@Jollan



Metis sat in the odd machine they thought to test her with lucky that she had extra appendages to operate the thing as it seemed to her to have been made for two Bi-symmetrical types to operate. Valves, levers, gages, and four floor pedals were required to operate the machine. Then there was the balance of pressures and heat which unleashed the power in water that in the wild shattered stones but in the carriage gave it the ability to move a machine that weighed as much as an Orca...perhaps two Orca.

The carriage was nice but would have to be abandoned soon because of how it consumed her attention meaning she was not properly Lynn’s bodyguard. Perhaps she could find a reptile to ride, they might not be as skittish as a mammal either that or she’d trot along with the herd.

“Why they not let Metis run?” she thought as she drove.

Metis was a creature of the wild, from beyond the extents of what most thought of as civilization. Here on the surface she of course was forced to wear a stillsuit to capture, filter, oxygenate, and circulate her body moisture so she didn’t dry up and die in a world that was all desert to her and she’d trained to survive here.

They may need horses and other strange mounts to cover ground but Metis was a Hunter and in her second stomach she had several condensed food pellets that were a natural product of her strange biology. Had she regurgitated one of the pellets to share with an ally like Lynn in an extreme survival situation it would have resembled a wrinkled purple brown egg with a thin translucent blood skin the size of a small chicken’s egg. It was how she survived between kills in the abyss excepted she didn’t need to move it any farther than her third stomach to survive three days before she needed to eat another.

While Allard was more than impressed with the abilities of the young healer, they didn't waste much time in getting on the road again. Later, they ran into a crossroads, that could take them in multiple directions. Everyone stopped for a moment and then started continuing down a path,by the time he reached the sign, he couldn't help but freeze in his tracks. The way they were headed was straight into Fotian territory. His escape less than a week ago would mean that he was somewhat still at large there. The other direction was Gaia, home, where he hoped to return. He would be lying if he said his body didn't take a few steps in that direction, but something in him stopped him. As the group seemed to keep going, he stood there, trying to make a decision. There was nothing there for him anymore, nobody left to fight for. For a rare moment, his ever present jovial mask that he wore faded as he looked out down the road's path. It wasn't until the ox snorted that he jerked his eyes from it and noticed the caravan pulling further away.

"Alright, quit yur fussin'," He then picked up the pace to catch up to the others. Further down the trail, he decided that he should let someone know of his 'relations' with Fotia, at least, enough to get a general picture. Letting the reins to the back end of the carriage so that the ox would continue to follow them, Allard jogged up to the front next to Garret, passing everyone else on the way. "Garret, I've been thinkin' about our path through Fotia. Well, I'm not sure really how ta tell ya this, but I'm not really in good standing with Fotia at tha moment. Is there any way that we could maybe keep away from tha main townships? I know I'm not an easy thing ta hide, so maybe keepin off tha beaten path may be safer." He continued walking for a bit before he added, "If ya wish ta go ta tha towns however, I can wait outside town at a camp with tha horses and wait as well."

It was just about then that they were passing the small building with the people in red robes. Allard noticed them, though didn't think much of them. An odd sort, but they didn't seem hostile as the appeared to keep to themselves while passing.



The traveling and direction didn't seem to bother Dremmick as much after they had left the forest. Unlike most of the group who seemed to have a set spot they liked in their lineup, Dremmick never stayed in one place. He would constantly change positions, move ahead, or hang back throughout the day. What would look weird for most was actually him either scouting ahead or poking around a point of interest, disappearing for short periods of time. It finally seemed to pay off as well when he saw a small building in the distance with a red flag. He waited there for the others to catch up, noticing that Allard was speaking to Garret at the time. "There is an outpost alongside this trail," he said, interrupting Allard. "Try not to pay them too much attention. They are a curious sort," he said as he rode back into formation with the group. As he passed Mason Dremmick noticed that Mason seemed transfixed on the man who who had just walked out of the building. "Don't mind them and just keep moving. We don't need extra trouble here,"he said in passing, "We should be safe to travel in this group, but don't give them ideas." He looked over to make sure the ox was still following, which it was, but it was what he saw at the carriage that made him shake his head before turning back around to follow the group. The lassa girl that joined them....was waving at them...



Lynn, who had previously been riding outside with her horse, was now in the carriage to escape the heat and dry air. She had come to the conclusion that she did not like the desert. While the sun felt amazing to her and the sights were breathtaking, she found her self drying out easily under the harsh conditions. She could really go for a swim right now, but that didn't seem like it was going to be an option around here. The one time she did try walking, her feet quickly met with hot rock on the ground, and took to flying on her staff or riding her horse instead. With the heat though, she thought it would be better to let the horse rest by taking the carriage off of it and not riding it for a bit. The horse seemed to follow faithfully as the carriage drove itself, and Lynn even would help drive the machine and supply it with water as well. It could be done by one person, as not every control was needed to be used at once, though the way Metis could drive it, it would almost seem as it was an extension of her own body.

As they progressed deeper into Fotia, Lynn was outside the carriage to check on her horse and apparently the ox that had been traveling next to the machine while the large Oro man was up front talking with a knight. 'Odd,' she thought as she couldn't recall their names. Nobody really seemed to know each others names in this group, they kind of just... formed and moved out. maybe they will all be able to introduce themselves when they stop for the night. She petted her horse a few more times before turning to go back in the carriage when she noticed a man on the side of the road watching them pass. She gave a cute little smile and waved to him before going back into the machine with Metis. "Phew, it feels terrible out there, I don't know how they do it." she said to Metis referring to the others. "Hey, I can take another turn driving for a while if you want. How are we looking on water?"

The morning light shined bright. Bright enough to shine over the city of Nero. People were already filling the streets. The city was rather vibrant despite its mysterious visage. The buildings were made of different sized stone slabs and decorated their triangular rooftops with gargoyles. The air around the market was misty and was rolling from out of waterfall by the castle. A different atmosphere it seemed to have yet it breathed fresh air from the depths into the city keeping the humidity at bay. A cool breeze met the citizens as they kept to their duties. Keeping the economy running through open trade and fresh water flowing down their constructed river banks. Nero Guards, noticeable through their all black garb and white eyes, remained in the shadows, vigilant in their observation of the laws the royals have bestowed on all.

The walls that kept the castle entrance blocked was lined with gargoyles of its own. Petrified warriors and other important figures who dared face against the Nero Kingdom. Their mastery of the Basilisks were of legend. Now deep within the halls of the kingdom was a young Nayu named Lila. It took all morning but a scratching was made on her door. Though it was locked it was cracked open by a sniffing excited creature. Soon the door was opened and a young dragon can chirping towards Lila. Standing at the door was the Nayu servant who was working for the Aion. He looked somber as he laid eyes on Lila whose pet was returned to her. "I kept it safe for you. I'd hate to see it be torn apart for being connected with the Aion." He shook his head. "I suppose your turn on the Aion means you will be against me as well. This may be the last time you see me, if that's the case." He said. Keeping the door in his palm as he was stood halfway inside and out the door.
@13org

'Odd,' she thought as she couldn't recall their names. Nobody really seemed to know each others names in this group, they kind of just... formed and moved out. maybe they will all be able to introduce themselves when they stop for the night. She petted her horse a few more times before turning to go back in the carriage when she noticed a man on the side of the road watching them pass. She gave a cute little smile and waved to him before going back into the machine with Metis. "Phew, it feels terrible out there, I don't know how they do it." she said to Metis referring to the others. "Hey, I can take another turn driving for a while if you want. How are we looking on water?"

Metis turned to behold Lynn entering the carriage the stunningly bright sun exposing her to so much surface energy she almost fetched her light goggles which though primitive functioned quite well as did her stillsuit. She smiled in her own way which was a display of colors that in some cases only another Tearian could see and was so happy when the door was closed and her shaded retreat dark warm and moist once more.



”They are of the surface honored Lynn, the light and heat they live with comparable to the crushing pressure we water type live with as a matter of environment.

Metis agrees with Lynn that it is startling to experience what they live in but Metis also prepared to enter their world if needed.

Metis detects deficit in tactical orders, herd moves with no central directive…..Lynn attacks without prepared plan as if Lynn were berserker. Lynn is healer and valuable as is the blood of Vrondi. Metis begs Lynn consider her safety and act not impulsively.” says Metis to Lynn in her quiet musical tone of speaking.

(Right Center Tentacle) Metis’s RCT reaches down to the carriage dash and retrieves a retractable moisturizer hose that sprays a fine cool mist on the user offering it to Lynn as the image of its operation by Metis is sent to show how it is used.

”Metis is good with driving Metis tentacles almost trained to operate machine.

Driving easy for Metis, Lynn may study or read...maybe sleep if able in shaky machine.

Metis is happy herd passes trouble after so quickly diving into evil” says the Octo girl as a sphere of light floats into being the view inside its field showing the road ahead and drifting off to the sides checking any potential hiding places.

Lila Moriarty

^{@Rai @13org}

Laying down in the stone bed, Lila could still hear Anui's last words echoing on her mind and the place where he kissed her burned on her skin. They were her only company on that cold and eerie bedroom. Chains were hanging down from the walls and ceiling, making it look more like a prison cell or a dungeon than a bedroom. Despite having a lot of questions, Lila knew far too well that no one would come answer her. She was already used to be treated like that. Even though it was decorated to look like a bedroom, it was still a cell, a cage...

"We will see each other again very soon. Believe in me." She heard Anui's voice on her head, a comforting reminder that she had someone dear to protect and who would protect her.

"...The Moriarty bloodline has been wiped out by the Aion not too long ago..." Dextra's voice echoed on her mind, almost as an answer to Lila remembering Anui. Her family was wiped out... by the Aion. She already suspected it, but hearing that coming from another Nayu...

Was she not good enough? Did Anui's mother not approve her? Was that the... right decision...? To simply let herself be captured without even saying a word? The old Lila would never find herself in such a vulnerable position. Without her weapon, being captured without even doing or saying anything... She could try to escape but then what? She wouldn't dare to abandon Anui and even if she did... Where would she go?

With all those thoughts haunting her mind, Lila had no choice but to lay down and wait. While the dim lit room and the eerie atmosphere didn't affect Lila at all, the cold, being without Anui to warm her, not able to see his smile, his gentle touch... Those things only made the night even harder for her.

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The morning came to Lila with a freezing cold sensation running through her body as the young Nayu girl curled herself due to the cold. As she woke up though, she heard a strange sound coming from the door. It was almost like if there was something scratching at the door. A few seconds later, the door was cracked open and a familiar snout appeared followed by a body and wings. It was Virais, whom was separated from Lila before she went to the ball. The small dragonling ran towards Lila, chirping happily and excitedly, making her open a small, discreet smile as it jumped on the bed.

Gently caressing him, Lila looked at the dragonling, who laid down nearby her after jumping around her for a while.

"So many things happened in just one day..." Lila mumbled as she caressed the dragonling.

But Virais wasn't the only one who came to pay her a little visit. The Nayu servant, the same one who took her to the ball, who was working for the Aion was there too. Even though she didn't held any resentment towards the servant, she knew that she was probably his enemy after all that, and his words couldn't be more clear about it.

"You have my gratitude for keeping him safe." Lila said to the servant, after hearing his harsh words.

"The Aion killed my family. They took away everything I could have. A family, a home... I was created as a weapon, a monster... used as a tool to slaughter my own kind." Lila said to the servant, the anger on her voice only barely noticeable.

"I don't want to see the Aion in my life never again. If they do anything to me, my Anui or to ruin my life once more, they will have to face the monster that they created themselves." She continued, with a firm voice. Even though the Nayu servant was kind to her since she met him, she didn't know him. She couldn't say he wasn't responsible for what happened with her family.

"Thanks for everything, but it would be better for you to leave, lest you want to be caught." Lila said, looking to the Nayu servant. She was grateful to him for taking care of Virais, bringing him back o her and helping her before the ball with the dress & everything. She didn't want to hurt him as he probably had nothing to do with what happened to her family, but she wanted him to know how serious she was.

Dremmick was relieved that the group seemed to have enough discipline to know when and when not to intervene. While they would most likely have been able to save whoever was in that room, it would not be worth risking the group's lives to do so. The Therosi, if provoked, could prove to be a challenging adversary, especially if they brought in the Dolofon for help. While this place held a majority of the Therosi, there was no doubt in Dremmick's mind that those assassin's wouldn't have some sort of foothold here as well.

When they got to Gaia, he noticed everyone seemed to be a little more relaxed. The outpost they had passed in Fotia had people on edge, though now that they were here, it seemed to calm everyone down a bit. He noticed that Allard had let go of his white knuckle grip on one of his swords. The man seemed to be more interested in taking in the sights now. He definitely looked in his element, that was for sure. Dremmick looked around at the rest of the group, mainly the new ones. They were an odd sort for sure, especially the two in that carriage. One seemed to not be interested in this at all, acting more as a chaperone to the Lassa girl, and as far as that girl goes, she seemed a little to naive for this kind of work. The 'speacial' healer seemed to be stronger than what her body can handle, as if she was being dragged around by her own power or not able to properly control it, maybe a combination of both, he wasn't entirely sure. The knight at least seemed capable enough. Dremmick has never seen a knight quite like him before and was admittedly a little curious. Unlike most knights who seemed consumed with their rank, this man seemed more practical and level headed, something Dremmick was grateful to have in this sortie. His mind came back to Allard. He wasn't sure about him, if anything the man at least proved his worth to join somehow. He heard that he had to go toe to toe with the knight to join, though he didn't hear about the details of it. To Dremmick, though, he was a large target that could get them noticed if they were trying to lie low. He was a giant identifier, while impressive in stature and strength, if they needed to avoid detection, he couldn't see it being very possible with him close to the group.

Dremmick's mind let his idle thoughts go as they passed a sign. Apparently they were headed toward Pearl, which actually brought a smirk to his face. He remembered this place. This was that border town that the one farming couple found him close to when he passed out and brought him here to rest. It's been a few years since he had seen this place. He rode off ahead of the group like normal, scouting out the area ahead of them, though partially a bit eager to see how the town was doing since he had last saw it, though he knew it would be a while longer still until they reached town.



Ever since they were in Fotia, Allard was on edge. When they passed what looked to be a Therosi outpost, he was close to losing it, especially after hearing somebody screaming inside. The young hooded man was right though, they could help the one man, but attacking right now could cost the whole group their lives from a counterattack later down the road. It took a lot for him to restrain himself, but he kept his mind busy by going back to guiding the ox. His tension seemed to almost lift almost immediately as they crossed the border into Gaia. He didn't even need to read the sign that they were approaching to know where they were headed, he already knew. "Pearl...I used ta go there ta get supplies for tha farm," he said as he kept the ox on the right path. "This place is close ta my old home. It's been so long, and it's as beautiful as I always remembered. I wonder if that ol' pub is still goin' strong. May make a decent place ta stop unless any of ya fancy camping out instead."



Lynn listened as Metis aired out some of her worries. While the group did seem to be moving slowly, she believed they did have a particular place they were headed. As for her acting as a berserker and rushing it to put out the fires, she wasn't quite sure what to say. "Sorry, I just thought I should try to put the fire out before it spread and made an even greater danger to us and the forest itself. I guess I should have let you know what I was planning first....I'll try to do better next time."

Lynn took the mister gratefully, a little surprised by the mental image that shot through her head that showed her how to use it. It was odd, though she supposed she could get used to it, after all it was a lot faster and easier than explaining things. The mister could be set to let out enough mist to keep the cab at a certain humidity. After using it for a moment to cool off, she set on a hook made for it and let it self regulate the humidity. She didn't have a book or anything like that with her, but some sleep sounded great about now. The seats were comfortable and large enough to lay across. They were soft and upholstered using a treated waterproof aquatic animal hide so that it could withstand the constant moisture in the cab of the Tearian carriage. "Alright then, I'll try to rest some. If you need anything or just someone to talk to, feel free to wake me." With that, she curled up and layed down on her side. Her tail then encircled around her as well. It didn't take long before her breaths evened out and she had fallen asleep. If there was one thing she learned while working long hours at the infirmary, it was how to get sleep when you could.

It was a little short lived, however, as the road had taken taken on a rougher consistency. A root at one point had found its way beneath the carriage's tire and bumped Lynn awake. She slowly got up and uncurled into a stretch with a yawn. She took a look around through the window. "Wow, Metis, would you look at this place. We must not be in Fotia anymore, that would mean we are in Gaia now, right?" She sat for a while looking at the forests and any animals she saw in passing. After a bit she looked out to the others in the groups through the window. "Metis," she started slowly, her ears only slightly down as she looked from the others back to her new friend, "Are we....being too reclusive? We are traveling with all these people and we have hardly talked to them. We barely even know them, and I can't even recall their names. I wouldn't mind talking to them but some of them look like they don't want to talk, especially the two hooded ones. My father always told me not to trust someone who always wears a hood because that means that they are hiding more than just their face."

After sending the party off on their adventure, to the far off mountains boarding Gaia and Fotia, the rest of the city of Vrondi rejoiced. They were continually celebrating. Sol natives stood in the sunlight or laid bare within its rays. They were having a morning boost. It was Vrondi himself who ended the ceremony with their send off. Any continued celebrations were held at ones own leisure. With many royals around however this was easily done as they had the ability to profit such. But the Sol were staunch in their conservative ways and saw not to continue much more of last night festivities, though fun and eye opening as they were. Talk of good things spread amongst the higher bloods across all lands except for Nero, though all remained stained with the gossip of the bad things as well.

Sophia was met by Gaian royals. All whom were seeping with strength from dragon blood. Their scales glistening with fresh polish and their fangs like pearls. They expressed interest in her with a gentle bow. "We humbly come before you oh great knowledge bearer of secrets beyond. We seek to have an audience with you at the dragon temple within Gaia. We hope you would come and let us serve you a kindness. During these troubling times we are seeking to aid all the kin we can. Come whenever you see fit. We have seers who can speak with you if you have an orb as well." The three of these large dragon blooded kin were standing side by side. Though they expressed deep interest. They seemed not with their Queen's party. Though accepted around the royals who were still celebrating.

---

After discussing with them the royals began to thin from the herd that were guarded by a line to separate them from the common citizens. After an hour or so the royals were all back within their transportation vessels. The Tearians had a floating stadium that lifted from the ground and into the air. It was slow moving but it was massive and quite a enigmatic sight. Similar the Fotians lifted off but in a much faster giant balloon. Its underbelly housing a large structure with windows for what was no doubt a spectacular sight. The Gaians left in a structure on the back of a massive dragon. It rested on the same field as the other giant vessels. This one however was the fastest and made its flight high into the sky with the winds changing in in wake. Just as it did when it came. Finally the Nero party parted ways with the Kingdom of light. Their carriage and dark dragon carrying them away.

Sophia no doubt was making her leave soon but before she could depart entirely a form of Vrondi was standing in the sky half a mile away awaiting her arrival. Above the boarder of Vrondi he met her. Standing with his arms crossed in a tribal like stance as he floated as if bobbing in water, up and down gently over and over. "I apologize for this rudeness lady Sophia. I know I have not been able to show you the respect you deserve. I hope given the situation you would forgive me. But I had to speak with you in private. Away from any other possible minds." He flared. Light swirling around his glowing body in spirals. His eyes glowing. "But I have to see for myself. If you have the power to protect even yourself. If not. I will have no choice but to keep you here and protect you. If Nuxta gets a hold of YOU and what may be infinite magical knowledge I can't risk it. Prepare yourself."


Vrondi erupted into a ball of light like a second sun. Visible from afar as it hurtled toward Sophia. The essence of a being of light. Their battle would rise to avoid prying eyes. But the nature of the spells and speed Vrondi released could only be done within the skies. Her chaotic power clashing against his divine light. Magical furtherance escalating with little effort on both sides. After several attempts to obstruct Sophia's defenses, and Sophia using spells to attempt to lock him entirely would fail due to his constant clone replacements, Vrondi would slow to a halt. "I apologize for that once again. But in these times I must be aware of everyone's power. I am the pinnacle of what my bloodline, the descended, can achieve. You see now what state we are in." He looked ahead. Before them both were titans. The giant mountains that reached beyond the clouds and into the heavens. It resembled a wall, broken and crude, yet a barrier no less.

"We live in a delicate vessel, a small place that was once bigger. I knew there were stories of how the world was once big when I was young. But many were killed who even spoke of it after a time. It took me what felt like an eternity to Ascend. Yet only after doing so was I able to observe our world as a whole. Sophia you may not know this but there is a very cold place on both ends of this world. But. Only one has something there.. I was able to witness crystal structures unlike anything of descended design. Yet I was not able to sense any life. Until I reached it. A imprisoned being. Likely summoned long ago but unable to win the war in time. Yes perhaps this thing was unintelligible in its source. But I sensed life within its core. Then it spoke to me in a gurgled tongue I could not comprehend. I then moved it to the Moon. It remains frozen up there and any continued attempts to communicate with it fills me with the memories of the eternity as a formless being of thought long ago. Surely it will drive others to madness." He let Sophia take it in.

"I believe it is a being from the outer realms. The places only formless things go, things beyond our design to understand. Even upon sight you can see that such a thing was not divine in nature. Chaos enigma I call it. Something I will keep hidden from Nuxta. But something tells me not even he would be desperate enough to spread such a creatures influence over this world. Nuxta is no doubt a Divine being... I have held you long enough though lady Sophia. And again I do apologize.." Vrondi's form vanished in a stream of light as it headed towards the sky.

The real Vrondi remained in the castle with the royals of his kin. A meeting of their own was taking place. Lucius stood before the King. "My lord. I request a group be sent to keep watch of Ami Lovegood.. With me at its head." He kept his head bowed as he stared at the ground. Vrondi chuckled in his chair. Sitting comfortably now as a King before his people. "Ahh you are in love with the girl no doubt. But you're not the only one who grew up in these halls with eyes for her. But if you seek to help the cause then I will allow you to go out with the finest knights you can get by your side and go follow their trail. You are not to interfere with their quest beyond simply providing protection for the Lovegood child. Now go." Vrondi commanded. Lucius looked up and away as he made his way out of the King's hall. "Finally."

---

Lila was left alone after the servant left. Closing the door behind and locking it once again. It would be another hour or so before Lila would hear the door open again. This time Nero guards with drawn blades and a crossbow would come in. "Come." They motioned. She would be led and Virais would be put on a iron chain and locked within the room. She would come down a dark narrow hall until a large opened door was to her left. Fire kept the stone walls warm within the room and a council of elder Nero royals sat in rows that elevated higher and higher. All looking down at Lila as she was brought to the middle to stand on a elevated stone platform. The ground was stained with red in various places. "Lila.. Moriarty." A voice echoed from an unknown source around the room. All the eyes of the royals had a piercing hint of varying colors. But most notably was Anui's who sat in the middle of the rows. Looking directly at Lila. "You are under trial for the accused murder of dozens of Nero royals whilst under the banner of the Aion. You are also accused of manipulating a royal with intent to extort. How will you plead?"

Anui sat next to his mother. Whom had smirk on her face. "Her blood will flow today."

---

As the day went on the Nero slaves were digging continually in the mines beneath the kingdom. Soon they hit something unbreakable. Once clearing it they witnessed a doorway that led straight downward. Lives were lost once it was pried open. But none that were not free labor. It took a moment but excavators were able to get within. Ropes, clamps and a little shadow spells and they were able to step into the darkness and uncover an ancient site. Something similar to a burial ground, symbols carved around its walls. It led deep, and grew massive. The pillars within reaching high above. Large enough to fit something giant within. The news soon met the royals were who heading such adventures. "Good. The King will be here soon. Here's to progress." They tapped glasses filled with red liquid and drank it gaily.

@13org

@Jollan



The road was not made for so ungainly a machine and had it not been for its other uses Metis would have long ago chosen to jog along beside the mount of her mistress and try as she might the road still disturbed the sleep of the honored.

So when Lynn woke exclaiming "Wow, Metis, would you look at this place. We must not be in Fotia anymore, that would mean we are in Gaia now, right?" she answered.

Yes Lynn Metis’s internal navigation places us at 23 - 64 meaning if the maps she has studied were correct we are presently in Gaia.

The honored healer Lynn then posed another question, one that Metis found difficult to answer without the worry her words offend her.

”It is in Metis’s kind’s nature to be reclusive, to hide away from all but a few beings Lynn but it is also in your nature as a healer to feel empathy towards others much as the Vrondi healer Lovegood.

If you so require Metis will break her normal habit and mingle with the troop as for the hoods Metis wears a hood to protect her body from evaporation and so her features do not cause concern to those of the light.

Metis said trying to smile in as friendly a manner as her features allowed.

Metis is a servant and it is only Lynn that Metis cares to mingle with though if it makes Mistress feel more confident then Metis will stand at her side and try to engage the others in conversation

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@Rai@Guy0fV4lor@Verticus@Brithwyr

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Ami’s mount cantered along as full of energy as when it had this morning due to its constant contact with her aura. As she rode along she considered her travel so far.

It was an alien world to her and it was because of her protected upbringing and to be in it was like a waking dream and one she hoped not to be expelled from too quickly. The group she traveled with was made up of as varied a collection of people as she could have ever hoped to be among and the one that intrigued her most was the Lassa Lynn Meditrina a healer. She was accompanied by one of the lesser bloodlines of the Lassa and Ami’s education pointed out that the Octo girl was one of the legendary manhunters of the lassa race known for their tireless devotion to the primary bloodline of the aquatic race; not many traveled with their own zealot assassins. It was the inhuman killer that made Ami keep her distance for if legends were true she was poisonous and her own life nothing in the execution of her duties; “I am the will of my maker, pain no barrier and spent only when my task is complete”

She’d read that quote in the library which was attributed to an Octo woman who’d murdered a prince of the Vrondi blood even knowing she’d be captured, tortured and executed by boiling; they say she made no sound beyond her last words as they executed her over the course of three days. How could someone give up so much of themselves for someone who in many cases cared nothing for them?

Then there was the cursed man Dremmick whose presence sent a shiver through her when he was close causing her to war with her own internal drives to ease his suffering. He was why she spent her nights in meditation as she sought her memories for the combination of spells and prayer which would make him whole. She would not simply heal his body but his soul as well drawing it into her own in so intimate a healing process using her own purity to filter out those impurities; were she a less being this would have left her soul muddied but she was protected by the seals contained her in this mortal frame.

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Lila Moriarty

^{@Rai @13org}

The servant's words left a bitter taste on Lila's mouth as he simply left, locking the door behind him. She knew it was unavoidable. If she wanted to have her own life, if she wanted to change how her life was until now, she would have to make enemies. But still... It was a difficult situation to deal with, since the servant was kind to her when they met.

"At least I'm not alone anymore..." Lila said with a sad tone, gently caressing Virais, who was on the bed nearby her.

Virais himself didn't know what was happening. He didn't know why Lila was on that dusty, dark room or why they were locked there, but he could feel the sadness within Lila's voice. Unfortunately, the only thing he could do for her was trying to comfort her with his presence.
Nudging Lila's hands with his snout, he walked closer to her, resting his head on Lila's lap as he laid down on the bed nearby her. But that calmness, that comfort Virais presence brought to Lila wouldn't last for much longer...

One hour later, the door opened once more. But this time, instead of the Nayu servant from before, the ones who came for her were Nero soldiers, with their blades drawn and with crossbows on their hands. After chaining Virais to one of the stone walls on that room, they turned to Lila, finally speaking with her. Their only word to Lila was for her to go with them. Lila herself didn't have much choice. Even though she wanted Virais to be with her, it was improbable that they would hear her, especially as they had their weapons drawn as they came closer to her.

Leading her through a dark, narrow hall, Lila knew that there was something wrong... Why would they escort her like that, with weapons drawn, like a prisoner? Her thoughts would only be confirmed after she arrived on her destination. Behind big doors, Lila was led by the soldiers inside a big hall, where many Nayu elders sat on rows of chairs, one higher than another, all of them looking straight towards Lila, watching every movement she made. Amongst them, Lila could see Anui, sitting besides his mother, who had a wicked smirk on her face.

After a few moments of silence, the elders spoke to Lila.
"You are under trial for the accused murder of dozens of Nero royals whilst under the banner of the Aion. You are also accused of manipulating a royal with intent to extort. How will you plead?" they said, making Lila look around with a confused expression for a moment before her blood started to boil.

Why were they doing that to her? She was with Anui the entire time, she didn't lift a finger on that night that the Aion came... She wasn't even notified that something like that would happen...

If that wasn't enough, she heard Dextra's voice, under a wicked smirk, saying her blood would flow that night.

With her emotions going wild on her mind, she could only look at Anui, who was simply sitting there besides his mother, in silence, without saying anything. Why wasn't he saying anything? He knew what happened... He saw everything, he was with her...

"Anui... Tell them what happened. I was with you the entire night..." Lila said, with a mix of confusion and anger on her eyes.

"I... I didn't lift a finger that night... Why...?" Lila said, looking down for a brief moment, before looking to Anui once more. This time, her eyes were hard and cold. Was she wrong in believing him? Why... Was she really not allowed to be happy? Was her only allowed to be a weapon, a tool her entire life? Why was all that happening to her.

"SAY SOMETHING!" Lila shouted, looking to Anui.

"Please... Say something..." She said once more as tears rolled down her face. Her vision was blurred due to the tears, her skin, red and hot with anger... Her tears felt like they were made of flames as they rolled down her face, a painful reminder of how foolish she was, of how naïve she was... Everything that would happen that moment onwards was only her fault... Her fault for believing she could be happy... Her fault for believing she would be accepted by others... Her own fault for trusting others...

Dark thoughts flooded her mind, almost like there was a small voice on the back of her head, mocking her for being such an idiot. While what was happening, the situation that moment was as clear as ice, Lila still didn't want to believe... She still had hopes Anui would say something... He loved her... right? He said he loved her... He promised he would stay with her...

"You... promised... me..." Lila mumbled to herself, biting her lower lip making a drop of blood roll down her chin.

---

Sophia

^{@Rai @13org}

Even though Sophia didn't have much time to sate her curiosity regarding some of the kings and queens at the meeting, or even get to know better the group who would be responsible for fetching the godsmith's hammer, things went in a satisfactory way. They now had a plan to fight back the threat that approached them and for the first time in many years, the kings and queens were joining forces.

But as Sophia's mind went back to the Temple and how things went while she was away, unexpectedly, Vrondi interrupted her. His figure floating in front of her with his arms crossed, blocking her path as he apologized for not being able to give her the respect she deserved, while saying he needed to speak with her in private.

"Difficult and trying times approach us, there is no need to apologize." Sophia said, looking at Vrondi with a curious expression, uncertain what he had to speak with her.

His next words were honestly... Surprising. Even if it was Vrondi, Sophia wasn't expecting he would say something like that... He wanted to test her, to see if she was able to defend herself or he would keep her there to protect her.

Without more words, Vrondi erupted in light as he hurled a massive orb of energy towards her, glowing like a second sun. Letting out a fearsome breath attack, a beam of concentrated plasma got out of her mouth, clashing against Vrondi's attack. After some time, her chaotic magical energy clashing against Vrondi's pure light energy, fighting against multiple clones, Vrondi slowed down, apologizing for his actions. Sophia knew Vrondi was holding himself back, as Sophia herself was. Both of them were incredibly powerful, Sophia herself didn't know who would win if they fought seriously, but both sides would be incredibly wounded and the land would suffer if they indeed clashed seriously.

While Sophia could, in part, understand his desire to 'test' her power, she couldn't hide her disappointment. It seemed that even Vrondi, after all, respected only power. Sophia wouldn't back down after he challenged her like that, but she strongly disagreed with his actions. They should be conserving strength for the oncoming conflicts they would have to face... not fighting against each other...

As Vrondi started talking, Sophia said nothing, simply looking at him with hard and cold eyes, clear indications that she was disappointed and strongly disagreed with what had just happened.
Sophia heard as he continued talking, while she knew that there were cold places on both ends of the world, she always thought they were empty, desolate places. So Vrondi's next words surprised her. He claimed that on one of them, there were crystal structures of unknown origin or design. While he said he couldn't feel life as he stood far from it, he said that once he approached them, he saw that inside those crystal structures, laid dormant an unknown being, likely summoned ages ago... and on the very core of this unknown being, he could still feel signals of life... Almost like if it was simply in slumber, waiting for it to be awakened once more.

Sophia looked at Vrondi with her eyes wide open, as he said to her that that 'thing' tried to communicate itself with him, speaking in a chaotic, unknown tongue. Even though he moved it to the moon, the thoughts of merely trying to communicate with it once more filled Vrondi with dark, twisted memories. While Nuxta, despite his dark, twisted ideals, was still a divine, that thing Vrondi found wasn't divine. It was simply chaos. Chaos Enigma, as Vrondi called. Disappearing as suddenly as he came, Vrondi left Sophia with her own thoughts.

While in part, she was extremely curious about that... Chaos Enigma, she felt inside her a weird feeling... Something inside her was saying that this Chaos Enigma was completely different from the confrontation with Nuxta... If somehow that thing freed itself, not even Nuxta would be safe...

"This... needs to remain a secret... Nor Nuxta nor anyone should know about it..." Sophia mumbled to herself. It was almost like the very Grimorium Verum knew that the Chaos Enigma should remain forever asleep, lest they wanted to face complete, unavoidable chaos.

The group would choose to head east. A route vaguely made out by the dirt roads ahead. Once they began ateering off, the hooded man outside the ancient structure turned. He lowered his head and lifted the red curtain. Vaguely one could see the hooded ones inside toiling away at something. Onward thr group will go. The heat dying down as their walk was elevated and the forestation ahead was visible.

The group would choose to head east. A route vaguely made out by the dirt roads ahead. Once they began steering off, the hooded man outside the ancient structure turned. He lowered his head and lifted the red curtain. Vaguely one could see the hooded ones inside toiling away at something. Onward the group will go. The heat dying down as their walk was elevated and the forestation ahead was visible.

Dremmick, already a fair way ahead of the group, noticed the smell before he even saw the houses. He urged his horse forward at a faster pace. When he arrived to the houses he was a bit taken back. The Pearl he had once spent some time in, which seemed fairly out of the way from most dangers, was now in ruin as whatever this disease was has had its way with the town. A lot of the houses that remained unaffected had been abandoned while others had been burned down or sealed off. Whoever placed the signs must have done so recently, meaning they weren't too far. Dremmick was curious as to what was going on, the stench of death was heavy in the air and it almost reminded him of a lich's lair, although it was odd since they were out in the open and nothing seemed to be actively attacking him yet. He took a quivk look around with his soul sight to see if there was anything interesting, though if he saw something he still didn't move to engage it. Maybe there was someone who knew what was happening around town, though he should probably go warn the others on what they were walking in on.

Dremmick rode back a ways and caught up with the group shortly before where he first started smelling the foul stench. He went straight for Garret, as he seemed to Dremmick to be one of the few with a good head on his shoulders. "Whatever that infestation was a while back will return just ahead of us, though this time it seems to have had an effect on the local populace. homes are either destroyed, abandoned, or sealed up with a sign in front reading 'infested nomadic homes: do not enter'. The signs seemed fresh as well. It may be safe to pass if we stay on the road, but I would keep a sharp eye out none the less. The feel reminds me of a lich's den. What do you make of this?"

Noticing Dremmick; who had been scouting ahead, come back and whisper something to sir Blight, Mason began to ride forward, hoping to find out what was going on. But suddenly....

A wave of nausea washed over the boy, his body stiffening. Silent, subtle spasms overtook his body as his eyes rolled back into his head. After several seconds, Mason's body slumped forward, devoid of both breath and pulse.

Dremmick's eyes snapped over to Mason when he noticed the convulsing spasms. "What the hell?" His eyes turned yellow and started glowing, releasing a streaking aura from each eye as his soul sight activated once again. He kept one eye closed to keep the people beside him from seeing it if he was wrong, but if his hunch was right, they would most likely figure out was his other magic was here shortly. Looking to Mason with one eye, he could see Mason's soul, a fiery orange aura, like that of a flame. However, in the center was a blue one, and it was slowly growing within his body, small rootlike tendrils rapidly extending out and taking hold.

"SHIT!" Dremmick exclaimed, jumping off of his horse in an unusual display of urgency. "Some one get him off his horse and bring him to me!" Both of his eyes were open now, but he didn't dare take them off of Mason. If anyone was watching and could see the scene play out, they would see Dremmicks arm start to glow a spectral gray glow. He knelt to the ground and seemed to dip his hand into the earth as if it were water, soft ripples of light extending out from where his hand seemed to phase into the ground. At that moment, starting from where Dremmick knelt and out, plants all around seemed to welt and wither away into dust, killing most of the plant life around them rapidly. Allard, who was on his way up to see why they had stopped, had just heard Dremmick call out to have Mason placed in front of him. Unsure of what was happening he nodded and picked up the young lad, placing him on the ground. When Dremmick withdrew his hand from the ground, it was glowing white hot and was hard to look directly at it.
Dremmick placed his hand on Mason's chest and waves of light started to pulse into Mason, Dremmick's hand dimming with each pulse. From Dremmick's point of view would see the blue soul cease its growth within Mason, though it seemed that once the rootlike tendrils receded, the blue soul remained at the size it had originally been. When he released Mason and stood up, his arm faded back to normal along with his eyes. "There seems to be another soul vying for control in our friend here...." He said in a low tone. He then reached down one hand to check his pulse and the other to check for breath. "He's not breathing... and there is no pulse..." He looked up to the others, "I don't have any remedies for this."

When Metis explained that she wore a hood herself, Lynn's ears dropped and her face reddened a little with a sheepish grin as she waved her hand back and forth, "OH sorry! I didn't mean much by it. My father is a guard back home, he's always super suspicious about everyone." She thought about what else the octo girl said concerning talking with others. She thought about how she would word it in a way that would make sense to her as Metis thought more practically and out of necessity she did. "Well, I suppose you wouldn't have to talk with them if you don't want to, but I could see being closer to our allies as a valuable asset to survival. There is strength in numbers and not knowing what all you have at hand as well as not forming a sort of bond with your allies could be dangerous as well. Believe me though, I'm nervous about meeting some of them myself. Did you see that one Oro? He is huuuuge!" she said animatedly spreading her arms out. "I don't think even two of me would be as tall as him!"

It was just then that the one young man who was scouting ahead had returned, going straight for the knight. The group stopped as they discussed a few thing. She saw one younger boy inch his horse closer to listen in, but something wasn't right. Her eyes narrowed in concentration as she saw the boy had started having spasms before coming to a dead halt, the hooded man quickly jumped into action calling for the large Oro to help him down. Just shortly after, the vegetation started to rapidly die off. "Metis... I think something is wrong, please... follow me outside," she requested looking uncharacteristically serious, keeping in mind what Metis had said earlier about not just running off. When they reached where the others were, Dremmick had just finished using his magic and was checking his pulse.

"He's not breathing... and there is no pulse...I don't have any remedies for this."

Lynn floated down on her staff and stepped off onto the ground, a little rough to her bare feet but it wasn't a big deal, this was way more important. She leaned in to confirm what the hooded man had said. "His heart needs an electric charge, or giving him air will have no effect." She leaned over placing both hands over his heart and pushed down firmly a few times. She then looked over to Metis. "Try giving him a moderate shock if you can." After that she would check for a pulse, and repeat the process till she got a pulse and then immediately would go into the process of giving him mouth to mouth until he regained consciousness. Going between giving him air and then compression to the chest until he would awaken.

"I'm just going to take a look down there" said a Neroan slave driver to one of his co-workers as he prepared to descend the shaft. Ancient burial grounds such as this would typically contain treasures of untold value for those who got there first, and with the King out on a trip, a golden opportunity presented itself.

"Relax Dominick, if I find anything of value, I'll split the earning's from selllin' it with you and the rest of the boys."

Slowly, the lone slave driver began to descend into the seemingly endless chasm below. A quarter mile down, he'd finally reached what appeared to be the bottom; a flat, dusty surface, no graves in sight. "Well that's disappointing..." the disgruntled man mumbled as he detached his harness from the rope. Taking a single step forward, the ground softly crackling, light vibrations tickling his feet. With a gasp, he lunged for the rope, but alas, he was too late. The ground beneath him gave way. A rush of stale air; tainted with the lingering stench of death, exploded upward, reverberating through the tunnels leading to the chamber.

Somehow, the slave driver managed to grab onto something as he fell. Nervously, he looked around the newly opened area. Around him, were massive chains, covered in faded, ancient runes. There were thousands of them.

But they were all broken…

Every.

Single

One.

The man screamed as he realized that this was no burial ground...



Above, torches all about the city of Nero began to flicker, not constantly, but every so often. Slowly, an eerie, almost unnatural, yet ever-so-subtle chill crept into the air, the perverse feeling growing stronger with each passing moment….

It was quietly busy on the streets. The darkness kept at bay by the light from high above the city and the flickering flames set around the dark corridors. People found nothing to be amiss and continued about their day. The gates opening to allow the return of the King of Nero. His path was kept guarded by many shadow elites sitting like gargoyles above the buildings that lined the streets.

The smell made all take back their progressing steps into the mouth of the void. None were able to move beyond their sight and guards around the entrance of this secret underground construction were able to sense the presence of something ancient and foul. "We should prepare for the worst." One spoke in confidence. His partner not too wary. "Ancient tombs always have rotted pests that make its walls a home." They both looked towards the entrance they kept at their backs. They were inside a building within Nero's lower domestic homes.

The building merely hid a deep canal. Those within its depths could only hold fast as their senses would be stung with the smell. "Light the fires!" And so they were, dozens of them. Their commander was a tall and slender man who kept a hat on despite his horn piercing through them. His eyes almost glowed in the dark. He lit a cigar. "These chains..." He said. As if eyes broke through the dark. "Something is free now." The other miners looked to him in shock. Their size growing smaller as they edged toward the exit. "If you try to leave those guards are going to guarantee you don't make it out of here. Best keep pressing on.." The torch in his hand waved forward in the lead.

Stepping into the darkness..

---

Time: 1:00PM

@Jollan@geurls@Guy0fV4lor@RumikoOhara@Dread@Verticus

---

@Rai@13org

A sinister laugh echoed from the darkness as a sudden gust extinguished all fires within the tunnel. A heavy chill swept over all as a deep ethereal voice echoed in the minds of all in the tunnel, ”The likes of you? Free ME? From a prison made from the sacrifice of countless children of Seraph? Laughable!” the voice broke into a disturbingly mad fit of laughter, before turning deathly silent. ”You’ve merely interrupted my nap…. And now…. I’m a bit HUNGRY.”
The souls of every living thing in the tunnel were suddenly ripped from their corporeal forms, and dragged into the abyss. Cold, lifeless shapes littered the floor of the cavern, there was only one survivor. "Blech. Soul qualilty really isn't what it used to be... Tastes dreadful.... ohoho. Is one still alive? It would appear as though I've gotten quite weak over the millennia. No matter. I can easily fix that...." the voice muttered as a giant claw reached for the surviving commander from the depths of the abyss.

The commander's eyes beheld the darkness moving for him, illuminated by the flames of the fallen. He gritted his teeth and reached his right hand inside his left coat. "I'm not one to snack on asshole." He leaped backwards, effortlessly flipping several meters back. Not far enough to be out of reach entirely. But enough to evade what the dragon thought was just another mining slave. "My shadow skills are unmatched..." He began to speak as he was midair. His landing was met with an unnatural crater from his legs hitting the stone ground. "The power of my blow knows no equal!" He placed his hands on the ground and a white aura surrounded him briefly, his hair raising. He then vanished in a blur of light.

Chuckling at the defiant display of such an ant, it was time for the dragon to find some REAL food. Souls of the weak were comparable to stale breadcrumbs. He wanted... No he NEEDED more souls; POWERFUL souls. More importantly, he needed to find his precious little investment. Oh how excited he was to check on its growth!

But food came first.

A colossal roar shook the city; issuing a challenge to those who protect it. Bursting forth from beneath the earth, a dragon the size of a small castle, scattering massive shards of earth, splinters of wood, and other kinds of debris all over the streets of Nero. A twisted, flaming grin formed across the monster's face as it eyed the feast laid out before it.

---

Approaching the town of Pearl the travelers would be met with a quiet town. Almost empty if it were not for the goat with a bell on its neck merrily trotting down the clear road towards a field behind the towns row of markets. There a festive gathering was taking place, many of the towns folk, farmers, their wives and their children and pets were all gathered and facing the large men and women stretching as they stood before logs or stones. A sign was hammered into the road where the goat made its way. "Pearl regional strength competition." Food and servers were prepared nearby to make a sale to those who whiffed the smell.

The towns medical building was across the market but within sight of the field and the competition. Outside the building were white tents with Taxis symbols waving on a flag on their tips. Taxis healers were seen walking in and out of the building, wearing white and having gloves and masks on. A Taxis knight stood ready as the only warrior among them. Watching the competition himself from afar. The town was quiet but the approaching group made him wary. He watched them come with their head being obviously a rare sight. Ami and her white horse looked so out of place with this group she was hard to miss. He stood straight as they arrived. Making their ways around the town as each saw fit.

Due to the earlier attacks from Nuxta a few nights earlier there were still many sick or injured being healed inside. So the tents were prepared for the newly ailed. The inside of the building being for those with serious conditions. Noticing the sick Mason a few Taxis healers would take him to a tent and begin their work. Sol blooded as many were they saw to look into his mind and see what ailed him. It was immediately strange how his condition was sudden. Yet they applied healing spells to try and preserve him and reverse toxins or possible previous damage. It was asked with great curiosity what happened to him by the healers to his companions. If they could not find this out it was possible they would be down one member to their group.



It was clear from the very entrance that this place was suitable for those with good tastes and fine manners. Most furniture was larger than normal yet still very much the same... The decor was simple yet symmetrical in their placement. The number of customers were light yet the bard continued his merry strumming. Like the flame on the candles overhead his passion continued to simmer. Perhaps it was the drinks or perhaps it was the serving maidens who were natives of Gaia. Young and feminine yet retaining a Gaiain trait visible from afar. Wings, scales, tails or eyes of a dragon. It was the Gaian trait that made their women a curiosity to foreign men. Yet a foreigner this bard seemed. His strumming and thin hands were not of a hardened Oro. Whatever he was he seemed at home here and merely glanced at the newcomers who came in hungry thirsty or tired. He let his strumming grace their ears through the tavern's halls.


It was soon they would be met by a few waitresses. One was rather tall for a descendant woman. Standing near seven feet. "Hello, welcome to Savvan's inn. I am Raquel and I will be your waitress for today. We serve fresh food from the farms here and have access to the best materials from across the land to make your meals the best you've ever had. If you need a room please let me know and if you would have a seat I'll take your orders!" She was happy to be serving some new faces and it showed in her enthusiasm. She held a stick of charcoal and paper in wait of their hungers desire or what drinks they wished to grow lush with.

Dremmick nodded when he saw that Mason was now stable. From then on, he decided to stay close to the group instead of wandering around like he was before. On their way to the town, he noticed some curious children scampering about in the woods, attempting to stay hidden and watch him at the same time. He smirked a bit but didn't pay them any attention. When they got to town, he noticed it was very empty in the streets, but he heard a lot of commotion coming from just beyond the markets where there was a field. The crowd, however, still seemed rather small for whatever festival had been going on. Thats when Dremmick noticed that the building just across was a medical building. The tents outside with quite the number of people receiving treatment as well. That could only mean that the facility was full inside. Putting the wreckage outside the town and how full the medical center was, he could easily deduce that they were attacked recently, which would explain how quiet the town was. He noticed a lone knight standing watch with the Taxis healers, straightening up as the group got closer.

Dremmick looked over the strength competition. It was an impressive sight, but there didn't seem to be that many participants. Most likely also caused by whatever recent attack they suffered. When they offloaded Mason to the Taxis healers, Dremmick breifly explained to the healers what had happened. "I'll go reserve a spot for our horses in the stables and reserve a few rooms at the inn. I'll be busy by the time you all arrive, so unless it is important, try not to bother me. However, when Mason is up and about I would like to speak with him." he said before he took his horse down the street towards the inn.

Dremmick reserved spaces for all of their horses, and the one ox, and went ahead to the inn. He was greeted by the bar maidens and simply reserved the rooms and ordered a pint of ale. It seemed like he was the only one here at the moment, so he found a corner table to relax a bit before he would get to work studying that sample he collected earlier. It was going to be a long night.




Lynn was worried when the young seraph boy didn't wake up. He was stable now, thanks to their combined efforts, but she was still worried about him. He rode inside the carriage with the two lassa girls till they got to Pearl. Once there, Lynn had to fight the urge to go watch the competitions. Instead she met with one of the healers that went to tend to Mason, though trying not to stay too far away from Metis in the process. "Hello, My name is Lynn, and this is Metis. Would you like any assistance? I used to work at an infirmary in Tearia, I'd be happy to help if needed." She gave a little bow after the introduction.



The whole ride to Pearl seemed to wear down a bit on Allard. He knew something was wrong as soon as that vile smel was in the air. On the way to the town, there were clear signs of battle and destruction abound, making Allard worry for the fate of the town. He was able to rest a bit easier as it came into view, looking fairly well in fact. It was empty in the streets, which to anyone else may be unusual, but for Allard, he knew what that meant. It was time for the strength competition, something he used to compete in frequently. Though, when they arrived closer to the event, it was a very sobering sight. people were still holding the small festival of coarse, however, attendence was a lot lower, the competition was scarce, and the medical center was overflowing with patients. "What in the world happened here." he said to nobody in particular, already fairly certain of the answer. He shook his head, "I'll be headed for tha stables as well and then ta the inn if anyone would like ta come along. Some mighty fine brews they used ta have there."

When he arrived to the inn's bar and he noticed that Dremmick was already in the corner, apparently getting here a good bit before him and keeping to himself. He was greeted by a few of the waitresses and it wasn't until one of the waitresses introduced herself that he recognized who she was, his face lighting up. "Little Raquel, is that really you lass?" He was actually surprised to see a familiar face, one of his daughter's old friends. It was weird, he knew that there must be people he would remember here, but somewhere in him didn't make that connection. As if he had believed that he would never see anyone from here again. Last time he remembered seeing her she was still a young teenage girl, maybe barely a teenager up to his knees, same age as Hilde. Has it really been that long? If she was here that must mean that at least some of the other farming families were here too. Eleven years....and he was actually back... the only one in his family that survived the raid eleven years ago.

Debris fell from high above. Near to the halfway point that led to the great ceiling above. Pieces of stone fell on homes and caused immediate injury or worse to the residents below. This being its lower district the poorest members of this city were harmed. Their simple market streets buried in clouds from the hurtling boulders wake of destruction. It was a sight to behold from the upper districts. A dark beast rising from the grave and trampling on their city like it was its play thing. The windows shattered. People screamed in terror as they tried to flee. The gates were soon filled with people trying to escape and the upper districts found their ranks swelling with the low class.

---

"SAY SOMETHING!" Lila shouted, looking to Anui.

"Please... Say something..."

"You... promised... me..."

Anui could hardly stand to look at Lila. Yet his gaze was cold and emotionless. Years of training to suppress his emotions has led to this facade of uncaring. Though it not being his intent to watch the tears fall from Lila without a word spoken. Only the elders had power here. He was merely here to observe, since he was directly involved. Even this though was likely planned by his mother. He began to wonder. To display his silence to her. To display his obedience to the courts and how little power his love for the young Nayu girl was in their presence. Yes indeed love is fragile. She thought. Crossing her legs to her tears and folding her arms she could only shake her head at the utterly raw display of affection. For most Nayu within Nero such public displays were met with music and poetry. Not vulgar and ugly as they believed it were.

But Anui did not think so. He grimaced a little. His hand gripping his chest. A discomfort he was not used to. Could hardly bare. A wound he felt that cut deep. His mother's hand gripping his to comfort him. But he lashed out in a gentleman's manner. Grasping her hand with his free one and slowly removing it as if a unwanted advance had been made. Unable to fully contain these new emotions he lowered his mothers hand away from his with a grip that was a tad too firm. This made her eyes go remain frozen in mental shock.

"Silence girl!" An elder shouted. "If you won't defend yourself then this will be short. Guards take he-!"
As they spoke the ground beneath them all began shaking. Even more so the castle was rattling. All could feel the presence of a tremendous force vibrating their city to life. Dust and small portions form the ceiling began to fall. Those within the room looked around in panic. But Anui swiftly stood to his full height and leaped from his position above Lila and landed before her. His coat, decorated with several dozen sets of black feathers, danced in the air as he swooped down. Embracing Lila and enveloping her in his wing like coat.
"I'm sorry.. But we must go." He looked up briefly to see the guards helping the royals escape. But his mother was soon before the two of them. "She is to be placed in a cell!" Anui bore his fangs to this. Venom drops as crimson as blood were on their tips. "I wish to have a council with the King!"

The earthquake continued. Yet Anui and his mother's convictions remained strong.
It was only the guards who remained that directed them to safety and took their minds off of their bitter conflict. Anui quickly summoned a portal of darkness beneath him and Lila. He was falling with her in the void. Finally appearing at the Castle's peaks. Outside of it but near an open balcony. High above they were to observe the destruction occurring below. Anui was in shock and awe of it. But he immediately gritted his teeth after. "I have to help defend my kingdom.." He said. Stepping down onto the balcony. They were in a armory room. But a private one so it seemed. A bed and mirror inside for sleeping and grooming. It had Anui's smell all around it. He took off his coat and grabbed a suite of light armor, placing the gauntlets on first.

"No. I will be fighting to. To defend OUR kingdom Lila." He spoke softy. Applying the proper knots to the threads that held the armor firmly in place.

---

A new conflict had arisen from the depths. Just as the King of Nero was stepping into his chambers, having just arrived from Vrondi he was seldom prepared for an attack. He was soon briefed on what was happening exactly.
"When delving into a tomb found below the city a Dragon was awakened." He was simply told. He scoffed. "That's IT? I suppose it HAS been a while since I've last slain a dragon. Something that brutish king of Fotia would be salivating for by now. I will show him how it's done..." Stepping from his throne and down the fresh red carpet was the King. Soon followed by shadow elites of various origin and of independent caliber, save for when called by the King. Armored from head to toe and wielding his scythe the King stepped into the gaping maw of the gateway of darkness.

Emerging from the embracing tunnel of shadow mist and having it vanish behind him after doing so made the King look like another soldier filing into the ranks of Nero's defenders. He stood before the wreckage and rubble. Beneath the terrible roar of the hungry dragon. In the middle of a line of Nero's guards and soldiers. The Elites at his back and his scythe held in one hand. He held a gentle smile on his lips. His aura combined with his army of at least fifty visible soldiers. More filed into the surrounding area. Evacuating injured and forming a line around the battle field. A gaping hole in the ground disallowing most to go directly beneath the flying behemoth. Yet chains were thrown form the shadows. Over a hundred of them flew to the Dragon, attempting to wrap around its body and pull it down with the other world awaiting on the other side. The chains emerging from the infinite depths of the void each chain thrower conjured, to bind the beast with strength beyond their own.

"Wall it in."
At his command magical barriers of sound and darkness were formed in a box like formation around the damaged lower district. Visible to the naked eye and created from over a hundred soldiers. The remaining ones would run up the chains. Elites leading this charge. Gracefully stepping up the chains like tight ropes with weapons amplified with shadow and poison. As they made their way high above arrows shot from all angles came flying at the Dragon from below. Massive arrows meant to slay their most common foe, Basilisks, now used for general Dragon slaying. Launched from giant crossbows with multiples on each and their tips shining purple from the deep magical poison enchanted onto its surface. Sleeth stood above all of this with his Elites yet to budge. His smile and demeanor remained undaunted. It was clear to him now. He had been wanting something to do beyond politics ever since leaving for Vrondi and this, though distasteful, was a matter far more exhilarating.

"If you serve Nuxta I'll have you tell him how wise it was for him to save the best for last..."

@Guy0fV4lor@13org

Lynn was met with a curious expression. She was not a Taxis or a Sol so her ability to heal was questionable. But assuming she was capable of something she was pointed to the injured who were in pain. Healing magic soothed their aching wounds and constant supplies of light magic required a greater source of energy than water. Various injured inside the outside tents were free to be helped by her. Even replacing bandages and bathing the crippled was recommended if it wasn't too much to ask.

---

"Here's your drink sir."
A waitress briefly made her way by Dremmick. Placing a full cold glass with a fizzing brim on the table. Regardless of taste he would find the drink refreshing and one of the best brews around. She went back to wiping tables and other duties around the inn.

---

"Little Raquel, is that really you lass?"

The waitress looked up at the man who filled in the doorway. Many of Oro blood lived in this town and their height made their doors much larger than norm outside of royalty. Her eyes lit up. Looking up at this man brought back memories of many years back. Her fondest memory being his daughter. If she were still here perhaps she would be a waitress here as well. She touched her cheeks in a nostalgic glee. He was always a large man, Allard. Strong enough to carry many of the towns children on him even as he worked the fields with the other farmers. "I-I'm glad to see you.." She was taken back though. The last time she heard of his family they were attacked and enslaved by Therosi. None ever returned from such a fate and by his looks it was not easy getting back. His entire family was gone though.. and she could hardly bare to ask the hard question of where his daughter was.

So she gave him a friendly warm smile and bowed gently. "Please make yourself at home. Well you are home." She chuckled softly looking to the side nervously. "I'll bring you one of our specials. Have a seat and enjoy yourself. I'll be back soon." She said assuredly. Walking over to the other guest who signaled her attention rather immediately. He too was a tall man much like those native here. But unlike the usual Oro, with some Dragon, Tyro, or Lassa blood. He seemed to exude a Nayu's presence. Yet it was questionable how large he actually was beneath his armor. No doubt he came in on the same wind as the other man who placed himself in a corner seat and seemed to have his mind on something or other.

"I'd like two hunter stews. Extra venison."

On the first order Raquel jotted down his order with haste. "Alllrighty. Now will that be all?" She admired his choice a bit. A simple wild game meal rather than what was domesticated on their farms. Lean muscular meat in the form of easy digestible soup. A hunter's meal when they wanted to feel at home. A rare treat for the mountain dwellers to warm their bellies with up high in the frigid air. She was awaiting his desired brew, though he did not look like a drinker.

"The time you're off of working today, Raquel, would also be part of my order."

"Eh?" She let out. Simply blinking in surprise. She tilted her head in thought. "Well." She looked to the ceiling briefly, taking her paper to his lips. "I work until I'm tired. Or needed else where." She eyed the open windows of the fields. The farm work was light today and though she kept busy as a waitress she was beckoned back to it more often than she liked. "I have orders to place with the cooks.." She said her mind returning to her duties. "Excuse me please." She said softly, folding her hands to her mid waist and disappearing to the back. Returning briefly to the floor and speaking with her fellow waitress. "Quite a bit of foreigners in our midst." Raquel said to her nodding co-worker.

"They have a bad aura to them. Best stay away darlings..." Said the bard between his strums.

@Verticus@Jollan@Guy0fV4lor@RumikoOhara