An impressive display of power, and it revealed a team of traitorous hunters on top of it.
Nobunaga had little tolerance for traitors.
The arrow that sailed towards her was hardly difficult to evade, a swift step. Certainly, she had questions about just how Novak had been able to predict the presence of the hunters, but that matter could wait until this conflict was resolved.
Surely, these hunters were skilled at combating animals. That much was certain. And the fact their prime target was Enli...
They had likely intended to strike by surprise.
Perhaps they would be unprepared for strong resistance?
"Novak," she began, glancing towards the man, "Make Enli a difficult target."
With that, she ducked low and began running. Immediately she was using the figure of one of the spear-wielding hunters as a shield, interposing him between herself and the archer. This would make her difficult to target as she made her advance, as it would force the archer to relocate or try and aim around his fellow.
Fighting a spearman with a sword was somewhat more difficult due to their range, but these were hardly trained samurai she was facing.
The moment she came within range of the man's spear, the petite black-haired girl would swiftly unsheathe her katana and swing upwards, in a bid to intercept his attacking and shove the weapon out of her way. If she could get into his range and beneath the spear, then the next step was obvious.
Take his arms.
If he survived that and lived long enough after the remaining two hunters were dead, he could be questioned.
Some preserved food Enough for two people to last a few days.
Roll of what seemed to be a mat of thick fur, likely for sleeping on Comfortable, but only one.
A heavy looking fur/cloth blanket. Cozy, warm and heavy. Good for sleeping in colder climates.
Communication horn Made from bone, hollow and likely used for communication.
A small pot and a ladle
Frozen canteen of water
Map of the Under roads. A map detailing some routes used by the Dwarves and Shadow Elves to travel in their subterranean homes. Its not entirely complete, but it at least shows the routes to the two most notable settlements and several other places of note. Unless you travel off the paths, you probably won’t get lost.
Seed of the Demon Flower
Isidore’s lips twitched, a momentary sign of bemusement. Medieval societies did have such brutal methods for punishing thievery, after all, and Raelzeth’s willingness to take this somewhat seriously was all that he could ask for. “Harsh, but reasonable,” he replied. “Your decisiveness is good, Raelzeth.”
He raised his hand smoothly, allowing it to bend at the elbow in a natural, flowing manner, before snapping his fist out into a jab that could’ve broken any man’s nose.
“Presuming equal skill, martial arts always begins faster than magic, and can be executed without any visual telegraph. What defenses can you bring up at a moment’s notice?”
“E-eh?” She seemed momentarily stunned she was getting praised, but a small, confident grin would soon form as she’d reply to Isidore’s question. “Heh, well, I guess I am pretty good at decision making. Uh...” She’d falter a bit, though, as she’d quickly run through what she was capable of. “Something...in an instant? I could...uhm, h-how fast are we talking here? I can probably form a fireball in a few seconds...or paralyze or cause the ground to open under someone, but...uh...that doesn’t sound like what you’re asking for?”
“No, but I suppose I should ask.” Isidore paused. This really was the sort of question that made him feel old, that reminded him that he was an old man in a young body. “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
“Hey, I’m perfectly grown up!” Raezel would reply with a frown. “Rullphana took me as her apprentice since I could stone-sing...and I had a pretty high potential for magic.” The elf would say unsteadily, not sure where Isidore was going with this. “Course I enjoy it. Heheh, magic can do some pretty cool stuff, but all this study and practice stuff she wants me to do is just kinda boring ya know.” She’d shift in a mildly seeming embarrassed manner. “...uhm, don’t tell anyone I said this but uhm, there are some tales of the Sage traveling around the world and stuff...kinda childish and dumb I know but...traveling around and just...seeing all the world has to offer seems fun, doesn’t it? Better than living in this cave...”
Wanderlust had been a rarity in his own era, and to see it now in more than a few people gave Isidore a feeling that he wasn’t so certain of. In a world filled with unknowns, with lands unmapped and dangers at every corner, one would certainly have to be more than just a bit irresponsible to encourage children, especially those not trained in anything so intense as wilderness survival, to strike it off on their own. If it was his own daughter he was talking to, this would certainly be the point where he would be coming to verbal blows with her.
But the half-blood before him had a more impressive repertoire of spells than he had, and was dreaming about the world at an age where most others would’ve dreamed of Youtubing or drug money. He let out a breath. He shouldn’t pretend to be a ‘good’ influence anyhow.
“Then learn three things,” Isidore replied, raising three fingers. “One, improve your awareness of your surroundings. If magic is the substance of creation, feel for that and utilize it to detect all of creation around you. Whether stalked by a predator or marked by a thief, this is how you prevent ambushes.” Bullshit, of course; he had no idea how that could work. “Two, map a specific spell to a physical movement, until you don’t need to think about it to cast it. This spell should be instant, and should be something capable of knocking away an approaching threat.” He drew in a breath and breathed out flame, a burst of scarlet lighting up the blue glow of the mushrooms. “Three, work on your footwork. Outside the mountain, ranged weaponry becomes more prevalent without tunnels offering constant cover, and when you meet something undaunted by your spells, it’ll be your only way out.” Another skill he didn’t particularly have, as his own work didn’t require much chasing or escaping through forests, but he knew someone who would though. “If you can do those three, then you won’t run the risk of dying a violent death, at least.”
A pause, then a grin.
“And if you can self-teach yourself this, then I’ll show you a little trick of mine that even Rullphana can’t do.”
The young elf would listen, seeming a little irritated that he somehow seemed more knowledgeable then her. Perhaps a small blow to her pride, but by the end of it she was looking up at Isidore with a bit of a confused frown.
“E-eh? Can you really do all those things?” Raelzeth would wonder aloud. “A-and what do you mean a trick Rullphana can’t do? She can do anything! C-can’t she?” She’d shake her head. “Wait, wait are you saying I can’t do that stuff?” She’d finally seem to organize her own thoughts a bit, taking what Isidore said a bit seriously. “That sounds like a bet old man! A bet I’ma win cuz I’ma make you show me whatever it is Rullphana can’t!” She’d say proudly, confidently. “It better not be something dumb either. Besides, heh, I should be able to do all that easily. I am her apprentice after all! Ah, I bet I could ask that scary looking lady about using a sword!” She seemed motivated, if nothing else.
“Let’s see how much progress you can make in the next seven days then,” Isidore replied. “But for now, try to get back to the Tower without being robbed, yes?”
“Guh.” Rael would wince at the mention of being robbed again. “That was a fluke. No one will rob me again! And I’ll improve enough to even beat you! You’ll see!” And then she’d run off, back towards the tower. The streets were clearing. It’d probably be a good idea to make his way back towards the palace, unless wished to head somewhere else during the night.
Isidore smiled, massaging the back of his neck as he called out, "And if you need me, I'll be back at the palace."
With that, he strode off as well, humming a little tune under his breath as he counted the minutes until Raelzeth realized he hadn't actually handed off the Demon Seed to her yet and would have to backtrack to find him again. Her vigor was a good point, but that propensity for forgetting what was important while pursuing what was exciting...well, that was something to be temper with experience and experiences.
As for himself? Well, a conversation with Sorcha and the collection of his 'payment' was to come.
It was only natural that Narkissa would help Leannah, especially when she’d been… a little negligent in looking for her. Even as she helped her back to Lazhira’s house, though, every word out of the cat girl seemed crazier than before. The fact that gods could be made was a revelation in and of itself, not to mention the Illuminator seemed to have a mother. It was all very Greek to Narkissa, in more ways than one.
Which… was kind of saying something, since Narkissa was a Greek name, after all.
Halfway through it, Leannah’s words began to ramble, but foretold of momentous truths. The fact that the girl didn’t outright say it in front of the two of them was information in and of itself, but Narkissa didn’t press her on it. She needed to know, but with her being so injured and with such a fragile mental state, now wasn’t the time for that. She’d ask the cat girl about it later, when she was healthy and rested up.
Like Lazhira, she gave Leannah a quick, and hopefully comforting hug when they finally got back to the house, but not before setting aside all the wood she’d gathered in a good spot. Narkissa couldn’t help but to raise an eyebrow at the younger girl, though. After all, before Leannah had stumbled into their conversation, what to do with the orb was the very topic they’d been discussing. “We should talk about that later,” she suggested, before settling down next to Leannah.
“Holding up alright? If you’re hungry –you look hungry—I can see if I can’t cook something up here. I doubt Lazhira would mind. Otherwise, I’ll let you rest… you need it,” she commented, appraising the girl’s condition once again. “Either way, I’ll be nearby—I’m going to either try to continue making a frame out of this wood, or finally get a look at my growing book collection.”
"So we find one of those orbs and you give it to me. It’ll be safe with me, promise.”
Wait. Wait. Wait. She hadn't mentioned orbs, which meant Lazhira-...oh no. Oh nonono. What The Illuminator had told her was making even more sense now, and that was not good. Very very not good. She was so very tired, exhaustion burning at her, but there was no time to lose if she was going to at least try to do something or talk to someone. Frankly there was only one other person she trusted at the moment, and that person had seemed to remain with her in this room at least. A small blessing, potentially, but even then Leannah found herself questioning if the others had any odd deific experiences in the temple to boot. Blargh.
She had to start somewhere. Lazhira talking about getting the orb had made the catgirl's heart drop down into her gut in an instant, though she'd been able to hide it behind exhaustion and how she was feeling already at the very least.
But why did they seem to think he was after the orbs? Surely it seemed like a ploy to scare people off at best so far, but other than that she had no idea. It was fishy, however, and she wasn't going to turn down any odd thing like that in this situation. Take it at face value, or an assumed face value, and you could screw things up badly. Thinking too deeply also held the same issue, however, which was something to keep in mind.
She had to start somewehere, and after picking back up her plate and she downed the rest of the food as best she could before she looked over at her current compatriot. Narkissa. The catgirl took several deep breaths, trying to focus her mind as best she could. She imagined sparring someone, or performing meditation, anything that would help her in getting some reign over herself once more. Truth be told she felt more fragile than she had for a long time...it scared her. Badly. Yet at the same time, she couldn't just sit and do nothing either.
Too many lives were at stake.
"Thank You....b-but I need to talk to you. Just the two of u-us."
Leannah forced herself to sit up a little more as she spoke in a lower volume and tone where just she and Narkissa would be able to hear, wincing in pain and soreness as she did so but still managing to stabilize herself a bit. A bit. Better than nothing, she supposed. Even so, her still-reddened eyes seemed to reflect a seriousness, a great gravity that even now the catgirl perhaps felt on her shoulders.
"I want to...hah...I want to know everything that happened back at the temple to the rest of you. Talking to gods if that happened, fighting things, the cultists, all of it. If that...if that's ok...hah. Need to talk to that 'Novak' guy later if I can too.
Won't slouch in return though I also want to tell you what I learned, but you must promise to tell no-one else. Swear it to me. Nobody else learns about it from you. Not the gods. Not anyone else. The village itself...Lazhira...and humanity...hah...all are at stake here....everything is."
It was a lot of heavy things she knew, but she knew her knowledge was imperfect. Spotty. In that sense like The Illuminator, but not mad in the head as of yet at least. She couldn't just have someone spouting it out everywhere. Truth be told, this was the kind of information that felt like you either sound crazy for saying it and are distrusted or were scolded later or worse by others for not telling earlier when others would actually believe you once things hit the fan badly enough.
The Illuminator didn't want meddling either, and that meant he was willing to do things with the menace he put into that. She had no doubts. Delphiti was, if all was true, involved in this as well with her own aim. The village, then, was caught in the middle of the struggle and...well, the Bastelian girl had no idea what to make of it since she knew so little about here thus far and how the village believed.
But Lazhira's advice to "do what comes naturally" felt oddly fitting for this somehow. If she was going to try anything, she needed information. As much as possible. She'd have to give in return to get it unless Novak or such were cooperative in her being curious, but hopefully nothing too damning too early would come into play or so forth. Then again that felt like a line to think of moments before something went badly sideways. Ugh.
She just hoped Narkissa would be willing to tell her everything from back there first. She would be honest in return, as promised.
They had to figure something out. Maybe they could even rope in Nobunaga and the fluffy-tailed woman who she in her head called 'the Japanese duo', whom she really did need to try to at least talk to after the other night's accident, and anyone else who could be of assistance to saving this place. Well, depending. She had no idea of the other two's dispositions, or of Novak's beyond their brief time around each other, and so forth.
...Narkissa was right not long ago. 'Interesting' was far more of a curse than it was chocked up to be.
The snow around them rustled and shifted. Rising from the frozen sheets were decaying the corpses of the undead, roused from their slumber by the presence of the two living beings. They shambled to their feet, numbering too many for Elisette to fight off. Nick was a little disturbed that his premonition vision was correct down to the small details. Although, there was that maid dress...
“Wah! They just popped outta the ground! I don’t think zombies are flowery enough for that! There’s a lot of em too! Is it zombie season or something?!”
Elisette's crude humor aside, she drew her sword and stood to Nick's defense. Although, that might not mean much considering they were about to be surrounded. They may just be zombies but Nick still wished he had a weapon on him. The broken sword he had way back when was lost when he... simply left it back in the snow, believing it wouldn't be needed anymore. What a foolish decision, Nick thought himself.
“Nngh, alright we need to get to the village. We can probably hide there! Don’t fight unless you have too!”
"I couldn't fight even if I have to!" Nick replied, watching the undead come closer and closer to them.
Elisette took down a zombie lunging at her, sidestepping the lunge and bisecting the undead into two with her large sword. Another went for Nick, who imitated Elisette's moves to evade it. But lacking a weapon of his own, Nick simply kicked the zombie down back into the snow and quickly followed the warrior woman as she cut a path through the horde into the village. He wished he could have been more help to Elisette but right now, all he could do was kick or push away any zombie that got too close that Elisette didn't dispatch.
Nomura stroked his beak at this offer. Such a thing wasn't of his purview by any means. At the same time, Nomura's instincts as a salesman made him aware that such a proposition could be a potentially lucrative one. It seems that either way, he should consult with Lady Mie on such a matter before he makes any offers. Still, it did not hurt to see what Bolcha's offer was, so long as he made it clear such a thing wasn't quite in his power.
"Unfortunately, I do not have any authority over the oni, much less to offer them as hired blades. However, I will bring your proposition up to Lady Mie at once, if you give me an initial offer to forward to her. I cannot promise anything, though." Nomura stated, standing up and taking a proper bow while awaiting Bolcha's offer. Whatever it was, Nomura would make sure to keep a mental note of it before taking his leave for now. He still held Enli's delivery within his cloak, however, as while Bolcha seems to be trustworthy, Nomura isn't quite sure of Lady Mie's delivery policy.
Plus, there was a troublesome fox Nomura needed to watch out for.
Leaving the longhouse, the bird-masked fellow would walk towards where the fox had beckoned him to, curious of what this creature had to say. Of course, he clutched Enli's commission tightly in case this fox once again felt mischievous enough to take the merchandise.
“Tch!” The hunter that had fired the arrow frowned as the shot missed. Indeed, it seemed they had been hoping for the element of surprise. The spear wielding hunter would act as predictably as Nobunaga had expected. He’d strike out with his spear, the blow deflected by the petite girls upwards strike.
It seemed like she was not the only one without tricks up their sleeves though.
Nobunaga’s blade would sever flesh from bone, cleanly cutting through the hunters right arm. He’d stumble back, seeming shocked but they were trained hunters and while they may not have had the skill perhaps as trained samurai, they still possessed a few tricks. His remaining hand would pull a small hunting knife from his belt, striking towards Nobunaga’s own arm, but her katana would soon strike out, severing his remaining fight regardless of whether she managed to block it or not.
“Nngh-ghh...” He’d grunt in pain, falling to his knees and soon to the ground. A swift, brutal execution...leaving only the Archer and the third hunter with fighting capably. He was still alive, for now, if he didn't die from blood loss any time soon.
Novak would watch this brutal display briefly. Nobunaga’s skilled movements, every muscle she’d move to make them. They were fairly simple strikes, but the technique involved was unquestioned, requiring both a trained hand and sharp mind. Time would seem to slow, momentarily, as he’d watch her movements against the hunter. Deflect. Upward Strike.
...it seemed like he could easily replicate those movements now, after having seen this, and a few other people make similar movements.
Skill Acquired: Martial training (Novice) Denotes a skill with swordsmanship and martial ability. You do not possess any formal training, yet you have the ability to at least know the pointy end goes in the opponent and how to avoid injuring yourself with it. While you won’t be beating any trained swordsman yet, you can probably make use of most standard bladed weapons.
This perhaps, reveal was certainly coming at a good time. The second hunter had decided to entirely ignore Nobuanga, making a beeline for Enli, only stopping when Novak had gotten in his path. The hunter would thrust the spear he was wielding forward.
The archer was perhaps, the most problematic person here. After seeing the first arrow miss, he’d move his attention to their real target - Enli. In the time Nobunaga had dispatched the first hunter, the archer was already knocking a second and seemed as though he was aiming towards the village Chief.
Thankfully no more ill fortune befell her, and it was a fairly calm walk back. The deer for now, seemed intent on following Misaki around. It would follow her from the place where she was picking bamboo, back to the treeline where the village was located. The deer would hesitate, slowing to a walk as Misaki would pass from forest to village. It’d take it a few moments...but eventually it seemed to work up the courage to follow her.
On her way back to lazhira’s house, she’d spot the girl leaving just a few second before she arrived. She didn’t seem particularly happy, judging from her facial expression but she didn’t say anything to Misaki unless spoken too first. She’d drop everything off just inside before she’d scurry off and find the tools to work with.
A knife would be easy - Lazhira had several for cooking and cutting, and would easily let her use those. Failing that she could likely just ask another villager to borrow one. They were still perfectly friendly and willing to help. A large piece of cloth was a bit more difficult to find, but Lazhira would let her have what seemed to be an old dress of hers. After a few modifications, it made for a fairly useful cloth. A container was easier - a large pot could be found in many places where food could be found.
Seeing her run around, the deer seemed to want to help more, but was unsure what Misaki was attempting to do so it would stand near the doorway, looking back and forth vaguely asking if it could ‘help’.
It seemed Lazhira would move from the front of the house to some distance away, closer to the sea. Seemed she wanted to be away from everyone else.
Food would be easy to make, if Narkissa or Leannah wished. Lazhira would indeed let them use anything she wished, though she seemed a bit put off, unsettled, or like she wished to be alone even if she did help. Her mind seemed to be elsewhere, thinking of other things in a fairly distracted manner. They may even find Misaki rummaging about for materials to attempt making something, but for now everything seemed...relatively calm. They were probably safe and welcome to rest here as long as they’d need too, especially Leannah. Narkissa would find she’d have plenty of time to read the book she picked up, or work on getting a wooden frame together. How well she’d to the latter though, remained to be seen.
The zombies were as relentless as one might have assumed of some undead creatures. Nicholas could at least, do a decent enough job of keeping himself from becoming zombie food. It seemed he was a fair bit stronger than these run of the mill undead, and shoving them away was fairly easy...though he’d pick up a few scrapes here and there, but it was probably nothing to worry about.
“Almost there!” Elisette would shout, evading a lunge from another two zombies that had attempted to pincer her. “Nngh...looks like there’s some sort of big house over there! Large steeple!” She’d shout. It was a fairly obvious structure - the largest one in the village made completely of stone...it looked vaguely like a small church one may find in some countryside somewhere with a large rectangular main room, and several smaller ones branching off from the side.
Thankfully it was near the edge of the village and they’d be able to get to it easily. That meant they just had to get inside.
“...guh! The doors are locked! - huh?” As the pair would draw near the village, something a bit curious would seem to happen. The zombies chasing them would slowly withdraw, stopping their chase and merely standing, seemingly watching as they’d near the large church. In fact, they hadn't come past the villages perimeter at all. “...t-they’re...not going to follow us?”
It seemed very much like it. Elisette would slow to a halt in front of the church's doors, breathing heavily as she’d gaze out over the snowfield. At least it would afford them to get a good look at the village - much of it had already been claimed by what was likely heavy snowfall but aside from that the various wooden buildings also looked abandoned for quite awhile.
“Nnh...doors locked.” Elisette said with a frown. “Okay, uhm...we should see if we can find someone. There should still be people left alive here...though it...doesn’t look good.” Seemed heavy snowfall recently had removed most traces of anyone living here in the village.
“I...can’t believe...I’m doing this.” Nesherit would say with a mildly concerned tone. “Oh...what will...they all think? Augusta are you sure some ancient Prince of the Sirithen dressed like this?” He’d ask, feeling extremely self conscious about his current attire. They were off to meet his mother again, but had been told to wait temporarily outside of the main hall.
“Hmm,? Of course. Probably.” Augusta mentioned as they stood. “Well, regardless, I think you’re looking pretty cute.” She looked her princes-- Prince, up and down, making a few tiny adjustments here and there, making sure he looked the cutest he could. “Plus, you’re the Prince. If they say anything mockingly, it’s off with their heads. Especially since it’d be slander because you have quite a cute look about you.” Augusta tried to make the ‘off with their heads’ part an obvious joke.
“You can’t just...off with their heads because I’m the prince...you know what forget it.” He’d sigh. “And I mean, I guess? Being cute isn’t really...what a prince should be though...” Still, he didn’t say no or seem to fight it in the end, and Augusta could tell he was at least mildly enjoying the look, even if he didn’t entirely want to admit it. Their conversation would come to an end as they would soon be let into the throne room once more. Aside from a few curious glances, the prince seemed to not be attracting too much attention.
There was a very good question if they even recognized him.
Regardless, they’d make their way to the throne. The Queen would remain silent as they’d approach the throne, only responding to Augusta and her son once they were where they should be in front of her.
“Hmm? I do not recall having a daughter.”
“M-mother...”
“Pfft, ahaha, sorry dear I have to tease you just a little.” The queen would reply, looking over her son. He was dressed in a style most other reincarnation would say was a chinese dress. A bright regal red with elegant gold trimmings, perfectly fitted to his body. A slit had been cut open around his thighs, with long stockings adorning his legs with elegant shoes upon his feet. His hair had been done up in a braided ponytail. “You look good, Nesherit. I take it Augusta helped you with this?”
“Of course, Your Majesty.” Augusta said, putting her left hand over her heart and giving a light bow. “I thought Prince Nesherit would look absolutely stunning in a cute outfit. I was right, of course, though he complained a dress would be hard to move in so I thought of this.” The other-worlder cleared her throat. “I apologize for bringing His Highness here dressed as so, but I thought you would want to see, Your Majesty.”
“Ahah, well thank you. It is indeed, refreshing to see my son at least getting along with someone and spending more time with the people instead of with his training, or books.” She’d say, smiling. “Though...I am curious. You did mention to him, my proposal?” A quick change of subject right to business, it seemed.
“Augusta did.” The prince would reply with a small sigh. “I still can’t believe you suggested that.”
“And? Then what did you decide?”
“I have thought on it. It sounds a fine proposal to me.” Augusta declared, “So long as Prince Nesherit is not against it, I agree to your proposal, Your Majesty.” She gave the queen a confident smile. “Though I must confess, if we go through with this proposal, I might become addicted to dressing Prince Nesherit up like this.” She seemed a small bit apologetic for that.
“Aha, I don’t think you should worry too much about that...then very well. I’ll need to make a formal announcement, as well as contacting Tamaln...mhm, but for now, you we should discuss a few things.” The queen would stand, seemingly a bit excited for this development. “Ah, if only your father was still around...ah, he’d find this hilarious.” She’d chuckle. “Well, then...come with me. We should talk in private, the three of us.”
“I suppose this is about the party coming soon.”
“Indeed, my son. Its partly why I invited Augusta to be my partner.”
“...you were going to announce we were getting married whether she agreed or not, weren’t you?”
“Now now, no need to go speculating things like that.” The queen replied with a light chuckle.
“So that’s a yes.” Augusta said, not planning on hiding her saying so to the woman. She’d know anyhow. “Well then. Shall we?” Augusta mentioned to the Prince. “This should be a fun discussion, shouldn’t it?” She wasn’t quite sure of the etiquette but, she assumed there would be a small bit similar to her old world. Still, maybe she’ll see how this Prince of hers would react. She raised her hand to Nesherit, hoping he’d take it.
The prince would place hands on his hips, sighing and shaking his head.
“Yes, lets shall we?” He’d say, ignoring the hand offered to him, following the Queen. Seemed he still wasn’t quite open to being so affectionate? Or perhaps he was just being stubborn. Soon Augusta would find themselves back in the Queens Garden, a pair of guards on patrol saluting as they passed as a servant would be asked to bring some snacks for the meeting. The queen would take a seat where she had earlier.
“Now, then.” She would begin. “We should discuss how we shall be presenting the two of you at the party.”
Well, Augusta could have anticipated the Prince ignoring her hand. As she and Nesherit entered the room, Augusta would recognize it as the one from earlier. “Presenting the two of us at the party? What exactly are we discussing? Dress? Actual introduction?”
“And here I thought you’d have the foresight to understand this.” The queen would say with a small frown.
“What mother means, Augusta, is that well...I’m suddenly getting engaged to a princess of the Sirithen. People are going to want to talk to us. You’re going to need proper etiquette...both in Urutha and Sirithen mannerisms, as well as be able to predictably speak of the king and Tamaln if they ask. Those sorts of things. We’ll need to discuss how exactly we’ll be handling that.”
“Oh, etiquette? Just teaching me every little thing. It’s not the first time I’ve learned etiquette from other cultures.” Augusta said without missing a beat. “My mind is a steel trap for this kind of thing. I was under the impression this party was only to have Urutha or would I be mistaken? If so, would there be a need to learn Sirithen etiquette at the moment? Any dances?”
“Well, Augusta dear,” The queen would respond. “There won’t be any - aside from Sorcha and Leuca, but make no mistake the others of the shadow would definitely wish to pry for answers, to see if you’re indeed, the real deal...and whether or not you’d be a capable leader.”
“Dances, likely no.” Nesherit would respond. “Truthfully, it likely wouldn’t be a very good idea for you to spend to long speaking with them. So we’ll teach you the basics, and how we’ll introduce you, let you speak and interact a little, before leaving so that we don’t look too suspicious.”
“Which is fair I suppose… Given the relatively short time I’m assuming I have before the party.” Augusta mentioned, looking at the Queen with the slightest amount of concern on her face.. “Dare I ask when this is suppose to be?”
“Four days, to be exact.” The queen would say with a nod of her head. “Here, at the palace.”
"Oh? Good. Four days is more than enough time." Augusta claimed. "I'm going to be learning a lot in the next couple of days it seems. I was planning on asking Sorcha to teach me how to use a rapier since Isidore bought me one. Regardless though, where should we start?"
“Rapier, hm? Not a traditional Sirithen weapon, but I’m sure it will be fine.” The queen would say with a nod. “We’ll start by having Sorcha drill you in Sirithen customs. You should especially learn of the Geas and their Ancestral worship, bloodlines, and the Fey they worship. Ask Sorcha about it tomorrow, I shall speak with her in private tonight - but both of those things are integral if you wish to pass yourself off as a true Sirithen.”
“I do know about the Geas a small bit. But ancestral worship, bloodlines and Fey… I’ll remember that. I suppose I’ll talk to her after the magic lesson with Rullphana. There are plenty of things to do in the next four days.” Augusta mentioned, trying to plan her schedule in her head. “Is that all for tonight then, Your Majesty?”
“I would urge you to speak to her sooner rather than later, but that is indeed all for this evening.” The queen would say with a soft smile. “Unless you wish to spend it with my son for the night?”
“I refuse.” Nesherit waid with a small sigh.
Augusta gave a small smile and a shrug, “I suppose that settles it for that. Jokes aside, I do plan on doing the lesson with Rullphana, eating and then asking Sorcha those questions. I’ll keep in mind to keep moving on.” She cleared her throat and gave the two royals a small bow. “Until we next time, Your Majesty. Prince Nesherit.” Then she turned and left the room. She was getting used to this palace at this point.
Augusta would wander through the halls of the palace, eventually reaching the rooms that had been prepared for them. It seemed like both Sorcha and Isidore were still out despite the growing lateness. Leuca though, would easily be found in her room she was sharing with the other woman. Octavia was following along quietly behind.
“Oh. Hello Augusta.” Leuca would say as she’d let the other Sirithen into her room. “If you’re looking for Sorcha, she’s inspecting the armory...I don’t envy the Shadow Elf guards...she’s going to drill them really, really, hard. Her training is erm, a special kind of brutal...” The young Elf would walk over to the bed and sat on it, seemingly a bit nervous as she’d glance to Octavia who would tilt her head quizzically in response.
It thankfully would have only taken Raelzeth a handful of moments to come running back, extremely flustered. A brief exchange later, and she’d hopefully leave with the seed, though there was nothing stopping Isidore from not giving it back if he so wished.
Finding Sorcha was a bit more difficult. She wasn’t in her room, nor anywhere in the guest areas. After a bit of hunting and maybe asking a guard or two, he’d finally find her in the palace’s Armory. The blond warrior woman was seemingly doing something she did very well - inspecting the palaces weapons and armor. Apparently she had also antagonized a few of the palace guards, too which they were all to happy to complain about.
No doubt they didn’t like the fact they were going to be trained by, and training with someone from Tamaln.
The woman was currently inspecting a red blade, frowning lightly.
“Finely made, but...hm, weaker than traditional blades. Soft material...but allows for magic to flow better through it...heh, fascinating.” She was talking to herself, it seemed. “Hm...oh, Isidore. Here to inspect the weaponry? Or here to talk about payments for services?” She’d ask, placing a red colored blade back where it rested upon its rack. “...or were you curious about my skills in particular?”
“Materials.” Bolcha would reply. “Provisions. You all have a long journey home, and she’s no stranger to performing favors for those things. Money, too, if she wants it. All the profits that I have.” He seemed serious about stating that. It was likely he didn’t have much in the way of that to start with, but to make that sort of offer he had to have a lot of faith in this rumor, and deeply value Enli’s friendship. “Do what you need, I’m sure she’ll send someone later.”
With that in mind, Nomura would leave the longhouse, towards where the little fox had scampered off too. It was fairly easy to find them, sitting just under the window.
“You’re holding onto that pretty tightly.” The fox would comment, seemingly speaking directly to Nomura’s mind. “Aren’t you a delivery boy? Are you gonna steal it? I wouldn’t drink it, if you do. A deer might get its revenge.” The fox would rub its face with a paw. “You work for Mie now, don’t you? Eheh, that means we’ll be friends, huh? You should get me a fish since you stole my lunch the other day.”
It did not seem like the fox wanted anything important.
“Don’t be so surprised I know who you are. Ayumi is Mie's extra eyes and ears and totally reliable nin-messenger!~” She'd yawn.
Some preserved food Enough for two people to last a few days.
Roll of what seemed to be a mat of thick fur, likely for sleeping on Comfortable, but only one.
A heavy looking fur/cloth blanket. Cozy, warm and heavy. Good for sleeping in colder climates.
Communication horn Made from bone, hollow and likely used for communication.
A small pot and a ladle
Frozen canteen of water
Map of the Under roads. A map detailing some routes used by the Dwarves and Shadow Elves to travel in their subterranean homes. Its not entirely complete, but it at least shows the routes to the two most notable settlements and several other places of note. Unless you travel off the paths, you probably won’t get lost.
Sorcha’s murmured assessment of the blades made sense for Isidore. Certainly a better material than Dirithen steel for Augusta then, if such weapons were able to be attuned more easily with magic too. The man took one of the blades himself, pinching the edge and slowly applying more and more strength to it, just to see how well they flexed. Soft as they were, he could expect to cleave through them in a single swing, perhaps. In which case, how could he maneuver an Urutha swordsman into such a position, when their combat style will doubtlessly focus on evasion and footwork to make up for the deficiencies in their material?
He tabled such simulations in the same movement that saw the blade returned to the rack, turning his attentions to Sorcha directly.
“I would love to collect.” Isidore responded, stepping closer to the lady knight. “And as for my payment, it’ll be you.” His eyes slid from one corner of the dimly-lit armory to another, before returning his gaze back upon her. “But a private dinner and an evening without obligations would be more appropriate for that.” He unslung his halberd from his shoulder, one hand massaging, loosening the muscles of his neck.
“So, for now, fight me.”
It was one thing to witness it from a distance, but quite another to experience it himself. If Rullphana were one of the strongest mages across the realm, then Sorcha may very likely be one of the strongest blademages too, possessing monstrous physical capability without looking the part.
“And don’t hold back." A thin smile to hide the rising anxiety that threatened to seep out from the cracks of his outward calm. "I won’t die so long as you don’t strike to kill twice.”
Augusta was pleased to see her small elf companion again. "Well, I was half hoping to catch you both together but I'm more than happy to talk to my favorite little Sirithen~." The woman mentioned with a smile. Talking to the girl felt like it took a nice load off her shoulders. She walked into the room a small bit and noticed, "She's a tough teacher? My, am I going to regret asking her to teach me some swordsmanship?" The older elf mentioned aloud. She sat on the bed next to the girl, curious to the look on her face. "I don't know about you, but Octavia and I have been all over this place today and I have something I want to tell you, Isidore and Sorcha together later..."
Augusta paused, thinking about how to exactly ask it but found that being straightforward might be the best way to go about it. "But enough about me. "Something seems to be wrong. Are you alright? I might not be Sorcha but you can talk to me if something is wrong." She wasn't exactly sure how the girl felt about her or if she trusted her enough to speak... But... She had a bit of hope that the young elf would talk to her. Especially with that nervous glance toward Octavia.
“Sure.” Narkissa was a bit surprised to see Leannah being so direct, especially since she still looked wiped. It wasn’t a problem though, not like there was anybody else in the area aside from the two of them. “Hmm… I doubt you’ll get anything useful out of that man. It was one of the few things that the Illuminator and I could agree on, but alright,” she agreed. Clearly, something with her experience with the temple or the god that it belonged to had spooked Leannah. Knowing this strange world and the apparent fickleness of the gods that inhabited it, it really was better to be safer than sorry.
“Well, let me recap from where we got split up in the temple…” After the brief summary, she launched into more detail as the cat girl had requested, detailing her encounters with the slimes, praying to the goddess, and for the first time since speaking to Lazhira, mentioned the teardrop that she had received as well. Then she moved on to jumping down the tar pit, and meticulously pieced back together her conversation and encounter with the god of knowledge, before finally recounting the tale of their dramatic escape from both burning temple and cultists hot on their heels.
What Leannah offered in return, though, was the same, although with far more oaths attached as stipulations than hers. Narkissa couldn’t help but to frown. She hadn’t gotten the full picture yet here, sure, but it had already become clear long enough ago that they were already being party to a conspiracy of sorts, either here in the village, or to the greater world in general. All within a few days of showing up. Fun stuff.
Frankly, she wasn’t sure if she’d cared to hear what extra bad news Leannah had to say. But she did care for Leannah, and her own life, really, so refusing was out of the picture.
“…Alright, my lips will be sealed, it’s a promise. What exactly is going on here, Leannah?”
Given the current situation with the Kyrinth and the village, as well as how it had acted the day before, Misaki was surprised to see that the deer had decided to follow her all the way back to Lazirha's house. She had told it to stay put there, of course, lest any of the hunters see a meal in its presence instead of a friend, but that ultimately made her job no easier.
Gathering the requisite tools was, at the very least, not particularly troublesome, what with Lazirha only so happy to oblige her requests. The way that the girl was keeping herself at the moment, though, gave the foxgirl pause...
But ultimately, if it was something she wanted to share, she would share it; prying into matters she had no say in felt wrong, and she had only known the girl for a few days. If she wanted to open up to her, then by all means she would do her utmost to help, but otherwise, her own pursuits came first.
Once she had properly gathered everything and set her workstation (if it could even be called as much) up, Misaki took a deep breath and began to break the plants down. The deer's desire to help, though, however endearing, was difficult for the foxgirl to accommodate. Breaking up the plants in this method wasn't something that a deer could do, per se...
Or maybe it was?
"Ah... Hm..." she began, thinking for a moment before carefully placing a stick of bamboo (or whatever it was called in this world) in front of the deer before speaking, "Could you try breaking these down for me?"
With that, Misaki would attempt to demonstrate, attempting to physically break the stem up before returning to her seated position. Hopefully her point had been made properly.
The problem of making the pulp had not yet been resolved, of course, but this was likely something to be taken one step at a time anyhow.
Nomura was instantly annoyed at this fox, especially given that she is able to pierce his very thoughts. Does it go both ways? Whether it did or didn't, Nomura would think of a video he watched in his past life involving the fur industry and an organization that rhymes with "beata." It did make sense that Mie sent a spy after him, but did it really have to be someone so annoying?
"Unlike you, I am not a petty thief! I'm simply holding onto it because I saw a dubious little creature getting up to mischief." Nomura stated, waving his finger in front of Ayumi's little fox snout.
"Still, you being here is useful... I'm sure you've overheard the conversation Bolcha and I were having. Enli's life is in danger, and he's interested in hiring one of Lady Mie's oni. Now, I'm not aware if I'm even able to authorize such a transaction, but I'm sure something could be arranged..."
Nomura looked back to the longhouse, then back at Ayumi, an idea coming to mind.
"Tell you what... relay this offer to Lady Mie for me, and I'll see if I can get you a new fish. How does that sound?"
Whatever Ayumi would respond, Nomura would make his way back towards the longhouse, extending a hand- and Enli's delivery- to Bolcha.
"I believe you are to be trusted. Now, how about we continue to talk about the situation regarding Enli? Perhaps we can come to some sort of arrangement, oni or not."
“Nngh...looks like there’s some sort of big house over there! Large steeple!”
Nick saw the structure Elisette referred to and followed her closely as she made her way there. He had been scratched lightly as he shoved aside the zombies. Hopefully these undead were just magical and not something from an infectious virus or something.
The duo soon reached the church-like building with the warrior woman quickly opening the door... to no avail.
“...guh! The doors are locked! - huh?”
Nick looked back to the zombies and expected them to be right in his face. But to his surprise and relief, they gave up the chase. The undead watched the two living humans, standing just outside the village's perimeter. It was not a mystery to Nick that there was something in this settlement that repelled the shambling corpses.
But looking around, it was not clear what or where the source of this ward came from. The village was half-buried in snow and what remaining wooden buildings that could still be seen looked abandoned. If Nick had to guess, the repelling force probably came from this church-like structure since it stood out from all the rest, also being made of stone and all.
“Okay, uhm...we should see if we can find someone. There should still be people left alive here...though it...doesn’t look good.”
"No, no it doesn't..." Nick agreed with his companion.
Well, at least they were free to explore the village without being the danger of the zombies. But the emptiness of the place gave it a creepy and ominous atmosphere, as if there was something worse hiding somewhere under all this snow. It unnerved Nick, making him gulp, but Elisette was right, they should search for anyone still alive. If there was a ward in place, then surely someone alive must have put it there and repelled all the nasty zombies. Right?
"Should we look for a way into this building? I'll bet it's got windows or a cellar door we can use to get inside." Nick suggested to Elisette. "The other places here look like no one's in them. But, if you wanna take a look then I guess we could." It was on his mind to split up to cover more ground, but that was most likely a bad idea.
Novak watched as Nobunaga dismembered one of the hunters, picking up on her sword movements. He could feel his martial skills growing, and while it wasn't much, it nonetheless felt like a step up from from the utterly untrained newbie he was previously. One had been dealt with, but there were still two of them, and one of them was headed straight for Novak and Enli. This would be his first real fight with a human opponent in this new life. The thought of actually killing another human in close combat unnerved him, but the hunter's murderous intentions were quite clear- at this moment, it was kill or be killed. And if he was killed, then the village chief would likely die, too.
Novak deflected the incoming spear strike with his sword, while using his ability to observe the incoming attack in hopes that he could discern something useful. Before the hunter could line up another thrust, Novak counterattacked almost reflexively, stepping forward and swinging his sword at his foe's neck. He himself found himself a little surprised at the aggression of his move. Was it simply the rush of adrenaline in a fight-or-flight situation that had compelled him to attack rather than defend, it was it the skills and reflexes that he was picking up from watching Nobunaga fight?
It might have been possible to learn some more from this hunter's moves by trying to draw out this fight, but right now, Novak just wanted to get himself and Enli out of this ordeal alive, and that meant not holding anything back and trying to end the fight as quickly as possible.
The hair on Don's neck stood on end the moment the thud gave way to silence... No birds, no crunch of snow, no skittering of the squirrels in the trees, no deer dashing about amongst the brush. Only the wind remained... But something was still off.
Donovan had a gut feeling that something shit was about to hit the fan... If it hadn't already.
Straightening himself, the man would head in the direction of where he'd expect Akando to be at good speed, hoping to reconvene with the man quickly whilst not startling the hunter lest his concern accidentally get him stabbed by the man's spear or shot with an arrow. Small beads of sweat began forming above the man's brow as his concern mounted; Had splitting up been the wrong decision? Did the Kyrnith mistake Akando for an intruder and engage him? Was there some kind of Assassin lurking nearby that the animals could sense?
Regardless of the truth, Don's eyes raked the woods ahead as he'd keep moving; hammer in hand, as he'd scan for any sign of the Veteran Huntsman.
"Hold off the spearman!" Nobunaga called to her ally, before focusing her attention on the archer. There was no time to be spared focusing on the man she had rendered armless, given he was likely going into shock and unable to do much now. The bloodloss could potentially kill him before the others were dispatched.
While honor and dignity certainly had their place, even in battle, this was an ambush and attempt at assassination by unscrupulous traitors. Therefore, there were no measures Nobunaga would ignore in regards to preserving the village elder's life.
The petite black-haired girl departed from the downed hunter's side as she broke into a sprint towards the archer. Of course, this would ordinarily prove to be a far less advantageous position. All the archer need do is adjust his aim, and though she was a small target she would still be in immediate danger.
But if he missed...
When she was as close as she could manage, Nobunaga buried the tip of her katana in the snow and swung upwards, sweeping a cloud of powdery white into the air towards the archer to obscure his vision and, hopefully, briefly stun him. With that, she immediately drew her blade back and thrust right for the throat...!
The catgirl focused as best she could on Narkissa's words, though some reactions along the way were perhaps a given. Narkissa making contact with the goddess who'd brought them here was one matter that raised her eyebrows for a moment, as did their encounter with The Illuminator as well. Her compatriot's words about Novak, the man who'd been with them on the trip it seemed, were not rather encouraging though. Yet the deal struck there with The Illuminator, however, seemed to make little sense. Help find the orb? Really? It was a contradiction of what she'd learned, and something felt fishy enough about that at its core anywho. The very issue with the cultists was also something of note, bringing a frown to Leannah's face as she pondered what it meant in regards to her own suspicions about the mad god.
It seemed they were in quite a predicament indeed, at the very least!
Still, as Narkissa finished and her own turn came up, the catgirl gave a nod and would only speak where she and Narkissa could hear. She would relate in detail her story about praying to Auset-Kythet and the response, as well as mission, given to her by the cute bird goddess. The golden feather would be shown as proof before being hidden back in the, ah, 'location' she'd been keeping it hidden in. She would speak about her adventure in the temple after falling into the pit, from getting up to heading into the library and all of the puzzle solving. She would even show Narkissa the torn journal page she had acquired, before tucking the page back safely away on her own person and hidden carefully within the picture book.
She would recount her eventual contact with The Illuminator, and how in trying to keep him busy she had goofed up and gotten stuck in a game of sorts to learn about The Illuminator's history. She'd relate the whole of the origin story of The Illuminator in turn as well, and what she'd faced that nearly caused her to turn herself into a furry pile of ash. She'd relate the story about the Sage and her conversation with the Sage, and how she'd ended up inadvertently making a statue for the mad god. She'd relate what looked like an engine and the things seen in his divine realm once she got the door open, and how she'd passed the challenge.
But most of all...
"...And this last part is the most important. True to his word, I was given my chance to ask him a question and get a full answer to it. So I asked him what his plans were, full detail, including if Lazhira was involved. Full disclosure.
What I am telling you are the facts I learned. I wanted to ask you to keep this part most of all a secret because...it is big. I don't know everything going on in this village, what's been done, what is being done, etc. I have far from the full story, and it feels like I skipped to the end of the book for the bombshell reveal that no one would believe."
The catgirl took a deep, long breath, mentally preparing herself to say. Auset-Kythet give her strength for this.
"The goddess who summoned us here, the one you prayed to, is Delphiti. Further, the village is placed on top of a seal, one sealing away a part of Delphiti she cut out of herself a long time ago to help save humanity and the world...this part, this aspect she cut out of herself, is literally Delphiti as a Goddess of Conflict. A Goddess of Conflict who has a deep-seated hatred of humanity, and if unsealed has a high but not one-hundred-percent chance of wiping out humanity. When Lazhira mentioned that 'a seal was made' or something a few nights ago, that was what was meant by that bit and was sealed away.
Delphiti wants to take back in this part of herself again, thinks she can control it from the sounds of it. But it is no guarantee. The Illuminator, as much of a pure, unadulterated dick as he can be and probably has been from the sound of things, wants to keep the seal shut because the destruction of humanity would ruin his fun and interests. Not so much good as looking out for himself, but humanity benefits somewhat. However, he is also very angry at all of us that came over from Earth. Hates our meddling with things, according to his own words, and it was easy to tell this anger runs deeper than just amounting to words. I wonder if his influence in the village keeps the seal intact, and so losing his grip here hurts it or something? Maybe. Can't see how 'meddling' on our part would hurt here unless we were causing harm to his plans to keep the seal shut by some means.
I wouldn't put it past The Illuminator to kill half the village if it meant keeping his grip on the seal intact, of that I am more than sure, and he wants to keep the keys to the seal separated and hidden. So having someone help him look for the orb is suspicious at best, because he knows where both keys are. Like maybe some part of himself decided to do its own thing? He is a literal Frankenstein's monster, wouldn't put it past him to be able to break off parts to be in multiple places at once, and his mind is literally a mesh of dead gods. Or maybe it could be the influence of this sealed Goddess of Conflict to cause such a thing or otherwise around here. I don't know, that small bit is conjecture and theory more than anything."
Leannah shook her head, before attempting to sit up again for a second. The strain and tiredness and pain was enough that she would ultimately give up, however, and settle back down. At the least her burns felt better with whatever Lazhira had applied.
"So basically we are caught in the middle of something more 'interesting' than I wish we'd ever come across. Because you're right, completely right, that 'interesting' feels more like a bad thing these days than a good one. Like a curse.
Should the two keys come into contact with each other at all, or likely The Illuminator's grip on the seal fades too much as well, the dangerous part of Delphiti will be released. A Goddess of Conflict unleashed. Humanity is potentially very doomed in such a case, or potentially might not be doomed alternately, and we don't know for sure which result would happen.
Should the seal's integrity be threatened by our actions, somehow, we will get on the bad side of The Illuminator and what would seem to be his cultists you ran into. With the seal seemingly at stake already, and Delphiti wanting to pop it open, I'd venture The Illuminator is already doing things around here to keep the keys and the seal secure. Or trying to. Doesn't explain the paradoxical request to help him find it though, and that is the most fishy and suspicious part of it all. Feels like more than a potential ploy, that is what my gut feeling says."
Leannah grimaced as she moved to the final part, her hands clenching so tight her knuckles began to turn white again.
"But most of all, do not let Lazhira get her hands on the orb or tell her any of what I am about to say. Ever. Not even a touch. And don't let Delphiti or anyone get their hands on Lazhira or know this. It will put her in far more than harm's way, it could maybe kill her, Narkissa...kill her.
...Because the second key to the seal just treated my burns, gave me some food and a hug, and walked away to leave us here in this room to ourselves. Because for some reason, the second key is herself seeking out the first one to 'keep it safe' without knowing the true ramifications. Because it is likely, according to The Illuminator's information, she has been affected by the influence of the Goddess of Conflict...and who knows what other people as well since.
With that in mind, I am not sure anyone would believe what I learned, what I have just told you, or any of it. Could make us look suspicious, crazy, or worse depending on what is going on around here for all I know. The Illuminator knows this, he smirked and questioned what I'd do with all of this information, and so it is a sure guarantee this all could result in bad things happening if we go about blabbing this to people. Do not tell Lazhira especially, as I am not sure how she'd take it all...I don't want to hurt her, but I want to keep her safe.
I want to keep us both alive and safe as well, as best as I can."
The catgirl looked over at her compatriot, eyes filled with some sadness and enough anxiety as it was. She cared about Narkissa, that much was sure, and enough about their own lives to talk about the matter in its fullness and truth to Narkissa alone right now. She did not want to see the village and humanity exterminated, nor the two of them and Lazhira die. Tragedies like this, or so it felt like one, never ended on a perfect note. There was never a perfect solution, though a most correct one could perhaps be found if they played their cards right. Hopefully.
"And that is all I know. Everything, the whole tale of what happened to me and what I learned and all of the details to boot.
Part of me wonders if we can do anything, get anyone to help, cut a deal with Delphiti or something, or...I don't know. Truth be told I can barely keep my eyes open, and it has been a lot to deal with before being spat out of some god's 'divine realm' and into a pile of snow in the woods. Then I found you and Lazhira talking on some stumps."
Despite his newfound skill with a blade, he was still just that new. He might be able to perfectly copy moves, but that also meant it was more difficult to perfectly adapt them. His blade would make a near perfect swipe to copy Nobunaga’s deflection earlier. The hunter would grunt as his strike would miss, but before Novak’s blade could make an attempt at the hunters neck he’d find the other end of the spear slamming into his face, the hunter quickly having adjusted the blow, interrupting Novak’s strike and sending the blade missing its target.
His opponent wouldn’t take long to make another strike, aiming the haft of the spear to his chest.
Nobunaga would fair a bit better in her endeavors. The main threat was the fact his target was indeed, Enli and not his assailant. Her katana would dig into the ground, a flurry of snow and dirt flying up into the air...but perhaps it was less effective than she’d want. The hunter would grimace, vision obscured by the powdery mist...but he’d release the arrow all the same.
It’d whizz through the air.
There was a shout of surprise.
The hunter couldn’t react in time to deflect, and Nobunaga’s blade would strike true. Head severed from his body.
That just left Novak’s assailant.
“I’m...fine!” Enli would shout, if one happened to look he was clearly, well, alive. It seemed the arrow might have just grazed him.
The deer, eager to help, would attempt to do so in the most helpful way it could potentially figure out. At first it would take the shoot into its mouth, biting down and breaking it that way (and attempting to feel a bit clever by eating some in the process), but realizing that it was maybe not quite what Misaki seemed to want.
So it would instead take a few bamboo shoots and dragging them to the ground, where it would attempt stomping on them with its hooves...though it left much to be desired either way, since it was still a foal its legs didn’t have quite the kicking power to do more than crush it. Troubled by its seeming inability to help, the deer would pout for a few seconds, before seeming to get some sort of idea...where it would grab one it had previously attempted to cut, place it on the ground and hold it there between its hooves.
It would bend its neck down.
Inhale.
And…
thwump
...a small gust of wind would hit the bamboo shoot and cause it to fly into the air and proceed to land right on Misaki’s head. Seemed like the deer may possess some minor ability to control the wind as its parent seemed to? Curious to note, but didn’t help Misaki much right now, but if she was fine with it crushing them with its mouth or hooves, he’d gladly do it.
“Hmm...I’d say we should split up, but you’d probably end up zombie food.” Elisette would reply with a grin. “I guess if there were anyone left, they’d probably be hold up in the largest building here...which would be this one! And I can open doors like this easy.” Considering she had enough physical prowess to literally throw a giant three times her size, she probably could.
Which was why it was comical when it’d fail completely. Elisette would slam her foot into the door, only to find that it wouldn’t give way at all.
“Eh! What gives this is weird I can normally knock down the doors to Rheanne’s bedroom easily and this isn’t even half as sturdy looking.” While Elisette would consider why she’d find hearself at a loss for what to do, Nicholas perhaps might find it a good idea to look into what he’d suggest himself.
The windows for the most part had been boarded up it seemed. Long planks of wood, or what looked like large pieces of furniture blocking the interior side. There were only a few small gaps that he could even use to see inside. It was when he was passing one of these gaps, he’d see a hooded figure peering out, right at him.
“Get away from the windows…!” A quiet, shout from within as the young man was pulled away from the window. Seemed there were definitely still people alive here.
“Oh...uhm, its nothing.” Lecua would reply. “Its...uhm...just...why do you keep Octavia around?” The elf would ask, frowning. “I-I mean I guess she’s useful but...isn’t she dangerous? She could turn on you any second, couldn’t she?” The small elf would look to the hound, who’d only tilt its head quizzically as if it was confused that she was being addressed. “I’ve just...never met one that is so well behaved, and w-well...I don’t...want to make you concerned but...” Leuca would frown, seeming a bit conflicted as the elf would scoot a bit away from Augusta. “Uhm, nevermind, it's not important. You wanted to tell me something, though?”
It was clear the girls uncomfortable demeanor definitely stemmed from Octavia in some fashion. Even throughout their entire journey so far, Augusta might recall the girl had been rather uncomfortable around the pup most of the time.
The blade while it wouldn’t flex from simply pinching the blade, it certainly felt softer than steel. A chalky, hard smoother substance perhaps similar to lead or graphite. No doubt while it was good at its job of cutting, it would likely fail with prolonged exposure against proper steel. It was hard to tell how well, without proper experience or striking it directly.
What was easier to tell, perhaps, was Sorcha’s response to Isidore’s request.
“Me?” Her mouth curled into a smirk, eyes narrowing ever so slightly, clearly amused. “It’s been awhile since I’ve had someone so forward. Most elves lack the...courage, to. Not that I blame them and If I weren’t so busy, I might take you up on that offer.” The woman would turn her attention to Isidore’s halberd, her own hand drawing the blade at her side from its sheath in a relaxed, self assured manner.
“To be perfectly honest Isidore, you and Augusta both intrigue me, and not for good reasons.” The mirth would fade from both her visage and voice as she’d narrow her eyes. “Its humorous how you think I’d need two strikes to kill, though.” If Isidore blinked, he’d miss what would happen next.
A crackling of energy, Sorcha briefly disappearing, and then seemingly reappearing right in front of him.
The swordswoman would already be poised to strike, having crossed the distance in such a short amount of time in such little movement he'd have barely any time to react. The only tell he had of something happening, was the crackling of electrical energy as Sorcha would take a step forward, already having swiftly moved past the effective range of his halberd, with her own blade aiming for his neck.
“Eh? Really? Fine, I accept. I’ll ask Mie. But if you’re going to impress her, you have to take initiative on your own.” the fox would seemingly then run off, heading back to where Mie was currently waiting for Malphas to return with news of a successful delivery. Upon his return to the longhouse, Bolcha would accept the gift readily, taking the bottle of alcohol with a careful hand and place it on a nearby chair as he'd nod.
"You have my thanks. I don't really know what's going on. I keep my head down and myself to my work, but Enli has said the hunters may be working with the Illuminator for something...he didn't specify what, though." He shook his head. "Something about his death being used to make it look like the Kyrnith did it."
while he was moving to the location where he had assumed Akando would be - the hunter would find himself engaged in something he'd consider a surprising turn of events. A dagger, had barely missed his throat. The hunter would later recount that it seemed as though time had slowed, just long enough for him to avoid recieving a fatal wound from a surprise source...but that was just the adreanaline, likely talking.
"...Hm. Missed."
Standing in front of him was the familiar face of Soyala, behind her, several more hunters...and several dead dear carcasses - dozens of them, from the look of it.
"I don't know how you avoided that, but consider yourself lucky."
"Soyala...You were always a good huntress. I didn't care much whether or not the others of you worshipped some god as long as it kept the village and forest safe. Whatis the meaning of this?"
"Surviving. Come on, Akando. Surely you understand?"
"We're not supposed to hunt this far in. All I understand doing this is going to anger the Kyrnith more - " Before he could even finish the sentence, a loud, shrill call of a deer could be heard, and just as quick as a gust of wind the Beast would appear at the edge of the grove. It would say nothing, merely gaze at its deceased kin, slaughtered for no reason - not even for that of survival - just for sport, it would seem.
And this was the scene Donovan would arrive upon - the hunters were indeed, about to face the wrath of this beast, and Akando was likely to be caught in the crossfire.
Some preserved food Enough for two people to last a few days.
Roll of what seemed to be a mat of thick fur, likely for sleeping on Comfortable, but only one.
A heavy looking fur/cloth blanket. Cozy, warm and heavy. Good for sleeping in colder climates.
Communication horn Made from bone, hollow and likely used for communication.
A small pot and a ladle
Frozen canteen of water
Map of the Under roads. A map detailing some routes used by the Dwarves and Shadow Elves to travel in their subterranean homes. Its not entirely complete, but it at least shows the routes to the two most notable settlements and several other places of note. Unless you travel off the paths, you probably won’t get lost.
“A problem restrained only within Sirithen society,” Isidore responded, allowing his spare hand to fall to his side. It slipped into the mess of rags and furs that his outfit still was, out of sight. Considering the dress of the Urutha, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if Sorcha had her fair share of invitations before her stay in Gloomhaven was up, if her association with Tamaln didn’t become another form of deterrent. “A shame though. Much of your intrigue could be resolved within the span of an evening. Consider it.”
Humor faded then, and he felt his own blood run cold, even as his core continued to burn. A volcano beneath permafrost. A life preserved within ice. A chemical reaction sealed in steel. But all that explosive force, all that tremendous speed, paled compared to the flash of lightning. There was no time to simulate, no time to envision the future.
So it was good that Isidore had gathered his thoughts beforehand.
The armory was too enclosed of a space, and Sorcha already had such a tremendous advantage of speed over him that there was no way his halberd was going to be of any use. No way except as misdirection. The crackling of energy was signal to begin, and as the swordswoman closed the distance instantaneously, Isidore took a step forward as well, moving past the optimal range of a sword and slipping into the territory of the dagger and the fist. The steel dagger pilfered from the fallen Apostle swung upwards to meet Sorcha’s blade, and his own stance compacted, elbows tucked to his side, knees bent, and back curved as Isidore’s center of gravity shifted lower.
It would be success enough if his dagger could deflect her sword high enough that he’d be able to duck beneath it.
Stretching her arms as she took a small break from stripping down the bamboo to its components, Misaki quietly glanced at how the deer had fared in its efforts to help her... Only for a piece of bamboo to unceremoniously land on her head. The hollow noise it made upon impact might have made for a good enough comedic moment for her to laugh, if the mild pain didn't keep her from doing so.
Rubbing the point of impact, the young woman made a mental note of how the creature had managed to do so in the first place before directing it to simply help break everything apart. Breaking everything into strips was simply her method of making things easier to process without having to pound everything down to a pulp from scratch, after all; if the deer was able to crush things into even smaller components, then that was all the better.
Once most of the bamboo was broken down, though, Misaki would gather everything up on top of the cloth and bundling it up before taking a deep breath.
"Next up... Distilled water, I suppose," she sighed, shaking her head as she turned back to the empty pot. Logically, it wouldn't be hard to set up a filtration device—something to catch the steam and condense it wouldn't require too much finagling, and with some spare bamboo to use as vessels to store the end product, she could probably get to turning the broken-down bamboo into pulp... Whenever that was done.
Would that she had something caustic to skip this step, but hoping for something like that in this situation would likely take more hunting than she had any immediate time for.
Maybe it was something to consider later tonight, but for now, Misaki simply set off to find some water to boil and whatever else she needed to set up the device in question. Assuming she found everything, the only thing left to do was set it up, turn on the flames, and wait.
