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

[Noxx]

Hyestia

@Rune_Alchemist@13org@Viciousmarrow@Ellion

Wonderful, another hand full of a young witch who has literally zero clue how to use their powers, completely ignorant about how strong they were and this one seemed like a talker, perfect. Rolling her eyes when the Shockwave exploded her body created a countermeasure, or rather the copious amounts of snakes living in her body created a poison that would allow her body to resist the decrease the amount of magic she could control by drastically increasing it. Rolling her eyes at this ridiculous display of magical energy and to top it off both girls seemed to know she was there, just when she was thinking about her next move another warrior with the completely wrong idea, another idiot hunter looking for fame and glory with less of a brain than one of her hatchlings. Her forest was getting to be quite the noisy mess now, it was in complete disrespect to her someone whose lived in these woods since these monkeys lived in caves, this was getting so annoying how many of these children were going to run around like chickens with their heads cut off.

“Lord, please shut up, ” she said, dropping down from the tree she was standing from “Dose everyone have some kind of ridiculous backstory they want to cry about? I tried to stop from laughing while this half monkey cried about her sadness and teary past like anyone cares” She said, shaking her head walking between the female hunter and the two girls pinching the bridge between her eyes closing them even tighter than they already were. Leaning her head back a little she looked over at the hunters then at the witches all four of them needed to leave so she could return to her home in peace to shut her sentry snake up for the day because they were going insane right now.

“By the way bleeding heart, I’ve been here longer than your sorry hide has lived in that cave, I’m older than most of the trees that have grown in this forest so please learn your place” she explained folding her arms under her breasts turning her head to face the warrior “Stupid little witches will always attract even stupider hunters like this one who ran in here chasing a light or this one who wants to pretend to be a hero, wait please tell me you scream ‘for justice’ every time you swing that bronze age trash you call a weapon around” Her words cut like daggers as she continued to insult and degrade everyone around in the area even spitting her poor sentry snakes who were literally just doing their jobs.

Eventually, she stopped and snapped her fingers creating two massive magic circles above in the air, causing portals to open a feeling of dread could be felt in the area even the snakes left the clearing completely out of fear as the smell of an alpha predator-filled the air. At first, it was just two heads that come from each portal respectfully but those heads were attached to necks that stretched out with no end in the foreseeable future. The size of the creature was of epic proportions the mouths for these things looked like they could easily swallow an entire house a thick neck and armor platted scales protected them from danger. Dipping their heads low below their master’s head so she could pet them without effort one for each group of intruders being that one of these four annoyances were renting from her and the other was a witch she wasn’t going to kill them but they severely needed a spanking especially the cry baby.

“I sympathize with your sleep girl all I want is to go home and sleep, but these noisy monkeys woke us up, ” she said, rubbing an elixir on her pet’s scales, making them harder and more durable for a short time, this excited them causing both heads to howl out in a pitch so loud it shook the heavens. “This is the only alpha female hydra on the planet, she is bigger and stronger than any male you’ll ever encounter” she explained, usually she didn't bring out her pet in this manner but if she continued to play around these witches might attract more or the hunters will call for backup so its best to kill them right here and now.

[Bright_Ops]

Draco Russ

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

Happy to see that the boy that he had unofficially adopted push out a seat for him to take, Draco chuckled softly as he flicked out his coat a little in order to take the offered seat comfortably. "Overconfidence is a subtle killer Squrt. I'm almost tempted to grab you by the ear and drag you out with me next time I go just to make you eat those words. A good natured jest and nothing more; Draco had sat down to have a long conversation with Lusius on more then one occasion about hunting abroad and he knew the reasons why the boy had elected to stay. He might not have agreed with all of his reasoning, but he could respect it.

Looking over at Emmerich and taking note of his accent, Draco was about to say something when two things happened. The first was that a bowl of ham stew was placed in front of him; After all, such a meal required him to have his mouth uncovered and thus he reached up and removed the cloth that covered his lower face. It... wasn't a pretty sight. For starters he didn't have a nose and from the horrible looking scar that ran across his face the reason he didn't have one was because something tried to take his face off one night and was haggled down to a life long flesh wound.

The second was the arrival of a beautiful young woman who wished to join the makeshift dinner party that was in progress. Turning to look at the woman, Draco would offer her an earnest smile (that hopefully didn't scare her off) before tilting his head towards an empty spot (that just happened to be next to Lusius) "By all means. My name is Draco by the way." No point in mentioning his last name unless asked after all... It was amazing how reputations could get ahead of someone.

As the wolf outside began to howl, Draco began to eat his stew. He had been told in the past that Abby was an amazing cook but he was going to have to take the words of others on the matter; His sense of taste had been... vastly hindered when he had lost his nose. However, while he appeared to be at ease his mind was currently at work. If it's a witch strong enough to get a reaction from a hunter's dog that isn't to turn tail and flee, then odds are it isn't a major threat; Most likely someone who got a taste of power and thinks they are unstoppable because of it. Some sort of werebeast is possible but as dangerous as they are such creatures aren't stupid and wouldn't attack a settlement this large unless it was absolutely rabid... or possibly in a pack but there would have been signs of such a large number gathering by now...

Sighing a little as he left his meal half finished, Draco calmly rose to his feet and reached under his cloak before removing what appeared to be some strange breed of weapon that seemed to have more in common with a saw blade then a sword. "It would appear that we will have company soon. Will you be joining us Miss or sitting this one out?" Draco asked before putting his mask and hat back on and walking towards the door after the strange hunter that he had just met... he would have to keep an eye on the man.

[Whoami]

Tera Valenci

(( Mood Music ))

It was cold. Cold and wet. The trail that was once known for its beautiful vistas can refreshing mountain breeze had been replaced with a bleak, foggy trail of mud and rain. There were no vibrant colors that the trail was known for, only the black and gray that the weather brought along. Rain fell heavily on the roof of the carriage, every bump in the road elicited a loud wooden groan. The splattering mud had hidden the regal features of the carriage, it was simply a rocking wooden box with a yellow lamplight shining from the windows.

Tera lay on the small bed at the back of the carriage, she was sound asleep despite the loud thudding of the rain. A huntress sat opposite to her, one hand on the pommel of her sword while the other held open a curtain to watch outside. The eleven other hunters and huntresses were forced to brave the elements. Their metal and leather boots were being sucked at by the six inch deep mud while their chain and plate armor rattled from their sluggish movements. The huntsmen had all pulled their cloaks up, but it was clear they were soaked through and through.

One of the horses pulling the carriage whinnied and complained, but the coachman did his work to keep the horses moving. The carriage jerked again, rougher this time, and caused a loud slam that could be heard throughout the retinue. A crack rang out and the carriage tipped to one side. Tera gasped awake as she rolled to the wall. The huntress braced herself before looking to the princess, "My lady, are you hurt?"

Tera took a moment to collect herself as rain water leaked through the cracks around the door to the carriage. She nodded, "No... What happened?"

The huntress looked around, "Seems one of the wheels was lost..."

A heavy knock on the door could be heard, "Princess! Tallia! Are you two alright in there?"

The huntress knocked back on the door, "We're fine! The princess is simply collecting herself!"

Tera rubbed her eyes and straightened out her clothing. She was wearing travel leathers, not the usual corset and dress combination she'd be expected to wear. Tera brushed some hair from her face and made sure her amulet was still fastened around her neck. She let out a relieved sigh and looked back to Tallia, "What do we do now?"

The huntress put on her cloak and smiled to the princess, "Until we can fix the carriage, I suppose we make camp."

Tera nodded and watched as Tallia opened the carriage door, luckily the huntress' body blocked the rain from getting inside. "Wait here."

The huntress pulled herself from the carriage and closed the door behind her. Tera could hear the huntsmen talking with one another. Eventually, the voices began to fade as they moved out further from the carriage and the rain continued to drown out the rest of the noise. Tera fiddled with a small trinket for only a few minutes before getting antsy. Putting on her own cloak, she climbed out. It was a torrential downpour outside, even the winds had picked up. Tera's cloak had immediately clung to one side of her, she felt the water had already seeped through the fabric. She looked left and saw a gaggle of four huntsmen, then right to see another three with Tallia. They were studying something.

Tera walked over to them, prompting Tallia to look over to her and frown, "I told you to stay inside."

The princess shrugged, "I was getting bored. What's going on?"

Tallia looked grim, "It... It wasn't a rock that dislodged the carriage's wheel..."

Another hunter, knelt over a lump in the mud, looked over his shoulder to Tallia and the princess, "This isn't something a princess should lay eyes on. Go back to the carriage, your highness."

That only piqued Tera's curiosity even more. She leaned left to look past Tallia and studied the lump closer. At first, it was just a pile of mud. But as she studied it, the shape became even clearer. A body, a human body. Tera put her hand over her mouth to stop a yelp. The second huntsman stood and stepped closer to Tallia, "He's been dead for days... I'm surprised nobody else has come across the body yet..."

Tallia looked over to Tera and sighed when she noticed the princess staring pale faced at the corpse. The weight of the carriage had severed one of the decrepit legs from the body as the wheel passed over. No point shielding the princess from it now. Tera couldn't help but look at the body, she had never seen such a gruesome sight in her life. Tallia stood closer to the princess, "These woods have been haunted since the fall of Castle Bloodrose. Fel creatures roam these parts and bodies aren't uncommon. But you have the best huntsmen in the kingdom guarding you, your highness. We'll be fine. I assure you."

Tera nodded slowly, unable to take her eyes off the corpse. Even in the heavy rain, the smell was very distinct. Upon hearing Tallia's words, Tera had wished she never left the capital. A sense of dread had crawled up her spine. But then she reminded herself why she came out here, there was a certain plant that grew within Castle Bloodrose alone that could counteract the symptoms of her father's sickness. Saving her father's life, the king's life, required bravery in these parts. Tera touched her amulet resting at the crest of her breast plate. Then the rain stopped.

It wasn't a subtle transition of rain slowing to an end. It just stopped, all of it, as though a blanket of calm had just fallen over the land. There was the noise of the storm in one moment, and then there was silence. The huntsmen all drew their weapons, an old instinct from years of experience. Something like this isn't natural. The gray fog became more prevalent. Tallia gripped the princess by the shoulder, causing Tera to jump in fright. The huntress put a finger to her lips in a 'quiet down' gesture. "Stay close to me, princess. There are witches nearby. Your sword?"

Tera immediately felt the weight of her ornate short sword hanging from her belt. She had never taken it off after reaching the forest. She nodded to Tallia and slid the blade from its scabbard. She heard the other huntsmen calling out to one another as they formed a protective circle around Tera. As she watched them move, she picked out a faint silhouette in the fog. Another human, limping- no... Shambling. She couldn't make out if it was a man or a woman, but it was missing an arm. Tera pointed to it, "Look. Over there."

Tallia spotted the person and clenched her blade tight when she heard the throaty groan come from the shambling individual. Shortly after spotting the person, another silhouette emerged from the gray, then another. Each of them looked just as mutilated as the first. Before long, there were eight shambling individuals walking in a horde and getting closer. One of the huntsmen, Dale, quickly drew and arrow and nocked it to his bow, "Undead! The dead walk!"

He loosed his arrow, piercing the head of a shambler and sending it to the ground. Three huntsmen formed a defensive shield wall to hold back the small undead horde. Tera watched in horror as some of Dale's arrows pierced into the decaying skin of another shambler and didn't even break the undead's pace. She felt Tallia to her right take her by the wrist. "Get back to the carriage and lock the door!" she commanded from the defensive line.

Then Tera realized, it wasn't Tallia who was holding her wrist. She looked down and screamed as the body the carriage had run over was now alive. It groaned and gurgled as it grabbed at her ankle as well. She wrenched her wrist free and tried to step back but slipped in the mud, dropping her short sword. Two of the huntsmen noticed and came to help her. Tera kicked at its head to keep it back, she could have sworn she felt its weak neck snap under the barrage of kicks, but it still pressed on. One of the huntsmen hacked at the undead while the other pulled Tera a good distance away. She got to her feet and quickly moved to pick her shortsword up from the muddy trail. Looking over to the rest of the huntsmen, they had dispatched the shamblers with ease. Some were cleaning their blades while others made sure they stayed dead.

Tallia quickly ran over Tera, "Your highness! Are you hurt? Did it bite you?" she searched the princess for injuries while she asked.

Tera nodded, shaking violently, "I- I'm fine..."

Dale, the archer, kept watching the fog, he always had the keenest eye out of everybody in the party. He saw movement in the fog, but it wasn't another shambler. The silhouette was broken, like the fog had been disrupted by something. He nocked another arrow and raised the bow a bit, "Eyes front! Movement in the fog!"

The rest of the party formed up and remained silent. Tera heard a whisper in the back of her mind, "Run..."

Tera looked around and saw nobody except for the two huntsmen covering their rear. But the whisper sounded as though it came from somebody right next to her, not the ten paces away that they were. Tera looked to Tallia, "We should run."

Tallia didn't look to the princess, she just shook her head, "What? What do you mean run?"

"I mean we should abandon the carriage and run. I don't like this... The sooner we get to Seren's Folly, the better."

"That's another day's journey away. In this mud, we'd be worn out just a few miles down. At least with the carriage we can alternate and rest."

(( Mood Music ))

It seemed Tallia was going to say more, but something captured her attention. Tera immediately followed Tallia's gaze and saw what had stopped Tallia's words. A line was being carved in the mud along with two heavy foot prints slowly walking toward the group. The footfalls made loud thuds as it send mud splashing in every direction, but the one causing them was invisible. It didn't take long before the invisible form began to take shape. At first, it was a pair of heavy plated boot, followed by legs and eventually a torso. The line being carved in the mud was the result of a spectral, glowing blue sword being dragged behind. A torn black cape blew in the now non-existent wind, defying gravity and waving slowly in whichever direction it wanted. The plated gauntlets holding the sword came into view, then the pauldrons. Eventually, the entirety of the spectral entity was revealed. Underneath the black hood, was a ghostly helmet with featureless face underneath.

Dale loosed his arrow, it simply passed right through the heavy plate armor. Dale quickly drew another arrow and fired it, only for the same result. The ghost never quickened or slowed its pace. It was purposeful and fear inspiring. One of the huntsmen broke rank and charged, yelling a warcry as he quickly got into sword range with the knight. He swung his blade, and just like the arrows, it passed right through the body of the knight. In response, the specter grabbed the huntsman by the throat and lifted him into the air without any difficulty, all while continuing its slow advanced toward the party. The huntsman was being choked by the clawed gauntlet, blood seeping down the now physical plate armor. Then it raised its sword and cut the man clean in half like a hot knife through butter. His legs fell to the mud and the knight simply held onto the dead huntsman by the throat, dragging him in the earth. It eventually dropped the disemboweled corpse when four more huntsmen charged.

The first hunter ran straight through the knight as though it wasn't even there. A ghostly soul could be seen being ripped from his body, bound by black tendrils coming from the knight's back. The soul screamed as it was totally absorbed by the black knight. The second huntsman to reach the knight swung his sword, the knight saw it fit to actually parry the blow. A loud clang of metal on metal could be heard before a second strike was parried. This time, the black knights blade cut the huntsman's sword in two. The knight grabbed hold of the huntsman's face and crushed him with its clawed gauntlet. The third huntsman dodged the knight's swing and went for a strike to the gut. Much like the other attacks, the sword passed on through. This time however, there was no blade as it exited out the back of the knight. It was as if the blade of the sword had simply dissolved into dust. The black knight grabbed the man and threw him onto his back, never stopping its slow advance toward the princess. Before the huntsman could get on his feet, the knight's foot became material and stomped heavily on the man's chest, caving in his rib cage and crushing the man. The fourth, having witnessed his predecessors be killed so easily, panicked and dropped his sword. He screamed and ran off into the fog. His screaming eventually faded.

The huntsmen quickly began to break formation and ran further down the road away from the Black Knight. Tallia took Tera's hand and pulled her along. Tera looked over her shoulder and saw the knight walking at the same pace it always had. The huntsman at the back slipped in the mud and began to scream for help. The knight swung his blade down and ended him then and there. The next in line for the knight's unstoppable rampage had his soul torn from his body like the first. Tera could hear the horrifying screams of the soul echo through the woods as it merged with the knight's body. Dale turned and loosed an arrow, hoping one of his arrows would do something. The same result, and his stopping to shoot made him next in line. The knight raised its sword and swung at him. Dale brought his arm up in a feeble attempt to protect himself from the slash. The blade sliced straight through his arm and in the nerve between his neck and shoulder. He crumpled underneath the knight.

Adrenaline had taken the surviving hunters as they sprinted past Tera and Tallia. "Tallia! Let go! I'm slowing you down!"

Tallia shook her head, "Nonsense! I've protected you since you were a baby! I'm not about to abandon you! Get in front of me!" She forced Tera to move in in front so Tallia would be in between the princess and the Black Knight.

The huntress looked over her shoulder to the knight. They were getting away! When she looked forward, she saw the ghostly image of the knight begin to walk out of the fog in front of them. Tera and Tallia slid to a halt, the huntress quickly putting Tera behind her again. "Tera... Run."

"Listen to her..."

"What?! No! If you aren't abandoning me, then I'm not about to abandon you!"

"Don't be a fool..."

"I'll distract this son of a bitch! Run and don't stop! I'll find you at Seren's Folly." Tera didn't move, "Go. GO!"

"Go..."

Tera finally came to her senses and ran off into the fog. She didn't know which way led to Seren's Folly, but it didn't matter right now. All that mattered was survival. Tallia grinned as the princess ran away. She stared the knight in the eye sockets of its helm, "It's just you and me."

Tallia muttered something under her breath. Make up began to melt off of the huntress' face, revealing witch marks of Arcadia. A far away kingdom where witches lived among the rest as equals. The witch marks began to glow a faint blue with Tallia's eyes doing the same shortly after. The knight raised its blade and swung down at Tallia. The blow was parried, Tallia's sword held. The clash echoed throughout the woods. The knight simply tilted its head and studied the crossing blades. Tallia's sword was glowing blue, much like the knight's own blade. The black knight took its blade from the clash and swung again, Tallia parried that strike as well. Tallia took the initiative and swung for a gap in the knight's leg armor. It passed through the knight, but Tallia had a feeling that'd happen. Using the knight's incorporeal form, she was able to bring her blade up for a defense without being caught on the body of the knight. She blocked another strike. The knight allowed Tallia's blade to pass through the sword and its body, opting to instead bash her in the face with the pommel of its sword. She staggered back.

The knight lunged its blade out and impaled Tallia through the shoulder. She gasped as the glow of her witch marks began to fade. Tallia tried to grab the blade and pull it free, but her hands passed through it. An evil laughter rung out through the air, it didn't come from the knight. "Hmm~ Aren't you a curious one~"

Tallia clenched her teeth and tried to free herself from the blade pinning her in the mud. The maniacal voice continued, "Arcadian! I never thought I'd have the pleasure of encountering another one of your kind in these parts. Life works in mysterious ways... Funny thing, that... Life. Such a foolish concept."

Tallia looked to the knight, "What are you?"

The knight didn't move. "What am I? Certainly not the one wielding my blade. I am something more... Something that transcends your world and has power across all forms of existence- Oh, you're dying! No... Not yet... You interest me, I'm sure you interest my knight too... I have use for you yet..."

A ghostly energy pulsed across the saber piercing Tallia's shoulder. She immediately relaxed and breathed easy. Her eyes fogging over into a slate gray. She muttered, "What does my master demand?"

"Master?" the invisible voice laughed heartily, "How amusing. But please, none of that."

"What do I call you then?"

The voice began to deepen and rumble the physical world, trees began to shake and the mud jiggled. "I am Charon. I am Death."

[shagranoz]

Jenny stood in the cold hall, her familiar wrapped around her neck like a scarf. "What do you think Rose wants today, Swiftfang?"

"She probably wantsss to give usss new work assignments," the viper mused. "There's still the rat infesssstation in the arcaneum to deal with. I think I could help with that, at leassst."

Jenny's green eyes sparkled with mirth. "It would be nice if you gave us a hand."

A reptilian sigh emanated from Swftfang. "That joke grew old the day I met you, mistressss."

"That joke never gets old."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Draco. I'm Kalisel." The huntress curtsied to her new compatriot, then started assailing her ham in a most unladylike manner.

Suddenly, the hair stood up on the back of the angel's neck. Wolves howling, hunters nervous... something's moving out there. Kalisel stood up, buckling Forgiveness to her waist and double-checking the edge. Sharp enough to deal with bare flesh, but no so sharp as to fail against armor. In short, the blade was perfect. She strode out the door, eyes darting around to see any movement, but not seeing anything... yet.

[Ellion]

Why Else Does a Boy Need a Tongue

Rose watched the scene unfold, not even attempting to hide the smile that crept up onto her face. "I forgot how cute he was. He knows beg and speak does he know anything else? Speaking implies a talented tongue, and that would a nice trick,"

The was a part of her that was jealous of Mirai's little pet. If she had the time to care for such a creature, she might make an effort to find one of her own. But she didn't want the distraction. She watched the boy's struggles to obey...not unlike her own problem. " Celia..." she said absently, she wasn't worried, more annoyed. She'd sent the girl off to...something...was it today or yesterday? Anyway, she should have been back by now for sure. It was easy for her to forget about the girl, honestly if she spared her much thought at all, all she got was frustrated. She had never seen such a ...wreck of life before. A quick scurry told her all she needed to know. "It would seem that my little Celia has gotten herself in the middle of something. I shan't be more than a moment. Can I borrow Sunni?"

---

Home. Now.

It turned out that her little apprentice had wandered much further than she expected. Had it not been for Sunni, the whole trip would have made her a lot...angrier. Through wasted time alone. Along the way, she saw the creatures who were off to fight the hunters for whatever reasons. And of course, not ten meters away, was Celia. Sunni dropped her with a lot more grace than she did Arden.

The scene before her was only one that her apprentice could find herself in. No less than two hunters and two unknown witches.

Making herself known, Rose interrupted the scene."Hunters," she barked. "I don't know what is going on, but I do know that there are four of us and two of you," She paused for another moment. "I also know that there gnomes heading to destroy Seren's Folly. Do you her them?" Indeed there was a faint growling sound not far off. "Not that I care, but you might," She took another step. "So, here are you choices hunters. You can stay and fight us, even if you do win, think of how many people will die because your not there to help. You know nothing about us and you might end up dead yourself. Or, you can go fight the gnomes, be heroes. And we shall meet again another day,"

The fact that saving the town was suggested by a witch of all people made Nox was to reject it on principle alone. But he couldn't deny the sounds heading towards the village. It was also very clear that he and this other hunter weren't the problem or really a matter of interests to these witches. So against his better judgement, he nodded. "Until later then," reaching out, he took a step forward, grabbed the new girl's hand and bolted off in the direction of Seren's Folly.

With her fake smile still plastered on her face, she rounded on Celia "As for you," she said. "Start walking," her voice firm as she pointed in the direction of home. "If you stop for ONE nap along the way, I will know and I will introduce you to a new way of sleeping, it is called being dead,"

Only then did she turn to the remaining witches in the clearing. "Ladies, my name Rose, I've taken up residence in the castle if you ever feel like being neighborly," Making sure her apprentice had started her trek back, Rose returned to Sunni, making her way back up to the castle.

---

_{@Rune_Alchemist@13org
@Noxx@Dark Light@WeepingLiberty@Viciousmarrow}

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Celia Mockett~

@13org@Viciousmarrow@Ellion@Noxx

---

Someone was cranky. That much the snake lady made perfectly apparent. She could sympathize, but the snake lady was the one making her cranky. See, this is why everyone should just stay inside and sleep all day! No one would bother anyone then. They'd all get along just fine and all of this wouldn't be happening. Celia simply cocked her head rather nonchalantly as the snake lady summoned the Hydra. Oho, something tasty showed up. Smelled like...fish? Water fish. Serpent? Either way, it smelled as ugly as the snake lady and she really didn't want to fight it, though she did think it could be a rather entertaining fight. If it wasn't so tiring, she would do it as well.

Instead though, she gave it an unimpressed look, yawning loudly.

"I...think I'm gonna go find a new place to nap. Quieter..." She grumbled. "Less unpleasant smells..." A cool, impassive glance at Hissy made it obvious who that sentence was directed at.

"Hunters,"

The voice caused her head to turn to the source of it.

"Oh...I've been found." Scratch that idea. She wasn't getting any sleep at all, was she? Not since Rose was here. She was about to be told to march towards the castle at an unreasonable pace with no breaks along the way. How cruel. Rose was so cruel and mean and unreasonable when she was just being perfectly reasonable.

"I don't know what is going on, but I do know that there are four of us and two of you, I also know that there gnomes heading to destroy Seren's Folly."

Oh good. She wasn't being addressed. Had she not be seen? Maybe she could slink away quietly before Rose started talking to her. The rest of the conversation went in one ear and out the other as she focused on thinking of an escape plan that did not involve going back and doing more work. She made a few quiet steps backwards in the most subtle manner she could possibly muster as Rose spoke to the hunters until Rose' voice was definitely directed at her.

"As for you,"

Welp, there went her not so quick escape. She could of pretended not to hear, but she doubted Rose would take too kindly to being ignore and she didn't want to deal with whatever cruel and unusual punishment she came up with.

"Start walking, If you stop for ONE nap along the way, I will know and I will introduce you to a new way of sleeping, it is called being dead,"

"Yes, mom." Celia grumbled, under her breath as Rose told her to head back up to the castle on threat of death. Honestly, death seemed like it might be the preferable option to whatever Rose was going to make her do back at the castle. Really, today was just going so...so not well. Still, she wasn't going to start walking in any sort of hurry. As Rose flew off, Celia turned her head towards the mysterious girl.

"...you should come. It's...quiet. When Rose isn't being a slave driver." She wanted to say more, but she was tired, it'd take about as much energy as she had left to head back. Really, it'd be nice, wouldn't it? It was very rare that she ever really...spoke to or really felt like talking to someone a bit. She never really talked with the other witches much...they never smelled very nice. Tolerable at least though, as long as no one bothered her unlike the snake lady. Well, Silvienne was nice enough. Rose was...well, if she had to be honest Celia wasn't fond of her either, but she didn't have much of anywhere else to go.

With a yawn, she started walking back. She almost wished she asked Rose to carry her, on the off chance she said yes.

~Phoebe Longhurst~

---

"So this little backwater town was Seren's folly, hm?"

In one of the many churches in the area, one in particularly lively even at this time of night. One of the Bastille's of Arasil. While they weren't one of the more popular hunter stops due to the religious affiliation and only recent opening, it was a rather special moment for them. The two story building nestled close to southern edge of the small town was a flurry of activity. Phoebe was currently leaning out one of the windows of the top building, a small black cat sitting on the windowsill with her, watching the town below.

"Bah, it reeks of the creatures." She had been doing this long enough to know evil and corruption when she saw it. Her hand idly moved to the top of the cats head, giving it a small scratch behind its ears. She had arrived earlier that day, and she had to say she was rather unimpressed with the local hunters. Almost all of them were ignorant fools, blissfully unaware of the things that lurked in the shadows at best. At worst, part of the problem. She had been sent by the Bastille to root out evil here, but she was just one woman. Her help was limited, but she would do her best.

...if her mentor had been here, it'd be easy. But she was alone, and she would hunt. That is a hunter did, after all.

Walking away from the window, she headed downstairs to the main assembly hall, noticing the head priest just about to head upstairs, likely turning in for the night himself.

"Father. Heading to bed?" She greeted him, giving him a respectful bow at the bottom of the stairs.

"Hmm...I was coming to see you, Hunter." He shook his head. "Something is amiss tonight. I do not know what, but if you intend to leave use caution."

"Always, Father. Nothing will escape my watch. If need be, I will rally the...hunters here, but I am confident in my abilities. God will see that I am victorious in my hunts." With another, smaller, respectful bow Phoebe left the church and walked out onto the street, covering her face with her hood and temporarily checking her supplies. Everything seemed in order.

Whatever was out there, she could deal with then. The cat mewed as it sat on the windowsill above, but ultimately went back inside.

Current tools

Firebomb x6
Holy water x2
Throwing knives x20
Nets x4
Bolts x15
Lavender and Wolfsbane

[WeepingLiberty]

Avalon & Kyrso

~~~

The howling had ceased outside after Avalon stepped outside, Kyrso wondering if perhaps by some miracle he had been right before. This however didn't seem to be the case as a couple of seats down from him began acting rather strange. He couldn't say for sure it was strange for the man, but it wasn't just the change in behavior. It was almost as if the room had darkened, the man's song hanging in the air even after he had stopped humming it, his voice and mannerisms similiar yet different from before.

"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."

Kyrso swallowed nervously, readjusting his weapon as the man started heading for the door. Placing his money down on the counter, he nodded his thanks to the barkeep and her staff before jogging out after him.

Avalon's eyes shifted toward the door as someone exited the tavern, gritting her teeth as she watched. It was the same guy as before, the one she had felt uneasy around before, though he had donned a mask that seemed to be the source of her discomfort. Gripping her scythe tightly, she took note of several other hunters leaving the tavern including her brother.

"For Juniper's sake, put some spring into your step. After all... Zee hunt has just began." He commented, seemingly directed at her by his posture.
"So it has." She responded glancing over to Kyrso uncertain. After exchanging a look, Avalon inhaled deeply and sighed, her own posture changing with it. "Alright boy, time to get to work." Patting Leo's side, she watched the large beast took off sprinting toward the direction he sensed the danger. Without another word she took off sprinting after her companion, preparing herself mentally for whatever may be heading their way. Kyrso jogged forward a few steps, spinning on his heel to address the small, but growing, group. "I'd highly advise staying out of their way, it bites... Oh and so does the dog." He laughed, spinning back around to chase after his twin.

@Ellion@13org@Bright_Ops[@Deps Morran]

[Viciousmarrow]

---

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

Madeline had begun to regret coming into this scene. Not because she was surrounded by four witches, a hydra, and a rival hunter, but because it was so annoying. The dragon… lizard… whatever was crying and throwing a hissy fit, the other reptilian woman was mocking her, and now this new bimbo was talking about gnomes attacking Seren’s Folly. Who the hell cared about gnomes? They weren’t worthy kills! The hydra, on the other hand, had her salivating at the thought of how much prestige she could garner from slaying such a beast. Seriously, if this head honcho Witch thought for one second that Madeline was going to relent, then she had another thing coming! “First, Im going to kill this Hydra and that gross snake thing, then I’m going to kill you, Witch. I don’t really care about the lizard thing or the frail one because their heads won’t look good on my wall!”

The redhead prepared to charge into glorious battle and to her probable death when her fellow hunter grabbed her by the hand and jerked her away. They weren’t rushing headfirst into the fray, they were retreating! Madeline’s eyes were wide with surprise, a twisting vortex of confusion and rage writhing within her. “Hey! What’s your problem?! I was just about to slaughter them!” she shouted, while attempting to pull herself away from the man. Like small child trying to escape its parent’s grasp, Madeline was having no such luck. This man, whoever he was, apparently harnessed more strength than herself. “My glory! My fame! The perfect beginning to my legend… You’ve ruined it!” She attempted to kick the man in the back of the knee, but only managed to hit the air and nearly tumble to the ground.

“Let me go, you oaf, so I can kick your ass back to last year! You’re just a nobody! You aren’t worthy of grabbing my hand!” she began spouting all manner of insults at this mysterious guy in a spiteful tantrum. If she had possessed a darker heart, she probably would have thrown her axe into his skull, but fate smiled upon him today. Screaming and shouting to the heavens on high, Madeline begrudgingly accepted this forced march without resulting to murderous violence.

[TheDoctor]

Matrim "Mat" Victar

"Right, say hi to them for me," Matrim muttered as he stabbed the witch in the heart with his spear, finally ending her. Giving a tired breath, the hunter leaned against the wall and slid down. His right arm had a small gash from the glass that was thrown at him, some blood was in his hair, and the witch had disintegrated one of his daggers. He had hardly gotten rest since escaping Purgatory, but compared to that hellhole it was like paradise. For starters, the witches actually died here.

Getting to his feet, Matrim detached the head off his spear and slipped it into a pocket underneath his coat. His spear made for a decent walking stick while it wasn't a weapon, and made him seem more like a humble traveler rather than an armed madman.

Dragging the dead witch's body out the cabin door, the hunter gazed around the forest for a moment. Though it seemed peaceful he knew of the dangers it could hide. Setting the body against the outside cabin wall, he backed up and analyzed his work. The corpse would be visible enough if anyone came close to the cabin, though with it being so deep in the forest he figured only other witches would find it. It would be a horrid sight to see, with the witch's right hand missing and multiple cuts all along her body. Let it be a nice little sign for them, he thought.

While the witch proclaimed to live in solitude, she spoke of a group nearby that was forming. He had heard similar things from other witches he interrogated, some even on their way to it. One or even two witches he could probably handle, but he begrudgingly knew he couldn't do more than that alone.

Walking through the forest, the hunter kept to a small path as he kept his eyes and ears opened. If he were lucky, he could find another witch that hadn't made it to the group yet. The place seemed a bit familiar to him, but he couldn't exactly recall from where.

Hearing a noise Matrim held his stick in a defensive position. It was a growling noise not from far off. Is that a gnome? he wondered as he moved through the bushes. Gnomes weren't the most dangerous of creatures, but they could certainly do harm in packs. Reattaching his spearhead to the tip Matrim got down and began moving quietly until he heard someone else nearby. It was a woman, that much he could tell, and she really didn't like whoever she was with. She certainly knew quite a number of insults.

Hearing more growling, Matrim looked back at where the sound of the gnomes came from. They were on the move to somewhere, that much was obvious. Running forth he burst into the clearing and came upon the large group of gnomes. For a moment he was a bit wide-eyed, not expecting this many to be together. "Well shit," he said to himself as he unsheathed his dagger. About five gnomes had noticed him and began to run at him. Whirling around to where the female's voice was coming from he shouted, "Hey! Over here!" He hoped they were hunters, else his problems would increase. He stabbed at the closest gnome running at him with his spear, and hurled his dagger at another. "This'll be a lovely time."

@Viciousmarrow @Ellion

[WeepingLiberty]

Mirai & Nymphadora

~~~

"I suppose that'll do for the moment, but don't think you're off the hook. A beast like that is likely to hold a grudge. I'd watch my back if I were you." Mirai smirked, intentionally forgetting to signal for him to rise. She'd let him kneel there for a little while longer to allow the humility to set in. From beside her Rose perked up, always excited when Arden was brought around for display. "He has fetch down as well as stay." She answered as she kneeled to be at eye level with the boy, dragging her finger along the underside of his chin. "Though if this mishap is any indication, the poor boy still needs to learn how to come on command." Her face was just inches away from his, a taunting grin dominating her features as she pulled away laughing.

"Oh has she? Best bring her back then, Sunni is at your disposal. I'll watch the kids while you're away." She turned and nodded her head toward Sunni who approached Rose carefully, and whisked her away to where her disciple, if she could be called that, was getting into trouble.

Nymphadora stared at the boy indifferently, used to seeing such displays from the leader's second in command. She didn't care too much for the boy, although she often found them an unnecessary waste of effort. "Are you just going to make him kneel there all night? It's unsightly." Rolling her eyes, she opened the book she had been reading earlier and began flipping through its pages once again. Mirai whipped around, scowling at the platinum blonde girl as she stalked over. Standing nearly on top of her, the fire witch hissed. "Do you have a problem with how I treat my possessions?" Nymphadora sighed and closed her book once again, matching the woman's gaze. "Not particularly, no. I just think it's a bit of an eyesore is all. Couldn't you at least make him useful?" Mirai's frown deepened, but it was much softer this time as she nodded and stepped away. "I do see your point. Honestly, I'm surprised any girl could fall for a creature like that. That illness of hers must have made her blind, poor thing." She spoke loudly, making sure that Arden could hear her clearly.

Spinning about, Mirai linked her fingers together behind her head and groaned. "I could be burning that hideous human settlement to the ground right now, but instead I'm here babysitting you two. This is so unfair."

@Ellion@Dark Light

[13org]

Emmerich Jaeger

Interacting with: @WeepingLiberty@shagranoz@Bright_Ops [@literally EVERYONE outside the tavern]

"Ja... It vas about time..." Emmerich said after the two hunters ran ahead, led by the wolf.
"I knew zat he couldn't hold it anymore... After all, he and I are one, we are both beasts. It doesn't matter how much he likes to deny it."Emmerich said, pointing the Fragmentierte Seele to the moon, letting it reflect its light.
"Rejoice hunters, rejoice upon zis beautiful night! Zee banquet is just startink, so bare your fangs and sharpen your claws!"Turning himself to the other hunters with his arms open, looking to the moon as it illuminated his mask he continued his dreaded speech.
"Can you hear it? Zee blood whispers, hunters. Can you hear it singink? Vee ourselves are nosing but beasts! And as beasts, vee are moved by the hunt! Blood and meat are our only pleasure!"
"Cover yourselves in blood, hunters, let zee moonlight reveal your true selves! Maim, tear, rend, sink your claws and teeth into the soft flesh! Let your instincts guide you, bathe in blood and enjoy zis wonderful banquet of meat!!"With a quick flicker of his hand, the rapier flickered and turned into a blur, as cut the air emitting a bone chilling whistle. The moonlight reflected on its edge carved a beautiful silver arc where it passed, appearing several times longer than the actual blade. Shortly after it, you could hear a cadenced sound, clacking and snapping together as the blade appeared in Emmerich's hands again.
The unnerving whistle chilled your blood, and the horrendous clacking noise was something out of nightmares... just like a beast snapping the bones of its prey... Munching and breaking them in its maw.
"As vee let our fears behind, vee become more zan just humans. Zee blood sings, as vee compose our beautiful melody, made of blood, meat, claws and teeth"
"Zee blood moon calls you, hunter. Answer its call and join zee hunt, or flee and hide, because under zee light of the blood moon, no one is safe from zee true beasts that rise with it." With a sinister laughter and an unnatural, almost feral agility, he started running to the same direction as the other hunters went before him.

---

Shai

Interacting with:@Viciousmarrow@Rune_Alchemist@Ellion@Noxx [@everyone in the little meeting in the forest]

A snake like creature dropped down from the tree, between Shai and the other hunters.
Who she thought she were to attack them and talk like that? Her forest? Stupid little witches? The way that despicable creature, no, that despicable person spoke, made something inside Shai snap.
Standing up, the tarot cards and the dices began to spin faster and more violently around Shai.
"I don't know who do you think you are, or why do you think you are in the right to attack and insult me, but you should mind your words... I may be only a little girl, but i am far more knowledgeable about magic than any of-" As Shai was talking, another weird scene interrupted her.
A large bat dropped down a woman near them. The woman called Rose proceeded to fend off the hunters, which now, after the adrenaline shot caused by the snake like creature's insolence, seemed more confused than hostile... Maybe neither of them wanted to attack anyone, and it was just a big misunderstanding? Shai felt a little guilty after thinking about it.
Rose also seemed to have a close relationship with the white girl, as it called, or better... threatened her to get back home, extending her invitation to Shai as she left.

"Ladies, my name Rose, I've taken up residence in the castle if you ever feel like being neighborly,"

What an weird invitation... Appearing in the middle of a confrontation like that without even worrying or shivering... Was that really an invitation? Or it was an intimidation? Shai would have to think about it later, as the hunters left and the white girl said to her, leaving with the other witch:

"...you should come. It's...quiet. When Rose isn't being a slave driver."

She didn't know why, but she somehow felt some kind of sympathy towards the calm, white girl.
"I... I-I'm sorry about everything i dragged you into... My name is Shai, i wish we can... meet again some time. I would love to have someone to have a nice conversation." She said to the white girl before she left, feeling guilty for dragging her into that mess.

But she had more pressing matters to attend, after Rose said about a gnome attack on Seren's Folly. Shai was really worried about that, even if humans mistreated her, she still cared about them. Maybe it was a foolish feeling, to protect those who hunted and mistreated her, but Shai couldn't ignore it.
She watched in silence, as the witches and the hunters went away and she was left with the snake creature.

"Your insolence and lack of education towards others is truly amazing." Shai said.
"For someone who says that is older than most of the trees that have grown in this forest, you aren't as wise as you should be... picking fights without any reason, poisoning, insulting and disrespecting others? In fact, you act more like a baby."
"I may look young, but i know the truth behind the universe. The secrets of the Arcane are no mystery for me! You should learn to not underestimate others, and never think that there is no one as powerful or even more powerful than you." Shai said as the air around them started to become heavier and heavier as the pressure under the hydra and the snake creature's bodies grew exponentially.

With a flick of her hand, she sent the dices in the snake creature's direction, making them stop just millimeters away from her eyes, throat and head. The dices spun menacingly, hovering in the same place.
"I'm really sorry for being that indelicate, but i think we are even now." She said, the star orb emanating a strong arcane energy, as the gravity in the area continued to rise.

"This is MY home. its not a castle, but the ruins inside this cave is the place that i call home. I suggest you leave them just as they are and follow your way. I have more pressing matters to attend to."
"I have no reason to fight you. Other than your insolence, that is. Don't insult me. I may be only a girl, but i wont stand still while being insulted over nothing. Believe me, i may be tired, but if we fight, neither of us will get out unscathed. I suggest we overlook this unhappy meeting and follow our own ways. It wasn't a pleasant meeting, so it would be beneficial for both of us. Now, could you please unsummon your little pet before i have to crush it under its own weight?" Shai was very angry, but she was also very tense. Just as she had said, if they fought, one of them would certainly die, and the other would be most probably mortally wounded.

"I trust that you will make the right choice, so excuse me. I don't have neither the wish nor the time or energy to spend fighting with you." she said to the creature, as the pressure continued to get higher and higher.

Without taking her eyes off the snake creature and her pet, she began to walk on the same direction the other hunters went.
They probably went to Seren's Folly, and she owed some explanations and apologies. Seren's Folly was a very scary place for Shai, but she couldn't let it be destroyed... Even if they searched for her only to receive divinations, she enjoyed the talks and stories they shared with her.

[WeepingLiberty]

Marcus

Mia Edition

~~~

Mia sat with her legs dangling over the side of the wardrobe, swinging them in time with the cheery tune she was humming. There was no real melody to it at all, just a collection of happy sounding notes mashed together into a symphony. It was elementary, and child-like at best but it wasn't exactly displeasing to the ear either... At least it wouldn't be if there were even anyone around to hear it. The small girl sighed, pushing herself off the perch. She fell for a little bit before fluttering her wings, dodging this way and that way about the room, careful to avoid the windows as she had been instructed. It was dreadfully boring though, when Marcus had to leave for work. There was no one to talk to and she was left with nothing but her thoughts. All she wanted was to go with him, she'd even sit in his pocket quietly... or try to anyway. Just the thought made her giggle, proving the whole reason as to why she was made to wait at home.

All of sudden, Mia felt the room go cold, icy even. Or perhaps it wasn't the room, as there was no frost on the windows; the lanters didn't even flicker. No, this was a chill from within, an emotion she could not name writhing in her stomach. She could feel herself being drawn to something, practically smelling the pure energy in the air. The scent was faint, however, coming from somewhere beyond the borders of Seren's Folly. Mia debated with herself, torn between her curiosity, and her promise to stay put like she had been told. She quickly found that her desire to seek out the power source was far too great to ignore. Peeking outside, Mia was careful to make sure that the coast was clear before nudging her way out through a small gap in the roof.

Buzzing high above the town, anyone looking up might have mistaken her for a rogue firefly or trick of the light, although the chances of someone looking up seemed slim to none for the moment. She noted the gathering of hunters, watching a large wolf dashed off in the direction of the forest, followed in suit by the others. Shaking her head, she pressed on, flying as fast as her little wings could carry her. Leaving Seren's Folly behind, Mia found herself entering a stretch of land that smelled heavily of rain, though where that rain might have left off to was a mystery to her. She was just glad that it wasn't there now. The farther she flew the more uneasy she got, the pull forward getting stronger and stronger until all of a sudden she stopped dead in her tracks. Strewn before her were many corpses, some of them fresh... Others, well, less so. She shivered at such a sight, spinning around to catch sight of whatever could be responsible for such a horrid display. A bit of movement off to the side caught her attention, so small she almost missed it. The translucent form of a knight disappeared into nothingness, taking with it the pull she had felt before. "How very odd." She commented aloud, turning to head back home before Marcus could discover her missing.

There was something else that was bothering her though, something that made her stick around for just a little while longer. The ruins of a carriage were here as well, yet she could see no signs of a person laying about that would have warranted such a method of travel; at least not one with so many guards. And within all of a minute, Mia set out towards the forest, trusting her instincts to carry her forward. "Hello! Is anyone out here, it's safe now. Oh please come out, I promise I can't hurt you. I'm a friend, hello? Anybody?" She called out, hoping for the best, but expecting nothing to come from it.

@Whoami

[Dark Light]

@WeepingLiberty@Ellion

Arden

Chapter 1.3
Chores and duties

---

(@ the Fortress )

---

"I suppose that'll do for the moment, but don't think you're off the hook. A beast like that is likely to hold a grudge. I'd watch my back if I were you."

Hold a grudge!? That was the understatement of the year. Arden had been watching his back ever since he met the animal. The two had been at ends even before the 'arrangement' was put into place. Back when Arden was foolishly breaking into little old cabins in the woods. He had learnt to be mindful of Sunni long ago and was sure it was the only reason he was still alive and not bat food already.

"I forgot how cute he was. He knows beg and speak does he know anything else? Speaking implies a talented tongue, and that would a nice trick,"

Suddenly Arden felt the eyes of another run over his body before he heard her speak. Her voice was faintly familiar, sweet smooth and most certainly womanly but managed to hold no indication of the usual female frailties. She sounded strong, certain and confident yet still held a motherly nurturing pitch.

Still her words sowed weaves of anger through his curiosity, she was nicer but still condescending. Still refraining from looking up there was a slight tensing around his mouth as his jaw clenched tightly

Then his view of the dusty cold dirty floor was stolen as Miria stepped in front of him and dropped down before him. Coaching his gaze up by running a sharp nail across the soft underside of his chin.
He was forced to see her face to face. That spiteful, sickly gleeful, condescending and tormentive grin that was forever already permanently seared into the far back depths of his mind.

She spoke mockingly of him, lesser than that of a pet animal, all whilst mere inches from his face. Despite the familiarity of such treatment it still took all his focus and skill to remain flat and emotionless, to hold a stone cold demeanour and push any feelings deep down or away. He had to be empty less Miria catch notice and further exploit it to her pleasure.

It ended when the other woman continued conversation.

Arden wanted so badly to look up and see who could speak so freely and subversively order Miria. Arden had been in the game long enough to recognise an order dressed as a question for the pure sake of pleasantries. Miria respected no one and nothing, so who was this stranger?

It was after then another new voice spilled into the foray surprising Arden. He would have been facing the witches if he hadn't spun to face Sunni. So he still sat kneeling with his back to them and his gaze to the floor.

"Are you just going to make him kneel there all night? It's unsightly."
"I just think it's a bit of an eyesore is all. Couldn't you at least make him useful?"

The words alone caused no pain as they washed over his hardened thick skin but the thought of new eyes already seeing him as nothing added new weight to the soul. Still he remained resilient and obedient.

"I do see your point. Honestly, I'm surprised any girl could fall for a creature like that. That illness of hers must have made her blind, poor thing."

And just like that hot flush ran over him. She dared speak of the one he loved! His hands on the ground before him balled uncontrollably into tight fists. Before he even realised what was happening he had stood without command.

[shagranoz]

Ugh. Loud, tedious, and obnoxious all in one package. If anyone skewers the prick, I'll thank him. Still, Kalisel knew he was good for something. He pointed her in the right direction.

The woods weren't thick, thankfully, and she was making good time. Yet there was still something amiss. If it was a large werebeast, the woods would be alive with thrashing, and there weren't any of the dramatic light shows that usually accompanied a witch's unholy magics. She shuddered. A pair of witches had come within half a hair of corrupting her, decades ago. Her skin still crawled when he thought of it.

Kalisel shook her head, clearing her thoughts. There were other, more pressing concerns at present. Namely, what was out there?

[Deos Morran]

Lusius Mathand

Once aain there was more and more signs cropping up that showed soemthing was coming. Draco Russ, long time vetern of teh hunt readying himself for attack, the wolf outside making a ruckus, more and more peoplea round teh tavern started to seem uneasy. However, the worst of all was when Emmerich spoke. His blood chilling speech affected him the most out of all the others as he knew what it was like to truly have a monster inside. As he droned on about claws, fangs, and blood the Burning Man began to stir within him, spooling up as if to coil and burst forth to see the moonlight once again and it made Lusius sick to his stomach. Once there may have been hope that he'd have something to eat after the fight, but not anymore.

And perhaps his reaction was a bit over blown for what was just words, but he'd been battling his demon inside for decades now and it wasn't getting any easier. Each day he had to actively fight back the poisonous influence of the beast and it was taxing, yet standing before him in this very moment was a man who'd given in and embraced his beast within, accepting the bloodlust and becoming something else. Lusius could never let himself become the man who stood before him.

Regardless there was a job to do and with Draco up and heading towards him and the door behind him, Lusius turned around and went outside. Or at least started to until he heard Draco ask the new girl if she'd join them. At that he paused and looked back curious to see if she'd come, but more so to see if he'd keep going regardless of her answer. Though on her face seemed to be curiousity itself, looking around for something and without an answer for Draco, Lusius left.

Once outside and exposed to the crisp Winter air of the night he looked around to see what could possibly be going on. better yet what could possibly be either brave, stupid, or powerful enouogh to attack Seren's Folly. The town was legendary for housing so many Hunters and for anything to attack it would be crazy, or confident that they couuld beat all the might that Seren's Folly housed. No matter what chose to threaten Seren's Folly, Lusius was ready to defend it. His trusty blast forged sword at his side still in its sheathe, his formal attire hiding his studded armor beneath them, allowing him to stay ready for a battle and stay in a battle should he be struck. He was prepared as he'll ever be. Only question is, what was he preparing for?

[Ellion]

It's the Hard Nox Life _{for us}

_{@Viciousmarrow@TheDoctor}

Nox dealt with Madeline's antics until he was certain that they were far enough away from the witches that he didn't have to risk her running back to them. It was testing to say the least. Between the kicking and the screaming, he had half a mind to let her go and face her death with what ever pride she felt she needed to up hold. But she would have died and he would have felt bad about it. Eventually he dropped her arm, tossing her away with a little more force than was really needed. "Your Welcome," he said, with a slight growl in his voice.

"I'm starting with that because I know you'll never thank me, but I just saved your life whether you want to recognize that or not," His eyes flicked down her with an overly critical gaze. "Although, to be honest, I don't think I should have wasted my time. I feel fairly confident that you'll fail to see morning, regardless. " As soon as the words left his mouth he regretted them. They were overly cruel, but he was frustrated. There was simply no explanation as to why he chased that stupid light, well dragon girl, to start with. Being angry at her was better than facing up to his own stupidity.

He was about to say something else, when another voice drew his attention.

"Hey! Over here!"

Looking through the trees, he could just make out another figure. Male by the voice and hunter by the way he was charging at no less than five gnomes. Drawing his own sword, he turned and face the girl "Well Miss Madeline," He said, testing the weight of his weapon. "Looks like your fight starts now," Taking off at a run, he was easily able to slay two of the gnomes who had been distracted by man because he held their focus. But now the gnomes sensed the attack from behind.

"This'll be a lovely time."

That it will be strange one, that it will be

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Phoebe Longhurst~

---

@Deos Morran - @anyone outside the tavern, speaking with Lusius.

"Zee blood moon calls you, hunter. Answer its call and join zee hunt, or flee and hide, because under zee light of the blood moon, no one is safe from zee true beasts that rise with it."

It didn't take Phoebe long to find where most of the hunters had gathered. A small little tavern, one of many, though this one seemed particularly lively. Or at least, it had some fairly...beastly patrons. The Inquisitor frowned as she watched silently from a distance, catching just the end of Emmerich's little speech. Was this the place she had come to in order to...cleanse it? It seemed most of the folks here were more beast than human. bah, well, as long as they were not a threat she'd keep silent. She was outnumbered and alone, and she doubted any of them would take too kindly to an inquisitor spouting religious rhetoric. Wasn't going to stop her from commenting, however.

"Hm...seems as though we may have to hunt one of our own soon. The call of blood is not so easily ignored by all, it seems." She commented rather dismissively as though such a thing wouldn't even give her pause. She walked silently over to Lusius, most of her tools hidden under her cloak, though her sword and crossbow was clearly visible. "The night seems to churn with danger. Tell me, fellow hunter, what danger lurks out in the cool air this night? Or is it the simple fear of the unknown that plagues us? I have only just arrived in Seren's folly this morning and have spent most of the day adjusting."

Truthfully, she wasn't particularly keen to help or work with these other hunters. She could at least remain amicable as long as everyone remained mostly human, and she could retain plausible deniability of any devilry.

[Bright_Ops]

Draco Russ

Currently: In Seren's Folly (Outside)

Interacting with: @Ellion @Deos Morran @13org @shagranoz @Rune_Alchemist @WeepingLiberty

.....................................................

Draco's face was unreadable as he listened to the intent behind Emmerich's words rather then the words themselves. It would not be the first time that he had seen a hunter develop some kind of issue of the mind that made them highly unstable and dangerous. It wouldn't be the last either if he had anything to say about it. While many of his peers would gaze at Emmerich in fear and disgust, Draco only saw a man that needed help in a world that was ill equipped to heal him; Melodies of the mind were difficult to treat and most 'doctors' who claimed to treat such illnesses tended to be more monstrous then even the most vile of witch in their pursuit of 'medicine'.

As more new faces started to gather around in order to join the hunt (Hunters by nature being pack animals after all), Draco offered them a glance before giving his full attention to what mattered; The wolf. As it's owner let it loose in order to have it track down what they were all pursuing, Draco didn't mix words or give some grand speech like some other hunters might have done. Instead he commanded only two words as he took off after the beast that they would be following to the source of the disturbance. "After it!"

Despite the fact that he seemed to be much older then those around him (and the truth was that he was), Draco was fast on his feet. Being able to run quickly was a survival trait for all hunters after all and experience had only hammered that fact into Draco's being all to well.

[Deos Morran]

Lusius Mathand

Lusius was busy looking around for signs of danger when daner seemed to find him. The charming, yet heavily equipped and somewhat feisty woman who approached him on silent steps didn't make him jump, but she did make him raise an eye and turn to see what was acosting him with a hand on the hilt of his sword Just in case whatever it was proved to be aggresive; and in a certain sense it was. Still recognizing a fellow Hunter and with her words he withdrew his hand from his blade.

"Plenty. These woods house the worst the world has to offer and more. I'll tell you right now there are many things out there that I fear and that forest contains them all and then some, but as it stands right now it's a mystery. The creatures out there aren't stupid, they know on some primal level that there are far too many hunters in Seren's Folly to take the town So whatever is out there is either stupid enough to not know that, or powerful enough to not care. Either way we need to be ready." Lusius said in response to the stranger, looking her over again to get a good grip on just how well equipped she really was.

"Name's Lusius and I'll tell you one thing real quick. I'm not looking to make more fights than I need but I'll tell you right now." He started turning away from the inquisitor to point a finger at Emmerich, keeping his angles lined up so she'd know exactly who he was talking about. "That crazy bastard scares me." His words quick and to the point with him pointing again at Emmerich and opening his mouth as if he was about to say something but instead just closed his mouth, balled up his pointer and nodded. "We should uh... follow them Before they get into trouble or something." He finished trying not to make any more issues or say anything else stupid.

From there he started to chase after Draco, his lively, young legs helping him keep up and while Drao certainly had his secrets to apperant eternal youth, he was just trained and ready to pursue evil where he may find it. Always at his side was his trusted blade, ready to be drawn at a moment's notice.

[Whoami]

Tera Valenci

(( Mood Music ))

"Seren's Folly! Seren's Folly! Seren's Folly!" Tera continued to repeat as she ran through the woods. The fog was still thick and she could have sworn she heard somebody calling out behind her. Tera's immediate thought was, despite the woman's warm tone, not to trust anybody. If what Tallia said about witches being near was true, she didn't want to take the chance.

She was nervous. It was the first time she had ever been on her own outside of the palace. She was alone and in the most infamous region of her kingdom. She felt weak and helpless without her retinue, without Tallia, by her side. Her heavy breathing broadcasted her fear to whatever waited just beyond the fog. She had no idea which direction Seren's Folly was. For all she knew, she could have been running further from it. But she ran like she knew where the town was regardless of her direction. Tera was so caught up in simply running from that spectral knight that she wasn't exactly watching where she stepping.

At first, it was solid earth. Then in an instant, that earth became a sea of gray. Tera yelped, unable to stop herself in time before she went tumbling down a steep hillside. She rolled once, hit a rock with her arm, rolled again, smacked her ankle on another rock, and rolled some more. Before she knew it, Tera was at the base of the hill. It was a thirty foot drop, she was lucky there was soaked, spongy ground moss at the bottom to break her fall. Tera lay there for a moment, her teeth clenched, and her eyes held shut. She couldn't cry out in pain, lest she announce her position to the undead, witches, or even the knight. "Seren's Folly..." she muttered to herself and tried to get herself on her feet.

She stood on one foot first, then as Tera put weight on her other, she groaned in pain and tumbled back into the mossy ground. Her ankle exploded with pain, Tera could only ball her fists and grip tightly into the moss. She looked at her ankle and saw blood seeping through her leather leggings where she had bashed her ankle on the rock. She didn't know if it was just badly cut or broken, but whatever the injury was, it immobilized her. She could feel her warm blood coming from the wound, she'd bleed out sooner than anything else if she didn't tend to it. Thinking quickly, Tera drew her shortsword and sliced off a long strip from her cloak. She tied it tightly around the wound as a bandage. The pain was still sharp, and the first aid didn't do much to help her move. She started searching the area around her for a strong looking branch, "I can make a splint... Just like Tallia taught..." she thought out loud.

While she searched for a branch, Tera heard a heavy thud behind her, just beyond the fog. She caught her breath and remain motionless while looking toward the source of the sound. She heard a gurgle and a groan first before seeing the silhouette of one of her hunters crawl towards her. "Dale! I've never been so happy to see you in my life!"

Then she remembered. Tera had seen Dale die, slain by the knight with a slash to the neck. Studying Dale in front of her, she could very easily see the breach in the man's chainmail and the fountain of arterial blood that never seemed to stop pouring. Dale's eyes were as gray as the fog, his skin ale white from the loss of blood. There's no way he could be moving after a blow like that. Another gurgle came from Dale as it continued to slowly crawl toward Tera. He was undead. The witches, or the knight, or whomever was responsible for the attack had risen him from his eternal rest. Tera crawled away from Dale, "Get back! Stay away!" she cried.

He didn't respond, he only approached. Tera kept crawling away until Dale had gotten a grip on her wounded ankle. There was no care and the pain mixed with the terror finally caused Tera to scream loudly. With her short sword in hand, Tera swung at the undead creature, slashing across Dale's forehead. There was no more blood in his face to leak from the wound. It snarled and tried to pull Tera by the leg. Tera was glad that her leathers were crafted so well when Dale tried to bite her leg. The leather stopped his teeth from making contact with her skin, but it still hurt. Another cry of pain came from Tera. She struggled to shake free from his vice grip, so she kept swinging her short sword ineffectively at the undead.

"Help!" Tera called out into the fog, though she was convinced nobody was out there.

@shagranoz, @WeepingLiberty