In the remote outskirts of the kingdom, amidst verdant highlands, nestled the village of Windermere. It was a serene little place surrounded by the natural world, hardly ever noticed on a map. That is, until recently, when the daughter of the Duke had gone missing while traveling in the area, and an urgent search was issued for the young noblewoman. Lady Miralys had a known penchant for venturing to curious places, and would vanish for days at a time, but it had now been weeks. The Duke had sent one of his most tenacious men - Captain Elric Greystone - to retrieve his daughter, yet the task proved more complicated still, and the investigation had begun to turn cold. It seemed that only the hushed mists of the valley knew what had really happened…



The gentle glow of the late afternoon sun shone down onto tiled village rooftops. In the assembly hall, Captain Greystone studied each of the adventurers in attendance, his gaze severe and discerning. The bitter truth was that the Captain had been unable to find and secure the lost Lady Miralys by himself, and had now been forcibly assigned the help of outsiders. Grimly, he swallowed, not letting his scowl show through his uncompromising visage.

"Seekers and adventurers, I welcome you." The words were formal, as forced as the semblance of cordiality on his face.

The Captain was a tall, sturdily built soldier with a mane of dark hair and a darker glint in his gaze. An ornate claymore was sheathed at his belt, its hilt faded from use.

"As you know, you have been summoned here to assist with the search and rescue of the noble Lady Miralys. It should be without question that she is to be retrieved unharmed above all else." Greystone scanned over the adventurers with an edge of distrust. Who was to say they wouldn't be more hindrance than help?...

"...I'm sure each of you is well-experienced and competent in your own right, but mind that during this mission, I will be the one in charge, and you will report to me." There was no hint of concession in his smoky voice.

After a moment, the Captain continued. "So, allow me to brief you all on the situation at hand."

Turning towards an open window, the Captain peered into the distant greenery with absent-minded vexation, his arms sternly fixed behind his back.

"The disappearance of Lady Miralys Blackthorn is unlikely to be connected with the village of Windermere itself." He announced to the group with factual disinterest. The Captain had carried out the necessary measures to confirm that – which the villagers certainly didn't make easy.

"No, I suspect there is a greater mystery at play here…"

Annoyance seethed as Greystone let loose a raspy grunt and turned back to his audience.

"Scouts have discovered a personal item that belonged to the Lady, found near a set of decaying ruins several leagues from here. There have been reports of dangerous entities lurking the area, and a few of my own men have gone missing." The fact that he needed assistance was more than the Captain liked to admit.

"We will leave for the ruins on the morrow. Assemble here, at dawn, if you wish to be part of the expedition."

The announcement was firm and concise. The Captain didn't feel he needed to elaborate, nor did he wish to. He only hoped these so-called heroes wouldn't be more trouble than they were worth.

"...If you have any questions or concerns, express them now. Otherwise, let us reconvene at the ready hour." Captain Greystone concluded with limited patience.

Meanwhile, outside the assembly hall, the locals were starting to get into their evening routines. The scent of ale wafted through the air, and the soft pluck of lute strings emanated from a tavern. The villagers themselves went about their business, shooting the occasional wary look towards the congregation of outsiders. Although the tiny settlement had meager offerings in terms of trade, local establishments were eager for the new influx of potential customers. Among the establishments were a tavern-inn, a general store, a wood mill, an herbalist shop, and a shepherd's market.

As the sun slowly dipped down into the cloudy horizon chiseled by distant mountains, a cool breeze blew through the village square. A pair of children kicked around a ball, their soft laughter coloring the air. A small herd of goats sniffed at the onset of evening, guided by their shepherd, while small lanterns began to light up across the hamlet's cozy residences. The assortment of visitors arriving from across the land made for a livelier atmosphere than was typical for the village, but all in all Windermere remained tranquil and peaceful. For the adventurers forging ahead, it was the stillness before a coming tempest.

Sonia waited, patiently listening to the briefing from its beginning to end like an investigator listening to a testimony from a witness. If there were paper and graphite available, she would scribble a thing or two, but she then realized that it would be quite improper.

Regardless, the Captain's accounts left a few questions hanging, so she wasted no time to ask.

"Excuse me, Captain Graystone, I hope you don't mind a few questions." The young demon tried to keep the pleasantries short, but not insufficient it would seem discourteous. "For what purpose did Lady Myralys go to those ruins? How many aides did she bring with her? Was she alone? You spoke about Dangerous entities, are these entities already common knowledge prior to Miss Myralys' departure"?

She had a few more, including the assurance that the villagers were deemed to be the unlikely cause of Myralys' disappearance, and the Captain believing that a 'greater mystery' was behind all this. To her, it seemed like quite a premature conclusion, but she was not from here and her knowledge about this matter is limited at best.

Captain Greystone studied the peculiar adventuress standing before him, her curious heritage giving him a moment's pause.

"For what purpose did Lady Myralys go to those ruins?"

"It's uncertain to me the specific purpose for the Lady's unseemly excursion... Based on what is known of her, one could assume she was on one of her explorative fancies." Greystone uttered the words as if all of this could have been avoided had the Lady simply stayed within the bounds of her station.

"How many aides did she bring with her? Was she alone?"

"We believe it was just her and one other - her bodyguard Cristoff, now also missing."

Based on what the Captain knew about Cristoff, he was a decent fighter, though reckless at times.

"They traveled together frequently, and it's unlikely he had any direct involement in her disappearance, though it can't be ruled out."

"You spoke about Dangerous entities, are these entities already common knowledge prior to Miss Myralys' departure"?

"No, not according to the locals here anyway. But none of them claim to have ever ventured that far off into the wilderness -- and for good reason. But some people, like the Lady Miralys..." Greystone sighed, straining to keep his tone reverential.

"Anyhow, these are the circumstances. Any other questions?" He gave a firm look to his questioner, and the rest of the room.

@Mas Bagus

As Captain Greystone finishes speaking, Kaelara stands at the back of the room, her arms crossed over her chest. Her figure is slight, yet her posture betrays the hard-won confidence of someone accustomed to traveling alone. Her expression is neutral, unreadable, but her eyes gleam with quiet determination. She surveys the other adventurers, noting the varying reactions to the Captain’s curt briefing.

When the room falls silent, Kaelera steps forward. Her voice is steady, calm, with a slight edge that hints at her no-nonsense demeanor.

“I’ll be honest, Captain,” she begins, her gaze unwavering as it meets Greystone’s. “I’m not here to argue your command, but I am here for one reason: to find the Lady. If that means working with you, so be it. But let me make it clear—anyone who stands in the way of that will find me to be as much a hindrance as I am a help.”

Her tone is firm, but her words are not a challenge—they are a promise.

She glances briefly at the other adventurers, noting their varied expressions, before turning back to the Captain.

“Dangerous entities, missing men, ruins… this isn’t the sort of job that’s for the faint-hearted. I hope the same can be said for the others on this team.”

Kaelara doesn’t wait for a reply. Her attention shifts to the window, where the fading light casts long shadows across the village. Without another word, she steps toward the door, pausing just before exiting.

“We leave at dawn. I’ll be ready,” she adds over her shoulder, her voice resolute as she disappears into the evening air.

Sonia eyed the Captain with a monotone expression. She would be more than happy if the Captain would elaborate on what he meant by 'explorative fancies' and 'for good reasons'. Verily, the devil was always in the details of this mission, and yet, the captain didn't seem like someone who knew Miralys on a personal level. The Hunter began to see now why their search effort stagnated.

Sonia smiled at him for courtesy's sake. "If I am allowed to offer advice, the reason why Lady Myralys went to that particular area could have been a very important clue. I'd ask her personal maid about it, her friends maybe, what she shares with them, the specific intrigues. That's just my suggestion. I think I have nothing else to ask, for now. Thank you for answering, Captain."

There will be moments to ask the specifics tomorrow, Sonia thought.

After her, another adventurer, a curvy lady stepped forth and declared her disposition before abruptly leaving the hall. A bit peculiar sight, if one asked her, but not entirely unexpected.

Robert stood in the corner, leaned nonchalantly against the wall with a stony, dour expression.

"I have a few questions of a different nature." he stated flatly.

"If we are leaving tomorrow, the matters of supplies, and passes need to be discussed. If we are going to be investigating the area thoroughly, this may be a lengthly event. If possible, we should request that His majesty, the Duke, should provide us with suitable passes for forage and hunting, at the very least. Being stopped by one of the royal foresters for poaching without permits will be quite unpleasant, and would derail our efforts there considerably."

He heaved a somewhat weary breath, those seemingly dull and empty brown eyes of his never once seeming to acknowledge the room he was in even existed, while he went over invisible pages in an expense ledger that did not exist anywhere but behind his own imagination.

"Then there's the issue of what material supplies will be provided, or will not be provided. If we are departing in the morning, that means we must appropriate suitable provisions tonight before the shops close for the night, and that means we need to know what we should or should not be bringing. What material assistance is being provided for this excursion, is there an expense budget, and if so, what is this budget-- and are there any preferences the ducal seat would desire to be maintained?"

His face made a very dour, and somewhat sour frown behind his mustache and beard.

"It is important to consider whether our expenses will exceed our payment, before accepting a job."

His eyes narrowed a moment; a mere flicker, before returning to dull, expressionless emptiness.

"It would also be good to know what the official investigation of the area turned up, where, and for what was searched, what evidence we should assign to the leavings of the previous investigation, vs things of actual interest, and if any more specific details about the previously mentioned 'personal effect' might be shed. People dont normally take things with them without reasons; what was the item the young lady dropped -or discarded-, what is the significance of this item to the lady-- such details may seem trivial matters..."

The frown returned, but as always, the eyes said nothing.

".. Or might even be considered indiscreet... but may provide some useful insight into the nature of her disappearance, or the nature of her .. errand... out in a dangerous, abandoned ruin, in a dangerous wood, rumored to be home to dangerous entities..."

A wry smirk came on his face for a mere fraction of a second, before being replaced with the frown once again.

"--And, as concerns these supposedly present entities, what information can the ducal seat provide about the nature of said beings? Answers to these inquiries may well prove quite insightful concerning the purchases I may soon undertake. The history and significance of the ruin itself, may also provide answers, or insights, into the nature of both the errand, and her disappearance."

The elderly Volkhart stood near the front, impeccably dressed and would've fit right in if not for the grey on his features and the cane he leaned on. The oldguard very much preferred being at the edge where he could observe the room, yet alas his hearing wasn't what it once was. He had to be this close to properly catch the captain's thinly veiled distrust, not like the briefing was anything particularly enlightening. Much could already be surmised from the initial notice, and it's readily apparent that the captain himself didn't know too much about the situation.

Hence the notice bringing all sort of individuals, hoping that perhaps some had the unique expertise that fits the situation. Volkhard had to suppress a chuckle at the thought. It's just like the good old times.

As for why he's here among them, well, he tried retirement. He really did. It didn't work out, and off he go to relive the past. One last adventure before his body fails.

Some of the fellows were inquisitive. Some distantly individualistic. There's one that reminded him of Dilbert the quartermaster, droll enough to drive anyone insane within minutes yet worked with the efficiency of a full team with just a notebook and a quill.

...ah, his mind wandered again. It's been happening more and more lately. Shaking the fugue out, old bones creaked as the elderly blademaster refocused onto the captain's response. Many good points were brought up here, and thought he had enough wealth to not care much about the reward Volkhart wouldn't want to miss critical details of the adventure.

---

The young woman with light gray hair and darker gray eyes had been in the background filler since the beginning of the gathering, and yet she didn't decide to come into the spotlight. She had been listening to the briefing, giving a look to those lead speakers of the briefing while familiarizing herself with the map that both possessed in her both hands that it seemed to be accurate and surely come from merchants connections. The bearded man was right; they need supplies for their searching mission since there is no way this is just a quick execution. Gladly, she is loaded, and she stashed plenty in her wheeled large bag.

Still on her spot waiting for a go signal by other party members.

---

Jean was in the neighboring village when news started spreading about a captain of the Duke was becoming desperate of his investigations. The gossip of the few women standing by the tree shade as their children played in the street caught his ear as he wandered by. He inquired the women. Though they knew little of the details, the knew enough of the Duke’s daughter going missing and the captain’s thorough search. They told of the captain’s request for anyone willing to aid the search as his own attempts yielded no results. Jean thanks the women and made for Windermere.

The village was a carbon copy of the others, but was one of the closest to the ruins from which Lady Miralys was last known location. The afternoon sun shined through the assembly hall winders, bringing to light the dust that hung in the air as the captain spoke. He was straight to the point and eager to resume the search, giving them only the night to prepare. The meeting had a decent turn out given the circumstances, and Jean wondered how many would stay. Surely the reward that was advertised would be enough to entice most.

While a few of the others immediately went to ask questions, Jean took a moment to think. He leaned against a wooden post, one that held part of the roof. He closed his eyes in thought. They knew of the Lady’s last location, and surely they had done a sweep of the area. Surely she could not have spent weeks at those ruins? Still, if they had searched and found nothing from everywhere else, then those ruins would be left. And if the entities that inhabited that area were as dangerous as reported, the extra man power was all the more necessary. It would be hard to tell just how much time they had. Given the circumstances, one’s hope might be better placed in finding a body.

Jean shook his head. Until they knew for sure, it was better to believe she and her bodyguard were still alive, and hiding out somewhere. Or perhaps they got lost. Jean shifted his body, pulling over his backpack which was leaning against the same post as he. So far he had everything he needed. He restocked his supplies in the last town over before leaving for Windermere. Perhaps some rations and a refill of water would be warranted. He still had a healthy amount of moon dust, and there were not a lack of night blooming plants around these parts. Someplace as untouched as some ruins would surely have some if they run into too much trouble.

Jean leaned down and hoisted his pack up and onto his back before he stood up straight in a little hop. He walked by the captain as he was finishing fielding the first round of questions.
“These ruins you speak of, we know they’re dangerous. How much about them do we know? Have you not a chance to sweep them yet? Are we going to be your second wave in that endeavor?”

(in response to Kaelara)

A low growl sounded from Captain Greystone's throat. This one seemed like a wildcard… He never did have a taste for working with such unruly individuals. At least her determination gave some promise of discipline. Her evident disregard for the chain of command was another thing though, and he could hardly give his retort before she was out the door, leaving him to stew in indignation.

--

(in response to Sonia)

There was little that vexed the Captain more than receiving unprompted advice, especially from those he perceived to be under his command. A scowl betrayed his face for a moment, and he huffed down his growing unrest with a grunt. Having to work with these adventurers was quickly wearing on him.

--

(in response to Caled)

The Captain took a recuperating breath with the departure of the young cleric, who seemed more accommodating in temperament. The Captain could be thankful that at least not all of them had so much to trouble him with.

--

(in response to Robert)

Logistics concerns were a more tolerable topic of discussion for the Captain, though this woodcutter fellow had quite a lot to say. Greystone idly stroked his chin, taking in the long-winded delivery of questions and concerns.

"Regarding permits – that will not be an issue. The region has been cleared for public traversal by the Duke himself, and the efforts of our expedition shall not be interfered with by the Crown's officials. You have my word on that as the Duke's right hand." The Captain did enjoy mentioning his close accompaniment with the Duke whenever the opportunity arose.

"As for supplies, a small caravan of essentials will be brought along for the journey. This will include water, rations, basic tools and medical supplies. In addition to this sponsorship by the Crown, it is encouraged for each of you to prepare individually, in the case of anything unforeseen."

The next set of questions reawakened the Captain's impatience. It was much easier operating with a direct authority structure, where simple orders and briefings would go unquestioned. It seemed this fellow was particularly meticulous with his questioning, too. Greystone sighed.

"Rest assured, much has been searched. It has been determined that the villagers had little to do with the Lady's disappearance. All signs point toward the ruins, where the most significant clue was discovered – a handkerchief belonging to the Lady, embroidered with the Blackthorn family crest. It is probable that she accidentally dropped the item, or perhaps a struggle took place to cause its discarding."

For a moment Captain Greystone reviewed the circumstances in his head, reassuring himself of his conclusions.

The final set of questions were reasonable, the Captain supposed. These people would be risking their lives, and knowing what they might be in for was fair concern. However, he was also slightly embarrassed to admit that he did not know as much as he would have liked.

"As for the dangerous entities–well–mmm–the matter is–a rather obscure one at the present moment…" Greystone shifted uncomfortably for a moment, hand reflexively coming to rest at his blade pommel.

"...We've sent scouts to survey the area, and two of them have not returned for days now. The one who had retrieved Lady Miralys's personal effect mentioned hearing 'inhuman noises' emanating within the site, and did not opt to venture deeper. As for the fate of the others who did… I cannot say."

The Captain took a quick breath and cleared his throat. "And so, on the morrow we will find out." He lifted his chin, assuming his answers had been satisfactory.

--

(in response to Volkhart)

Greystone scanned the assembly of adventurers, one elderly individual catching his eye. He chewed on his lip for a moment, noting the eyepatch and cane and wondering how capable a man of such matured age could be. Yet he could also sense an aura of competence from the man that he couldn't say he'd ever encountered before. Intriguing, to say the least.

--

(in response to Engie)

Meanwhile, another lingered in the background, but did not escape the Captain's appraisal. The young woman with light grey hair hadn't yet made herself known, but the assortment of gear she had on her was enough to draw his curiosity. What a strange lot.

--

(in response to Jean)

The Captain glanced toward the young man who lastly spoke up, and cleared his throat again.

"The Crown's knowledge of these ruins seems to be very limited. I've not had the chance to consult with experts on the matter, and most of the locals are oblivious to its existence. One particular individual - the local herbalist - did mention that it is a 'cursed' place. Whimsy and superstition, I say…"

There was a slight waver in the Captain's voice, before he resumed. "...We've not had a chance to sweep the place, no. My guess is that outlaws may be using it as a hideout. Perhaps they've captured the Lady and are holding her captive. But whatever the case, we should go fully prepared to deal with whatever threat might loom there."

--

Clearing his throat for a final time, Captain Greystone eyed over the assembly. "I trust I've provided an adequate overview of the situation. Let us meet at dawn, shall we?" He announced, hoping to conclude the briefing.

Robert closed his eyes and shook his head, but made little other outward appearance of his profound disappointment in the captain's responses.

In the back of his head, memories of numerous prior arguments with his dad bloomed.

Mostly, about how the "upper crust" wasn't really all that great or reliable, and tended toward ever greater dysfunction. A thing he himself did not believe, or want to believe, but here was the captain, unable to answer some very simple questions.

Surely not. Surely.

He shook his head, trying to shake the thoughts away, while maintaining the outward composure of someone unfazed by anything. The seeming lack of emotion was more habitual now than purposeful; years of assuming it to avoid becoming angry, and thus losing such 'discussions' with his father had kind of ground it into him like the tracks in a millstone.

"Captain, if it is alright with you, I shall coordinate with your quartermaster, to have a more complete accounting of such supplies."

Sonia was well aware of the captain's vexation, well it wasn't like he made an effort to hide it anyway. Smiling to herself, the young demoness let the bearded fellow finish his inquiries about paperwork (what a thoughtful fellow he was) before gleefully adding to the Captain's troubles.

"Pardon, captain. Another thing. Assuming we agree to show up tomorrow, do you have any *recommendations* on where we can stay overnight?"

For a mission that did seem... iffy, her question was whimsical at best. Surely, Sonia could pick on the lack of 'knowledge' that the Captain seemed too fond to answer. The crown not knowing about their territory? In this time and age? Seems fishy. And where was the Duke by the way? She figured if they were his next hope to find his baby girl, he would at least be present to see who his employees were. And lastly, Sonia didn't really like the idea that the captain would depart with them. Making her wonder if the guy wanted some of the credit for himself.

Sighing, Sonia thought; people were always like that, right?

---

“Oh, I can answer that.” spoke up jean as the horned individual asked for a recommendation, “I’ve only been here a short while myself, but I’ve found that this place is a bit out of the way. If I’m being honest here, in a splendid way. The nature surrounding the place makes it feel like a hidden gem. Naturally, I don’t think they get much foot traffic here from anyone not a local, so I found only the one inn. It doubles as the tavern, it’s just up the road. I can lead you there if you’re ready to head out soon.”

Jean bounced a little as he adjusted his pack on his shoulders. He didn’t have any further questions, replying to the captain’s answer with a quick “I see, thanks”. For the moment between the captain’s fielding questions and recommending the only inn in town, Jean contemplated the nature of the ruins. It wasn’t the first “cursed” ruins he encountered. It would be his second. The first was a burned church on a hill that some kids were using as a clubhouse. Some elder wandered by and swore it was haunted by those burned in the fire. Jean got the feeling these ruins would not be so childish in nature.

Jean awaited for the horned woman’s greeting with a grin, oblivious to any undertones her request might have carried, “My name is Jean, from Gale’s Stead. What’s yours?”