Isidore took a minute or two to process everything, and once he had finished doing so, he came to a very simple conclusion. For someone who came from the same modern society that he did, Augusta was adapting very quickly. Even with all the politicking and grim business from his own past life, the concept of a purely political marriage never arose beyond vague and outdated variations of praise. Perhaps a matriarchal society would benefit her more, and perhaps she will simply always just be a princess, but Isidore had his own doubts. To offer royal authority and power to a stranger with no background, all for the purpose of establishing a peace and alliance that a real princess was already here to do was suspect, especially when it sounded like Augusta would be free to do whatever she wished as well. A puppet princess then? A token symbol, furthering the agenda of an existence closer to Elder Beast than mortal? It was a strange scenario…but not any more so than his own.

Anyhow, Augusta’s eyes saw all; if she agreed to it so readily, the Queen may be guileless after all.

“Congratulations,” Isidore said, offering a slow clap and a polite smile. He pitied the Prince, but this reality must be one that the bookish Uruthan would’ve been long prepared for. “l have come across an interesting proposition as well. An individual of influence suspects the Queen’s advisor of something, and will be meeting me at the Rusty Ale Lake to discuss such matters. Tomorrow night.”

He glanced in Sorcha’s direction, a tinge of ironic amusement in his eyes, before turning back to the newly-titled Sirithen princess.

“Augusta, lend me your eye for character during that time. And if there is merit, keep that same eye on Rullphana in the future.”

Misaki simply returned Lazirha's comment with a smile and a nod before refocusing her attention towards her current project—at least, for the moment. Granted, it was far from fun to watch water boil, and less so over an open fire, but as far as how good or bad her current situation was...

Well, the foxgirl would gladly take a boring day preparing materials over being thrown into life-threatening situtations like the others seemed to have had the pleasure of encountering.

Before she could lose herself in her thoughts, though, Misaki managed to catch sight of a few hunters drawing oddly close to the house. Remembering Narkissa's summary of her last encounter, the foxgirl almost instinctively straightened her back, sitting up straight for a moment as she mentally assessed the threat level of the current situation. It was hard to judge if they were hostile and all, but seeing how armed they were...

Well, if worst came to worst, she'd have to take the others and run. Warding off wild animals was one thing, but people? That was another matter entirely.

It took a moment for Lazirha's words to register, and another few to process, though. Thinking about things now, it was hard to argue that she hadn't technically spent the most time around the village and it's residents... Well, minus the hunters, at least. But given how the girl at her side seemed to be troubled, it only made sense to give an honest reply back.

"Hm... Well, I don't quite mind the town," she began, her head moving lightly from side to side, ears swaying back and forth as she did so, "But if I had to be honest, this sort of life isn't... Really my 'thing'. Don't get me wrong; the people here have been really nice and welcoming of me despite being a complete stranger and I'm very grateful for their hospitality, but I guess I'm used to a more... Fast-paced lifestyle surrounded by things to do? I don't think I could deal with a laid-back life for very long, though maybe that's because I'm still curious about the world. Maybe in that regard I'm still a bit naive, though, but, well..."

Of course, 'staying alive' and 'exploration' did not necessarily go hand in hand—quite the opposite, in fact—but if there was anything that dying once had taught her, it was that diving into something unprepared was tantamount to suicide... And if the last few days had taught her anything, it was that she was probably well out of her depth when it came to anything beyond what she was already doing now.

"...With that said, I think that there are people here who care for you, if Enli is any indicator. My parents were also protective of me just as much as they were anxious of my future," she continued, sighing as she let her shoulders relax for a moment. "Would that I could meet them again. But that aside, if you think it's boring here, maybe it's time to spread your wings and fly, so to speak. Not alone, of course, but I don't think it's a bad thing to want to explore and go on a bit of an adventure. Maybe you'll find something new out about yourself in the process? Though, well, I suppose it is a fair deal more dangerous setting out on a journey here in the first place anyways, but if the benefits outweigh the costs..."

Then there's no reason not to consider it, right?

@Rune_Alchemist

Nick listened intently on Viorel's explanation. The zombies came gradually but steadily, and soon came an entity that slaughtered the people in each house. A cold shiver went through Nick. He thought he and Elisette would only be dealing with some zombies and a witch.

Speaking of the witch, apparently she was once a resident and... that was pretty much it. Nick would have to ask the survivors for anymore details. As for supplies and armaments, there were some that Nick could use.

Then he was pulled aside by his warrior woman companion.

“...I don’t trust these two. Move into town shortly before things get bad? And what’s with the zombies keeping people in? That seems pretty weird to me. I'll ask around...you uh, stay cute and don't get into trouble, kay? I'll be here so just shout if something jumps ya."

Nick let out a heavy sigh. It had been at the back of his mind, that Viorel and Cynthia may not be who they said they were. The village's undead problem only forming a border was also strange. "Yeah, we should probably be wary even here. Anyway, I'll continue being cute over here then. I'll come find you if anything comes up.

Rummaging through the church for equipment, Nick helped himself to a hunting knife whose owner was long gone as well as a torch and a lantern. Nick emptied the lamp of its oil into a flask that was also ownerless. When push comes to shove, Nick would need something to 'shove' with.

Once that was done, Nick noticed the 'maid' Cynthia sweeping the floors of the church. He felt she was someone he would need to meet, seeing her dress in his vision and all, so he approached. "Hi there. You're Cynthia, right? I suppose even in dire times like these, things still have to be neat and tidy, no?"

"I see. I will commend you for your honesty, and uphold my end of our bargain."

Nobunaga straightened, pointing the tip of her katana at the man's throat and giving it a firm thrust, and flicking it to the right.

Red sprayed across the white snow.

His death would be swift and with little further pain, just as promised.

The petite girl flicked her blade once more, clearing it of fresh blood before slipping it back into its sheath.

"The words of a man whose death is inevitable are often more honest then the words of a man who still sees a chance of survival," she said, simply, turning away from the corpse, "That being said, there is always a chance that it could be a trap, even if he remains utterly unaware of that possibility."

As she spoke, Nobunaga turned to face Enli.

"Is there anyone whose loyalty you can be completely certain of? Only they are fit to protect you in our absence."

A barrier, then... And the Illuminator 'protecting a seal'? That sounded unlike what the Kyrinth had described, and she doubted the ancient beast was lying. That being said, it was worth investigation. Perhaps more could be gleaned of the situation.

@Rune_Alchemist@Crimson Paladin

Novak looked away as Nobunaga delivered the coup de grace to the first hunter, then again when she finished off the other one. It was clear that he wasn't used to this sort of thing. It was probably a mercy, but he wasn't sure if he'd have the stomach to do it if it were up to him.

The words of the second hunter were of particular interest to Novak. The seal they claimed that they protect, that they claimed the Illuminator protected was probably the same seal that Lazhira had mentioned when discussing the Orb with the Illuminator's avatar. Lazhira seemed to think that the god's goal was to open the seal, and up until now Novak had assumed that this was the case. On the other hand, the Illuminator never actually claimed that this was his goal. There was one other thing Novak hadn't considered.

A key doesn't just open things, it can also lock them.

It wouldn't help to reveal possibly incorrect hearsay and conjecture to Nobunaga, however, so Novak didn't speak up it. Besides, he didn't want to let slip the deal he had made with the god to someone so dangerous, ruthless, and opposed to the Illuminator.

"Judging by how the Kyrinth reacted to threats to the deer, I'd guess they were trying to anger it," Novak spoke. "They were probably hoping it'd kill Enli and us. Still, I'm not quite sure how antagonizing the Kyrinth and making the forest a more dangerous place helps to protect that seal they mentioned."

@Rune_Alchemist@VitaVitaAR

Nomura smiled confidently under his mask, crossing his arms as he admired the deal he has facilitated. As much as he wanted to haggle alongside the oni, however, he was still not too certain about the worth of their work, much less discuss it in front of their faces. No, he's sure that this much should be enough. Nomura would take his leave with a bow, making his way back to Lady Mie after one last remark.

"Pleasure doing business with you. I'm glad you were able to put your faith in me."

Making his way back, Nomura wondered what else needed to be done. Hopefully Lady Mie wouldn't be too upset with him taking his time with Bolcha. It felt rude to keep a concerned customer waiting, after all. More importantly, that craftsman knew quite a bit about these lands. Oh, if only Nomura had asked him how to get rid of some particularly meddlesome deer from his back...

At the very least, this deal would further help him get rid of any cultists on his tail. The sooner they were taken care of, the better.

"I return!" Nomura stated with a bow. "Apologies for taking my time. I wasn't sure if Enli's attendant was to be trusted with his commission, so I had to get to know him a bit more. But it turned out quite lucrative for us, did it not? The delivery has been made, and another deal is just about to be cemented!" Nomura proclaimed, proudly, before awaiting his next task.

@Rune_Alchemist

Thankfully, she was able to find the tools she wanted. The frame itself also came along easily enough, only hampered by her lack of nails—it took her a little more time, but she was able to fasten a sort of mortise and tenon-like system to fit the fashioned planks all together, drawing from her knowledge of historical woodworking –it was a method common enough in houses and older wooden vessels from before the age of sail, after all—to create something workable. All she needed to do now was to meet back up with Misaki and discuss how they’d like to proceed with the rest of the project. She wondered if the Japanese woman had an success with finding a suitable pulp for the paper.

She was in the process of sanding the nearly completed instrument that she realized she as being approached, this time by a stranger. Seeing that it was probably a villager, and not one Lazhira had seemed to have mentioned or introduced her to, Narkissa was immediately on guard, despite the frail and frankly ridiculous outfit that he seemed to be wearing.

Setting down the frame against the side of Lazhira’s house, she raised an eyebrow before addressing him. “Yes? Can I help you?” He seemed harmless, but nonetheless, she positioned herself in a way to bolt or defend herself if she really needed to.

Skill Seeker

---

@Crimson Paladin@VitaVitaAR

---

“They were likely trying to draw it to the village...” Enli would frown. “...if it attacks so broadly and openly then it would only cause even more people to hate the Beast, in turn likely drawing more people to the Illuminator.” The older man would frown. “I...may only know a little of this ‘Seal’. My grandfather mentioned something about the Illuminator and the Ocean Goddess having some sort of...deal to protect something but it was so long ago I can’t remember if there were more details.” He’d do his best to avoid looking at the deceased bodies in front of him. “And I would trust Bolcha with my life. I already asked him to watch the longhouse for me. I’ll see if I can’t find more about what they mentioned once I return.”

Enli would turn to leave, unless stopped by Nobunaga or Novak, certain at least he could make it back to the village on his own so long as he hurried. The hunters were likely occupied elsewhere, and wouldn’t likely be able to realize their ambush had failed yet.

They knew at least roughly where the man had spoken of, all that was left was going there and seeing what was what if they desired. Considering how things were clearly escalating, they may need to figure out a plan sooner rather than later.

@PKMNB0Y

---

“Eh? Fast paced? Like fighting and hunting?” Lazhira would tilt her head to the side with a grin. “Eeeh, Didn’t take you for a fighty sort Misaki...” She’d shake her head with a light giggle. “I’ve thought about it, but even if I do go somewhere...that won’t solve anything, will it? It’s not like I can get rid of-” Of course, interruptions abound. Before she could finish it seemed Misaki’s fears were on point. The two hunters would slowly approach the two, Lazhira seeming to not have been paying attention enough to notice them.

“The girl. Nowl.” One of the would say, pointing to Lazhira. The other would brandish the spear at his side.

“...B-but he said I wouldn’t-”

“Don’t involve yourself traveler. Hand her over.” Lazhira would stand quickly, nervously rubbing the silvery emblem on her hand.

A little secret
@Crusader Lord

---

@Click This

“Oi lass, ya most certainly can!” He’d say in a jovial, friendly manner. “In fact, I’m glad ya haven’t just shunned me like the other one. Really now. I’m trying to help everyone here. Unlike the other one. No idea what’s going on in her head. She doesn’t tell us anything! Which is fun, in a game of guess what experiment I’m performing on this mortal, but not when she’s doing something I don’t want her to.” He didn’t seem put off or otherwise perturbed by her defensive posture, walking over a bit closer in a casual manner as he’d twirl the can in his hand.

“Just a little proposition.” He’d say with the same air of mirth. “I want to know...if you’d be interested in possessing a little something that could help you with that whole, everyone wins, lives happily ever after you want. I’ve got a little something I think you people would like...tried to give it to that black haired girl, but alas, she was too stubborn. Supposed I should have showed her this to start with, but oh well.” From one of his sleeves, he’d pull a scroll of paper, slowly unrolling it, briefly showing it to her.

“A little something I’ve been cooking up since you meddling travelers have showed up. I think I knocked it out of the park, this. Better than anything even before the Moonless!” If Narkissa happened to get a good look at it, they seemed to be some sort of blueprint, of some long narrow...cane of some sort? It had a short circular barrel, that slowly grew in size. There was some sort of trigger mechanism too-

He’d quickly roll it back up. She didn't get a good look at it beyond that, but it seemed something like she might have seen before.

“What do ya say, lass? Help me finish this, and maybe potentially even use it and you could solve all this villages problems if it all goes to hell in a mindbasket. Just need some...help getting the last few materials I need.”

A Traveler
@PaulHaynek

---

Having tools to see with was always welcome, but perhaps he should also find a method of lighting said implements with.

“Always.” The maid would reply airily. “Fools always make messes we have to clean up...” She’d stop her sweeping motion, looking up from her task and towards Nicholas. Not exactly at him, her head was looking in his direction, but she’d be looking a little over his shoulder towards Elisette. “I ask politely that you do not. I do not take kindly to others adding to my workload when I already have ten other things I must see to clean. If you are here to help though...” She’d lean the broom against a nearby wall. “I’m certain both these people and my employer will be quite pleased.”

The Roma Mob
@ERode@Pyromania99

---

“That...is a lot to take in.” Sorcha would frown, releasing Leuca from a hug. “I have no qualms teaching you how to wield something, as long as you do not complain and can keep up with the training...” The warrior would slowly turn her head towards Isidore. “Our date time apparently already being occupied aside...what do you mean someone of influence is accusing Rullphana of something?” Understandably, Sorcha was likely concerned for Leuca’s safety if the Court Mage was up to something shady.

Octavia would sit idly next to Augusta, seemingly wanting some pets though she seemed a bit restless again. Seemed she was hungry again already.

“Uhm...Sorcha, can Augusta even use the Leargas?” Leuca would ask, pulling her attention from her question with Isidore.

“You’ll have to help her with that yourself, Leuca. I’m not an elf, though I can at least help with instruction and theory as I did when you did it.”

“Uhm...R-right.” Leuca would nod in an uncertain manner. “Uhm...I guess I can tomorrow a bit before my lessons with Rullphana...”

---

Send Feet Pics
@Cu Chulainn

---

“Aye, thank you Nomura.” Bolcha would respond, waving him off. “I’ll tell Enli you were able to help.” Of course, the craftsman would then turn to the Oni, intent on making a deal for the safety of his friend.” It was easy enough to return to Mie. The fox was sitting languidly where she was usually, behind a table in her tent. Seemed she had been drinking a bit again.

“Ah, well, someone works fast. I’ve already been informed by Ayumi. Good work, I’m impressed.” Mie would say with a nod. “I’ll give you a little bonus after this next job I have of yours...and it might require you getting your hands dirty a little, if you don’t mind me saying.” Mie would say, motioning one of the Oni guards to close the flaps to the tent, silencing and preventing any from seeing within. They were likely preventing anyone else from entering either.

“...Someone stole something of mine.” Mie would say with a frown. “I want you to find out who...and if possible, return it.” The fox’s tail would swish back and forth seemingly in thought. “Its...an heirloom of sorts that was stolen from my family many, many years ago. I had been in contact here with someone that managed to find it, but it was stolen before it could be returned to me.” She’d tilt her head to the side. “No one in this village would steal it...and if they had, they would have likely already been talking about it or I’d have heard something. So I can only assume one of you travelers have in some fashion.”

Ayumi would bolt in from somewhere, and position herself in Mie’s lap.

“You also owe Ayumi...a fish was it?”

The first thing Augusta replied to was Isidore while giving Octavia some pets on the head. "Of course, Isidore. You're practically my brother at this point. If my gift can assist you, then of course I'm willing." Augusta said with a smile before looking to Sorcha. "Of course, Lady Sorcha. I have many things to learn, as I mentioned, but I'm a good learner." She said with a smile. "I'm a complete novice but I'm absolutely looking forward to it."

Then, was Leuca. "And same to you, Leuca. I'm willing to learn as best I can. If it is possible to learn the Leargas, then you and me can make that a definite thing to learn." She cleared her throat. "And that aside, I shall be joining you on this lesson with Rullphana so we'll be together for a good portion of the day then." She mentioned with a smile. Perhaps she'd try to have the Queen watch over Octavia for a while so she could go to these lessons and not have to worry about Octavia going into hungry mode. She needed to find a cure for that.

"I... Er... Well, not... Quite...?" Misaki responded, shifting back and forth as she tried to figure out a way to explain how a hectic life on Earth would translate to a semi-agrarian society like the one they were in now before shrugging. The girl at her side seemed to have her own set of problems to work through, though, but if she had come to her own conclusions, then—

"...Oh."

And as if on cue, the two people that she had been monitoring up until now moved over and in no subtle terms attempted to threaten her to back away from Lazirha. A kidnapping, then; with a sharp gaze, the foxgirl shook her head and glanced at her sides. On one side, a clearly anxious Lazirha (though to be fair, it would be odd if she wasn't); on the other, the deer that had followed her until now. They were outside the young woman's home, though, which left precious little to defend either of them with. Everything except...

"Ah... I'd rather not be run through, thank you very much," she sighed, giving a slight nod towards Lazirha for a moment as she stood up and walked towards her boiling water. When the hunters moved to collect their target, though, the foxgirl would move with a burst of strength, picking up the pot over the fire and lobbing its contents towards Lazirha's would-be kidnappers' heads before tossing the actual vessel at whoever had avoided the most scalding water aimed at their faces. For what it was worth, though, the adrenaline from burning her hands would keep any residual pain from kicking in immediately.

"Run!"

To where, though, remained to be seen. The forest was risky, as they were hunters and by nature of their job knew the lay of the land, but heading into town was equally dangerous...

Would Mie be willing to give them respite...?

@Rune_Alchemist

“Their suspicions are indistinct, their methods of investigation restricted to pickpocketing the Court Mage’s apprentice,” Isidore replied, leaning back against the wall. “But they were satisfied with believing that Rullphana’s schemes involved demons.” He opened his mouth to speak further but closed it after some more thought. There was no purpose in discussing hypotheticals, in the best and the worst case scenarios.

“It is good though, to have Leuca be accompanied by one of us for most of the day,” he said instead. “Raelzeth will likely be joining your martial arts training too. And as for the matter of our...tryst, Sorcha, I am, by habit, more accustomed to nighttime than day. Espionage beforehand would only increase our topics for conversation.”

Donovan Leads the Way

---

Donovan let out a heavy sigh as his shield fell to his side; he’d curbed the Kyrnith’s anger away from the town, but he’d far from calmed the ancient beast. If he wasn’t careful, even those completely uninvolved from the slaughter that had occurred in the Kyrnith’s territory would get caught up in this mess.

"Right then." the man huffed as he tucked his warhammer into his belt, "This way."

Rather than rush toward the hideout, Don opted to walk at a pace that was almost leisurely. Hopefully he could bide his time long enough for the Kyrnith to actually listen to what he was saying, rather than just parts of it. After trekking a quarter of the way to the grove in complete silence, he’d pause for a moment; glancing back at Akando and the Kyrnith.

"Aye ever tell yah bout what things are like back home fer meh?"

“We’ve not had a chance to speak.” Akando replied to Donovan. The Kyrnith was silent, the still wind heavy with tension despite the Reincarnator attempting to speak with the Beast. Still, from the way the beast would subtly tilt its head towards Donovan, would show that it was still listening at least.

"Well, where aye come from-- is a place far away from ere’. Ya could walk the land and sea fereva an’ still never reach et… And Akando, aye’d ask ya not share this, but aye ain’t of this world. Where aye come from there ain’t no magic, no eternal winter, no elder beasts, no other races, hell-- most folk back home ain’t even sure there’s a god." Don would let a soft sigh escape his lips, "Back home, we got machines tha likes ya never seen before-- great flying machines, massive boats capable of carryin’ thousands, an’ buildin’s so tall they look like they touch th’ sky itself. Between th’ medicine an’ technology it ain't uncommon fer folks to live damn near a century. An yet, even with all that-- over two thousan’ an twenteh years ah progress an countin… An yet, weh still got our own problems. " Don held his words for a moment, allowing them to sink in-- or for his listeners to ask questions, if any needed answering at the moment.

Akando would take in Donovan’s words, furrowing his brow as if trying to wrap his head around whatever the older looking man was saying.

“Flying...machines?” Akando would inquire. “What is a ‘Machine’?”

This, at least, seemed to properly catch the Kyrnith’s attention. While the anger and fury was still there, it would focus its gaze on Donovan more clearly now.

“...Go on. Hunter, focus on making sure there are no traps for us.” The deer would ask Akando. Was that understanding in the Beast’s tone? “You speak of such a far away world, one that even the wind can not reach? Preposterous. I can hear whispers from the otherside of the world, things that will never matter here, and small things that could potentially shape the far sides of the world.”

Don turned his head to Akando, offering a brief answer before moving onto addressing the Kyrnith, "Right, aye fergot how rare they must be ere. Simpleh put, a machine is ahn assembleh o’ parts; often made ah metal, made tah act as ah large tool or tah perform specific tasks. Remind meh later an’ aye’ll draw what some look like fer yah." Returning his attention to the Kyrnith, he would address the Elder Beast’s question next. "Aye, yah can hear whispers from tha other side of th’ world… But at the end o’ tha day-- that’s this world. Not me own world. Hell, tah be honest th’ fact aye’m even ere’ tah tell yah this is damn preposterous. Like aye said, me homeworld ain’t got no magic er Elder Beasts, er nuthin like any ah that. It’s entireleh separate from this one… Aye ain’t even sure aye could get back even if aye wanted to. Remember when yah first met meh Kyrnith? Yah said yeh could smell the presence of th’ moon on meh. Back home aye died at th’ ripe old age ah eighteh-five, and rather than passin ontah th’ afterlife with me wife, somehow this world’s moon Goddess snatched meh soul from th’ jaws ah death an put meh in ah brand new bodeh she’d made just fer meh. Why? Yer guess is as good as mine. But that’s not th’ reason aye’m tellin yah bout meh home." Donovan’s tone took a far more serious turn as he recounted the troubles of his own world. "Even with all o’ man’s achievements, all ah the science an’ knowledge we’d gathered. Weh still had murder. Still had crime. Still fought wars over tha same spot of land that’s been disputed fer centuries. Kyrnith, where aye come from there were still wars goin from minor blood feuds that occured hundreds ah years ago. Despite our differences, yer a lot more like humans than yeh might think. Yer self aware, yah can make yer own choices, yeh can communicate intelligentleh, yeh can be reasoned with, and-- ye love yer kin..."

Donovan would pause here, taking careful note of the Kyrnith’s reaction to these words before proceeding.

Akando would merely furrow his brow more at Donovan’s words, uncertain what to make of them. Other worlds?

“...are you some sort of spirit?” He would ask, the only thing he could think of to fathom what a ‘different world’ would mean in context.

“He is no less spirit than you are.” The Deer would respond as it would turn to Donovan. It was clear the dear at least, had believed his words, or already had some guesses himself about Donovan’s origins as he continued. “You think I do not know of the folly of humans, Donovan? The wind tells me tales day after day of how they brutalize their own kin, stealing, plundering, and taking from those both like them and unlike them.” The deer would pause for only a moment, allowing a small gust of wind to stir the path they walked. “They care not for the cries of the forest, as they cut trees. They care not for the screams of those they murder as the wind carries their final breaths.” He would continue walking, regardless of whether Donovan would. “No Beast, truly value’s human lives, Donovan, I among them. We protect our own, our kin. For that is how we were created.”

The large man scowled at the beast’s words as he continued his forward march toward the sealing grounds, "If yah know man’s folly, then yah know damn well what yeh intend tah do es no different." Don replied sharply, "Folk’ll use one slaughter tah justify tha next. Over an’ over, an endless blood-soaked cycle ah sufferin’ an death. Aye, man can be cruel. Ehts ah cruel fuckin world. Man can beh hateful, prideful, greedeh, or any number ah sins… But if yah listen close, beneath all th’ din an ruckus ah all the world’s sufferin-- you’ll hear somethin’ else. Yeh’ll hear song, dance, and laughter. Yeh’ll hear tha joy of ah Man an Wife seein’ their newborn babe smile fer tha very first time. Yeh’ll hear the gasps ah wonder from a man at tha summit of ah mountain an’ marvelin at tha raw beauteh of tha land before im’. Yeh’ll hear the doors of ah humble cottage creak open tah offer shelter to ah stranger, dyin in th’ cold… Yah may even hear the sound of a human treatin’ tha wounds of a beast for no other reason than goodwill… There’s a helluva lot more tah man than dehstruction." Donovan stepped directly in front of the Kyrnith’s path just before the group could enter the fog-covered clearing of the old sealing grounds, "Yah say no beast trueleh cares about th’ lives of man. But I can tell yah now, mankind es tha sentimental type. Weh get attached tah all manner ah things, regardless ah how they feel about us; like th’ little lass yah told me likes tah visit yah…"

"Yer world has somethin’ ere that my world never did. Ah clear definition ah evil; regardless ah perspective--" Donovan’s voice would raise as he shoved the branches aside, thrusting an accusatory finger into the depths of the thick, swirling fog. "That! That right there, es true evil! Nearleh evereh follower ah the illuminator aye seen aint had any ah his influence as part of em! There ain’t no way most of em’ would knowingleh aid somethin’ like that! Not when their own homes an’ familehs are at stake! Those lot are bein’ led ahstray, yer plannin’ on killin ah hell of ah lot ah people, all the while THAT; which threatens tha’ both ah yer groups AND tha’ village becomes ah bigger threat by th’ day!"

Don stood firm, staring directly into the Kyrnith’s eyes as he made his declaration, "Death begets death… Es that what yah want? Fer that damnable cycle ah violence tah whittle ahway at tha village, tha misguided hunters, and yer kin till whatever tha fuck is down there consumes tha lot of yah? Es that what this village deserves? Es that what yer kin deserve? Either yah continyah on destroyin’ each other as slaves tah the cycle until tha sea swallows tha’ land-- or yah can come together and drive back against th’ darkness, an’ build a better future… Fer the village, and yer kin."

"What's yer choice? Will tha cycle continyah? Even in tha face ah total destruction? Or will yah build somethin' better here, an' thrive through this crisis?"

The deer would only pause long enough to listen to Donovan’s words, its hooves pressing against the snowy forest ground. Wind that had once danced around its antlers in a frenzy of fury would calm, though not entirely cease as the human before it would plead his case. The emotional tone, appealing to human emotions. It was...something to be seen, to be sure. It’d have likely at least given any other human a pause at least long enough to rethink their action.

Unfortunately, Donovan was not dealing with a human.

“Ignorance.” The beast would begin, airy voice having once again seemingly taking a quality of aloof indifference. “You speak as if you know this world. You do not - your own words just now have cemented my own assumptions about you and those other travelers. You know not of us Beasts, nor the Divine. If you did, then you would realize your words will be lost upon a breeze.” It would start walking once more, the winds around its antlers picking up as it would do so.

“I am tasked with the protection of not just the forest. Willingly or not, they consort with Divinity to bring harm to the earth, so I will become that which I was born as. I will not harm the village, but those that still reside within the walls of their temple that protect them - they will be ground to dust as stone upon a furious wind. Be grateful that I do not seek to exact judgement for their folly upon the rest of them.”

It would pass Donovan, sparing him no further glance.

“...Donovan. Do you wish to stop him? Or…?” Akando would glance between the other man and the beast. It seemed like Donovan’s words had cooled its fury, but it seemed as though it was still on a warpath...but at least the village would likely be ultimately spared.

Donovan looked to Akando with a frown, shaking his head as a deep sigh passed his lips. " Don't think aye could stop 'im even if aye wanted tah."

Stepping forward just ahead of the beast, Donovan pointed due northwest of their current position for Kyrnith to see. "Just keep headin' that way. Look fer ah shallow cave with a tree growin' on th' entrance… Aye'm well aware there ain't any chance you'll hear meh out further, an' I refuse to be there fer whatever slaughter ensues. This is as far as aye go with ya."

“...Donovan.” The Deer would say, as it would move past. “Your heart is far too human for most beasts to understand. If you seek to understand the Beasts and prevent the slow journey of the winds bringing more of such tragedy you wish to avoid...then seek understanding.” The Beast would bound off, leaving nothing but a trail of slowly moving wind in its wake before it was gone entirely out of sight.

The large man sighed as the Kyrnith bounded away, silently watching the beast disappear into the trees before turning to Akando, "Arright, behtween tha distance, an' tha time et takes im' tah bust down that door, weh might be able tah get intah th' temple through tha one that's closer and drag out as many ah tha hunters as weh can; kickin' an screamin' if need be. If yah don't got ah way tah make it safe through tha fog, I can protect tha both of us but you'll need tah stay close."

Don would flash the younger fellow a hopeful smile. "Can't talk the Kyrnith down no further, but if weh hurreh you an' me can save as many ah those damned fools as possible… Whaddya say lad? You readeh tah race against an Elder Beast?"

“Never thought I’d be racing against the wind in my life,” Akando would shake his head, a small smile. “I don’t see the point in keeping these traitors alive, but we could get some information out of them if nothing else.” Seemed for now at least, Donovan had Akando’s help, even if he wasn’t entirely on board with saving everyone.

Don gave the man a light clap on the shoulder as he led the way to the mist's edge.

"Aye doubt eht's that simple lad. It ain't normal fer folk tah turn their backs on they own people… Soyala is th' onleh one of em' aye sensed any blessin' on. Fer all weh know th' Illuminator coulda messed with their heads lad. Even if they're servin' of their own free will, aye doubt much of em' would be keen on harmin' tha village if they had a choice… But that's enuff ah meh ramblin' fer now. Now keep close, aye dunno how much range this has."

Standing at the edge of the thick fog, Donovan placed his left hand on Akando's shoulder, and grasped his emblem firmly in his right as he prayed to his patron god. "Oh Suthainn, may yer eternal grace protect us from tha evil ah that which es sealed here. An' by yer hand may weh be swift to tah realize our goal. Amen."

Akando would frown at Donovan’s prayer...but the hunter would merely pass it off as some foreign God he hadn’t heard of before. The fog itself would seem to still at Donovan’s passage, whatever harmful effects of it would be staved off. For now, Akando would follow Donovan into the mist, traversing the enveloped land, heading to perhaps, if nothing else - save a life.

“I’m certain both these people and my employer will be quite pleased.”

"Yep, we're here to help. And... we'll try not to make this... messy." Nick replied to the maid. He tried his best to reassuring but he could not hide that things may not go according to plan. He knew enough that plans rarely do that. "No promises, though. There are a lot of zombies outside and who knows what that witch could do."

Glancing at Elisette for a moment and seeing that she was still busy talking to the town survivors, Nick figured he still had time to talk. "If you don't mind me asking, can you tell me about your blindfold? Does it like... give you superpowers?" He decided to be forward with his thoughts. "Sorry, I'm just curious. Thought you were blind when I first saw. No offense and all that."

Just then, a remembering thought entered Nick's head. A missing puzzle piece now clicking in with the rest. "Tsk! Aww crap, forgot to look for matches."

Nomura pondered this task for a moment, wondering just how he'd find that thief. He had no tracking skills of his own, his elongated proboscis being only suitable for aesthetic purposes rather than for any meaningful tracking. Perhaps he could rally some of the villagers to his side, but... the ones worth their salt are likely the same ones who wish ill upon himself. There's no trusting the hunters, after all. Asking for the help of the oni would also be disingenuous as well, seeing as the forces protecting Lady Mie's camp have already dwindled due to the deal he had made...

Well, there's no use dwelling about allies now if he doesn't even know what the thing looks like!

"Hm, yes yes, I'll retrieve this heirloom of yours. But I'll have to know of this treasured object a bit more. Surely, I cannot find what I am looking for if I don't know what it looks like, yes? I'll also have to know of every... foreigner who had stepped into and out of your tent between the time you last remember having the object and now. Without much else, the most I can do is strip myself down, but I have no desire to become that familiar with my employer. Done it before, ended disastrously."

Nomura glanced once more at the conniving fox, her smug aura for once not feeling as if it were mocking him.

"I'll also need some help from... Ayumi, if I may. Yes, yes, she may be able to sniff out the scent of this thief, fit into small spaces I cannot. Of course, I'll be doing the main sleuthing, but my skillset is ill-suited for tracking others and I'd like to avoid certain hunters if I can.

"Oh, right, and I'll give her two fishes for her services."

Whether or not Ayumi is allowed to follow him, Nomura would make his way out of the tent and once more looking for Bolcha, seeing as he is the only person he could trust in this village of imposters.

They now had a location and some idea of what the hunters' goals were, but there were still many questions that were left unanswered. There was still more that Novak needed to uncover, and the hunters' hideout may have the answers he was looking for. Novak needed to know more about this seal, the orb, and whatever they might know about that old temple that had disappeared.

"I think we should look for this hideout," Novak suggested to Nobunaga. "We might be able to learn more about what they're up to. With the Kyrinth angry and alert, whatever hunters are still out there are probably too distracted to notice a few outsiders like us sneaking about."

As he voiced his suggestion, Novak walked over to the dead archer. He became uneasy and perhaps a bit nauseous at the sight of the headless corpse, but he had a feeling he'd be seeing a lot more of this sort of thing in this world. He reached into the man's quiver and removed every last arrow, placing them into his own quiver. He didn't have a bow, but it might be helpful to hold onto these arrows for Nobunaga.

"Goodbye, and please be safe, Enli," Novak spoke as the chief departed. He was still a little uncomfortable leaving Enli by himself, but they might not get another opportunity to investigate the hunters while an enraged elder beast was running interference.

@Rune_Alchemist@VitaVitaAR

"I agree," Nobunaga responded, as she watched Enli's departure. To be truthful, she wished she had someone to spare to ensure his safety. But the Hunters would not likely realize that their ambush had failed, and beyond that were almost certainly going to be preoccupied with the rage of the Kyrinth. It wasn't something she liked, but at the same time they had far too few options to do anything else. This information had to be capitalized on as soon as possible.

"We must take advantage of this situation as quickly as possible," she continued, "For the sake of this village, we must kill the worship of the Fool God of Knowledge. One way, or another."

With that, she began to make her way in the direction of the temple...

@Rune_Alchemist@Crimson Paladin

@Rune_Alchemist

Narkissa unconsciously kept her eyebrow raised as the man kept going on in what seemed to be an overly enthusiastic demeanor. Friendly, but a bit excessively so for a stranger, no? She quickly latched on to what he was saying nonetheless. Other one? Mortal…?
Oh no. Was this another god? She wasn’t sure if she liked propositions from deities.
“Well, I’m listening,” she finally said, carefully. “I doubt any one thing can provide such a fairy tale ending, though,” she decided to point out.

Black-haired girl? Lazhira? Misaki? Nobunaga? If one of them turned it down, it could be a trap—

The man unrolled his scroll, and Narkissa was able to get a glimpse of it. It looked very much like a gun. In fact, with the long tube and trigger mechanism, there was really no mistaking it as anything other than an object that at least acted like a gun. That definitely got her attention, but not enough for her to immediately dive for the scroll or even accept it. After all, designing a rudimentary firearm was easy enough. All you needed was a metal tube with an end closed off, and wouldn’t explode under the pressure of gunpowder.

But therein was the hard part—making the gunpowder, and a tube sufficiently strong enough that it wouldn’t explode. The gunpowder wasn’t too unreasonable—all you needed was the right ratio of sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter, and you had to know how to properly corn it. Narkissa knew the ratios the larger European powers used during the age of sail—there was actually a surprising amount of variation. The metallurgy to make a barrel that wouldn’t result in a large grenade, however… Making an actual gun –full sized cannon—was very easy. It could be done with bronze-age technology; the same techniques to cast bronze statues worked for creating bronze cannon. Making a handheld weapon… was almost impossible without the proper metallurgical knowledge, and the world she had seen thus far hadn’t demonstrated the ability to forge strong enough iron.

Then the question was, would a god know?

At the very least, a gun didn't usually bring a happy ending.

“I can’t say it’s not tempting,” she admitted. “I think some introductions would be in order, first. I’m Narkissa. You are…? If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you a few more questions.” She glanced back at the scroll. “What is the Moonless? And what girl were you talking about? That project of yours might be something that I’d be able to help you with, but you have a very ambitious design there, friend. If you can tell me what materials you need and what specific sort of help, then I’ll be able to know if I can help you,” she offered, cautiously.

Skill Seeker

---

@Crimson Paladin@VitaVitaAR

---

“Worry more about yourselves.” Enli would say, shaking his head. “You’re the ones jumping into danger. I’ve lived here my entire life - the forest and land won’t get me, at least.” The old man would start to leave, a brisk pace leaving both Nobunaga and Novak to head to where their hideout were. Assuming they’d move with haste, it wouldn’t take them long to reach the ancient grove where the temple had once been. It was difficult to see through the fog, but it was no longer there as far as Novak could tell.

In its place was a circular pit, an ancient waterlogged altar situated at the bottom.

Of course, that left the question of whether or not they should pass through the mist. It was dangerous wasn’t it? Yet, when they would approach there was the sound of something ripping and tearing, crashing in the distance causing the earth even to rumble lightly! A nearly impossibly strong gust of wind would blast through the area, nearly knocking both Novak and Nobunaga off their feet, and also blasting the baleful fog, carrying it onto the wind and dissipating it giving them a fairly clear path to travel to the entrance of the hideout, should they hurry through. The winds seemed to be picking up, and if they happened to look upwards they may just so happen to see winds starting to coalesce, spinning, some distance further north east...

Unlike with Donovan and Malphas before, there was no illusory wall to act as a buffer...seemed like someone else had already gone in?

---

The Builder
@Guy0fV4lor

---

The trek through the fog would be easy enough, and Donovan would have no trouble locating the entrance he had used last time, nor any difficulty getting past the illusion. The inside was just as he’d remember, the white stone walls with the illuminated crystals for light, the plush red carpet and questionable paintings.

This time, though, it seemed to be more inhabited.

Several hunters had gathered inside, readying to go support the others at the village so they could solve their little Elder Beast problem. One that was now, coming for them and seemed to already have found the secondary entrance Donovnan had told him about. There was little time for him to do what he was going to do here if he wanted to get people out safely.

“What’s it doing here!? Did it follow one of us!?”

“They were all supposed to return to the village! Send someone to tell them-”

A handful of hunters would run into the main worship hall, around four in total would immediately stop as they’d notice both Akando and Donovan. “- did he lead it here!?”

Surprisingly, Akando would be the first to speak.

“I’ll hold my tongue to what I think about you putting Dawn in danger,” Akando would say quickly. “But for now we need to get everyone out of here before the Kyrnith gets here!”

“Akando...fool, we’re doing this for the good of dawn. Without the illuminators guidance the village would have already been destroyed.” Donovan would likely need to interject here, but at the same time it looked like they may not go so quietly.

And this, would also be the scene Novak and Nobunaga would eventually find themselves stumbling on.

@PKMNB0Y

---

Lazhira, was understandably a bit worried that Misaki had more or less just left her to the proverbial wolves. The native would slowly back away from the hunters as they’d quickly move forward, one of them grabbing her roughly by the arm. Thankfully, Misaki had other ideas. The pot of boiling water was fairly easy to lift for her - perhaps surprising herself with her own strength - as the boiling water would slam into the back of the hunter that still hadn’t approached Lazhira yet.

He would scream in agony, the boiling water while absorbed by his furs would still soak into it, and the back of his exposed head would be entirely burnt from the boiling liquid. The pot would sail through the air, hitting the one that had grabbed Lazhira by the arm square in the head. The recipient would give a startled shout as he’d lose his grip.

Narkissa and Leannah both would be able to hear this commotion.

Realizing her chance, and with a bit of spunk Lazhira would kick the one closest to her right the gut, sending him tumbling to the ground for good measure with a hearty laugh before taking off and running after Misaki. Assuming the pair would run to Mie’s camp, they would run right past a man with a bird mask as he’d exit, passing various Oni workers. Mie herself, was just about to leave her tent, too, it seemed as they pair would nearly run into her.

“...well its been quite awhile, Lazhira. What’s the matter? You two look like you’re in a hurry.” A few shouts from outside the encampment would catch her attention. “...in trouble?”

A deal, perhaps?
@Click This

---

“What else? The Moonless Era!” He’d chuckle. “When the old world and gods all died in abject terror, ahah!” The old man would tap the cane in his hand against the floor. “Fun times, it was...I think. Ah, memories are fuzzy, but oh well. Indeed, I am a god...the one who Illuminates and leads to truth! You don’t need to know more than that.”

He’d then point the cane at Narkissa.

“Power of some sort.” He’d state simply. “Some sort of...thing to make it work. Y’see, I managed to pick all your brains before auntie was able to put all you in those bodies of yours - I’ll take a thank you for that at some point by the way - but that’s not important!” He’d lower the cane again, leaning on it as he’d look to the front of the house, where there was a pained shout. “Needs to be powerful. Needs to be able to have enough oomph to kill a giant in one blow.” He’d smile. “You help me with that...I’ll give you the designs for it, and who knows, maybe I’ll feel generous enough to throw in a bonus. Better hurry and decide though, before your friends get in trouble out there. Just leave the how and why to me, lass. Surely you've got something from that head of yours that can help!”

A Traveler
@PaulHaynek

---

“You probably won’t be the last to make that assumption.” Cynthia would reply, curtly. “And no, its just a simple cloth and gift from my employer. I was born with a rather nasty disease that rendered my eyes extremely sensitive to even the smallest amounts of light.” The maid didn’t seem particularly interested in such small talk as her gaze would now focus on Nicholas proper. For a moment it seemed she was going to say something else, her mouth slowly opening but then closing as she’d grab the broom again.

“If its a source of light, Viorel can light the lantern for you when you leave. He’s capable of at least that much.” She’d start sweeping again. Not the friendliest sort, it might seem. “Need to get back to work. I think your friend is getting antsy to leave already.” As she said, Elisette was...well, bouncing near the door to the old church, seemingly impatiently tapping a finger on her arm as she'd have seemed to finished whatever it was she was doing.

The Roma Mob
@ERode@Pyromania99

---

“I-I see...” Leuca would respond to Augusta in her usual uncertain manner.

“...Well, you certainly are a man of discretion...” Sorcha responded to Isidore’s last quip with a small bit of a frown. “Well, that is likely for the best. I am certain to at least be free then.” The woman would move over to Leuca, patting the small elf on the head with a smile. “If that’s all though, then I think its best I get Leuca to bed. She has a long day ahead of her tomorrow, it seems.”

“O-oh right...it is pretty late, isn’t it…?”

Unless there was anything else the four needed to discuss, Sorcha would start getting Leuca ready for bed, shooing Augusta and Isidore both from her room, and rather roughly moving Octavia from the room. Weariness from the travels of the day and general events was finally starting to catch up with the group in general, and they’d be hard pressed to get anything else done, though perhaps a few things could still be done during the night should they wish.

Regardless, morning would soon come for the group.

Sorcha and Leuca would probably be the first up. The knight had a long habit of waking up early and getting ready, making sure Leuca would be as well.

Augusta would wake fairly simply, Octavia sitting idly at the foot of her bed, seemingly still sleeping. Curiously a quick check with her eye would reveal that the pup was completely full, along with a little status message for the seed which read ‘Growing’ and ‘Satiated’...it might have also just been her imagination, but she also seemed to have grown slightly.

It was probably fine.

She should probably get ready for Rullphana’s lesson and ready to learn from Leuca.

Isidore would be woken by a knock at his door at roughly the same time as the others. It was perhaps, a bit unexpectedly, the prince.

“Ahem...sorry for bothering you Isidore, but mother has asked me to tell you she wishes to speak with you in private.” He would say through the door. He sounded a bit hesitant, or maybe like he’d have liked to still be elsewhere.

---

Send Feet Pics
@Cu Chulainn

---

“Hmm...there’s that other fox...Misaki, her name is. Lets see...there was also, I believe...his name was Donovan? Nice looking man. If I was a bit more inebriated I might have done something unladylike.” The fox would lean forward a bit, keeping her voice low. “The item itself is the metal fragment of a dagger. It’s engraved with script from my homeland. I don’t know why anyone would steal it - its purely personal in value.”

It would be had for Malphas to entirely figure out how much of that was the truth, but it was likely broadly truthful. Someone stole something from her, and she wanted it returned.

“Of course. Ayumi-”

“If he’s gonna give me two fishes then I’ll do it!”

“Well, there you have it.” Mie would respond with a smile. “Ayumi here’s good at her job, so no worries about the hunters either.” She’d sit up, moving to exit the tent with him. As he’d leave, he might notice Misaki and Lazhira running up at about the same time, though he might not particularly care as Mie would quickly turn to greet them.

Seemed like the hunters had been riled up about something other than him. Lucky. Malphas would make his way back to Enli’s longhouse, presumably, where Bolcha still was. Ayumi would however, not follow him directly, choosing to stick to the shadows and for the most part attempt remaining unseen as she’d slip between hiding spots and eventually make it nearby.

The four Oni warriors and Haruno had already taken up positions inside the building. One was covering the door, two were patrolling the perimeter while Haruno and another remained.

“...mhm? Oh, Lord Nomura. You’ve returned. Is there something wrong?” Haruno would gree him, bowing respectfully. “I’ve already received the appropriate payment. I shall return it to Lady Mie soon as I am able to.”

---

Elsewhere happenings...

---

@Rune_Alchemist@VitaVitaAR@Crimson Paladin

"Dammit!" Donovan hissed through gritted teeth as he cast a panicked glance down the hall leading to the second entrance. "Thought tha door would hold fer longer!"

His head snapped to meet the eyes of the hunters before him; the large man's heartbeat skyrocketing as time grew short and tensions rose. There wasn't any time to thoroughly talk things out with these men, but based on what they'd said-- there was common ground.

And more than likely... A sense of impending peril.

"Listen lads--" Donovan snapped; his voice wrought with urgency, "If yer followin' him fer tha good ah th' village, we're all on th' same side! Tha seal's gettin' weaker by tha damn hour an' we ain't got tha kinda time tah fuck around ere' arguing an' fightin! If yah stay ere'-- yah won't be able tah stop tha Kyrnith. Tha lot of ya 'll get yerselves killed tryin, an' that won't do ah damn thing tah stop what's goin on!"

Donovan would turn on the balls of his feet toward the door he'd entered through, hurriedly gesturing for the men to follow."Yah wanna do somethin tah save this village? Then get yer arses movin'! Weh got all tha time in tha world tah spit piss n' vinegar at eachothah once we're outta here!"

“Then good night.”

With a small nod, Isidore bid the ladies a peaceful rest, and slipped into his own room. Upon reflection, it really had been a whole day of movement and a whole night of investigation. Had they really met Sorcha, entered Gloomhollow, had audience with the Queen, and made so many deals and connections within the span of a mere 24 hours? Perhaps it was his more recent experience that was getting the better of his expectations here. Bureaucrats and businessmen rarely made decisions and deals with such swiftness, while in his youth, such deals weren’t ever made with words to begin with. Letting his heavier equipments and his pack lean against the wall nearest to the bed, Isidore sighed aloud, feeling for the first time the lightness, and yet stiffness, of his shoulders and back. It was an uncomfortable feeling too, for his clothing to get so thoroughly stuck to his skin, a sensation made worse by the dark truth of a wilderness without toilet paper.

Simply put, before he could sleep, he needed a goddamn bath.

It took fifteen minutes after he rang for an attendant and instructed them to fill the bathtub and bring some soap before Isidore was able to soak both himself, as well as his clothing, in warm, soapy water. A dozen or so little pains shot into his flesh as he reclined in the tub, smaller cuts and scrapes from days of travel finally making themselves known. He would have preferred a shower, considering how quickly the clear water turned dark, but for all the magic that the residents of Gloomhollow possessed, it seemed that engineering water systems wasn’t one of them. Not that he had the faintest clue about that either. For a minute, Isidore was content to just doze off for a minute, dirt and grime gradually seeping off his body.

And within that contentment, floating weightlessly in water, he began to breathe deeply. The furnace held heat, immense heat, but it was simply a place to gather energy, to redirect energy. Where did that energy go? How was that energy used? How was he to bridge the gap between himself and Sorcha?

Isidore closed his eyes, shut off the world around him, and began to extend his visualizations of magic and creation. If the stomach was the furnace, where fuel was burned and turned into energy, that energy must then be converted into something useful. And where would that be converted? The answer was simple: the heart. The ever-moving organ, the one that propelled blood through vessels tirelessly, granting oxygen to feed the rest of the body. Warmth that merely radiated from the core meant nothing. What it needed was direction. And so, as sweat began to bead upon his brow, Isidore pulled the warmth of his core and guided it into his heart. Into his engine.

Was his heartbeat ever this loud? Did it ever resound with such clarity in his ears? The waters of the tub began to ripple, matching with each second, heavier beat. His skin felt like it was about to burst, his muscles screaming for action. Fog began to rise, the smell of damp dirt rising in with every breath he took, but every breath he took was no longer enough, and he breathed deeper and deeper and de-

Isidore coughed violently, snapping out of his entranced state, water spilling off the sides as he forced himself upright. Grabbing the side of the bathtub to ground himself in the reality that he still lived in, the man pushed his hair out of his eyes and found himself immersed in fog, found his skin flushed from the heat of the waters and the heat of his blood.

That was enough. In the morning, with rest and good food, he will have more time to experiment with the power of creation.

He rose from the waters, toweled himself off, left his clothes to hang, and slipped into bed.

…

Morning came too soon. When had he last woken up to the knocking of someone else?

Slipping out of bed and pulling on clothing that was still somewhat damp but at least no longer dirty, Isidore opened the door midway through Nesherit’s speech. Regardless of his qualms about Vasserasa’s decisions and her influence, he wasn’t in a position to refuse either, so he didn’t pay much mind to the situation. That didn’t stop him from hefting up his pack and his weapons though. A pack laden with knick-knacks and sharpened blades, clothing that looked like black rags, and the thick-furred cloak of a deceased knight. That, alongside his curiously handsome features, had more or less become part of his brand, hadn’t it? Couldn’t disappoint his host by deviating, then.

“An honor for the prince himself to deliver the message,” Isidore replied, tone as matter-of-fact and controlled as always. That same tone persisted for his next words. “How was Augusta last night?”