Skill Seeker [hr] [@Crimson Paladin][@VitaVitaAR] [hr] “Mhm, thank you. The wind is restless...but that does not mean there are those seeking to interlope here.” The beast and Chieftain would listen to Nobunaga explain the plan once more. Enli would especially so, seeming a bit skeptical at first, but as the petite girl would keep speaking, he would start seeming to slowly come around to the idea. Once she was done, the older man would nod in approval. “This...would be a good idea, yes. Giving the hunters something - someone else to throw their beliefs in - is something I couldn’t have thought of. If we could pull it off then this would solve nearly everything with as little bloodshed as possible.” As they would speak, Novak would don the mask once more. It seemed as though it would indeed, still function as it had in the temple. So the world would slowly become grayscale once more...strands of light, flowing through the air. Wind, perhaps? It flowed lazily, towards the gathered group. As he would walk the perimeter and make sure there were none eavesdropping, the light that seemed to be the wind would eventually make an abrupt turn, forming an arrow that would zip through the air - embedding itself in a deer some distance away. The beast would thrash, a painful call as its life was ended. He could see what seemed to be eyes, staring at him, from just beyond the edge of the grove past the deer. Upon removing the mask there was no such situation occurring. Rather, the deer seemed to have been spooked by something further in, some running away from deeper within the forest beyond, settling just on the edge of the grove. “If...if you would be willing, please, come to the village. I assure you if you show yourself to the villagers as openly here, they would be just as welcoming.” “Hm. Humans welcoming a beast such as myself? Improbable...but perhaps, perhaps I am wrong. Evidence to the contrary is already before me.” It would say, before sharply turning its head away from the group in the direction of the deeper parts of the forest. “Is something wrong, Elder Beast?” Enli would ask. “...it is likely nothing. Not even they would be so bold.” It would focus his attention back on the group. "I have given the proposal some thought. I can indeed, at least teach the humans the ways of the forest directly. Discern which plants are toxic. The animals that live here. How to speak, and befriend them. If we are certain of this, then let us go. The sooner we resolve this the sooner this forest can return to as it was." Plant hunting [@PKMNB0Y] [hr] The makeshift weapon would hit true, hitting the wolf right where she intended. A pained yelp as it was struck, the wolf whining as it was sent flying away from her and into the ground a few feet away, having a bit of trouble scrambling back to its feet, seemingly momentarily dazed from the impact. The second wolf would back off, snarling and growling warningly as it would find Misaki once more placed between it and the foal. A few tense, long seconds would pass as the two wolves would seemingly consider if the foal was worth it...and then, the one that had been given a good whack would whine before turning tail and fleeing. The other would soon follow, a low whine as it would flee back into the forest. The foal that she had been protecting would give a small leap of joy, soon running over to its savior as it would rub its head against her body in a show of seeming affection and thanks. Strangely, she felt like she could actually almost...hear something. It was quiet, but it definitely felt like a ‘Thank you’. [hider=Goddess Note] Skill Acquired: Animal Communication (lesser) A skill letting one communicate with animals. Does what it says in the name. Rather weak for now, and at most one can only sense or get a vague feeling of the creatures they are attempting to communicate with. Does not work on animals mutated into other things through demonic or other magics and abilities. [/hider] The deer would lay down on the ground near Misaki, seemingly content with staying near her for now. A little secret [@Click This] [hr] “Woah woah, slow down! You met Iva? E-erm...ah...that’s...a lot to take in.” Lazhira would frown, quickly moving to Leannah’s side to offer her a shoulder to help support her. “Haa, but trials and quests and dungeons...sounds pretty much like him...” Lazhira would comment with a sigh, though quickly would shut her mouth as she’d help moving Leannah back towards her house. “Uhm, Narkissa, thanks. I’ll take Leannah back to my place. Get her as patched up as I can.” She’d say, with a smile. “Y-you can come too, but you seemed a bit busy, yeah? Oh! But if you see the others tell them I’ll be taking care of Leannah instead.” Lazhira would help Leannah back to her cabin, helping guiding her through the streets and easing her through the door to her hut with a simple push as the cat would soon find themselves on the bed in Lazhira’s place, where the girl would quickly grab some bandages, dousing them in some sort of herbal paste and applying them to Leannah’s burns. “Jeez, you really did a number on yourself.” She’d say with a huff. “What did I tell you about going overboard. You’re lucky you didn’t end up a pile of furry ash. And you met him! Ugh, ha...I suppose now is probably a good time to talk with you.” Lazhira would say, finishing wrapping up one of Leannah’s arms and waist. The bandages felt cool, soothing upon her burns. “Hold on, let me get you something to eat you’re probably starving.” Soon Leannah could hear her working, the smell of cooking fish and the sound of her cutting vegetables and other fruits and berries from the forest. It wouldn’t take Lazhira long to come back with a small plateful of fish and fruit for Leannah as she’d hand it to her. “So...uhm...he probably told you I’m his uh, daughter right?” Lazhira would say hesitantly, taking a seat on the bed next to Leannah. A Traveler [@PaulHaynek] [hr] “Name? Eeeh...hm, I think Rheane said it was something like Liven or Liv-something.” Elisette replied with a small frown. “It’s one of the larger ones around here, and we had some soldiers stationed there, but...” Elisette would glance towards the ground, a mild worried expression. “...we’ve not been able to contact them in a while. We sent a courier to investigate, and he said it was mostly overrun with undead and the people there were barely holding on.” The woman shook her head, grinning brightly. “Ahah, but don’t worry about it. The Apostles of Rheane vow to save humanity so I’ma do just that!” If nothing else, she had her positivity going for her. It was getting fairly late in the morning - the dark, cloudy skies were giving way to light and blue sky quickly. Indeed, his ability had specified night...but perhaps, he’d have forgotten that it also said he’d never be lost out in the wilderness, always drawn to wherever it was he intended to go. That is to say, should he have a rough destination in mind, he could find it even if it might take some time. Regardless, it would seem perhaps there [i]was[/i] some success. Guidance was asked, and though its power was weak, it would be given. After all, what was the sun, but a massive star as well? As he would observe the skies above, for the briefest of moments the clouds would part in a peculiar fashion far to the east, a ray of sunlight shining upon the land some distance away the vast expanse of snow at least making this easily visible. Supposing he would follow through, it would be a fairly long trek through a vast expanse of snow. The morning would bring neither warmer weather nor more guidance, and that was all he’d have to go on, but somehow he’d get the feeling, like a little assurance that he would be going the right way. Along the way, Elisette would chat more about the general area and where she came from - the Apostles of Rheane, who apparently were, according to her, a group of humans dedicated to the help and protection of humans that had been in existence since the Moonless Era before. She’d also tell him about the Elves of the Tamaln forest, and the fey - who were apparently not people he’d want to run into. Even if the elves seemed friendly at first, they were both fiercely territorial and were servants of the Fey, who themselves were notoriously untrustworthy and never had any good intentions towards humans. Then there were the Bastelian. A matriarchal race of cat people that stalked the snow fields, riding upon their giant feline mounts, plundering and raiding anything from humans. Bloodthirsty people who worshipped a violent sun Goddess by the name of Auset-Kythet who they were currently building a massive temple too, if their reports were anything to go by. Of course, the Giants he had seen not too long ago too, led by a ravenous four armed king who wielded a sword of fire in one hand, carried the head of an old god in another, and was said to have wisdom and survived the destruction at the beginning of the Moonless Era. He could choose to listen or not, she’d be talking away in a friendly manner regardless. She’d also of course, ask about where he came from and what life was like on the other side of the mountains, to the north. It’d be well into the afternoon by the time Nicholas and Elisette would find their destination. They’d see it from a fair distance away, the snowy hills and plains allowing for one to see quite some distance. It was hard to tell as they approached, but an eerie, unsettling silence fell over the world. “Ah~! We’re here! Ahaha, you really came through huh. Not that I doubted ya.” She’d reply in a friendly manner. Elisette would start striding confidently into the village. “C’mon, its getting late and my feet are freezing. We’ll see if we can find anyone...and keep an eye out for anything bad, huh?” Something wasn’t right. This was fairly similar to that dream he had not too long ago. That nagging feeling of danger in the back of his head would get stronger. They were both in imminent danger, here. The Roma Mob [@Pyromania99] [hr] “Oh my, you sound almost like you don’t want to see me.” Augusta noted with a playful smirk as she moved a bit closer to him. A martial arts of sorts? She wasn’t very familiar with them. She could name a number of them but she wasn’t sure about how each of them were suppose to be done. “Or were you busy with your daily practice? I can always come find you later.” She mentioned trying her best to make her words sound inoffensive. “That’s...not true. Not true at all.” He’d reply, rubbing the back of his head. “I wasn’t expecting uh, anyone here. Uh, you need something? I can show you anywhere around the palace or Gloom hollow.” "Not for the moment at least." Augusta mentioned, moving a little closer to him. "Rather, I wanted to have a chat with you, if you wouldn't mind." She thought about the best way to approach this but felt that the direct approach might be the best way, but she couldn't help teasing the little Prince some. "First, I must ask, what do you think of me?" “Uh, that’s a question alright.” He’d reply, a bit slowly. “Well...you’re obviously a rather, erm, unique Sirithen for even wanting to come down here. No martial skill whatsoever, and you seem to prefer the arcane arts. I guess...odd? In a good way?” “Hmm? Is that so? I suppose I’ll take it.” Augusta mentioned while crossing her arms. “Apologies for such a… Umm, direct question as such.” She lowered her head a small bit apologetically before raising it a small bit and looking the Prince in the eyes. “So, while the Queen and I were talking I asked her a favor. Then, she also gave me a proposal.” She looked away for a second before directing her eyes back. She cleared her throat and continued. “It was a suggestion that we marry. You’re smart so I’ll assume that you can make a guess why. Thoughts on that?” “She, uh, what?” The prince seemed rightly taken aback. “Uh. Oh. I mean...oh...uh...it’d...be a decent move I guess, but it seems a bit...soon? Wouldn’t someone related to the King be better? Unless...you are? I mean you’re pretty enough-” He’d pause, quickly looking away. “Uh, I mean...seriously what is mother thinking asking this...I’ll talk to her, tell her its a bad idea. Sorry for that, Augusta.” Augusta didn't seemed to be too phased at being called pretty by the Prince. Perhaps she didn't see this body quite as her own yet. "It seems your Mother has something planned. I don't want to miss word anything but she mentioned that an unknown person can be anything in the end. And it's not as if I said no…" Augusta shrugged. "Rather, if all works as intended, it could be a massive boon to me, would it not?" She thought aloud. "You're not exactly bad on the eyes either really. " “Oh. Uh.” The Prince would frown a bit. Her not saying anything about not being related to the king may have given him the wrong impression. Perhaps that’s what she wanted, though? “Well, mother...isn’t wrong. She’s usually not. And I mean, I guess I’m about average. I’m not that good looking...a-anyways, uh...I wouldn’t be against it? Not like I’ve been really good about the whole finding a partner thing, and eh...” He’d rub the back of his head. “This makes it easy, at least? I’m not a people person.” "Average? Are you sure? I mean, maybe you're not conventionally attractive? Honestly, if we tried a bit we could make a pretty convincing girl out of you." Augusta moved her hand to her chin, thinking about it a small bit. “Bweh?!” The prince would seemed taken aback for a moment, that Augusta would say such a thing. “I...I mean, sure I guess? I’ve always taken after mom, but uh...that’s just a bit much isn’t it? I’m a Prince, I need to look the part at least, sorta. What kind of suggestion is that?” "Why do you need to look the part? A tradition of your people? I'm not really someone from these surrounding lands so I don't really understand." Augusta offered an explanation with a shrug. "I'm likely going to have to learn this all soon enough, so do tell." “Uh...I mean, you’ve...never heard of a ‘prince’ dressing in women’s clothes, have you?” Nesherit would reply with a mild frown. “Besides, wouldn’t dresses and the like get in the way of my martial arts? I guess it’d be fine for casting spells, but hm...” It didn’t seem like he was entirely opposed to the idea in and of itself. Maybe Augusta needed to give him a bit of a push. "I've heard some stories from various places about it, actually. And while they might get in the way of martial arts, it's not like you'd be wearing dresses all the time." Augusta mentioned with a smile. "In fact, I can think of an outfit from a foreign land that's both beautiful and fairly functional. As long as you don't mind showing off your legs I suppose." The woman studied the prince up and down and began to walk around him, trying to get a good grasp as to what outfits and such would be good on him. "Well, I feel like we could make you into a beauty regardless." “H-hey...you’re...thinking something weird, aren’t you?” The prince would say with a mild bit of concern for his well being. "Weird things? Maybe. I might be wondering if you have a… decent bit of free time. And, might I borrow a bit of money? Call it bonding for likely future partners." The woman mentioned. "I have a place in mind." “I’m the Prince. I have the most money in Gloomhollow...” He’d say, a bit uncertain though definitely sounding a bit proud in that assertion. “Bonding? Future partners…? What do you mean, exactly? But, no I’m not doing anything but we should probably tell mother we’re both fine with this arrangement.” "Hmm, I suppose… But, there is one thing I want to do with you before we tell her." Augusta mentioned as she grabbed his hand. "Would you?” [@ERode] [hr] “The Ice Guard...why would ye...” Otti would frown, the dwarf seeming a bit perplexed why Isidore would be asking, but would quickly shrug it off. “Sure thing, friend, I’ll keep my beard to the stones.” He’d say, as Raelzeth would hop up from her seat, beaming at the good news that Isidore brought. The young elf would walk on over, eager to get out of this tavern as she’d follow Isidore out. “Ahah, maybe you’re not so bad after all.” She’d say with a laugh. “Thanks for that. Ugh, Rullphana would have made me spend the rest of my life looking for another...whatever that is.” She’d make a move to grab it, but stop when Isidore asked his question. The elf looked like she was about to give some half-baked, slightly sassy reply as she opened her mouth to respond, before slowly closing it with a mildly pouty expression. “...I’d...burn them? Repeatedly. Uh...” Raelzeth would take a few seconds to think before responding again. “...Yeah, I got nothing.” At least she was being honest. While it may have been difficult to entirely tell the time in Gloomhollow, so far underground, it was likely getting a bit late as far as the Elves were concerned. The crowd in the tavern had remained constant, but the streets were seemingly slowly dwindling from activity. [hr] Send Feet Pics [@Cu Chulainn] [hr] “Ah, that.” The craftsman would chuckle, lowering his guard a bit as he’d let Nomura in. “There’s been a fox going around stealing fish, and some hand tools recently. Snagged my leatherworking tools a few days ago. No idea what it’d want with them.” He’d relax his posture, taking a moment to take a quick look around. The fox had already scurried off, to wherever it was hiding. “The Kyrnith, though? Well, its not exactly a them. Its a deer. Elder Beast. Guardian of the forest of sorts. Been here since before the village even was. Not much else to say about it, really. Used to let us freely use the forest as long as we didn’t hurt its deer...but well, you should know how that’s going. A hunter running into it in the forest these days is a death sentence. Never seen it myself, but the hunters say it can bend the wind to its will.” The craftsman would move a bit further into the longhouse, deciding to take a seat near the firepit. “Take a seat, if you want. You don’t seem a dangerous sort, so maybe you can help me with something.” He’d say with a bit of concern. “I got a friend who says someone might be after Enli’s life. I’m strong, but I’m not a hunter by any means.”