Lila Moriarty

^{@Rai @13org}

"It pains me to have given you such a curse. For this I apologize deeply. I will not let a soul harm you."

"You gave me not a curse, but a reason to live. Something more than being just a tool." Lila said, looking to Anui once more as he sais those words. She didn't knew why that was happening... Was that their plan all along? They took Lila to the place where she was born, just to use her to slaughter her own kin? As those thoughts passed through her mind, she only became even more irritated.

Even behind the curtains, she could hear Mirror's voice as he started an inflamed speech about his objective to reclaim the fortitude of the Seraphim bloodline, telling others to fight by his side or perish... But maybe the worst thing was that he said that he would turn a child into a soldier just like 'his' Lila... How much of a hypocrite could he be speaking like that? Was he really any better than the Nayu? Lila didn't knew what exactly was happening, or what was the reason for Mirror to simply start slaughtering other Nayu royals like that but he surely wasn't that much better than them...

"Somethings missing... LILA! WHERE ARE YOU!?" She heard Mirror's voice once more, interrupting her thoughts. That was the last drop, she couldn't stay quiet anymore. Together with her vision, it seemed like that meeting with Anui awakened other things that were asleep inside Lila. Her feelings. And right now, she needed to do something.

But before she could get up, she hear Anui once again, his voice placating the anger she was feeling.
"Lila. Why does this man who slaughters our people call out your name? Does he have a grudge against you my dear?"
"If so. I will not let him leave here alive to threaten you another day." Anui said with an ebony blade forming on his hands.

Getting up, Lila gently grabbed his hand, looking towards the curtains that separated them from the room where all the chaos was happening and without saying a word, she started walking towards it, pulling Anui.
Entering the room, she looked directly towards Mirror and the bloodbath that he made. In one hand, Lila never knew how beautiful the color of blood was... Such a beautiful and alluring shade of red. It reflected the light from the hall like rubies... But in the other hand, only hate could be seen on Lila's eyes.

"I am your tool no more, Mirror." Lila said, almost hissing as she looked towards Mirror as he rose above the ground, flying, while still holding Anui's hand.

"You brought me here, a Nayu created by your kind, the Seraphim, as a weapon, as nothing but a tool, in order to use me to slaughter my own kind? It was the first time I ever saw other Nayus... It was the first time I didn't feel like a monster by drinking blood. How cruel can you be, Mirror?" Lila continued, looking directly towards Mirror. The way she looked on his eyes made clear that she was actually seeing him with her own eyes.

"I also heard some things, Mirror... What happened with the Moriarty?" Lila asked, looking at him with a piercing stare.

"I wasn't an orphan like I was told, Mirror. I had a family... What have your kind done with them before I was taken away from Nero?" She asked, baring her fangs towards him.

Lila's mind was still an absolute chaos, flooded by so many different, conflicting emotions she never had to deal with as she simply suppressed them... But at that moment, rage and hate were the most apparent ones as she looked to Mirror.

"I have no problems in killing my target, I never had. You created me with only efficiency in mind. A ruthlessly efficient weapon, without remorse. But what happens now that I don't follow your orders anymore?" Lila said, looking to him. The message she wanted to say to Mirror was clear. She wanted him to leave.

To be honest, Lila herself didn't know what would she do now that she didn't have a... 'master' anymore. Nobody to order her. To someone that knew nothing other than being an assassin, killing and following orders, she was completely lost on what she would do right now, but there was one thing she was very certain: the only person whom Lila cared right now was Anui. She wouldn't let no one get between her and her loved one.

---

Sophia

^{@Rai @13org}

"Hoarding? If it wasn't for me, the world would be already plunged into chaos a long time ago..." Sophia said with an annoyed expression as she heard the king saying.

"Call me whatever you want. It doesn't matter how much you all want to lie to yourselves, the truth won't change. You all are not ready to obtain the knowledge stored on that library." Sophia said, with a serious stare as she transformed herself to her 'human' form.

"Not a lot of people have seen me in this form, King Vrondi. I suppose you know what it means for a dragon to show it's human form." Sophia said, looking to him with eyes as impeccably white as her hair and her skin at the same time as white as the moon and as black as the night. It was unique, exotic but it was also extremely beautiful. Although Sophia went there out of her own free will, she was clearly showing that she didn't completely trust him or the other kings and queens... At least not yet.

"We're going to discuss serious matters, King Vrondi. So I believe being honest is the first step to ensure mutual understanding. I came here out of my own free will, but I still wont take sides. I will do whatever I need to do in order to keep the balance of the world. Unless It's something that threatens this very balance, I won't interfere in your wars or your struggles for power." Sophia said as she followed him.

As Sophia and Vulcan walked inside the castle, heading directly towards the meeting room, she couldn't help but notice the festive mood as the other guests enjoyed a myriad of different activities such as Fotian fire dancers, drums & etc. Did they even know what was happening? The threat they would soon face?

Upon entering the meeting hall, she would see king Vrondi and many others kings and queens sitting down in a long stone table. Many of those she didn't know, but she could feel their eyes over her, analyzing her. Almost like as a way to ensure she was the owner of the aura they felt, she let out her aura just a very brief moment. Merely a pulse, enough for them to realize that it was the same type of the more powerful outburst of primal magic they felt.

"I believe you all heard me when I said who I am." Sophia said, looking to the ones sitting at the table.
"Unfortunately, we don't have much time to introduce ourselves properly. As I said before, there is a reason why I left the Great Library, coming all the way to Vrondi myself after Vulcan asked me to." Sophia said, with a serious tone.

"I took an oath to never interfere on your wars or conflicts. But this time is different. Something... darker..." Sophia said, looking to them all.

"It's unlike everything I've felt before. Something needs to be done before it becomes too strong." She completed, looking at every single king and queen on that table one by one.

Mason Drake

---

@Rai
Medical staff immediately seized hold of Mason and went to work treating him. Never before had he experienced such kindness. A woman; seemingly dressed only in plant life, saw to his care. Giving Mason a sweet drink; like nothing Mason ever tasted before, she went to work healing his hand. Though she was whispering something in Mason's ear, he wasn't listening in the slightest. He watched in awe as his flesh knit itself back together before his very eyes, excitedly, he looked up at the woman, "Can you show me how to use magic like that?"

The summoned celestial powers that granted her blood divine control over light blared in the darkness a bright whirling flash. As her shield flew through the air. It was almost enough to distract the combatants. But what followed alarmed the remaining warriors seraphim and nayu alike. Down came the chandelier after a loud and bright clash of metals. The chains keeping the decoration safely above was now in pieces. Falling with the rest on a wide radius of those below.

Now having mostly fled the seraphim narrowly avoided a hit by the impact and shrapnel. The final angel taking this moment to escape with a whirling dash with his wings sending him upwards. He looked downward with bright eyes beneath his helmet, briefly as he soared through the air towards the portal, seeing Constance in the faintest of light. He smiled a thanks to her and made his way to safety.

@geurls

Mirror looked with a puzzled expression towards Constance after the chandelier fell. "Get the hell out of here already!" He shouted with urgency. Being the final warrior of the Aion within this bloody place.. the pressure was on Mirror to escape. Though the confusion left him unscathed as he soared through the air looking for Lila whilst shouting her name. Save for a few arrows he narrowly avoided. He came to a landing with ice forming around his feet. His body whirling with a cold aura from exerting himself, his breathe coming out warm. He looked up to the dancing curtains and saw in the light it gave way to Lila walking towards him with eyes... set on him.

He saw Anui walking with her as if he knew her. Her walk seemed different, her aura seemed off. He seemed to notice this as she came. His posture changing from a welcoming smile to leery glare. Mostly directed to Anui who stood unmoved. "Tool? Lila what are you saying?" He noticed her nearly hiss at him and merely looked at her disappointed.

"You brought me here, a Nayu created by your kind, the Seraphim, as a weapon, as nothing but a tool, in order to use me to slaughter my own kind? It was the first time I ever saw other Nayus... It was the first time I didn't feel like a monster by drinking blood. How cruel can you be, Mirror?" She spoke.

He shook his head. Lowering his guard as he breathed in air and looked Lila in the eyes.
"I also heard some things, Mirror... What happened with the Moriarty?"
"Enough." He spoke to her sternly. As he's done many times before. Raising her from a young child to now she was bound to recognize this tone within her soul. Yet she persisted.

"I wasn't an orphan like I was told, Mirror. I had a family... What have your kind done with them before I was taken away from Nero?" "I hoped you would see me as us, the Aion, as family.." As she bared her fangs at him the look in his eyes was nothing but sorrow. He looked down as if he had failed. He could sense she could see and that things have changed significantly.
"I have no problems in killing my target, I never had. You created me with only efficiency in mind. A ruthlessly efficient weapon, without remorse. But what happens now that I don't follow your orders anymore?" This was the final straw. He looked at her as if she had suddenly transformed into a monster. An entirely different person from his Lila.

He gritted his teeth containing his emotions. "They tried to tell me this would happen... That your blood cannot be tamed." Mirror looked to Anui who met his eyes piercing glare. "You win. Your damn blood is thicker than I thought. Lila." He looked to her now with head held high and hands returning his weapons to the front yet his stance remained open. Free. His eyes met hers. His cool blue now in her vision in all its glory. Ice, mist wings and cold all represented in the feint light. "I hope you know what you're doing. The Aion will be your enemy. I will come for you." He stepped back yet floated as he did in a weightless fashion. His body breaking apart into particles of ice and flowing upwards into the the portal before it closed completely.
@13org



Mason was the only slave to speak up. The others seemed to be simply relieved. Some even crying in their induced sleep. What nightmares they suffered before under their masters was now over. It was Mason's question that sparked a chuckle from a few of the warriors inside of the room. The healer above him looked surprised but before she could speak a seraphim knight came called out from across the room. He was injured and being healed. He pointed out to the others of Mason's bravery. "This man saved me. A slave saving a liberator, whilst injured. Now he wishes to learn how to heal.. Haha." He chuckled yet with a grimace of pain beneath. "You're something else."

"Well.." The healing woman began. "If you have the blood that gifts one this.. then perhaps." She spoke softly, honestly. Looking the young seraphim in the eyes. She placed a gentle hand over his forehead. "I sense you're eager for something. This drives you.. despite a history of pain. You poor thing." Her tender flesh was covered in soft green like moss. But smelled like fresh flowers. Her Sol blood allowing her insight into this boys mental stress.

The room soon hushed as the portal was beginning to close. Shields and spears were at the ready around its perimeter. The swirling energies of the portal gave way to a few of the last knights. Now was the time for the final few to enter at the last seconds. Mirror was the one to be expected to return the most. Some knew of Lila the Nayu girl he used to fight her own kind. Yet they did not wait for her. Instead they waited for the brave girl that brought the Nayu child safely through.

@Guy0fV4lor

"I assure you, that it is quite unnecessary. I am perfectly fine and can mend myself if I need to. You have many more of your own people with more serious wounds than my lack thereof to attend to."

With that said the healer left him alone. Instead attending to those who were more in need else where. The seraphim who came to him afterwards did not even have a moments glance to the healer next to him. "My name is Dremmick, nothing more, and your name?" He was clearly happy to be speaking to Dremmick. He politely returned the name. "I am Avalon. If we had more effective healers... well.. Thankfully you were there." He spoke low as to not have any ears on his speech. "Yes you are in Vrondi. The capital city as well. Home of those who seek light." With that he returned his gaze to the mystic hues in the center of the room.

[Time Stamp: 11:00 AM]

The portal vanished like smoke or a flurry of bubbles. Slowly. Then all at once. Standing alone before it was Mirror. Cold still emitting from his body. A look of sorrow on his face as he stepped away from it. Many within watching their leader in awe of what may have transpired before he had left. Some even dared to ask. Where was Lila?

Mirror looked up to his comrades and freed slaves. Child and adult alike. "We have suffered losses today. Same as the night before. We lose but we gain. We have gained freedom for these men and women, boys and girls! Dare I say..! Celebrate!" He put a smile on. One that felt genuine as he hugged gathering warriors. He was even approached by freed children and greeted them kindly. He then approached the injured and greeted them all. He came to Dremmick. "I have heard of your aid in helping us in our escape. Please come with us to celebrate!"

Mirror turned and looked across the room. "Everyone! There's a festival going on out there. Lets go! You come with me as well." He pointed to Constance. He then rallied the group of begin leaving the building. Mirror looked to the healer over Mason and spoke to her whilst smiling softly at Mason who laid below his standing position. "And you.. Once you're healed and ready to go join us at the bar. I want to recruit you for something. Chow for now." Mirror then began walking out with the small crowd of knights who were soon being met by various fans. This confusion was set back by Vrondi guards who created a barrier to keep them at bay.

"This was supposed to be a secret mission." Mirror said to Dremmick's ear after placing a hand on his shoulder. No doubt keeping his eye on the man before he could slip away into the crowd. "Lets talk shall we. Drinks on me friend." He let off him. But not until after steering him towards a bar. As he did he beckoned Constance to come as well.
"The child will be taken to our orphanage in Sunfire. You can meet her there. I certainly will be."


Within this bar Mirror and a few seraphim knights took a major presence.
"Several rounds of the freshest squeezed fermented drinks you have. Don't skip on the ferment!" He looked to Dremmick with a smirk whilst the drinks were being prepared. No questions were asked of yet. Simply a victorious aura exuding from the seraphim. The patrons were from other lands as well and were slowly being swept into it as well. They all took a seat at a few tables. Mirror made sure to leave room for Dremmick and Constance to sit close.

@Jollan@geurls

The chandelier crashed above her, shards of glass and whips of candlewax fell like rain. She sucked air in so hard it felt like she punctured a lung. Finding no time to rest, she made a mental note to pray to the gods her armor didn't completley fall apart. Luckily too, she was on the edge of where the chandelier fell. She heard moans and cries of people behind her... But at least it meant they were alive. As she struggled to breathe, she was reminded of the girl, and the seraphim. She... Couldn't stay behind.

Practically pulling herself up the steps and through the portal, she stumbled in, going spread eagle on the warm grounds. So much for shield 17.0. The temperature difference was enough to shock her, but the warm sizzle on her skin did just that far better. She quickly took off her chest piece and her wannabe-chainmail over her bloodied and bruised skin, and with her bare arms, she basked in the sunlight falling through the windows. Healers quickly came up to her, but she was preoccupied feeling what actual sunlight was like. Weak beams always peeked through the clouds during he days, but this was out of the ballpark.

Is this what her mother grew up with? Sunshine and helping hands in a less-than-harsh environment? Her skin-deep wounds quickly closed, with shards of glass now littering the floors. A few of the stabs at her would need some help, but the feeling of warmth had spread through her, and her pain was totally gone. When she was addressed she was brought back to reality.

A frown quickly moved in on her face. Him. She was here for the kid, and the kid alone. She wouldn't let her fall into his hands... A child shouldn't have to be a warrior. Why couldn't everyone just get along? Why was blood spilled today? And why would a seraphim be behind it all? It was despicable. She kept silent on the way there, glaring daggers at him.

"Hold on, hold on- we are not allies now. The fight is over, and so is our pact. You best not be going to put a sword in her hands. I don't intend to sit down and have a drink with you."

With the ongoing festival, it was a lot easier for a few misfits to squeeze through the cracks. The guards were overworked trying to keep track of all the visitors. Of course all the big names were kept on lists, but the average schmuck got barely more than a cursory check before being waved through. No guard wanted to be that guy, you know the one. The one that keeps everyone back because they think that guy in the crowd sort of looks like that petty thief from three nights ago. No, the guards were there to do their job. Big important guests got ticked off the list, everyone else just had to present a badge.

And you know, those badges weren't exactly hard to come across. Sometimes in the excitement, people would drop theirs. Particularly skilled craftsmen could make near perfect replicas. Maybe you'd find one on, say, the battered and broken corpse of a greedy, exploitative merchant and his bodyguards on the road to the city. Lots of places to pick one up.

So was it really a surprise that Siiga Kalayo, notorious outlaw and defiler of heirs, had managed to give the guards the slip? I don't imagine so. And was it really surprising that her and her closest companions had managed to sniff out a bar and were currently in the process of getting, and I believe this is the medical term, drunk as a fiddler's bitch? Of course, they weren't all three sheets to the wind. While her companions were busy making their livers cry, Siiga herself was taking a more moderate approach. After all, what was the point of having a fun night if you couldn't remember it the next morning?

Of course they got some funny looks. It didn't help that, being strapped to the teeth, girded in light armour and with bandannas hanging from their necks, ready to be pulled over their faces at a moment's notice, they couldn't more obviously be bandits if someone had pinned their wanted posters to the back of their necks. But the thing is, they hadn't actually done anything yet. Sloshed though they may be, they hadn't been belligerent or particularly loud, nor where they driving the clientele away. They'd paid for all their drinks, though it probably wasn't a good idea to think too hard about where the money came from, and even their passes at the serving girls had been tamer than what they were used to. Except for Stretch. But Stretch was a fucking idiot. No one listened to Stretch.

Now, they were all set up for having a jolly old time of drinking, maybe a bit of dancing later and probably having a massive feast with all the money that someone else worked so hard to earn. But Siiga's relative sobriety meant she was acutely aware of what everyone around her was saying. Most ignored them. The few that made comments said stuff like "they're having fun" or "Looks like they're having a good time". Harmless stuff. Except for those three. Stuffed shirt types in heavy armour, they were, and coincidentally, a trio of colossal dicks. Every time one of the gang made a joke, they'd sneer and turn their noses up at them. If they ordered another round of beers, they would request some fancy-ass wine with a name that sounded exactly like the noise your dog makes when he's somehow swallowed a plastic bag. It was starting to get on Siiga's nerves.

But the last straw came when they finally made a comment about them out loud. Stretch thought he was a lady's man. Because of course it was Stretch. When is it ever not Stretch? No, seriously, pause for a second and think of a time when a night out was fucked up by anyone except Stretch. Can't do it, can you? Fuck's sake, Stretch. Anyway, he had been hitting on this waitress all night, who had been taking it pretty well, when he pulled the cheesiest line out of his ass.

"Hey, babe, I wish I could rearrange the alphabet, so I could put U and I together"

The waitresses didn't even blink "We don't need to rearrange the alphabet. N and O are already next to each other"

That's what you get, Stretch. Next time don't be such a goddamn moron. After that verbal spanking, Stretch was noticeably quite embarrassed and the others were teasing him for it when one of the armoured types said:
"Of course she said no. The ladies here actually have some class." And then, looking dead at Siiga, he added, "Most of them, anyway"

That was the tipping point. Siiga wasn't going to take an insult like that to her face without saying something. She'd had just enough of these stuffy asswipes.
"What was that? You said something."

To their credit, two of them at least had the decency to look embarrassed. The one who actually made the comment, he did not.
"I said, most of the ladies here have class. Is that a word your familiar with, you drunken whore?"

Siiga didn't back down. Oh, no, not one bit. She stood up, cracked her knuckles, and responded "And I thought today was gonna be boring! Come on, tough guy, come here and say that to my face!"

The stuffy type didnt rise to her challenge sadly
"Oh, and she's violent, too! I'd love to fight, but I'm afraid I'd catch some kind of disease from your blood"

"Ooh, good one. I'll need to remember that next time I'm rolling off of your mum." Childish, maybe, but it was all a set-up for "How is your sister these days? Daddy still treating her well?"

That one struck a nerve. "Is that supposed to be funny?"

"Jeez, lighten up, big guy. Where's your sense of humour?" The bandit went on. "I think Daddy's been leaving someone out of family fun time again~"

The armoured guy's eyes narrowed and his voice was a hoarse whisper. "Say that again. I dare you."

"Oh, you mean, the thing I just said, right now? Certainly. Ahem. I - that's me - think - thats a mental process, you might not be familiar with it - Daddy - that is, your father - has been leaving someone - thats you - out of family fun time -I, heh, really don't think we need to go into that - again - that's implying that this has happened before"

The atmosphere in the bar was noticeably tenser than it was ten minutes ago. You could almost hear the silent willing of the onlookers chanting "fight, fight, fight" as the two squared off. Actually, that might just be me, I forgot to take my Seroquel this morning.

Vulcan watched the display of fire dancing briefly as he strolled by. He felt the puzzled expression on Sophia's face. "I do apologize. They have chosen to treat the last two nights as victories rather than a plague." He sighed. Visibly disappointed by the shake of his head. He looked down as they walked and entered the meeting room. The door closing behind him and Sophia with a loud fastening sound.

The kings and queens, and their single guardian, all watched them enter. Vrondi stood at the end of the long table whilst the others sat. Their guards standing behind them. Each of an elite royal class. Some more intimidating than others. For example Magnixx, though a beast in his own right, had with him a scarce armored warrior with a massive blade on his back, a helmet that was shaped like a dragons head, and the crest of the dragon slayer on a large chain around his neck.

Across was Queen Allo, a jewel. Behind her stood a tall lean yet warrior with armor from head to toe. Wings sitting on their back was armored as well and a large lance was in his right hand being held without effort despite its size. Her helmet was shaped like a dragon as well. Though more peaceful and acutely shaped.

Once Sophia released her aura the others instinctively flared with their own. Not as a boast but as protection. Sophia would see the different auras from the powers each one had been gifted by their blood. All elements in one place making something unique to the chaotic power Sophia wielded. Or the Divine powers she had seen during the war between her kin and the seraphim. Once she was done their own auras slowly came down. She could note perhaps that one of the Kings or Queens could easily match her best students. (Qobo)

"I believe you all heard me when I said who I am." Sophia said, looking to the ones sitting at the table.
"Unfortunately, we don't have much time to introduce ourselves properly. As I said before, there is a reason why I left the Great Library, coming all the way to Vrondi myself after Vulcan asked me to." Sophia said, with a serious tone.

"I took an oath to never interfere on your wars or conflicts. But this time is different. Something... darker..." Sophia said, looking to them all.

"It's unlike everything I've felt before. Something needs to be done before it becomes too strong." She completed, looking at every single king and queen on that table one by one.

The room was silent. Her presence gave mixed reactions. Queen Allo leaned in on the table and looked down the hall at Sophia with a pleasant smile and sultry eyes. "It truly is you. Magnificent. Many have called you a folks tale, a myth sitting on one of Gaia's mountains. Though I never saw I always felt it was true. I loved the stories of your dedication to knowledge as a child." Allo spoke with an airy and refined tongue. Nostalgia and pleasure seeped through her words, Sophia's dragon nature may be tempted with her alluring charm. "I Queen Allo Niscent welcome you." She briefly stood to her feet and bowed gently before sitting back down.

Magnixx was visibly upset. His arms crossed. "Tch." He spat under his breathe. He avoided looking at Sophia beyond a simple humorless glare. No respect to give from his corner and he even gave Vulcan a perplexed glance. Queen Tydra Nept merely placed an elegant fan of sea shells over her mouth as the room slowly settled. She then closed the fan and looked to Sophia with a smile and a greeting nod.

Down further was Sleeth Mythue. He merely sat there not looking at anyone. His "guardian" holding a mystic orb whilst sitting next to him. He merely sat with his arms crossed and did not say a word. A smirk creeping onto his face however, the only visible marker of his expression as his eyes were hidden.

"Yes. Well with welcomes aside we do have to discuss why she is here. I have seen the enemy we face up close. Last night when I was combating them I was met with great force from a masked man who wielded lightning. He forced me to take our battle else where." Vrondi paused as he began to release light from his palms that glowed with different hues. All representing their current out solar system. "We took our battle to the stars. On our moon did we face each other the most. Yet I took it even further. Eventually he could not remain and fled. Or perhaps he merely desired to divert my attention." Representations of their flight path was shown through moving lights. Out they went beyond the moon and towards the sun, further than comprehension in a short time.

"Upon returning I had my sacred armor taken and many of my warriors were slain. They seemed to target my armor. Perhaps to have a resistant edge over us. Perhaps Sophia you can think of a way we can penetrate this armor?" Before Sophia could speak Vrondi was given a telepathic message. The Aion have arrived with freed slaves. This warmed his heart and so a ball of light was released from him and vanished. Reappearing in front of the bar that Mirror sat in with the others. "A bar? My how youthful." He opened the bar doors as a shining light from the sun above before settling into his form. He wore a simple white shirt and pants whilst barefoot. Yet his body had a constant fluctuating energy that made his entire body seem weightless as he walked into the Tavern.

Vrondi still remained within the meeting room however. His clone moved about freely without him. He still awaited Sophia's answer.



The banquet hall was now almost entirely dark, ruined and bloody. Crimson decorated the walls and leaked into mixed pools on the floor. Anui watched the entire ordeal. He now gripped Lila by the arm. A firm grip but not enough to hurt her. He looked down at her with eyes seeking to read her like one does a book. "It's over. He's gone now." He spoke softly as to not garner anymore attention on Lila. "The others will grow suspicious. Lila. Come with me." As if he knew what was happening Anui took Lila's hand and led her down a hall away from the banquet room. There as they walked they were alone and their steps could be heard echoing within.

"Please tell me everything.." He said as they walked. Eventually coming to a set of spiraling stairs that led downward. A big wooden door was down a hall at the end of the stairs. Anui pushed with both hands as dust shook loose from its frame. Pushing the doors open gave way to blue hues in a dark cavern. A single boat on the water leading to a neon tree that breathed light within its fibers. Anui walked to the boat and sat within it. Awaiting Lila to come in as well to ride to the other side. where the tree awaited.
@13org

Mason Drake

---

@Rai
Though everyone seemed to laugh at his question, Mason was glad to see that the knight he aided was well enough to speak. The healer's response however, he found mildly amusing. "There is no need to pity me milady... My pain is in the past... Now, I am rich; freedom, is the most valuable possession of all, and I fully intend to make the most of mine." Mason said.

As soon as his wounds were healed, Mason thanked the healer, and started on his way out to go find the bar. Before he could make it out the door, he was stopped by a different healer, "Hold on, you can't go out wearing those rags!" the healer said as he handed Mason a folded up white tunic. Thanking the man, Mason sought out a spot to change, shortly coming to the realization that there was something wrapped inside the tunic; a book on basic healing magic. Ecstatic, he quickly changed and immediately sought out the healer who had given him the gift, yet, they were nowhere to be found.

With a soft sigh, Mason exited the building and made his way to the bar; reading his new book the entire time, constantly apologizing for running into folks. Opening the bar door, he scanned the room for the man looking to recruit him.

---

Dremmick felt as if he had gone from the frying pan and into the fire. This Mirror character, one that he has heard of being the leader of the Aion during his time embedded in the Therosi, was now keeping his gaze set on him. Although Dremmick saved those seraphim to try to secure a quick way out of Nero, helping the seraphim did still feel like the right thing to do at the time. Avalon seemed to really appreciate his help, something that didn't really happen among Therosi assassins, nobody really cared. He couldn't blame them from wanting to break away from their slavery where a people used there blood for their preferred beverage. He recalled his Nayu mother's disgust with the act, which surprised most people on the road. Dremmick was still aware that he was not welcome here should they know what he is. The people of Vrondi tended not to take kindly to dragon folk, Nayu, and especially something as vile as necromancy, even if it was used to heal a number of seraphim, which looking back on it now, he hope that he could get away before one of those higher up healers could sense any remnants of his magic. Dremmick's hood and muffler kept most of his face hidden as he begrudgingly followed Mirror. There was no running from here without being noticed and it drove him mad.

Mirror suspected something as he made it apparent earlier. The mission was supposed to be a secret, yes, and really it was a gamble that Dremmick took based on previous raid locations and importance of auction items at that banquet. He went to the bar alongside the man, but he refused to drink any alcohol, waving his hand as Mirror requested it. "Water is fine for me, maybe another time." Dremmick wasn't much for drinking. Sure, he would do it occasionally, though not heavily, but normally he finds himself needing to keep his wits about him as much as possible, and a state of intoxication with his magic types could be devastating even to himself. Not to mention he had been on the road, so some fresh water actually did sound refreshing to him right about now.

Dremmick looked at Mirror as he smirked, which was returned with an unseen raised eyebrow. Dremmick saw that the best coarse of action was to be cordial for now and go along with this. He went and sat at the table, intrigued with whatever this argument was over the young Nayu girl they had brought back. However, what caught his eye shortly after, was the tyro girl causing a bit of an uproar not to far from them at another table. 'Great, now the freakin' dragon hunting race is here. I might have done better just casting my lot in Nero,' he thought bitterly. Though he didn't speak and his face was fairly covered, his body posture may have showed that he really just didn't want to be here. If you could sit in an annoyed way, Dremmick was doing just that. Dremmick started scanning the room, looking for potential ways out in the case that he was going to have to book it or fight his way out of here.Unfortunately, if he was in the capital, to leave he would have a long fight ahead of him and have to stay low. But Sol people were hard to maneuver around with their abilities to see into the mind.

Though she was visibly upset Mirror did not tell Constance of the girls location. He smiled at her with the look of the purest of intentions within his eyes. "She is safe. And if you humor me you will see her again. I have to make sure she is in the right hands after all. Better she in the care of a band of knights than a.. loner." He eyed Constance up and down as he spoke those last words, stopping to meet her eyes. Though she was fair on the eyes Mirror's own elegant dress made her and most others appear dressed in peasantry.
@geurls
In came in a fresh white cloth Mason, the freed seraphim. "Greetings!" They cheered, not just Mirror but all of the seraphim greeted Mason. If they were the one he saved he wouldn't be able to tell. Each one of them was over joyed to talk to him. A seraphim knight beckoned Mason to sit near her and Mirror, along with Dremmick and Constance. "Welcome. It over joys me to see you up and moving so briefly. You must rest, here.. Have a drink on me." Mirror was grateful to Mason and visibly so as he stood to his feet, placed a hand on his shoulder and shoved a tall mug of sweet alcohol into his hands. He then bent down and whispered into the boys ear. "To new beginnings.." He pulled back and looked Mason in the eye before turning at the sound of something else.
@Guy0fV4lor
This Tavern was owned by Sol, yet it seemed many patrons did not have this bloodline. The festival brought people from all over to the humble corners the Sol made for themselves. None visibly showed this contrast more than the bandits whom shared Tyro blood. It was common place for a Fotian tavern to have more than a few rowdy guests. But in the cool open air and delicate natural ornamentation was the fiery dispositions of Siiga and her crew. Their rude comments and gestures were clear signs of being low class. It was a contrast to the Fotian royals who came. Who only made ways round the high class district near the castle.

The rejoicing seraphim in the room noticed the commotion. Their merriment being matched with hostility. With a displeased scowl they eyed the bandits. An Aion knight shook his head, taking off his armor and dropping the metals to the ground. After doing so he raised his head back and swallowed from his mug for several seconds. He then set it down gently. He looked up now with a drunken smile. Rising to his feet he walked over to the two quarreling sides. One likely being a Sol, the other a Tyro. "What is the matter here? I came expecting peace and relaxation away from the horrors of battle. Yet here you are bringing it within these walls. Shameful." He shook his head.

"Well said. I have to remind myself of what kind of guests I invite when I beckon everyone across the lands."
Entering the bars shadow and becoming visibly solid was the form of King Vrondi. Though made entirely of energy he seemed very close to flesh, merely with a strong aura coursing through his body. His clothes and hair moved as if they were weightless. His bare footsteps were solid as if weight were behind them. Even a sound was made on the creaking wooden planks.
@Brithwyr

"My my. So many things happening at once." Mirror spoke as he sat back down towards Dremmick in particular. He eyed the man for a moment with another passing friendly smile. He pointed towards Vrondi and leaned in towards Dremmick. "Hey uh, Y'know that's the king right?" He then eased away. He spoke frankly yet softly as if he was cluing him in on something. All the while not pressing the matter further. He simply sat and watched the King as he addressed the bad blood in the room. Mirror sipped his new mug as he did so.
@Jollan

"I am one wise enough to make good use out of a situation as distasteful as this." With a youthful vigor in his voice, despite his assumed age, Vrondi turned with arms behind his back in an elderly, yet monk like stance. "You are a bunch of youthful folk. You merely need direction. I can sense the desires of those within this room. Some hold stronger than others. It takes a strong will to command the chaotic and divine forces that make our universe whole. Of those among you truly seeking what your heart desires I offer you this." His hand raised and light began to emit in orbs in various colors.

The light made a visualization of a map of the land. A red light marked the mountains south of Vrondi. There not too far off was a cave. "Enter into the hollow depths and emerge atop Vrondi's mountain. There a ancient relic will be safely guarded. Take it and return it to me. Once you have completed this task I will have an audience with you. We will discuss what it is you desire and I will aid you in achieving this. May you band with others I will do the same for all of you. You have my word as King." As he spoke his words rang out into their minds. It was a declaration that everyone within the Tavern had heard.

Vrondi then turned to Siiga. "Does this interest you young one?" He spoke as if an elder to a child, smiling as he did.
@Brithwyr

Mirror smirked at this proposition. He looked towards Mason and then to Dremmick. "Fancy an adventure? Or is that not your thing? Sure beats sitting around. Fraid I cant go however. Got loose ends to tie up and a home to defend when the next night comes." He looked at his drink and let a frost flow over it from beneath the palm of his right hand. "I'd like to make a deal with some of you. Perhaps you'd listen and do it for me. Or you'd do it for your own gain. Either way I need someone in the Aion to go get this relic. Unfortunately I cannot spare any man power, the risk is too high with the nightly attacks." His eye lids narrowed as he appeared to have a bit of sorrow.

"I no longer have anyone I can use in my stead when times are tough it seems. But I know you're reliable.. Dremmick. By the way you selflessly saved people on the right side. Not in self preservation at all." Mirror's words were flowing like a smooth river. He turned to Constance and briefly to Mason. "You both have been a great help. With this you can help the Aion and achieve whatever else you desire. If armaments is what you need. I have you covered." He looked at them with a gentle smile, eyes darting a bit comically left and right between them.

@Jollan@Guy0fV4lor@geurls

His look chilled her bones. Anger and adrenaline pulsed at the corners of her eyes. Pale soft lips turned to a grimace. Like whispers coming from her bruised skin, the signal came to clench her fists. "Knights? Knights?! The butcher bloodies his hands fewer times than you. Crimson dyes white wings pink, I hope you know."

She was about to spit more hatred towards him, when something hit her like a wave of warmth. The mist in her vison cleared. She whipped her head towards the source, and she realized why. Like a fervor to friendliness, the aura of what felt like the sun crashed into her. Harsh emotions washed out, her muscles relaxed. It's amazing how much of a double-eyepatch anger can be.

Was she truly seeing what she thought she was seeing? Was this King Vrondi? For the first time in her life, her ears filled and her sight cleared. What was he saying? She didn't have a clue. He was so much like her mother, too much, just by look alone. Water filled her tearducts, but not for sorrow, but like wind was rushing at her face. Clarity.

She was surprised to hear Mirror first. "With this, you can help the Aion and achieve whatever else you desire...". Fresh thoughts came to the forefront of her mind of her mother. Her whole body turned to face Mason and Dremmick. Without a second thought, she spoke loudly. "I'm going."

@Rai @Jollan @Guy0fV4lor

---

As if things couldn't be worse, the freakin' king of all Sol people paid the bar a visit as well. Dremmick let out a sigh as he leaned back in his chair. At this, it seemed that Mirror decided to lean over and state the obvious, "Hey uh, Y'know that's the king right?" Dremmick shook his head, he knew what Mirror was getting at. Who didn't know who the man was, were there any other undead phantasm Sol kings floating around in the world he didn't know about? Mirror was putting the pressure on for a reason, what he wanted out of it, he wasn't sure yet, so he kept listening to what King Vrondi had to say.

After the mission and reward was announced by Vrondi, Dremmick couldn't help but be interested. However, he couldn't say he could trust that Vrondi would actually follow through on his promise to a bunch of people in a bar or not, much less someone of who has a bloodline that Vrondi has seen many conflicts with. Mirror, on the other hand, just sounded more and more suspicious the more he talked. He wasn't sure what this guy was up to, or what he wanted out of outsiders helping him do this as a mission for the Aion, but in Dremmick's experience, that was a prime setup for the recruitment of a scapegoat.

"But I know you're reliable.. Dremmick. By the way you selflessly saved people on the right side. Not in self preservation at all."

'....Shit, he does know...,' Dremmick thought. It seemed like Mirror had an idea as to Dremmick's motives back in Nero, though Dremmick could have just as easily helped the Therosi if he just wanted to stay alive. But this last statement also threw up another warning flag up to Dremmick. This man was trying to blackmail him! He suddenly had the urge to impale Mirror right then and there, but that would be suicide with the king right there. If there was anything Dremmick couldn't stand, it was blackmail, but if agreeing with Mirror would get him out the door, he would be free to leave as soon as he left the gates.

Dremmick took a sip of his water, thinking it over when Constance jumped up and answered, "I'm going." Dremmick cracked a smirk at this and then followed suit. "I'll go as well... it would seem," he said, his eyes cutting over to Mirror. "Though, I'll warn you, I'm awful nosy, something it seems we have in common."

Mason Drake

---

@Rai@geurls@Jollan
First being freed freed from slavery, and now being offered a quest by the king of Vrondi? Mason's heart soared; this day just kept getting better and better.

Perhaps even more shocking, was Mirror's offer,"You both have been a great help. With this you can help the Aion and achieve whatever else you desire. If armaments is what you need. I have you covered."

Mason was in awe, did the Aion's generosity know no end? "Y-you would do that? Even after you have already done so much? he stuttered. A hopeful smile slowly spread across Mason's face; here was his chance to become a hero, he WOULD get that artifact, he WOULD complete the king's quest. Looking at Mirror with a determined expression, *clears throat* "I accept this quest... You will not be disappointed!" he declared, before guzzling down the alcohol before him, and slamming his mug on the table, a fiery look filling his eyes......

Oh for fuck's... Couldn't a girl go out and have a nice time without some slack-jawed knight in shining armour coming over and demanding to get involved? Just when the punch-up was about to start, too. Yaaaawn.

Course, before she could make her dissatisfaction known and kindly request that the knight select the window through which he would make his departure, another bampot decided he would get involved too. Some glowy fucker, I dunno. Didn't recognise the face. Regardless, Siiga's hand slipped to her hip and settled on the knife hilt there. If things got ugly, she wanted to land the first hit.

"This doesn't concern you, old man. Piss off" Siiga snarled.

He talked so fancy, it was sickening. You could tell a lot about a person by the way they talked. For example, from the way Sir Glows-a-lot was talking, Siiga could tell he was a pure bellend, and probably a kiddie fiddler. All "youthful folk" this and "young one" that. And yet everyone seemed so enraptured by him, like they were looking at the Gods themselves. That just seemed like a good way to inflate his ego, she thought, still not letting go of her dagger.

He cast some glowy spells - because of course he did - and insisted that she go and grab some ancient mystical artifact for him. Oh, and he was a king, apparently. Siiga reacted to that the same way one would react to being told the weather. A king, sending other people to do his dirty work? Whomever would have thunk it?

"Cut the "young one" crap, old man. You're giving me the creeps." was Siiga's initial response, before her features softened. "Yo,if you're that dead set on getting it, why dontcha get it yourself? Either way, I'm sure it can wait til after the festival" when the booze has run dry, she added under her breath.

She sat down, ready to go back to her drinks. A night of strong beer and easy women lay before her. But no sooner than had she taken the first sip did she hear...

"...I need someone from the Aion to get this relic..."

Siiga slammed her mug down. "Come on, lads. Get up. We're moving"

The general reaction was a confused "huh?"

"If we dont get a move on, those fancy-ass knight motherfuckers are gonna get it first. Like fuck am I letting that happen. Come on, lets go!"

Still very drunk, the motley band of crooks gathered their things and staggered out the door. They were gonna find this artifact, and damn the knights and their Day-Glo king

"Knights? Knights?! The butcher bloodies his hands fewer times than you. Crimson dyes white wings pink, I hope you know."

Mirror gave her a cold passive glare. "We soil our feathers in crimson for a good reason. To end those who stain their lips red to lavish in our peoples pain." He leaned back after speaking with a righteous indignation in his demeanor. But as things transpired he looked into the eyes of Constance and saw her admiration for Vrondi. He was visibly surprised by her expression, brows rising. His thoughts were, that one who protested what the Aion did would not be a fan of the King of light. But as he took another sip of his drink he began to think that maybe she was opposed to their actions rather than their goals.

Mirror's eyes lit up in surprise as she let out a steady plain. "I'm going." Which came out her mouth with little time to give reason why. This further gave Mirror the sense she was not opposed to the Aion, or even him. He then looked over to the others. Dremmick and Mason who had their own unique reactions. Ones that made him rub his chin in thought, this was indeed happening.

Dremmick took a sip of his water, thinking it over when Constance jumped up and answered, "I'm going." Dremmick cracked a smirk at this and then followed suit. "I'll go as well... it would seem," he said, his eyes cutting over to Mirror. "Though, I'll warn you, I'm awful nosy, something it seems we have in common."

Mirror raised a brow to Dremmick, not expecting him to smile, and smirk in fact. His curly blue hair met his brows briefly as he nodded to Dremmick with respect and raising his mug up a few centimeters. He held a smirk of his own to his final comment. Taking a long drink of his mug as if he did not hear it before lowering it onto table. But before he could speak on that, his mouth hanging open, Mason started. Since they were right next to each other Mirror had to redirect his attention.

"Y-you would do that? Even after you have already done so much?" he stuttered. Looking at Mirror with a determined expression, *clears throat* "I accept this quest... You will not be disappointed!" he declared, before guzzling down the alcohol before him, and slamming his mug on the table, a fiery look filling his eyes......

"Well alright then! I like your spirit!" Mirror chuckled along with a few other Aion knights who couldn't help but hear Mason's resolve. They took in their drinks as well and slammed them down in unison. Lighthearted merriment was permeating the air once again. Mirror cleared his throat. "Alright so. You will be needing a few things. I will not charge you for using these things, but if you lose one of my horses I will have you reimburse me." Mirror brought out a pair of small glasses from within his royal blue coat. He placed them over his eyes as he unrolled a scroll onto the table that he retrieved from within his sleeve.

"Traveling from here to there will take about an hours time. It is still early. Some would say far too early to be drinking. But for those in Vrondi the sunshine is a reason enjoy yourself. Anyhow." His finger pointed to the paper. It was a map, simple yet to the point. His pale almost cold looking right hands index finger traced down the path from Vrondi to the mountain. "A straight path within these nomadic farming fields will lead you most of the way there. Very little forest after that and past the lake will be the mountain. Simple right? Apparently there's a cave. Shouldn't be hard to find and once you DO find it." He took off his glasses and looked each of them in the eye one by one whilst leaning back on his feathers. "Your real adventure will begin."

@Brithwyr

Many of the different patrons paused, seeming a bit disoriented by Vrondi's declaration. Or at least it felt like one. As all of their minds were invaded for his announcement. The Sol who were native to this land were fine with what happened. Their minds on constant telepathic communicative lines. A Sol waitress gave a few patrons some water in response, feeling their unease instinctively. Vrondi however seemed pleased with himself.

"Yo,if you're that dead set on getting it, why dontcha get it yourself? Either way, I'm sure it can wait til after the festival" Vrondi brought his index and thumb to his chin. "My days of venturing out and reaping great rewards are over. I seek to nurture future ventures. And adventurers." He continued to smile despite her obvious nature. Though she did not know he knew he smiled because of her dagger. "It must be fun to be so reckless. When did everyone around me become such stuff shirts?" He chuckled after speaking and made his way to the Aion knight who stood in awe watching him. "Come, show me your seat. Tell me of your valiant efforts in freeing these slaves."

As he walked the Aion knight walked with him and told him of what occurred in Nero. "I see. So we have come across some new heros. Emerging from the dark. Magnificent." He came to a stop at the table where Mirror, Constance, Mason, and Dremmick sat. "It is good to see you again Mirror. You have grown into your role as leader with brilliant results. I am proud." Mirror looked a bit bashful, if it were possible. But he nodded with great respect deeply seeded into his soul. Visibly so within his eyes he admired the King. Unlike himself, he said nothing and merely accepted the words. Vrondi then turned to the others. "I have made this task for some of you in particular. I'm rooting for your success. I came to say hello yet so much has happened. My time is short, so I bid you all farewell. Until we meet again."

With that Vrondi vanished into particles of light. Mirror smiled at the others, looking for their reactions. "Well. I suppose you don't know what this means. It means you're being backed by the Taxis now as well, who work under the King. They have a decent sized armory to choose from. Come, lets make haste." Though they were only a moments away from drinking the Aion Knights rose and began marching out of the tavern, taking Dremmick, Constance and Mason with them in their encircling group. Their large wings making a wall that hid Mirror from civilian view. The festival was still taking place and flower pedals would be found in all of their hair.

A little while later. After closing the doors to the Taxis HQ and rummaging through a room within it, which was covered wall to wall with weapons. Did Mirror exit with several weapons, armors, and shields. As Mirror stood tall, a Sol woman was barely standing on the tips of her toes, reaching for his head. She picked out the pedals from the his blue curls. As this happened Mirror had his arms crossed and looked serious, as if ignoring the woman. He was at the ready with another knight who presented what was wrapped in black cloth to each of the agreed upon travelers. Dremmick, Constance, and Mason.



Mirror stood watching their reactions to their new weapons and would mention how to use them, as much as he knew how anyhow. Which was not much, simply that they were effective. Dremmick was told what his dagger did. Constance and Mason was told their weapons can channel their auras. Mirror demonstrated to Mason how to use his blade. "First you focus on yourself. Then in your core you release your power but with no fear, no panic in mind. It will flow out naturally." The blade in Mirrors hands began to give off a icy cold mist and its hue turned a bright blue. Like an icicle it gave those around it a cold breeze, the air itself freezing. He then released the weapon to Mason. "You try." He awaited his attempt.

Taxis Knights now gave instructions to Dremmick and Constance on what ways to use their weapons. But most kept it simple. "Use the edge to stab a bandit in the eye." One said. "That dagger can be used to gut a pheasant." Another spoke. They seemed to be enjoying watching what they assumed were amateurs at their trade. The trade of venturing out into the wild lands outside the city gates and outside the farm lands that surrounded it. Vrondi was a peaceful land most would say so the element of fear was hardly there.

"Break a leg out there." One knight joked as he guarded the door, eavesdropping. Mirror paid him no mind and he moved out of their way when leaving. Once they were ready that is. Mirror walked with them to the gate, Taxis knights walking with them to keep his presence protected from fans. He assigned each of them a stead at the busy gates. People entering Vrondi for the festival and few leaving as they were.


Once they were set to go Mirror approached them and their horses with a slow, and authoritative waltz. "It seems you all are ready. This map will show you where to go. Though you shouldn't get lost. It's a straight path.. Infact." Mirror turned and pointed down through the open gates and to the open fields and past those was a visible mountain peaking over the hills. "It's visible from here." He pulled from within his coat a few potions with an icy cool blue colored liquid inside. "This is my own potion. I don't hand these out regularly." Along with the map he handed a potion to Mason. "Keep the map safe and yourself safe." He then handed Constance and Dremmick potions.

"Drink this only when injured and in a safe place. Now go!" After shouting the horses seemed to listen and kicked up before speeding off. Mirror chuckled as they rode off into the distance. Over the hills the fields had with many plants and farms animals around along with the small simple homes of the nomadic farmers that produced food for the citizens of Vrondi simply to live on their lands. Vrondi guards patrolled these fields too as seen with their flags representing the sun. This protection was what the nomads lived here for.

There they would see the scars of the previous battle. The earth was scorched in some places. While burial sights could be seen scattered throughout the edges of these lands. Makeshift graves, lumps of several bodies thrown into a ditch. It was baking in the sun and the insects made its presence alive.

People watched them venturing out this warm day and didn't do more than wave. A few children began running behind them as if playing a game they were not clued in on. They would continue until reaching the forest, the path would continue inside but the children would not. Most already breaking off to return down the opposite way where it was more populated. The forest cast shadows on them as they made their way through. The horses taking time to enjoy the shade with their simple strolls down the dirt beaten path. Soon they would hear the sound of water rushing along, hidden by the vegetation but not for long. The path led to a stream that cut across it, and on the other side of the stream was no longer a forest. But a clear field straight to the mountain.

She looked back at Vrondi after her statement, seeing a group of what looked like bandits leaving. Her sharp ears picked up on their conversation, but there wasn’t much she could do on it now. Sighing, she looked back at Mirror. “I’m still not your ally. This is just for that desire. You’d better keep her safe in Sunfire, I swear to the gods...” Her mumbles carried on, then she saw the King near. It felt like her rib cage locked around her lungs. He was right in front of her, and before she knew it, he was talking to her. She didn’t realize herself slowly nearing until she vanished, and she had to blink several times to center back on reality. Exhaling quickly, she turned around with her chin high, waiting for further instruction.

***

She hated being belittled like that. She knew how to carry herself in heavy armor, geez. The sword, though, was certainly new. She still had her crappy halberd on her horse, but she knew the sword would do her better in the long run. Taking a deep breath in, she managed to give a final glare to Mirror, before their horses took off.

Every mark on the land made her frown. Cemeteries, lone swords standing in the grasses, scars on the earth. She didn’t know what to do but watch, as they passed by in streaks, marked with white from Kou’s hair. She just had to ignore them for now. For her desire.

They arrived in the forest in no time, with her cheeks pink from the wind and her hair whipped around. She hopped off her horse by now, looking at her comrades. How did she get in a situation like this? Hearing the stream, she knew her holy horse did too, as it was quickly drawn to it. Then they came across her- the mountain.

She paused before the churning stream, watching it in fearful awe. She clutched her arm, trying to pinch herself discreetly. “Well... I hope you guys aren’t afraid of heights,” she joked, a little uneasy. Kou whinnied, making it’s way to the stream, starting to take a long drink. She shifted uncomfortably in her armor.

She hoped they weren’t like dogs, smelling her panic as she stood there. Heights never led to anything good. She took her first step in the stream, feeling her boots get a little soggy. Taking careful steps across, she used her shield to balance herself, until she was on the other side. She paused, looking back at her allies, thinking back. Where were those bandits? Would they be ambushed? Was the mountain any safe? Could she trust armor from Mirror? Her mind kept on a downward spiral, her breathing becoming shallow like the stream. She had to carry on, still. She agreed to this. She had to remind herself of what desire she was doing this for- mom.

The bandit gang was fighting their stomachs as the followed their glorious leader's instructions. They, ahem, borrowed a few horses from the stables, and Siiga, being Siiga, conjured herself a massive flaming lion to mount up and ride. It was quite a sight, seeing this young lady leading a gang of rough and scarred thugs away on a glorious burning beast. Anyone watching it would be telling stories to their neighbours, I'll tell you that much right now.

They rode as hard as they could, discounting the occasional stop to empty their stomachs and/or bladders of their contents, and they thought they were making good pace towards the mountains. They were lighter than those they were outrunning, but they didnt have the benefits of the fancy armours and horses that had been gifted to their rivals. This was going to be close, even if Siiga didnt realise it yet.

The land here was scarred and battered. Ruined by generations of kings squabbling over petty territory disputes no doubt. In her mind, the injuries of the land just compounded why she couldnt let the king get this artifact. What would he use it for other than conquest and expanding his dominion? At least she was honest about her goals. She wanted money. She was going to get money. And fuck anyone who was going to take that money from her.

They came to a forest when the bandits finally decided to stop. The horses were getting tired, they said. Liars. They were too blasted to even know how tired the horses were.

"Boss, maybe some of us should stay behind." One of the more sober thugs offered.

Siiga turned, her face lit from the blazing corona that made up the lion's mane. "And why, pray tell, should we do that?"

Stretch, for once in his fucking life, actually had a good idea. "Those knights will be following us, right? We should stay back and ambush em! Then no one will be chasin' us and we can go a little slower"

Siiga could see through their petty excuses. They wanted to stop and wait for the buzz to pass. Still, an ambush did sound appealing. It would get rid of those fucking knights, thats for sure, and they might have some good loot they could use or sell.

"Alright, alright, fine. Who wants to stay behind for the ambush?" Everyones hand went up. Of course they did. "Fine. How about you set up by that stream and I'll carry on..."

"Boss, we could really use some help, y'know?"

Ugh. Fine! If these shitheads needed to be fucking babied all the way there, then fuck it! "Alright, alright! Stretch, you're in charge! Have your boys set up some caltrops in the stream! When the horses hit them, stick em with arrows from a range. And keep out of sight, y'hear?"

She dismounted from her lion and starting walking, turning her back on the gang of ruffians. "If shit goes down, set the big guy on em. Ride up to me as soon as they're gone. As soon as, got it? You'll have no trouble catching up if you keep your horses out of sight."

Leaving Stretch and his men behind to prepare the ambush by the stream, Siiga herself starting hoofing it. Trust those bandits to take the lazy way out

---

Things were moving much faster than Dremmick liked. Just a few hours ago they were in Nero and now they were being sent on some fetch mission for King Vrondi. Dremmick played along for however long he needed to to get out of this place for now, and since Mirror wasn't traveling with them, that may be his perfect chance.

They made their way to the armory, and Dremmick was surprised at the sheer size of it. Peeking from under his hood, knocking a petal from off his head, he could see nothing but wall to wall weapons of all shapes and sizes. It was not long after that Mirror and some other person came bearing new equipment and weapons for them, which oddly seemed to already be prepared and wrapped in black cloth for them. Dremmick wasn't sure, but he wasn't going to turn down the offer. When he opened it and saw what it was, his heart skipped a beat and his eyes went wide in shock. If anyone was paying close attention, the draconic features of his eyes and a toothy grin that bared a hint of fangs were visible for only a brief moment.

First was armor for his arms, shoulders, and waist, which he had actually excitedly and quickly put on. They went over his current clothes easily and cinched down just right. He had to pull the bottom edges of his muffler out from under the shoulder pads so that it was resting over it, but besides that, there was little else to adjust, It added to his leather vest well. He took a moment and looked it over while wearing it, pleased with the quality of the armor The second was an ancient fire dagger, left behind by some old assassin years ago. He couldn't help but feel like he has heard the name at some point during his time spent with the Therosi, but he quickly shrugged off the thought as he heard the two knights give wheat he believed to be making jokes at Dremmick's expense. So Dremmick added to the list of uses, “Or it can be combined with oil to breath fire into a knight's face while they are in their clunky armor unable to take off their helmet to put it out.” He watched as their faces seem to drop at the idea as Dremmick flipped the dagger into the air and caught it with two of his fingers at the tip of the blade, giving it a little wave, “Not that I've done that before,” he added sarcastically.

On their way to the stables, Dremmick decided that it was a good idea to pick up a pancea full of oil and lash it to the belt of his new harness on his right side. The fire dagger was sheathed and placed on the left side, next to his rope dart. When they got to the stables, Dremmick wasn't all that surprised to hear an uproar about how a group of bandits had made out with some of the horses a while ago, Luckily, it didn't seem to effect their ride acommendations, as there were already some horses waiting for them. Dremmick couldn't help but think that things were just odd. It was as if someone knew that they were going to be here and what to prepare for everyone. Was this King Vrondi's doing? Is this something that he knew was going to happen and somehow prepared for it? Dremmick was honestly confused, but hey, even if he didn't do this mission, ge just got new gear and a horse, which for him, was better than any partners on a mission any day. Dremmick did alright with animals, as he didn't really care for people too much. Animals weren't biased, if you took care of them, they would take care of you. When he was told of the horses skills, he was sure that he was going to keep it, even if Mirror did try to hunt him down later for it.

After taking the potion and before leaving, Dremmick looked to mirror, this time meeting him eye to eye. After a short pause he asked him, “How can you trust us to do this for you, people you have only just barely met?” Dremmick studied Mirror as he answered this, looking for any sort of hint that may give him away. After he was answered, he simply nodded and turned his horse around, leaving with the others.

Dremmick looked around at the countryside as they rode past. Makeshift cemeteries and uncovered mass burial sites broke up what were the beautiful rolling fields that the Nomads called home. 'Even in this haven it seems that these people can't find true safety,' he thought. They reached a stream not to much further, he noticed Constance stop for a moment so he reigned his mount in as well. He saw a look of worry on her face and commented, “After we cross this stream, I'll take point and scout ahead a good ways so that if anybody tries to get the jump on us, I can signal you.” Noticing something of interest, Dremmick dismounted and bent over to pick up a rock, smoothed over by the stream, and nearly palm sized. He placed it in one of his pouches for safe keeping and hopped back on his horse, starting across the stream as well.

Mason Drake

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@Jollan@geurls@Rai
After being brought back into the Taxis HQ by Mirror, Mason was presented with the the first armaments he would ever own; a set of armor made from wood, and a long, two-handed blade made of wood and stone.

Before handing the blade to Mason, Mirror demonstrated how to use this new sword for channeling magic, "First you focus on yourself. Then in your core you release your power but with no fear, no panic in mind. It will flow out naturally."

Deeply focusing on his power, Mason did exactly as Mirror had instructed, letting his energy flow into the blade. As his darkfire claws were the least volatile of his attack spells, Mason attempted to channel it through the blade. Starting at the crossguard, a dark flame slowly began creeping up the blade. It didn’t hurt… Mason was in awestruck, he finally had a way to control his magic! Looking at how weak the flame around the blade was, Mason knew he was holding back, he needed to let his power flow, and taking a deep breath, he did.

Without warning, the dark flame about his blade roared; what once barely enveloped his sword now blazed mightily around it. Eerily, this flame made no sound, seemingly devouring the light surrounding it like a black hole. After a few moments of silently marveling this newfound control over his power, Mason dissipated the flame, at a loss for words, only managing a stuttered thanks for his new armaments.

As Mirror led the trio to their horses, something caught Mason's eye. The stables looked as if they had been broken into, and ransacked, a coincidence? Perhaps, but a bad omen nonetheless, a small knot forming in Mason's stomach. Before the group stood three beautiful horses, one a tranlucient white, one covered in bright, cyan, markings, and finally; a young, beautiful, brown horse adorned with many decorations was given to Mason.

As Mason mounted the horse, Mirror produced an icy blue potion as well as a map for the journey ahead, "This is my own potion. I don't hand these out regularly." He said as he handed both items to Mason, "Keep the map safe and yourself safe."

With that, the party's quest began!

As they rode over hills and past groups of nomads, the joyful children following the trio, was enough to keep Mason's mind off of the horrors that had marred these lands.

Entering the forest, the children no longer following behind, a sinking feeling hit Mason, like he was being watched. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't shake it; the feeling that they weren't alone.

As the group exited the forest, they entered a large, open field, the mountain was visible from here, but to get to it, they would have to cross a stream. A bad feeling still plaguing Mason, he eased Lulu to a stop, and told her to stay put, he hoped that first surveying the land would help shake his horrid feeling. Turning to the rest of his group, "I'll be right back..." he said before taking off high into the sky, the glare of the midday sun surrounding his flying form as he scanned the land below.

@Rai @Jollan @Guy0fV4lor



As the stream still rushed over her boots, she pursued her lips. While her mind often went down the rabbit hole for no reason, this felt different. Knitting her eyebrows together, she tried to focus in on her hearing to heighten it further. Somewhere... She heard a the slide of steel, the pull of a string. Tensing up, she pushed her shield forwards as fast as she physically could. ”Mason! Get down! Get behind me!” She bellowed. Holding still, nothing happened for a second. Then things seemed to explode.

A rain of arrows fell towards them, and all she could tell was that they were bouncing off her shield- up until she heard a cry of a horse. Instinctively she raised her head, weakening her hold on her shield, which was a terrible choice. Kou pushed past her, making her stumble, while a gigantic brute pounced with an overhead swing. Luckily, it slid off her shoulder plates, and only gave her a slice instead of a stab. Gritting her teeth, she brought her sword around. While she was inexperienced with a sword, she did have the strength. It embed itself into a meaty part of his thigh. Anymore attacks were futile, as he gripped her left arm, pulling out her sword, and incapacitating her dominant hand. Yelping, she slammed her shield into his right side, since his arm was up, trying to get a good liver hit.

Two came in upstream, three from the forest, nocking their arrows towards the trio with a mix of swords and daggers on their bodies, one with a small shield. The other four came riding in on horses, two with their swords drawn, two also drawing their bows. And, of course, the brute attacking Constance. Kou was in a dead run towards the mountains after one from the forest landed an arrow on his hindquarters.

The beefcake of a guy tumbled back, gripping his side, falling to his knees. Many were still shooting at Mason, since he was basically a beacon in the sky saying “Hey, I’m very soft, shoot arrows at me!”. She took her chance while her opponent was still down, because she knew he’d get back up again and they would have to continue fighting. Trying to draw on something from her blood, her ancestors, and then the gods, she went to cast darkness upon all of them.