"....." Akemi looked over her shoulder and watched, much like Kaden, as Tone put on an Oscar-winning performance before running off. Tilting her head slightly, she turned back to look at Kaden with the same unchanging look. "what was-" Halfway through asking Kaden about Tone, Zen's hand found itself on her head and began ruffling her already somewhat messed up silver hair.

"Hey Z." Blowing some hair from her face, she looked up at the older man with the mug resting against her lips. If the girl had even a single lick of social skills, she might've picked up on the tension in the air between the two S-Class mages, but sadly Akemi completely lacked in this department so instead remained blissfully ignorant of the situation.

"Festival?" Blinking, she gave her 'brother' a blank look. She had no idea what he was talking about. She had been sick for much of the week, so she hadn't really been out at all except for food. So news of this festival was new to the girl. She took a moment to think it over, before nodding. "Sure, it sounds like fun." Though her tone and expression didn't change, just the way she sat up a bit straighter was enough of an indicator to see that she was happy at the suggestion. It had been, what, a year since they had last properly seen each other or hung out?

When Kaden spoke up, Akemi's gaze returned to him, almost as if she had forgotten he was even there. While that may or may not be the truth was beside the point. "If it's not too much a hassle, I don't see why not?" Phrasing it more as a question rather than a definitive answer, the younger girl nodded towards Kaden. She had never been to Crocus before her uh 'departure' from home and subsequent joining of the guild, so it wouldn't hurt to let him show her around. Once again, she was blissfully unaware of the fact he was only saying this to prod Zen so was confused when he was quick to change his mind and leave.

"I guess another time?" She asked as he left, shrugging softly before turning back to Zen. "So what's this festival about?" She lifted her mug to take another sip, before pausing and lowering it, looking down at the now-empty drinking utensil in her hand. Huh, she must've finished it while Zen and Kaden were talking. "And when is it?"

"Barrier Magic? Intriguing." The smile on her face widened as Menzai informed her of his magic. Barrier Magic certainly had many uses, both in and out of combat. She briefly wondered if her magic was capable of copying his kind, but much like the information she had gained thus far, she shelved the thought for later, her fingers finding themselves once more tapping against her chin as she appeared to be thinking deeply over the decision of which quest to take. In all honesty, she had already decided upon reaching the board. It was too good an opportunity to miss out on. "I thought that the Blacken Oak inn would be the easier of the tasks, and that you may have been more interested in it to see how non-mage humans go about their lives, but in all honestly I'm not against either task." With the matter pretty much settled, Alina reached up to the board to take down the poster, rolling up the paper in her hands before turning her crimson gaze back towards Menzai.

"Ah, of course, that won't be a problem...umm do I call you Mr. Isanami, Menzai, or did you have another title you preferred being called? You're more than welcome to call me Alina by the way." While he would go put his books away and get whatever he needed, she could go see Torys and get the ok to do the quest with Menzai, or if for whatever reason Torys denied on lack of team members then it would give her a chance to maybe recruit someone else. But surely a straight-forward quest like this wouldn't require a sizeable team, but Alina had already learned the hard way that even the most simple things are more complex than they may appear. While you take your books back to your room, I'll go and get the mission approved by Torys. I'll meet you by the front door in say twenty minutes?" Tucking the rolled-up quest sheet into her pocket, after bidding a temporary farewell to her fellow guildmate, she would take her leave and head...the like three steps it would take to talk to Torys apparently since she was near the board anyway. Huh, neat.

Now Torys was an engima that Alina wasn't quite sure how to act around. While she was quick to adapt and even change her behaviours to suit the situation at hand, something about the guild master was just...off entirely. Like she could see straight through the younger girls facade no matter what Alina tried, so it was best to just try and stay polite and keep the interaction to a minimum. "Excuse me Torys, myself and Menzai would like to take this quest please." Unrolling the paper, she handed it to the youthful-looking guild master in the case she wanted to read it over.

To be fair to Damian, he had never spent quite so much time focusing on simply increasing the amount of the Hercules Blade's elemental control before, but now that he was, as the wind around the blade howled and whipped past him, the implications of the elemental effects of both it and the Ares Blade scared him maybe just a little. Regardless, he started to get a feel for just how powerful this summoned polearm was, but right as he went to unleash the power he'd collected around the blade in an attack he'd just formed in his head, the sound of an explosion echoed in another part of the field, breaking his concentration, which turned out to not be a good thing. Without any real warning, the wind power stored by the Hercules Blade blasted outwards, sending the young mage sailing up and back through the air. "Yikes!" He sailed across the field, past the tree his two furry companions had been lounging under before the wind exercise, and then rolled several dozen meters more before finally coming to a stop. Laying still for a moment, Damian eventually got up with a groan, moving his limbs to make sure nothing was broken.

Jaëger was the first to reach him, the large male sniffing his master with a glint of concern in his eyes before huffing and pushing Damian with his head as Carmilla arrived and did her own sniff check. "Easy guys, I'm fine...mostly. Guess I should learn to maintain control even when I'm not immediately focusing on it too...Now about that explosion..." Picking himself up, Damian looked around for the source until he spotted two mages, whom he presumed were from Fenixtear, sparring with each other. One mage seemed to use a type of water magic while the other was...Is he propelling himself using explosions? Or are the explosions also weapons themselves? Hmmmm... Already his mind was surging with ways to both counter attacks from a magic like that and use that same magic as an effect siege and AOE weapon. Admittedly, thinking that way about his guild mates was hardly the most flattering thing he could do, but often times it was how he processed a magic or encouraged him to have a conversation with the user to get to know them on a more personal level.

A huff from Jaëger that blew against his arm brought him out of such thoughts, however, and he summoned the Hercules Blade as he turned to walk back to where he'd been training before. "I know, I know. I swear, sometimes you're uninvolved and other times its like you're my dad." The walk took a couple of minutes and in that time, the sounds of explosions stopped and quiet fell over the field again. Resuming his stance in the same spot, Damian focused again on gathering the power of the wind and in no time, the hurricane force winds from before had returned. However, where as before Damian simply gathered it to see what happened, he had a purpose this time. "Howling Gale Fang!" Spinning around, Damian pours all the power he'd gathered around the Hercules Blade into a powerful thrust and unintentionally slices through the woods behind him, four trees deep, before the wind power exploded outwards and shredded the trunks and branches of another ten around the point of impact.

Blinking in surprise, Damian looks from the damage to his polearm and back a few times before dismissing the weapon and retrieving the top of his armor and the sleeve shirt that went underneath it. "We'll, uh, pretend we don't know what did that, OK guys?" The two wolves simply flank him as he heads back towards the city, glancing at each other and hoping that he would just stay out of trouble for a little while. Passing the water mage, Damian nods to her as he starts whistling to himself, an old marching toon that he sang in the military that he always enjoyed. Carmilla and Jaëger paused to sniff the young woman, familiarizing themselves with her scent so they could begin to figure out who was in Fenixtear without having to see them right away or their guild mark. Damian, who had kept walking, realized they'd stopped following him and turned around.

"Come on, you two, foods calling! Sorry about that miss, they're just learning their new territory is all."

Great, this asshole really wanted to play it like that. "Oh ouch, what cutting words. It's not like I've heard that from you for the fifth time since you joined. Now how about you think of something original you syphilis carrying piece of shi- " And he barely just stopped himself when he realized he was about to say in front of Akemi, Zen cut himself short. It was always a point to keep himself from acting out of line in front of her just to be a good example of what kind of mage she should become though that is not to say that there were moments where it slipped through the cracks, particularly when it came to her father.

Zenith smiled a bit at Akemi brightening up at the prospect of going around the festival. She certainly was not the most expressive of all people, but she had her tells.

And then Kaden had to just egg him on. Zenith kept that smiling face of his, but anyone in the guild would have felt an animosity that would have scared off an entire forest of animals seeping from him. It was a good thing that nothing came from Kaden continuing to poke the not so metaphorical bear lest he would be the one with a fight on his hands.

Well, at least he was out of sight, out of mind. He sighed and looked down at his 'sister,' only just realizing that there was no way that she would have heard of it considering she was bedridden for most of the week. "Prince Ryokugyoku Fiore is turning 21 next week so they're holding a festival until then and well, it started today."

---

"He who gives no light shall never become a star"

- William Blake on the "Proverbs of Hell"

Seated in an armchair in a small corner of the Fenixtear library, as far back and in a corner as possible as to not be disturbed, with a coat of dark turquoise flung over the chair, a far eastern blade leaned against it, a book in his hand with legs crossed, and a few small snacks on the tiny sidetable was the one known as Reynard Faust. Ever since joining Fenixtear he had been in the library if there was no requirement for him to be anywhere else. This corner that he sits in is piled with books on old legends and tales, notably ones relating to malicious occurrences within all of Fiore. A force of habit for him it seems, he had come this far inquiring about the organization of Gospel and one thing led to another, and now he was a member of Fenixtear.

At the very least, it was not a waste of time as members of it were sincerely a part of this guild, and being surrounded by others rather than being alone on the road gave him some measure of peace, even if he did not want to interact with them. It reminded him of some better days, yet in his eyes he cannot make peace and accept this, at least until the nightmare that pervades him is vanquished. For now, he accepts their hospitality, as is convenient.

"Hm, I suppose this will be enough for the time being", he muttered to himself, snapping the book closed with one hand, before putting it aside. He got up, walking over to the window as he thought to himself... Everyone here seemed to be rather relaxed, which was refreshing to see, but in the few days he'd been here he still couldn't feel at ease. Staying still and not progressing to his goal somehow made him anxious,

"Hmmm... I suppose I should be patient", demons don't just want to be found he was told by the guild members part of Gospel. So it would seem they would have to wait.

"At least for now"

---

The youthful guild master read over the job flyer Alina handed her. She took a few minutes longer than needed, making a show of considering the job and what it entailed, before she spoke. "Yourself and Menzai, hmm?" The question came a bit deadpan, almost as if she might doubt it.

Ultimately, a smile slid onto her face and she shrugged. Torys turned her attention to Alina. "Very well. You'll have to secure your own way to and from Petunia Town. Not a terribly long round trip on foot if you want to walk, but from what I was told, the order you're going to pick up is more than what the two of you can carry. You'll need some way to transport it. All the other information is on the flyer."

She handed the paper back to Alina. "If there's anything you two need to know about the plants specifically someone at Sapphire Farms will tell you." With that, she left the young woman to her own devices and headed off behind the bar to inventory the liquor stock.

---

---

Ria watched Felix walk away for a beat. It was only when he'd passed Kaden that she realized they'd had an audience. Her gaze remained on the S-Class mage as he stood and left. Even a beat after, she stood listening to the wind rustle the leaves in the forest nearby brush along the grass of the field. Even with trying to soften the blow of defeat, Felix seemed to take the loss hard. Perhaps it was because she was reacting more than attacking, remaining on the defense and countering over giving him a proper fight like he'd requested. Or perhaps because she knew he viewed her as a stepping-stone in to A Class. Whatever the case may be she planned to figure it out and hopefully work with him more to improving. After all, she had a few more years of training under her belt than he had.

The pair of magic beasts investigating her drew her from her thoughts. A soft smile spread onto her face as she crouched. The best way to prove she wasn't a threat was to get on their level. If they'd been hostile, they wouldn't be sniffing and investigating her like they were. Plus, they were with the guy and she was pretty sure she had seen them around before. She offered out a hand for them to smell. "And who are you two?"

She looked up when the swordsman called his two compatriots. "It's quite alright. You're another of our new members, correct?" She stood and pointed at her guild mark visible due to the scoop neck of her blouse. "I believe I've seen you three around the guild on occasions I've been in the hall."

"Would you want to walk back to town with me? I'm always up for company. Plus, it would give your companions tine to investigate me. And, perhaps, help the three of your become more familiar with the area. How well do you know Crocus?" As she spoke, she approached Damian with every intention of continuing on her own should he turn her down.

" That is correct, yes." Nodding his head after reaffirming the type of magic he uses and was grateful to see her intrigued by it. As there have been a number of fellow beastkin that found his barrier magic weak or uninteresting back at the village, the thought bringing a brief frown to his face before returning to its near blank expression." The blacken oak one might indeed be the easier of the two but I think the flower delivery quest is best." Mainly as he didn't feel ready to be surrounded and interacting with a group of the town folk just yet.

While Alina grabbed the poster; Menzai turned his head away briefly after noticing a few other guildmates leaving as it seemed the woman from before, Ria accepted the challenge of another unknown member whose name he did not know. This proved a prime opportunity to observe their magic and fighting style, but alas that would have to wait another time and turned his attention back onto the redhead to hear her question regarding how he preferred to be addressed." Hm, Mr. Isanami is preferable if you please, Ms. Bloomfield." Finding that this was the best way to keep relationships with the others in a formal distance as he wasn't here to make friends.

With the quest decided and where to meet settled, he gave a bow of the head." I shall return momentarily and meet you then." Setting off towards the table where he left the two piles of books and upon reaching them had lifted his hands to give the top books a quick tap of his clawed index fingers. Seconds later, a light blue transparent bubble formed around the two piles of books then slipped his hands beneath them. And with ease he lifted them up as the bubbles almost seemed to float and bounce gently against his palms making carrying the books easier for him to carry off to his room.

After a quick walk down the hallway did he arrive at his room where he was able to place the books on the desk as the barrier bubbles popped shortly after. Briefly taking a glance around the bedroom; besides the books the room looked as if no one had been staying here the past week.* Seems I spent too much time at the library. When I return I need to get the preparations done.* Rubbing a finger against his chin as he mused to himself though this task would have to wait as it would be unbecoming and rude to keep Ms. Bloomfield waiting and so quietly exited the room to make way for the main lobby once more. To his relief that horrendous odor had lessen in intensity by this point to which he let out a relieved sigh, not that the stench was gone completely though and so avoided breathing in too deeply.

Before setting off towards the front door, he made sure to take a moment to slip the hood on to cover the top of his head, the canine ears in particular. With that taken care of, Menzai headed to the front door where he found Alina waiting who was thankfully able to get the approval from Torys." Then shall we be off? Ah, one last thing that I must mention or more a favor in this instance? I must inquire avoiding mention of my..less human features while around those not part of fenixtear." Wanting to keep his presence and that of beastkin little known as possible at least for the time being.

Now that everything was taken care of, the two were off; making their way to Petunia Town.

Damian nodded with a lopsided grin as he and his companions matched the young woman's pace. He contemplated her question as the four of them walked, Carmilla and Jaëger investigating the young woman and her scent and magical presence. "Well, I came through with my old unit a few times over the years and I've passed through a few times since I resigned from the Royal Army, but I've never really stayed and explored. So I guess the best answer is I know some parts better than others." Finishing first, Jaëger trotted around his master's guildmate to his right side, satisfied with his investigation of the woman. Carmilla, on the other hand, was still sniffing and investigating.

"Oh right, I'm Damian, Damian Gerard. These two are Jaëger and Carmilla, my companions. I'm...not sure what Carmilla is doing other than being extra thorough, but typically she's the more easy going of the two. Jaëger here, well, he once bit off a man's hand for looking at me wrong." The male growled an affirmative and Damian sighed. "But anyways, yeah, before I heard about Fenixtear, I was a wandering mage." Pulling his articles of clothing back, he appraised the woman he was walking with. She had been the water mage in that fight and he found himself unable to contain his questions until a more suitable time, his brain needing details to fill in the mental profile he was making.

"If you don't mind me asking miss, what kind of magic was that back there? Standard water magic or something more specialized, like perhaps maker magic?" If it was the former, her skill was damned impressive from his own little contact with water mages that didn't think he needed to take a shower after two months on the road and if it was the latter, than he was that much more impressed, as Maker magic was incredibly difficult to master from what he knew of the subject. In fact, he had already thought of several defensive plans using both forms, though admittedly most of them worked better with maker than normal water magic, but they would work either way.

“Hrrm, I see,” releasing the magic from the iron bar in his hand, he returns it to his belt holster. Looking back at her, he continues in a business-like tone he’s used back home. “I’ll have to take a look around then and see what exactly I can get my hands on. Once I acquire the materials, it shouldn’t take too long for me to return with your completed sword.”

At the mention of new members with swords, Asher ponders what she said. It’s certainly true that there are new members that use swords. Ones he hasn’t had the chance to have introduced himself with yet. It would be a good opportunity to break the ice in such a case. When Gwen mentions knowing a thing or two about forging, he raises his brow in doubt.

When she laid out the money for his services, he hummed with approval. It’s a nice chunk of Jewels, which he certainly appreciates. Most if will be spent on material acquisition, with some saved for other various needs that arise.

At the mention of team up, he blinked. With the addition of forever, Asher found his brow raising at such a remark. This certainly was not something to hear out of Gwen of all people. Last he remembered, he was sure she didn’t even care for him. Finger tapping on the table, he responds. “If you are asking if I would team up with you on any missions going forward, Gwen, I see no problems with that. So long as I have not taken another job or in the middle of a project of mine, at least.” He adds at the end. For now, he decides to not make a point about the forever bit, least it makes the current interaction awkward. Especially if this was Gwen actually opening up to someone for a change.

@Takumi Enishi

---

With the festivities, the job board looked a bit fuller than normal. After all, who wanted to be out doing a job when they could be out and about, enjoying themselves in an annual celebration. Far as he knew it was just an overblown birthday, though some may not want to hear that at all. Loud and rowdy events were not his kind of thing though, so perhaps while everything was going in that direction, he'd occupy himself with a bit of work. Rather nostalgic standing here to take a sheet of paper off of a crusty wooden board... Though this board was not as crusty. He hadn't taken a job as a guild mage for many years by now, and to think he would start again.

"Scholarly Assistance, hmmm...", the mention of ruins and artifacts interested him. It was a job within his rank. An A rank, based on the assessment he had to do prior to joining. He wasn't sure if the guild was thrilled to have a strong new member, or were pervasive to suddenly have some kind of competition or threat to their own claims to glory. It didn't matter to him, but overall it seemed rather positive.

"Escort...", he sighed as he read that over. He was not one for an escort mission... Yet, he had keen interest for everything else associated with it. He pressed his fingers on his forehead for a moment, then decided then and there, perhaps he will take it.

"There is nothing else to do these days anyways... I suppose it can't be that bad", he surmised, turning and moving towards the counter to get the job approved, holding the sheet in his hand.

Gwen|Guild Hall @Spectral@Sho Minazuki

Gwen firmly expressed her gratitude to the blacksmith magician that is Asher and left the twin swords to him until she returns. As Gwen part ways with Asher, she left him a piece of paper containing her phone number and told him to contact her via Lacrima Mobile Phone if he needs anything, more or less, Gwen's preferred mode of contact. "Contact me when ever and I strongly encourage it."

The Miniature Communication Lacrima was invented by the Fairy Tail Mage, Warren Rocko, dating back hundreds of years ago. It is a rectangular-shaped device, resembling a mobile phone and can be used in tandem with Earring Communications Lacrima, a device that allows one to communicate and have an audio conversation with others who hold the same type of Lacrima.

Gwen made her way to the job board and eyed on a quest that fancied her but it appears that someone else has gotten first.

"That scholarly assistance request. I don't suppose you have room for one more? You seem to be a newbie, pardon me for the intrusion, I'm Gwendolyn Historia Gospel, you may address me as Ria for short." Gwen recalled the professional etiquettes that their mother taught them, contrary to her abrasive greetings on people. For the first time, Gwen emulated or rather use the nickname Ria, very distinct from her sister who often uses it but why did she do so now?

With everything that happened when Jessica joined Fenixtear, she was grateful it was one of those traditional guilds. Her family’s historical record had said these traditional guilds were family-based when her mother was reading her a story of one of these guilds. However, she did notice one thing, there was some activity, and it was mostly at the counter as if someone picked a quest from the board. Guess everyone in this guild was busy or whatnot since no one really tried interacting with her, but it’s alright she wasn’t mad; everyone has their own priorities. She walked towards the counter, which she overheard one of the people introduce themselves as Gwendolyn or Ria. Obviously, as day on her face, she shouldn’t really be rude and spying on people’s conversations. Therefore, she decided to walk up to the one who held an Escort Mission and Gwendolyn. ” Sorry to interrupt, but I overheard that you were going to take an Escort Mission? Oh yeah, my name is Jessica Viola Tranzell, which it would always be good to have an extra hand in these wondrous times. Oh yeah, I am new to this guild, but that is obvious enough.” She spoke with a polite gentleness to her tone. Obviously, it had to deal with the festival that is going on.

When there felt like a voice that pierced the veil of reality, which went into the minds of Jessica, Gwendolyn, and two others, specifically the man holding the quest and a man in a different part of the guildhall. ” Jessica, why do you always forget about Lil’ ole me? It’s like you don’t care about my opinion or something. Oh yeah, sorry, I’m called Tearsy! If you are wondering where this voice is coming from, look at Jessica’s waist.” A beautiful young adult female’s voice telepathically spoke to these specific four people. Obviously, the voice was pointing itself out since there was a sword in its sheath, glowing a bluish silver glow.

Jessica couldn’t help but have a slight embarrassment on her cheeks because of what Tearsy had said. She looked directly at her weapon, with a slight sigh leaving her lips. ” I-I’m sorry, Tearsy… I forgot, it probably didn’t help you put suspicion on my nonexistent father… Why would he kill my mother, who’s titled the Beautiful Rose Swordmaster?” She questioned the entire suspicion feels a bit hard to believe. To be honest, it doesn’t make any sense, which always irked her about anything suspicious that Tearsy brings up. She looks back up towards Gwendolyn and the man who hasn’t introduced himself yet.

It caused the sword’s voice to sigh slightly about what Jessica had said; if anything, all the women in the Tranzell Family are wonderful. ” I am sorry for what I did, will try not to bring up that again, I promise, sweetie. Ophelia was so happy when she gained that title. Also, I must say Gwendolyn is a beautiful name.” A beautiful young adult female’s voice telepathically spoke to the same four people. However, it was happy for the good memories with all of the Tranzell Family’s line after recovering it. The bluish silver glow got slightly brighter as if the sword itself was deeply grateful for something.

While Akemi wasn't exactly absolutely clueless, she was however completely oblivious to the animosity that radiated off of Zen until Kaden's departure, passing her mug to whoever may be working the bar at the time with a brief, courteous nod of her head as she listened to Zen's quick rundown of the festival. Which was it effectively being a week-long birthday celebration for a Prince of Fiore, which made a bit more sense that it didn't really pop to mind to Akemi. While she wasn't exactly the most well versed in holidays, festivals and the like, seeing as she got to go outside so few times, she also couldn't remember any important ones that would last a week happening around this time.

Mulling over a few thoughts that drifted in and out of her mind for a moment, she turned back to Zen.

"I guess that's the capital for you huh?" It seemed completely outlandish and over the top to the girl. I mean, who needed a week-long birthday party? But suppose nobles were always known for overblown parties and the like, so why would the royalty be any different? Especially so since they were in Crocus. Though, honestly, none of that really mattered to Akemi. When was the last time she had gone to a festival anyway? "Anything of note then? Or just the usual food, stalls, and stuff? Like, is there a ball? A competition? A ball would be nice...although I think I passed out the last time I danced. So maybe some games would be safer?" Her almost monotone voice contrasted greatly with the more exciting ramblings that flowed forth like a broken dam wall. Hell, was she even talking to Zen or just voicing thoughts out loud? "Maybe we should invite Kaden, he seems nice I guess? Hmm or maybe Ria if she isn't busy?"


A frown began to settle on Alina's face as Torys took her time reading over the parchment. Surely a simple mission as this didn't require more than the two of them, right? But it all seemed for show once that trademark, smug grin broke out on Tory's face. Ah, but of course, their guild master didn't just look youthful...she acted like a kid as well. That was the most likely possibility that had crossed Alina's mind, but being correct didn't exactly make her feel any better. "Then why didn't you just say so silly?" Letting out a sigh, she took the paper back and allowed her smile to return. "Thank you Torys, duly noted." Even though her smile was as fake as the guild was unorthodox, the fact she had tucked the information away was most certainly not. In fact, the transport part was vitally important to know. She was already mentally running through a checklist of contacts she had made since entering Crocus as she and the guild master parted ways.

While she hadn't exactly devoted a lot of time into making all the contacts she might usually, due to a mixture of reasons not least observing the guild, she could think of a few potentially useful contacts in terms of being able to procure transportation. Though the likelihood of getting said transportation was slim without a convincing argument or proper, or more likely over, compensation for hiring. By the time she had returned to where she was meeting Menzai, she was already beginning to map out a rough plan on what to do. But for now, it would probably be best to consult her teammate on the matter. There was also still the option of just going through a hiring company after all, or maybe much like she had seen him carry those books before, he could simply transport the flowers with his magic? She couldn't rely on that as a method though, as she was unaware of his limitations or strength. Simply put, she didn't have enough data to make a conclusive plan and she was hating it right now.

Trying to hide her irritation behind a kind and gentle smile as Menzai came over a few minutes later, she nodded knowingly. "Ah of course...I suppose even with how widely magic is accepted and known, someone like yourself still stands out huh?" An awkward laugh escaped the girl. Plus, even for something as small as this, just having him owe her another small favor in return could prove immensely helpful at a later date, or if nothing else, simply broke the ice a little more. Though as he talked about his more canine features, her eyes did flutter up to his ears just before the hood covered them. "You're not actually a wanted criminal, are you? People might think you are if you just walk around with your hood up." Chuckling into her hand, she would follow after him while also giving him the brief rundown that Torys had given her.

@Takumi Enishi@Sho Minazuki@Landaus Five-One
Taking the paper in hand, he gives her a nod as he looks at the number written down. “I’ll be sure to keep that in mind. And once I have your weapon’s repairs done, I’ll contact you then.” Putting the paper into his pocket as she walks away, Asher starts to think on what to do now. Seeing as he now has a project for Gwen, he was going to need to buy the necessary materials. Materials that he doesn’t have in his supplies currently. Which means he’s going to need Jewels sooner rather than later.

Packing away everything into his bag, strapping the damaged blades to its side, Asher prepares to follow Gwen’s example and take a look at what jobs are available at the board. But before he could even take the first step, a foreign voice rings into his mind. His head turns in what he felt was the direction of the invading feminine tone, where it fell upon some new girl. Or that is to say, the sword that seemed to glow upon her waist… that apparently was named Tearsy? At least, that’s what the voice seemed to indicate.

The voice once more entering his head, Asher quickly walked up to the job board towards the woman. “Pardon me,” Asher spoke to the girl, his eyes glancing between her and the supposed talking, glowing sword at her hip. “But I have to ask. Your sword…” Asher slightly tilts down as he looks at the hilted blade, his eyes analyzing its unique design as he continues. “Tearsy, I believe she called herself? Did I just hear her voice enter my head from across the hall?” He looks back up to her face, his own face showing great curiosity.

Well she was still blunt as ever. It's not like he could blame her though; a week long festival to celebrate a birthday was pretty excessive, but then again, most people weren't princes. "That's royalty for you. They always make a big spectacle out of everything." Not that it matters to him why there is a festival to begin with. It's been quite a while since Zenith had spent time with Akemi so it was the perfect opportunity for them to reconnect.

It's been so long that he had seen her so excited, not that most people would be able to tell anyway. Akemi never really had the opportunity to go to these kind of events. This kind of freedom was completely new to her, something that she had desperately needed if she were to mature and become the mage that she could be. Well, one step at a time.

"Eh, I'm pretty sure Ria is busy and uh..." His face scrunched up at thought of Kaden. "He's off watching a kid get his teeth kicked in. Maybe next time?" Typically the phrase 'the more the merrier,' would have been a sentiment that Zenith would have agreed with, except for the case of inviting Kaden. He'd rather scrub himself with a sponge of sandpaper than deal with that simple minded twat for more than two minutes.

"Anyway, I'm pretty sure it's standard festival stuff: food and trinket stalls, games, live entertainment. Oh, the royal gardens are open too if you're interested."

---

Quite a crowd had formed around Reynard, some seemed to be interested in the job, others just had business with those present around him. Reynard pressed his fingers against his forehead and groaned in slight annoyance. Aside from Gwendolyn who introduced herself as a Gospel, a clan of demon hunters he'd been tracking down for his own reasons, the other two interested him none. The one who introduced herself as Jessica and her talking sword also was an entirely different curiosity. He turned to the small group that had gathered.

"You all will take your trifles elsewhere. If all you are here for is idle chatter then there are better places for that", his cold glare cut an icy slice right down through the atmosphere.

"Now if you will excuse me, I need to sign up for this job request", he turned back to the counter and placed the job request in front for it to be taken and accepted. He would prefer to take this job alone, but his hand stammered a little bit as he slid the paper up. He glanced to his side once before turning back to the man behind the counter... This was also an escort mission.

"Jessica and Gwendolyn was it? You two wish to be part of this do you not? Then you are welcome...", Reynard almost appeared to be biting something back.

"And you... I don't have your name, but if you were just here for a chat then you may leave", he presented Asher with an opportunity to express any interest he may have had. Still... If there were more hands to protect their quarry, then he would have more opportunities to study wherever it was they were going. At least that was Reynard's reasoning. Otherwise, he would double down on going alone.

Unlike Alina, who was stressing over trying to come up with a concrete plan, Menzai was content with seeing how things go. Not that he didn't enjoy thinking up plans ahead of times but he also found that simply going with the flow often garnered interesting results. And there was the fact this was a very simple and straightforward delivery quest with little risk of danger so he saw no need to fret over the details regarding how they would get the flowers to its destination. It also meant the two could take it easy; allowing him a better observation of the town and its folks daily going on and even more interesting in thanks to the ongoing festival going on currently.

" Correct I much prefer avoiding the unwanted stares and attention altogether. As it will make things easier generally. " A small nod of the head; thanking the redhead for her understanding. He then gave the hood a firm tug to adjust and ensure it was properly covering the furry ears which were flickering from the various sounds of footsteps and somewhat uncomfortable roaring of vehicles driving along pavement. Humans were lucky to not have his hearing for he couldn't imagine in living in such an obnoxiously loud place yet he had no choice but to try and tune out what he can and get used to the booming and rank fumes they let out.

A slight discomforting twitch of his nose though a far more welcomed odor compared to the stench of that mysterious drink. A shiver ran down his back upon being reminded of the smell until he heard Ms. Bloomfield's displeasing comment causing him to raise an eyebrow." A criminal? Absolutely not!" He answered bluntly; offended at the mere accusation." I assure you that I am in no way whatsoever a criminal. And if all it takes for humans to think one to be such is a hood then they are quick to paranoid judgement." Scoffing at the mere notion as for why one chooses to wear one are reasons of their own and their business.

Folding his arms across the chest with his hands settled back within the sleeves." That should be all then." With a shake of the head, he walked alongside Aline, having learned the location they were heading to be a fair bit of walk after having asking for further details that she gained from Torys." Hm, seeing that quest has stated nothing about urgency then going at our own pace will be fine." He was more than fine going at a casual pace to take in the sights.

Travel to Petunia city was quiet and easygoing as expected with conversation from Menzai would consist of questions regarding human customs and way of life." The townfolk all seem rather excited and worked up over this festival which is in celebration to the prince's birthday. Are these festivals over the royal family common? And do they take good care of the citizens? " These were just a few of the questions he had in mind over the current events taking place.

---

It seemed more people were interested in the job board. Torys stood quietly, gaze fixed on Reynard as he took a job from the board. She waited patiently at the counter. Patiently was perhaps the wrong term. She had turned her attention from those perusing the available jobs and to the liquors behind the bar. When the paper slid across the countertop to her, the youthful appearing guildmaster had settled on a particular one and started pouring herself a glass.

Her brows rose up at the company drawing up around the new member, and gave them all a moment to discuss as she took the paper. Gwen accompanying two new members on this wouldn't be bad. Still...she tilted her head to the side as she considered the mission.

Finally, it seemed the group quieted enough for her to draw attention back to herself. She cleared her throat and perked back up. "Well, you are assembling quite the group. Carver would likely appreciate the extra company." She shrugged. "Just don't make the guild look bad, and don't screw it up." She motioned for the group to leave. "Carver is in the museum in town. Now off you go."

---

---

---

Ria didn't think anything of the two magical beasts continuing to investigate her. At first, her attention stayed on the path leading back to the main road, but that only lasted until the new mage began answering the questions. Her mismatched gaze turned on him. "The Royal Army? Ah, it makes sense now. You were very disciplined while training - saw you while Felix and I were choosing a sparring spot."

Then introductions came, and a light blush flooded Ria's cheeks. Her eyes widened a little. "Oh, yes, introductions." She laughed. "I completely forgot. Sorry. I'm Astoria Ocenade of the Gospel Clan, but everyone just calls me Ria." She smiled broadly, looking at Carmilla. "And she is welcome to investigate as much as she needs. I can't say I'm not equally curious about the pair myself. It isn't often one comes across magical beasts like these; I haven't come across really any books about such. If you wouldn't mind answering some questions about them, I would love to know more."

The smile stayed as her attention turned back to Damian. "Actually, it was a bit of both. I have an affinity for Water magics, but I prefer utilizing them for support rather than offense. Enough people can fight with their magic, but not enough can use it to defend or assist those with whom they fight." She shrugged lightly and smiled more.

"You were training with sword magic, yes? A rather rare form if I'm not mistaken. When you were with the Royal Army, did you train your magic alone too or is it just from your time as a wandering mage? It could do you good to truly develop more control against an opponent rather than trees or just the open air. The resistance of wood isn't the same as flesh, nor - and no offense, but obviously it's going to sound bad - your companions here. Magic with hints of your own is more mailable than those without a trace of it."

"I reckon they're magical dire wolves if their size is any indication myself, but I don't question it. They've helped save my life on more than one occasion and they've made the last few years more bearable." He nodded when she asked if she could inquire further. "I'd be happy to help how I can, though I'm not sure how much help I'll be with the matter." With that answered, he listened to her explanation of what he'd seen of her magic. He certainly had to agree with her statement about plenty of magic users being capable fighters when their magical abilities, whether they used them to augment their existing abilities or used the magic to learn how to fight in general, assuming they didn't just become magical artillery that launched spells from a distance without actually endangering themselves. In many cases, they had a limited number, if any, of defensive moves.

In that regard, I find myself fortunate, since while I do have a set of dedicated defensive spells I've developed, I can also turn many of my more offensive spells into tertiary defensive spells. Nothing on par with that nifty magic shield user I met once, but still helpful. Then she mentioned the training he was doing and he couldn't help but grimace on the matter ever so slightly. While he had trained with his magic before the incident that had killed his parents, his father had insisted that maintaining his martial training was more important and that the magic training would only be sufficient to keep from accidentally using it. In the end, it hadn't made much difference, because he hadn't learned the emotional control needed due to focusing on his martial skill.

"If I'm honest, Miss Ria, my magic training has been mostly been based in exploration. Growing up in the Royal Army, when my magic manifested, dad was more concerned with making sure I wouldn't accidentally kill myself or someone else, but not actually learn anything about it or how to use it. So over the last few years, I've spent my time learning. From a martial standpoint, having a sparring partner would be fantastic, would give me a chance to actually refresh my memory on various blocks and forms. But from a magical standpoint? I'm not so sure it would be smart. I can't even wield my full magic power without putting my body under enormous strain." He stopped and faced Ria, intent on explaining it before there were a hundred questions.

"The best way to show you what I mean is to have you feel the temperature difference between where I am now and wielding my full strength. Touch my arm." Once she had done so and had registered he was running a normal temperature, perhaps a little higher due to working out recently, Damian stepped back a couple of steps and closes his eyes and focuses. A magic circle, orange in color, appears underneath him and after a moment, he speaks. "Release Power Lock Alpha. Confirmation Ceta-Zulu-Foxtrot-Bravo." The magic circle changes colors, shifting from being orange in color to a deep green, but it doesn't vanish. "Right now I'm at about eighty percent of my full strength, maybe eighty-five. Pushed to the limits of this power lock, I max out at ninety percent and that's it. But if I do this," the intensity of the magic energy around him flairs up suddenly as he speaks again, saying, "Release Power Lock Omega. Confirmation Beta-Delta-Epsilon-Ceta." The green magic circle darkened to pitch black and for the briefest of moments, the aura around Damian shimmered the same color before he brought it back under control.

Opening his eyes, the circle disappears and he approaches Ria again, offering his arm. This time when she touched, it was very clear his temperature had spiked to higher than a normal person's and he seemed to feel it. "My full strength burns me out, and if I operate at it for too long, I'll be unable to do much anywhere from a couple days to a couple of weeks." The magic circle reappears and with an uttered series of words, turns from black to green to orange again. "Get a feel for what I mean?"

Jessica was grateful she no longer has to be bored out of her mind with much of the stuff. She did notice two things. One was the man holding the quest was heavily annoyed and groaned, while the second thing was another man staring at her specifically because of Tearsy. In terms, Jessica stared directly at the one who said pardon me, which she knew what to say afterward. ” That’s quite all right, sir.” She spoke with a smile on her face. Obviously, she noticed him staring down at Tearsy and back at her now and then. She, always the friendly heiress of the Tranzell Family, had to give him a truthful answer to whatever questions he has. ” Ah, you are interested in my sword? It’s called the Sky Tears Sword, but everyone in my family calls her, Tearsy; even Tearsy calls herself that.” Jessica said, smiling towards him. Basically, answering the first question without even really hearing the first question. However, she hears the two questions and slightly laughs at answering the first question. She had a thought about how to answer the second question.

It caused the sword’s voice to interrupt Jessica’s thought process by answering that question herself. ” How lovely, always interested in people who want to know about Lil’ ole me. The Family Heirloom of the Tranzell Family, Tearsy. I have access to Telepathy magic as well as four others. I can telepathically speak to people in a fifteen-foot radius around Jessica.” A beautiful young adult female’s voice telepathically speaking to the same four people in a specific tone of informing people. There was a slight giggle in the sword's voice, which is like it didn’t want to really talk about its other magics. The bluish silver glow got even brighter as if the sword itself was deeply thoughtful towards people’s questions. Even though, Tearsy did have a sigh at most of the man who’s literally annoyed at all that’s happening around him, which is the one who is holding the quest.

Jessica had a look of utterly being shown up by her own sword yet again. She should really take to thinking about the proper responses ahead of time. However, she was a bit shocked at the response that the man who held the quest basically did not enjoy idle chatter. Her thoughts were like, ‘I’m just trying to be friendly here.’ It didn’t take her much time to answer his question since it was blunt and to the point and felt like a bit he didn’t want any company. ” I definitely do want to be apart of this quest, sir; what’s your name? Since it would be nice to know the one who took the quest in the first place.” She spoke with a smile and doesn’t back down on anything since she enjoys escort missions or bodyguard duty. Obviously, when she heard the guild leader’s voice, she wondered how long she was standing behind the counter for. ” Uh, we will do our best, guild leader.” She spoke with a slight tone of like, how didn’t I notice her. It made her basically remember; she was busy with the other people in the group, even to realize Torys.

With everything, the sword’s voice started to giggle slightly at Jessica’s lack of realization that Torys was at the counter. In terms, Tearsy knew she was there, but Jessica was primarily bored and didn’t really pay attention while being incredibly bored. ”Seriously, Jess? Didn’t Ophelia say to keep an eye on every bit of your surroundings while training all those years ago, with me… I knew Torys would’ve been behind the counter, silly. Also, I might as well ask, the one who’s interested in Lil’ ole me, what’s your name?” A beautiful young adult female’s telepathically speaking to the same four people. Obviously, Tearsy was teasing Jessica and was feigning ignorance on the names of the two others that didn’t introduce themselves. Since it would be better for them to introduce themselves instead of having Tearsy invade their thoughts for their name, which would be a bit rude nonetheless. The bluish silver glow got slightly darker as if the sword was feigning some ignorance.

Jessica sighed a bit when Tearsy brought up what her mother tried to beat into her thick skull, even more so than being polite and kind. Her first quest in a traditional guild was her first quest, while she had about 6 years of corporate guild experience previously. This would be a bit of a learning curve since traditional guilds haven’t been a thing for a while. ’ Always better to make a good first impression on anyone; I wonder what Carver looks like.’ She thought with a definite smile on her face since escorts are fun for her. However, she wanted to look at the Crocus Museum too, since it is interesting enough. ” Obviously, I am ready to go to the museum to get our client.” Jessica said with a smile. She didn’t really think she was missing anything.

---

Reynard nodded in understanding, Torys seemed a little disinterested as she told them to not make the guild look bad, you would think something like that is a point of proper consideration, but either she was really self-assured or was full of apathy.

"That goes without saying...", he responded, turning back to the group.

"I suppose an introduction is necessary. I am Reynard Faust", his eyes focused on Jessica as he introduced himself, then his eyes went down towards her sword, strapped to her hip. Interesting. He couldn't help but rest his chin on his fingers as if he was thinking. He wondered what kind of origin and properties such a weapon might have... He had thought the unknown properties of his Mikazuki was curious, but something like this...

"Hmmm... I suppose now is not the time for this...", he muttered under his voice, before turning his head back up to the group. "Very well, we shall go to the museum right now. No detours", was he a fun guy? Probably not. So they were to go straight to the museum.