katya. “What they are doing here I couldn’t tell you, but I have heard that howl before.”
He sighed, a heavy scowl on his face. ”So much for my vacation.” Grabbing the bars of his cell, he focused until they glowed red hot and finally melted into molten iron. Peeking his head out the corridor, he walked out of his cell and over to Katya’s meeting face to face with her.
”I’ll let you out but leave this whole husbandry business aside until what’s going on is over and done with.” He said, waiting for a response.
“I think I can agree to that, at least until this mess is settled.” answered Katya sitting in bed with her back against the wall.
Giving her a stern nod, he grabbed the bars to her cell and melted them in a similar fashion. ”First thing we need to do is retrieve our weapons.”
“I’ve already scouted this prison,” answered Katya pointing to her discolored eye. “I’ll lead the way.” Hopping out of bed she walked past Anastas and turned left down the hallway. Looking around Katya was surprised that so much of the prison was formed of stone and steel. Since most of the village was that strange wood, but that made it a little easier for her to navigate for some reason. Luckily all the guards were distracted with the ruckus to notice that they slipped from their cells.
Behind her, Anastas was smirking, ”I knew it was right to bring you along.”
“This is it,” said Katya reaching a plain wooden door. Opening the door she found an armory of weapons. In the back of the room were their weapons and equipement.
Anastas breathed a sigh of relief as he grabbed his shashka, clipping it onto his belt where it belonged. He was unfortunate to have left the rest of his arsenal at the inn but he compensated by borrowing some of the guard’s equipment. They weren’t as comfortable to use as his own but he had to make due.
”I’ll return these once this is all over.” He told himself as he looked over to Katya also gearing up.
Taking her sword and the other survival supplies she had on her, it didn’t take time for her to get suited up. “You are ready I take it?” asked Katya looking over to Anastas.
He nodded in confirmation, ”Our priority is to keep ourselves alive but I have obligations to help my team, they’ll no doubt be trying to fight whatever’s coming. Did you have any companions with you that you need to meet up with?”
“If he isn’t here than he completed his mission. Our contract is over.” answered Katya walking past him and out of the room.
”Harsh.” Anastas remarked, making his way out the room behind Katya.
After they made their way out of the armory they snuck out of the guard house and heard another of those loud howls come through the forest. Whatever was coming was much closer than before. Being so close to the guard house the scene was more than hectic, but due to that none of the guards paid them much mind. As long as they avoided direct contact it would seem that their escape would go without a hitch.
Anastas had a bow in hand, observing the chaos. He didn’t much like the feel of it. ”It’d be best to wait this out in larger number. If we can reach the inn, we can rally with my group.” Anastas stated, ”Also I can get proper equipment.” Getting his bearings together, he spotted an alleyway in the general direction of the inn and directed Katya through.
“Your group didn’t seem all that strong to me,” answered Katya as she followed behind Anastas. “What are you doing with them anyways? You were always content with being alone.”
”Much like you, I have a contract to work with.” He replied coldly, ”Still, they’re capable and it’s much better than the two of us being alone together.”
“I suppose…” answered Katya looking to Anastas. Just the night before she was intent on killing him. Yet now she wasn’t sure what to think. All that time goofing around must have made her soft. As they made their way through the back streets towards the Inn Katya was surprised they had yet to see any fighting. “For an attack there sure isn’t a lot of fighting going on…”
”Indeed, perhaps this isn’t an area of priority for them.” Anastas guessed. He was a bit uncomfortable with Katya’s gaze, she may have considered taking him on while they were still alone. ”I might’ve said too much.” he lamented as he thought back to his previous statement.
TheLoneGentleman,and Valentine_KiS5.
A howl stirred Anastas from slumber, and it sounded like no animal that he had
ever hunted. This was the stuff that you heard in your nightmare just before the monster got you. But this wasn’t what you were supposed to hear when you woke up from said nightmare. Sliding out of the uncomfortable jail bed he heard the howl once again.
As he stepped up to the bars to see what was going on in the jail he saw guards scrambling to gather weapons rushing past. He could only assume that Katya was also awake in the cell next to him.
”Is it an attack?” Anastas asked himself, ”By who. . . or what.”
“Two representatives in the city, and you don’t notice? You really are getting lazy,” answered Katya. “What they are doing here I couldn’t tell you, but I have heard that howl before.”
He sighed, a heavy scowl on his face. ”So much for my vacation.” Grabbing the bars of his cell, he focused until they glowed red hot and finally melted into molten iron. Peeking his head out the corridor, he walked out of his cell and over to Katya’s meeting face to face with her.
”I’ll let you out but leave this whole husbandry business aside until what’s going on is over and done with.” He said, waiting for a response.
“I think I can agree to that, at least until this mess is settled.” answered Katya sitting in bed with her back against the wall.
Giving her a stern nod, he grabbed the bars to her cell and melted them in a similar fashion. ”First thing we need to do is retrieve our weapons.”
“I’ve already scouted this prison,” answered Katya pointing to her discolored eye. “I’ll lead the way.” Hopping out of bed she walked past Anastas and turned left down the hallway. Looking around Katya was surprised that so much of the prison was formed of stone and steel. Since most of the village was that strange wood, but that made it a little easier for her to navigate for some reason. Luckily all the guards were distracted with the ruckus to notice that they slipped from their cells.
Behind her, Anastas was smirking, ”I knew it was right to bring you along.”
“This is it,” said Katya reaching a plain wooden door. Opening the door she found an armory of weapons. In the back of the room were their weapons and equipement.
Anastas breathed a sigh of relief as he grabbed his shashka, clipping it onto his belt where it belonged. He was unfortunate to have left the rest of his arsenal at the inn but he compensated by borrowing some of the guard’s equipment. They weren’t as comfortable to use as his own but he had to make due.
”I’ll return these once this is all over.” He told himself as he looked over to Katya also gearing up.
Taking her sword and the other survival supplies she had on her, it didn’t take time for her to get suited up. “You are ready I take it?” asked Katya looking over to Anastas.
He nodded in confirmation, ”Our priority is to keep ourselves alive but I have obligations to help my team, they’ll no doubt be trying to fight whatever’s coming. Did you have any companions with you that you need to meet up with?”
“If he isn’t here than he completed his mission. Our contract is over.” answered Katya walking past him and out of the room.
”Harsh.” Anastas remarked, making his way out the room behind Katya.
After they made their way out of the armory they snuck out of the guard house and heard another of those loud howls come through the forest. Whatever was coming was much closer than before. Being so close to the guard house the scene was more than hectic, but due to that none of the guards paid them much mind. As long as they avoided direct contact it would seem that their escape would go without a hitch.
Anastas had a bow in hand, observing the chaos. He didn’t much like the feel of it. ”It’d be best to wait this out in larger number. If we can reach the inn, we can rally with my group.” Anastas stated, ”Also I can get proper equipment.” Getting his bearings together, he spotted an alleyway in the general direction of the inn and directed Katya through.
“Your group didn’t seem all that strong to me,” answered Katya as she followed behind Anastas. “What are you doing with them anyways? You were always content with being alone.”
”Much like you, I have a contract to work with.” He replied coldly, ”Still, they’re capable and it’s much better than the two of us being alone together.”
“I suppose…” answered Katya looking to Anastas. Just the night before she was intent on killing him. Yet now she wasn’t sure what to think. All that time goofing around must have made her soft. As they made their way through the back streets towards the Inn Katya was surprised they had yet to see any fighting. “For an attack there sure isn’t a lot of fighting going on…”
”Indeed, perhaps this isn’t an area of priority for them.” Anastas guessed. He was a bit uncomfortable with Katya’s gaze, she may have considered taking him on while they were still alone. ”I might’ve said too much.” he lamented as he thought back to his previous statement.
0
This is a group post Starring:
TheLoneGentleman, BagMan, BlinkXPoke, Galahad Milsl, and Katsucha.
Awakening to the rattling of the windows to the inn Owain fell out of bed hitting the wooden floor hard, and getting tangled up in his blanket. After he freed himself from the diabolical cloth he stood up and made his way to the window. As he looked outside he saw guards moving along the streets getting civilians out of the streets. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. As he turned to head towards it he heard a loud impact sound that sent the door flying off its hinges. Adelina was breathing hard as if she had just run a marathon.
”Uh. . .Guys, something is happening out here.” Masaki yelled but no one answered. He then peeked in from outside the window. He saw the broken door and a panting Adelina.
“Tch!” Owain noised, expressing his displeasure. Grabbing his sword and sheath he walked towards Adelina as he strapped them to his back. The time for fun and games was over. “Situation?” Owain asked, putting a hand on Adelina’s shoulder.
“Razta was taken.” Adelina answered still catching her breath, but it was evident her mind was in a panic. She was slurring some of her words here and there.. “I’m as clueless as you are to the current situation. I was knocked out...by Razta’s attacker.”
Owain’s eyes widened, before snapping back into determination, “We’ll have to get him back then,” Owain said seriously, “Masaki, go get Ari and Reymond, me and Adelina are going to go on ahead,” Owain ordered.
Masaki nodded and and went back to the roof. He was pretty sure that he remembered which rooms were theirs. Adelina looked around expecting Anastas to be around as well, but he was no where to be found. He was typically an early bird as well.
Owain was about to pull his chain mail over his head before he abruptly stopped, “This wont do, not now,” he said throwing it aside. “Come on,” he said to Adelina, “We can walk and talk.”
“What are you going to do?” asked Adelina as she started tying her hair up to get it out of the way. Without her helmet she actually had to worry about it now.
“I’m getting my goddamned armour, and we’re going to find Razta and Anastas,” he said cricking his neck, “I want to be back at full strength,” he admitted.
“It is done already? That friend of yours must work fast, but right now I’m glad. We need every second we can get.” she answered.
Ari and Reymond ran down the hall towards Adelina and Owain. Ari was fully ready for battle with a serious look on her face.
“What is going on captain?” asked Reymond looking at Adelina. He saw bruises and residual spirit energy. She had been in a serious fight recently.
“Not sure, nothing good by the looks of it,” Owain said, “What I do know is that Razta and Anastas are missing, and we need to find them.”
Masaki flipped into the window landing in the center of the room, and sticking the landing. “I saw Anastas taking a walk last night, but he didn’t come back.”
Owain looked darkly at Masaki, “What the hell kind of trouble has he gotten himself into?” Owain questioned the world at large, “Listen, we can’t try and find Razta and Anastas at the same time, Ari, can I trust you to lead Masaki and Reymond and search for Anastas?”
“Yes. Captain.” answered Ari. “Let’s head out!” Reymond was impressed at this change in Ari. Perhaps she was excited to prove her worth as knight. Either way her determination was welcome. Masaki and Reymond walked with her down the hallway towards the stairway that lead out of the inn.
“What about me captain?” asked Adelina.
“You think I’m going to look for Razta by myself?” Owain asked grinning, “You should know I get lonely.”
She smirked at his comment. “Then lets go then, I’m sure Razta is scared and alone.” she answered. “I wonder if I’ll always be the one saving him from danger.”
“Hopefully, you’ll never need to be saved from danger,” Owain said making his way down the corridor.
“A girl likes to be the damsel every now and then,” answered Adelina with a smile as she followed Owain. Their first goal was Leon’s Lab, but the streets were going to be hectic even with just the guards running about. As they walked outside they saw that Ari and the others had been halted by guards.
“We can’t allow you to simply move about the village. While you are a guest here you have the same rights as a citizen.” said a guard to the group. “Please return to the inn.”
“Our friend is missing!” said Masaki.
“Yes a rather stern looking fellow with red hair.” added Reymond. “We need to ask that you allow us to search for him.”
“Come to think of it...someone with red hair was arrested last night for fighting with some woman…” said one of the guards. “If that is your friend he is safe where he is.”
“Arrested?” asked Ari.
“Yes, and you still need to return to the inn,” said the guard. Spotting Owain stepping out of the inn as well her turned to them. “Back into the inn. We have a situation here.”
“I can tell, and that’s exactly why you need us out there,” Owain smirked, “Knight Banneret of Arkasia, Owain Glyn at your service, this is my unit,” Owain bowed to the guard, “I ask that you allow me and my friend here to search for our friend, in return I’ll lend you these three, I can vouch for their strength,” he said hoping to strike a bargain.
The second guard looked over to Owain and nudged the other guard. “This is a friend of Morgan’s. Perhaps we could use them after all.” whispered the guard. The first guard sighed and looked at the group.
“Fine, but you follow our rules. You are not to kill unless ordered to.” ordered the guard. “Of course Soul is outside of that rule. If you can kill him I’ll be impressed anyways.”
“Soul? So this is a cursed attack then?” Owain asked.
“That’s right, there was a meeting between the Representative Marian and Elder Edile.” answered the second guard. “It went just as we expected it would.” The first guard hit him with the back of his spear.
“You are too mouthy,” said the first guard.
“Well then, I’ll be on my way,” Owain said, thinking hard about the implications of the Cursed attacking a neutral faction, “Ari, I’m counting on you to make sure these two don’t die, don’t let me down,” he said giving Ari a thumbs up. “Come on Adelina, we’ve still got someone to find,” he said.
The two groups went separate ways. Ari and her group went towards the guards house to gather Anastas. While Adelina and Owain made their way towards Leon, and hopefully Owain’s new armor.
TheLoneGentleman, BagMan, BlinkXPoke, Galahad Milsl, and Katsucha.
Awakening to the rattling of the windows to the inn Owain fell out of bed hitting the wooden floor hard, and getting tangled up in his blanket. After he freed himself from the diabolical cloth he stood up and made his way to the window. As he looked outside he saw guards moving along the streets getting civilians out of the streets. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. As he turned to head towards it he heard a loud impact sound that sent the door flying off its hinges. Adelina was breathing hard as if she had just run a marathon.
”Uh. . .Guys, something is happening out here.” Masaki yelled but no one answered. He then peeked in from outside the window. He saw the broken door and a panting Adelina.
“Tch!” Owain noised, expressing his displeasure. Grabbing his sword and sheath he walked towards Adelina as he strapped them to his back. The time for fun and games was over. “Situation?” Owain asked, putting a hand on Adelina’s shoulder.
“Razta was taken.” Adelina answered still catching her breath, but it was evident her mind was in a panic. She was slurring some of her words here and there.. “I’m as clueless as you are to the current situation. I was knocked out...by Razta’s attacker.”
Owain’s eyes widened, before snapping back into determination, “We’ll have to get him back then,” Owain said seriously, “Masaki, go get Ari and Reymond, me and Adelina are going to go on ahead,” Owain ordered.
Masaki nodded and and went back to the roof. He was pretty sure that he remembered which rooms were theirs. Adelina looked around expecting Anastas to be around as well, but he was no where to be found. He was typically an early bird as well.
Owain was about to pull his chain mail over his head before he abruptly stopped, “This wont do, not now,” he said throwing it aside. “Come on,” he said to Adelina, “We can walk and talk.”
“What are you going to do?” asked Adelina as she started tying her hair up to get it out of the way. Without her helmet she actually had to worry about it now.
“I’m getting my goddamned armour, and we’re going to find Razta and Anastas,” he said cricking his neck, “I want to be back at full strength,” he admitted.
“It is done already? That friend of yours must work fast, but right now I’m glad. We need every second we can get.” she answered.
Ari and Reymond ran down the hall towards Adelina and Owain. Ari was fully ready for battle with a serious look on her face.
“What is going on captain?” asked Reymond looking at Adelina. He saw bruises and residual spirit energy. She had been in a serious fight recently.
“Not sure, nothing good by the looks of it,” Owain said, “What I do know is that Razta and Anastas are missing, and we need to find them.”
Masaki flipped into the window landing in the center of the room, and sticking the landing. “I saw Anastas taking a walk last night, but he didn’t come back.”
Owain looked darkly at Masaki, “What the hell kind of trouble has he gotten himself into?” Owain questioned the world at large, “Listen, we can’t try and find Razta and Anastas at the same time, Ari, can I trust you to lead Masaki and Reymond and search for Anastas?”
“Yes. Captain.” answered Ari. “Let’s head out!” Reymond was impressed at this change in Ari. Perhaps she was excited to prove her worth as knight. Either way her determination was welcome. Masaki and Reymond walked with her down the hallway towards the stairway that lead out of the inn.
“What about me captain?” asked Adelina.
“You think I’m going to look for Razta by myself?” Owain asked grinning, “You should know I get lonely.”
She smirked at his comment. “Then lets go then, I’m sure Razta is scared and alone.” she answered. “I wonder if I’ll always be the one saving him from danger.”
“Hopefully, you’ll never need to be saved from danger,” Owain said making his way down the corridor.
“A girl likes to be the damsel every now and then,” answered Adelina with a smile as she followed Owain. Their first goal was Leon’s Lab, but the streets were going to be hectic even with just the guards running about. As they walked outside they saw that Ari and the others had been halted by guards.
“We can’t allow you to simply move about the village. While you are a guest here you have the same rights as a citizen.” said a guard to the group. “Please return to the inn.”
“Our friend is missing!” said Masaki.
“Yes a rather stern looking fellow with red hair.” added Reymond. “We need to ask that you allow us to search for him.”
“Come to think of it...someone with red hair was arrested last night for fighting with some woman…” said one of the guards. “If that is your friend he is safe where he is.”
“Arrested?” asked Ari.
“Yes, and you still need to return to the inn,” said the guard. Spotting Owain stepping out of the inn as well her turned to them. “Back into the inn. We have a situation here.”
“I can tell, and that’s exactly why you need us out there,” Owain smirked, “Knight Banneret of Arkasia, Owain Glyn at your service, this is my unit,” Owain bowed to the guard, “I ask that you allow me and my friend here to search for our friend, in return I’ll lend you these three, I can vouch for their strength,” he said hoping to strike a bargain.
The second guard looked over to Owain and nudged the other guard. “This is a friend of Morgan’s. Perhaps we could use them after all.” whispered the guard. The first guard sighed and looked at the group.
“Fine, but you follow our rules. You are not to kill unless ordered to.” ordered the guard. “Of course Soul is outside of that rule. If you can kill him I’ll be impressed anyways.”
“Soul? So this is a cursed attack then?” Owain asked.
“That’s right, there was a meeting between the Representative Marian and Elder Edile.” answered the second guard. “It went just as we expected it would.” The first guard hit him with the back of his spear.
“You are too mouthy,” said the first guard.
“Well then, I’ll be on my way,” Owain said, thinking hard about the implications of the Cursed attacking a neutral faction, “Ari, I’m counting on you to make sure these two don’t die, don’t let me down,” he said giving Ari a thumbs up. “Come on Adelina, we’ve still got someone to find,” he said.
The two groups went separate ways. Ari and her group went towards the guards house to gather Anastas. While Adelina and Owain made their way towards Leon, and hopefully Owain’s new armor.