[IC] Ascension 3: A return to Chaos

[Jollan]

COLLAB POST BETWEEN ALLARD, BLIGHT, AND KING VRONDI.

Allard waved a hand as politely as possible. "A splendid idea! I couldn't ask for a better test," he said happily, eager to begin. "I'd prefer not ta use a blade myself unless it being absolutely necessary, and if tha time comes, I have my own. I appreciate tha offer, but I am as ready now as I ever will be."

Vrondi let out a small chuckle. "Ahaha. Well I feel you may need to. Our Blighted knight's blade wont be sheathed for this test."

"I wouldn't ask fer anything less, yur majesty," Allard replied.

Garrett thought to himself for a moment, he could oblige the guest and use his own fists, or he could use his sword, it did not really matter if they would be in close quarters, either of them could be at a disadvantage to the other at a moment's notice or a snap of the fingers, or some well placed hand movements. He lined himself up with his proponent, flexing his hands forward as if readying himself for a dexterous excursion. He readied himself, holding the pommel of his weapon with his left hand, the right hand readying itself to be imbued with the arcane powers Garret had learned.

Allard nodded as he saw the knight ready himself, but not move forward. A defensive stance to start with it would seem. "Alright then." Allard said as cracked his knuckles and a few other joints. "Let's begin!" Allard shot forward, faster than what some of the nobles believed something that big should move. First he wanted to test what this man would do so a simple charge should suffice for now. When he got somewhat close, he pivoted and used his body to twist around, putting his body in motion for a heavy backfist with his right arm, aimed to push through the target instead of stopping, His left arm already drawn back and waiting to come crashing down in case the move was dodged with a duck.

The royals turned with their attention all on the duel. The Gaian royals nodded at the sight of a size similar to what was kin to their own. The Fotians however began to question in small number the familiarity of the warrior. Drums beat as they went on. Beatings from Fotian drummers who play during Arena bouts and war time.

The die was cast for the both of them, however, Garrett did not enjoy when people rolled the dice in favor of their own gambles. Gambling was a horrible sport. However, Garrett could not scold who did those, because he did a strange type gambling of his own. With the cast of Gale, and Hardening, Garrett became a rock bullet or a cannonball, shooting into the air above the abridged pit fighter. The thump of air and pressure against the composures behind him would signal his movement, nothing was better than speed and force, but also catching those he fought off guard; his armor was a blight, corrupting the minds of those he fought from knowing his true colors. With sword now in hand, Garrett would drop down with the force of his body to either crush a being other than himself, or ruin some perfectly shined flooring.

When blight came down on top of him, he lifted his left arm in the air, guarding the impact close to his elbow. Instead of using his right arm however to strike, he swooped his arm out from under garret, as if going to catch a coin, going to grab him by the legs and slam him into the ground, tossing him to the side afterwords.

Momentum and Reflexes were key in any situation, Garrett knew this. He had to adjust his course in mid air to stand any chance of not taking much of any damage from this encounter, and to do so, he had to make opposite, pushing force in other directions; the direction he would take would be to throw his sword downwards at a curve in front of his opponent, in doing so, he planned to land behind the man with a crushing blow with his fists, or, ruin the castle floors like a good knight should.

Allard took the blow to his back, the blow would feel like hitting a solid wall of muscle, while stepping forward to mitigate some of the damage it could cause, he used the movement of this stance change, however, to lean forward and kick back with his other leg, shooting out like a cannon aimed right for Bilght. After the kick, he would roll to the side and take up a stance once more.

Garrett hated kicking, he believed it was the last resort in fighting, however, anything can be used to win a fight, or a war, in the eyes of the combatants. He believed the doctrine of impromptu utilization was admirable. But a rock, must roll. Roll, it did. Garret would make his departure from following up in the momentum to make sure he was not kicked by a mountain of muscle, a mountain made of rock does not wish to crumble by the force of man; A roll would suffice, like the knights of old. He would need to watch his opponent from the initial encounter given, but he did not wish to give him any leeway to recover, as soon as he was away from the reach of his leg, he would go for a charging assault straight towards Allard, but not without making sure his sword was within reach to recover. Submission was the only option for either of them.

The royals seemed pleased by the ongoing bout. Vrondi stood at the end of the stage. Floating with his arms crossed as if observing intently. But his face only held a bit of admiration. He too it seemed was entertained by this show.

When Allard landed from his roll, he saw that the knight was already charging in. he used the momentum of rising to leap forward to meet him, cracking the tile underneath him from the pressure and bringing down a heavy left fist over Blight.

The Blighted Knight did not back down from this challenge, in fact, he wanted this to happen, as if he had noticed that the dice had been weighted to land on a certain set of numbers. All he needed was more force to push his opponent back, a boulder does not stop for stationary objects or lighter forces acting against it. Ruined floors meant nothing in the heat of battle, in fact, more flooring would be ruined in the seconds to come. Garrett would propel himself again, not upwards, but forwards, another thud of air being acted against, as the increased rock-skinned armor-clad Knight barreled towards Allard, fists ready to clock the man a few centuries back.

Allard slammed down into Blight with a hamming blow from his left, bearing into the ground, with an uppercut from his right ready to follow through. Allard face was still that of one having fun, as it was, he was having a blast.

No man would be sane enough to leave themselves open like this. Garrett did not stop himself, in fact, it only made him mad that somebody would try such an attempt to incapacitate him. He continued to close the distance, making grand strides in order to connect his rocked fists against Allard's face. Following through with this, he would need to take this man to the ground. He did not want him moving anywhere, and even the greatest of chest players knew when to call it early.

As Allard's attack stuck home, creating an indention in the ground, he noticed that the man had guarded it, which was quite impressive. Allard felt that it was a skill that the man used, as no man at that size has even stopped such a blow. Allard noticed that the man seemed to direct the attack to the side and move in for a strike to his face, which struck home. Gritting through it, he snatched Blight out of the air with his right arm. it was time to scale this up a bit. "I AM INVINCIBLE! MY SHADOW SKILL IS UNMATCHED!" He slammed Blight into the ground as he recited an old chant. "THE POWER OF MY BLOW HAS NO EQUAL!" His left first started to glow as he raised it to strike. "HAMMER OF THE GODS!" He brought down the punch right on top of where he had Blight.

As the fist of Allard swelled with a immense energy a voice rang through their minds. "Enough." The voice of Vrondi said. A hand gripping the fist before it flexed to come crashing down. Allard would surprised. His arm would not be able to move effectively with the warm glowing hand of Vrondi holding it back by the forearm. With a single arm of his. He was turned half way, not facing them but his head was turned to look down at them. He was smiling.

Allard looked back up at the king with a jolly laugh, "Sorry about tha mess. You have quite tha fighter in this man here!" He stood up and extended a hand to Blight to help lift him up if he accepted it. "I could barely geta hand on ya!" he said, directed to Blight.

Garrett grabbed the hand of Allard, if his helmet wasn't on, he'd be happy that there was such a great brawl in the halls of this place. He pulled himself up, releasing the arcanes that bound him to speed and strength. "Likewise. I really had to use my head there. Not a headbutt, I'm sure you'd know how to deal with that!" He shook the hand that helped him up when he was at a stable stance. "I'd like my sword as well." He pointed at a convenient place behind Allard, a rooted sword in the cracked flooring.

"Fine bout the two of you. Even without your blade you're formidable. How one like yourself ended up here working in the cellars is beyond me! Haha!" Vrondi chuckled. Pleased. While this happened a few Fotian royals spoke amongst themselves. "No doubt about it." One said. Slipping off.

[Dread]

---

---

The Tyro’s eyes shot open wide as the nightmarish sequence that had been plaguing her mind for over a week, came to a halt, and she found herself in the great bathing pool of Vrondi castle, just as she was before dozing off. The face of her opponent, her accuser, the gladiatorial fighter, Alric and his mocking gestures, smug expressions, and stench was still in the forefront of the young Fotian girl’s mind as she laid her head back against the cool stone wall that lined the perimeter of the pool. She noticed that her body felt much better than before, and muscles that were once tense and sore, were now relaxed. She lifted her hand to her face, running a finger along the wound which had scarred over nicely, but would still be noticable otherwise. She allowed a smirk to crease her lips, realizing that the Sol woman was much better at her job than Czigani had expected, but then again, she hadn’t expected much truth be told. The Fotian allowed her eyes to wander for a moment, following the intricate fresco paintings that covered most of the ceiling above the bathing house. She’d always been appreciative of the arts, although having little to no gift for it herself, she respected the artisans who spend their entire lives if only to create one masterful piece of work, even those who are never guaranteed to see the light of day. Like most of the furnishings and deco within the castle, it was of Vrondi influence, with all the elegance, grace, and egotistical flair that one could handle. The Tyro loved and hated everything about it all at once.

Her ears perked up at the muffled voices that sounded as though they were coming from the adjacent hallway, which, from what she’d briefly heard, was an extension of the guest rooms and bathing areas. Had someone been in the same pool while she slept? The thought would have made some cringe she supposed, being naked and vulnerable for just about anything unusual to happen. But the Tyro cared little for such petty things, especially amongst the royal idiots within Vrondi and their “party all night” mentalities. It wasn’t as though Czigani herself was without the possibility of feelings or affections toward another, but she knew this was not the time or place for distractions of the flesh. She needed her wits about her, and the absence of any attachments if she was to succeed in her mission, even if it was a mission she may never return from alive.
Standing to her feet slowly as the bath water cascaded down her body, Czi was relieved that the -expected- sharp pain in her ribs had subsided and she could move normally again. She stretched out her limbs and arched her back, happy with the results of the healing pool and the magical qualities from Solari. Which reminded her, she hadn’t seen the healer in the bathing area anywhere, but then spotted her across the hallway sitting in a chair peering out through the bedroom window into the courtyard below. Czigani stepped up and out of the pool, searching for her tunic and armor that she shed before going into the water earlier, but realized that they may have been taken to be cleaned. She pulled on the rob which was hanging near the doorway and walked into the bedroom, where the Sol was sitting, as well as a beautiful cream-colored hooded robe that was laid out on the bed.

“Oh, m’lady, I see you are awake and about.” Solari seemed almost surprised as she turned and smiled without really looking directly at the Tyro standing before her. “How are you feeling?”

“Wonderful, actually.” The other said with a friendly smile in return. “You’ve done great work, and I’m not sure how I could repay you.”

“’Repay’, m’lady?” The Sol’s tone seemed bewildered by such a comment, almost as though she’d never heard of anything so preposterous. “I assure you that all the reward I need is knowing you are better.” She bowed her toward the Tyro. “Your clothes are also being cleaned and repaired, but I have brought you something I hope will be equally as comforting until they are ready.” Solari’s hand gestured toward the cream colored hooded robe laying on the bed.

Hooded Robe

“Oh.” Czigani looked at the dress trying not to appear too disgusted by the thin, flowy fabric or the choice color, which she’d never in million lifetimes wear. “It’s...perfect.”

Solari smiled and bowed her head once again. “Is there anything more you need of me, m’lady?”

“No.” The other shook her head. “Not unless you need to dress me as well.“ Czi let out a slight chuckle.

“I-um…” Solari seemed to tense up, clearly caught off guard. “I’d be honored to dress you, m’la-”

“I was kidding.” The Fotian smirked. “There’s no need. I’m a big girl.”

“Yes, very well.” The healer bowed her head once again. “Please do not hesitate to call upon me again if needed.” She said, slowly making her way toward the door. “For anything…” The whispered words carried further than she thought even when she exited from the room, catching the ear of the Tyro.

“Anything?” Czigani sighed to herself. “This place needs to be burned to the ground for starters.” She snorted as she lifted the elegant robe. “Along with this hideous thing…”

[Guy0fV4lor]

Mason Drake

---

@Rai
Mason sighed, his palm firmly planted against his face as the bandit girl made her request. Did she really have no other wish? If so, why that, OF ALL THINGS, WHY THAT??? Even more surprising, was the fact that the king even bothered to answer her seriously.

"I said I would aid you. So if a dick.. is what you want. All things related to the sexual is Lord Eros's realm of knowledge. So wait, like the others, and I will send for you to have a meeting with him. Now. Go."

The crowds whispers of disapproval ricocheted and echoed through Mason's mind. Weren't they all heroes? Why were they all being treated like..... a... a.... joke??? Painful memories began to rush through Mason's head, only for the King's voice to break through the room's hushed whispers.

"If these warriors are not your desired representatives then I extend membership into these united ranks to anyone willing to step fourth. I warn you. The perilous duty of protecting all descendants is not for the meek."

Only a single, very large man stepped forward. "King Vrondi," his voice boomed with a large grin on his face, "I have no quarrel with these people, though I do find a number of your company ta be quite lacking in bravery an' honor. All drawing their swords on one injured person, even if they do have an interestin' view on humor, all the while shiverin' in their boots at tha very prospect o' dirtyin' them up. Let me volunteer in their stead. I pray I don't disappoint you even half as much as these pompous men who owe their title merely ta their father's pastime in bed."

Mason was at least happy to see the King's pleasantly surprised smile. "Ah. A fine introduction. Yet we have enough of those who can speak, and much more elegantly. Lets see if your proclaimed talent is better coordinated than your speech. Choose your blade warrior and step forward." Vrondi offered, from the weapons that sat on the walls. All of various types and sizes, mostly symbolic and large. He then looked to Blight. "I have a better task for you Blight. Please demonstrate a knights proper form and test his mettle a bit."

With the 'Blighted Knight' now occupied with testing this new individual, a young Sol, clad in a long white tunic led the group toward their rooms. As he was led out of the hall by the servant, Mason heard other knights murmuring about how joining such a group could 'tarnish their reputation'. The young seraph sneered in disgust. Reputation? Reputation is mere vanity. A TRUE knight's only concern should be fighting in pursuit of justice.

The knights' cowardice filled Mason with fuming anger, such that he barely noticed that he had already arrived in his room. When suddenly, a low, wispy voice, barely loud enough to even be a whisper spoke from behind Mason.

_{"Why fight for such insects?"}

Turning to face the voice, Mason was confused to find that he was alone. Was he hearing things? Assuming it was just an odd thought caused by frustration, Mason left his room and made his way to the Guest Library. Perhaps reading would calm his mind.

Scouring the Library, Mason grabbed every book he could find regarding the Gaian Dragon Temple that King Vrondi spoke of. Gathering his collection on a vacant table, he began to eagerly read book, after book, after book, learning all he could of the temple. Nearly half the pile had been completed before fatigue got the better of Mason, as he eventually passed out atop the collection he had gathered.

[Rai]

Lucius looked down at her with solemn eyes. He had come to terms with her position and his own and wanted to speak with her more intimately so she could know him. Yet I still want to hear whats in your mind. His voice, young and fresh, was entirely of a dignified male. His mind resonated with hers this way. A smooth tranquil sound that would come over just as sound, yet directly to the mind.

He observed the garden. Her garden. The creatures inside saw her as everything. No doubt she was to them, so he kept his own plant manipulation at bay. Not to fool such sheltered creatures into questioning their beautiful goddess. Despite his talents is was still no doubt Ami had the blood for far greater. His golden armor and jeweled ornaments reflecting the bright green on its surface. His eyes could see the auras of the vegetation. All steeped in her influence. It was wise to give her such a place of her own. Their King forever remained a step ahead.

"The light grows dim outside your influence. It is clear what your true purpose is, simply look around at what you've made here." He practically motioned to observe around the room. "Maintaining life. We need you now more than ever. Not as what your mother's heritage has marked you with. But for saving us." An outright declaration he made it seem. Bringing his fist to his chest and lowering his head into a slight bow whilst looking down. He then turned to walk to a closed door covered in the gardens over growth. He placed a hand on it and the plants around its hinges loosened by rapidly growing and receding out of its crevices. "The casualties grow out there for our brothers and sisters on the front lines. To use your gift simply to make more royals too afraid to fight would be an impertinent decision."

"Will you accompany me?" He asked after opening the door to the courtyard, massive and majestic. The Suns fiery light shining over the horizon.
@RumikoOhara

---

“This place needs to be burned to the ground for starters.”

Made the young woman even more anxious. Though she knew she was kidding she couldn't help but to think that it was extreme. A lesson learned of the Fotian tongue. She felt it was their custom to mention fire and left it alone. She did manage to express a smile as she opened the door to leave. As she opened it she heard others walking within the guest halls. She turned to Czigani one last time. "Please do enjoy your stay." She couldn't help but want to scurry away before being asked to do any other tasks. She smiled as she walked past the new guests. Quickly walking to the healing chambers where she spent most of her time.

The fireworks outside the balconies continued to pop. But this time more dazzling displays sparked about in the sky. Each color representing a kingdom. A show of Fotia's approval of the alliance. The people below, lesser royals not invited within the castle halls or those who simply wished to mingle with the citizens of Vrondi were all rejoicing. The news of the alliance reaching them and a note being pressed underneath Czigani's door. A folded news letter for royals that gave the straight skinny on the current news. It read.

An alliance was being formed and a fresh team to represent this unified force. If you are able to spare any slaves, warriors or knights under your command. Or if you find yourself willing to join the cause please inform Vrondi. Later acceptance routes through all Kingdoms will be established shortly after.
@Dread

---

Vrondi was pleased with the display from Allard and Blight. It was not often he was able to witness such display. He spoke to the crowd. "This time more than ever it was imperative we recruit strong warriors." He looked down sadly. The blood shed he witnessed last night was a reminder of how important it was to be a warrior yourself. With his soul boiling within him he let the royals who were watching give their praise. Mostly the Fotians for their love of battle but the others, Gaia, Vrondi and Tearia, joined in on some of the brief applause. "Now. Sir Blight will accompany you to the guest rooms where the others who will be joining your ranks will be. I hope you all get well acquainted." Vrondi waved his hand for the congregated mass of people to separate and form a path for them to exit through. He then summoned a few royals of his kind to have their ear.

"I've learned a lot about each of them from their souls mind. Assemble these items and a chest to present to each of them. Have it ready as soon as possible." Vrondi gave his royals the message and they in turn gave their servants the message. Soon the armory vault was opened far below and items were picked through and placed in massive wooden chests. These chests were then carried one by one once filled up the castle using sturdy vines that pulled them. Soon they would reach their destination.
@Verticus

[RumikoOhara]

@Rai

---

---

Ami listened to Lucius’s words weighing them carefully as her tutors had taught her as they prepared her for the stress of court so in her mind came an ancient song that she saw as a guide to her actions.

Incantations of power

Sunset
Moonrise

And see how
The land
Is bathed
In silver hue

You feel
So lonely

Come with me
And let me show
There are others
Just like you

Who feel the powers
Of Earth, Sea and Sky
Of Dragon and Faerie
And Seraphim in flight

Hear the call of our ancestors
Of blood and bone
Of womb and tomb
And standing stone

Lady stir your
Cauldron well
Chant your words
And sing your spell

Hear the Goddess
Hear the Goddess
Ceridwen call

She hears as he praises her garden and it’s example of her talent and blood power. He tells her how she can save her people and watched as he opened the door of secrets which at one time long ago admitted he who fathered her to her mother a court concubine’s private chambers and hasn’t been opened since her death.

Some would think that because Ami had left it closed so long that she might be angry at his having broken the seal when in fact she was somehow relieved by it’s breaking. It was a symbol of her Maidenhood, her untouched status in a palace where a female her age should have had several lovers by now and it was this alteration in status that made her pause like a dappled fawn looking out for the first time on the dangers of the beautiful glenn.

"Will you accompany me?" he said showing her the grand Palace Garden that with so many foreign guests could prove interesting to explore.

”Though I think you presume much upon me I will join you beyond the door” she said in a soft musical tone taking his arm.

There was no fear in her merely caution taught by teachers so she might preserve herself as her eyes located those plants she could use a gate to escape less any of the guests seek her harm.

[Dread]

---

---

“It will do.” The Tyro nodded to her reflection as she stood in front of the tall mirror once again, but this time to admire the cream colored robe which fit her form rather well, all things considered. Czigani wasn’t very tall, nor was she petite, but most of her weight -formed into muscle- was in her arms, rear, and thighs, which wasn’t wholly uncommon for her hearty race, especially amongst the females. She ran her hand over the smooth fabric, following the contour of her small breasts and moving down past her stomach where she stopped for a moment, her mind wandering into thoughts that had not surfaced for over a year…

---

Not since that one evening back in Fotia as her and Gh’enro were to consummate their secret courtship under the stars, away from the prying eyes of the castle and her family, who would not approve of such a union between their kin and a slave. But as it happened, Gh’enro loved Czigani, and for her, he would have been the first she truly loved enough to give herself away to, allowing the Oro male to penetrate the sacred seal within her, thereby stripping away her purity and becoming as one flesh. The Fotian royal had never been afraid of anything, but that night, nestled in the arms of her love, she was afraid of what the future would bring if a sexual bond transpired. For many within the Fotian realm, sex was just another pastime and taken for granted, but for Czigani, it was meaningful and what followed was not only a physical, but emotional connection that would live on for an eternity. But what had the warrioress most concerned, was Gh’enro’s mention of children, and his longing for having a family with the love of his life. To move far away. Away from the wars, the hate, the slavery, and build a life out that they could control, and a life where there children saw no prejudice.

However, as most good things went, the dreams of a better life came to a halt as an unknown arrow shot forth from the darkness of the distant forest, slicing through the air, and finding its target directly through the skull of the Oro. Gh’enro was instantly killed, his lifeless body slumped forward as Czigani held him, her crimson eyes welling up with anger and sadness all at once. But she knew what had happened, and yet it still didn’t make the sting hurt any less. A pair of Fotian palace guards stepped from the shadows making their way toward the lone girl, who could only shake her head at the duo as they stopped a few feet from her.

“You were warned, m’lady...” Was all they had been uttered before escorting the niece of King Magnix back to the castle. Back to her chambers as though none of it ever happened and the Oro slave named Gh’enro was never spoken of again, and the young Tyro remained unspoiled, as had been the plan all along…

---

"Children…” Czigani whispered before removing her hand from her torso and glancing toward the open window just as the evening sky lit up with beautiful colors, and the booming of the royal fireworks display commenced. Vrondi knew how to show off their strength and power, even if in the form of a little alchemy.

The Tyro’s attention was suddenly peeled away from the window at the subtle sound of a small folded parchment slipped under her door. She stepped over and picked up the mystery letter, arching a dark eyebrow at the summons, which seemed to be asking for able-bodied volunteers to be a representation of the new union.

“For what?” She wondered out loud, rereading it again to be sure she hadn't missed anything. It never said specifically, but Czigani also realized she needed an in to this, team. But how?...

Folding up the letter and slipping it into what little space she had left in the robe, she lifted the hood up and over her head -covering the large curled horns along each side as well as partially obscuring the top half of her face- and made her way out into the hallway, allowing the voices of the other guests down the corridor to lead the way.

[Jollan]

---

Lynn was admittedly a bit sad that her time at the festival was cut a bit short, but she knew that it was probably for the better. She couldn't help but feel worried about that boy. He looked like he was on his last leg when she found him. Maybe the malnutrition stunted his growth, making him look younger than what he was. She shook her head, she couldn't help everybody, she knew that much, but at least she was able to get him a decent meal and some coin in his pocket. That was worth more than any little trinket at a shop. She started to fall asleep where she was, leaning back a bit more on the box behind her When she heard someone walk up. It was one of Vrondi's guards, a younger one, most likely still in training.

"Ah! There you two are! I've been looking absolutely all over the castle for you!" he said as he hurriedly walked up to greet them. "I am to assume this is Cerese and you are, uuuuhhh," he looked at a folded piece of paper, "Ah, Lynn Meditrina I presume?" Lynn nodded as her staff came to her, getting up to sit on it and float down from on op of the crates. "Yes sir, is there some sort of problem?" Lynn asked a little worried about the incident at the square. "Not at all," he replied, "Cerese has been summoned by Queen Tydra to accompany the new Alliance force, you have been requested to go with her as her handler, to keep it...er, uh, her maintained ... it would seem. I was supposed to relay this message to you sooner, but neither of you were here to deliver the message, so I waited."

"Oh! well, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, that may have been my fault, but thank you!" Lynn said as she turned back to Cerese with a smile and then back to the young guard. "So are we to meet with the queen first?" she asked albeit s bit nervously. "Not quite, as they are still fairly busy at the moment. Till then though, I will show you to your rooms where you will be staying. If you would follow me please." Lynn nodded and turned back to Cerese, patting on the open space on the staff again. "It beats walking." she said with a grin. Which for her was true. While she had more normal feet than most lassa, including the ones that could walk on land, her feet were still not used to it, coupled with the fact that she didn't have shoes and the ground tended to hurt her feet unless it was soft like sand or fine grass.
---

Lynn and Cerese had finally made it to their room to which Lynn jumped on the bed. "Oh my goodness this is the best bed ever! Cerese, you have to feel this!" She then sat up and got off the bed walked to the window. "And this view! Before I came here, I've never seen anything like this! Everything is so beautiful here." she said referring to the fireworks and the view. She also noticed the floor here. It was stone, but it was smooth and comfortably cool. She looked around the room and took a deep breath, soaking it all in. she rested her few pouches, jar, and staff in a corner of the room. "I'm going to go relax in the bath, would you like to come?" she asked Cerese. She waited for her answer and then started for the bath area. "Oh and remember, nobody here should be a threat... just so you know... if not I'll be sure to tell you, but for now just relax!" she said happily.

She went into the bathing room and noticed nobody else was there, but it had seemed like someone was there recently. She opened the door on the other side of the room and noticed another bath...with two men already sitting in it. "AH! Sorry!" she exclaimed as she closed the door quickly and locked it, her face beet red. "Bad door, not that way." she said as went the other way, back to the water. Allard let out a loud hearty laugh at the matter, Lynn on the other hand didn't think it was very funny and quietly slipped in to the water to relax. She left her clothes on as she didn't see a need to take them off. Especially with men just on the other side of the door. Besides, for her it was normal to be in the water with her clothes, she was just relaxing after all. "I can't tell what's nicer, Cerese, the bed or this water," she said as she made herself comfortable. Between the temperature and the scents infused in the water, it felt as if she was at one of those spas she's heard about. It almost made her drowsy... almost...

[Jollan]

Collab post: Allard and Blight

Garrett quite enjoyed the time he had fighting Allard, he just wished it continued, and he knew many others in the room wished the same thing. Nevertheless, he broke a sweat. He waved a hand to Allard as he recovered his sword, it was time to continue his duty at guiding people to the guest rooms like a good servant and knight. However, Garrett felt deserving of using the lush baths that the guests were provided. It was the closest, and nicest place to wash himself- He led himself to one of the bathing areas, it didn't matter which, he undressed himself, leaving his armor in the foyer of the bath before taking a nice dip to clean himself for the day and wash himself off from the light exercise he did.

Allard thanked the king for accepting him and followed blight to the guest rooms. He had never seen anything like it before. Just as the rest of the castle the rooms were extravagantly decorated from top to bottom, and for the first time since he had been gone from home, there was a bath that was big enough that he could actually climb in the water. He didn't pass up the chance. Using a public bath was nothing new to him in his days in the arena, though he did have some modesty now that he was out and wore a large black loincloth that covered down to his mid thigh. He had a bit of chest hair, and a multitude of scars from years of combat in the arenas, including a large one in the center of his body. He brought with him a towel and a small canvas pouch the he took out of the storage pocket on his pants, and his two blades, sheathed of coarse and never leaving his side. He got in the water at the other side away from blight, and sat down, relaxing in the water even though it only came up to his abs. He set the towel on the ridge behind him on top of his blades and relaxed against the wall of the bath. He took a pipe from the pouch as well as some tobacco and prepped it, lighting it shortly after. after a few puffs to get it started, he leaned back, resting his arms at the top of the bath walls and sighed in contentment. "A man could get used ta a place like this." he said with his eyes closed. He looked back over to blight, "So what's yur name? I doubt its really something as diminutive as 'Blight'. Seems like somthin' them royals would craft as they try ta find somthin' ta look down their noses at ya for."

Garrett stared at the man at a reasonable distance away from himself in the bath, the focus made him look at himself for a moment in comparison, muscular and scarred, something to talk about, however, his own scars were from hunting large beasts rather than fighting them in the arena, and his beasts didn't talk much. Either way, he stared at the other scarred man; washing himself off with the floral scented waters of the heated bath. Smoking was pointless in Garrett's eyes, it gave away his positions when he was out in the forests. He cupped a large amount of water within his hands and decided it was no better time than now to wash his hair, pouring it over his head and horns, letting the water do its moist magic. "When I wasn't coined the Blighted Knight, I was called by my true given name. It's really nice one in my eyes. I'm Sir Garrett Everard of Onyx. It does not matter what you call me, I do not mind any of the names given to me. Blight is fine, or Garrett." He shut his eyes, leaning into the waters to relax for the day.

"Adelhard Baldewin," he said stating his name in reply. "Though you can call me Allard." He thought for a moment, looking around not seeing anyone else, though he thought he heard some talking in the room next to him. "So, what are these others with us like? Or have ya not known 'em long enough ta say?"

Blight sat and thought, all he did was hear their requests, see what they looked like, and stopped one for their citizenship. Not much to go off of. He sat a little more, and kept sitting. "It's a rough bunch. Likely a lot of whims to invests oneself in. A volatile team, that can either do the job or crumble under it's own momentum. Very risky. A good gamble."

"Ah, well, as long as it ain't a bunch of up tight fops like tha ones they had on display in there, should be right as rain I think." he replied with a couple more puffs on his pipe and a grin. It was shortly after that that a girl seemed to poke her head through the door as a look of surprise hit her. She quickly shut the door with an apology and Allard could here the door lock shortly after. Allard let out a hearty laugh at her reaction. "Yes," he said going back to his pipe still chuckling a bit, "It should be an interestin' endeavor indeed."

[RumikoOhara]

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Metis drifted in the periphery of the crowds gathered her features concealed beneath a hooded cloak only recognizable as a hominid by her general shape and how she moved. Under the covering cloak she wore a garment that kept most of her body moisture contained and circulating blending it with 2 liters of filtered and oxygenated water in the suits structure so that even out of water her gills and skin received that which made her feel comfortable.

She stood in those places that had the worst view of events for the blind surface dwellers her far sight granting her a greater perspective than any they held as she drifted psionically above them like a ghost.

It was from this vantage point she discovered something marvelous, a minstrel performing for those commoners who milled around the garden at the junction of 6 streets snacking on treats bought from the street vendors that were having a wonderful day of brisk business. Metis had heard other surface dwellers singing since surfacing but they were the garbled mumbling of nymphs compared to this female of what she was sure the Vrondi. The song she sang spoke of love and the sun in the sky reminding Metis of her song, the song that made her a singer.

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Metis was transported back in time when she and those like her made it through the culling and they as sisters expressed their joy in song and as Fres (Alpha) she lead the celebration.

Dancing a spiral, we sing unaware
On currents so far they have come
Making a circle of magic and light
Watched silently by those hidden from sight

We those who survived through all danger swim at your side
We hold the mysteries now hidden from light
Our hearts now lifted by charms and knowledge old
Accept these words of wisdom for those yet chosen your’s now to hold

We dance with our sisters in waters of eternal night
Make now the circle, the cold blue flame
The songs of our struggle I present to those my name
Impart to the old ones hearts truest sight

The sounds do travel near and far can you hear them call
We give the gift of our song our lives, our all
Dancing in spiral we sing unaware
Look to the shadows you will find us there…

She and her sister Singers performed a rituals their legends claimed were as old as the waters of the world she as Fres with more joy than all the rest knowing as she did and they as well she was elevated above them and would should she survive the Cull of service become the rare Dream Singer. A leader among her kind, the mother of generations she who would live longer than any of her sisters her treasure all the knowledge of the Dream Singers of old.

---

The Vrondi singer’s song ended and those in the crowd did a remarkable thing and cast coins at her feet in tribute an observation Metis did not fail to notice a store as a way to finance her stay on the surface. To ensure she held the knowledge and understanding of the Surface Singer’s art Metis spent the rest of the day following her from performance to performance. She memorized every note, every word and even her dance as she followed the minstrel till she could perform it as well and perhaps even better than her teacher unknowing.

It was how she a small female had survived the culling, by observing those who had discovered the better currents of knowledge and reproducing them.

[Rai]

Illia smiled at Sophia with a puzzled expression. Who was this now? She wondered. Doing as best she could to observe Sophia's aura. Chaotic. But refined. An Ancient. She thought. Pondering on who Sophia might be. "I only see what the King of Light wishes me to. I am his eyes." She spoke softly, turning to Vrondi who had his back turned to the group.

Magnixx turned to the others before speaking. "If it was sealed how was its body then turned into the armor that was taken from you?" Vrondi turned to face them with a levitating slow turn. His arms behind his back in a dignified manner. "I was handed the armor for my creation of this kingdom. As so were all of the other first Kings and Queens of your kingdoms. It was forged by a Divine and Chaotic being, one of the first born of our kind. A God Smith, he was proclaimed to be."

The group seemed perplexed. Vrondi gave them pause before continuing. "There may be a way to retrieve his old hammer... Getting such an artifact may possible with the allied forces. The group of unified warriors we have brought together."
@13org

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As the sun went down some guests found the warm falling light to be romantic. Enough to cue others it was time to indulge. The guest rooms were many and massive. They were divided by wings and the Tearian guest rooms were combined with the newcomers. Although the accommodations were still separated enough for the majority of the Tearian royals to not even see the guests on the lower floors. One particular royal used the empty rooms. Entering into the halls with his long tendril like arms wrapping over the shoulders of three young servants. Their clothes were new and finely stitched. Their hair was neat and perfectly trimmed. But they remained stiff at the Lassa's eager smile as they walked down the halls. He sat on a floating orb of water, his feet also tendrils. He came to an empty room not too far from the guests and went inside, locking the doors.

The sound of a bit of whining could be heard through the walls. Followed by yells from the man and his tendrils whipping across one of the young servants face as she fell. "You land dwellers lack proper respect!" He shouted. "Now help me onto the bed." His obese form was that of a Lassa, meant for water and of a more feral blood. Yet he wore jewels and royal attire, demanding his respect. He slumped onto the bed with help from all three of the servants. All were of foreign blood to Tearia, and possibly mixed in heritage. They were varied in color as to this royals delight. "Now." He salivated. "Take those expensive dresses off. I just bought you now I need to inspect you.." He chuckled with a raspy throat.

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The treasure chests came to the rooms. A knock was made on the doors after everyone gathered within or around the rooms. Four chests. A note on each one.

For Siiga- Within the chest was a bag of twenty Fotian gold coins. A Vrondi citizenship badge.

Fire Gauntlet

A single right handed Gauntlet that allows one to use hell fire spells more easily. Also amplifies fire magic manipulation.

Fotian Light outfit

A heat resistant outfit with minor abdomen and decent shoulder protection. The armor is engineered to store magical fire. Allowing amplified fire attacks when stored to max capacity. A book on fire conjurations.

For Dremmick- Twenty gold Fotian coins. Vrondi citizenship badge. Eternal bindings. A light blue cloth rolled up with golden runes along its surface. When worn it constantly heals the affected area. It also contains magical distortions or anomalies. Immune to fire. Durable as steel.

Conjuration Staff

A small to medium sized staff with steel on its ends. It allows one to direct their magic into spheres of influence. Allowing Conjurers to amplify their summons and animators to direct their influences on larger beings.

For Constance- Twenty Fotian Coins. Vrondi Citizenship badge.

Twilight Halberd

A halberd made to resist magic but does well with manipulating both light and dark magic. If up to ten feet from the owner can return the weapon to their hand in an instant.

Holy Gauntlets

Gauntlets able to allow the wielder to amplify their divine light spells. It can resist dark spells and absorbs light energy for the wielder.

For Mason- Twenty Fotian coins. Vrondi citizenship badge.

Chaos sword

A very sharp blade with a magical resistant edge. It allows one to channel chaotic magic into it without it being harmed.

True Aion Knight light armor

Can fairly deflect slash attacks. Has a slight resistance to magic. Has a divine rune that allows ones condition to be known to their allies.
@Jollan@Guy0fV4lor@geurls

[Jollan]

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Dremmick heard a sharp knock on the door and went to investigate. Upon opening the door he found a long chest outside his door with his name engraved on it. He brought it in and set it on the bed, rubbing his chin as he thought about opening it. Shrugging he decided to go ahead. Inside was an assortment of gear with a letter from vrondi describing what each item was. Dremmick had to admit that he was impressed with the items, and also how it would seem that Vrondi may know a little about Dremmick's necromancy due to the staff. He hand't displayed it to anyone, but knowing sol, especially the king of them, he may have looked into his mind, which Dremmick wasn't comfortable with at all. Either way, it didn't seem to bother the king and as long as he was the giving sort, he would take it. He took the eternal bindings and tied it off at the upper end of the staff, putting off thinking of a place for it for later. He lashed the staff to his gear at his back, above where the daggers were sheathed and started to head to the library. If the seer wasn't going to show up tonight, he may as well do some research.

He walked outside of the room, passing a tyro girl, and continued heading for the library until he heard a girl cry out in pain. Dremmick stopped and listened to see if he could hear anything else. He heard every word that was said from outside the door. His brows cam together, and a slight grin started to show. His right hand went over the doorknob, thin streams of blood coming out and going into the lock, working their way through to slowly unlock the door before he turned the knob and casually opened the door, retracting the blood as he pushed it open. The four gasped as he entered the room, a couple of them trying to cover themselves back up. "My apologies ladies, I did not mean to barge in, I thought I heard someone cry out." he said a little too casually. The girls looked worried as they gathered at the end of the room. Dremmick could see the one with the strike across her face as she got off the floor to be with the other two, which made his eyes go narrow as he cut them to the giant ugly creature with tendrils all about. “WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE COMING INTO MY ROOM!” the Tearian royal yelled.

Ignoring him, Dremmick noticed one of the tentacles that the bloated man used to whip the girl's face. Noticing it was a bit redder than the others. ”How much did you pay for these girls?” Dremmick asked, closing the door and locking it. If fish could sweat, this guy was doing it. “More than you could afford you lowly cur! Leave before I throw you out myself!” However, the royal's eyes went wide at the sight of the money pouch Dremmick pulled out. It was Dremmick's earnings from the blood banquet, much more than any price he paid for the three of these girls combined. “What do you want.” the royal asked in a serious tone. ”Simple, I'm buying them from you.” Dremmick replied the eerie smile on his face growing. The royal couldn't help but start laughing, “It's a deal! With a haul like that I could by over a dozen of the wenches!” He continued to laugh, at least, until the whole bag of coins was shoved down his gullet. The next thing anyone would have noticed from the outside is the sounds of a struggle from the other side of the door, until a huge Tearian broke through it and collided with one of the pillars, a bit of carturized flesh where an offending tentacle used to be. Dremmick came strolling out into the hall, a lit fire dagger in one hand and slowly twirling a tentacle in the other, singed on the end as well, with a bit of smoke still on it. ”You know, I usually like calamari but I think that this would leave a bad taste in my mouth. You can have it back.” he said, tossing it to the struggling to stand royal as he tried to run off. He smiled at the thought of the creature passing coins for the next week. ”Thank you for your business.”

Dremmick turned to the three girls and saw them shuffling uncomfortably. He pulled the cloth off of his staffs and held it to the one girls cheek. She flinched at first, though after it had healed any damage after a few seconds, and took away the lingering pain and redness, she seemed grateful. Dremmick nodded as he saw that the cloth did its job as he tied it back on the staff. ”You may want to get a room with a good door....It can get a bit drafty otherwise. Anyways, how about you enjoy yourselves....I guess I'll... have to get this settled in the morning. Feel free to keep any of the spilled coins on the room floor. If anyone here gives you trouble, claim yourself under my name, Dremmick of the Alliance, I'm just a few doors down next to the bathing hall. The Taxis or Aion should...somewhat understand.” He walked away to go to the library, leaving as casually as he had arrived. He wasn't sure how well it would hold should he leave, but it may give them some sort of direction to live their own lives. On the floor was about 50 gold, and there was another 100 in one of his pouches he kept in case someone ever stole the rest of his money. He chuckled to himself as he never thought he would spend his earnings that way.

Dremmick arrived to the library to find Mason among a mountain of books, nose buried in one book, though moslty likely also drooling into it as he was snoring quite audibly. ”You are more studious than I had thought.” he said to Mason as he entered the library. He looked at the shelf headings for history and started to go through and inspect the books. Looking for any that would indicate details of his families deaths, such as crime and incident records around that time. He took down his hood as he wasn't to worried about the company anymore, as it was just mason and himself that was in the library at the time.

[Rai]

Vrondi Castle
Courtyard

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Lucius walked with careful leisure steps. Not looking as if he had to but walking with firm grace. A trained skill, charming and noble. He felt Ami's weight shift on his arm as they walked down each marble white step. The courtyard was empty save for a few guards standing by the entrances to more private quarters and servants tending to the garden. Lucius dared to look Ami in the eyes. The fireworks coming into view as they strolled down the checkered path lined by three foot bushes with beautiful yellow flowers closing in for the night. "How much do you know of what transpired outside our safe walls last night?"

Ami felt disturbed by Lucius's nearness it being an alien in experince to her having never remained so close to a male. She could sense his heratbeat his every breath how much physical energy he used to walk down the stairs ; how much he held in reserve. Then he spoke helping her escape this new found insight into others.
"I am told very little and my sources of information more towards scholarly pursuits" She says before turning to regard the flowers lining the path.

"Well I envy you." They came to a bench that was before the maze. He brought her to sit down, gesturing with his free hand for her to do so. After she sat down on the engraved seat which read. 'To the great mother. How we cherish thy memory.' Lucius turned to the fireworks for a moment before looking down. "Some knowledge can hurt. Like the sight of seeing women, children all forced to do unspeakable acts in the most vile of conditions both mentally and physically. It was a nightmare. I had seen it from the lower villages outside the walls..." He returned his gaze to her. This time eyes more tender from revisiting his memories.

Ami turns to Lucius unmasking her aura
"I am so tired of people believing I need protection from bad news and its associates. I am a Historian, if there is any pursuit greater in the study of events negative and positive I at a loss to name them.
I am fully grown and able to make my own decisions, if I lack talent there it is the fault of my teachers"

"If you're so willing to jump into the dark then you might be what we need." He took a seat next to her. Looking at the fireworks and the sunset over the horizon. Both right next to each other. Despite this he did not smile, but seemed to be a bit more lifted in spirits. "If I were able to convince the lords of your importance in regrowth then I may very well be able to get you your chance to come and go as you please."

Ami looked at Lucius and sighed. "It is my hope to help my people, to prove I am more than a bird in a cage. To do that I need to test myself and that is impossible in this place."
She said without going into details because she knew her exposure to things outside of of the palace were sorely lacking so kept her council.

"Perhaps an opportunity is right around the corner. There is an alliance forming to combat this new threat. A god of death, our foe claims to be. A hideous being." He sighed deeply. "There is a group who may be able to, under the right supervision, accompany you on your mission."

Something about the mention of the God of death makes Ami briefly excited as she remembers an old quote “Life feeds Death, Death feeds Life” Connected as she is to the Life she has strangely never feared Death because they to her are night and day each having their place in the cycle of Gaia.
She smiles up at Lucius her eyes gently searching his and says “I would like to think of myself as more than the Palace Healer”

Lucius chuckled. "We have servants perfectly capable of healing. You will be healing the world.." His ears picked up the sound of a royal screaming in the halls. He turned his head. It was a feint sound, only through the fireworks was he able to make it out. He supposed it was from the guest halls near the Tearian wing. He observed the path leading to that location and then turned to Ami. "I think I heard something over there.. Will you accompany me?"

Ami looked at where Lucius’s attention was suddenly focused and when he mentioned he’d heard something and asked her to attend she knew it must be serious.
“Of Course if you believe my services are needed”
@RumikoOhara

[Dread]

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Just keep your head down, Czi, and don’t attract any unwanted attention.

The young Fotian kept reminding herself as she stepped out into the long marble-lined corridor, passing by a few of the guests, several servants, and a…strange one who she swore glanced over toward her at the same time her eyes darted toward him. It was momentary, a split second at the most- and yet it had been enough time to see the thin lines that she guessed were some variation of pupils nestled within beautifully crafted hazel eyes. But before she could assess any further features, they’d both passed one another, the other seemingly in more of a rush than Czigani was as he headed the opposite way. Where could he have been going? It seemed more so than not, that many of the guests and residents of castle Vrondi had a lot more secrets than expected.

From down the hall, the high-pitched shriek of an unknown woman was heard by the Tyro, but definitely by the other who had walked by moments earlier. Czigani stopped and quickly turned to glance down the hallway, watching as the stranger hurried toward the guest room at the end of the corridor and eventually went inside. “Hm.” She raised an eyebrow, unsure but curious as to what was going on, as she quickly made her way to the same door, now closed, and listened intently to the madness on the other side. Secrets indeed ran as rampant as the wine and ale within the dining area and beyond. From what little she could gather, it seemed the tall, cloaked stranger had made quite the entrance, ruffling a few feathers in the process, as he apparently disagreed with the treatment of Vrondi’s servants and slaves. Czigani couldn't help but allow a slight smirk, easing some of the tension within her own mind, while silently commenting the noble stranger for shoving the proverbial “scepter of dignity” up the ass of the royal guest.

By some strange coincidence -or perhaps sheer intuition, she wasn't sure- Czigani sidestepped from the door, clearing enough space as it suddenly burst open, and a sweaty, mammoth squid-like body flew through the air before slamming into a pillar a few meters away. Czi braced herself for a moment, instinctively reaching for a weapon that wasn't there, but full on expecting a fight to break out. However, she watched from the sidelines as the stranger emerged through the broken doorway, his eyes continuing to fix onto the royal blob lying helplessly on the floor, and with a few words and a rather threatening demeanor, the bulbous creature scurried away.

Czigani wasn't quite sure what to expect at that point, and while she was about to comment on the situation, the cloaked guest with the unusual eyes continued his course down another branch of the hallway, toward the large library, completely ignoring her presence. Had she been out of his line of sight? Or was his mind elsewhere, too focused on a certain task to acknowledge the Tyro’s existence? In either case, the young warrioress followed the other from a safe distance, as he disappeared through the already open door of the library, and proceeded to meet with another of the guests. Czi stood at the doorway for a few moments observing not only the vastness of the Vrondi archival collection, but the two strangers conversing near one of the tables, the second of whom appeared quite muscular in build, with dark hair, and skin that seemed pale as the moonlight, and large wings that followed the same color.

In the Fotian’s nineteen short years of life, she had met quite a few of the races within the world, as many had either come to the court of King Magnix as guests or merchants, or were -unfortunately- bought and sold through the slave trade for the purposes of work or otherwise. As for the guest with the pale skin, she had only ever met one who shared a close resemblance, and Czigani assumed that he was most likely of Nero blood.

So, could this motley collection of guests that she’d so far come across have been gathered because of the note of summons that was slipped under the doorway earlier? She had no doubt that both of them were warriors to some degree, but why were they here? The Tyro wasn’t quite sure how to approach the two others than to just…

“Hello there.” Her even toned voice echoed slightly across the large room as she casually walked toward where the two were conversing, her cream colored robe moving gracefully with the rest of her body. “So, clearly this must be where all the action is in this otherwise uneventful wing of the castle.” She smirked, pulling down the hood which revealed her bluish-gray skin tone, shoulder length dark hair, charcoal colored horns that curled along the side of her head, and the scar along the right side of her face, which had only recently healed, replacing the once red pigment of that pupil with a pale overlay. Czi stopped near the table and took a quick glance around the room. “Anything good to read?”

@Jollan@Guy0fV4lor

[Jollan]

Dremmick looked up at the girl he saw in to hall, when she greeted them. “So, clearly this must be where all the action is in this otherwise uneventful wing of the castle.” Dremmick, with a neutral face, looked over to Mason, who seemed to still be asleep in his book, and then back up to Czi, ”Clearly.” He knew she was talking about the royal he throttled, and he started to ponder on why she followed him. When she pulled her hood down, Dremmick recognised that she was a tyro girl. There was a noticeable scar across what Dremmick thought was a fairly attractive face, from some sort of struggle no doubt.

“Anything good to read,” she asked, however it didn't quite register as Dremmick was lost in thought. He walked back over to a shelf and replaced a book he had taken earlier. He picked up another book, more like a log, on different large crime cases and incidents in the kingdom. Flipping through it, it again had no mention of any of the events he was looking for, almost as if it was being covered up again, even here in the castle. It made no sense to him. How could something like that happen and there be no record of it? Was it being covered up? And if so, by whom? Dremmick shook his head. His first thought was the Taxis, but that seemed to simple. He needed to meet with that seer, whether that king of theirs liked it or not. He would have to find her, and hopefully she would be alone. It was then that he registered that the girl spoke to him and he shook his head to clear his thoughts. ”I apologize. I'm afraid that I don't have much time for reading for leisure, so I can't rightly say. Much less actually whenever that spineless blob finally finds the guards,” he replied breaking the odd silence, muttering the last sentence as he thought about the Tearian royal. ”Temporary member of an alliance or not, I'm sure putting such a person in his place just may be frowned upon here.” He placed the book on its respective shelf and let out a sigh, thinking about how to track down and find this seer should the guard be after him. It was a stupid move on his part. He should have just went ahead and killed the blob, or threaten him into silence while he had the chance.

@Dread

[RumikoOhara]

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It had taken some time to move to her newest location but Metis was satisfied with the water though it lacked her accustomed salinity. It was what the surface dwellers called a bath, the water was almost as hot as the edges of a Smoker she used as a nymph for hunting and defense. It was strange water more for its purity than lack of salt and like much of the Vrondi Place a place of excess, proof of how they pampered themselves.

She’d settled down into the crevices of three large stones that were placed where they were like the art on the wall of the glittering structure for appearance and like a screen to separate one side of it from the other. Beautiful and dark the huge rocks made an excellent hunting blind for the little curled up Octo who blended in with the color and texture on the bottom of the bath; few could with any ease visually tell she was not just another large stone laying there.

Her hearing better than even the beautiful Tearian was the product of brutal evolution and normally used to enhance the range of her passive echolocation but here in these shallow waters as long as no one made excessive splashes allowed her to listen to near and far conversations of others in the same waters. (Sound travels faster and farther in water)

[Rai]

Lucius opened the doors. Sunlight piercing his and Ami's backsides and the reflections dazzling over their steps. It was quiet now in the guest halls, servants and guards were seldom seen however. Something must have happened, Lucius felt. He turned his head left and right to see the library door narrowly closing behind someone entering in. He turned to Ami before stepping forward past the doorway to follow. "This is odd.." He said softly. He returned to face the door and came to it with a gentle stride, Ami kept close but behind him for safety. For there to be a threat during the congregation of the high bloods would be insane. But a possibility for a kingdom attempting to gain an upper hand in their trades by eliminating competition. He opened the door slowly. As he did so loud footsteps could be heard marching down the hall. Lucius quickly turned, freezing his arm from opening the library door entirely.

"Here!" The armored Vrondi guards came to the door the Tearian royal was attacked in. The guards kicked it open and found it empty. The Tearian royal with his moist mass shook with anger. His tentacle was bandaged and was steadily being healed by Solari the Sol servant healer in the castle. She sighed as he kept moving, making it hard for her to place her hands over the wound. He spat out a coin. "This is the room I was assaulted in! Where did my slaves go!?" He yelled, another coin being coughed up from his throat and rolling on the ground. A Vrondi guard, light silver armor and wood beneath its sleek design. He raised a finger to his helmet and light emitted from his finger. "The face of the man in your mind and your lost slaves. I've got it clearly in my mind now.." The guard spoke briefly. They then began to exit the room. "We will pass the description on and look among the guests. Also search all rooms!" He waved out his fellow guards as he left the room, the spread out and began knocking on doors and opening them immediately after.

Lucius removed his mind from their resonating thoughts. "So someone attacked a Tearian slave owner and took his slaves. A petty thing, I wonder why?" He asked out loud to himself and to Ami. He opened the door as he said this and entered the Library. He found those to be inside to be curious, mysterious and somewhat familiar. He narrowed his eyes on Dremmick and Czi. But found Mason and his bright wings to be a welcomed sight, a possible Aion he supposed. "Hello." He said softly. Turning for Ami to continue to follow him. He merely walked a few meters to the left opposite of the others and to a large book behind a glass and on a mantle. He touched the glass and slid it to the side. The book was stamped with a symbol of the sun. Fiery and bright its gold lettering reflected against the magical balls of light that lined the ceilings. The light from the windows dimming by the minute. "This the book of Vrondi's histo-

The Library door was opened up swiftly. Lucius turned. Two Vrondi guards emerged. One looked to Lucius and Ami and another to Dremmick, Czi, and Mason. Stay where you are my lords. We have an emergency to take care of. The voice of the guards rang through the minds of the Sol blooded duo. As for the others the guard began to draw his blade. Holding it halfway through the sheath. He looked to Dremmick. This one fits the description. "You there. You're coming with us." He placed his hand on Dremmick's arm and pulled. But before he could test Dremmick's resolve a man stepped into the open doorway. Raising his glasses he looked at the party in the library.

"Unhand that man!" The gloved hand of Lord Eros pointed to the guard and Dremmick. The guard froze turning to Lord Eros. "He is a culprit in a recent attack against a Tea- Lord Eros wagged his finger sucking his teeth. "He did what I asked, like a good member of the Alliance." The guard let go of Dremmicks arm. "This is a Tearian matter then. Have your courts deal with this and please keep the violence down. We expect this from the Fotians." The guards spoke before leaving, closing the Library door behind them.

"Ha good. I really dont like that blubbering creep. I suppose this alliance is actually a good idea if I can use you like this." Eros chuckled as he walked in. He looked to Czigani with a raised brow. "I see you have cleaned up well." He winked with a sly smirk.

@RumikoOhara@Jollan@Dread

[13org]

Sophia

^{@Rai @13org}

Sophia smiled kindly to Ilia as she answered her. Somehow, Ilia's words made Sophia worry a bit less. Vrondi was a wise king, he knew very well of the dangers that too much knowledge could bring. Or so Sophia hoped. As Vrondi continued, Sophia couldn't help but to notice that there were still some kings that were a bit skeptical about all that, such as Magnixx, but she hoped they would at least cooperate... Her biggest concern though was Sleeth... She didn't trust him not even one bit.

"Vrondi is a wise man. Wiser than most of the kings I have met." Sophia replied to Ilia, with a smile.

"The hammer of the old God Smith... It will be a difficult task... They will have to face many obstacles..." Sophia said after Vrondi mentioned the allied forces.

"The God Smith's hammer is an ancient artifact, and a powerful one. While it's location is known based on descendant history, I'm certain that they will have to face many dangers to get it." Sophia said, looking to Vrondi, silently asking if he knew where the hammer was. Sophia had read about the hammer and it's location on one of the books on her library, but she couldn't remember exactly where it was. While she could mentally access the Great Library's archive, it would take some time for her to find the correct information.

"If it's not asking for much, I would like to meet this group, king Vrondi. They have a difficult journey ahead and a lot is being expected of them... They will need every bit of help they can gather and sometimes... Comforting words can make a big difference." Sophia said, a bit worried about the group.

"Well... That and I'm curious to take a look at your library." Sophia said with a smile. It was her first time going to a city after many years living in the mountains, after all. She knew her 'exotic' humanoid appearance would certainly draw attention but even though, she would like to see how much things changed after so many years that she spent isolated from the rest of the world.

[Brithwyr]

Siiga knew these guys didn't have much of a sense of humour, but Christ alive, they didn't need to make it so obvious. The way their faces all fell and turned into disapproving scowls did nothing to abate her prejudices against the upper class. Humourless, cranky old bastards with sticks so far up their arse you could repurpose them as a broom. As she staggered off, she had to admit to a faint sense of victory over these toffee-nosed tossers. Yeah, let's see you swallow your pride after that.

What she wasn't expecting was swords to be drawn on her. Yeah, that was appropriate punishment wasn't it? Stab a girl for saying a word. You wonder why no one likes the aristos? Look no further than this. Anywhere else and all they'd do is tell her politely, but firmly, to leave. But here, apparently uncouth behaviour was punished by execution. Wasn't that a peach?

Someone did step in, though. At least one of these aristo cunts wasn't totally derived of humour. She would have to remember to thank him later.

As they were lead out, she heard someone sneering about how this would be bad for their reputation. Almost as bad for their reputation as, say, murdering an unarmed and injured woman for saying a bad word. She didn't see any of them getting off their tired, lazy asses and going out and fighting. It all begged the question of why. Why fight for these pillocks? They clearly don't like her, and she doesn't like them right back. There was no motivation whatsoever to serve them.

Well... Maybe one, she thought, glancing to the girl at her side. She didn't know what Connie saw in all this. Was this really what she wanted? Surely she'd be happier doing her own thing...
She recalled Connie's efforts to save her, and the fury with which she showered upon her teammates for attacking Siiga. Why? She should have seen her as an obstacle, an enemy. What... What made her so angry at the thought of her being hurt? Shallow attraction? Surely not...

Agh, this was too serious! She was the dubiously honoured guest in a royal manor! She wouldn't get a chance like this in a long time. So for now, she was going to do what she did best - Eat, drink and dance the night away. And woe to whatever poor sod thought it fit to stop her.

---

It was some time later that she got a knock on her door. Whoever had been had left before she got to it, but they had left something behind. First, some money. Always good to have, especially since her stash was out of reach. Second, a badge. Now was probably a bad time to explain that she already had one, albiet a stolen one, but hell, she could always sell one of the spares off. Third, a gauntlet. It was no fashion accessory, given that it was ugly as sin, but it had an unmistakable buzz of magic about it. She would just need to keep it covered up for the duration of her wearing it.

The fourth, though, that was interesting. She scurried back to the desk in her room with the gift on her arms. If this was what she thought it was...

It was.

It was a shame that whoever left it had ran off in such a hurry, because Siiga was feeling VERY generous right about now. Someone clearly knew how to treat a lady. A book like this was rare outside an archmages library, and for it to fall into her hands... Well, that was nothing short of miraculous. Suddenly the lure of wine and food didn't seem half as strong.

Siiga leafed over a page and began reading.

"Chapter one: On the Conjuration of Humanoids..."

[Rai]

@13org

"If it's not asking for much, I would like to meet this group, king Vrondi. They have a difficult journey ahead and a lot is being expected of them... They will need every bit of help they can gather and sometimes... Comforting words can make a big difference." Sophia said, a bit worried about the group.

"Well... That and I'm curious to take a look at your library." Sophia said with a smile.

"Of course. You all will have your opportunity to meet this hybrid cast of fortune seekers. I trust we will treat them with grace and class. Extending a hand not only to them in understanding but to all Descended willing to fight together." He raised and clinched his fist. A sign of a warrior he mostly held at bay. He closed his lids and opened his palm. "I will remain here and formulate a plan for our unified forces to swiftly find this artifact. One that will be enacted quickly." As he spoke his hand released a sphere of light that floated slowly above the table. It then froze once reaching high above but at its center. It released streams of lights in thin beams that connected and gave vision of the map of the land in a three dimensional form. A red light shined near Fotia's capital.

"Here. The mountain region east of Fotia's capital city. There will be ruins of ancient times far behind the mountain side. Wyverns make nests near there. It will be perilous to get there." He allowed the map to lower and cover the entire table. "I have no doubt Nuxta is already searching for anything that can undermine him. If you wish to help me through out the night I will be here. If not you may enjoy your prestigious guest quarters." Vrondi waved his hand and the door opened. "This meeting is suspended for now. As I do not need to sleep I will respect your need to and make no further motions without all of your approval." He looked at the map and the location marked.

The others began to rise from their seats. Their guards walking behind the Kings and Queens as they left the room. The other royals waiting on the other end with eager applause. "One moment. If its possible. May I speak with you momentarily, Seer of Nero." Sleeth turned to Vrondi when he finished his sentence. He nearly hissed but his Seer placed a calming hand on his arm. "It will be my pleasure to aid you in this time of need." She spoke softly. Approaching Vrondi. "I will be in the room. When you're done here return there, and do so quickly. I do not want to have to come looking for you." The King of Nero said, his words cutting as he walked out of the room.

"I will need your seeing orb once more. Illia. Please take Sophia to the guest rooms. Find a servant to guide you my dear. You will be able to rest soon as I know it is getting late." Vrondi said with a warm smile. Illia nodded and turned to Sophia. "Shall we go then?" She said with a cheery smile and hop. She was handed the orb once more. "There is a boy named Dremmick. The one who aided you in coming here. He wishes to see something from his past. Please guide him through this properly."

Illia bowed to Vrondi briefly before walking out of the door with Sophia. Finding a servant they were soon on their way to the Tearian wing to find the new alliance members.

[Dread]

---

---

“Okay" She muttered to herself, realizing the stranger was rather dismissive of her presence, at least for the moment. But he finally spoke once again, answering her rhetorical question from earlier regarding, but then continuing with his own opinion about putting a royal “in his place". Czi nodded in agreement, knowing that even though she was born and raised within Fotian royalty, she never allowed herself to treat others as though they were mere leftover scraps at the dinner table. But rather, the Tyro found herself spending time with those of the lower classes, and even the slaves themselves, despite any disapproval of her many relatives and even the King himself. Regardless, it didn’t persuade her to be any different than what she was, which had become -for all intents and purposes- a “voice of the voiceless".

But before she could respond with her own thoughts toward the cloaked warriors comment, she was interrupted by the entry of Lucius and another, who glanced at the trio with a simple “hello”. Czigani gave a quick wave of her hand in response, before watching as they both walked over to a glass encasement which held an unusual book. Czigani returned her attention toward Dremmick and merely shrugged, and that moment, the library doors quickly opened, but this time, it was the guards who had inevitably entered, and clearly their sights were on the cloaked warrior. Czigani had seen the whole thing, but what good was her word against that of a royal without exposing who she really was? But she had to do something, knowing she needed Dremmick if her own long-term agenda was to succeed.

But thankfully she didn't have to, as the one she later learned was Lord Eros, emerged through the library doors like the proverbial “knight in shining armor", complete with perfectly coiffed hair, demanding that the guards back down their charges. Czigani had to admit that the Seraphim’s timing was quite impeccable, and perhaps even had a renewed respect for him considering their initial meeting in the dining hall showed just how much of an egotistical jerk he was. But, of course, some things just don't change as Eros couldn't hold back a snarky comment. However, neither could a Fotian.

“Well, I can only smell like the inside of a Wyvern’s gut for so long.” She smirked, trying not to start anything that she would most likely regret later. While she didn’t particularly like royals throwing their power and influence around in vain, she was grateful that Eros intervened when he did, saving everyone from an otherwise awkward moment. “But I’m happy you approve, m’lord, although the choice of wardrobe wasn’t quite what I’d had in mind...” She bowed her head toward the other, whom she respected to a point, but would rather have nothing to do with as well.

@Rai@Jollan