---

Tearsy’s voice pierced the veil of reality to speak directly to Mandi. Mostly because of Mandi’s thoughts directed towards her. It hoped that Brianna wouldn’t figure out it’s doing it again, but she had a feeling. ” Tch, I don’t believe that you are saying you aren’t interesting. In terms, it could be rude, I suppose, but hard not to read others’ thoughts when I’m supposed to protect Brianna. Even though I do get quite bored from time to time when I am not being used for my other purpose.” A young woman’s voice telepathically spoke to Mandi, with a slight laugh in her voice. The aura pluses between dimmer and lighter bluish silver tones.

When Mandi spoke to her, Brianna had a happy smile on her face. She listened to Mandi speak throughout what they were talking about a specific thing. It came up that Tearsy was naughty blade again, by saying to another person without including her. In terms, her facial features made her look like she was pouting. Brianna’s eyes looked at Tearsy for a few seconds, and they slowly went back to staring directly at Mandi. Her face had a sad look on it, even though it went back to smiling a bit later.

” Thank you, Mandi, for being pleased to meet me. I’m sorry for what Tearsy had said to you. She’s a bit overprotective of me for specific reasons, and I’m twenty years old. I don’t need a nanny. As well, I wouldn’t want you to go anywhere, Mandi!” Brianna exclaimed towards Mandi. She was disappointed in what Tearsy had done by going behind her back again. It’s a bit much for her to deal with, but thankfully, Tearsy wasn’t teasing her. Bit of a golden lining, you could say.

Tearsy’s voice pierced the veil of reality to speak with Brianna and Mandi. She sighed slightly at the adorable nature of Brianna. ” I do suppose I should say sorry to you, Mandi. Being a sentient sword is hard work.” Tearsy’s voice telepathically spoke to both of them. However, it did hear the thoughts of Mandi since it’s always focusing on misbegotten thoughts. ” Methinks, this is going to be very interesting, Mandi. I am as sharp as ever. Brianna can’t use the Shifting Sword Style without me. I’m Brianna’s Birthright, after all.” Tearsy’s voice telepathically spoke to Mandi.

Brianna had a beautiful looking smile on her face, but her eyes looked at Nolan. She only did so because of what he had said towards her. ” Aww, why not Mr. Waltzie? It isn’t like nicknames are bad or anything. It’s a little bit of fun.” Brianna said cutely towards him. However, Brianna was stunned by the cutest little girl ever, named Faith, Sasha’s daughter. She had her eyes glow in how cute she and how Penny was holding her. ” Awwh, so cute!” Brianna exclaimed cutely. Faith is such an adorable kid. Karnie speaking to the little girl was so cute. ” I thought it was a secret, Mr. Waltzie!” Brianna said with an attractive smile. This guild is active by much more than it was initially active when she joined a while ago.

It was a bit of a hard thing for Tearsy to deal with, but it couldn’t help but laugh at D’Angelo’s super excitable positive energy. All of what he did in a short second was overwhelming to the point of insanity. ” I must say, you are positivity incarnate. As such, my Telepathy Magic is different from the norm. A Two-Way Telepathy Magic type of deal, since I am a Sword instead of a person. In terms, yes, I can read every single thought you are thinking or about to think about.” Tearsy’s voice telepathically spoke to D’Angelo and Brianna. She couldn’t help but sigh at the entirety of what he’s saying in his head much later. It was a bit obvious that she was implying everything, including pictures in her voice.

Brianna had an odd look on her face, with what Tearsy said to the new arrival, in terms of the overly happy person. She couldn’t help but be filled with wholesome thoughts and uber positivity of what D’Angelo was saying. Brianna’s smile was genuinely wide because of what the boy said about her name. ” Yes, my name is Brianna. And thank you.” Brianna said happily. It was when he finally gave him his name she giggled happily. ” It is alright, D’Angelo. Everyone forgets something sometimes.” Brianna said.

Brianna couldn’t help but notice another pair of people come in, which was announced by Karnie. She waved towards them too. ” Aww, Hi, how are you two doing?” Brianna said towards Trinny and NiNi. She didn’t get much besides Trinny introducing Neil to everyone else. However, then the announcement happened, which hurts her ears slightly by making her hold them. It was a bit loud, and it’s has been a while since she had been in a room with a loud microphone.

Tearsy couldn’t help but sigh deeply to herself afterward. She knows that Brianna is growing up but always wanted her to stay as sweet as she is. ’ Ugh, Brianna is growing up so fast. She’s so cute and adorable though, can’t wait until she experiences something else.’ Tearsy thought to herself. It is why the sword glowed much dimmer than brighter and blatantly ignoring all the new minds it could talk to right now. However, Tearsy did take note of Trinity, Neil, and everyone else in the Guildhall within her telepathic radius. Even more, people entered the guildhall, which was interesting, and took note of their names. However, it completely ignored one mind’s name, and that was the annoying Exceed of Jasmine. ’ That Exceed is a shit head… a massive one. But Jasmine is so adorable. I do wonder what...’ Tearsy thought to herself again.

Brianna waved to all the new people who entered the Guildhall, Cody, Jasmine, and Rajah. Ethel was already in the guildhall eating pastries, which looked really good to eat. ” Aww, another Exceed kitty, so cute. Why is she so cruel to Jasmine? Jasmine is Jasmine.” Brianna said cutely toward Rajah. It was something she was all about since she loves kitties. It’s the first time that Brianna has met Rajah like ever. However, the most shocking thing was what happened near the Microphone. She quickly gets distracted because what happened was no other than Damian showing off that he started a band. It shocked her completely, and how does the strongest have time to create a band. This entire thing was shocking but welcomed to listen to since she does have some musical tastes. She was cheering the band on since it was great music, rockish music, she thought.

Afterward, after Damian’s band was done with the song, Brianna was so excited. She heard Damian told everyone that this band would be apart of the Festival. ” Oh my god, that was so wonderful! Damian, that was a pleasant surprise!” Brianna said happily. Jasmine’s Exceed Rajah went towards the front to steal the mic and was punted by Damian. It made her think that the kitty was a bit excitable and didn’t quite understand what was going on.

Thankfully, Trinny caught Rajah and gave the exceed back to Jasmine. ” You jumped so high, Trinny!” Brianna exclaimed happily. She had a confused look on her face because she hadn’t understood why Rajah is such a shithead. ” Uhh, Trinny and Jazy, Rajah is so cute, why does she act like that? Aren’t kitties suppose to act cute and adorable?” Brianna questioned, still with her confused look on her face.

Tearsy couldn’t help but sigh at Brianna’s question because it’s evident that Rajah’s personality isn’t that great. If she had ahead, she would shake it in disappointment at Brianna’s naivety. ” Hmm, Brianna, it’s because Rajah thinks she’s so self-important that everyone is beneath her. Is that right? Trinity. Also, I am the sword on Brianna’s waist, if you are wondering. As well, Jasmine, you are quite cute, great to meet your acquaintance.” Tearsy’s voice telepathically spoke in Trinity, Jasmine, and Brianna’s head. It was just thought projection her usual speaking method to others, but she did sense some resistance from one of them, Trinity primarily. Tearsy glowed brighter on Brianna's waist, within its sheath.

Brianna couldn’t help but try to ignore what Tearsy said about Rajah being so self-important, and cats aren’t self-important as she sees them. She heard the guildhall doors open up again and decide to turn around and notice two people. It must mean Ariel has returned, but she brought someone else with many tails. ” Aww, Ari-Ari has returned! Who did you bring with you?” Brianna questioned, pointing to the girl with many foxtails. She has never heard seen a sight like that, whoever it is cute as can be. However, what happened next made her blush heavily, and she tried to look away from Nolan being kissed by his girlfriend. It was heavily embarrassing, and Brianna gets embarrassed easily with all the stuff over the years. ” U-Uhh, Mr. Waltzie got kissed!” Brianna exclaimed nervously and embarrassed like a tomato.

---

---

Cailyn stayed close to Keiko as such since she was acting as a motherly figure to her. She did notice what Prince was doing with Michael, and he won’t change. All she could do is slightly giggle at what Keiko said towards both of them. Specifically, Keiko is trying not to be shy, and it’s a bit cute. She was always grateful for people who have questions, and Keiko had many of them. In terms, she listened to the conversation between Prince and Keiko since Prince answered her question. However, the voice of Michael spoke up towards her.

” In of itself, that is good news he’s returning, Michael. Always the pessimist, aren’t you? He’ll tell you about his journey when he gets here.” Cailyn spoke towards Michael. It felt like the right thing for her to say since it was essential to say the right something even though her accent is pretty thick. She looked towards Keiko since she had a feeling Keiko was looking at her again. It was correct to think that.

” Hehe, it’s a pretty well known saying. Oh my, eight years old, that’s a bit shocking. No, memories that seem a bit depressing.” Cailyn noted with a bit of shock on her face. It’s a bit of one of those times to be young again when you want to do your own thing. She turned her head since she felt someone walk into the room. It was Silver Wolf, who was training again, somewhere far away. She did similarly as Prince and waved to him.

” Greetings back to you, Silver Wolf. How was your training? Just helping out this little sweetie.” Obvious as day, she talked about the little girl standing next to her. However, the next question was a bit harder for her to remember. ” I don’t think I have either, as Prince said. Been chatting with everyone.” Her ears twitched slightly, trying to hear things around her. Her hearing listened to the Oni, Enma come in, and what he said was a bit funny, with Prince's response.

” You don’t change, do you? Always a giant funny Oni, aren’t you.” Cailyn said in response to Enma. It’s better to say it that way than any other way, in all honesty, since Emna is friendly Oni. As well, it’s a joy to be in a guild this active. She did notice how much he decided to look at Keiko and smiled happily. Prince took her words out of her words right out of her mouth, always like Prince. Better to be a step ahead of the other cat in the building, some would say.

” Yes, what Prince said. I love being a pleasant host to a cute little girl like Keiko.” Cailyn added to what Prince said. It was cute when Keiko started to ask questions towards Enma, as well. That’s when Ash came in and involved herself in the conversation. She giggled at Ash, being late to the party, and what she said made her slightly roll her eyes. It’s because she wanted to say it, but Ash beat her to the punch. ” Ah, hi, Ash, how has it been? I will introduce her, and she’s Keiko, she’s only 15 years old. And a recruit to our guild.” Cailyn spoke to Ash with her usual friendly demeanor but a bit annoyed. It didn’t help that Ash was a bit of a hothead and continuously wanted to fight with everyone in the guild. She smiled kindly towards Ash, and it’s always nice to have people be introduced.

Argus trails a finger along the brim of his small glass as he listens to Henri and Meredith, a grin popping as they both seemed receptive to his little suggestion. The mention of Priscilla, however, brought with it a . . . distant expression. His thoughts turn to when he'd first talked with the guild master, and then to something deeper in his gut. Even now, as he watches the other two joke around, he can feel that all familiar twisting weight in his gut. As if sensing his attention, it only grew worse. A twinge that rolled into a rumble, as if something was trying to break out. It wasn't until Henri bumped into him that Argus'attention came back to the present moment.

"Wha-" Was all the young man had to say as he saw the handful of almonds get slung into the air overhead. Quick on the draw, he leans back in his chair as he requips a pair of light blue gloves raising them up as if to catch the falling nuts. While he had been caught off guard due to his introspection, Argus was more than confident enough in his ability to manipulate just enough of the almond's with his puppeteer's gloves to- wait why was he still falling backward.

BANG!

So fixated was Argus' attention on the task Henri had sprung on him, that he didn't realize just how far he had leaned back on the stool until it was already too late to course-correct, leaving the poor young man laying on the guildhall floor, covered in almonds, just as not only Shiro, but several other guild members and a new person walked into the place.

". . . Owwwwwwww."

Rather than get up and try to regain some measure of his dignity, the drifter mage merely drags his cap over his face and stays exactly where he lay on the floor. He was, in fact, part of the floor. That was the only explanation good enough to not send him into a spiral as he realizes just how much of an idiot he must've looked in front of so many people. It was the only way to ignore the coiling feeling in his gut grow ever more tumultuous as he focuses on trying to take deep breaths, despite the pounding in his head from where his skull had hit the ground.

It's fine. I'm fine. Everything is fine. Just. Keep. Breathing.

@Lunarlord34@CitrusArms@Cello

---

Despite his best efforts, Enma's boisterous announcement and appearance from behind Silver Wolf sent the man's nerves alight. While outwardly he only showed the slightest bit of stiffened posture and a quick glance behind him, internally his heart had jumped into his throat. Luckily, the newcomer that the other guild members were fawning over proved to be enough of a distraction to hopefully take enough attention off the martial artist so he could better compose himself. Unlike the young girl, the fact that Enma was an Oni was not a subject of fascination for him, but semi-constant unease. He'd grown up hearing stories of Oni and other such beings, and while he had interacted enough with Enma to know he was no monstrous demon. . . it proved difficult to shake the unease he still felt around the man.

It was around the time that Ash came into the guildhall all loud, brash, and carrying all the discipline of a yet-to-be housebroken pup, that Silver Wolf managed to get himself back into order.

"I believe they're a prospective guild member perhaps? Or at the very, least, stopping by to get a lay of the place." Silver Wolf offers the young lady a short bow, hands clasped in front of him as he beams with a warm smile of welcome. "Whether you've come to join us or not, I am pleased to make your acquaintance Ms. Keiko. My name is Silver Wolf, a B rank mage of the guild. If you do join, I'm also known to give a few lessons on self-defense and proper breathing technique, as Dragon fang jobs tend to be a bit more physically demanding than other guilds. Knowing a little hand-to-hand combat will always come in handy for it, no matter what kind of magic you practice." After finishing up his greeting to the newcomer, the martial artist walks over to grab his pack from by the door, giving Enma a small nod as he passes by.

"My training was rather well, Ms. Cailyn. I might try looking to do a Job later on if the guild master doesn't have any business for us all, been a little while since I've last gone out. Anyone else looking for work at the moment?" Sliver Wolf slung his pack back over his shoulder as he gave out the open invitation, hand on his hip as took a second to await replies.

@Lunarlord34@BlackMaiden@Silver Fox@hatakekuro@MarshiestMallow@Landaus Five-One

Deleted.

"Elena, please, I can do this myself." Perry pleaded from within his own head.
"No way. If we're gonna start acting more like a guild member, I'm taking control. Elena said, stomping down the road with a purpose.
"Besides, I was the one that helped you become friends with Ariel."
"Were you though? I thought that was just because of her magic. Besides, I wouldn't really say friends, more acquaintance."
Elena stopped in her tracks for a moment, clenching her fist. She thought back to all of the stories she had heard throughout her life. The risks that guild members would take for others. Maybe that was what she wanted to feel, now that she's lived a few life times. Somewhere to belong.
"Look, Perry, you've got to get this through your head. A guild is a family. It may not be by blood, it may not be by choice, but for the last 100 years, being part of a guild means more than just a job."
Perry paused while Elena began moving again.
"Wow Elena. I... I didn't realize you felt so strongly about all of this."
She gave a sigh as she walked. "You dummy. You should be able to parse something like this by now. Weren't you the one that convinced a handful of dark mages to become good?" she thought to herself.
"Oh, we're here already!" Perry chimed in surprised.
"Well yeah, Magnolia's not that big of a place."
"It also helps that you were almost running the whole time."
Elena ignored Perry and took a deep breath as she thought what to say. She had completely blanked on even thinking of something. What would it be? "Hi there! I'm Perry! Let's be friends! Look at my cool Light Sword!" No that's dumb. Perry's not dumb, and while she'd absolutely LOVE to ruin Perry's day, this was serious.
"You know what? I'll wing it." She finally said, pushing open the doors with both hands.
"Wait what?"
Elena had closed her eyes, and began to say the first thing to come to mind. Perry's body would burst through the doors, looking slightly triumphant in a show of bravado.
"Everyone! I have an announcement!" she began, opening her eyes to the liveliness of the guild, "I Perry, uh..."
Elena, for the first time, began to clam up. She was interrupting so much. Everyone was going on about their own business, and she could've sworn someone said something about a festival, leaving her even further out of the loop.
"I... uh... Friends... less... with you?" she stammered.
"What are you doing!?" Perry cried in their mind.
Elena couldn't take it. She was far too uncomfortable being Perry, and the guild had to know sooner or later. She knew she wouldn't hear the end of it from Perry but...
"Actually..." She changed back to her original form. "Ah, I feel much better."
Perry was so stunned by what Elena had just done that he passed out within their mind.
"Alright everyone. Cat's coming out of the bag now. No offense to any Exceeds." She walked in, owning her voluptuousness and feeling much more at home finally.
"Perry and I haven't been very gracious members of the guild, so I wanted to start over." She didn't mind now who she was interrupting, or even who cared.
"I am Elena Rainor, and thanks to a magical malfunction, I am stuck co-inhabiting the body of Percival Grungust. It is a pleasure to finally formally introduce myself!"
She waited for her gamble to pay off, knowing there would be many questions and concerns about this new change of circumstances.



Xing's cart made it to the gate of the town finally, and she looked upon the bustling streets of Magnolia.
"Alright! Time to check the town for some competition. Ox, you're relieved for now."
She hopped off the cart to the front of the ox and pulled the Talisman. It gave a small whoosh as the Ox returned to the Talisman. She then skipped happily over to the side of her cart and rolled under it, pulling at a large talisman that was attached to the underside of the cart. Once removed, the cart disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"There we go. Simple as that." She said, wrapping the large talisman that was nearly half her size and placing it into a smaller one that she had pulled from her carrying bag on her back.
"Now no one- except these town guards- will know I run a food cart." She said as she skips happily into town.
"Now, where to begin? Guess I'll just ask anyone."
Xing began running around to people, pen and paper in hand, asking them where the best place to eat in town was, and who the best cook was.

@Cello@Lunarlord34@BlackMaiden@Zarkun



Michael wasn't fussed one bit by Prince stealing a bit of his magic- it was, after all, all around them. He'd get it back, and it made Prince happy. He did however blush at Enma's comment, and shifted a little awkwardly. Prince's display just seemed to cement the colour on his cheeks. "Not that Prince isn't satisified making me flustered." He said, shifting again- almost squirming, before sighing. "I don't know. Things are.... unsettled in the Spirit realm." He said softly, and his gaze shifted to Cailyn. It might have been joking, but it hurt him, and Micahel shifted, seeming to almost shrink in on himself.

He ducked his head, lowering his eyes to the floor, troubled. There wasn't simply anyway to explain what was happening in the spirit world, what they'd been trying to fix, trying to make better. Gabriel... he was better at this sort of thing. He sighed,

He was sorely tempted to go back to his room. Instead, he drew in a deep breath, and reaching for a glass of water.



Penny looked over to Trinity, gave her a smile, "That's good, I'll have to come by" She said, shifting slightly with Faith in her arms, glancing over the crowd, before turning back to Sasha. Ignatius shifted from one shoulder to the other, warily looking down at Faith. She cast a glance to Nolan, managing a smile- she well knew that they were nothing but guild mates, but she didn't mind. Penny's little family had grown... From Sasha, to Karn... Jasmine.. She needed to find her. . She sighed softly, "Thanks, Nolan." She shifted, looking back to Sasha as she spoke "She'd love that. Of course, you might not get rid of her... she'll dance until she flops." Her sister said with a soft laugh.

The toddler in her arms waved in excitement as she seemed to look from everyone, and everything and back again. Faith reached up as if to grab at Ignatius's tail and the Exceed took to the air, and for one moment, Penny was sure she heard him mutter "Worse then Rajeh." she couldn't help but chuckle, before turning her attention back to her sister. She had just enough time to hand Faith back into Sasha's laughing arms as Jasmine- speak of a devil- launched herself at her.

Her arms went around the younger girl, and held her close, letting out a relieved breath. "Shhh" She said softly, "It's okay." She closed her own eyes and for one brief moemnt, she let herself relax, before opening her eyes again, and planting a quick kiss on the top of Jasmine's head. "We can share stories soon." She promised, but didn't let Jasmine go, even as the younger girl tried to hide behind her.

For a few moments, Penny felt more at home then she ever had before, letting her gaze move to Damien, and the others as the song took over the guild hall. Unsurprised when Rajeh was soon being ejected from the hall. Laughter bubbled up, and Penny simply couldn't hide it as the soft music tinkled through the guild hall. She further desolved into helpless laughter as Ignatius, grumbled, went to stop what she was sure was going to be a temper tantrum from Rajeh.

It was good to be home.



Jamie shifted, looking to Jack as he came in. "We always seem to have such interesting conversations." She said, before letting her attention move back to Priscilla, giving her another smile. "It's perfectly fine, I was tidying up a few matters myself." She said, rising to go over to a cupboard that held supplies for coffee and tea, "Can I interest you in hot drink, or perhaps something cold?"

She couldn't help the chuckle that escaped her at Priscilla's words, "It's easier, for me. Jarvis does a lot of the work as well- although I'm better at the diplomacy of it all, I suppose." She said, thoughtfully, "We are always here to help, however. Starting and maintaining a guild is daunting, but I wouldn't ever change it. It is worthwhile." Her gaze flicked tot he lacrima, amused. "And then there are times where you might not know whats going on, but then you look over your members and... it doesn't matter. It's worth it. Some of our S-class members have made their way home for a time, it seems."

She watched the lacrima for a minute, before she turned back to the other two, "I think this is it"

One of these days, Karn was going to give him a fucking stroke. That guy just needed to learn that not everyone was as touchy feely as he was. "What an exhausting guy." He muttered to himself. To save his sanity, he ignored whatever Brianna was saying to him lest she kept burning his braincells. "Just means she'll go to sleep early." He said to Sasha with a chuckle.

Nolan arched his brow when Damian began to speak again. The sound of a guitar playing a tune that had been popular lately. The curtain behind him pulled open to show that there was an entire band set up behind Damian and now the swordsman was the front man.

What the actual hell? When the hell did they have time to set up for a concert in the guild? Damian had just arrived in the guild for the first time in two years and they had instruments at the ready and sound settings tweaked? While everyone else was excited for the free concern, Nolan just stood there with a blank expression on his face. "Please tell me they aren't going to rehearse at his place." If that was the case, goodbye any shred of peace that was left in his chaotic abode that was his house. Well, Dalton was head banging to the music so at least someone was having fun. Nolan had just completely ignored the fact that Rajah was flung across the room. Her existence was something that he actively tried to ignore in general.

Nolan sighed and shook his head though he took a step back as he watched Jasmine launch herself at Penny. Was... was she crying? That was definitely an overreaction; not much had happened in the last two years besides her involvement with the Slayer training camp. While Nolan didn't attend, he did hear some horror stories though the grapevine about the kind of training they were doing. One would think that she would have a bit more resilience after that though that was obviously not the case. And now that she just glanced at Nolan, Jasmine was scared witless and hiding behind Penny, again. Every single time she was ever around him, even when he was minding his own business she retreated from him as if he was some dangerous apex predator chasing after a rabbit. Sure, he knew his reputation in the guild was not sparkly, but was he really that scary?

The God Slayer still had to deal with how to defuse the tension between him and Jasmine; the last thing he needed was a lecture on not terrorizing guild members by just existing. And Trinity came in with the save with a collared Rajah to lure the terrified Dragon Slayer. "I've never seen anything so puny, yet think so highly of itself. She's like an angry chihuahua." He teased with a smirk at the arrogant little bugger, but his attention was quickly grabbed away when he heard his beloved.

"Ariel, welcome-" He was cut off by Ariel kissing him without warning. From his cheeks to the tips of his ears, he was redder than Enma's skin and Dalton just let out a loud, long whistle. Nolan wasn't awful with public displays of affections, but he was completely weak to her surprise attacks so he just stood there wide-eyed and flushed in the face."That's a hell of a greeting." He said to himself out loud. His eyes scanned her from head to toe as she twirled though in the end he focused on her smile. She was happy and that was all that mattered. "I like it. You seem more confident with yourself. It suits you very much."

"Ya lookin' the part!" Dalton chimed in. "Nolan's a lucky guy." He said with a smirk, much to Nolan's embarrassment. He wasn't wrong.

Nolan cleared his throat to draw attention away from that little comment. "How are you? Your trip seemed to be..." He looked at the Kitsune and then back to Ariel, "eventful. What happened?"





Enma chuckled at Prince's antics. Out of the majority of the people in the guild, that cat-man magic vampire guy was definitely one of the more entertaining members and of course, Michael's reactions were always golden. "Well I'm rooting for you two." He teased before turning his attention to Cailyn. "I'm a pretty fun guy in general. Maybe you can find out more if we went out for a drink or two." And there he was trying to make a pass at her, again. They had to give it to him, he sure as hell had the confidence considering he had the face that was the stuff of absolute nightmares.

He felt like someone's gaze was piercing his soul and he turned to the little missy with sparkly eyes who started to bombard him with a series of questions that kept on being piled on and on, on him. Before he could get even a word through to her, Ash's elbow found that his head was a great armrest and the fire mage began to mock him for someone not running away from him. "Bite me, battle freak." The oni said as he shook her arm off.

"Well last I checked, I'm a real one and yes, your father is correct. While we do share traits, we do have our own individual features and personalities like any other person." He explained as to remove the expectation that they come in only a few varieties. "My favorite color is yellow, my favorite food is takoyaki, and yes, I do have magic. I am a member of the guild, see?" The oni extended his jaw far beyond what a human possibly could to the point it looked like he could just eat Keiko's head in one bite. He stuck his blue tongue out to show the yellow Dragon Fang guild mark was printed on it.

Enma shut his mouth and laughed, knowing that he got quite a few looks for that display. "To answer your question though, I practice two forms of magic: one that grants me durability and the ability to hit things without a solid form," he held one of his hands out, which then glowed with a blue, smoke like aura, "and the second lets me generate vibrations for multiple uses." He held his other hand and it seemed like the air around it was buzzing. Both magics were soon dispelled. "As for how I fight, it's not really elegant. I try to adapt to the situation and hit as hard as I can."

"And of course I sleep. A good night's rest keeps your complexion nice and healthy." It was when Silver Wolf made his introduction that he forgot to introduce himself as well. "And I'm Sengoku Enma, an A-Class of this guild. A pleasure to meet you Keiko." Enma gave the small girl a pat on the head with his oversized hands.

A job huh? Enma wasn't oblivious to Silver Wolf's unease whenever he was around him. Silver was the kind of man that had been raised on superstition and hearsay about the oni's kind. That sort of prejudice does not go away over night. It didn't help that when they first met, Enma came on strong since he was curious about the fact that he was a God Slayer just like Jack and Nolan. "Sorry, perhaps another time?" There wasn't a point in them working together if Silver was going to be uncomfortable around him.

Joshua sighed as he finally got off the train station at Magnolia. He took a second to breath in the now familiar air of the city he was now able to call his home, happy to be back after a mission that had taken longer then expected. It had just been a simple material gathering mission for some doctor hoping to make some medicine. It had been around the area Amaya had grown up so Joshua had invited her along on the off chance they might come across some hint about her mother Aura, though sadly that had not actually occurred.

It had been on the way back that Joshua and Amaya got separated. Joshua had spotted some smoke on the horizon and he had instantly recognized that it was too thick. He had told Amaya to continue back while he went to check it out. While she had resisted separating at first, he had managed to convince her that he would not be long and went to check it out. What he found was a village on fire from a raid and several survivors in need of help. Unable to leave them in such a state, Joshua had helped them put out the flames before learning as much as he could about the bandits that had raided them and going to track them down in order to rescue some hostages they had apparently taken.

The hideout wasn't hard to find but the fight inside had been harder then he had expected. On top of what he knew they would do, which was trying to use the hostages against him and trying to overpower him with sheer numbers, several of the members had some small skill with magic. While the magic itself was nothing dangerous, it had been enough to cause Joshua some trouble and he received more then a few cuts from the other bandits weapons as a result of it.

Regardless, he had come out on top and managed to return to the village, getting some medical treatment for his more serious injuries before returning home. That had been a few days ago. Glancing down at his left arm, he made a fist and winced a bit as pain shot through it. One of the more serious wounds had been a blade through the middle of his left forearm, slipping between the bones. He planned on not mentioning it it Amaya, for he knew she would possibly blame herself somehow, and he hoped Jarvis had some sort of lacrima that would heal it without the risk of permanent problems.

Moving through the town, he made his way to the guild hall and he heard the music before the building was even in sight. He guessed that meant that Damian was back and holding a concert or something of the sort. Regardless, he made his way in without much fanfair and glanced around before he spotted Amaya and Cecilia talking with Cody. Making his way over from behind Amaya, he gently placed his right hand on her head and ruffled her hair.
"Hey there. What did I miss? You been back long?" He asked her before turning to Cody. "Hey there Cody. How have things at the guild been? Anything eventful happen other then... whatever is happening here?"



Amelia had been enjoying an afternoon nap when the music began pumping through the guild hall. Moaning, the young girl had pulled her pillow over her head to drown out the sound but sadly, it was to no avail. Eventually, Amelia gave up and got out of bed with a groan before leaving her room and heading downstairs to the main guild hall, rubbing her eyes as she came down the stairs, the crystals on her wings swaying with each step.

Glancing around, Amelia spotted the source of the music and sighed as she realized who it was. Among those at the guild, she was probably the only one who had spent time with Damian when he was away from the guild. Apparently, he was to be her guardian of sorts, looking after her when Jamie or Jarvis were too busy with other things. While it had been a bit of a rough start at first, the two had bonded a bit and Amelia now considered the S-Class mage a close friend and confidant. So, rather then interrupt the performance, like she would with anyone else, the girl instead found and empty table and sat down, watching. When she saw Damian at least glance in her direction, she waved at him and gave him a small smile, letting him know she was there without interrupting him. What he did with that information was up to him though. Maybe she should go bother her parents or see how her little sister Sam was doing.



It was only when the music began playing that the little girl in Rose's arms, who had been enjoying such a peaceful rest, finally stirred. The entire car ride home and the trip back to their home and back to the guild hall hadn't done it but the volume of Damian's band more then did the trick. With an upset moan, the small child opened the aqua blue eyes before looking around before recognizing where they were. Smiling, she looked around again for someone before frowning and turning towards her mother.
"Mom, where's Dad? Isn't he home yet?" She asked, her tone clearly upset.



"Jake, you better not lose! If you do, you're treating me out to something expensive tonight!" Pyrrha called out as she watched Jake and Hunter have their little boxing match. The elven maiden was smiling in an amused manner as she watched her boyfriend duke it out with a the dragon slayer. She would've fought Hunter herself but she just didn't feel it today and was more then happy to watch Jake have some fun. The threat of him treating her to an expensive meal was more for her amusement then anything and she was eager to see what such a little threat might do to the fight. Hopefully it wouldn't get out of hand, otherwise she would probably end up having to apologize for egging on the escalation of the fight.

As the band dispersed and went back to their daily lives for the time being, Damian offered an overly flourishing bow before heading off stage and over to his charge, miss Amelia Averyonna. Over the last couple of years, she and him had spent extensive time together even as he trained in Iaijutsu and Kenjutsu and she had enjoyed listening to the band's jam sessions and recordings when that was where he was to be found while Penny took care of her things. Checking that Andor was still secure in its sheathe after the performance, he joined her at her table, nodding and greeting a couple of other guild members. "You look like we might have woken you up. While I would normally apologize, you do realize how late it is, right?" Damian grinned and then produced a box of chocolates from the pack that he'd left sitting nearby and sliding it to her.

"Penny and I had to make a quick stop on the Isvanian border before heading back home, so I grabbed you a box of their famous chocolates. Hope you like 'em."




As always, Jane had greatly enjoyed being on stage, shredding on guitar and the energy of the guild hall. When Damian had suggested they surprise the guild with the band's performance, she'd been iffy, but agreed. After having done so, she was glad she'd gone with the idea instead of against, as many in the guild were still talking excitedly. However, Jane had not missed the young mage known as Percival Grungust turn from a man into a woman named Elena Rainor. Moving quickly, the energy blade mage met her and appraised her. "You know, I had always thought something seemed off, since there were rumors about a Phoenix Wing mage partying at night, but to see you actually exist...Well, I think we need to have a talk with Master Jamie or Jarvis, whom are indisposed with a guild masters meeting."




How the paladin had gotten roped in to playing bass for a band comprised of mages, he still wasn't sure, but Damian HAD made quite the convincing pitch to do so, and he already liked playing the instrument. Not to mention he and Damian swapped off being the singers, along with Jane. Once they had finished the one set that they'd all agreed to do, James had left the stage and originally intended to head back to his table to keep reading over his ancestor's journal, but the sight of Cody coming in earlier had him wanting to check in on the young man.

However, by the time James reached his pupil's side, Joshua had also walked in and seemed to be interrupting something between Cody and Amaya, which lead to a sudden tension as the paladin spoke, though why it happened was unclear. "Cody, Amaya, Joshua, good to see you all. Cody, how did your morning exercise go? Did you work on your incantations for your Light of the Protector? And Miss Amaya, how did your training camp go?" He waited a moment as he appraised the overworked muscles spasming lightly that he could see with Cody's attire before turning to Joshua. "And your job, Joshua? I trust you didn't overextend yourself any."




Between Pyrhha's encouragement and the fact that Hunter wasn't all in on the fight for once, Jake came out on top, knocking the Dragon Slayer into the edge of the ring for a ring-out victory before he went to join his girlfriend. As he approached, he stretched his arms to their fullest and then let them fall to his side, sliding into the seat next to Pyrhha. "I might have won, but we're still going somewhere expensive, I can swing it. What are you feelin' tonight? Steak, fish, shawarma?"

Seeing Brianna appreciate his over the top introduction brought a bigger smile to his already grinning face. He knew it was a bit much but couldn't help himself with all the brimming excitement he was feeling not only coming from himself but the very busy room itself practically oozing with energy." Hahah! Thanks, glad I didn't come off rude or anything and it really is awesome to meet the lovely Brianna and the enchanting Tearsy." Nodding with a double thumbs; still very much wanting to ask the two questions on the pair on what it was like living with and using a sentient sword but the current situation really did prove to be an awful time for it.

As with all the people talking already making it difficult to hear and the fact Brianna's attention was more spent on greeting the people in the guildhall as she must of missed his asking about Nolan. From the look and feel of the place it felt less like the members just coming in on a typical day more like a reunion so he couldn't blame her or any of them wanting to catch up." Seems I picked great day to visit." Laughing to himself while placing his hands on his hips as he thought to try his search for the elusive Nolan in this harrowing mosh pit of a crowd.

And as if it wasn't noisy enough that it would become even more so with an unexpected reveal of a band beginning to play on the stage. The band and song unfamiliar to him yet the jovial chubster tapped his foot and nodded his head to the music momentarily distracting him yet again.

The music was beginning to inspire in him the need to dance until he started swaying his hips and arms, his foot still tapping. D'angelo was very nearly about to give in to the siren call to full on dance when he felt an intense somewhat cold gaze on him.

Spinning in place while continuing to rock his body to the rhythm as he found himself being stared by a somewhat short hooded woman. Her bright scarlet eyes holding a surprisingly intense and cold look in them though it didn't bother him and in fact fascinated him. He waved his body side to side while vaguely catching what she said what with the chatter and music making it hard to hear." Hello there! And I do indeed know Nolan!" He answered a bit louder than usual to be heard over the loud chatter having only caught her asking if he knew Nolan as D'angelo began weaving and dancing around the hooded girl." Yo! I really do like that hood, it really makes those eyes pop beneath the pretty hair." Laughing as he did a popping motion with his fingers after stopping briefly at her left side then continued weaving and spinning slowly as he was simply having too much fun to stop.

Not until the music died did he bounced to a stop besides the hooded girl's whose name he still didn't know." Whew, sorry about that. Couldn't help myself with all the fun energy going around..just caught myself vibing to it." Nodding as he spoke through pants; feeling the floating Nimbus who felt as if he was forgotten nudging against the back of his head." Huh? Oh yeah!" Placing his right hand on the golden cloud to stop it bumping his head." Keep losing track of what I came here for. You said you know where Nolan is? Cause I'm on a very important operation to give him something as we have a history and.." Turning his head with shifty eyes then leaned in a bit to whisper in a serious tone." It's been a long time coming he gets what he deserves." Giving a wink before leaning back, his face instantly returning to its jovially bright expression." So think you ca-"

Cutting himself off as he noticed a small furry creature flying through the air and could of sworn it looked like..." Is that an exceed?!" He exclaimed in shocked glee while pointing at the cat before disappearing from view leaving him to think it was simply flying by." There are exceeds here? No way!" Clutching his head feeling his excitement boiling only to be made worse upon spotting a pair of girls recently entering and his wide eyes caught the fluffy tails and ears." I-wha-i...with the fluffy tails and ears?!" His body ended up crouching lower from legs going wide in stunned disbelief." Hahahaha WOW! This guild has so many amazing things!"

Unable to help but briefly forget Ethel was there as he was too busy gushing over learning the fact there were exceeds and a girl with the most huggable tails. As if a sentient sword wasn't crazy enough; taking all he had to keep from charging to where the exceed was or the tailed woman to hug them as strangers wouldn't want some random fat guy grabbing them but darn it they were so cuddly looking.

Already feeling like he was going to blow when he heard Nolan's name called out and...kiss? Eyes going wide as saucers." Wait what?! Kiss? Whowhatwhere?!" Lifting up onto his tiptoes to look in the direction the commotion came from to barely catch Nolan's face who was most definitely showing the face of a person who had just gotten kissed with him blushing up a storm.

" I-wha..ohmygodohmygod he was kissed? Nolan has GIRLFRIEND?!" He exclaimed while having grabbed at the nearest person's shoulders unfortunately proving to be Ethel who would find herself being rocked back and forth rapidly." A girlfriend! Alive and a girlfriend and..exceed..girl with tails...talking swords!" Babbling in pure gushing excitement as his head felt as if it was swimming and overloading from all the unexpectedly amazing and new developments. His body couldn't tell if it wanted to puke, pass out or bum rush his very much alive and happily in a relationship cousin in the biggest bear hug ever to congratulate the man.

" Ohohohoho man! I just can't believe any of this!" Grabbing and rocking Ethel's shoulders once more." I'm fracking losing my mind here! Please help me get to him pleasepleaseplease!" He pleading, nearly frothing at the mouth as he would of gone himself but not knowing any of the people around him or the fact Nolan may not even recognize him with how long its been. He didn't want to be rude and just knock them aside but this girl probably knew better and could help introduce this newcomer to them. Then he realized what he had been doing and pulled his hands back to rapidly bow his upper body back and forth." Ah! sorry sorry! Lost my head there, please forgive me." Bowing his head lower with his hands pressed together above it in prayer fashion as he felt bad for getting ahead of himself and wild just then.

Jack shook his head as he took his customary seat whenever he spoke with Jamie in her office and sat back, voicing his agreement with Jamie. "Indeed I don't believe any of the other masters will be showing. While we are all reliant on each other as much as the townsfolk that supply us jobs and payment for them, most of the other guilds are content to keep to themselves if they can. So it falls to us to share information and pass along what those who don't come hear." The Fire God Slayer then turned to Jamie, knowing that Jarvis would be by with tea for him soon enough.

"To answer the inevitable question, I was on the phone with Grane. In the desert regions, a convoy came under attack from a monster that had never been seen before. A contingent of Rune Knights, along with two of their prototype magitech armors, were sent to investigate and remove the threat to the trade routes. The Knights have not reported in, so a specialized request was sent to us."



Dragon Fang's guild hall was always loud and always busy, but when Ammy spoke, everyone fell silent as she approached the job board. "This is an emergency request from the Magic Management Council, and Master Jack has made it an S-Class job with permission for A-Class to accompany and support granted. Whoever is to go is to leave immediately and report back upon arrival and upon discovery of the condition of the missing contingent of Rune Knights and missing suits of Magitech armor." She then returned to her usual place at the bar and without hesitation, one of the other S-Class took the job.



The Jade Dragon Slayer, without any kind of hesitation, approached the job board and pulled off the emergency request, reading it over. "Emergency Request: Mysterious Black Beast and Missing Knights...Alright, yeah, I'll handle this." He turned to his guildmates, all of whom were still silent and smiled his customary mischievous smile. "So, who wants to go save the Council's flunkies with me?"

Arriving in Magnolia

The airship was approaching Magnolia, steady in it's advance, as it seemed to caress the very skies it flew upon. While the airship had a dining area and various other travellers on board, Galdin found himself on the roof of the thing, just under the massive baloon that kept it afloat. There was railings up there to make sure those needing some fresh air or take in the sights wouldn't accidentally slip off.

'It certainly looks far different from above.' The uniformed man thought to himself, as he laid eyes on the city below, it was bigger than he had thought. It had been something he only had seen from his home in the distance, a place where there were supposed to be alot of people. Carrying on with their daily lives, like rodents running in a wheel as far as he understood it. Much like his own life had been until his father's passing.

'If a bird cannot spread it's wings and soar it might aswell be dead or a rat. Is there a difference even?' He liked the comparison of himself as a bird, who finally could spread it's wings and soar the skies and perceive all there would be under them. Even while fully aware that not all things he would likely see would be appealing.

When the time finally came to get off the airship, the man simply went down from the top of the airship to the stairs leading down into the dining area and then further down to the ramp that was sending the passengers off. There had been a few others onboard the ship with him, but not enough to make him have to squeeze past them. He really did not like that idea at all. What was it with people not leaving space for others? The gentle breeze meeting him as he finally exited the airborne transport was pleasant, it caught hold of his hair, forcing the nobleman to put his locks behind his ear so that they wouldn't obscure his face to any unlookers. His white and red cloak however was blowing in the wind unhindered as he descended the final ramp towards the ground below. There was something appealing in descending from a higher ground.

'Like a swan landing in a pond with ugly ducklings. As long as they don't touch me.' He thought to himself on the comparison if it was a fair one, if nothing else at least he was fair and honest. The slight trip towards the city had, despite the distance made him desire to test out some cake and tea. Galdin attuned to his magic, and allowed his sight to increase by just a slight bit as he gazed around for anything that would resemble a café. The uniformed nobleman had to walk for quite a distance however before he managed to find what he was looking for.

The small café which he had found did have various cakes and confectories on display and did offer tea, it didn't take long before he found himself ordering two different pieces of cake and the best tea available. He placed the required payment unto the counter, before taking his cake and tea to sit down outside of the café itself, finding a bench under a neat looking tree. He sat down. The mage's magic began to once again alter his senses, he amplified his scent just a little bit so that he could feel just how the tea itself smelled of. It passed his noble judgement, so he decided to take a sip. It was what he considered a mediocre kind, not overly rich in flavour nor completely lacking in it. It would have to do.

The nobleman placed the tea-cup on the armrest of the bench itself and then he held the small plate with the cakes in his hand. The spoon which he had received was not of silver, which in itself was more of a sin than having mediocre tea, but likewise it would have to do in a pinch. He allowed the spoon to slide into the first of the cakes, revealing it's raspberry filling, the cream and chocolate chips within it. He reached the spoon to his lips and into his mouth, carefully analyzing the taste itself of the cake. It was not a bad cake, despite coming from a commoner's bakery. 'Not bad for common commoners. But it could use some cinnamon... more cream... and a topping.' It was perhaps abit harsh, but at least it was honest. And honesty was a good trait according to most. The mage took a deep breath and took in the air surrounding the area. It had certainly a different smell than what he was used to at the mansion, with various elements he couldn't quite identify. Was it the perfume commoners were using? Was it someone who couldn't bake bread properly? Or perhaps it was one of those strange fur ridden creatures with the fluffy ears? He wasn't certain, and that itself was a new experience.

Galdin allowed himself to take a soft sigh, then he took hold of the cup of tea again and brought it to his lips for a sip. The noise around him was getting momentarily louder as a group of travellers began to walk by and point at the various buildings, as if it was the first time they've saw a structure. One in particular, a woman guiding the group had a very high pitched voice and that itself was disturbing the young noble's moment of solitude. He wasn't one to hold back on using his magic where necessary, and this was certainly such a moment, he did a soft whistle to himself and his own hearing went down a notch to the point the woman's voice became but a distant muffled sound. As if he had a pair of headphones on his head.

'Why can't they talk in a more soothing tone?' The man shook his head softly, setting the cup of tea down and taking the spoon to the second piece of cake. This one was looking rich in chocolate with berries of various kind on the top.'You look rich. Like me. Irresistable.' He almost allowed himself to smile as he addressed the cake, before slowly bringing a spoonful to his mouth.

When Trinity completed the bike and suggested he get on, Neil obliged and together they made quick work of getting to the guildhall. He didn't figure it would be terribly much different arriving today than any other day, aside from perhaps a bit more hubbub from Damian and Penny returning. That didn't seem the full of it though, as others seemed to be returning too; a few new faces were scattered throughout the guildhall. He spotted Markovis at his usual spot, nursing a drink he'd apparently brought himself. How did Neil know that it hadn't been ordered? Because he recognized the glass as being one of the set Markovis used at home too.

His attention turned back to the group he and his teammate had joined when the man Trinity had greeted as Damian introduced himself and shook his hand. Neil smiled and returned the shake for one of his own then watched the returning S-Class move to the stage and make an announcement. A festival, huh? That certainly would drive up foot traffic in the city. Maybe even increase business. Never a bad thing when he was working on new potions.

The thoughts surrounding the festival distracted him enough that he hadn't noticed Karn moving in for a hug. The dazzling smile spread on his face once again as he returned the hug with a chuckle. "Hiya Karn. Though I'm still not sure why you and Bri shorten my name like that. I'm sure it takes more effort to say two syllables than my actual name." He still laughed though. NiNi was a pretty ridiculous name for an adult, coming from another adult. He supposed it would always get his attention better than just Neil.

His attention turned to new, eccentric, entrances which found Trinity capturing the little furball Jasmine insisted was actually a worthwhile contributor to her and the guild. His attention fixed on the scene they were making - getting a collar on an exceed - until another new face arrived. And went straight over to kiss Nolan. If Neil thought he'd been laughing at the ridiculous nickname Karn and Brianna insisted on using for him, the way Nolan's face went so red he could nearly feel the heat of all the blood flooding his skin had him nearly double over.

It took a moment to settle down from the laughing, and wipe the tears from his eyes, but the alchemist collected himself all the same. A soft sigh helped finish the calming breaths. "Man, I didn't think I would ever see someone go tomato red like that. Classic." He kept the smile as he turned and offered Ariel the same smile he'd had for everyone else. "Hi, nice to finally meet you. I'm Neil. Read the issue you were in. Pretty cool a member of the guild is working for Sorcerer's Magazine."

It was only after that that his gaze landed on the girl beyond Ariel, and furthermore the boy - woman? huh - that entered after to introduce herself as a long time habitant of another guildmate's body. The guild seemed to have quite a few body transformers - or at least bodies that had a few more people in them than normal. Interesting. As was the fact that apparently Nolan had a cousin that was as hyper as Nolan could be awkward.

He turned his attention back to everyone in the group. "If you'll excuse me, I need to go check up on Markovis. I'm sure he's not thrilled with the rise in activity this morning. With an incline of his head as a parting, Neil headed for the brooding team member still drinking by himself.

---

Nyssa, for all the excitement of watching Magnolia come into view, didn't match looking at the building Ariel set them both down in front of. Magnolia was far larger than any village she'd visited thusfar. The building the older mage said was the Phoenix Wing Guildhall was gigantic, twice the size of anything she'd seen thus far - even dwarfing the common home for the children in the village. Her mouth hung open, eyes wide, taking in the building. If she wasn't mindfully clutching the case to her chest, she might have forgotten she was holding anything at all. When Ariel entered, the kitsune blinked to life and followed the older girl inside.

Immediately regretting it. Between the music, the huge amount of loud conversations, and the general bustle of the building, her ears flattened and she shrunk back a bit. Her tails flattened against her legs and curled around them to hide them and her feet. How could such a large building - such a large space - make her feel like there was too much too close? It wasn't like anyone was too close to her. Or actually ambushing her. It still made her feel like at any moment something might happen and she felt woefully underprepared. Her gaze darted from one person to another, from one wall to the other to the floor then ceiling then back again, to help take in everything. The thousand conversations filtered through her ears and she couldn't keep up with any of them. How was this so much more overwhelming than when she was performing earlier? Or at restaurants? Likely the music - that's what she contributed it to. Conversations didn't happen while they played music, it was only to accompany dancers. It hadn't occurred to her there were possibly conversations while she was dancing because they were quieter. Here it was a competition between the performance and the conversations it seemed.

Her attention landed on Ariel greeting another mage - who in turn became red as embers - with a kiss. That bit helped her focus in. Or maybe it was the music dying away. At any rate, she didn't feel so ready to run back out the door. Ariel had mentioned it was one of the bigger guilds of light, and that there were many people here. It wasn't like she hadn't been around thousands of people - dinners with the village were the entire community after all. It was all likely just because it was sudden and new.

So after a moment to collect herself, her ears perked up slightly, and her tails didn't so tightly tangle around her legs. A smile spread on her face. She stepped closer to Ariel, looking up at the older mage once more. "You did not say you had a mate." She looked at Nolan, appraising him a bit before looking back at Ariel. "He is strong. Very good for you. Are you two life-mates?"

She blinked before looking back at Nolan with an apologetic smile. "Oh, sorry. I neglected to introduce myself again. I am Nyssa. It is nice to meet you. I met Ariel earlier today, and she told me lots and about this guild and I wanted to see it and maybe join. That is okay, correct? I do not need to be from Fiore to become a member, yes?" The more she spoke, the more her tails began to swish happily behind her instead of clinging around her legs. Especially by the end when she had regained her formerly cheerful smile and composure.

---

Karn beamed up at Neil, hopping from one foot onto another with his joyful energy. "Mmmm yeah but giving nicknames feels like bringing people closer together, and make for friends. And more friends the better." he chirped in response, although, he suppose he didn't have a time limit like he did before Edarn was shoved inside him. So perhaps the desperation to make as many friends as possible before then wasn't as needed but now it was habit. Blinking towards Damian as he made another announcement and revealed he was part of the masked band, the blonde gave a wide eyed stare and ooo'd and awed.

Briefly, his cheerful face disappeared, his emerald eyes glowing a ethereal green as they rolled a bit before returning to the cheerful as Damian played a song. He suddenly stiffened and flinched away from Penny as the scent of water got closer, but this time it was from a familiar face. Gripping onto Trinity as his body trembled for a few heartbeats from the shock. He gave a sigh of relief, and although he was cautious as he saw Jasmine clinging to Penny, he wasn't as on edge. Jasmine was a nice girl and he felt bad for reacting poorly around her.

He had been focused on Jasmine that he blinked a bit as a familiar feline was shoved into his hands by Trinity. Karn smiled brightly at Rajah, but before he could greet the Exceed, his expression dropped again to a monotone and the ethereal green eyes returning. Edarn stared blankly at Rajah for a long moment as Trinity fussed with the foul cat. "You know, when you told us to hold onto a puss, I didn't think it would be the one with wings." she commented bluntly in another offhanded joke, releasing her hold as Trinity took Rajah away. Her eyes squinted as her head pounded into a irritating migraine.

Karn once more popped out as Ariel entered the place with a fox eared looking girl and waved happily. "Hihi Copycat! Nice to see you! Ashy missed you lots!" he chirped innocently of the possible further embarrassment he may or may not have caused for his Ash God Slaying friend.

As Neil excused himself to find his teammate, Karn nodded and waved cheerfully. "Okie Dokie tell Mar-Mar we said hi!" he chirped in farewell. He noticed Brianna talking to Pudding man, whom soon got distracted by Nolan, but Karn got distracted as a pretty handsome man came barging through the doors. Tilting his head to the side a bit as the newcomer made a announcement, but was difficult to hear thanks to the chaotic nature of the excited guild. Green eyes widening as he listened, he cheered before hopping over as the man transformed into a lady and explained the situation. Right right.... Karn had remembered hearing someone like this, but also didn't have any direct contact with them.

"Hihi! Welcome! You two are like me and Eddie!" Karn chirped excitedly.

"Eddie and I." Edarn corrected, the green eyes flashing the ethereal green before returning to the regular emerald color.

"Super duper nice to meetcha! My name is Karn! The soul inside me is also named Karn! I just call her Eddie tho! Nice to meet ya Elly and Perry!" he cheered, sniffing a bit to get a better read on them, blinking curiously.

---

---

"Thanks, hope you'll be my best man." Prince purred in response to Enma with a wink.

Prince couldn't help but chuckle as the young girl gave the Oni a barrage of questions, personally amused by her excitement over what many would consider a 'scary' individual. Though Enma was a good guy, pretty much the definition of don't judge a book by its cover kind of deal. Though he could still pummel folks if he wanted to. It was then a familiar red head came busting in with her usual entrance full of gusto. Ashlyn was probably what one would think with the term 'Fire Mage' popped up. Also, someone who had very tasty magic and was always someone Prince probably would bother for meal. Lucky for her though, he was currently pretty satisfied. Caitlyn's comment caused Prince to glance at Michael for a moment, before flashing a smile and waving in response when Caitlyn responded to Ashlyn.

"Awe you know, it isn't Dragon Fang if it doesn't attract a stray or two or a curious individual. Whether this one stays or not we shall see." he chirped before looking to Michael again as Silver Wolf started to speak as well, giving his own introduction.

Fingers tracing Michael's blue hair and giving the man soft pets on the head, the red hair man gave a reassuring confident smile. "It's understandable to be worried. I'm confident you and Gabe will figure it out. You're smart." Prince said in his usual relaxed manner, focusing the flow of taking magic to be at the absolute minimal since this was suppose to be a reassuring touch. He had a nice meal, so it was easier to barely take anything.

As Silver mentioned a job, Prince hummed thoughtfully before whipping his head around to look at Ammy as she announced a emergency job. In no time, Hunter was the one who took it before turning to the rest of the guild and asking if anyone wanted to come along. The feline man gave another hum as he stretched out his arms, tail flicking left and right. "Ah well I'm but a simple C rank so perhaps not I unless you want me to tag along to fix the inevitable owies hun." he chuckled, content in seeing his other guildmates reactions to emergency job.

At Penny's words and comforting embrace, the blonde seemed to relax considerably, even allowing a grin to form again. "Y-yeah we do..." Perhaps Jasmine's reaction to seeing Penny was indeed over the top, but if Jasmine was certainly the type to wear her heart on her sleeve, for better or worse. But she had really missed the older girl, so there was nothing in showing it right? And while Jasmine was sure Penny would have more stories to share than she would, it didn't mean that she didn't have her own number of impactful adventures during these last two years. Any day with Rajah is filled with its own exciting challenges, whether that also be for better or worse.

Though now that she realized she had put on such a pitiful emotional display in front of the gathered audience, well, now she was burying herself into Penny for reasons other than being afraid of Nolan. Now she was just embarrassed. Rajah would probably laugh at her if she saw this little outburst....wait. Where was Rajah? Blinking as she looked up to try and spot the flying mischief-maker, that was when she saw Trinity handing the swearing and screaming cat...and she had a collar on now?

"Unhand me you fucking foul cretin! Who are you to dare touch me! I'm giving you once more chance to remove this before I-" She had been like this the entire time that Damian had punted her. From the moment she had left his boot, to the moment Trinity had caught her, even while Karn had been holding her. She was just going off her nutter, throwing curses and insults around like it was going out of style. But man, was she going wild. Jasmine had missed this so was confused why Rajah was so upset, but her stream of insults was finally cut off as Jasmine reached and smothered the cat into her side.

"Don't just fly off like that Rajah! Wait...why do you have a collar? Who did this?" Looking from the cat, who was making annoyed, yet too muffled to make out what she was saying noises into her shirt, to Trinity, it didn't take much to work out who did it. "R-rajah isn't a pet! Don't collar her!"

It was hard to take her anger seriously though, between her flushed expression and the pout she was making as she went to take the collar off. Rajah was an exceed, effectively a person. It was cruel and demeaning to put a collar on her! I mean...it might teach the exceed a lesson, but that wasn't the point! Jasmine was starting to get a grasp on how to best handle the furball, and all this would do is annoy Rajah and make it impossible to handle her properly!

"Waah! They were picking on me Jaz!" Finally getting free of Jasmine's shirt, the exceed climbed up and hugged her shoulder, and began letting out some of the most obvious crocodile tears ever seen. Hell, not even Jasmine was falling for this trick. She had done something again, hadn't she? "Just....go get something to eat Rajah. And please behave."

---

Ethel watched as the strange, pudgy man began to...dance as he responded to her? Her gaze following him, unchanging and frosty as he spoke, even as he made a mention about her eyes, even making a weird gesture to her. Just who the hell was this guy? And why was he so...overwhelmingly friendly and energetic? She could practically feel the pure, unfiltered excitement radiating off every fiber of his being, his entire presence just being so....bright? Yeah, bright was the right term for it. One's presence was unique, different from everyone else even if it was subtle. But this? There was nothing subtle about this, it was just different from anything else she had experienced.

"This hood was a gift..." Rubbing the fabric between her fingers fondly for a moment, she soon turned her full attention back to D'angelo as the music died back down. She still hadn't gotten a proper read on him yet...but he didn't seem like a bad guy? Like there was no way someone could have such a bright and pure presence and be bad right? "And yeah I know where he is."

Her eyes narrowed slightly as he spoke in a much more serious tone. Now, Ethel was a terrible read of a person for the most part. But like, she was good at picking up the obvious hints or using their presence as an indicator for someone's intentions. And this just seemed...so shady, the way he spoke and changed attitude all of a sudden. His presence remained the same however, that was one thing that no one could hide. So it left the girl conflicted. What was his business with Nolan anyway? He seemed more than happy to talk about it, without actually mentioning what it was. Before she could question him on that subject, however, his attention was soon stolen away by a flying, punted Rajah screaming obscenities, who's path Ethel watched on blankly as she went overhead.

Ok. That was weird, but now surely she could...nope. On that line of thought, thinking she could finally get D'Angelo back on track! But of course, he was immediately distracted once more by someone's entrance. She really needed to get him to calm down here, but would she be able to? He was obviously easily excitable...maybe a good bonk on the head? Would stone suffice? Or would that be too hard...hmm it was difficult wasn't it. If he was an enemy it would be easier to decide, no mercy would be shown. But she didn't want to hurt someone just because they acted suspiciously....or rather she didn't want to be scolded for doing that. Again.

Wait, fluffy tails? Just who the hell had entered the guild? Ethel couldn't find of anyone with such a remarkable and noteworthy appearance at all! This was definitely something she would remember.

But once more Ethel couldn't get a word in with D'angelo's energy and excitment at literally anything happening barely gave her time to react or process what was happening. Was he shaking her right now? Like a ragdoll? Yes, yes he was. Now she was just getting annoyed. Was it really that unbelievable that Nolan found himself a girlfriend? Well, suppose he was afraid of women. Everyone knew that. It had taken a little while for him to get used to Ethel, and...could she even consider herself human at this point? She knew a lot of people didn't...

Oh great, he was rocking her. Again. And gushing absolute nonsense, again. But the most annoying thing about this all....was having to fight the rising excitement she felt welling up inside of her as well. She was originally leaving to get some fresh air because of all the excitement in the air threatening to drive her over the edge, and that was nothing compared to the energy emanating from D'angelo himself alone. It really took her all of her willpower and training to keep the emotion from overwhelming and bursting forth from her. Frankly, it was making her sick to her very core. But she didn't let that show as she was blankly rocked back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. Repeatedly. Was he done yet? Where did he keep all this energy anyway? Surely he shouldn't be so large with how much energy he was burning right? So many questions went through the girl's mind before he finally stopped, seemingly realizing what he was doing and apologizing.

"That's fine. Eth-I don't really care. Just show some restraint, as others might." Fixing up some hair that had been shaken loose, her gaze once more pierced into him as he asked to see Nolan. "It's not really that exciting....it's just Ariel. They've been dating for over two years now. At least according to Ethel's memory."

And she more than anyone else knew about their relationship. More than anyone else would probably want or should know in all honesty.

"I guess I can take you to him." She paused, looking over to where Ariel and Nolan were. Should she interrupt? Then again, it wasn't like they were alone. But also, she had yet to descern this mans motive...in fact she hadn't learned anything really. Just that he was excitable. She didn't even know his name, let alone his purpose. What if bringing him other put Nolan in danger? Well not that she really feared for his safety, Nolan was more than capable of defending himself. But it was still a possibility.

All this thinking was making her headache. Or was that all the excitment? The rocking? She wasn't even sure at this point.

"But first...what business do you have with him? Ethel is curious." She seemed to think for a moment, stroking her chin as she spoke in a soft mumble before her gaze returned to lock with D'angelo. "Ethel wants to know....friend, foe, ally, family, a request? You stated something about 'giving him what he deserves', I want to know what that is. If you're a threat, then I will eliminate you. Eradicate. Butcher. Ethel-I will not let anyone harm him, Ariel or anyone else." To accompany her terrifying words was just a simple blank look. Like what she said was the most natural thing to say.

The thought of no enemy would be stupid enough to walk into a packed guild like this in broad daylight didn't even dawn on the girl. To her, D'angelo was simply a mysterious and potentially dangerous element. One that she would put down without a second thought if he answered wrongly, and with her cloak's power currently not active, her intent to do so was beginning to spill out.

"If not, then I'll let you see him. Simple, yes?"

Cody and Cecilia @Lunarlord34 and Joshua Tamashii @Joshua Tamashii,James Avelin @Zarkun

Amaya released Cody from her embrace as she smiled watching him seeing as he accepted her request to join her for the festival. "Of course you mean something to me Cody. after all, we are of the same guild and you helped save me back during the grand magic tournament from those Hunters of that dark guild. How could I not feel something for someone who, though foolishly, put their life on the line for someone like me."She said "Really If I didn't have you and the others...I might be dead and reunited with the rest of my village and maybe mom.." she said depressing herself a bit thinking of her past before she felt Joshua ruffle her hair, bringing her back to reality "Oh there you are! You had me worried Joshua. you were supposed to arrive before us cause I had to walk on foot." She said pouting folding her arms "also I have only been here for about an hour or so, I catch the performance of Damian's masked band and got to speak with Cody."She added before turning towards the familiar voice of Cody's teacher, James Aveline. "Hello James, you can just call me Amaya, no need to be formal with me, as for training camp, I more had to ensure Zero and Hunter didn't destroy Poor jasmine. She tries so hard to keep up with them but seemed to go fine learning of my teachings. Cecilia and rajah did nothing but get in their bouts of who was stronger Jasmine or me."
"I still stand by you are stronger cause you learned from an actual dragon, that automatically makes you stronger!"Declared Cecilia Proudly from on top of Cody's head.
"It doesn't matter to me whether I am stronger or she. She is a new dragonslayer with an odd working for her magic and she is a guildmate. It is our duty to train and help grow the next generation."Said Amaya "Though, that being said. I actually learned quite a bit of new defensive abilities from the training camp just from protecting jasmine from their stray shots or sudden brawls. Those boys are feral beasts and can't keep their hands off each other. However, ultimately I think it was a success and I learned a lot from my brothers and of hunter and I think jasmine feels not so shy with me."She said sweetly basically saying it went well, with her usual way too much observation of slayer magic.
========================================================================================================



Observer watched and paired attention to the various conversations of Michael and prince, taking mental notes for Keiko as well as observing various events and magics around the guild it could sense as it seemed to watch Michael floating over to him tilting its head from side to side curiously especially hearing something about the spirit world. observer knew of the spirit world, at least its other self did, this one did not but it felt like it should as it followed and mimicked Micheal with curiosity, getting just as distracted as Keiko.

Keiko clapped in delight absolutely enjoying the answers she got from Enma as she was really enjoying herself more than she expected here. She was having a great time even though to her she felt like she had something familiar to this at one point in her life, though she couldn't remember what it was of. "That is So amazing! You are Incredible Enma! I want to join this guild even more now as I am so excited!"She exclaimed happily before looking towards Ashlyn tilting her head to the left confused "I am not a cat or a pet, at least I don't think I am? Am I a pet? hm, Oh can Enma be my master if I am a stray?" she asked in a curious tone with a hint of confusion of a stray having to do with her. "My Name is Keiko armenshia. I am 15, even though I don't look it and I am a mage and want to join this guild for understanding and knowledge."She added in a 'matter-of-fact' Tone. She could tell Ashlyn tended to get on other's nerves and as much as Keiko tended to not try to interact or correct others as it tended to end up badly. she slipped up, that was true. even that confused her. She took note of the announcement and of someone already heading to claim the contract first wondering if anyone wanted to join again. She was indeed curious about what an actual job was. Was it fun? Was she allowed to go? Should she ask? No? Maybe? "Hey, Enma ... Question, I can't go on a job till I have officially joined the guild right? Are there any requirements I need to do to be part of this guild cause I want to do a job and learn so many things!"Said Keiko getting excited once again as it seemed she just got excited talking to the Oni
===================================================================================================================================

Aww, shit, she made Jasmine mad. She was hoping she'd at least get a chuckle out of it. She supposed she should have known better. She couldn't help but be a little jealous of tiny nuisance as Jasmine held Rajah close. "Mn, aww, Jasmine, c'mon. She's such a little brat to you all the time. And you see how she treats everyone else."

The expression on her face was upset as she heard a voice within her mind. She lifted a hand to her head, caught off-guard as her mind burst into activity.

Foreign presence detected penetrating consciousness boundary

Analyzing properties

Scrambling background threads

Brianna had asked something, but whatever it was had been quickly forgotten in the face of mental trespassing. "Wh-, Jaz, do you hea-" the sword?! Her eyes turned sharply to the sword hanging from her guildmate's waist, as her mind quickly churned out a response to the magical probing. "What the fuck, Brianna?!"

Invasive presense magical in nature

Generating blueprint

Pooling magical power... Insufficient power

She started to mould her Energy Make to augment her mental barriers, but found herself sipping lightly on a Wind to have the power to finish the complex construction.

Jamming

As she slipped the bottle back into her bandolier, about a third gone, she tried to calm herself. There was a lot of important or embarrassing or secret stuff up there, and telepaths were a very real threat to her and Neil's businesses. "Keep your telepathic shit out of my head." Rather attached to her mental privacy, as well.

She turned back to Jasmine, realizing what just happened to their short-lived conversation, "uhm..." She'd completely lost momentum, and she'd already made Jasmine mad cause she collared Rajah. Not too mention she didn't really feel like talking anymore. She heard Neil mention Markovis (and heard Karn's cringy nickname for the gloomy guy. There was no way Mark liked it, she should have a gentle conversation with that kid... He's not even a kid!), and found herself an out. "Right, I should check on Markovis."

Should she have just stayed home? Her day just kept getting stepped on. And she knew some of that was her own mentality, and not just... There was no reason to get grumpy for having a band play a show for them.

She didn't even know James played bass, though, what the hell.

So she retreated to the bar and the familiar shape of Mark's back at the bar, lightly touching Neil's back as she passed him. She couldn't be bothered with anything else happening in the hall, did she just feel out of place? The powerless Make mage occupied the stool next to her gloomier teammate, the weight of her upper body never leaving the counter after being introduced. She gave her team a weak smile before looking to Jarvis, behind the bar "Jarviiiiiis, gimme a drink?" She was pretty sure he'd remember the kind of thing she liked. Something sweet or sour or both, preferably. Fruity never hurt, either.

She'd ask Mark, but he'd give her straight liquor.

Jane Addesson @Zarkun Karn/Edo-Karn @Silver Fox

Elena was surprised by Jane, who had left the stage to approach her.
"Yep, that's me." she said scratching the back of her head. "I, uh, hope it didn't put any bad rumors about the guild out there."
She held her hands up in semi-self defense.
"But partying it up like that makes me feel young again," She then pointed to herself with her thumb "Plus, Perry's a lightweight and passes out from alcohol, so I get full reign on the body."
She gave a wry smile,
"In fact, I bet I could drink anyone at this guild under the table. If you know any jobs like that, I'm your gal.
A cheering caught her attention as she watched a boy bound over to her. She turned towards the approaching face, ready to answer any questions.. She knew there would be a lot of questions and concerns, but she was ready for them. But, she wasn't ready to hear that someone else was in there with Karn. She simply sighed as the boy sniffed at her.
"So you two got stuck with each other too, huh?" she asked crossing her arms which unintentionally accentuated her chest. She was trying to remain calm, because she and Perry had been burned before on people making similar claims, but this one seemed different.
"Wasn't because of a botched take-over spell like ours was it?"
she asked raising an eyebrow.
She hoped that the other two in her situation might be able to help. If they were like Perry and herself, then they've probably tried studying how to undo this too.


Galdin @Dezuel
Xing had been walking around the town for a few moments, when she spotted a rather regal looking man eating cake. She could tell he was very discerning, from the way he moved and seemed in thought while eating the cake.
"Aha! Cake! Just one of the many hurdles I will have to overcome to surpass cooks here."
She had never been much for baking the types of cake that were here in the Western lands. She was so used to sweetened bean paste buns instead. It was one of the many things she still needed to learn to cook.
Xing raced over towards the man, believing him some kind of food critic, based on the opulent uniform he wore.
"Western Cakes, huh? How are they here? I tried a couple in Crocus, but thought they weren't anything special."
She asked him, trying to confidently break the ice.
"You must be quite the connoisseur, given how deep in thought you were."
She was hoping to goad him into revealing more about himself so that she could surprise him with a taste from her food cart. Besides, if a critic this well dressed gave soaring reviews about her food, that may draw out some rivals.

---

Priscilla crossed one of her legs over her knee and leaned back into her chair whilst she listened to Jack speak about the supposed trouble in the desert. She took a sip from the black tea Jamie had offered her whilst her thoughts drifted to when she had met with the leaders of her sister covens many years ago on her inauguration. The camaraderie and willingness to cooperate wasn’t too far off from what she was experiencing here at Phoenix Wing. In fact, the same desert Jack spoke of was home to the Spears of Anat, a coven of nomad witches whom their own had been quite close with before Priscilla began integrating with wizards. It had been a few years since she’d heard from them.
“The desert can be a treacherous place indeed. She neglected to make mention of their sister coven; it wasn’t her place to reveal the location of her kin who wished to remain hidden from mage society. She just hoped that they weren’t involved in this incident.

She turned back towards Jamie as she spoke of the joy her guild members brought to her; hiding a smile in her cup of tea as she reminisced on the shenanigans of those whom she considered her own precious children.
“I would have to agree with you, Jamie.” She began, setting her cup back on the desk. “When I see how well my witches enjoy the company of mages like those who inhabit your own guilds, it gives me hope for a better future. I feel the same of our alliance. We are breaking down walls that have held strong for generations. Though it didn’t feel like much more than a simple meeting over coffee and tea, Priscilla could tell that what was happening right here in this room was history itself.

When it became clear that they would be the only ones in attendance, Priscilla decided to address Jack personally.
“As much as it hurts my pride to have to ask this of you, I’m afraid I may need to ask for your guild’s assistance.” She sighed, having barely held a seat in this alliance for half an hour and already asking favours of the others. It tore her up inside, but her guild was far more important than her pride. “The public has not yet taken to Wolven Pyre as much as we’d hope. We’ve had a steady stream of mages willing to give us a chance and work with us. However, the jobs we can offer them have been few and far between. With no revenue to show for their hard work, it would seem these new additions depart our walls as quickly as they arrive.” At this point she turned her body fully to Jack, placing a gentle hand on his arm rest.
“I know I am in no place to ask this of you, but our Guilds are quite close to one another. If there are any clients of yours who would be willing to give us a chance, and you can spare the potential income for your guild, we would greatly appreciate a few job referrals from your own listings. Just enough to get our name out there.” Being at the mercy of another was not a sensation Priscilla particularly enjoyed; but if she were to become a part of this alliance then she must learn to open up and admit when she needed help.

---

Bullet was just about to enter the guild hall when a familiar voice brought a fierce scowl to his face. Just when he thought this trek through the woods couldn’t get anymore bothersome.
“Bite me, Manami.” He spat back. He wasn’t angry at her in particular, but rather the deluge of people who seemed to think it was their place to tell him what was best for him. He wasn’t simple; he knew he ought to be resting. He’d been doing nothing but resting for nearly a month, though. Pushing the massive doors of the guild hall proved somewhat straining, sending a sharp pain through the side of his ribcage that only proved everybody else right in their assessment of his physical form. He did his best to cover it up, but the sharp wince from the initial throbbing would definitely have been heard as he entered.

Zhulie watched Bullet disappear into the guild hall and shook her head. There was no sense in being so stubborn. She turned to Manami and offered an apologetic smile.
“I was just playing in the glade and I heard him training. She looked around for a certain, nonchalant companion. “Where is Shiro?” Manami and Shiro had joined the guild together, and whilst the former had seemed to possess a tentative interest in the other members; the latter couldn’t care less. Despite this, Zhulie had made every effort she could to make the brooding girl feel welcome; to various degrees of success. Their conversation continued into the hall, where Regan remarked in wonder about the sheer, natural brilliance of the structure. The young girl eagerly escorted her to the kitchen, passing by the group at the bar with a chirpy smile.
“’Morning Meredith, I found a friend in the woods. Why is Argus on the floor? Anyway, I’m giving her a tour, ‘kay bye!” Her rushed explanation faded off as the pair entered the kitchen, leaving a bemused Meredith as she offered a simple wave to the newcomer.
“Have fun, dear.” Meredith grinned at the sight of Argus on the floor, trying his best to play the little stunt off cooly. Shiro came up to the bar speaking of tea for her ‘lady’. The older woman clicked her tongue in disapproval, preparing a few teapots for the growing group of people.
“Your lady should order her own tea, Shiro.” She poured hot water readily prepared from the urn into the tea pots to help warm up the ceramic up in preparation for the loose leaves. She turned her back to discard the water down the sink, continuing to address Shiro whilst she scooped a few spoonfuls of a dark, aromatic earl grey blend into the pots. “For heaven’s sake, you’re not her servant.” She was mostly talking to herself; fully aware that her opinion would fall upon Shiro’s deaf ears. Not that there was anything wrong with ordering a drink on behalf of a friend; it was simply a matter of tone.

Henri was in the middle of hoisting up poor Argus, feeling somewhat responsible for his little accident, when Shiro made her usual dry, smug commentary on the matter.
“A little fun is good for the soul, no? Or ‘ave you not got one of those?” Henri jeered, clapping Argus on the back once he was steady on his own two feet. Shiro’s attitude of being so above it all didn’t sway him - he knew the joy of living for the simple moments. Meredith sat the tea pots down in front of Shiro, having let the leaves steep for some time to extract the perfect flavour. She folded her arms as she watched a familiar, blonde punk sit himself down at her bar.
“You got any more of that serum of yours? My side is killing me.” Bullet slumped down onto the bar, listening to the racket coming from the kitchen. Come to mention it, that Regan lady had mentioned something about food. His stomach grumbled once again.
“Your little expedition has cost you another week of recovery.” Meredith scolded Bullet, who simply buried his face into the side of his arm with a low growl. She slid a vial of a luminescent, silver liquid across to him. “I’m not giving you another drop this week, you hear me? There are other people who need it and you’re just wasting it by not following Priscilla’s medical advice.”
“Fine, I get it! Bullet snapped, yanking the vial from the counter. Why’d everyone have to be so annoying? He popped the cork and chugged the liquid in one fell swoop, feeling the instant relief course through his injured rib cage. Henri pressed his hand down on Bullet's scalp, ruffling his hair up whilst practically keeping the young man pinned down to the bar.
"You need to rest so you can regain your strength, mon frère. I've been keen to see you in action since I 'eard about you facing off against a wild chimera." Bullet's protests were drowned out by the hearty laugh of the older mage. Henri turned back to Argus with the same level of enthusiasm. "Strapping young lads like yourselves should be pushing your limits whenever you can."
"You speak as though you're not a spring chicken yourself, Henri. Perhaps you should take your own advice?" Meredith raised an eyebrow at the man; so quick to encourage others to better themselves and yet so content to seemingly drift along wherever the current took him. Henri rubbed the back of his head, a slight tinge of red forming on his cheeks. Nothing got past Meredith. Thankfully, Manami had also entered the guild hall to provide a suitable distraction.
"Ah, you are looking radiant today, madame.” He bent forward, reaching out to delicately hold Manami’s fingers. If she allowed him, he would go on to gently press his lips against the top of her hand. Standing up straight with a coy smile, he offered his seat to the lady.
“Come, come! We were just talking about these young ones. Speaking of, who was that woman Zhulie was with?” He sat back down beside Bullet who had reached over to grab a handful of the remaining almonds Meredith had put out.
“Some lady, her name is Regan. He chewed, gulping down the refreshments with an unsightly vigor that earned him a warning leer from Meredith. He made sure to finish what was in his mouth, knowing better than to test her ire. “She seems alright, I guess.”

Meanwhile Zhulie had introduced Regan to the kitchen staff. They primarily consisted of non-mage family members of her guild mates. However, the head chef was actually a witch who went by Olga.
“Olga is a ‘kitchen witch’, so she uses food as her medium for charms, hexes and other spells.” Zhulie happily explained, taking her over to a tray of freshly baked cookies that carried an intriguing, almost fruity scent. Olga wrapped a couple in some parchment paper, insisting the two try some.
“An age old recipe of my mutters. A salted rosemary base, sprinkled with pistachio and dried rose petals, drizzled with a pomegranate glaze. One bite will have you thinking of your beloved. Share it with them, and your love will bloom.” Zhulie was enamored with every word the chef spoke, eyeing her treat as she pondered who she might think of once she partook of it.
“Or,” Olga shrugged. “Enjoy on your own. It’s good recipe, ya? Please, help yourself to kitchen.” When Regan had walked in, Olga had instantly recognised a kindred spirit in her - a fellow connoisseur of delectable cuisines and tantalizing taste buds. Zhulie stared up at Regan.
“There must be something special about you, miss Regan. Olga doesn’t let just anyone have free reign of her kitchen.” She moved over to a large grimoire sprawled open on the counter - but rather than spells and rituals, the pages contained recipes for various magical and mundane desserts. Zhulie definitely had a sweet tooth.

Was there ever a lot of activity here. Not that it should be much of a surprise. The guild was big before and it had only grown. It was actually hard to tell what all was going on. Her return generated more attention than she'd anticipated. Then again, she did just embarrass Nolan to some extent. He seemed to take it well though which made Ariel happy. She responded to Nolan first before anyone else. "I've found something my magic is good for what it is. That helps a lot." She beamed, either not noticing or not minding some of the comments. "The trip was great. Were was a surprising number of things to do though. I see now what they wanted a couple months." She turned to Brianna briefly. "Thanks, it's been pretty crazy getting into this." The woman chuckled slightly before moving on.

Nyssa had lagged behind but eventually came up and mentioned she hadn't said anything about a mate. It gave the woman a moment of pause but didn't stagger her quite as much as it would otherwise. She'd had the chance to realize that the Kitsune girl was from a very different world. "W-we aren't mates exactly." She stated slightly nervously. "We're uh... moving in that direction." She said as she glanced at Nolan briefly. "I'll uh... explain that later." That was worth talking about in a less crowded space.

"I ran into Nyssa in Oak Town. She's a Kitsune from a small island and is new to Fiore. Some stuff is very different in the way they do things so there can be some confusion at times." Ariel was trying to help clear up the undoubted miscommunication that was to come. She felt like she was forgetting something, but that's probably just the tiredness causing brain fog.

"I mean, it's not like I did much really..." Sheepishly, Cody look away as Amaya began her explanation. As she said, they were guild-mates so he would've done the same for anyone in the guild...well maybe not quite to the extent he did. But he felt a pang of guilt as well. "...well other than put everyone else in danger." That so called 'fight' in which he protected her in? All he had done was stick his noise in and start the encounter after failing to keep his impulses in check and allowing the dark mages to bait him. With clenched fists at the memory, he went to speak again when Joshua came over and began ruffling Amaya's hair.

Of course, 'Mother Hen' was never far right? He thought it to be odd he wasn't with her.

Now it wasn't like he had anything against Josh or anything, well nothing personal really. But he felt himself tense up as the older man came over, though it would be a disappointment to the training he had received from James if he was to let it show on his face, as instead he wore just a slightly lesser smile than before. "Not particularly...bar a few uhh...stranger new members joining, not much has happened. Mind you, James and I haven't been back that long either after a long trip." Cody couldn't think of anything noteworthy to tell them. Well, there was one or two potential things, but he would rather not talk about that right now, and they were a more personal thing than a guild thing. "By foot? Why did you...Oh right, motion sickness."

Jasmine was stricken by the same ailment and had been rather vocal about it being a hassle, especially for someone who was used to travel by carriage and the like. She seemed to still be coming to grips with the fact she was now unable to do so. So of course Amaya must also travel by foot everywhere....well if nothing else, it would make for good training. Stamina was important for mages after-all, you never know when it might come in handy. As the thought of training went through his mind, an all too familiar-sounding footstep and voice drew his attention and his smile widened a bit more. "Hey James...when the hell did you even play bass?"

Shaking his head, even he wasn't sure when the Paladin had gotten the time to do this. Or maybe that's what he got up to after leaving Cody to his own devices during training? Who knew honestly, and all Cody could do was keep shaking his head. What couldn't James do?

His attention turned to Amaya as she spoke of the slayer training camp. Ah yes, he had heard a few things that had come of this. Not from Jasmine, in fact she seemed petrified to talk about it at all. No, he had heard more from his fellow guild members, though from what he heard...well, suddenly James didn't seem all that strict in comparison and he thanked his lucky stars. Not that being strict was bad, after-all one needed to keep their mind and body sharp and in top condition, and to do that, they needed to have discipline. But that? That was something else entirely.

"Hahaha I would imagine Amaya is stronger regardless of who trained her. Nothing trumps experience, right James?" At Cecilia's outburst, he reached up and patted the exceed on the head. "Though I'm sure she was glad to have you there. From what I heard, they were brutal on poor Jasmine. But she's tougher than even she thinks, I've had a few spars with her since and the difference was extraordinary."

Suppose it was time to answer James though now that he had let Amaya have her piece, turning back to the older man. "The exercises went well enough...I however lost track of time and uh...spent a little too long on the drills. I thought I would take a break before going back to finish doing some incantations later when I look to do some magic drills." Another sheepish look crept over his features as he reached back and scratched the back of his head. Honestly, as much as he would've rather talked to Amaya alone, the presence of James certainly made him feel more relaxed and he was showing as much.

---

"Ya know, same shit different day yeah? Bit boring to be perfectly honest though, might need to go crack some monsters together later to blow off some steam." Grinning, she gave a brief response back to Cailyn. If she wasn't already amused by the situation, then Enma's bite me comment and reaction certainly did the trick as her smile grew. And Keiko's reaction to being referred to as a stray almost had Ash in stitches, cover her mouth and looking away as she asked if Enma could be her master. "Holy...holy...crap...Bwahaha!" She couldn't help herself, the laughter bursting forth, falling onto her back as she held her sides. "Hahaha. You're...an absolute riot kid!" Well, Ash was certainly enjoying herself as she looked up as it seemed like everyone was introducing themselves, wiping another tear as she sat up.

"Da name is Ashlyn, but like just call me Ash yeah? A-Rank mage, pleasure to meet you little kitten." Now of course Ash had heard her name spoken by the others, but she couldn't help but refer to her as such. Especially after she seemed to take so well to the Stray comment. She was actually about to take Silver Wolf up on his offer of a job, since it would seem she wouldn't get that fight out of Enma today either, when Ammy made her announcement, an odd hush falling over the guild. Hell, even Ash went dead quiet, as one could sense the almost dead seriousness taking over her now as she stood up.

"Ya haven't even joined yet, so probs best if ya don't go on this one eh? I'm sure Enma here can keep ya company and get ya settled in." It was Ash's turn to ruffle Keiko's hair now, a beaming grin forming on the pyromancer's face. "Seems like they gonna need some biggins to take care of this mess the council made. Maybe another time eh Wolfy?" Nodding towards the earth slayer, before striding out confidently with a smirk plastered on her face towards Hunter.

"Ya Hunter, I'm always down to crack some skulls if ya'll have me." Of course the pyro mage was the first one to come out, especially for a job that no doubt involved some fighting. And an S-class mission at that? Hell, she didn't know when the next chance to go on one would crop up so she was almost frothing at the prospect of it. A lot of the A-Class jobs were dangerous, just like how Ash liked it. So an S-Class one? Oh boy. She was aware however that her outspoken, brash attitude did rub a lot of people the wrong way. But fuck em right? if they didn't like it, they could settle it in the ring. That shut a lot of people up very quickly as she had established that she was far from just a big talker, she could walk the walk.

But she could sense a kindred spirit in Hunter. While sure, their reasons for fighting no doubt differed, he also had a reputation not dissimilar to Ash's and he was one she had very high on her to fight list. Could be a good chance to arrange one of those bouts he liked to have even!

She spoke a little louder as she glanced over her shoulder, crossing her arms over her chest as she smugly looked back at the quiet mob of mages. "Besides, looks like da rest of dis clowns seem to be shaking in der boots over a little announcement. And here I thought dis look had a lot more backbone eh?"

Was she purposely provoking them? Well, obviously. Ash had no tact or subtlety about her, but surely those words would stir a bit more action from the dead quiet crowd.