[IC] The Vanishing Kingdom

[Honesty Crow]

The battle with the wyrm was over in just a few minutes. Unlike the others, Eduard didn't rush in to deal with the beast. As adept as he was with his sword, he wasn't a frontline fighter nor did he have the capacity to fight the Wyrm with his blade. He stayed behind, watching the battle unfold, making sure nobody was injured in the exchange. Before he knew it, the beast had been slain, and with no injuries to report. However, the one responsible or at least, partially responsible caught his eye right away. He wielded one of the metal bibles of the fire priests. A rare type of book that he recognized from his work with the Red Saints. Walking over to Anrak, he held his cane with both hands, ready to draw at any moment.

"A coincidence to see one of those books out here." Said Eduard referencing Anrak's book, gripping the handle of his hidden sword. "I concur with the beastman here. You don't seem like a fire priest to me. Not to mention that recently, one of those very bibles was stolen from the Red Saints."
Eduard drew his blade in a fast motion, making the thin and sharp sword whistle in the wind. "Explain yourself."

[Guy0fV4lor]

The flames that had been surrounding Anrak poured into the cut he created as he struck, driving a deep, and wide incision. Exhausted, the massive figure sank to his knees with an exhausted sigh. Of course-- the oncoming fatigue catching up with him was going to be the least of his ailments, as the beastman, and the human doctor with the foul smelling blade began to berate him; the arrogant bastard going so far as to draw his flimsy sword on the giant. Rising once more to his feet with a loud grunt, he pulled the now useless armor from his body to reveal countless, deep, and terrible scars. Eduard, being a medical professional would no doubt immediately take notice patches of thick scar tissue, in numerous places that should have been lethal. Anrak's skin was noticablely far thicker than any Varuk the doctor ever would have seen-- in fact, the thick bulk of hard muscle, steel-like scar tissue, and thick leathery flesh was nearly a formidable suit of armor in it's own right.

"Firstleh--" the giant spoke as he calmly reached over the side of the skiff, grabbing a tight hold of a large flap of the dead wyrm's flesh, tearing a large blanket of meat covered hide from the carcass, "I meself haven't slept, eaten or drank for a fookin week straight. If ets all the same to you lot, aye'd rather explain how aye came 'cross th' gospel after I'm in better shape. Ya know-- rather than bein' publicleh accused n' threatened." he finished with a hard snort as his crimson eyes glared at Eduard, clearly not threatened at all by the flimsy piece of metal; that he could likely snap in half with a single hand, being waved in his face. Plopping himself down on the nearest seat, the tension in Anraks shoulders relaxed as he began to tear chunks of meat away from the wyrm hide with his teeth....

[drewccapp]

Allanon's brow twitched with irritation when attention was put more on the massive warrior and the book than the mission they all came out here for. The mission mattered more to him than this bit of drama. Then he heard Anrak state about his lack of sleep and his irritation grew. As powerful as he was to tear off a piece of flesh from the wyrm any lack of self care could jeopardize any warrior's safety. Any deviation in reaction time could result in death.

Allanon stepped between Anrak and the other two briefly facing Anrak. "I do hope that lack of sleep doesn't become a liability in this mission. As powerful as you appear to be you have limits. Perhaps, it would be best for you to have stayed back at the inn." He turned to Eduard and Kistal. "This man volunteered to risk his life to find and raid a Calabris' operation and help rescue complete strangers. Regardless of how he came across that bible he has chosen to do an honorable thing. He certainly deserves better than to be threatened with a blade. Red Saints have done much to bring light into this world do not tarnish their good name by threatening to draw blood."

If Anrak had indeed stolen the book justice could be served, however, it did not need to be served by payment with blood. That was not what Marissa would have wanted.

[Honesty Crow]

Eduard considered his options. On one hand, the beastman appeared to be telling the truth. Though, he did his best to intimidate Eduard, though the doctor barely flinched. He'd seen a lot in 30 years, seeing a half-beastman with dozens of scars wasn't going to be enough to force him to stand down. But, Allanon had a point. It was pointless to argue about this now. Either way, he was here and if he could be used to clear the camp, the more the better.

Sheathing his sword, Eduard turned toward the cave.
"You're right. We should focus on the mission."

He wouldn't admit it, but he was tired himself. In fact, he hadn't eaten anything. Should have stopped by the nearby tavern before leaving…

[Jollan]

Hilde ended up staying with Chihiro, The chief looked around first, making sure no threats were close and then nodded before finishing taking the skiff over to the cave without them. To say that the sudden accusations against Anrak made Hilde a little on edge was an understatement, however, the man's actions so far were quite peculiar for someone who would just be a bandit. She watched the exchange between the men while standing next to Chihiro, awkwardly staying out of the quarrel, but still too surprised enough at it to leave. She seemed a bit let down when hearing the truth com out about Anrak. She thought it was was her first time seeing a firepriest, but it turned out to be a fake instead. When the arguing was subdued by Allanon, she carefully walked up to Andrak, looking at him with a sigh of frustration. However, she pulled a fine bladed knife out from her kit and with a flick of the wrist it stabbed into the ground close to Anrak. "Here... take this. It should be easier than.... whatever it is you are doing...," she said flatly with a slightly disgusted look in reference to him biting the meat off of the hide. She then nodded towards him and started to walk back to Chihiro visibly frustrated and not making much eye contact with the others besides her friend.

Bidzil instinctively grabbed his sheathe when this doctor person drew his sword, however it seemed like the others were already on top of it. Unlike the fight with the wyrm, he would actually be of some use in a fight between people, though, who to side with in this situation would be hard to say. He'd like to say he would side with the large man, however, the man could be lying through his teeth, even if his actions so far didn't quite support it. When Allanon voiced his opinion, he nodded in agreement. "Whatever he is, He has done nothing but help us so far. I'm sure there are enough people here that if he did try anything harmful, it wouldn't be good. Besides, similar to what you said, I don't think thieves make it a habit to volunteer to posibly sacrifice themselves while trying to free enslaved. Unless they are dumb I guess...," Bidzil said with a wide grin forming. "As for what you said earlier, Allanon I believe?" he asked making sure the name was right, "For my skills I'd say I'm at least competent with my weapons. If you want to spar for practice before tomorrow I'd be glad to," he finished with an excited gleam in his eye.

The night was filled with the sound of struggles through the street, and although the people of kalla were much stronger and organized than the varuk bandits that roamed the sands, they weren't used to such large scale attacks, especially not ones that seemed to occasionally be armed with magic. There was one mage in particular that rushed to where Allard was fighting, smaller than a varuk, about the size of an average human. When Allard turned to charge him, the man stood his ground as he charged a spell, a circle glowing around him as he yelled an incantation and held up a staff that shone brightly. Allard tried to cut him off before he could finish but it was too late. Large heavy chains like those used on an anchor burst front he ground and wrapped themselves around Allard, keeping him from moving. With another quick incantation, a spear burst through the ground as well, going through Allard's chest. The behemoth roared out in pain as the attack stuck home. His axe dropped heavily to the ground and he started to cough up blood.

The mysterious man took a few steps to the large man to examine his work. "What is strength's worth when it comes to magic?" he chuckled, gloating over his victory. However, he was off-put by a low grumbling laugh. He looked up to see a very sinister face staring at him from under the chains. Allard's voice growled out, "Allow me to answer your question with a demonstration." Allard then, along with the weight he was holding up in chains, slid down the spear a little as he headbutt the other man's skull, caving it in on contact. The chains and the spear dispersed as the mage died instantly, but Allard fell to the ground as well. His hand started blindly searching for his axe, and once he felt it, he grasped it and hauled himself up. "Where..... where is my daughter..... you....sons of bitches...," he cursed between ragged breathes as he picked up the mage's dead body by the collar, only to just now notice the man was dead and tossing him to the side.

Allard looked over to his inn where he saw the two foreigners from last night. "So....you came....," he mumbled as he tried to take a step towards them, however, the injures sustained so far barred his ability to move effectively. He stumbled forward. On closer inspection, Allard had many, many lethal looking injuries, but the man was still breathing. Of the corpses that littered the place, it seemed that there were a number of mages in the mix. How any lone man could fight a multitude of magic users without any magic himself would normally be described as a miracle, yet there must have been more than twenty mages in the square alone done in by his axe. If one were to investigate them in particular, they didn't look anything like the standard Killiman Desert native either. Whoever was raiding the village had outside help.

[Arceroth]

Kalla

"It does seem a bit... excessive for a small caravan town," Sev agreed, nodding towards the cluster of dead mages. As far as Sev was concerned, any magic user who couldn't hold off a guy with an axe wasn't worthy of the title 'mage.'

"I doubt this town has enough wealth to justify this kind of loss of life," Sev continued to Maeve, "any normal bandits would have given up the moment they got a bloody nose, not push into that meat grinder. Meaning they are hear for something or someone in particular. I'm hardly a person of much import, but if they truly were after one of us travelers they would have devoted more to rushing the inn than a couple hooligans."

The warrior-mage pondered as Allard headbutt another mage hard enough to cave the 'mage's' skull in. Coming to a decision he spun his staff conjuring a bit of fire at its tip to light his way in the night.

"I don't know if you are skilled in healing, but I am not. Don't suppose you could look after our barkeep and tavern while I go... retrieve someone who is better able to answer our questions."

Before waiting for an answer he vanished around the side of the tavern.

-----

"Idiots," the varuk mage spat, watching from a safe distance as one of his fellows was thrown aside by the berserk innkeeper, "never let a warrior get that close to you."

"That chain spell was reasonably impressive," one of his cohort said.

"Not if it couldn't hold one man in place."

"Greetings gentlemen!" Sev called, walking around a corner to where the small group stood, small flame still burning over the tip of his staff, "I don't suppose any of you are willing to answer some questions?"

"Get him!" the mage yelled, rapidly chanting a spell to constrict the man who'd foolishly announced his presence, grinning as the chains close around Sev, "rule one of sneaking up on someone, don't announce your presence."

Ofcourse that grin turned to surprise as the first man slashed at Sev, only for the blade to pass clean through the Sylve without leaving a mark. Moments later the image dispersed revealing that the chains had closed around an illusion.

"Rule one of magic: control where your target's attention is," A voice whispered in the varuk mage's ear just as a hand closed over his mouth.

The other men, after a moment of confusion turned to look back at their leader, who appeared to be looking around in confusion but not saying anything for several moments before he too dispersed like an illusion.

"So," Sev said two streets over where he'd half drug the Mage, "you can either answer my questions, and tell me why you are here, or..."

Rather than finish the warrior mage lifted his staff and tapped it on the ground. The polished wood seemed to crack and split, falling away starting from the top to reveal a shining spear blade, wreathed in fire, and continuing down the weapon seeming to turn it from a wizards staff to a magical spear of some power. Sev pointed the weapon's tip at the mage's heart while placing a foot on the other man's knee to keep him seated.

[drewccapp]

Allanon's interest had been piqued. Bidzil was a young man at the peak of his strength. A spar with him could be a good experience, and the more opponents he fought the more his style grew. He could tell from the young man's stance that he was at least familiar with combat, and not some young fool just looking to test himself. "Bidzil was it? A spar would be quite a good warm up. Competent would be the bear minimum I expect for a sparring partner. I have met about a dozen masters that are better than I, and I imagine there are several I have yet to meet. Perhaps, you may be an interesting challenge."

Allanon took a step back with a simple swordsman's salute to Bidzil. "Just say when."

[Lotrix Molick]

As soon as Anrak became threatened and Eduard drew his blade, he stepped back, making it obvious he was not hostile. He hadn't done anything but say he needed to explain or be watched. However, Allanon did have reason to chastise Eduard. Kistal left it alone, a sour expression no his face as he looked at Eduard. That may have just made the situation irrecoverable. He said one last thing to Anrak. "Like I said, I would like an explanation. I will not threaten you with violence. Everyone has a story, so I wish to hear yours before I make any conclusions." He then turned on his hoof and began towards the cave. As he moved, he looked down at his bracelets. Anyone watching him could see a look of sadness and simmering hate when he did.

Chihiro felt that Kistal did approach the situation well, but Eduard shattered it. She agreed with Allanon's assessment of the violent threat, though she felt no need to add more to it. Instead, Chihiro was watching Hilde. Her admiration shattered when Anrak lost his armor and was revealed not to be a fire priest. Her disgust was evident. That made the naga frown. Hilde's return to her side was met with a hug and a bit of hair stroking. "Come, Hilde, let's go rest. I am sure you could use one after avoiding your father."

[13org]

^{@Arceroth@Jollan}

Maeve listened to Sev's words as she watched the grim scene going on in the middle of the square. Indeed it didn't seem a thing common bandits would do. No bandit was foolish enough to keep going after Allard like that... They certainly had a motive for that attack. Just like Sev mentioned, it didn't seem like Kalla had that much wealth to justify such an attack...

"Is it possible that all this has something to do with the kidnappings and their goal is just to get Madam Valia?" Maeve asked, having difficulties to believe that was the case. Even though Valia was a master dancer... That attack was far too much just for that... Who could be the one responsible that had that many resources to waste on something that seemed to be just a whim...?

Interrupting her thoughts, Maeve watched as Allard headbutted a mage enough to crush his skull. The mage's previous attack, which used a chain to restrain Allard and a magical spear to pierce him, had wounded the innkeeper very badly, even more than he already was previously. Despite his strength and toughness, he didn't seem to be in condition to fight anymore.

"As an Isoli, healing magic is as natural as ice magic to me. That said, I'm not a master at it though..." Maeve said.

"If you need any help, just call me. I will try to take Allard somewhere safe. He's in no condition to fight anymore." Maeve said as she began walking towards Allard with her rapier drawn.

Anyone that tried to approach her was swiftly dealt with a single, fluid movement. Maeve's attacks were precise, graceful and deadly. Even her posture as she walked was elegant. Thanks to Sev's distraction, Maeve there weren't many to try and stop her as most of them were still confused due to Sev's trick with his illusions.

"Allard, can you walk? You're in no condition to fight anymore. I'll take you to the Inn and try to heal some of your wounds. Just stay there and I'll take care of the rest." Maeve said as she got near the wounded man. Taking a closer look at him, he was indeed in a much worse situation than she thought it was possible. It was a mystery on how he was still breathing and alive.

Unfortunately, the second Sev disappeared with the leader and they finally understood what had happened, all their attention turned to Maeve and Allard, who were still in the middle of the square.

"Stay behind me." Maeve said in a low tone to Allard as she assumed an elegant fighting posture.

The air around her suddenly started to become incredibly cold as a low, distinctive crackling sound of ice could be heard coming from her blade as it became covered in a thin ice layer. The fresh blood that was near her feet began to freeze, as the cold air around her and her blade was visible, contrasting with the building burning in the background.

"You interrupted my sleep and I'm not in a particularly good mood. Come. The faster we finish this, the better." Maeve said, looking at the bandits with an expression as cold as her blade.

[Honesty Crow]

The ruckus outside woke Aerex who had fallen asleep working on one of his projects. Aerex' ran over to one of the windows to see what was going on. His heart started to race as soon as he saw bandits on the streets and fighting in the alleys. The town was being attacked. Quickly, Aerex grabbed anything important from the second floor and ran downstairs. There, under the front desk was a hidden safe. Opening it, he tossed his journal, and a few other items of sentimental value including a mantle his mother had made him long ago into the safe. Closing it, he ran out onto the street. Now, what was on his mind was getting to Juliana who lived only a block away from his store. When the bandits became distracted in a fight with one of the residents, he bolted down an alley toward the residential district. Somehow, he managed to avoid the bandits walking around the streets looting. All he could hope for now was that she was safe. He planned to help her escape toward the inn or temple, perhaps there hey could find some of the town's guard or even some of the visitors.

When he arrived, he stopped in his tracks as soon as he saw a group of bandits in front of Julian's home. His heart was now beating faster and a knot formed in his throat. Every scenario ran through his head, he hoped that somehow she had made it out. However, to his horror the bandits pulled her out of the house. She was kicking and screaming, begging for someone to help her. Seeing that, Aerex froze. He remembered all the people he had lost in his life. First his parents, and then his beloved. Dead or dissapeared. No. This couldn't happen again… Something then snapped inside of Aerex. Without thinking about it, he ran toward the street right at the bandits. Before they could react, Aerex raised his hand over his head creating a brief flash that lit up the entire street. A spear made of light appeared in his hand.

"Let her go!" He shouted, tossing the weapon at the bandit holding Juliana captive. The spear struck the bandit in the face, going through the eye socket and right through his head. This also removed the concealment he wore to hide his identity. His hair became a bright red and his eyes a glowing green. Caught off guard, the bandit fell dead on the floor along with Juliana who was now covered in the bandit's blood. The spear vanished in another flash as soon as it went through the man's skull. That was enough to break the bandits from staring at Aerex. One of them went in for the attack, but was blinded as Aerex materialized a sword into his hand and penetrated the man's armor stabbing him in the stomach. In his rage, Aerex took out another bandit as he tried to avenge his comrade. However, their leader soon stepped up and began to duel Aerex who was soon overpowered by reinforcements from a nearby street. The group managed to subdue Aerex. Once he was on the ground, the angry bandits began to kick and punch him. It was enough to make Aerex return to his senses. All he could feel now was sharp and dull pain all over his body as was repeatedly kicked by the bandits. Eventually, the bandits stopped and tied his hands behind his back with a piece of rope and forced Aerex to his knees.

Their leader picked up Juliana, who was still on the floor. She was crying uncontrollably and screamed when the bandit leader grabbed her by the hair placed a dagger to her throat. The bandits holding Aerex held his head up, forcing him to look in Julian's direction. Aerex' face was now covered in blood and tears. His nose wouldn't stop bleeding and he had an ugly gash across the head that was bleeding into his face. At that moment, Aerex could barely feel anything. He could barely breathe and felt a hollow pain on his shoulder, which was most likely dislocated. Even when Juliana called out to him and begged for her life, he could barely recognize her. His ears were ringing and he could barely see by the blood flowing down his head.

"I'll kill her just like you did my men, you bastard!" Said the bandit leader, pressing the dagger against Juliana's neck. Aerex tried to shout, beg him to kill him instead but nothing would come out. Instead he whimpered and gasped. He was going to see the last person that mattered to him be killed in front of him.

[Jollan]

"Or what? You run me through and look for some other sorry sod to interrogate? Go ahead then. Kill me," The warrior mage challenged Sev, full of spite. "My family would be safer with me dead then to come back having failed." There was a moment of silence as the mage closed his eyes, seemingly waiting for the finishing move. And while he was, his eyes were moving in a particular pattern. Suddenly, the mage's mana level noticeably spiked high enough for Sev to physically feel it, but instead of it flowing from him, it seemed to be gathering to him. The man's eyes started to glow in the night from behind his eyelids, and upon opening them, they shone like the sun. He grabbed the blade of the spear. "MAY THE EMPEROR OF GREED BE CRUSHED UNDER HIS OWN SPOILS!"

The amount of man he was gathering was highly dangerous. As a Combat mage, Sev would know this man was about to overload with mana, causing a large explosion centered on himself. With his last words of defiance, he planned to take himself out along with Sev. He had mere seconds.

---
When Maeve arrived next to Allard, he only slowly nodded in response, Using his great axe to help himself up and drag himself behind her. "My daughter," he stammered before coughing a small amount of blood up, "She is not here. My wife and son locked themselves away in the tavern, but I never found Hildebrand...." His voice was weak and stressed.

Trying to take advantage of the situation, a small group of swordsmen advanced on the two, taking maeve lightly and wanting to finish off the behemoth. There were three mercenaries and on Varuk bandit with an axe closing in fast.

"A wounded wolf...," Allard began to mutter as a one of the four slipped by maeve to go after Allard first instead, "can still bare its fangs!" As the man raised his blade to lop off the giant's head. Allard reached out in near perfect timing and grabbed the many by the skull, his hand over his face. The man tried to recover by taking his shortsword and stabbing it into Allard's arm, though Allard just slammed the man into the stonework of the square, knocking some of the stones out of place, and crushing his skull.

---

Before the Varuk bandit squad leader slit Juliana's throat, there was a heavy gust of wind that engulfed all of them, when it settled, Sahale was floating down from the air, gently and silently landing in between the bandit with his hostage and Aerex who was on the ground. The men that had surrounded Aerex went limp as they fell, dead before they hit the ground, all with a slash at the neck. Was that from the wind? Sahale was eerily quiet for a change, his eyes full of murderous intent. In fact, there was heavy amounts of blood splatted all over hi and his clothes, yet not any sign of injury on himself.

"Who the hell are you supposed to be, eh?" the bandit challenged warily. But he got nothing but a scowl borne of utter contempt in return. Sahale started walking towards the man. "Hey, hey, stay back, I'll kill her!"

"Will you? I thought you were already going to try...," Sahale said coldly as he continued his slow advance.

"Alright smart ass, her blood is on your hands then! A pity she would have done well for a little night company for the boys too, heheheh." With that said, he drew his arm to the side in a movement to slice her throat, but felt no resistance. "H-huh?" The man looked down and noticed that instead of his hand and knife at the girl's throat, it was on the ground, in a small pool of blood. The man shoved Juliana away frantically, looking at his nub of an arm, the pain now setting in with his realization as he cried out. Sahale caught her and gently laid her down, but then continued his walk towards the man "N-no stay back! We have friends in high places! You won't get away with this if you-"

"BE SILENT," Sahale ordered as a gust of wind forced its way into the mans pleading throat, keeping him from breathing, only able to make a blood curdling sound from his throat as he tried to exhale but couldn't. The man, now desperate, pulled another blade out with his good hand and tried to rush Sahale in a last ditch effort. Sahale didn't even raise his own blade as the wind swirled around the man, instantly dismembering his arms and legs, dropping him to the ground. The man's screams once again rang out, but it was only shortly lived, as Sahale finally looked down to the man and made an insanely fast cut, aided by the wind, that would split the man in two, though the cut was so fine, that he seemed to stay whole, only a faint bleeding line down his head to groin and the tear in his clothes showing where the line of the cut was, Sahale's blade not even so much as stained.

Sahale made his way to the injured girl first, trying to hide his rage from the other man with a kind smile to assure her she was safe. "Are you alright? We should make your way to the temple. I will pick up your friend here and escort you. You will be safe there."

[Honesty Crow]

When Sahale placed her back on the floor, Juliana ran over to Aerex. She untied his hands and gently rolled him over on his back. When she reached for one of his hands, Juliana could feel them trembling and saw strange markings along his fingers resembling burns. Tears started to form on her eyes, and she looked back at Sahale.
"Please. We've got to save him!"

As for Aerex, he could barely understand what had happened to him. All he remembered was that brief rush of adrenaline, Juliana's screams, and then blood everywhere. He felt the taste of copper in his mouth and he was struggling to breathe. On top of all that, he had a throbbing headache that made it difficult to think. Looking up, he saw Juliana who was holding his shaky hands and begging someone out of view to come and help him. For some reason, he couldn't speak. He lacked the strength to do so and he could barely organize his own thoughts anyway. Aerex just wanted to tell Juliana to run, but he couldn't. He never thought she would react like this when he was in trouble. If he didn't make it, at least he knew that Juliana had survived…

[Arceroth]

Kalla

"Emperor of Greed?" Sev asked, pulling the spear back just out of reach of the bandit, looking unconcerned at the gathering mana, "so you're rebels? Good to know. By the way, you seem to have already forgotten the first rule of magic."

The bandit's angry expression turned to surprise as the illusion of Sev wavered and vanished moments before the mana detonated. Meanwhile, the real Sev, around the next corner sighed with mild relief. The illusions used against the bandits earlier he could have passed off as a precast spell, but when he dropped that bandit mage in the dirt and walked away, leaving his image behind, there wouldn't have been an easy explanation. He'd planned to simply leave the bandit mage behind, appearing to turn invisible with a quick spell cast, after getting his answer. He didn't expect this level of... devotion to their cause.

Kidnappings, rebels, some emperor of greed... at least one pretty lady, this was getting interesting, but also dangerous. With a shrug, Sev decided to stick it out for a bit, it could be fun. He doubted there was anyone from the Scar in a hundred miles, much less someone with connections to the military and having knowledge of who he was. All Sev had to do was play the role of a warrior mage, help out, have fun and leave before word got out. Should probably go a bit easier on the illusions.

Smiling to himself, and the last bits of rubble from that mage's explosion raining down around him, he spun his spear idly in one hand and made his way back towards the inn. Maybe he'd arrive in time to swoop in and rescue that Isoli noble woman.

[13org]

^@Jollan

Maeve listened with an alarmed expression, no wonder why Allard was in such a rage. Even though Allard was terribly wounded, he was still in panic due to not knowing where his daughter was.

"Calm down, Allard. You're already wounded, don't overexert yourself. Hildebrand knows how to take care of herself, it would be hard for them to capture her, wouldn't it? You taught her yourself, didn't you?" Maeve said as she tried to calm down the large man.

Truth be told, even though Maeve didn't know Allard's daughter, she seemed to be quite capable herself just by the way Maeve saw her moving herself while wearing her armor. Before she could say anything more though, she perceived, albeit a tad bit too late, that a few of the bandits were approaching them, sneakily going for Allard first as they tried to finish the wounded before fighting against Maeve herself. Much to her surprise (and at that point she was already asking herself if Allard was really human...), Allard, despite his wounded and weakened state, had enough strength to grab the head of one of the bandits and smash it full force on the stonework of the square, instantly crushing it's skull and killing him.

"It's impolite to interrupt someone while they are talking, didn't you know...?" Maeve said as she turned to the bandits with a scornful expression.

Calmly walking towards them with her rapier in her hand. After looking to each other, the remaining bandits smirked to themselves. For them, Maeve was just a noble lady that had too much of an attitude, even though she made a few flashy moves before, they would be able to take care of her easier than Allard, after all, the giant still had enough strength to kill one of the other members with his bare hand.

The second one of them approached her though, arcing his sword in an overhead strike, the second he went for the strike, he had just enough time to see his own hand, still grasping the sword, to fall on the ground as he felt the cold sting of Maeve's blade.

"So crude and unrefined... It seems I was expecting a bit too much from you all..." Maeve said, as she gave a step forward. Her rapier cut the air in an horizontal line, her movements were weightless and graceful, almost as she was dancing as she stopped beside the bandit in an elegant, dignified posture with her blade still extended in the position she cut the man. The unfortunate bandit didn't even have time to react as her blade slit his throat, leaving a thin, blade like ice trail behind her rapier. From his slit throat though, no blood came out, instead, his wound was completely frozen as he fell on the ground, gasping for his life, opening his mouth in a mute scream.

"If you don't have the talent to fight, at least have the decency to die." she said, looking to both of the other bandits.

Rushing towards her at the same time, the last bandit wielding a sword was dealt with swiftly, with a single lunge of her blade, piecing through the bandit's heart, striking him before he could even swing his blade. The bandit felt a terrible cold, coming from inside his chest. The beautiful blade wielded by the Isoli girl was much crueler than he could have imagined. There was no bleeding from the small puncturing wound on his chest, just cold. A terrible freezing sensation coming deep within his chest.

"An axe... So you think you can overpower me with raw strength? It will definitely be fun to watch you try... Amuse-me." she said, with a cold tone as she looked to the last bandit's confident expression as he held his axe.

Instead of killing him in one blow though, Maeve was clearly playing with him as she effortlessly dodged every attack the bandit gave, laughing as she replied with a single attack of her own, avoiding both vital spots and making too deep of a cut in order to keep the bandit alive. From each cut, the man would feel his flesh, blood and skin being frozen solid. With every movement, he would feel the pain of thousands of ice needles piercing his flesh and the pain of his frozen wounds cracking and breaking with his sudden movements.

After what seemed to be an eternity for the bandit, he fell on his knees. His body didn't have the strength to continue anymore. A multitude of wounds covered the man's body, ones completely frozen while the others had a terrible blue color from Maeve's cold blade.

"Disappointing." she said, as she slit his throat with a flick of her wrist. The moment his blood began gushing out of his throat though, Maeve gave a small jump away as she snapped her fingers, making it freeze in midair, creating a terrifying, but at the same time, beautiful scene. The bandit's frozen blood, reflecting the light from the burning buildings behind them gave the crimson ice coming out of his throat a particularly beautiful shine.

"My dress!" she exclaimed, looking towards her own dress to confirm it wasn't stained with the bandit's blood.

"Unpleasant, even in death..." Maeve said, turning towards Allard again as she sheathed her rapier.

"Come, let's go to the inn. Let me do something about your wounds. Honestly... I am surprised on how you're still alive..." Maeve said, as she tried to do her best to help Allard to walk, despite his weight exceeding her own a number of times.

[Jollan]

Bidzil looked at Allanon with mixed look of shock and surprise, "OH, uh, now? I figured once we settled in." Bidzil's reluctance however ended in his surprise. Instead of continuing on into some excuse, he simply shrugged. "Alright then," Bidzil took off the upper part of his jacket, letting it fall behind him over his belt as if it wear now a waist piece. He was essentially shirtless with a bandage wrap that partially came up to his abs. Bidzil drew what most thought was going to be a standard blade, however, it looked like a bokken made of metal with a handle on it, though there seemed to be a type of latch where the 'blade', if you could call it that, met the handle. instead of gripping the handle, Bidzil held it at the base where the metal bokken blade met the handle. Bidzil knew that wielding it this way made it safer for the blade inside. Bidzil didn't plan on using the blade, but he had to leave it in if he were to practice properly. He also drew the other one, and held it backward in his left hand, but in the same way, holding just past the handle and this time with the blade running down his forearm and passing his elbow to his biceps. Bidzil bowed and then got in a stance, his left side leading and his right weapon resting on his shoulder, he assumed a low stance, slightly crouched and knees bent, weight on the balls of his feet.

A look of realization overtook Bidzil's face, however, as he got out of his stance for a more casual one, "Oh, wait a minute, I got an idea. We should probably wait until we are inside the cave. If the chief is headed that way I guess we should too," he partially addressed the last bit to the others before looking back to Allanon. " This can add challenge to the spar, not a real test unless your heart is pumping! C'mon!" Bidzil grinned as he waved Allanon along with him, right before bolting off full sprint towards the cave. As he ran, he left his right weapon stay on his shoulder as before, and his left arm close to himself, elbow bent. He was fairly quick, all those years swimming in that giant lake must be paying off. In fact, as he ran, he seemed to have no trouble keeping his breath, that he would even shout to Allaon as he ran. In Trantis, it wasn't uncommon for the gaurds to practice swordplay underwater sing weights on their bodys to keep them down, fighting to become faster, learning to go longer without air. They would also practice by holding water in their mouth when above ground while running around and fighting to help teach breath control and build their lungs better. The former being something Bidzil prided himself at excelling at, the latter however, he could never keep a straight face when trying to spar with someone whos cheeks were puffed up with water.

Bidzil didn't think about it, but to the others, there did seem to be a large scar just behind his left shoulder-blade that was now visible from behind.
---

Hilde had Chihiro slowly ride on her small wind skiff with her, using the desert wind instead of her own power to gently push it to the cave. Hilde was quiet for a moment after Chihiro spoke, it wasn't until a moment after they were moving she finally replied. "I... I was't trying to avoid him as much as make sure he couldn't see me to say 'no'... I understand why he doesn't want me out here. I almost did stay too. I would have said, 'maybe some other time,' but... I saw that one man left that book. I assumed he was a firepriest. That he would need it. I was fascinated and felt I had to go, only to find out he wasn't what I thought he was." Hilde was quiet again for a moment before glancing to Chihiro again briefly, then pulled her eyes back to track their craft's direction. "I am irritated at myself really. I jumped to conclusions... He doesn't seem like a bad person, but it is strange he has the book in the first place." Hilde sighed after getting that off her chest, "Dad is probably going to be furious."

Sahale looked over to the beaten young man on the ground that Juliana asked him to help. "Don't worry, I'll get him." he assured her. He looked down to the young man studiously. 'Now aren't you a curious one...,' he thought for a moment before crouching down to scoop up Juliana in his arms, bridal style. Sahale had a gentle cushion or wind carry Aerex for him as he quickly moved to take them to the temple. He felt a surge of energy down one alleyway, passing a man drawing in a lethal amount of man, who's face could be seen for only a split second before he passed and heard an explosion. Sahale could only describe it as a man at peace with himself... Sahale sailed by where Allard and Maeve were in the square, jumping and seeming to glide over them briefly to maneuver around Maeve new set of sculptures. "Ahh, the desert night blooms a new flower," he said mentioning the new pretty face, "tasteful decorating, luv," he joked as her soared by. He stopped and turned to Maeve once he was at the temple steps. "Bring that giant in here where he can get medical attention, hopefully you know some tricks of your own? I'm afraid our resident doctor at the moment is sweating her little paws off." He nodded to her and then went inside of the temple.

Once inside, it was a madhouse. There were wounded everywhere and the priest and priestesses were scrambling to do what they could to help wounded. A few guards were formed in the central hallway, led by Vog, Neev's bodyguard, at the ready for any more trouble. It was a natural choke point that led to the rest of the building and held to keep intruders at bay, with a few enemy bodies stacked in already. Vog had ordered to let the bodies stay there to make it harder for enemies to make it through. Once they were let in, Aerex would be placed on a table, as they ran out of beds, and a priestess would come to try to help stabilize him, but he seemed to be in pretty critical condition, though, so were a lot of the other people there. Neev could barely be seen in the middle of the mess, going from one person to another in her best effort to try to save the lives laid before her. The small blue vials that were on her side had a few that were already empty. A small book was floating next to her, casting various healing spells on different people, chanting for a moment as mana spiked, contorted into the spell and was released over the target, healing various injuries. However, some still needed a more rudimentary method, having to get surgical and work fast on some patients. She would have to stop and operate on some people, calling out requests to the priestesses who ran in and out. Neev was practically turning the temple into a field hospital. When she took a second from another patient, she pulled one of the blue potions from her belt and downed it to restore her mana. She then took a note out and wrote a quick message. Once finished she grabbed a little basket looking contraption with bat like wings off the back of her belt. "Take this message through safe passage. I pray that fate won't keep you late," the little bat wings seemed to come to life in her hands. she placed the note in the basket and held it up. "Find Master Koch!" she commanded and it flew off, darting away in search of its target.

Sahale nodded to Aerex and Juliana. "Okay, I'm gonna leave you love birds here. After all, we may still have some guests to entertain outside." he said before heading back out to the square.

When Neev eventually got to Aerex, she paused for a moment in surprise. She had never seen a grusk before, but by all accounts she has read this person seemed to check all the boxes for one. She shook her head to clear her thoughts before pulling out her notebook, looking to see if she had any notes on Gruskan people before starting her work. Grusk were mistreated much like beastmen were in some places. She honestly loved Kalla for their acceptance of other races. Here they would hold you by your actions, in Portea.... well, not so much. She snapped her notebook closed and put it away. Nothing in the notebook saying anything about special treatment. "Let's just hope your body takes to my magic as everyone else's...," she hoped before starting work on Aerex.

---

Maeve's words did seem to calm Allard, but that could also be attributed to the blood loss. After Allard watched Maeve dispatch of the remaining bandits, he'd have to say he was impressed, but all that was unimportant at the moment. Allard nodded his head, "Aye, she could be.... anywhere...right... not just here," he said between breaths, answering her earlier question. "We've heard no explosions, so that might be... a good sign. Blessed girl is a firekin graced by Sylph 'erself. Has tha gift o' fire and wind. Explosions are her favorite trick." Just then there was an explosion that everyone close-by could feel. Sahale passed at this time, and Allard gave him a strange look, though noticed he was bringing the tailor and his assistant into the temple. "What was tha' jus now?" he asked openly. "H-hilde?" He took a step towards the sound and stumbled, the man looking a bit paler than before. "Blast this aging body!" he yelled, blaming his aging body for lack of endurance that he used to have in his youth. He was pretty sure at one point he was much worse off with injuries and fared better before, right? ... He thought so anyway.

[Lotrix Molick]

Kistal entered the cave first and claimed a nice spot near the entrance. Sitting down, he hummed quietly to himself as he waited for the rest of the group to arrive. He was far from tired, but if the others wanted or needed a break, then he would oblige them. It gave him a good opportunity to mentally prepare himself for the coming fight. He laid the head of his spear in his lap and drew an oil cloth and whetstone out of his bag. He inspected the edges of the bident styled blades, deciding to sharpen them.

Chihiro lounged on the skiff as Hilde talked. She nodded along, letting out a small hmmm at the end of her explanation. "Well, regardless of whether he is a fire priest or not, it did draw you into your dream. You have always wanted to travel and adventure, but your father was quite adamant to prevent that. He may be angry, but he will quickly realize he would have done the same if he were in your position. Besides, I am sure I can convince him it was healthy for you." Once at the cave, she moved the skiff and tied it off for Hilde before holding an arm out for the girl to take and hop off the skiff. "I am glad you are out here. I want to see you grow as a person and as a warrior."

[Arceroth]

Kalla

"This place was a lot easier to find during the day," Sev grumbled as he glanced down another side street that went nowhere. Using illusions to stop others from keeping track of him was one thing, but it also sometimes resulted in him getting lost himself. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing, half the reason he came to this town was to get lost, but when he actually knew where he wanted to go it could be annoying. That Isoli had said something about using magic, right? To be honest Sev hadn't paid much attention to what she said, first he was... enjoying her presence behind his illusory eyes and later he had left as she was talking.

"Hey!" someone shouted from behind him, prompting Sev to turn around to see a pair of injured bandits, or rebels or whatever they were, approaching him. The lead bandit pointed at Sev, "he looks like easier prey than that chick."

"I don't know," his companion replied, "there's blood on his spear."

"Did you two happen to run away from town square? I believe there was an Isoli in a short dress and a man the size of a small bear," Sev asked, apparently unconcerned.

"Let's just deal with him and get out of here," the first bandit said, charging forward brandishing a worn saber. Sev sighed, pointed the tip of his spear at the man and chanted something under his breath. A series of burning red runes burst into existence around the short blade at the weapon's tip. The charging man's eyes went wide just as a ball of fire shot from the weapon and struck him in the chest.

"Uhg, why did I pick fire, in this climate," Sev groaned as the burning rebel screamed and ran around in panic. He made eye contact with the other bandit who, after a moment, turned and ran. The Sylve warrior mage sent a barrage of icicles after him with another spell, but at range his aim wasn't good enough to get a solid hit, and simply shattered against brick buildings or buried themselves in the ground. With a shrug Sev stepped around the now prone, and smoldering, man and followed the pair's tracks backwards.

In short order he finally found the town square, and was a little disappointed the lady had finished off all the other bandits, he had been looking forward to swooping in to save her. He briefly considered covering his spear with the staff illusion again, but he was already running a bit low on mana, probably being around half. And if the next day promised as much violence as the night had he'd need every drop.

"We're probably dealing with rebels," Sev called out towards Maeve as he came to a decision, walking into the bloody square with his spear still on display, "said something about an emperor of greed, mean anything to you?"

[drewccapp]

Allanon couldn't help but chuckle a bit at Bidzil's eagerness to spar. It reminded him of his days as a young man himself. It also told him enough about the kind of training Bidzil had. "I appreciate your eagerness. It seems you have a bit of a misunderstanding. This salute." He repeated his simple swordsman salute. "Is a simple sign of respect towards a fellow swordsman." He drew his sword with a quick flourish and presented it in front of him with a bow of his head while still keeping his eyes on his opponent. "This is a duelist greeting." A light smile grew upon his face.

He quickly sheathed his sword again at Bidzil suggested they wait until they get to the cave. "It seems you misunderstood my saying 'just say when'. I meant whenever you want I am ready for a spar."

As he followed after Bidzil at a walking pace, Allanon noticed the scar on his shoulder blade. A scar like that usually came from one of two places: running away from an opponent in fear, or protecting someone dear from harm. He would find out which given time. At the cave he stood near the entrance to assume a guard type of position and keep watch until Bidzil told him he was ready for that spar. If he chose to do it now.

[13org]

^@Jollan

Maeve was already, with some difficulty, escorting Allard towards a safe location when she heard Sev's word as he approached the square. Apparently, even though he did abandon her to deal with the others by herself, he had also fought against some. The staff that he was wielding before was now a spear, revealing his weapon's double nature, which was made even cleared due to it's bloodied tip.

"A bit rude leaving me alone to both protect Allard and deal with the other bandits, don't you think?" Maeve asked, raising an eyebrow to him as he approached them.

"Regarding this Emperor of Greed... Never heard about it. The only thing I can think about is that this is, somehow, connected to the kidnappings and what happened with Madam Valia the other day. It is indeed difficult to think someone would do such thing just to satisfy it's own lust or... greed." Maeve said, purposely using the same word Sev mentioned about the emperor.

It was then that a strange, sly man man appeared gliding over her and Allard. Despite his sudden appearance, his actions and words made it clear he wasn't an enemy as he said to take Allard to the temple so they could heal them.

"Charming words. Thank you, stranger." Maeve said, with a smirk as she chuckled when he made a small joke about the dead bandits at her feet.

"I am not a specialist on healing magic, but since I'm an Isoli, it does come naturally to me. I may be able to help, even if only a small bit." she said as she nodded towards the sly stranger as she started taking Allard to the temple.

"If you discover anything more about what's happening, feel free to tell me too. I'm going to the temple to heal Allard a bit and help the other healer. I'm honestly surprised on how he is even alive at this point. If I don't hurry up though, he might not be anymore in a bit..." Maeve said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Maeve was glad that her words were a bit effective in calming Allard down. Unfortunately, just the second she thought it would be easier and she wouldn't need to forcefully drag that half giant to the temple, they heard an explosion in the background, immediately making Allard say his daughter's name and become agitated once more.

"If you don't calm down, I can and will knock you out cold so I can drag you to the temple and heal you. Sev, please, go towards the explosion and see what's happening. If it's really Allard's daughter, help her." Maeve said, trying to calm down the wounded giant again.

"Trust your daughter, Allard. She's a strong girl, isn't she? Sev is going there too, so just calm down and don't overexert yourself." Maeve said, as she finally began taking Allard to the temple.

Arriving on the temple, Maeve would try to make Allard lay down and start using her healing magic. Even though it might not be as good as someone who specialized in it, it was still more than enough to close wounds and at least make it so Allard's situation wasn't one of life and death.

[Guy0fV4lor]

@Jollan@drewccapp@Lotrix Molick@Honesty Crow
As Hilde tossed her dagger to Anrak, the man froze mid-chew, suddenly regaining his sense of shame. Swallowing the raw meat as red juices dripped from his mouth, he weakly responded to the clearly very disgusted girl. "Uh thanks, lass..... Aye, uh... Thanks."

The Dagger's razor-sharp edge, combined with Anrak's natural strength make quickly separated the remaining meat from the hide-- striding to the beast's ruined head, Anrak also procured several thick, rope-like tendons, as well as a few large pieces of bone. Wrapping the large swathe of hide he'd gathered about the meat, bones and tendons like a sack, Anrak made his way over to the cave to join up with the others.

As he passed the two swordsmen gearing up to spar, he gave Allanon a hefty pat on the shoulder, and shared a few words of thanks "Aye 'preciate th' support back there friend."

Once inside the shelter of the cave, the massive warrior would seat himself beside whatever fire the expedition crew had started, and began to make himself a new set of armor while cooking a hearty wurm-steak dinner.