The kidnapping had put a damper on the festivities, but Sylvia could sense Neil wanted to stay by the tone of his voice. "I think if anyone wants to go back to the Guild and check up on Ozzy and Kira, they absolutely should, but since Neil and I had already committed to helping Sister Riñas with the festival, it wouldn't be right for us to leave early, right?" Sylvia turned to Neil and gave him a wink. Whatever his reason for wanting to stay at Boreal Port, she would stay with him.

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

"What is important is knowing that you're fine and nothing happened to you."

Haley happily snuggled up to Freyr's embrace. "I doubt your girl was actually in any danger but I appreciate your concern." The public display of affection made Neil and the others blush and look away.

"While I can't be of much help regarding these matters, I hope my previous experiences might help you to make a decision. One that you will not regret in the future."

"Many thanks, rabbit man. I shall consider your words." Nero replied, giving Freyr a nickname. Probably because he was not sure of the Viera's name yet. "Sorry you had to break an oath that you made. Can't imagine what you went through. Though, I suppose I'll find out soon, maybe. But I'm glad things worked out for you."

Nero chuckled when Ada began patting him on the head, making no move to stop her. "Thanks for that, little one. Hmm, I don't think I've seen her kind before. What monster is she?" He asked.

"Your guess is as good as ours." Sir Reed answered.

"Or I can you there, and I know the way better."

"No need for that, miss. I don't think I'll be heading there, but I appreciate the offer." The Owl Mage declined. "It is a shame that I have not spent time learning about Mister Ozzy, or his other male monster friends." She looked at Freyr before releasing a sigh of frustration. "Perhaps we will get another chance next time but for now, I am exhausted and will return to my lodging here."

"Farewell for now, Guild. May the gods watch over you all." And with that, Margaret spread her wings and flew back to the town.

"I think if anyone wants to go back to the Guild and check up on Ozzy and Kira, they absolutely should, but since Neil and I had already committed to helping Sister Riñas with the festival, it wouldn't be right for us to leave early, right?"

Neil was surprised at Sylvia's words, and her wink at him. He smiled at her, both of amusement and appreciation. "...Yeah, I guess she's right. Me and the sisters will be hanging out here until the end of the day."

"Well, that's their choice then. What will be ours?" Talia voiced out.

It appeared that Talia and Sir Reed would go along with the rest of the group's decision. Haley, meanwhile, looked up to Freyr. She would probably go along with whatever he decided.

---

~@ShwiggityShwah, @Rezod92~

(I'll let you do your own thing.)

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

Yang Bethlehem and Ditzy Stoneclub

Yang shrugged her shoulders at that as Margarent declined her offer. "Well, if you want to look for us, our name is The Guild and located at-"

After telling her the location, both of them waved at Margarent who departed.

"Come and play again!" Ditzy waved eagerly to her shrinking figure.

"Alright, I'll go back and check on my disciple and Kira."True to her words, Yang decided it was best she head back to the guild first for the two of their wayward kids. If they for some reason decide to head back to the town, it wasn't like she can't turn back and head there at full speed if needed. After all, such distance would be a sufficient warm up at least.

Ditzy meanwhile, decided to stay, it was still day time and he wanted to keep playing. "Alright! Let's go play! Anything fun to see?!"

^{@PaulHaynek@Restalaan@Stern Algorithm}

Ada looked at Nero, smiling as he thanked her, but she couldn't help but tilt her head, confused when Nero asked what kind of monster she was. Such a strange question also seemed to be a mystery for Sir Reed as well. No matter how much she tried to understand the question, she wasn't able to. Ada was Ada! Such answer was obvious!

After believing she had figured out the answer for that silly question Nero and Sir Reed were talking about, Ada looked to the rest of the group, waiting to see what they were going to do as she waved goodbye for Nero and the owl girl. She had a lot of fun and had eaten too so she would be happy whatever their choice was.

---

Freyr

"Even if that's true, it doesn't mean I won't take care and be worried about you." Freyr replied to Haley, looking at her with a warm smile.

Truth be told, Haley calling herself 'his girl' made Freyr's heart beat faster, as it would be evident for Haley, whom would clearly be able to feel it.

Freyr heard Nero as he thanked for his advice, while saying he was sorry for the oath Freyr had to break and what he had to go through. Hearing those words made Freyr shake his head with a serene expression.

"Don't be sorry. It had to be done. I may have lost a lot, but I gained a lot as well." he said, looking to the other guild members and Haley, who was still on his arms.

After saying his farewells to Margaret and hearing the Altissima sisters and Neil saying they would stay until the end of the day he looked at Haley, who looked up at him just after Talia asked what the rest of the group would do.

"It was certainly an exhausting day, considering everything that happened. What do you want to do? We could go back to the guild to rest and relax a bit." he said, looking to Haley and waiting for her answer.

~@13org (ADA), @Restalaan (DIT), @Stern Algorithm~

"Alright! Let's go play! Anything fun to see?!"

"There's gonna be a fireworks display about two hours after nightfall. You guys interested in that? Should be visible in from any part of the port but the view will be the best at the docks." While Nero answered Ditzy, he spoke as if he was talking to everyone still present. "Not sure where Miss Chavez got ahold of the stuff, but this isn't the first time I got surprised by the Dark Priest."

"Fireworks? How lovely!" Talia, at least, looked forward to the event. "Oh, Ada! You probably don't know what fireworks are." The Cyclops then began. "They are lit up and launched from the ground and once they get high up in the air... Boom! They explode in a very beautiful display of bright and colorful lights. It's a really amazing sight. We should all come see it." She explained, complete with hand demonstrations.

Neil laughed at Talia's excitement before turning to the Altissima sisters. "I'll see if my... surprise is still intact and ready after all that. Do you two wanna come see it as soon as possible or do you wanna watch the fireworks first? I'm fine either way."

---

~@13org (FYR)~

"It was certainly an exhausting day, considering everything that happened. What do you want to do? We could go back to the guild to rest and relax a bit."

"Well, I was wondering what you wanted to do." Haley told her new Viera lover. "But since you sound like you're tired and wanna go home, then sure, let's go back to the guild. We can catch up with Yang and Bart on the way back." Her green eyes then narrowed, seductively. "And maybe we can do something fun on the guild while we rest."

"Uhh, that is if I'm reading you correctly. Just tell me if I'm wrong and you actually wanted to stay in the festival. I'll be fine with that." Haley raised her wings. "Don't wanna sound pushy or anything."

~@Restalaan (YNG)~

"Alright, I'll go back and check on my disciple and Kira."

"I'll come with you, Yang." The guild leader approached. "I've had my fun in the festival and I have to organize all the requests that I've gathered. It's gonna be a busy day tomorrow, Yang."

-

You and Bart boarded the wagon the guild used to get to Boreal Port. The trip was mostly silent and the guild leader seemed to be deep in thought. The sun slowly dipped into the horizon, bathing the grassland landscape in a pretty orange tinge. Night would fall soon and the guild headquarters was soon in sight. It was then that Bart broke the silence between him and you.

"Yang, I gotta ask. Am I a good guild leader?" Bart spoke. "If you had the chance, would you replace me with someone else?"

---

~@ShwiggityShwah, @Rezod92~

(I'll let y'all do your own thing.)

@PaulHaynek @ShwiggityShwah

"Sorry if you wanted to be alone." He began. "But it was equally likely you might want someone to vent at, a shoulder to lean on, or just someone to be there. After all, you saved the day. I saw Rayya and Nero's face after you left. I think what you said hit home." He turned his head towards her. "Kind of hit me too. So whatever you need Kira. I wanted to get to know you anyway."

Kira took a moment to look Ozzy in the eye to see if what he was saying were genuine and saw that he, indeed, was.

Well, at least she helped those two out in a way, but still....

Could she tell him? Could she talk about it? It's been years since that fateful day and the only people she'd ever talk about it with was her family members. Could she bring up such a vulnerable topic to a person she met just yesterday?

Well.....he did go out of his way and skip out on a day with a cute girl to keep me company....

She sighed. This was gonna get heavy.

"I want you to promise me that you won't tell anyone what I'm about to tell you unless I'm comfortable with it. It's....the first time I've talked to anyone outside my family circle about this, so I'm kinda stepping out of my comfort zone over here. Can you do that for me?", the flygirl said to the owlboy, her voice soft and quiet.

^{@PaulHaynek@Restalaan@Stern Algorithm}

Even though Ada was paying attention at the other guild members, waiting for their choice, when Nero mentioned 'fireworks' she couldn't help but look at him, tilting her head with a confused expression. While she didn't know what 'fireworks' were, it surely had something to do with fire right? Then, why Nero was talking about watching it? Usually, when there were forest fires, she would run, not stay and watch... Talia too did seem to be pretty happy with the idea of watching those 'fires', which only made Myra even more confused. Just at that moment though, Talia called her name and began explaining what those 'fireworks' were. According to her explanation, the fire wasn't like a forest fire, but a small fire only to light them... whatever they were. After that, they would rise into the sky and explode with a loud noise and many colors.

Captivated by Talia's explanation, Ada's confusion and skepticism immediately gave way to an excited expression and a pair of curious, shining eyes as she looked at Talia, nodding eagerly as she explained and giving a small little excited jump as Talia showed with her hands the fireworks exploding in the air. Decided that she really wanted to watch them, Ada tugged at Nero's shirt and looked at the rest of the guild members, looking at them with eager and excited eyes, just like a child asking it's parents if they could do something.

---

Freyr

After everything that had happened, Freyr had completely forgotten that there was going to be a fireworks display after nightfall, so when Nero mentioned it, he looked at Haley again, a bit flustered for having forgotten about it and not asking if she wanted to watch the fireworks. While he was a bit tired after all that, he didn't want to impose on Haley and keep her from watching the fireworks. Besides, they still had some time until the fireworks started...

"I- Well... We could stay to watch the fireworks too. I had completely forgotten about that." Freyr said a bit awkwardly.

"I did say I was a bit tired but we could simply find a good place to lay down, with a good view and watch the fireworks too. I am sure we could either find a good hill or just climb into the roof of one of the buildings." he said with a chuckle and a mischievous wink.

"Anyways, I am happy with whatever makes you happy, so don't hesitate in telling me what you want to do." he finished with a warm smile.

The moment Haley looked at him with a seductive stare and suggested for them to do 'something interesting' while resting at the guild, Freyr's face became completely red as he looked down a bit embarrassed, unsure on how to reply to that.

"I- Well... If you..." he said, hesitating as he tried to regain his composure and formulate a phrase that made any sense.

"... We could do that too..." he finally said in a lower tone, looking down before looking at Haley again. While such reactions were a clear reminder of how inexperienced Freyr was on that kind of stuff, the way he looked at Haley, despite his embarrassment, made it clear how much he liked her.

@PaulHaynek@13org@Stern Algorithm

Ditzy Stoneclub

"Fireworks! Okay!" Ditzy threw his hands up at that, giggling at the thought of seeing the pretty sparklies. He had only seen them once but it was pretty.

Seeing how Ada react and Talia explaining what they are, made him happier as he joined Ada. Pointing to where the firework display will be. "Let's go there! Ditzy want to also see them prepare fireworks!"

Ditzy also wondered if there are any food and drinks they can purchase in between, since it has been a tiring day and he felt parched. "Can we get some food and drinks too?"

@PaulHaynek

Yang Bethlehem

"Understood." Yang nodded as she followed Guildmaster Bart, giving a last wave to the others as they go off to watch the fireworks.

The returning journey was fortunately uneventful, allowing Yang to simply soak in the sights and watch nature as the sun slowly dipped down to the horizon, painting it a beautiful orange across the landscape. Reminding her of home.

Hearing what Bart said, Yang scrunched her face in thought.

Sometimes abrasive but Bart ultimately meant well, perhaps it was the fact that many of their guild member were too heroic that their opinions chaff at times. After all, she was one of them.

Yet Bart still took them all in, everyone, without any hesitation and gave opportunities to shine. More so when he had recruited so many monster girls without the usual problems. Considering how the situation is at Varjo which had shocked her to the core.

"No, no I would not." Yang grinned before slapping the back of Bart, perhaps a bit harder than she intended since Bart bent forward and nearly fell from her action. Making her worried as she apologize to him. "Sorry!"

@Rezod92

A moment of eye contact, he could feel her searching his soul for a moment, and such a deep look, he had to fight back that reaction, feeling his cheeks warm. Despite the situation, despite her being a guild mate, it was still a cute girl looking at him, something he doesn't get alot of.

Ozzy was initially expecting this be rather dire and her swearing him to secrecy more or less proved it. He raised his hand, putting the other on his heart infront. "I'm a chatterbox, but I swear I-" He was about to go in a long monologue about how he could be trustworthy but he settled his hands on his lap and simply nodded, eye contact and head looking at her own. "I promise. It won't leave the stoop." He prepared himself for the worst, but secretly he hoped getting it out, talking with someone would help her. He didn't know how much advice he could offer for something heavy, but maybe she didn't need advice. She was allowed to be sad, angry. He had to keep that instinct done of being a problem solver.

He waited, ready to take whatever she was to give.

@PaulHaynek @ShwiggityShwah

Kira gave Ozzy one more soulful gaze before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.

Alright.....here we go.

"My mother....is an Echidna. That alone should tell you that I come from a big family.", she began as stared off into the distance. "As is common knowledge, the first child of an Echidna is always another Echidna. My eldest sister....Videl. She was...

A chuckle escaped her lips as a nostalgic smirk appeared on her visage.

"She was every bit of the definition of 'big sister' and then some. Kind, caring, loving and supportive. Yet also firm, stern, fair, decisive and just a little bit scary when she needed to be. She kinda had to be. By the time I came into the world, mom and dad already had six kids to take care of, so Videl had to step up as the 'third parent', as it were. She actually did a good job, too. Heh...I remember this one time when I was six, one of my older sisters, a werecat named Alaya, climbed a tree to chase a pretty butterfly that she saw. Naturally, upon realizing how high she was, she got scared and clamped down on the branch, calling out for us. Of course, we all came rushing to help, but then Videl stopped us. As we stood there wondering why she did that, she then slithered up the tree herself to where Alaya....and started singing. After a bit, Alaya started singing. Then I start singing. And then another sibling...and then another and another and another. Until we're all singing. So caught up in the singing, Videl managed to guide Alaya all the way down the tree, without lifting a single finger. It wasn't until her feet were on the ground and the singing stopped that Alaya realized she got herself down. 'Scary things stop being so scary when you think of something pleasant' is what Videl taught her that day. All of us, really. Things like that were what made her so loved in my family. So....so loved"

~@13org (ADA & FYR), @Restalaan (DIT), @Stern Algorithm~

"... We could do that too..."

Haley giggled from Freyr's flustered reaction. "Alright, alright. We can watch the fireworks first, then we can head back to the guild to... rest." She winked at the Viera, though even she was red in the face. "Until tonight, Freyr..."

-

As per Ditzy's request, the remaining guild members first got food and drink to eat before going to watch the fireworks display. Talia got herself a nicely baked apple pie while Sir Reed went for a couple of sticks of steamed fish meat skewered on them. By the time they were done purchasing foodstuffs, the guild members joined the huge crowd that had gathered in the harbor when night fell.

Several boats could be spotted floating in the distance and Riñas came out with a cone that had two holes on each end, amplifying her voice. "Monsters and gentlemen! Are you ready for a bright and wondrous evening?! A wild end to the night?!" The crowd yelled 'Yes' in response. Talia certainly did. "Then without further ado, let the fireworks light the sky!"

Moments after the Dark Priest finished, a small orange spark launched into the sky from the boats which then exploded into a display of bright green lights with the boom from the explosion coming seconds after. The fireworks continued launching and exploded in different colors, bedazzling the watching audience and the booms resounding throughout the port. "I've seen fireworks before in Ortus. But never have I enjoyed one alongside monsters, much less a male one and one I've never heard of before. Ain't that right, ya two little buggers?" Sir Reed rubbed the heads of both Ditzy and Ada.

~@Restalaan (YNG)~

"Sorry!"

"It's fine! It's fine! Hahaha..." Bart recoiled from the slap to his back, rubbing it a bit from the stinging sensation.

"But thanks for that, Yang. It feels like you're the only one I can count on in the entire Guild." Bart replied, a little careless with his words. "If the time comes, I hope you'll still be supporting me. Even when the world turns against us, I hope you'll stand firm against the tide. Although, I suppose such a thing is a simple matter for a monk like you, ain't it?"

"Yeah, a simple matter..." Bart trailed off. A small boom was heard and when the two of you turned around, the fireworks display from Boreal Port could still be seen at this distance, albeit smaller. Still, the colorful lights were beautiful. "Aww man, now I'm beginning to regret not staying to watch." The guild master pouted.

---

~@ShwiggityShwah, @Rezod92~

(I'll let y'all do your own thing.)

@Rezod92

The species name earned her a slight widening of the eyes and a little tension on his posture. An Echidna was one of those legendary monsters, like a dragon or kaiju. Full of magic with the strange quirk of being able to produce any kind of monster. This was important. It meant that everything his books would say about Kira the Beezlebub might be wrong. It's a completely different environment she grew up in.

Ozzy leaned on his knees as he listened to her story, what he could only guess was an introduction to a longer tale. She began with a family. A big one. He felt a kind of happiness for it, and a little jealousy. He didn't have siblings. Nothing like she had. It sounded heavenly. She spoke so highly of her elder sister Videl. "She sounds amazing. And I might take that lesson too." Even he had to smile despite himself with her story about getting their sister down.

He had so many follow up questions running in her head. What was it like having such a big family? How did she get along with them. Ozzy's smile faded a little... he knew that this story was going to turn sad sooner rather than later. He tried to keep his questions to himself, and waited for her to continue.

^{@PaulHaynek@Restalaan@Stern Algorithm}

Clearly being as excited as Ditzy was with the fireworks, Ada was quick to follow him after he pointed towards where the fireworks were being prepared, eager to see them in action and curious to see how they worked. After they got themselves something to eat while watching the fireworks, a loud voice came as a Riñas announced the beginning of the firework show. Eager to see what would happen next, Ada was looking back and forth between Riñas, the sky and the group. The moment she finished speaking though, Ada immediately looked up, searching for the fireworks.

She watched, curiously as a small orange spark was launched into the sky, holding her breath in anticipation. It was then that, out of nowhere, the small orange spark exploded in a big boom. One after another, explosions started happening on the sky, each one with the most varied colors, lighting up the sky in a truly wondrous manner. With her mouth open in amazement, she kept her eyes glued at the spectacle going on above them. When Sir Reed stroked her head, she turned towards him, smiling like a small child as she pointed towards the sky, barely being able to contain her excitement.

---

Freyr

Freyr simply nodded as he heard Haley's words, being impossible for his face to get even redder than it already was. The mix of emotions Freyr was feeling was something completely new for him. He loved Haley and he was happy he could be closer to her, he wanted to make her happy but at the same time he was anxious. He knew that he had no experience in relationships. Was he really doing everything correctly? He didn't want to disappoint her in any way. There were good feelings and bad feelings, but overall, he was still happy he could be with the one he loved.

"Thanks, Haley... For giving me a chance, for being with me." he said, with an embarrassed smile as he approached her and gave her a small kiss on the forehead, hugging her.

"We should also get something to eat and find a nice place to watch the fireworks." He said, letting go of her and holding her hand.

Freyr would then get something for them to eat before finding a nice spot and sitting down, patting the ground next to him as he waited for Haley.

"I've never seen fireworks before. Heard about them but it will be a new experience for me." he said with a smile.

"Since I met you, I had so many wonderful new experiences." he said with a chuckle as he waited for her to watch the fireworks together.

~@13org (ADA & FYR), @AzureKnight (VRA & NAG)~

"Since I met you, I had so many wonderful new experiences."

"Oh, Freyr. I didn't know you were such a romantic." Haley giggled cutely, walking over to sit next to Freyr. The couple sat on a patch of grass on the cobblestone pavement, placed there for an urban tree that stood over the Haley and Freyr. "And no need to thank me, hon'. I wanted this as much as you did."

It was then that Haley sensed a couple of familiar presences. She turned her head to look and her eyes widened in surprise. "Vara? Nagare?" The Siren stood up.

Indeed, the Fire Demon Vara and the Ice Dragon Nagare approached the guild members watching the fireworks display. They had to depart due to personal matters but after dealing with them, they both decided to return to the Guild. They met each other on the way and took a ship to Boreal Port, arriving just this morning. It was probably surprising for them that the port was actually celebrating a festival that day and once they've heard that the Guild had just thwarted a kidnapping attempt, they knew it was time show themselves.

Sir Reed also got up and approached. "Oh? Friends of ours? Or fellow guild members?"

Neil, who was with the Altissima sisters, approached too along with the Liliraune. "You two! You're back!" He was clearly glad to see them again. "They're fellow members, Sir Reed. They had to leave due to personal reasons but I guess they're back." A slight blush formed in his cheeks formed when he saw Vara.

@13org@PaulHaynek@AzureKnight@Stern Algorithm

Ditzy Stoneclub

After getting all the food, including meat on a bone stick as Ditzy happily chewed on it greedily. Devouring it easily and even cleaning the bone clean between before licking his lips and cleaning himself at it.

Sitting down but constantly fidgeting, the mood of the crowd infecting him as he looked at the people preparing the fireworks from afar. Already, he sighted the boats preparing to launch but it still felt an eternity as the boat slowly moved into position and then anchored itself down.

"Yea!" Cheering alongside the crowd when Rinas asked if they're ready.

Seeing the whistling shot had Ditzy entranced and bated breath, then as it exploded into a shower of color, Ditzy jumped and raised a fist to the air. Captivated by all the dizzying colors as he looked back and forth at each exploding fireworks.

It took Reed patting his head did Ditzy snapped out of it, even then, the head pat felt nice. "We can see the fireworks together next time, and always!"

Then seeing Reed turned, Ditzy smelt someone familiar. Not too long ago too, he wondered who it was as he turned around and his eyes widened immensely.

"Naga!" Ditzy didn't even hesitate as he ran towards her before jumping forward, barreling into her as he hugged her tightly. Squeezing her tightly as Ditzy was as happy as a clam to see her again. "You came back!"

---

Yang Bethlehem

"You give me too much praise." Yang bowed her head at that even as she felt prouder than ever. Hearing Bart following words had her grinned in a much warmer way. "Without a doubt, I gave my words to you when you recruited me."

"That and..." Yang looked back to the port before towards the guild location. "Well, it's as close to my home and family."

That's when the fireworks shot up to the air, painting a beautiful graffiti of light and colors across the dimming sky. Yang felt nostalgic watching those, it was like the new year and Obori celebrations at the capital city of Zipang.

"Well, that makes the two of us!" She pointed a thumb to herself before putting a hand on Bart's shoulder. "Let's go and see them next year, that's a promise."

Perhaps, as many times as well.

^{@PaulHaynek @13org @Restalaan @Stern Algorithm}

"Umm, Vară-chan, are you alright? You look awfully pale..." Asked her draconic companion. The two had, after running into each other after a long while, decided to take a pleasant boat ride to Boreal Port. Well, pleasant for some… The ‘noble’ fire demon seemed to still be recovering from a spout of seasickness.

“Do I look OK, Nagi?” Replied Vară, who could barely walk in a straight line. Nagi was the affectionate nickname she had given to her friend, who had originally joined the Guild at the same time she did. It could be only fate that the two would find each other again while returning back.

“Unlike some, I’m not accustomed to sea travel. Uuuugh....” She had a hand on her head and it appeared as though her eyes were spinning.

“Not to worry, once we get back to the Guild, you’ll have plenty of time to rest!" Nagare placed a hand on her shoulder. She then stared off into the distance for a moment. "Honestly, I've really been looking forward to seeing everyone again. I heard the Guild recently stopped a kidnapping!"

"Then they should be fine! I'm sure it wasn't anything Neil and the others couldn't handle. Ugh, I should've taken some ginger before the ride…" The noble's stomach lurched as she walked.

The two noticed that there was a festival of sorts taking place at the port, celebrating what they didn't know. Nagare looked on with gleeful eyes at the scene, the fireworks were quite spectacular. Vară, however, was reminded of days long past by the celebration. She thought of the first mission she ever went on as part of the guild: Bast, Eilidh, and even Titanica. Though she wouldn't admit it, she missed them all.

As if on cue, the aquatic dragon suddenly found herself on the receiving end of a large hug, which was accompanied by a loud 'Naga!'. The duo was already aware of the culprit: Ditzy Stoneclub. With him, they saw more familiar and unfamiliar faces.

"Ditzy! It's so good to see you again, I missed you! Freyr-san and Haley-chan, I'm happy to see you as well and everyone else!"

They both noticed a strange, pale looking girl with a tail that was taller than she was. Along with a person dressed head to toe in worn armor.

Vară made note of the armored man. He must be a new member, she thought. "Indeed we are sir knight. Pay me my proper dues, for you stand in the presence of nobility! I am Vară Riemsianne, remember it for soon it shall be known far and wide!" Whatever semblance of sickness she had immediately subsided. However, her bravado soon faded at the sight of a certain young man.

"Nei- I mean Average Boy! Uhh..it seems we meet yet again! Ha...I imagine you've been working toward self improvement in my absence… Don't blush like that you idiot…" She said in a cute, bashful tone.

The cute moment was broken when Vară looked toward Ditzy. "Ditzy, you muttonhead! Look at Nagi!"

Nagare was no stranger to Ditzy's strength, but being on the receiving end of it wasn't exactly a good time…

"Uwaah~ ...Ditzy...I...I'm glad you're in high spirits, but...I'm starting to have….trouble….breathing…"

It seemed that she could lose consciousness at any moment. Some may even notice a small, ghost-like version of herself sprouting from her mouth.

@AzureKnight

Neil laughed at Talia's excitement before turning to the Altissima sisters. "I'll see if my... surprise is still intact and ready after all that. Do you two wanna come see it as soon as possible or do you wanna watch the fireworks first? I'm fine either way."

"I think the best part about a surprise is the anticipation," Sylvia said, "So I'll be happy to wait until after the fireworks show."

The Altissima sisters watched the show with the others. having grown up around humans, it was like fireworks were something they'd never seen before, but for Sylvia, it was special that she was able to share in this beautiful moment with Neil. There several moments, especially during the show's climax, that Sylvia wanted to just confess her feelings to Neil, but she held back, maybe it was too soon, and maybe it could wait until after the surprise.

However, things took a strange turn when two former guildmembers showed up. The sisters had a vague thought that maybe they had seen these two leaving just as she had first arrived at the Guild; Ditzy's mopiness when she arrived and Neil's subdued distress seemed to attest to that. But it was the way the demon and Neil behaved around each other that raised red flags in both sisters' minds. The sisters wheeled over in their cart and interjected Vară and Neil's curious banter.

"It's a pleasure to meet former members of the Guild, I'm Sylvia and Vivian Altissima. We joined the Guild recently. We're still getting set up, but we're going to be the Guild's apothecary and baker when the herb garden is finished." The sisters introduced themselves, with Sylvia doing most of the talking.

"I'm guessing you two are fighters? Most guildmembers are, after all," Vivian added.

_{@Stern Algorithm}

Vară, still wrestling with Ditzy to free Nagare, turned to the Altissima sisters at their introduction. She did remember meeting them, albeit briefly, before departing the guild.

"Ahem. I believe you will find yourselves to be quite impressed by the magical prowess of the Riemsianne clan! Those foolish enough to stand before me shall be seared by royal flames!" She then paused for a moment, realizing what the sisters had said earlier.

"Did...did you just say you'll be baking for the guild? That's...that's fantastic!" She was now nearly in Vivian's face, her eyes containing a childish gleam. "What type of pastries do you specialize in, what ingredients do you most use, do you use spicy ingredients often?" She began bombarding her with various questions, having completely forgotten about Nagare.

"Well...I dislike fighting...but I'm no stranger to relying on my draconic power to get me out of a pinch!" Her speech labored, Nagare uses her powerful tail to break free of Ditzy's grip. With heavy breaths she regained her composure, and then properly addresses the liliraune sisters.

Putting a hand on her chest, she began. "Whew! Hello, my name is Nagare and it's so nice to meet you!" She cocked her head to the side and put a finger to her chin, as if pondering something. "Um. Apo...the cary? I'm not sure what that means...does it have something to do with food?"

"Nagi, an apothecary is a person who sells medicinal merchandise, like herbs and other drugs" The fire demon turned her attention back to her friend, realizing her confusion.

"Huh? But, aren't drugs bad?"

"Not necessarily! Some can be medicine that cures illnesses."

Oh! Well, I don't really get it, but if it can keep our friends from getting hurt I'll forever be in your debt Sylvia-san!" She recalls the mission she went on with Freyr and Ditzy. Freyr and his childhood friend were heavily wounded; she and Ditzy also got some cuts and bruises. If there was an effective way of lessening such predicaments, she would be completely on board with it.

"Well, I'm sure Sylvia can explain it better than I can." Vară said, turning back to Vivian and continuing her rant of baking questions.

@PaulHaynek @ShwiggityShwah

"She sounds amazing. And I might take that lesson too."

"She really was. All that and more were what made her into the kind of woman any man would be lucky to have......despite some not being worthy of such a woman."

Upon that statement, Kira's nostalgic smirk faded away as her features returned to neutral, along with her tone.

"One day, at the age 10, I was at the food market with Videl and my younger mouse sister Maki when a wandering band of travelers came into our village. Mercenaries. Called themselves the Spearheads. Among them was a man. A man that, upon seeing him, Videl became smitten at first sight."

Ozzy would notice how Kira curled into a tighter ball and her claws gripping her arms harder.

"Gruja Jaggers."

Despite her best effort, Kira couldn't quite contain the disdain and venom that came with saying that damn name.

@Rezod92

There was alot of love and respect there. Had the past been different, Ozzy wondered if Kira would even leave to join the Guild, or would she become this paragon for her older sister. "I bet." agreeing to the first statement but it was as if her demeanor sucked away the cheer...

Shame that with the tightening of her muscles Ozzy knew this is where things took a turn for the worse. And honestly it was a familiar story. Who doesnt fall for the warrior types? Dashing and brave with muscles to spare. Ozzy could picture the scene.

Ozzy knew that look though. Hatred. A fury that festered enough to change someone for a long time, sometimes ever. His head full of assumptions. How things could go bad. What words would help ease her anger? None, she was entitled to it. His hands went to the step, trying to open himself while she closed hers. He let her continue.