Interacting with : @BlackPanther

Alexis shook her head at her companions and took some space from them. She watched them as they talked and introduced themselves but she didn't wanted to join in, she preferred it this way. " Better to hear them talk now and use the information later without revealing much " thought Alexis as she watched.

After some time, she rose started practicing her swordsmanship and time passed as she trained. Never once she wished to be with them there. For Alexis they all forgot one important thing. This is a mission and after the mission...they will all be dead probably. No need for friends when dead. Or. The Templar would give the order to kill each other and the winner to escape with his life.

Her thoughts were broke as a number of Holy Templar came towards the assembled group and as she looked closer, she saw something moving behind the Templar. A small thing and green...a Gob !



Reek was a small Gob, small even for their kind. Green and with big yellow teeth, he would look like a big cabbage if he would stay still and of course, if he wouldn't have the distinctive stink of the Gob.
Reek has been a slave since he was born but was more lucky than most. While others were put in the kitchen or used to clean houses, Reek was bought by a Gargantu merchant that traveled around the world and to better help his master, Reek was taught how to read/write and speak the common language with ease.
When one would look at Reek's body they would see no more than a beast but if one would look at his eyes, a spark intelligence could be seen.

One day Reek was called upon by shiny big men while he tended to his master's business in the Citadel. The only thing that Reek knew about the place where he stayed for the last 2 days is that the shiny big men protected everyone from evil magic men or so was he told by his master. Reek never understood why shiny men don't kill all evil magic men if magic men are evil and if they are not, then shiny men are evil and magic men good. Those where things that kept his small brain enraptured while he marched with the shiny men towards a group of people. Elfan, Human and Kil'garen.

Reek met these races before in the travels with master but he never spoke with anyone but master. Master always told him to pretend to be dumb as normal Gob to fool others. As he approached he looked at the White Kil'Garen and his eyes widened, he moved around the Templar and ran towards the White Kil'Garen and bowed low, so low that his face touched the ground and with a squeak more than a normal voice he said :
" Master ? New Master ? Yes? Master ! Master ! Master ! ".




Alexis was dumbstruck at the proceedings. She didn't understood what happened and approached the group, looking at the Gob with interest and amusement. As she waited for the White Kil'Garen to speak, she looked at the others to see how will they react to this new...servant ?

@Ashevelendar@Kyrisse

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Lanvarian lit up with excitement about learning weapons and paused his expression turning thoughtful. "Hm. Perhaps daggers or throwing knives are suited for me. I am not really sure what are your thoughts?" His eyes were bright with the excitement, but he was bright enough to think this through. This was a very unique offer and he would not waste it on something not suited for him.

Before he could react to anything else though, he found himself ambushed by a green creature. He seemed to freeze with uncertainty and from the fact that a creature was calling him...master? His red pink eyes were wide and his ears were lowered. It took Landvarian a moment to compose himself and shake himself out of it. "I...uh...what? Master?" he then shook his head again and gently helped the gob straighten. "What are you speaking of?" Landvarian was extremely confused...how could he be a master when he had been captive for so long. What even was this creature?

He rolled his shoulders and the decided to introduce himself. "Apologies. I should introduce myself first before asking questions. I am Landvarian."

"Its....killing animals for meat, I guess..." Isabella said softly, knowing how barbaric that sounded, and disliking it. Isabella herself rarely ate meat because of that, and she sighed. Lookingto him as he seemed impressed by her skills, which weren't...really that impressive. He just seemed to have an innocence about him, that made Isabellaa want to hold him close and protect him.

Taking his offered paw, Isabella glanced away. "I'm not sad, resigned is more like it...I was raised to be what I am, for the simple fact that it is a family tradition, but also because...I was the only one to carry it out. I don't like to kill, and yet its expected of me. My...brethen, the elves, they have a high esteem of themselves. They believe other races are...inferior. I don't like thinking that way" She saaid, trying to explain all that she was thinking, feeling.

She looked ot him, knowing he was trying, and that he did mean what he said, and she gave him a small smile. "Thank you. I just don't like not understanding things, and the why of...the bombs is hanging over my head." She sighed again, giving his paw a squeeze, "Really, Thank you"

Luca studied Landvarian for a few minutes before he continued speaking. "Ranged projectile weapons may serve you well but you might show greater potential with a melee weapon. Hmmm... I suppose the best way to go about it is for you to show me what you can do combat wise. I---" he stopped short and stared at the cabbage like creature. He watched it move around him and then address the albino he had just been conversing with.

Master?

I suppose this creature would act as a servant, he thought to himself as he took as step back. He didn't care about having servants. He didn't need them. He can do everything by himself. He hung back, fell silent and decided to observe.

@Xandrya@BlackPanther@Ashevelendar
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Esailia tilted her head as she listened, her curiosity overcoming her cautious behavior "Relieved? Yes, though I doubt for reasons you think. When going into a fight, you have only what you bring. If that is an injured arm and a broken sword, you do the best you can. But if what you say is true, my mind runs wild with what could be possible with five just like you and a platoon of soldiers..."

The Guardian was going to continue, save for the sudden repeated word of 'Master' nearby. When she looked the sight of a Gob struck her odd. She herself had never taken in a slave, but it wasn't uncommon back in her village to see them doing various chores. Seeing one at the citadel however was quite strange. She glanced back at Kahleni, motioning her to follow in a polite manner before striding off towards the scene.

"Calm yourself, Landvarian. Mayhap its taken a liking to your appearance." Esailia looked towards the Gob, her voice becoming more stern but not mean "Explain your presence, slave, and why you are addressing this man as your Master."

Reek The Gob and his real master

Reek looked up at the White Master and then put his eyes down again, as if afraid of meeting with his eyes. He looked at the other Kil'garen and bowed deeply yet again almost touching the floor with his long nose.
" Me, Reek White Master ! Me, new servant for White Master and big shield master. Reek was told to come here White Master. Reek good servant, no need to beat up Reek White Master. Reek knows what happens if Reek disobeys. Reek not like sharp thingies to stab at Reek. said with a smile when he first started speaking and at the end a little fear creeped into his voice.

" Enough ! Reek. Leave them alone ! said a strong and deep voice from down the hall. The "owner" of the voice was a big Gargantu, barely having place inside the corridor. His massive muscles almost broke through his long green robe. On his face, a scar that moved from eye to eye could be seen and one of his eyes had the distinctive white film over it showing that he no longer sees with that eye.

Reek immediately touched the ground with his body and crawled fast towards the Gargantu. " I'm...sorry big Master. " his voice sounded different now than before. The Gargantu looked at him and as soon as Reek was near him gave him a kick into the ribs. Not a strong kick but enough so that Reek would know who is the real Master.

Without says anything Reek took in the kick and then followed behind the Gargantu as he approached the group and nodded to each and everyone of them.

" Please excuse my slave for his impoliteness. He tends to forget himself when seeing one such as you. said the Gargantu while nodding his head towards Landvarian. " My name is Gun'Tar. Reek's master. If anyone here has ties to the Assassin Guild or the Merchant Guild, then you may heard of me. But. I'm not here to brag, nor to show my importance to you. I'm here to make a business transaction with you.
I heard..." at this point his voice went down so that only those around him would hear " you have business in The Wasteland. I offer you my slave, Reek to be your guide on the road to the Wasteland and in the Wasteland itself. We've had business there for more than once and he knows how to go wherever you need to go and knows what paths you shouldn't take. In other words, he is your safe bet at a...not so dangerous trip into the Wasteland.
So you could say, you need him. In exchange for his help, you'll bring me something from The Wasteland I couldn't procure myself. Not without paying too much coin for it. The job is quite simple in a way. You'll just need to bring me the said "something" and that's it. What you'll bring, only Reek will know and has orders from me to only tell you what you have to bring back when you arrive there. So, do we have a deal ? " said with a smile Guntar while looking at those around him, waiting for their answers.

Alexis

Alexis watched with interest the exchange of the words between the Gob and Landvarian and when the voice was heard she quickly looked at the figure. A big Gargantu was there. " His real master, maybe ?" thought Alexis.

She shook her head when she saw the kick in the ribs Reek took but understood it's necessity. " One cannot have a rebellious slave, does he ?" she said under her breath.

Soon the Gargantu, now known as Guntar started speaking to them. She listened to his "little" speech and when it was over she thought about it and nodded at Guntar.

" I, for one...accept. " her voice was full of confidence and looked at the others for their reaction while she continued speaking. " Think about it. We gain a guide and he gains "something". A guide will be very useful as I don't anyone here knows their way around the Wasteland. Also. I never travelled farther than Milas and it would be good to know which way to go from there. We only know that we have to take a caravan. What if something happens and the caravan never leaves ? We would, at least, have option to go on without it. "

[color=red][center][h2]Guntar[/center][/h2] [/color]

Guntar nodded at the words of Alexis and smiled.

" Besides having a guide, Reek also can smell magic, read and speak in 2 languages. Besides our own language, he speaks Gob and some...some....*he lowered his voice ever lower as if even the floor had ears* arcane*. A useful skill when going into the Wasteland, right ? "

"I don't have anything against it," Kahleni said, shrugging her shoulders in response. She was more or less neutral about whatever decisions were coming up, partly because she's never been asked to choose between anything, and she also didn't care much about the mission itself. Kahleni was going on this mission because she had no choice.

"We can use all the help we can get, especially if he knows his way around," she motioned towards Reek, speaking solely from common sense and without a hidden motive.

(all the peeps)

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Landvarian managed to not get to angry at how the other Kil’garen addressed the creature. Though his short tail did flick as a sign of his irritation. He then looked upset that Reek would even think that he would damage him. ”I would not hurt you Reek.” His voice was soft as h remembered when he was younger and when he was beaten. He looked up when he heard the other voice and felt his hands ball at the sight of the kick. Landvarian managed not to growl or hiss like he wanted to, but it was clear by his body language that he did not like the harm Reek received.

Landvarian took a moment to compose himself so that no more harm would come to Reek and nodded back to Gun’Tar. His eyes flicked to Reek before flicking back to Gun’tar. His eyes widened when the guy spoke about what else Reek could do. He cleared his throat and nodded. ”I also accept your terms.” If Reek could speak arcane then perhaps he could read spells…which would help with learning more. That and he really did not like how Reek was treated.

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As she watched the scene play out before her, a few thoughts battled for her attention. How this man handled his slave belayed his need to assert his dominance, how his slave's behavior turned from almost friendly to completely cowed at the mere presence of his Master, and the fact this man was wanting this group, whom had JUST been formed in the secrecy of the Citadel, to go collect an unknown number of objects yet to be revealed.

The Guardian stepped forward to face up to Gun'Tar, holding her shield at parade rest on her left side. Esailia was by no means a match in size for him, but she doubted a fight would break out. Her actions were more like a rival alpha posturing before another, and her tone was strong and loud as she spoke.

"And while my comrades here seem to be so eager to accept, I would like to know what this 'something' is first. I may not know all the dangers of our journey, but I would not deliver anything dangerous to a merchant even at the cost of a useful guide."

She stared up at Gun'Tar, watching his face while her peripheral vision watched for any shifts in his body. Let's see how serious he is...

@Kyrisse@BlackPanther@Ashevelendar@Esailia@Xandrya@Shadow Daedalus@Caits

Briss smiled when Isabella took his paw and squeezed it. Reluctantly he reclaimed his paw, and was happy that the two of them were getting along so well. It was a long time since Briss had a true friend because in his line of work, often times you couldn't afford to trust someone.

Just then he heard a confident voice not far from him. "We should check this out." Briss suggested to Isabella. He left her to his own curiosity hoping that she would follow him. Upon approaching the voice he discovered two races he had never seen before. One quite small and he vaguely heard from an wise person in his hometown that it was a 'gob' and the other very large. The very large individual was the speaker and all of a sudden he was whispering to some others. He didn't really care what they thought of him doing this he did it anyway. He walked right up next to them two kilgaren, two humans, a 'gob' and a giant.

With Luck they wouldn't be offended with his casual invasion of their 'private conversation.'

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Isabella sighed softly when Briss took his hand back, glancing over as others joined them, frowning over the talk about the slave, Reek. Isabella had a problem with those that thought they could own others, but she wasn't going to say anything. She crossed her arms over her chest, perhaps a protective motion, but Isabella found she didn't care. With her swords, and stance she was sure it made her look...almost deadly. And that, oddly, pleased her. She watched the others, sliding slightly close to Briss, enjoying his company.

She studied them all, payign more attention to the mages then anyone else, curious about them, and wanting to know more about them, wanting to find a way to help him. Sighing softly, she shifted, and glanced to Reek and his master. "Well, he seems like he'd be a valuble assest" She said, managing to keep her voice even, steady so it wouldn't sound like she disapproved with this situation.

She did shift slightly, bringing her hands down to her side and laying a hand on one of her blades, not seeming to be aware of doing so, "however, I will not be stealing something for you, i cannot speak for the others, but...I don't steal" She said, once more keeping her voice level.

At the sound of a vaguely familiar voice, Kyras lifted his head to look towards the approaching Gargantu. He couldn't quite make out what he said from where he was stood, but it seemed to be directed at someone else, a follower or entourage perhaps? Moving close enough to hear the conversation properly, he recognised the Gargantu as a previous client of his. Gun'tar, if he remembered correctly, which meant that his little slave should be nearby as well. Kyras wasn't surprised to see the Gob, Reek, drag himself to his feet after being kicked in the ribs and follow behind his master, but a small part of him, a tiny thread of humanity he had tried to remove, tugged at him in pity for the faintest of seconds.

As Gun'tar spoke, Kyras felt a small amount of surprise when he openly admitted to being familiar with the services of Assassins. It was an almost an unspoken law amongst the rich and the poor alike that that was a topic that was spoken about in hushed tones, or not at all, yet he so openly admitted it... was he foolish or arrogant? Those that have employed assassins usually have something to hide, so it raises a flag against the Gargantu. As he finished his request, the assassin's suspicions raised again at the unspecified item he would like them to retrieve, the whole 'you'll know when you need to know' approach leaving a bad taste in his mouth. Regardless, he remained silent as he contemplated the pros and cons of the request.

Overall, Kyras was in agreement with the others about the usefulness of a guide, but he was also less eager to accept the task. His problem was not a moral one, like the elfan, but more in line with that of the shield-carrying Kil'garen. While he didn't care for the well being of Gun'tar should he receive the items he wanted, the fact it was an unknown object in an unknown area meant that the risks involved in its retrieval would be impossible to properly prepare for. This increases the risk towards the party, or more specifically himself. While Kyras wouldn't normally hesitate to throw someone else to the wolves to save himself, the explosive phylacteries within their hearts ensures a shared and mutual death should one of them fall.

Slightly irritated by the whole situation, he hung back from the group, not saying a word but also not hiding his presence, not that anyone would notice anyway. Leaning against the stones of the nearest wall, Kyras waited, curious to see where this would lead while his mind worked to make contingencies in case something adverse may happen.

Gun'Tar smiled at the words of the group. He knew it was a long shot for them to accept this proposition but he didn't have any other choice that didn't cost more. As he was about to talk, a commotion could be heard down the hall. A number of guards approached in full armor, weapons at the ready.

Gun'Tar looked at them and moved to the side, knowing it's best not to...interfere with Grand Templar on business. They quickly circled Esailia and as she tried to defend herself one of them hit her in the back of the head with the hilt of his sword, injected her with a syringe with a black liquid and dragged her away. The leader, an Holy Templar, said in an angered tone :

" This "person" is a traitor of the Empire and will no longer join your...expedition. " and without saying anything else dragged her away.

Gun'Tar shook his head and grinned at the group : " Well...how about this...I'll lend you Reek and you decide, as a group, if you accept my offer. I cannot tell you, what you'll be seeking...not here because...you just saw what happens to traitors. Reek ! "

Reek approached and bowed to Gun'Tar and looked at him with pleading eyes : " Yes, big Master ? "

" You'll tell them what they'll be seeking as soon as you pass the border, is that clear ? "

Before Reek could even say something Gun'Tar continued talking. " I hope that satisfies whatever issues you'll have with this...job. Oh' and before I forget. You won't steal something for me, you cannot steal from the long dead, right ?

The object you'll be taking will...if my sources are correct, will probably help you. A lot. It's an object of an ancient era and that's all I'm gonna say about it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go. Reek. They're your new Masters for some time. "

Reek nodded and approached the White Kil'Garen.



Alexis nodded at his words and said while looking at the others...

" That sounds good. We'll talk later about it. Until then, we've got ourselves a guide. Now...let's go. We've lost enough time as it is. "

With those words, Alexis took her backpack and started going towards the gates, looking back now and then so that she didn't gain too much distance from the others.

Isabella sighed softly, watching the girl be taken away, and unable to do anything about it. traitor? yeah, that seems likely She thought to herself, sighing wearily. Once more, the catidel showed just how...demented they were. She shifted, rocking back on her feet once more, as she watched, turning her sights towards Gun'Tar once more. Another one she didn't trust. He seemed to have agreed quite quickly to things, and there was just something about him that she didn't like.

She didn't like the idea of a slave, and she bit her lip, but with another sigh, she collected her things once more, and made to follow Alexis, her steps almost silent. She let her mind wander, trying to make sense of everything, her blades by her side clinking slightly as she walked, a reassuring sound to Isabella and one she took great comfort in. She'd learned how to use her blades since...she could remember and they were a comforting weight at her side. Some blade dancers had them on their back, but Iseballa prefered them at her side.

Easier to grab, if she needed to, besides, with her bow slung onver her back, her sides were the better option. Soon catching up to Alexis, she mathed her pace to the other girls, shifting her gear onto her back more securely, she didn't say a word, prefering the silence for now.

Luca hung back and observed the interaction between the Gob and the white Kil'garen and the the Gob and the Gargantu. He personally didn't see any use in hurting a servant, particularly one that seemed to be loyal and obedient. Of course, most in the Empire would beg to disagree. To most, especially those in power, slaves are slaves, they were made to do their bidding and take their abuse meekly. Despite these thoughts, he kept silent, keeping his face, as always, emotionless. His eyes, however, lingered on the Gob for a few minutes before he turned them towards it's master.

Huh. A guide in exchange for this 'something.' Sounds suspicious.

But even then, he didn't speak. If the majority of their party would end up consenting to this shady deal, then there's little he can do about it. Besides a guide to an unknown terrain was an advantage. Especially if this guide had the know how to speak ancient Magi tongue.

Interesting.

Sharp blue eyes flickered from the Gob to the Gargantu. Something was peculiar with this unlikely pair and he found himself growing curious. But before the curiosity could grow bigger, he was distracted by a commotion. Luca raised an eyebrow when Grand Templars marched towards their group and labeled one of them as a traitor. For a brief moment, he wondered what it was that the woman did but just a quickly banished the thought from his head. Nothing good came out of wondering about things he's better off not knowing, particularly things that concerned the Empire.

It didn't take long for Gun'Tar to take his leave after hearing some favorable responses from the party. Luca didn't bother speaking out, just like the assassin Kyras. Both of them preferred to hang back and observe, a trait often observed in people trained to be assassins.

When one began moving towards the gate, so did Luca.

"Looks like none of us are safe..." Kahleni whispered to no one in particular, watching as Esailia was subdued before being taken away. She was just chatting with the Kil'garen a few moments ago, and now she would never see her again. It was somewhat of an odd feeling, but Kahleni didn't necessarily feel bad for Esailia. Maybe it was because she was more often than not a rather pessimistic person, although no one could blame her, or any of the other life-long imprisoned magi for that matter.

Some more words were exchanged between Gun'Tar and Reek, those that were barely picked up by Kahleni as she concentrated mostly on Reek's obedience and complete willingness to cooperate. In all honesty, it reminded her of herself, and how obedient she'd been up to that point. But now that she was, for lack of better words, "free", Kahleni didn't have to be anywhere near as submissive as she was before. The thought alone was liberating, and she couldn't help but smirk as she followed the others heading towards the gates. Kahleni was a few steps behind Luca, and she was admiring his weapons as they went, wondering how good of a fighter he really was.

@Ashevelendar[and all other peeps]

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Landvarian watched the one with the shield get dragged away. His head tilted after seeing the black liquid. Was that the antidote? His eyes narrowed before he shook his head and refocused on what was happening in front of him. His brow raised as he listened to Gun'tar. Then his head tilted down to look at Reek who was looking up at him. One ear flicked and he shrugged.

"So Reek. Shall we be going?" He motioned for Reek to walk with him. In no way would he treat Reek like a slave, he knew what it felt like and he kind of liked the guy. That and he found the colors on him fascinating. They were just starting and already they had one member taken away and a new member added. This would be a fun journey indeed.

Kyras showed little to no outward reaction to the sudden apprehension of one of their 'companions', a word he was hard-pressed to use. The only outward reaction he showed was a raised eyebrow, but even that was hidden by his mask. While briefly curious as to what the Kil'garen was charged with, Treason being a broad term when it's coming from the mouth of the ever fickle and heavy-handed Empire, he dismissed the thought as it had no direct bearing on his own objectives, namely surviving long enough to collect his paycheck. The loss of one member has a double effect in that regard, considering that it meant one less trigger for the explosive compound but the group had also lost one of the more capable members, as well as their primary means of defending the liabilities of the group.

His focus was quick to zero in on the contents of the syringe, his mind searching for the possible contents. The most immediate answer was a form of neutraliser or antidote for the explosive compound, considering a sedative wouldn't be needed after the knockout blow the Templar had delivered. It made a lot of sense from a logical perspective as well, as they wouldn't want to kill the entire search party when they inevitably execute her on whatever whim the emperor held at the time. A plan began to form in the assassin's mind with the intention of stealing the antidote, so that should one of the others die, he can escape unharmed... Unfortunately, his opportunity was lost as soon as it arrived as the group began to move away, making Kyras curse softly under his breath as he turned to follow, his purple cloak wrapping around him as he walked.

Evidently, the group had been conversing with the Gargantu, Gun'tar, and had apparently agreed to take Reek as a guide. Kyras had no interest in what the conversation had entailed, nor why they agreed to take on the foul-smelling slave creature, but he was careful to gauge the reactions of the rest of the members of their little 'expedition'. While most of them seemed to be on par for the course, either remaining quiet or behaving quietly. The kindness the albino was showing the gob was unusual, but he didn't linger on it. The smirk on the mage girl, however, caught his attention for a moment. Narrowing his eyes a little, he watched her for a few seconds. Hopefully, whatever that smirk means, it doesn't come back to bite them.

Briss was perplexed and almost cross eyed to everyone's lack of challenge to his sudden appearance amongst them. Someone they had no clue about, a total stranger to them and yet they didn't send him death threats or wield weapons in a defensive manner and glare at him to go away. None of that. Instead it seemed like it didn't bother the others at all.

Then two things happened one of the Kil'garen seemed to be abruptly killed by a couple templars he didn't recognize and the 'gob' thing was offered as guide. Briss didn't really agree with this, as he didn't know who this gob realy was. I mean I might know his name is reek but I have absolutely no clue about his history, his family, nothing at all. So it seemed like a trap, like the bombs did.

We were sent on a journey together, except through no choice of our own. Something seems suspicious that now we get a 'helpful little guide' to help us get where we need to go. Briss didn't trust this thing 'gob.' He glared at its back and hissed slightly. The moment this thing starts guiding us, I will ignore it completely. Let the others think what they like of my ignorance.

With that he saw a couple of the group head towards the gates and Briss was so excited about being out of the Citadel that Briss sprinted through those gates without looking back.