"The Thrones!" Jorso exclaimed, drawing Sorrow's Edge in one fluid motion. You. You're the people responsible for what happened, for that attack, for me losing my face, my life, my Talia! That won't go unpunished! My revenge, it comes now! He strode forwards, blade held in both hands with no care for his life at present. The chance he had for revenge right now was good, far too good to pass up. He knew the Thrones seldom left their palace. This was his best chance for some good old fashioned meaningful revenge. Of course he tried to take it. "My my, he is a handsome one that Zeus." A voice came from beside him. Underneath the mask, he scowled. Lelinde. She never changed. "Look at the biceps on him and that face... To die for. Were he not one of the Olympian Thrones obviously. That fact spoils someone perfectly good looking, for his age at least. Much the same cannot be said of you though, can it dear Jorso?" She gave a mocking laugh that infuriated him further. "Quiet witch." He snapped. Her commentary had paused his charge for a moment. "That man and his friends caused the ruining of my life! They took my wife from me!" She laughed again. By the Gods I swear I am going to kill her one day that laugh is insufferable! He felt a soft hand on his shoulder as he tried to push forwards towards the Thrones from his position on the castle walls. He heard Lelinde tutting and giggling to herself again. "No dear that was me that took your wife from you. And I saved her life. And yours. For a price of course." Again with that devilish giggle! Lelinde flicked his leg playfully with her demonic tail as she always did, leaning on him slightly with her mouth whispering into his ear. "Besides, I don't think your wife would have liked having me around, would she?" "No. She would have hated you. Not to mention the assumptions her and the rest of the town would have made." Jorso conceded. She was right. Whenever they had this argument she always won. Really, it was either he died and his wife, children and the rest of the town with him or he took her deal. Just because she was right however, didn't mean he had to like it, or her. She'd never understand what it was like to lose the person you love as they called you a monster, because of the deal you made to save their lives. They would never appreciate what he did for them that day. "What are you doing Jorso? I thought you were in the middle of a battle, and you're there just moping." She teased. Jorso growled and shoved her off him provoking yet another laugh out of her. "Do you ever shut up Lelinde?" He demanded looking furiously at her. Not that she could see the rest of his expression, just his singular baleful red eye. She mocked pondering this for a moment before replying. "No." She said sweetly, folding her arms. "Especially when mortals are so fun. You've made things ever so entertaining Jorso dear." He shook his head and tried to ignore her, aiming to clear his head with the blood of his foes. And preferably one of the Olympian Thrones if he had the good fortune to go with his attempt at killing one. He charged forwards towards the Gods, leaping deftly down a collapsed portion of the walls to ground level where he could fight the hordes of enemies to reach his foes. As he went he heard a dramatic sigh behind him and knew that his companion would catch up with him soon. It was one of his guilty pleasures, irritating her and forcing her go along with him whenever he did something slightly dangerous. She got ever so annoyed. It was worth it for all the taunting. Jorso was merciless in his dealing of death. Slice after slice of his sword carved through flesh and armour alike, bathing him in red spurts as their hearts, the very source of their life, forced the precious lifeblood out of their own bodies. Despite his power, he knew he couldn't be out here too long, but he was so close to the Thrones he just had to try. He carved his way through their lines, hacking until he reached a slight clearance. Seeing his chance, he raced towards Zeus roaring his fury to the world. Before he knew it, he was blinded by a white light and felt like he was burning alive, his flesh searing as he was blasted backwards across the castle's courtyard and ultimately slammed against one of the walls. Groaning, he got to his knees and reached out for Sorrow's Edge. He felt a boot slam into his chest and looked into the steel faceplate of one of the enemy. Is this it? Was I truly vanquished so easily? I thought... I thought my power would let me do more than this! As the enemy raised his sword, a black tip spurted through his neck. He fell to the side, revealing Lelinde, who wiped the end of her tail off with something approaching disgust. "Look at what you made me do Jorso." She complained, hands on her hips. Despite his near death experience, the look on her face was too good not to laugh at as he picked up his weapon and himself from the ground. "Thank you, Lelinde. You saved me." "Again." She reminded pointedly. He rolled his eyes, though only half the gesture could be seen. "Yes. Again." He admitted. He sighed, looking out at the miserable scene before him. He could see the Olympian Thrones causing havoc still, not that there was anything he could do now. I still can't fight them. I honestly thought I had a chance but alone... I'm still powerless. I can't defeat them still. "Jorso, you do realise we've got a Goddess to protect. Why am I the demon having to remind you, a mortal about your business with the Olympian Thrones?" She pointed out, interrupting his stare. He nodded bleakly. I'll get the Goddess away from here. If I can't defeat them in battle then I'll at least spite them by denying their prize. "Yeah. Let's go." He said grimly, giving the death and destruction outside a final look before rushing inside towards the Goddess' chamber. JIn'rael loved the forest. It was in his heart and soul, it was almost foremost on his mind. The peaceful glades, the tall trees and the falling leaves of Autumn. It was beautiful. And mercifully free of people. There was nobody to laugh at Jin'rael in the forest, and that suited him just fine. Beside him, walked Lan'do who had on his back all the stuff they had hunted and killed that they'd sell in the next town. Walked wasn't the right word. Trotted? Maybe trotted. Horses trotted didn't they? He kept walking anyway. It wasn't important. Just because he didn't know the words for some things, didn't mean that he was stupid! Some words and stuff just weren't important. Like sticking to those silly standards everyone else had. They weren't really important either. Why did people insist on sticking to them? It just gave everyone a reason to be disappointed with you. He got enough of that as it was. "Hey, Lan buddy?" Jin asked. "What's your walking called?" "I suppose you'd call it trotting. That what horses do, isn't it?" He heard the Shark's voice in his head. Turns out, he could do that. He had to talk somehow because sharks didn't really have vocal chords that worked with their kind of language. All Lan ever made were sort of threatening noises. It wasn't important though. It was always scary when a shark on four legs tries to eat you. There was nothing at all that changed that no siree! "Meh. I don't know. That's why I'm asking you." "Let's call it trotting. That seems to work." Jin nodded in agreement. It just... sounded right. You know? The kind of feeling you get when you know what you're saying or doing is right and you just feel... Right about it? As they walked, they came to the shores of a large lake. It was a very beautiful lake, much like the rest of the forest. He remembered this one. There was a town, or was it a city? Whatever it was it was nearby. And there was a dragon flying above the lake. And there was a person falling off the dragon into the lake. Then he landed in the lake in a big splash and disappeared. "Did you see that? He fell in the lake! Quick we need to go help him" Jin exclaimed. "I think he jumped in. Did you see the pose he made as he fell in?" Jin didn't say anything, and the shark clearly took this as no. And also that he didn't know. Which he didn't. "I used to see people do that all the time. It's what they call diving." "Oh! I know what that is!" Jin said. "It's like when you jump into the water and stuff I get it. So we're not helping him?" "No." "Do you think the Dragon will?" "Probably. He was riding it. I'd hope the Dragon would help." "Yeah me too. Drowning sucks. And so does swimming. Especially if you're bad at swimming." "I think drowning is bad no matter how good you are at swimming in all honesty." "Yeah, you're right. You're a smart guy Lan." The Elf and the Landshark stood there by the lakeside, watching to see if the dragon actually went to help the man that fell- Dived into the water. Another question occured to him as he watched. Where was the next town? Lan didn't like having to carry everything all the time.
Boreal laughed. it was a soft, musical laugh. He reached over and patted her on the head jokingly as she made her claim of being able to kill a dragon. "I'm sure you could Cal, I'm sure you could." He chuckled again, leaning back against his rock. "Satan Soul, Titan and a Shadow Dragon to boot... Mikasa sounds frankly terrifying. I hope I never have to be on her bad side. I wonder which of the two of them is more powerful. Two Dragonslayers in the same place is sure to cause a bit of competition isn't it?" "What do you and your friends do? You're new Wizards, but I'm sure you've all got talents of some kind haven't you?" He inquired, his voice curious.
"Uh, maybe. I don't know how well the guild would suit me really." Boreal replied, clearly overwhelmed by Cal's incredible enthusiasm for magic, the guild and whatever else she was talking about. "I use Water and Snow. I think they go rather well together. There are others I'd like to learn but I'm happy with those for now. They suit me well enough. A White Dragonslayer though... That's ambitious. You'd have to find a dragon for that and they're not all that common." He appeared to consider something for a few moments, reflecting on what she had said. "Where would you know to find a Dragon though? And how would you kill it? They're difficult opponents. Do you have a Dragonslayer in your Guild that can do it?" He asked,
"Before she left, we were discussing plans to go look at the mountain or for civilisation were we not? The way I'm thinking about this, we assume that if she somehow didn't spot the giant wall, she chose to investigate the mountain. It looked like she was heading in that direction. While splitting up would work on a smaller area of land, this is a large island. If we just search blindly then we're going to have problems covering all the ground and finding our way back. If you're all determined to search for her, then we search the area around the mountain and mountain itself. That I believe is where we could find our answers. She won't be looking for this place. If she saw it, then she'd have met us here already or flown back to tell us." Dale reasoned. He considered the problem of the temple again briefly before speaking again. They're right. We have to get to the temple no matter what. Our answers are going to be there, I'm sure of it. There's nowhere else it would be. If the villagers who live here can't get to it, then clearly there's something to hide and the chances are very good that that something is what we're looking for, or at least a clue. "And you're all right. We have to reach that temple. If they can't get to it, there must be something to hide. And Charlotte, I find myself in agreement with you, at least for now. We don't know how long this curse takes to affect us and nor have they told us anything about how long it took for the demonic limbs to appear. That limits us to daytime activity, just for safety and practicality's sake." "Can't say I've ever heard of a place called Salvatores' Corde." He said, apparently considering the name. He then listened to her speaking intently, not saying anything until she was finished. He smiled then. "Sounds like a very nice place. Sound very dramatic, seating the S-Classes on thrones with the guild master. I suppose it makes sense. It certainly attracts attention to the most powerful in the guild. I'm not in a guild though. I'm not one for big organised groups and besides, I haven't had the time. I've had other things on my mind that I want to achieve. Maybe when that's done, but I can't say for sure."
ஜ Name: Sherridan ஜ Age: 23 ஜ Appearance: This Guy (Except younger looking) ஜ Small bio: Raised first in Riel, Sherridan learned from his father and his other Ranger comrades the art of becoming a Ranger. The training for it was long, and fairly hard taking up most of his childhood and adolescence. All by his choice of course, because Ranging suited him. A man of the wild, dedicated to keeping the peace and protecting people and the preservation of that same wilderness that gave him his home. It was only natural that he would go to the The Great Forest, a place much like the one he grew up in, but a new world with some new things discover. He went there with a handful of Rangers, and they all now wander that land doing much the same as he did, however, unlike Sherridan they didn't bear much thought to how things were there, than Riel. Sherridan soon realised that in this world, and the others he went through on his way that there was so little to protect the other worlds from the darkness, and the things that served it. For all Sapphire's protection in Riel, she had barely tried to protect anywhere else. Even if she had no direct power outside of that land, surely she could have sent some of her servants to act as guards, to occupy the other worlds and keep them lawful? Do something, anything to prevent chaos and preserve peace where possible? She did not. As Sherridan continued his work, he found himself losing more and more faith in the Goddess, doubting her ability to protect the realms. How long before she allowed to Riel to fall too? He couldn't sit idly by and allow it, but he didn't know where to start. He ventured sometimes out of the forest, and rumours came to him of rebellion. Another choice. And a tale of a Hero. Someone who could defeat Sapphire and change things, allowing someone who would protect to take charge. Not that he knew where to start. He had his lands to protect, and so grudgingly returned to his forest where he waited and protected, as he always would. ஜ Reason for rescuing the hero: Has no confidence in Sapphire's ability to protect people. ஜ Weapon (If applicable): His bow, Forest's Soul (see pic). Twin daggers ஜ Power (If applicable): Traps and Arrows (Note, traps are insulated against the Null Zone field) Traps: Containment Trap: Projects a small blue dome with a five meter radius. People inside cannot get out until trap is deactivated. Explosive Trap: When triggered, explosions! Razor Trap: When targets enter the proximity, releases a sharp razor wire (Think Springrazor from Dishonored) Null Zone: When activated, all magic cast in range is cancelled. Light's Embrace: When triggered, a wave of energy utilising Light is released. Highly effective against Darkness. Arrows: Null Arrow: Victim's spellcasting weakened Lethargic Shot: Victim is subjected to a poison that slows all their movements Explosive Arrow: Does what it sounds like Flaming Arrow: Sets stuff on fire! Grapple Shot: Functions like a Grappling Hook. Light's Touch: Target is hit with an arrow imbued with Light. Highly effective against Darkness Animal Companions: Sherridan can call in an animal/creature companion suitable to the area to help him in and outside combat. ஜ Other: N/A
"I'm not sure what they see as a problem but, they see one. I think they're all a little paranoid to be honest." He laughed with her, opening his palms and raising his hands in a symbol of confusion. "I'm sure that once they're sure you're not a problem then they'll let you out. This island is a nice place. Very picturesque in some places. I believe you flew up here didn't you? I'm surprised you didn't see more of it. A bird's eye view is always something to envy. Were it only that I could fly." He folded his arms again and looked up as she did. He looked over again. "Once again, I'm sorry they wouldn't let you out. It's no trouble to stay. I'm often down here anyway. Someone has to keep an eye on things so, I'm well aware of how strange this place can feel. It's nice sometimes when you want some peace and quiet, but it's hardly where I'd go for comfort." He stretched his legs out as they talked, making himself comfortable. "Tell me a little of your home town, if you could. And perhaps of the Guild. It sounds fascinating."
Boreal entered the room again, this time his face somewhat remorseful. It seemed as if something was bothering him, and also he appeared a little bit disappointed. He walked over to Cal briskly and sat down next to her, leaning against an adjacent stalagmite. "My apologies Cal, if I may call you that. It seems they didn't seem particularly inclined to release you. Apparently you're still a threat to them. They seem to be worried. I did my best but, what can you do. They're ever so stubborn sometimes." He reported irritably. He folded his arms and looked regretful. "I'll try again soon. If you want, I'll stick around and keep you company. I imagine it'd probably get lonely sitting here stuck to a rock while you wait for your release." "Very well. We shall see you tomorrow." Dale said curtly, before walking away into the tent. He strode inside, pushing the tent flap away and quickly claimed one of the sleeping available. He sat down and began to think however, not deigning to go to sleep yet. He stroked his chin, considering what was said. So they couldn't get to the temple huh... Well to start with we know there's a temple there, now the question is why couldn't they get to it? He waited until everyone was inside before posing the question to everyone else. He also got out the sculpture of the bird he was working on earlier and continued with his work on it as he spoke. "So, we now know there's a temple. But why if they've tried, can't they get to it. Is it guarded? Hard to reach? Or something else? If the answers to the curse are anywhere on this island, it is almost certain to be there. It seems as if something else is on this island other than the village. And more, if the temple is at the mountain then that would explain the light! So, do we have any ideas?"
"Okay executive decision. We are not blowing up the moon because there is no way that's our problem here. There has to be something on this island affecting the moon. Besides, I'd rather find a way to sort the problem out without destroying the moon because that's going to cause way too many problems." Dale said, decisively ending any ideas of destroying the large lunar object that kept the world's tides in order. I can't blame these people for thinking that the moon is at fault, they are isolated tribesman. They're not as educated as us but really, Gaius. Ander has the right idea about this at least. We can't blow up the moon it's stupid. The mountain though... That was a good point. What's going on there because there was that light. Golden light coming down from the sky and a purple moon, that's too strange to ignore. "Ander raises a good point. What do you know about the mountain. We saw a golden light up there earlier. Does anyone from your village have anything to do with that mountain?" Alessia did a double take at Mizuki's reply. She replayed it in her head to make sure she heard it right. You do your job well. What is that supposed to mean? I mean, I guess I do the whole beating monsters thing relatively okay but still. What a strange thing to say. "Um, thank you." She said, somewhat hesitantly. She looked around and saw Thea go down, leaving Skadi on her own against two enemies, and she looked worse for wear. She ran over, sword at the ready. "Skadi! Do you want a hand!" If Skadi wants help, Alessia used Blitz on Mouse Army Member 12. Otherwise, she just sort of stands there and watches because logic.
Name: Jorso Nentar Age: 28 Appearance: This with This Mask (Red eye included) Faction: Union Race: Human Pact Partner: Lelinde, the Succubus Pact Price: His appearance Weapon: Sorrow's Edge Weapon Magic: Demon's Heart- Glows with an inner red light. The weapon can become sharper and more dangerous, at the cost of his life force. Alternatively, it can be charged through the deaths of other beings (the more powerful the better!) because their souls are trapped and used in the blade. Sharpness: Very fine Weight: 2.5 KH Reach: Very Long Material: Soulsteel Weapon Lore: Sorrow's Edge was a gift from Lelinde. The Succubus knew that her mortal partner would need a weapon to match their new gift of power, and frankly she wouldn't want to be seen with anyone any less than well equipped. Thus, she had Sorrow's Edge made for a time when a pact may be necessary with a human or elf. Forged in their realm, using steel imbued with the souls of victims of other demons to empower and strengthen it, and then finally crafted in the Blackfire Forges of the Demons' Land, she took it and waited. Her pact with Jorso came, and thus the blade fell into his hands. Biography: Spoiler Jorso Nentar. A man that once led a normal life. Grew up, was educated and became a master carpenter, making a fortune from plying his craft. A simple life, but a happy one. His success and the way he was won him many friends, the praise of his family and a family of his own: His wife Talia, and from her his sons Tammen and Nintar. They lived a simple, happy life, a life that many would dream of full of success and happy times, with nothing complicated and misfortune passing them over. Nobody however, can stay that fortunate forever and when fate did turn on Jorso and his family, it destroyed all that he had built. Living within one of the outer lands held by the union, they knew that times were uneasy with the Empire, but they struck before any might have expected. As the soldiers came through their town, Jorso took his family out, bringing only an axe with him to try and defend his family with. They nearly made it out unscathed. Nearly. Their enemy caught up. Jorso put up a fight, but what was a carpenter against that many foes? How could a man unaccustomed to even a brawl fight professional, trained soldiers? He didn't. As he was cut down in front of his family, bleeding out as the men rounded up what people they could, fate gave him one chance. A woman appeared by his side. From whence she came he did not know, nor why she appeared to him. But she took his hand. He remembered thinking her strange, as if she was almost transparent. Like she was fading away. The woman offered him a choice. A Pact and the power to save his family, or death. Jorso knew those stories. He didn't know what price to pay. As he looked over, he saw the townspeople slowly meeting their fates. He saw his wife and children, cowering and crying, begging for their lives to be spared and weeping for him. He took the pact, unknowing of what exactly he had just joined himself with. Living again, with this stranger by his side he stood and faced the men that had destroyed his life. The carpenter and the woman ripped them all apart, leaving only a ring of bodies around the townspeople. He had saved them, but unknown to him, his price cost him everything. Monster, they screamed. Demon. Names that wounded him. Even his own wife denounced him, and his children covered their eyes. Shocked, Jorso fled, weeping from that place knowing now that his life was over, but he didn't know why. He soon found the answer, just as he soon learned what exactly he had made a pact with. He looked like a demon. His face, cracked and disfigured, the sclera of his eyes black and his iris a bright red. His hair once golden had bleached to white. He confronted her. She was a demon, a true demon. Her name was Lelinde, a succubus whose power was fading and sought a pact to bring her power not only back, but greater than ever before. Who better to choose than a dying, desperate man? Eventually, he left the ruins of his home town with his new partner following and a vow of revenge swore against the Empire. They destroyed his life. Lelinde had taken the world from him, and so he created his mask to hide his true face. That way he could pretend it was all part of his disguise to seem more intimidating, yet it was life terrifying than the truth. She of course, was greatly amused by this. To her, a beautiful creature, his horrific visage and attempts to hide it amused her to no end, just as his oath did too. To help him with this, she provided for him a blade of her own kind's making. A weapon she called Sorrow's Edge- A greatsword black as night that he could use to fulfil his goal. Thus together, they set out to achieve Jorso's revenge, an uneasy alliance between them. Theme: Frozen Name: Jin'rael Kan'do Age: 21 Appearance: This chap Faction: Elves Race: Elf Pact Partner: Lan'do, the Landshark Pact Price: His Intelligence Weapon: Wanderer's Friend (See pic) Biography: Spoiler Elves are known generally for their nobility, bravery, strength, honour and all that sort of thing. This is not perhaps surprising, considering the arrogant dignity that many Elves display. However, as always there are exception to the rule. And one of those is Jin'rael. Considered as generally a degenerate of Elven society, not achieving really an awful lot, drinking more than most respectable Elves might approve of and being generally the village idiot. As such, he got a reputation for being that way and was generally the whipping boy of where he lived because of his rather laissez-faire attitude to life. He grew a rather thick skin because of this, and drove himself deeper into rebellion against the values that persecuted him for being the man he wanted to be. Once he started down that path, he showed no signs of stopping. He did however have some talents. Easily his greatest was of course, his archery. Somehow, he managed to be an excellent archer. Most people called it unnatural fool's luck, but some of the less aggressively disapproving amongst the Elvish realised he did actually have some talent in there, he just wasn't inclined to put it to use as they would. His favourite past time was to wander the forests, hunt and cook his own food. He'd sell it in the town and bed up in a town for the night and have a drink or three before passing out and waking up somewhere the next morning and getting on with his life afterwards. Overall, he was actually quite happy with that state of affairs. He saw no reason not to do as he was doing and thus, he continued. Lan'do appeared in his life on one particular trip. He awoke on top of a building one morning, quite unsure as to how he got up there exactly. This was the most prominent question on his mind. However, as he looked out upon the fields that the building overlooked (It must have been some sort of estate), he saw probably the most weird looking thing he had ever seen. A shark with a horse's legs. Overtaken by equally confusion and amusement, he doubled over laughing as he watched the thing. Unfortunately, he was standing on the edge of the building. Jin'rael fell. He fell a long, long way down. As he lay, dying and regretting his stupidity, the creature came to him, sniffing at him curiously. However, it showed no signs of trying to kill him. In fact, it seemed to be trying to lift him up by pushing him with its nose, but sharks aren't really built for that kind of thing. The creature then sat down in front of him, making an odd moaning noise that he figured was something close to wailing. In a moment of inspiration, Jin'rael decided to take a bet. He offered it a pact, and it accepted. Jin'rael and the Landshark became partners. After Jin'rael recovered from his accident, he walked often with his new friend. He discovered quickly that the Landshark was lonely. There weren't many Landsharks in the world and he had been seeking a friend. Jin'rael, also lonely because he didn't fit in with his society entirely bonded with the creature and dubbed him Lan'do, the 'do symbolising the fact that they were together. A team. That, and he couldn't pronounce the actual name anyway. The two of them roamed around, Jin feeding Lan'do his catches (Unless the Landshark caught them himself). Nobody was inclined to argue with Jin'rael now either. He had a pact, and not only that but Lan'do was a vicious protector and while it couldn't necessarily speak, it understood. It took a while for Jin'rael to get used to Lan'do talking to him in his head, but eventually he got used to it and indeed, figured out how to talk to him back mentally. Now they roam together, living their lives in relative peace and happiness. Theme: Friends
"I've got your back Mizuki!" Alessia called rushing over to attack the mouse attacking Mizuki from behind. She seemed in a bad way and although she hadn't spoken all that much to the quiet woman, she knew that she had to help her team mate. She leaped into the attack, the sword arcing high and glinting as it caught the light before it cleaved into the back of the mouse. She twisted around striking again, cutting its legs from behind before twirling and slamming the blade down into the prone rodent's neck. Her lethal attack completed, she wiped the blood off the weapon on the dead mouse's uniform. She looked at Mizuki. "You okay?"
"That'll show you." She said, somewhat impetuously as the mouse went down at the hands of her new ability. It's not bad, but apparently I need to get a shield for this to work properly. Unfortunately I'm not level 5 yet and I can't duel wield. This is a problem. Turning to face her new opponent, Alessia decided then to use an ability that would actually work with her weapon unlike her last one apparently and sliced at the offending mouse using her new move, Blitz. Alessia used Blitz
I'm sorry to hear about your loss and I hope you're okay. I know it's heartbreaking to have a friend die. I hope that the protest goes through and he'll be buried as he wanted to be. It's awful that this keeps happening, but more and more stories of this are appearing now so hopefully, people are going to start taking notice. Like Misty said, we've got a long way to go and I hope that things change soon. Nobody should have to hide who they are from the world for fear that they'll be mocked or disrespected. Once again, I hope you're okay and my heart goes out to you, your friends and Zander's family.
I think her version of Reluctant Heroes is probably my favourite. I actually prefer it to the original song. It's a bit more emotive than the original is because of the different instrumental and the way it's sung. The slower, sadder version works really well. Then there is of course her version of Crossing Field, because it's an English version of Crossing Field and the lyrics are pretty fitting for the song.
Dale groaned audibly at the sound of the other's antics when dealing with the gate guards, but they were already mouthing off and he had no room to speak. He just facepalmed and let them get on with it. He didn't even bother revealing where his guild mark was, he just waited for them all to finish with all their nonsense. This included the nonsense about throwing Veilen into the air. While he admired Charlotte's proficiency for physics, it wasn't exactly what they needed right now. Diplomacy and sensibility would work just as fine, although he got the impression that they'd get bored and do something even more ridiculous to relieve their 'boredom'. They seemed to respond positively to this bullshit however, and blinking a couple of times in surprise, he stepped forward to lead them through with an authoritative stride. I have no idea how you guys managed to get that to work, but you did. Well done I suppose, even though by all rights in any sane world it shouldn't have worked in any way whatsoever. That said, who said this was a sane world? I think I got born in the wrong reality. "We thank you for the kind greetings Moka." Dale replied formally. They need to know there's at least one person who isn't an idiot here. I may as well establish myself as such. "Apologies for the delay, however we are here now." "You should have gone down that time!" She exclaimed. Apparently, her sword didn't contribute to that attack. Groaning, she turned to face the mouse again. She had to finish this thing off and then she'd try her next trick on the big guy. She wrapped herself in the golden barrier and charged again, hopefully finishing the weaker mouse off. Alessia used Barrier Surge on Mouse Army Member 5
Kyle listened to Franco intently, considering the words spoken. Is it possible to do this? I suppose it's not as exhausting as it was, so I guess it may be possible to hone this power. But then again... Where is the harm in trying? If I can find myself a place to practice in safety then surely there will be no problems? Then I can train, master my power and then... Then I'll be his most useful, most powerful soldier in his service. With my powers improved I could defeat any that dared come against my liege! Not even other magic users could stop me! Combined with my skill with the blade I would be an unstoppable force upon the battlefield. My family would be safe, my employer would be safe... There's only advantages to trying. Maybe I'll even earn something from it, somehow, in some way. "Difficult, to be sure." Kyle assessed. He looked up at Franco and slammed his fist against his heart. "But it shall be done!" That was a touch overdramatic Kyle... He sighed inwardly. Is being around the nobility inspiring me to new feats of ridiculousness? Maybe. I guess I'm just trying to fit in with the crowd, but I'm not a noble so I don't need to be that way. "Sorry, I got a bit carried away I guess." He said somewhat sheepishly, smiling a little nervously. "Didn't think it was!" Kari said, darted nimbly to the side and skirting around a table to draw up the axe. Hefting it over her heard she twisted into the strike in a graceful, yet deadly spin with the steel head burying itself neatly into the back of one of the more inebriated people that they were fighting. She grimaced a little at the spray. So much for my new clothes. However, this wouldn't stop her for long. Narrowly sidestepping a poorly aimed punch, she brought the axe around and slammed the offender on the temple with the back of the axehead causing him to stagger. She wasn't the heaviest, but already stumbling her figure rushing at him and jumping into the man tipped him neatly off balance sending him sprawling to the ground in a beer soaked mess. Ducking away from another assailant, she kicked him in the head and gave him another strike with the side of the steel axe to render him fully unconscious. Another man stepped up. Are these people stupid or something, and how many of them are there in this tavern? There can't be that many willing fighters left we've killed or knocked out most of them. And there's still Him. She looked at the man with the whip. I'll get you later, *******! The next victim stepped up to the plate. She gripped the axe in both hands, holding it levelly above her head, waiting for the right moment. Clearly, he was a little wary of the shorter girl with the lumber axe in front of him. She took one short step forward and danced backwards just as quickly. The feint was enough to fool the main who tried to grab her, leaving a failed grasp culminating in his arms and more importantly, his head exposed right in front of her. There was a sickening crunch as the man's skull was caved in by the heavy axe. With no opponents on her end, she left Xera to her own devices and instead watched Precious intently, waiting for the right moment to leap into the fray.
Dale sighed theatrically as he watched Calxiyn fly off, arms folded as she disappeared into the sky towards the mountain. "Fool girl she's going to get herself hurt!" Dale cursed. He walked further up the beach towards the forest ahead. He looked back, staff in hand at everyone gathered. He gestured for everyone to follow him, his expression severe. It was time to get to work. They had a job to do and they had to do it. "Come along! We've got to find Calxiyn before she gets herself hurt or worse! And while we're at it, this civilisation that was mentioned as you suggested. It's a solid plan." With that, Dale strode impatiently into the green assuming the other idiots would follow him down the path. With a bit of luck Gaius will just get lost or something. I think that would be too much to ask of the gods considering I'm already hoping that Cal is fine. I don't want anyone to actually get hurt on this mission because otherwise then it really would have been a bad idea. The plan here is not to get anyone seriously injured. Even Gaius. The forest was verdant and alive, buzzing with life. Birds fluttered by, their exotic cries ringing through the dense woods they travelled through. The path was little more than a hunter's track, a path beaten in by people walking along it and severing the vegetation along. So any civilisation can't be as advanced as Naliama that's for sure. These people are bound to be somewhat tribal, although not stupid. They must know of the outside world at least. As he walked, he quietly admired the various different animals he saw as they walked. There was a particularly fascinating kind of bird, with a large beak and a deeper squawk than most birds. It was a kind of green colour from what he could tell in the light slashed with red along the wings. Not a bad looking creature. He began to casually form a piece of ice in his hand into the shape of that bird. I'll give this to Caliborn later. I know he likes collecting these things. His distraction kept him entertained as he walked along the path, shaping the intricate details in his palm with a careful, patient eye but always keeping an eye on where he was going. He didn't break his stride once, stepping neatly over tree roots and scurrying animals with little notice to their existence. Eventually, they stepped out into a clearing. It was a huge clearing, but he couldn't see much for a fundamental reason- There was a large wooden palisade wall in the way, upwards of 20ft high. He looked up. For a tribal group, these people are quite capable builders. That said, when you've got nothing to do for this long I suppose it makes sense that they/d build this wall so high. I wonder how many of them died doing it, or maybe they just magicked it into existence. Dale stowed away his creation in a little satchel at his belt that he kept for storing these and looked up. Well this is the gate. Better call. "Greetings! Guild Members at the gate!" Dale called. Now answer your bloody door. "That sounds rather odd." Alessia said, as she relaxed leaned against one of the walls with a pillow against her back in the bedroom. Dinner had been fun. She had just talked to people and tried to talk to Clara as much as possible. She had also attempted to apologise again and hoped that she knew that she didn't mean to do it. Alessia talked to pretty much everyone with the exception of Thea and Skadi. Thea because well... She didn't want to say anything offensive over dinner and Skadi because of how rude she had been to her earlier. Regardless, other than them it was just fine and she had got over most of her guilt. Alessia had hoped that now would be the time to talk things out with Thea and Skadi however... Those noises were odd. Suspicious even. She didn't trust sounds like that. It was too loud and frankly it sounded like something was happening, something unexpected. "I'm going to go find out what that noise is." Alessia declared, standing to her feet and rebuckling her blade. It was kind of annoying and if anything she would get them to be quiet. She left the room and went to investigate.
Okay I was way off XD
"Thank you my lord." Kyle replied, bowing his head in thanks. He felt like that was genuine. He kept it showing, as he hadn't been told otherwise. Then, Franco went silent, as if considering something. A chill went down his spine, although he tried to keep his face impassive. Had he done something wrong? What could it have been? Should I have thanked him more? Did I make a mistake in showing him or... Or is it something else? At that moment, an alarming thought occurred to him. What if he thinks that I'm here to do him harm? What if he thinks that I'm here to kill him or spy on him or something, anything. Oh no, what about my family! If he believes I'm out for his blood then what will happen to them? Kyle tried to keep himself under control. This silence was unnatural, and despite it's relative brevity it was disconcerting. Then, Franco finally began to talk. "My lord the power is... Destructive. You'll have to replace something in here." Kyle explained. He aimed his hand at a chair. Focusing it in his mind, he lashed out with the blue energy in a focused bolt and the chair shattered in a flash of blue. He flet a change in his body as the fatigue of the use set in. It took the form of feeling a bit hungry, as he needed to replace the energy lost. "I apologise for the damage, but you wanted to see. Additionally, I can channel it through my sword and it becomes sharp. Sharp enough to slice through most things. If I put enough in, then I could maybe get it through these walls. The more I use it, it weakens me. I need to replace the energy I use up by doing it. I have to be careful with how I use it."
Elyas waited. He was a professional, the old man couldn't see him but looked to be watching the alleyway. He could wait as long as necessary. It would take only a little time before the man decided to make his move, and then Elyas would silently follow. There was no need to reveal himself to the stranger yet. Is there actually any point to doing this? I'm following someone who at most is a local informant most likely and he's certainly not one of the King's men otherwise I'd have met him before. As fascinating as this is, it is truly pointless and entirely irrelevant to my objectives. If he's a revolution agent, then frankly I'm not bothered. I've got the lead I need and there's no need to blow my cover. You've been interesting old man and we'll play again some time when this business with this Vex character is done. Elyas turned and walked silently and unseen out of the alleyway, keeping to the shadows. He slipped into the crowd on the main streets and became just another man walking down the road in a cloak. He made his way to the stables and picked out his horse. He saddled the beast himself, being familiar with the process. "Come, Avery. We've a ride to Corvus yet." He said, mounting up and taking off down the main road to the infamous City of Nobles. "We idealise our predecessors when we examine retrospectively the way of affairs in the times before, despite the blessed flaws that made them the predecessors and not the present successors never to be surpassed in a hundred, nay a thousand years." "When such a circumstance as one’s government starting to collapse as a result of the head of the snake being severed, in this case the King of our fair Kingdom, where does a nation go? Anarchy is a disease symptomatic of these troubled transitional periods that one must suffer through in order to reach the new ways to come. These anarchic periods are most dangerous for reasons two fold and equally dangerous for us nobility and those that we look down on, the lesser men alike. The power vacuum when there is no clear line of succession ends in noble conflicts that tear apart the realm as men such as we reading this work are involved with." "I see. Well you have come to the right place... Tallesin." Osric said, reclining again. He looked the man up and down. This man means me no harm. In fact, he intends to serve me. I believe this is genuine material. Yes, a good musician would suit me most well. Especially one that has the talent to sneak in to a Nobleman's performance group on a whim. Yes this will do rather nicely I should think. "Very well. Since you have offered me your service I believe I will take it. I would test your talents, but by you getting in here in the first place I think you've proved rather enough. If you wish to serve, then I shall have an oath of loyalty out of you. Once have sworn, then you are bound to me and no other. Not even the rest of my family. If one of my family were to order you around for any reason, then unless I have stated otherwise you report back to me and then and only then do you follow it. If it is perhaps playing your instruments then I give you leave to do so, provided that by following these instructions my own orders are not conflicted with. If any of them should take issue with this, then direct them to me. I shall handle the re-education of my family where you are concerned." Osric got to his feet and indicated for Tallesin to kneel. Osric was an imposing presence in any room. Just under 6ft tall, he was taller than any of his family and he moved with an unnatural lithe grace. He looked down at Tallesin who knelt before him and smiled. This is power. And with you Tallesin, I shall have more. And if you serve me well, I may just grant you some too. "Repeat after me." Osric commanded. "I, Tallesin solemnly swear my service to Osric of House Lelande. I shall act in his interests. His foes are my foes, his friends are my friends and his liege is my liege. I put myself at his disposal and shall live my life in the interest of serving him, until such a time that I am released from my oath. This I swear upon the Gods old and new, and the Gods before and to come." Kari looked at her change of clothes with relative indifference. Shirt, trousers, boots. Just what I needed really. Nothing remarkable, but people might think twice about guessing my gender. I'd rather that at first glance that people figured that I was a boy. It's less trouble for me. Although that said, the axe does make a bit of a difference. I think an axe on anyone's back changes one's perception of what they can get away with at the best of times. As she left the shop she had purchased her new clothes in, she felt her stomach rumble and became suddenly aware that she was hungry and really quite thirsty. ****, I haven't eaten in ages. In search of food, Kari set out to find something. Hearing the sounds of voices within a nearby tavern, she entered. The noise was not at all what she expected. It sounded rather more angry than it should have been. That's because there was a bar fight. Rolling her eyes as she watched a man with very spiky blond hair and a black hooded woman with what looked like blond hair spilled out the hood down her shoulders a short ways. Both of them were armed with swords and the man looked like he was pointing a sword at... An official! One of those bastards with the King and his nobility! Dressed rather pompously and ridiculously in some sort of red costume with what looked like a whip in his hand. She gritted her teeth. I'm hungry but it can wait. I am not going to let this guy mess with any other people! He doesn't look like too much of a fight. That woman looks like she's in trouble and the man can probably handle himself. She's got more people on her. Yes, I'm helping her. Kari yanked her axe off her back and ran over to Xera, sliding over an empty table knocking over a few empty mugs in the process. Standing beside Xera with her axe ready, she looked at the people who were going to attack the hooded lady. "Wanna take two of us?" Kari challenged. If you don't back off you're not going to be the first men I killed today!
"Oh really, Gaius?" Dale asked, turning to face the idiot in front of him. He had his arms folded and glared. He was angry now. Hypocrite! ****ing hypocrite! "If it wasn't too late I'd get rid of you now. All you seem to want is to rile me up, question me and my leadership here and generally be a nuisance! I'd reply to you, but I have little breath to waste on a hypocrite like you. Now do us all a favour and be silent. You lower the intelligence of everyone around." The boat docked roughly, but Dale stayed securely standing. He walked briskly to the edge of the boat and jumped lithely on to the stand. He looked around and saw Cal lying there on the ground rather uselessly complaining of a twisted ankle. Dale sighed. How did you even do that? "If it's that bad I'll heal it." Dale said rather bluntly. "I've got better healing magic than anyone else here and it should get you up on your feet." He had observed the light on the mountain and planned to move out and investigate it, but first he had to make sure that she was able to stand. They were going to move out as a team or not at all. They couldn't have any weaknesses right now this was S-Class. "Unless you do it Therity very well. In that case, can you stand Cal? If not, then I can heal you further."
