Dismal rain clouds steadily roll over the horizon, blotting the azure sky out of view as the threat of a heavy downpour looms closer. Yet despite the gloomy weather, the residents of York are anything but. It's hard to imagine that the local lumber community would be capable of orchestrating such a grand event, but today was to be a momentous occasion for the small township. On this windy, overcast day, a sister from the towns abbey was to be anointed and sent away to Judea, the 1st Hierarchical Realm and Capital City-State of Pandora, for ascension. Truly nothing would bring the people of York more pride than to have once housed an ascendant among them.

If there was to be a celebration, then no expense would be spared. Not the most wealthy community, the festival was looking to be quite tame in comparison to the lavish parties held in the three Capitals. Yet the citizens of York had pooled together their resources to create a rather impressive pavilion of food, games and performances. The various stalls covered the west side of the town center, with a spacious seating area directly across in front of the large gazebo which several chairs and a podium had been placed for special guests and the honorary sister. Behind the gazebo on the eastern side was the dance floor, as well as a little sparring arena mostly for kids to have some fun. Though no doubt there would be several adults wishing to have a bout with one another.

In the north lies the Deacon's Hall, where the honorable sister awaits a visit from some very prestigious members of the Library Hunters before the ceremony begins. To the south, a rustic tavern and inn known as The Smiling Parrot sits in the most optimal business position for the festival. No doubt tourists come to witness the soon-to-be ascendant would gladly offer their coin for a room. Though the proprietress, an old mistress named Maude, would begrudgingly have to refuse them. Now, Maude's love of earning easy coin was known all across the Free Skies. Though lesser known about Maude, was that she once lived a life of piracy. In her later years, she has settled down in York to run her tavern; though she still keeps in touch with her old friend Captain Abrose Dahalag. It just so happens that the Pirate King, and Captain of the Sky Pirate Guild - Cloud Chasers, has called in a favor. Having caught wind of a few rogue mages looking to escape the clutches of the Librarium, the Chasers organised with Maude to meet their new crew mates in York.

Having landed a few days prior to the festival, concealing their ship in the thick canopy of the nearby Hillsprout Woods, the Chaser's Guild Members have been occupying all of the rooms in the Smiling Parrot. Despite not accounting for the festivities, they are determined to complete their objective as well as pick up some supplies. With a stern message of caution, Captain Ambrose has permitted his crew to attend the festival as well. Though the stakes continue to raise as members of the Library Hunters also roam the festival grounds. There's a storm coming; and there's no telling what chaos will ensue when it arrives.

The Smiling Parrot

---

---

The merry ruckus of the Smiling Parrot was commonplace among the citizens of York. Truly the best place to go and kick your feet up after a long day at the mill with a pint of Maude's home brew ale, there was rarely a night when the place wasn't packed with giddy drunks; both citizen and Cleric Knight alike. So it goes without saying, that the Cloud Chasers blended into the pub's rambunctious environment like a chameleon. Maude, who had very kindly allowed them to stay in the inn, was less than pleased. In particularly, her furious gaze shifted to a group of the good-fer-nothing pirates as one of them reached over the counter to procure a free pint. His smug grin was wiped off his face as the wooden pint splintered in their hand, a menacing dagger lodged straight through it.

"Oi! Me grog's for paying customers ye free-loading shites!" Hand soaked in ale, the stunned pirate turned to face the menacing mistress of the Smiling Parrot. Betwixt her fingers lay two more daggers, her arm prepped for another mighty throw.
"Ye ungrateful coves try that again and I'll nick ye grubby fingers off!"
"Free-loading shites! Ungrateful coves!" A young voice chirped up eagerly from on top of the bar, a boy with a mop of brown hair and a wooden sword happily jaunting the humiliated pirates.
"Nicholas!" The furious voice of a wench, whose likeness was similar to Maude's and Nicholas', startled the boy into jumping down from the counter and fleeing like a wanted criminal. Karla, Maude's daughter who helped run the tavern, shifted her glare over to her mother who innocently shrugged her shoulders before taking another swig of her ale. Finishing off her pint, Maude was quick to refill it at the tap along with throwing in another drink for the man who sat directly across from her.

"Ambrose ye nasty bastard! Here I am, eagerly awaiting me purse to overflow with the coin of paying customers lookin' fer lodgings during the festival. Then ye come along, bringing yer lousy coves into me respectable establishment without so much as a copper piece to me name!" Furiously chugging the contents of her pint, Maude slammed it down onto the counter between her and Ambrose before leaning in close enough for him to catch a whiff of her ale ridden breath.
"If me heart weren't so large, I'd have half a mind to kick ye out on yer arse!" Karla walked past with a tray filled with pints, heading straight for a table packed with Chasers.

"Not a drop love! I swear on yer fathers grave these bastards ain't getting anymore charity than they already 'ave!" Now Maude was standing, but Karla wasn't afraid to dish it right back at her.
"Ah, lighten up yer dried up ol' hag! Ye really gonna let some good men sit dry 'ere in the Smiling Parrot?" Karla turned back around to the group of pirates with a smile, setting the tray down before them. Maude threw her arms up in frustration before turning back to Ambrose.

"That's the thing with ye lot!" She began, wagging her wrinkled finger in his face with a smoldering leer. "Yer all a bunch of selfish bastards! Ain't ever occur to ye in the last twelve bleedin' years to write me? Nah, s'pose ye had little use for ol' Maude back then. But now! Now, ye need a place to stay so suddenly I'm worth talkin' to again? Well bugger that, and bugger you, Captain!" Having said her peace, Maud seemed to calm down a little. She took a seat on a stool before removing a bottle of well aged spirits and two small glasses. Pouring a shot for both herself and Ambrose, she stared him the eyes with a somber expression in her aged face.

"The last time I saw ye, Karla was only a wee lass. Now times have changed, and I've built meself a life here. I always did wonder what ye and yer lot were up to. I miss those days; I truly do. The Chasers was me life, Ambrose. I fell in love on that ship. I gave birth to me only daughter on that ship. Me own husband died protecting that ship." Now Maude buried her face in her hands, sighing as she reminisced on painful memories.

"I never thought I would be the one to be sitting 'ere in some stuffy old pub all day, while ye get to travel the skies dishin' out justice to the Librarium. Ah, those were the good ol' days." Downing her shot of spirits with a hefty swig, Maude cackled with joy. "Ah! But enough about me sorry arse; I trust ye here to inquire 'bout the other lot of free-loading coves I've got 'ere in me pub. Strange bunch this time. Yer best keep an eye on the two for the first few weeks. Feels like they both hidin' something. Something big. Course, ol' Maude will never get to hear anythin' 'bout that." She said bitterly, pouring herself another shot before offering the bottle to Ambrose. Despite her hostility, Maude had a beaming grin plastered across her face as she sat and drank with her old friend.

The Deacon's Hall

---

---

Deacon Peters' office was kept immaculately clean. No doubt the result of obsessiveness, everything was neat and compact with barely a speck of dust to tarnish the well polished tile floors, marble walls and embroidered tapestries bearing the Librarium Insignia and Cleric Knight coat of arms. A steady oak desk was the only major thing to occupy the room, with a large velvet armchair sitting below an elegant portrait of the Deacon himself. A stubby, short man with a bald scalp and thick, bushy eyebrows, the Deacon didn't give off an intimidating appearance. Nonetheless, he was a meticulous man who was very by the book. He had never been known to be cruel to his citizens, but his tolerance for missed deadlines and poor quality lumber was slim to none. Now he sat nervously in his armchair, face to face with a beautiful young sister of the local abbey.

Elvira, garbed in the black robes of the Sisterhood, stared blankly ahead of her without uttering a single word. Her eyes were covered by an ornamental crown which her long, blonde hair had been neatly braided and tied back from. Whenever the Deacon had attempted to make conversation with her, he was met with a simple, concise answer.
"So, uh, Sister. I suppose you must be quite nervous."
"I am fine." The Deacon jolted at the certainty and speed of her response. The sisters face barely budged at all when she spoke, giving off an uneasy aura that made Deacon Peters quite uncomfortable. There was a certain lightness to her tone. Elvira only ever seemed to speak in a firm whisper. Thankfully the Deacon wouldn't need to endure her stifling presence alone for much longer. The two large doors of his office swung open to reveal the Mother Superior of the abbey ushering in two Library Hunters; a tall man in menacing armor and a vexing lizardman.

"Oh we are just simply thrilled to have you here to celebrate our beloved Elvira's departure!" The Mother Superior's gaze was mostly fixated on Whirlwind; she was being painfully obvious in her attempts to avoid eye contact with Ulysses. Dressed in a similar garb to Elvira, only without the crown, the Sister humbly bowed before the Deacon before gently tugging Elvira up from her seat.
"Come dear! These two very important Hunters have come to pay you a visit! Isn't that exciting?"
"Yes." The Deacon wasn't convinced of Elvira's eagerness. Peter stood up and made his way from around the desk, clearing his throat before addressing the two hunters.
"Yes, the town of York is thrilled to be hosting such honorable guests for this momentous occasion. We trust you and your comrades make yourselves at home." With that, the Deacon politely excused himself from the room with a strange earnest. Of course, the Mother Superior was rather disinterested in him. Right now she only hoped that these esteemed guests were satisfied with her soon-to-be ascendant.

Pushing Elvira forward a little, the Mother clapped her hands together with an obnoxious smile sitting on her face from ear to ear.
"Now, the common folk will get a chance to speak to Elvira later and pass on their good fortunes to her after the ceremony. However we wouldn't be so uncouth as to make you wait to meet her with the rest of them! Please take your time and Elvira, remember your manners!" And with that, the Mother Superior practically skipped out of the Deacon's office; leaving Elvira behind with these two strange Hunters. She stood before them, her form delicate and unwavering.
"I am most honored by your presence, kind hunters." She stated in her usual, empty tone, awaiting them to make the next move before she spoke again.

Sitting down amongst the rambunctious chasers whom Maude was complaining about, a young man rolled his eyes at the older woman's complaints while snatching up a mug of ale from Karla with a grin. "Aw, come off it now Maude, ye know that you love us. Hell, I doubt there's a soul out there who knows how to party harder and louder than we do, don't ya think lads?" Lazulin's call was with a righteous choir of agreement from the men and women he was at, as well as a few scattered across the Smiling Parrot. Grinning like a madman, the young man took a deep swig of his drink before slamming it on the table with a content sigh. That's just what I like to hear. Oi Cap'n, whatever this stuff is, we need to get more of it, ya here? This is the stuff that'll put hair on ye chest. Oy Karla, can I get another round over here, me mug be thirsty and I'd hate to keep it a waitin'."

While he was waiting for his refill, the white-haired man grin only grew as he looked about the bar, mischief on his mind as he tried to find a few good targets to mess with. Now then, who to pick, who to pick. So many to choose from but so little time. . .

@Leslie Hall

“And that’s how you get it done!” Asahi claimed with confidence, a smug-like grin plastered on his face.

As Rising Sun was among a group of Cloud Chasers, they looked at him with a mix of shock and awe and loathing. Most of them were of his age, while the others were a few years older. They didn’t believe him that he could out drink them. They claimed that he couldn’t hold his ale. They claimed he wasn’t able to outlast them because they drank more than he did. He claimed he could. They were doubtful, so he would show them.

And so there was Asahi, slightly tipsy, possibly unable to get up on his own without some support, but he got up, and he roared, shouting, “I AM THE BEST DRINKER EVER!!”, followed by a loud belch, then he hiccupped.

Asahi would traverse through the surprisingly spacious tavern as he staggered on his feet, knocking into - and down - those who were in his way. When they would say something, he would retort back. A few times on his route to where Maude was tending, he would find himself in a few little skirmishes. Some he walked away with no violence, but there were a couple that were just as loose as he was, so of course they tussled for a few rounds until both grew bored of each other.

Taking a seat at the booth, Asahi seemed to arrive just in time to hear Maude go on about something that he had no idea about, then he heard Laz request a refill of ale. “Oi, Maude! I’ll have what my bud here is having!” Asahi didn’t hestiate to bring Laz into a forced embrace as his left arm roped Laz’s head close to his sweaty pits.

Sitting in one of the farther seats in the Smiling Parrot, Ezekiel Benson can be seen drinking a mug of hot cocoa from two tables away. He simply looks back with an alert face, his eyes big and wide, listening in on the conversation at hand. Yup... they were drunk alright. Most of them anyways. Despite coming from such a hostile and rough living style, the rustle-haired blonde had some decent manners surprisingly. While supposedly of legal age to drink alcohol, Ezekiel never had a fondness of it. Beer is too bitter, liquor is too strong, and wine... is a rich-man's drink. Wine reminded him a little too much of the Librarium and he refuses to drink it because of this. Of course he can easily switch into being a ghetto-sounding pirate and join in with a drink of his own, but most of the time he is calm and quiet. He couldn't help but to smile at the conversation however, chuckling to himself as he sips another chug of his drink.

It's a perfect drink to have on a day like this, the eve of a shower of rain coming in from the horizon. Yet this isn't just any ordinary day. His big ole' magical cannon lies beside his seat, a prize Ezekiel will never trade anything else for. Not even for a million currency. After all, the old man down in the market wouldn't quite have the weekly customer like him anyways.

---

---

Ominous clouds loom over the grand holy city of Judea, beginning their slow but steady approach. Within the Librarium Academy's doors, lies the humble dojo belonging to the Sensei Ulysses Callistrophous, or "Callus" for short. The dojo was rather large, to accompany a good number of newly recruited students willing to join the Cleric Knights and Librarium Hunters, but at the same time it was cozy and humble. The windows above would normally reveal a glare of warm sunshine, instead showing nothing but oncoming dreariness, yet below, the warm lights shine through the paper-thin bamboo walls, producing a welcoming aura through the darkened room. Swords and katanas of different shapes and sizes can be seen against the glowing light. A mural can be seen next to the indoor entrance, showing a brief story and history of Pandora, from how the islands were formed, to the victory of the War of Faiths. An exist of beads dangle calmly in the exit way to the outside patio, where one-third is covered by a roof, the rest being a beautiful garden, so well made that it seems like it was a piece of an actual area with bonsai-looking trees sprouting in such bizarre forms. A small-sized rock garden can be seen to the left, with three large rocks sprouting from the sand and a waterfall flowing from the right and into a decently sized pond, filled with koi fish. It was a rather zenful place to be in...

He was meditating on a mattress outside, overlooking the entire garden. Callus can sense the rolling storm and tension from beyond, yet here it was still peaceful. The faint rumblings of thunder can even be heard through the lizardman's ears, with his acute sense of hearing. Rain hasn't set point in his location, but it's arrival was no doubt inevitable.

Suddenly, a man wearing a martial arts uniform creeps from the beady frame, uttering a faint rattle. He had jet black hair, being averagely tall, and hazelnut eyes. His name was Gregory Dimmevill, and he is a student and advisor to the Sensei.

"Sensei." the man calls out in a gentle tone.

His voice causes Ulysess to slowly open his eyelids, revealing two golden reptilian eyes. He slowly turns his head, signifying that he has his full attention.

"I've just been informed that Deacon Peter requires your immediate attention, along with Whirlwind." continues Gregory as he pauses for his attention, "It involves with... her departure."

The lizardman nods as he slowly gets up from his sitting position, stretching his arms and legs as soon as he gets up.

"Thank you Gregory." the lizardman responds in a kind, yet elderly tongue, "I will attend to it shortly. If you see Mr. Astra, tell him to wait for me. We'll depart together."

"Yes Sensei." the student bows as he quickly exits the room...

---

Both the lizardman and the armored warrior enter the two large doors that lead to the Deacon's office, greeted by The Mother and her fellow Sisters.

"Oh we are just simply thrilled to have you here to celebrate our beloved Elvira's departure!" the Deacon calls out welcomingly, yet the Mother Superior's gaze being exclusively on Whirlwind, the human.

Ulysess kept quiet, silently sighing to himself. His race as a lizardman was severely looked down upon in Librarium's public society. After all, his entire race, save for his village, were enslaved to work for them, mostly on construction projects. They were good men in providing in hard manual labor, most of them anyways. Now they're slowly beginning to grow more tired and weary, with some becoming more animalistic then humane. It was saddening to see his entire race slowly moving into retardation, once described as an advanced civilization with ideas revolutionary of their time, now becoming nothing but mere animals with every generation. It was a painful reminder of the deal he made with the Librarium, all to keep his village, especially his friends and family, out of this slavery.

In his train of thought, the Deacon rises from his seat to greet the two hunters.

"Yes, the town of York is thrilled to be hosting such honorable guests for this momentous occasion. We trust you and your comrades make yourselves at home."

The lizardman nods respectfully as he places his Rune Sword "Arcadius" and takes a seat to the nearest chair to him, with both the Deacon and the Mother exiting the room shortly afterwards, leaving the two hunters with the girl alone in the room.

"I am most honored by your presence, kind hunters." Elvira states in a rather empty tone, seemingly empty with emotion.

"It's an honor to be here, Miss Elvira." Ulysses responds kindly with a warm smile while he makes himself comfortable, glancing at Whirlwind as he sits patiently in his seat.

Following Mother Superior, Whirlwind clomped along in his armor, his every footstep filling the air with the sound of metal clashing against metal like an entire army marching in step. His stride was carefully measured, his armor and sword polished until they shone. His face was was set in a stony expression of neutrality. He stood straight, chin up, and face forward. His eyes slowly scanned the hallway out of habit for anyone hostle. He looked every inch the professional soldier. Every inch the good guard dog.

He even knew a few tricks.

When they had entered the Deacon's office, Whirlwind surreptitiously checked the room for anything suspicious. Finding nothing, he stood to the side, opting to look intimidating. The Deacon's words were met with a slow nod. He said nothing after Mother Superior adressed them, he tracked her exit with with his eyes. After she left, he turned and examined the girl. Blank Face met Stone Face and neither budged.

After a pause just long enought to be uncomfortable, Whirlwind spoke. "The honor is ours, Elvira. I am Marcus and my companion here is Ulysses. We are Library Hunters, sent to accompany you for your ascendancy." Contrasting his companion, Whirlwind's lines were delivered stiffly and with disinterest, like he was reading them off a pre-written scrip. "Our duities as I understand them are to provide protection for you until the ritual's completion is this correct?"

@Leslie Hall @Lmpkio

@Raijinslayer @Altered Tundra @Denny @Leslie Hall

---

Reynolf let out a long, drawn out yawn. Though, it wasn't like he could hear himself through the loud hustle and noise the 'Smiling Parrot' exuded haphazardly. The musty, protruding smell of liquor and mead was omnipresent throughout the tavern, with rowdy chattering and cheering in tow. It was indeed a lovely sight to see such energy, but said energy simply drained Reynolf, whom would much rather be taking a nap someplace silent and lonesome or be out walking the sights.

With his signature purple scarf hung slack around his neck, in an inert effort to hide his guild mark. Many of his guildmates eyed him curiously, some in surprise that he would not just be idly sleeping in the guild, and the others trying to ascertain how this 'S-class' member actually is. All Reynolf did was eye them back lazily, particularly highlighting his natural indifference, making many scoff and turn away back to their merry drinks.

A drink was offered to him, which was declined appreciatively. He understood the merits of drinking, but his father had always warned him, in the few conversations they had, that it just dulled the senses. So the only drink resting on his table was a grand old cup of water. Though the real reason he doesn't drink is because he cannot hold his liquor if to save his life.

He sat slack on his table, his posture unbefitting that of an S-class. It didn't help that his guildmates always kept him at the corner of their eyes, as if waiting for something to happen.

After he downed the last of his water, he got up and moved straight through where his captain was sitting and conversing with and old friend of his. He made a conscious effort to swerve away from the stumbling and tottering drunks from Cloud Chasers and others alike. He recognized Asahi drunkenly proclaiming something about him being the best drinker, his arm wrapped around an unfortunate Lazulin whom looked as he always does- plotting something.

After a few more moments he arrived at the table his Captain was sitting on.

His eyes gazed at the innkeeeper, Maude.

Lazulin Mulciber

"Psh, In your dreams, ya maggot!" Lazulin shouted as he forced his head out of the sweaty pits of the Chaser's literal ball of sunshine, Asahi. The grin Reynolf had spotted upon the Devilslayer's face was gone, replaced with a warm grin as he seemed to join the Sun mage in crossing arms and raising a hearty glass. What would go unnoticed, however, was the little bit of sleight of hand that Lazulin had enacted upon his fellow guildmate's mug, the dropping of a small pill into the frothy remnants of whatever lay in within hidden by a well-placed movement and illusions.

With that done, Asahi would find the positions reversed as Lazulin turned the tables,putting on a little pressure with his prosthetic arm as a bit of payback before letting the drunken fool go, the seemingly playful gesture really just a cover-up for the pill to dissolve with the rest of the drink, which would take rather little time. "Ye willin' to put your money where ya mouth is, Asahi? Everyone here knows I could drink you under the table'n back without even battin' an eye."

Slamming his own mug against the table, Lazulin turned towards Maude with a grin. "Come on Maude, give us a big round of drinks so we can see who the king of liquor is around here. And to make it a tad more interesting, the loser has to pay off their bar tab by helping tend to the rest of us. . . and they've got to wear a pretty little maid outfit while doing it. Yes, Haha, that'll be perfect for the little sunspot. Come now lads and lassies, let's start a racket till she gives in. Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink!" A loud beat began to echo through the tavern as he and the others around his table began to bang their mugs on the table, repeating the demand over and over until Maude either caved or stuck them all full of those knives of hers.

@Altered Tundra

Marianne Shimizu

As the villagers made merry about the place, a single figure stayed separate from the merriment, her armor shining in the light of the sun. Unlike those around her, this young woman held no joy or happiness about her person. Her stony grey eyes cheered on the chosen Sister, Elvira, in her rising to the same place as Juno in the heavens. A scowl dug itself in upon her features, her thoughts turning toward the subject of the celebration. Hmph, I wonder if they're as happy as everyone else here about their . . . 'Ascension'. I wonder, if Father had caved to the pressure of others, would I be? Marianne current opinion about the current system of the Sisterhood and how much it was forced upon every family to give up their children was that it was a perversion of the faith, as well as a way to keep women in a place where trying to break from the mold is consider a waste of their 'potential'. Just from her own experience, she knew that trying to be anything greater then a sister was often looked down upon by those who held to Junoism steadily and faithfully.

Letting off a soft sigh, the white haired maiden moved on from her little corner of the festivites, walking through the crowds with a clear, authoritative gait, no set destination in mind. Really, the only reason she came here was a grim since of curiosity, a part of her wondering what life would be like if she had gone down that path. Probably would've been an easier life, all things considered. . . much, much easier. As she considered everything she could about her life, Marianne couldn't help but bring her hand up to her face, tracing the three long, thin lines of scar tissue down from her temple, across her eye, to where they ended near the bottom of her chin, memories of humid, oppressive heat and rumbling beasts rolling through her mind. And yet, it was not the fear, the misery, or the pain that came to mind as she contemplated the story behind this particular wound. Instead, it was a faint warmth, the sound of laughter, the feeling of security when you had another watching your back in a fight.

I wonder where she is right around now. . .
@Mercurial

Indra Chen

@RaijinSlayer @Altered Tundra @Denny @Leslie Hall @Inertia
"A PARTY?!! COUNT ME IN MAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDDDDDDDDDEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!" The little midget who is not a midget by age rapidly comes in like a torpedo clad in lightning and screaming, her entrance alone was so loud that it made birds in the skies fly away. From there we hear the birds wings flap so hard, a thousand flap with a thousand squawk because they were startled by the Thunderclap of the mischievous Lightning Princess, Indra. Some crew members who were startled started screaming and shouting because of the thunderclap, half of them run around in panic with their hairs all spiked up. "That's more like it! What's a party without noise!" She grinned with a smile that is electrifying.

Speaking of drinks, the midget is ever ready for anything that is thrown at her, Indra doesn't miss a drinking party no matter what even if she's kinda not in the right age but what's a Pirate's life without the sweet ol' booze? She stretches and yawns gazing at the clear view of the skies.

Ladies and Gents. Meet Indra, the Cloud Chaser whose presence is greater than lightning and shocking than any electrocution device.

Then she turn around "Weird. Where everybody go? HA! At least you lot are still around!" Numerous crew members disappeared, little does she know it's because of her loud entrance.

---

Avicenna Nemu

---

An impressive crowd was beginning to gather in one corner of the tavern. Merry men, cheering and whistling, circled around a long table and exchanged coin and papers back and forth.

In the center of them, four heavy-hitters were putting on a spectacular show of endurance. On one side of the table sat Nemu, brimming with enthusiasm. Next to her sat a behemoth of a man, almost as wide as he was tall. He wasn't someone you'd casually jeer at or call "fatty". It was plainly obvious that beneath a sheet of hard fat was a wall of muscle ready to snap into action. Across from them, were two shorter, but no less stocky men: one with sharp features and a hawkish stare, and the other was bald and had a full beard framing his his grim expression. Nemu seemed terribly out of place sitting next to three burlesque men with surly dispositions.

In front of each contender were twelve shot glasses lined in two rows of six and one giant tankard filled to the brim with dark ale. Winning the game was simple: drink more than the idiot sitting across from you. Easier said than done, however. Someone had bought out Maude's private stock of homemade 'shine. The acrid vapour rising from the glasses would normally singe nose hairs and sting at the eyes, but tonight's volunteers seemed completely unperturbed.

"Place yer bets boys!" A tall man shouted.

"The name of da game is Maniac Street!" He continued. "First ye got te cross the street and drink yer mate's booze-" He looked at Nemu condescendingly and gestured at the shots lined up on her opponent's side of the table. "-then run home and drink yer own stock 'fore yer mate can." He pointed at tankard sitting closest to her.

One from the audience, shouted 'Damnit Glen! Get on wit it ya daft bastard!'.

"Oi! Shut yer traps and listen up! This 'ere is a fine 'stablishment, so no stabbin', grabbin', smashin' or cheatin'. We play a clean game, so each of yuz is only gonna have one hand free."
One of the other drunkards went around tying each player's hand to a table leg with a dirty cloth.
"Heheh, have to keep it sportin'. Now! ...First bloke to drink all 'is opponent's shots and down his own grog to the last drop, wins. But! If ye waste any o' this brew or can't keep yer liquor down, you'll be payin' fer the lot of it!" The announcer, Glen, gave a stern look to each player.

The hawkish brute, who radiated hostility like a blast furnace, stared Nemu down trying to rattle her. A competitive smile was all she offered in return. Her ignorance was encyclopedic. She had never been intoxicated before, but it looked interesting. In truth, she had never drank any alcohol before, but she wanted to experience it at least once. And what better way to do that than with a drinking game!

"Alright ladies and gents..." The tall announcer regarded the audience with a smug grin and then turned to the contenders. "Let's see who drops first! GO!"

The table erupted into a frenzy.

Awkward arms frantically grabbed for the shot glasses across the table. It took skill or long arms to not spill a single drop. Nemu had neither. While the rest were downing shots like fish gulping water, Nemu treated each glass carefully as if it would break at any moment. The first shot she drank tasted bittersweet and burned like fire as it splashed down her throat. She coughed a few times, but persevered.

How can people even enjoy this stuff? She wondered.

Sayuri rolls her eyes at her guildmates antics from her place in the corner. She was holding an almost empty bottle of Dragon's Bite, an expensive liquor and one of her favorites, and making sure things didn't get too far out of hand. She'd gotten another couple bottles as thanks after saving a well off merchant on her way back from a mission so she figured it was time to polish this one off. Pouring the last of it into a glass she looked around to see what Irene was up to and saw her cheering a lavender haired girl on, 'Nemu, I think that's her name,' in the game of Maniac Street that was going on at one of the tables. A smile tugged at her lips as she watched glad Irene was enjoying herself. She shouldn't be surprised though Irene had quickly been liked by the guild after she opened up. As she takes a drink from her glass she spots Lazulins slight of hand wondering what the hell he was up to this time then she internally facepalms when he calls for a drinking contest. She sighs, 'I hope most of them stay in fighting condition... We have mages to help and there are probably some Librarian Hunters around considering what the festivities are for... Hmm... Speaking of I think I'm gonna go take a look around and see what there is,' she swallows the last of her drink before standing up and stretching.

Grabbing the empty bottle she makes her way over to where Irene was cheering people on, ”Hey Irene I'm gonna go take a walk around the city and see some of the festivities do you wanna come with me or would you rather stay here with the guild?” Irene looks up at and smiles, ”I'll stay here. I'm having fun and wanna see what happens here. Before you say anything I promise I won't drink. At least intentionally.”

Sayuri smiles and ruffles Irenes hair, ”Alright I'll hold you to that. Also keep an eye on Lazulin. He's up to his normal thing so just a heads up,” she nods and gives her a quick hug before turning back to watch the game.

Irene nods before turning back to watch the chaos. With a final ruffle Sayuri makes her way towards the door handing her glass and the empty bottle to Maude, kicking another guy trying to sneak a bottle on the way, and signaling the captain that she was gonna take a walk around. She pauses before leaving debating whether she was gonna go grab her cloak or not. Shrugging she decides to leave forego it stepping out and heading straight to she area with games and food, “Let's see what the city has to offer... And then take a swing at the sparring pit. That'll be fun!”

Laila Durrani

"Pay up." She said to the older man next to her. He reluctantly forked over a handful of coins to her as Asahi declared his victory. "Dammit all, I thought that braying donkey would never pull it off."

"Ya just don't get it, Lal..." Laila started in a lecturing fashion. "See, he might be full of it, but he damn well wants it more. That's how I sees it, anyhow. They say pride comes before the fall, but I reckon it takes you places long before that."

"Yeah yeah..." Lal replied, sounding less than convinced. "Speaking of pride, this Ascendancy ceremony is about as prideful as it gets. You think one bit of this is legit?"

"Nuh uh." Laila shook her head. "If the Libros are involved, it's gotta be bullshit. I bet it's one big stunt to make em feel better about their dumbass ideas." Laila started making punches and kicks in the air in a theatrical fashion. "We'll beat em all down, just like that. I'll kick their ascender right in the nuts too."

"It's a woman, Laila. You know she doesn't have balls."

"Yeah, I know! It's about the symbolicism, Lal." Laila was deadly serious about making sure they kicked all Librarium members in the nuts, even if they didn't have nuts to be kicked. She had never let go of the one time she did it to that Deacon back in Sangin. In fact, she had made a point of kicking multiple Librarium agents in the nuts over the course of her time in the Cloud Chasers. The day that Lal had taken her away from Sangin, the first thing she told anyone she spoke to was that she kicked a Deacon in the nuts. This was her thing.

"Oh snap!" Laila had noticed something that drew her attention away from busting up the Librarium. "Asahi's hangin' offa Lazulin!" Both she and Lal knew well what happened when you got too close to Lazulin, and Asahi was real close to him right now. "What's a bet Asahi keels over in a few secs?"

"Well there's no way I'm taking that bet. Only a fool would bet that Lazulin won't take the chance to mess with a man." While the bet was off the table, the two of them were poised to watch the unfolding scene, both fully expecting something terrible to come of Asahi. The only question was what exactly that terrible something would be.

The cloudy skies rolling towards the town painted an interesting scene for the celebration, Marth patrolled the grounds keeping on alert, his cerulean eyes piercing the villagers. Easily by the way he looked and dressed you could tell he wasn't just anybody, he was as deadly as his looks. Marth took a seat and sighed, why was he neeeded here? Was the saint Ulysess and whirlwind not enough to oversee the ceremony? Marth took a deep sigh. The exorcist took a seat after finishing the last patrol of the area, the ceremony reminding him of when he was a kid, a day that changed his life forever. Soon his thought was broken by a child offering him a cup of water. "Mister you look thirsty" the young girl said handing him the water, she wasn't taking no for an answer. Marth chuckled and accepted it, "Thank you" he said nodding his head, he was a lil parched after roaming the grounds a couple times. Marth drank ever drop and gave the girl the cup back, "have a nice day mister" the girl took the cup back and ran away. Marth smiled and got up to stretch, back to work it was for him.

After another walk around he spotted another library hunter of same rank, they've worked together very little.Why is Marianna here of all people? Marth wanted to ask but he most likely wouldn't get the answer he was looking for while on the job, he gave her a simple nod and kept moving. For a religious group, the Librarium had some pretty scary people. At this point Marth wanted to get it over with and go home since this was a waste of his time And skill, he was a a lot more capable then just security. Born in the depths below, the paladin who clawed his way up the food chain.

@Raijinslayer

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Pythia Nsiferum sat in silence in a corner of the The Smiling Parrot, a scowl firmly placed upon her face as she held a book in her right hand; casually reading the texts while the commotion and antics of the rustic tavern that she and the rest of the Cloud Chasers currently occupied. Despite her displeasure in the antics of her fellow guild members, Pythia knew fully well that for them it couldn’t be helped, especially considering the happenings of the festival to account for her comrades to act even more exuberant than usual— but it didn’t stop the fact that Pythia thought it was innately and absolutely stupid.

I’m surrounded by idiots.

A light breath left her as she looked up from her book to look at the people around her. She hated parties and noise, but still holding up away from everything would’ve been largely unproductive, especially if something important needed to be done. At the end of it Pythia was a member of a guild and she knew that isolating herself would be an action of greater stupidity than what her comrades were indulging in. Her eyes moved back to her book briefly as she addressed the other girl at her table, Sania Belchardt, in a small attempt to seem sociable. After all, she was one of the few friends Pythia had in the guild; a curious reality given that even after nearly seven years as a member of it she had made more rivals and opponents than allies and companions. True as it was, Pythia preferred it that way. It made distrusting people easier.

“Sania. What do you think of all of this?”

The teal-haired girl bit her lip for a moment, “O-Oh you know, it’s a festival. I’m sure it’ll be fun soon?”

Pythia didn’t really like the sentiment that they came to York to amuse themselves— morale could be made enjoyable on the ship, away from the immediate threat of any stalking individuals who had loyalty to the Librarium. In her mind it was dangerous to goof off and entertain themselves in such a large group when they hadn’t even gotten their objective done. A large group of Cloud Chaser’s may have presumed safety in numbers, but Pythia had witnessed firsthand what only one Librarium agent could do. A sentiment she had sworn to never forget.

“We aren’t here to have fun.”

“That’s true… but I’m sure we’ll be safe here. We won’t be here long, right?”

There was a slight pause.

“It would be smart for us to get done and get out.”

@Leslie Hall, @Raijinslayer, @Inertia, & Co.

Ambrose owed his widowed friend everything and more for all she was doing for him and the guild. Maude was there since the beginning and she would be there in the end, he knew that much was true. Taking her first offered shot, Ambrose gulped it down withtout hesitation and with a great grin. "Yah know, yah're always welcome back on deck, could use a new cook." He gave a smug wink and swiped the bottle from his friend as he stood from his seat, eyeing the crowd within the Smiling Parrot. The faces and voices were melting together as the members of his guild, his family, cheered and sang throughout the tavern. "Yah all better not be givin' Maude here a rough time." He gave a glance towards Laz and nodded in his direction, still with a smirk. "If yah can come up with tha gold we can have all the beer in the world, Laz!"

The captain was soon greeted by another mage, Reynolf, with a question about their freedom to roam. The point of the trip was to open their doors to new members and to enjoy the festival, but wherever the Cloud Chasers were trouble always followed. "As long as yah all keep an eye out for one 'nother, that's all I can ask." As the more season mage looked at ease with Ambrose's words, out from what it seemed like nowhere struck Indra and her lightning fast charm. It echoed through the tavern even more as her voice pierced through the crowd. "Here we go," the guild master laughed as he noticed the party starting to intensify as more and more drinks began getting brought out. "Maude, take it down a notch! These youngsters are gonna take the town out before the festival even happens!"

---

Bresslin Mopp, the strange, rabbit loving man he was found himself outside of the Smiling Parrot, sniffing out something delicately sweet within the air. The aroma was entrancing and it made Bressie go crazy, like catnip for a cat. The sugary scent was coming from somewhere around the corner of the tavern and he was going to find it. "It's gotta be something fruity, I just know it." Bressie muttered to himself, slightly drooling. He knew the source wasn't coming from the Smiling Parrot's kitchen as he already checked before venturing out, and he knew full well nothing that smelled that good was going to be that easy to find.

Imagining the delightful taste of sweets and sugar, Bressie tip-toed away, almost prancing towards the pleasant smell.

Lazulin Mulciber

"Oooooh, get's some liquor in his system and he thinks he can take on the world? Well then, Sunspot, let's see what you've got." Lazulin chuckled as he sat down, motioning for everyone at the table to get out of the way as the drinks were placed before them all.Soon a small circle would form around the two as Lazulin quickly swept up a Mug in his Prosthetic hand, quickly downing the amber liquid down his throat in a rather messy fashion, drenching his tunic a good deal, but still seeming to manage a good deal of the drink into his system. Setting it down with a heavy thunk, the Devilslayer let out a low belch his eyes seeming to unfocus a little before he shook his head to clear them. "Woo! This is certainly some strong stuff, I've got to say. I don't think you'll be able to take many hits of this, Sunspot. I'd turn in the towel now while you can, lest yourself embarrass or vomit all over the floor. No one likes a barmaid with vomit stank on her breath."

As this was happening, Pythia and Sania would find something a little odd was happening around them. The world would begin to dip and bend as if the two of them had been imbibing drinks as heartily as others within the tavern, likely having a none to comfortable effect on their brains. The reason for this slight discomfort, however, would soon be revealed as the red head found the sides of her face being pulled back, forcing a smile on her face as Lazulin seemed to just pop into existence beside her. "Aw come now, Lil' Red, what's got you frownin' like that? Just relax and enjoy a drink or two for once." Lazulin chuckled as he quickly moved away from Pythia after this appearance, not sure how she'd react. He'd considered bothering Laila, but she had a . . . _fetish thing for kicking peeps between the legs that he wasn't in the mood to try and avoid today. "So then, what do you guys say about going out and about the town for a bit to see what this festival is all about, ye? After I kick Sunspot's ass in this drinkin' competion, of course. Seeing his drunk ass in a dress is going to be priceless. I wonder if he's going to realize he's drinkin' against an illusion anytime soon. . . and don't be spoilsports, guys, he sould be able to figure out a rouse on his own, or else he's going to be in for a lot worse then just some embarrassing memories and a killer headache."

@Leslie hall
@Gowi
[@AlteredTundra]

The Smiling Parrot

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Maude folded her arms across her chest, rocking back on her stool while thinking over Ambrose's proposition of re-joining the Chasers. Her gaze shifted to Karla, who was currently scolding young Nicholas for swearing earlier. Her thin, wrinkled lips turned up into a soft smile before she redirected her attention back to her old friend.
"Aye, ye do know how to tempt this old lass; but I can't." Maude spread her arms out, gesturing to the rickety tavern and all of it's inhabitants. "It ain't much, but this is a good, honest life. Me mind was made up long ago Ambrose; the pirate life ain't the life I want for me child or me grandchild. They deserve better." It was the sad truth. To be a Sky Pirate was to live a daring life of adventure and danger; one Maude could no longer justify after the death of her husband. Of course, Ambrose knew better than anyone else how much the Chasers meant to Maude.

The cranky proprietress glared at Lazulin and Asahi, arm in arm while they chugged booze and challenged each other to a drinking contest.
"Loser picks up the tab! Ye hear me? An' don't think I ain't watching!" Before Maude could continue with her idle threats, a loud booming voice echoed through the tavern.

"Attention, good citizens of York!" Deacon Peters' voice, magically projected across the town, caught the attention of Maude and most of the other inhabitants. "Sister Elvira's Ascension Ceremony will be beginning shortly. Please do enjoy the festivities; the good Sister will be awaiting in the gazebo for your farewell blessings shortly." And with that the voice projection ended, leaving the tavern in silence. Maude stood up and addressed the crowd.
"Ye heard the Deacon! Get yer arses moving or you'll miss ya chance to see the good sister off!"
"Mommy, I wanna see the Sister!" Nicholas tugged at his mothers skirt, raising his arms into the air as Karla bent down to pick him up. Maude hung up her apron, moving out from behind the bar to stand side by side with Ambrose.
"Floor three, room two. Yer stowaways are waiting up there. Keys are behind the bar." She gave a curt nod to her friend before departing the Smiling Parrot with her family.

Sister Elvira

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Elvira's gaze stayed fixed upon the space between the two men, clearly unable to see either of them with the ornate crown covering her eyes. When Whirlwind spoke, s
he was able to adjust her position a little to face where she had heard his voice.
"Yes, you will be my escorts. I am most grateful." There wasn't much else to say between the three of them. They were her guard dogs, and she was the prize of York. When Deacon Peters' announcement came, Elvira let out a soft sigh as she mentally prepared herself for the events to come. Stepping forward carefully towards Ulysses, the young Sister awkwardly held out her arm.

"I do not mean to trouble you, kind hunter, but may I ask you to escort me to the town center? The crown I wear cascades my vision." Even through her dry, uninterested tone, it wasn't too hard to tell that she disliked the impractical ornament. Reaching her hand out towards where she presumed was Ulysses elbow, her fingers draped delicately in the nook of his arm as the pair took careful steps towards the door. Underneath the soft layer of cloth he was wearing, Elvira couldn't help but notice how hard and craggy his skin was. Her touch seemed to loosen slightly at the strange texture, but she quickly regained composure; cursing that she couldn't lift up the crown just to take a peek at Ulysses.

Theodore Shimizu

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Theodore was absolutely bored out of his brains. Though he supposed he should be used to it by now. For the last week he had been cooped up in Maude's dingy little inn, with the company of a strange, masked girl that left much to be desired. Sitting across from Kage, Theodore was less than subtle with his curious gawking. Gently tapping the back of his heel against the floor boards and twiddling his thumbs, Theodore had spent the good half of the last week trying to strike up a conversation with her. Though despite his bests efforts, Kage's brooding silence remained.

"Gah!" he groaned, throwing himself back against the bed. "I'm so god damn bored!" He tilted his head slightly, hoping to see some kind of reaction from his companion. Nothing. Sitting up on the bed with his legs crossed, Theodore was started by the sudden announcement from the Deacon. Sitting there for a few moments in silence, Theo stood up and grabbed his lance before heading over to the window.

"I'm going for a quick walk. Everyone should be distracted by the festival so I think it's safe." He definitely could detect the naivety in his logic, but at this point he didn't really care. Another moment in that dusty box would have driven him insane. Heaving himself over the windowsill, Theodore turned back to Kage and offered a neutral hand gesture to see if she intended to tag along.

Ignis Barthandelous

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The tavern Ignis found himself in today sure was lively. One would naturally attribute such popularity to the ongoing festivities, but Ignis had been previously informed by a few locals that the Smiling Parrot was always a popular destination for travelers, merchants and even some unsavory characters. Regardless, the warm mead sold at the Parrot was worth the risk. Ignis enjoyed the comforting beverage while he scrawled away inside his tome, jotting down various numbers and symbols whilst vigorously flipping through prior pages as reference points. His Aetherquill flew across the parchment, yet his hand held as steady as his focused gaze.

Occasionally a loud wave of cheers from a nearby table would draw his attention; particularly to two young men. One had a prosthetic arm which piqued Ignis' curiosity, and the other a spunky young blonde. The two seemed to be engaging in some sort of drinking contest. Ignis smiled at the thought of him participating in such an event. He was only halfway through his mead and could already start to feel the alcohol numbing his senses. He was just about to return to his work when the Deacon's announcement blared throughout the tavern.

Shutting the Arithmancer Tome, Ignis quickly stood up with enthusiasm.
"How exciting! It's been a long time since I attended an Ascension festival. Of course, the celebrations in Judea are much more prestigious than this. Though I must admit, there's a certain charm to the simpleness of a good party." He wasn't really speaking to anyone in particular; just thinking aloud really. Though a young man with scruffy blonde hair sitting in the corner near him would definitely have been in ear shot. Upon realising how loud he had been, Ignis turned to face Ezekiel before immediately averting his gaze down to the floor.
"Oh, um. Yes. Well, I'm quite excited to see the Ascendant. Aren't you?" He directed the question at Ezekiel, attempting to divert any possibility in the other man's mind that Ignis was some loony who talked to himself.

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“So then, what do you guys say about going out and about the town for a bit to see what this festival is all about, ye? After I kick Sunspot's ass in this drinkin' competion, of course. Seeing his drunk ass in a dress is going to be priceless. I wonder if he's going to realize he's drinkin' against an illusion anytime soon... and don't be spoilsports, guys, he should be able to figure out a rouse on his own, or else he's going to be in for a lot worse then just some embarrassing memories and a killer headache.”

How dare he?

The red-haired girl narrowed her eyes, her scowl worsening from the antics of their token “illusion mage”. Had she been standing she would’ve turned around and thrown him into the nearest wall. He knew better than to physically irritate her— but he just didn’t seem to understand the concept of what was appropriate and that his own entertainment did not excuse his nonsense. Her brows narrowed as the bindings of the book she was holding began to tear from the shear amount of rage-induced force; cracks in the cover began to form as she took a deep breath to calm her nerves.

Sania being the person she was noticed Pythia’s demeanor and went to speak in reply while Pythia seemed to steam. It was a tactic she had to do often for the older girl, though she wasn’t sure how effective it had been in the past. “Well, I g—”

Sania’s reply was interrupted by the irate quip that escaped Pythia’s mouth. “—I would only travel with you if I was forced to. In fact, I would take your company as punishment for a misdeed I have done and not a pleasant experience.”

“P-P-Pythia?!”

Pythia slammed her book shut as she stood up, turning a glance at Lazulin with a glare of animosity before turning back to Sania.

“He knows. But his insistence on acting like a toddler at his age is most unbecoming. He is lucky I do not sprawl his entrails all over this tavern. Sania, if you wish to accompany this imbecile you are welcome to. But me, I’m going elsewhere. I cannot stand the presence of manchildren and idiots.”

With her statement uttered, Pythia ignored whatever Lazulin had to say in reply as she stormed off, her free hand touching her face in revulsion as she did so.

@Raijinslayer

Marianne Shimizu

As Marianne walked through the town streets, glaring at any drunken reveler who got too close until they gained the sense to avoid her entirely, she noticed a rather familiar face among the crowds. She waited until the Devilslayer was on the move before approaching, a bit curious of his presence at festival. "Hmph, what are you doing here, Slayer?" She folded her arms across her breastplate, the cool grey of her eyes boring into the young man before her with a stoic intensity. "I knew that the old lizard and Marcus were here, but I figured that be enough to guard one do- one lucky girl . . . a feeling that's justified, considering they have you wondering about like this."

@Pkken