Grace hesitated for a moment, then took his hand. "I suppose I can't at that. If you're sure you can fight take up your sword again. Stay near me, I'm responsible for you now." She sure the man could stand by himself then started heading back out. Only then did she see the man in the doorway, just as he asked his question. "Don't worry citizen, he'll live. If you have a mind to, there are others who will need help." She drew her sword as she passed him, meeting his eyes for a moment. She waited to see if the two of them followed before turning to a fellow guard. "Any new developments?"

---

Alteral's eyes hardened from their uncertainty, and he grabbed the edge of his cloak. Quickly tying it into a crude bandage around his torso, he tightened his grip on the sword. "Let's go then. It's not like dying a second time will hurt any more." He turned to Xavier. "Lead the way."

((Sorry, just ignore this...))

((Sorry about this one too...))

((I swear on your babies, this won't happen again...))

"Hmm..." The Azure Knight pondered what her question should be. Honestly, she didn't really know what to ask that she thought that Halko could answer. Sure there were things like what her reward would be (But that would be unseemly), how these Night Lurkers got here (It's not as thought Halko was the cause of the attack... Was he?), or whatever she could do to help (He just told her). "Ah... Nothing, Sire. No questions yet. Oh! One, perhaps, though it is mostly just a curiosity. Namely, I wonder what you will do now, that you're safe. I cannot imagine that your family would like you to go back out there given the situation, even with your honor guard. Nonetheless, there is still much work for me to do. I suppose this is where we must part way, Lord Desol Halko. Twas a honor to fight alongside you, truly. If you'll excuse me..." The Azure Knight bowed her head towards Halko deeply before hefting her sword onto her shoulder. Shield fighting was more entertaining and useful than she had imagined. Two-handed was, of course, what she trained most of her life in, but she could see he power behind a wall of metal. She wondered if her reward could possibly be a shield. Would it be a great towershield, like the guardsmen, or a more maneuverable buckler? Would she get the choice? That would be interesting indeed. But that would come later, now it was time to put an end to this menace.

As suggested, the Azure Knight went to talk to a commanding officer. Unlike before, where she was met with some distrust, the commanding officer treated her respectfully. Perhaps it was because of her actions with Lord Halko, perhaps it was simply because this commanding officer was a calm and kind individual. Either way, he gave the Azure Knight an objective, though a dangerous one. Suicidal even. Night Lurker attacks were not uncommon but also usually small scale. The shear mass of this attack worried the defenders of the city, and they require additional intelligence. They had enough men to make sure that the Night Lurkers can do no more damage, but they need to send a few to find out the cause of this attack. Their mages would study the carcases scattered about the city, but someone needed to head into the tunnels and find out what was happening at the source. This mission would be done in a small group, but not of any mere guardsmen; guardsmen could defend the city, but to attack a Night Lurker nest needed a different type of warrior. One who would not fear death but also accept that they will die. And so the Azure knight, running alongside some guards as escorts, was heading back towards the inn known as the Farmer's Daughter to enter one of the larger tunnels that the Night Lurkers emerged from. They would protect her all the way to the tunnel, even allow others to volunteer, but once they were underground there was little else they could to to help them.

As they neared the entrance, the presence of the Night Lurkers were still strong in this area. Though their battle-scarred carapace suggested that they too were on the retreat, and their massive numbers here merely meant that they were rallying together for some assault. The guardsmen were fearful, for they were few in numbers compared to the horde they were to face. But the Azure Knight did not let her fear, while also present, stop her from her mission. "Launch Board!" A technique that she had briefly been informed that the guardsmen were capable of using. Using two of their largest men, they ran ahead of the Azure Knight and and faced her, with their shield's angled. She than jumped onto their shields, and in a flash, their combined strength catapulted the Azure Knight into the air. This allowed her to avoid most of the Night Stalkers that stood in their path, allowing the guardsmen to beat a hasty retreat as the Azure Knight prepared for landing. She was given a few things to help her on this mission; a medium Kite Shield to protect her from the Night Lurker's attacks, with the herald of House Desol. She was also given a Crossbow with various bolts, including a few grappling hook bolts. Lastly, she was given a satchel containing a powerful magical explosive. If she could find some sort of queen or main entrance the Night Lurkers were coming from, she could use to explosive to kill their leader or seal their entrance. It won't immediately stop all the Night Lurkers, but it should prevent more from showing up. All this was given to her for this mission, and she aimed to return with good results. As she neared the tunnel entrance, she held her sword in front of her, feeling the magical energies flowing through her body. It was time to show her weapon's namesake. "LET THERE BE LIGHT!"

"SCUM!!!" Shouted the bandit as he struck As'ariiez yet another time.

Tied to a chair in the middle of a dark, grimy room surrounded by four bandits in an abandoned cabin located not too far from a city booming with merchandise and trade due to the harvest season, As'ariiez simply took the hit from the bandit and said nothing, quiet and calm he looked to the floor, waiting for the right moment to strike. He was completely naked other than the cloth covering his waist. The bandit bent down to meet As'ariiez at eye level, and grabbed him by the chin, looking right in his eyes. "Do you find it funny, to mess with one of the most prestigious band of outlaws Vekia has to offer?" The bandit struck As'ariiez once more. "To trifle with the likes of us you must be as foolish as you are weak" he boasted. Unbeknownst to them, As'ariiez could break from his hold at any moment, they did a poor job of tying the ropes knot, but to break out would be unwise, as he was surrounded, and they all had their eyes locked on him. The bandits in the room laughed fiendishly. They all wore the same leather armor, one was sitting on a table, filled with As'ariiez's gear, observing the beating. Another leaned on the wall in a corner, the third walked back and forth, spinning As'ariiez's swords. "You die tonight, fool," claimed the bandit that had been beating As'ariiez. "But first we will make you beg for death."

As the words left his mouth, the ground began to tremble. The bandits cautiously looked around. Loud shrieks could suddenly be heard from the other rooms, as the entire cabin began to tremble. As'ariiez looked up to the man in front of him, "It appears fate has other plans" The bandit began barking orders at the others, "You three, get out there, find out what's going on and t," he did not finish his command. The ground beneath him blew open, knocking him towards the wall and As'ariiez back, using the momentum, As'ariiez rolled backwards, stood up and broke from the ropes hold, then slowly backed up to a corner in the room. A large, centipede like creature arose from the ground, and dashed towards the group of bandits. The first began to equip his sword but was too slow, as the creature charged at him headfirst, latching onto his head and ripping it off using its mouth, the other attempted to stab the creature, but the sword was too dull and weak for the chitin plating surrounding parts of the creature, who swung its head at the bandit, launching him into the wall rendering him unconscious. The third bandit that had been holding As'ariiez's swords charged towards the creature using the distraction to his advantage, but as he ran past the door in the room another centipede like creature smashed it's way in immediately grabbing the bandit with its mouth by the legs. He fell to the floor, dropping the swords, and was dragged out of the room, screaming at the top of his lungs. The first creature went over to the bandit that had been taunting As'ariiez, he lay on the floor injured after being launched as the creature rose from the ground. The creature began gnawing on him.

As'ariiez took advantage of the situation and began to silently make his way to his weapons, halfway there the creature turned around and focused on him. He immediately dashed and so did the creature. As'ariiez grabbed the swords and turned around only to be rammed by the creature headfirst, hitting the wall. He remained standing as the creature charged towards him, but ran face first into the wall as As'ariiez rolled out of the way. The creature was momentarily stunned, and he used this time to combine his swords into one blade. He then ran towards the creature and hopped on the tail end, running on its back and launching himself into the air, As'ariiez shouted as he plunged his blade into an exposed body part at the back of the neck. The creature let out a cry and helplessly attempted to throw off As'ariiez. As he pushed the blade further into the neck the creature slowly began to stop moving, and the shriek began to fade away, until eventually the creature lay still.

As'ariiez pulled the blade out of its neck, and hopped off its back, wiping off the gore and blood his centipede like victim. He then began to study this strange and deadly creature, Taking note of the various parts of the body that were exposed. After his analysis of the creature he began to search the room for his belongings. He collected his equipment and began to put on his steel armor, but parts of it were shattered and broken due to the fight that just occurred. Pondering for a moment, he began to collect leather from the dead bandits bodies and chitin plating from the dead creature. As'ariiez repaired the broken parts of his armor by securing the chitin plating using the leather from the bandits, not only repairing but improving the state of the armor to his advantage, a very noticeable upgrade as he was now more resistant to swords, spears, arrows etc.

There were no windows in the room, so As'ariiez cautiously made his way to the door, and peeked through to the other room which was unfortunately filled with several of the centipede like creatures. He tried sneaking past one already which didn't work out so well. He wouldn't last a minute in there. Turning around, he looked at what seemed to be his only option. The hole in the floor where the creature entered the room. You could see that it was tunnel like, and most likely lead to an alternate way outside, or possibly a lair of some sort. Sneaking out the front door was not an option, but this route could most likely be just as dangerous. "May the blessings of my family guide me to their vengeance." As'ariiez said to himself, equipping his blade, he made his way into the tunnel.

.

.

.

.

Thalen tilted his head at the shorter woman and watched her leave and listened to what the guard at her command said. “The lurkers are moving all over the city but we assume that they are heading out of the city. Messengers have given us orders from high command to secure any citizen, kill off any lurker we see and detain criminals in that priority order. If criminals are to give any resistance that will greatly hinder us we may lethally take them down” The guard said, hefting his shield and mace until another militiaman arrived, this one wearing the colors of Vintair and the uniform of a messenger which was a studded leather armor and half helm while armed with a buckler and arming sword but this one was armed with an axe which looked old and worn but sturdy and reliable, a family heirloom while a small, one handed, crossbow along with a quiver of short bolts was strapped at his hip. The messenger looked to be no more than a teen, unable to grow a proper beard and obviously frightened. The athletic youth was panting from running. “News about the lurkers. They are starting to burrow back into the ground or just leaving the city entirely. They are pulling back but there are many that are now seemingly going utterly mad, fighting with more ferocity “ he said seemingly in a single breath and panted once more, one of Grace’s guards handing him a canteen which he took a hefty drink from before running off to alert other units.

“Well, it seems like this is the last stretch” Thalen said and he drew his curved sword once more. “And I don’t know about you all but I think I’d like to take down these stragglers and add their hides to my trophy collection” He said with obvious battle fueled mirth

=====

Haklo watched as the Azure Knight left to assist the joint Vekian militia and went to the upper floors and to the balcony where his father and Lord Skath were discussing tactics. With them were their highest ranking spellcasters in their court, two from each house including Vintair.
“Lord Desol and Lord Skath, our efforts in finding out what caused this attack has borne fruit” One of Skath spellcasters said, an elderly man with a completely shaven head which was covered by a leather cap, an aquamarine gem embedded right above his brow. His name was High Magister Loren and be bore a staff of ancient brown oak with a silver headpiece of a proud dragon’s head. His robes were white and blue with the symbol of House Skath and his tank at his right breast. “Speak up” Lord Skath said to the aged mage, giving him a gesture to continue while his other hand was on the pommel of his sword out of habit. The Desol mage decided to proceed. He was seemingly younger with a thinly cropped salt and pepper goatee and his hair hidden beneath a hood with his hand on a scepter of blackened iron with an amethyst in the mouth of a snake. His robes were black accented with velvet and laced with patterns of flames and snake. He was a known pyromancer though it wasn’t his only skill. “In short we have examined the corpses of the blasted night lurkers, even a single live one, and we all agree that they are being controlled or at least guided by magical means” The Desol mage whose name was High Magister Bran. His tone was much less gentle than that of Loren whose voice was that of a calm wise uncle by first impression. Both the Hosue Lords had their eyes on the two mages and then looked at each other. “Very disturbing news indeed, Lord Skath” Said the Lord of House Desol. He wore a black tunic with a sword at his left hip and a dagger at his right. “Have you discovered who or what is controlling these beasts?” Asked the white haired Lord Skath, his hand now gripping the grip his sword very tightly and an angry visage came to his mustached face.
“Sorry milord. Nothing specific. But we do know that the enchantment isn’t old and has been refreshed so the one responsible must be within the island. All clues point to the eastern mountains as rumors say that there is the largest hive of the foul beasts” Said Loren, looking at Bran for a moment and then back at the Lords. Haklo listened in on them as they spoke, visible at the doorway.
“Father. I shall be honored if I were to be given permission to take warriors to their den and slay them at their core. You know what I am capable of” Haklo said, stepping forward with the two mages going out of his way and giving him a polite and respectful bow. Lord Skath watched the young nobleman and the at the lad’s father. He would’ve said something but he knew Harken Desol and his comment would be unwanted. There was no change in Harken’s face as he looked at his son, hands behind his back and seemed to think. “Alright, son. If you know of warriors to take with you, I shall permit it” he said, somewhat to the surprise of Skath. Harken noticed it and looked over at his fellow lord. “You and I both know how treacherous the caverns of the Vekian mountains can be. Despite what we want, we won’t be able to lead a large force into the mountains and find the source. We would be more likely to lose half our militia underneath Vekian soil than to find the source. The best case in scenario, my son is able to find the source with a small team and mark it where our forces can storm” He said impassively and Lord Skath could not fault the logic. Both the men had been companions in their youth and been through Vekian tunnels and they were indeed treacherous. “Alright lad. When the battle here calms over, we shall outfit you and the people you choose to bring with you with equipment needed for your quest” Said lord Skath and turned to look over the balcony and over the city. “Thank you” Haklo said and turned to leave. He knew at least one person who he knew would accept, a certain knight with a very big sword.

=====

The night lurkers eventually began to retreat from the city, the maddened ones taken care of by merchant mercs and vekian guards. Some tunneled through the ground and out of the city while others did so outside of the city. The sky began to finally clear up from the dark clouds and the shrieks of lurkers could be heard even louder as light was like anathema to their eyes. They left, leaving Vekia city bloodied and bruised.

The tunnels that a thief and a knight decided to take actually met up very near to each other. They stopped within the forest 900 yards from the eastern gates of the city. It was part of the forest that was the thickest, where limited sunlight could escape the leaves. The two tunnels exits were only a few yards from each other and within the small clearing with three lurkers, stragglers that happened to dig out where a wolf pack was feasting on deer. The lurkers did not take notice of the two tails as they feasted on wolf flesh, having driven off the rest of the pack.

The city was crying in the aftermath of the attack, people mourning over friends and family that weren’t lucky enough to get to a safe place. Some homes were destroyed and a couple of fires started with official house and lowly hedge mages doing their best to put down. Other spellcasters were tasked to cover up the holes made by the lurkers, masters of earth magic. Units of guardsmen were tasked with finding any healer they could find to help the wounded, one of which being the Lady Kwan. Looters, Rapists and other criminals who had been caught taking advantage of the attack were taken to another square which was dedicated to public announcements. This time it was dedicated to public punishment, hanging mostly.

The Azure Knight had been traversing the Tunnels in utter darkness. Outside she may have the advantage of a powerful weapon, but in these cramped quarters she would be lucky if she could even stab with her weapon. Instead she proceeded onwards, her body ducked low in order to not clip her head on the rocks above her. So far she had met with no Lurkers, but she could hear their scuttling in the darkness. They were near, perhaps even waiting for her. But nothing came from it; soon she found a light at the end of her tunnel, and emerged without even so much as a scratch. Feeling somewhat dissapointed at the turn of events, She servayed her surroundings. It was dark, as the trees overhead allowed little light. But from what she could tell, the clouds were now clear, and in the distance was the city walls of Vekia. Cries from the Night Lurkers told her that they were being dispatched with haste, the light from the sky putting fear into their puny minds. She hear more scuffling, and thought it may be more lurkers. She ran into the bushes, preparing her crossbow and shield. The Azure Knight looked around for what made the noise, and where she should shoot to make sure it stopped moving.

Sweat began to drip from As'ariiez's forehead as he hanged from the top of the tunnel. Moving about the tunnels was not difficulty, he wasn't that small, but not large to the point where movement would be an issue. As he made his way through the grime and unidentifiable substances in the tunnels, he heard the sound of creatures scuttling through the tunnels.The sound grew louder, and so As'ariiez climbed his way up, gripping the top of the tunnel. About a dozen of the creatures moved below him, they appeared to be retreating, or possibly the opposite. As'ariiez had alrerady lost his sense of direction moving through the tunnels. As the last of the creatures marched on, As'ariiez released his grip, landing on his feet, and continued onwards. Luckily, he spotted a light in the distance, and upped his pace, eventually emerging from the ground and into a forest, somewhat darkened from the amount of tree's surrounding him. The scuttling noise returned, instinctively As'ariiez equipped his blade, cautiously looking about for the source. To his surprise another creature spawned from the tunnel behind As'ariiez, charging towards him. He ran to the nearest tree, sprinting up the bark and leaping to a large branch. The creature surprisingly followed him up the tree and onto the branch at a slower pace. As'ariiez waited for the creature to get close enough before leaping to a branch above and climbing to the opposite side of the creature, he then dropped back onto the branch and sliced it in half, causing the branch to fall below along with the creature, stunning it momentarily. He used this opportunity to drop down and plunge his blade into the creatures armor, but not enough to be fatal. As'ariiez gripped tight as the creature tried to throw him off, eventually letting out a cry of pain. The blade was in deep but soon As'ariiez will lose his grip, being thrown off and without a weapon to defend himself.

Looking out of the bushes, the Azure Knight's eyes followed some movements a bit away. She saw a figure coming out of the ground near the same tunnel she came from, but this one was also immediately attacked by Night Lurkers. The figure ran towards the trees, followed by the insects. The Azure Knight rose up to defend him just as he jumped down to stab the beast, but seemingly doing little. The Azure Knight took aim with her crossbow and sent a steel bolt into the brain case of the Night Lurker. It struggled and squirmed for a moment, before it became still. However before words could be exchanged, two more Night Lurkers emerged from the darkness to do battle. The Azure Knight met them quickly, dropping her crossbow and bashing away the insects with her kite shield. They tried to bite for her limbs, but her shield proved it's worth by deflecting their mandibles. Shortly after forcing them to rethink their assault, she drew the Azure Light, and charged at them.

As a steel bolt penetrated the skull of the creature and it lay still, As'ariiez looked up at what appeared to be a Knight the likes of which he had never seen. He observed the stranger only for a moment before two more creatures emerged from the tunnel, attacking the Knight. As'ariiez ripped his blade from the creatures lifeless body and quickly jumped to the ground, reaching for his satchel and pulling out a homemade bomb similar to a claymore. As the Knight bashed away at the creatures As'ariiez prepared the bomb in front of him. The Knight charged at one creature, As'ariiez whistled, catching the attention of the other. As it charged towards him he backed away slowly. Fortunatley the creature triggered the bomb, which delayed for a moment before blowing the bottom half of the creature to pieces, doing signifigant damage, causing it to move slowly. As'ariiez sprinted towards the creature and shoved his blade into it's skull, killing it instantly. He removed the weapon and looked to the Knight, ready to assist if need be.
The Azure Knight engaged in single combat with one of the Night Lurkers. Her recent battles against them have prepared her mentally and physically with how to best deal with them. The Night Lurker ludged at her like a wild beast, only to be knocked aside by her shield. The Azure Knight thrusted her sword at the beast, trying to stab it in between it's armored chitin. She managed to wedge her blade in, however the beast managed to slip free and try to go for the other. "You cannot escape!" The Azure Knight gave chase, but stopped when the other person somehow caused and explosion. This split second scare also affected the Night Lurker, who paused to reconsider it's attack stategy. But before it could really do anything, the Azure Knight was once again upon the beast. She jumped high as she coudl into the air, and brought the tip of the Azure Light into the beast's armored plates. Her sword cut through, and from there she began to stab it repeatidly, until the beast was still once more.

After the Azure Knight retrieved her belongings, she turned towards the stranger. Though it was still dark, she could tell that this man was no mere citizen, as he was clad in light steel armor, and had the inginuity to use parts of the Night Lurker's own armored carapace to serve as replacement parts for his armor. That explosion from before also suggested that he might have dabbled in magic, or perhaps alchemical experiments. Both are the same to her, as far as the Azure Knight was concerned with. "You there. Who are you and what are you doing so far out of the city?

As'ariiez observed and was impressed as the Knight repeatidly stabbed the beast until it lay still, and pondered whether or not this was the first the Knight had seen of these creatures. He wiped off the grime from the creatures off of his armor and blade. After doing so As'ariiez observed the Knight, as they locked eyes he noticed the Knight's helmet glow blue and pondered, was this stranger even human? He also took note of the Knight's shield, although the rest of the armor was a black, blue and silver the shield appeared to belong to some type of city guard, meaning one of two things, the shield was given to the Knight by guardsmen of the like, or the Knight stlole it, possibly off the dead body of a guard. As'ariiez gripped his blade as the Knight spoke. "You there. Who are you and what are you doing so far out of the city?

"City?" As'ariiez thought to himself. He wasn't aware that he was near a city. As'ariiez realized at that moment he had no idea where he was, the last place he remembered being is on some group of bandit's ship. He spent about 20 minutes ransacking the captains quarters for a family heirloom that had been stolen. He was to return it for a reward until he realized they had set sail, and the ship was full of marauders, who inevitably took him as a prisoner, but not before he could swallow the ring. When the ship anchored down somewhere, he was blindfolded, thrown into a carriage and was to be taken somewhere to "Have that stupid ring ripped from his intestines," as he recalled. Although he did remember one of the bandits in the cabin say something about Vekia.

Hesitant to answer, he said "My name is As'ariiez. I was exploring the forest. Who are you? Are you with the guardsmen? That shield doesn't appear to belong to you," As'ariiez gripped his blade tighter.

"A strange time to be out exploring. No, I'm not a guardsman, merely a knight in the service of the city. This shield was given to me by the city guards as I was sent to find the source of these Night Lurkers. I am known as the Azure Knight." The Azure Knight noted As'ariiez tighten his grip, but she cold understand why; he was scared, scared of more Night Lurkers, scared of her. Waiting for a chance to strike. Well, the Azure Knight didn't particularly care for it; she has no reason to harm him unless he gave her one. As far as she could tell, however, this tunnel led to nowhere. She was not familiar to these forests, though she imagined that the Night Lurkers were. Her hunger for adventure told her to venture forth to find the fiends, but her brain reminded her that she was in unfamiliar territory, with only this stranger as a tenuous ally. She needed to return to the city and see what the guardsmen knew, perhaps even get her reward. It would be more efficent if she worked with them instead of playing Knight Errant. "Night falls, and more of these Lurkers may still be prowling in the darkness. I aim to return to the city and report my findings. If you wish, you may accompany me. It would be safer for the both of us, that is for certain."

As the Azure Knight introduced herself As'ariiez's worry faded. Night Lurkers? So she was familiar with the things. They were able to emerge not only from the ground but also the cabin he was kept prisoner in, had they infiltrated the city this knight spoke of? And if so, was it only here, or could the same be happening in Ryyz? As'ariiez was filled with questions and it appeared the Azure Knight would have or would know who would have these answers. "I accept your offer, Azure Knight, lead the way.

Nodding her her silently the Knight turned on her heel and pointed her sword skyward. Suddenly, the blade was engulfed in a blue light, illuminating the darkness. There was no need to hide now, so holding her sword out she began to walk. Occasionally she would see a Night Lurker in the distance, but when she casted her shining sword at them they fled into the shadows. The trip of largely silent until she reached the city gates. It was locked tightly, no doubt to ensure that no Night Lurkers or other invaders came in from the outside. It took a while, but soon the doors opened, with a convoy of guardsmen aiming their crossbows at both her and As'ariiez. "I mean you no harm. I am the Azure Knight, and I was sent by the leader of the guardsmen to find the source of the Night Lurkers. I have returned to report my findings." The guardsmen were still on edge but allowed her to go through. When they asked about As'ariiez, she did not lie. "He is with me, and helped me fight off the Night Lurkers. He will cause no trouble, I assure you." When asked if he was her squire, the Azure Knight smirked underneath her helmet. "Something like that, perhaps."

The city was much different than it was before. Not the peaceful and screne city of stone like it was in the morning, nor the blood-filled streets of just a few hours ago. The city was wounded, but also healing. Various magicians were out restoring damage done to the stonework, which made the Azure Knight edgy. She could feel the presence of Aether Wraiths lingering nearby. She wanted to stay, to fight them, to defend the people. But her worries were for naught, as no Wraiths came to harm them. She moved on towards the city hall where the captains of the guards where. She was met with better reception there than at the gates, though she was told to wait as the captains were in some meeting.

As'ariiez looked with curiosity at the Azure Knight's weapon. He had seen swords and bows surrounded by fire, sometimes even ice, but had never come across a weapon like this, or it's effects, as Night Lurkers flee'd into the forest one by one at the sight of the Knight's blade. As'ariez was startled at the welcoming the guards gave them and was tempted to run, until the Azure Knight introduced herself. When they asked of As'ariiez's nature, he looked up to the Azure Knight, and wasn't entirely sure what her response would be, but was relieved when she announced his appearance. "Better a squire than a corpse," As'ariiez said as he and the Azure Knight walked into the gates.
Walking through the city one of his questions were answered, the Night Lurkers had definitley made their way into the city. He was at sea for about a week, and wasn't sure when these attacks had begun. If they reached Ryyz, he would most likely have no home to go to, as his was not surrounded by the walls of the desert cities, and could be filled with Night Lurlers. As they arrived to what appeared as the city hall, the guards here seemed to recognize the Azure Knight, unlike the ones from before. As they waited, As'ariiez asked "Did you find anything whilst in the tunnels?"

"Not really." The Azure Knight spoke with some dissapointment. "The tunnels were large, but none of them led to anywhere in particular. Which is strange; I beleive Night Lurkers tunnel into the ground to nest. I had half expented to run into a large hive of them, but the tunnels were fairly straitforward. They were more like sapper tunnels than beast tunnels... Which tells me that the Night Lurkers are either more inteligent than I have given them credit for, or something it controling them. " That was a frightful thought. Night Lurkers were indeed foes that should not be taken lightly, but at the same time their beastial mind made them preditable, easy to control through fear. But if someone inteligent or simply sentient led them, the Night Lurkers would become a ferious force to contend with. They were far stronger than the average man, had natrual armored carapace, and were much more manuverable. The idea that inteligence was added to their strengths gave the Azure Knight a shutter. "I suspect that the ones here know this much already, so I'm afraid to say that my mission yielded little results. Though if I may ask, what are you still doing here?" The Azure Knight turned her head towards As'ariiez. His armor suggested that he was not a stranger to danger, but his lack of supplies either meant that he had just escaped a situation, or was foolish enough to travel with nothing but the clothes on his back. "What I said at the gates were to ensure that you were not punished for things out fo your control. However I will not force you to stay with me or to actually become my squire... Unless you wish to do so."

As'ariiez had never seen the likes of Night Lurkers before, with the talk of hives and the amount of damage they appeared to deal upon the city they must be in large numbers. For a species such as them to be controlled by a higher being sounds like something that could lead to very drastic results. As'ariiez is a thief, and occasionally bounty hunter for hire, but if these Night Lurkers began to arise all over Astas, the last thing on peoples minds will be posessions and cold justice. When the Azure Knight asked of As'ariiez's intentions he realized he may have overstayed his welcome with the stranger, who appeared to have a lot on her mind. He chuckled at the knight's words of becoming a squire. "Unfortunatley I do not, I would never live my life in such a way. I don't think I thanked you for that by the way, I appreciate it. I was hoping to have a word with a captain or someone of the sorts. If what you say is true, and these creatures are being controlled by a superior figure, I feel they are capable of doing much more than merely attacking a city, which appeared to already have done a signifigant amount of damage. I intend to offer my services to the captain of the guard, or someone of higher power, should they decline I will be on my way, but I imagine any amount of help would be appreciated." As'ariiez eyed the Azure Knight's shield, and recalled how useful it served her in bashing away the Night Lurkers. "I also wouldn't mind getting my hands on a shield as effective as yours." Although As'ariiez seeked to also make some type of profit from assisting the city, any payment or reward for his assistance would be a bonus, as getting rid of the Night Lurker threat and getting back to business would be a reward on its own.

Though her helmet consealed her face, the Azure Knight smiled. Sure the fellow admited that the life of a squire was not his, but that was his choice to make. She was actually more happy that As'ariiez was willing to offer his service for the city. Sure, for a price, but that was a given. Even the most opprotunistic men wouldn't sign up for such a mission if they knew of the danger, which As'ariiez knew of. He was likely a brave sort, even if he was in it for the money. The Azure Knight could not expect everyone to live up to her standards. "That sounds like a excelent idea. I would not mind to help you, seeing that I have inadvertantly joined forces with them. Though we should make it clear that you are an independant agent, as I would not want any misunderstanding to arrise." As'ariiez also commented on the usefulness of the shield that the Azure Knight was given. She had to admit, it had served her quite well. It's herald, which had the generic icon of the city of Vekia, was scratched and worn but still visable. "Perhaps. We shall see, yes?"

Xavier was satisfied with the work they had done, he pulled out another hip flask from his cloak and handed it to Alteral "Here you need it more than me." He says and winks at the other vampire. He looks towards another man whow as coming up, one in a house guards livery...one of those house guards, Desol... He turns to the man his face a grim mask now, the man looks at him and towards Alteral then back towards Xavier. "Would you come with us sir." The man motions towards the other guards now following him, more Desol dogs Xavier figured by the livery and that damned sigil on their armor. He looked down at the human "Why, I have not attacked your house, or anyone else associated with it, I aided these people with the Night Lurkers...free of charge I might add." He says disgruntled. The guard captain looks at him now getting annoyed as well "We saw how you and the others fought, we would ask you to follow us to speak with our master, Lord Haklo Desol if you wouldn't mind." Xavier smirked, raising his hood "Why not lead the way boys." He says then looks at Alteral "Be back sooner or alter mate, I'll buy you a drink then we can talk." He says turning back and following the guards, this would give him a good idea of his enemies' strengths and what he could do about enacting the first stages of his plans now. He followed the guards through the gore heavy streets, there were still some Lurkers about and the group easily dispatched the rest of the lurkers and continued to the square, where Xavier saw, was heavily fortified from the night before. He also noticed many other house guards and from what it looked like memebrs of all three houses...normally a abd thing for him as he didn't like being around any of the houses as it would lead to bigger jobs and people remembering him maybe...he looked around cheking the entire area out, and saw a young man in Desol finery speaking to guards and other people. His entourage leading him to this man. "Lord Haklo, here is one of the people that helped with exterminating the night lurker threat." The Captain says, bowing to the man then walking to a distance where he wouldn't hear their conversation but would still be able to jump in if the need arose. Xavier tilted his head, he was studying the young man, and said "So what can I do for you Lord Desol?" He asks and gives a small bow.

Haklo had been gathering up some belongings and talking with various personale about his impending mission. He would need supplies, maps and sending messengers to gather capable warriors as there were a few that stood up to the . He was given a special scrying stone that could be activated with another stone to communicate with the high mages of Vekia. He was just sending the last one out to get the Azure Knight when his guards arrived escorting a black clad man. Haklo listened to his guard and then at the man, looking at him straight in the eyes with his icy blue eyes. "Find what did this and take care of it" He said to the man, straight and to the point. "The house mages have found out a possible locations of where the source of those things or where the thing that is controlling the lurkers is located. I am going to go there and find out for sure and stop it if possible. Due to the intregate layout of the caves, I am gathering only a small team of capable people to assist me. You were seen fighting the lurkers and obviously you seemed capable enough to be offered a chance to assist the people of vekia. You will be rewarded, of course" Haklo said, nodding to him. "Don't be mistaken, you have a choice. You are not being drafted" He added.

=====

Among others that would be met with messengers were Kwan, the famous healer of Vekia, Grace of the militia, another black clad magic caster seen on the street, Skender by the behest of Lord Vintair, a scantily clad whip wielder by the suggestion of various guardsmen, a Rath'Kar skara who was seen with Xavier currently talking with the lord who had sent for all these people and some other names known in Vekia.

Lord Haklo trusted in the judgement of those he sent to potential allies and he was going to be quite generous with their reward. Heroes were always good for business.

Grace followed the messenger in confusion, wondering what House Desol would want with her. along the way she saw several other people being led by Desol messengers, which only served to increase her uncertainty. When she was brought before Lord Haklo, she discarded her questions and simply kneeled, head bowed. "It is an honor, Lord. What is it that you require of me?" Unseen by anyone else, Logic snorted in contempt just outside of Grace's sight. Grace steadfastly ignored the specter, focusing her attention on Haklo's answer.

---

Alteral was almost out of the city when the messenger caught him, and he grudgingly followed the man. He kept his head low and tried not to think about his growing hunger on the way, keeping himself under control as best he could. He managed to distract himself when they reached their destination, bowing silently to the young noble and silently starting to put together a fire spell while he waited for an explanation.

As The Azure Knight waited her audience with Lord Haklo, someone arrived to speak to her. "What's this all about?" She listened to the man dressed in mage garmets, initially very wary. She did not trust the magic user, as it was unknown to her who his alliance truly falls in with, and claimed to be speaking on behalf of Lord Haklo. She was hesitant, but decided that even if it were a trap, she was confident that she could defeat who ever would dare try to corner her. Or if it wasn't a trap, than she gets to see Lord Haklo, which was what she wanted to do in the first place. "I believe I've been called to see the young lord. Come with me if you wish."

The Azure Knight soon arrive where Lord haklo was, and to her bemusement, she saw a few familiar faces. There was the renegade she had confronted earlier on the rooftops, as well as the fellow guard who the Azure Knight assisted during the same chase. There were others she did not know however, an felt that Lord Haklo did not merely call her to reward and congratulate her on her mission. As she was within earshot, the Azure Knight bent down onto one knee. "Milord." She spoke lou an clearly, before standing back on on her feet, her right hand holding onto her great sword as it sat on her shoulder (since there was no other way she could carry it).

As'ariiez observed the city surrounding him as he awaited council with a captain or authority figure of some sort. It was obvious today was a day that would be remembered for years to come. From what he witnessed on his way to city hall, a significant amount of lives had been taken due to the Night Lurker invasion. Damage had been dealt, but even so, the city felt somewhat calm. People moved about immediately going to work as if dealing with the creatures was part of their daily lives. People worked together repairing shops and tending to the wounded. Some people even came together, crying on one another's shoulder in mourning for the loved ones that would no longer be in their lives. It was an intriguing sight, one As'ariiez admired.

As he did, an odd looking mage walked up to the Azure Knight, speaking to her directly and appeared to be speaking for a man who went by the name Lord Haklo, who sounded like just the person As'ariiez is trying to find. He was hoping the Azure Knight would invite him along, fortunately she did. He nodded, and followed her through the building. The pair entered the room, and to his surprise was filled with a few people he had never met before. They had all bowed to a tall man with long black hair, and piercing blue eyes. It would be safe to assume this was Lord Haklo the mage had spoke of. It surprised As'ariiez to see even the Azure Knight kneel in respect. He quickly did so himself as to not show disrespect.

Xavier looked at Haklo, watching him with predatory eyes was more accurate as the young noble spoke of his assignment and need for strong individuals. He looked to the side feigning boredom and noticed the others coming as well, The hunter, the priest Alterel, that accursed loud mouth he almost physically flinched seeing the knight again, the guardswoman, and others he did not recognize. He nodded "You have my blade for as long as you can pay my fee, I'm, afterall a mercenary, not like these people." He says and looks away looking around, looking for...something, his eyes a light for a second and he rubs them tiredly. "I need to find a place to sleep, somewhere that I don't have to worry about stray people and whatnot, got anywhere in mind?" He asks more of aquesiton for the first person to speak up than towards the Noble.

Thalen was in a tavern by the time the messenger found him. It wasn't really hard to find Rath'Kár warriors due to their masks and colorful attire. The skara was having a drink when the messenger found him and he pretty much dismissed him at first but at the promise of not only reward but a great hunt.for the mastermind of the Lurker attack. He put on his mask after downing his drink in a large gulp and practically ran to Lord Haklo's meeting with the messenger struggling to keep up.

The Skara hunter arrived to the meeting just when everyone except one or two and he was clearly about to explain what he was requesting to them all.

"I am glad that you could all make it" The nobleman said and giving the others a small bow of his head as a seemingly show of respect. He had waited for all to arrive within an appropriate time to explain. "As I have explained to him" He started, gesturing to Xavier. "I have sent for you because the House Mages have investigated the Lurkers and have deduced that they are being controlled and its suspected that the mastermind might be in the nearby mountain caves as stated by trustworthy sources. I am going to be leading a small group to find and either capture or kill the threat, or find and report the location to a larger force. The caves are treacherous which is the reason for the small group. I offer you an oppertunity to join and not only will you be rewarded with riches but titles as it is fitting for such a task" He said to them all with his arms spread as if gesturing to them all. "If you accept, accommodations will be given to you in the Desol Estate where you will be fitted with gear and will be able to rest until dawn which is when the group shall make its way to the caverns"

"If it means glory of hunting down such a worthy prey, you have my strength to add to your quest" Thalen the Skara Hunter said to the nobleman, stepping forward with a hand resting on his whip and a smile creeping beneath his mask.

The immortal mercenary looked at the nobleman while he made the speech, to him a second time, and looked at how the others reacted. The hunter was more than pleased for the glory of the hunt so he also decided to chime in "If the money is right you have spell and blade of the best mercenary in the land." He says quietly, almost a predatory growl. "Looks like we're a merry band of misfits though," He says looking back at everyone else, he kind of liked it, they were all different, colorful, powerful, and they all were trustworthy to some extent...a little crazy but who wasn't in this band, going after whatever was controlling those beasts would be a hell of a battle and it made him excited, something he hadn't been for over three hundred years. This begat a very feral grin from his lips, as he thought of it, similarly to how Thalen must have been thinking as it was a hunt for both of them at this point, although Xavier's more primal instincts were making him happy for it.