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

[Dark Light]

Kill the Spyder

_{Concerning:@WeepingLiberty@Rune_Alchemist@Dark Light}

Arden

Chapter 1.9
Chores and duties

---

(@ the Fortress )

---

Arden wasn't aware just how tired he was until he was thrown to the floor by a sudden short fast action movement that saved his life. It wasn't even until lying on the floor staring at the large spindly leg that came crashing down and piercing into the solid stone floor did his senses finally snap to.
His fatigue was clearly causing his reflexes to slip just like the potion in his hand.
With a small fumble he quickly regained his grip and skirted backwards across the floor away from the giant ancient monster. It was truly unlike anything he had ever seen before but Arden simply couldn't share Nyphadoras amazed wonder.

Arden sat dumbfounded on the floor, earlier items tightly clenched in each hand, unable to answer the question posed to him. Further more he was currently incapable to even fathoms or process Celia's bizarre request.

'Fire' the thought popped into Arden's head. His gaze jumped from the creature to the nearest torch and back again. Making his move, without warning, Arden stumbles to his feet and begins to shoot across the room, sprinting his heart out as though his life depended on it. (Which it very much might.)

[Fetzen]

You still with me, Ky ?!

~~~ At the tavern ~~~
_{Mainly interacting with @Dark Light}

Oh dear... religion... The way Ky was moving his hand as if he intended to check if he'd been nailed to a large and very symbolic piece of wood himself... Did the other hunter really have a deal with that bullshit ?

Jared wasn't the one that would take to you less because you did something he didn't per se, but a firm belief in religion combined with the will to actually do all that stuff highly religious people usually did was suitable to increase his annoyance level. Holy crosses and holy water were nice stuff to hurt witches - that's what he had heard once. However that was it. Should someone else bother about actually making them!

While Ky was looking out over the room as if there was nothing else to do, Jared ultimately waved his hand only like one or two inches away from the other man's face. "Hellooooo ? You there ?" He was grinning slightly. "Who is this rose ? Is she around here or what ?"

On one hand, Jared wasn't so convinced about all witches being bad. Well that bitch that had ruined the tavern certainly deserved it, but that happened with non-magic people as well. On the other hand the presence of a very powerful witch as 'way beyond her league' had indicated could maybe explain the gnomes' recent behaviour. It was a reason to take interest in this.

[Noxx]

Samantha

&

Hyestia

The forest more specifically Hyestia’s house was particularly noisier that usual being that it was always dead silent made today just that much more unique. The snake woman decided out of the kindness of her cold long dead heart to treat and heal an injured witch, but now that she understood the depths of this girl’s personality she was slowly starting to regret her decision. Walking from one room to the next she gathered more materials, mushrooms, plants, and other various bits of foliage in a bowl and grinding them up into a fine powder then funneling it into tiny canisters.

“Pleeeeease,” Samantha asked with the biggest puppy eyes she could make

“No” Hissy said simply reaching for another set of mushrooms

“Hissy whyyyyyy” Cried the witch

“Because I live alone, it’s nice, quiet, no retard hunters who want my skin or troublesome witches who want to talk to me; I don’t know if you noticed kid, but I’m not exactly a community person” Hissy explained, handing her several small tablets “Two of those is your medicine the rest are swamp fog poison be careful its highly flammable and stop calling me Hissy!”

“Where are, we going anyway?” Sam asked following her soon to be teacher out the door

“I’m out of ingredients for your medication so we're going to collect more and maybe grab a bit to eat while we're out, I assume you don’t eat live humans or rodents right so were going to the castle....I'm going to hate today aren't I” Hissy clarified

[Dark Light]

@Fetzen

Kyzler the cursed hunter

---

(@ the Tavern )

---

"I'm still 'ere. Just feeling a bit beyond my years. That's all." He says with sigh as he taps his pipe against the table to clear if before tucking it back away.
"But it ain't nothing a hard drink can't cure." he says as he springs to his feet with a growing smile, either discovering some reservoir of energy or simply faking it to cover his distant mood.

Stepping back as to not have to crane his neck to look at the tall man, Ky carries on.

"Eh, she's a witch. Never can say where they are or ought to be. Well actually I know where they ought to be, at the bottom of a burning stake pile! Em I right!?" He lets out a light hearted chuckle as he pats the man on the shoulder. Clearly proud of his little malicious joke.

[Ellion]

There is Always Room for Expansion

_{collab with Teh Bishop, Zi Ellion, Ta Libby and La Shaggy}

The door was a heavy oaken thing, with swirling designs that seemed to shift of their own accord, adding to the mystery of what sort of spells had been used to seal it. Jenny surveyed the barrier, as she had several times before. "So, what spells have you tried, Rose?"

"Hardly anything, I dare not explore it on my own lest something...unexpected happen," She said, flicking another bolt of enegry at the door, causing the ruins to flash again, this time leave a shadow of themselves on the door once the magic had faded. "Plus, I didn't think it would do to have whatever is in there come out while we all slept,"

Mirai returned from sending her message, crossing her arms as she glanced at the door. "You say that as if you're certain something is behind there." She teased, turning to look over her shoulder at the sound of footsteps. The flame she had sent with her message danced around her head, landing in her palm just as Rena walked around the corner. "Ah, there he is. Glad you could join us. Rose has a question for you."

"Ah. Rena, I'm happy you could join us this fine night," she said, taking his arm and leading him towards the door. "Take a look, tell me what you think and if you can open it. Take your time dear,"

As Rose approached him, Rena tensed up, fearful of their leader's touch but then relaxed as she took his hand on hers. Arriving before the door, he tried to concentrate on it in hopes to relieve the built up anxiety within him, they were counting on him. "I.. It's of Egyptian origin. You can tell by the cursive hieroglyphs that are u..used in forming the seal. It was used in ancient times to write religious documents and spells."-he began to explain while remembering a few pages that he read from the Book of the Dead. While explaining this he ran his magic imbued fingers accros the door, seeing the writing light up then fade once again.

"I recognize most of the words carved in the stone doors. The character for "death" and "witch" are the most used ones. As can be seen in the warning written above the door.
Beware those who enter for only death awaits a mere human.
For those who are gifted in the arts of magick, eternal pain and torture awaits their soul."- Rena read in one breath, a shiver ran down his spine while reading the second part. Was this a torture device or a creature meant to haunt witches? Why would they even create something that could destroy them?

Studying the locking mechanism for a couple more minutes he turned to the others:"See the 5 snake heads that join in the middle of the door? They are a blood collecting mechanism which puts the locks in motion and unlocks the door. A..and as I've read so far, it requires the blood of 5 witches, among them must be the one who sealed the door or a descendant of said person."-the boy finished explaining, unrest and fear held his heart captive as it took all he had not too shake out of fear. This wasn't right, it didn't feel right. It was locked for a reason and here they come along opening what could be Pandora's Box.

"A..A..about the barrier, all that is needed is to wet your hands with your blood and press against a snake head. The middle one is reserved for the descendant. The seal protects it from magical and physical attacks but the blood of a witch allows passage through the seal. But don't activate your magic once you're passed it, you may lose a hand."- and at that, Rena finished explaining the process needed to open the door.

"May..maybe we should not open it."- Rena gulped in an attempt to muster some courage in order to defy his misstresses.
"We don't know what awaits us behind the doors, except eternal pain and torture for our souls that is."- and at this point the boy was visibly shaking and avoided direct eye contact with the others.

"A blood seal. Typical. I bet this was Lorelai's handiwork; she had a thing for blood magic, from what I've read." Jenny glanced around at the rest of the coven. "I say we open it now. We're going to need to do it sooner or later, so why don't we do it now while we've got the witches here to do it with?"

"Despite the amount of confidence I have in our lovely leader, there is not one of us that can split into two... That and I assume the spell can tell if someone's blood is used more than once. Where would we get the fifth witch? We sent the others downstairs to deal with the creature."

"Then perhaps we should seek out a fifth, not the killing team, I dare say that they will be tied up for a while, but surely there must be a witch close enough to call at a time like this," Said Rose looking at the runes.[color=BC8F8F] "How sure are you Rena?"[/colo] asked Rose gently. "Is what you are saying more of a guess? Or do you feel like you know this information to be true?" there is a faint echo of doubt in her voice. Taking a hold of the boy so that her hand wrapped around the back of his neck. "Besides, you will be protected, apart from your mistress, you've nothing to fear," Turning to Mirai she spoke in an easy tone. "Do you think Sunni and yourself could find such a person before the end of the night?"

"I..I'm only translating what is written."- the boy responded as he looked into her eyes for but a few seconds before looking away.
Her touch against his skin soothed his anxiety up to a point, enough to make him stop shaking at least.
"And I'm confident in my knowledge of the language"- Rena finished while lifting his head and looking her in the eyes.

Mirai nodded, uncrossing her arms. "I suppose I could find someone for you if I really have to. Might be tough with the hunters so close but I'll make do. Friendly invitation or can I be a little bossy?" She asked, the same flash of excitement behind her eyes as when she had suggested an attack on the hunters earlier in the night.

"This is a matter that is very dear to my heart. I would make who ever it is that you select feel very wanted and you need to be willing to make them an offer that they can not refuse, interpret that as you will," said Rose, tapping one of her nails thoughfully on the back of Rena's neck. "Although, try to keep the dramatics down, I do want this door open before sun-up,"

"As you wish." Mirai swept her upper body into a low bow, spinning on her toes to exit the way she had entered. It didn't take the young witch very long at all to reach the hall where her beastly companion awaited her return. Dropping down from the ceiling, Sunni greeted her master awaiting her orders. "Looks like we get to go on an adventure." She purred, jumping lightly onto the creature's back the pair took off into the night air. "Before sunrise... Doesn't give me much time to work with. We'll have to work quickly."

"So, a thought just occurred to me." Jenny pursed her lips for a second. "Does anyone know what's supposed to be behind this door? I'd feel pretty foolish if we did all this work for no real gain."

"What ever is behind that door certainly has Rena scared enough," Said Rose, "And noone would go through all the effort of sealing off something if it wasn't of value, but if it turns out to be a folly quest, I shall reward you none the less. Can you think of something you'd like to have should we find nothing?"

[i]What I want is to lead this coven. What I want is omnipotence. What I want is everything... but since I can't have that right now, I suppose I shall have to settle.[i/] "Hmm. There's a book of infernal knowledge I'm looking for- The Rite of Phagoriel. If you could get the word out to other covens that I'm looking for a copy, I would be pleased indeed."

"Of course," Said Rose. "Rena, I think that Jenny would agree that we should take time for a meal until Mirai returns,"

"Yes, at once mistress." - Rena takes his leave from the group and heads for the kitchen area.
"Onee-chan you're back!"- a little girl emerged from the cooking area before Rena could enter.
"Rise, you're still awake? It's way past bed time. You should be asleep."
"I saw a nightmare and can't sleep now. Come sleep with me."
Rena looked at his little sister with concerned eyes. Was this place making her see nightmares or was it just a normal bad dream? She was here because of him so he had to take care of her. The least he could do was to offer her comfort.
"Sure, just wait a little longer as I prepare some food. Do you want anything to eat?"
"I ate when I was waiting here. I'm just very tired"-she finished with a yawn.
Rena finished preparing some snacks, picked a bottle of wine and water and put them all in a tray. Along he took the tray, up to the waiting room where he found the other 2 witches waiting. Leaving the tray on the table he poured drinks to his mistresses as per their request, if they had any and left again for the kitchen, parting with these words:"If you need anything, I'll be in the kitchen preparing dinner."

Arriving at the kitchen, he was greeted by the sight of his sister barely staying awake with half closed eyes. He took her on his back and lead her to his bedroom, put her on the bed and tucked her in. As he was about to leave, a small hand reached for his robes-"Stay."- came her soft sleepy voice.
Sitting on the bed Rena caressed his little sisters forehead -"I'm here, don't worry. I'll always be here by your side. I'll always protect you. I won't let anyone hurt you."-the boy said with a smooth voice. Even after she fell asleep, the boy stood over her, watching his little sister sleep peacefully, something which also soothed his heart.

Minutes passed as he stood there but alas he decided to get back to work. Closing the door behind him, he felt tears streaming down his face. Reaching with one hand to wipe them away he said with a trembling tearful voice-"What?"

----meanwhile-----

Taking some of the food out into the hall, Rose then saw the witch, El, who had come to their door ealier that night.

It was, perhaps, the excitement of exploring the door that made the group all but abandoned the girl for the door. ""Sorry for that," said Rose softly, offing El a goblet of wine." "We...are very passionate here, I think we assumed you follow,"
_{Collab with @WeepingLiberty@shagranoz@Bishop
bothering @Xiro Zean}

[Fetzen]

Applied physics

~~~ At the tavern ~~~
_{Mainly interacting with @Dark Light}

"At the bottom of a stake pile ?" Jared arched an eyebrow and sat down onto a vacant table next to the one contaminated with the gnome corpse. He didn't care that much about the table not exactly being designed for a man his size sitting onto its rim. "Doesn't hot air usually traverse upwards ? I'd put her on top of it, not beneath it. She'd miss all the fire..."

Well, that was... an evasive maneuver. Jared was nowhere near Ky's obvious conviction about this Rose, but since he was in the middle of an entire tavern filled with people sharing it... he had to put up a brave front.

"Abi ? Can I have my second beer, please ?" the man raised his voice towards the bar. He had paid for it, but not yet received any. A somewhat inacceptable situation, although it probably was due to this stupid witch girl interrupting. Speaking of which... "Maybe you should make a little test run with her before you try to catch and fry the big fish." Jared smiled sheepishly towards Kyzler.

"Since when are you in the hunter's business, if I may ask ?"

[Dark Light]

Kyzler the cursed hunter

---

(@ the Tavern )@Fetzen

---

Kyzler chuckled to himself.

"While I admire your lateral thinking, experience has taught me otherwise." Ky says with smirk growing across his face. Whipping out a quill and ink jar from one of his many concealed pockets he begins to scribble upon a parchment he had left upon the table. He draws up what looks like a design for a teepee.
"The one you talk of is great for old croons and herbologists, puts on a nice show, but throw a real witch up there and you don't wanna be around when the flames begin. But..." he says as he adds a few more lines around the base then a very crude stick man in the middle with some large circles in the chest region to signify it's a woman.

"This way gives you more supports to anchor your trinkets, the updraft limits their breath should they need it to cast."

Looking at his 'artwork' he pauses his speech to add in a few more lines from the hip area to the floor.

"I've seen a witch out live her shackles and escape into the open air with 'alf 'er skin still dripping off. Horrible sight...
So this makes a little cage, add extra for weight, use some heavy ones here to pin the whore down, 'n' trust me.

Kyzler pauses, his excitement slightly fading as he twists his head to look at the mess of lines that is his his diagram.

"Just trust me, it works. Top or bottom the bitch will burn!
Maybe I'll even show you how to do it properly one day, I've been doing this longer than I can remember. It's the only thing I remember clearly.
Tell me beanstalk tha academic, should I 'ave chased that wretched spawn of satan to her grave? She was injured after all. Give reason."

He laid the question out like a challenge, the steely proud glare in his eyes telling he already had his own answer in mind.
Kyzler pauses and listens with open interest and intent, seemingly eager to judge and critique the coming reply.

[Mystic Writer]

(Hope you all enjoy my starter! I'm going to sleep for now but I couldn't rest until I finished this.)

Cole Striker

The voice of a good friend called out from the other side of the counter in a tavern, "So what did ya find out there? Got some witches with that blade of yours?"

And so Cole Striker continued his life as an avid hunter, taking a break from the activity that he had done a while ago. Early in the day Cole hunted in the area around Seren's Folly, but for some reason his search led him to nowhere today. It was probably just the way his luck turned out, but in a sense that helped him. Now he had a better understanding of certain areas not populated by those evil witches just yet. It was a win/win situation, and the next time he went out he would know that.

But in response to the bartender Cole could only mutter out, "Not for now, but I'll find them next time. I swear . . . I'll comb through everywhere to find those suckers. And my blade will make sure that those wretched beings don't get to live another day. You know, the only moment my blade would hesitate was if I found a 'good' witch out there."

The bartender said through a huff, "How many of that kind would you find out there in the wild."

After a moment Cole spoke, "Probably none but-" Some of the conversation in the tavern seemed to die down a bit, noticing Cole for a moment but then continuing on with their normal conversation like they expected it out of him. Geez, sometimes these people don't take me seriously and it bugs me. But I'm good at being a hunter! I can't blame the fact some of them are just stuck-up old people that can't get a joke.

The bartender stated, "Maybe you've had a bit too much to drink already, there are no 'buts' when it comes to those things. You kill em, and you make sure that you kill em good so that they don't come back to haunt you. If you were any old stranger people might have been suspecting you right about now, you're lucky that we're friends and all. Sometimes I wonder what you'd do without me. Now, you came here to get a drink right?"

Cole nodded slowly and said in a slightly loud voice, "Yeah, get me a glass of whiskey." He knew that from his experience witches were evil creatures, that was exactly what they were. Evil creatures that cast their magic to curse the hearts of men and only serve as a hindrance to humanity. Cole wasn't a newbie or even a simple rookie, so he knew a lot about the topic but at the same time his mind frequently wandered off to random topics when he was in a loud tavern like this one. He said, "I guess I just have an odd mind when I get ready to drink some alcohol, make it snappy please Adam. As much as I like the atmosphere it's not my style to use up precious time for no reason, I need to figure out where these witches lay."

The bartender chuckled as he poured the glass and said, "Yes, sir. Oh you know you never seemed to change all these years. You're always going to be that same guy that wanted to be a hunter from the start."

Cole looked at the glass as it filled with the wonderful liquid and kept his eyes on it as the bartender placed the cup down in front of him, the liquid inside swishing around. The bartender remarked, "You have some experience under your belt but that doesn't make you a master at your craft. You still have a life ahead of you, filled with challenges and other things. Don't throw your life away."

Cole rolled his eyes and spoke, "Sure, of course Adam. If I threw my life away I wouldn't get to enjoy the whiskey like I normally do when I relax. If you really want to help me then you could do me a favor." He then leaned against the table as he asked, "Got any rumors to share with me? Maybe a lead to help me out with hunting them down?"

Adam shrugged and slid a small slip of paper to Cole with his hand, trying to make it appear as if the paper would have his answer for him. He then spoke to carefully hide the secret message while he glanced towards another customer, "Meh, I got nothin of the like for you sir. Don't know what you're talkin about. But anyways there are more customers in this here tavern than just you."

As Adam walked away to take care of other customers Cole shook his head, reaching for his glass of whiskey and then bringing the cooled lid of the cup to his lips. After taking down a gulp of the wonderful liquid Cole brought his cup down on top of the note that he was given, masking the message further by making sure that it would be extremely hard to just catch a glimpse of the note. Can't let other fellows beat me to the witches after all, I want to have some fun with them.

[Fetzen]

Beanstalking

~~~ At the tavern ~~~
_{Mainly interacting with @Dark Light}

"As someone who by now is titulated 'the academic' despite the fact that he never has enjoyed doing studies, I can tell you... Yes. By all means, you should have! For the sake of this tavern and probably the whole village, you should have! We all should have! Now however it is too late!" Jared's voice was quite showing a bit of anger...

The table made an uncomforting sound as Beanstalk put one of his legs atop of the other one's knee before continuing. "Have you ever considered killing the witching before putting them onto the pyre ? Would make things a lot easier and maybe one could think of a method of killing that is both efficient and cruel at the same time ?" He arched an eyebrow in provocation while he was asking himself why he was actually doing this. Except for the individuals of the kind they had experienced this evening he held no personal grudge against witches.

"Now tell me. Why 'Beanstalk' ? Noone has called me that before and I'm curious."

He noticed something else going on at the other end of the tavern. Another person, one who could be considered rather attractive, was having a little talk about whiskey and becoming a hunter. He couldn't help but actually feel quite interesting for their exchange of words. He was a non-hunter sitting in a tavern filled with hunters after all and after the unprovoked and unprecedented attack of the gnomes and this wicked witch... Maybe he should look into picking up some more training ?

[WeepingLiberty]

Avalon

~~~

Never in her life had Avalon met somebody so brutally honest before. Emmerich didn't hold anything back, just taking that leap of faith without any regard for the consequences... Not that there were any consequences, but that didn't mean he wasn't thinking without considering them. If she were being perfectly honest though, it was quite refreshing. So many hunters, and even civilians, were so guarded and never showed their true faces. She herself was among the groups that aired toward distrust more often than trust. Yet this man here, who wore a literal mask, was more transparent than anyone she had ever run into before... Aside from her brother, though she wasn't really counting him apart of the equation for the moment.

"If you let me, I vould like to stay by your side... I vanted zat zis moment, zis happiness zat I am feeling to last forever, or at least until vee need to fight again, vis I vould gladly do it by your side." The woman thought about it a moment, ultimately shrugging her shoulders. "I don't see why not, after all, what right do I have to tell you what to do?" She laughed lightheartedly, turning her body in the direction of the rest of the town. "Come on, we should get going before all the good stuff gets eaten. If it were up to my brother, I'm sure he'd clean the poor place out." Shaking her head at the thought, Avalon glanced back over her shoulder at Emmerich. "You coming, or what?" She teased, slowing down just long enough for the man to collect himself and catch up with her.

@13org

---

Nymphadora

~~~

Nymphadora exhaled, her curious demeanor quickly fading as she decided to get serious. The coven leader had tasked the extermination to her and she wasn't about to give Mirai the satisfaction of failure. Off to the one side she watched as Celia tore into her arm with her own teeth, wincing slightly at the motion. Surely there were easier, and less painful methods... But then again, blood magic wasn't exactly her forte. Nymphadora had no way to know if the method of retrieving blood mattered to any of the spells. She had to make a mental note to study it further at a later time, but for now her attention was stolen but a swiftly moving object on her other side.
Arden had scrambled to his feet, lunging for a torch before taking off. "Why am I not surprised the first thing you grab for is fire? Mirai has you trained well." She chuckled lightly to herself as it was highly unlikely the words would reach him at all. "At the very least, it's a good starting point." She noted, having to cover her ears as an earsplitting screech filled the space.

The monster stabbed at the ground with it's legs, it's focus on the only object really moving at the moment. Turning its body around, the creature started moving in Arden's direction. This wouldn't have been much of a problem if it hadn't been so huge and the distance between it and prey hadn't been so short. "Damnit. Celia! We need to slow this thing down." Lurching into motion, she took off around the outskirts following the same path Arden had taken. There was no way she was going to catch up with him, but hopefully she would find an opening to throw the creature off focus.

Twirling the vial in her right hand she shook the substance until it started glowing, a pulsing pattern abnormal for any liquid mixture. Launching it at the creature's legs, the glass shattered on the stone at the base of one of its legs. The yellow liquid sparked, a small fire flaring to life around the single leg causing it to recoil and shriek as it had before. Her hand now free, she dug into her bag and pulled out a blank piece of paper and something to write with, drawing while she ran to avoid being struck by the now angry creature.

@Dark Light@Rune_Alchemist@Ellion

[13org]

Emmerich Jaeger

"You coming, or what?" he heard her say as she walked away.

That woman's laugh was something that made him feel calm, it was soothing to both his mind and body.
Shaking his head and regaining his composure, he started walking.
"I'm... sorry for beink so tactless and direkt like zat Frau Avalon." he said, catching up to her.
"I know I'm being razer indelikate, but believe me, all zat I said is truth. I don't fully understand, but I feel like I could tell you all my sekrets visout beink afraid. I've made many mistakes on my life... Many of zem exaktly bekause I did nosink, and just let the opportunity pass. I don't vant to lose this light zat found me in the middle of the bloodshed." he said.

"I don't vant to let zis ray of hope fade avay in the dark clouds. Pardon my eagerness to convey my feelings, but I can assure you zat zey are all true." He said, trying to apologize himself.
"Again, i'm sorry for beink like zat. Zis feeling is somesink new for me, and I don't know how to deal vis zem yet. Kould you give me anoser chance?" he asked. Emmerich was obviously ashamed as he looked down, letting an awkward silence in the air. It was very obvious that it was the first time he had those kind of feelings, for anyone. Loosing his composure like that was something that he never did. He couldn't control himself when he was near her, he was different, but in a good way.

"Let's stop talkink about my shameful acts. Let's talk a little about you, shall vee? Why have a beautiful lady like you took the hunter's path? Not zat I don't like it... Your moves are very graceful and I can feel zee technique behind zem. I really vould love to teach you how to dance, I feel like you have zee perfekt body for it." he said looking to her body without realizing.

The second he realized he was ogling her, he averted his gaze, looking down.
"I... I vasn't looking at you like zat, I mean... I said bekause you have a very beautiful body... For dancink I mean." he said stumbling on his own words, letting out a laugh.
"You see, dancink vas one of my hobbies before... well... before everythink happened. I came from a place vere big masquerade balls and ozer sophisticated dances are pretty common. Its truly a beautiful place! Libraries are everywhere, its the dream of any scholar." he said with his eyes shining.

As they got close to the tavern, he opened the door, waiting for her.
"Please, you first." he said, holding the door for her to pass.
"Do you like drinkink wine? I heard zat zey have a very good wine here. We kould ask some for us. It will be good to take zis terrible taste of gnome blood out of out mouth." he said, with a laugh.

@WeepingLiberty

---

Shai

"I would... I uh... I would very much like your help."
Shai was really glad that he understood what she was talking, even after his outburst of anger. She knew that its hard losing everything.
She was already opening her mouth to talk, when his next phrase raised some questions on her mind that she should have done some time ago.

"But uh... Maybe we should find you some clothes first..."
Looking down, she let out a surprised exclamation, almost dropping the blanket.
turning away from him and holding the blankets really hard, she asked him.

"W-where are my clothes? Why am I naked?" she asked, blushing heavily as she looked down.
"Try to think about it! Surely there is a good reason. he probably took you here after you got unconscious, as he said, a weird woman named "Phoebe" came here trying to... kill me? Maybe my dress was burned by the fire... but even though..." With her eyes wide open, she made herself a crucial question: Why was she laid naked on his bed?

"I... I don't know what happened while I was unconscious but... We haven't..." she said, scared.
"Done it, have we?" she asked. "I don't even know your name... We shouldn't... I-I mean, you are good looking, but even though..." she said, extremely nervous.

Obviously panicking, Shai apparently completely forgot the fact that someone tried to kill her.
"No no no no... What if I get a baby?! I mean... I'm a hybrid... I don't even know If its possible I..."

"You know, I was worried that a zealot was going to burn the house down... I can see now that it was really you blushing at the sight of a pretty girl Lusius."

She turned, alarmed by the newcomer, only to see that it was the hunter who tried to save her back at Seren's Folly.
She would be relieved, if only wasn't for the fact that it was another eye for her to be wary of.

"I... Him..." she tried to talk, but failing miserably as she struggled to say anything meaningful.

@Deos Morran

[Deos Morran]

Lusius Mathand

@13org@Bright_Ops

Lusius was embarrassed to say the least. Even before Draco arrived as Shai began talking about... well... 'doing it' as she so colorfully put. His first thought was about why she would even think that? Did he come off as a creep like that or just as some kind of... well just really bad person? To do that to somebody who risked their health and concious state to help another and her first thought was that he... No absolutely not. That was when he tried to look through her eyes and how things may seem. After all if he woke up naked in a stranger's bed after being unconscious his first thought wouldn't be what actually happened... [color=red]"Wait, did I... We... Wait... What? No!" Lusius stammered out not really able to focus his thoughts as Shai was and very clearly embarrassed about the whole thing. "I'm Lusius... but that isn't important." He continued to stammer out trying to save himself, but only probably making things worse.

That was when she started talking about babies... If Lusius was red before he was crimson now... And for her to go from being the cause of his woes and loss to being panicking about being pregnant and suddenly making him embarrassed over everything. Really he couldn't explain why that was. Really he should be mad at her for causing all of this! Wait no... it's not her fault, and it's his fault she was naked and feeling so flustered, but also he should be mad at Phoebe for being such a bitch. And he would never do something like that to her... Never! Even if she was cute and she did say he was good looking... 'ARGH! Why does all of this have to be going on right now! Now was not the time for any of this, not to mention thoughts of actually 'doing it' with her and even less for just... all this!' Lusius thought to himself, flustered by all of these twisted and varying feelings. "No! No babies! We didn't do anything! He blurted out flustered and kind of embarrassed about what was literally nothing. "You saved me and I wanted to return the favor so I just brought you back here to help care for you and your robes were tattered, damp, and muddy from the battle and from being... After helping me. I took them off and hung them up so you could be warm and dry in my bed that ONLY YOU were in while you were asleep. That was when that she-bitch and total whore Phoebe came and burned my home and your robes burned too. So just... I... We did not have sex!"

Just as Lusius finished his words he heard the familiar voice of Draco... And he heard his last sentence with how loud Lusius was talking and how close Draco was. Really it was just a bad point to come in, not hearing the rest of the conversation and just getting the whole, 'We did not have sex!' towards the end... And of course he spoke of blushing and as it stands he was crimson red... "This day can't physically get any worse..." Lusius said aloud for his two... 'guests' to hear. "Russ! Now is not the time! Just look around and I don't mean at us. That bitch Pheobe did this and I'm in no mood for playful jabbing. She needs to pay for what she's done."

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Celia Mockett~

@WeepingLiberty@Dark Light

Blood dripped from her wrist and onto the ground below, coppery taste of blood filling her mouth. So eager, were her companions. She could understand, though she was motivated by something else entirely than what they were. The girl seemed on whole, still entirely uninterested on the surface. Underneath though, her blood boiled. Excitement filled her. A rare thing for her, but at the prospect of eating something she couldn't help but to feel...aroused? Was that the word? Heh, not that it particularly mattered.

Slow it down, though? Now how did they plan to do that? Slowing it down would be complicated and annoying. Not to mention sort of impossible. She couldn't do anything like that, so she wasn't going to be a fool and try it. Instead, while the creature was occupied with Nymphadora and Arden, she made her way around the other side. She couldn't do much, not with magic at least...but she could do her usual thing of being annoying to everyone.

She moved quickly, at least compared to her usual pace as she collected the spilled blood in the palm of her hand forming a small arrow and sending it slamming into the creatures head. It probably wouldn't do much other than annoy the creature, but that was all Celia was aiming for. If not...well, then she could perhaps get a little more creative.

[Bright_Ops]

Draco Russ

Currently: Outside Seren's Folly, the ruin formally known as Lusius's Home.

Interacting:@Deos Morran@13org

Chuckling softly as he shook his head, Draco managed to say something along the lines of "I'm just yanking your chain..." before all the good humor left his face as he glanced around at the burned out wreckage again with a resigned sigh. "I suspected as such... And I agree with you that she's a dangerous woman that is going to have to be dealt with, but I trust that you will let me take care of this. She'll be expecting something from you so you won't get close to her."

Turning to look at ...had she mentioned what her name was earlier? He couldn't quite seem to remember if she did or not. Reaching up and calmly removing his hat, he offered the witch a surprisingly respectful bow as he held his hat to his chest. "While the circumstances are unfavorable, it is still a pleasure to meet you M'lady. My name is Draco Russ." Standing up straight again and returning his hat to his head (after all, it wasn't like he was inside at the moment) before suggesting "As beautiful as you are, it might be time to give you back your clothing... or at least something to wear. Did her clothing survive the fire Lusius?"

[dabombjk]

Kieran Hishamie

Did not expect the day to take this turn

Interacting with: Himself, starting an interaction with @NarcissisticPotato

Kieran cursed under his breath every foul word he could muster while running at his top speed away from what appeared to be nothing at first glance. But if you listened closely, faint footsteps could be heard at a distance way from where Kieran was running from. He had spent all day keeping to himself, doing odd jobs to make money for food. If he could help it he did not want to steal, although he wasn't opposed to stealing. And he did not judge others for stealing. It was just a personal choice. Plus, Kieran thought, he got to meet all kinds of people and help out wherever he could. He had learned a spell awhile back that hid his facial features when directly looked at, but without anyone taking notice of it. The magic he cast would effect anyone within a few feet of him, and it would subconsciously nudge people not to look directly at him. Kieran spent all day doing odd jobs, and he thought he got really lucky when an older gentlemen offered him quite an unusual amount of money for doing a few odd chores around his home. But as he went on with his job, he realized that he was being watched. His magic should have made that impossible, unless you knew what to look for and forced yourself to look anyways. Kieran continued on for a while longer, before he had quite enough of the weirdness. Kieran stopped what he was doing and started to walk over to where he saw the people watching him, but it only took a few steps towards them to realize who they were. They were people that he spent years trying to avoid. His families hired thugs.

Kieran was still recovering from his last altercation from his family and their hired thugs. He and his late magical teacher had tried to make a brave stand against his family, doing the opposite of Kierans nature and fought back. Kieran, dedicated to stopping his families dnagerous plans for him but not willing to compromise his principles, fought without killing which severely limited him. This caused his family to get a fatal blow in on his magic teacher, who used one last spell to shield and hide Kieran. Kieran fled, at the great urge of his soon to be deceased teacher, and had been running ever since.

Kieran realized he had been found, turned around, and tried to calmly walk away. His magic was useless at the moment, no offensive spells could be used and his disguise spells would be no help against these people. Kieran sighed, looked back, and smiled. He pulled an apple out of his bag hanging around his shoulder, bit into it, and winked. When Kieran spoke, he spoke loud enough for his stalkers to hear and while he had a mouth full of apple.

"Hiya! Nice to see you guys! Would love to catch up but -"

At that moment Kieran took off, without looking, crashing through a crowd of people and ducking around corners. Kieran thought he could lose his pursers, but to no avail. Kieran tried shaking his pursuers all afternoon, but everytime he would almost lose them, they would catch up. Back to present time, Kieran was out of breath, hands clutching his side and eyes in a frantic state. Kieran had lost sight of his pursuers for the moment, so he stopped and leaned against the nearby wall to gather himself. He knew the area decently, and knew there was a tavern close by. He saw a few people, including someone that intrigued him. From what it appeared, it was a woman and a man, but the woman intrigued him more. Even from the distance he was he could see the scars on her face. They were very obvious, but were not the highlights of her many features. Kieran cocked his head to the side, and coughed softly. Then he looked at the man. But before he could make any pre-made judgements, Kieran's eyes widened and he coughed up a small amount of blood. He looked down and saw two small hooks grappled to his shoulders. The sharp ends digging into his skin started to burn, and Kieran gave a small yelp.

In a moment of anger, Kieran turned around and faced his attackers. Clearly by the shocked looks on their faces, two things were apparent. One, they had not meant to harm him only to stun him. The man holding the chains that attached to the pins looked suprised, and in shock dropped the chains. Two, they were also suprised about Kierans reaction. His face contorted into a face of pure rage, and Kieran let lose his magic aura at his attackers. He had not meant to, he simply lose control of his emotions at the time. His magical ability and lost patience only made his presence more terrifying. Kieran opened his mouth to utter a spell.......When a third hook latched itself into his chest. Not deep enough to kill him, but in his weak state it did nothing to help him. Kieran dropped to one knee, but his gaze never left them.

"Shit", Said one of the attackers," We weren't suppose to hurt him like that."
The second attacker spoke. "Shut up, it was an accident. Lets fucking beat it, if he dies we can say we had nothing to do with it."
The third attacker spoke. "Crazy ass family. We are done working for them."

Kieran watched his attackers flee, then looked down at his body. His white, slightly unbuttoned, dress shirt had three holes in it, with blood stains becoming a dark in the injured areas. The two hooks, one in each shoulder, and one in the center of his chest. Kieran figured this wasn't fatal, but it certainly was healthy. Kieran turned around and looked at the two strangers. He began to walk towards them.

[13org]

Shai

Interacting with: @Bright_Ops @Deos Morran

"You saved me and I wanted to return the favor so I just brought you back here to help care for you and your robes were tattered, damp, and muddy from the battle and from being... After helping me. I took them off and hung them up so you could be warm and dry in my bed that ONLY YOU were in while you were asleep. That was when that she-bitch and total whore Phoebe came and burned my home and your robes burned too. So just... I... We did not have sex!"

With her face completely red, too embarrassed to sat anything, Shai heard Lusius' nonstop torrent of words. Shai was relieved to know they haven't done anything.
As Lusius' kept talking, she felt more comfortable. She couldn't help but let out a giggle, he was obviously embarrassed, and the way he tried to explain himself was kind of cute.

While the circumstances are unfavorable, it is still a pleasure to meet you M'lady. My name is Draco Russ."


"I'm... Sorry for misunderstanding everything. Thanks for saving and protecting mr" She said with a smile, looking to both men "I got a little nervous because... Well... It's my first time."


"N-no! I don't mean like that! Its the first time someone actually cared about my well being, so thank you both. I'm glad that I could meet people who can accept me for what I am, who haven't rejected me like everyone else. Thank you Lusius, thank you Draco." She said with a gentle smile and bowing down..

As beautiful as you are, it might be time to give you back your clothing... or at least something to wear. Did her clothing survive the fire Lusius?"

"I'm very sorry about what this Phoebe did, and I would love to help but... Well... It will be a little difficult to do so wearing only this, after all, my clothes got incinerated too..." She said after hearing Draco's suggestion, looking down ang pulling the blankets, which were starting to fall fue to the wind, up.


"Its a little... Cold. Wearing only this..." She said, embarrassed. "If you have anything for me to wear I would be very grateful. It doesn't need to be a dress or anything fancy... Even some old clothes you used to wear or something like that... For now they will suffice." Shai said, as a guest of wind almost sent the blanket she was covering herself flying.

"Eek!" Shai exclaimed, shivering due to the cold wind and grabbing the blanket as tightly ad she possibly could, bringing them closer to her body.

"Lusius, Draco, about Phoebe... Don't go." Shai said, trying to regain her composure. "Forget her, its dangerous and it won't bring back your burnt house. She has no business coming here again. If she ever try to do it again, then we will defend ourselves. But spending your time looking for revenge is useless!" She said to both men.

"Revenge will lead you nowhere, it won't help you to build new memories, it will only create a chain linking you and these feelings of loss and sadness you are experiencing right now. Stay here with me, forget this Phoebe and concentrate in your present. What happened is not important anymore. I'll help you to rebuild the house... It was my fault after all, she came after me, didn't she?" She said, worried about Lusius.


"Believe in someone who already experienced this feeling many times. Revenge will lead you only to your own destruction." She said, looking down.

[Deos Morran]

Lusius Mathand

@13org@Bright_Ops

Lusius was starting to get mad again now that the topic had shifted back to Phoebe and Draco's words only seemed to fuel that. After all it was he that Phoebe spited not Draco and not even Shai even though she was her original target. No, he wanted his payback and he wanted to make sure she got it... "I don't care if she knows I'm coming. I will have justice and will have my suffering avenged!" He said to Draco directly before quickly continuing to say, "You know what I can do to her and she won't be able to stop me!" During the last bit he rolled up his sleeve to reveal his silver bracer, his bond of penance and also his last safeguard against the Burning Man.

Shai was quick to speak of clothes though and that at least got Lusius to roll back down his sleeve. It was strange to feel so much so quick and while he was trying to process everything the seed of hate that Phoebe had made with him was festering and thanks to the Burning Man's cultivation was growing fast. Still Shai's innocence and of course her kind and soft voice did wonders to sooth the rage inside him for some reason. And that made the Burning Man furious! More furious than he already and always was. "Yes... I should have some clothes that you can wear. At least until we find you something more fitting to you. They should be upstairs, in the dresser just to your right as you reach the top." His words helpful and slowly growing less angry, but hinting that he was ok with her leaving them to get dressed without them there to peep.

That was when he heard Shai voice her opinion on the matter, wanting to just let bygones be that... But how could he do that when she lost only a set of old robes? Lusius lost half his house and several items of memory. The later could NEVER be replaced. Still she was trying to help him and calm teh fires that Lusius was clearly trying to start. Regardless in a moment he let his mind loose, "That's not how this works... We're Hunters and we don't let go. We deal in vengeance against those who have been slighted and must be brought to justice. She will pay for what she's done." Lusius said looking right into her eyes so she knew just how serious he was and at the end she could very easily see something glint in his eyes. They flashed red and became one solid shape, melding into something that wasn't human. Whatever just happened, it helped to tell Shai that Lusius wasn't a normal man.

Still he was quick to calm and understand that she was trying to help him. He was angry at Phoebe and wanted revenge on her, not Shai. So his voice calmed quickly and he nodded to her, "Draco. I wont' let this slide, but maybe you are right. I need to stay here and help repair my home and Shai will need some help recovering as well as staying safe should that bitch come back." With that Lusius turned away from Draco to once again address Shai saying, "We'll just... Let's get you some clothes first. Then we can worry about the house. Besides it's getting late and we should try to get some sleep at some point."

[Bright_Ops]

Draco Russ

Currently: Outside Seren's Folly, the ruin formally known as Lusius's Home.

Interacting:@Deos Morran@13org

Draco remained silent as he watched the interactions between his adoptive son and the witch that both of them seemed to had taken a shine to... and couldn't help but smile internally to himself as he had a good feeling of what the future might hold for the two of them.

Still, he growled a little as he listened to the dripple that Lusius was saying. "Lusius, I know for a fact I taught you better then that. Anger has it's place like fear and doubt but they are best served as advisors; They are not good commanders and any battle where they take over is going to end in disaster."

Turning to look at Shai, he nodded his head a little in agreement with her wisdom... through he had been around a lot longer then her through. "You're not wrong. But my interest wasn't in vengeance; Phoebe is a dangerous individual who will rather ironically end up killing more innocent people then almost all the monsters she'll actually end up killing combined. Brimstone Zealots always do...But for now we will let this sleeping dog lie."

[Dark Light]

Kyzler the cursed hunter

---

(@Fetzen@ the Tavern )

---

Kyzler chuckled to himself once again. Clearly the progress of the conversation was amusing him. The lack of drink in his hand not so much. He threw a few impetuous sharp looks towards the waiter in hopes that it would be remedied before carrying on.

"Settle down, there will be many a more opportunities for us to get ourselves killed."
Ky paused to look around the room with a quick thought.
"Can't tell if I'd rather chase 'er alone or with this mob, beside cannon fodder they wouldn't do much good beside get me killed.

Rule 17:
Never chase a witch!
Where is she gonna go?
Some where safe, familiar, where she has the upper hand. Maybe even friends already there or traps just awaitin for some fool to come blindly rushing in." Ky looks down as he shakes his head.
"No, never chase a witch. It might be just exactly the thing she was hoping for."

Lifting his head back up a wide smile had taken his lips as he moved onto a new thought.
"Well, if ya ain't concerned about putting the townsfolk's mind at rest or getting ya hands on a big juicy coin pouch from the mayor." Ky unrolls a large heavy leather sheet onto the table. As it unfolds there is clanking of metal objects. Eventually it is revealed to be two fine ornate sturdy old swords laying side by side in the middle.

"Something like this is definitely more efficient."

He was clearly proud of his swords and glowed like a parent at the chance to show them off. While clearly they wore the signs of ageing and would be considered far from pristine, they were filled with details of attentive love.
The faint indent of runes and hieroglyphic markings ran down the blade to disappear under the refurbished hilt.

---

---

Kill the Spyder

_{Concerning:@WeepingLiberty@Rune_Alchemist@Dark Light}

Arden ran like mad, swerving and fumbling about as he narrowly avoided being skewered by the giant beast. He had no clue what the others were doing. There was a flash behind him and for a moment he didn't feel as though the creature has hot on his tail.

'THWACK, CRASH, THUD, THUD!'

As the creature turned to look elsewhere, it swung around its midsection which sent a hail of legs piercing down around Aden. He practically ran into the first one, instinctively putting up his hands to soften the impact his heart dropped as he felt the vile he was holding shatter against the monsters thick armoured skin.
The magic liquid mingled with his own blood as it ran down and around the jagged shards of glass now protruding his flesh to fall dripping to the floor.

The creature didn't even notice and carried on moving, the many legs were operating like a pump, up and down, up and down.
Arden continued his zigzag nearly clear of the current danger and almost in reaching distance of the fire.

[13org]

Shai

Interacting with: @Bright_Ops @Deos Morran

"That's not how this works... We're Hunters and we don't let go. We deal in vengeance against those who have been slighted and must be brought to justice. She will pay for what she's done."
Upon hearing that, Shai was almost opening her mouth again to try to persuade him, but Lusius eyes showed something that truly alarmed her. Hate, fury and anger, flashing red, these weren't eyes of a human being. Under that man's skin, a powerful, and definitely evil creature lurked.

With her eyes wide open, she started to back off, but the oppressive aura was soon gone once Lusius started to calm himself. All that rage and fury wasn't all his, surely it had something to do with the thing hiding inside him.
Shai wanted to help him. She didn't knew if she could deal with that thing, but she knew that rage would lead only to his own destruction.

Shai's thoughts were interrupted by Draco, as he replied to Shai's previous statement:
"You're not wrong. But my interest wasn't in vengeance; Phoebe is a dangerous individual who will rather ironically end up killing more innocent people then almost all the monsters she'll actually end up killing combined. Brimstone Zealots always do...But for now we will let this sleeping dog lie."

As much as Shai hated unnecessary conflicts, Draco's words were true. Shai had already heard about these Fire and Brimstone Zealots... They were a very dangerous kind, very often prone to acts of religious fanaticism, bringing only destruction and bloodshed.

"I see... As much as I hate unnecessary conflicts, this is a very ... Delicate situation. Trying to talk some sense on Brimstone Zealots is useless, letting her be would be irresponsible, as she would continue burning her way across the land but killing..." Shai said, trying to think in a way to persuade them to forget about all that and not go after her looking for a fight. "I... Don't know how to solve all this without resorting to violence, but there must be a way..." She said lowering her voice.

"Please... Think a little more about this. If you kill this Phoebe, then what? Will this bring your lost memories back? Bloodshed only attracts more bloodshed. It's an endless cycle. Please think about it... I will get something to wear. On the dresser, upstairs right? I'll be already back." Shai said to Lusius, going to the stairs.

Before going up them, Shai looked directly at Draco's eyes. In Shai's eyes one could easily see the eyes of someone who was tired of violence, and wanted to avoid bloodshed at all costs. She hoped he would understand the message. "Don't let him go, neither go yourself." She moved her lips without a single sound, before going up the stairs.

Getting near the dresser, Shai stopped in front of it. Opening it seemed to be... Wrong. They were Lusius clothes, not hers. She felt like she was invading his privacy.

After some awkward minutes, she opened it. He had given her his permission after all. Inside the dresser she could find many beautifully crafted and decorated clothes which looked rather expensive. Choosing the simplest ones, she wore them: brown leather pants and a white cotton tunic. Although they were significantly bigger than her body, she did what she could to be able to wear them without being too uncomfortable by wearing the pants in a way so her tail would be just over them while being careful to not show too much of her behind (but still showing a generous part of her hips, otherwise it would be impossible for her to move her tail freely), rolling up the pants so she could walk without falling down, using an old belt to prevent them from falling and rolling up the tunic's long sleeves.

After a good few minutes changing herself Shai was ready, looking at herself in a mirror. It wasn't a beautiful dress, sure, but it wasn't that bad either. It gave her an innocent and younger air.