Bast Ragoczy

Image. That was certainly something the Caldeyron surely appreciated. Dark, sinister, decorated with many paintings of ruthless and brutal warriors, some naked, covered only in blood with a feral expression on their faces, some wearing thick and intimidating armors. All of them, surrounded by corpses. But the 'unique' style of decoration wasn't the only thing worth noting. The castle was unusually empty. The weird feeling of danger was still there. Even though Bast himself was unfazed by it, he still was alert. After all, he wasn't amongst allies. Well... at least not yet...

As they got out of the castle, the unsettling emptiness of the castle quickly disappeared as they encountered themselves in a shining and bustling city. Despite some warriors wearing strange dark armors patrolling around, the entire city had an air of decadence and hedonism to it. Most of the citizens Bast saw were women. Almost all of them wearing refined and beautiful dresses, makeup and jewelry. For Bast, it was a welcome change to the dark and empty Caldeyron castle. Surrounded by very high walls, the words 'blood' and 'pleasure' seemed to define it incredibly well.

After one of the women who were passing by greeted Joshua, displaying not only good manners, but a thick makeup and an even thicker perfume, Joshua led him to a place behind the castle, which upon looking at it from the outside, was really fitting to be the lair of a litch, vampire or a warlock.

Greeted with the sound of weapons, steel hitting steel and agonizing screams of pain, Bast arrived on a place that seemed to be a coliseum of some sorts.

"There she is, my sister. A figure every Varjan should aspire to be." Joshua said, pointing towards a figure in a pitch black armor, holding a bloodied mace. It was exactly how anyone would wonder the ruler of such castle would be.

After a rather... unsightly display of her mauling a woman's head until it was a bloody pulp, in what appeared to be a trial by combat, Joshua finally introduced his sister.

"Good at insulting, huh?"
"Go ahead, Mister Bast. Show me your insulting skills. Insult me the best you can." The queen said, dropping her mace and approaching Bast. He didn't know if she was really that tall or if it was thanks to her suit of armor, but other than that, her figure really sparked his interest as he let out a malicious grin.

"Oh, don't mistake me for an impolite, rude man. I'm a gentleman. It would be improper to insult a lady. Besides that... I merely speak what I see. Those weren't insults, but simply statements." Bast said, tapping his fingers on his cane.

"Now... If those words can be used to describe you as well... is something we'll have to see. I do expect though that you will turn out to be a better company than your simplistic brother." Bast said, with a malicious smirk towards Joshua.

"A queen fitting of it's castle." Bast said, looking to her.
"As I said to your brother, I can appreciate someone who knows the power their images can exert over others." he continued.

"I'm Bast Ragoczy. I believe your brother already told you something about me. He was the one that called me here after all." he said, with a smirk towards Joshua.

"Before anything else, would you give me the pleasure of seeing your face and knowing your name? I can't help but feel a bit... distant talking with someone behind a thick suit of armor." Bast continued.

"What do I want is probably the question you are making to yourself right now. To that, there is not a simple answer. Secrets? Entertainment? Maybe just to talk...? Who knows... But for now, I would greatly appreciate if we could perhaps just sit down and talk a bit. I wish to know a bit better who are the ones who summoned me here." Bast completed, carefully inspecting the queen's reaction.

@PaulHaynek

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Freyr

As Freyr heard the old nun's words, he couldn't help but mentally agree with some of what she was saying. He didn't know exactly how many years old the nun was, but he knew that humans didn't live as long as other races, including the Viera. She was probably already on the end of her life...

"I... Going to Varjo... probably isn't the best thing to do... But I can respect your decision." Freyr said, still unsure on how to say all that.

"As both Magnus and myself said before... Varjo isn't a kind place... Your kind words and good intentions will probably fall on deaf ears on that land soaked with blood and violence..." Freyr continued, with a serious voice.

"Your dedication to your god is indeed admirable. But dying in a strange land, surrounded by strange people isn't a good way to go... I don't know how things will go, but if you really won't change your mind, the least I can do is try to bring you back home safely..." Freyr said, looking towards the old nun and then to Magnus, silently asking his opinion on the matter.

The old nun was indeed a good soul. Her words and her smile when she talked were filled with good intentions. Freyr could clearly feel that. On a world were most humans were blinded by greed and their own bloodlust, that old nun, already on the end of her life, was something that made Freyr a bit relieved and refreshed. He wanted to at least try to protect her. After so much good that she probably had already done, it was the least she deserved.

@PaulHaynek@The Irish Tree

@Eviledd1984 The sisters @Silver Carrot RBC


Yang Bethlehem

"We're here on behalf of her husband to sort out their marriage problem," Yang politely said to the guards with a bow of her head to them, calmly explaining what was going. "We don't have any ill intentions whatsoever to her."

Yang eyes then caught a glance of her two other guild mates and an idea formed in her head, so she pretended like she hadn't seen them yet.

"Do you not think it would be tragic if a couple would divorce with one another simply over a misunderstanding that could be solved if they had talked to one another?" She appealed to their senses as she approached the guards closer, her arm close to her body and giving a pleading look to them. One akin to a sad little puppy.

"One chance, and that's it. We'll leave immediately afterwards."

Come on, please work! This usually work in the temple!. Yang inwardly hoped, she felt bad deceiving them but she can't afford to let that old women be disappointed.

@PaulHaynek Neil @Silver Carrot ELD

Ditzy Stoneclub

"No worries! Goblins are nice." He smiled at Neil innocently as he assured him. "I think they'll like you."

"Eilidh too." Ditzy added as he looked at the tall centaur.

With that, the trio went around to find goblins. Wandering around the town, they learned that there was a goblin tribe at Valoras Wood. Well, more Eilidh and Neil. Ditzy had taken numerous times to understand it but he got it only after they went outside the town.

The sun setting made him a bit worried, dad often say its best to go home for dinner. Though Eilidh and Neil hadn't said anything yet, so maybe it was alright for him to go on?

Soon, they arrived at the woods and his eyes caught the fire burning bright in the dark woods. Seeing that it was indeed goblins, Ditzy beamed as he heard Neil question.

"Yup!" Ditzy enthusiastically said as he entered and waved his arms in greetings to the goblins. "Hello! I'm Ditzy from the Stoneclub tribe! Can I play with you all?!"

To the goblins however, they've never heard or even though a male hobgoblin possible. Ditzy looked like a teenager that dressed in a hobgoblin attire, it was only the horns that jut out from the crown of his head that showed proof that he was a hobgoblin. His slightly stouter stature and muscular build also made him stood out as he carried his large backpack like it didn't weighed anything at all.

Though, in their minds, it was more possible that he looked like a deformed hobgoblin as he didn't have their famous assets.

@PaulHaynek,@13org(FYR)
FF5353

Magnus nodded in agreement to Freyr's statement of Varjo being a rather unkind place, but was surprised at his willingness to escort the old woman personally. Freyr had said what Magnus wish he had the courage to say right away, regardless of whether his friend would help but...He really was a coward. Swallowing a frog in his throat, the minotaur nodded vigorously, patting his hand to his chest. Even if she wasn't leaving for another few days, it would help to give her some assurance that two armed monsters were willing to aid her in her hour of need. "M-Me too! I'll help escort you where you need to go Miss. We promise nobody will hurt you so long as we can help it!"

With that said, Magnus took a deep breath before waiting for the old soul's reply, hoping that she would see the need for the two to come with her to help and deter bandits. After all, a group of three was harder to approach than a single old nun. He shuddered to think what would happen were she to leave alone...likely wouldn't get past a mile over the border. The minotaur was visibly worried about her, hunched over to be at eye level with her, and just overall acting like a worried grandchild. Magnus wasn't confident about fighting people, but he was confident that he'd shield the nun with his body if that's what it took to keep her safe.

---

@PaulHaynek
A9A9A9

Nephele felt a sense of relief as Ian was released, before feeling herself be slammed down into the river by her tail, the appendage not damaged, but kinda sore from being tugged. Bigger problems were prevalent though, given that she was being pinned under the water by this monstrosity. The dragoness' thoughts raced as her lungs, albeit incredibly large given her use of breath based abilities, were running out of air. She could hold her breath for three minutes without preparation, but she would need only seconds to throw the beast off of her. "The Joyful...?" she thought, her claws grinding against stone as the river's flow gently pushed her and the beast inch by inch.

Gritting her teeth, Nephele recalled that she'd injured the arm that Ian had been held in, and with a flex of her shoulder, knew that the beast was operating at maybe a third of its normal strength with that arm. As such, she made a blitz for his neck with the arm pushed down by that monstrous right arm. It was easy enough to cast that arm aside as she dug her claws into his neck, using the momentum to slam her tail into his right side to force him off of her, and instead place her on top of it before she backed off, vanishing into the fog. The beast could hear water splashing in several directions around it, before a gash would be cut into its shoulder, Nephele having become a black blur obscured by the fog that she had created. After that cut, she made sure to push Ian out of the fog bank, poking her head out to say: "Wait. Here." she said sternly before going back onto the assault, attempting to use Hit and Run tactics to cripple the beast.

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

*Bast is in danger!*

The Queen listened patiently at everything you had to say. However, you noticed Joshua taking steps to distance himself from you and his sister. "Give me Hell's Wrath." She commanded one of her warriors who quickly went over.

"No, Mister Ragoczy. My brother has not told me about you." She began. "And considering you can't even entertain one small request, I think it was right for my brother to do that." She then chuckled. "Not only that, you then requested of me that I remove my helmet and and my name. I have a feeling I'm going to regret meeting you, Mister Ragoczy." The warrior then arrived with a sword on a scabbard. "And I have a feeling you're going to regret meeting me, Mister Ragoczy."

Grabbing the scabbard and shooing away the warrior, the Queen continued. "But first impressions should not be an obstacle to relationships and I will rectify that." She remarked. "I am Queen Leyanne Caldeyron of Varjo. I have led legions and hordes of warriors against the enemies of Varjo and, by extension, The Order. And I will continue to do so until all of our enemies: Ortus, the Dwarves, the monsters and those who dare stand against us are all dead."

"You liked to talk, right? Then I hope you will indulge me this time." Unsheathing the blade, you see a sharp, finely crafted sword whose cross guard was gold in color and sharply-pointed on the ends. Its grip was red in color but the pommel was gold like the cross guard. "Tell me, Bast. What object best represents the weapon?"

---

~@Restalaan (DIT)~

"Hello! I'm Ditzy from the Stoneclub tribe! Can I play with you all?!"

All the Goblins stopped and turned to their visitors. "Why of course, you can!" One of them answered happily. They all gathered around to welcome the newcomer Goblin, not noticing at all his height or his manlier looks or the fact that he is, well, an actual man. A male Hobgoblin.

"Who are you?"

"Where are you from?"

"Who's that?"

That question shifted all the attention from you to your companion Neil, who stood there dumbfounded and only snapped back to reality when all eyes were on him. "Oh! A man!" A lot of the Goblins moved on from you over to Neil, surrounding him and asking him similar questions.

"Who are you?"

"Where are you from?"

"Will you have sex with us?"

The last question forced a "Huh?!" from Neil. The Goblin crowd around the boy all agreed with each other and started pressuring Neil into having intercourse with them. "H-Hey now. Don't you guys that's a little too quick?" None of the Goblins heard Neil and they all continued to pester and bug him with sexual intercourse.

"H-Hey Ditzy! Little help here?"

---

Let No Man Put Asunder
~@Restalaan (YNG)~

"One chance, and that's it. We'll leave immediately afterwards."

"I already said he ain't getting no more chances!" The woman yelled at you. "You better stop this if you know what's good for you."

"Ma'am!" The guard unsheathed his weapon at your approach, prompting the others to do the same. It was growing apparent that you and the others will have a fight on your hands if you do not back down or find a way to de-escalate the situation successfully. While it is possible to win the showdown against the guards, it would come at a cost of being branded as criminals in Ambran.

Although, perhaps the scuffle will make Tulip realize your conviction of restoring this broken marriage?

---

Escort Quest
~@The Irish Tree (NEP)~

Masterfully executed! You managed to escape from the monstrosity's grasp and left it confused and injured with your claws and speed. The creature let out a pained but inhuman howl.

After pushing Ian off the fog, you continued striking at the creature apparently called 'The Joyful'. It roared and growled as it attempted to catch you but its efforts were fruitless. You were simply too fast for it and you hid well in your fog not to mention that the creature was also wounded. Your strategy soon wore down the creature until it fell to its knees and then plopped into the river with a single splash and one last dying growl. The fight was over and you were the victor.

"Hey Neph? I don't hear the whishing and whooshing anymore. Are you done?" Ian called out to you from outside the fog. At least he heeded your command. "Or maybe you're the one who actually died. 'Cause if so then Mister Joyful, please know that I was rooting for you the whole time. Long live Varjo and all that!"

---

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

"Your dedication to your god is indeed admirable. But dying in a strange land, surrounded by strange people isn't a good way to go... I don't know how things will go, but if you really won't change your mind, the least I can do is try to bring you back home safely..."

"M-Me too! I'll help escort you where you need to go Miss. We promise nobody will hurt you so long as we can help it!"

The nun smiled a sincere smile. "You two are indeed very kind and the world is truly blessed to have two souls like you." She said. "But what you have done is already enough and I cannot ask any more from you." She continued, referring to the donation Freyr made.

"And again, I do not have to leave right away. I need a few days to prepare and I do not want to waste any of your time." The nun reiterated. "But if you two really insist, you can come find me here in maybe two to three days. I hope you two are not pushovers in the security department or you'll be letting an old nun down." She joked with a chuckle.

"Ah, before you go. Here is something for your trouble." The nun then produced a few flowers from her satchel. "Morning Light flowers. The favorite flower of Saint Andres. Take them and decorate your abodes with these, so that people may know you are blessed."

The request was done. Magnus and Freyr can head back to the guild headquarters or stay in Ambran for a little longer.

Eilidh forced herself through the gaggle of goblins and stood by Neil's side. The large, imposing, muscular warrior stared down at the goblins with intent to make them back off if they didn't of their own free will, and the latter would clearly be the less painful option. She was noticeably flushing, as she often did whenever sex with humans was brought up in any context. After all, she was a Monster Girl too. "You uncouth savages! Get back! The nerve of asking that from a total stranger, and a guest, no less!"

@PaulHaynek@Restalaan

---

Rebecca looked over to Lily, and shrugged. "I'm not sure what's going on either, but there's trouble." Rebecca then, without a hint of fear of consequence, made her way through the guards and into the fray, heading straight for Yang. She got close enough for them to hold a hushed conversation, speaking quickly so as they could have as long a conversation as possible before the guards reach them. "Yang, what exactly is happening here?."

@PaulHaynek@Eviledd1984@Restalaan

@Restalaan@The Irish Tree@Silver Carrot

Maria Falena / Lily Falena

Maria was taken back form when he was called moth, But felt the sting of their words when one of them called her and her sister a "Insect". The tall mothwoman was standing with Lily joining her side, Lily meanwhile was glaring at the humans that called them insects. She was very tempted to pull out her sword and cut off their tongue or better their heads. However she did not want Bart angry with her and ruin the reputation of the guild.

Looking over at the other human woman pleading with them about letting them convince the old woman, Lily thought this whole situation was a lost cause. It seemed the old woman was not going to budge, Lily was thinking about talking to Yung about leaving. Maria meanwhile was looking a bit scared with the people around them, Looking over at Yang and whispering asking her what she was planning.

@Silver Carrot RBC @Eviledd1984 Maria @PaulHaynek

Yang Bethlehem

Yang groaned, seeing Rebecca approached them. She sighed wearily as nothing is going to plan, that's when she was left with one option.

Guildmaster Bart was going to chew her out heavily on this though, and she can already see the disapproval of her master at Nippon despite the long distance.

"I'm going to help the old woman out, and this one too. Whether they like it or not." Yang said to Rebecca and Maria as she stretched her neck. "So I'm going to be a bit rough."

"Maria, get behind Rebecca." She said to the Mothwoman and gestured to Rebecca to come forward before she moved forward to the guards, ignoring completely their threats.

"I'm kind of in a rush and you're just doing your jobs. So I'll be nice." She changed her tune completely, that sweet voice gone as she cracked her knuckles menacingly. Looking more like a ruffian and rough neck than a polite lady, she was also already in range despite their sword pointed at her. "You all get lost, and no one gets hurt. Or you all come, and get hurt."

Yang doubted they'll take the former, so without a word more, her hands blurred and struck the guard that was threatening her the whole time at his neck with a chop of her hand. Swift and precise that it knocked him unconscious.

With that done, she moved ahead and twisted her hips forward and struck out with her fist at the second guard. Her knuckles colliding with the second one helmet in a crash that sent the shockwave straight to the brain, rattling it like jelly and leaving him unable to move for a moment as he collapsed like a doll that had its string cut off.

Like a scythe among weed, Yang disposed of them as fast and careful as she can. She didn't wanted to injure them but holding herself back was far more immense as she recalled seeing her master making this look easy.

Another strike of a rising back hand to the neck, a precise kick to the temple, a palm strike to the solar plexus with her entire body weight behind it, and holding the last one in a choke-hold with one hand. Her fingers held and cut the blood flow, a move that demand precision, skill and strength all together.

Yang however, was not the top student of the White Tiger temple for nothing, and her skills backed it up.

In the blink of an eye, she had taken down six guards without breaking a sweat and non-lethally. She let out of a breathe that she held in as her concentration abated, her body that was tensed like a spring now relaxed as she looked at the woman.

"Look, Miss. I really meant it when I said I wanted to help, and there's another old woman that needs it as well." She came out clean and rubbed the back of her head in frustration, not really liking what Bart would say and being branded a criminal. She pleaded with her more earnestly and bowed her head to her. "So, please, just...just talk with your husband and sort it out? If he does turn out to be scum, I'll wring his balls myself, for free."


But I'll be damn, I'm not about to turn away from someone that needs my help. Yang closed one eye in annoyance and resignation, she doubt her guild mate will approved this.

---

Ditzy stoneclub

@Silver Carrot ELD @PaulHaynek Neil

"Yay! Let's play! Let's play!" Ditzy said excitedly as he joined the goblins for some fun games of tag, or was about to when Neil caught their attention. Ditzy didn't mind, Neil can play with them as well if that's the case.

Hearing Neil unable to react, Ditzy decided to help him out.

"Oh, I'm Ditzy, from the stoneclub tribe. It's somewhere far from here, a week travel or so." Ditzy answered the question as he placed himself next to Neil and the excited goblins. "This is Neil! Member of the guild tribe I joined! Its close, and Neil's a bit shy."

"Ah, this is Eilidh! And she's also part of the guild tribe, and close friends with Neil! So you need to ask her permission before playing with Neil." Ditzy explained further when she made herself known, unwittingly his word of choice gave the impression that Eilidh and Neil are betrothed to one another.

"But I can have sex with you all! But papa said I need to get married to someone I like." Ditzy pouted at that as he recalled his father also asking him to not simple have sex simply, though Mama said the opposite instead. It was confusing.

Nevertheless, Ditzy looked at his two companions and then the time of the sky before he asked them. "Should we be getting back now? Its gonna be dinner soon."

Bast Ragoczy

Even though Bast was ignoring the impending sense of danger, things were starting to get too problematic, even for him. He expected he could at least hear King Joshua or maybe his sister's point of view, have a little talk about their objectives or something, but unfortunately, they were exactly like the rumors said they were. Nothing but bloodthirsty beasts. As the queen said her words, it became even more apparent. Her only desire was bloodshed and violence. Nothing more.

With an obviously disappointed expression, Bast looked at the queen with a heavy sigh.

"I was honestly expecting to be able to simply talk to one of you. Understand your objectives, point of views, goals... But I'm obviously not welcome here, even though you were the ones who called me. Ironic, isn't it?" Bast said, slowly shaking his head in disappointment.

"Oh well... But I guess hospitality isn't your forte, correct? Your nation seems more to be the one who enjoys meaningless bloodshed and violence, am I right?" Bast said, with a mischievous smile.

"Anyways... I would love to duel with you, but I'm afraid I'm not an idiot. I'm in your territory and even though I came here willing to talk, It's obvious that you consider me your enemy." Bast said as he reached inside his coat. Initially, he was considering getting one of his Mystical Tarot cards, but after some consideration, he decided instead to take a simple one. It wouldn't be wise to show the extent of his powers to his enemies. He would only use it if he had no more options...

"Regarding your question, my bloodthirsty queen, knowledge and intelligence are sharper than any sword you can ever hold, as you will find out if we meet again." Bast said, as he held the card, in front of him as it started replicating itself and falling on the ground around him.

"Until then, I must bid farewell. I don't want to get my clothes dirty with blood... Who knows if it would be yours or mine, right?" Bast said with a laugh as the original card he got from inside his coat fell on the ground. Around him, many cards laid on the ground making a big circle around him. With a snap of his fingers, the bunch of cards on the ground suddenly erupted, exploding and going to all sides, forming a cloud of cards covering almost the entire arena, making it impossible to see what was happening.

From inside the cloud of cards, using them for both protection and diversion, Bast grabbed one of them from the air, gave it a quick tap with the end of his cane, making it hover near the ground and grow big enough for him to stand on it.
There was no more time to stay around there idly. There was no talking with Leyanne nor Joshua... Everything for them was resumed in either kill or be killed.

@PaulHaynek

---

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Freyr

Freyr listened quietly as the old nun spoke. She was indeed a good woman. As she offered the flowers to them, Freyr picked some of them. They were beautiful and had a wonderful, calming fragrance. Even though the Viera believed that there was no thing such as god, instead, what others called 'god' was simply nature itself, he still could see the nun's kindness and good will on those flowers she offered them. So all in all, even though their faith was completely different, what the flowers symbolized to them was more or less similar.

"The Viera do not believe in god the same way other races do. For us, 'god' is nature itself. Nature breathes, it's alive and we hear it, feel it pulsing through the land..." Freyr said, smelling the flowers with a smile on his face.

"Even though our faith is different, your act of kindness and what these flowers represent are basically the same. A blessing from nature or from your god." Freyr continued, handing half of the flowers to Magnus.

"This meeting is a blessing by itself. I just wish that all humans could be a bit more like you." Freyr said, with a respectful bow to the nun.

Freyr looked to Magnus with an inquisitive stare, silently asking if he would accept to accompany the old nun.

"Varjo is a dangerous place, but I promise I will do whatever it takes to bring you back safely. For your kindness, the least I can do is bring you back safely. We will meet you here when you're ready." Freyr said, with a warm smile to the old nun.

@PaulHaynek@The Irish Tree

@PaulHaynek,@13org(FYR)
FF5353

Magnus' eyes lit up as the old woman offered the flowers to them, having recognized what Morning Flowers looked like from the Guild's library, an excited grin crossing his lips before he accepted them, resisting the urge to give the poor old nun a hug...he...kinda doubted that she'd be able to take the Magnus-Sized hugs. Regardless, these were just the flowers Kyle needed for his flying machine! He hoped that these would be enough for him...and that Freyr wouldn't mind if he took them for that job. After all, Morning Light flowers were exceedingly rare. "T-Thank you very much ma'am! I don't know much about religions down here, but this is a lot nicer of a gift than a broken helmet." Magnus said, referring to the Northerner's tradition of returning equipment that had broken and saved their lives in battle, typically to their lovers back home, or to their children.

"We'll be back in three days, then. Promise you won't go alone, okay? Freyr's a great shot, a-and I'm pretty good with an axe. As he said that, he realized that he'd never actually seen Freyr's archery up close, but from what his father had told him, Vieras were terrifying with a bow and arrow in hand. It was only natural to assume his skill was up to par, if not better than what he'd been told. Regardless, Magnus' smile only grew as he clapped his hand on his companion's shoulder happily, accidentally doing it a might bit hard and leaving a giant red handprint. "Have a good day Ma'am!" Magnus said as a farewell, waving as he got to walking away. A spring in his step, Magnus seemed much happier than usual, imagining Kyle's flying machine as he looked up at the bright blue sky. "...Dreams, huh?" he thought to himself, seemingly lost in his own head as his smile faded just a tad.

---

@PaulHaynek
A9A9A9

Nephele took a deep breath, wiping the sweat from her brow as the dull, wet thud of the Joyful's impact into the shallow bank of the river rung in her ears. She'd won...thankfully without anything worse than a scrape. Waving her hand as she approached where Ian was, there was just enough fog to keep her obscured as she heard him mention that IF the Joyful had won, he'd been rooting for it the whole time. Narrowing her eyes at her client, she had half a mind to string him up somewhere...but right now, pay and professionalism were far more important. Poking her head out of the fog, she hastily grabbed Ian and hoisted him over her shoulder, supporting his back with an arm and having his head face forward. "Ian, I feel its in your best interest if you let me carry you. Wouldn't want another Joyful to finally beat me with your support, after all." she said, dryer and colder than an iceberg, and having a look in her eyes to match as she carried on.

...And of course, now her dress was soaked. Today just kept getting better and better with this armless, brainless, armored chicken. "Thanks for staying out of the fog." she said after a while, feeling she should at least commend him not running to his death...twice. Once was quite enough for one day. And, she sincerely hoped that after this she would never have the displeasure of ferrying his hide across the wilderness again. Part of her wondered just what he did that made him lose his arms now, but somewhere in the back of her mind she reasoned it probably had to do with a woodchipper and a sandwich. Still, his full armor indicated he at least had the wealth to pay at the end of all this, so for now, he was precious cargo. She felt he'd take offense to being paralyzed, and as such figured that he at least had talking right still.

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

"Regarding your question, my bloodthirsty queen, knowledge and intelligence are sharper than any sword you can ever hold, as you will find out if we meet again."

"Oh, Bast." It was not Leyanne who replied to you but Joshua. "Where do you think you are?"

None of the Varjans present made a move to stop you. Or move at all. They simply watched you disappear in your cloud of cards. Joshua had a small smile on his face while Leyanne... well, she had a helmet on so there was no seeing her face.

-----

You arrive back at The Guild headquarters, in front of the entrance doors. Being away from Varjo so suddenly, you notice that the air was lighter and the sun shone brighter. The grasses surrounding the building looked more colorful, as if it was alive and greeting you. Even the guild building itself, in all its glory, seemed to welcome you back. The dread you felt when you first arrived in Varjo dissipated though it also did not dissipate immediately.

Then the entrance doors opened and out came your guild master. "Oh, Bast. You're back. Come on, head inside." Bart was a bit startled to see you there. "Uhh, how was your... personal trip? May I know where you went and what happened?"

---

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

"You uncouth savages! Get back! The nerve of asking that from a total stranger, and a guest, no less!"

"Ahhhh! Horse lady doesn't want to share!" One of the Goblins whined, riling up the other Goblins.

"Uhhh, I think you made them angry." Neil remarked. The boy was ready to run away for his life and virginity.

"Ah, this is Eilidh! And she's also part of the guild tribe, and close friends with Neil! So you need to ask her permission before playing with Neil."

"Ohhhh, they're together." The Goblins came to a mistaken conclusion. "But can't she share him with us? We haven't had a man for weeks now!" The Goblins pleaded.

"But I can have sex with you all! But papa said I need to get married to someone I like."

"Ehhhh?! You can't have sex with us. You're a Hobgoblin!" The Goblins replied. However, when they took a closer look to make sure they were not wrong, they discovered the truth. "Hah! He really is a boy! He's a boy Hobgoblin!" The Goblins declared. They were at an uproar at the revelation.

"He's a boy Hobgoblin!"

"How can that be?"

"We can become rich if we give him to the Demon Lord."

All the Goblins instantly became quiet at the last suggestion. "You're right! We'll be super rich if we give him to the Demon Lord!" All the Goblins agreed to the idea with one unified cheer. "And we can have sex with Neil in the meanwhile." And again, all the Goblins agreed to the idea with one unified cheer. Much to Neil's horror.

And so, with all eyes on Ditzy, Eilidh and Neil, the Goblins all equipped their clubs with devious smiles on their faces. "Uhh, guys. We need to go." Neil said to his companions before he himself bolted for it.

---

Let No Man Put Asunder
~@Restalaan (YNG), @Eviledd1984 (LIL & MAR), @Silver Carrot (REB)~

"Look, Miss. I really meant it when I said I wanted to help, and there's another old woman that needs it as well. So, please, just...just talk with your husband and sort it out? If he does turn out to be scum, I'll wring his balls myself, for free."

Tulip ran away screaming along with the rest of the crowd. The woman disappeared amongst the fleeing civilians, leaving the guild group alone with the incapacitated town guards. Yang's gamble did not pay off.

The guild members then hear a chuckle from a direction. "You must really want to find Pete if you're willing to get in trouble with the law." It was the musician from the bar. "Congratulations on putting the final nail on the coffin for my marriage but I appreciate the amount of effort you put into it. And the scene you caused was something too." He remarked before clearing his throat. "And for that, I think you deserve to know what happened to ol' Pete."

"Pete Turner's been dead for seventeen years. Hit his head on a table on a drunken night. The man's buried in a cemetery north of Lymeria." The musician revealed.

"Well anyway, I reckon you make yourselves scarce and not come back for awhile. Your faces are going to be plastered all over Ambran in wanted posters soon." The musician warned the guild members. "Although if you can get yourselves a pardon letter, then just put your names in there and it'll all be golden."

The musician then left but before he left, he had one question to ask. "Why're you looking for him anyway? Are you his daughters that he left behind or something? He couldn't really settle with one woman after all."

---

Escort Quest
~@The Irish Tree (NEP)~

"Ian, I feel its in your best interest if you let me carry you. Wouldn't want another Joyful to finally beat me with your support, after all."

"O-Oh, I-I meant I was rooting for you, Neph!" Ian tried to weasel his way into false innocence. "Totally. Believe me. A hundred percent."

The two of you soon reach Ambran without anymore incidents. Ian did not complain much being hoisted over your shoulder. In fact, he appreciated that he did not need to walk. After you let him go, probably by dropping him into the ground, Ian gave his gratitude. "Thanks Neph! Here, let me just get your reward."

He then shifted around and out came two healthy arms from his body. It appeared he just hid his arms inside his armor the entire time. "Alright then. I believe I've got a hundred and fifty for you." Ian used his healthy, existent arms to reach into his pockets and pull out a pouch. "Ah, here it is. Here you go, Neph! For a job well done." He stretched out one arm with the gold pouch for you to take.

"You know, I thought for sure you were going to ask about that Joyful guy. Have you encountered creatures like that before?"

---

~@13org (FYR), @The Irish Tree (MAG)~

With promises made, Freyr and Magnus went back to the guild headquarters and reached it by dusk. Although, dark clouds have begun gathering in the sky making the day darker than it should be.

On the intersection leading to the guild headquarters, the two male monsters happen upon a familiar face. "Oh, you are... Freyr and Magnus... right?" Talia the Cyclops greeted with slight uncertainty about the names. "Ah, forgive me. We have not talked much so I haven't really gotten to... err, know you two."

"You're heading back from your request, I assume?" Talia said. "If so, then may I ask how was it? Was it difficult or complicated?" Her one eye then looked upwards to the dark gray clouds. "Oh dear, it may be raining soon. You can tell me while we're on the way."

@Eviledd1984 @Silver Carrot

Yang Bethlehem

She frowned and felt her heart saddened when the woman ran away, along side any hopes she had in convincing the woman as well as the weight of the consequences she would soon face in explaining to guildmaster Bart.

"Well...my bad?" Yang placed a hand on her forehead as she turned to her guildmates, not willing to face or look them in the eyes as she was sure that they would be livid or angry at what she did.

Things was much easier when she stayed at the temple, perhaps she hadn't left at all.

"Yeah, sorry about that." Yang admitted with a disheartened voice when she heard the Bard reprimanding voice as it felt like a splash of cold water on her, uncomfortable and a shock. More so when he continued on to explained and gave them the information that they needed.

She winced at hearing the part that the man passed away was uncomfortable, but it was something that she had expected. The location of his grave however, was a welcomed information.

"North of Lymeria, cemetery, I see, thank you for your help then." Yang inclined to the bard gratefully and politely for his advice and keeping part of the deal despite her failures. "Though I think you should at least try to talk with your wife quickly, I think she'll probably listen."

Hearing the bard words, she idly brushed her hair at that before she curled it around her finger tips. She looked reminiscently at it for a moment before she broke out into a smile as she turned to the bard.

"Nah! I told you already, I'm doing this out of the good of my heart!" She wrapped her arm around the bard shoulders and gave it a pat a few times, knocking his breath out as she unintentionally put a little more force than necessary. It shook him but not enough to do much damage.

"Sides, there's this granny that waited for him for almost all her life...I don't want this to end tragically." She wistfully said to him and her smile faltered but she kept it up with a pat on the back to the bard before she pinched his cheeks playfully. "And you, need to straightened yourself! You won't get a good passerby like me wanting to help your marriage out all the time, you know."

"Well, we'll take your advice and be off then. See ya soon." Yang bid farewell to the bard and joined her companions.

"I'm sorry, I messed that one up severely, let us depart quickly." She apologized with a deep bow of her head to them before she looked up to them and quickly moved out of the town. Not wanting to risk more guards coming to them.

"Wait, why are you here? What happen to the old lady?" She asked after realizing that they should be with the old woman. "Most of all, how're we going to explain to her that the person she's waiting for is dead?"

---

@Silver Carrot @PaulHaynek

Ditzy Stoneclub

Ditzy turned his head to the side when he listened to the goblins plan, he didn't understand what game they're wanting to play.

Perhaps they wanted to play tag? He brightened at that, he was good in tag. He was not fun but he can run all day, most of the time he wins when the sun was setting by chasing them until they are slowed.

Then they shifted and with their clubs out, Ditzy had the happiest smile when they realized they wanted to play the game he was best at.

Sandbag! Ditzy quickly unslung the sandbag he carried and slammed it into the ground by accident in his haste and excitement to get it out.

It felt like a large war hammer or immense weight had been driven into the ground, a powerful and large dull thud echoed across the forest as the sandbag had left a deep indent on the ground. Everyone felt the impact as it traveled through the ground, for the goblins, while accustomed to hob-goblin strength, had never seen his before and it was a far cry compared to the female hob-goblins.

The forest, who had the occasional critter or insect sound, went silent for a moment in response to what Ditzy did.

"Oh, sorry." Ditzy apologized as he slowly lifted the sandbag up and more carefully this time before he smiled at them eagerly. "Come on! I don't mind playing with you all!"

Then when he noted Neil started to run, and his words answered the question he asked earlier as he looked at Eilidh.

"Oh, we're going home for dinner? Alright then, see you all." Ditzy despondently said to the goblins as he saw Neil sprinting for it, which got him into another mood for a game. "Oh, is Neil racing us home!? Okay!"

Half dragging the sand bag, Ditzy followed soon after as he ran behind Neil. Though his speed was comparatively a lot slower due to his nature as a hob-goblin, and lack of finesse balance. One that he may or may not trip half-way running.

@Restalaan @PaulHaynek @Silver Carrot

Maria Falena / Lily Falena

Maria had a shocked look on her face when Yang was going at it with the guards, She looked quite scared that the guards or the villagers were going to murder them. She was backing up a bit standing behind Rebecca, With the guards knocked out she really was scared that they would be either kicked out of the guild or jailed for a good amount of time.

"Why did you..do that Miss Yang?" She asked her body shaking, And when they were told the person they were looking for was dead. She was shocked to say the least. Hearing about the pardon wondering how they could do that and not be deemed criminals and punished for what they did. "What do we need to do...to get a pardon?" She asked the bard in her usual quiet tone of voice. They also need to help the old woman which she would still gladly do in anyway possible.

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

Lily meanwhile was moving herself so she was in front of Maria and Rebecca, Her hand on the hilt of her sword getting ready for a fight. She didn't have to do much fighting because Yang had knocked them all out, "Well it looks like we are in tribulatione, Good job human" She said rolling her eyes. Imagining being chastised by Bart and being kicked out by associating with Yang, "And how do we know your lying and putting us on a wild goose chase?" She asked the bard thinking if they were being played around she would have the bard's head on platter.

And since it looks like this Peter person was dead they could just leave and be done with it, But with their new criminal status they would have to figure out how to absolve that.

~@Lmpkio~

The night was dark for heavy storm clouds blocked what little light that came from the moon.

For some reason, you had decided to stray further from Boreal Port this time during this surface excursion. The residents of the port were all retiring for the night or to take cover from the oncoming rain. Thus, the town was quiet for the most part and you were alone in your walk through Boreal Port.

You followed the road out of town and followed it without diverging into any of the intersection you encounter. Soon, however, you see something that piqued your interest. Upon arriving at the third intersection, you see that the branching path ended with a great structure exuding light. You remember that that place used to be just an old and dilapidated building in the past but it appeared that it has been restored somewhat.

Deciding to indulge your curiosities, you come upon a great structure of stone and metal, the organized design of the civilized world. No longer was there the abandoned and decaying building that you spotted so many times in your inland wanderings. Bright lights emanated from the building's windows, indicating that it was at least occupied by a number of people. Fine, wooden double doors served as the main entrance and exit of this structure.

However, you also see figures darting around the darkness. Silhouettes that moved about in the building's roof and around the building. They did not appear to belong there. In fact, the figures themselves did not act like they belonged there, preferring to stay quiet and in the shadows to gain entrance into the place.

Will you take care of these intruders yourself? Warn the inhabitants of the building perhaps?

---

With the oncoming approach of a heavy storm, the inhabitants of Boreal Port had begun to close their shops early to avoid getting their wares soaked by the rain. While everyone around scurried to the nearest open building they can find, only one was unfazed by the change of its atmosphere. In fact, Titanica happens to enjoy nights like these, seeing how she's not bothered by any passer byers or the knights of the Order wishing to slay or have sex with her upon her very existence once she steps foot out of the port's boundaries. This is one reason she usually remains in the ocean for long periods of time, not wishing to be bothered by these mere annoyances. Of course, she could eliminate them with one puff of her breath, but that would only be a waste of precious energy. After all, their work in some sense is valid when against demons, but most she came across were... well pathetic.

But on nights like these, Titanica is free to walk about on land for her weekly excursion. She doesn't always have a specific goal really, not even doing tasks like going to the market or killing demons, rather it's just to gain a sense of how much has changed since her awakening. For having slept for millions upon millions of years, she has missed a lot of events that had transpired. Already it's been awhile since she walked far from the port, as the last time she did she reached the second intersection leading north to the town of Mahigan, and prior to it she checked the first intersection leading to Sonarra. However, she never was able to reach these settlements, and the only buildings she discovered were decrepit structures, long since abandoned.

Yet tonight, Titanica has strayed even further from the port and had found herself at the third intersection. She has been farther than this in the past, but only reaching until the fourth three-way intersection before turning back. However, something is different in this intersection. She remembers this branching path to lead to another abandoned building that has also been abandoned for some time. It was dark and in rough condition, filled only with despair. But now, that building is filled with a bright light coming from inside. Someone - no, several somebodies at least - had the time to restore the building somewhat and made a home here. Titanica couldn't help but to wonder who had taken residence here and decides to inspect the building.

As she slowly makes her way towards the entrance, she immediately catches the sense of other individuals darting around in the nearby darkness. She stops dead in her tracks, reaching only halfway to the entrance, still enveloped in the darkness surrounding her. Her keen sense of smell, reminiscent of her primal heritage, was also quick to confirm that she wasn't alone outside. Titanica believed at first that they were some sort of sentries guarding the door, but her senses became clear that these figures didn't seem to be a part of whatever was going on inside. Are they Order Knights that happened to have followed her here? They seemed too quiet and sneaky to be such individuals. Whoever they are, they're uninvited and more than likely here to cause mischief.

The figure's lips begin to curl in annoyance as she looks around for these foes, her dorsal spines beginning to cackle in a cold blue hue, sparking up at random. One burst of her fiery breath should be able to scare these intruders off, but she didn't want to disturb the folks inside nor to waste energy or risk damaging the building. Then again, these intruders weren't simply hiding in the trees around the building, but also around the building and on it's roof. It appears they're trying to find a way to break in. Realizing fully well of the results of her actions, Titanica's inhales as much air as she can muster and unleashes a deafening roar as an attempt to both scare the intruders off and perhaps catch a better glance at who they might be under the mask of darkness. Her presence will be known to those inside, yes, but what does it matter when she's trying to help the innocent be free of ominous intent.

And Titanica hasn't done that in a long while either.

Bast Ragoczy

Even though he spent just a few hours in Varjo, when Bast arrived on the guild again, everything seemed more... alive. The grass, greener, the air wasn't as heavy and ominous... Honestly, even now he simply couldn't understand. Joshua and Leyanne... They couldn't be considered civilized humans. None of the varjans could. The overwhelming sense of dread that he felt on Varjo was now gone, but his disappointment to what he saw there was still on his mind.

It wasn't long until Bartholomew came out of the guild, greeting Bast. Judging by his surprised expression, he wasn't expecting to see Bast there yet.

"Uhh, how was your... personal trip? May I know where you went and what happened?" Bartholomew asked as he led Bast inside.

"Disappointing, my good friend. Disappointing." Bast replied as he walked inside with Bartholomew.

"Where I was? Varjo. Paying our 'friends' King Joshua and Queen Leyanne a little visit..." Bast said, without altering his expression.

"Well... I was the one called there but still..." He continued, sighing.

"They are just bloodthirsty beasts. There is no reasoning with them. They have no goals, no objectives, no ambitions, no thirst for knowledge... They simply want to kill and eliminate everything in their path. Their 'justice' is nothing more than slaughter. Treating their own citizens like cattle, Leyanne is quick to smash her own citizens' heads with her mace whenever she feels like. Their knowledge is limited to which side of the blade is the sharp one and where to strike if you want to kill something..." Bast continued. On his expression Bartholomew was able to see a deep disappointment. It was the first time he had seen Bast like that. He wasn't even angry. Just... deeply disappointed. Even the mocking, mischievous smirk was gone. He looked simply exhausted.

"Would you care to share a cup of wine, maybe even a good whiskey with me? I need something to take the smell of death and the taste of blood from my mouth..." Bast completed, taking off his monocle and rubbing his eyes.

@PaulHaynek

---

---

Freyr

Freyr and Magnus reached the guild on dusk. Even with such dark clouds on the sky, Freyr couldn't help but give a small smile when he looked to the flower that the old nun gave him, which he was still holding. Such a good soul... He couldn't imagine her going to a place like Varjo...

Passing through the intersection leading to the guild, they met a familiar face. It was Talia, the cyclops. Albeit she was a new arrival on the guild, Freyr didn't have much time to talk with her, mainly because he was feeling down when she arrived due to certain reasons...

He heard her with a smile as she apologized herself for not knowing them very well, probably uncertain about their names.

"It is ok, I am partially at fault. Sorry for not greeting you properly. I was feeling a bit down on the day you arrived." Freyr said.

Just as Talia said, the dark clouds above their head indeed foretold heavy rain. While they walked back to the guild, Freyr started to explain to her how their quest was after she asked them.

"We're going to meet with an old nun, escorting her to Varjo. Such a good soul going to such a terrible land. I'm afraid her good intentions and kindness will fall on deaf ears, but making sure she comes back safe is the least we can do for her." Freyr replied to Talia.

"The real quest hasn't started yet. We're meeting her again once her preparations are done and she is ready to go. Since we're going to Varjo... I don't expect things to go smoothly..." Freyr said with a sad expression.

@PaulHaynek@The Irish Tree

"So what if I made them angry? I wasn't just going to sit and let them s-" Eilidh began, before one of the Gobloins suggested that the cause of Eilidh's ire was that she was Neil's mate. To this, Eilidh not only blushed but suddenly turned wild, stamping her hooves, and gripping the hilt of her sword very tight. But she couldn't give in. She promised Bast, and herself, that she would be better than that. If had just been a few days ago, every last Goblin here would have been slaughtered by Eilidh's blade, but now, she was trying to control herself, and to better herself, for she was better than some monster who still obeyed the Demon Lord and gave in to their base urges, like these cursed creatures. Poor Ditzy was completely oblivious to the mounting tensions, however. When Neil sensibly fled, Eiliedh managed to calm herself enough to give Ditzy a very strained smile.

""That's right, Ditzy. It's dinner time, and we have to race back. let's go! I'll be right behind you!"

The Centaur waited for him to leave, before drawing her sword and pointing it menacingly at the Goblins. "Anyone who follows us dies," she threatened, before turning and galloping after Ditzy and Neil.

@PaulHaynek@Restalaan

---

Rebecca was still in complete confusion, but from what she was actually privy to listen to, the husband was long-dead. Coupled with the woman's disappearance and the state of the church, she had a crazy idea. The fact they were wanted didn't bother her. She was wanted for more heavily punished crimes than assaulting guards.

"Well, Yang," Rebecca started, "The Woman completely vanished. I have been wondering about this, and it might seem crazy, but I have a feeling that the Lady wouldn't mind too much that her husband is dead. In fact, I think she is also dead. I mean, it is awfully queer that an elderly woman wishes to marry a man who died almost one score years ago, in a church that has been derelict for about as long. No thought has been given to wedding preparations, there are no guests..."

@PaulHaynek@Eviledd1984@Restalaan

Yang Bethlehem

"Why did you..do that Miss Yang?"

"I couldn't figure another way, and I tried the other way, my apologies." Yang said with resignation, she herself tried everything and unfortunately, she lacked the oratory skill her master has.

Lily meanwhile was moving herself so she was in front of Maria and Rebecca, Her hand on the hilt of her sword getting ready for a fight. She didn't have to do much fighting because Yang had knocked them all out, "Well it looks like we are in tribulatione, Good job human"

"Yeah, I know, I'll turn myself in after I explained everything to Guild master Bart." Yang echoed her sentiment, her eyebrows lowered alongside with her shoulders. One of her hand rested on her temple as she was hunched over with the troubles she'll be facing.

"Well, Yang," Rebecca started, "The Woman completely vanished. I have been wondering about this, and it might seem crazy, but I have a feeling that the Lady wouldn't mind too much that her husband is dead. In fact, I think she is also dead. I mean, it is awfully queer that an elderly woman wishes to marry a man who died almost one score years ago, in a church that has been derelict for about as long. No thought has been given to wedding preparations, there are no guests..."

Yang bit the lower end of her lips, and closed her eyes. Fist tightened, her muscles tensed and chest beat rapidly.

Then taking a deep breathe and exhaling slowly, she let all of those frustration go and rubbed the back of her head.

"Well, I...I kind of expected it, old woman, no one concerned about her, in an abandoned place and waiting for someone? The signs was there." Yang muttered, it was not the first time she had done exorcism or placating the restless spirit but those were never her forte. It was far more complicated and at times, no real solutions to it.

But, they had a job to do and do it they shall.

"Nevertheless, we have to inform her and hopefully, she accepts it peacefully. I know a few sutra verse and chants to put a spirit to rest but I'm not proficient enough should she...not accept it." Yang shamefully admitted as she tapped her foot anxiously, she had placed physical power first. Now she wished she had paid more attention to some of the more delicate things a monk do.

"What I was taught is to either move her corpse to the same location as the person she seeks, but with the time left, I doubt we can exhume her remains, transport it to Lymeria, and rebury her without suspicion or trouble." Yang motioned her hands as she explained what the modus operandi normally was for her. Instead, she turned to Rebecca for advice as she's unfamiliar with this land tradition and methods. "I'm not sure if that works here, Lady Rebecca, you're the more experienced priestess here. What are your suggestions?"

"I'm not afraid if I have to face the old lady alone and placate her." She firmly said with a thumb pointed to herself.

@PaulHaynek,@13org(FYR),@Lmpkio
FF5353

Magnus was so damn happy to finally have some Morning Light flowers, that he almost entirely passed Talia up, almost tripping over himself as he ran over to her excitedly. Walking alongside her, he excitedly brandished the Morning Light flowers, a smile plastered on his face. "It took me a while, but I finally got my hands on the flowers Kyle needed for his machine! Now, all I have to do is get the feathers and it'll be ready to fly. I hope." the minotaur said with an excited uproar, barely troubled by the darkening skies overhead. Turning his head to Freyr as he began telling of their rather uneventful day, and of the promise made to the kindly old nun.

Nodding enthusiastically, Magnus pounded his free hand on his chest, smiling. "We're gonna make sure that nothing happens to her! Even if I have to carry her to Varjo," he said, clearly happy to be able to help the poor old soul on her journey. In all honesty, he could probably just carry Freyr and her to Varjo...but a stray arrow in the back might hit her if she was over his back. Leaving that thought aside for now, Magnus was eager to get back to the guild hall and cook up some birds, figuring that he might as well try and finish Kyle's request with the feathers. "Oh, um...Talia, how many feathers does Kyle need?" he asked, never having gotten an actual number.

---

Magnus had caught a fair number of game birds upon his return, and was heading back to the guild when he heard the massive roar, running behind the thickest tree he could find, and trying to peek out from behind it to figure out who the mysterious roaring lady was, and why she sounded so dang angry. Gulping, Magnus started slowly trying to approach her, unaware of the figures in the nearby treetops, or those on the roof. He assumed the ones near the guild house were there to talk to Bart about...something. The minotaur was completely oblivious to the danger around him, clutching a gaggle of slain birds by their feet, still bloodied axe in the other hand.

---

@PaulHaynek
A9A9A9

Nephele didn't believe Ian for a single second as she carried him, setting him down only a little roughly, by dropping him onto his feet. Then, what followed could only be described as Nephele making a face that visibly displayed the amount of brain cells she had lost dealing with Ian. A completely neutral expression, with her jaw hung slightly open, enough that it looked like she had something to say, but was too unsure of her own sanity to gauge if she could. Her eyes were clouded as she looked at his arms, desperately wanting to tear them off, but also wondering if this meant Ian was smarter than a wood chipper, against her previous assessment...

No, he was perfectly suited as wood chipper food. Simply holding her hand out for the gold he offered, Nephele kept her professional pride intact and took in a deep, deep breath, clutching the coin sack in her hand before breathing out through her nose. "Thank you. For your...patronage." she said quietly, walking away, and, finding a decently sized rock on the way back to town, swiped her hand across it, making a series of five massive gashes in its surface before she continued walking, not wanting to indulge another MOMENT of Ian's idiocy. "Aaaaaaah, its fine, Nephele, its fine...just ignore any jobs from him later, just ignore...just IGNORE the brainless chicken man, he has paid, and you are free." she thought to herself, an elated smile crossing her lips as she broke into a run to get back to the guild, cradling the sack of golden coins in her hands. Anybody that passed her by would think she just got done working a job with long hours and minimal reward save for her sanity remaining intact at the day's end...which was barely true.

Ian probably couldn't count on further help from Nephele in the future...

---

In her return to the guild, Nephele was quick to rush to her and Neil's shared dorm room, trying to find something suitable and dry to wear. Having been dunked in a river, as well as having to fight a gigantic Varjan brute of some sort, she was in desperate need of a wash for her dress. Just as she got to rummaging through Neil's stuff however, she heard a deafening roar from outside, and poked her head out of the room's window to look at what made that noise. It sounded...draconic somewhat, but...distorted. Like an entirely different breed of powerful monster.

Let No Man Put Asunder
~@Restalaan (YNG), @Eviledd1984 (LIL & MAR), @Silver Carrot (REB)~

The group went back to the barely-there church where they found the old woman. The day was well over when they got there and dealing with what could possibly be a lost spirit could take quite a lot of time so chances were they were returning to the guild later than usual.

However, what the guild members find was a bonfire surrounded by four armored men with four horses nearby. From the emblems they sported, it appeared they were a squad of Order knights.

Most importantly though, the old woman could be seen lying nearby in a pool of blood. A stab wound upon her chest. It appeared that the woman was actually alive after all although she was certainly dead now.

One of the knights noticed you and stood up. "Hail strangers." She greeted you. She appeared to be the leader of this squad. "What are you doing in this derelict, former place of worship?"

---

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

The guild members manage to escape from the Goblins' grasps. Eilidh's threat probably had something to do with it.

Once they reached the main path, Neil was hunched down and catching his breath. "Well... that was... something." He said between breaths. "Is it... is it really like... that? You know, being... lusty and all?" Neil asked. More directed to Eilidh than to Ditzy.

"Whatever, man. I just wanna get back." Neil said before being the first to walk back to the guild headquarters, reaching the path that lead to it in a few hours and hearing a loud roar.

---

~@13org (BST)~

"Y-you talked with J-Joshua and Leyanne?" Bart's voice shook with horror and unfortunate implication. He then recomposed himself. "Y-Yeah, let's take a drink... and a talk."

You and Bart spent the remaining day with the latter telling you the history of Varjo in the guild dining area, how it was once Razelia, a nation specializing in knowledge and magic, how it was overthrown by the Caldeyron family who imposed their iron fist across Razelia which was renamed Varjo, how their rule slowly turned the country into the lawless chaotic state it was today.

"The Caldeyrons have always been bloodthirsty and petty. However, that doesn't mean they're not cunning and intelligent. They wouldn't have created Varjo if they weren't." Bart finished. "So I need to know Bast, did you tell them about our guild?" He asked as if it was the most important question in the world. "Bast, please. I need to know."

Before you could answer, both of you hear a mighty roar from outside. "What was that?" Bart asked before he and you sprung into action.

~@The Irish Tree (NEP)~

Neil's belongings only yielded a single case from him and not much else. It was a bit large so it probably contained clothes for you to use. It was also not locked at all so you had no trouble opening it and looking through its contents.

What you find however, was nothing short of peculiar. Firstly, you get your hands on a white cotton shirt. Soft on the touch but what you truly caught your attention was that there was a pair of characters printed onto it. One yellow sponge and one pink starfish that had eyes, a mouth, clothes and other anthropomorphic features. After the shirt, you get a pair of trousers. It fabric was sturdy and colored indigo and it had buttons made of metal. Thirdly, you see a pair of shoes but unlike usual shoes you see, these had bright colors on it. A mixture of blue and lime green.

These were Neil's possessions but before you could contemplate on them more, you then heard the deafening roar. You could ask Neil about these some other time.

~@13org (FYR), @The Irish Tree (MAG)~

"The real quest hasn't started yet. We're meeting her again once her preparations are done and she is ready to go. Since we're going to Varjo... I don't expect things to go smoothly..."

"Oh dear, Varjo." Talia did not hide the worry in her voice. "I'm no fighter but if you'd like, I can help you by forging weapons for you to use or refining your current weapons. Just let me know." The Cyclops smiled sincerely.

"It took me a while, but I finally got my hands on the flowers Kyle needed for his machine! Now, all I have to do is get the feathers and it'll be ready to fly. I hope."

"What? Really?" Talia looked over the flowers with her singular eye. "You're right! This is it! This is exactly what Kyle needs? Magnus, where did you find this?" She asked but she did not wait for an answer before continuing. "We can go to Kyle tomorrow and we can see that flying machine in action." She said. This time, her excitement was what she could not hide.

Soon the trio reach the guild headquarters and only a few hours later, a roar was heard just outside.

---

~@Lmpkio, @The Irish Tree (MAG), @Restalaan (DIT), @Silver Carrot (ELD)~

Titanica's roar alerted everyone, including the intruders, in the guild that something was wrong. The intruders emerged and came out of the shadows. From the way they looked, they appear to be bandits and brigands of sorts. Some had blades while the others had stick-like weapons but all had their eyes on Titanica. Eyes full of fury for ruining their main plan.

The ones on the roof descended, adding more to the number that faced Titanica. One of them stood out from the rest and was at the fore, indicating that he was the one in charge. "Some of you, get inside and find the target. We'll deal with this." He ordered some of the bandits who duly followed. "I don't know who you are, Dragon, but you will regret doing that."

There were five of the dagger-wielders and two with unique weapons along with the leader. Titanica may think she was alone but she had an ally in the form of Magnus who was approaching her.

Meanwhile, Eilidh and Ditzy along with Neil was near when they heard Titanica's roar. "What the hell was that?" Neil broke into a run to reach the guild faster and arrived just in time to see the scene unfolding. "Umm..." Neil was at a loss of words but the arrival of Eilidh and Ditzy definitely helped the numbers part of the fight.

~@13org (BST & FYR), @The Irish Tree (NEP)~

The mysterious roar made those inside the guild headquarters all come to the main hall. What greeted them, however, was a group of intruders composed of four dagger-wielding men and two with strange, stick-like weapons. The moment they saw Bart, one of them immediately pointed with a gloved finger. "Look! There's the target!" The intruders with the stick weapons took aim at Bart who had Bast.

The weapons then spit fire and smoke but Bart tackled Bast into the ground. The wall behind them was hit by something fast and small, evidenced by stone dusts that rained on Bart and Bast after the impact. "They've got muskets! Be careful!" Bart yelled to his guild members.

"Arrgh! Get them!"

---

Titanica's roar succeeded in distracting the intruders above, as they came out of the shadows revealing themselves. She can see a small group of these short-stumped creatures, each either holding a bladed weapon or a musket rifle. These are definitely goblin brigands that were trying to break into the building. Some of the thieves descended onto the ground to face the giant seven foot tall figure, with their leader being amongst them. He wasn't pleased that she ruined their plans, as he began to split the groups up, with one group going inside to find whatever they're looking for and for the rest to face this 'dragon'.

But who they face is no mere dragon, at least not one of your ordinary or typical description. Titanica can't even fly, yet she doesn't need to. In fact, they'll be the ones regretting that they didn't run for their lives. She looks down at the goblin invaders ominously, releasing only a guttural growl developing within her throat, as she feels her blood surging with immense power. This energy was flowing directly into her spines. They began to pulsate and glow rapidly as a bright blue light flickers with a low hum. Even her eyes began to glow this cold blue color, her mouth steaming from the energy popping within her toothy maw. And suddenly, without any other delay, her mouth opens to unleash a beam of burning plasma energy that attempts to utterly disintegrate the leader. Whether she succeeded or not, she then immediately moves her head to eliminate the other figures standing in her presence.

Yet as Titanica begins to eliminate them, she didn't notice several other figures that were watching her, both behind her and from within the building. While she knows all too well that any bystander nearby would be looking at the destruction she'll unintentionally bring, she has no clue as to who else is watching her. But she didn't care. Whether they be innocent travelers, rival monsters, demons, or knights from the Order, they ought best to keep back while she did her work. For any who gets in her way, risks nearly certain death.

And these dirty insignificant thieves will certainly taste the bite of Titanica's awesome power.