~@13org (FYR)~

"Farewell, my unexpected, mysterious friend. May our paths cross again in the future."

The Lilim chuckled before launching into the air. "Likewise, Sir Freyr." She then disappeared in a puff of black smoke.

------

You returned to the guild with no more incident, the road back being quiet save for the buzzes of night insects. You arrive to an assembled group of the other guild members, some of them being covered in dirt and soil for some reason. The Beelzebub that aided you earlier, Kira Gigas, was there too and already talking amongst the guild.

Kira had probably already told them what happened between the two of you but it perhaps would be best to approach with an explanation ready.

---

~@Restalaan (YNG & DIT), @Rezod92, @Stern Algorithm, @13org (ADA), @ShwiggityShwah~

"Hey Talia. It was... you know. Lots of zombies."

"We went to dig a map outside a church! Which was scary and cramped, also plenty of zombies. Ech. Not fun. Was scary. Neil got caught but Ditzy pulled Neil out."

"Lots of Zombies? You guys must have quite the luck to run into an undead horde there of all places." Talia remarked, noting the proximity of the graveyard to Pravar. "Were they already there when you arrived?"

"No, no. We, uhh, we awakened them. Not intentionally. Just making that clear." Neil answered. "But we made it out, though, so not that unlucky. And trust me, it could've gone way worse." He added, referring to their almost miraculous escape when the escape tunnel collapsed and it was all improvisation from there.

Talia giggled. "That's true. That's true."

"You guys are covered in dirt too." Haley then flew over to Ada. "Hey Ada, wanna take a bath together? I'll wash you. Who else wanna come?"

"Meanwhile, I shall go ahead and prepare dinner." Talia said before heading inside with Neil nodding to the guild before following her.

@PaulHaynek @13org @Restalaan @Rezod92 @Stern Algorithm @ShwiggityShwah

"I spent the day building the Altissima sisters' greenhouse. Haley also helped but it's still pretty bare right now. It's going to take a while. I hope you two don't mind."

"A Liliraune. You girls are rare.", said Kira, buzzing her wings and hovering up to their eye level. "And what may your names be, if you mind me asking?"

"Hey, it seems to be coming along nicely, thanks, Talia! Thanks, Haley!" Sylvia said, glad to have returned to the Guild and to see the progress that had been made.

"Kira? I'm Vivian, and this is my sister, Sylvia. Yeah, we're pretty rare, or so I've heard. I think it's some sort of random mutation or something. I don't know though, we were raised by humans when we sprouted in the garden," Vivian introduced herself. Though Vivian didn't know about Beelzebub's, Seeing Kira's insectoid form, Vivian assumed Kira liked nectar. "Man, you're going to love it here once the greenhouse is ready. My specialty is nectar cookies!"

Sylvia turned down Haley's offer to bathe together, "No thanks, I'll just water myself and make sure the dirt gets into my pot, grave dirt is some of the most nutritious soil."

"But we will make sure that we're clean so we don't get any dirt in the food," Vivian reassured, knowing that other beings didn't appreciate eating dirt, let alone dirt that was associated with corpses. This statement also revealed the sisters' intentions to help Talia with the cooking, as they went to the garden to rinse off before heading to the kitchen.

@13org@Rezod92@ShwiggityShwah@Stern Algorithm@PaulHaynek

Yang Bethlehem & Ditzy Stoneclub

"I'll join you, I worked up a sweat myself," Yang said as she patted the top of Ozzy head, gesturing that the owl should follow as well. "Come on, you need to clean yourself up too."

Before Ozzy or any others can say anything, Ditzy stepped in to help as he held Ozzy and walked between the two without much thinking. "Ozzy, let's take a bath together, Ditzy will take too long and doesn't want to miss dinner."

"You can take a bath with us you know!" Yang said even as the hobgoblin went up ahead without much thought. Leaving Yang to shrug her shoulders, she hadn't expect Ditzy to ask for help.

Then again, Ditzy was slow and needed help.

"Well, anyways, I'll take care of the kids. You go prepare the food, okay?" Yang winked at Talia and the sisters.

If Ozzy followed Ditzy, the Hobgoblin didn't really need the help as he went through the motions. Like it was deliberate and practiced as the latter scrubbed his hair, neck, behind the ears then the entire body. If asked on why he didn't tell Yang, Ditzy would turned around and smile.

"Because it's funny." He said without hesitation.

@Stern Algorithm

As hard as her parents tried, they really couldn't completely neuter the natural Beelzebub instinct of scarfing down any available food on sight in their insectoid daughter. In Kira's case, she had a raging sweet tooth for...

"Cookies!?", Kira exclaimed, stars in her eyes as she snapped her gaze toward Vivian. "You have cookies!? Where!?"

@PaulHaynek

"Meanwhile, I shall go ahead and prepare dinner." Talia said before heading inside with Neil nodding to the guild before following her.

"I'll help!", quipped the flygirl, quickly disengaging herself from the Liliraune twins and following Talia and Neil, all while secretly planning to scour and search the entire kitchen in hopes of finding Vivian's sugary treats.

^{@Restalaan@ShwiggityShwah@Stern Algorithm@Rezod92}

Ada was still looking to her claws and then looking around with them extended before looking to the group, tilting her head almost as if she was silently asking if someone had water for her to deal with that. The moment she heard Haley's voice though, she turned to the harpy girl, looking at Haley as she flew over near her, asking if she wanted to take a bath together. Extending her hands towards Haley, Ada looked at the harpy girl as she gave a few steps closer to her, before nodding her head energetically. She seemed clearly happy that she was going to be able to clean herself and eager to get rid of it. Since her sense of smell was really sensitive, it was causing her discomfort since she got out of the cemetery. With Talia shortly after mentioning food, Ada couldn't be more happy.

With Haley's invitation extending to the rest of the group, Ada heard Yang, the blonde lady that she had met when she arrived saying that she would join them too, which made her look at Yang with a smile, extending her dirty claws to her as well, almost as if wanting to share the happiness she was feeling for being able to clean herself with Yang.

---

Freyr

That talk with the mysterious Lilim had helped Freyr to clear his thoughts quite a bit. His trip back to the guild was silent and calm as he simply enjoyed the night breeze. As he arrived on the guild, he met the guild members all reunited for some reason. Some of them were covered in dirt and soil for some reason, but all in all, everyone seemed to be fine, just talking with each other about their day, their missions and introducing themselves to the newcomer, which, speaking of, was someone Freyr had already met. As he approached the group, Freyr simply waved to Kira with a nod of his head and a calm smile, a clear indication that he was feeling better than before. That said, Freyr simply stood there silently, just hearing what the others had to say. He wasn't particularly eager to speak any further about what happened today unless someone asked him to. Regarding the other members, apparently, the ones that were covered in dirt and smelling quite... funny had an unfortunate encounter with a horde of undead. Most of them were going to take a bath, the girls in one group and Ozzy and Ditzy in the other. Talia and Kira in the other hand were going to help with the food.

"Do you guys need help with anything?" Freyr finally asked as he looked to the group, just as they were already starting to disperse.

The newcomer's interactions with others gave Ozzy a bit of a pause. She seemed to be just as interested in others as he was. Type, race, looks. Was she a fellow scholar? She was definitely a woman of culture.

"You're....you're an Owl Mage. A male one. I didn't think you guys existed. Then again, I didn't think male Wererabbits existed too, but Freyr proved me wrong."

Ozzy's grin seemed to widen, and his big eyes seemed to get a glint such as which he'd given every single living being that peeked his interest. (Which was pretty much everyone...) He pulled back on that before it would become odd. "Quite correct! And I'm not at all surprised. As far as I've researched, I'm one of a kind. A genetic miracle." He said, trying not to really brag about it but more of stating a happy fact. When she brought that up to Ditzy was another male he chimed in again. [color=gold]"It's actually kind of incredible how the guild attract such wonders. Kaiju, Dragons, even Ada is- SCRACWK!"

Yang grabbed him and hoisted him up, causing his wings to flap and kick out, then he heard his Sensei's voice and he grinned before laughing. He let himself lay in her grasp, treating her 'attack' like a welcomed hug. "It was intellectually and physically stimulating. Secret maps, weird clients, grave digging, and then a church collapse. Thankfully it was abandoned."

"Hmm, was there trouble? You're not injured are you?"

"Surprisingly no!" He quipped. "I managed to keep out of arms reach and danger. In no small part to your training I believe." His wings were still sore, but with the rest of walking there, he was rather surprised how much he was able to hover and fly today. Its only been a few days but it made him consider the benefits... Encouragement to keep training.

Neil recommended dinner and Ozzy of course volunteered. "I'll help...eeerr after I clean up." Ada and Haley claimed the bath limiting Ozzy's options. "There's a hose outside right?"

@13org@PaulHaynek

"Come on, you need to clean yourself up too."

"Ozzy, let's take a bath together, Ditzy will take too long and doesn't want to miss dinner."

"You can take a bath with us you know!"

Ditzy and Yang invited Ozzy and while he was suitably fine with Ditzy; Ozzy immediately felt the blood rush to his face and his lean figure begin to tense. "Rawrp?" Yang put a hand on his shoulder and it seemed to guide him towards the shared bathroom. "But but but-" He said looking slightly panicked. "But but you're a girl- and and-" Haley's a girl and Ada's... well she's always naked so he was used to that. Considering his study of biologies, the female form was not unfamiliar to him, but like any potentially intimate situations, Ozzy was a little, as Yang so eloquently put it, immature. And that reminded him, Yang still figured he was female and he could see it clearly with Ditzy that Yang figured she thought the same of Ditzy.

Ditzy didn't need any help and to be frank he wouldn't have gotten too much from Ozzy. Disrobing, he made sure to keep his reddened face away from the bathing females in order to preserve their modesty. He himself with his wings as much as possible, making him look very much like he was wearing a cloak of feathers. He squated in his little corner of the room, keeping his head down and waiting for his turn with the faucet, making sure he was covered with atleast something before he went for the brushes, the soap.

If anyone asked about his discomfort... a reply of. "I've never been naked in front of others..." would be a meek and embarrassed response. "It never came up." The red of rushing blood contrasting with the golden brown of his owlish features.

~@13org (FYR), @Stern Algorithm, @Rezod92~

"Do you guys need help with anything?"

"Oh, you can help us make dinner, Freyr. You look like you're clean enough not to hop into the bath."

---

The kitchen was a smaller space compared to the other rooms of the guild. Still, it was enough to fit six people. Talia displayed decent culinary skills but Neil was only good at the most basic work. Still, the cooking was going smoothly all things considered. And efficiently too with the increase of skilled manpower in the kitchen.

The steady pace was interrupted when a new but familiar figure entered the kitchen. "Hey all! Sorry I arrived pretty late. Had some errands to run and also collected some requests for us." It was the guild's leader Bart. Sniffing the air, Bart liked what he was smelling. "Oooh, what're we having for dinner tonight, my friends?"

His cheery demeanor changed when he saw Neil, and vice-versa. Bart approached Neil with a menacing stride, but Neil stood his ground. "What? Am I not allowed in the kitchen too?" Neil spoke first.

"I don't know, are you?" Bart shot back.

The two stared at each other with the rest of the kitchen awkwardly quiet to this standoff. In the end, Neil was the one to back down. He looked to the rest of the guild members and sighed. He quietly moved past Bart and towards the exit, all the while giving an obviously fake yawn. "Getting tired, guys. I'll see you all tomorrow."

After Neil had left, Bart became happy again and turned to the kitchen. "So you all, how's the quests for today?"

---

~@Restalaan (YNG & DIT), @13org (ADA), @ShwiggityShwah~

"Oho! Looks like we're having a mixed bath tonight." Haley noted the presence of the two monster boys that would be joining in. She did not appear to mind having the opposite sex sharing the bath with the girls.

"We'll be wearing towels so as not to make things too exciting, alright?"

---

The dirtied guild members, with Yang and Haley, entered the guild's bathroom. It was a spacious room with a pool of temperate water in the middle. Washing implements and mirrors could be found at the sides. Truly, the Dwarves were masters of building and architecture for this bathroom to be this complete. Although, one may not assume the Dwarves to be a hygienic people.

Haley, in a towel, was already immersed in the relaxing waters of the pool. "Ahhh, been waiting for a chance to use this!" Spotting Ozzy at the corner, she called out to him. "Come on, Ozzy! I told you we'd all have towels. Unless of course showing off our shoulders and legs is enough to get you going, hehe."

"Anyway, let me know if you're ready, Ada."

@PaulHaynek @13org @Rezod92

"Ah, the cookies aren't quite available yet," Sylvia replied to Kira, "Our nectar is too potent to use by itself, and needs to be alchemically counterbalanced with other herbs. That's mostly what the greenhouse will be used for."

Afterwards, the sisters made their way to the kitchen. "We're making pies, pastas, and pastries!" Vivian exclaimed excitedly in response to Bart's inquiry. As a baker, these were her specialties, and to a degree, the limits of her repertoire. Hopefully no one was on a carb-free diet. However, the minor awkwardness that occurred between Bart and Neil made the sisters, especially Sylvia, visibly uncomfortable.

"Hey Bart, I know we haven't been here for very long, but are you planning on keeping Neil in the Guild?" Vivian asked, though this question prompted a swift punch from Sylvia. "What I mean is," Vivian said sharply, rubbing her upper arm where she was hit, and shooting Sylvia daggers with her eyes, "He's a part of this Guild, isn't he? Sylvia and I don't always get along, but we make up afterwards. I mean, we have to, we're literally attached at the hip, but you're connected too, through the Guild. I'm not saying you should apologize to him, and maybe the best you can do is agree to disagree, but this awkwardness hurts more than it helps, and if you think no one else feels or sees it, then you've got another thing coming. The longer this festers, the more people will be forced to pick sides, and that leads to a widening of the rift. I know, members of a family are supposed to protect each other, not jeopardize each other, but more importantly, family's forgive. It doesn't have to be tonight, but think about it, okay? I remember the proud look on your face when you invited us the the Guild. But this uncomfortable aura isn't something to be proud of, it doesn't feel like family."

@PaulHaynek @Stern Algorithm @13org

"Ah, the cookies aren't quite available yet," Sylvia replied to Kira, "Our nectar is too potent to use by itself, and needs to be alchemically counterbalanced with other herbs. That's mostly what the greenhouse will be used for."

Upon hearing that statement, Kira's antennae drooped as her short-term plan on finding those sweet cookies deflated and whisked away. "Damn it....", she mumbled under her breath as the group entered the kitchen. The flygirl's cooking skills were little to nonexistent, but that didn't mean she couldn't be offer to help....and maybe indulge in a morsel or two in the process. Upon seeing Freyr return and assist with the group, Kira was about to ask him what he had been up to when she flew off when....

The steady pace was interrupted when a new but familiar figure entered the kitchen. "Hey all! Sorry I arrived pretty late. Had some errands to run and also collected some requests for us." It was the guild's leader Bart. Sniffing the air, Bart liked what he was smelling. "Oooh, what're we having for dinner tonight, my friends?"

"Hey, Brat! What's up!? Remember little ol' me?", Kira quipped with a cheeky grin. However, she smile soon deflated as well as she witnessed Neil and Bart confront each other, the tension evident and palpable. Upon Neil leaving and Bart smiling like nothing happened, Kira looked towards the guild master with incredulous eyes.

"Are....are you seriously gonna pretend that didn't just happen?"

"Hey Bart, I know we haven't been here for very long, but are you planning on keeping Neil in the Guild?" Vivian asked, though this question prompted a swift punch from Sylvia. "What I mean is," Vivian said sharply, rubbing her upper arm where she was hit, and shooting Sylvia daggers with her eyes, "He's a part of this Guild, isn't he? Sylvia and I don't always get along, but we make up afterwards. I mean, we have to, we're literally attached at the hip, but you're connected too, through the Guild. I'm not saying you should apologize to him, and maybe the best you can do is agree to disagree, but this awkwardness hurts more than it helps, and if you think no one else feels or sees it, then you've got another thing coming. The longer this festers, the more people will be forced to pick sides, and that leads to a widening of the rift. I know, members of a family are supposed to protect each other, not jeopardize each other, but more importantly, family's forgive. It doesn't have to be tonight, but think about it, okay? I remember the proud look on your face when you invited us the the Guild. But this uncomfortable aura isn't something to be proud of, it doesn't feel like family."

"Amen to that.", the young Beelzebub concurred. "I've been through a time where two of my siblings went at each other and some of my other family members got caught up in their bickering. Believe me, a divided house is NOT a fun place to be at, let alone live in. Seriously, I haven't been here for a day and I don't even know what's going on, but I can tell you that what I just saw wasn't, by all accounts, healthy. You need to nip this issue at the bud, Bart. Like Vivian said, it's only gonna get worse and it'll start affecting everyone."

@PaulHaynek@Stern Algorithm@ShwiggityShwah@13org

Yang Bethlehem & Ditzy Stoneclub

Yang huffed as she entered without much care, since Ditzy was requesting Ozzy help it's better she let the two interact with one another.

While Haley comment drew an eye from Yang, she shrugged her shoulders at that. Perhaps some monster weren't used to huge mixed bath.

Without much prompting, Yang quickly bathed herself quickly and thoroughly. The fight in the afternoon had her worked up a sweat and concentration. The water rejuvenated and lifted her spirits at that.

Idly, she waved to Ada as well to ask the mysterious beast to come close she can help wash her as she gestured to the bucket of water next to her side. If Ada does approach, Yang will help Haley bath Ada.

On the other side, Ditzy will take his time washing up and cleaning until he's done. Once he was, Ditzy noticed Ozzy still haven't started on himself just yet.

Hearing Ozzy comment on not being comfortable of being naked in front of others, Ditzy shrugged at that as he wrapped his towel around his lower half and approached him.

"Only skin, nothing to look at," Ditzy stated as he pointed to his own skin before gesturing to Ozzy own set of bucket and wash. Figuring that the owl probably needed help "Ditzy can help by sitting behind you, so others can't see you."

True enough, Ditzy will try his best to help Ozzy by forming an obstacle between the rest of the girls. The slightly large hobgoblin frame able to block some of Ozzy from the rest, and Ozzy size isn't that different from some of the smaller goblin brethren that he used to play with anyways.

"Much better." Yang stretched her arms upwards before started to head out. "Alright, you kids take care of yourself now. I'll go help the rest set dinner, don't take too long or the food get cold."

Either way, Yang will be the first to be finished and leave the bath.

Once Ozzy is also done taking his bath, drying himself and changing before leaving quickly. The latter stomach signaling as to why with a loud growl. "Ditzy wants all the meat!"

~@13org (FYR), @Stern Algorithm, @Rezod92~

"He's a part of this Guild, isn't he? Sylvia and I don't always get along, but we make up afterwards. I mean, we have to, we're literally attached at the hip, but you're connected too, through the Guild. I'm not saying you should apologize to him, and maybe the best you can do is agree to disagree, but this awkwardness hurts more than it helps, and if you think no one else feels or sees it, then you've got another thing coming. The longer this festers, the more people will be forced to pick sides, and that leads to a widening of the rift. I know, members of a family are supposed to protect each other, not jeopardize each other, but more importantly, family's forgive. It doesn't have to be tonight, but think about it, okay? I remember the proud look on your face when you invited us the the Guild. But this uncomfortable aura isn't something to be proud of, it doesn't feel like family."

"I've been through a time where two of my siblings went at each other and some of my other family members got caught up in their bickering. Believe me, a divided house is NOT a fun place to be at, let alone live in. Seriously, I haven't been here for a day and I don't even know what's going on, but I can tell you that what I just saw wasn't, by all accounts, healthy. You need to nip this issue at the bud, Bart. Like Vivian said, it's only gonna get worse and it'll start affecting everyone."

"Why am I getting the double sermon?!" Bart snapped back at the monster girls, his cheer completely extinguished. "It's Neil who started it! It's him who challenged me! Me, I just want my guild to be united. I don't want division to ruin what's established here, much like you guys. But Neil doesn't seem to think so. He thinks he can just do whatever he wants and ignore me. If he can't follow simple orders then it's his fault, not mine!"

The sudden outburst had deflated Bart, who could no longer stand being in the kitchen. "You are all unbelievable." Those were his last words before leaving.

A sigh escaped from Talia, breaking the awkward silence. "Misses Kira, Vivian and Sylvia. I'm sorry for that display. You three are probably confused as to why Neil and Bart are at each other's throats." The Cyclops then began to explain. "It all started when Bart discouraged us from taking on quests involving Varjo. He feared that they might retaliate against us if they notice that we are acting against them. Or at least, aiding efforts against them."

"However, we needed funds to repair the entrance to the guild. It was broken open by a previous member and why it now looks very different from the rest of the building. Anyway, to get the funds some of our members and Neil took on a quest. I believe it was about rescuing some prisoners from Varjo. Bart found out about that and Neil took the brunt of it."

"But if you ask me, I... I don't think it's about the guild's safety."

---

~@Restalaan (YNG), @13org (ADA), @ShwiggityShwah~

"You already leaving, Yang?" Haley stopped the monk from leaving just yet, raising her body from the pool a bit. "Come ooooon. Stay awhile. We haven't talked about something trivial yet."

"Like, I don't know. Someone we like I guess?" Haley shrugged. "I'd say you got eyes on our guild leader Bart, but I don't think you two look good together. But hey, don't let me stop you." Turning to the two male monsters with them, she asked them. "How about you boys? Find any of us here good-looking?"

^{@Restalaan@ShwiggityShwah@Stern Algorithm@Rezod92}

Ada was overjoyed with Yang and Haley's invitation for a bath, both because she would be able to play in the water and because she was finally going to get that annoying stench off her body. Strangely though, Ozzy did seem a bit troubled by the invitation, particularly with taking a bath with Haley and Yang. Ada had no idea why he had that reaction though. Did he dislike taking baths or there was another reason? Ada did look at him a bit confused, not understanding his reaction. Ditzy did ask for Ozzy to help clean himself, which he agreed upon, strangely enough, with less of a reaction than when Haley and Yang asked.

When Haley mentioned the bath again though, Ada immediately looked at her, clearly happy and eager to go. While Haley mentioned something about a 'towel', Ada was too happy because of the bath to care about what said 'towel' was and what it had to do with her.
As Haley led the way to the guild's large bathroom, Ada followed closely. Once they got there, Ada did stop for a moment, looking around. It was her first time going inside and it was clearly bigger than what she thought it was. Since she was expecting something like a river or a pool of water, the surprise was enough to make her amazed while the others got ready to take a bath. For some reason, they uncovered themselves just to cover themselves again with a strange, fluffy piece of cloth that was funny and good to the touch, as Ada realized after sniffing one of the towels that were still unused and touching it with her nose.

When Ada finally looked again, both Yang and Haley were already inside the water, relaxing. Ozzy and Ditzy were on the other corner of the bathroom though, and Ozzy still seemed to be a bit strange. Approaching the water carefully, Ada did make a surprised expression when touching the water with the tip of her tail, realizing that it had a warm and cozy temperature. Ada was ready to jump in the water when Haley and Yang called her, Haley asking if she was ready and Yang gesturing to a bucket of water, wanting to help clean her body. Getting closer to them, Ada looked at them curiously. She always cleaned herself alone on rivers so being on a bath, with warm water (other than the few rare small pools of bubbling, warm water that Ada sometimes found near mountains) was something new to her and she was curious to see how it would go. She was eager to jump and swim on the pool, but she knew that if she jumped there how she was right now, she would probably make it all dirty, so she went to Yang and Haley first.

---

Freyr

Freyr followed Talia and the others to the kitchen to help prepare the food. He might not be exactly a chef but he knew his way with a knife, cleaning meat and preparing it well enough for him to be helpful as most times he had to clean and prepare wild animals he hunted by himself. After a while, Bartholomew appeared, greeting the guild members as he entered the kitchen.

"Good evening." Freyr greeted back with a nod as he continued cutting and cleaning a large piece of meat in various sizes and shapes. Since he knew that there were a few members who liked meat more than others... Some even preferring raw meat, Freyr was making sure to prepare some for them.

"Oh, don't look at me. I'm just helping. The real chefs are over there." Freyr replied as Bart asked what they would have for dinner as he pointed towards Talia, the Altissima sisters and Kira.

Surprisingly enough, the moment Bartholomew and Neil met, the atmosphere immediately changed. As it was clear to everyone in the kitchen after their small exchange of words, there was still some... 'animosity' between both of them after the incident that happened on the guild the other day. Unwilling to take part in what was happening, Freyr simply sighed as Neil got out, going back to cutting the meat. Unlike Freyr and even her sister though, Vivian was surprisingly direct as she asked if Bartholomew was planning on keeping Neil in the guild, question which earned her a small punch and a disapproving glance from Sylvia. While Vivian further elaborated on her comment, followed by Kira, who seemed to agree with her, Freyr simply listened as he continued helping with the food.

Unsurprisingly, Bart lashed out at the 'sermons' he was hearing from both of them, storming out of the kitchen soon after they were finished. Talia did apologize for his behavior though, explaining to them why Bartholomew and Neil were like that and what led to them being like that.

"I think that if things continue like this, it will only bring even more conflict to the guild and threaten to hurt how we work as a team." Freyr said, finally saying something about what happened.

"Whatever reasons Neil and Bartholomew have to be at each other's throats though, they really need to clear this misunderstanding and stop with this nonsense..." Freyr finished as he looked at the group.

"The problem is... Bartholomew seems to be a really... stubborn person..." Freyr finished, shrugging. He had absolutely no idea what he or anyone could do to make Bart and Neil on good terms again.

@PaulHaynek@13org@ShwiggityShwah

Yang Bethlehem and Ditzy Stoneclub

Yang was about done as she was washing Ada, carefully so as not to startle her in case she took her actions as threatening and thoroughly since she has seen how covered in dirt everyone was. Not to mention if she decides to take a dunk in the bath first, it'll be terrible for the rest of them.

Still, her intelligence was surprising. Yang slowly figured that it's best she stopped treating her as a simple but a monster girl. An unknown and unheard one but still a sentient, she's not an encyclopedia of knowledge.

"Alright, all done." She smiled as she rinsed Ada head to toe slowly with the bucket of water after scrubbing her with soap. Patting the latter gently and urging her to go soak in the bathtub if she so wishes too. "Go and have some fun!"

"Huh, someone I like? Oh, you mean you-Haha, no way!" Yang laughed heartily at Haley assumption, nearly throwing her head backward and took a while to recompose herself. "Guildmaster Bart was someone who I owe a debt, and I'm here mainly for work till I have enough to continue my journey."

"But...if you're asking my type. Well, someone I can spar on an equal level first is a must. As to the rest, eh," Yang shrugged her shoulders at that, she didn't have a specific type. "A nice person perhaps? I'm not sure I can say that since I'm a monk after all."

Nero was a strong fighter but that's that.

Ah well. Yang then took a dunk into the pool, relaxing as it had been a long time since she was in a bathhouse. Perhaps Haley was correct, she's been a bit too rush in life.

When Ditzy heard Haley words, he hummed a bit at that. His head went to the left and then right, before smiling brightly.

"Yup, everyone is good looking!"

Which wasn't wrong, after all, Haley looks cute and nice. Yang was cool and also crazy. Ada was a weird but unique looking beast. The flower sister was both funny, those that left was also amazing in different ways.

Though Ditzy wasn't exactly sure if he was considered good looking, he did know he was strong but that was about it. Dad always said he's u-neek but he never know what was it.

As he said all that, Ditzy accidentally kicked a bucket close to him that lead to it splashing Ozzy more.

@Restalaan@PaulHaynek@13org

Everyone reminded him of the towel. He was wearing it but it still made him uncomfortable. "That's- that's not the point!" Haley had a point but Ozzy just kept his eyes averted. He tapped his fingers together. "Bathing together is just so... intimate. We didn't have anything like this back home, and I know its like a cultural thing but- EEEEeeeh" Ditzy suddenly flushing him with water broke him out of his instinctual chatter box reflex. It was cozy and warm but there's always that initial shock. It made his feathers rise and he looked back, the hobgoblin doing his job for Ozzy. "I can do that myself!" He squawked, as everyone else settled in. He felt like such a kid sometimes, but he couldn't help it. He wore his heart on his sleeve. It was so embarassing, his talons gripped the tiles. "I'll be fine... Just gotta get used to it..." He still kind of kept his eyes closed as he relaxed a bit. "Thanks Ditzy. Sorry I'm being such a chicken... get it?" He needed to talk, say anything. It helped him self validate.

Ditzy settled himself behind Ozzy which provided the harpy a modicrum of privacy. He watched Ada go about her buisness, sniffing here, feeling there. Just watching her react to things was always kind of hypnotic. There was a rush whenever you see her learn something new. It struck him a little, made the heart of a teacher in him flutter. Then Yang started bathing her, and for a moment he thought he was staring, so he turned away, grumbling under his breath.

Yang suggested dinner. "Can't wait, we were starving out there." He turned in Yang's direction, seeing her draped in a towel and that was enough for him to blush and his feathers to russel. Then Haley proposed just kicking back, talk about something silly. Well, maybe not silly. Ozzy did manage to catch Haley, she was lounging in the giant pool... the beads of water dropping off her feathers and hair and he fidgeted again. "Well I-"

His companions answered first, which was enough to get him to start noticing their minds rather than their bodies. Yang's type was of course predictable. "Strong. Nice. So just like you then?" He grinned a little despite himself as he turned his body, covering himself up but saddling over to the pool to be involved. He never could resist a good bit of research. Ditzy answer was a little simpler. It made him chuckle. "Its true. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder right?" He could already tell Haley was after something... a little juicier. "To be honest, if I had to go on looks alone-" The words kind of caught in his throat. He looked into the water, his fingers starting to play with each other. "Well Haley... I do like the way your wings sheen, and your smile... and-" He suddenly caught himself holding up a hand. "That's not like a confession or anything!" he admitted with a nervous chuckle, trying to make sure he wasn't going to lead anyone on. "There's more then that to be into someone right? Hehe. Like, you have an idea of that special someone. I mean, I'd always imagine I'd be with someone, that I could learn things with. Someone I could teach. Someone who I could keep discovering new things with. See that sparkle in her eyes." He was looking into the water, his talon stirring the water as if lost in thought. "Share that sense of wonder. It's the most well, beautiful feeling you know?" He asked the room.

Then he was splashed by a dropped bucket of water by Ditzy who broke him out of his dream, and actually knocked him over, as a bird leg went into the pool. When he tried to catch himself, his hand slipped, and he ended up falling into the pool. He emergered slowly, feathers and hair matted, spitting the water out of his mouth. He looked back to Ditzy, and with a smirk splashed him with a wing.

~@13org (FYR), @Stern Algorithm, @Rezod92~

"I think that if things continue like this, it will only bring even more conflict to the guild and threaten to hurt how we work as a team. Whatever reasons Neil and Bartholomew have to be at each other's throats though, they really need to clear this misunderstanding and stop with this nonsense... The problem is... Bartholomew seems to be a really... stubborn person..."

"I agree. This should stop. The question is how." Talia said as she put the finishing touches on the guild's dinner. "Do we put them on a same quest together? No, that'll probably end badly. Uhh... I don't know, it's like putting a snake and a mongoose together. One way or another, someone's gonna get hurt."

"Anyway, we're just about done." Talia said. "Someone should head over and tell the others that dinner's ready. Tell Bart to come back too... or, we invite Neil instead. He hasn't had dinner with us for quite a while now."

---

~@Restalaan (YNG), @13org (ADA), @ShwiggityShwah~

"Huh, someone I like? Oh, you mean you-Haha, no way! Guildmaster Bart was someone who I owe a debt, and I'm here mainly for work till I have enough to continue my journey. But...if you're asking my type. Well, someone I can spar on an equal level first is a must. As to the rest, eh, a nice person perhaps? I'm not sure I can say that since I'm a monk after all."

"So a nice person who can beat you up. Say, you're not a Lizardman in disguise are you? Haha." Haley joked. "Anyway, you're not staying long here? That's sad, but no surprise there. People seem to come and go in this guild. Now that I think about it though, I don't see myself spending the rest of my life here either."

"To be honest, if I had to go on looks alone- Well Haley... I do like the way your wings sheen, and your smile... and- That's not like a confession or anything! There's more then that to be into someone right? Hehe. Like, you have an idea of that special someone. I mean, I'd always imagine I'd be with someone, that I could learn things with. Someone I could teach. Someone who I could keep discovering new things with. See that sparkle in her eyes. Share that sense of wonder. It's the most well, beautiful feeling you know?"

The comment about her looks caught Haley by suprise, and a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. She then snickered and returned to her jovial self. "Hey, thanks for the compliment. And don't be too embarrassed telling monster girls they look good. We're always fishing for that." She finished with a chuckle. "Don't go too far, though, or you'll definitely end up getting snatched."

"Ohhh, so you'd like to be the 'teacher' in a 'teacher-student' relationship, eh? Oh my, I didn't expect you to be so... different." Haley chuckled. "I'm sorry but seriously, if I meet a Hakutaku, I'll send her your way."

@PaulHaynek @13org @Rezod92

"But if you ask me, I... I don't think it's about the guild's safety."

"That's...a good point," Sylvia said, introspectively, "Though Bart's stated reason, being concerned about the guild's safety, is rational, his behavior is irrational."

"He's behaving like a child, you mean," Vivian butt in.

"He's behaving emotionally, but if his reasons were purely rational, he wouldn't be emotional and would argue things through calmly," Sylvia suggested.

"Instead, he's just blaming Neil. The fact is, I don't care who's fault it is; Bart is the older, more experienced person, not to mention the guildmaster, He HAS to be the adult in this situation. By allowing this situation to persist, he's actually undermining his own authority. Bart's well within his rights to exert his authority by expelling Neil from the guild for insubordination..." a look from Sylvia caused Vivian to quickly add, "...of course, the better option is to reach some sort of amicable compromise. The fact that Bart has done neither means he's not fulfilling his responsibilities as guildmaster, letting Neil have his way without permission and just moping about it."

As dinner was almost done being made, Sylvia sighed, "Please invite Neil to have dinner with everyone. Vivian and I...will bring some food to Bart and try to smooth out this situation. We grew up in a small business ran by both of our parents, well, foster parents. So we know the friction that comes from being in an organization with people that you have strong emotional connections with."

@Stern Algorithm @PaulHaynek @13org

"But if you ask me, I... I don't think it's about the guild's safety."

Ya think? From the way Bart acted, you'd think he had committed a grave sin against Varjo. If that's true, it's anyone guess on what he did.", Kira replied, sighing as she crossed her arms. "Still doesn't solve our current problem, though."

"That's...a good point," Sylvia said, introspectively, "Though Bart's stated reason, being concerned about the guild's safety, is rational, his behavior is irrational."

"He's behaving like a child, you mean," Vivian butt in.

"He's behaving emotionally, but if his reasons were purely rational, he wouldn't be emotional and would argue things through calmly," Sylvia suggested.

"Instead, he's just blaming Neil. The fact is, I don't care who's fault it is; Bart is the older, more experienced person, not to mention the guildmaster, He HAS to be the adult in this situation. By allowing this situation to persist, he's actually undermining his own authority. Bart's well within his rights to exert his authority by expelling Neil from the guild for insubordination..." a look from Sylvia caused Vivian to quickly add, "...of course, the better option is to reach some sort of amicable compromise. The fact that Bart has done neither means he's not fulfilling his responsibilities as guildmaster, letting Neil have his way without permission and just moping about it."

As dinner was almost done being made, Sylvia sighed, "Please invite Neil to have dinner with everyone. Vivian and I...will bring some food to Bart and try to smooth out this situation. We grew up in a small business ran by both of our parents, well, foster parents. So we know the friction that comes from being in an organization with people that you have strong emotional connections with."

"I'll...go find Neil. Maybe talk to him and, at the very least, convince him to put this stupid feud behind him. Can't hurt to try, right?", said the Beelzebub as she walked out of the kitchen in search of the wayward guild member.

^{@Restalaan@ShwiggityShwah@Stern Algorithm@Rezod92}

Ada closed her eyes as Yang and Haley were finally done cleaning her and rinsed her body with water. The fragrance of the thing they foamy, slippery thing they used to clean her was really good. It reminded her of the smell of flowers and herbs but it was definitely stronger. Surprisingly enough, it did stick to her even after it was washed away with water. As Ada sniffed her hands and her skin, she looked to Haley and Yang with a smile on her face after realizing that the bad smell of rotten flesh was gone and she now was smelling as good as the soap was smelling.

When Yang patted her, finally allowing her to go play in the pool, Ada gave a small jump of happiness as she ran and jumped in the pool, diving in a fluid, smooth motion that almost didn't make a splash at all and began swimming around just like a crocodile would, diving and splashing the water with her tail from time to time, too distracted playing with the water to pay attention to the conversation the others were having.

When Ozzy suddenly fell on the pool though, Ada interrupted her swimming and went to where he was to check on what was happening. With only her eyes and the top of her head out of the water, she swam next to him, watching as he splashed Ditzy with water using his wings. Seeing both of them playing with each other, Ada smiled as she used her tail to splash some water on both Ditzy and Ozzy, with a mischievous smile on her face before swimming away.

---

Freyr

Freyr heard silently as Talia spoke. Indeed, trying to make both of them to apologize to each other was a hard task. The way they were right now was just like Talia herself put it, it was like a mongoose and a snake staring at each other. Freyr himself had no idea of what to do but he did agree that putting them together in a mission was just going to make things worse.

As Vivian and Sylvia began talking though, he couldn't help but agree with Vivian's sharp remarks. Bart was indeed acting like a child to a certain extent. Even if his reasons were reasonable, the way he was dealing with all that was unfit to someone that should be in a position of leadership.

"Despite Vivian's sharp words, I do agree with everything she said. Bart is not acting like someone in the position of leadership should act. Maybe if someone showed him that or made him realize how he's acting, that could help to clear all this?" Freyr said as he began methodically cleaning the knife he used to clean and cut the meat, as he had already finished helping with the food itself.

As Kira commented that she would go after Neil, Freyr looked to the rest of the group, almost as if silently asking if someone would want to deal with Bart right now or if it was better to wait. When the sisters volunteered, Bart was almost relieved knowing that it wouldn't have to be him.

"I'm not the best for things like this so I can't give much advice about what to do but if you're going to talk with Bart, try talking in a delicate and calm manner and show him his mistakes or how he's acting. He might be acting a bit off but generally he is a very responsible man." Freyr said, turning to the sisters. Again, it was only a suggestion and he didn't know for certain if it would work or if it would just make Bart even angrier.

@PaulHaynek@ShwiggityShwah@13org

Yang Bethlehem & Ditzy Stoneclub

"Hmm, we'll see about that. It might take a few years for me to even get enough for a long journey." Yang said with an off-hand, shaking droplets off her hair when she shrugged her shoulders.

While that was happening, Ditzy was splashed by Ozzy water, prompting Ada to do so as well. Getting a mischievous streak, Ditzy crouched down before jumping right into the pool. His strength slightly propelling him upwards as he curled up into a ball.

"Wee!" Ditzy gleefully said as he would no doubt would've landed, made a huge splash and possibly damage the tub.

Thatis what would've happened until Yang caught Ditzy, arrested his momentum in an instant before dropping him to the tub. Creating a splash but not as large or damaging it could have been.

"That's enough for you." Yang who was observing from the corner of her eyes the whole time noted Ditzy curling down and was already moving the moment it happened. Her movement barely disturb the water, and to Ozzy eyes, it seemed like she just appeared from nowhere. "This is brand new, and I wouldn't want the bath be ruined. Alright?"

"Okay." Ditzy said, his head drooped at Yang's slight remand of him until he closed his eyes from surprise as Yang splash the water in front of him.

"Just do it moderation." Yang laughed before kneeling forward slightly. "Besides, when we get to a big lake to play next time. You can do it, okay?"

"Promise?!" Ditzy perked up at that. To which Yang nodded and patted his head.

"Promise," Yang said before doing the same to Ozzy and Ada. "Alright you three kids, play a bit more before cleaning up and have dinner. Haley, I'll leave it to you to watch them."

With that, Yang begun to properly leave the bath, dry up, put on her clothes and headed down to help prepare dinner for the guild.

~@Rezod92~

Having volunteered to invite Neil to dinner, Talia pointed you to his room at the second floor. With a few knocks, Neil answered the door. He was a bit surprised at first but then sported a friendly smile.

"Oh, hey. You're-- you're one of the new members, right?" Neil remembered. "I-I don't think we've been properly introduced. I suppose now's a good time as any. Ahem." He extended a hand for you to shake. "H-Hello, I'm Neil. I'm one of the original members of the guild. Back then, we've-we've got quite the number of members but... well, nothing lasts forever, I guess."

You notice his eyes occasionally flit away, taking brief glances at your body and wings. Try as he might, but he could not hide that he was nervous talking to you.

"So uhh, what's up?"

---

~@Stern Algorithm~

It was the Altissima sisters who decided to go to Bart and bring him dinner and possibly some sense. A few knocks on the door and it was quickly answered by a grumpy guild master, his glare only sharpening once he saw that it was the Liliraune who came to see him. He crossed his arms and leaned on the door frame.

"What now?" Bart asked, obviously not looking for conversation. "Got something to important to say or are you just here to tell me off again?"

---

~@Restalaan (YNG & DIT), @13org (ADA & FYR), @ShwiggityShwah~

As Kira and the Altissima sisters went to accomplish their missions, Talia brought Freyr to call the guild members taking a bath to have dinner now. It was also they who set up the table and laid out the food.

Once they have all assembled at the dining area, Haley was quick to notice those absent. "Hey, hey. I remember more of you being in the kitchen." She then became worried. "Nothing bad happened happened, did it?"

"Uhh, Neil and Bart were... at it again." Talia replied.

"What? Again?" Haley plopped down at her seat at the news. "Is that why almost everybody's gone? Friggin' unbelievable."