Bast Ragoczy

Bast could only smile to Valerie as she spoke, mentioning that she would give Gina a lecturing. Bast saw nothing about the 'issues' Gina had mentioned Valerie had. As far as Bast could tell, Valerie had a warrior's heart. It was true that she didn't resemble the others on that city, as she was very different from Gina, but that wasn't a problem on Bast's eyes.

As Bast and Valerie reunited themselves with Gina and Eilidh again, Valerie started to give Gina that lecture she mentioned about. This time, Bast choose to stay quiet and not say anything, simply watching with amusement as both continued arguing. If anyone asked him, his opinion was clear, Valerie was different from the others on the city. But that didn't mean she was insane, wrong or had issues.

When both women finally seemed to finish arguing, Valerie turned to both Bast and Eilidh, inquiring their opinions on that situation.
Just like Valerie had said, Gina's soothing song didn't work that well for some of the enemies, namely the most dangerous ones... Valerie had a point...

"Miss Gina... Valerie is certainly different from you or the others who call themselves 'flowers of Eros', but that doesn't mean she has issues. She is a warrior, not a 'flower'. She has a warrior's heart." Bast said, looking to both women in front of him.

"Regarding my opinion... I'm sorry to disagree with you, Miss Gina, but some problems cannot be solved by talking. The flowers of peace can only bloom on a soil that was drenched by blood. If you want peace, you need to be prepared for war." Bast said, with a serious expression.

"Be it political, economical or even your old fashioned, classical 'war'... Conflicts are simply part of the natural law. It always happened, and it always will. While meaningless violence and slaughter are in fact against logic and natural order, it is unavoidable that some conflicts can only be solved by spilling blood. So the real question is not how to avoid spilling blood completely, but instead, how much it needs to be spilled to maintain the balance... How many others can be saved by sacrificing a few lives." Bast continued.

"While I do think that your way of life on this city is certainly... amusing... believing that you will be able to live your lives peacefully without spilling any blood or violence is being too naïve." Bast said, concluding his small speech.

"Even the most beautiful flowers have thorns, Miss Gina, but it doesn't mean that hurting others is in their nature... They have thorns only in order to defend themselves." He said, looking at Valerie.

"I am not part of the 'Flowers of Eros', I am merely an outsider, but I would suggest you to create a new 'group' on your city. The Thorns of Eros." Bast said.

"My dear Eilidh seem to have liked your town very much and I do wish to bring her here again with me in order to see the beautiful town and walk a bit... Because of that, I am concerned about your city's future. Even being an outsider, consider my words, as I am much more experienced than you may think." Bast said, looking to Eilidh and waiting for her answer.

@Silver Carrot @PaulHaynek

---

Freyr

"I gave you the perfect chance and you decide to blow it? Come on man." Freyr heard in silence as Bart said, in disbelief.

Even though he had a point when he spoke that if she was taken, it would be rather obvious, Freyr wasn't that sure if Haley was in fact interested on him. Those types of situations were very difficult for Freyr to deal with. Not only he was bad in conveying his feelings but he also wasn't familiar with romantic advances, so most subtle hints would be simply dismissed by him as probably nothing.

"I am not good at conveying my feelings to others, Bart. Somehow, it's even harder with Haley... And I also don't think she is really interested in me..." Freyr said, with a neutral expression, hiding his feelings

"What you said about her being available is probably true taking in consideration the points you said, but even though..." Freyr said, looking down, but not continuing.

After he heard Bart say that there would be another chances, Freyr raised his head again.
"I.. I don't have any idea on how to say those things... I simply don't know what to say..." Freyr said.

"Let's go back. I just hope that doing some work will help me to clear my head..." he said, ready to continue putting the fences.

@PaulHaynek

Eilidh shifted awkardly. It seemed that it wasn't just her actions and her restraint from acting that would be put to the test here...

"Honestly, I'd rather have that wizard dead than free myself, but his followers didn't need to die. None of them. I'm proud of the fact that I didn't so much as hurt any of the soldiers. The song worked. It just wasn't enough. Bast is right. Even if not everyone here wants to kill, or even to hurt, they should be taught to fight. I might be biased, coming from the Centaur clans and tribes of the grasslands, but a society than cannot attack cannot defend."

@PaulHaynek@13org

---

Rebecca smiled at both of their new acquaintances as the Resistance Leader left them. She was glad that the resistance was doing well. Rebecca was almost a full-fledged member at this point, and it was true that she cared about it and it's members. "I am pleased to meet you both. My name is Rebecca St. Croix, of the Church of the Benevolent Queen. I am a former Priestess of the Pravarian Order, though have been branded as a traitor and outcast and now assist the Guild, specifically in matters relating to faith, healing, the treatment of monster girls, or anti-Varjan rebellions. Furthermore, thank you both for saving my life. I am forever in your debt."

@PaulHaynek@The Irish Tree@Restalaan@Zaphander

Must Saviors Die?
~@Silver Carrot (REB), @The Irish Tree (MAG), @Restalaan (YNG), @Zaphander~

After Magnus picked up the satchel that contained the reward, the guild group returned to their headquarters, reaching it by nightfall.

---

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

"My dear Eilidh seem to have liked your town very much and I do wish to bring her here again with me in order to see the beautiful town and walk a bit... Because of that, I am concerned about your city's future. Even being an outsider, consider my words, as I am much more experienced than you may think."

"Honestly, I'd rather have that wizard dead than free myself, but his followers didn't need to die. None of them. I'm proud of the fact that I didn't so much as hurt any of the soldiers. The song worked. It just wasn't enough. Bast is right. Even if not everyone here wants to kill, or even to hurt, they should be taught to fight. I might be biased, coming from the Centaur clans and tribes of the grasslands, but a society than cannot attack cannot defend."

Gina was unamused at the answers given to her. "Is this true, Valerie?" She asked the red-armored Valkyrie. "Do you really just have a 'warrior's heart'? Do you really just want to defend the Shrine-Town Of Eros? "

Valerie attempted to respond but no words came out of her mouth. Her eyes then averted as she tried to force words out of her but alas, only silence was her reply. Though finally, she managed to say something to Gina. "...It's still my request, Gina..." She muttered something not very relevant to the discussion.

"...That is true. I apologize. I simply wanted to show you that we could accomplish this even without you." Gina then returned her attention to Bast and Eilidh. "And as for you two. I'll repeat again, we are followers of Eros. We don't do fighting. We have our own ways of defending ourselves without using weapons or shedding the blood of our attackers. Actual fighting is in the realm of Ares and even they detest bloodshed." She explained. "But if you so insistent in using violence to solve your problems, take care it does not spiral out of your control." The Gandharva then sighed. "Valerie and I will bring all these men back to the Shrine-Town. Valerie, did you bring the reward for these two guild members?"

"Err, no." Valerie replied sheepishly. "Sorry."

"I see. Send to the guild house the reward as soon as possible, okay?" Gina ordered Valerie. "Regardless of our views on the matter, we still need a way to finally deal with Ravager's Rest. Why don't you two ask around your guild for any suggestions. We'll consider any that will be offered to us. We will also do the same."

Whatever the reply was to Gina's request, Eilidh and Bast returned to the guild afterwards and reached it by nightfall.

---

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

"Let's go back. I just hope that doing some work will help me to clear my head..."

Bart sighed. "Well, if that's what you want." The guild master gave up in trying to convince you.

The two of you rejoined Haley and Talia in putting down the fences. The wooden barrier covered a lot of the grassland, allowing space for the horses and maybe more. You and the others finished by dusk and used the remaining free time resting from the endeavor.

---

A Small Problem
~@The Irish Tree (NEP), @Eviledd1984~

"Is their..anything i can do for you?...Mr.Neil?"

"It's... alright, Maria..." Neil answered with a smile. "I'll... be fine... Thanks."

"Please, consider how terrifying it is to have a small, fast flying creature buzzing about while you're nude. I doubt you'd much like it if a spider crawled from the ceiling onto your shoulder while you were reading. Same principle, really."

"Hehe... True..." Neil replied. "Though... aren't you... a Dragon and a, uhh, Mothwoman? Such beings like yourselves... shouldn't be afraid of... lesser creatures... like that roach or... me, for that matter."

"You'd like to get stronger, yes? Why not ask that white haired minotaur friend of yours? Or perhaps you'd be more interested in learning magic?"

"Magnus?" Neil replied, uttering the name of the male Minotaur. "I... I don't know... I heard from Bart... that Magnus doesn't really... like me." He then added. "He told me... that Magnus asked... what use I am... to the guild. I... don't blame him... in asking that..."

In due time, the effects of Nephele's breath wore off and Neil could move again. Of course, he was still quite sluggish in his movement but the paralysis was gone.

---

---

~@Silver Carrot (REB & ELD), @The Irish Tree (MAG & NEP), @Restalaan (YNG), @Zaphander, @Eviledd1984, @13org (FYR & BST)~

Most of the guild have reunited at the dining table for the night's dinner. Bart was the first one to speak with a voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "Another day has passed for us in The Guild." He began. "Thanks to me, Freyr, Haley and Talia. We finally have an official field where we can store our horses. Can also double as a training ground if you guys want." He announced. "However, starting from tomorrow, we must begin setting aside gold for our supplies. So while I will not stop you from taking a break every once in a while, please keep that in mind."

"Now then, how fare everyone on their quests today?" The guild master then asked, eager to hear the members' stories.

Meanwhile, Neil looked at Nephele and Maria with eyes that clearly wondered if they should share what happened with them earlier.

Yang Bethlehem

@Zaphander

"Hey now, no need to be so focused." Yang smiled as she approached the huge hunk of armor, her hands tapped the side of the armor lightly.

Huh? Yang eyes raised one of her brows when she felt and heard the sound. Its hollow?

"Ah, well." Yang shrugged as she moved quickly away from the armor in response to her reaction. Ignoring the anomaly for now, as it is, it was completely none of her business. "Come on, let's head home."

Yang took a more relaxed approached as she walked with both of her hand behind her back, almost a carefree style as she followed Magnus lead.

@Silver Carrot

The whole trip was rather quiet, which was good as she was able to enjoy the sights. She had missed plenty of it.

Hearing Rebecca story made her interested in the local culture and religion, she was completely in loss with how different the people here are.

"So how did it all happen,? If you don't mind me asking? The whole being used to be part of the pravarian order and then not." Yang asked bluntly while being polite to while away the time.

She doesn't understand, her monastery never preached the killing of those different than them. While conflict was here and there, it was never on the scale of what she saw here. At least, one that concerns the races simply because they're different.

@PaulHaynek@13org@Eviledd1984@The Irish Tree

Whatever she answered, Yang listened intently until they reached the guild. Once there, she was marveled by the sheer diversity of people that was under the roof.

She can see a moth monster girl, one that look vaguely similar to those dragon priestess. Though rather than a lower snake half, she had legs.

It didn't end there as she saw another monster girl, one that had rabbit ears as well! She wondered if she could touched it.

Then there's the other who had the lower half of a horse, she heard of those centaurs before but never seen one in the flesh. She smiled, it felt like being back at her country.

When the guildmaster who requested finally asked how they went, Yang stood up, performed a hand over fist greeting, and bowed to Bart.

"Guildmaster Bartholomew, I've completed the request you've asked of me. It was a success, despite some unexpected complications. Sir Emilio is well and alive." She reported formally to him.

@PaulHaynek @The Irish Tree @Restalaan @Silver Carrot

Maria Falena

"Umm we captured...a cockaroach" Maria said softly to the group her eyes staring down at her plate, Taking a small nut popping it in her mouth chewing on it. "It had...gotten into the woman's bath..and Miss Nephele use her fog...to paralyse it" She said forgetting the part where she flew though the guild naked. Her eyes moving to the human girl waving her hand in a friendly manner, Her eyes then moving to the one named Rebecca whom was her roommate.

"Hello..how was your quest?" She asked her her eyes going back to staring at her plate, Her eye movement now staring at the one named Magus who strangely made her tummy feel funny and made her blush like a strawberry.

Shatter simpled huffed and dutifully followed everyone back to the guild. While she did have fun skewering those knights, she felt that they could have even more fun if they went back and finished the job. Like a child who doesn't want to end their playtime, Shatter felt sour the whole walk back, occasionally wandering off to cut down some trees and kill small creatures that couldn't escape her, like worms and ants. Eventually they arrived to the guild hall which was bustling with life and made Shatter eager to pick a fight. Particularly with the one known as Bart.

"You! You're Bart? I need a quest! Something that needs killing!"

Shatter called out in a deep bellowing tone. She pointed a finger at him accusingly, which would've looked intimidating if Feast hadn't awoken from her nap. Only those nearby could see the blue ghost lounging on the shoulders of the knight.

"Hello Guildmaster. My name is Feast, and this eager young girl is Shatter. Please don't mind her attitude, she gets like that when she's bored. Cattiness aside she's a sweet girl."

@PaulHaynek

@Restalaan,@Zaphander,@Silver Carrot(RBC),@PaulHaynek
FF5353

The walk through the swamp was...tense to say the least. Partially due to the number of corpses still there, but also because Knightmare seemed to be having a tantrum of some sort, just...going off to cut trees in half on occasion, or butcher some worms too slow to avoid their blade. He...supposed that he should be thankful that the knight didn't use THEM to relieve the need for violence. Shivering a bit each time he heard a sword be drawn, Magnus couldn't WAIT to get home.

When Magnus and his fellow guildmates returned, a wave of relaxation washed over the burly figure, his lips tearing into a radiant smile. Home again, after such a frightening experience, he wanted nothing more than to just lie down in a warm bed and forget about almost dying a bunch of times. Too bad though, since Magnus had to divvy up the money they made from the quest. The reward was more than generous, something apparent as Magnus felt the heft of the tightly bound satchel in his hands. He'd wait until after everyone had rested and eaten their fill to split it.

Eating heartily, the minotaur rubbed his stomach contently, likely finishing his meal before anybody else. When the question of how the jobs had gone came up, he gladly said: Mhm! Emilio is safe, and Knightmare and Yang saved my life." in affirmation of Yang's report. Knightmare however still seemed really kill happy, wanting to immediately charge off on another quest before even eating. Trying to instead focus on Maria's question, he cleared his throat, nervously saying: "I-It went pretty well...almost uh...died...but that comes with the job..." However, Magnus narrowed his eyes, seeing...something on Knightmare's shoulder. He wasn't really close enough to make it out from the distance he was at, but he definitely heard a voice other than Knightmare's ring out quietly. It seemed...something was possessing Knightmare's shoulder, perhaps? Shockingly, the minotaur wasn't especially scared of ghosts, having encountered quite a few wandering the halls of his Labyrinth back up North. They weren't so bad once you got past the whole "can phase through you whenever they want" thing. It made going to the bathroom hard...

---

@PaulHaynek,@Eviledd1984
A9A9A9

Nephele tilted her head in confusion at hearing Neil's statement. The minotaur hated him? She never could have guessed...though, given his build, it might be that he came from a culture based on strength. Well, if he wasn't an option, then she supposed that finding Neil an ideal trainer for building his body up would be a bit harder. Regardless, time passed and Neil regained his ability to move, and Nephele went off to go dry and dress herself proper.

When evening hit, Nephele sat beside Maria, somewhat confused by the look Bart was giving them. They'd spent the day resting, so it wasn't as if there was a quest to be discussed. Maria did however divulge the roach incident, thankfully sparing Neil of the embarrassment of being ousted as a peeping tom for his accidental intrusion. Having a satisfied smile, she took a sip of her drink before nodding in agreement. "It was a minor incident, but now its past us. Nothing too major," she said before taking a massive chunk of meat into her mouth, her teeth making short work of the roasted flesh. Taking a momvent to lick the tips of her claws free of meat juice, she looked up as Maria spoke to Rebecca, Magnus, and the other.

"Bart, a moment if you will." the dragoness said as she turned her attention to the guildmaster himself. "While your continued practice of donating to the guild is admirable, it is in the long term going to cause significant financial straits for the guild building. I suggest we impose a mandatory profit donation to the guild. While it might not be a pleasant suggestion, it will benefit everyone in the long run, especially as our name attracts more adventurers. Perhaps, 20 to 25% would be a reasonable amount, providing a quest is actually successful." Crossing her hands over her lap, she tried to make her appeal sound as reasonable as possible; A business couldn't run on charity, and without some sort of required payment due to the guild, it would inevitably collapse into bankruptcy. Then her, Maria, and everyone else would be without work, lest they sign up with another guild. One that likely took more on commission from quests. "A more unfavorable approach would be to charge for a quest posting fee, but that will definitely deter potential contractors away from us."

Elidh was silent upon their return journey. In truth, she was still thinking about Gina's words. 'If you so insistent in using violence to solve your problems, take care it does not spiral out of your control.' Today felt like a victory in a few ways, but ultimately it was another failure. Yesterday, her bloodlust caused her to kill an enemy who should have been captured alive. Today, her wholly peaceful approach meant that a malicious, evil wizard got away, and was out their somewhere. If she'd have killed him instead of kicking him, that wouldn't be a problem. She was beginning to realise that today's approach wasn't addressing her problem at all. She needed to find a middle ground where she could be stable and reasonable. Where she wouldn't be scared to go too far, and wouldn't have to limit her behaviour or actions out of this fear, putting herself at a disadvantage in the process. This was ignoring her real issues. Running away from them, even.

Other people managed to give their all in battle without giving in to rage and the urge to kill. Why couldn't she?

"Thank you for watching over me and keeping me in check, Bast," she spoke after a while of walking in silence, "But I don't think I'll be totally abstaining from violence again. That town made me realise that I am a warrior. I need to learn to stay honourable and keep my emotions in check, but also not forget or ignore that I was raised to fight, and I'm proud of that. I need to learn to walk the middle ground."

@PaulHaynek@13org

---

"Well," Rebecca answered, looking over to Yang. "I don't think I ever had much of a choice. I was raised in Pravar, and my healing abilities set me on this path. I gained enough followers to start my own Chuch, dedicated to an often overlooked goddess of Order lore. I preached unconditional love and acceptance, but unfortunately that also applied to women and monsters, which goes against many other, more powerful Order doctrines. I would not yield my beliefs, so I was branded a traitor and was forced to flee. My church now has no followers, but I am hoping to reinvigorate it as part of this Guild, which I joined the moment I caught wind of the rumours."

Upon Returning to the Guild, Rebecca sat down but did not eat until she had answered the questions directed at her, both from Bart and Maria. "The quest went smoothly thanks to the timely assistance of Yang, and of Feast and Shatter. Without them, Magnus and I may not have been successful in free the resistance leader. Indeed, we may not have returned at all."

@Restalaan@PaulHaynek@Eviledd1984

Bast Ragoczy

"Thank you for watching over me and keeping me in check, Bast," Bast heard Eilidh saying, before telling him what she learned on that mission. After hearing her words, Bast smiled to her. He was glad that she understood that violence is not 'inherently evil or bad'.

"I would never break a promise I made to you, my dear. I said I would stay by your side, and so I did." Bast said, smiling kindly.

"You are a warrior, Eilidh. You have a strong heart and sharp instincts. Follow your heart and I'm sure that you will always follow the most honorable path. I speak this not because you are a centaur, but because I know you, Eilidh. You just need to have a bit more confidence on your choices. You are a good and kind woman, Eilidh." Bast said.

"The best swords are forged in the heat of a battle." Bast said, repeating an old warrior saying.

"Emotions are very powerful, determination, courage... and even rage and wrath... But one should never let itself be blinded by those, lest this one seeks its own death. Remember, just like its weapon, a warrior needs to have a perfect balance, both emotional and mental." Bast continued.

"Your heart and emotions give you strength, but your mind is the one that focus it on the objectives you aim for. Otherwise, you would be nothing but a raging animal, consumed by fury and brute strength without any reason or logic." Bast said, tapping his hat with his cane, before gently taking her hand.

"Shall we go? The night is close, and I'm sure that the others at the guild are waiting for us." Bast said.

When they arrived at the guild, it was already night and so, they met with the others at the dining table.
After hearing Bartholomew talking about the new field for the horses and for training, he asked everyone on the table how their mission went.

"It went well, at least mine and Eilidh did." Bast said.
"Even though the place and their ideals were a little weird, I'm happy enough knowing that it was a fruitful trip for Eilidh." He said, winking to her with a playful smile.

"Oh, and I think the idea of having a 'training grounds' and somewhere to store our horses is a superb one! I see we continue to have more and more newcomers here. So many new faces! And some pretty ones at that!" Bast said, looking to the blonde girl with a laugh.

After looking around a bit more, he saw Freyr. The Viera wasn't... his usual self today. He was quiet... Even more than usual and had a distant expression and an almost melancholic stare.

"Forgive me if I sound a bit rude or meddlesome but... Did something happen with you, Freyr?" He asked, looking to the viera and Bart.

@Silver Carrot @PaulHaynek @Restalaan

---

Freyr

Freyr spent the rest of the day in silence, thinking about what happened. He was still feeling guilty that even after Bart tried to help him, he wasn't able to do anything. It was hard for someone like him to convey his feelings, to tell others how he felt and to deal with all that situation... He knew how he felt about Haley, well... Even though those feelings were strange to him, he knew he felt something strong for her. But he didn't knew how to tell her that...

In the end of the day, Freyr sat down on the dining table together with everyone. Even though he was still with a distant expression, after Bart asked everyone how their missions went, Freyr felt that he owed him some apologies. After all, Bart went out of his way just to try to help him and Freyr did nothing...


"I'm sorry, Bart... I wasn't able to do anything even though you went out of your way to try to help me... I just... It's hard for me to convey my feelings when I don't even know how to describe them correctly... I know what I feel, I know that I feel... something... strong for her but..." Bast continued, looking down a bit embarrassed as he leaned a bit closer to Bart, talking low enough so he was the only one hearing him.

"I would be grateful if... If you could continue trying to help me..." He said, before going back to his seat.

After a few seconds, he heard Bast talking about his mission with Eilidh. He didn't knew exactly what it was about, but his words made him sound like he was satisfied with its outcome. It was weird... Bast was such a strange and mysterious man... but the last days, he was a bit more stranger than usual. They were very, very small changes only someone who paid attention to the things around them would notice, but it was almost like if he was acting a bit... warmer to the centaur woman...

Lost in his thoughts, Bast's question caught him by surprise, making him shake his head a bit before replying.

"Oh... I'm just... thinking about a few things... Nothing serious." Freyr said, immediately changing his expression to the usual smile he had on his face, hiding his troubled expression.

@PaulHaynek

Ars Argento

Ars couldn't help but feel guilty upon seeing the rabbits fleeing in terror. Maybe his idea was too harsh after all? They were just rabbits after all... He cut the flow of magic to the fireball, and it disappeared without a trace. "A request is a request... Still, I would not wish 'Terror of Rabbits' as an adventurer moniker..." The boy muttered to himself, while taking a last look around the farm. Maybe he should after all volunteer for something more exciting next time.

____________________________________________________________________________________

After his rather mundane earlier task, Ars wasn't initially expecting to find anything noteworthy on his patrol of the abandoned side of town. He had, however, never roamed these streets of Boreal Port so late into the night. This eerie atmosphere did make his imagination run wild. Maybe it was okay to hope? Would he stumble upon a ghost of a victim of Agharst's pillaging? Maybe find a secret, forgotten passageway from the times of the Varjo occupation? If he found such a thing, he would be so happy.

The boy was considering whether or not to call the job done when he was drawn to the sound of a fight. Ars saw two men fighting, for some reason. He did not really want to have anything to do with that, but stopping fights probably counted under "Keeping the peace". Still, he wondered how capable he would be at stopping two people fighting. The boy briefly entertained the idea of doing the same thing he did with the rabbits, but decided against risking hurting someone. Rather, it was probably better to just talk this out. From a somewhat safe distance, Ars shouted at the two. "Cease this unlawful behavior immediately!" He raised his staff, ready to cast a spell while trying to look about as intimidating as he could. Maybe they would mistake him for a powerful magician before he actually needed to use magic on them.

@PaulHaynek

~@Restalaan, @Eviledd1984, @Zaphander, @The Irish Tree (MAG & NEP), @Silver Carrot (REB & ELD), @13org (FYR & BST)~

"Umm we captured...a cockaroach It had...gotten into the woman's bath..and Miss Nephele use her fog...to paralyse it"

"Really? What happened to it?" Bart inquired more.

"It flew away." Neil answered that question. "Gone with the wind."

"Oh? You saw the whole thing?"

Neil's face reddened a bit before replying. "Yeah. Yeah, you could say that."

"Hello Guildmaster. My name is Feast, and this eager young girl is Shatter. Please don't mind her attitude, she gets like that when she's bored. Cattiness aside she's a sweet girl."

"Oh, okay." Bart remarked, intimidated. "Th-Though, you've gotta wait until the next day for the next round of quests. And also... it doesn't guarantee killing." He added. "A-Also, do you mind telling us more about yourself? You're a newcomer, are you not?"

"While your continued practice of donating to the guild is admirable, it is in the long term going to cause significant financial straits for the guild building. I suggest we impose a mandatory profit donation to the guild. While it might not be a pleasant suggestion, it will benefit everyone in the long run, especially as our name attracts more adventurers. Perhaps, 20 to 25% would be a reasonable amount, providing a quest is actually successful. A more unfavorable approach would be to charge for a quest posting fee, but that will definitely deter potential contractors away from us."

"Hmmm... Not a bad idea but we're not exactly hard on funds right now, you know?" Bart replied to Nephele's proposal. "Besides, at this pace we can sustain ourselves without needing to mandatory anything. So long as members continue sharing with us the reward money, we don't need to force anyone to give the guild their share." The guildmaster explained. "But tell you what, we'll do that in the event we run out of money."

"Guildmaster Bartholomew, I've completed the request you've asked of me. It was a success, despite some unexpected complications. Sir Emilio is well and alive."

"Ah, that's good, Yang. Oh, before I forget." Bart then announced to everyone on the table. "Everyone! Meet Yang Bethlehem. She was the member that I wrote to to help out. Yang, why don't you introduce yourself to everyone else and maybe a thing or two about you?"

"Anyway, sounds like that despite the dangers, you guys turned out just alright." Bart remarked about some of the quests. "However, can you guys humor your Guildmaster and uhh, tone down your quests to Varjo?" He made a strange request. One that probably piqued the attentions of everyone on the table.

Neil was the first to respond. "Why?"

"Er, well. Varjo isn't exactly a nation to be messed with, you know?" Bart replied. "If you guys keep returning to help the rebellion, they'll start wondering who you are which might lead them to figuring out that the guild is supporting the rebellion. If that happens, Varjo will surely come after the Guild one way or another." He explained grimly. "I don't want that to happen. I don't want everything we've worked for so far to be wiped out or stolen." He added. "And if we really irk them, Varjo might even send an entire army against us."

"Well... if it's that bad then why not shuffle the people working for the rebellion?" Neil proposed before explaining more in detail. "In order for our members not to be identified, we can have people work on a Varjo-related quest on one day and a different group or team on some other day and then another different group on the next. That way, there will be less chance that the Varjans will realize that someone is consistently assisting the rebellion."

"Hmm ...But still..." Bart was unsure of Neil's plan. "What do you guys think?"

---

Keeping The Peace

"Cease this unlawful behavior immediately!"

Your shout was heard and the two men's attentions shifted to you. Before you could say anything else, the two men stopped their feud immediately and ran away in differing directions. Ponder on why they were fighting or why they just upped and ran upon the sight of you but it was unlikely that they were coming back to resume their fight. With that, your duty in these abandoned parts were done and you returned to Riñas at the church.

"Oh, Mister Argento. You've returned!" The Dark Priest greeted you. "How was your patrol? Did you run into any complications?" She asked. "I hope they weren't anything difficult. If you ran into any, that is."

@The Irish Tree@Silver Carrot@PaulHaynek @Zaphander@Restalaan

Maria Falena

Maria looked to Magnus feeling relived that the Minotaur had came back to the guild safely, Leaning forward a bit on the table her arms underneath her chest. Pushing her chest up a bit but not noticing, "I'm really glad you made it back....Mr.Magnus, and thank you Miss.Yang, Miss Rebecca and Miss Feast and Shatter" She said softly smiling at all of them. "Oh yes....it flew away...i really wanted to keep..Arancia as a pet" She said referring to the cockroach to the name she gave it.

Eating the food on her plate her eyes looking to Bart, "Is their anymore....quest we can take?" She said sounding a bit excited to take one that she asked on the day before. Her eyes looking back at Magnus in a strangely loving manner.

Yang Bethlehem

"Oh, and I think the idea of having a 'training grounds' and somewhere to store our horses is a superb one! I see we continue to have more and more newcomers here. So many new faces! And some pretty ones at that!" Bast said, looking to the blonde girl with a laugh.

"Haha, thank you but I'm not that pretty." Yang took the compliment with a smile as she rubbed the back of her head.

"Oh... I'm just... thinking about a few things... Nothing serious." Freyr said, immediately changing his expression to the usual smile he had on his face, hiding his troubled expression.

"What's wrong?" Yang asked to the were-rabbit, she then gave an assured smile to her with a thumbs-up. "Is it a love problem?"

"No worries! I'm totally qualified to talk about love problems! I had lesson on it by my master and seniors." Yang said confidently and winked at her, unaware that Freyr was a female instead of a male.

"Ah, that's good, Yang. Oh, before I forget." Bart then announced to everyone on the table. "Everyone! Meet Yang Bethlehem. She was the member that I wrote to to help out. Yang, why don't you introduce yourself to everyone else and maybe a thing or two about you?"

"Yes." She said to Bart, stood up, bowed and introduced herself to the entire guild in a more formal stance. "I'm Yang Bethlehem, disciple of the white tiger temple from the far east and will be part of this guild. It's a great pleasure to be under your wings and guidance."

"Hmm ...But still..." Bart was unsure of Neil's plan. "What do you guys think?"

Yang patiently listened to the conversation, waited for others to voice their opinions first before she voiced hers.

"I'm fine with aiding them but rotating out, however I, as the outsider, will say that Varjo and its soldiers are not pushovers. Perhaps its best we aid them when it's truly necessary and in larger numbers, otherwise, its best we keep to the sides covertly."

Bast Ragoczy

Bast quietly listened to Bartholomew as he said for everyone to tone down Varjo related quests. Bast himself wasn't directly helping the rebellion, in fact, he didn't cared about the rebellion. Not even one bit, but he was interested about Araghast and Lord Joshua. Especially Lord Joshua. While helping the rebellion was a way to draw his attention, it might prove to be annoying to deal with his soldiers later.

"Very well. It might be the best course of action right now. I'm not going to lie... I'm very interested on Joshua... I've heard some intriguing things after I met with one of his followers. But again... It might prove to be very... inconvenient to deal with his soldiers and an entire country as an enemy..." Bast said, tapping his cane with a thoughtful expression.

"Anyways, Neil's plan is indeed interesting, but I feel like our newcomer's plan sounds a bit more... realistic. Would you care if I expanded on it a bit more?" Bast said, with a mischievous smile on his face.

"We don't know who will win between the rebels and Varjo. If we want to make sure that the guild will survive despite the outcome, we could make ourselves known to both sides by helping both of them. Even in the rare case that Varjo knows that we are not just helping them, but the rebellion as well, they will simply dismiss it as just another group of mercenaries... It might not sound that pleasant, but if we want to ensure our survival, this might be an option worth considering." He completed, carefully looking to Bartholomew and the others, studying their reactions.

@PaulHaynek@Restalaan

---

Freyr

Freyr got a bit surprised after the new girl, Yang Bethlehem, was so warm with him and due to the fact that she saw right through him. Was it that obvious that it was something related to love?

"I... Thank you." Freyr said, trying to find words to reply her without much success, without being able to deny her assumption or confirm it, instead, just remaining in silent, embarrassed.

As Bartholomew continued talking, Freyr started to pay a little bit of attention to the situation he was discussing about Varjo. Freyr was a Viera. He lived his entire life in a forest so he really didn't cared that much about politics & such, but as others had just said, taking a side could prove to be a risky thing to do as they didn't knew who would win.

"Maybe we... Should simply refrain from taking a side?" Freyr said, still a bit embarrassed by not being able to deny Yang's assumption.

@PaulHaynek@Restalaan

Eilidh nodded at the discussion. "I am fond of this guild and do not wish to see it come to harm by irking the wrath of any one party. I have no love for Varjo or the Order, but everyone is equally worthy of aid as long as they're honorable, in my eyes. Varjo is a nation of warriors. There must surely be some among them who carry themselves with honor as a warrior should."

Rebecca scoffed at this, a sour look on her face as she sat down. "I refuse to aid Varja and it's population of barbaric pigs, and I will lose respect for anybody who does. I would rather this guild abstain from helping either side, than help both."

@PaulHaynek@Eviledd1984@Restalaan@13org

Ars Argento

Ars was surprised to see the two men simply break way and run, and felt immensely relieved that he didn't need to resort to violence. Still, that felt too easy for him. And why were they fighting here anyway...? This place was suposed to be abandoned after all... The boy briefly thought about running after either of them, but decided against it. It was probably better to call the service done and report to miss Riñas.

__________________________________________________________________

"Good evening, miss Riñas." Ars replied the greeting upon meeting with the dark priest. "No major complications. The farm had a rabbit invasion, but they have been driven away, at least for now. On the abandoned town area..." He paused for a second, wondering how best to express his thoughts. "I ran into two men fighting each other but they immediately ran away once they saw me." The boy decided to omit his feelings that something was not quite right with the way they fled so promptly. It was probably just the eeriness of the abandoned houses that had gotten to him, surely.

@PaulHaynek

@PaulHaynek
FF5353

At Maria's words of welcome, Magnus scratched the back of his neck bashfully, not really used to hearing that from girls aside from his sisters. Just as he was about to return however, since he already had to look down to see Maria even sitting at the table, his eyes inevitably fell on her chest, which made him hastily turn his head away, the slightest tinge of pink on his cheeks. "T-Thanks, good to be back...

Magnus was glad that his new comrades were being formally greeted as friends, but soon found himself in silent consideration of Bart's proposal to not help the resistance too much out of fear of angering the Varjans enough to find and retaliate against the Guild. Biting his lower lip for a moment, he shook his head. "...I won't help Varjo do anything bad...I-I saw what they do to people in those swamps..." remembering for a moment the decomposing corpses in the swamp, Magnus gulped, trying not to throw up his dinner.

"...I-I want to help Emilio, but...unless its the people suffering under Varjo's rule, I don't want to associate with anything from them. I-If that's okay." Magnus said, looking down at his plate and mumbling the last bit. He didn't have the kind of courage, or strength to stand up to an army on his own, and he didn't want to drag everyone else under the bus with him. His notion sounded entirely naive, as if being essentially a mercenary meant that you only ever do nice things for good people. Magnus had yet to experience the reality of his work truly, only taking cushy jobs and minor tasks, with today being the only exception.

...Even so, he'd cling to his naive notions, not wanting to betray Emilio, or the Guild.

---

@PaulHaynek
A9A9A9

Nephele remained silent after her suggestion was taken into consideration, thankful that Bart at least didn't deny the practicality of it. Still...she had to wonder if perhaps another way for the guild to generate income couldn't help.

Holding in a bit of a disgusted expression as they finished speaking of the roach, Nephele just hoped that it wouldn't be a habit of Maria's to keep such...irregular pets. Dogs were fine. Cats too. But...roaches were just...any cave dragons bane. They got everywhere in your treasure pile, and laid eggs in odd places...

Idly eating her food, she glanced to Maria, and hummed to herself, noticing the eyes she was giving Magnus. Regardless of the look she gave, Nephele felt that she needed to break the air a smidge. "Well, Bart did say that we have to wait for more quests to arrive tomorrow..." she said, wondering if this would mean she had to be what the humans called a "wingman" for Maria. "As for the issue of the Varjans, I feel that maintaining a balance between doing quests for them and the resistance is the safest way to play it. We have not the arms, or the manpower to contend with a nation of riled zealots."

@PaulHaynek @The Irish Tree

Maria Falena

Maria was listening to what Bart was saying with the Varjan issue, "I think...we should for the time being watch them, Determine if their intentions are pure..." She said wondering if these people are using the guild to help with their cause. She planned that perhaps the guild should watch them and see if the group were to be trusted.

The mothwoman eating the leaves on her plate, Looking over at Magnus again resting her chin on her elbow. Unknowingly getting her elbow in her plate, Her chest resting against the table extenuating her well endowed body. "Umm Mr.Magnus...I was wondering...what do you like to do in your...free time?" She said trying to make small talk with him.

Keeping The Peace
~@Kyun~

"No major complications. The farm had a rabbit invasion, but they have been driven away, at least for now. On the abandoned town area... I ran into two men fighting each other but they immediately ran away once they saw me."

"Oh my. Sounds like things could've been better." Riñas replied with a sigh. "Well, at least you didn't have any problems dealing with them. And for that, I thank you."

"Here. Your reward." The Dark Priest then gave you a small purse. "It's not much but to make up for that, here's a little something." She also gave you a piece of parchment. It was a flier detailing an event that would be happening in Boreal Port. It seems to involve watersports. "We're holding a little something in Boreal Port to boost morale and get ourselves noticed a bit. There are contests and everything." Riñas explained. "Tell your guildmates about it. You guys can go watch or even join!"

"Consider it an invitation. I thank you once more." Riñas then went back inside her church abode.

Your quest was done. Since it was getting very late, there was little to see in Boreal Port so you decide head back to the guild.

---

~@Restalaan, @Eviledd1984, @The Irish Tree (MAG & NEP), @Silver Carrot (REB & ELD), @13org (FYR & BST)~

The difference in opinions made the guild master pinch his nose. "I just want to protect my guild." He whispered before standing up and leaving the dining area without another word.

That elicited a sigh from Neil. "Looks like Varjo is real serious stuff..." He remarked with his gaze towards the wall. However, his eyes were moving and it became clear that he was thinking. "Theoretically, we can assist b-both Varjo and the rebels to-to avoid getting on their bad side. H-However, some of our members are averse to Varjo making that problematic. Also, inferring from Rebecca's and Magnus' accounts, Varjo does not seem to be reasonable enough that they will forgive transgressions against them just like that. I feel if we associate with them too much, they would- they will try to see if we're with them or against them. An-And I don't think they'll take kindly to a 'no'."

"However!" Neil continued the long-winded explanation by making his voice loud again. "Another problem with helping the Varjans is that they have not made contact with us yet... non-hostile contact, I mean. We can't really help them if they're not asking for it and trying to offer help to them might result in the problem I said earlier where they try to see if we're with them or against them."

"So... yeah." Neil ended. "If you guys still want, we can go with my idea where we shuffle the people handling quests regarding the rebellion in Varjo."

"I second this motion by Sir Neil." Talia the Cyclops spoke and entered the split discussion. "And one more thing to add, Varjo is an Order-aligned nation and they are one of the more vehemently anti-monster ones. I don't think they would want to work with this guild which houses monsters like us." She explain.

"Yeah, Talia's right. Mister Gentleman's plan ain't going to work by virtue of this guild having monsters." Haley agreed with the Cyclops' sentiment. "Maybe they'll look reasonable and accept the help but a knife to the back would be guaranteed."

"Well. You heard it from them, guys." Neil gave the last line of the discussion. The dinner soon ended along with the night.



~Everyone~

The next morning had arrived and you all wake up to Neil pinning papers at the request board in the main hall. "Good morning everyone. Business as usual." He greeted all of you though he had a solemn, almost sad, air about him. "The requests for today are ready, guys." He remarked as he looked at the request board. "Bart's outside. Said he was going to meet some people coming here. More members, I guess?"

"Oh by the way. There was a package that came here earlier. It's for the gentleman-looking person and the Centaur so I guess that's you Bast and Eilidh." Neil produced the aforementioned package. "Said it was the reward for yesterday."

{INCOME YESTERDAY}
{@13org (BST) & @Silver Carrot (ELD): 200 G}
{@Silver Carrot (REB), @The Irish Tree (MAG), @Restalaan (YNG) & @Zaphander: 300 G}
{@Kyun: 100 G}
{@13org (FYR): 0 G}
{@The Irish Tree (NEP): 0 G}
{@Eviledd1984 (MAR): 0 G}

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

















The Sky Is The Limit

---

~@Eviledd1984 (LIY), @Restalaan (DIT), @Dealdric~

Arriving at the place where the guild headquarters stood, the three newcomers would be greeted by a building standing erect and proud built with stone and metal. A Dwarven touch could be deduced from the structure's design. Right in front of the building and in front of the entrance doors stood a man with orange hair and a smile on his face as if he was waiting for the three of you.

Ponder at the coincidence that you three at the same time even if you did not know each other but the orange-haired man readily greeted you. "Hello you three! Welcome to The Guild. Yes, that's the name. Our members have decided that would be the name for now." He said. "If you guys don't know, I'm Bartholomew Barker or just 'Bart' for short. I'm the master of this guild."

"Now then, let's all head inside and get yourselves acquainted with the rest of the guild." Bart invited the three of you inside. "The guild has grown a lot in the past several days. Sure there were people who left but you are the proof that this guild's growing."

"Come on. Don't be shy."

@PaulHaynek

Sealenne was apprehensive at best, but no stopping now. She looked at the man welcoming her and the other arrivals. well, best find a place to stick to. Hopefully they have a forge. she thought. She hefted her pack and walked around till she found 'Bart'. She was a craftsmen, and fighting was little in the agenda, but still there. They still needed someone to make sure things went well. When she found him, she announced herself by clearing her throat. "Well, Bart, all I need to know is what you want me to do, and if you have a forge here. Then, I'll be working like no tomorrow. Besides, the place still needs a little work and the doors look like they could be reinforced." She put her hand on her hip with a cocky smirk. "When I got my bearings work-wise, I'll join everybody for the niceties. Makes it easy."