_{@Rtron,@Lucius Cypher, @May, & @Luna}

Darell frowned when both Annabeth and Althalus mentioned, but instead of addressing him personally… they asked Colette. This slightly irked him off as while he might’ve been ghostly, he wasn’t invisible. Inhaling, he didn’t trust the demonmancer to actually introduce him properly and instead stepped forward to do it himself. He held out a see through hand to Althalus as he spoke, “Hello… I-I’m Darell. Who are you?”

Suddenly, he realized his current condition and gradually retracted his hand with a sheepish look. He rested it at his side and after the other introduced themselves, he answered Annabeth’s question before anyone else could, “That’s rather simple as he is what is called a Seeker. He can’t really attack or do anything besides seek out the location to the maze’s center and the only known exit. You all, since you’re not ghostly like him or me, are likely guardians. That means you are able to attack and defend us from whatever dangers are within here.”

His eyes trailed toward where Althalus pointed and nodded, getting the same sense as the older man.

“Through honestly, I’m not sure why you three are actually here and it’s really strange. The Nox is primarily for those students getting aligned… I’ve never heard of outsiders being dragged into the Nox. Did something happen topside?” He asked with his eyes shifted between the group and seeking answers to his question.

Keri Wolf

Location-Hysteria

Drowning inside a river, unable to reach outwards and attempt to grasp a mysterious hand just a few inches above her head, this had been the feeling which flooded the active room. An overwhelming darkness weaving around each person inside like smoke attempting to steal it's victim of their last warm breath, only to be snuffed out by the small light, which crawled off each mortal student from within their designated areas. Yes the vampire had begun to grow accustomed of this warm welcoming feeling yet this still felt impossible to contain without the Crimson liquid flowing inside their veins from each beating motion of their fragile life force. Not that the woman would even willingly think of taking their lives away. In reality one of the reason for her going back, other than protecting Lyn, was to keep the others safe from the ever tempting darkness. A dark yearning that was placed inside ever mortal's deepest thoughts. Of course since Keri's nerves were slowly depleting the reason was just an excuse to get out of the school.

A small tickling sensation forced her to attempt to clear her throat. A hand lifted upwards, gently grasping the vampire's neck, and move in a gentle soothing massage. In the back of the vampire's mind alarm bells were ringing one by one forcing a small amount of morbid curiosity to twist and shift, making the pervious worries move in the back of her mind. When her nose caught that heavenly smell the women gently removed two goblets from the servant with a kind smile. As soon as the girl was away from her companies instinct took over. Lately she had feed privately from others with Colette, taking meals inside Underhaven with just the two of them, or munching on the candies until they were inside their tower. Even though the sight would have been unusual the woman quickly downed one of the goblets as her hand reached for one of the runes connected to her dress and squeezed. Once that was done she downed the second one a little bit slower.

She looked the newComer over dubiously. She didn't recognize him any. And while she would admit that she might have been a little distracted flirting with Annabeth. But she was still rather certain that he was not from the school. Or at least hadn't come with them. She replied to his introduction as a matter of habit more than anything.

So Althalus was special here then. Which made sense she supposed. This was the source of his magic after all. "Shit went down," she said by way of answering the question about why her and Annabeth and Colette were there. "Darkness, literally, grabbed us and we all woke up here."

Unknown

Baulder was beginning to become grated by snake's constant retorts. She wasn't even the target of his malice, she just decided that being involved in the situation was all well and good. He supposed there was nothing to be done about it now but he would keep an eye on her, or at least John would. Baulder snapped his shut as he realized he had left it open for some unknown amount of time after speaking to the Sand Cobra lady. He was unsure what all the things she was talking about were but at the very least they seemed competent mages to him. He was even less sure what they were actually supposed to do in this situation. Did these people expect them to charge the palace with them? After that display at the dinner table he wasn't so sure that would work well.

Bauder heard the girl named Summer say something about him staring at Mar, this situation was beginning to be annoying to him. However, he wasn't sure what exactly she thought they were going to be doing. Did she know something he didn't? Maybe she saw something he didn't? Whatever the case Baulder turned back to their "saviors". "The others we came with, we'll need to get them back.... at some point. Now or later is sort of.... up to you. But yes, yes we need to observe, maybe how big the resistance is.... or potential resistance. It...... sounds as if theres only a few dozen of you against, what? A nation as it is? Unless you know of something that can kill this.... prophet of yours I'm not sure what you want from us."

Baulder felt like he had no idea what was expected of them here. They were just to observe and report back, now they had done everything they had been asked to. So why not get the others and leave yes? This wasn't their fight right now.

Annabeth glanced at this Darell figure. He seemed to know a lot about what was going on, which meant he was either one of the other students for the nox initiation or… Is accustomed to preying on said students. Annabeth couldn’t help but feel a bit paranoid, after all this entire mission quickly took a turn for the worse. The simple fact that she didn’t know Darell made Annabeth cautious of him. When he asked what happened Helena described it best. ”I wish we knew ourselves. Our teacher never explained anything like this to us. One moment we arrive to the village where we do the ritual, and then we’re here. I know we’re supposed to protect Athalus, but never figured it’d be like this.”

Double checking her equipment Annabeth signed, noting that she is lacking arrows. At some point she lost her bardiche as well, though chances are she lost that the same time Samson ran off. This meant all she had is her buckler, estoc, and Athalus’s crossbow now. Holding the crossbow at the ready Annabeth looked towards Athalus. ”Looks like we’ll need to rely on you and Darell now. Lead the way, and we’ll fight off anything that shows up.”

Location-Nox

Colette, still feeling a little steamed by her argument with Darrell about the story, she chose to stay quiet for the stake of everyone or she would let lose her temper at people who didn't deserve it.She looked at Annabeth and then at Athalus as they had their conversation. She felt Atticus brush his fur against her bare leg and Hellos landing on her shoulder.

”Well we should get going then, I rather not be here anymore and become a meal to another creature” She said with gritted teeth as she glared at Darrell, her eyes telling him that she was not happy with him and the accusations he was throwing at her.


Althalus

Althalus dubiously looked over their latest member, Darrell, scrutinizing him. He didn't trust him. Then again, he wasn't about to trust anything that came from the Nox so it was really nothing more than paranoia. Healthy paranoia, granted, but paranoia nonetheless. He jerked a thumb at Helena. "As my suicidal little friend over here noted, it went to shit. Some mage was in the middle of an already undead filled city, and the shadows came alive and gutted most of the other students alive. We have no idea what happened to the instructor. I assume he's still alive, given that it's stupid hard to kill Master Mages. He's not here, obviously."

He glanced over at Annabeth, glancing at his other two companions. "A knight-errant-in-training, a vampire who has a couple demons, and a thief from Port Slaughter who lived the good life before now. I feel safer already." He replied dryly. Sighing he started walking in the direction his gut told him. "Come on. We're gonna make it. You all have so much to live for, and I gotta make it back to Mar or she'll have Uicle resurrect me just so she can skin me alive."

Sansar, Yarosmere

Yolin merely smiled at Darius, only gesturing to the arena in response. Aramir felt tense. Not because of the crowd and noise around her (she loved those), but because she could sense the tension in the air. The expectancy for the kill, for blood to spray across the sands in droves.

The fight hadn't even begun yet. Khalitan slowly shuffled his way into the center of the arena, the seven Sand Cobras backing away as he did so. The crowd grew only louder, baying like hounds on a scent. With shaking hands, the Immortal One began to put his helmet on. As it slid over his eyes, blocking his sight for a second, the Cobras struck. Two pillars of stone erupted on either side of him, rushing to crush him, while more boulders flew over head to make sure he couldn't dodge. The remaining Cobras crouched into ready position.

It was so quick all Aramir was sure she saw was a blur of movement.

Boulders were smacked aside,and two Sand Cobras were decapitated. The other four scrambled backwards, one falling over in a spray of blood as something punched through her chest. The crowd howled in excitement.

Another stumbled to the ground, blood pouring from a sliced throat. The noise was deafening as the crowd cheered.

The other two were also quickly decapitated, their bodies slowly falling over as the crowd went beserk, chanting. "Khalitan Cah! Khalitan Cah! Khalitan Cah! Taking off his helmet with shaking hands, Khalitan wiped his blade off on a body and shuffled back into the gladiator pits.

Yolin looked over at the College students and smiled again. "As I said. He is the Immortal One. He has never been defeated, and some doubt he ever will." Aramir barely heard him, looking in shock at the remains of the Cobras, so quickly dispatched by an ancient man. "Well, now that we caught the best part of the arena, shall I give you a tour of the palace?" Yolin asked brightly.

Yarosmere, unknown location

Sahra shook her head. "We don't want you to face down the entire nation by yourselves. After we help you free your friends at the dinner, we want you to convince the College to side with us. We only need to despose of the 'Prophet.' With him gone, victory should come quickly as the people are freed from whatever foulness that has corrupted their minds." She looked at Baulder. "The Prophet is but a man. A very powerful man, but mortal nonetheless. He can bleed. And if he can bleed, he can die."

The man, presumably the Sand Cobra leader, spoke up next. "We can enter the palace secretly. We'll do this to save your friends, and to assassinate the Prophet when the time comes. However, we can't do anything right now. Your friends are still getting the 'tour' and the Prophet won't be vulnerable until the dinner, and then not vulnerable for a long, long time after we free your friends. If you all promise to play nice and not do anything stupid, you can wander around our cozy little hole in the ground while we wait. Eat, sleep, treat your wounds, train, whatever you want to do. Sahra and I will be in the little outlet in the farthest back, planning our entry and exit into the dinner. Medical is to the left of that, food to the right of that, training and our small armory is your second right. If you need to relive yourself, take the first left and then the second right afterwards. If you need anything else or get lost, ask someone. We don't bite. Promise. We should have a plan in a few hours. See you then or earlier if you like our faces that much." With that, the man turned on his heel and left.

Sahra sighed. "That was Mak. He's the leader of the remnants of the Sand Cobras and rather brusque. But everything he said is true, including the statement that you're free to do as you provided you don't fight or do anything stupid. If you want to leave, ask one of us and we'll let you out in a way that won't compromise our location to the enemy should you get caught. Deal?"

E'nasha Williams ~ Unknown cave, Yarosmere

---

E’nasha nodded her head slightly in agreement with what Mar whispered to her as the woman came over and tried to help her get over her queasiness. It was a good thing to get her and Baulder away from the crazy people of Sansar, though it would be better if they weren’t on the verge of fighting each other. At this point Baulder had walked over to her too, and she felt a twinge of guilt as she heard him ask if she was ok. ”I’m.. Fine? Just nauseous.” The words ended up just being a mumble she wasn’t sure anyone but herself heard, she didn’t even lift her head to look at anyone when she spoke.

Enasha sat and listened to the conversation around her as best she could, she just really didn’t want to move right now. Sahra went on to explain the shadow-portal, and why the resistance isn’t following the prophet. She did look up at the arrival of a new voice, a man pushing his way towards them in the small, crowded cave. He explained that they were going to stage an attack on the dinner later that night, both to rescue the other college students and to attempt to kill the prophet. No one was really able to get a word in to ask him anything before he ran off just as suddenly as he’d approached. Sahra told them his name was Mak.

”Ok, I should get up now...” She spoke more to herself than anyone, mumbling again. She got to the point where she was kneeling with one hand on the floor and one on her knee to help her push herself up before she felt like curling back up into a ball. Instead of doing that, she stood the rest of the way quickly, stumbling a little as she tried to find her balance and accidentally bumping into Baulder and Mar as they were both so close to her.

”Sorry, sorry.” She reached out to the two to stabilize herself, and hopefully to keep her and Mar from falling over each other. She shook her head slightly to help clear it before turning to address Sahra. ”So, what exactly has ‘corrupted’ the people’s minds, as you say? Yarrosmere seems so different than I remember, though it has been a while, but I can’t believe that everyone just accepts this… everything. Even if they may not be in their right minds.”

”You all can’t be the only ones resisting the prophet. Maybe the only ones openly resisting, but not the only ones.”

_{@Rtron,@Lucius Cypher, @May, & @Luna}

Darell eyed each student, from Athalus to Helen, carefully. There were signs of anxiety, tension and suspicion that laced their body language upon interacting with him. They ranged from subtle to obvious (in Athalus’ case) as they explained their situation, his expression giving nothing away that he had noticed it. Inwardly, however, he had wondered how long they would last within the Nox if they kept this up. Pushing the thought away for the moment, he pondered on what had been said for clues over why his Nox connection had dwindled since his arrival.

After finding little information to help him, he looked up to see Colette glare at him. He couldn’t stop his reaction, his eyes rolled and shoulders shrugged, at her childish behavior toward him when he shared the facts about demons. She could trust her rotten little ‘darlings’ all she wanted, but that changed nothing about their vile nature. Give some sins an inch… they would easily consume her and her friends, proving not all sins should be forgiven. They stemmed from mortals after all and over time, they always showed their true colors.

Something finally registered with Darell that he had overlooked before. Before stepping to the front, his eyes tightened on the older Slaughter Port resident while a quiver edged into his tone, “Wait, Athalus… do you mean to say, we’re the only ones left alive? That can’t be true.”

As if on cue, a sound broke any chance for an awkward silence. A blood curling scream. It was followed by shouts of panic then silenced by a monstrous roar ahead of them causing Darell to jump abruptly in place. Impulsively, his foot took a step back and skin drained any color from his flesh. He stared down the dark, eerie corridor stretching before them. His head darted to Athalus for an answer to his lingering question and added another more urgent one.

“Was that more s-students? S-shouldn’t we go help them?”


Mar, Sansar (Yarsomere): Underground Cave~Unknown Location

Mar ignored the mouth agap traitor Baulder in order to keep her temper in check. However, her eyes watched from her peripheral vision carefully because she didn’t trust him to continue to behave. Words of the wrong variety set him off with Aramir and there was little telling what else might, harmless or not. Mentally, Mar blamed Uicle’s lack in foresight over the student’s missing control over his temper. Even Tyrael wasn’t this bad from her recollection and at least directed his fury at objects rather than the source.

When Baulder finally closed his mouth then addressed Sahra, the once Naga found herself bitterly agreeing with him. The others were first on their list and Uicle had made it expressly clear they observe, not get involved. Right now the Resistance seemed determined on getting their aid in this assault. She didn’t like it. It would hurt their ability to convince, though slim, the College to side with murders instead of victims.

Primarily the only reason she had came was to see the fate of her people. When that was completed, she would leave with the others and not get involved with the Yarosmere fighting. In truth, she had seen enough to last her a long time. Distracted by her thoughts, Mar didn’t note when Enasha rose up quicker than usual and started to stumble. When the girl bumped into the wobbly Naga, then gripped her shoulder causing her to lean forward rapidly. Immediately, Mar stepped backwards and leaned too far to account for the girl’s weight in order to catch herself.

Summer seemed to notice this. Within a few moments, she held out her arms and pushed Mar forward to stop her from falling. After a bit of back and forth, Enasha finally stabilized herself at last then turned to Sahra.

“Thank you,” Mar quietly spoke to Summer.

When Enasha’s question was answered, she stepped forward and voiced the question she had on her mind since she arrived at the city, “Do you have idea how many Naga have been wiped out so far? We watched one tortured into Malice and several on the wall, but the number is hard to determine how many were lost.”

She held little hope for any information but was hopeful. Either way, a simple walk into the desert would provide all the answers she needed if none could be find here. Unlike many Yarsomerians, she knew at least where a few Naga clans would hide out and collect having been a Tyro before.

The noise caused her to turn, one eyebrow raised up in something between surprise and disbelief. Surely the others hadn't made it? She'd heard their screams of pain and terror before she blacked out. And she knew the sound that people made when they were being hurt and killed. And that was very much what the screams had sounded like. Then and now. Either way, at the moment, she wasn't certain she wanted to go and rescue them just now. Especially with dubious other people so close at hand.

"Probably," she sighed, bitting at her lip some. "But I'm not in a real big rush to go running straight into danger and death in the unknown dark."

Location-Nox

Colette didn't like the tension that was amongst everyone. Colette kept her eyes on the male she was alone with just minutes before coming back here. She jumped however she heard a blood curdling scream that was followed a loud, monstrous noise. Colette tensed and held her rapier.

”I t think so, we should go see if it was and try to help them”She said looking down the same stretch of darkness as well. The screams lingers until the echoing stopped leaving them in silence until Helena said something.Colette gulped and looked at her group.

”Its better to go so no more people get killed on this mission. They are in big danger and we have to go after them” Colette said after swallowing her own fear. She was feeling a lot of dread, but what she was feeling wasn't important right now. At this moment, she just wanted to help the ones in trouble and get out of here. She wanted to go back to the college and see her beloved Keri. Sure she would have to keep some stuff about this mission to herself, like her being almost eaten by a spider like thing and being taken somewhere else away from the other students. She couldnt imagine how pissed Keri would be if that happened.

Hiding her shudder and pushing down her emotions, she felt her resolve return to her. She wad determined to make sure no one else was hurt on this mission.


Location- Unknown, Underground Caves

Summer watched as the other female student, E’nasha, was struggling to get up nearby of their position and she was about to go help her when she bumped into Mar. Summer was quick to react as well as E’nasha to catch Mar. Summer caught one side of her and helped her get back up right. She smiled when she heard a slight whisper of a thanks from Mar.

”You are welcome Mar” Letting Mar talk, she went over to the other girl and smiled lightly, the nasuea she was feeling a thing of the past now.

”Hello. My name is Summer Flores. Are you feeling ok?”She asked holding out her hand to her. She heard Mar’s question and looked at Mar with concern with the answer that could follow afte the question. She only hoped that the answer had a good answer.

Baulder, Yarsomere

Unkown

Baulder was annoyed. He couldn't do anything and he was hungry. Hungry. Baulder looked over to E'nasha and heard her calls of being fine. This was enough for Baulder, she knew more what was fine and what wasn't than him right? Seeing her struggle getting up against the lizard women was slightly concerning as it almost looked like they were going to both fall over. Baulder moved his arms out as if to catch her if she fell but didn't do much more than that as he didn't want to get close to the vile former snake lady. Confident she wasn't going to actually fall over Baulder was about to ask where the food was before once again, Mar had a question to. Baulder then waited a second before walking up to the women who had identified herself as Sahra, getting rather close to her. "Yes, all well and good yes. Don't think we'll be leaving until you do anyways. For the time, do you have any food? I just spilled out what food I managed to get from that odd table in the middle of the town, weird feast that was. Food would be nice.

Baulder's eye twitched slightly as he felt his stomach rumble at him. That teleportation business was quite exhausting, he needed more food if he wanted to do it again.

Annabeth stood by, vigilant of any danger nearby. She used her magic in low bursts to sense any otherworldly presence nearby, that way nothing can get the jump on them. But she was still paying attention to her friends conversation. She was tempted to smack Athalus for his sarcastic comment, but now was not the time for slapstick. She’ll chew him out later once they were safe from danger. ”Though considering the college danger is always around the corner.” Soon after thinking that there was a scream further into the darkness. It may have been the other students, and Annabeth was faced with a tough decision.

In these dark, unknown depths, Annabeth wanted nothing more than to get herself and her friends out of here ASAP. She wasn’t going to try and risk their lives needlessly. At least that’s what Annabeth would think, if the first thought when she heard those screams wasn’t “We have to help them.” Annabeth may not know whoever is over there, but she couldn’t forgive herself if she willfully ignored them to save her own skin. But she did understand Athalus and Helena’s choice to not go. Annabeth couldn’t blame them. But she could certainly blame herself.

”Colette is right. I have a job to protect the students… The rest of you stay back and head towards the exit. I’ll catch up with you later.”

@Luna@May@Fallenreaper@Rtron

DIPLOMACY MISSION

It wasn’t long before the main events of that gala occurred. As everyone was socializing there was a loud ring of a bell. From the top of a large staircase was the host of tonight’s gala, Sanguine. He stood with his wife, holding the guest of honor: The baron’s son. Everyone paid their respects as the baron gave a large speech about the miracles of Aarem and thanking everyone for their contributions. “Tonight is a monumental night for my family. Vampires are blessed with immortality, but while they are never truly dead, they could never give life. But our godly host Aarem has seen fit to change that law, and has given to me an heir of my own flesh and blood! Oh sweet child of mine, who will one day grow up and uphold his legacy. And I thank all of you for coming tonight in honor of my son. Let us toast tonight, for our glory today, and our fortune tomorrow!”

Everyone gave the baron their rapt attention, even those who were trying to harass the college students. Keri would find that she’s no longer hungry, and the psychomancer who Lyn had pranked was trying his best to look presentable, with mixed results. The barons that the others were talking to also gave their respects to tonight’s host. Soon after the small speech the baron and his wife took their seats at a pair of grand thrones, flanked by imposing looking knights. Everyone went up to the Baron to personally congratulate him, and a few were even allowed to be near the baby. Still, anyone who tried anything untowards the child or the family, they were quickly dealt with. The closets that anyone saw was a particular noble who must have not been in the Baron’s favor, because when he approached one of the knights blocked his path with his halberd. Upon closer examination, these knights appeared to be armored Eyesires.

Soon the college students would be given a chance to meet and greet Sanguine and his family. He seemed rather at ease and his wife was utterly ecstatic, hardly paying attention to the going ons around her in favor of her child. The knights, their faces hidden behind their visors, remained dutiful and on guard. Everyone seemed quiet eager to speak to the Baron however, so chances of a long conversation was slim. Once the students came up to Sanguine, he greeted them.

”Welcome and thank you for coming to my gala. From your sigils you must be from the college. Tell me, how is college life? It’s been so long since I attended.”

@Fallenreaper@Demonic Angel@Konan375@EliteCommander@Ryonara

Ssarak Dyreackthanose

---

This was an interesting development. Ssarak was by no means an expert on vampires, but he had a basic education from the College. He had never heard of a natural vampiric child, and it was no small matter if one was suddenly born. Even if nothing else happened during their mission, that would certainly be a piece of information of interest to Lucilia.

Ssarak felt little in the way of anxiety when approaching the Baron. He did not come from a place where the leadership were considered unapproachable to the average person, so he could speak with the confidence befitting a diplomat.

”It is a pleasure to be here.”” Ssarak responded, returning the Baron’s polite and pleasant greeting. ”College life has been personally treating me quite well. In times such as these, it is hard for anyone to truly say that all is well, but the College continues to be a place of learning and strength. I can tell you, it is like another world entirely compared to the Scorched Lands, but I would not consider leaving it. Apart from assignments, of course. Lucilia is the one who requested that we attend. I am sure she would have liked to have visited herself, but she has many duties to keep her busy.” Ssarak explained.

Yarosmere, Unknown Location

Sahra looked at E'nasha. "We've tried to find others. There are none. No one else is resisting anywhere in Yarosmere. There are not attacks, no protestations, no outcries. We are the only ones left with the will to resist. The rest are just mindless slaves to the Prophet. As for the Naga...they are all dead. The three main ones have been eradicated, as have more than half of the minor villages. The other ones are abandoned. We believe that they fled into the Ravine of Demons. Regardless, they are long out of our reach." She couldn't help but smirk as Baulder approached. "Down the on the right, second carved out entrance on your left. Plenty of food to devour to your heart's content. Hopefully, it'll be enough to keep you satisfied until we're ready to save your friends."

"As I said, Mak and I will be at the back, planning the rescue of your friends. What little weapons and armor we have is off to the right, the medical section is off the left, and the bunks are over there, if you'd like to catch some sleep. There's little else to do now. If you have any questions you can ask anyone here, or join Mak and I in the planning." With a smile and a small bow, Sahra turned and followed Mak.

Althalus

"Nope. Fuck that." Althalus replied, going to leave the opposite direction of the noise. He sighed and came to a stop as the others began to move towards the sounds of death and murder."They're probably already dead. And we certainly can't help anyone else if we are all dead trying to save corpses. Right? You're not going to listen to me are you. Althalus sighed again, reluctantly turning around. "Why can't I ever be paired with the pragmatic and pessimistic people?

_{@Rtron,@Lucius Cypher, @May, & @Luna}

Darell looked at Helena as he studied her expression. Inwardly, he debated on if she was overcautious or seriously cold hearted when she wanted to avoid going into the darkness. If it was the latter, then god of ‘evil’ became impress at her dedication to self preservation rather than following the school’s helpful nature. He partly wondered if he had added to the decision being considered as his head turned to the direction.

Deep down he, faintly, knew what was happening.

None of the students, much like the ones here, had been slaughtered. At least until they fully emerged within the Nox and now several groups had been set upon by the inhabitants. Currently, the group that they had detected had issues with a nitemare which was ripping them apart. Already a single student had been impaled and her life slowly dripped from her corpse, shocking the others into nearly getting trampled. At this rate, they wouldn’t last much longer.

They were easily killed that for a moment, Darell wondered what Ren saw in these mortals.

Feeling Colette eyeing him, he turned his eyes onto her. That’s when she pulled out her rapier and his figure jerked from the way, avoiding getting slice as it narrowly miss. He gave her a glare telling her to watch where her blade was flipped out at. By this time, Annabeth had decided to speak her own thoughts with a heroic intention behind it. Sadly, Darell knew her solution would get her killed no matter if she had encountered one on the surface. Naturally Athalus whined about them not listening, but couldn’t leave them to their death.

“For some reason, and I don’t know why, you all don’t trust me. That’s fine because I know not to count on you to keep me alive so I’ll take my chances with the other group,” with that, Darell then bolted off down the tunnel.


Lyn, Hysteria (Djarkel)

Ripppp!

Lyn was sure which surprised her more, the fact she got a cheap shot in or that the vampire’s fabric came away so easily. The seam held no resistance when the plant snared a piece and gave it a hard tug, resulting in the psychomancer being distracted. The vampire confusedly glanced down to spy the imperfection in his clothing before a sharp, attention getting ring literally called everyone’s eyes to snap toward the source. Her figure twisted around with a smirk at seeing the Baron, Baroness and their son glide into the room. The speech had been to the point and an adapt thanks to the god responsible for the vampiric nature they all carried with proud.

From the corner of Lyn’s vision, she watched the psychomancer immediately excuse himself. His lithe figure retreated so quickly in shame that she almost felt terrible about what she had done. However, deep down she knew if she didn’t then Keri would’ve likely done something irreversible for the College’s reputation. This why she hated politics. They were so shady and no one really won within them, a fact she regretted about this mission.

While they waited patiently to approach the Baron, Lyn skirted to Keri’s side, “That was a close one. Are you alright?”

When she got her answer, she nodded in understanding then noticed that Ssarak had stepped up toward the family. Gesturing to the Eysire’s back, her head nudged for Keri and herself to follow suit, “Try not to be a fraidy cat.”

Her tone was teasing and playful before she fell into Ssarak’s wake, her figure tried to mimic grace and politeness. The armored guards, with their thicker frame and tall stature, made her a bit nervous since they looked poised to attack at any moment. Her breath held in her chest while she tried to relax on her way through. Her head rotated from one to the other until their host’s voice caught her attention and unofficial leader replied, kindly addressing the Baron and his family. He was rather elegant with words compared to how she, herself, often stumbled over them. Instead of taking the spotlight from him, Lyn allowed herself to meld into the background as the Eysire handled the politics.

He seemed to be in his element after all.


Mar, Sansar (Yarsomere): Underground Cave~Unknown Location

Naturally, Mar ignored anything that Baulder had done. His avoidance of her did little to hurt her and only put her on higher alert, her fingers hovered near her bone weapon in order to be ready to defend herself. However, when mention of the Naga reached her ears… all color drained from her face. Her irises wavered and continued to stare at Sahra in obvious disbelief. It couldn’t be real. Her heart sank while her mind struggled with the correct emotions surfacing into her attention. Anger… fear, worry, and more battered at her very core until it fell to the ground, batter and beaten.

A familiar sting edged to the corner of her eyes where a slight blurriness began, held by pure will. Her eyes averted to the nearest wall where they avoided to be seen preventing tears from bleeding across her face.

Her eyelids promptly shut, then opened again.

Any emotion abruptly shy behind a wall, one she knew very well, as she tried to hold it all in. Emotions wouldn’t help her now and merely tossing a temper would get very little done. Any addition questions turned to ash in her dry throat and she remained frozen to the spot, unable to bring herself to move or she might never stop. Her heritage was gone now. Nothing left of her roots and that meant her daughter would never have a chance to learn what it was like to be a Naga, part of her culture completely wiped from Tiien. The reality of everything that Athalus had argued about slapped her fully in the face leaving a sickening sensation to linger.

Gradually she stirred then began to move silently off toward wherever someone indicated an exit.

Helena looked over at Darell as he looked at her, confused by what it was that he was trying to figure out with her. There was something about him that just bugged at her. She'd met a few less than pleasant people in her time, and they kinda gave her the same sort vibe. But without more context it was hard for her to really judge him. Either way, she wasn't going to trust him until she knew more about him.

"Didn't say we wouldn't..." she started before he rushed off. Looking to Athalus, rolling her eyes a little bit. She didn't want to run away like he did, she just didn't want to run in either. That was dumb, and he'd just yelled at her about that. She turned to Annabeth and shook her head slightly, "you're not going alone," she said with a little sigh. "Come on, let's go make sure out new 'friend' doesn't get himself killed." She started forward, but she didn't do anything like running.

Location: Hysteria (Djarkel)

The rune slowly provided the much needed relief for the vampire though the familiar feeling of her short temper slowly seemed to ignite the sleeping embers inside her soul. In a way the young woman should have expected a move like this and yet for someone to use such a place for a cheap shot had caught her completely off guard.

The girl bit her tongue in order to keep from doing something very stupid. What was the point in going to this place? Why had she come to this specific mission without really pondering over the other missions? In a way Keri knew the real answer to her questions granted that the last reasoning wasn't totally truthful. Yes she had come here to help the college and to protect the others from harm to the best of her ability but there was another answer that seemed to stick out from her mind. Much more than the other answers.

The ringing of a bell caused the woman’s eyes to flicker upwards towards a large staircase. The girl listened quietly as the person spoke, finally successful in pushing the feeling off to the side to take out upon her teacher during their training session later on. When the host mentioned a fact everyone knew the vampire couldn't help but scoff.

” Vampires may have immortality but at the cost of drinking the blood of mortals. For those who you've come to trust this can be dangerous. We take lives from others just to continue living our empty lives. Aarem is just someone who loves causing pain towards others without a second thought towards the outcome. He has us playing pawns in a small sick twisted world and personally I'm not one for playing such moronic games. I’m only here for two reasons Colette and the one who turned me. So the God can take his blessings for me and shove them up his ass for all I care because I don't need them.” she mentally commented. This wasn't the first time the young woman had thought this and nor would it be the last.

When the speech was over the students had gathered to congratulate the Barron though Keri stayed a little bit farther behind the small group. This was so the others could speak towards the man instead of her. That and this provided time for the girl to calm down. When Lyn spoke the woman couldn't help but feel a smile form on her lips. ”Yes I'm alright Lyn. Though since I do believe Ssarak has this handled I vote we just stay quiet. At least for now.”

Meirin Kurenai

Some time passed and now the baron of Sanguine had arrived, giving a big speech about his child and thanking everyone for coming. Meirin didn't really give much thought about vampires giving birth; she was vaguely aware of their existence thanks to living in Djarkel but she's never met one until she's been at the college. She was never aware that they couldn't give birth to their own children, but she at least understood that for such a highly esteemed baron, a son would be important regardless. Of course right after his introduction everyone went back to business, but also made sure to visit the baron and congratulate him for the child. Obviously the College students would be doing the same.

Ssarak managed to get to the baron first and spoke. He gave his compliments about the college and mentioned Lucilia, which were safe things to say. Meirin was never one for politics, but Djarkel was her home and she had some ideas about how it ran. While many would say that Djarkel is selfish and their barons were self-centered, personal strength was highly valued, as strong individuals can make strong organizations. Leaving Ssarak up there alone, even if he was best suited for all this talking, would look badly on them because it would imply that the rest weren't skilled at diplomacy. So Meirin soon joined Ssarak at his side, bowing at the Baron before introducing herself.

"The college continues to challenge us everyday. Every victory feels like a true accomplishment, and the college always finds a way to reveal more potential within ourselves. They have their enemies and they face problems as well, but they are steadfast and find solutions. Though I'm glad to be back in my home country, even if I cannot stay. I hope one day what I learn at the college would give me the skills I need to make Djarkel prosperous." Meirin's words almost felt bitter in her mouth as she was no Djarkel patriot, but like Ssarak these words were safe to say, as they weren't lies either. She did intend to use the knowledge she learns at the college so that one day, she may return to the monastery and bring her teachings to them as well. She didn't care about the rest of Djarkel.

Myrn Vaan’Atisha

This man felt hollow and fabricated. Myrn wasn't sure herself how she managed to stick through it for so long. He seemed so... Narrow minded. A few of Myrn's fellow students are whisked away and he just gives them a tour of the city? Showing them all the "glories" their new crazed emperor has made? He doesn't even try to hide the travesties they've committed. When they reached the arena Myrn wasn't exactly eager. Admittedly she's been involved in some blood sport before, but despite what most people think were slaves, criminals on trial, or even desperate. Many of them were skilled warriors with loose morals. Myrn was once one of them. But after seeing everything in Yarosmere, Myrn just couldn't feel very impressed at seeing this "Immortal One" fight for the amusement of the blood thirsty citizens.

"Panem et Circenses..." Myrn whispered to herself. It was an old saying she learned from one of her teachers: how people would willingly sacrifice their humanity and decency for the sake of meeting simple things like food and entertainment. As long as the new government catered to the base desire of the masses, it's population would overlook these travesties. Indeed, whatever rebel cell was active in Yarosmere would be fighting and uphill battle. They certainly need help, and Myrn was trying to devise a way to do that. This talk of the palace piqued her interest.

"The royal palace? Does the prophet stay there, or does he have his own building?"

_{@Rtron,@Lucius Cypher, @May, & @Luna}

Darell rushed down the tunnel, his feet clattered across the stone and echoed into the Nox somewhere. His chest hurt causing him to curse this human form and its fragilities while he pushed onward. His arm reached out to tap the wall, each skirt along the surface scratched at his palm and fingers until something wet touched them. Abruptly, he came to a grinding halt and stared at what currently coated his fingers. He rubbed them together before his mind finally put it together. It was blood smeared over the darkened wall. His eyes turned to spy several signs of conflict and struggle, followed by voices bellowing for help and trying to fight off whatever was gradually killing them.

Upon bursting into the scene, all four individuals would come across the source of the fight. Annabeth, who had only a brief experience with the creature who’s back was toward them, would realize the aggressor was nothing but a Nitemare. A phasing, man eating stallion with a dual set of horns adorning its black head. One set a bull’s made for gorging and impaling its target while running at great speed and close range. On the other hand, the ram like ones provided great protection and tougher than most armor in order to prevent blunt force trauma or head damage.

On the other end, the far wall, three young figures huddled in panic against it. A older boy, in his early twenties, held a rapier out and pushed both the younger girls behind him for protection against the looming beast. Dark blood coated his blade indicating he had managed to wound the creature along one of the sides but not enough to warn it away. His tunic had a large, red blotch against his side where the nitemare had managed to gorge him and now he was slowly bleeding out. Pale skin became covered in sweat while his teeth pressed tightly together and a snarled expression crossed his lips.

The sinewy creature pawed the ground impatiently then lowered its head and charged forward. In an instant, the creature melted into the ground and left them in silence. Cautiously, the male edged into the center as his weapon was held outright and at the ready. His head flipped back and forth, trying to find the creature that seemed to have vanished. A sudden scream erupted from the far wall causing the fighter to twist on heel to help. The youngest, a fifteen year old, had a single horn tip protrude from her middle as her arms reached for her friend. However, the older girl was too horrified and shocked by the experience to do anything but pedal backwards. She stumbled as she watched the youngest, her traveling clothes dyed farther with red, began to rise and the nitemare slowly materialize from the very wall.
The stallion jerked its head about, drawing another gurgling scream and slight struggle from the girl’s bleeding body. The corpse flew through the air and collided into the wall with a sicken smack.