"I know our quest is simple," Eilidh replied, smiling, "But it has been too long since I was called upon as an adventurer instead of a warrior. It's nice to talk to you too. We haven't spoken since we were introduced several days ago."

She was asked about her kind bu Neil, and after an exchange where she couldn't help giggling to herself, as asked the same thing by Ditzy. "The Centaurs," she began, "Are a tribal race. We live in small settlements largely comprised of females, with one alpha male and occasionally a second, younger male. The men fight each other over the role of alpha for a tribe. Everybody is trained to fight, as natural prey run fast on the grasslands and can hide, so we must hunt other predators to survive. we must also fight other tribes for ownership of fertile or strategic land. It is...a fulfilling, exhilarating way to live, though I do not miss it. As for your question, Ditzy, all Centaur are strong, and most are about as pretty as me. I've never thought of myself as particularly pretty."

@PaulHaynek@Restalaan

---

The church they were to visit was not Eilidh's church. In fact, they passed Eilidh's church on the way there, or rather the place where it stood, now a field for vegetables. All signs that a building had ever stood there had been erased. The holy woman was subdued and upset for the rest of the journey. However, when they reached the church, she was glad her abandoned sanctuary had not been allowed to fall into such disgraceful ruin, and that cheered her up somewhat. At least the Old Church of the Benevolent Queen was helping people to the very end instead of merely spoiling a view.

The Priestess was dressed peculiarly on this trip, lest she be recognized. Moster Girls may not be the most welcome sight in Pravar but at least they didn't warrant a calling of the guards. A traitor less than a day's travel away from her birthplace was a sight more dangerous. She was adored in drab grey rags, with a headscarf wrapped around her head and face. She was also wearing her estoc outside her clothes instead of concealed under her skirt. She looked like a rogue rather than a Lady.

When they approached the church, an old woman was present, lamenting a missing man called Peter whom Rebecca assumed to be her fiance. Yang was to journey to Ambran and fetch her husband. Meanwhile Lily was expressing desire to explore the church, and Maria was chiding her, explaining that they should be helping the old woman. Rebecca approached the two.

"Maria, if you accompany Yang to Ambran, I shall supervise Lily and explore the Church. Besides, if there is to be a wedding here, they will need a Priest or Priestess."

Rebecca then approached the old woman. "My Lady, if they are to fetch your husband, then surely we must make arrangements so that all else will be ready when they return. I do have some experience in Pravarian wedding vows, but we can discuss more inside."

@PaulHaynek@Eviledd1984@Restalaan

@Eviledd1984 @Silver Carrot RBC

Yang Bethlehem

"Come now, no need to be such a sour puss." Yang berated the younger sister of Maria with a frown as she looked at the little moth girl. She didn't mind being insulted but insulting others, particularly one who couldn't control it, was a bit too much. "If someone close to you had something like that happen to them, you'll be singing a different tune."

Thankfully, the elder sister was more amiable to helping. One she nodded to her as she gave a thumbs up to her and winked an eye.

When Rebecca joined in the sentiment, that made Yang much more relaxed as she followed up the priestess words. "Yeah! A wedding can't go on without a priestess or monk making it official! I'll leave the preparations to you then."

Yang turned to Lily with a slight smirk and taunting look. "Miss Lily was it? Why don't you help Rebecca for that? Perhaps some flower arrangement as well while you looked around, surely something simple as that could be accomplished by you?"

She purposely goaded her, wondering if it would work or not. For such a fiery and high-handed personality, one of the best way is to attack their pride.

Yang finally turned to Maria and gestured her to walked side by side. "Let's get this Peter, shall we?"

---

@Silver Carrot ELD

Ditzy Stoneclub

Ditzy listened intently to Eilidh explaining to them on her tribe and village, his head bobbing in interest as he imagined a village full of Eilidh.

He giggled, it must be so confusing for them to identify each other!

"I think Eilidh is pretty," Ditzy said with a confident smile. "Though not all goblins and hob-goblins are strong like me. Only Mama is, but Papa said I need to be careful since I'll be stronger soon."

"But Papa is a human, he said Ditzy is the only hob-goblin male and is..." Ditzy struggled to recall the word and frowned as he mumbled his next words. "U-u? Uni-que?"

He didn't really understand what it meant though.

”Okay, so not going back there for a while.”

Ozzy has managed to figure out how to fly and make notes in his journal. It was harder than it looked as unlike the harpies, flying didn’t exactly come naturally to the amalgamation of monster and human. Still having little to do but look inside his own head or enjoy the view when going from place to place, Ozzy made sure to put the claws on his feet to good use. Holding the book while he penned in his thoughts and experiences, an onlooker would find this aerial acrobatics kind of awkward, but Ozzy got by.

Lokdar Swamp was his last destination. He got curious. The country he was in was monster territory primarily, being this close to the Demon Kingdom of Lymeria, it just made sense. Ozzy was curious to the types of monsters that would lay within the undeveloped wilderness, when most of the towns to his study were quite monster friendly. The swamps seemed like a good place to visit if only to get some observations.

What happened was that landing on a branch got him dangerous close to a Lilarune during blooming season. Having politely declined their advances, they attempted to use their sap to attempt to knock him to the ground. He got a particularly bad hit while retreating, making his wing almost useless. Only getting a few dozen yards away, he scrambled to catch a tree branch, only just barely missing it. Then, around his foot, he felt a slimy tentacle reach up to claim him. It was a batch of tentacle plants that was growing like a bush at the base of the tree. The rest of his trip was spent trying to get his wings to work, while holding onto the branch and clawing away at the mobile plant with his free foot.

By the time he was back in the air, Ozzy was nearly exhausted, looking about as bad as he felt. Thankfully it was nothing but a nice peaceful forest below him now with the makings of civilization just beyond it. Ozzy figured rather than risk running into any other bit of unpleasantness that building in the distance would be where he would rest for a bit.

Hopefully it was some kind of inn, and hopefully it was open.

Landing just off the paved road nearby he rubbed his soar wings with a groan. Stretching them out then folding them up, making them look a little bit like a unremarkable cape. This was intentional, the same way his sandals looked like boots with the way he covered his claws. It was sometimes very convenient to come across as human at first glance. You never know who was with the Order, and who just plan didn’t like monsters. Ozzy was on a mission of peace and understanding but he could completely understand how monsters could leave a bad taste in people’s mouths. Despite all that though, his owl like elongated eyebrows would probably tell an onlooker that something was up. There was only so much he could do.

Looking presentable, he approached the building, taking note of the sign. “The Guild?” He went up to the billboard, there were notes and posters of various things. Most were what looked like requests, wanted posters, job offerings, lost objects or people. Ozzy seemed puzzled, it was a job board but this was a single building in the middle of nowhere. He took notice that a lot of the jobs seemed to be related to monsters. Not many involved actually doing any harm, but required forays into demon realms, a dangerous prospect for a human. Could it be?

Ozzy heard about this place, the name didn’t ring a bell but he would rarely hear tale of monsters working together in human settlements, maybe even with human partners. Mercenary work it sounded like, but the implications were pretty extraordinary if you thought about it. Places like this might be pioneering for human monster cohabitation and economic symbiosis. It was something Ozzy simply had to observe. The insights he could find would greatly assist with his research. Maybe places like these hold the key.

@PaulHaynek

Stepping in the double doors, Ozzy was actually taken aback by how the loud orange haired man seemed to step out with a greeting. He called it the Guild. And Ozzy agreed. With a gentle polite chuckle. ”It’s a good name. Straight to the point.” And then it came to the subject of a request. Ozzy wondered if he meant give them a job. He didn’t have a lot of money on him. And then he mentioned something else. If he couldn’t write? Maybe Ozzy was right, maybe this place dealt with monsters too. His mother didn’t have any proper hands, but she could still hold a pen.

Ozzy began. ”Ahem. Yes, yes I hope you can.” He took out his journal from his pack, filled with the cultures and observations of various monster and human settlements and habitats. He started with a big hopeful smile. ”I’m a researcher by trade. I am on an expedition to observe and catalog human and monster cultures so that in the future we can have a better future together. If you can, I’d like to be able to see some human or monster or both engaging in a professional partnership. Seeing how they work with each other and engage in the group dynamics of their relationship would be incredibly beneficial to my research. There aren’t that many examples I could find, even in other monster friendly countries. Do you have anything like that?” His head cocked to the side slightly, a slight harpy mannerism he picked up.

Bast Ragoczy

Bast simply raised an eyebrow when he realized he was Joshua, but when he started talking again, his amused expression turned into pure disappointment. He really wasn't what Bast expected... He had expected an intelectual, cunning and treacherous man and not a mere idiot, just like the rest. No patience for a good talk, only talking about death and meaningless violence like they were what made the world move...

"So... disappointing..." Bast said, looking to him as he shook his head. Despite de dreadful atmosphere, Bast wasn't paying much attention to that. It simply became so... dull... being there. He was expecting so much but his expectations were shattered when Joshua started talking.

"If that is your idea of something... 'interesting' then I'm afraid that you are nothing but a blind fool..." Bast continued with a long sigh.

"No patience to talk, no wish to learn, no thirst for knowledge, blind to the magic and the secrets that move our reality... The only thing you see and value is death and meaningless violence, isn't it? I'm sorry to tell you this but death is nothing special... There are things far worse than death and things far more interesting. It's amusing how you can find so much fun in something so... trivial... But I suppose simple persons do enjoy simple things..." Bast said, analyzing his reaction.


"So... Do your interests include anything more than such trivial matters? If not, I suppose your sister that it's the brains behind everything, am I right? If that's the case, I would like to speak with her. Maybe she can prove herself to be a more enjoyable company." Bast continued, waiting for Joshua's answer.

"Oh, but don't be mistaken. I'm not here to judge who is right or who is wrong. Even though I find it a... waste of time and potential... But that's only my personal opinion. I am here merely due to my curiosity. I'm here to quench my thirst for knowledge. Who knows... I can even be of some assistance... It only depends on what you show me." Bast said, tapping his fingers on the top of his cane, with a mischievous smile.

Despite the dread atmosphere coming from that room, Bast didn't lose his composure. Sure, he didn't knew what Joshua was capable of, so he was paying attention at every move he made and alert, but he surely wouldn't show that to him.

@PaulHaynek

---

---

Freyr

Freyr heard carefully as the man spoke about the request. Deep inside his mind, Freyr still asked himself if Neil had some relation with that man seeing as how that man seemed to care about Neil and how much they looked like each other. Maybe it was his father or something like that...? He surely would try to ask Neil when he got back to the Guild... But when the man said about the request, Freyr started paying attention on him once more.

A nun going to Varjo by herself? Even though she had good intentions, Varjo wasn't a place where good intentions took someone too far... Usually, being kind in Varjo led people to an early demise... Freyr knew very well how dangerous Varjo was...

"Cant we... Convince her to not go? It's simply crazy for a nun to go there... Even if she wants to do something nice... That land isn't kind and its inhabitants are even less..." Freyr said, looking seriously to the man and Magnus.

When he mentioned robbing her, Freyr immediately raised an eyebrow, judging the man's character. Why would they want to rob a nun?

"I... don't know about that... But I think it would be wiser if we tried to convince her not to go." Freyr said, looking to Magnus, silently asking for his opinion.

As the man tossed a small pouch of gold to magnus and returned to the bonfire, Freyr turned to Magnus once more.
"Leaving an old nun by herself wouldn't be the correct thing to do but... I still think it's a terrible idea for her to go there." Freyr said, looking to Magnus.

@PaulHaynek@The Irish Tree

@Restalaan @Silver Carrot @PaulHaynek

Maria Falena / Lily Falena

Lilly was scoffing again at the one named Yang, "Tsk as if" She said shrugging off the human's comment, "Their could be a clue if whom this "Peter" person is. Or why the church is in ruin" She said not wanting to deal with senile woman. She was not going to gather flowers for a meaningless reason, Or perhaps Yang was asking her to join the nun in searching the church. "Come human let's go search the church" She said turning to walk off towards their location, Hoping the nun would follow her.

Maria meanwhile was listening to what the old woman and the others were saying, "Sure we can do that, Ummm should we bring....this lady with us?" She asked Yang wanting to make sure the old lady would be safe. "As long as we get paid she can come with us" Lily interjected but Maria scolded her again feeling like their client should not be disrespected, "We should be rewarded...with our good deeds..not gold" She said wanting to be humble. Although she need the gold since the last couple of quests she did not receive any gold, And she was getting a bit low on gold since her mission with Nephele.

A God Among Men
~@13org (BST)~

You could see in Joshua's face that he was not amused by your words. "Don't you think that you are the blind one? You, who wastes his time with useless knowledge and petty trivia. You, who thinks that the inner workings and the hidden secrets of this world are what's truly important when the truth lies bold before you." He coldly replied. "Power. Strength. Image. These are the things that really control the world. This is the bare truth that many turned away from. These... are the only things that are important." The Varjan King explained. "Everything else does not matter."

"Now then, you mentioned that you're interested in my sister." Joshua then switched topics. "You are a brave one. The last man who showed interest in her, she tore his face off. But it wasn't the 'interest' part that she took offense to though." He remarked. "Anyway, I do agree that she has brains. She has a knack for strategy and tactics but she sometimes gets tired of those and just charge right into battle. Results be damned."

"Do you want to meet her?" Joshua asked. "I do believe she's presiding over a trial right now. Or would you like to stay here and continue insulting me? I have to admit though, you're pretty good at it."

---

The Great Horizons
~@Silver Carrot (REB), @Restalaan (DIT)~

"Ditzy isn't a hob-bit, Ditzy is a hob-goblin. See, one horn is bigger than the other! And bigger than goblins too. Mama had the biggest horns too, there are other who's the same like mama but she's the biggest. What is a hob-bit? Are they like hob-goblins? Are they strong as Ditzy?"

"Hobgoblin huh? So that's what Hobgoblins look like." Neil replied. "Anyway, hobbits are... err... They look like you sort of. But they're not as strong as you. They also dress more than you. They're a simple people." He explained. "But judging from your words though, I doubt they're actually real." He made a strange comment. "But hey, who knows?"

"And are you like papa? Which village you come from?"

"I didn't come from a village, man. I came from a city. A city far, far away from here." Neil answered with a correction. "I'd like to go back there, you know? Just not sure how to though."

"The Centaurs, Are a tribal race. We live in small settlements largely comprised of females, with one alpha male and occasionally a second, younger male. The men fight each other over the role of alpha for a tribe. Everybody is trained to fight, as natural prey run fast on the grasslands and can hide, so we must hunt other predators to survive. we must also fight other tribes for ownership of fertile or strategic land. It is...a fulfilling, exhilarating way to live, though I do not miss it. As for your question, Ditzy, all Centaur are strong, and most are about as pretty as me. I've never thought of myself as particularly pretty."

"I see. Looks like you guys are hardcore." Replied Neil. "Remind me not to mess with you guys. Though thinking about it, I don't think messing with anyone not human is a good idea. Although thinking about it more, messing with anybody seems to be a bad idea in general."

-----

The three of you reach Ambran by midday. The town was extravagant, one more boon from becoming a full-fledged city. Wagons hauled cargo to and from the city and lots of stores lined the sides of the streets. It was clear the town was some sort of trading hub. The people were mostly human though there were some who hid in hoods while others simply looked off. Neil asked for someone named Samuel Cubbage and he was pointed to an inn.

In front of the inn, there was a man with fair skin that wore typical traveler clothes and he was busy playing a quiet song with an harmonica. "Excuse me, do you know a Samuel Cubbage?" Neil asked.

"Oh dear me." The traveler stopped playing and got up, dusting himself off. "Hello there. Yes, I am indeed Samuel Cubbage." He then shook Neil's hand and then Eilidh's. "Anyway, that's the name they gave my grandpa when he arrived in Pravar." He stretched his limbs a bit. "Are-- Are you the ones from the new guild?"

"Yeah, we are." Neil answered.

"Splendid! Splendid." Samuel said. "Come, let's continue this inside."

The three of you found a table and there, Samuel shared his request. "You know, I've been out here for several weeks or... several generations, I guess. Would've made better time if it weren't my horse getting... eh." He began. "Trying to get to Boreal Port. See the ocean." He continued. "From Mormont's Coast to the Stormy Seas in three generations. I'm gonna make something for myself there. I'm gonna find... something." He paused for a moment before resuming. "But now, I am... a bit lost. So, where do I go from here?"

---

Let No Man Put Asunder
~@Silver Carrot (REB), @Eviledd1984 (LIL)~

"My Lady, if they are to fetch your husband, then surely we must make arrangements so that all else will be ready when they return. I do have some experience in Pravarian wedding vows, but we can discuss more inside."

"Ahh, you are the priest for our wedding? Good! Good." The old woman replied happily. "But uhh, please inspect the preparations without me. I don't want to be... caught off-guard when Peter arrives."

Rebecca and Lily explored the ruined church. 'Explore' being a word whose meaning was quite stretched for this situation. There really was nothing worth noting in the church ruins. The roof was gone, only a few sections of the walls were standing and there were only a couple of pews available and one of them had broken down. The podium was still there along with the floorboards but they seem about to break down at the slightest disturbance.

In fact, the floorboards beneath Lily suddenly gave way and sent her legs under the floor. However, getting out was not easy as something had caught itself up with Lily's legs and holding her down. Since it was below the floorboards, it could not be seen.

~@Restalaan (YNG), @Eviledd1984 (MAR)~

Yang and Maria reach and locate the Armadillo bar in Ambran in no time. However, there did not appear to be a 'Peter' person in the bar at all. Asking for the next lead, the musician, they were pointed to a sharp-dressed man sitting on a chair with his feet on the table. It appeared the musician was currently taking a break. Enjoying it for what it was worth even.

"You don't happen to be looking for Pete Turner, are you?" The musician replied when he was asked about a 'Peter'. "Well, my memory escapes me when not properly stimulated." He remarked as he put his hands behind his head. "But perhaps... the stimulation of one part can help stimulate the other, don't you think?" The musician asked with a sly smile, an indirect offer to bribe him.

"Or you could... run a little errand for me." The musician continued. "It's my wife. She packed her things this morning and left me. The dumb woman is still at the station waiting for the stagecoach. If you could... convince her to take me back..." He explained. "Her name's Tulip."

---

~@ShwiggityShwah~

”Ahem. Yes, yes I hope you can. I’m a researcher by trade. I am on an expedition to observe and catalog human and monster cultures so that in the future we can have a better future together. If you can, I’d like to be able to see some human or monster or both engaging in a professional partnership. Seeing how they work with each other and engage in the group dynamics of their relationship would be incredibly beneficial to my research. There aren’t that many examples I could find, even in other monster friendly countries. Do you have anything like that?”

"That's weird. Humans should be all over the place in monster-friendly places and in Demon Realms. Or at least there for all matters considered." The orange-haired man replied. "Human men are essential to monsters after all since they are needed to reproduce."

"Anyway, I suppose this place can help." He continued. "This guild houses both humans and monsters and they work to accomplish requests posted on the request board. Sure a few tend to work alone but most of the time they work together on one request." The man explained. "Although, if you insist in observing our day-to-day life, you are allowed to do so but that would mean you're going to be staying here which means you must either pay for the room or contribute to the guild. You got that?"

"Oh, I'm Bart by the way. Bartholomew Barker. The master of The Guild." The orange-haired man introduced himself. "And you are?"

@PaulHaynek,[@13org(FYR)
FF5353

A displeased frown set on Magnus' face, the red horned minotaur turning after he heard both suggestions from the blonde-Neil-look-alike. "...Its obvious which one we're going to do. We're going to get her a bodyguard- A-A whole bunch even! We'll protect her if we have to." he said, clenching his fist as he looked to Freyr, the bag of gold in his hand as he nodded to him. "...Whether we help her ourselves, hire someone, or talk her down, we have to hurry to Ambran anyways. S-She might leave before we get a chance. Let's get going as soon as possible."

Magnus...clearly didn't care much for that joke from their "client". Honestly...what self-respecting warrior robbed old ladies? Besides...if he wanted his son to grow up to be like them, why would he encourage them to rob her, as if that was just as valid an option as helping her out? It didn't make sense, and Magnus definitely didn't like it. Shaking his head, he once again looked to Freyr, saying: "I'm ready to go whenever." as a sign that he'd wait for Freyr to take the lead in proceeding to Ambran. Thinking on it, Magnus wondered why the man always seemed to give the reward in full and in advance...normally, the standard would be about a quarter or a half of the actual reward, but the heft of the gold made him doubt that it was anything but all of it. And...if they came back...would he disappear again? And would the dwarves also say that no such man had come by. Wracking his brain as he held his face in his palm, he genuinely wondered if this wasn't just some illusion...but Freyr saw him too.

Fed up with thinking, Magnus simply shook his head side to side, his massive locks of hair whipping around his head as he did so. "Its all so weird Freyr..."

---

@PaulHaynek
A9A9A9

Nephele had nodded at Ian's question of her being a dragon...boy what a mistake that was. Launching into a rather narrow-minded long winded explanation of what HE thought dragons could only be ticked her off a bit, evidenced by her picking up the pace as he yammered on. Interrupting him with a clawed finger placed over where his mouth would be relative to the helmet, the barest tip of her claw visible through his visor. "While you are necessarily correct, the fact of the matter of my species, being Caverna Draco is not of a personal designation, but rather one set by mankind. In the bygone years of civilization, Cave Dragons, Caverna Draco, were known for being massive reptilian beings that breathed poisonous smoke that killed a man in seconds, resulting in the sulfurous smell of our breath being associated with fire, ergo dragons. However, it is not entirely thought that we are 100% dissociated from our regular Draconic brethren, as the Wurm types of dragons were often thought to be a missing link to the cave dwelling dragons, the sky faring ones, and the wyvernian ones. Also, due to the nature of my wings being vestigial, it is not accurate to classify me as a Wyvern, as a typical Wyvern has the entirety of their forearm being the wing, whereas mine are smaller, and bound to my forearm and not extending further past my shoulder."

Taking maybe half a second to inhale, Nephele launched into her own massive tirade once again, maybe feeling that Ian would realize now that blurting out whatever first came to mind was a bad idea. "In addition, Cave Dragons have also been noted to be similar in behavior to the normal Draconic race, typically in their habits of collection and boastfulness, often exacting revenge upon people who wrong them, resulting in many tales of Cave Dragons kidnapping princesses being instead replaced with the more popularized Normal Dragon." Finishing her statement, Nephele took in a deep breath, before her cheeks turned a smidge red. "...M-My sincerest apologies...I didn't mean to talk so much on this... she said, clutching her hands at her stomach and squeezing them together. She was absolutely embarrassed by her...rather esoteric and nonsensical outburst. "...I just...my apologies, sir Ian. Shall we continue?" he requested, looking down more than she had before, appalled at her own lack of composure.

Escort Quest
~@The Irish Tree (NEP)~

"...I just...my apologies, sir Ian. Shall we continue?"

"Soooo... a Dragon. Right?"

The two continued your walk towards Ambran. Soon, you come upon an intersection and you could see that the branching path lead to a bridge that crossed over a river. The bridge, however, was broken and seemed that way for a long time. "Oh, that? That's a bridge to Varjan territories. Well, used to anyway." Ian remarked about the location. "I heard the people of Boreal Port destroyed it to prevent their previous Varjan overlords from returning."

"Ooh! Let's go and check it out!" Ian suddenly suggested. "I watched a lot of shows that people hide all sorts of things under bridges. I'll bet we could make a score with this one." Your client then bolted off towards the bridge. Being armless, he looked like a chicken running off. Since he was your escort, you were obliged to follow although he did not say anything about dragging him to the destination by force.

Unfortunately, trouble caught him first as you see a terrible monstrosity in dark armor emerge from the bridge and snatch Ian with one of its claws. "Welp, I really should've expected something like this." Your client muttered as he raised into the air by the humanoid creature. "I think he's protecting his booty." Ian added. "His treasure, I mean."

The creature was obviously a monster... if you went by ancient descriptions. You could say still it was a monster since there were monster girls like the Mind Flayer and the Shoggoth. However, you could detect that the creature did not emit Demonic Energy but rather Spirit Energy. That meant the creature was either an animal or a human being.

Perhaps your client would know but you need to save him first.

---

A Strange Tale 2
~@13org (FYR), @The Irish Tree (MAG)~

"Cant we... Convince her to not go? It's simply crazy for a nun to go there... Even if she wants to do something nice... That land isn't kind and its inhabitants are even less..."

"...Its obvious which one we're going to do. We're going to get her a bodyguard- A-A whole bunch even! We'll protect her if we have to."

"Well... You can try." The man replied to the two male monsters' suggestion.

------

Magnus and Freyr make their way to Ambran and they did not have to actually enter the bustling town to meet the subject of their current request as she was located just at the entrance to the town. "Alms for the poor!" She cried out to the horses and wagons and people that entered and exited the neutral town.

Noticing Magnus and Freyr, the old nun immediately called them out. "Ah, oh! Sirs! Could you find it in your hearts to donate some money for the poor? Perhaps, cast a little soul to the light." She asked the two male monsters. "They are at their wits' end. And their faith has been cast aside." She continued. "All it would take is a few gold coins to get them started on the right path. So that they could see that there are those who care."

It was time for Freyr and Magnus to put on their persuasion game. However, the money the strange man gave could be given to her to get this request over with immediately.

@PaulHaynek@Eviledd1984 Maria

Yang Bethlehem

Yang nodded as she waved to Rebecca and Lily to handle things here while she and Maria would head for this person.

The bar itself wasn't that hard to find, thankfully, as it still stood despite how long the story was. The person is questioned, was as expected, the difficult part. That person could've been dead a long time ago.

Still, not an excuse to stop as she questioned around and finally got a lead on the next person. A musician apparently.

"I think that's him." Yang said to Maria as she moved towards him as he was taking a break. Listening to what he said and his hand, she clicked her tongue inwardly.

She had forgotten to take the payment, and had left it to her seniors. Her fingers twitched and she kicked herself mentally for that, moments like this where material wealth would be useful often reminded her of the realities of the outside world.

Yang awkwardly looked towards Maria briefly, but turned away from her. She didn't wanted to burden her by paying for her mistakes, literally.

"If we're to convince your wife, you're gonna also cooperate with us." Yang crossed her arm as she looked at the musician skeptically, there's always two side of a story and its best she get it from him first. "Your wife must have a reason why she would leave you, or trying to at least. Mind explaining or what you figure the reason is?"

As personal this question sounds, she's not one to simply jump in recklessly. She wanted to hear his side before going on to see his wife and trying to convince her.

---

Ditzy Stoneclub

@PaulHaynek Neil @Silver Carrot ELD

"I'm sure we'll meet one!" Ditzy optimistically said to Neil, he didn't know what a hobbit is but they sound fun to meet. If what Neil said to them is true, though he looked at the clothes he wore. It didn't seemed little, it was what everyone wore as he adjusted the strap of cloth around his chest that the female hob-goblins wore.

Maybe the hobbits was cold? That's why they wore more than he did, Ditzy nodded in realization at that. That must be why.

"Oh, can you take me there so I can see your big village one day?" Ditzy enthusiastically said to him with a smile, he wanted to see where Neil came from. It sounded nice if Neil wanted to go back there. Ditzy also then turned toward Eilidh and asked her as well. "I also want to see your village too!"

"I can also show you my village afterwards, its a nice place." Ditzy proudly invited them, he was sure they'll like the place.

With that, Ditzy followed the pair until they finally reached their location. Ambran.

He was overwhelmed with the sights, so much so, he stopped often and had to consciously followed his companions. That didn't stopped his childish curiosity as Ditzy looked around with awe and amazement. He had never seen so many people, things, and movement before.

Ditzy kept on looking as he trailed behind his two companions as they arrived into an inn and was introduced to the person who had asked for their help. Samuel Cubbage.

That sounds like cabbage. Ditzy thought to himself, and felt a light growl in his stomach at the thought of food. Still, he kept quiet and followed them until they sat down around a table. There, Samuel briefed them on what he wanted them to do.

He listened intently, though from outside perspective it looked like Ditzy was just day-dreaming as a blank look was plastered on his face.

After a while of silence passed, Ditzy mind comprehended this man wanted to go and explore around. He hummed a bit as he thought where it would be good, he hadn't explore a lot of this area since he just arrived.

"How about the mountains? There's a few here and there." Ditzy suggested to him.

Eilidh took some time to look around Ambran as they walked, reveling in it's metropolitan atmosphere. Their party was getting some stares, as Eilidh and Ditzy were both completely undisguised Monsters, and considerably the tallest beings around, barring people on horseback, who were able to match Eilidh's height if you counted the horse. Eilidh smiled and nodded, or glared as appropriate, at their onlookers.

When they met Samuel Cubbage himself, Eilidh shook his hand when offered, and just listened to he and Neil talk once they were inside the inn. Eilidh felt some relief to be out of the gaze of people. The request confused Eilidh. "So," she started, "First of all, do you mean weeks, or generations? There's a fairly large gap there between those two time periods. Second, what exactly are you trying to find at Boreal Port? Third, to get to the port, it's pretty much straight west from here. In fact, the guildhouse is about halfwau between here and Boreal Port."

@PaulHaynek@Restalaan

---

Rebecca pursed her lips ad rolled her eyes and being called 'human' in the same manner you would command a dog. Human or Monster, children should be respectful of their elders, and polite to them. She was going to have to have a few words to Maria when this was over. Looking at the condition of the church inside, Rebecca tutted. It wouldn't be a very romantic wedding. They didn't have time to order in repairmen, or carpenters to remake the pews, or to arrange flowers. They might not even have time to clean up all the mess!

Shortly after this, the floorboards below Lily gave way and her upper half as sticking out of a hole in the church floor. Rebecca grabbed Lily's hand and pulled, but the moment she did, se could tell something was wrong. Something on the other end seemed to be pulling back.

"Lily! Grab my hands and pull! And kick at whatever's pulling you down!"

@PaulHaynek@Eviledd1984

@PaulHaynek@Restalaan@Silver Carrot

Maria Falena / Lily Falena

Maria was following behind Yang making sure to stay close to the human, Listening to their conversation and determining herself on whether they should help the old man. "We would like to...know more information before we decide to help you" She said wondering if the old woman form before was "Tulip". Maria for the most part was going to listen to what the older man will say, She was a good listener and was quite skilled with reading people's emotions.

"Do you know why she had left? what happened that you two would be separated?" She asked him going to do her best to be emphatic towards the man. She was still quite concern about the older woman hoping she was okay. And she really wanted to find this Peter Tuner person so she will be happy.

--------------------------------------

Lily meanwhile was searching the church with the nun, She did not like following the human around. And personally she did not think the church would be a good place for the wedding. The place was dilapidated and looked like it was not used in a long time, As she walked down the aisle going to check the pew she fell though the floor.

She felt something grabbing her leg and whatever was holding her down was dead meat, Grabbing the human's hand holding as tight as she could. Using her wings to try and fly as well away form the hole. Kicking at whatever was holding her wondering if she should use her sword.

@PaulHaynek

"That's the point." He suddenly responded to the matter of reproduction but then pulled it back not realizing he wasn't explaining himself properly. He composed himself. "There's alot of monster species who are solitary and whose mannerisms actually entraps human men. In those relationships, the couple ceases to become productive members to society. And even if they are a social species most examples of human monster dynamics is strictly an emotional connection. The cultures and economics don't play any part in a family setting. And considering the fact that nearly all off spring are female, we could have a gender population that renders cultures unsustainable within two generations." He used his arms and voice to prattle off more sociology facts and population statistics and basically just going through the motions of making himself look like a huge bookworm.

Thankfully he ended it there. The goals of his parents were complicated and long term, probably better time used in front of a crowd or town official. Regardless and listened to this Bart. "Yeah, that's more or less what I'm looking for." They talked about payment, and Ozzy's face tightened. He did some mental calculation and had been rationing for the past few months. He had 200 or so gold left, but that was to be his food and expenses for a potentially long excursion. He'd actually have to settle for a part time job within the next month or so.

Thankfully again, it seemed like his prayers were answered. "Well, if I am not imposing..." He stated extending a hand. "My name is Ozmandius Skyway, but people just call my Ozzy. I actually can be a bit useful. I know several languages and am fully fluent. I can do research jobs, writing, transcribing. And if you just need an extra pair of hands, I can make myself into a pretty fast courier. So yes, if I can work for my bread, as it is said, I will not let you down." He said with a big proud grin.

The Great Horizons
~@Silver Carrot (REB), @Restalaan (DIT)~

"First of all, do you mean weeks, or generations? There's a fairly large gap there between those two time periods. Second, what exactly are you trying to find at Boreal Port? Third, to get to the port, it's pretty much straight west from here. In fact, the guildhouse is about halfwau between here and Boreal Port."

"I-I think the week-generation thing was just a figure of speech, Eilidh." Neil interjected.

"Right you are, dear sir!" Samuel agreed with Neil before returning to Eilidh. "As for your second question, Miss. Well, to be honest with you I have no idea." He answered. "My grandfather vowed that at least one member of our family will make it to the Stormy Seas. My father had made his trip across five regions trying to fulfill that vow and now here I am, continuing the journey." Samuel explained. "I suppose I could establish something in Boreal Port. But I have to get there first, don't you think?"

"Well, thanks for the directions, Miss Centaur." He produced a small pouch and handed them to you. "There, one hundred gold coins." He then stood up and began walking out of the tavern. "Again, thanks for listening to my perhaps silly request. I shall wish you good fortune in the days to come and I hope you do the same for me." With that, Sam exited the tavern a happier man. "To the great horizons!"

Neil chuckled a bit at the spectacle. "Nice job on handling that. And one hundred gold coins? That's a lot... right?" He said to Eilidh before clearing his throat. "Anyway, should we head back or do you two want to stay here for a while and explore?" He then surveyed the tavern. "I mean, we have gold so I guess you can spend some on some alcohol or something. I'll pass though. Not very fond of the beer and wine stuff."

---

Let No Man Put Asunder
~@Silver Carrot (REB), @Eviledd1984 (LIL)~

Lily was successfully pulled from whatever that had grabbed her when she was pulled down. However, investigating it revealed that it were merely some hard, rough plants that entangled Lily's legs and feet. They appear to be long dead so even if they were extraordinary plants, right now they only posed as minor obstacles easily removed.

There really is nothing more to this forgotten ruin and it would take quite a long time for it to be renovated and refurbished to properly host a grand wedding. Perhaps trying to repair this church could be beyond the guild's abilities for now. Talking to the old lady for alternatives like an alternate church to host the wedding might be the best way.

However, the old lady appeared to have disappeared. Searching for clues, the two women would find footprints that led away but they ended before it could reveal anything more. Rebecca and Lily could try to search for the old lady and bring her back or they could throw in the towel for this bothersome quest and rendezvous with Yang and Maria in Ambran.

~@Restalaan (YNG), @Eviledd1984 (MAR)~

"If we're to convince your wife, you're gonna also cooperate with us. Your wife must have a reason why she would leave you, or trying to at least. Mind explaining or what you figure the reason is?"

"Do you know why she had left? what happened that you two would be separated?"

"Ahhh, it's just typical woman stuff." Peter dismissively answered the questions asked to him. "She thinks I cheated on her. I told her it wasn't what it looked like but did she listen? 'Course not." He explained. "You're going to need more than talk with that b****, though."

------

If Yang and Maria had no more questions, they then went over to the station which was quite near to the bar so they did not have to walk much. There Yang and Maria found a woman in a homely, green dress along with a couple of bags. Despite looking beautiful, her mood was quite foul as she paced back and forth, awaiting a stagecoach impatiently.

The moment Yang and Maria approached, she mouthed off. "If that useless, whore-mongering bastard sent you, get lost!" She yelled, suspecting you were there for her. Correctly suspecting, that is.

---

~@ShwiggityShwah~

"Well, if I am not imposing... My name is Ozmandius Skyway, but people just call my Ozzy. I actually can be a bit useful. I know several languages and am fully fluent. I can do research jobs, writing, transcribing. And if you just need an extra pair of hands, I can make myself into a pretty fast courier. So yes, if I can work for my bread, as it is said, I will not let you down."

"Well then, welcome aboard Ozmandius Skyway." Bart shook your extended hand. "I'm sure you'll be a big help to The Guild."

"Now then, it's getting a little too late for you to undertake a quest so I suggest you just sit back and relax for now." Bart suggested to you. "Although, can you tell me more about yourself? Like why you want to explore this... monster-human-economy things? And in turn, you can ask me anything about The Guild though I cannot guarantee that there's an answer for all of them."

"You can also see our members who are still here. I believe Haley and Talia are here. They're a Siren and a Cyclops respectively."

@Eviledd1984 Maria


Yang Bethlehem

She narrowed her eyes in suspicion from that claim, she herself feeling it a bit questionable considering he doesn't seem that concerned with himself chasing her personally. It could be him just dedicated to his job but...

"Why don't you join us convincing her?" Yang pointed out with her thumb gestured to the exit, diplomatically choosing a way to solve this incident more calmly. "Surely your employer would, you know, be understandable to have you go and prevent a divorce than work."

Maybe he's just too focused on his job, she had seen a few of the monks in her place being so uptight and hidebound it sometimes borders on ludicrous. She sincerely hope that's the case rather than apathy on his part.

Yang waited for Maria to asked a few of her own question before they left to helped convinced the woman. It didn't take long for them to find her, and the greetings they got was as cold as she expect.

"Calm down now, we're just here to listen on your side of the story." Yang said without any attempt to deny or hide that they're indeed sent by her husband, she's grumpy enough as it is. No need to make it worst. "Exactly why you think he's been cheating on you?"

She opened her hands and make herself as friendly as possible while retaining a good distance between her, though she could easily crossed that in the blink of an eye but the woman didn't need to know that. So should she just attempt to escape, Yang was able to chase her down if needed.

Hopefully, it doesn't come to that. She thought idly to herself.

---

@Silver Carrot ELD @PaulHaynek Neil

Ditzy Stoneclub

Ditzy listened intently as he tried to keep up with the pace of the conversation, though he was comprehending things slowly as the man was way ahead of it. So much so that Ditzy wasn't able to finished his response as the man bade them farewell.

"Good bye~" He said and waved to him slowly and his receding presence as he left the tavern, he didn't know what he planned but he seemed much more happier than he was a moment ago. Though he wondered if he can follow him.

Ah, papa will get angry if I do... Ditzy recalled his father who asked him to stay with Bart and his guild no matter what, he can always returned to his village if he was bored, angry or sad.

Still, Ditzy wondered how constantly traveling would be like. Seeing new things, exploring new places and meeting new people.

He smiled at that thought, it must be fun!

At the end of his thoughts, he caught Neil speaking and he turned towards the nice man, nodding along at his words before he pressed a finger at his lips in thought.

"I'm too young to drink alcohol." Ditzy recited, his father was very adamant and had to always remind him of that. He wasn't allowed to drink any drop at all for fear he'll accidentally crush everything in his hands.

"I wanna see this village goblin tribe!" Ditzy excitedly said as the thought came up to him and he wondered if there's any goblin or hob-goblin around here, his mother said he should make friends with them if possible!

Bast Ragoczy

"Power is merely a consequence from obtaining knowledge, Joshua." Bast said with a smirk after hearing his words.

Power was never Bast's first priority, yet, he was indeed powerful. Maybe even more than others who were specifically searching for power. Certainly he wasn't as strong as a warrior or as fast as a centaur by himself. But his knowledge, his experience and his magic made him an incredibly troublesome opponent to deal with.
But on one thing, Bast had to agree with Joshua.

"Image... Yes. I must agree. Image is indeed very important." Bast said, with a smirk. He was a prime example of that statement. Always incredibly elegant, even on the most unlikely of places. Bast's presence was certainly an impactful one... But not because of his power, which he was sure to maintain hidden as much as possible, but merely for his personality and his clothes.

"Image can be, in many occasions, more impactful than power. Fear, admiration, cautiousness... It can inspire many feelings on others" Bast continued with a smile of satisfaction on his face. At least Joshua knew the proper value of having a good image.

"Not entirely hopeless. I can respect a man who know the value of a proper image..." Bast said, looking to Joshua.

When Joshua started talking about his sister, Bast couldn't help but listen carefully. His sister was certainly... Interesting....

"Do you want to meet her?" Joshua asked.

"I do believe she's presiding over a trial right now. Or would you like to stay here and continue insulting me? I have to admit though, you're pretty good at it." He finished, waiting for Bast's answer.

"You surely flatter me." Bast said with a mocking bow as Joshua said how good Bast was at insulting others.
"Words can be as sharp as any sword..." he completed.
"But... yes. I won't lie. I'm very interested in your sister. She seems to be a very entertaining woman to deal with." He said, with a mischievous smirk.

"After all... I do enjoy flirting with danger." Bast said with a chuckle.

@PaulHaynek

---

---

Freyr

As soon as they got near the town of Ambran, they met the nun they were supposed to find. Instead of being inside the city, she was outside, just at the entrance, asking for charity.
Surely that wasn't a good idea... Ambran was already a dangerous town and the nun wasn't even inside it. In Freyr's opinion, that was basically waiting for something bad to happen.

As she asked for charity, Freyr couldn't help but think on the money the strange man gave to them. He didn't have any particular use to money, but they should take some back to the guild, right? And he didn't know if Magnus wanted some, so instead of giving everything, he simply grabbed a handful of coins, still leaving plenty of coins inside the sack and simply handed it to the nun.

"I... Think she needs this more than I do. Don't worry, there is still some for us to bring back to the guild." Freyr whispered to Magnus.

"We are from the guild. We heard that you were here asking for charity..." Freyr said, looking to the old nun.
"These lands are dangerous and its inhabitants are certainly not kind..." he said. It was obvious that Freyr was struggling to try to convince the nun. Magnus probably knew very well he wasn't good with words.

Looking to Magnus almost if he was asking for help on that situation.

@PaulHaynek@The Irish Tree

"Oh," Eilidh replied sheepishly, her ears drooping down, "I knew that, of course..."

They perked back up a little when her second question was addressed. Cubbage's reply was vague, and smacked of the human notion of family legacy. In Centaur tradition, your parents could have been the most fearsome Centaurs to ever live, but you were still judged solely on your own merits. There were no expectations and no favoritism. It was highly taboo for a Centaur to stay in the same tribe as their parents once the hit maturity as this was seen as a sign that you weren't yet mature. Eilidh knew fully grown Centaurs who were still called 'children' simply for staying in contact with their parents via letters.

Still, they had their reward, and Eilidh wasn't leaping at the chance to stay involved in Samuel's affairs. She chuckled at Neil's question and gestured that he could take the bag. "It's more than I usually get, I'll say that much. And...we took the trip out here. It would be a shame to head back already, though no drinking. Centaurs get...hot-headed when they drink..." Eilidh stopped, blushed and looked away. "If Ditzy is visiting a Goblin tribe, I shall accompany him."

@PaulHaynek@Restalaan

---

After freeing Lily, Rebecca looked down the hole, ready to draw her sword, though she simply saw a twisted tangle of plants. She turned back to Lily. "Are you okay?" She asked the young Mothgirl, before looking around.

She carried out an investigation of the state of the church before returning to the entrance to talk to the bride to be. However, she had disappeared entirely. Rebecca tutted, and turned back into the church. Rebecca's patience of a saint was being tested to its very limits, and this was clear to Lily from a quick look at the Priestess' face.

"The old lady is nowhere to be found!" she exclaimed.

@PaulHaynek@Eviledd1984

@Silver Carrot@Restalaan@PaulHaynek

Maria Falena / Lily Falena

Maria could see the woman was quite angry, So the mothwoman would try and mediate the situation. Listening to what Yang was saying wondering if she would be needed for speaking with the old woman, "Do you know what had...happened with your husband that you would..think he was cheating?" She asked her moving just a little bit closer. Not getting close in case the woman was included to attack them, But being close and using her body language to show empathy and compassion.

"Is their..anything we could do for you? Perhaps...their is a misunderstanding...between you two" She said softly, Wanting to get to the bottom of this situation.

--------------------------------

Meanwhile Lily was lifted out of the hole and wiping the dirt and dust off of her dress, "Tsk damn it..." She did not answer the human's question and looking around. "Where the hell did she go?" She asked mostly to herself heading outside the church to see if she wandered away. Flying up to see if the old lady was somewhere in the forest, "Burn my ass, Where did she the old bat good?" She asked herself again landing on the ground.

Once on the ground she returned to the nun, "So what do we do now?" She then asked the nun. She had a feeling their were being lead on a wild goose chase or the very least being rused by someone.

@PaulHaynek,@13org(FYR)
FF5353

Magnus had a smile on his face as Freyr donated some of their coinage to the old woman's charity...and then felt a little bad that he didn't even think to do that, far too worried about the old nun's safety rather than the work she was doing. His whisper to not worry only made Magnus smile wider, and once Freyr looked to him for help, the Minotaur cleared his throat, doing his best to not seem intimidating to the poor old nun. "W-Well Ma'am...we were heard you were considering making a pilgrimage to Varjo. We...w-well, we don't think you should go." he said, trying his best to sound understanding, but firm.

"...Why do you need to go to Varjo anyways, Ma'am? I-If you don't mind me asking, that is." the minotaur said, crouching to be on eye level with the elderly woman. "Its full of bandits a-and...just...bad people looking to do bad things to good people. I've seen what the military does to people they don't like..." he said, noticeably looking a little scared, his mind unable to not imagine this poor old lady suffering some kind of horrible abuse by bandits or soldiers...or even wild animals. It clearly wasn't making him happy to talk about Varjo.

---

@PaulHaynek
A9A9A9

A small smile formed on Nephele's face as he admitted her dragonhood, a smile that was quickly turned into a frown as she heard Ian proclaim that they might be able to dig about in the muck of the river beneath the bridge, in the hopes of finding treasure. He proclaimed to have watched "Shows" with similar events, but she simply thought that meant plays. She'd read about a few theatrical presentations...and even participated in one just a few nights ago, but she had to wonder if everything was alright in Ian's head. Sighing as she followed her armored companion into the river, the dragoness gently picked up the hem of her skirt to walk into the water, not even getting a foot in before she heard heavy breathing, trying to reach out for Ian before he was snatched up by the gargantuan monstrosity that had been slumbering beneath the ruined bridge.

Staring up at it, Nephele felt a sense of inexplicable dread as she gazed at it. Not from fear, but rather an innate lack of...understanding. Monsters were easy enough to understand, given the presence of demonic energy within them, but this...thing. This monstrous creature was neither monster or man, yet exuded the same type of sentience that a man had. She had read in an old dusty book that there was once a process by which dark sorcerers created Flesh Golems to do their bidding but...

Shaking her head, she uncurled her fingers and let her claws cast a glint of light off of them, before she began climbing the side of the bridge with incredible speed, figuring the villagers wouldn't mind the claw marks as much as the giant monster. Now at something of a vantage point, Nephele began scanning for a weak point in its shoulder armor before diving from above, her mouth exuding a thick stream of white fog as she descended. Her claws sunk into the flush of the monster, shredding the muscle beneath before she started descending the arm, keeping an eye on the free hanging arm as she attempted to free Ian. "Hang on! I'll get you free and draw its attention!" she said, now starting to completely enshroud the area in her fog.

"Well then, welcome aboard Ozmandius Skyway." Bart shook your extended hand. "I'm sure you'll be a big help to The Guild."

"Now then, it's getting a little too late for you to undertake a quest so I suggest you just sit back and relax for now." Bart suggested to you. "Although, can you tell me more about yourself? Like why you want to explore this... monster-human-economy things? And in turn, you can ask me anything about The Guild though I cannot guarantee that there's an answer for all of them."

"You can also see our members who are still here. I believe Haley and Talia are here. They're a Siren and a Cyclops respectively."

"Heheh, Ozzy's fine Master Bart." He grinned, his teeth kind of showing a bit of fangs to them.

The news came as a bit troubling but he completely understood. "I appreciate it, but while I wait for a new job to come in, I could tidy up around here. Maybe if you have a broom." He offered taking a minute to observe the room and trying to pick up some intuitive evidence of how these folk live. When Bart asked about him, Ozzy wondered a moment. His cape seemed to unfurl into a pair of owl like wings, he gave them a good flap before letting them come to a rest. "Im actually a harpy myself. Owl subspecies. My parents are both scientists. My dads an anthropologist, my mother is, well she was a librarian. She could call herself a diplomat now. Ever since the Demon Lord showed up, there's been entire monster cultures springing up all over the world. Some monsters are more communal then others, while others a secluded, or even predatory. Plus you have magic adding in a whole new chaotic pile to the mess of things that could effect society. And you know the Church has been against them since the beginning. My parents, and a few others have proposed developing diplomatic liaisons between the different cultures, even developing something they are calling embassies in Demon, Human, and Monster Lands so that differences can be worked out peacefully. It's like neutral territory when cultures could meet and discuss. It's gotten alot of popularity in the Monster Friendly lands when we brought the ideas to officials, not so much in lands that are under the Order's and Churches' Thumb."

He took a chair nearby Bart, quite happy to give his wings and legs a break. "My job is just to study up on Human Monster Relationships. As cultures become bigger or more advanced, or monster populations become bigger with the propensity to produce more female populations. There's going to competition for land, resources, even husbands eventually. The idea is to nip the problem in the bud and prevent conflict before they even start. That's the theory anyway. My family and the others are playing the long game I guess. I know its kind of a wild stretch but it's a great reason for people to come together around something you know?" He tried to smile, waiting for any questions Bart might have.

"I do have questions, alot of them. What kind of jobs does this Guild take? Who started it? How long has it been running? How many members do you have? What kind?" He stopped himself, taking a deep breath. "Well... ahem, I mean. What kind of jobs does the Guild take. Hehe." He blushed with embarrassment.

"A siren?" His head cocked to one side as he wondered about that before going back to his friendliness. "I mean. I'd be happy to meet them. I like to make friends with those I interview. And trust me, It's nothing too personal."

A God Among Men
~@13org (BST)~

"Power is merely a consequence from obtaining knowledge, Joshua."

"I'm sure that power did a lot for Razelia with their vast libraries of knowledge." The Varjan King replied sarcastically.

"But... yes. I won't lie. I'm very interested in your sister. She seems to be a very entertaining woman to deal with. After all... I do enjoy flirting with danger."

"Well, follow me then! Let's not waste any time."

Joshua lead you outside the throne room and into the castle interior. The Caldeyrons' castle was dark and foreboding. The wall paintings detailed many warriors clad in thick armor atop hills of bodies. Some artworks depict naked men and women, all covered in blood with a mad, deranged look on their faces. They were also usually surrounded by corpses. But most of all, you notice that the castle appeared to be eerily empty. You could hear no noise save for your and Joshua's footsteps. Yet still, you feel that dread of danger.

Emerging from the castle, you and Joshua enter a shining and bustling city. All the structures were well-polished and refined. The citizens, too, were refined and well-dressed save for the dark-armored warriors doing patrols which you assume were the security. However, you notice that most of the civilians seem to be women and from the way they wear their exotic, grandiose dresses and glamorous makeup, you feel that there was an air of decadence and hedonism about them. Also, on the distance you see some very high walls and they appear to surround the city.

"Why, good afternoon, Lord Joshua." One of the women greeted your companion. Her makeup was thick and her perfume even thicker. The fragrance from her almost made you cough.

"Good afternoon to you too, madam." Joshua greeted back. "I assume you have been doing your 'duties'?"

"Why of course, my lord." The woman bowed. "In fact, I am incubating one now courtesy of a handsome young Amethyst Prince."

Bidding farewell to the lady, Joshua lead you to a place behind the castle. Looking at the castle from a distance, you notice that the royal castle was great and mighty yet at the same time, appeared to be a lair of an evil Sorcerer or a Vampire. "We're here." Joshua called you back. You hear the sounds of weapons clanging and screams of pain. You and Joshua arrived to what appeared to be an arena or colloseum.

"Is my sister here?" Joshua asked one of the guards.

"Yes, my lord. She is inside, presiding over fifty trials."

Joshua led you inside and you come upon a wide arena surrounded by seats for the audience. On the field you see twenty people wearing rags and chains all of whom cowered as they were guarded by warriors who wore thicker, spikier armor than the warriors you saw with Araghast. Near them was some thirty corpses, whose blood were still fresh, surrounding a figure draped in pitch-black armor wielding a bloodied mace. "There she is, my sister. A figure every Varjan should aspire to be." Joshua remarked. "Unless they want to aspire to be me instead."

"Who is the next defendant?" Joshua's sister loudly demanded. One of the warriors picked up a blonde-haired girl from the twenty sill-living people and handed her with an axe before shoving her into the blood-soaked area. "Like the others, you will be acquitted of your crime if you defeat me. Is that clear?" Queen Caldeyron told the girl the terms of the trial.

The girl quaked with fear as she barely held the axe given to her. "P-Please... my lady. Mercy." She threw down her weapon and fell on her knees. "Mercy, my Queen! Mercy! I swear by my life that I won't do it again!" She begged the Varjan Queen. "I-I'll be a good brood mother! I-I don't even need the luxuries and the privileges. Just please let me li--" The girl did not finish as Queen Caldeyron swung her mace at her head. Her head was then continuously mauled until it was nothing but a fleshy mess.

"Dear sister!" Joshua approached and called out her sister. "I'm sorry for interrupting your judicial duties but I have a guest here that wants to meet you." Motioning to you. "His name is Bast Ragoczy and he's very good at insulting people."

"Good at insulting, huh?" The Varjan Queen dropped her mace and approached you. It should be noted that she was a head taller than you. "Go ahead, Mister Bast. Show me your insulting skills. Insult me the best you can." She casually requested of you.

---

~@Silver Carrot (REB), @Restalaan (DIT)~

"O-Oh, you want to look for a Goblin tribe?" Neil repeated the direction where this party appear to be heading. "I-I suppose we can ask around..."

Neil's hesitation was apparent but he followed anyway and the trio were pointed to Valoras Woods. There has been word that there was a Goblin band passing through that forest. And so, the trio set out to find this Goblin group with Neil following reluctantly.

------

The sun had begun to set when the trio reached the edges of Valoras Woods. The trees and the vegetation made it hard to see past the treeline but a bright fire was visible anyway and it was clear to the three guild members that it was probably the Goblin band that Ditzy so suddenly wanted to find, having set up camp during their travels.

The trio entered the forest and into the supposed Goblin encampment. It was bustling with activity with small, humanoid creatures who played around and happily talked to each other like children. They were so preoccupied with their frolicking that they completely do not notice that they had some visitors.

"Are-Are these Goblins?" Asked Neil.

---

Let No Man Put Asunder
~@Restalaan (YNG), @Eviledd1984 (MAR)~

"Calm down now, we're just here to listen--"

Before Yang could finish, Tulip immediately had something to add. "You know what? Tell that bastard that I ain't going back! Not this time! Not even at swordpoint!" She yelled at Yang, complete with finger-pointing.

"Is their..anything we could do for you? Perhaps...their is a misunderstanding...between you two"

"Stop bothering me, you dumb moth!" The woman stopped Maria with a slur. "Or I'll call the town guards."

It just so happened that there was a passing patrol of guardsmen and upon hearing 'town guards', they went over to investigate. "Is there something wrong here?" There were about six of them and wore light armor and wielding swords and shields. They do not look that competent in a fight but getting into trouble with them might be problematic in the long run.

"It's just these two, good sirs!" Tulip replied. "They can't leave a woman well enough alone!"

The guardsmen turned to Yang and Maria. "You heard the lady. Move it or lose it, you two." They requested of the two guild members. The commotion was attracting a crowd. Part of that crowd were fellow guild members, Rebecca and Lily.

Things have turned into a pickle, haven't they?

~@Silver Carrot (REB), @Eviledd1984 (LIL)~

With the old woman gone and the church turning into a trap, Rebecca and Lily decide to go to Ambran and rendezvous with Yang and Maria.

Upon reaching the bustling town, Rebecca and Lily encounter a crowd forming due to a commotion. When they decided to see what was up, they see their fellow guild members Yang and Maria being confronted by a patrol of six town guardsmen. "You heard the lady. Move it or lose it, you two." A guardsman told Yang and Maria.

It appeared things were not going well in the search for Peter.

---

Escort Quest
~@The Irish Tree (NEP)~

The creature let out a roar of pain as it released Ian, dropping him into the water. "Whoa, thanks Neph! Wherever you are." He said, lost in your fog.

You and the monstrosity struggled but the latter managed to grab hold of your tail and pull you into the river. Before you could rise from the water, the creature climbed on top of you and pinned you down with both its misshapen arms. You were a Dragon so you possessed the strength to throw him off you. However, your attacker was strong enough not to be thrown off in one move so it may notice your efforts.

What shall be your next course of action? "Neph? Where are you? I hope the Joyful isn't giving you too much trouble." Well at least you now know the creature's name. However inappropriate it may be.

---

A Strange Tale 2
~@13org (FYR), @The Irish Tree (MAG)~

"These lands are dangerous and its inhabitants are certainly not kind..."

"...Why do you need to go to Varjo anyways, Ma'am? I-If you don't mind me asking, that is. Its full of bandits a-and...just...bad people looking to do bad things to good people. I've seen what the military does to people they don't like..."

"Ahhh, I thank you for your concern for me, you two, but I am a nun and I have my duties." The old nun replied. "And it is my duty to help those in need. If the lands of Varjo is as bad as you say it is, then it is certain that there are many people there that are suffering and need assistance and charity."

"And I am old, you know? I may have only a few years left in this old body of mine." The kind old nun continued. "If I am to meet my end, I'd like that I meet it doing my duties as a nun to God." She then put a hand up. "Ah, don't mistake my words. I appreciate you two's kindness. I feel the world of man is running low on that at the moment. Perhaps spread some of that kindness amongst my kind?"

"Besides, I am not leaving so soon. I still need a few days for me to prepare." The nun added. "Perhaps I may change my mind then. Who knows?"

---

~@ShwiggityShwah~

Bart listened closely to your words and had something to say. "Well, I think monsters are too nice to actually fight over resources but hey, what do I know? You're the scholar around here." He then sighed. "Anyway, I hope your embassy thing works out. Although, I'd be wary since I know some humans who can use that as an excuse to invade."

"I do have questions, alot of them. What kind of jobs does this Guild take? Who started it? How long has it been running? How many members do you have? What kind? Well... ahem, I mean. What kind of jobs does the Guild take. Hehe."

The guild master chuckled with you. "Don't worry, I can answer all of that." He cleared his throat before fully answering your questions. "Well, this guild takes any kind of quests. So long as it pays, we do it. We could be doing mercenary work or maybe just fulfilling some odd request here and there." Then his face darkened. "Although, I do worry about the consequences of doing certain jobs..."

"Anyway, I started this guild not too long ago and it's been running for several days now. A week or two maybe?" Bart continued his long answer. "Although, it feels like a lot has happened already. Maybe that's true, just in a very short span of time." He then sighed.

"As for the members, let's see." Bart then began counting fingers. "There's me, Neil, the Siren Haley, I'm not sure if Talia is actually with us or not..." He continued. "Then there's Bast, Freyr, Eilidh, Rebecca, Magnus, Nephele... Oh! Maria and her sister, I think." The guild master then paused as he thought. "Oh, almost forgot about Yang and that Ditzy fellow."

"Then there's you, I guess. How many does that make us?" Bart then asked. "Well, those are just the ones I could remember off the top of my head. People tend to come and go from this guild, to be honest. I mean, a lot of people."

"I mean. I'd be happy to meet them. I like to make friends with those I interview. And trust me, It's nothing too personal."

"Great. Who do you want to meet first?" Bart asked. "Talia's at the forge and I believe Haley's in the lounge."