After finding out Vesta's whereabouts, Zin decided that she'd need to join her in battle and unfurled wings to fly, when the green scaled dragon woman flexed all of the muscles in her legs, got into a half crouched like position, she leaped up in the air a couple inches and held out her arms in front of her, then like most things that are up in the air, she landed on the ground, hard. The Dragon woman landed face first into the ground with her tail up in the air, she pulled herself off the ground and noticed she bloodied her own nose, she wiped her nose ketchup onto her scales." Damn it, I need to assist Vesta and make sure she's safe." The dragon woman dusted herself off." I'll need to learn how to use my wings."

Looking back up to the mansion, Zin got an idea on how she could teach herself how to fly, she charged herself past Vivi nearly knocking the small Celestia down and her maid before rushing into the mansion and climbing up almost over of dozens of stairs, when she met the roof barbarian dragon unfurled her wings once again in an almost majestic manner, the idea of getting hurt from doing this wasn't in her mind, and if it was, it was far from the first thoughts in her skull, getting to Vesta was the only thought she had in the front of her head and flying was probably the fastest way for her to get to the silver haired woman. Zin Threw herself off the roof with her wings out behind her thinking that she would fly this time, and when she began to quickly glide, she started to believe that she was doing it, but when she got low to the ground with her gut and breast being dragged across the ground before she landed this time a lot less rough than last time.

When the Dragon woman stood up, her coat burst at the seems and fell off her, but she wasn't focused on her clothing at the moment, Zin was thinking about why she didn't fly this time, she only flew for a couple meters before she was forced down to the ground, she put a scale covered hand onto her chin and thought about it for a while then snapped her fingers and got it. She rushed back to the mansion and rushed to the roof a second time, she had it this time she knew she was going to get it this time, she had a plan and was gonna go through with it.

Zin leaped up onto the ledge and this time she dived straight downwards and landed straight into a tree instead of luckily just slamming straight into the ground and giving the Celestia's one less headache, Zin laid tangled up in the tree's branches and leaves, as she broke the branches and pulled herself out of the tree and fell to the ground, she went back to her thinking pose from when she first glided off the roof." I did it before, but how do I keep myself in the air?" She asked herself as a bird fluttered down on the ground in front of her, as the bird chirped and flapped it's wings Zin got it and snapped her clawed fingers." That's it, I've got it."

The dragon threw herself down at the bird and caught it in her clawed hands." I'll eat the birds and harness their energy and skills, when I eat enough of them, I'll finally get it." She ate the bird whole and coughed up some of the poor creature's feathers." Now for more."

Just like that Zin began a sort of crusade against the birds around the Celestia mansion, like a starving cat preying on mice, the dragon woman hunted them down and pounced on them with no mercy and ate them whole, with the thought of gaining the ability to fly in the front of her thoughts. On occasions she would be caught by Vivi with a bird in the hand and squatting in a bush or coughing up feathers like the cat who just ate the canary, but like the dragon she was in most of those occasions she'd just stare down the smaller Celestia and look her in the eye as she would just consume the birds around them. At the end of the day, Zin would keep throwing herself off the top of the mansion only to glide or land head first into a tree, with each fall to the ground making her more dedicated to her crusade against the birds.

Only when it felt like weeks, probably 4 if Zin was keeping count, of shoveling birds into her gullet and giving herself over to gravity many times, Zin finally, got it down, she understood how to fly. The Dragon woman got onto the roof once more, this time knowing she won't eat dirt and gravel this time around, Zin got a running start before jumping off the roof and extending her wings, once she was in the air, she began moving them up and down using the muscles in her back and chest to move them up and down in a manner similar to the birds she hunted down and ate, knowing Zin she probably will never figure out that she learned how to do this by just chasing the birds down and copying their wing patters as they flew away, no to Zin she believes that she gained this ability through eating small helpless creatures, probably for the best people keep their tiny pets away from her.

Once Zin's feet met the ground, she smiled at knowing she could, do what she was going to do, whatever it was again, during all that time of bird hunting and devouring Zin forgot what she was doing it for. Feeling as if someone else would know, Zin charged into Vivi's room and shook Vivi asking her what she was doing it for only for Vivi to feel confused and tell the dragon being that she didn't know before Zin let her go and tried to put her memories together and it came back to Vesta, when Vivi mentioned that Vesta would be returning the next day Zin wondered how long had she been throwing herself off the roof, and hunting down birds.

When she was told that Vesta would be returning, Zin just left the younger Celestia alone before thinking about Vesta's reaction to her new form, Zin looked down to herself, looking at the scales on her body and certain places and figured Vesta would probably attack her on sight thinking that she's a monster of some sorts. Zin began to prowl around the mansion and looked for something that could cover her entire body, something similar to a cloak or some sort of wrap, after she got through watching a couple maids dust and clean a reading room with the rectangles that people stare into called books, Zin didn't really care about them and thought of them as a waste of time, she then left the two to their duties and went on to what looked like a room where more of the maids were cleaning clothes and folding them.

The moment the maids noticed Zin they visibly tensed up as Zin began messing up a stack of nicely folded up clothes and ruined their hard work, when Zin found what looked like an oversized cloak she took it with her before leaving the maids to clean up her mess. As the next day came Zin put on the cloak and did her best to keep her wings folded down into her back to make herself look like a normal human so when Vesta would arrive, she could see her without a rock hitting her in the face or getting crushed by a boulder.

Once Zin laid eyes on Vesta passing through the mansion's gates, Zin instantly rushed her with her cloak just flying off her, She jumped ready to pounce on Vesta." Vesta!" She shouted to the top of her lungs.

((Collab Post between Letter Bee and Lunarlord34))

The adventure was about to end, the demon beasts threatening the village were slaughtered. Alexander was learning not to put his ego above others' welfare and others' stories', a lesson he had not learned before. But now, he had to approach Vesta, something he had learned to fear. Taking a deep breath, the eighteen-year old boy nevertheless approached Vesta and her group as they set themselves down in Lugnica City's plaza in preparation to go back to the mansion, raising a hand like a schoolkid before saying:

"Hey, uhh...Lady Vesta, Mr. Avery? I wish to have a word with the two of you; I promise, it won't be long!" He then pursed his lips, then continued, "And it won't be a waste of time either! Because, well, I have something to offer other than my only-average talents." All the truth.

It had been a tiring trip indeed. Not only having to deal with demon beasts, but also having to repair that village's barrier to prevent another such incident from occuring again was also rather draining mentally. All Vesta wanted to do after these last few, long weeks was to sit down, and rest.

However Avery had decided to go on some sort of mercenary quest with...Duncan? Vesta didn't really seem to recall the man's name, as he seemed to flee the vicinity whenever the geomancer was around she never really got much of a chance to talk to the oddly familiar bald man. It was a strange feeling of deju vu almost, dreamlike even. So the group had decided to touch down in the plaza for a short time, to go their separate ways basically. It was at this time that Vesta leaned her back against a nearby post, shooting an irritated glance at the young man that now approached her.

As he talked, she took a moment to recall his name. Alexander? Yes, she was sure of it. He hadn't really stood out on the mission, but Vesta had learned from Avery that this boy too was from 'Earth'.
He seemed nervous speaking to Vesta, but not that Avery, who had been sitting down nearby till he heard his name, could blame him. Vesta could be a rather scary prospect at first.

"Give him a chance Vesta. It won't hurt." Avery chirped as the Celestia heir looked Alexander up and down, her cold, piercing eyes seeming more like a person inspecting a hunk of meat rather than looking at another human being. She was silent for a moment longer, taking that extra moment to think, before speaking.

"I suppose so. But I would suggest making it quick."

Alexander nodded. "I wish to learn how to read Lugnican, as well as a place to stay and base my efforts to return to Earth from, and I have something to offer in exchange." He then brought out his Kindle and turned it on, before selecting an Earth History book. He would then show the Kindle's screen to Vesta, before flipping the pages from the sections about Medieval History to the Industrial Era and to World War II, stopping with a picture of the atomic bomb exploding over Hiroshima.

"This is a Kindle, a mechanical device from my world that got carried with me when I was transported here. Powered by electricity running through copper and interacting with chemicals and lights, it is used to contain and access information that would normally take an entire library." Alexander pursed his lips. "Note that the language here is in English, one of the many languages of my world and the most widespread, but the pictures themselves have a wealth of detail to parse."

Another pause. "This is what I have to offer; knowledge of English for knowledge of Lugnican. A library for a library." If Vesta was not interested, well, he had heard side mentions of her sister, 'Vivi', during the trip. "Oh, and my allegiance, as low in value as it is."

Vesta exhaled deeply, looking towards Avery as Alexander spoke. He wanted to learn Lugnician? This was a waste of her time after all. Anyone could teach him, she couldn't possibly see the benefits of helping him with such an arduous task.

However her mood, while it wasn't a visible effect, changed when Alexander pulled out a mysterious, thin piece of metal out and began tapping at it.

Even Avery, who while he was from Earth but simply wasn't familiar with such technology, was a little interested. Though he was far more obvious about it.

Vesta watched as the thin piece of metal was in fact some form of device filled to the brim with information, if Alexander was to believed, and showed her a series of images and writing in a language she hadn't seen since, well, Avery was younger and had tried writing in it to speak with them.

It was certainly a far better offer than 'just' his allegiance, which while she wouldn't deny he had some promise, one wouldn't also say that she had been impressed. Of course the issue that remained was, did Vesta have time to teach him?

After he finished speaking, Vesta remained silent as she thought it over. Glancing at Avery again, who in turn shrugged, the geomancer sighed.

"I'm not sure how much time I have to spare, but I suppose that is a fair deal. Knowledge for knowledge. I'm sure I can at least arrange for someone to teach you." Vesta responded in a thoughtful tone "Probably Vivi, if she can spare the time as well, or Ronni." At this stage it seemed more like Vesta thinking aloud rather than conversing with Alexander, not that it mattered too much as she quickly turned her full attention back to the 18 year old.

"But first, I must ask this as the next head of the Celestia's. What magic are you capable of casting? And what other use is there for you? Knowledge exchange is one thing, but useless people are just that."

Alexander purses his lips, before saying, "I have a Divine Blessing that allows me to see Magic as light; the brighter, the more powerful, and different colors of light register as different types of magic. For example, your magic registers as brown-colored light with a tinge of green coming from your Divine Blessing, while Avery's is blue, from his water magic, with an unfamiliar blessing that registers as white light. Aside from that, I have no spellcasting knowledge yet, although I have a latent potential for Yang Magic, like what Captain Aleph has; please forgive me for reminding you of him or referring to him with any degree of admiration. Oh, and your servant, Ford? He has one extremely powerful Divine Blessing with five major effects, among them a glamour that makes him look attractive to anyone but me, who prefers slimmer men and women. And note, I said major effects; there are countless minor ones."

Vesta couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at Alexander's response. A Divine Protection capable of registering magic as different coloured lights? That was most certainly useful, though it was obvious that Alexander didn't always know what each magic or the like was.

It did however pick up on her Divine Protection of Earth and Avery's own Divine Protection of Spiritual Master. She wondered if it could pick up the faint residues of Shiro's presence around Avery, but considering Avery's water magic stemmed from the fox spirit it might be too similar to tell the difference.

"Yang Magic? I don't think there is a Celestia alive who currently wields that, but I'm sure we can arrange for somone to teach you that. Even without magic, your Divine Protection is more than enough of an asset to justify allowing you into our services. Father should have no complaints." Vesta pushed herself off the post she had been leaning on all this time and took a couple of steps.

"We can iron out the details back at the mansion, Mr Sky wasn't it? Avery has elsewhere to be, and I myself have other tasks to complete once I am home so the sooner the better."

"Alexander Sky, yes, and thank you, Ms. Celestia," Alexander then prepared to follow Vesta back to her mansion. It promised to be the start of a beautiful partnership...

Kurokono let loose his mischievous smile as he runs along the ever familiar slum corner. Behind him were a bunch of thugs chasing after him. The past 4 weeks has been spent making skirmishes on the slave trafficking scene, and stealing those black money. I just parcelled in one of those guys' head, and they got so pissed, funny.

"HUMA!" Kurokono turned to face the thugs, and with one swing of his sword, he casted a wall of ice at them.

"So long suckers! Eh---?" Kurokono felt a tug on his arm and leg just when he was about to seize this opportunity to escape. His own arm and leg have been frozen together with that ice wall, a clear result from his skill of magic control. "NOOOOO--- HELPPP! FORGIVE ME!!!"

"ARGHHHHH!!" Kurokono received a slash across his chest, stupidly getting killed by one of those thugs.

---

No Ox or Horses, I'm still in this living world I guess... Kurokono respawned beside the fountain. Another life wasted... By now, he knew that he has the 'magic' ability of having multiple lives, but he wouldn't be acting recklessly just because of that, since he doesn't know which death would be his last one.

"One plate of porkchop," Entering the inn, Kurokono sat at the front table. His 'tab', or dine-and-dash, has settled by then. "I would need someone to write a letter for me, I'm illiterate here..."

Vesta Celestia and Avery Ackbar Celestia

@Zelosse@Melpaws@Bishop@Claw2k11@FamishedPants@demonspade64@Lucius Cypher@noodles@Letter Bee@Sir Lurksalot
@liferusher@ZekariVoblis@Hillbilly12@Seirei No Hai@Kitsune@dabombjk@ADamnFiddle@Soragoku@Skepic
When news of Vesta's return reached Vivi's ears about a day or two before her actual return she couldn't be more glad. That damned crazy dragon lady was going to be the death of her. Ever since she had returned shortly after Vesta's departure for the village, she had been tearing up the family mansion and eating all the wild birds like there was no tomorrow. And for some beyond idiotic reason that Vivi couldn't understand in the slightest, she kept jumping off the roof.
Every time Vivi witnessed it, she felt only disappointment that Zin hadn't died. She knew that was a terrible thing to think, but this woman was beyond frustrating and annoying to deal with. Vivi had just been trying her best to avoid her and telling the others to ignore her, but they could only do it for so long. If father and mother were here, it would be a far different story however....
Regardless Vivi now stood outside the mansion gates, uncharacteristically tapping her shoulder irritably. Zin had grinded her usually saint like patience into dust-no grinded that dust into dust, into more dust.
She must've stood there for an hour or so before her sister's carriage finally arrived. The carriage looked like it had seen better days, but considering her sister had gone to a remote village under siege from Demon Beasts Vivi wasn't all that surprised.

As the mansion came into view, Vesta exhaled loudly. It was good to be back, and with no casualities in her party as well. Which considering the lack of experience her new charges had with fighting Demon Beasts, was probably a miracle. Or a testament to her own abilities, possibly even just sheer dumb luck. She wasn't too sure.
But having dropped off Avery already on her way here, Vesta was silently staring up towards the mansion as the cart came to a stop and she stepped out, her heavy boots thudding onto the ground as she missed the step. Not that missing the step bothered Vesta, you would have to be beyond short for such a small fall to do much.
Upon seeing her sister standing outside the gates however made Vesta furrow her eyebrows in concern. Just from her body language, Vesta could tell that Vivi seemed royally agitated, irritated even.
"I suppose you're not just here to greet me then Vivi?" Vesta let out a heavy sigh as she walked past Vivi, knowing her younger sister would follow. She would deal with her travel companions later, she assumed whatever Vivi had to tell her was of more importance at the moment.
"I'm afraid not Vesta. I have some news pertaining Zin Parallex..." Vivi began as both sisters walked through the gate. She was interrupted soon after a loud cry of Vesta, the sheer annoying tone of the voice quickly grating on Vivi's nerves. She knew exactly who that was....
What she hadn't expected was for her to come along in leaps and bounds towards herself and Vesta, nor did Vesta who had no idea who, or what, this creature was that was quickly making it's way over.
Stepping to the side and pushing Vivi to the other gently, Zin sailed past them both and would crash into whomever was unfortunate to be behind of them at the time. Probably Heinrich.
Turning back to Vivi, Vesta pointed towards the tangled mess with a questioning gaze.
"......I assume this is what you meant?"
"Unfortunately."

Avery leaned back rather dangerously on the railing he sat on, the only thing really keeping him from falling about five or six metres straight down was his preciously placed legs. The few peopled that went past the youth gave him a few strange looks, and who could blame them? He was basically dangling upside down from an inn's balcony railings, held up by nothing but his legs.
His long hair had been let down rather than it's usual ponytail, making his already ridiculous feminine appearance even deceptive. Duncan was late.
Avery took a bite from the sandwich he had bought on his way to the Crescent Moon, the inn where he and Duncan had agreed to meet. Duncan had gone elsewhere sometime ago because he had to go see someone. Avery wasn't sure why, since Duncan was from earth and like Alexander had come here only recently, so he wouldn't know anyone but didn't question it.
All he could do was wait now.

((Permission for this post is received from @Lunarlors34))

It seemed so silly to think that the establishment would just let Myst Neumann take over the Rosawaal Mansion and the surrounding areas as soon as word got out that the original owner, Roswaal T. Mathers, had mysteriously disappeared. But that is what happened; Myst was now the owner of several acres of prime real estate, including the deposits of magical crystals used to protect villages all over Lugnica. For while everyone else with relevance (aka Return by Death) had been gallivating off away from the Capital, Myst had used his secret casino profits and his own estates' money to snap up the Rosawaal mansion and Irlam Village, all the while looking like a relatively innocent businessman who had bought the property for 'The Good of Lugnica'.

Well, Lugnica's good was his own, in this specific case. And so Myst sat in his new mansion's sitting-room as his servants and assorted mercenaries took away all enblems of the Mathers family.

Myst's accountant, a thin young woman who wore modest but still functional clothing (a blouse and trousers), approached Myst, carrying the Mathers' old ledger. She would then say in a tight, clipped voice, "The mines are functioning again, and are projected to make a profit of several million silver coins within the next month. However, the current laborers are...entitled, demanding higher pay, cleaner quarters, better food, and other improvments."

The old Water Mage frowned. "Those workers need to know their place. Lay them off; we'll bring sla - debtors from the Casino who've lost their wealth instead. In fact, send word to the casino; they are to increase the number of special events to get people into more gambling debts. Also, send word to the local prisons; if they can make some of their stronger inmates 'disappear' and smuggle them here for hard labor, tell them I would be very grateful."

A nod from the accountant, who continued, "It will be done, my lord. I presume we will be using Irlam Village as a labor source as well?"

"Yes," Myst said. "they are my feudal subordinates anyway, so it is my legal right to reduce their entitlements and make them contribute to this estates prosperity. Send a message, carried by two dozen of my best mercenaries, that their taxes are raised and free healing and schooling are suspended. Well, except for the smartest among their children; I might need new pawns." Another nod from the accountant, who then left at the same time that a butler entered.

"Lord Myst Neumann," the aged, balding man said, "Gyzo Celestia has recieved your message and will be coming shortly."

Myst smiled, and said, "Perfect."

((Collab Post between Letter Bee and Lunarlord34; developments here have the latter's permission))

Myst Neumann had prepared his best tea and cakes for Gyzo's arrival; he didn't bother with an ostentatious banquet when too much food and drink would just distract from the main objective; taking out the Celestia Family and removing them as an obstacle to taking over Lugnica and the world. Nevertheless, the tea and cakes were expensive on their own, being made of rare ingredients, and set in prized porcelain with mithril edges. And so, the old man waited, waited for the Celestia branch family's head to come in, so that they can discuss grudges and self-advancement together...

Gyzo Celestia, second born son of the Celestia family, head of the '1st' branch, one of the premier Earth mages in the Kingdom of Lugnica had arrived in the remote reaches on the Kingdom. Irlam Village, a small little frontier village surrounded by thick forestry and in the background sat ominiously overwatching the entire landscape was Gyzo's designation; the formerly Rosawaal Mansion.

He had arrived to talk with a man known as 'Myst', the new owner of the mansion and thus just the person he would need to talk to to renew any contracts that the family had in relations to Magic Crystals.

The carriage soon came to a stop in front of the entranceway to the mansion, where Gyzo was greeted by a few maids and a butler upon arrival. After shooing them away from the usual welcoming peasntries he simply demanded that he be taken to the new master of the mansion, Myst. He also told his travelling companion to stay in the carriage as the business wouldn't take long.

Upon arriving in the room Myst was waiting in, Gyzo removed his hood and revealing his surprisngly youthul appearance, despite being forty he looked half that, to Myst along with the striking blue hair that struck fear in many a person due to the reputation that preceeded the youngest of the Celestia Trio. He took a seat, looking directly at Myst.

"Myst Neumann, correct? I'm Gyzo Celestia. I'm here in regards to your message."

Myst would nod, and after a few pleasantries, said, "Welcome, Mr. Celestia. Our business is about the continued supply of Magic Crystals to your holdings, correct? If so, this can be easily settled; I am ready to continue all agreements established with the previous, disappeared, owner. In fact, I may even suggest a few mutually favorable amendments..." He trailed off.

So the man's business was indeed about the supply of Magic Crystals, Gyzo had suspected as much. I mean, what else could this man possibly offer the Celestia's?

Gyzo furrowed his brows however at what the man had to say. He was willing to go along with just the previous arangements? While that suited Gyzo, he hadn't expected the negotiations to be this easy. It was a little too easy.

"What do you mean by 'favourable amendments'?" Gyzo asked, his tone cautious. He hadn't mentioned them yet, which made Gyzo all the more wary, but it seemed like this meeting might just be more than just about the Magical Crystals.

Myst pursed his lips, "Simple; there will be a price hike in the cost of crystals soon, with labor and shipping costs during this time of uncertainty being the given reason. However, certain establishments will be warned of this beforehand, so that they can negotiate arrangements that will offset the additional costs. And by that, I wish to buy certain goods from you at a discount price, and in exchange, you can do the same for mine." Deciding not to be cryptic for the next few moments, Myst finished by saying.

"And by that, I need weapons; I know where to get men and women who can use them."

Gyzo wasn't too sure what to say about this. He had expected the man to want more money, doesn't everyone, but he was willing to offset profit for a discount on weaponry? While Gyzo himself didn't get too involved in such affairs, he knew just the person within the family who did.

And if he told them that they needed to sell them at a lesser price to get cheaper Crystals? Well, they would probably agree. Those Crystals were invaulable to the family.

However his intentions were Gyzo's concern. He had made it plain and clear with what he said, honestly he didn't need to be so blunt. All that did was force Gyzo's hand in the hand, which Gyzo didn't mind.

"I see. And what exactly do you plan on doing with these armed people? We Celestia's don't usually provide for those looking to start trouble, if you know what I mean." Gyzo leaned forward and tenderly picked up a cupcake, tracing small circles on the top before continuing.

"Just what are you plotting and scheming Mr Neumann?"

Myst saw that he had pricked Gyzo's suspicions, but in a way that excited his interest, not the opposite. But surrendering to the urge to veil his words again, the old man said, "Why, nothing but my own safety and security, of course. Safety and security that is endangered by chaos," the contempt in that word was genuine, "chaos that certain other members of the establishment are willing to take advantage of. Those other members, those other scions of the nobility, are a danger to me, and one cannot blame an old man for wanting to secure himself. Nor can they blame him for asking for others' help in bringing down mutual annoyances and obstacles to safety, security, and advancement."

Basically, Myst wanted to bring down the Main Branch of the Celestia Family. Gyzo hated his brother, who headed the Main Branch of the Celestia's. The hint was there.

Gyzo took a small bite from his cupcake as Myst spoke, savouring the sweetness of the cake as he cracked a small smile.

"So what you're saying is, you need my help taking down these few 'individuals' who are a danger to you and also a mutual annoyance to me? Oh I wonder who you could possibly be talking about." The blue haired man drawled, looking directly at Myst before taking another bite.

"I don't believe we need to weave any webs here Mr Neumann, we both want my brother to fall. We can't do it alone, but together..." Gyzo trailed off, bringing both his palms upwards and allowing the small cake to fall to the ground, half eaten.

"Well....only one way to find out, correct?"

A nod from Myst. "Indeed, only one way to find out," he held out his hand. "To the fall of Tobias Celestia."

Gyzo looked at the hand for a moment, contemplating. Shrugging his shoulders, he reached out and gripped it tightly as they shook.

"To the start of a fruitful partnership."

Myst smiled at that...

"Wait... I'm fired?"

"No, you've been 'Let go... Nya~'"

To his credit, Duncan wasn't even that mad... or at least, he didn't look so as he stood there in the foyer of the Crusch Manor, completely stonefaced as one of the Maids stood before him and dictated the letter Felix had left before leaving on some adventure or another with his Master. Nearly a month in this world had numbed somewhat to the labyrinthine twists and turns his life seemed to take these days, and frankly this one was pretty par for the course.

"...He actually bothered to write out 'Nya~'?" Duncan asked after a moment, though he damn well knew the answer.

"He also drew two broken hearts and a sad cat-face." The Maid deadpanned in response, face blank and clearly hardened by years of dealing with Sir Argyle's whimsy.

"Seems about right."

Another beat of silence passed as the two stared eachother down, until the maid adjusted her glasses and cleared her throat

"Would you care to join us for lunch?"

"Hm? Oh, yes. Wouldn't mind that at all."

---

'Jesus Christ those ladies know how to cook...' Duncan couldn't help but think as he patted his armor-clad belly, letting out a little belch as he made his way through the Town Bazaar on the way back to the Crescent Moon, armour clicking rhythmically as he went.

It'd been an odd couple of weeks for the bald man; being abruptly farted into this Medieval Fantasy Land, getting Blown Up, getting smacked in the face with some Cat-femboy's big, frozen balls and then being hired on and sent out on a mission to kill demons at the behest of said Cat-femboy and then coming back to find out that the apparently well-paid position he'd been promised as the bodyguard to a Royal Knight in service to a Noblewoman with, without a doubt, the most hilariously innuendo-filled name he'd ever goddamn heard was no longer on the table because the two were out mucking about the countryside somewhere.

All in all, a shitshow.

...But hey, Felix was kind enough to leave him a fist-sized purse of coin for his trouble, and thanks to Crusch's maids, he had enough packed meals in his ruck to last a week. So it wasn't so bad.

His train of thought was abruptly derailed as a dog-sized bipedial lizard thing (which he refused to call a dragon) abruptly jumped through the space between his legs, and he had to quickly dodge out of the way of the trio of giggling animal-eared children that went chasing after it.

"...Huh." The Canuck toned after after a second's silence, scratching the back of his head at the sight, somewhat surprised how he wasn't so surprised about it as he'd usually be... in fact, he was kinda smirking a little.

His senses then shifted from the mischievous little rascals to the bazaar around him; casually glancing over the blacksmiths hard at work, merchants enthusiastically plying their wares, performers singing and dancing in the square as the smells of oh-so-many foods alien to him found their way into his nostrils. He even glanced down at himself, garbed in his leather armour and new (to him, anyway) matte-green-painted steel cuirass, helmet and arm/shin guards he'd looted off a bandit's corpse after a whole gaggle of them had the hilariously unfortunate idea to try and ambush the party on the way back from Laab (particularly when Vesta loudly declared that she was having none of their shit).

A stray thought occurred to him as he took in his surroundings-

'Oh dear God, I'm going native, aren't I?

Snorting indignantly, he put his helmet back on and dismissed the thought as he carried on his merry way. The faceguard concealing the little smile that weaved it's way across his features.

---

Finally arriving at the Crescent Moon, waving a quick greeting to Yoshi and dropping a few coins and some candy-coated appa-bits he picked up on the way over into the hands of a young, cat-eared kid that looked like she was going to faint from fright at the sight of him even as she tried to take his order, Duncan headed up the stairs and toward the balcony... only to find Avery dangling off the railing in a... very Avery-like fashion.

'Ladies and gentlemen, I give you...' The green-clad ex-mountie announced internally with a bit of humour as he set down his ruck, helmet and club and made his way over to the railing holding a bag of the previously-mentioned sweets '...My best friend.'

They were an odd pair, for sure, exact and total opposites in many ways in fact. But killing demons has a funny way of bringing people together and, to be honest, if Duncan didn't have someone to bounce terrible jokes back and forth with (and occasionally, play big brother to) these past four weeks, he'd've probably strangled half the party to death... or, well, Atisha at least.

"Rev, you do realize that if you fell and cracked your head open, you're boss would kick the ever-loving shit outta me, right?" Duncan asked rhetorically and with a bit of mirth as he leaned over the railing slightly and dangled the bag of sweets in front of the younger man's face "Sorry for the wait. Long story short; apparently I don't work for a cat-boy in a dress anymore."

A small smirk broke across his face as he continued.

"Ready to go find out just what the hell those bandits had marked out in their maps?"

@Lunarlors34

Once again, the Iron Bell Knights have received praise for the exploits, their.leader extolled for heroism in combatting a demonic beast roaming the trade posts hardly a few steps out of the protective barrier provided by Lugnica. Though proud of her accomplishment, it could hardly be said that she was alone in her duty against the beast, though due to her rank, she had been given the majority of the glory.. Though she didn’t mind the attention, it wouldn’t have hurt to have recognition towards those whose fame didn’t extend to the same rounds as her own.

Merry and sanguine her knights praised her accomplishment. Though Maria carried herself around phlegmatically, it was not uncommon for her to at least take part in merrymaking, especially if she was the center of attention. All work and no play makes a dull Knight, no? Not that Maria cared about her outward perception. She was a knight who would do the right thing, in some ways her thought process seeming almost winsome to others in the field.

If anything, her praise for her actions would at least keep the mouths of the detractors silent for but a moment. An adopted child hardly brought the most praise in the rigged world of aristocat politics, often leading to accomplishments of Maria, and by extension the Iron Bell Knights, to be regarded as bunk. It was hardly different for her as a child, often being signaled a bastard child whom Maria’s father had simply lied about her adoption.

But there was always one person who would help the young, timid child that there is hardly a trace of within the Maria of today. A dear friend of both the Hohenzollerns and Maria personally.

“Vesta,” Maria whispers to herself,distracting herself with her thoughts within the tight confines of her room. Thought the room was rather large, it was definitely not spacious, narrow corridors created by the rows and rows of books that would make a librarian blush, ornate decorations of adorning the walls. A new decoration being the head of the creature she had slain, recently taxidermied.

It was for but a moment her mind drifted to her childhood friend. Someone she had hardly seen in a long while.

“I wonder how nee-ch … Vesta is doing?”

Though they were once hugely close to one another, Maria hardly ever leaving the side of her “nee-chan” as her younger self used to refer to Vesta. Childish, but even with Maria’s current demeanor, she couldn't help but respect her only friend from childhood as a sort of “sister figure”.

“I dont want to bother her, but I don’t remember the last time I’ve seen her … I hope she is doing well …”

Maria had been given the day off for her success. Though it was common for Maria to trap herself within the confines of her room and read one of her novellas, though for whatever reason, she felt too distracted in her own thoughts to continue reading the pages upon the book she held in her hand.

Mulling her thoughts within her head for but a moment, Maria finally decided that she could always pay a visit to her friend.

It wasn’t long until a familiar sight was within Maria’s eyes, fixated upon the horizon. The Celestia mansion was a place that Maria had many fond memories of, often taken there on the trips her father would take to his political ally, figuring that his daughter was around the same age as said ally’s own.

Perhaps it was lucky for her that there was some sort of connection between the two girls, whether it have been pity of Maria’s disposition, or perhaps a there was something that was seen in the young, frail child from the other,

It wasn’t too long until the Knightess upon her horse had reached the gates of the Celestia estate, calling out and awaiting a response from a member of the help, or perhaps for someone to notice her.

Alexander Sky was squinting at the bright lights manifested by the Magi at the Celestia Mansion, but was prepared for when a particularly blinding glow, one of bright burning orange tinted all over with green, pounced towards Vesta but was casually dodged by the Earth Mage. Following her lead, the young man barely dived out of the way, then hoped that this...demi-dragon (?) would not notice him. He breathed hard, trying to control himself, and instead listened to Vivi (?) as she talked with her older sister (?).

So, the name of the demi-dragon girl is Zin, if I heard the blue-haired girl's words right. I must stay out of her; her eyes shine with unhealthy obsession. Satisfied that he had hidden those thoughts from Zin's presence, Alexander stepped a few paces to the side, before turning backwards to where a Knightess on a horse rode towards Vesta.

Iron Bell Knights. The ones that are hiring mercs? Alexander bowed his head respectfully towards the Knightess (her name was Maria, right?), all the while wondering what she had come to her political ally about. Well, best to listen to these new developments; even idle gossip became very important if it was about the people in power.

Or it can just be a courtesy call, Alexander considered. He looked at Maria; she was a beautiful person, and her face expressed a strength of character that he lacked. A brave and courageous Knightess, Alexander didn't know enough about the woman to make any conclusions beyond first impressions. The young man glanced at Vesta, then; will she invite the Knightess into her house? They seemed to be friends if she was going to come to the Celestia mansion so promptly.

No conclusions to be reached. I just wish they'd discuss more about people like me; people from another world.

@Lunarlors34@Spriggs27@ADamnFiddle

When the Celestia dodged her and Vivi came to warn her sister about the situation, Zin caught herself from falling and hitting the ground with her scaly hands, she spun around and hugged Vesta's legs from behind."Vesta! I ascended past the point of your normal human forms and became the creature that I truly desired to be, I am your dragon." She groped Vesta's behind before catching the sound of a horse's hoof hitting the ground from down the road. Giving Vesta's backside one last squeeze she somersaulted into a nearby waist high bush to stay out of sight of the incoming person, she reached out of the bush trying to grab her cloak she carelessly tossed away without a second thought, her green scaled hand reached out from under the brush attempting to grab the robes sitting, laying on the grass, she did her best to turn around in the bush without her wings sticking out of it to reveal her position and popped her tail out of the bush to try to have her tail grab it and bring it back to the shrub so she could cover up her body.

After failing to get the cloak, she decided turn her attention over to the visitor arrived to the Celestia's gates, It was a woman that had some odd armor, she probably was one of the people that was with that Orc that tried to take Vesta away. She stayed her anger as the Orc wasn't here, Vesta only brought back another human with her that would probably join her, thinking about it now, Zin knew she would have to probably out show the new human to show that she's better than him to Vesta.

It has been 4 weeks since Aya had ended up in this world now. Just like the others that had ended up in this world she has adapted quite badly to this life. She had lost most of the items she possessed but managed to replace some of them with simple alternatives like large pieces of cloth and rope. She had managed to get a knife as a weapon stolen from someone that was beat up in the pub only for her to defend herself in this cruel world. She had died many times but it didn't appear that she could die even if she wanted too so badly. Aya kept herself alive by cooking water and stealing fruit from the market.

Talking about stealing fruit from the market. She was running away as hard as she could while holding 2 small pieces of fruit in her hands and a smirk under her hood. The meal for today had been collected again. Her pace slowed as she looked back to see no one was following her anymore. She started laughing softly as she looked at the apple with glassy eyes. It had been like 3 days since she has eaten so she was quite happy with her meal. Aya quickly took a bite savouring the taste of the sweet apple. While eating she kept walking looking around to see where she had ended up. It appeared she was at the place her adventure began, the tavern where she was forced to wear a maid outfit and meet quite a few people. Aya slowed down some more and eventually stopped while staring at the tavern. Should she go in?



After the situation with Hamaguchi's disappearance the trio had been taken into the tavern where they could stay and sleep for a discount in the storage room. Hamaguchi still worked at her old job at the florist while she worked under Yoshinobu in the evening so that the little ones didn't have to work and serve drunk men late at night. The little ones only worked during the day, walking around in cute uniforms with their hairs tied up neatly and all cleaned up. They walked orders for the customers and cleaned tables but not much more. Most people enjoyed cute little cats serving them so it was a win win for Yoshinobu, they were cheap too and did a good job.

One of the customers walked up to Eli giving her a handful of handmade candy probably bought from the market. She did not remember the man so he was a bit scary and tall for her to see but she was happy with the candy. As he was away Eli ran up to Yoshinobu showing her the candy and was told to share it with Emi who was sweeping the floor right now with a broken broom which was tall enough for her now due to being broken.

---

---

One thing Ford had come to realize after spending some time in this alternate, primitive world was that he had taken modern means of transportation for granted. The most "luxurious" way he could travel was by carriage, and when compared to a nice air-conditioned vehicle, even the greatest and most expensive carriage was nothing to his "refined tastes" in transportation. Walking everywhere was somewhat annoying, although he was sure this body of his was what made it bearable.

Before coming here, his stamina bar would make disappoint anybody who saw it.

Thankfully, the gates to Vesta's mansion came into vision and that meant the end of their long travel. With a quiet sigh of relief and an increased pace, Heinrich stopped behind Vesta as she addressed her sibling.

Sitting down and enjoying the binge of something on my backlog sounds really nice right now. Ah, if only such a thing were possible...

Ford closed his eyes. To be honest, even inconveniences like walking to every single place and the gawking people would be nothing if he could just enjoy anime or games. But there simply was nothing like that here. Books were a thing, of course, but "filthy normie" books did not interest him in the least unless they pertained to magic. It seemed like magic would have to be his new hobby, but even learning to fling rocks at foes and perhaps become a tenth as great as the mage he was apprenticed to would never be as relaxing as sitting in front of a tv.

Alternate-world problems, I suppose. No use getting too upset over i----

Heinrich opened his eyes mere moments before he was assaulted by a certain dragon. Not expecting it, he was knocked to the floor, but found himself recovering rather flawlessly with a backspring. It almost looked rehearsed. "Hey!" he called out to the woman, who had ignored him entirely and decided to fondle Vesta's vestas in a way that reminded him of some horrible harem shows. Did girls really do that?

Maybe I am IN an anime?

The dragon never really seemed to acknowledge his presence despite bowling him over like a pin, which did annoy him. However, Heinrich wasn't actually harmed from the collision and it seemed like it would only lead to more irritation if he pressed for an apology or something, so he let it be. If things could finish quicker, that would suit him just fine. Besides, it seemed they had an... important visitor? A woman clad in armor riding a horse appeared, wishing to speak to Vesta, presumably. After all, who didn't? She was the hot topic around here.

Heinrich being nothing more than an aspiring mage and closet weeb, did not dare pretend he was able to answer for Vesta. He remained silent and waited to see what the party desired.

Vesta Celestia and Avery Ackbar Celestia

@FamishedPants@demonspade64@noodles@Letter Bee@Sir Lurksalot@liferusher@Seirei No Hai@ADamnFiddle
Feeling Zin quickly leap back and wrap herself around her legs, Vesta would've lost her balance if she didn't manage to grab onto Vivi's shoulder. Such a sudden weight attaching itself to her legs was enough to make anyone fall over, it was like suddenly being tackled around the ankles. Not a fun experience.
"That just raises more questions than it gives answers Ms Parallex..." Vesta couldn't stop the annoyance from creeping into her tone, groaning loudly as she rubbed her temples furiously. This was just what she needed first thing back from a damn annoying Demon Beast expedition, everything about this situation.
Feeling the sharp talons almost pierce into her backside the first time Zin tried groping her, she quickly yanked a leg free even if it meant that she fell sidewards into her sister, whom had been watching this with the attitude of someone who hadn't the foggiest how to react to such a strange sight.
So basically, the reaction of a normal person. She was somewhat used to Zin's antics, having spent a month having the dragon girl destroy any patience she had with anything ever, but this....this was something else to behold.

She also wasn't expecting Vesta to crash shoulder first into her as Zin scurried away, the two of them ending up on the ground. Vivi's breath had been literally taken away, crushed out of her technically as she spent a moment recuperating on the ground as Vesta quickly got back to her feet. Glancing around quickly, holding back the scowl that threatened to form. She wasn't in the mood for this nonsense, but quickly realising that Vivi was still on the ground she helped the younger girl back to her feet.
"I'm sorry Vesta, I was trying to warn you but it would seem that I was too slow." Vivi grumbled, dusting herself off before noticing the commotion behind the party. They were still basically right next to the gate, so seeing the guards let Maria in was literally the first thing the younger Celestia saw when she looked up.
Watching her sister's gaze, Vesta turned to face Maria, all the irritation that had been threatening to bubble to the surface evaporating and instead a rare smile graced their presence.
"Mari! It's been far too long." With a beaming smile, she walked over and embraced the Knight Commander. She hadn't seen Maria since....well it felt like an eternity, but it was probably a few months ago. Yes, it would've been four months ago, when Vesta had last worked with the Knights to help take down some large Demon Beasts that had taken up residence on the outskirts of the city.

"Tell me, what is the reason you've decided to grace us with your presence? Wait it doesn't matter, I'm sure we have a lot to talk about." Was this the same Ice Queen, Vesta Celestia, that had been standing before them mere moments ago? Let alone the same woman that the others had come to know over the past month? She seemed like quite the different person, she was acting more like an overexcited teenage girl, though Vivi didn't seem too taken aback by the transformation in personality.
Whenever she was around Maria, there was no need for pretense or reputations so she could relax a hell of a lot more....and this was the result.
Turning to Vivi, Vesta listed off a few brief commands.
"Vivi, tell Ronni to prepare some tea for us all. And whatever snacks or sweets they can organise quickly." Nodding briefly at her sisters words, Vivi turned to leave but paused before bowing towards Maria.
"It's a pleasure to see you again Miss von Hohenzollern. Excuse me." Vivi quickly headed back towards the mansion after she spoke.
Once Vivi was gone from sight, Vesta gave a sideways look towards Alexander and Heinrich before turning back to Maria.
"Oh I'm sorry Mari, it's been so long that I got a little overexcited and forgot to introduce you." After her quick apology, she gestured to Alexander and then Heinrich. Though her hand lingered over Alexander as she spoke, choosing her words carefully.
"This is Mr Alexander Sky, a....foreigner who happened into my service just recently. He has a peculiar ability to see magic and Divine Protections as colours. And this man here is Mr Heinrich Ford, a man who is rather talented at whatever he does who is also my apprentice. And there is another, Miss Zin Parallex, but she seems to be...gone. She'll turn up I'm sure. She is rather...unique to say the least." Vesta frowned slightly as she didn't know the best way to describe Zin, without being rude, risque or in general to be honest.
I mean, how would you explain a woman who thought she was a dragon, then suddenly turned into a Demi-human dragon and ran around basically naked bar scales and tended to grope people on sight while shouting delusional, moronical nonsense?

---

Avery had just finished his sandwich when he sensed, or rather Shiro sensed and told him, that Duncan was approaching. Rather than pull himself up like a normal person, he decided to hang like this a little longer. Even when Duncan walked over and dangled the sweets in his face, he didn't sit up and instead went to snatch the bag.
"I'm surprised she hasn't done the deed herself to be honest." Avery joked, going to pull himself up before stopping. This was groundbreaking what he had just discovered! And honestly, not surprisingly in the least.
Looking up at Duncan, he decided to share what he had just found out.
"....I can't get up." That's right, as Avery had gone to pull himself up, he found out he didn't have the core strength for such a deed. Which meant that if Duncan hadn't come along, well he would be in a rather big pickle wouldn't he?
Laughing at his own stupidity, Avery looked down before something caught his eye, which caused his laughter to stop abruptly. In the distance, he could make out a girl who was looking at the inn. She was too far away to see properly, but she still seemed oddly familiar...
How peculiar.

"Hold that thought Nutcracker." Avery suddenly let go of the railings, twisting his body in the fall so as to land on his feet rather than his skull. Though the impact was a little, ok it was bloody painful, he could handle such a fall without anything (major) broken. I mean, no matter how much you trained, a two story drop was still a two story drop.
Duncan would hear the loud sound of palm meeting face as he realised he left his staff up with Duncan, but eh too late now. He would just need to make something small then...
The next moment, a small adorable husky puppy appeared in front of Avery before taking off towards his target...Aya. Assuming Duncan would just follow suit, hopefully with his staff, Avery briskly followed the little pup. He was sure that was Aya, the girl from Earth they had met before going to the village.
She had declined Vesta's offer to stay at the mansion, and Avery hadn't seen her since and thus feared the worst...and she didn't look that flash either, but hey she was alive! That was a start....
But there was no way that after seeing her, that Avery wouldn't at least try to persuade her again. If not with them, then someone else.

Kurokono sat along a table of the Crescent Moon inn, taking sips of drinks on his jug of beer as he looked around. "I'm sure I didn't drink too much, didn't I?" He squinted his eyes upon seeing someone jumping down outside the window. Apparently it was Avery, the girl that he had seen before. Oh, that's the girl back at the village~

He focused his attention back on his plate of food, being more interested in getting his business done. The past 4 weeks of him attacking the slave trade of the slums doesn't give him any significant leads. "That shyt is way too organised, whoever behind it must have sheer political power..." He started sucuumbing to his alcohol. "So much efforts on sending heads here & there, and it doesn't even shake the slave trade, gruoghhh..."

Myst Neumann

Myst had returned to the Royal Capital Lugnica, where instead of going back to his mansion in that city, he decided to satisfy his pride and instead lord it over Roswaal T. Mathers' residence in the metropolis. He was now on top of the balcony, musing over reports of a mysterious swordsman who had been ineffectually attacking his slaving operations instead of looking for proof and alerting the Iron Bell Knights and the Royal Guard. Such a small insect compared to the size of his operations, yet this man presented yet another opportunity to scheme and plot and strengthen his power among the poor and desperate.

"Asmira," he would speak, and a brown-skinned Elf would appear from the shadows cast by the balcony's curtains, clad in practical and concealing Kunoichi armor. This dark-skinned Elf would look at her employer, waiting for orders.

Myst continued, "Rally the Demi-Human gangs of the slums against this 'mysterious swordsman'. Spread word that said Mysterious Swordsman is using his crusade against slavery and slavers to target Demi-Human homes, establishments, and Demi-Humans themselves. If possible, get a cute Inugami or Nekomimi kid to say that the Mysterious Swordsman only rescues Human children and leaves Demi-Humans behind to be enslaved once more. At the same time, post a bounty for his capture; I need more strong and able-bodied slaves and someone of his stupidity will amuse me as a court jester in-between sessions of back-breaking work at the mines."

A purse of his lips. "Tell me, as a purely hypotethical situation, what happens if a section of the slums burn down, and I then step in to pay for the food, water, and medical care for the survivors? Not just that, but out of 'philanthrophy', I pay to rebuild the homes destroyed, good as new. Can you guess why I might do that?"

Asmira sighed. "To gain supporters, Mr. Neumann. Plus the rebuilt homes would be easily defensible, should they be built before the country descends into civil war."

Myst nodded, "You are smart, Asmira. As a human, you would have been given every opportunity to advance in society. But alas, the world is unfair; that is why I do what I do."

The dark-skinned Elf paused as Myst handed her a bag of gold. "Your payment for listening to an old man's musings."

Asmira then spoke, "One more thing. This residence, the disappeared Roswaal's mansion, perhaps it can be used as an orphanage for Demi-Human orphans? It will help improve your public image, if I must say, Mr. Neumann."

Myst then nodded, "Yes, and as a secret training facility for Child Soldiers to boot. You are smart, Asmira, very smart." The respect was genuine.

@Zelosse@Noodles@Lunarlors34 (as active GM) @Sir Lurksalot (as second active GM)

@Lunarlors34
@FamishedPants
@Spriggs27
@Letter Bee

“It has been too long, hasn’t it One-,” Maria began, before realizing there were several other people in the area, and choking herself back if only a bit. A light shade of blush appeared upon Maria’s face as she caught these words upon herself. It was very likely had the two been alone, she would have not have choked these words down. After all, Vesta was an invaluable friend, and perhaps one of the few people she trusted for about anything.

“Eh hm,” the Knight cleared her throat, coughing slightly as if to pretend it was merely an unintended sound rather than her intended vocabulary. “Vesta.”

It should have been clear to Vesta that Maria was trying to act mature in front of others, which would seem somewhat out of place coming from how their meeting usually ended up. Perhaps it was the “desire to look adult” or to “make a strong first impression” that prompted Maria to switch her choice of calling Vesta from Onee-san to Vesta. Though even in private conversations, it seemed as if Maria recently chose to try [and mostly fail] using Vesta’s proper name over childish nicknames. Perhaps even to Vesta, Maria wanted to seem more mature in her current life and distance herself from the crybaby and childish person she once was.

Stepping down from her horse, Maria walked closer to Vesta, a small smile forming lightly upon the sides of her mouth from being reunited with her childhood friend.

“It must have been a few months by now, hasn’t it? Sorry, I haven't been able to visit recently with my promotion. Since I figured with my time off I would see if you wanted to perhaps have some tea, though you seem to have your hands filled with several people right now. If I am interrupting something, I would not wish to burden you with frivolous actions if you are overly busy right now.”

It appeared as if when she had arrived, Vivi chose to excuse herself at the request of Vesta. It was a shame. Though Maria was never too close to the other sister, she did have a basic understanding of her person from her time with Vesta, hardly the brave knight today, scared of her own shadow and staggering behind the protection of Vesta from the outside world.

“As cute as ever I see, Vivi. Sorry for any inconveniences my arrival caused. I would have written a letter prior to my arrival, but it was really a spur of the moment. I don’t have a gift for you this time, but perhaps next time i will remember.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you. Any friend of Vesta is a friend of mine,” Maria replied simply. Of course, anyone who Vesta would even allow the slightest bit of companionship with was someone who Maria could likely trust. After at, the heiress and powerful Earth Mage seemed to have an almost uncanny ability to find those she deems worthy of companionship. Though perhaps their ties were not as tried and true as the ones shared by Maria and Vesta, at the very least if they were not good people, it was very likely they would have been thrown out of the grounds within moments of their arrival. Or perhaps it was just that Vesta had yet the time to do so.

“Allow me to introduce myself as well. I am Captain Maria von Hohenzollern of the Iron Bell Knights and personal friend to the Celestias. A pleasure to make your acquaintances, Alexander Sky and Mr Heinrich Ford,” Maria said with a light bow, hardly much of a gesture, but it seemed genuine all the same.

“Well this is some army you have been building in secret, or perhaps it is your harem?” Maria jested at Cesta, though it seemed by the cheesy grin upon her face it was clearly intended to be a joke.

“I kid, of course. Though I would wish to meet the other you mentioned if they are an interesting fellow compared to these two gentlemen.”

“But thank you for having me today Vesta.. I have missed you dearly,”

Alexander Sky

Alexander bowed to Maria, and said, "A pleasure to meet you as well, Lady Hohenzollern. You are truly blessed with the triple gifts of strength, beauty, and intellect; that and three or four Divine Blessings, with the fourth seemingly colored as 'clear'. Oh, and white-grey Wind Magic. As for harems...I would never dream of breaking through such class barriers." That, and perving over women and other men would just get my jaw broken; I need to break that habit.

A smile as Alexander got up, "The Iron Bell Knights do good work; I may even have signed up as one of your auxiliaries if not for Sir Malakaus and his field trip. In these troubled times, well, different types of people are needed," Gods, Maria is a true paragon; I never thought those would exist! Then again, it is a fantasy world.

Then a look at the brightly-shining Heinrich as Alexander said, offfering his hand, "Hello; actually didn't notice you there. Anyway, let's be friends. After all, we both like Captain -" Don't mention Aleph, let us not! Vesta hates him for obvious reasons!

"Well, nevermind; I am being a chatterbox," Alexander continued. He would then wait for Maria and Vesta to discuss current crises or whatever.

@Lunarlors34@Spriggs27@ADamnFiddle@FamishedPants

@Letter Bee

Deep in every shadow stood the unknown or unseen, the whisper of danger or silent protection for those of status enough to afford the luxury of choice. From the twisted minds of the rich and greedy were those of skill employed to enforce their will.
That was how the golden sword rationed to its thoughts to Mithril, the masked killer wielding the sentient cursed sword. A prisoner to his own body. All he cpuld do when the blades will demanded it was follow the commands. Now was no different.

Not a whisper of his passing heralded the approach of certain doom. Here in the royal capital they were fugitives wanted on dozens of murder cases, the targets always involving a person of status.. and their personal guards.
Each body showed signs of a struggle, sometimes severely burned, others had given up and driven their own blade through their hearts.

To date few knew the culprit but the Iron Bell knights, their leader having fought a man with a peculiar sword, had claimed it was the work of a demonic figure.

A figure that had disappeared.. without a trace it had up and vanished from sight, eluding the ones tracking it until finally the chase had ended. Assuming the killer had fled the city. Posters had been put up and time had forgotten all about it.

WE HAVE STOOD IDLE LONG ENOUGH, MITHRIL. SEEN THEIR RISE. NOW IS THE TIME.

Nodding his understanding Mithril tailed his target across the city. From the gates, to the nustling streets, all the way to an empty mansion. The why of their destination was not a concern, but the seclusion was ideal.
If it had lips the golden sword would surely be licking them in anticipation.

Their prey was a man by the name of Myst Neumann.

---

Asmiras presence was known to the unnatural sight and senses of the blade as Mithril crouched out of sight and listened. All but invisible as the blade subtly masked their presence, slipping into the weak minds of those gathered to whisper safety.
The conversation between the two was intriguing. Slave operations, reinforced homes, talks of civil war and an army..

BLOOD WILL RUN IF THIS MAN LIVES.. The voice in Mithrils mind all but purred at the idea of such wide spread chaos free in the streets. Those of talent would come forward and fight, openly! Identifying a challenge would be far easier if every hero of the war stood above-

MYSTERY SWORDSMAN? A CHALLENGER PERHAPS.. Again Mithril could feel the evil smile crswl across his own face at the blades will. Another life he would be forced to snuff out.

So be it. The first sign of his approach came in a wave, a feeling of minor fatigue. It sapped at the strength around it hungrily until the rooftop was bathed in its suppressive will.

The rustle of cloth was the only indication that the roof held another occupant, as Mithril all but flew from his hidden location and struck fast from behind as the conversation came to its conclusion. Kicking hard at Asmiras knee from behind he forced the elf off balance. The pommel of a golden sword struck her head and all became black as consciousness blew away while her body crumpled in a heap at his feet.
The shining edge of the blade flashed forward to menace Myst as Mithril spoke out.

"Do not look surprised.. big aspirations draw attention.. and you have mine undivided.."

The sword spoke through Mithril giving his voice an unearthly echo as the would-be assassin stalked forward, stomping hard enough on the knocked out elfs shoulder you could hear the sound of bone cracking painfully.

"The girl will heal. A minor dislocation and a hairline fracture.. you on the other hand will not be so lucky."

Mithril stalked closer until the blades tip was inches away from Mysts throat.

"You're going to die here. Make no mistake, I can and will kill every soul under your command adter I pry their names from you.."

The tip of the sword brushed against Mystd neck just long enough to reveal its hideous nature. To his eyes the world turned a hellish black as the looming spectre of the spirit haunting the sword revealed itself. Through his mind its influence could be felt like thorned vines wrapped around every thought like a aparasite-

-as the blade slipped off his skin everything returned to normal. Nothing but the two men and the injured elf renained.

"You've got one chance. Impress me, and you might live."

Myst Neumann

Myst's first thoughts once the sword was drawn back were comfort that Asmira would survive this; a second later his emotions changed to anger and fear, not for himself but for his dream. And so, when asked by Mithril to 'impress him', the old man cleared his throat, and spoke: "I will play your game, monster, even though it be my death. I glimpsed the madness in your blade, how it wanted to wrap around all order and crumble it into chaos and suffering." He then smiled grimly. "Suffering is what I deal in, although my interests are more...organized."

He then continued with the zeal of a man doomed to die, but unbowed, caring only about being remembered, "Down in the slums people suffer and die, Demi-Human and Human both. Under the watch of the nobles and knights who deal in fairy tales and force, the rich are held above the poor, Humans above Demi-Humans, Men above Women. I would break this sham of a heirarchy and make everyone equal under oppression, as well shed oceans of blood to achieve this goal." Myst's eyes glinted with malice and barely restrained murderous rage.

The old man knew one thing; he couldn't have his men and women die to this madman. They were his tools to bring about his new world and the despotism it represented. He had to think; what had this wielder of a madness-inducing blade revealed about himself? Were there previous reports of such a person in Lugnica - wait, there were; that series of high-profile murders! A powerful assassin who wanted no coin, only death, and who wielded fire as a weapon. A glimpse of a path revealed itself, and Myst cautiously followed it as he spoke once more.

"Ah, I now know what you are; one of the assassins and murderers who crave the pleasure of the kill, not coin or ordinary ideals. And from your request from me to impress you, it seems you also want the pleasure of a challenge." A chance to kill two, maybe even three birds with one stone. "If you have been eavesdropping, I am sure you must have heard of a mysterious swordsman attacking my clandestine operations but doing little against them except be a gadfly." Myst carefully sorted through his memories, in order to assure that his next words were correct.

He continued, "This swordsman is an idiot, but one adept at survival. A heroic soul, though reduced to a wannabe because of his lack of perception and his lack of friends with said perception. I wanted him captured to serve as my jester, but with his skills with the sword and the bloodshed he's already caused, he might grant you a few short moments of amusement before you come back to murder me. That would be a challenge, would it not be?" Another throat-clear.

"But if that alone does not impress you, then the fact of the matter is that if I die, the amount of blood and fire the future will see will be much reduced. Without someone working to undermine the structure of society, it will stand for a little while longer. Do-gooders will meet less opposition in their attempts to paper over the realities of the world with idealistic fairy tales. Do you want such a world? Say what you will about my own quest for order, but if I die, there will be peace." Myst was in his element now. "Do you want this world of sugarcoated lies to continue? That will be the most likely outcome of my death."

@Zelosse@Noodles@Lunarlors34 (as active GM) @Sir Lurksalot (as second active GM)

@liferusher @sir lurksalot @lunarlors34




There was a loud groan that broke the silence of the room as a blonde man rose up from his...comfortable nap? Comfortable in a sense of being knocked out anyway. As he did, a brown squirrel with a white stripe running down its tail scurried off his body. With even more annoyed grunts, he finally picked up his body and dusted himself off with a few muddled curse words. Looking around, he noticed that things seemed a tad….different than he last remembered. For one, his bed seemed way more… humble, for lack of a kinder word, than it used to be. That and his back basically was screaming bloody murder. He got up and twisted his back which ended up being a terrible idea as now it was screaming bloody torturous murder. And he screamed along with it.

Ease poured himself his usually morning whis-coffee. Somehow, despite the aching of his probably fucked-up spinal cord, he felt reinvigorated. Like he just woke up from a coma and had a million things to do. Either way, he did feel a sense of actual purpose. It’s been awhile since the other poor bastards dropped down into Lugunica and, despite that being a pretty big eye-opener, he hasn’t done much with it. All that really happened was the occasional talk and other everyday activities. At this point, he wouldn’t be shocked if his laziness was because of his own comfortableness with said activities….In fact, he did think that since he didn’t want to admit he was just being a lazy douche. Even then, they’re still stuck here as far as they know and no one seems any closer. When in doubt, just do as Ease does. Hit up the bar.

*Sometime Later*

A fairly nice afternoon was always welcomed. He said the occasional hellos to the familiar folks and bought the usual food. Ironically, food seemed to be going more down his gullet than drink. Thank God that one cat lady made extra bread. Besides that, he made the usual menial tasks and drank from his water flask. Despite how average it was, he seemed rather… tense. It made sense. With the surprises the past few weeks, pretty much anything might happen. Another new person? Someone else with resurrection? Bumping into someone? Christ, maybe even another murd-Wait, was that last one?

Suddenly realizing his manners and realizing he might wanna watch where he’s going, he turned over to the person he accidentally nudged into. And promptly looked down at the girl who was quite smaller than he was. “Ease: Sorry about that. My fault.” For some reason the girl looked familiar despite her gruffy appearance. And she was staring at the bar. For a second he stared as if trying to piece it together, but promptly shrugged it off. Another casual bargoer probably. He simply kept on walking and entered into the bar before giving her one last look. Weirdly familiar...Eh whatever. Papa needs his numby juice.

The Crescent Moon was as it usually was. Quite a few occupants and people talking. He did note the two ever familiar cat twins get pieces of candy from a just as familiar armored mountie. God, that’s still a weird thing to say for him. Well, good to see he’s getting used to armor at least. As Duncan went upstairs, he walked over to the twins and gave a quick wave to them and Yoshi. He did make plans to drink his fill but hey, might as well see if Duncan’s down too. “Ease: I’ll be right back.” He said as he walked up the stairs.

The first thing he took note of was the sound of a certain Purple person laughing. Avery was here too huh? As he approached the balcony, he heard an all too familiar thudding noise and a lack of Avery. With an eyeroll, he went over to the now alone bald man. “Ease: So did Scooby Doo there just jump off the balcony like I think she did?” He said as he then looked over said balcony, with Ratatosk looking over too at the facepalming young woman. “Ease: Hmm. I guess that answers my question. What are you two up to?”