@Rune_Alchemist@The Irish Tree

Maria Falena

Maria was glad that the weapon of the creature was broken, Which meant this would be a bit easier for her to take the armoured foe down. Flying around now looking around for another open spot in the armour.Using one hand to use her ice magic again and try to freeze the armoured foe, She swore she thought she saw something that looked like another hole in the breastplate of the giant.

Trying to avoid the grabbing hands of the giant foe, Making sure to freeze the giant first before attacking him. If her freezing spell was right then she would attack that open spot with his rapier and try to kill the armoured enemy.

Ars Argento

"Ah, I didn't mean to..." Ars started muttering a nearly inaudible protest as it seemed clear that he would be interrupting the couple's ... whatever it was that couples did. But he silenced himself halfway and decided to just go along with it. The trip back would be safer with the tree of then after all, though he ended up feeling veey uncomfortable on the way back and kept to himself.

Upon arriving at the guild, Ars was reminded of how impressive it was. "Was the guild house recently rebuilt?" He decided to ask Freyr when Haley excitedly dashed forward, after having mentioned the place being built up again.

________________________________________

Ars too sat for dinner among the other adventurers. Probably thanks to having conpleted such an odd and simple request, he didn't feel as out of place as when he first stepped into the guild. Still, his clothings and equipment, including the staff with little signs of use, which he had left leaning against his chair, screamed "new comer". The boy made sure to mind his table manners, but his focus was on observing the other people at the table. He had been told once that meals for adventurers were rowdy affairs and was curious to see if that was true.

Bart wanted the adventurers to come up with a name. As someone who had been an adventurer and a member of the guild for less than a day at that point, Ars didn't really feel qualified to give naming suggestions, not to mentionnot being prepared to speak in such a situation. Instead he listened to the suggestions of others. The large horned man (another male monster, Ars was surprised to notice) suggested using a metal as part of the name while a blonde haired woman wanted something to symbolize unity. The boy would probably be fine with anything. He didn't even really know what other guilds called themselves.

Bast Ragoczy

Bast heard carefully as Lord Barensia gave him his answer. Instead of being irritated or unsatisfied, Bast simply nodded, with a satisfied expression. Lord Barensia certainly knew who King Joshua was, and his prudent behavior regarding King Joshua were justifiable. Bast didn't knew Joshua that well, but just from the things he heard about him and the fact that he was smart and cunning enough to control someone like Araghast proved that he was indeed a dangerous opponent who deserved respect and utmost cautiousness in a confrontation, be it a diplomatic confrontation or a military one.

"...I can't risk that to my family. Never."
"I'm sorry. But you will need to find aid elsewhere." Lord Barensia said, after a long pause.

"I see, I wouldn't blame you for doing so, Mr. Barensia, quite on the contrary, I understand your preoccupation. King Joshua is certainly a dangerous man. Even someone such as I need to be cautious when dealing with him." Bast said, with a serious expression.

"In fact... The reason why I'm so interested in King Joshua is exactly because we're very similar... He surely will be an interesting person to talk with. Be it an ally or an enemy..." Bast said, with a grin.

"Even though I never met King Joshua, just by the things I heard about him, and the fact that he maintains someone such as Lord Araghast under control..." Bast said, tapping his fingers on his cane, thinking.

"It's really unfortunate, but this encounter wasn't useless. Lord Barensia, I can safely say that you are indeed an intelligent and honorable gentleman by the words you just said." Bast said, with a satisfied expression.

"There is no shame in protecting what is precious to you." Bast said, taking off his hat and doing a discreet bow towards Lord Barensia.

"I don't know if we will ever see each other again, but if we do, I look forward to having a nice talk once more." Bast said, standing up and extending his hand towards Lord Barensia.

"I'm afraid we need to leave now. I'm sure Miss Eilidh is also here on the city to attend a request from the guild, such as I am, and I would hate to take more of her, or your time." Bast continued, smiling.

"It was a real pleasure talking with you, Lord Barensia. If you ever need any help, or maybe just to have a nice talk, do post a request on the guild. Or maybe if you like adventures and having a bit of adrenaline on your life, I would recommend you to enlist yourself there. There are all sorts of incredibly interesting and intriguing requests." He said with a laugh, standing up and taking off his hat, in a polite greeting.

"You might find it strange that someone such as me is working for an adventurer's guild, but believe-me, it's doing a wonderful job in killing my boredom... And sometimes I do get to make some nice friends. Pleasure and business at the same time!" Bast continued, laughing.

"Even though we must leave, I took the liberty of paying for another cup of tea for you. It's one of my favorite mixes of herbs. I would suggest you try it before you go. It's certainly worthy of your time." Bast said, giving a discreet but noticeable emphasis to that phrase.

Before turning to Eilidh, Bast looked directly to Lord Barensia's eyes, with a serious expression as he moved his lips without saying a word, sending a clear message to the man.

"You have enemies on this town. Your carriage is rigged. Don't use it to get back to your mansion. Listen very carefully to my next words, they are a clue." Bast said, with a clear emphasis on the last five words, which are clearly a clue to Lord Barensia, before he turned to Eilidh.

"Shall we go now, my dear?" Bast said, extending his hand towards Eilidh.

"Have you ever seen the cherry blossoms bloom? Such a lovely shade of pink... It's a shame that its a very delicate plant and quite difficult to cultivate." Bast said, looking to Lord Barensia's eyes with a serious expression and a mysterious smile before gently taking Eilidh's hand, indicating that it was time for them to leave.

Bast had it's way to do things. He was a mysterious and most certainly, very unpredictable man. With a little bit of effort, Lord Barensia would understand what that code meant. Pink referring to Lady Natasha's unusual hair color. Surely, it would be enough to narrow down the possible culprits to just a few individuals.

Why Bast choose to help Lord Barensia, instead of simply burning his carriage? Maybe it was due to the fact that he hated being threatened, or maybe it was because he had enjoyed the talk with the man... Nobody knew for certain... After all, understanding Bast's mind wasn't an easy task...

@PaulHaynek@Silver Carrot

---

---

Freyr

"Pandemonium...?" Freyr repeated, confused.
"That doesn't sound like something very pleasant to hear about..." He continued, after hearing Haley's words about the dark priests.

Freyr himself was a bit distracted talking with Haley and didn't noticed Ars. After she talked about him, he finally noticed that the boy was indeed a bit uncomfortable and clearly wanted to go back to the guild. Freyr himself didn't know exactly why he was uncomfortable, but he would respect his wish, it was about time for them to go back, and it was definitely safer to go together...

The trip back to the guild was peaceful, albeit a bit silent. Ars did seem to be a bit uncomfortable around Haley and Freyr. He wondered if he said anything to make him that uncomfortable...

---

As they arrived on the guild, Freyr heard with a chuckle as Haley talked about the guild, surprised on how quickly it was rebuilt and how different it was.

"And in such a short time too. How? Did you guys use magic or something?" Haley said, intrigued.

"Dwarves. Their work surely is impressive, isn't it?" He said, answering both Haley and Ars, who had just asked about the guild as well.

The guild was certainly different from what it was before. Now it was much more imposing. It would certainly help to make others to treat it more seriously.

---

At the dinner, Freyr took a minute to look around before sitting on the table. It was certainly much more livelier than when he first entered the guild. So many new faces... Maybe it was the right decision to join the guild...

As he sat down together with the others, an interesting topic came up. Bartholomew and Neil started talking about giving the guild a name. Surely it wasn't something Freyr thought before, but now that they said it he realized that the guild didn't have a proper name. Everyone called it just 'guild'.

Freyr heard quietly as both Magnus and Rebecca gave suggestions about how to name it. Both were interesting, something with metal would pass a strong and reliable feeling and the ring as a symbol of unity was also interesting. Freyr wasn't that good in naming stuff, just as Neil said he wasn't but an idea came up on his mind after he heard Magnus and Rebecca...

"Metal for strength, ring or circle for unity... Maybe gold would do fine as a metal? It has a number of different symbolisms according to Alchemy... Such as immutability, eternity, perfection and also self-purification, according to the famous legend of alchemists turning lead into gold..." Freyr said, with a thoughtful expression.

"I'm also not that good with names, but I think I can give some advice on how to name it." Freyr said, smiling awkwardly.

@Silver Carrot @PaulHaynek @The Irish Tree @Rune_Alchemist @Kyun

Alike In Dignity
~@13org (BST), @Silver Carrot (ELD)~

Bast has issued his warning. While Lord Barensia understood that his carriage was compromised, he did not seem to pick up the clue about the cherry blossoms. "I see. I also enjoyed our talk today, Mister Bast and Miss Eilidh. Rest assured that if our family needs help, we shall enlist the aid of your guild." Lord Barensia grimly and nervously said though still having no idea as to whom targeted him. "Farewell and I hope you two have a safe trip home."

Bast's request was done, although its original objective had seemingly been failed deliberately. Whether this conclusion would have consequences or not, for now both Bast and Eilidh were free to return to the guild or roam around some more in the town.

---

~@Rune_Alchemist, @The Irish Tree (MAG), @Silver Carrot (REB), @13org (FYR), @Kyun~

"Well...up north we try and name battle companies after something about our leaders. A-At least that's what my dad told me. T-Though...its not like I know enough about you Mr. Bart to come up with something like that. Maybe start it with something strong sounding, like a metal?"

"Maybe something like a circle or a ring, to suggest unity,"

"Metal for strength, ring or circle for unity... Maybe gold would do fine as a metal? It has a number of different symbolisms according to Alchemy... Such as immutability, eternity, perfection and also self-purification, according to the famous legend of alchemists turning lead into gold..."

"Ah! Ah! What about 'The Golden Ring Of Steel'?" Haley excitedly suggested. "It's got ring for unity and steel for a really unbreakable metal!" She explained. "It signifies that our unity is super, super strong like well-forged steel or something!" She exclaimed. "And then we have golden because we are... uhh... shiny! And pretty and stuff!"

Bart appeared to welcome the suggestion but Neil's expression said that the boy was not sure about the Siren's suggested name.

"Or... what about we shorten it to 'The Golden Ring'?" Talia the Cyclops chimed in. "Although that makes us sound like a crime ring. What else can we use instead of 'ring'?" The Cyclops thought for a moment. "Well, we could use 'band' or 'circle' which would then make 'The Golden Band' or 'The Golden Circle'." Talia came up with more suggestions.

"Well guys, what do you think?"

~@Rune_Alchemist~

You sat beside Neil during this meeting about naming the guild. When Haley suggested 'The Golden Ring Of Steel', you hear Neil snicker although it seemed you were the only one who heard it. "Ring Of Steel..." You hear him say, repeating part of Haley's suggestion though it was so quiet that you were the only who heard it.

The way he said it though - he said those words as if he was reminiscing of happier times.

@Silver Carrot(RBC),@PaulHaynek
FF5353
Magnus held no objections to the naming suggestions, though...okay maybe one. "Err...but gold is a really weak metal. Here, look." he said before taking out a single gold coin, and immediately bending it between two fingers. "See? If this were steel, I'd need both hands." he said, as if that were a completely normal statement to make. Regardless, he bent the coin back into shape after a moment. "I-I still think The Golden Circle might work, but...if we're going for strength, maybe with a more...non-bendable metal. Maybe Cobalt? Or Orichalcum" With his suggestion made, Magnus scratched the back of his head, feeling bad now about speaking up when he couldn't offer something better aside from his basic knowledge of metals.

---

@Eviledd1984, @Rune_Alchemist

There was a moment of hesitation as Nephele reached the door, a chill down her spine as she thought of what might happen if she'd see Christine dead in there from some unseen assailant, but...regardless of her looming sense of dread, she had to press on. Opening the door, her heart felt at ease, seeing her pacing and alive. Given the mysterious murder of her father minutes prior, Nephele couldn't help but hug Christine once she saw her, before saying: "Maria is still fighting it, but its sword is shattered. I understand if you wouldn't want to, but...this place isn't safe. We need to get you away from this house; Maybe even this town. The manor has decayed suddenly, and no one has heard us this whole time. I fear the worst, but before we investigate, you must be safe."

Taking a step back, Nephele extended her hand out to Christine, claws somewhat chipped from slashing at steel. "I've failed already, but...will you come with us?" she asked, the same amount of concern in her voice as always. She wasn't a hero, but she was certainly going to try to save Christine, or die trying.

Rebecca listened to everyone's suggestions, before speaking. "I like the sound of Golden Band. 'Circle' makes us sound exclusive, whereas 'Band' sound more intimate and friendly, like a band of merry adventures. However, I am now realising that while steel and iron have connotations of war, so too do gold and silver have connotations of greed. How about Platinum Band? Platinum, whilst valuable, and strong," She took a pause to look at Magnus, "does not carry any negative connotations that I am aware of."

@PaulHaynek@The Irish Tree

Bast Ragoczy

---

As Lord Barensia bid farewell to them, Bast nodded towards him once more, but with a slight unsatisfied expression on his face. By his confused expression, it was rather clear that Lord Barensia didn't understand the hint he gave about the culprit.
He couldn't say he was satisfied with the outcome, after all, it would be much more interesting if Lord Barensia knew who was the one that contracted the guild... It would be so much more interesting to see how he would deal with her....

"My dear Eilidh, I'm sorry to make you wait for me this much. I have no doubts that it surely must have been incredibly tiring and boring for you to hear our conversation." Bast said, with a smile as they walked away.

"But before we are free to go, I just need to do one little thing." Bast continued, with a smirk on his face as he snapped his fingers, when he was already a reasonable distance from the tea shop.
As he did so, the fancy carriage was immediately engulfed in flames, burning in quite a display.

Turning to Eilidh with a kind smile, he asked, still gently holding her hand.
"Well, we are now free to do whatever your heart pleases, my lady." He said, with a chuckle.

"Would you like to return to the guild? Anything you still want to do in the city?" He asked.

"Any question or desire you might have, you have but to ask." He completed, looking to her.

Briefly looking down at her hand, which was in his, then promply ignoring it and looking back up at him, Eilidh answered his string or quieries. "I do not mind having heard your conversation, though much of it was lost on me. I would like to know what the details of you mission were." Eilidh turned to watch the carriage exploding, raising n eyebrow and turning back to him. "I'm sure there was a reason for that, but it currently evades me. Anyway, we may return to the guild if you wish. I was not quite ready to return after my mission."

As they lift the cafe, still hand in hand until Eilidh suddenly remembered and retracted hers hurriedly with a little flush of the face, which disappeared just as soon as it came and the Centaur looked oddly solemn. "I am a warrior at heart, but despite this, sometimes I wonder if I am a good person. If I truly have honor right to my bones or whether I'm constantly one good shot of adreneline from turning bloodthirsty. I killed my target today, but he was wanted alive. I couldn't stop myself from killing him and granting myself the satisfaction of a conclusive victory."

Bast couldn't help but let out an amused expression and a smile as he heard her words. She was certainly very... interesting. It wasn't far fetched to say that Bast himself had developed a certain attachment to the centauress. Her reactions were so different from the overall feeling she passed... Every time she blushed, Bast couldn't help but smile...

"Regarding the mission, It was simple, really... I was asked simply to burn one of the most expensive carriages the Barensia had, in public, prefferably. Although I hoped it would be much more interesting than just this..." He said, thinking about the pink haired noblewoman.

"According to miss Natasha, the Barensia were a house that was trampling on hers for a long time, and she wanted... revenge maybe?" He said, tapping his cane with a thoughtful expression.

"Lord Barensia doesn't seem to be the cruel type of person, so I even tried to give him a hint of who was the one who asked me to do so, but unfortunately... he failed to grasp my message... I was hoping both houses could reach a mutual understanding..." Bast said, shrugging and dismissing all that as completely irrelevant on that moment, as he was much more focused on what Eilidh said after her questions.

"My dear Eilidh, although I condemn unecessary bloodshed, sometimes its simply unavoidable... You shouldn't blame yourself if you feel in your heart that you did the right thing." Bast said, gently pinching her nose with a chuckle.

"I may not be the best one to talk about things such as what is good or bad, but I can assure you one thing: as long as you're following your heart and your mind, doing what you think it's right, you will be ok." He continued.

"If you're worried that you may lose your mind and enter a frenzied state in your next mission, I can gladly accompany you. If you need me, I promise I will be there to calm you down." Bast said.

"And Eilidh... Always remember one thing: You're not just a warrior. You are also a lady. Strength is important for a warrior, but intelect always beat brute force. You are a strong woman, Eilidh. Not just phisically... Trust yourself a bit more. If you thought that your target did enough bad things to justify his death, I trust you." He said, with an unusualy kind smile on his face.

Eilidh listened to everything he said without replying. Only when he'd finish did she open her out, but nothing came out yet as she was still processing all he'd said. "He definitely deserved to die, but that wasn't the mission. Following my heart...I like that way of putting it. I would like to use my head a bit more, but Centaurs as a race aren't known for rationality. Sure we have tactical minds, but we are an emotional people. Your words...they've helped, I feel. Thank you, Bast." She smiled at him with genuine warmth as they walked on.

"Emotions are very complicated things. But with practice and time, you can understand them, and even manipulate them." He said, walking side by side with her.

"Even though... Some times, the best thing to do is simply not repress them, and instead, express what you're feeling." he said.

"So... My lady... Today I'm at your orders." He said, with a flourished bow.

"Where do you want to go now?" He asked with a smile on his face.

Eilidh thought about his words. Right now, they could go anywhere that she said. They could go get something to eat together, or walk around the town...together. Eilidh shook her head, snapped forward and appeared to redden several hues. Why had the mere prospect of doing any of those things fill her with a completely alien feeling, like a pit in her stomach? She didn't like it. If this was one of those emotions she shouldn't repress, she'd need more practice. She wasn't ready for that.

"Can we just return to the guild for now?" she asked with a slightly apologetic air to her tone. A far cry from the stern, icy tones he may have gotten a mere day ago.

Bast wasn't certain on what was happening, but he could feel the conflicting emotions on Eilidh's voice. He somehow knew by the expression on her face and her voice that there were a lot of things going on on her head right now, but he wasn't as tactless as to not respect her regarding that.

"No problem with that. It was a long day, and I'm sure that you have a lot to think about. If you need someone to talk to, I would gladly listen to you. We can return once i leave a small note on the place where I met Lady Natasha, asking her to send the payment to the Guild." he said, before resume walking.

After quickly writing a note and letting it on the same watchtower that he first met Lady Natasha, he and Eilidh went back to the guild.

---

As they arrived on the guild, they were met with a big meeting. Almost all the members were sitting on the table, discussing what the name of the guild should be.

"After you, my dear." Bast said, opening the door for Eilidh, before entering the guild himself and looking around, seeing everyone talking about naming the guild.

"Are we late to the meeting?" Bast asked, with a smile on his face, looking to everyone.

Eilidh took a place at the table, and began eating, though her ears were upright and primed to listen in to the conversation. "Don't mind me, carry on with your conversation. I'm just hungry."

Alike In Dignity
~@13org (BST), @Silver Carrot (ELD)~

The carriage had spontaneously burst into flames! Screeches and screams of panic caught the entire town's attention and soon the authorities had come to put out the fire. The quick-traveling rumors correctly identify that the destroyed carriage was that of the Barensians. Fortunately, Lord Barensia had luckily evaded the ordeal though Bast and Eilidh knew that luck had nothing to do with it.

But Bast's quest was done and the two decided to return to the guild for the time being, reaching it quite some time after nightfall.

---

~@Rune_Alchemist, @The Irish Tree (MAG), @Silver Carrot (REB & ELD), @13org (FYR & BST), @Kyun~

"I-I still think The Golden Circle might work, but...if we're going for strength, maybe with a more...non-bendable metal. Maybe Cobalt? Or Orichalcum"

"Hmmm... so that would make 'The Cobalt Circle' or 'The Cobalt Band' then?" Haley heeded Magnus' suggestion. "'Orichalcum Circle' and 'Orichalcum Band'. Naaah, doesn't really roll off the tongue." She then dismissed the second metal suggestion.

"Well if we're going with cobalt then how about we turn it as 'The Cobalt Brigade'? It's better sounding, right?" Neil suggested.

"I agree with Neil. The 'brigade' part certainly fits your guild's adventurer-like appearances." Talia spoke next. "Of course, 'band' works just as well."

"I like the sound of Golden Band. 'Circle' makes us sound exclusive, whereas 'Band' sound more intimate and friendly, like a band of merry adventures. However, I am now realising that while steel and iron have connotations of war, so too do gold and silver have connotations of greed. How about Platinum Band? Platinum, whilst valuable, and strong, does not carry any negative connotations that I am aware of."

"Well, I think Platinum carries connotations of elitism if you ask me." Neil replied to Rebecca's suggestion. "Although I'm fine with it if you guys want."

"Well then we've got Cobalt and Platinum as our main choices. Does anyone have anymore suggestions or are we ready to get voting?" Bart spoke with a voice that everyone could hear clearly. "To be honest though, I like the sound of 'Platinum Band'."

"Are we late to the meeting?"

"Oh, hey Eilidh, Bast." Neil greeted the newly-arrived Bast and Eilidh. "We were just talking about our guild's name. We've decided to have a metal as part of it and right now, our choices are between 'Cobalt' and 'Platinum'. After that word, it's 'Band' or maybe 'Brigade'." Neil explained the situation the newcomers. "Of course, if you have any ideas about guild names, pitch 'em in."

Rebecca paused to consider that point. She hadn't considered that. Or maybe she had, but hadn't considered it as a bad thing. Rebecca had lived her whole life surrounded by elitism, and though she was happy here for the most part, she wondered if the godlessness of the residents might annoy her come the sabbath, where she will likely pray alone unless she can persuade another to join her. So she was silent.

Eilidh, however, was not, and after filling her belly a little, she looked up, mid-chew. "What's wrong with the Guild?" she said simply. "We can fancy it up if you wish with a prefix or a metal, but rumor has already started to travel of a new 'Guild' that accepts Monster girls into it's ranks and accepts missions. To rebrand ourselves completely might confuse things."

@PaulHaynek

Ars Argento

Ars kept quiet and continued to mostly listen as suggestions got thrown around. This definetely wasn't his lucky day. Would he look weird if he didn't say anything as the conversation went? Maybe it was best to say anything at all. He kept analyzing what he had heard... Battle companies, the male monster had said. Metal for strenght. But, was an adventurer's guild about strenght...? Cobalt Brigade, Neil had suggested. Cobalt was used to make some porcelain, he was sure of it, but Brigade sounded militaristic to his ears. Mr Barker seemed to favor Platinum Band... Ars wasn't yet sure onto what he had walked into. Would he have walked into the Guild if it was named Cobalt Brigade or Platinum Band? Maybe.

The boy decided to add his opinion after the female centaur spoke. Ars raised his hand, unsure on how else to capture attention and not wanting to raise his voice too much, thinking that was probably rude. "Excuse me... If, if I may add my input, as a new member. I think the miss centaur is right, maybe we could stay as just 'the Guild' for now?" That was about as helpful as he thought he could be at the moment. Ars still didn't know what kind of people his new comrades were so he wasn't sure what to suggest, except to keep the name as it was, since, as everyone joined it, no one hated the current name.

@Rune_Alchemist @The Irish Tree @Silver Carrot @13org @PaulHaynek

Opera Night
~@The Irish Tree (NEP)~

"I've failed already, but...will you come with us?"

Christine was about to take your hand when her gaze quickly shifted towards the windows. The dawn was breaking, beams of sunlight began to pierce and illuminate the dark manor.

Your ward then looked back at you and smiled. She then began to dissipate in the same way the once-beautiful manor transformed into its more dilapidated state. As the sun grew brighter, Christine grew more transparent until her last vestiges were gone. However, her bright smile conveyed to you that she was thankful. Thankful for acting as her protector in this dark time. It appeared that she nor anything you saw earlier was real but your actions were real enough. Have you finally given this story a happier end?

Regardless, morning had come and apparently that ended whatever spell that befell upon you and this old and abandoned manor. Being awake and in action for the entire day exhausted you, even if you were a monster. Fortunately, you had enough strength to meet with Maria and head on home.

~@EvilEdd1984~

You cast your icy spell against the shadow figure but surprisingly, it went completely through him. Your ineffectual attack spelled doom for you... if not for the figure suddenly stopping as if he was given a command. He stood there unmoving before you as sunlight began to pierce through the manor windows, indicating that morning had come. Your shadowy enemy began to dissipate and disappear just like how the manor transformed from its bright and beautiful state into what it was now.

The shadow figure was completely gone when the sun had completed its rise. Things were probably confusing for you but perhaps you could ask Nephele about it. For now, you were tired for being awake the entire day not to mention participating in the play as well as fighting the shadow intruder. It was time to reunite with your draconic companion and head on home.

---

~@Rune_Alchemist (ARL), @The Irish Tree (MAG), @Silver Carrot (ELD & REB), @13org (FYR & BST), @Kyun~

"We can fancy it up if you wish with a prefix or a metal, but rumor has already started to travel of a new 'Guild' that accepts Monster girls into it's ranks and accepts missions. To rebrand ourselves completely might confuse things."

"Excuse me... If, if I may add my input, as a new member. I think the miss centaur is right, maybe we could stay as just 'the Guild' for now?"

"Just... The Guild?" Bart repeated the suggestion. "Err, don't you think it would be more confusing if we just call ourselves 'The Guild'? I mean, think about it. When people our talking about guilds, won't it get confusing between a 'guild' and the 'Guild'. Also, I think it's pretty lame that we're just 'The Guild' instead of a more unique name. Like the 'Platinum Band'."

"Well, I don't mind 'The Guild' but I agree with Bart that it could get confusing in conversations." Neil added. "If you guys want, we can call it 'The Guild In... What's this region called again?"

"It... doesn't have a name. We're literally in the border between two regions. Three, technically." Haley answered.

"Cool." Neil replied sarcastically. "So, 'The Guild' then? And hope everyone knows what they're talking about?"

"Oh, don't be such a downer. I'm pretty sure we're all clear here." Haley assured Neil. "Besides, I'm pretty sure we're the only guild around here. I think people are going to know it's us when they're talking about 'The Guild'." The Siren explained. "Besides, if it really does cause some confusion or if you guys feel like it, we can change the name and just tell everyone about it."

"That's true." Bart nodded. "We can change our name in the future. I realize that right now we may be too tired to be thinking about a name. Let us all stick with 'The Guild' for now and talk about this in the future."

And with that, the day had ended.



~@EvilEdd1984, @The Irish Tree (NEP)~

Nephele and Maria return to the guild well after the morning had begun. Their compatriots in the guild were probably awake by now and ready to start the day. Unfortunately, Nephele and Maria's exhausted bodies demanded the opposite. They could push it and take another quest for the day but that would carry consequences in the future.

After entering through the doors, Nephele and Maria were greeted by a sight of Bart and Neil posting papers onto the request board. "Nephele? Maria? By the gods, what happened to you two?" The guild master quickly inquired about them. "You didn't return last night. What happened?"

"And you guys look like crap." Neil chimed in, also worried about Nephele's and Maria's health. "Whatever you did yesterday looks like took a toll on you. You two probably should take it easy for today." The boy recommended.

"I agree. You two should just stay put and get some sleep and rest for today. But perhaps you guys should grab a bite first?"

---

~@Rune_Alchemist (ARL & PAP), @The Irish Tree (MAG), @Silver Carrot (ELD & REB), @13org (FYR & BST), @Kyun~

The next morning had arrived and you all wake up to Neil and Bart pinning papers at the request board. "Good morning everyone. Another day for The Guild." Bart greeted all of you.

Meanwhile, Neil looked at the papers at the request board. "The requests for today are ready, guys." He remarked as he looked at the request board.

"Oh yeah, a messenger came earlier." Bart said. "He has a package for Bast. From the clinging inside, I think it's a bunch of gold."

{INCOME YESTERDAY}
{@13org (FYR) & @Kyun: 100 G}
{@13org (BST): 200 G}
{@Silver Carrot (ELD & REB): 0 G}
{@Rune_Alchemist (ARL & PAP): 0 G}
{@The Irish Tree (MAG & NEP): 0 G}
{@Eviledd1984: 0 G}

It was up to the guild members if they wish to share their reward with the guild or keep it for themselves.

"Here are the requests available, everybody." Bart told everyone.













The Sky Is The Limit

---

~@Zaphander (STR & FST)~

Following the directions to the newly-founded guild, you find yourselves in front of a great structure of stone and steel. The design screamed Dwarven but the broad, short people was highly unlikely to be found in these parts. Regardless, this was likely the building where the guild resided. The place where your next adventure would start.

You hear talking inside. Perhaps it was time for an entrance?

"Yes yes yes! Finally! We spent forever getting here Feast! You said it was only going to take a day's walk!"

"Shush. It would have, but how was I to know that the river would have swept us for far down stream? Besides, didn't you also say you had fun fighting those bears?"

"Hmph. It was fun, but bears aren't as fun as fighting real people. There was a lot of them though."

A hulking figure approached the guild. An azure knight wielding a crimson sword. Silently they entered the building and headed straight towards a notice board where there seemed to have been others. Feast chuckled lightly to herself as she began to alter the acoustics of the armor to make Shatter's voice seem deeper and more masculine. They both loved this little prank of making people think that she's actually a huge man in armor instead of a somewhat more petite girl with a big sword.

"I am Knightmare. Stand aside or stand down. Where is your master?"

@The Irish Tree @PaulHaynek

Maria Falena

The mothwoman looked confused by what was going on, She thought she was going to go to the big nest in the sky. The armored enemy has disappeared and now she was left alone with her thoughts and wondering what was going on with his mansion. Flying over towards the stairs and towards the main door to meet with her dragon friend, Her face filled with a strange sadness like a horrible event had taken place.

The next day Maria was eating some breakfast, Sitting beside Nephele the mothwoman wearing a quite revealing dress. She was feeling a bit better then yesterday. Eating some berries her eyes staring at her plate.

"Umm sir...I was wondering...if I could take... the Keeping The Peace job?" She said softly to Bart, She was looking to do something that would give her money. The last job did not give her payment and she needed to fix her dress that had dirty and many holes.

Bast Ragoczy

Bast simply heard quietly as the others continued to discuss about the guild's name. Personally, he wasn't that interested on what it would be called, but he couldn't help but agree that calling it just 'the Guild' was too... bland and generic, but he choose to kept his thoughts to himself.

With the next morning, also came new requests, and surprisingly enough, a bag of gold, presumably from lady Natasha.

"Good morning, Bartholomew." Bast replied, tipping his hat after he heard Bartholomew greeting everyone.

"As always, I have no use for money, so I would gladly leave it to the guild." Bast said, in a polite tone.

As he started to read the requests, he raised an eyebrow. Those were certainly interesting requests, well... Minus the last one of course... But today he wouldn't have the luxury to choose which request he would take. That honor was all Eilidh's...

"Good morning to you too, mein fraulein." Bast said to Eilidh.

"Any request that caught your attention?" He asked, looking to her, analyzing her reactions.

"As I said yesterday, you don't need to fear or be apprehensive. I will be with you if something happens." Bast said, obviously referring to the talk Eilidh and him had about going berserk the other day.
This time, Bast wasn't provoking or being mischievous. Unlike most times, Bast's smile wasn't that signature, mysterious and cryptic smile he always had. There was no 'dangerous' or malicious air... His smile was tranquil, warm and reassuring.

@Silver Carrot

---

Freyr

The next morning, Freyr took a bit longer to wake up. Usually, he was mostly always one of the firsts to wake up, but he took a while to sleep the previous night. It didn't matter how much he tried to forget it and sleep, his mind always drifted off to the things that he was talking about with Haley and the poet.

"Good morning..." Bast said, stretching himself.

"Sorry for taking so long. I had some problems to sleep last night..." Bast said, looking to Bartholomew and the others.

"Currently there are many things in my mind... Some things that the poet said yesterday made me think..." Bast continued with a thoughtful expression.

"I think that I will help you here today, Bartholomew. I don't think my head is in order for me to enter in combat right now. I'm afraid that I could hurt an ally." He completed, sitting on the table and starting to slowly eat something.

@PaulHaynek

After her morning prayers and breakfast, Rebecca made her way to the hall of the Guild building. "Good morning, Bartholomew. Good morning, Neil. Let us see the quests available today."

The moment Rebecca read the first quest on the board, she moved with urgency, making her way back to her room and grabbing her Estoc. Returning to the hall, with a passion and ungency in her eyes, she looked around at the rest of the ensemble in the hall by that time. Her face had turned pale. "I will take the quest to help the resistance, and wish to leave forthright. The quest has specified a party of two or three. Who will come with me?"

@PaulHaynek@The Irish Tree

---

Eilidh was studying the board when Bast approached her. She was already fully armed with her sword and sheath hanging at her waste, and a bow and quiver strapped to her back. Seemed like she was in a fighting mood today. When Bast addressed her, she turned to him, not blushing as per usual. She seemed wistful and contemplative.

"Good morning, Bast. I actually had my eye on the quest to clear out the Brigands in Pravar. It would be a good opportunity for me to prove to myself that I can fight with honor and dignity in the face of those without, avoiding my emotions getting the better of me this time. I...would appreciate your company."

She looked down at her hooves, then back up at Bast. Well, down at Bast, as she dwarfed him. "If it looks like I'm killing in anger or without chivalry at any time, please stop me. Can you promise me that?"

@PaulHaynek@13org

~@Eviledd1984~

"Umm sir...I was wondering...if I could take... the Keeping The Peace job?"

Bart looked over to Neil. "Umm, are you sure? You've been awake an entire day, you know?"

"Yeah, aren't you tired?" Neil chimed in, his face a little bit red at seeing your rather risque appearance. "You might not be able to perform your bestest if you do this. I say you should just take it easy for today and get some sleep and take a bath or something." Neil recommended, his eyes doing its best to focus on your face rather than everything else below.

"We're not stopping you if you really want." Bart said. "Just... well, your body may not keep up."

---

Faith, Hope and Love Abide
~@Silver Carrot (ELD), @13org (BST)~

The two of you make your way to the Shrine-Town of Eros without any untoward incidents and reach the place by midday.

The shrine-town was... quite dedicated to their goddess. While it looked like an ordinary town, most of the colors you see are shades of pink and red. However, the large temple of the Goddess of Love was more elegant with its white colors. Apsaras, Cupids and Houris along with humans walked the streets but no other monsters though. The proximity to the Order-aligned Pravar would explain that but the people there gave you a sense of welcome and hospitality, despite Eilidh being a monster.

"You there, over here!" A beautiful voice called out to Bast and Eilidh. You see a winged female you know as a Gandharva make her way towards you. She had dark skin and the plume of her wings was similar to the color of the sun. Her long, tied hair was auburn and what little she wore was either golden or a light purple. The fragrance her race emitted quickly filled the immediate air. "You are from the guild, yes? You must be since you two really don't look like you belong here. Do you know Arletta? She's a Dullahan who has been here and a part of your guild, I believe."

"Anyway, I'm Gina. The poster of the quest was Valerie. She's a friend of mine but I don't want her going into this. She has... issues." She explained. "So that's why we're doing this quest before she finds out." She declared with a smile. "I know it's deceiving your friends but Valerie, she... Well, it's complicated. Now then, shall we go?"

---

Must Saviors Die?
~@Silver Carrot (REB)~

"Hey, I've written to someone who can help out. She'll meet you in the swamp." Bart told you before you left. "She's actually one of the people I invited to the guild and she wrote to me that she's coming."

You reach Udor Swamp by noon, fortunately not encountering any soul that might hamper you along the way.

The swamp had a stench of death and decay. The entire wetland felt wrong, as if there was a mortal sin that was committed here or the place was fully saturated with malice and evil. The swamp's proximity to Varjo could probably explain all that. Nevertheless, you trudged forward into the dark, quiet swamp. Once you were far enough in, you begin spotting bones. Human bones, scattered throughout the environment. The further you went in, the more bones you saw. Some were old, some were fresh, some were complete and some were missing parts. You realize that this place was more a grave than a swamp.

You did not have to travel too far in to find a small encampment. You find out that it belonged to a small troop of Varjan Warriors who surrounded a bloodied, beaten person tied to a post sitting on a pile of firewood. The man had brown skin, much like the people of Maria Corazon but wore finer clothes fitting for a noble. A Varjan Warrior approached the stake with a lit torch on his hand. "You thought to lift a hand against King Caldeyron? No one will mourn for you. You will pay for your treachery, Emilio Hari. The end has come. Have you any last words?"

"Magiging malaya ang Sonorra! Hindi kayo magwawagi!" Emilio yelled at the Varjans.

"...I did not understand a word you said but it matters little." The Varjan Warrior replied before tossing the torch and igniting the stake. Time was of the essence but you had the element of surprise.

---

Laying The Foundations 2
~@13org (FYR)~

"Looks like it's you and me, Freyr." Bart said. "Let's go then."

"Nope~! I'm coming with you guys." Haley suddenly interjected. "But you guys go on ahead. I wanna look around this guild some more. Leave some for me, okay?"

You and Bart went outside after gathering the necessary materials and begin working, putting wooden fences into the soil with the plan being to surround a huge amount of grassy land with the crude yet effective barriers. "You know, if you've got problems you can come talk to any of us." Bart started. "You said something about a poet earlier. What did he tell you? Was it something bad? We can beat him if you want." The guild master had a grin that said he was only kidding.

"But seriously, what troubles you, my friend?" Bart asked once again after placing a post.

---

~@Zaphander (STR & FST)~

"I am Knightmare. Stand aside or stand down. Where is your master?"

The brown-haired boy that met you inside froze in shock. In his hands was a board with papers posted on it. He was completely silent, paralyzed before your imposing figure.

"Hmmm, what an exquisite armor." A female voice remarked, likely talking about you. "Fine craftwork, mister. Or should I say, miss?" A Cyclops appeared beside the boy with an unamused expression. "Now then, what's a Living Armor doing here?"

"She was asking for Bart." Another female voice. Though, her voice was prettier as if it was made to sing. You spot a Harpy creature fly and land behind you. "He's outside building fences. But his second-in-command is here for inquiry." With a wing, she pointed at the boy who, at this point, was standing behind the Cyclops.

"M-Me?" The boy spoke, confused.

"Yeah! I mean, who else would it be?" The Harpy-like creature replied. "So then Miss Living Armor, what brings you here?"

“Grr... My name is Knightmare! Don’t you forget it!”

Despite trying to sound aggressive Shatter’s voice cracked when the Cyclopes and harpy were nonplus but her tone. Usually people were intimidated by her. Feast giggled at Shatter’s facade breaking apart but the cursed sword kept up her bravado.

“I am here to fight! This guild is suppose to know where I can turn by blade on worthy enemies. If your master doesn’t know where, then you tell me!”

Shatter raised her crimson blade towards the meek brunette. Even though Shatter was standing far away from young man, the sheer size of Shatter’s sword made it feel like she was just inches away. This hostile move did get Feast’s attention as she suddenly manifested and put a lollipop into Shatter’s mouth, right underneath the helmet. This made Shatter low her sword and take her helmet off so she could enjoy her treat.

“Forgive this imputent child’s attitude. She’s just spoiling for a fight. Do you have any quests where someone like her could be needed?”

@PaulHaynek

@PaulHaynek

Maria Falena

He was not wrong the last quest was quite taxing on her body, She need to perhaps take a break and wait for the next set of jobs to come. The big question of course is what she would do for the time being while she was away. "If i do..stay..is their anything i can do...for the guild?" She asked both Neil and Bart, She looked at Neil and then to herself wondering if she had Juniber berry juice on her mouth.

She always wondered why people were staring at her, All the time people would stare and it would scare her because she didn't know they were looking at her body. "Well..i could..take a break..i need a bath anyway..do you know where the...baths are?" She asked quietly eating a piece of leaf.

Eilidh was enjoying the friendly and serene atmosphere of the shrine town, on contrast to everywhere else that she had travelled recently. Just once, she could maybe travel somewhere without getting into a fight or things blowing up. The two were approached by a beautiful winged creature. It was odd, Eilidh noted, that none of the Monster Girls here struck her as the combative type. That was probably they needed outside help to deal with bandits.

"Yes, we are part of the Guild. And yes, I know of Arletta. And if you ask me, acting in her interest is a kind thing. Let us get to work."

@PaulHaynek@13org

---

"Alright," Rebecca responded. "I hope she will be there waiting for me. I have a feeling I shall need her assistance."

---

When Rebecca reached the swamp, she had to put her handkerchief to her nose. Unfortunately, that only kept the smell out. The entire place felt unholy. There were Varjan dogs her, alright. The bones didn't even shock Rebecca. Seeing no sign of evil at all would have frightened her more. After some wading, in which her dress became tainted and ruined beyond repair or wash, she spotted signs of an encampment. She got close enough to see what was going on, and no further. She merely watched for the moment.

As soon as she was that one who opposed Varja was about to be put to death by burning, she drew her estoc and made her way forwards. The Varjan's were so focused on their prisoner that by the time the Varjans had lit the fire, she was among them, and lunged at the nearest one with her blade in a graceful, dancelike movement that didn't match any sword style that they knew of.

@PaulHaynek

Ars Argento

Ars woke up late the next day. That night had been his first night sleeping somewhere that wasn't his home and the first night of his life as an adventurer. Thoughts of what the future might hold kept him awake through most of the time. The boy noticed that, by the time he arrived at the main hall, many people seemed to have already left. Deciding to check the request board, he wondered where it went.

By the door, Ars saw Neil, Haley and a cyclops, who seemed to be greeting a huge man in armor. Was that the request board in Neil's hand? Ars decided to approach, against his wishes to just wait out the conversation. He had already lost a huge amount of the morning by oversleeping, it was (probably) better to interrupt them rather than wait. "Good morning to you all. Mister Neil, is that the request board on your hands? May I take a look?"

@PaulHaynek @Zaphander