"Oops." Eyes widening at the other woman's response, Rosalia quickly straightened up and held her hands up in front of her. "No no, no need to apologize! If anything, I'm the one who owes you an apology; I didn't mean to startle you like that." Then again, she should have known that quietly sidling up to someone lost in thought probably wasn't the best of ideas--it was no wonder that the poor cleric had been given a scare.

The question earned a small, wry smile from the pegasus knight. "There isn't anything that I need per se. I just realized upon seeing you that we never really had the time to converse in the past week, and late as it is, I thought it a good idea to amend that now." Rosalia stretched her hand out to the other woman, lips pulling into another smile.

"I'm Rosalia, and I--belatedly--am looking forward to working with you."
@PaulHaynek

Markus was a little sad that they had to stop at the island, he really enjoyed being on the water and talking to people. Granted, those people were probably upset at him, because he had let his wyvern Clementine be free while on the ship, so throughout the voyage, the ship seemed to shake somewhat frequently. This was rather bad when you had a good drink in your hand, and Clementine came back from one of her flights. Markus felt a little embarrassed about all the spilt drinks that were all his fault, but he knew it was only a matter of time until he could prove his worth in combat.

He felt he did a decent enough job making up for the blunders that he had made, with the food he had crafted on the ship's very small kitchen. It wasn't much of a kitchen, but he made it one. Knives were laid nice on sacks of grain, he rested pots in the small area where he could light a fire without the risk of burning down the ship. He considered trying to take someone's weapons to use as a prop-up for a loaf of bread he was baking, but his axe worked well enough, discounting the small hole in the ship's hull. However, he couldn't help but think some of his supplies were going missing. It may have looked like a mess, but he made some good stew and steak during their voyage.

Markus did have one reason to be happy about the stop however, it let him get new supplies for cooking, which was of course a necessity when you had to feed a whole adventuring party. So, as soon as the boat would dock, he would be rushing down to the market, preferably with company. He was a pretty bad shopper when he was alone. Until then, he sat in his makeshift kitchen, practicing his fortune telling.

[cengter][/center]

[interacting with @alexfangtalon and @bright_ops

@aluminumdude@paulhaynek@chieri@suku@heckno12@eisenhorn@lugia@bright_ops@levias@leos klien@alexfangtalon

"Because clearly those are the only things that matter," Kieran said with a shrug to both of people he was now interacting with,"Why is that the first thing you asked? Honestly my first questions would be something along the lines of "Whats your favorite color" and "does this quiver make my bow look fat".

Kieran smiled while talking and laughed at the end of his own dumb joke. He thought that Mr. Man over here was a little too.....forward....or serious.....or too seriously forward. Kieran slightly out loud as he thought this, realizing he was probably looking like a fool. Kieran stretched his arms and yawned.

"Besides clearly Adelinde has her reason for being here, and this is an open group. How about this, leave Adelinde to me and I will get her suited up and weaponized while we are ported. And if it turns out she cant fight I will show her how to fire a bow ok? "

@Heckno12


"There is a theory I have that the source of the things that is happening is a mixture of strong ambient magic and the outrealms. Magic has always been unpredictable doubly so with ancient magic. So what would happen if that ambient magic interacted with the summoning and chaotic nature of the outrealms?" Fie explained it was her prevalent theory at the moment but it was a theory and one see needed to research more on along with actual experience to truly test. "Outrealms form my knowledge is chaotic in nature ranging from summoning warriors to monsters and dragons as well. With that said its chaotic nature once met with ambient magic can cause a fault if you will thus causing the events." She explained further the main reason she was even going this far was that she believed Troe to be one of the few who would understand her theory.

@Chieri

"There isn't anything that I need per se. I just realized upon seeing you that we never really had the time to converse in the past week, and late as it is, I thought it a good idea to amend that now."

Keerin was quite amused at the Pegasus Knight's words and it elicited a small smile on the Cleric's face. She thought she would be mostly ignored in the entirety of the adventure considering the entire week but apparently someone was just waiting for the right moment.

"I'm Rosalia, and I--belatedly--am looking forward to working with you."

The Pegasus Knight extended a hand for Keerin to shake which the latter did. "Likewise, Miss Rosalia. I am Keerin." She also introduced herself. "Please do not hesitate to rely on me. Though seeing as I am the only one who can heal in this party, I think that would be a given." She said. "But I would also appreciate it if you do not carelessly get injured in battle."

"Anyway, it is nice meeting you Miss Rosalia.

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Interacting with : @dabombjk@Bright_Ops

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As soon as she finished speaking another member of the adventurers came up and commented on what she had said. No matter how rude he was going to be it wouldn't affect her. Living in a bandit camp helped her build a very tough skin. All it really did was make her angrier especially with the mood she was currently in. At the very least she could say this buckethead bought her reason. It was true she wanted to fight these things, but only if they somehow got in the way of finding her sister.

Usually she would just silently listen to what he said, but she was pissed. She stood up with a fierce look in her eyes and said, "For your information I know plenty about weapons. I worked for people who fought practically daily. They taught each of us the basics of weapon use. How to clean them, sharpen them, repair them, and obviously how to use them." She stared up to the man unflinching. If he thought he could dissuade her or put her down he was going to get a rude awakening. Ade could hold a grudge, and if this guy threatened her chance to find her sister it wouldn't be good. She may not be able to outfight him but there are many ways to deal with people if they underestimate someone. "Oh, and if you want to crap out emeralds all ya gotta do is shove one down yer gullet."

Interacting: @dabombjk@alexfangtalon

To say that Artyom wasn't moved by her 'experience' with weapons would have been an understatement. While he didn't show it the fire and passion that she displayed actually gave him pause in disregarding her completely; While her complete lack of fighting experience was still a major handicap and would be the primary basis upon which he made his decision, the spirit she showed suggested that such a thing could and would be overcome if given enough time to grow...

Of course Bowman started to speak up about some nonsense, but he largely ignored the man in favor of narrowing his focused gaze on the woman herself. Wheels were turning in his mind before he spoke again... a little more respect in his tone then before. "A complete lack of practical fighting experience is a liability that is likely to result in not just your death but the deaths of other people in the squad. It normally takes several weeks minimum of training with a weapon before I would consider you competent enough with it to send you into an area where you might end up fighting something. It also doesn't help that you would be trained for fighting on a ship rather then on dry land, which might not seem like much difference but there is enough of one that it wouldn't do you any favors. The cold hard truth of the matter is that we don't have the time, resources or room to train you properly with a weapon before we land on hostile shores."

A small, thoughtful little grin appeared on his face as he quickly added "That said... I'm willing to cut you a deal. At the moment we don't need another meathead who knows how to put the pointy end of something into an enemy. What we need is another healer. So here's the deal; For the rest of this trip, you'll be learning everything you can from the cleric on board about how to fill such a role on the battlefield and if she declares you a competent enough healer to be trusted with such a role by the time we arrive, you'll be allowed to come with us as an equal team member. If not, you're staying on the boat for your own safety and the safety of everyone around you. Sound good?"

@aluminumdude@paulhaynek@chieri@suku@heckno12@eisenhorn@lugia@bright_ops@levias@leos klien@alexfangtalon

(interacting with everyone)

Kieran smiled onm the outside but on the inside he cringed ever so slightly. Kieran could admire nerves and could appreciate someone who likes to tale charge, leaves less work for him, but this guy was being pretty rude. Not only to himself, he could deal with that, but with the new girl as well. He was sure the new girl could take care of herself and didnt need him butting in but what the heck, its not like he could make the situation. Kieran stepped up and snapped his fingers a few times in front of the guys face. He then cocked his head to the side and crossed his arms. "Yoo hoo! Hi, fellow adventurer speaking, kinda said words you basically ignored. Maybe we shouldnt try forcing anyone to do anything they dont want to do. If anything we should probably put this to a vote for the entire group. This isnt a dictatorship this a democracy, where we are all have a vote."

Kieran narrowed his eyes and smiled. "I mean....that is how you see it right?"

first: @Suku Then: Everybody I guess @dabombjk@Bright_Ops@alexfangtalon@PaulHaynek@AluminumDude@Chieri@Levias@Lugia@Leos klien@eisenhorn

"Interestingly enough, that's pretty similar to my own idea." Troe said, clearly pleased that he wasn't the only one with that line of thought.

"Though, there is one difference from what I was thinking. I'd have to see whatever these things are to confirm it, but I believe it's linked to the few side notes I found in that book. It mentioned something of a space between worlds that is devoid of any light. It wasn't anything substantial, but the way some people described these things and the darkness they brought along with them just seemed to click. I just have to actually get a good look myself...and maybe find that book if that's even possible."

Troe looked toward where one of the other people that had come along was talking about forcing people to do things and votes and such. He didn't really understand what that was all about, but he did see a girl that he hadn't before they left.

"Err...Excuse me, what's going on now?" He asked the three that were arguing.

Interacting: @dabombjk@alexfangtalon@Suku@PaulHaynek@AluminumDude@Chieri@Levias@Lugia@Leos klien@eisenhorn@Heckno12

The clicking of fingers in his face from the bowman, alongside the dribble about this somehow being a 'democracy' caused Artyom to turn on the man quickly while all his vision saw was red, his hand tightening into a fist that he aimed to drive into the archer's stomach as a growl escaped his throat. "This is not a democracy! We are literally going into the shattered, monster covered remains of the homelands of most of the people here, including mine! Take this seriously you twat!"

He made no more to follow up the sudden assault, panting a bit from his yell that caused his armor to creak from the raising and falling of his chest. For the moment, he didn't seem to notice anyone else around him.

Interacting: @dabombjk@alexfangtalon@Suku@PaulHaynek@AluminumDude@Chieri@Levias@Lugia@Leos klien@eisenhorn@Heckno12

Cael had been spending a good portion of his time out in the city, looking for possible places to eat while in town. He had a fascination with foreign foods and was curious if anything here was particularly different than in New Capita. He'd found some small vendors selling smoked fish in the streets and he purchased some on a whim. He knew that Markus would be looking for ingredients as well, so he tried to find fresh vegetables and fruits for the man to use. The Myrmidon also purchased some ginger and tea leaves to help ease his minor seasickness. On his way back into the port Cael ran into Li, one of his companions that he'd gotten to know a little about during their trip.

After speaking briefly to Li, Cael noticed the raised voices on the ship. He could hear something about a democracy before he heard Artyom yell at the Archer. Cael groaned, shifting the box of supplies he'd had in his hands. "Seriously?" He asked as he stepped onto the deck. "What in the name of hell are you two fighting about? We're not even halfway into this trip and people are already screaming." The young man's voice came out annoyed as he placed the box down, before noticing the new face.

"Stowaway, huh? I'm assuming she's trying to join us."

Cael's eyes glanced around. Most, if not all, of the party was at least within earshot. "Trial by combat." The words passed through his lips with practiced ease. Looking to Artyom, he nodded. "Surely that will tell you if she is worth the rations. You're a capable warrior and we have a Cleric on hand." He'd been tested in the same way before, it was a fair way to see if someone was worth keeping around. Looking around, Cael looked to the Archer. "Unless you have a better idea that would also tell us if she's worth keeping around. This is only a scouting operation, but that doesn't mean we need weak links. We could be attacked by pirates on the way there, or noticed by the enemy before we're even ashore."

@aluminumdude@paulhaynek@chieri@suku@heckno12@eisenhorn@lugia@bright_ops@levias@leos klien@alexfangtalon

(Interacting with @alexfangtalon @heckno12 @bright_ops @levias)

Kieran sighed when his comrade reacted violently, and said harsh things. Why did people believe that this was the only way to have a proper conversation? And he was just trying to help, do his part, help out the new person. This was a recon mission no one was going to die a glorious death on the war field, soaked in the blood of his or her enemies. They needed to stick together, trust each other, and they would all be able to do their job undetected and get home alive without a scratch on them. Then they could go home as rich as a king or go and do....whatever. Fight the good fight, go on more adventures.

Kieran saw the punch coming, or at least saw all the signs of a punch coming. Anger, diluted pupils, shaking, fist tightening, abrupt moving. Kieran was able to side step the punch, then grabbed the mans arm with both hands. He swept the leg, causing the man to fall forward, which Kieran used to force the man to flip over and land on his back. Kieran smiled and took a step back. "That was not necessary. And this IS a democracy you......," Kieran scratched his head ,"person......sorry insults are not really my thing. This cant be a dictatorship, or else we will all die. Ive seen what happens when one person has to make all the decisions in war. And honestly after all that, if you think anyone wants to elect you as our leader your...well....just not very smart. Also im hurt."

Kieran feigned an injury of the heart. "I take this very seriously. I mean I wore fresh undergarments, I shined my bow and quiver, I am ready."

Kieran turned to the third face and fourth faces, the ones wanting a trial by combat and the one wanting to know whats happening. He smiled and talked to both. "We are simply having some miscommunication here my good man. I thought he was speaking about taking an arrow to the knee, and I got defensive because of my weapon of choice." Kieran laughed and motioned dramatically with his hands. "And she wont be a weak link. Look in her eyes, she has a fire in them. I mean cmon she looks like she would rather die than not complete whatever goal she came out here for. She stowed away, spent days with little food, water, and sunlight, and the minute she gets fresh air you want her to fight? Kick her off? Thats just the definition of mean."

Inteacting with Everybody I guess @Suku @dabombjk@Bright_Ops@alexfangtalon@PaulHaynek@AluminumDude@Chieri@Levias@Lugia@Leos klien@eisenhorn
"Trial by combat? A bit barbaric, but...If bringing her along is such a big issue it may be the best option. Though it would be unfair to just toss her into it out of the blue. She's likely a bit malnourished after hiding all this time after all." Troe said approaching the newcomer. Glaring a bit at Kieran for his carefree comments in this situation, he sighed. "If this were a military vessel all three of you would likely be tossed overboard. But thanfkully this isn't a dictatorship, or really a democracy for that matter. We're an alliance, not a nation. That being said..." Troe's expression softened a bit "I know you've been harassed quite a bit, but I have to ask your name and purpose here."

Stowaway or not, it would be wrong to deny her the chance to plead her case. After all, they were simply adventurers chasing a bounty, not any type of official force. The only problem he really saw was that the bounty that many on the ship were after was essentially a race. If some other group of adventurers got there first and came back with the needed information...well there wasn't any type of consolation prize. Not that Troe cared, he had essentially forfeited the bounty before even boarding the ship.

Everyone around Nick just started talking after he finished talking to the cook with a dragon, and the spear man. The subject seemed to be about an unassuming, young woman who Nick could have sworn looked scared at some point, even if right now, she looked angry... even then, she didn't even seem to have a weapon with her, yet. The arrow user seemed to welcome her on board, but a few others seemed to object to that as the boat came to a halt near an unfamiliar island. "Um... I don't think she could do much to us, even if she tried. She could be helpful to us, but I don't think letting her on board could do much to hurt us. I'm with arrow guy on this one," Nick said to the group as he made his way over to said archer, and sat down, as he normally would. I wonder if she's seen a 'talking fox', before... Nick thought as he looked up at everyone, his current and usual form being somewhat shorter than humans. For almost no reason, Nick decided to sniff the air, a bit, and it seemed like someone on the ship, oddly enough, smelled of birds and... much to Nick's disgust... horses. Since the crowd on the boat was unexpectedly large, and they had a wide variety of smells, Nick couldn't really pinpoint who, exactly it was that smelled like that, but, he thought he'd figure it out, eventually. Do the humans usually deal with horses? I know they deal with dragons... so... maybe they don't. It doesn't seem like they'd have any reason to ride a horse, when they can ride dragons... right? Nick pondered as the smells all seemed to blend together, obscuring who had which smell, and making finding out who dealt with horses that much more difficult.

@dabombjk, @heckno12, @alexfangtalon, @Bright_Ops, @Levias, (any others?)

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Interacting with : @dabombjk@Bright_Ops@Heckno12@Levias@Lugia

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Everything this big meathead was saying just kept pissing her off. She wanted to jam a dagger right in his throat. The archer honestly wasn't helping at all. He was just being annoying. Then another person walked up just before the meathead lashed out at the archer. If what he said was true and he lost people then he would understand that she had to be there. Then someone else walked up. The only person who seemed at all logical. If it came to a trial by combat, Ade knew she would lose but could show that she had to be here. However, when this fourth person mentioned it was merely a scouting mission that just pissed Ade off even more. Ade looked around the boat and other than the animals she was certain that she was easily faster than all of them.

Ade was getting ready to speak when suddenly a fox trotted up to them and began speaking. She jumped a little in shock and looked at the fox as it sniffed the air. They have a talking fox? She then turned back to the group after a moment of thought and said, "You people are adventurers. So, meathead, no matter how much you say you care about everyone making it back I will never believe you. I bet the majority of you are here for the money. Fine. I don't care about the money. Just get me there and we can part ways. If you want me to work for the trip then I can easily do anything. But if you think you're kicking me off this boat, or making me nurse your wounds you have got another thing coming."

Fie Testarossa

Fie kept her mouth shut it was none of her business anyway if they wanted to make a big deal about the whole situation let them a person proves their worth in many ways let it be said that despite that technically being who they were a villager or someone else it mattered not. "I will like to say that this entire thing is a waste of time." Fie stated her voiced flat and her stare as empty trial by combat kicking someone off it was all just a bunch of crap spewing from people who has dreams of grandeur. "Also while i'm at it while yes this is a scouting mission don't act like we were chosen or some such nonsense this was all optional not mandatory so a trial by combat just due to one extra person is stupid." Fie continued this was getting on her nerves people tend to overreact at the oddest things it seemed.

@Heckno12@dabombjk@Bright_Ops@alexfangtalon@PaulHaynek@AluminumDude@Chieri@Levias@Lugia@Leos klien@eisenhorn
(at everyone I assume)

Interacting: @dabombjk@alexfangtalon@Suku@PaulHaynek@AluminumDude@Chieri@Levias@Lugia@Leos klien@eisenhorn@Heckno12

For a moment, Artyom blinked as he somehow managed to find himself on his back. Despite the sheer level of embarrassment that he felt in that he had somehow managed to be flipped onto his back, he had to acknowledge that he had no one to blame for that but himself; He should have planted his feet and made the blow a quick strike in order to prevent even the slightest chance of this happening but he hadn't thought it required. After all he was wearing metal armor, the blow had been gut punch aimed upwards and the man he was trying to hit was a freaking archer, he didn't seem the kind of person to have the physical strength required to pull the motion off.

He also made a decision on what was going to happen in the future, but for now he grit his teeth and pushed himself back up as he glared at the arrogant, sarcastic asshole that he was already regretting allowing to come on board. "It's called the chain of command dumb ass. If you try and run a military operation via committee everyone tends to end up dead." He growled scathingly before turning to everyone else to seemingly explain his position despite the fact that they should have seen the common sense of it naturally.

His words were slow and clear, as if he was trying to explain to children why touching fire is bad. "If we bring her along, she'll be factored into any plans we make. If she isn't up to the task and dies or causes someone else to break away from what they are doing to save her ass, that creates openings that will get people killed." Turning to look at Cael whom had once again proven why he was his favorite member of this team, he nodded his head in agreement. "Trial by combat sounds acceptable."

Turning to look at the girl that had started this whole argument due to stowing away, he crossed his arms as he explained "Name your weapon of choice. We'll have anyone who uses one fight you to see what you've got. To answer your question in advance I fully expect you to fight in your current condition, it's your own fault for sneaking aboard like a rat and not trying to join up legitimately before we started out."

Inteacting with Everybody I guess @Suku @dabombjk@Bright_Ops@alexfangtalon@AluminumDude@Chieri@Levias@Lugia@eisenhorn

"I would understand that if we were facing something we could face outright, but all of the reports from the refugees showed that even the most experienced warriors were overwhelmed. While a trial by combat seems like the only way you'd be willing to allow her along, I'll have to object given your reasoning." Troe said retracting his earlier statement after hearing from the others. "It would be foolish to assume her combat ability is going to be of any consequence in a mission that is going to require us to avoid conflict at all cost. Besides, she's only hitching a ride for the trip and...I have a better compromise in mind." He continued. Her ability to fight would likely not be an issue, not that he doubted it anyway.

"Miss, I'd like to ask something difficult...You are a refugee, correct? If so, I'd like to ask a few questions about what you witnessed. Any information, even if it only confirms things we already know could be vital."He turned back towards Artyom. "If she can do that much, I will personally vouch for her passage."

He doubted Artyom would agree to such a trade, but he also knew that it wouldn't matter. He had respect for the tenacity this girl showed, even if it was a bit foolish sounding.

"Besides, I'm not exactly after the money either. I have questions that's answers can only be found back home. That being said, those answers will most likely be quite helpful in our mission."