Kiba

---

The walk through town was remarkably quiet; Adelyn’s prattling notwithstanding. With much of the town celebrating at the Rising Starborn guildhall, the streets of Rembrandt were eerily still as the trio of mages set off on their mission. The odd shopkeep, housewife or guard would spare a glance in their direction as they crossed paths, returning to their mundane duties before Kiba could offer them with his usual greeting - an aloof, blank expression with a short nod of the head. With each passing left unacknowledged, the swordsman sighed with relief. The need for basic social etiquette was often exhaustive and proved more anxiety inducing than even the most grueling of battles. His thoughts wandered back to the task at hand, tuning in to the tail end of Adeyn and Mark’s rather one sided conversation regarding their mission.

Mark had briefed the pair on their hunt as they walked through the town, and Kiba didn’t feel a particular need to seek any further details. Find the beast and defeat it. It was as cut and dry as any job could get - a simpleness he appreciated. Though Mark had raised the issue of Adelyn’s safety, which was a contingency that couldn’t be ignored. Despite her protests, Kiba had given Mark a silent acknowledgement that he would look out for her. Mark was an accomplished mage in his own right, so his need for Kiba and Adelyn’s support would likely be minimal. It wouldn’t detract from the mission if Kiba were to focus his efforts on protecting Adelyn from any ire she may draw from their prey. Though he felt bad thinking it, he couldn’t help cracking a slight grin at the young girl's remarkable talent for drawing attention to herself. He briefly mused on the notion that the giant wolfbeast may outright submit to her verbal lashings as he had seen others.

“Heh.” He chuckled to himself, eyes darting to the two in case they overheard him and looked to inquire on what, pray tell, was so funny? Clearing his throat for words that would never come, Kiba picked up his pace to walk alongside the others. It would likely serve his best interests to pay attention to what was being said about the task. He nodded at Adelyn’s suggestion of first meeting with the client for more information before departing. The flier described a beast that was somewhat out of the ordinary, so it would be best to err on the side of caution. The flier had listed the rendezvous point as a few paces from the southernmost road leading out of town. The town’s outskirts came into view after a few more minutes of walking. The job flier proved ample reason for the guards to allow passage out of town, where the trio could arrive at their destination and await further instruction from the client.

Off to a wonderful start! Everyone was being cordial and the guardsman - Corporal Nalen - even shook shook Nolan's hand! Honestly, of all the ways Ria assumed this might go, this was the absolute best route. Well, not with being asked to lead the caravan, but still. The guards seemed up for working with the foreigners and that was the starting point they needed. The guild couldn't afford for this to go sideways - on so many levels - so it starting so splendidly was precisely how she hoped. If it hadn't, well, that was why she wanted to join him. At worst, the water mage had been prepared to calm tensions and help smooth out rough edges. But the only edges that seemed to be around were those of the guards' understandable unease over the whatever the monster was that was causing them so many injuries.

They may have seemed reluctant to bring up the misfortune but it did need to be addressed. The water mage only knew of the misfortunes in broad strokes, but she still knew of their diminished capacity. At least enough to draw some conclusions when she first saw this job go on the board. Would Nolan have been better received if the circumstances were not dire? She knew the answer to that, but that was what made this the perfect job for him to take to help his reputation with the guards.

Of course, when the question of skill came up, her gaze shot to her companion. She doubted he was going to take the inquiry kindly, but any worry over his reaction was void from her face. Her smiling, almost carefree mask remained in place. No one needed to know her concern. Which made her smile all the more when he spoke so well in response to the inquiry.

Her mismatched gaze returned to the guardsmen with a nod. Her smile grew a bit brighter, and her voice was a tad more chipper than it had been. "I assure you, we are quite capable of ensuring this mission goes off without any further complications for the guard."

A chill ran down her spine, her stomach twisted into a knot, but the smile remained. She knew what she'd just promised. In the back of her mind, she could hear her father chiding her for ever thinking she could ensure the safety of others with her water magic. She was weak compared to others, could never hold up in combat whenever tested. How could she not let Nolan down and cause him to burden more of the task instead of share it equally? How was she supposed to ensure these men - so new and uncertain - didn't meet with injury or worse if she was lacking?

She could perform wonderfully when it was just her and Azria training. If she could just get her mind focused like during those matches then it would all work out just fine. Azria believed in her capabilities. She just needed everyone else to be confident in her too. Maybe if everyone else trusted she could do it, she could convince herself too. "I have extensive combat training in a plethora of scenarios, and I know Nolan is more than capable of handling most any situation that may be thrown our way as well. You are in capable hands."

The corporal seemed to doubt the two of them for a moment, but after looking at Nolan for a long minute, he sighed. "You both can probably fight better than we can. Been in the guard for two years and the most dangerous thing any of us has faced were Vulcans, which aren't a huge threat anymore. Not exactly great for preparing us for an escort job but...it was quiet until recently. Well, no point in delaying, let's head out." As the two guardsmen turned to go back over to the caravan, which was getting ready to leave, and join their two companions, Damian would walk up behind them, whistling to himself before he realized he recognized Ria.

"Well, well, Miss Ria, fancy seeing you in the guard's command center!" Despite his gruffer exterior, he seemed to be putting on an air of relaxed energy, but his eyes betrayed just how aware he was, watching everything he could see. The twin revolvers and large sword on his back spoke to his time as a fighter, but there were no obvious signs besides that. He was already moving forward with his speech. "I see you two decided to help with the escort job, which means I can travel as the passenger I'm supposed to be and let you two do the fighting."

---

The trio would immediately be ushered to one of the briefing rooms in the Town Guard's command center when they arrived, where a man was waiting for them, sergeant stripes on his shoulder and a large rifle on his back. When the door closed behind the three, he turned around and appraised them before sighing. "The lightning twerp, the silent one, and one competent mage. Suppose it could be worse. Before we begin, I need to see the job request." When Mark presented it, with the seal from the garrison commander, he nodded. "Alright, that's all I need. Names Sergeant Monreu, usually leading a marksman squad for a job like this, but there's just too many variables. Fortunately, when we compared our records of the mystery lightning monster's attack to the description of the beasty we'll be taking down, it doesn't seem to match up, so it isn't that."

He sighs as he pulls up a map of the surrounding forest. "However, because we don't know what it's capable of, we're still going to take things cautiously. I'm not here to give orders or anything, the commander asked me to provide overwatch incase you attract the big lightning bastard and warn you if it shows up. First things first, though, might I get names instead of calling you the nicknames the guard has for you all?"

@Zarkun@Sanguine Rose

Thankfully, the soldiers did not continue to doubt the capability of the two soldiers and made show of resistance to Nolan taking charge specifically. They were desperate of course so there was no real need to convince them, but even if they refused to bite their tongue and swallow their pride Nolan would've just done his best to make sure they did not bite the dust. However, it was the willingness on their part that gave him a sigh of relief. As much of a burden it was to have their lives in his hands, it only made the job easier to know that they were willing to do whatever it took to stay alive because for them it was about surviving instead of delivering whatever cargo they were ordered to risk their lives for.

The guards saw no use in discussing any further details, something that Nolan could get behind. That was until another unexpected variable came into the picture; a man with a gruff expression, yet an air of ease approached Ria. The man was a warrior, that much was obvious to Nolan though it was not the weapons that gave it away. Anyone could buy a sword and a pistol and call themselves a fighter, but this man had the eyes of one; alert and sharp, always taking in his surroundings. They were the same eyes of the experienced, hardened mercenaries and mages he worked with before Pergrande.

Nolan was not sure to make of this man, but he was familiar with Ria and judging from his friendliness towards her he was not someone to be wary of, at least not yet. The monk didn't like this at all. Not the man perse, but the fact that this swordsman was an unexpected variable in a job already riddled with them. At the same time, he could not help, but wonder who this swordsman was; he wasn't part of the guard and certainly was not the cargo. It only stood to reason that this man had enough sway that he could get a ride approved by the garrison commander.

Still, Nolan made no effort to hide his annoyance with the sudden new character involved. He looked at the swordsman with the same grump apathy that he always had and said sarcastically, "And I see you're the man with no name." The monk made it clear that he had no patience for whatever bullshit the swordsman was going to do.

"You weren't mentioned in the briefing at all. Now pardon my ignorance, but who the hell are you?" He curtly said, looking to get straight to the point.

Despite not expressing it outwardly, Ariel was pleasantly surprised by the response. There was really no way to know how anyone would react to this magical ability of hers. Ky's youthful enthusiasm was way more than she expected. For a second, she drew back when the boy jumped in front of her. The moment passed though and she smiled awkwardly. "O-oh, uh." Unlike with D'angelo's magic, this other one was less "tangible." In fact, she couldn't even really tell what it was exactly. Reaching out, she could feel the magic, and it was quickly drawn in.

The watery shimmer of her clothing almost drained away and shifted to an earthen brown color. The texture seemingly became dry and coarse, cracking and splitting for a more rocky appearance. A quick shake of her head as the mental changes kicked in, and the transformation was done.


"Hmmh. That's such a strange feeling." Putting her hands on her hips, she looks down at the floor. She could almost feel the ground under the floorboards. She didn't get the sense that she could use this magic all that well at the moment. That wasn't the most important thing on her mind though, and she quickly raised her gaze back to Ky.

The boy had already switched to another topic. Namely, the guild members and what they could potentially do. That instantly drew Ariel's attention. The illusion to ice and lightning magic had her glancing around to see what else she could spot. "I would love to meet everyone. Hopefully they're as generous as you've been." Someone named Jenna was pointed out as Ky waved them down. Listening patiently, it turned out that this was the guild master. Stepping up, Ariel would return the bow. "It's nice to meet you, Ms. Wolfsbane. My name is Ariel Gratas. It's taken me quite a while to travel here, and I was hoping to ask you and your guild for some help. It's a little hard to explain, but I... well. I'm not a mage, or at least I don't think I would qualify as one, but due to an incident I've found myself sort of broken." She would gesture to Ky and D'angelo. "Thanks to these gentlemen here, I've been able to confirm that my self is fractured and linked to different magics if I'm exposed to them. I'm feeling unusually calm right now, but a moment ago I was quite sad. My hope was that by coming here, I could gain access to more magic to try and put myself back together. Perhaps I should demonstrate."

Ariel would concentrate and shift from Earth magic, to Water, to Fire, and finally to her base white appearance. A well-trained eye would be able to spot the shifts in her mood as her expression changed. "I realize you've no reason to help me. I couldn't think of anywhere else to go. I don't really have any way of compensating you, but I would be willing to do my best to make myself useful." Despite having a dull and monotone way about her, it was clear that she was being serious, even if a little forward about her circumstances.

@cello @twave @Zarkun

---

The big ball of sunshine had a feeling coming to this upcoming guild would let him see and experience some cool new things. Never did he imagine getting to witness and hear of so many awesome things with a fun party on top of things. He could not help but be left awestruck; eyes glistening and mouth wide like a child seeing something imaginably cool like a superhero or giant mech. Seeing Ariel transform not only once, but twice, her appearance and personality seeming to change with it." Whoa-ho-ho! That was so wicked! A transformation mage and Ky! Lifting boulders and going pew-pew." Motioning with his arms as if throwing large chunks of earth, forming balls of clouds that were tossed only to gently waft over bumping into a chair or a table, even people before disintegrating harmlessly.

Then there were these unknown mages described by Ky and with every bit of info the boy gave his excitement rose." Yes! I want to meet them all!" He cheered with joyful laugh throwing his arms up as he jumped up no longer able to contain himself.

Landing with a somewhat heavy thump, his belly wobbling with energy matching its owner. Heavy footsteps soon followed which left D'angelo looking around confused before looking up to see Jenna." WHOA! A giant?!" Eyes nearly shooting out of his sockets like a cartoon, the thought of meeting a giant this soon on his journey almost felt overwhelming, but settled down shortly after realizing she was just really tall.

A hint of disappointment in his eyes before perking right back up." Ah, you're the guild master?! It's great to meet ya and I got to say, so far your guild is amazing. Ah! Right, sorry about the giant comment, never expected to run into someone of your huge statue." Laughing sheepishly while lying on his back on Nimbus as he took this chance to float back a bit to let Ariel speak while he calmed down a bit.

Hearing what Ariel said brought the tiniest frown to his lips though perked back up after the fact he was able to help." Any time you need it, just ask. Keep up the good work and you will whole again, I just know it!" Pumping his fist up in the air showing his belief in her.

Giggling with a wide grin plastering his pudgy cheeks again until he remembered." Oh, yes! That's right!" Nimbus shot up into the air and spun around leaving those around seeing a chubby guy floating upside down under a golden cloud as if matching his creator's incredulousness for forgetting about introductions.

A clearing of the throat as they gradually turned upright once more, enabling D'angelo to hop up onto his feet and struck a dramatic and cool mie pose then paused briefly for dramatic effect." I am D'angelo Schultz!" Clouds forming the shape of letters in his name as he proclaimed it." Guardian of the sky, explorer extroardinaire and the man with the steel stomach." Small cloudy fireworks flew up behind and popped behind his name while maintaining the pose.* Annnnd..scene! I definitely looked cool!* With a hearty guffaw he dropped back down into a seated position as Nimbus lowered back down, the extra clouds all dissipating.

" And I am here...well no reason really. Just thought to check the place out." Shrugging his shoulders, his posture and attitude that of a curious and carefree wanderer who dug into the golden cloud to pull out a banana then moved to lie on his back, his head hanging off the side leaving him with an upside down view once more." Whew, all the introducing has left me famished." About to take a bite, but stopped short as he held the half peeled banana out." Any of you want a bite?"

It didn't seem like the corporal was about to believe her, but then he did. Or at least he was willing to accept the answer for granted. They needed help badly, and any help was better than no help. Which just made her feel all the worse with the nagging feeling she was going to let everyone down. The water mage was so caught up in her own thoughts and worries, that she didn't hear the whistling approaching them.

Hearing her name, however, elicited a soft gasp as Ria startled. She turned toward the sound, having missed the words. The bit of shock was chased away by a beaming grin. Any worries vanished. "Damian!" No sooner had his name escaped her, then she was on her tiptoes to wrap her arms around his neck in a huge hug. "I thought you had already set off, and I'd been so upset I neglected to say goodbye!"

Then Nolan opened his mouth and her beaming grin diminished slightly. "Oh!" It hadn't even occurred to her that Nolan might not know the swordsman. She pulled away and took a step over to stand off to the side but still somewhat between the two. "Nolan, this is Damian; he has been a regular facet at the guild since it started. I have not seen anyone come close to a match for Damian's skill with a sword but I am certain Kiba will be one to give him a proper challenge soon. Damian, this is Nolan; I'm sure Jenna has told you a lot about him, but he's one of the guild's A-class and yes, he agreed to assist with this escort mission.

"But like Nolan said, I didn't realize you were part of the - well, to crudely phrase it - cargo for the mission. Given how the guards were talking, I suppose they haven't heard of your skill and assumed you were just some tag along they'd have to protect as well." She tabbed her chin softly as she looked to the sky. "Though, that really doesn't seem to change our roles with the caravan as you were not intending to defend unless necessary."

She laughed softly, regaining the smile from her thoughtful look. "I'm glad we get to see you off. It looks like the caravan is just about to get going so we should all go join the guards." She didn't wait for the two men to agree or not. The water mage spun on her heels and, with a skip to her step, headed off to join the guards and see if there was any help she could provide them in their final checks.

---

---

Adelyn had argued that zap she'd given him was not a true display of her power, but Mark had seen little to support that claim. He supposed that a bulk of the reason for that was only seeing her zap in response to physical contact instead of seeing her on a job. Come to think of it, he couldn't recall any time she had taken a job. Usually se sat in the guildhall with her nose in a book or ranting in her over articulate way at some unsuspecting soul.

The dark mage spared a glance at the otherwise silent swordsman beside him when Kiba let out the softest noise. What was funny enough to make their quiet companion laugh? Whatever it was likely wasn't important. Not worth pressing someone that didn't speak by choice to share the joke. Either they would discover in time or not.

What was important was that they finally reached the command center, and moreover the briefing room where they were to meet the man in charge of giving them information on the job. Though unchanging in his expression, the air around the stoic mage grew a little colder when the sergeant doing the briefing used - at least the kinder - nicknames he'd heard muttered in reference to guildmembers. It would be better to just leave the posting and leave with Adelyn and Kiba, not completely the job, but then what would Jenna say? No, they needed to complete the job. They just didn't need the guard to do it. It didn't change much of what he expected to happen. Kiba could help guarantee Adelyn didn't get hurt, and Mark himself would carry the bulk of the weight. It equated to slightly more complicated than the last time he was hired to deal with a dangerous beast, but only because there were two mages he hadn't worked with instead of just doing the job by himself.

"If that was the first thing, you should have lead with that instead of starting with an insult, Sergeant." His tone was even and tempered, face placid of disappointment, but even the guardsman would likely have little difficulty sensing the shift in the air. "You will use formality with addressing us, and will address her as Ma'am with a prompt apology.

"Then provide the details for this job so my team and I can complete this task. You will stay here. That should eliminate a variable that is clearly a threat to my team." Mark kept his gaze leveled on the man's face, but he took in the room with his peripheral. "Is any part of that unclear?"

"Allow me to repeat myself. You will give me names, I will follow my orders from the Garrison commander and we'll get this done." The sergeant didn't budge, but his body was prepared to act, even before he could think. "I don't much care for first impressions and the little lady's about as likely to get an apology as I am to take leave in the next month with everything going on. You will not be intimidating your way out of having the assigned overwatch and I won't be intimidated into ignoring my superior officer. IF that's a problem, we can find another group of Rising Starborn mages to get this done, so make your choice and make it quick." If it wasn't already clear, Mark's anger didn't phase the man, nor did the temperature change seem to phase him.

"This is supposed to lay groundwork to establish with more of the guardsmen and townsfolk you all are not only capable but trustworthy, but you wanna piss that down the toilet over names, by all means. I don't even know the names of all the towns folk and I've lived here for six years."

---

Damian returned Ria's hug with a smile and let the two mages say their pieces. However, before he could answer the other guild member's question, Ria did it for him and even carried on thinking out loud, making Damian chuckle as she walked away. Turning to the other mage, he indicated they should walk and talk. "The full name is Damian Pendragon and you could say I was in Pergrande awhile before most other immigrant mages, have something of a reputation. Though I've lived here for some years now, I hail originally from Fiore, like most immigrant mages you'll meet nowadays. Spent some time in the Magic Council's Rune Knights and then retired when the bureaucracy got too much for me to feel I could do my job. Nowadays I mostly just keep to myself aside from visits to the guild hall and the odd drinking night with Jenna and most of the other founding members. My daughter actually just joined the guild as you all were heading out on jobs."

Upon reaching the caravan, Damian waved at the two mages and went to settle into the passenger seat of one of the vehicles while horses were brought out for the guardsmen and Nolan and Ria. It was clear that the convoy didn't plan to go faster than necessary, especially with the threats floating out on the roads. The head of the convoy looked between the six and nodded before calling for the group to move out and, after a few minutes moving through town, they were on the open road. The driver Damian rode with glanced at him. "You, uh, sure you don't want to help out? Even I know who you are." The Lord of Steel and Fire chuckles.

"They'd have nothing to gain from me taking the field. The guardsmen are too green and Ria lacks confidence. As for the other mage...I don't know much about him, not but a name. So I also have something to learn from watching him work." The driver simply sighed and nodded, focusing on the road from that point.

---

Jenna was attentive to each introduction and listened to Ariel especially, watching her change forms and elements with an eyebrow raised in interest. When D'angelo was done with his own showboating, she nodded to each person. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you both and, if you so wish, am happy to welcome you to the guild. In your case, Miss Ariel, it may be most prudent to join the guild. Most of the members are still wary of the non-members who drift in and out with a couple of exceptions and it would make your search for help easier. Mister D'angelo, I thank you for taking the time to stop in on our humble hall on a day of happiness, and if you wish for more consistent income, am welcome to stay around and join as I said. And, now that I think about it," reaching one hand towards Ariel, it shifts to take on a furred appearance, the claws normally at the end of her fingers retracted, "this might help for what I can offer myself, Miss Ariel."

Join the guild? It'd been a long time since she'd worked with anyone. Then again, she was seen as a crackpot mad scientist wannabe. When Jenna was briefly addressing D'Angelo, Ariel took another look around. The guild hall itself was nice, it appeared comfortable, and there were a lot of mages. Staying here wasn't really her plan. Pergrande didn't really have guilds, at least not like what she understood them to be in Fiore's past. There were usually strings attached.

The train of thought got interrupted when Jenna held out a hand. Ariel's eyes widened as the limb shifted in appearance. What kind of magic was this? Transmutation? Was that a thing? Admittedly, she hadn't done much study outside Caster magic since Lacrama was her focus. Speaking of, could she even use this magic? "Oh. Thank you." Reaching out, she would take the offered hand and shake it respectfully while she continued. "I've never been part of a guild before. I think I would..." Tensing up, a shiver ran through her body. Her eyes shifted to a golden yellow, while her hair and clothes became a dark tan color. Squirming awkwardly, Ariel felt a strange tingling on the top of her head and the base of her tailbone. A few seconds later, a pair of scruffy wolf ears push up through her hair, at the same time a bushy tail bursts out behind her.


Letting out a yelp of surprise, Ariel jumps back and covers her mouth. Eyes darting around for a second she tried to make sense of what just occurred with ears down and tail tucked under her. Ariel's gaze finally fixated on Jenna. Did she change again? No, but she could swear something was different. The guild master looked bigger and stronger all of a sudden, and that seemed to dispel most of her suspicion. Inexplicably, Ariel began to relax. Her new ears perked up and tail began to wag back and forth slowly. "S-sorry about that. I don't know what came over me. What was I saying?" She would say cheerfully with a nervous smile. "Oh yeah. I would love to join the guild!" Shortly after the words left her mouth she put on a slightly confused expression. That didn't sound right. She didn't know these people. Just because Jenna was the alpha didn't mean... wait. What was happening?

In her confusion, Ariel lifted up a hand to scratch her head and shoved a finger into one of her wolf ears. "Agh! What the..." Feeling the top of her head, she grabbed the wolf ears and gave them a tug that she of course felt. Pausing, it was then that she noticed that something was brushing against her back. Turning around there was nothing there, but the brushing persisted. Reaching behind, Ariel got a handful of fur and another tug when she pulled on it. To the outside observer it was probably at least somewhat comical watching the woman spin about trying to make sense of everything. Grabbing a hold of the tail, Ariel wrapped it around in front of her to get a better look. "Wha, what is this? Why do I have a tail?" She would look at Jenna again, hoping for some answers.

The closer they got to their designation, the more on edge Adelyn seemingly became. Her steady chatter began to die down, though perhaps that is in part due to not exactly having the most riveting of conversation partners, or perhaps it was even she was running out of things to complain about for now. She once more didn't pay much mind to Kiba's chuckle with anything bar a glance, if only out of curiosity rather than any real desire to learn what he found so funny, but luckily for him she just caught him staring off so she assumed he just saw something he found amusing and they continued on their way.

Once arriving at the guard command post, Adelyn began to stroke her ruby red earring momentarily, as if contemplating something before begrudgingly removing her beloved signature piece of jewelry. She couldn't take the off chance despite how far away she was from...was home even the correct term anymore? Anyway, she couldn't risk someone recognizing it and dragging everyone here into that mess. Pocketing her earring, she quietly followed after everyone, trying to stay between Kiba and Mark where she could to stay mostly out of sight of the guards but once they found themselves before the sergeant she straightened up, especially once Mark began to chide the man for his comments towards them. Oh please don't cause a scene here...

"L-look it's fine Mark, while calling me a twerp is uncalled for as there are certainly far more appropriate terms to address a lady, we can cut his ilk a little slack. After all, he said it was only nicknames the guard had for us, not how he viewed us." Tugging at his sleeve, she just shook her head as she attempted to convince him to drop the subject. Even still though, she had to bite her tongue and there was visible annoyance as she barely managed to swallow her pride. Ignore the remarkable man, she reminded herself. "As he said...we're here to lay the groundwork for trust with the guards right? Just leave the man to do his job, we do our job and everyone is happy. We don't have to make friends with anyone, just earn their trust and respect ok? Besides, the guards are stressed and busy right now so we can cut him some slack for being a little...prickly."

Perhaps it was a far more tempered response than the other two were expecting from the easily riled-up mage, but she seemed very uneasy and uncomfortable here. Luckily for her, she was with two people who were unlikely to pry into the reasoning why and she was at least grateful for that. But her other hand was most certainly clenched slightly as she sighed before addressing the man.

"I apologise for my companion's outburst Sergant Monreu, he isn't exactly a people person. I'm Adelyn Am....ummm just Adelyn will do if you wouldn't mind. A pleasure to meet your acquaintance and I thank you for the chance to earn a rapport with the guard of Rembrandt and I appreciate the opportunity given to our guild. I assure you, you will have a brill report to write for your superior officer on our performance and we will not let you down." After a brief curtsy to the man, she gave him a nervous smile as she didn't really make eye contact with him, just keeping her head bowed semi respectively, though it was more out of a want to avoid looking at him and showing her annoyance more than anything at the moment.

She just had to try and keep her snark comments to herself. And trust me, that was an inner battle and a half but she had already learned once or twice what could happen if she didn't keep her mouth shut. And while that hadn't entirely humbled the girl just yet, she was slowly learning to pick her battles. It just so happened this was one where if a scene occurred, she didn't want that drama potentially becoming involved as well. She still wasn't even why Jenna had invited her to this guild despite the potential issues it may incur, but she wasn't so ungrateful to the woman so as to bring her guild into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. It would be poor manners to repay the debt she owed her in such a fashion after all.

And an Amberfield always repaid debts and goodwill with favorable results.

"...Although perhaps an apology just to iron things out wouldn't go astray. Just to keep relations friendly and all." Ah there it was, she couldn't help herself with at least that comment. Being called a twerp, while not the worst thing she had been hurt, still annoyed her. And referring to...actually, she wasn't sure which one he referred to as the competent one out of Mark or Kiba since they were both pretty silent sorts, but she thinks he was referring to Mark. Which was a slight against possibly the whole guild really, not just her and Kiba, by referring to him as the component one, insinuating that the rest of them weren't so.

"Then after my companions here introduce themselves, we can get going to the location correct?"

@Zarkun@Sanguine Rose

Well, judging by the hug Ria was definitely quite on friendly terms with the older man, Damian. She introduced him to the swordsman and the swordsman to him and just continued to talk. She really did talk quite a lot, but then again compared to him just about anyone did save the guild mute and the walking keg though that was who she was; a cheerful, chattering dervish that barely could sit still. Nolan watched her walk away and was quickly going to follow her though the swordsman had motioned for the monk to walk with him. Well, Nolan found no reason to object since they were walking the same direction, a poor choice on his part.

The moment he heard Damian say he had 'somewhat a reputation' Nolan fought the overwhelming urge to roll his eyes. That is something someone either says as either a humble brag or to exaggerate their meager accomplishments, so this swordsman was either an arrogant prick or incredibly insecure. It didn't matter which one it was, Nolan already was beginning to find him to be annoying existence and it did not even end there. Damian just talked on and on about himself with no relenting. At this point, it would not have surprised him if Damian pulled out an accordion wallet filled with photos of his kid or talk about how he was some ladies man in his youth. The worst part? The worst part was that this man did not explain why he was even there to begin with, which was why he even asked to begin with!

By the time they reached the carriage, Nolan almost ripped the door of its hinges. He could not get rid of Damian quickly enough. The young monk looked at him dead in the eyes and said, "Mr. Pendragon, do you just speak in exposition? I asked who you are, not your autobiography."

"Enjoy your trip, Mr. Pendragon. Don't talk the driver's ear off." Damian would have had the door slammed in his face.

Did Nolan insult a very powerful warrior? Yes. Would he have still insulted him even if he knew who Damian really was? Also yes.

The horses were pulled up, something he did not expect for a kingdom as technologically advanced as Pergrande. Things were really down the shitter, but it was no matter. Nolan got one foot in a stirrup and threw his leg over the horse. The convoy soon went on their way, albeit at the brisk pace of pleasant stroll through the park. He just sat there on his horse, his hood pulled up over his head to give him some relief from the sun beaming down on him. The mage had nothing to say as he looked at the road ahead of them.

Ky Lien

---

Ky watched as Ariel shifted through magic with the ease that one might change their hat or select a record in a jukebox, hanging on every word of her curious dilemma. His understanding of the circumstances that led her here was limited, though he cunningly masked the gaps in his knowledge with the occasional thoughtful nod and an accompanying “I see.” Or, “Ah.”
Never both at once.
That would be too obvious.
What wasn’t obvious to him, at least at first, was the significance of having freely offered his magic to Ariel. Her gratitude brought a flush to his cheeks and an effervescent flutter in his chest. Try as he might to hide it, there was nothing to be done to stop the boyishly coy smile that widened across his face.
Something was swelling within him. In time he would come to know this feeling as pride; the satisfaction of knowing you were a part of something bigger than yourself.
The lost piece that completes the puzzle.
No longer stuck between the cushions, unable to fit in anywhere else.

As he was, Ky didn’t fully comprehend why Ariel’s acknowledgment had stirred him so. It wasn’t even entirely directed at him or particularly overflowing with gratitude given the girl’s monotonous manner of speech when reverting to her base, white, form. Yet it was significant enough that when Jenna suggested to her that she should join the guild and seek out the other Mages who could provide the missing fragments of her psyche, Ky instinctively stepped forward beside the guildmaster to voice his approval.
“The boss is right! You’ll meet so many mages if you stay here! I’ll introduce you. You and Tangelo.”
Ky spotted D’angelo’s theatrics from the corner of his eye. The more he came to know this eccentric cloud mage, the more apt his initial comparison to a comic book character seemed to become. Everything he did was so animated and bold, with a dramatic flair that was downright Shakespearean (whoever that is).
A sly thought had crossed Ky’s mind that a certain, uptight, lightning twerp would absolutely cringe at having to spend more than five minutes around him. Already he plotted to orchestrate Adelyn and D’angelo’s fated meeting in such a manner that she could not easily escape his wiles. The cogs of mischief were turning, and he somehow suspected that D’angelo would similarly relish in their machinations.

Ariel’s wolf transformation, while fascinating, had taken a backseat to the sudden shift of the crowd. Ky turned to spot the white hair of Akemi as she made her way through the hall - the crowd parting around her and her mysterious concoction as the bow of a ship parts the sea. Much like D’angelo, Ky’s stomach was not so easily turned by all manner of gross and disgusting abominations - and Akemi’s unique brand of culinary disasters were ever a favourite of his.
Not for eating, of course. His sense of self preservation wasn’t that poor.
Ky spotted the job flier in her hands and waved her down. Assuming she had taken up the opportunity to join their gathering, Ky peered over the top of the piece of paper to try and catch a glimpse at whatever assignment Akemi was considering.
“Show me, Akemi! I wanna see. An escort? Aw, I can do that! Come on boss, can I go? Please?” He had to crane his neck to meet Jenna’s gaze, his own fiercely determined with the prospect of something perhaps a bit more exciting than his usual assignments.

Kiba

---

Kiba watched the confrontation unfold between Mark and Seargent Munroe with his same, unbothered expression. This was not the first time he had been chided by a member of the garrison or a guard; nor was it the first time he had worked with Munroe. The Sergeant, assumedly preoccupied by his myriad duties, had never once addressed Kiba by name despite him having offered it at their initial meeting and the handful of reunions since - he had just never presumed that a minor detail like his name was that important.
As far as working with Rising Starborn mages went, Kiba embodied a lot of desirable traits. He took orders well, never spoke back and completed the task as efficiently as possible. Of course, the guards seldom admitted to anything that would resemble praise where the immigrant mages were concerned. ‘The silent one’ rang particularly hollow for him as it was fairly accurate and not one of the more creative, more racially charged, insults they had devised for him. Nonetheless, he paid them no mind. He had learnt young that in the toolkit one could use to break a person’s spirit, name calling was a rather dull blade.

The mission seemed to be falling apart when neither man gave way to the other. Despite his own feelings, Kiba could see where Mark was coming from. In his own country, Kiba had watched men’s throats be slit for lesser perceived slights against one’s character. It wasn’t that he didn’t understand the significance of honour and decorum, but rather that he had always thought they were the purview of the wealthy and powerful. For Mark to so vehemently defend not just his own, but Kiba and Adelyn’s honour, seemed quite preposterous. Kiba was no noble - he was no one.
He spared a thought for Adelyn. The young girl held herself with a modicum of respect and dignity after all. If he had been her sworn fang, duty would require that Kiba demand satisfaction on her behalf for the Sergeant's careless words.

Yet he was not sworn to Adelyn.
He was sworn to Jenna. In a sense, anyway.
And Jenna had allowed this job to reach them, so complete it they must. If Adelyn had not stepped up to ease the tension herself, then the task of bringing the focus back to the mission would have fallen to him. He didn’t wish to insult Adelyn by implying that she wasn’t capable of speaking on such matters without his input - so he remained quiet. That is, until the Sergeant turned to him in anticipation of a name.
“Ki…ba” He stuttered out, though he held no expectation that it would stick this time.

*Deleted*

Finally beating off Jenna and convincing her he would be singing for them today, Damian turned towards the stairs as Amelia came back down them from her room and smiled, walking over to meet her half way. “Well, what do you think? It’s a nice room right?” He rested a hand on one of his revolvers out of habit. “I’m sure you’ll be fine while I’m gone, but, as agreed, if things seem to take a turn for the worst, what do you do?”

“I go to Guildmaster Jenna or some of the other guildmates for help.” Amelia said, looking up at Damian. She wasn’t smiling now and looked more nervous than anything as she looked around the room and all the people around them. Where did she even start? Who should she approach and talk to? Would they even take her seriously if she worked up the courage to do so? Or would she just be a bother, someone getting in the way of something important? These questions kept popping up and bouncing through her head, paralyzing her with fear at the prospect of approaching these strangers.

Sensing his daughter’s impending panic attack, he kneels down and pulls her into a hug, holding her close. “Easy, Ame, I’m with you still. Just focus on me here and now for the moment.”

“But you’ll be gone soon and I don’t know when you’ll be back.” She said, hugging him back. “I understand that these people are going to, hopefully, be my friends but… I’ve been at the house, just you and me for years. I don’t… I don’t know how to approach people. I’m not sure I really can. Can’t you help me? Just a little more before you leave?”

The Lord of Steel and Fire nodded into his daughter’s shoulder, standing up and smiling at her. “It would be my absolute pleasure to. How about we start with the Job board? That’s gonna be pretty important to your ability to sustain yourself here.”

“That makes sense.” Amelia said, her lack of refusal being her way of saying ‘Sure.’ She understood the basics of jobs. She also understood the risks that came with them, especially with her magic. But, she would have to work through those risks if she hoped to earn her place here at the guild, so she would follow her father over to job board and let him say what he wanted to say, all the while glancing at the people around them and the board.

Damian was quiet for a time, looking over the jobs on the board but only seeing two of note. Seeing as these seemed to be requests directly from both a noble and the guards themselves, the payouts were good, reducing her need to worry about money further. Now the trick is to make sure someone can go with her. I don’t see the caravan escort job up here, meaning someone already took it, hopefully at least, which means I need to hurry and get to the garrison. Still, the two jobs offered required significant thought, however, he decided to suggest the escort mission. “How about the escort? It’s simple, requires you just keep an eye on this guy’s daughter and if it all goes without a hitch, that’s good rep with the nobles.”

“What if they ask me to do some magic though? I might be able to do something with souls, make it seem like colored fire, but if they ask for other tricks, there’s very little I can do.” Amelia said, looking at the job. “Do we even know how old the daughter is?”

Damian frowned and then gave it some thought. If he ran it based on the escort jobs he had done…”I’m thinking it should be fine. These kids are usually teens who just want someone to talk to. Just, uh, keep your last encounter with Aryl unmentioned and it should be fine.” The War Mage hadn’t held a grudge against him or Amelia after their last encounter with him and Ardem’s leadership and guardsmen, he’d even apologized for it to Damian eventually, but Ardem was still an unknown and the Lord of Steel and Fire didn’t want to chance it. “So, how about it?”

“I’m not sure. If they’re teenagers, they’re likely older than me. They might not find me interesting or they might just try to pick on me. Age can make a lot of difference in those scenarios if what I’ve read was telling the truth.” Amelia replied. “But… I’m willing to give it a shot. Going to have to do something like this eventually, right?”

“Aye, you are, but I doubt they’ll even interact with you. Besides, it’s not like you’ll be going alone. So le-” As he reached for the flyer, Damian realized that it was gone and as he looked around, heard Ky mention an escort and Akemi’s name. “Ah, seems someone else was also eyeballing it. So, there you go, and they’re all around your age…except for the guy with the cloud, he’s probably older and…did she just change magics? Damn.” He shook himself to focus back up. “But yeah, the two who would be going with you are, Ky and Akemi.”

“... Okay.” Amelia said in a low, nervous tone. She didn’t know these Ky and Akemi people and she hoped that if she did find them, they would be friendly enough. She would give her father one last hug before going to try and find the other two mages, trying to keep calm the entire time.

Returning his daughter’s hug, Damian stood and watched her approach the group, quietly thankful that Jenna was there to help her if she needed it before smiling softly to himself. She’ll be fine, there’s plenty of good souls here. Waving to Amelia one more time when she turned to look at him, he headed out for the garrison, needing to get there before the caravan left.

@cello @twave @Zarkun

---

Even just being in this guild-hall and he got to witness a number of cool things with a fair number of them coming from Ariel alone (who kept surprising him) and now Jenna. It was a glimpse of the guild Master's magic demonstrated more by Ariel, the demonstration further bringing awe to his grinning face.

A grin that, however, would in a fluid yet gradual manner shifted to that of disgust at Jenna's words. More specifically her mention of joining the guild that had him cringing. For him who had spent nearly the last decade stuck at a boarding school that restricted his movement far too much for his liking. Hard for one to have become free only recently to be settled down again so soon and was ready to kindly refuse the offer; planning to just stick around for a few days or so to get his fill of the town festivities and such then move on.

Then he heard Ky's word, the kind boy who spoke of meeting many mages though it was more his excitement towards doing a job that proved interesting. As he was all about exploring and unlike the boarding school, they probably wouldn't restrict him, not to mention that, with jobs he would get plenty of opportunities to travel and getting to do so alongside newly made friends he hoped to become long-term. Making friends and making people happy were what he was about and though the school gave him limited options, here he could do a lot more good and learn how to better use his magic to keep others safe and how to make them laugh.

Still, the positive fluff ball of sunshine was unsure and a bit hesitant and after a bit of pondering when the word escort caught his ear. This got him thinking up an idea that was followed with a snap of the finger as he floated upward to make himself leveled with Jenna." I'm very thankful for the offer. One not many probably get but..." Sitting back, Nimbus taking on the form of an armchair similar to what a mafia don might sit in with his lips pursed and fingers tapping together as he looked as if deep in thought." You see....due to personal reasons I cannot say that you have won me over completely." Even speaking with a fake Italian accent (or whatever the equivalent of Italian in this world)" My heart is conflicted, you see, Madam Jenna." Placing a hand on his chest over his heart appearing pained at the difficult choices. After a few seconds of this did that same hand raise with the pointer finger pointing upward." Ah, but an idea has struck! Mayhaps I may tag-along on a group's job, but strictly as an observer." Shifting forward as Nimbus returned back to its ball shape, the playful role finished.

A cheeky snicker that turned to a genuine smile once more." This way I can get a test drive for a better feel for what a guild-mage is like. And I'll stay out of the way, an observer and nothing more... unless things get so dire that only I could help at least." Muttering the last bit under his breath before clearing his throat." Anywhosit, is this proposal alright? And any other rules you wish to tack on I'll accept without complaint." Said with a finishing salute to show he meant it.

Help with preparations was unnecessary despite there still being final preparations going on. The people doing them had them well in hand, which left Ria feeling a bit idle. She didn't like it. Having nothing to do but stand and await was not her style. There was always something to do, something that would help make something ready. Which she decided was studying the caravan vehicles to ensure she was familiar with what they were, and were capable of, to better adjust her potential needs to help defend them. Hopefully it wouldn't come to that - moreover, hopefully it didn't come to her needing to actually fight. She knew she could defend; her maker magic never disappointed her ability to block attacks and fortify things. Defense was adequate. Offense...the tiniest frown tugged at the corners of her lips.

Nolan's calling out a pleasant parting with Damian drew her from her thoughts and she even then realized horses were being brought over. Enough for the guards and the two Rising Star mages. That certainly would make mobile defense easier, at least for her. She had plenty of experience casting from horseback. Not so much for training or experience casting from a vehicle. Assumedly, the horses being supplied by the garrison were used to some sort of combat like that as well. Perhaps not mages casting spells, but hopefully at ease enough with rifle fire or swordsmen attacking to not be uneasy with magic. It wasn't like they were raised in a land with such a plethora of mages as Fiore, or trained in the military practice for both armed and magical combat.

She thanked the person that handed off the reins to her for the horse with a smile. A few strokes if its neck, and she mounted the beautiful beast. It had been a single smooth action using the same fluid grace she tended to move in, and let her land sitting straddled with her skirting tucked beneath her to keep the saddle from sitting against bare skin. Something she'd done hundreds of times in her life, which left her completely unfazed by the fact she turned her ankle length skirt into shorts.

Most that knew her would expect the bubbly water mage to fill the silence with attempts at conversation, but she instead sat silent. She even withheld from humming softly as she was like to do when completing inane tasks. Her fingers gently, continuously, stroked the horse's hair as they rode. A quiet ride watching their surroundings for dangers just like when she would help patrol the border of the Ocenade territory for threats to the farmers. No need to bring about an attack because of unnecessary noise when she could come socialize with the guards at some other point.

---

---

The cold wasn't meant to intimidate, but then he hadn't intended to make it cold. He got angry and his magic responded. it would be something to investigate and train later. This rare flare in temper wasn't a calculated one; he didn't fully understand why the insult elicited anger. Yet, at this point, the dark haired mage was disinclined to bring the room's temperature back to normal. He didn't want to be the reason for relations to get worse for the guild. Unfortunately he also wasn't inclined to just let the room return to standard temperature. It was infinitely easier to swallow his pride and let the guy have his little bit of superiority on this whole subject. Then that would mean encouragement to just keep treating the guild like trash and build them a reputation of bending over and taking it.

While first impressions weren't anywhere on the Sergeant's priorities - and Mark didn't particularly care about them either - this particular one gave Mark the impression their overwatch couldn't be trusted. Which meant he would have to be watching his back from them just as much as the beast they were being sent to kill. He hated complicated jobs. It would be better if someone else took the job.

Then Adelyn spoke up to try to resolve the matter. If she hadn't touched him, he wouldn't have even looked at her. His gaze dropped to her, but his attention was divided between her trying to sooth over his reaction with the Sergeant and the instigator. When she continued on, addressing the Sergeant, his attention turned to their silent companion. Kiba seemed set on them continuing this deathtrap mission. So it was two against one. He could just abandon them to it themselves, but then - that would leave Adelyn completely at risk of slaughter if what he anticipated going awry did. Kiba was talented, but one talented mage on his own against intent might not be enough.

Dammit.

He took a deep breath and slowly released it. The stoic mage turned his attention back to the Sergeant. "It will be a trust exercise for both groups then. Proceed, Sergeant."

Akemi didn't hear Ky at first trying to wave her down or call out to her, seemingly zoning out while she stared at the paper. Yep, she was completely off in her own little world there right now, not that it was out of place for her. Not many people understood how her mind worked, but those who knew how it did... knew it wasn't anything particularly profound going on inside her head. It was probably her looking over a few mental images of a fighting technique she was wanting to practice or might look to learn, or she was thinking about flowers and gardening work. Not a lot else tended to be what caused her to zone out unless she was simply tired and sleepy. A few loud slurps later, she finally looked up when she noticed the commotion, making her way over shortly thereafter and nodding to the young mage and her guild master.

"Ok." Upon his request to see the job and seeing him try to peer over the top, the girl would, in turn, look to hand him the job flier, her gaze now slowly but surely moving to the two newcomers, firstly D'angelo as his theatrics made him hard not to spot immediately. "I don't particularly mind if you all want to join...I was looking for someone to join me. Yawn. Wouldn't want...hmmmm...Zen to get worried by going by myself."
Taking a moment to stretch her arms up high above her head, she blearily rubbed her eyes as she spoke. Of course, there also remained the chance that Jenna would flat-out reject allowing Akemi to go off by herself on a job, not that the girl ever once considered this a possibility, as even a simple sounding one such as this. After all, if there was anything a guild mage would learn about a job...nothing was ever as simple or easy as it might seem at first glance, and if it was, well something would go wrong to ensue it wasn't.

"Hmmm...right....I don't know you....Akemi...and you are?" Still rubbing her eyes, her gaze finally began to move from D'angelo after she introduced herself and onto the currently morphed newer member of the group, Ariel. For a moment, she just....stared at her blankly. Before looking down at her drink, back to Ariel, to Ky, back to Ariel, to Jenna, back to Ariel, to D'angelo, before finally back to Ariel. No doubt what happened next came as little surprise, but she just absently grabbed at the tail and if successful began to play with it.

"...This feels too real..for me to still be dreaming...weird...but soft?"

The sergeant let them all have their piece before sighing. The girl had to quip about the apology, but he held his ground. "Right then, so Mister Kiba, Miss Adelynn and a Mister...Actually, I think you were the only one to not provide a name here." Monreu's gaze remained even. "You can give it before we leave, but I'll continue with the briefing. As I previously stated, we confirmed the mystery monster isn't the lightning beast that fucked up the rest of the garrison. But we don't know if it has a relation of some kind; be that as prey, predator, or rival and that makes the Garrison Commander nervous. I was convinced it would make your guild master nervous too when he called her to discuss the matter with her, but he said she only replied that her mages looked forward to the challenge, so...yeah. I'll be two miles out watching for the tell tale signs of our lightning using friend and, should I see the fucker, trying to buy you time. So we can stay in communication, you'll need these." He offers Mark, Kiba and Adelynn each a small bead shaped device. "VOX units, allows us to instantly talk."

---

It was an hour into the trip when the Corporal called a halt, drawing his rifle from its holster and raising it slightly. "Did anyone else hear that?" One of the other guardsmen looked at him weird.

"The hell are you on about, Corporal? I didn't hear any-Oh..." The others all drew rifles and aimed four different ways into the trees, their horses nervous, but clearly used to fighting like could potentially be happening. As Nolan and Ria all listen to the sounds around them, they realize that there were none and they weren't sure when the sounds of the forest stopped. Their primal instincts screamed at them danger, but as of yet, no one could see anything. The Corporal was nervous and kept shifting his aim.

"Has to be Asterins. Vulcans don't usually cause this kind of reaction and the big lightning fucker would have already attacked."

---

The ways in which Ariel changed were...unexpected and Jenna observed it even as Akemi came up with the job and asked about whether or not she could go on it. As the girl looked at Jenna for answers, the Wolf Takeover mage couldn't help but chuckle. "It would seem that my magic has imparted loyalty back to you, as wolves live, travel, hunt and die in packs that they remain loyal to at all cost." She then shifted over Akemi and the job, though as she took it to read over, she noted that Amelia had joined the group and listened to D'angelo's offer after Ky asked, though really begged, to go as well. After musing everything over, she nodded. "I will permit all interested parties their requests, so long as there are check-ins on job start every hour. While I can't see this getting too crazy...we are mages."

@Zarkun@Sanguine Rose

An hour of absolutely nothing. It was par for the course with the sort of job; long hours of nothing, but countryside scenery, forests, or standing outside some determined spot to protect or to stakeout. One's mind would tend to wander when they are subjected to an outstandingly long amount of boredom and Nolan was not an exception to this rule. Sitting on a horse that probably wanted nothing do with him in complete silence would have had been a prime opportunity to tune out, at least when he was a kid. A trick he picked up was to play a game of sorts, such as counting how many red flowers were growing on the side of the road and the like in-between surveying his surroundings for any possible danger. Sure, it was an activity to keep kids busy on long road trips, but it was either that or mind numbing boredom.

The platoon eventually was beneath the canopy of a forest. All proceeded to go normally until the Corporal whipped out his rifle asking if they heard anything. Nolan halted his worse and watched the rest of the soldiers caught on and held their rifles out in every direction to cover each other's blind spots. His horse had trouble staying in place and Nolan was doing what he could do keep it from bolting off. He could feel it too, the bloodlust and the hunger radiating through the silence from whatever set their sights on the,.

Whatever Asterins were, Nolan could infer that they were most likely a pack of predators and that they were very good at remaining undetected. He would have asked, but by the time they would answer one of them would have had their heads ripped off while they were distracted with Nolan's question.

"Our objective has not changed. Keep your hands steady and kill on sight. As soon as you see any opening, make a mad dash out of here," Nolan commanded them as calm and collected as ever though it betrayed the tension he felt as he faced an unfamiliar enemy and having to protect these soldiers.

The young mage pulled his hood back and muttered, "True Sight." Perhaps no one noticed due to keeping watch for their potential ambushers, but Nolan's but his eyes were swallowed by the deepest black anyone had ever seen. It was like looking at an all consuming puddle of ink that did not reflect light though even if they did notice he did not care as his attention was now on the Asterins. No matter how good their stealth, their camouflage, their invisibility, or whatever they use to remain undetected they cannot hide their soul. As long they still possessed one, Nolan could see them.

@cello @twave @Zarkun @Lunarlord34 @Joshua Tamashii

---

D'angelo's face showed no change and his eyes hidden through seemingly closed lids making it hard to tell what the chubby guy was thinking or if he was even paying attention. Attention he was very much given and closely as he knew this was important. With his plans to be a mere observer made it all the more so as failing to do this could get him in trouble and worse, others hurt.

He had been curious and waiting to see what the guild master would say to his suggestion or rules to add, but looked to be pretty fine with the proposal. That gentle smile widened with a nod then turned his head to share another nod with Nimbus, the camera holding as if expecting a nod in return, the golden cloud simply floating listlessly. He's a cloud, what did you expect?

Satisfied as if he did indeed get the nod return, D'angelo turned to the gathered group with a bored looking..imp? He gave an observing line.* I think its an imp but looks too cute to be one. Oh! I got it..a pixie!* Snapping his fingers as if he figured out what this Akemi was and gave a big greeting grin after hearing the girl introduce herself with mention of some guy named zen? Just another future friend in the making, same as everyone gathered here and without.

Wanting to do this befoe any decisions were made, the pudgy ball of fluff coughed against his fist to get the group's attention." Heyo. To those I've already met and to new. Name's D'angelo and I may not look like much..." Patting his big belly." In the figurative way at least. But, just know if you let me tag along, I'll make sure to keep out of the way though will also have treats in stuff just in case. I can be a dependable guy and hope to prove it if any such situation arises." While his tone was serious, his mannerism and gentle voice kept it casual and lighthearted.

Pondering to himself for a moment with hands resting against the edges of his chest, fingers idly drumming against him." Just need to make a quick pit-stop. So go ahead and figure out the plan amongst yourselves and I'll join up." Giving a quick nod he started to make his way to the entrance only to skid and turn partway to lean towards the group." Permitting none of you mind me doing so." Pulling away from the group only to lean again yet again, his head only poking out from behind nearby pillar." And need be, I'm like the shadow. Will be as if I'm not even there." Waving his hands mythical like with a little woo to depart with.