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Misty is that profile picture gangsta Aqua? Because that#s what it looks like to me XD

Alessia listened intently to Sara's words. Maybe she's right. Maybe, just maybe she's right... Still... I'll apologise to her again, but maybe this will always be something to remember for her. The time that clumsy girl from Sapphire Eclipse broke her new gift. She'll always remember that and when it's all fixed up, it won't matter right? It'll be just another memory, and maybe she'll forget it in time. Sara pulled out her bow as if to show it to her and Alessia leaned in closer to look at it. The way Sara was acting around it, it would fall apart or something at any minute, but it looked alright to her. There didn't seem to be much at all wrong with it that she could see so... What was the worry for? Why? Evidently she felt the same too, because eventually that weird look changed and she looked calmer, less likely to have an immediate nervous breakdown right in front of her.
"It looks okay to me Sara. I don't know anything about bows though, but it looks okay. The string is still there and stuff. I don't see any cracks." Alessia said, looking at it somewhat confusedly.

Kyle listened to Franco's words intently. He was right. Nobody was infallible. Everyone made mistakes, everyone was capable of acting wrongly or harshly in the face of stress and troubled times, it was useless to deny this as it was the truth. However, there was one thing he was sure of. Franco's actions would be within the moral boundary that he had assigned himself. He considered his lord's words carefully, considering what he was told. I've been asked to follow him, no matter what. There's one thing my training has taught me- How to follow orders that I don't like. However... This man is giving my family the best chance to live that they can have. He's giving me a fine job, one that I had no right to be given just like that but I'm being dealt this hand regardless. I can follow Lord Bertram. He took a chance on me and thus, I shall take a chance on him.
"My lord, I can follow you to the brink of hell and beyond." Kyle pledged solemnly."You've given myself and my family a chance to live. A chance for a good life. Following you is the least I can do to repay you." After Kyle had spoken, he stopped. It's time. Kyle took a deep breath and reached inside him for the power. When he touched it with his mind, it eagerly reacted and began to flow through him again.
"The matter of important my lord is this." Kyle extended a hand and let the blue energy dance and spark upon it. "This is my magic. And I wanted to tell you about it. Myself and it are at your side my lord."

"Ye- yeah. Sure, you can sit." Alessia said, moving along on the soft couch so that Sara could sit down. She wiped a couple of tears off her face. Then she heard another familiar voice speak. It was clearer than Sara's, but just as quiet. Silvia. She looked up at her and smiled as best she could. What do I say? Do I admit to them that I feel horrible and that I just feel awful about causing this harm, or do I just lie and say I'm okay? I shouldn't brush them away. They're trying to be here for me, I shouldn't push them away because they're actually trying for me.
"I'm just a bit upset Silvia." She answered, forcing the words out, her voice pained as she spoke. She clenched her fist for strength again and started to speak again. "I just, made so may silly mistakes and now I've made people upset. I broke Clara's new nutcracker and I've upset Thea a bit. And then Skadi said something to me and it's made me feel awful. She just doesn't understand. I never wanted to do any harm. All I wanted was to tell a little story to give someone a tale from the outside world, but now I'm being judged for it and it was just an accident. It was just a story..." She looked down at the ground, sniffling. Why did this have to happen... This should be a happy occasion for fun and games but I can't, I just can't... How did this happen? What am I going to do? And Silvia and Sara are over here, when they could be doing something else, but no they're here with me. I don't want them to go but... They need to have fun too. Even if I can't.

Kyle followed Franco's brisk tour, not really seeing the need to comment on the splendour of the place. He did take note of the fact that this wasn't the family's main lodging however, and was most curious to see what the main base of House Bertram looked like. This place is like no other I've been to, and I get to live here? And work here? This is better than I thought. Even the guard's quarters are nice. It looks like I've actually got a nice place to work at. This is far, far better than I could have expected. Kyle nodded where appropriate to each explanation and kept following, matching Bertram's on foot pace far better than he had managed on the horse. As he followed a thought occurred. I'll probably be as good at the reckless riding as he is by the time my career is over. Now that is going to be fun. He climbed the tower, trying to suppose what would be in Franco's study. He'd never been inside a study before, so what were they like. Bookshelves with lots of books I bet. Maybe a fire to keep it warm and a desk. A big desk full of papers and writings. Maybe some comfortable chairs to sit on and a table with a stack of books on for when he wants to relax. He wasn't all that wrong by the looks of things and he was invited to sit on one of those comfortable chairs he was thinking about. He did however, take a moment to admire the spectacular view from the tower. The city... It still looked impressive from this distance but what was better, was the view of the countryside. He lingered by the window for a while, seeing the world from an all new height. A whole new perspective. So this is what they see... This is amazing... I've never been so high up! Remembering where he was suddenly, Kyle took a seat.
"Sorry my lord I just... I've never seen the world from this high. I wanted to look at it while I was up here. It won't be often I'll be up here, so I wanted to take the chance." Kyle explained. "I like it here. It's like nothing I've ever seen before. It's extravagant yes, but what else do you do when you're in your position? I mean, you have money I guess so, why not use it?"
"And I'm guessing you intend to fill those rooms one day my lord." Kyle said, hazarding a joke. Hopefully that wasn't out of line.

Alessia looked around as the voice whispered in her ear. She saw Sara, that quiet girl walking away and frowned slightly. It sounded like she had difficulty getting the words out. Does she really talk that little? Clara looked so disappointed about the Nutcracker being broken, and she felt awful. I can't believe I broke that. She just got it, it was her new gift and I broke it... It's worse that it belongs to her and not me! I'm such an idiot! It is my fault Clara, it is my fault.
"I'm really sorry Clara. I didn't mean to." She apologised again. What a start... This was going to be just fantastic. She smiled a bit at Clara's makeshift sling. She was just adorable. Such a nice girl. That makes me feel worse about breaking it. Then Jack said something about being sorry. She wasn't quite sure what for, but that was fine. It was the gesture that counted.
"It's fine John." She said, brushing his apology off somewhat. She turned around to go find somewhere to sit down that wasn't too expensive or precious so she didn't cause any more damage than she already had, but turned right to face Thea. It took her a couple of seconds before she realised. That's... One of Ezekiel's wizards... She's joined our guild now and I... I just told that horrible story about her... Oh no... Alessia covered her mouth to hide the shocked expression. Then Skadi turned on her and criticised her for her telling of it. She just didn't get it. It wasn't meant to be harmful, it was just telling a story with the detail removed. For goodness' sake it was just supposed to be an exciting story for a girl who doesn't leave her house! Alessia turned on her heel and walked away and sat far away from everyone, feeling thoroughly ashamed and a little angry at Skadi for giving her a lecture for not telling the whole gritty bloody truth. If Skadi wanted her story that badly then she could tell Clara the whole sodding truth including how someone had died! Killed someone to be 'stronger'.
"Who does she think she is!" Alessia said, slamming her fist into her leg, with a couple of tears of anger and guilt rolling slowly down her cheeks.




If this team was actually going to work, he was going to have to be straight up with them. He wasn't actually sure what the details of this mission were. And he'd have to answer all their questions. Great. I've got to admit that I've got very little idea about what's going on here and that we're heading into a probably dangerous situation. And it was one of the two I just yelled at. Great. Alright birdman, here's your answers.
"All I know is that there is a curse and that something has caused it and we're here to lift it. That's all that's been specified on the contract. There's nothing else I can tell you, because there's nothing else I know. This is a dangerous mission. S-Class missions are. But I think we can manage it. You have me, and more importantly you're some of the best this guild has to offer. We're not S-Classes. Combined we are. This mission is going to require us to work together. You with me, and you with each other. And as for my reasons- They're my own." He was hardly going to admit straight up that he was in this for the sizeable sum offered for this mission. He now looked at Charlotte. "I couldn't do this by myself. You've all got a chance now to do something different, something a little more dangerous but more rewarding than normal. You admit yourselves that I displayed a certain element of discretion when I set off on this mission. But you're all here for a reason. If the fact that this is bending the rules, then why are you all here?" Ander's input was more or less on point.
"I think Ander has a fairly good understanding." Then Dale turned to address Gaius. He smiled as politely as he could at the man who was so obviously trying to bait him. Nice try, Gaius. I'll ignore that Ezekiel comment and how you all got destroyed by him. Actually maybe not. I'll deal with that last. I remember a couple of things about that day- Including your collapsing twice. Don't think you can bait me so easily. I will not be roused again.
"Now now Gaius. You're trying to set me off, I can tell." Dale began. "But to a certain extent, you're not wrong. I didn't want to do it alone. It's a dangerous mission and it could have ended badly. So I engineered the situation so I would get the best of the best. Tell me Gaius, what's the better outcome: Success of the mission with the help of the best Sapphire Eclipse has to offer, or failure and potentially my death due to my own hubris? I think we all know the better option here. And by the way, I didn't see you doing any better against Ezekiel until Evanora intervened and reduced him to less than his power. I might add that nearly every new guild member fought him and as much as your ego might not allow you to realise it, other people did a lot of work too. And if we're really going to talk about individual performance, after the S-Classes, Evanora, Johanna and I downed the thing that was attacking us at the same time, which by the way you didn't notice- When we defeated that thing and watched Ezekiel's fall, I believe I saw you as one of the various unconscious people. You were downed twice. Myself, only once. So Gaius Ryan, if you would care to leave your pathetic attempts to wind me up and thereby disrupt the functioning of this team that would be appreciated. After all, your spectacular talents are vital to the success of this mission since you are so clearly the most competent and mighty of all." Dale regarded him coolly after that, satisfied that he had handled Gaius' prod sufficiently well.

"Hmm, now isn't that just fascinating?" Elyas asked himself as the soon to be muggers walked past him in the alleyway, completely unaware of his presence. He could kill the pair of them now and they would hardly know any different, but he had something else in mind. Let's see how you handle this old man. Maybe they've got other things on their minds. Or maybe, they find something on you that's interesting and then I'll take that. Might even give me an idea of who you are exactly. Elyas followed them silently, not making a sound and covered by the darkness of the alley. They rounded the corner and he heard them start talking. Four of them. He approached the corner and hugged the wall watching out the corner of his eye, staying nicely out of sight but still able to see the events playing out in front of him. You my friend, could be very, very interesting indeed. You went out a different door to me. The door I took was the front door to the street, clearly the safer way. He is far from ordinary. This was either badly planned or there's something I haven't accounted for yet. Well let's watch this play out. I'll confront the last man standing. Maybe I can even catch him by surprise, that would be optimal. He looked around for potential intervention. Support from other alleyways? Maybe. Hidden combat capabilities? Maybe. We'll see. Come on then, show me your hand. This is taking far, far too long for my liking.

"Follow along." It was arguably the hardest order he'd ever had to follow. Kyle managed to keep up at first, while they walked on foot. However, when it came to getting on horseback, Kyle quickly discovered why his guards had trouble keeping up with him. By the time Kyle was climbing on to his horse, Lord Bertram had already sped off down the street. Emitting a sigh of despair, Kyle hauled himself up as quickly as possible and kicked his horse into action. He wasn't an experienced rider, so he held on for dear life while the adrenaline pumping through his blood provided him the bare minimum of reaction time he needed to keep up with Lord Bertram. Luckily, he had one thing over his new employer. He knew this area of the city far, far better. He was able to navigate through a few smaller streets to catch up, clutching the reins to hang on and kept himself low on the horse to try and avoid losing his balance. I see why his men have problems. However, his men aren't me! By the time Bertram had left the city Kyle wasn't far behind. By the time they had left the city behind, he began to enjoy the exhilaration of the breakneck ride he just had to endure, the wind whipping through his hair as he tried to keep up with the speeding Bertram. He left out a relieved sigh and enjoyed the ride, doing his best to ignore the jolting and bouncing and look at the land outside the city. A sight he was all to unfamiliar with.

"Wow." Kyle said as the Bertram estate drew closer. It's almost a castle, just missing a set of strong walls and he'd have a good fortress. It's not quite as big as other houses might be, but it's still huge. Look at the distant it covers! Kyle's horse skidded to a halt just in front of the stables and dismounted in an infinitely more sensible but far less stylish fashion favouring practicality over breaking his leg before day one even arrived. He stretched out, letting all the muscles relax and rubbed his sore back. As he got used to standing again, he watched Franco talking to his staff. There were a lot of them and he made a point to speak to every single one of them. Well that was unexpected from a noble too, although at this point I'm not surprised by him. He seems to defy expectations about the aristocracy. If only they were all like him. Franco then turned to address him, asking about the defensive capabilities of the house. Kyle put his hands on his hips and surveyed the building for what he considered defensive modifications. No crenellations for archers or crossbows, nor firing slots in the walls of the building itself. Nor are there a set of defensive walls. If he wants a fortified position, then that's what he needs. And walls make a statement- You actually have the money to get them built.
"In my opinion my lord, the building has potential, but it's no castle. It lacks crenellations for archer units or crossbows to take cover behind, nor firing slots in the walls themselves to allow people to fire with minimal danger to themselves. That would increase the building itself's defensive capability. You don't have a defensive wall either, so an attack will be able to reach the building. The arch is a good design choice though. It's a choke point in a battle reducing the effect of enemy archers and crossbowmen as they'll find it harder to hit your men in that enclosed space. That, and combined with the fact that only so many can enter the archway renders numerical advantage minimal giving your men a more even fight. Cavalry is worse because they can't manoeuvre in that space. The only question is in that case, whose men are the better fighters?" Kyle answered, listing off all the things he could think of. "Based on that design choice however, the defensibility is far better than most and the house is solid."




This, is hardly any better than it was earlier. The only interesting thing in here is the old man in a perfect spot for observation. It's an old man, but that doesn't mean that there's nothing to him. If I were doing my job as him, I'd take a similar position. That's why I have my spot now. The only difference is, mine is less noticeable so he made that first mistake. However, he's got a reasonable eye. I've seen him looking in my direction and trying not to be seen doing it. I'd almost say a professional. Almost. The question is, what's his agenda? That question, he formulated a plan to answer that very question. Got it. As the Barkeep did his sweep of the room for new guests, Elyas caught his eye and beckoned him over with a subtle gesture. The man approached.
"What do you want?" He asked rather flatly. Elyas looked at him. Typical. Podgy, thuggish face with no neck. He's easy to play. He took a coin out of his pocket and waved it at him. This immediately caught the man's attention.
"Information my friend, and a drink would you be so kind." Elyas answered. The man grinned, showing his misshapen and slightly rotted teeth. Also, typical. He dropped his voice so that the conversation could only be heard by the barkeep, while keeping the old man in his peripheral vision.
"What kind?"
"I'm looking for a man. Blond hair, spiky. Perhaps something down the right side of his face. He might even call himself Vex."
"What's you looking for with a man like him?"
"He and I have business. It would be unpleasant if someone were to interfere with that business. He'd be very disappointed if his contact never showed up." Elyas answered casually. "I heard he passed through here. Any idea where he went?" The bartender considered the question a moment. Come on, come on, you know I've got money and that I'll pay.
"Corvus they reckon. Say, you got business with that revolution?" Elyas smiled slyly. I think I can use this. He can talk to the town a little. Let's see if we can start a couple of things.
"In a manner of speaking. Things are picking up the pace. I've got information he needs." He explained. He slid over a coin to the bartender and stood up. That will start rumours. They'll think that something important is happening. More malcontents will start throwing their lot in, some of them might even make their way to me and in such a way, I'll be able to uproot a lot of this realm's hidden degenerates. One of the advantages of faking a relation, although I intend to make it less fake. He and I will have business... For a time. "Good day to you sir." Elyas looked back at the old man as he left the tavern, then shut the door behind him. Avoiding the windows so people couldn't see where he was going, Elyas ducked into the alleyway at the side of the inn. Let's establish who you are exactly my friend...

"Yes, he's very nice. Incredibly well made isn't he?" Alessia said, looking at it. She looked up at Drosselmayer making his comment about it vaguely disapprovingly. Don't be like that you miserable man. Just let her appreciate her gift. She smiled at Clara as she spoke about it being beautiful on the inside. It was designed with immaculate black boots, knee high leading up to a red suit with yellow epaulettes and trim and a black cap, also golden trimmed with a golden star on it. A perfect image of a soldier she thought. He was very smart looking that was for sure. As she looked at him, she thought she saw it sparkle. She jerked back in surprise Did that thing just sparkle?! before in her surprise dropping the nutcracker. As it fell, her surprise turned to an expression of horror as she reached out to grab it before it hit the floor, but it was far too late. "Oh no! I'm so, so sorry... Oh my God, Clara I'm so sorry..." The Nutcrakcer's arm had fallen off.



"Okay, thank you Cassandra..." Caliborn said, becoming increasingly pensive about this situation. If Cassandra, nor Mikasa nor Edric don't have it... Wait Edric may have it yet. He may have taken it and forgotten about it after he'd had a drink. I know him too well and him doing that would not honestly surprise me in the slightest. He's done that a couple of times before. He walked into the main hall of the guild and saw Edric standing there, looking more than a little deflated. So he doesn't have it, then-
"Ah Caliborn did one of the ladies have it?" Edric asked hopefully. Caliborn's face was severe now and he folded his arms.
"You don't have it. Cassandra doesn't have it. Mikasa nor I have it therefore..."
"Someone else has taken it." "Someone else has taken it."
"Well who the hell did that?" Edric asked. Caliborn frowned.
"I don't know. Who would have. Let's think, who went out on missions today? Evanora, Johanna-"
"Those two wouldn't have done it we both know that."
"Dale what have you done?" Caliborn uttered, fearing the worst. Dale when I get my hands on you... You're putting everyone's lives in danger! Me and Mikasa would get moving the fastest out of the four of us, so we'd best get moving soon. Waving his hand as a brief farewell to Edric he rushed to the training field.
"MIKASA!" There's not a lot of time. We need to get there before something bad happens to the others!

"Th- thank you my lord. I'm sure my mother would wish to repay your kindness so, that would be good. My brother is too young to work though my lord, so I'm afraid he won't be able to contribute yet. But when he's older, I'm sure he will be able to. To be honest, I'd rather they were in your family's employ. It would make me feel better to know that you were taking care of them as you saw best. I am inexperienced in that sense." Kyle said. He knew that Franco wanted to discuss it later, but he already had his mind made up. He knew that this would be for the best for his family. He trusted Lord Bertram. He wanted to trust Lord Bertram. "That is all my lord. Thank you for this offer, and your kindness. It means a lot to me. I expected to be given a miserable position under a lord that didn't respect me, but you're not that. You're a good man, and for that I'm thankful. I believe I can work with you happily. I shall purchase a horse now." Kyle bowed out of respect to him, and then left the room to head to the stables nearby. He knew of a decent horse merchant who trained his beasts well. That would suit him best, he thought. Sure enough, the merchant in question had a fairly good steed. It was fast and had a good amount of endurance. That was all Kyle needed. Taking it and telling the merchant to take it up with the Bertram family, he rode the horse back to the barracks where he met with Franco again.
"I have my horse my lord. I'm ready to leave when you are."

Alessia joined Clara's group hug with as much energy as much energy as she could muster. Poor Clara didn't get to go outside very often and Alessia felt a bit sorry for her because of it. That Drosselmayer is being very unfair. He should let his niece go out more. I'm so glad my parents let me go out. I still need to write to them. I'll do that when I get back. I'm going to have a lot to tell them about. She looked at Clara again. She looked so happy to see them all. She couldn't help but notice that Evanora mentioned Dale and Johanna had visited before. How long have those two been at the guild? It must be quite a while. She giggled a little when she realised something. Maybe she knew those two when they were young! They must have been cute as children.
"Hey Clara," She began. I probably shouldn't ask about Johanna and Dale actually. Okay, what to do... I know! "Can I take a closer look at the Nutcracker?"



Caliborn reflexively jumped backwards, knowing full well what Mikasa was like. She missed him, but had he not moved it would have been a much closer call. He didn't particularly fancy getting slashed by one of those swords. He had seen them in action before and he would not want to be one the business end of one of them. Why does she always mumble at me? Is she nervous? What would I do to make her nervous? Unless... No best not consider it.
"Hmm, very well." Caliborn replied. Cassandra probably has it then. "Thank you Mikasa, I shall go ask Cassandra then. I leave you to your training." Caliborn smiled at her, before turning away and walking back inside the guild hall. He quickly made his way to the girl's dorms. It took him a couple of seconds to remember which room was Cassandra's as he often had little need to actually visit the girl's dorms and hence never quite learned the layout of the area. However, having found it, he knocked on the door and spoke.
"Cassandra, it's Caliborn. Are you in?" He said. "Do you have the Galuna Island contract? Because Edric was looking for it and doesn't know where it is, and neither do I or Mikasa."

"Go on Silvia, we can talk when you're back." Caliborn said, watching as she ran off to join the mission heading out. They all headed out, Dale leading his troupe as Evanora and Johanna took a group out with them. He folded his arms and watched, considering the day's events. Silvia, what are we going to do with you? You're going to need to get some more confidence in yourself, but how to instil that confidence into her? Perhaps talking her past through with people will help... It's a shame Evanora's out at the moment. This would be the perfect time to approach her about the subject otherwise. He folded his arms and sat there, thinking for a while. Eventually, after some time spent considering matters, he got to his feet and walked up to the S-Class job board. As he walked up to it, he saw Edric at the board as well. Smiling, he greeted his old friend.
"Looking for work too, Edric?" Caliborn asked. Edric turned to face him, scratching in head in some confusion.
"Aye'. Y'see, I was looking for a job and well, I can't find it." Edric replied, gesturing at a spot on the board where there was most certainly a mission. It was in the middle of the board and its absence was noticeable. Caliborn scratched his chin and considered this.
"Maybe one of the girls got it before you." Caliborn suggested.
"Bah, of course one o' them did! They always steal me jobs." Caliborn chuckled.
"I remember you did the very same to me."
"That was different. They wanted my help not yours."
"That's not how I remember it." Caliborn smiled. "But the thing is, I don't remember seeing Mikasa or Cassandra leaving. I haven't taken it. Did you pick it up and just forget about it?"
"Maybe... I'll go check." Edric said. "You ask the other two if they've got it."
"On it." Caliborn agreed and headed out. He went firstly to where he figured Mikasa would be thinking to try her and then Cassandra. She was always keen to help him so he figured she was the best place to start. Now where would she be? Activating his Mist Body, Caliborn flew up high to the tower where Mikasa often hid herself away from the world, but she wasn't there by the looks. He had never actually seen her inside, but had seen her perched on the roof. He decided not to enter. It was her private spot so it was best not to pry. He flew over the guild, trying to find out where she could be. He thought he noticed her practising on one of the training dummies, and thus flew down and landed silently right behind her.
"Mikasa, I have a question." Caliborn began. "Did you pick up that Galuna Island job? Edric was looking for it."

Drosselmayer's Mansion



"Sure, I can tell you a thing or two about our missions." Alessia replied, having not said an awful not so far and taking a seat as Clara indicated. She smiled at her and cleared her throat before she began to tell her the story. As an afterthought, she remembered. Clara didn't know who they were yet. "I'm Alessia by the way, it's really nice meeting you." Well, what to tell her about? Rescuing the dead ghost child at the cathedral? Being attacked and having one of their guild members dying in the event? Her face fell for a moment, realising that actually, their adventures had been pretty grim so far. Less adventures and more of the real, gritty stories you heard about from the papers. I can adapt them, I suppose. Take away the bad parts and make up a good conclusion. it's better for her that way. She doesn't need to know the whole story.
"The last thing our guild did was defend ourselves. An evil wizard called Ezekiel and his four most powerful wizards came to our guild, seeking to challenge us and claim our power for their own with their dark magic. Ezekiel was a strange thing of energy and flying chains as if he was a being of pure magic only held in by the power of those chains. Then, there were two women with fire powers, an insane necromancer and the man I fought, a powerful wizard named Alastor. I don't know the other ones very well, but I remember battling Alastor. He was very powerful, devastating the ground with his magic. He managed to defeat one or two of us, but even his magic was no match for the power of Sapphire Eclipse and nobody was seriously hurt. While he used all his power trying to beat us, we fought back- Hard. With my sword and the magic of my friends, he couldn't do anything to stop us and in the end, we won and left him to be arrested." She recounted, improvising bits that were a little bit questionably handled. No need for her to hear about the fact that really, they just left Alastor on the ground utterly beaten, nor his touching last words before he slipped into unconsciousness. "And then, when the girls with fire and the necromancer was beaten. it was time to fight Ezekiel. He was even more powerful than the others combined and even together, we were powerless against him. Until, Evanora came in." She smiled at her Guild Master as she told this part of the story, remembering how she saved them all and crushed Ezekiel's power.
"We were all hurt, but with the power of Evanora's magic, she healed us all so we had no injuries. Then, she shouted Ezekiel down from the sky and cast her magic returning him to the man he was once, not just a monster made of pure magic. He fought hard against us and even as a mere human he was powerful, but against us all, proud to defend our guild and make sure nobody got hurt he was powerless. We beat him, and he surrendered himself to Evanora's judgement. She sent him away to a strange land where he would work to change his soul from evil to goodness and then and only then would the strange magical realm she locked him in let him go free, when his heart had been truly changed." Alessia took in a few breaths after that. Recounting that took a lot of energy, especially as she described it she began to talk more passionately, and a bit quicker. I'm proud of our guild. We did so well. We saved the town from that madman. "So what did you think? Enjoy that one? I've got one more if you want to hear it, but I'm new so I don't have any others besides that other one."

Dale watched them go about their business and looked initially in disapproval. He folded his arms and glared at them. By the time that they had finished hijacking the boat, Dale was absolutely livid. What the hell do those idiots think they're doing! This is a tricky enough situation as it is without having the law on us for committing both assault and theft at the very same time! Dale stormed up on the deck looking decidedly very, very angry and about to tear both Gaius and Ra to shreds for what they had been doing. Luckily for them, the Captain came up on deck and then told them they could board. Somewhat satisfied, Dale calmed down, but not quite enough to stop him giving the two of them an earful.
"So, I say. Go find us a ship to book passage. At what point exactly, did I say steal one?" Dale yelled. "What the hell is wrong with you two? Surely, surely even you can see that this is illegal! Actually illegal! I knew you were prone to being irresponsible and hotheaded but frankly what you just did goes beyond hotheaded, it goes into ****ING STUPID! ****ING! STUPID! HONESTLY! How the hell can you just, go around stealing people's **** without a care in the world! No wonder people get worried in the presence of wizards because it's people like you that let the whole goddamn side down! ****ing hell!" Dale turned on Ra specifically now.

"Now you- You are an absolute disappointment! Gaius here, I might have expected to do some stupid ****, but you? I thought you had more than two ****ing brain cells to rub together! A gelatinous slime that I crushed under my boot the other day has more decorum and sensibility than you two do! What the hell got into you!" Dale bellowed, turning now to address the whole group. "I entrust you people to come with me on something a bit risky, for all of our benefit, and then you just pull all this **** on me? Hell no, it's not on! It's not happening. I'm not putting up with it any more! One more stupid thing out of you and I swear there will be consequences! And serious ones! I thought that by telling you the danger of this that it's an S-Class mission might make you act more responsibly! Well clearly I was wrong! I suggest you all think about what just happened and then make sure I don't have an excuse to start putting dog leashes on you ****ing fools!" Then, all of his anger expelled at them, Dale turned to face Bobo and listened until he was faced with the demonic arm. So that's what the curse does. I've been wondering... No wonder they want it lifted.
"We shall lift this curse. Assuming I can get these idiots in line, we can solve this. As you lived there, is there anything at all you can tell me about the events? Anything strange that led up to the curse arriving? What happened when it did? It may be important." Dale asked, now all business and trying to get some of his professional air back.

"Thank you, my lord." Kyle said as Bertram said he was accepted. Wait what? Long term? Until we decide if we can work together long term? This is... This isn't how it normally goes at all! Lord Bertram... He's different to the rest of them somehow. I didn't expect any noble to be like this! Having been ordered to stand, Kyle did so, getting to his feet and watching his potential future employer. I have a feeling that this man is not at all like the rest of them. He's far too... Respectful. Not a condescending respect either. He seems... Genuine. I like that- No! He's a noble you shouldn't presume to judge! And yet... I do like him. He's been He had no idea about what was to come next from Franco. The man as far as Kyle was concerned, was full of surprises already.

“I see you're well trained in dealing with the nobility. I am glad to see that your training extends so far, and one of the vainer members of nobility would hire you just for that, but with me things will be different. Of course, you will salute in public when needs be, but in private it won't be necessary, you'll have other uses for your limbs anyway. As for bending the knee, you bow when I do. That means not to the flamboyant peacocks that call themselves aristocrats, and not to me either. You and I bow only to the king, and to my father.” Kyle almost recoiled in surprises, but managed to control himself. Who IS this man? He's nothing like I expected him to do be at all! Describing the other nobles as flamboyant peacocks... He sees the world differently to them. He sees them for something closer to the truth... I'd agree with him honestly. It's not as if his opinion clashes with my own really is it? We both respect the King, and honestly I see some of the aristocracy the same way... Vex taught me that much. And he wasn't wrong. But he was about Lord Bertram. Not every noble is like that. Lord Bertram is reasonable. I'd be happy to bow to his father. I've never expected respect like this, or such honesty from my employer yet here... Here I'm getting it.
"Ye- Yes my lord. I can certainly work with that. It fits my beliefs about the world so... I'd be happy with that." Kyle stuttered, unsure of how to actually answer such an explanation of his position. Respected... He's raising me up to something more than I could ever be somewhere else... Father, you'd want me to take this, wouldn't you? But Franco had more to say.

“Speaking of family, you aren't being employed merely by me. By accepting this position, you are being taken on by the Bertram Family, and will be under its command. I just happen to be its most senior representation here in Corvus, of course. The most important thing for you to understand, however, is that anyone under the employ of the Family, is part of the Family.” Kyle's eyes widened in shock. A part of the family? A noble family? Joining them, being part of them? Is this happening? I have to follow the words of this family and their orders, and I can be part of it? I'd be insane not to do this! It's strange, is this some kind of test? No, it can't be. I feel like, I feel like this is genuine. Like he's being serious with me. He found Lord Bertram's gaze at that point almost intimidating, awarding that to his state of utter shock at what he heard from the man he had just begged employment from. This was big, and he knew it. This was opportunity, an opportunity like no other. He worked for the King now to respect his father's memory, to try in his own small way to stop this rumoured revolution run by his old mentor (for Vex taught Kyle much, even though it was barely directly. Those lessons were now for the most part gone, because they betrayed his father and that guilt was overpowering for the boy). He didn't have to do this from a sense of duty... It could be genuine. He could like this man, and the rest of them were they like him. He could fight, because he had something to fight for! The very prospect awakened the thing inside him, but Kyle immediately quenched it. I can't let this escape yet! He can't know, not now, it might ruin everything! He put a hand behind his back feigning an itch to hide the blue glow so it wasn't seen before he crushed it. Once the energy around his hand disappeared, he brought it around to his side again.

“The perk of that last part is that we will provide for you and your loved ones, we'll protect you from whoever may wish you harm, and we most certainly won't turn you over to another power. Any power.” Mother... You can be safe! Lord Bertram can protect you! And what's more... My magic... They won't hate me for it. They won't turn me over for execution or anything. So long as they know they can trust me, I have their protection. That's it. My mind is made up. I can't pass this by. Mother, I may have lost you a husband, but I can protect you like this! It won't make everything better, and even though you don't know what happened exactly... It makes me feel like I'm slowly atoning. It's a start.

“Like I said before, this a temporary position at first. We will both want to examine what we have to offer, and how it benefits our out interests. And furthermore, people have left the Family amicably before. You leaving would be much the same, if you found you couldn't work with me. Any questions?” Temporary position? Why would I even want a temporary position? This is too good! This is too good to leave and if it doesn't work I have a guaranteed way out? I can work with this. I just want to know what will happen with mother, and maybe some other things, but I have a feeling I know the answer. My mind is made up! I'm as good as theirs! Kyle was ecstatic. He was young still, only 18 and this was still so, so much to him. He could have a position and security for a long time if he worked with this man, and the arrangements were more reasonable than he could ever have expected. Just the way that the man told Kyle everything, outlining every detail and the clauses, it was impossible not to take this. It was the best offer of a job for a nobleman he'd ever heard!

"The only thing I have to confirm is that my mother will be protected? Her, and my younger brother, but that's it. You can protect them?" Kyle tried to muster all the composure he could, but it was so very hard right now. He had just been given the chance to arguably the best job in the realm that a man like him could take. It protected him, his secrets and his mother and brother all in one. "Then I'm your man Lord Bertram! What you've offered me here it's... It's more than I could ever have asked for from anyone, so thank you. I'd be honoured to be of service to the Bertram family. There's one matter I'd like to discuss with you elsewhere. It's private and well, it's important. I swear to you I'm your man, and that's why I want to tell you about this. It's something about me, something important. Something that might be able to help you and the family."

@Calxiyn
@Beucefilous
@Shu
@GarrettFinch
@larlar9800
@「Zephyr」
@Skyheart


Mission Galuna Island has started for Characters: Calxiyn, Ra, Gaius, Ander, Therity, Velien, Char

"Good, good." Dale began, examining the small crowd gathered in front of him. Calxiyn, Therity, Ander and a handful of those Team King guys. Only one of them was missing he thought, and that was the flirt who thought rather too much of himself. That suited Dale just fine. There's no room for idiots on this mission. which means that maybe Gaius isn't the best but then again... He's a good fighter. I'll have to trust him not to do anything too risky. "From what I've seen, you're a strong bunch. That's precisely what we're going to need for this job. I don't know too much about it in all honesty. The most that I know is that we're going to lift a curse on a place to Galuna Island. We're headed to the port at Hargeon Town to get a boat, and then we're heading for the island. Everyone ready? No questions? Good." Best not to mention this is an S-Class mission yet. If I do, some of them may back out and I'd rather not have any word of this get back to Evanora- Yet. She'll find out when we get back and well, if it works out...

Galuna Island

"I believe I forgot to mention, this is an S-Class mission, so please do be careful." Dale revealed as they arrived at Hargeon town's port. "If you're wondering why I didn't say anything, it's because we really technically be here doing this, however I think we'll be able to manage just fine. You've got me, and you're all good Wizards in that of yourselves. Now then, our first task- Find ourselves a boat. Spread out, see if you can find one and preferably quick. I'd rather not have one of the S-Classes figure out that we've gone and stop us before we get going. Remember, success here is a lot of credit and pay back at the guild if you need some inspiration. A lot of it." That should tempt the greedy and egoists, and hopefully the fact that we're not meant to be doing this ought to put off the people who might run back and tell. We're too far in now to go back. First problem is of course, gaining passage because as this is a technically unlicensed mission we haven't secured passage, so we're making our own way. Now let's see, where can we find a ship... There were four sailors on differing ships of varying sizes. One very small, one fairly large and the others fairly in the middle. Preferably one of the middle sized ones would be best. Not too much money and it should be fairly quick.

Mission information: Talk to the 4 sailors to find a ship to get passage to the island.

Osric lay there, listening to the music, appreciating the subtleties of the pieces and the delicate care the players paid to each and every note. He would occasionally move his hands along with the music, an imitation of the fine way a conductor might direct their orchestra, but Osric was no such craftsman of music. The musicians knew well enough that he merely did it for show and as a display of appreciation, rather than for an actual ambition to direct. As the playing went on, he began to notice something. Something... Melodic, perfect. Perfection of music. Everything had flaws, tiny ones, big ones but nothing was flawless. His eyes once closed now opened as he searched for the source of the perfect harmony. It wasn't hard to pick out. A man stood there, unfamiliar to him. The rest of the players were old hands at this, but this was a new man and he, now he was talent! Golden hair, long. He looks to style himself as a fair elven bard of the stories. Well he pulls it off, that's for sure. Moreover, the room danced. Lights streamed from the bard's fingers and fluttered about the room, flowing with the motion of the songs each colours a perfect contrast to the room as a whole. It was an exquisite performance that lay before him and Osric smiled. I'll have you in my employ and then with a bit of time we shall dazzle the courts you and I. The performances of the Lelandes will be beyond beautiful, like none seen before! Even if it is a little magically assisted. Oh don't think I haven't caught on, although I suspect you're banking on me not caring all that much. Well you played your cards well my friend. When the music was finished, he felt a little pang of disappointment. It was such a beautiful piece, it was a shame it had to end so soon. However, he wanted a word with this new man. It seemed however, that the man wanted to speak with him too. How bold.
"Out, all of you." Osric ordered, motioning for everyone to leave. He waited a couple of seconds and then pointed at the golden headed one. "Not you. I'd like to speak with you, master of your craft."

"I must say, I appreciate a man of daring. Surely you are, as you performed a magical display in front of a lord of the land. However, you're in luck. Many would have you executed. I'm not one of them. I sense we could have a great many successes together, you and I. Besides, I appreciate a good musician and you may well be the best I've ever met." Osric sat upright and looked at him.

"Come then master bard, what may I call you? And what business might you seek here with Osric Lelande?"

Kyle was waiting, lying down on his bed in his fairly small room, devoid of detail and suchlike as was the way of the default rooms provided by the King's budget for the trainee guardsman. Suddenly, a man burst through the door and Kyle immediately sat up, eyes wide in surprised as he brushed down his uniform. Lord Bertram! How is this even possible! I only just sent that letter! Hurriedly, Kyle got up off his bed, straightened down his jacket and knelt down in front of Lord Bertram, fist over his heart.
"Yes, my lord!" Kyle answered, looking down at the ground as he was trained to. "My services are available, if you choose to accept them my lord!" Kyle kept his expression neutral and rigidly held his position where he was, kneeling. Hopefully I make a good first impression, and then I can work under his employ. A job, and so soon! I'll be able to do my duty. Vex... Don't trifle with Lord Bertram. If you do... I'll be waiting and I swear I'll avenge my father for what you made me do! I'll make you proud father, a loyal kingsman... A son you can be proud of! If not in life... Then in the beyond.



Run, keep running. With a bit of luck I'll lose them, she thought to herself as Kari raced across a low rooftop with the city guards running after her below. Adrenaline pumped through her bloodstream as she rushed, leaping across a gap and keeping up the run. So glad my brother and I were adventurous children! She was far outpacing them, because as the guards just discovered it was hard to run in full armour. She smirked to herself as she made her easy getaway. She enjoyed times like this, nothing but the wind rushing through her hair as she did what she enjoyed the most- Screwing with the nobility and getting away with it. This time, another noble casualty. That poor lord had no idea what was coming to him. Neither did his pretty hussy of a girlfriend who was in the other room. The look on her face when she saw her prospective husband leaking blood over those nice white sheets was absolutely priceless. They deserved nothing else. That family was worthless. Her personal enemies. The Karstadt family was troublesome and supposedly quite well liked here in Corvus. She wasn't sure which one exactly was painting the sheets red at the moment, but it didn't matter did it? They were all the same weren't they?

She hopped off the roof and landed with graceful precision. Thanks Gareth. I'm glad you could teach me how to do all this before... She shook her head and ripped the memory of that night from her mind again. Not again. Not again. Once was enough! She heard the clanking of armour coming around the corner, and did a double take. She heard shouting in the distance, drawing near her. Glancing from side to side, she looked for an escape route. Which alley? An armoured individual came around the corner to her left and that made her mind up quickly. Racing down an alley to the left, she turned a couple of corners hearing the angry cursing of her pursuer as she made her bid for freedom. However. her pursuer was a little more persistent than she expected and had managed to catch up to her despite her irregular winding route. He probably knows this area well. Kari faced him in the small courtyard between houses as wooden windows opened to look at what was happening. Curious, excited and scared, adults and children alike were watching the spectacle unfolding right then.
"Little *****." The guard panted, his sword drawn as Kari unslung her axe. She gave it an experimental swing towards the guard who simply stepped back to avoid it. "Brave aren't ya? Killing a lord and now trying to kill me? You're not getting away with this one!"
"Wanna bet on that one?" She taunted as they circled. "Just you here. All your friends got lost. You're in my turf now." The guard actually laughed at her.
"I've been running these streets for years. Think I can't handle a gutter rat like you?" He shot back. All the mirth left her face and she looked at him very seriously.
"Do most gutter rats kill this many nobles and get away with it?" She asked, before launching her attack. The guard parried it with seeming ease, countering her swing with a most serious slice at her throat. This one means business. They usually underestimate me because of who I am. She danced backwards against the wall of a house and the people leaning out of the window shied back. The guard approached slowly, and when he was sure he had the kill he moved in. She kicked off the wall, spinning around him and swinging the axe into the back of his legs. With a satisfying crack the axe when through his left knee, causing him to fall on one leg. Eyes hard, she brought the weapon around and spinning it around her head, Kari planted the axe square into his neck sending him sprawling to the ground as his own heartbeat finished him off for her. She wiped the axehead on her trousers, ragged and bloodstained as they were.
"They can be fought, even in their own city! Don't back down, don't let them win!" Kari spoke, before putting her axe on her back in its leather sling and took off down the streets to lay low for a while. And get some new clothes because these just won't do any more, they're ragged by my standards!

It quickly dawned on Caliborn that she was not talking about who he thought she was. This must be coming right back from her past, from before the guild... I should tread carefully.
"I don't know Silvia, but it was a good man." Caliborn answered. Hopefully that's enough. And then Silvia began to tell him her story. "If you wish, you may tell me." And thus it began. She's been brought up to know how to help people and that's all she's ever wanted her to do. I can understand her parents' concerns and why she would rebel against them so much. She can't help if she's cooped up inside, but no parent would want to see their child hurt. Especially since it was such a close call for her. Her telling me all this... It must be a great effort for her. I suspect she's looking for a safe base for security. I'll do my best for that, although I should probably inform Evanora about the situation at some point. She likes to keep an eye on her children and it would be wise to let her know about this... Bond she seems to have formed with me.
"That must have been difficult for you Silvia." Caliborn said quietly. "If you need anything, let me know. I'll be here to take care of you should you need me." Then, someone asked to sit down with them. Caliborn looked at him a moment. Now wouldn't be the best time I should think. He made eye contact with the man before speaking.
"Now would not be the best time in truth. There are some matters of a personal nature being discussed." Caliborn replied.



Dale spent the majority of the time the Guild spent recovering from the Ezekiel incident alone, musing to himself about things and trying to figure out a time to face Johanna. He knew that he'd have to start getting out on missions again soon, if only for practicality's sake of getting a bit more cash coming in. He always needed more. That's the way of it. Staying here for a girl I love, trying to scrape by on what little I can make. Apparently most of the reward goes to the new guys, very little for me. Tempted to petition Evanora to get more money coming in from these jobs for me, I need it. God this job can be a pain sometimes. If it wasn't for Johanna I'd probably have gone by now. But where would I go? This is where Dad brought me for a reason, and Caliborn and Edric and Evanora have all been nice to me, and I guess the new guys aren't all that bad. Some of them nice. Others... He remembered Beucette's little display at the school. What's with her? And then, Scarlett. And what's with her too? One minute she's all ice and the next she opens up and goes soft, then right back to ice. I don't get her, or what the hell she has to do with me, or why she listened. She doesn't seem to be overly the listening type so... Why?

He soon noted that his observation about getting a new mission had come through. He looked around the Guild a bit, checking in some more... Out of the ordinary places. Galuna Island. A curse huh? Probably not that bad. Besides, with the right group I'm sure that we'd have next to no troubles with what we're going to get into. It's ambitious certainly but... To hell with it someone's got to do it, and I'd rather it be me than one of those S-Classes. Might finally get some decent pay if we can get it done. He took his usual seat with the sheet and watched everyone milling about, waiting for the right people to show up. I swear if I get any of the weaker people I'm going to violently eject them from this mission with an icebolt.