Location: At the edge of the capital city || Time: Just before dawn || Interacting With:@Riffus Maximus

Taimane tensed when she heard the purpose of the jewel. This would make her secret harder to keep with this female around her. She would have to keep watch of her and herself. She was scared of her werewolf blood, even after years of being transformed, she was scared to transform and hurt people when she was not in control. She was a bit pale to others who could see her.

"I s see, well perhaps they will go away soon then huh" She said

Malakaus smirked at Jenso's compliment. Wasn't often he gets called a "Badass", though fortunately he knew what that meant. Badasses were tough, strong, or at least looked that way. Malakaus was glad that his look seemed to be working. "Thanks, Jenso. Glad to have you on our side." Malakaus looked towards Illistrianna, who seemed to be the more popular of the duo. He couldn't blame her; she was more attractive then some rugged looking orc after all. And a priestess too. "Popular one, ain'tcha?"

Though Malakaus could sense a certain... Tension when people started noticing her glowing silver bracelet. Malakaus didn't pay it much mind when he first noticed, he figured it was just a quirky magic thing. Though Illistrianna explained it's purpose: it glowed when it detected the presence of vampires or werewolves. And since it was early in the morning with the sun coming up, Malakaus guessed there weren't any vampires in this party. So that left werewolves. There was obviously the lycan, who seemed werewolf enough. Though if Malakaus wasn't mistaken, most werewolves had fully human forms, not a constant hybrid. So one of the more normal members of the group was a werewolf. Perhaps one of party members giving Illistrianna so much attention?

Well, it didn't matter to Malakaus. He had no issues with either of them unless they intended to kill him or anyone else for some reason, and that's more on the individual level than their kind as a whole. More importantly than that though, was the mission they are suppose to be on. "Now, from my understanding we're to find a cure for the king. Do we have any leads to start with, or shall that be the first order of business?" Malakaus knew a few folk tales about miracle cures in the form of ashes of ancient saints, the blood of powerful monsters, or even a magical spring that's said to grant immortality. Of course these were all stories, and were about as reliable as making shit up on the spot. "Someone here must be organizing this quest. Step forward and tell us what we need to do."

@Jensoman@Cynder

Turning to the "blue one", Artemis realized she was an elf. The gleaming bracelet upon Illistrianna caught her attention, which was informed as a concealed weapon having a reaction to being near "night monsters". Though she said her hunting days were over, she seemed a bit troubled by Vauldis's presence. Her smile she flashed to him was a little more forced than the one she gave to Rem. Her eyes had no smile to share with him.

Secondly was the lady who had caused the trouble by the gate. "Hot head" Artemis decided as a nickname. Not much to see in her, except for the fact she seemed uncomfortable with the mention of Illistrianna's bracelet. There's still a possibility of other night creatures other than "Man-wolf"

"Green One", was larger than she expected as compared to when she saw him from afar. Jenso mentioned he was a "badass" which she assumed was due to his appearance. It wasn't everyday Artemis saw an orc with her line of work being usually centered around humans, with the exception of some "monsters" needing to be hunted.

"Someone here must be organizing this quest. Step forward and tell us what we need to do."

An opportunity! "Why that person would be me," she jested with a smirk. "and I er.. order to raid the trees and jump off a cliff."

An obvious joke, just to start off the day, she thought glancing to the rising sun.

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Polaris was about to respond to Cas's nonsensical comment about the king's illness and how poison would've killed him by now and how not even the best healers in the land knew what the disease was, so how would he?, but he was cut off by the arrival of the aforementioned trio. It seemed that his presumption was correct and they would be traveling with the gathered group. One was the hot-headed woman, another was named Illistrianna and the last one was named Malakaus. The second individual seemed to have Elvish descent and the third was of orcishkin. Good to know.

What was also good to know was the forming tension between Illistrianna and Vauldis. Good to know.

By Polaris's count, there was twelve out of thirteen members and this meant that they were missing one. When that last member came along, what then? Would they leave? Where exactly would they be going? All these questions that Polaris had were apparently going to be answered as indicated by the appearance of a new trio that he only faintly recognized. One was a blond man dressed in royal blue who was not much older than Polaris and the other two were obviously servants of the castle. The first one was King Horace III's top advisor, Elijah Hopkins. Polaris met him once in a strategy meet many years ago. The other two, the servants, he simply knew as Florence and Oliver. He met both of them once during one of his brief visits to the castle where they were both well-liked. Aside from the fact, he knew nothing of the two.

It was Hopkins who spoke after he scanned over the crowd, "Twelve out of thirteen. Not bad, not bad. We didn't think any of you would respond," a soft chuckle from the man. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Elijah Hopkins, the royal advisor of King Horace III. I'm also the one who mapped out your journey, but it is Florence and Oliver here," he gestures to the two servants, "That have your maps. Along with a small fund to get your journey started: 5000 gold from the Naviance treasury." Small fund? That wasn't small at all. Perhaps this journey was more dangerous than Polaris had initially believed. This much could've been indicated by the party's size as well.

Had they been planning for some to not return?

"They will explain the course of your quest and take you to the stables. All preparations have been done for you aside from buying supplies and choosing a leader for your company. I suspect that would be best left to the rest of you. Now then. Any questions?"

Jenso stood by silently as the three men appeared and began to explain the mission. He was surprised by the amount of gold that was invested in this, but he simply decided to remain quiet and listen. He looked at the two servants as it was mentioned that they had the maps. Several maps, did this mean that the group would be split into smaller groups? Or was there another reason? 'Stables..so..I guess we'll be riding horses then? That should speed things along!' Jenso thought. He wasn't sure what they were going to have to deal with, but he was excited for this whole new experience. It seemed like they had a good crew going, so he wasn't too concerned about what might happen. He had confidence in his abilities, but he couldn't afford to be careless, either. He'd look out after his companions, and he hoped they would do the same.

The witch perked up from her daydreaming it seemed, hopping onto her feet and whirling around to face the three. A devilish grin met her face, Selene happy to see the advisor. "Elijah!" Though some may say they didn't get along too well, Selene thought of Elijah as a good friend, which is why she often teases him and goes against his directions purposely. Elijah honestly hated the childish actions of the girl, but she didn't mind at all.

At the mention of horses, she twitched. The last time she rode in a party with horses, Selene had to ride the shortest to compensate for her smaller stature. "He mapped out the journey, huh... He did it on purpose!" She hissed under her breath, but smirked through it anyway. Well played... Just wait until I get back...

The peacock let out a long plaintive caw and Josephine reached up and gently stroked its head. "You're right my love. If I'd known we were getting this many I would have insisted on examination beforehand. Now if I start there would be a long delay." She'd been planning to give each person in the party a thought checkup before setting out. It would have made her job easier to have proper medical histories for these people, but for now it looked like she'd just have to eyeball it. It wasn't that bad. She was extremely good at eyeballing it, though that couldn't tell you much about what was going on inside.

"Why the secrecy?" She asked, uncontiously shifting her pack this way and that. "I could have better prepared for the journey had I known who my companions would be."

Astiroth was distanced from the group when he saw 3 men approach. He recognized one of them. Elijah was the one. It wasn't that Astiroth kne the man, just that Elijah was the one who heavily suggested that Astiroth wear the necklace that's keeps his power in check. Best not to frighten the others with demonstration of what a demon lord should be capable of. Astiroth approached the group after hearing Josephine pose a question of two. "If I may pose a question. There are a good number of us." Astiroth took a glance at the group. "Each of us certainly don't seem to be normal on any account. What are you expecting us to run into?"

It had seem as her joke ha been interrupted by three unfamiliar people that had brought maps and seemed to provide the journey with 50000 gold coins. Nevermind, she thought. Though upset by the lack of acknowledgement, the 5000 coins was an eye widener. Hell, that's a starter! But the amount of maps was startling, as if she would have to travel the world two times. With this 'mount of people, too... Finding this "cure" was all new to Artemis. Large group with many possibilities that she could not single out.

Seemed the others were concerned as well, understandable. At least she would be given a new horse, last one got too tired out by her usual experiences. Though she was not sure of the breeding of this area, a free horse is always an appreciation.

"Now here's a question," she chuckled "How many cures are there?"

Illistrianna only nodded in agreement as an answer for Taimane's statement, not wanting to drag on the subject long enough with a Lycan already known in the group. If all goes well, and that was her wishful self hoping, maybe this Lycan was different than the others. Maybe he had joined the group to actually do some good for the world. But she didn't had much hope so far, the smell of blood and death was fresh on the Werewolf descendant.

The young Elf got distracted from her thoughts when she heard Malakaus speaking, asking for who was in charge. Initially, a woman in the back, one she had not seen yet, stepped in and assumed to be the leader. Illistrianna was puzzled by the directives she had been giving. Raiding the trees and jumping off a cliff? What was she supposed to mean by raiding trees? Were they to climb up and find giant leaves so they could glide down the cliff towards their next goal?

Just as she was about to raise her hand for a question, three new individuals had been climbing the hill to join the adventuring party. They seemed to be important people, at least one of them, for the man leading the trio was dressed in regal garments, while the other two following behind were dressed as servants. Illistrianna couldn't help but notice the vast amount of map cases the servants were carrying.

The priestess listened intently to what the newcomers had to say. She even blushed at the thoughts she nearly made a fool of herself by thinking the lady earlier who faked being the quest organizer. Although she had been traveling a lot in Naviance for the past decade, she never really got a good grasp of the kingdom's monetary values. All she had bought were traveling supplies and renting inn rooms. Considering both were quite cheap, 5000 gold pieces sounded a lot to her, when calculating the amount of supplies they could buy, or the number of days they could stay in a inn.

When it came for questions, it looked like everyone had a question about the quest itself. While there were many things she would've wanted to ask, she would not want to delay the journey. The most intriguing question she could think of was the the journey in itself, but the reason behind it.

"Pardon my rudeness, but I may have a question. from what I have been hearing, rumors and such, I've heard talks of an illness that caused your good king's health to falter. Has the possibility of a curse been suggested so far? It wouldn't be strange for such strong magic to emulate the ailments of a disease that could not be identified."

Vauldis' interest had once again began to wane, however before it could fully fade again, the three servants appeared and explained their next move. The mention of gold had caused a glint in the Lycan's eye but quickly shook it off. "So, this fund you speak of is quite...substantial. I trust our reward will be even greater? On that line of thought, why so much gold for a mere starting fund? While I'm sure this quest is not quite a suicide mission, where are we going and what do you expect us to kill for such a large starting fee?" Vauldis fired the questions as they entered his mind. While he had no doubt he would not die on this quest, how long did they expect it to take? After all, the necromancer had things to do and places to go! He couldn't be bound to a single mission for the next few years, Although I suppose I could just leave when the others are resting if it takes too long...maybe cut the elf's ears off before I go as well... The decaying wolf continued his musing for some time after his questions.

Malakaus snorted as someone jokingly commanded him to attack trees and jump off cliffs. Perhaps he could shoot down a nearby tree to demonstrate his power, but before he could draw his weapon three strangers arrived. Apparently these were the ones who would tell them their quest. Elijah Hopkins, a royal adviser, gave each money to as an early payment to buy supplies, as well as maps and even horses. Not to mention he was delightfully to the point about what they'd be doing, which was a refreshing change of pace for Malakaus. Some people just can't simplify things to "Find this here" or "Kill that person". Still, more information was always handy.

The money was really good though. 5000 gold was no small fortune. Sure it might not be a lot for a kingdom, but for a commoner 5000 gold could buy him a great amount of land, hire workers, feed his family well for many years to come, and maybe even have some money left over for luxuries. Granted, 5000 was hardly enough for say, a powerful magic sword. Still 5000 gold could help Malakaus make more ammunition, perhaps even some experimental ones, and buy himself some much needed armor. As for questions, Malakaus had a few, but most everyone else were already asking them. Though he couldn't help but to come up with his own responds to them.

The first was the demon lord Astiroth, who asked them what sort of trobule they'd face. "I doubt they'd know unless they already know of a cure to find. After all, that's what we've been hired to do: find a cure. What sort of danger we'd meet would depend on were we seek the cure." That and it was impossibly to truly tell what sort of danger's one could find. Sure it's simply enough if they were going to say, fight bandits, but for something like this they could face anything from demons to dragons to an entire kingdom, if need be.

Next was the rotting wolf, who asked some fairly obvious questions. Still, one couldn't be too careful. "Obviously this is a large reward because we're seeking to cure the king. No expense shall be spared to save his life. If the kingdom's best healers and wizards couldn't cure him, then whatever afflicts him is far more deadlier than any disease anyone has faced before. Illistrianna may even be correct that this is no mere illness, but a curse. As for what threats we face, I'm sure if this was an easy job, they wouldn't need to hire outsiders like us to do it for them. What we face is a threat more dangerous than dragons or magical, for we face the unknown. An enemy we cannot anticipate for until we meet face-to-face. Though it helps to be prepared, and the money would certainly help."

And of course, there was one last order of business that Malakaus wanted to attend before they lost track. He spoke clearly and looked directly at Illistrianna when he said this. "As for leaders, I vote for Illistrianna. With these many personalities clashing, we need someone who can remain impartial as our final arbiter. She would not betray us and throw our lives away for the sake of an objective, and I trust that she can make difficult decisions without hesitation." Though Malakaus had his own reasons to vote her as the leader. In the event that she can't make a decision, Malakaus hoped that perhaps she would consult him. Malakaus himself disliked the position of leadership for all the responsibilities it brought, but he would be more than happy to utilize it's power, even by proxy. "That's not to say we shouldn't rely on the knowledge of those with proper expertise. Let's not have our passion and whims lead us to ruin, yes?"

Cassius felt his attention bounding back and fourth; two had a pointless yet informative spat... Nothing that contributed to the bringing peace around to the ground; the only useful information was that the Priestess had weapons capable of sensing - even if a vibration- to see what they may lack the sight for, Werewolves. He did not care for the backgrounds of theirs; it wasn't because of his apathy of their constant prattling. But there mere fact it does not help bolster results. Then again, he just needed to warm up to them.

"Not to disagree half blood, but let's consider a few things here before we vote on a leader; not saying I want that... drab position and responsibility. Though she does raise the possibility of it being a curse, but we must consider the Spectrum Arcanum. Types of magic and what not. But... We also cannot forget about cellular degradation... A friend of mine from Oxfried Academy is a researcher who looks into a bit of what many magic capable people don't really look to if it isn't in their faith. Or house of Warship... Mind you I am not intending to insult the women, but I am merely stating that we should consider a road plan." Cassius walked into view. "We should consider the possibility that magic with the use of alchemy with the understanding of the human body in question may help us tenfold... Which is why I request a sample of Saliva to Blood from his Majesty for research. Though I understand how... painfully inconsiderate that may sound given his condition... But I say consider all roads."

"However, though I'd be fine with her as a spotter... It isn't up to me to decide who is "Leader"... Everyone contributes in some way." Cassius made a circular gesture with his left hand. "And what I'd like to say is... Perhaps Polaris is better suited to lead this envoy if I dare say so. By lead, I mean sense of directing us with a map, landmarks, and so fourth. She from what I gathered... I'm sorry... I did not hear you name as clearly..." Cassius rolled his gaze to the Lady of the Cloth in question.

"You're capable of feeling what is... Not practical to feel with your instrument of choice, is this not correct?" Cassius wanted everyone to consider just what they may be voting for. "That is a good trait. You're able to sense Vampire and... For lack of more of a Polite phrase... "Otherkin..." No offense to you..." Cassius then gestured with a subtle nod to the Lycan among them.

"Then you're perhaps more suited in the dark, where Polaris is in the light... But we cannot forget our friends with strong noses. They can smell what we can not see, such as poison, or breath to breathing of another." What Cassius was saying was plain and simple. "Evaluate what you can do before taking a leap. All I can do is Channel from the Void, a Medium. I might be a monster slayer, a hunter, but even I do not deem myself fit... But due to me not being able to properly assess everyone at current, I am unable to give a vote. But I will say that I look forward to assisting in anyway I can." He bowed his head somewhat formally.

Rem was taken aback by the compliment, having not expected one in return. What a proper lady... Rem noted, quite rare to see one in a quest party of all things.

Others then hounded Illistrianna about her glowing jewelry garment, and she revealed that is was used to sense creatures such as werewolves and vampires. Rem wondered whether or not her bracelet would be able to sense her, but before she could come to a conclusion, another group of three introduced themselves to the party, however it appeared they wouldn't be joining them. Rem sighed in relief internally since she already wasn't used to traveling with so many people.

The man who appeared to be the most important out of the three (due to his luxurious garments) spoke up in a confident tone, announcing that he was the one who mapped their quest, and that he'd provide them with horses and 5000 gold pieces.

The kitsune's mouth hung agape despite herself due to the shock of the hefty sum of dough. With that much money, her father could retire and pick up a more comfortable lifestyle that would allow him to be around his wife more...technically her mother could retire too, but she highly doubted that her mother would ever want to retire, she'd be selling precious goods even as a feeble old woman.

Rem's heart warmed at the thought, but she knew she couldn't let her mind wander from the task at hand. It was then that she realized that she had never ridden a horse before. A cold sweat overcame her when she realized that she didn't even know how she was supposed to ride a horse with her large glaive. Was she supposed to strap it horizontally to her back? Or was she to attempt to ride an animal for the first time with only one free hand?

Before she could stress over the situation any longer, the man who called himself Elijah spoke up again and mentioned they were to decide among themselves who their leader would be. Rem was about to jokingly suggest "no-nose goes", before she realized that she didn't know these people, their abilities, or if she could even trust them or not...

Rem raised her hand and spoke up, "Hey, Mr. Elijah, was it? I know I'm probably going to be ignored here, but I think having us picking a leader right off the bat seems a little foolish to me. I mean, I don't mean to be a total buzz kill or anything, but How are we supposed to decide who the most suitable person is to lead if none of us know each other? The most any of us talked to each other is a little over an hour and over half of us weren't even told what the quest entails. Frankly, I don't know these people's abilities, their leadership skills, their mediation skills, or if I can even trust them or not. On such a dangerous quest, picking the wrong leader could get us killed." Rem took a pause in her speech and flushed a little red since she wasn't used to talking so much, she lowered her hand timidly and cleared her throat before continuing, "A-anyway, I just think that picking a leader right off the bat when all we know is each other's names would be a bad idea, you know?"