[IC] Spells in the Dark: The Shadow Queen (18+ For dark and suggestive themes)

[Ellion]

The last of the leaves shook as the first breeze of winter swept through the dead forest. The rattling sound leaving a constant reminder that the frost was on its way. To the west, the warm lights of the village could be seen. The village, despite its late hour, was still full of listless activity as it people made their way around. Only the most luxurious of stores were closed at this late hour, all other remaining open to accommodate their unique patrons.

The road leading into the village had been surprisingly empty all day. And now in this hour, only one soul could be seen on it, a man of perhaps thirty or so. Instead of walking towards the village, he stood staring deep into the forest, occasionally taking small steps off the path.

Before long the lone stranger on the road to Seren's Folly had company in the form of another, sharply dressed and walking towards town. Sharply dressed and covered from head to boot in a fur coat. The second stranger moved directly towards the other, shifting his hooded cloak to get a look of the fellow traveler. Still yet there wasn't a reason to not approach, especially since they were in his path.

Strolling closer and closer to the stranger the sharply dressed man reached up, revealing a glint of silver on his left wrist before firmly gripping the edge of his furred hood, pulling it away to reveal his skin to the frigid morning air. Taking a breath to only see it mist from his maw and crisp around him.

"Hail friend. You seem distracted and on a road as this that can lead to trouble." He started, taking a few more cautious steps forward before picking back up with his voice, "What brings you this way?" Once concluded he watched the stranger, curious, yet cautious as there was a chill in the air that wasn't caused by the rising Winter winds.

The man jumped, turning quickly around at the voice, a look of totally confusion crossed his face. He spared the new man less than a second before quickly turning his head back to the forest, as though afraid he'd miss something should he look away for too long. "I'm...Nox--No you didn't ask that... I'm looking for ---" He froze."Did you see that," he said pointing into the very dark, very empty woods. "That light, I think," he seemed unsure, looking that the new man for confirmation. "You see it, right?"

The other stranger watched as the man spoke and jumped at his words. Though from them he couldn't help but glean a curiosity that shifted from the man to the woods. Looking to where Nox pointed, he saw nothing. Taking a few more steps towards Nox the other stranger looked back to Nox, still very cautious given his body language. Once he was closer he spoke out once again, "I see no lights. Where do you see them friend?" Knowing that they were in the forests of Seren's Folly and many wild, wicked, and magical things existed all around them.

"It is right there," he said, pointing to nothing. "How can you not see it," Letting out a sigh, the agitated Nox made to turn back to the man. "And, since you call me friend, who are--It doesn't matter. Look! Right there!" he said hushed whispers.

The formal stranger looked once again when Nox pointed and called out to the light, yet he still did not see it. He moved closer and closer to Nox until he was but a few paces away, but still he couldn't see whatever light Nov was raving about. No matter how much he squinted or looked, there was nothing but the cold, dark forest. "There is nothing there." He told Nox, turning away from the woods to look at the strange man.

"You've scared it!" Nox shouted suddenly, his voice full of uncalled for frustration. Glaring at the man for a second before rushing off into the dark.

The stranger watched as Nox charged into the woods, vanishing from sight chasing who knows what. Yet it did not concern him, so he paid it no mind. Turning back on his path towards Seren's Folly he walked alone the cold road, pulling his hood back over his head to stay warm.

Before long the stranger made entry into the quaint and cozy village that housed many a villager as well as Hunter. Yet where the most activity seemed to happen was the destination of the man. Approaching the door he opened it wide to step into the warm and boisterous halls of the Witches Paradise, the town's tavern. Once out of the cold air the stranger took down his hood, showing his familiar face to the patrons. Though it wasn't to much praise. Regardless he strode in taking a seat on one of the many tables positioned in the back. Looking around it was clear to see a crowd had already begun to form. With patrons buying drink after drink at the bar, the mother of the tavern, Abby, working away faithfully, and of course the job board that only a few folks were visiting to inspect and investigate what new news had come to their little home.

"Lusius," came a elderly voice from behind the counter. "Usual?" asked Abby, pulling out a mug and pouring an amber liquid. "You haven't happened to see Marcus? Useless lay-about,"

Lusius looked up from his lonesome table and over to Abby. She was a sweet old woman, "Yes Abby. Thank you." He started in response to her first question, yet for her second he could only say, "I have not. I only just got back into town moments ago. I'm sure he's fine, probably just off messing with the locals again." Setting his arms down on the table his left clanking, patiently waiting for time to pass on by and as it did more and more familiar faces started to join the crowds. Still there was a shadow across Abby's face, something was bothering her and when she brought over his drink he asked, "What's wrong Abby? You seem troubled."

"Just old lady musings. Have a second on the house, you're going to need it," she said, before vanishing off to find her unhelpful help.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Winter had settled lightly in the mountains, while the village below still enjoyed a few last breaths of fall before the final frost set in. Inside the castle was little warmer than out, despite the many magical fires that had been placed in its rooms and halls. From an opening in the wall, no doubt left by some misfire made tens of years ago, Rose could see the distance lights of the village far below. “The hunters have been busy it seems, no doubt following the sisters who come here,” she said, turning to face the only other occupant of the room. “This is good, although we’ll have to work faster, the mountain will only keep the hunters at bay for so long,” As she spoke, we breath came out in small clouds of steam.

In truth, it wasn’t the hunters that worried her the most, they could be dealt with in time, no it was something else, she had no more than a feeling to go off of, but it was growing ever stronger. “Has anything else been found? Apart from that creature in the West Wing?”

Mirai’s arms were crossed, eyes fixed on the town below with a look of disdain. Normally an expedition into the mountains would be held off until warmer months, but it appeared as if the number of witches gathering in one area was far too great of a challenge for them to pass up. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips while she thought, shifting her gaze back to Rose as she asked her question. “Come now, you secretly think he’s cute too don’t you?” The black haired witch laughed, the sound echoing about the frozen halls. “The living quarters should be the easiest to fix, shouldn’t take very long at all. It’s the South Wing I’m worried about. Some of the doors are warded shut, even after all this time. Without any record of what was in that wing, it’s hard to determine whether such measures were taken to keep people out, or to keep something locked away. Other than that, though, place has been a real bore. Almost makes a girl wish those pesky little rats would scurry up here already.” Mirai uncrossed her arms and linked her fingers together, stretching them above her head to pop the length of her spine.

Relaxing her stance, Mirai returned her gaze out to the town below with a smirk. “If you’re worried about time, I’d be more than willing to raise a little hell to buy you some. All you have to do is say the word.” Her crimson eyes sparked, perhaps a little too excited about her suggested course of action. After all, if the hunters were going to be foolish enough to challenge an entire coven of witches, who was she to deny them death?

“In time perhaps, we aren’t the only creatures that are described by their presence here. Let us let those creatures try first to discourage our friends down there. Besides, I need you here. For as many strong witches as we’ve gained, there are still a few who need a little...loving guiding with their powers,” she said with a smile on her face, imagining the poor soul who would dare to have Mirai as a mentor. “And there is no one I’d rather have by my side when we unseal those doors,” Shaking her head. “Come, we should go ...encourage our little worker bees. I am sure your pet is absolutely pinning for you right now,”

“I did leave him alone with Sunni to make sure he stays out of trouble, can’t coddle him too much.” Mirai snickered before sticking her head out the hole in the wall. Fingers to her lips, Mirai let out a loud whistle that would summon Sunni, as well as the boy she was babysitting, to her side. “They’ll meet us in the main hall. Would you like the honors of calling the rest?” She asked with an exaggerated bow and a playful grin.

“Only the bored ones,” She said before waving her hand, sending a gentle ringing sound that could be heard anywhere within the castle property.
_________________________
_{Collaboration with @WeepingLiberty and @Deos Morran}

[Fetzen]

Jared wasn't very eager to get out of bed. It was just so beautifully warm in here while even the most shoddy look out of the small window was telling him that temperatures were plummeting outside as crystals of ice had started to grow from the edges to the center. An arm that almost seemed to be too long to belong to any human reached lazily for another chunk of wood and tossed it into the open fireplace that had been defending him against the cold since last evening. A bit too late however - the loner living in this farmhouse had picked up an infection some days ago and still was busy recovering. The things keeping boredom away ? A book and Khan. Well... there was some interconnection between the two things. Let's just say that the book had not been published by an exactly ordinary, mortal printer. Many details of the story were so rotten as the strange paper it was printed on appeared to be. Yet - much to Jared's dismay and Khan's fortune - the pages had turned out to be much more robust than anticipated.

The thin tome was slammed on the small desk next to his bed. Enough! He'd not spend yet another day on laying around doing nothing. Rather bad developments were making progress out there and he had to go for another inspection run. Not to the castle, but to Seren's Folley. These damn hunters had such a nice board there on which they diligently noted everything they intended doing within the next weeks. Jared already had considered stealing the thing and subjecting it to thermal disposal below the chimney more than once, but the plan never came to execution. Today it wouldn't either, so much was for sure. But maybe something interesting was to be seen there ? He could also buy some liquor...

I feel obliged to inform you that you are likely going to infect people when you go there and have to cough.
Women you want to say ? According to my observations, the ratio of men to women standing next to this job board is out of proportion to the same ratio in the general population. I'll temporarily decimate competition. You have to approve this!

Khan gently zapped his host and then went silent until the latter one was fully dressed. Over the years Jared had learned that this meant that Khan was giving in to the argument (but was too proud to openly admit it).

Knowing that he'd not have to expose himself to the chilly weather outside, Jared had gone without putting on much more than his thick woolen and hooded cloak painted in white and red. It would protect him for the short distance he had to walk, but maybe appear a bit strange because it was frayed. But who was Jared to care about this ? There was a nice little cave hidden in the woods adjacent to Seren's Folley he almost always selected as his target. Noone would be there to see his arrival and so it was today.

The farmer entered the tavern, his head easily reaching up to the wooden crossbeams supporting the upper floor. Ducking, Jared approached the job board without caring much about looking left and right.

[shagranoz]

Two weeks. It had been two weeks since Kalisel landed. Two weeks since she had first experienced the miseries of hunger, exhaustion, and pain. And mortals could live like this for eighty years or more? Perhaps they were braver than the former angel first thought.

She'd been spending most of her time at The Witch's Paradise, giving her sorrows a bath of mead and wine. The jobs had been few and far between, and she was still getting her feet under her as a human. She wouldn't have been surprised if a few of the town's old women were starting to gossip about her by now.

"Abby, a cup of your best red and a plate of ham, if you please."

Jenny was busily trying to rebuild one of the walls in the East Wing of the castle. Earth magic was never her strong suit, but with much grunting, straining, and waving her hands, she'd piled the heavy stones to chest height. The young witch sank to her knees, her magic and patience utterly spent. Drawing her black cloak around her, she muttered, "Someone should think about summoning some minions to take the load off our backs. Maybe go down into town and enthrall some of the locals, too."

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Celia Mockett~

---

A lone figure moved through the forest, moving at a slow and unhurried pace through the moonlit woods. A thin white cloak covered their body, and under it a white robe of the same color. Despite the relatively light garment, the figure didn't seem bothered much by the cold or the fact it was traveling through a dangerous forest at night. One might mistake the figure for a ghost or spirit of sorts, if one was the wary sort. Slowly, the figure came to a stop as if it had trouble stopping itself from moving and turned its head towards the sky. White strands of hair were caught in a cool breeze as it passed, a quiet, tired voice breaking the silence of the forest. The moon was beautiful tonight, but of course it was always beautiful.

"...I've wondered a bit too far." She grumbled quietly. How tiring. She had rather enjoyed the quiet walk, and had gotten a bit distracted by the smells of the forest. Of course, now she'd have to walk back, and she honestly didn't want to head back to the castle and possibly work like she was pretty sure Rose would make her...or worse, study. All those tiring troublesome things that mildly irritated her that she really didn't need. The night was much too beautiful to spend the time indoors doing such work. She'd rather be outside under the soft moonlight, doing the one thing she did best.

Sleep.

Celia yawned as she fell to her knees as she let herself fall, followed shortly by her upper body hitting the ground with a quiet thud, her face hitting the ground in a very careless fashion. The cool ground would be her bed for a bit. As comfortable as beds were, she still couldn't help but to like the feeling of sleeping on the ground with cool grasses and leaves beneath her as her bedding. With another yawn, the girl dragged her arms across the ground, bringing them to where her head rest as she piled a few leaves under her head, making a makeshift pillow. She wasn't worried about being beset upon by any sort of animals. They tended to avoid her, after all and as far as hunters or some sort of person went...well, she'd deal with that if and when it happened.

A final yawn escaped her lips as she rubbed her head against the makeshift pillow.

...the forest smelled lovely tonight, didn't it?

[Noxx]

Hyestia

Some foolish man ran into the woods chasing after some ridiculous light, he may or may not have seen rustling the bushes and alerting literally every sentry snake that patrolled that area. From one serpent to another word passed quickly, much faster than the man could even hope to run even if he didn’t know what was happening in the slightest. Eventually, word got to the center of the woods, which so happened to be a massive clearing where a single house stood, granted it was an extremely well-built house, but in the middle of a mostly dead forest seemed suspicious over all thus giving a reason why so many security patrols were set. One snake in particular slithered its way inside a crack created specifically for it and other things like rodents looking to escape the cold from the cold and snow covered landscape on the outside to the roasting supernaturally hot interior of the house. From one room to another the snake made its way steadily to the bedroom where its master was intending to spend the entire winter. Curling its long body against the leg of the bed it made a spiraling motion up to the mattress and under the covers, popping out at the top right, next to Hyestia who was lying down on top of the covered completely naked.

From toes to her ample chest there wasn’t the slightest piece of cloth covering her cream-colored skin, she liked to bake in the heat naturally like this especially during the winter. Without the need to flare her magical powers her body looked completely human, sweat rolling down her body made it shine, this was indeed her ideal state of being until her little servant ruined it. Taking a deep sigh, she turned her head to look at it opening her eyes to stare it down looking quite upset she was interrupted.

“And why was this so important for you to tell me this?” she asks, sitting up completely the pupils in her eyes completely vanishing only to be replaced by a nauseating swirling accompanied by a mixture of colors. In some form of incomprehensible language that only Hissy and other snakes could understand it explained itself to which she just hung her head in disappointment.

“So the human claims something else he saw was in the woods but couldn’t make it…. Well, that’s… helpful in a completely sarcastic way,” Hyestia said, getting up from her bed and dawning her signature green scales as well as some extra clothing to protect her body against the elements “Still, it’s interesting enough, if nothing else I’m sure they're hungry,” she spoke to herself stepping out of the house

[13org]

Emmerich

Emmerich couldn't remember when it was the last time he slept at night. Changing the night for the day was something that became routine for him. It wouldn't be good either if others only see him at night, so the hours he slept were fragmented thorough the day and the beginning of the night. There were enough rumors about him already, the last thing he needed is problems with the locals.
With the head full of thoughts, he entered the Witches Paradise.
"Gutten Abend, gentlemen." he said upon entering the tavern, taking off his hat in a brief bow. As much as he would like to remain unnoticed, which was almost impossible, due to his height and especially due to the big, unique crossbow in his back, it would be tremendously rude to not greet others upon entering.

His Fragmentierte Seele made a subtle, cadenced noise as it touched the ground as he calmly walked towards the job board.
"Good hunting." he said to the man who was already looking at it, while grabbing a random note, only looking at the reward price, choosing one that he deemed to be a "decent" payment and retiring himself to the table near the window.

As he sat down, he looked outside. A beautiful full moon shone brightly in the sky, almost as if it was calling him. Something inside him was deeply attracted by the moon.
"Ahh~ Zee moon sure is beautiful tonight, isn't it? Almost like its calling for us vis her irresistible song." he said to no one in particular, putting the crossbow over the table and started spinning the Fragmentierte Seele on his hands, its wickedly white edge reflecting the moonlight. Almost like he was in some kind of trance, his eyes were fixed on the moon. But they weren't the same enigmatic eyes that entered the tavern. They hid something far more... primal, wicked and sinister.
He was unaware of it, but he was actually humming a very particular tone.

Humming

After finishing the tone, he abruptly stopped spinning the weapon on his hands. Almost like it was moving on its own, his right hand reached inside of his cloak. If one was paying attention, they would be able to see the half of something that appeared to be a mask, even without fully viewing it, it emanated a sinister feeling.

Breaking eye contact with the moon, Emmerich shook his head, hastily hiding again whatever it was that he was touching under his cloak.
His eyes turned back to the normal. Emmerich looked away from the window, displaying a concerned expression.
Standing up, he tucked the note he got at the job board inside his cloak after a brief inspection, put the crossbow on his back agani and walked to the bar.

Taking off his top hat and passing his hands through his hair, he approached the two individuals at the bar: A very elegant man and a beautiful blonde woman with an almost ethereal air.
"Gutten Abend mein Herr, mein Fräulein." he said, greeting both of them.
"I vould like to order the strongest sing you have, please." he said to the old lady behind the counter.
"We all drink to forget somesing, don't vee? Vell... there is somesing inside of me zat I need to forget... for now. Its not time yet." he said, with an awkward smile, a tired smile. He was fighting against it for so long... As much as he hated, it was part of him, an "IT" got very impatient when Emmerich refused to let him out. It was especially tough to control him on bright nights like that one.

---

Shai

"Just how has he seen me?! I was following and eavesdropping him, sure... But I took all the precautions for him to not notice me!" Shai thought to herself, while running as fast as she could away from the man, who was a few meters behind, running at after her.
Well... It would be true, only if wasn't for her star globe, reflecting the moonlight, just like a bright beacon in the middle of the dark forest, hovering above her, attracting the man to her just like moths are drawn to the fire.

She was near the cave which were the ruins she lived in. Afraid and panicking, she didn't even tried to lose the strange man, who was probably still following her. She could already see the cave, running straight for it, when suddenly she tripped over something, falling face first on the floor.
"Just wha-" she grumbled, looking down, only to see a white lady. Looking back, very worried she knelt near the white lady.
"Hey! Please wake up!" she called, shaking her. "Are you alive? Please wake up! We need to move! He is getting closer!"

Hearing footsteps approaching her quickly, she jumped out of surprise, falling over the white girl, quickly crawling back while looking to the moving leaves.
The sounds of footsteps grew louder and closer. In a reflex, she put her hands over her face waiting for a stone, arrows or bolts.
Instinctively, her star globe began to shine, the tarot deck spinning rapidly, forming a barrier around her while the thorn dices moved in an orbit around her and the white girl, perfurating and cutting leaves, branches and making holes on the trees nearby.

"GO AWAY! I DONT WANT TO HURT YOU!!"
"I DID NOTHING AT ALL!! WHY DO YOU HATE ME SO MUCH!? EVEN IF I TRY TO HELP YOU ITS ALWAYS THE SAME!!" the girl shouted, almost crying. Her voice was pure and beautiful, even when shouting like that.
"I-I don't like to kill innocent people, but... I will defend myself! So please... go away... I don't want to hurt people without any motive." She said, lowering her voice on the last phrase.

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Celia Mockett~

---

...

Sleep was so nice.

She rarely got such peaceful sleep lately. Between learning and the others being so incredibly loud, a nice quiet night sleeping in the forest was such a luxury she was tempted to stay there for the next week. Sleep was the only reprieve she had from the constant hunger, anger, and...want that plagued her. Maybe she'd have a nice dream. A dream that she was somewhere else, far away from here and away from these problems. It'd be a welcome dream, but lately sleep had been difficult to come by and keep.

It was always stirring. Yearning. Hungry. Within a few seconds her consciousness was drifting off into sleep. Her breathing slowed as she welcomed the silence of the forest. Unfortunately, it was a short lived peace. A curious scent drifted by, her keen nose picking it up quite easily. It smelled so nice. Perhaps she should get up, see what it was, but she was already almost asleep and since when had her curiosity ever done her any good?

Her stomach rumbled. It was heading this way, wasn't it? The though made the idea of getting up and greeting whatever smelled this nice so much more tantalizing.

...no. No, bad thoughts. She couldn't let herself think that way. It would be easy enough to lose herself if she wasn't careful. Celia hugged the makeshift pillow tighter. If she just laid here and ignored everything like usual, it'd pass and she'd get her much wanted and needed sleep.

and then something slammed into her side. Or rather, someone tripped over her.

"Just wha-"

They sounded annoyed. Yeah, well, join the club. Please do not shake the sleeping white-haired lady that might be a werecreature. She bites. And not and the fun ways.

"Hey! Please wake up! Are you alive? Please wake up! We need to move! He is getting closer!"

well, she suddenly was wishing she was dead. She wouldn't have to deal with this persons shaking. That aside...he was getting closer? She had no idea who he or who this girl was, but she didn't particularly care. She just wanted to sleep and this lady was making it incredibly difficult to do that.

"GO AWAY! I DONT WANT TO HURT YOU!! I DID NOTHING AT ALL!! WHY DO YOU HATE ME SO MUCH!? EVEN IF I TRY TO HELP YOU ITS ALWAYS THE SAME!! I-I don't like to kill innocent people, but... I will defend myself! So please... go away... I don't want to hurt people without any motive."

Ow. Her poor ears. Now she was being so very, very, loud. That small bit of annoyance turned into a small twinge of anger. She gripped the leaves on the ground tightly, the defenseless flora easily crumpling under her grip as she breathed in and out, letting the anger pass. It was too tiring to remain angry for long but she was probably not going to be getting any sleep here at this rate so it wasn't something to get too upset about.

"so," Interrupted by a yawn, Celia slowly pushed herself up to a sitting position. "...loud." She grumbled as unblinking, dull grey eyes fixed themselves upon Shai. She said nothing more, only looking at the odd creature in front of her with seeming nonchalance, not making any comments at all about her. She seemed distressed about something, though didn't she? It took her a few seconds to notice the magical defenses that had been formed around them.

...did she just get dragged into a fight or something?

...

"I dunno what's going on," Her voice was dry and monotone. "But I was sleeping."

She really didn't want to fight anything. Fighting was tiring...

[Dark Light]

@Ellion@WeepingLiberty

Arden

Chapter 1
Chores and duties

---

(Deep in the forest )

---

Arden cursed to himself as the brush end of the broom snapped to pieces in the massive mauling mouth of Mirai's monstrous sized giant bat, Sunni, who's attitude and demeanour were anything but that. He saw the irony in the name but could hardly appreciate it from his current status and position.
Arden's ears rung violently to the point of near debilitating dizziness as Sunni screamed and snapped at him. The powerful jaw and razor fanged teeth mere inches away from his face. To top off Arden's discomfort and make matters worse, the bats hot sticky breath caused a humid wet slime to build up all over his head and torso.

Arden hated that bat...
He knew the creature wasn't allowed to kill him, but it surely wasn't afraid to hurt him either. Sometimes he wondered if Miria would even punish it should it accidentally kill him. If it bit off his face or drop him from high in the sky.
With a fluster of rage Arden balled up his fist, stepped forward and punched the bat square in the face as hard as he could. He may as well have just punched a bull or elephant, it seemed utter pointless beside the faint relief it offered to his anger. Arden knew this and accepted it with a smile.

Sunni's clawed hand slashed out across Arden's arm, knocking the remainder of the broom from his grip. A second claw struck the fleshy part of his calf sweeping him to the floor with a heavy thud. The giant bat then proceeded to drag him violently across the floor and out of the cabin. At this point Arden knew he had to stop resisting.
Every wound could incite an exponential amount of pain if Miria took them as signs of disobedience.

Suddenly the near full weight of Sunni pressed down on Arden's chest, shooting the wind from his lungs as it stepped on him to get a good purchase with its back claws. This had not happened too many times in the past but it was defiantly Arden's least favourite method of travel. With a few mighty swoops Arden felt himself getting lifted from the floor.

Where in the hell are we going now and what does she have in store for me. he thought to himself as Sonni took off into the sky above the forest and flew towards the mountain with Arden dangling at its feet like some crippled helpless rat.

[Deos Morran]

Lusius Mathand

Interacting With: @13org

Lusius took another gulp of his drink. It wasn't anything particularly strong, but the ale helped to take the edge off without hampering his senses too badly. After all, he had to keep his wits about him less things grow to be more problematic. One thing he could be grateful for was that the night was calm and despite the riotous splendor of the tavern he was easily able to drown out the noise and just enjoy himself. Still he was not destined to remain alone when a man with a very heavy German accent came up to greet him. Nodding in response to his greeting as well as lifting his cup in a small show of respect. With another drink he listened to the German man's words before realizing that he had a point. Of course they lives with different burdens and he would never understand the one he carried, but that didn't make him any special or different as he'd never understand what burden he carried.

"Believe me... I understand friend." Lusius said, not mixing his words or even particularly trying to sound prophetic. He just knew that sometimes should just be forgotten. Still the stranger seemed like an interesting sort and didn't mind riding up to chat, so why not give him a fair's chance. "Who are you friend? I can't say that I can put a name to your face."

Lusius spoke the truth though. He'd spent about 20 years in Seren's Folly, but with new faces, new travelers, and of course, new Hunters always showing up it was hard to know who's who. Also included in that fact was how he no longer resided in Seren's Folly persay. His new hovel was built up a decent way outside of the town's limits. More so for their safety than anything else, but also to let Lusius suffer alone. He didn't deserve to be with humans, not anymore.

Regardless now was the time to try and make an effort in bettering now just Seren's Folly, but also the world and he couldn't do that by cowering back in his home. "Name's Lusius friend. Sort of a local around here." He started, looking away from his drink finally to actually look at the German stranger. "I saw you at the board. Find anything worth doing?"

[WeepingLiberty]

Marcus

~~~

A melodic giggle chimed through the room as a small flash of pale blue light buzzed around the space, darting in no particular pattern from wall to wall. The voice definitely belonged to a girl, however there was not a single one in sight, just a small orb of light and a man stumbling about the room after it. Hopping up into the air, the man cupped his hands and closed them around the light, landing with a heavy sigh. Looking about the room, various objects had been knocked over in the struggle to contain the small little light. "Now you've done it." He mumbled, looking down as he slowly opened his hands.

Sitting in his palms was a small winged creature just three inches tall, stilling brimming with laughter. "It was just a bit of fun. Come on, you hardly ever smile." She piped up, fluttering to a standing position before dusting herself off. "What are you talking about? I smile all the time." He responded, a little indignantly. The small fairy just shook her head and leapt from his palm, moving to sit on his shoulder. "You never really mean it though." She mumbled as the man went around, picking up some of the fallen objects and crooked paintings. Each one had been places related to a city she had never been, but she sensed that it held some form of sentimental value to her savior.

Picking his head up Marcus looked outside the window and cursed, stumbling back through the room to throw his shoes on. "Abby is going to kill me." He griped, plucking the fairy from his shoulder and setting her down on the cabinet. "You know the rules. Stay out of sight until I get back... Alright?" He asked, pausing by the door as he shrugged his cloak on. "Yeah, yeah. I promise. Have fun at work!" She called out as he slipped out the door, locking it behind him before taking off at a brisk jog down the pathway. He might have lived in town, however, his tardiness was not about to go unnoticed.

He only slowed as he approached the tavern, taking a deep breath before entering with the same air of confidence he put on everyday. Marcus had entered the tavern at just the right moment to overhear, what most likely was a hunter, going on about forgetting. What it was that he was referring to was anyone's guess, but Marcus knew the type. The man's words rang true with many a hunter who had faced the night and walked away battered and scarred.

"Indeed there is, but somethings are better left seared into your mind's eye. Best not to forget the monsters that give chase, lest they catch up with you. Wouldn't you agree, Mr...?" He asked the man, shrugging his cloak off to slip behind the counter. Marcus could practically feel the daggers peircing into his side from his lovely boss, the man putting on his biggest smile to plead his innocence.

@13org@Ellion

---

Nymphadora

~~~

Nymphadora sat with her back up against the outer stonewall, kept warm by her fur lined coat and the ever so discrete rune etched into the fabric. Her slender fingers floated across the pages of the book she was reading, flipping over some of the hand-drawn diagrams to read their inscriptions. It was filled cover to cover with various alchemic theories, some she had seen before and others brand new. Silently she offered a prayer to the witch who had owned it before, giving thanks for having left it behind where she could stumble across it and read it. Turning the page, she began reading into some of the poisons when her concentration was abruptly interrupted.

A piercing whistle echoed from a short distance, a harsh sound obviously meant to be heard. Shaking her head she turned her gaze back to the parchment only to be distracted yet again. This time it was the faint chiming of bells, this one a more even sound... Probably cast by magic rather than by an actual instrument. Sighing, Nymphadora closed the book gently and rose to her feet, her white hair catching the moonlight in a wave of silver. Making her way inside the building, she listened to her footsteps echo about the empty space. She hoped that once it had been fixed up it would feel a little more homey, and a little less... Well, cold.

Finding her way to the main hall, she slowed to a halt and awaited the arrival of those who had summoned her as well as those who had een summoned. Ever so patiently, her crystal blue eyes shifted about the space as if trying to visualize what it would look like once lit up and decorated. Nymphadora sensed there was still a while yet to go before that, though.

@Ellion

---

Avalon & Kyrso

~~~

The pair walked side by side, boots crunching into the lightly frosted ground in unison. Each one had their hoods drawn but already you could see distinct differences between the pair of travellers. While they stood at nearly the same height, one at 5'11 the other 6', the slightly taller one also had broader shoulders than the shorter one but the shorter one moved with more purpose. Bounding ahead of them was a great black ball of fur that could easily have passed for wild wolf if not for the leather collar around his neck. Needless to say, he was still quite a sight, standing much taller than the average wolf with fangs and claws to match. Though, for the time being, he seemed friendly enough.

Sitting off to the side of the road, the beast's nose turned to the mountain, eyes gazing intently at an object unseen. For the moment he seemed more curious than anything else, but his attention was drawn away by the sound of a curt whistle. Perking his ears up, he glanced over to the pair of humans that had halted in the middle of the room to look back at him. Wagging his tail, the beast bounded after them, walking on the left-hand side with his true master.

The group drew more than a few eyes as they entered the town, however they doubted that they were the weirdest thing to ever enter the borders... After all Seren's Folly was sort of known for being a hunter's paradise. Making a beeline for the tavern, the shorter one whistled again and pointed at the ground which promted the giant wolf to settled down on the ground outside of the building, curling up for a nap while his master rested inside.

Pushing their way through the front doors, the shorter one let her hood fall back to reveal her face. Nodding a greeting to the others in the room, she turned and approached the board, gazing on to read each notice carefully. Her companion on the other hand made his was over to the bar where he greeted the staff with a grin. "Geez, what I would give for it to be Spring again. Can I bother you guys for something warm to drink?" He asked politely as he settled down into a seat.

@Ellion [@Literally Everyone At The Tavern]

[Noxx]

Hyestia

The further she walked from her secluded home the more her sentry snakes reported more strange happenings, first a human and a witch and one strange creature that didn’t seem a part of either category but was humanoid. Obviously, her sentries were becoming more and more delusional because of the cold and Hissy was beginning to think she was walking around in this hell for nothing, sighing out of irritation she continued onward strutting through the snow being that her house was smack dab in the middle of this forest she wasn’t a stranger to walking in the snow. Those long legs of hers helped tremendously when walking and running as well as the strength of a titan boa helped as well, regardless of how easy it was she hated the snow, cold and all around everything that came with the winter. She got within a certain distance of all the commotion and lo and behold there was someone actually raising hell in her woods, maybe her sentries weren’t full of it after all but being that her eyes were closed and she was relying on her other senses as well as her thermal vision which wasn’t working so well in this kind of weather.

“Well, damn someone is here…. It feels like two, wait three, ” she said to herself getting closer jumping up from the snow and landing in a nearby tree to circle around them, the third person hadn’t shown themselves yet so if they were hunters she’d have to play her cards right in her own way.

It was at this moment a subtle hissing sound could be heard coming from every direction, while Hissy herself stayed in the shadows. This was a particular misty winter day the blowing wind would help camouflage her even further to avoid detection.

“What are you doing in my forest?” she asked, her voice bouncing everywhere and echoing so if felt like it was coming from every angle “This is my home, have you come to defile it?” she asked again, louder ‘looking’ down at the two in the forest thicket together, one sitting up and the other shouting at the top of her lungs.

Were they running from the other one who was approaching, or was this some human trap to lure witches from hiding either way, either way all three picked the wrong forest to invade. Around this time, she began to release a poison into the mist that would take some time to take effect being that it was so thin to blend into the snowy fog but once it did, it would induce a form of paralysis, render their motor skills sluggish and if they were magic users it would numb their control of the mystical arts.
“Ok, my little ones, your move, ” she thought to herself grinning jumping to the next tree

@Rune_Alchemist@13org

[Bright_Ops]

Draco Russ

Interacting with: @Ellion @Deos Morran @13org [@Anyone at the tavern]

A chill wind blew into Witch's Paradise as the door opened, a man bundled up against the cold weather stepping over the threshold before politely closing the door behind him to help keep out the chill. Now that he was out of the wind, he politely removed his hat and tucked it under his arm as he walked towards the bar... but he kept the face mask. While he dressed (and from the occasional glance of either the pistol or saw like weapon belt when his coat shifted just right) like a hunter, Draco ignored the job board for the time being as he instead offered Abby a smile that was visible despite the mask before placing some coins on the counter. "Something warm and hearty please."

It had been a few years since he had been in town, but as Draco turned away from the counter in order to have a look around to see if there was anyone he knew in tonight, he quickly spied a very familiar face. Abandoning his position at the bar, the older man confidently walked towards the table that Lusius was sitting at with his new companion before simply greeting him with "You're only local because you refuse to come on longer trips with me Squrt."

Glancing between Lusius and his companion, the cloth that made up Draco's face mask shifted a little as he grinned. "Would either of you mind if I joined you for an early dinner?"

[shagranoz]

A new man made his way into the tavern. Kalisel hadn't met him, but she knew of him. She had been one of the countless angels tasked with monitoring and punishing criminals, and witchcraft was treated like murder, if not worse. Draco had been dancing perilously close to the edge of powers mankind was never supposed to wield.

She swallowed a little bit and forced a smile onto her face. "May I dine with you as well? The time would pass faster with new friends, I feel."

[Ellion]

Just to be Clear

_{@Noxx@Rune_Alchemist@13org}

The light whipped in and out of sight. Always just ahead, always just out of reach. Nox couldn't say what is was that had drawn him to the light, nor what sane part of him decided it was in his best interests to chase after it.

The light had made him feel happy. Which was strange on it own. Lights didn't cause happiness. Magic did. Even then it probably wasn't real, magic didn't cause real feelings. It was probably a trap and here he was running right into it. Why? Because he was interested. Was he really interested? Was it the magic that made him interested? This thoughts distracted him for a second and suddenly, the light vanished.

Nox stopped. For the first time, he took a look at his surroundings. Kicking himself for being so foolish. For rushing in after something when he had no idea what it was, into a place he had no information on. It was basic hunters safety. He was about to give up on the light when he heard a voice cut through the darkness. "GO AWAY! I DONT WANT TO HURT YOU!! I DID NOTHING AT ALL!! WHY DO YOU HATE ME SO MUCH!? EVEN IF I TRY TO HELP YOU ITS ALWAYS THE SAME!!"

He stood there stunned for a second. Was he going to hurt the light? Well he certainly didn't expect it to talk.

"I'm not--" he said, steeping into the clearing that housed the voice. Freezing at once. In the clearing he saw two girls? One of them was human enough, and seemed rather indifferent to the whole situation. The other...had a tail. At once his hand flew to his hilt, but he hesitated to draw it. They didn't seem to be attacking him. Even a month before, the two would have already laid dead at his feet. But the memory of the screaming babe left him hesitant to pull his blade.

Then another voice entered the clearing“What are you doing in my forest?This is my home, have you come to defile it?” At that he did pull his sword from his hilt.

"What- Your? No," He said, his eyes flashing between the two girls who looked just as confused as himself to see creature in the trees. Trying to organize his thoughts he steady himself "It isn't your forest," he said some what lamely. His right arm started to tremble slightly, but he wrote it off as a side effect of the confusion. "Okay, just to be clear. Are...any of you attacking me?"

---

Breaks over Dearies

_{@WeepingLiberty @All tavern people}

It was nearing midnight which, in Seren's Folly, meant it was time for the dinner rush. Abby was thankful when she saw Marcus enter the tavern, all the orders were starting to become overwhelming. Wine and ham for Jenny. Scotch for the whistling man. Ham stew for Draco.

Once all the orders had been met for the moment she smile oh-so-sweetly towards Marcus, before grabbing his ear. "If you are late again. I'll skin you," before letting go. She paused for a moment. Her body tensing. "Perhaps we should start cutting everyone off now, food only," With that, she rushed off to set plates of food in front of every hunter who asked for it, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in her stomach. If being old had taught her anything, it was the evil would come soon enough, it wasn't worth suffering twice by worrying about it.

---

Gnoming Around

_{Concerning all Hunters}

"Bishop," growled a voice. "Bishop, wake up now,"

A mound of earth shifted and a body started to emerge from the frosted ground. Inch by inch, starting with the hands, then the head, then the torso. Once out, the body laid there, caked with soil.

"What is it you want Nora," said Bishop, the dirt that covered his face cracking to show many sharp, pointed teeth.

The other creature crawled forward, on all fours like a dog. Out of the shadows of the moon, the creatures gray, molding skin shown. "Can't you taste it, they are trying to kill us," she growled, only recognizable as female by her bare breasts.

"It'll take a lot more than this poison to kill us, you know that, I know that, most of them know that. I suspect it isn't even for us," He said, finally standing up.

"It is the principle of thing, we've let them live in peace for the most part. We've been considerate about the number of humans we kill to survive. If I have to feast on the flesh of another deer, I'll go mad. And how do they thank us? By bringing their wars here? Waste of blood."

"I fail to see why you bothered me,"

"We have to do something. Tonight. Get those miserable hunters out of our forest once and for all," she snarled.

"It'll all seems rather rushed," Bishop frowned. "But I suppose we could," The creature looked around, seeming lost, before punching the ground. At once, no more than fifty body sized mounds popped up. Each one of them cracking and spilling out another body. While each one looked unique, they were all gray, with black hair (if they had it) and seemed to be in various forms of decomposition. One even had a fungi growing out his shoulder.

Without speaking, all the creatures started walking towards Seren's Folly. Never minding that the poison seemed to lessen the closer they got to town.

FeartheGnomes

[Viciousmarrow]

---

_{@Ellion@Noxx@Rune_Alchemist@13org}

Madeline Crux stood over the corpse of a headless wolf, a splash of crimson gore on her face and shallow claw marks down her leather jerkin. The creature had attacked on her trek back through the woods to Seren’s Folly after a rather unsuccessful day of hunting. She mused that the animal must have been starving, considering most wolves avoided human interacting unless there was no other food to be found. At the very least, she had this wolf’s head to show as a trophy though, so her journey hadn’t been entirely fruitless. A single wolf wasn’t worth gloating about, but she was certain she’d be able to spin a tale about how this particular one had been possessed by a demon or something. Now that would be something for the town to talk about, right?!

As the redheaded woman knelt to pick up her new souvenir, a shout reverberated throughout the forest. Madeline’s interest was piqued, and a coy smile spread on her face. Finally! Some really action! A maiden in trouble, no doubt, and conveniently close too. This would be a grand start to her epic tale, one that would be known for generations! Forgetting about the wolf’s head, Madeline began gallivanting towards the source of the noise with a whimsical spring in her step and a certain giddiness in her chest.

It didn’t take the aspiring champion long to rush from the woodwork and into the strange scenario. A man was brandishing his sword at not just one, but two girls, it looked like. Madeline had yet to recognize the threat that hung in the trees, too focused on the man and his presumably foul intentions. “Oh, big man, we’ve got here! Gotta take your delights by force, yeah?” the woman taunted the dark haired warrior, drawing her own axe and shield to challenge him. Stepping between the girls and himself, Madeline was all prepared for a fight. She obviously didn’t know the context of anything going on, nor did it seem to matter to her. “Don’t worry, girls, Madeline Crux, most revered of the Hunters, is here to save the day! This swine will taste the steel of my axe!” she arrogantly spoke, striking a heroic pose to be remembered.

[WeepingLiberty]

Avalon & Kyrso

~~~

Standing before the job boards, Avalon heaved a sigh. There wasn't much to do, at least nothing that paid well enough for it to be worth doing. She had hoped to see something witch related, especially after a couple of nasty rumors she and Kyrso heard during their travels. From what she could tell, the nearby mountain was supposed to be the home to some powerful witches, but the lack of jobs concerning the matter made her doubt the claims. Still, there was an unnatural chill in the air, the kind that made her hair stand on end. She couldn't put her finger on it, but something felt off... Considering nobody else looked concerned, she figured it best not to speak her apprehensions aloud.

Stepping back from the board, she turned on her toes to approach her brother at his seat. Before she had reached him though, she hesitated, eyes falling upon the form of a man who had been sitting prior to her and Kyrso's arrival. Again she had a sinking feeling, yet this one seemed different from before. It was almost as if she couldn't stop staring at the man's cloak despite there being nothing to look at. Gripping her weapon tighter, she tore her eyes away to look at the man's face. He was an attractive enough man, but while his attire screamed hunter, his eyes screamed scholar. A dangerous mix in her opinion.

Her lips parted to ask a question, but quickly snapped back shut as she thought better of it. Moving to take a step forward a sound from outside the doors stopped her, blood running cold. Just outside the tavern, the beast she had brought with her had picked his head up, howling at the top of his lungs. Kyrso's eyes snapped up to look at his sister as she turned to look over her shoulder, features plagued with concern. Just a coincidence, it has to be. She thought to herself as she motioned for Kyrso to stay put. Settling back down into his seat, his eyes didn't leave her until she had slipped back out the door.

Avalon entered back out into the night, the air feeling much colder, sharper even than it had been when she and her party had arrived. She half-expected, or hoped rather, that the beast had just been sitting outside, howling at the moon like a normal wolf... That was too much to bet on for a hunter's companion. Standing to full height, the monstrous wolf had his eyes fixated on a point way off in the distance. Avalon wouldn't have been as concerned if the creature's eyes weren't glowing a hideous red. "Hush, Leo. Calm down, what's gotten into you all of a sudden?" She asked, running her hand along his side to try and calm him. He didn't seem to respond to it however, continuing to stare off toward the forest, snarling at some unseen force.

@Ellion@13org[@The Whole Damn Villiage Now]

---

Marcus

~~~

Marcus winced as Abigail pulled his ear, smiling sheepishly the whole time. Hands up in surrender he simply chuckled and nodded. "You know you love me." He winked in her direction before bounding out of her reach, in fear that she might hit him again. Getting to work cleaning up some of the freestanding tables, Marcus kept an ear out on the conversations behind him. It was mostly out of habit, but he was often intrigued by the things other hunters had to say on their way through town. Stories of far away places, stories of home, mostly they were of hunts though... Not that there was anything wrong with that. Much can be learned by listening to the tales of another.

He had just finished clearing a table when a sound from outside caught one of the patron's attentions. Turning to look over his shoulder, it appeared as if the woman who had entered after him recognized the sound. After motioning for her travelling partner to remain seated she ducked outside to address what he could only assume was a third companion of theirs. Slipping back behind the bar, Marcus stopped infront of the man whose eyes remained glued on the door even after she had disappeared. "Something troubling you sir?" He asked, washing the glasses he had picked up while he spoke. The man... Or boy rather, he didn't appear to be much older than 19 or 20, shook his head and grinned in response. "Oh, no. Nothing like that. It's just, he's normally so quiet when we go into town. Must have seen a rabbit or something." The kid waved dismissively, avoiding eye contact with Marcus. I see. Marcus thought to himself, recognizing the tactic as one he used quite frequently. It was apparent he didn't want to worry anyone needlessly, however, if the unseen beast was acting out of the ordinary then trouble couldn't be too far behind.

Maintaining his pleasant poker face, Marcus glanced over at Abigail tentatively. She always had a good nose for brewing trouble, he'd seen it at work before a nasty bar fight broke out a little while back.

@Ellion

---

Mirai

~~~

Mirai spent most of the walk to the main hall detailing various ways she had managed to make her little pet miserable to Rose. Sure she kicked him around a few times, but she found pleasure in a relatively new game she was playing with him. One she thought Rose would find rather amusing herself. She was just in the middle of telling her about the manner she had ordered Arden to address her in when she suddenly stopped in her tracks in the middle of the hall. Glancing out a window, this one shattered as well, she sniffed the air and listened to the leaves rustling in the wind. Somewhere, way off in the distance, was the crying of a lone wolf... No doubt a warning call. Smiling to herself, Mirai continued on her way.

"Looks like you were right after all. Sounds like the forest is waking up." She smirked, pushing open the doors for Rose to pass through into the main hall. A couple of witches from the surrounding area had wandered in, awaiting to be addressed by the leader she stood beside.

--

Sunni screeched as she made her way up above the treeline, carrying the dead weight that was her partner's servent. Knowing full well that it made him uncomfortable, Sunni made it a point to almost "drop" the boy several times before they had made it to the ruins. As they grew closer she screeched again, announcing their arrival from above. The roof wasn't quite as complete as it had been when the original coven built it, but that meant there was just enough room for Sunni to dive straight down into the main hall of the building. Snapping her wings out she buffered her descent just enough to toss Arden down before landing beside him and approaching Mirai.

--

Barely able to contain a smirk, Mirai patted Sunni's head in greeting. "Nice of you to finally join us, worm." She said, raising an eyebrow at his apparent injuries. Slash marks on his arms and parts of his torso all pointed to Sunni getting rough with him, but as for what reason she couldn't determine. She made to remark on it when the large bat nudged her arm with her nose, bringing to her attention the slightly bruised discoloration. "Ingrate! Did you harm my baby?" She shouted, eyes blazing with fury. "Get over here and apologize to her properly or so help me I will introduce you to true suffering."

@Dark Light

[13org]

Emmerich Jaeger

Interacting With:@Bright_Ops @WeepingLiberty @Deos Morran @shagranoz [@everyone inside and just outside the tavern]

"Danke schön." Emmerich said, taking the glass of scotch and giving it a small sip.
Many... rather unique persons arrived in the short span of time that took for Emmerich to get his drink. The elegant man said he was called Lusius. Interesting man, he seemed to be a rather friendly person.
When Emmerich was about to reply, another arrival came, this time talking with Lusius. A rather strange, tall masked man. He walked and talked like someone who had seen and done many things in this world. Someone that certainly deserved to be respected. Apparently they knew each other for a long time.
"Apparently, Seren's Folly is home to some very... unique and interestink people. Maybe I von't even shtand out too much here." Emmerich thought to himself when he saw a man and a woman entering the tavern. The man was accompanied by a red hawk and the woman was accompanied to a big, black wolf, which she left outside the tavern. The man seemed to be more friendly and open, but the woman caught his attention. Quiet, she entered the tavern without speaking anything, only giving a small nod and going to the job board.
"Emmerich Jaeger. Its a pleasure to meet you all." he said looking to the new arrivals on the bar.
"Nosing too exciting, Herr Lusius." he said, sliding the note on the table. "Somesing about strange noises and sigsings on zee woods. Zee revard is... decent, but not zat much to be anising dangerous." he said.
"I vouldn't care if you did Herr...?" He said to the masked man. "Isn't he goink to take out his mask? Interestink..." Emmerich thought, looking curiously to the masked man, waiting for his name.

"Indeed there is, but somethings are better left seared into your mind's eye. Best not to forget the monsters that give chase, lest they catch up with you. Wouldn't you agree, Mr...?"

Turning his head to search for the owner of that voice , his eyes met with a confident and sly man. His voice, every move he did passed the impression that it was carefully planned.
"Zat is a very smart advice." he said looking to the man. "But some times, zee most bloodsirsty and cruel monster zere is, is inside yourself..." Emmerich said that with enigmatic eyes. "Vell, I guess zat having a dinner wis some new faces vouldnt hurt now, vould it?" He said with a smile. "Lets just hope zat it doesn't happen again... I don't sink I vould be able to hold him off again..." he mumbled to himself. "Vould you bring me some food too Herr...? It vould be rude to not accompany zese fine gentlemen in a dinner after an invitation." He said to the sly man, discreetly asking his name. "Any food vould do. Preferably some very rare meat." he said with a smile, resting his big crossbow near his chair.
Suddenly he heard a deep, guttural howling. It was from the big wolf outside. The woman got outside, probably to see why her wolf was howling.
Inside the tavern though, something else was happening...

Without realizing, Emmerich began spinning his rapier-cane on his hands again, passing his fingers through its sickly white edge, making a very low, but distinct sound as he did so. As the wolf howled, the sound of his rapier began to get louder, as he passed his fingers through it more vigorously. His eyes began to change. A subtle change in his eyes and posture hinted that something wasn't right.
Suddenly, the sharp sound coming from the blade stopped, as a single drop of blood ran across the blade's edge, reflecting the light in a nightmarish way. A discreet grin appeared on Emmerich's face, as he lowered his head and started to hum the exact same sound he did a while back. Just as the drop of blood fell on the floor, he opened his mouth.
"Vell, vell, vell... It looks like zee beasts have awakened as vell! Vee can't be left behind now, can vee? Come on now, zee moon is still high and zee hunt has just began... Can you hear it calling for you? Zee beautiful song she sings? Don't you get a funny feeling inside you? Right now... i'm feeling hungry." Emmerich said, again humming that dreadful song and slowly reaching for something inside his cloak, putting it on his face. Getting his crossbow and standing up, he looked at the other men on the table. As he rised his head you saw the most unsettling and blood chilling grin stamped on a bone-white mask.
With an unsettling laugh, he left to the tavern's door.
The voice, the way he moved and held the weapon... They were all... wrong. Something definitely was happening with Emmerich. Even the feeling he passed to others was wrong...
Opening the door, he looked at the woman just outside.
"For Juniper's sake, put some spring into your step. After all... Zee hunt has just began." he said to the woman, looking at the moon as its light reflected on his weapon, illuminating his mask.

---

Shai

Interacting With:@Ellion@Noxx@Rune_Alchemist@Viciousmarrow

“What are you doing in my forest?”
“This is my home, have you come to defile it?”

Shai jumped, surprised with the voice. Just as she did, some the tarot cards stopped spinning and came floating to her hand.
"I see... I don't know who you are, or why do you think the forest is just yours, but i wont just stay put and be poisoned without resisting like a good girl!" Shai said as her star globe began to spin and shine.
A powerful magic shockwave could be felt by those sensitive to it. They also felt their link with the arcane energy be shaken, like if it was being strangled, only letting a small flow of arcane energy flowing to you.
As it did, a woman came with a large battle axe in her hands.

“Don’t worry, girls, Madeline Crux, most revered of the Hunters, is here to save the day! This swine will taste the steel of my axe!”

She turned to her, surprised by a human trying to defend her. Maybe she was trying to defend the white girl who sat down, still looking somewhat confused and lost with all that was happening. Yeah... Probably it was that. She surely hasn't seen her body... After all that she would try to attack her as well, "saving" the human from the terrible monster...
"Protect me? Another human trying to protect me? Don't make me laugh! Protect me, a freak? A monster? I don't think you saw what I am... Please don't lie to me. Once you see me and know what I can do you will try to capture or kill me, saving the white girl from the bad monster! The girl that I foolishly got worried because she was laying down on the snow. Everything that I always received from humans after I showed them my appearance were looks of disdain, hate, greed, or even stones, arrows, blades and torches being waved at my direction!!" Shai shouted to the new arrival, shaking her head in denial.

"I hate to fight... Always hated to hurt others... But the life thought me one thing: Humans will always hate and try to destroy what they don't understand. Even those who chose to embrace the arcane and learn with it, use it for the wrong purpose!" the hybrid girl said, speaking calmly, but somehow her voice was reaching the entire forest.
"I was always hated and hunted. Stones, arrows, swords and bolts. My body has suffered uncountable wounds by these instruments. Who did them, you ask? IGNORANTS! FOOLS WHO DONT UNDERSTAND THE TRUTH BEHIND THE ARCANE! GREEDY AND FULL OF HATE! BY THESE GREEDY HANDS I'VE BEEN HURT MANY, MANY TIMES!" the girl shouted. Her already loud voice became even louder.
"But even still... I cry... Even being mistreated, I still cry when you do it! I don't understand... All I want is someone to talk to and share stories, experiences... Even knowing the results, I still cry when I receive those hateful looks... Even those who came looking for me. Calling me a "spirit" they searched for me looking for a divination, and all I ever asked in return was the story of your life and a good conversation!" the hybrid girl said, as tears rolled down her beautiful white skin.
She was obviously opening her heart. Her voice was full of sadness.
"I'm just a fool, aren't I? Still harboring any hopes to find anyone that understands me... My greatest sin was being born. Born by the product of your own greed!" she said.

Wiping her tears, the girl stood up with a decided look on her face.
"This forest is my home. I don't care who comes here saying its theirs, this small part of the forest is my and my alone! You can even try to poison me or hurt me, but I wont move away from this place! If I keep running all my life, there will be a moment when I wont have any place to go to!" she said. With a movement of her hands, the star globe flew high above her head, the dices and tarot cards still spinning protecting her and the girl, the globe began to shine as bright as the sun.
In an orb around her, covering everyone the ones who were nearby saw a halo coming out of the star globe, getting as big as the entire clearing and crashing down on the ground, scorching the grass below it, forming a ring on the ground.
A wave of pressure came right after, taking the air out of your lungs for a brief second, after that you could feel the air filling your lungs again, a warm smell of flowers and spring filled your noses, as the time inside the ring appeared to advance quickly. Unaffected by this time shift, you could see the ice melting from the floor of the forest, the grass becoming green again and flowers coming out in just seconds.

The hybrid girl knelt down for a moment, breathing heavily due to the amount of arcane energy that passed through her body in a very brief moment.

"You humans created me as a product of your unending greed, and because you couldn't control or understand me, now you want to destroy me?" she asked, raising her head, her hat falling on the ground and showing her face, surrounded by tiny scales and her dragon like ears. The girl's expression was of a deep sorrow and sadness, as she fell on her knees, tired and crying.
"I shouldn't have done this... I may actually die here... These people, all these strangers are too close from my barrier. I'm... afraid..." she thought to herself, as she tried to stop crying and look strong and intimidating.

[Dark Light]

@WeepingLiberty

Arden

Chapter 1.1
Chores and duties

---

(Arrival at the fortress)

---

A lone wolf cried out in the far distance and as Arden's heart settled he faintly marvelled at the view below him. From high above the trees he could see the great stretching expanse that was the forest as it wrapped around the mountain.
It seemed even more alive than usual and Arden wasn't sure if this was because the coming of winter or simply his new viewpoint, but it was quite awe inspiring either way. Much scurrying and rustling indicated unknown happenings below him as he flew high above it all.

Had he manage to find some semblance of comfortability or security in the unkind claws of Sunni as they soared through the clear sky he might have almost even enjoyed the trip. But the bat seemed determined to give him a near heart attack, continually adjusting his grip along the way.

Arden spied an old dilapidated ruined fortress growing nearer and nearer. His racing heart sinks with dread. Either he would take to the impossible task of spending countless hours labouring away to fruitlessly tidy this ruined place to Miria's liking, or even worse, it was already owned and he was merely called to be paraded around before others.

Arden knew better than to tempt or test his mistress in the presence or company of others. It was one thing to push the boundaries in the privy of her own home where her violence and punishment was instant, but to do so around others was inviting a new level of excruciating fears. At a front the consequences may seem less severe, with Miria finding some level of restraint but then the true cost would come later.
The longer Miria had to linger upon the act and dream up a fitting punishment, the worse it would be.

A loud screech from Sunni shook Arden from dark memories, signalling their arrival over the old fortress.
Oh no, no no no! Arden stammers in slight panic noticing the seemingly small hole in the roof way down below. But there was nothing he could do.
He closes his eyes as the bat creature near dives straight down. With the ground hastily rushing up to meet them the bat halts itself in the near last moments by spreading its wings and almost catapulting Arden into the floor with the momentum.

...Damn he hated that creature...

Surprisingly Arden found himself barely injured from the descent. He lay sprawled out on the floor before Sunni like a gift. He had barely gathered his senses or looked around before he felt a familiar wrath upon him.
Words echoed in his still faintly ringing ears, slightly drowned out by the heavy beating of his heart. But he quickly made sense of them, he had to.

Yes mistress. he replies flatly, near instinctively, never bringing his face up to look anyone in the eye. Still gathering himself on the ground, he composes himself and quickly closes the distance between where he landed and his master and her familiar stood. Kneeling before them he spoke, near grovelling, with the voice of a broken man dying inside.

Sunni I am truly sorry for any difficulties I imposed on your task of bringing me here, I thank you for doing your duty and bringing me to my mistress. I hope I have not hurt or upset you in anyway.
He says the speech with his voice barely wavering, giving little sign of the internal struggle within. The battle to not grind his teeth or pronounce the words in heavy sarcasm. He quells the ever growing urge to just rise and yell curses in her face.
He hated that bat sooo much!
He overcomes these dangerous urges the same way he always did, by focusing on the cool smooth feeling of that small near indestructible blood filled glass vile that hung around his neck. He remembers why he endures what he endures. Nothing is for free after all, not even life.

What will you have of me now mistress?

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Celia Mockett~

@13org@Viciousmarrow@Ellion@Noxx

---

“What are you doing in my forest? This is my home, have you come to defile it?”

Suddenly a third presence made itself known. She smelled them before she heard them. Silent hisses. Snakes, and something else. Human smell? Another witch? The smell of the other made her somewhat upset, but still hunger. She wanted to get rid of it it the easiest most filling manner she knew how, but that would require find them. It wouldn't be too difficult to find them. In fact...she tilted her head in a very nonchalant manner towards where she was fairly certain the snake person was. Hiding from her would require a bit more than a hiding in the shadows. Her eyes were not very good anyways, and she had long since relied on her hearing and sense of smell for more clearly navigating.

"I'm not--What- Your? No, It isn't your forest, Okay, just to be clear. Are...any of you attacking me?"

Celia turned her head back towards the human. Well, he wasn't looking for a fight it seemed so that was nice. Maybe she could get back to sleeping soon? She wasn't particularly feeling talkative. She never was, though...the snake lady was being troublesome. She wasn't worried about any sort of poison - it'd take a lot in her system to affect her adversely to the point of worrying about, but she was doing a subtle attack against all of them.

"Snake lady...likes poisoning people-" And suddenly the odd other girl started talking loudly again, a bright light coming form her globe as she felt the magic in the area become disturbed. Whatever the girl did interrupted the flow of magic that she could use...well, she wasn't using any anyways, so not particularly a big deal. Though, her back started to burn slightly as the ward keeping the Wendigo from taking control was disturbed slightly.

...

hopefully lizard lady wouldn't do something like that again.

“Don’t worry, girls, Madeline Crux, most revered of the Hunters, is here to save the day! This swine will taste the steel of my axe!”

Before she could continue another presence made itself known, carrying with it the scent of sweet, sweet, scent of blood. She turned her head towards the new voice, shivering slightly. With the lizards disturbance of the magic, the creature had gained a slight edge. The smell of blood was not helping her at the moment. She took a deep breath, savoring the scent. It wasn't human. Smelled canine. wolf? Either way, the smell itself was almost intoxicating. She quickly turned her attention back to Shai in an attempt to distract herself. What she said though, wasn't helping. She was using too many complicated words and long-winded sentences that were too difficult for Celia to particularly memorize. She simply watched the display of magic impassively, not all that fazed by it as Shai knelt to the ground. The only thing she did take note of, was the intense smell of spring.

She did get the gist of the other girls little speech though. Shai was scared. Something she could sympathize with somewhat. Celia tilted her head in a somewhat inquisitive seeming manner as Shai's hat fell off. Her eyes weren't that good, but she could at least tell this girl was definitely not human. Perhaps she just didn't spend a lot of time with lizards.

...how tiring.

"You smell nice." Was the only thing she mumbled quietly to Shai as Celia managed to get to her feet. It was probably quite the odd sight, seeing her stumble to her feet in a somewhat drunken and sluggish looking manner. She almost fell over once, but after a few seconds she managed to stand, though the slouch and yawn that followed likely didn't help her image.

"So loud...all of you." This was getting annoying, really. "I just wanted a nice, quiet, place to sleep...so tired..." She sighed, shaking her head. Well, now she wasn't going to get that was she. This was probably going to go downhill, and someone was going to get hurt. At least maybe she could get some food out of it if one of the humans kicked the bucket or the witch decided to do something other than flit about in the shadows like a coward. "Feels like I haven't slept in ages..." A lie of course, she was sleeping earlier that day. She really didn't want to be in the middle of all of this, but she couldn't exactly just leave, could she?

"I don't really know what's going on...I just want to sleep," She looked between both hunters, her head oddly moving from one to the other in a somewhat eerie fashion as she gave each of them a quick look, just to confirm their scents. "And you three are so...loud." There was definitely an edge of aggression and annoyance in her voice. Really, this entire situation was just annoying her and if things kept up...well, she'd defend herself and make sure the annoyances were dealt with.

[Deos Morran]

Lusius Mathand

Lusius was just about to make some snark at Marcus' words and about how somethings should stay buried no matter how much good has or hasn't come from them. Yet still he couldn't help but understand what he meant, knwoing that with all joy comes strife and that of course the opposite is true and strife can bring joy. Regardless he didn't have time to respond as a very familiar voice and mask showed up just behind him.

Draco Russ, more or less the father of Lusius. Man who was there when Lusius was just 6. The man who found the naked and afraid child that couldn't have possibly survived on his own. The man who trained him to survive and even after learning what Lusius had become, chose to keep him around and not kill him.

Though he stayed quiet for the first thing Drac said, he was the first to kick out a stool so that he could have a place to sit and know that he was welcometo join them for dinner. "Of course you can, sit down. We were just about to get started." He said, though he wasn't quiet done as his snide remark about staying home couldn't go unpunished... "You knwo what would happen if I'd join you. I'd show your old ass up and then what? You'd pout like a tyro." Though he said that it wasn't true at all. The truth was Lusius refused to go. The further he went from Seren's Folly the bigger the chance that'd he'd have another... episode and then who'd suffer more? No, his place was where he could avoid harming others.

As things started to carry on and the solemn air filled the tavern Lusius couldn't help but crane his head at the loud wolf outside. Something had stirred up the beast and either way he didn't like it. Emmerich was adding to the uneasy feelings by acting so... fidgeting and of course his words did noting to help calm the situation down. As he left and made for the door Lusius craned his head once again in that direction to see that something was gong on. The wolf appeared to be quiet aggitated though he didn't know enough about their breed to see or know why.

Of course with Emmerich leaving and his appetight for eating gone, it couldn't hurt to get some fresh air. "Can't say I know what's his deal, but I say we get our food to go. I could use some fresh air." Lusius said directy to Draco, hoping to clear his head in the frigid air outside. From there he stood up and took a few steps towards the door, curious to see if he'd follow or not.