[IC] Knights of the shaped tables (Fantasy/Comedy RP)

[Rultaos]

The morning sun shone brightly in the skies above as townsfolk went about their daily business. Zerandar was a gem of a city. South of the Northern Orc Fortresses, West of the Eastern Elven Spires, and in the Easternmost parts of the Western Human colonies, the city was known as one of the most influential human states in the world of Lanquar, and home to the prominent Magic Knight Guild of Excalibur. The Guild is the symbol of the kingdom's power, and it was considered an honor to sit at one of their 5-pointed star-shaped tables.

This morning, there was a commotion going on at the courtyard of the Guild. In front of the large structure made of stone and brick, there was a gathering of Magic Knights. The Guild had received a batch of new recruits, and were preparing to divide them into squads and groups. Separated from the large crowd were the Zodiac squad leaders. And among them stood Karadar Trenact, the Holy Knight of Libra Squad, wearing his casual clothing underneath his cloak of Kyr.

In his hand, he held a scroll of paper that contained the names of his new squadmates, along with some bits of information. The Holy Knight was unsure if he was up to the task. But he had been told that self-doubt would only cripple him. So, he decided he would just treat this new squad the same way his old squad leader treated him: with near-tyrannical "guidance".

The Guildmaster stepped up to a podium in the courtyard. The Guildmaster was an Elemental Knight. He towered above everyone else and had muscles that could easily beat the entire Guild in an arm-wrestling competition (not that anyone would be stupid enough to even attempt it with him). The large man was bald and had a fancy mustache. Rumors said that he used to be a child strongman for the circus before training as an Elemental Knight. No one's ever talked to him about it though, as it always made the man feel uncomfortable.

The Guildmaster was preparing to give a welcome speech to the newcomers, as per standard procedure. In a deep and booming voice, he spoke.

"Greetings, one and all to the Excalibur Guild of Zerandar. You all know why you are here, and that is to stand in adamant defense of the people of Zerandar and her allies. As some of the best Magic Knights in the land, you are expected to be the strongest weapon of the kingdom and the men who live inside it. The food we eat and the ale we drink on our 1,000 gold-coin, ornately crafted tables, are given by the kingdom because we are her shield. It is our duty to give back to her, tenfold what she gives to us. But have no fear, and rejoice as today is the day where a new life begins for each and every one of you. Thank you, and welcome to the Guild. And don't forget to stop by the souvenir shop at the gates to get a free official Excalibur Guild cloak. Have a great first day!"

Karadar's eyes lit up with pure inspiration as their Guildmaster finished his speech, and was one of the first few people to start clapping. The rest clapped only because everyone else was doing it, but no one would be able to tell the difference.

The Guildmaster spoke up once again. "For those Knights that have shown exceptional skills in their evaluation, they will be segregated into the 12 Zodiac squads. I now call upon the squad leaders to gather their new members, and orient them on how the Guild works. When your name is called, join your leader and follow them until dismissed. For those who are not called, try not to feel too bad about yourselves, and join the guides that are waiting for you at the entrance. First up, Aries Squad leader." He said. The Warden Knight in charge of Aries squad stepped in front of the podium and began calling out the names of recruits. Everytime a recruit was called, they would approach their new squad leader, and enter the Guild once the group was complete. It continued on like this for each squad as Karadar waited to be called up to the stand.

After the Blood Knight in charge of Virgo Squad finished her list, Karadar stepped up to the front. The Knight took a deep breath, and unfolded his scroll. "I will now call upon the names for those who have been included in the new Libra Squad. Step forward if your name is spoken... Chance Chazwalider, of the Redshirt Hamlet. Anna of the Flaming Heart, daughter of Syro. Andred Karrion, son of lord Nareth. and Kaiser Durun of the House of Brunswick." ”Hmm... That’s strange. This is much fewer people than the rest of the squads. Well, I can’t question the decisions of the Guildmaster. I'll just have to go with it.” He thought. After finishing speaking, he folded up the scroll and waited for his new squad to gather.

[Deserted]

Waiting was the worst... well, maybe not as bad as being trapped in the rotting entrials of a massive deceased worm, but other than that it was the worst, and waiting with a ceremony involved was the worst of the worst. (Aside from the whole worm thing.) Chance was slouched over his own fist, cramming his lips up into his eye. He paid heed to nothing save for one thing, his name.

"It's about time," he grumbled when he was called. He had been slumped against the back wall, his sword drawn, his shield easy to hand and slung on his belt, and his pack and supplies slung over his shoulder. Wait... pack and supplies? Was he expecting immediate deployment? He sized up everybody he walked past, taking note to glance behind him as he came. However, something different came over him, something he had never felt before. Loyalty welled up inside of him, a massive well. Just glancing at the others, it was safe to say that he would die for them, he would doom the world if there was a hostage situation and he held the key to survival, he would willingly give it up to a villain if it meant there was a sleight chance that the villain wouldn't kill his new associates anyway. In fact,this loyalty extended clear unto newcomers he had not met yet. He would never accept any slander against them, but would willingly accept any deception on their behalf. He was driven to overcome any obstacle just because they were buds... ur... coworkers?

Rather than a long smeal that captured his personality perfectly for an introduction, he began assessing people in the room if they needed a group of knights to resolve their needs. Maybe 12 pigs needed to be killed in the open territory, maybe somebody lost a broach, or perhaps someone has heard strange noises emanating from an old house. It was a story old as time, boy comes to new place, boy has to kill 12 porcine of the indigenous environment, boy gets items that makes his old stuff look like crap.

[Illogical Jim]

At the calling of her name, Anna swaggered toward the knight that was to be her commander. She was tall and thickly-built, a great big bastard sword at her side. She was dressed simply enough, in an earthen tunic and cloak, heavy boots boldly sounding with her footfalls. Her every move spoke of a sort of determined confidence. She, the daughter of a petty Lord's steward, had seen many battles. She had slain lots of... things, for lack of a better term. She had, in her opinion, very little to prove, and a good bit of glory to win yet. And this man would be her captain. He was a devout one she knew. One glance at the cross on his cloak made that clear. She hoped he had no qualms about hard drinking- after all, how better to unwind after hard fighting? Maybe a comely man to lie with, but she'd learned a long time ago that it was hard for a woman of her- physique- to find such a one for that. And with that she gave him another glance, and one of a different kind. He was pretty enough, she supposed. Was he still a maiden? The thought brought a smirk to her lips, which she dismissed as she finally stood before him, and the rest of the group.

"I am Anna, as you would have guessed." the warrior said, pausing briefly before endeavoring to be polite. She was not much used to niceties, but the effort was clearly there.

"It will be a pleasure to serve with you, Sir Karadar, as well as the rest of you. I look forward to honorable battle at your sides. May none stand before us. And... So on."

[Deserted]

Chance gave one good look up and down on Anna. He was short for a guy in the first place so it took a bit of work. He did his best to care about her past, but honestly couldn't generate any sort of interest and it withered away like a fallen leaf decomposing throughout a dry winter. Eh, if it was important it would come up.

More to his interest was her equipment, and by equipment I don't mean that which comes in a package of being female and having noticeable genetics, I mean her shoes, her weapons, her armour. This was certainly not your standard sub-standard crap. Why, he bet these people could actually hold a conversation. You'd be surprised how many people will tell you they like to walk in the woods, say it out loud, and interrupt you to say that exact same thing over and over again every time you try to interact with them. Stupid world.

It seemed like eighteen hours passed as they waited for others to putter their way up.

He pointed at the holy champion before him, about to say something, but then changed his mind. His attention re-directed to Anna. Holy knights never had personal objectives he could help them reach, it was always some religious ritual or rite of passage so that they could get a tunic or belt or something. It wasn't ever anything good.

"Vengeance?" He asked Anna as if it said it all.

[Roleplayer001]

Kaiser Durun of House Brunswick was called forth to a little party forming at the front of the room. At it's head was Sir Karadar, a knight who followed the holy order of things in life. What an idiot. Why put oneself through suffering in the name of god when you can force another one to do it for you? A smile crossed Durun's lips beneath his black helmet as he thought about his future missions and the pain he could inflict upon his enemies. The blood knight forced his way through the crowd in order to reach the squad he was assigned to in a timely manner, but he was not the first one to arrive. He spotted two other knights who had gathered around the captain, talking to each other in simple conversation to presumably pass the time.

One was a female, probably Anna of the Flaming heart, who was not the prettiest girl in the world but with no other females on the team would have to make due. She could be used as meat one was or another. Guessing by her name however she was an elemental knight who wielded fire. His lordship noted to be careful around her so he didn't end up being on the plate.

The other person was a short man.

The Lord of House Brunswick proceeded to introduce himself to his new commander. "Hello sir. I am Kaiser Durun of House Brunswick and am here to serve what we stand for and bring victory to us all." The gave a slight bow and then proceeded to stand on Karadar's right, awaiting a command from his new leader. Although his shield was on his back and his sword in his scabbard, Durun was ready to get going with a fight here or elsewhere. He figured the less they talked the faster they would be done and the faster they would be done the faster they would be out on a mission and having a great wonderful time.

[Rultaos]

One by one, his new squadmates arrived. Karadar was irked at how lax they were, and how long it took them to gather. Still though, he decided he would cut them some slack. It was their first day, after all. For now, he would just build up their confidence, and start pushing them tomorrow.

One of the first ones to arrive was a short man carrying what appeared to be a heavy bag. Unfolding the scroll, Karadar scanned the words on it. "You must be Chance Chazwalider." He said. After reading further, he spoke again. "It says here that most people from Redshirt Hamlet suffers high mortality rates. No offense to you of course. The background given by your previous Guild says that you were a defending tournament champion, and the lone survivor of attacks in undead territory. Very impressive. I believe you are a capable enough man." He concluded.

Afterwards, a muscular woman with hair tied into a ponytail approached them in a confident manner, and then introduced herself.

"I am Anna, as you would have guessed. It will be a pleasure to serve with you, Sir Karadar, as well as the rest of you. I look forward to honorable battle at your sides. May none stand before us. And... So on." The well-built female said. Karadar nodded. "The honor is all mine. According to this, you've killed many great beasts, not the least of which was Farfnirax of the Burning Sea. I would like to see such skills first-hand." He said.

The next arrival was a slightly tall man, with light skin and expensive silk clothing.

"Hello sir. I am Kaiser Durun of House Brunswick and am here to serve what we stand for and bring victory to us all." The man said. Karadar turned back to the scroll. "I believe your word to be your honor, Sir Kaiser. If you've indeed left your... sinful past behind, then I have no problems accepting you as my ally." He said. He wasn't fond of the man's alleged cruelty and cannibalism, but if he was a squadmate, then it was Karadar's duty to lead and trust him.

Lastly, the final member approached the party. It was a pale-skinned man with white hair, who (like Kaiser) also seemed to be of noble descent.

"Greetings, Sirs and ma'am. I am Andred Karrion, son of lord Nareth and apprentice of Talia Vinzai." He said with a bow. "It will be a sincere pleasure working with you all." He continued. Karadar noted that nothing about his second statement sounded sincere at all. Looking back at the scroll, Karadar responded. "Talia Vinzai was a famous Demonic Knight in this Guild. I expect equally great things from her apprentice." He said. Andred simply laughed. "Believe me when I say that, I shall not disappoint." He said with a grin.

Folding the scroll, Karadar stuffed it into his cloak. "It seems we're complete. Our numbers are fewer than the other squads, but that does not make us any less powerful!" He said with enthusiasm. "The Libra squad I used to be part of was an effective group of Magic Knights, and I expect to see the same results from all of you." He said, in an attempt to perk them up. "Now then, follow me and I'll tell you all you need to know about the Guild. As a standard rule, no questions are to be asked while the guide is speaking. Only when he is finished, or if they tell you to ask questions. Come now!" He said, gesturing at his new team to follow as he headed for the entrance of the Guild.

Behind him, the leader of Scorpio Squad took the stage. "Geez, they only had 4 people join in and it took them FOREVER to get a move on..." He thought, very annoyed.

[Deserted]

"Yah, yah, yah. We're wasting time. Look, now is our chance to get in some glory early on, leave the others on the defensive. Let's get to the bashing of baddies and the looting of random boxes while everybody else is arguing who gets top bunk. Let's go! I don't give a darn where I sleep, heck, half of the time I sleep in my plate armour on the ground. And who needs to remember names and ranks, they should know US and come to US if we do it right. Face it, we will never turn anybody's heads here, only our reputations will, because people suck. I suck, you suck, Durun sucks, but reputations? Well people idealize those and since those same people suck, they don't realize they are totally wrong. But who cares, so long as it gets us more opportunity for knighty stuff and get gold and crap like that." Chance reasoned, pointing to the drawbridge and portcullis to drive his point home as if riding their steeds through the arches and to adventure. "Besides, I need a dragon to ride and they don't tame themselves."

He shifted his pack a moment, some of his health potions clanked as he did so. Was he impatient? No not really, this was the opportunity, the time to strike as an opponent wasn't ready, and currently every knight out side of the group, every city guard, every king, every public speaker, and every peasant was an opponent. They were obstructions to real threats, real glory. They were a waste of skin keeping the group of adventures from combat and victory over conveniently slightly less powerful badguys. Most of their monologues could be paged through without even reading them. "Bla bla bla, location" "Bla bla bla, missing item or primary objective" "Bla bla bla, reward." Done!

[ReaptheMusic]

A hooded figure with tufts of pink hair poking out from under her hood popped up from her spot in the ground, her foot tapping restlessly. She saw the Libra group start to take off. Only four members! Now was her chance! She dove under the arms of several tall, stoic looking men and women to run up to the retreating group. She finally caught up with them and walked behind them as they went on to their next location, looking around nervously.

A wanted poster of a pink haired girl was on the board as they pass, Dead or Alive 'for the illegal practice and trade of magic.' The hooded figure let out a small squeak and ran ahead to the board quickly, ripping it down. She looked around quickly, anxious and tore it in half before stuffing the poster in her pack. She looked around to make sure no one had noticed. She ran back to the group, going to the head, some sort of Holy knight by the look of him. She gently moved her hood back and looked up at him, her loosely braided pink hair falling all about.

"Aaah, Hi, I'm Er-..." Best not use her real name. "Spark!" Nailed it. "Yeah, I'm Spark, I've been commissioned late to work with you, just got my orders filled out and WHOOP here I am gosh is it hot in here? I'd take off my cloak but unfortunately I have like WAAAAYY amounts of cleavage and I'd cut back and forth between being too hot and too cold if I take the cloak on and off and I hear you can get sick from that, I dunno what do you think? I think it's a dumb design and like blankets I always end up with one foot hanging off the bed from being too warm and too cold simultaneously and can't find a good medium, yeah huh?"
She spoke like she was late for a track meet, her voice going several miles per hour in a short amount of time.

[Rultaos]

Before Karadar could even begin explaining the Guild to his new squad, his attention was suddenly taken by a short girl with pink hair. "Aaah, Hi, I'm Er-... Spark!" She said, as if she thought about it for a moment. Karadar failed to pick up on it, though. "Yeah, I'm Spark, I've been commissioned late to work with you, just got my orders filled out and WHOOP here I am gosh is it hot in here? I'd take off my cloak but unfortunately I have like WAAAAYY amounts of cleavage and I'd cut back and forth between being too hot and too cold if I take the cloak on and off and I hear you can get sick from that, I dunno what do you think? I think it's a dumb design and like blankets I always end up with one foot hanging off the bed from being too warm and too cold simultaneously and can't find a good medium, yeah huh?" She said, rambling on.

Karadar simply kept nodding, waiting for her to finish before speaking. She was an energetic one, that was for sure. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Spark. That's a rather, strange name for a young lady, but I will not judge." He said. He didn't recall seeing her at the gathering in the courtyard, but he assumed that it was only because of the sheer amount of people. Besides, he was wondering why his squad was so small.

"I didn't see your name in the list, so you'll have to introduce yourself later. For now, just follow along with the tour." He instructed.

The first thing that they reached was a large open, circular area. Several squads and batches of newbies were still milling around. "This is the Guild's main lobby. This is the place seen most of the time by visitors, and where most announcements by the Guildmaster and other leaders are made. There are also bulletin boards around the area consisting of various reminders, memos, and job requests. Announcements that aren't important enough to be spoken out loud by the heads of the Guild will be posted here. The requests can be taken as long as you're not on an official Guild assignment. It earns you some extra money, and gives us a good image as servants of the people." He said, pointing at the different boards around the room.

He then went silent as they walked, to see if there were any questions from his new squad.

[Illogical Jim]

Vengence.

"No."

In truth, Anna wasn't quite sure what Chance had meant by his one word query. She assumed he was asking her why she had become a warrior, and that made sense enough. Vengeance certainly seemed to be a common enough reason for folks to embark on adventure.Goblins killed my parents, and now I swear an oath to destroy them. Evil Narwhals burned down my farm, and now I must extinguish their kind from the face of the planet. And so on. It was such a frequent story that it was almost passe. But it was not Anna's casus adventurus.

The woman nodded at Karadar, more than a little pleased by the recognition of her ability. The pride did not show upon her face, save for the faintest hint of a smile curling on her lips. She gave him no reply on the matter, but merely nodded with politic stoicism.

And then she turned to Chance, giving him a puzzled look, rather confused by his speech on reputation. Certainly, a fearsome reputation was always a good thing for someone in this line of work, but without the ability to back it up with fell deeds and great skill, it really meant very little. She reasoned that an enemy, overestimating you, might well simply surrender without a fight- no doubt what Chance would hope for. On the other hand, he might respond with redoubled effort and a desperate willfulness. And then what would an empty suit of armor do? Anna was about to tell him as much, when the group was interrupted by a plucky little... Whatever she was. A pink-haired woman, young, buxom, and jittery. The warrior was briefly reminded of the girls she'd known growing up, in Lord Olaf's court. Could she truly have had what it took to join the Excalibur Guild? She would have to find out.

She followed after Karadar as he began the tour, looking about at the lobby. She glanced a business flier pinned to the bulletin board, probably without approval. Gold and Mithril Pawn, it said, Richard, son of Harris, proprietor. It bore the pawnbrokers' traditional mark, three golden spheres linked together. Thinking little of it, Anna stuck with the rest of the group, and glanced again at their leader. She contemplated asking about a drinking hall, but imagined such a thing would be featured prominently in any tour. She decided to hold her question until the end of the tour, in case- God forbid- there was no such place in the Guildhouse.

[Rultaos]

Without receiving any questions from his team, Karadar moved past the lobby and into a hallway. It was a long hallway with multiple different doors on either side. Towards the end, the path split into two ways. "This hallway is connected to every area in the Guild. It's something the original architects were very proud of. They called it: 'Excalibur's Spine'." Karadar explained as he walked through. Personally, he wasn't sure why he needed to tell them that. All he knew was that as a guide, he had to cover every bit of the Guild specified by his superiors.

To their left was a large pair of wooden double-doors. Karadar opened it and revealed the room beyond.

It was a large area filled with star-shaped tables and wooden chairs. In a corner was a bar with kegs of alcoholic drinks, and in another was a counter that opened into a kitchen area. "This is the Mess Hall. All the members of Excalibur Guild eat here together, to help strengthen the bond of unity that we- WHAT IN KYR'S NAME ARE YOU DOING?!" Karadar said, dashing to the bar with kegs, and leaving his squad behind.

Standing around one of the barrels was Virgo Squad. Their leader, Blood Knight Daina Dvargen (Also known as: "Dominator Daina") and her squad were laughing as they held full glasses. Noticing Karadar, Daina turned towards him. "Good morning, Kar! Care for a drink?" She asked. Karadar ignored her question. "Daina, can you explain why you and your new squad are drinking from that barrel?" He asked. Daina shrugged. "Because we're thirsty?" She replied. "That barrel holds specially brewed drinks reserved for special occasions. The Guild master said so himself! Besides, the drinks here are paid with the people's taxes. Seeing as your squad has yet to accomplish anything for the Guild, they are not entitled to consume from that yet. Nor should they be allowed to spill it all over the floor" Karadar lectured. "And I had just volunteered to clean it yesterday..." He thought.

Daina sighed. "You really need to loosen up, pretty boy. Just think of it as a debt my squad will pay when the time comes. Now if you haven't got anything else to say, can you and your little friends get lost?" She said, in a predatory tone. Karadar was adamant, however. "This is your final warning, Daina. If you or your squad continue drinking from that barrel. I will be forced to report you!" He said. This just made Daina laugh. "Hahaha. Alright, alright. Don't do anything rash, Kar." She said, faking fear. Putting away their drinks, Virgo Squad left the area.

Karadar was still fuming in anger. That was the 3rd time this week that Daina had crossed the line. Granted, she didn't break any official rules. Instead she just found loopholes and exploited them, much to the dismay of Karadar who always seemed to be the one to catch her. He wondered if Daina was doing it on purpose to get on his nerves. Turning around, Karadar saw that his squad had caught up to him. His anger changed to anxiety as he began worrying if his squad would think less of him for failing to uphold the laws of the Guild. "I suppose we should move on as well. I don't believe this room should be explained further..." Karadar said stiffly as he led his squad back to the door.

[ReaptheMusic]

Elizabeth had zipped to the drinks and peered into them. Now she had never even seen licquor before, well, at least in a mug. Liquor she'd seen were always carried in a flask by the knights she'd ask to train her. She sniffed curiously into the mugs she had to use two hands to lif and touched the tip of her tongue to the liquid inside. Her face screwed up and she pulled back, one hand coming off the massive mug and crackling with electricity in disgust.
"Gross! How can knights drink this shit?!" She exclaimed, not hearing Kar.

[Illogical Jim]

Following Karadar, Anna listened. She did not speak, hoping to take in all she could of her new surroundings. She would be living here from now on, so may as well get acquainted with the lay of the land early on. And, as she suspected, they came to a drinking hall. Well, a dining hall with drink in it. Close enough for government work, certainly. But then their leader charged off to accost a group of knights drinking within. The one he addressed was a rather tough-looking she-knight. Anna could only hear some of the conversation, having not followed Karadar away from the doorway. Something about the stuff in the barrels being reserved for something or other. He was angry, and the woman seemed dismissive of the whole thing. The late arrival to the new squad- the one called Spark- charged ahead, taking a sip from a mug. Anna followed behind, smirking at her disgust.

"The young drink it quickly," she said with a chuckle, clapping Spark heavily on the back, "and the old drink it slowly. But I think..."

And she glanced toward Karadar, as he made for the exit.

"our gallant captain would like to continue. No cause to hold up the show, now, shield-sister."

[Rultaos]

Karadar had barely made it to the door when he heard one of his squadmates speak. "Gross! How can knights drink this shit?!" The voice said. As if possessed by a ghost, he snapped his head around almost 180 degrees, and saw Spark holding one of the glasses that Virgo had used.

Sprinting with inhuman speed towards her, Karadar pulled her away from the bar. "Did you not hear a word I had just said?! No one is allowed to touch those drinks without permission from the Guildmaster!" He scolded, shaking her. Then, he suddenly realized that he was violently shaking a young woman in a public place. Not to mention that he was probably taking his anger out on her. Embarassed at his lack of self-control, he released her and backed away. "Sorry. But please obey the rules..." He said solemnly as he walked back out the door.

"We still have the rest of the Guild to cover. We should get moving." He said.

The next stop of the group was the Guild library. A massive room whose walls were completely lined with books, and had reading tables (star-shaped) spread across the floor. "You are free to make use of any of the books in the area during your spare time. Our library has an extensive collection, with rare books on magic and other things such as 'Controlling Wood: for Elemental Knights' and '37 ways to cook Dragon meat without poisoning yourself'. However,you are not allowed to take any of them out of the library. Strictly. Violators will be punished." Karadar said.

After that was the Guild auditorium. a large room that resembled something out of a theater. Complete with ornate chairs and red curtains. "All major announcements take place in the auditorium. Important meetings are also set-up here. But when it's not being used for business, the auditorium is used freely for theatrical plays. Props and costumes are to be provided by the users only. The Guild does not sponsor theater arts. In fact, it was originally banned from happening in this room. However, many Knights in the past were very hard-headed, so after a long and arduous legal battle, the rule was abolished." Karadar said.

Their next stop was at the roof of the Guild. In order to get there, they had to climb two different sets of stairs, traverse several corridors, and climb up a long ladder. It was undoubtedly very energy-sapping for the squad, and they were sweaty by the time they arrived. Here, there was an entire room dedicated as a bird coop. "This is the message center of the Guild. Any messages sent to the Guild and it's members arrive here on carrier birds. The Knights who collect the mail have two jobs to accomplish. One: They must collect the mail and distribute it to the receivers. Two: They mustn't forget to clean up the bird crap." Karadar explained. At this point, everyone realized just how horrible the smell of the room was.

"It appears I need to have a word with the previous mail collector..." Karadar commented, covering up his mouth and nose.

Heading back downstairs. Karadar turned to his squad. "Isn't this exciting? I'm sure you're all a little overwhelmed by the Guild, so we shall retire to the living quarters for the moment. Although, I'm sure you'd all love nothing more than to continue with this tour. So it will only be a brief respite of about... Five minutes. Come along!" He said enthusiastically, failing to notice the fatigue of some of the squad.

Andred Karrion looked very haggard, with his sweat ruining the appearance of both his hair and clothing. Anyone could tell from just his face that he was very cross. He muttered to the rest of the squad as they lagged behind Karadar. "Who does this man think he is?! Driving us around like mules... We should've been taken to our rooms first so we could've done away with these hefty bags, instead of having to carry them all around this dreadfully designed structure." He said, noting how impractical the architecture of the guild building was, given that they had to walk through a maze to get to the roof. Literally. They literally had to walk through a hallway maze after the first flight of stairs, in order to reach the second flight. They were just lucky that Karadar had memorized every path in the Guild by heart.

The squad reached a corridor with several doors. On the doors were the names of the Zodiac Squads. Stopping in front of the Libra door, Karadar produced a key and unlocked it.

Inside was a room with two large couches, a single star-shaped table, some random paintings for atmosphere, and a Magic Mirror. To the left and right of the room were two doors, with a male and female symbol on each. One could assume that the beds for each member lied beyond those doors. "This Magic Mirror was enchanted to have over 150 different channels, including live theater dramas, reality talk shows, and market advertisments. The doors on either side lead into the rooms for men and women. They are separated out of respect for each gender's privacy. You may leave your items inside." Karadar said.

He then pulled out a golden pocket watch. "The five-minute break begins... now." He said, pressing a button on it.

[iTem]

There was a couple of knocks on the door before a face, a young man peeks out from behind it and briefly lets his eyes wander around their quarters, given that the other man before did not actually lock it when they entered in the first place. The first thing that comes out of his mouth was a small "Hello?" that wavered in what can arguably be considered as a tone of shame in his voice.

"Hello sirs, madams." He started before going inside halfway through where he could be seen wearing nothing but a commoner’s clothes, a knapsack and another large handbag that lets out a metallic noise whenever he moves it. "I'm afraid I'm lost. My name is Sirius Kyros but others call me Rius for convenience’s sake. The door outside says Libra so... Yes. Anyhow, I'm sorry for intruding but may I ask if it's still too late to sign up? The other squads were apparently full and I was referred here." His voice was soft but not necessarily hushed and his face held that of a child-like innocence as well as a smile that would be seen on someone that’s, as popularly called, a person that cannot hurt a fly.

Looking around, Sirius notices the others and he keeps the ashamed but friendly face on as he tried to take in the features of each… person in the room. They all look amiable and nice so he nods at them as he muttered a small hello for each of them under his breath.

[ReaptheMusic]

Every chance she could get after Kar had scolded her, Elizabeth had stuck her tongue out at him. Geez what a dick. She managed to keep a pout on her face and her tongue out at Kar whenever he wasn't looking up until they made it to the room full of messenger birds. Fascinated, she stayed behind as the knights moved on. She'd never seen so many potential meals in one room before. She drooled a little bit at the thought of a glazed pigeon roasting on the fiire at night. Eheeee~
A small, mischeivious smile spread on her face and, glancing around, she reached up to grab one of the birds. Trained to trust the knights, the small bird gladly stepped onto her hand, tilting its head to the side. Elizabeth frowned, realizing she could see the innocence in its small, beady eyes. She petted the birds feathers, and it snuggled up to her in trust. She glanced around again and took out some bread from her pocket. The bird jumped into her palm to peck at the bread. At first, she was content to watch it nibble on her food.
Then another bird joined in.
And another.
And another!
She tried to take the bread back up until a swarm of the birds flew at her, silently demanding more bread. She ran around the room, the swarm of messenger birds zipping after her. Her screams carried down the hall into the Libras Hall.

[Rultaos]

"Hello sirs, madams. I'm afraid I'm lost. My name is Sirius Kyros but others call me Rius for convenience’s sake. The door outside says Libra so... Yes. Anyhow, I'm sorry for intruding but may I ask if it's still too late to sign up? The other squads were apparently full and I was referred here."

Karadar studied the newcomer carefully. After a little while, he could safely say that he had never seen this man before. "I see. But t-he squads are for the elite of the Excalibur Guild. I will need to know who referred y-"

He was cut off by a loud screech. Based on the way the sound ricocheted through the architecture of the building, Karadar assumed that it came from the rooftop. "Something is happening... Here!" He said, handing the clock to Rius. "Wait for the timer to tick down, and then tell the rest of Libra Squad to line up front and center. I will be back in a moment." He ordered. Without even giving Rius time to respond, Karadar dashed off.

Taking the quickest route to the roof (which skipped the maze altogether), he climbed out into the sunlight to see Sparks running around the coop, drawing the attention of every pigeon in the room. "Keep moving, Spark! I'll take care of them!" He shouted as he ran for the coop. Entering the coop, he raised his hand and made his palm face the swarm of birds. Light began shining from his hand, and with a look of steely conviction in his eyes, he opened his mouth.

"Begone!" He shouted.

The light shone ever-brighter and enveloped the birds. The Pigeons seemed to be confused for a moment, and then began flying at full speed... outside of the coop. the birds swarmed out of it and sounded as if they were in a panic. Staring at the birds with dumbfounded eyes, Karadar looked at his shining hand. "Oops... wrong command..." He muttered, ashamedly. He realized that he chanted the command that was to ward off deadly animals, and accidentally used it out of habit.

As if right on cue, a group of people emerged from the ladder that exited onto the roof. It was Scorpio squad led by the white-haired Halc, their Warden Knight leader. "And up here we have the-". He started just as the birds began swarming around them. His new squad began panicking:

"Get these accursed creatures off of me!"

"The feathers are getting into mouth!"

"I have a bird allergy!"

"AAAAAHHHH"

His squad retreated with their eyes closed, and fell back down the ladder they had climbed on. Their screams echoing through the shaft.

With a mortified look on his face, Karadar once again pointed his palm at the birds and shouted "Return!". This time, the pigeons went full speed into the coop and returned to their perch. Karadar turned to Halc, who was staring down the ladder shaft in absolute disbelief of what just happened. "Halc my friend! We shouldn't stand around gawking at the situation. We must call for assistance immediately, and pray to Kyr that they have only suffered broken legs." he said. Halc's face curled up into a look of pure anger. "Karadar... you... you....!" He muttered with murderous intensity.

Not noticing the danger, Karadar simply nodded at Halc. "I understand. You wish to wait here and tend to your squad, and send me to find assistance. I'm not sure why you wouldn't want ME to stay to heal them, but I will not argue with their leader. But first I must bring my squadmate to their quarters. I will bring healers momentarily" He said, gesturing at Sparks to follow him back down. Halc simply stared down the shaft as Karadar began sliding down the ladder; holding back tears of rage, and wondering to himself why he always had to put up with that stupid Holy Knight...

---

Arriving at the bottom of the ladder, he saw the new Scorpio Squad in agony. Some curled up and writhing, hugging their legs. "Fear not my friends, help will be here momentarily! I simply need to escort my squadmate first." He said. "But to help alleviate your pain..." He continued. Karadar raised his hand and made it shine once more.

"2nd ray of Kyr! Painkiller Shine!" Karadar shouted. The light touched all of the fallen Knights, and they stopped twitching as much. "Hey... I feel better." One of the Knights said. "Yes... That version of the 2nd ray is meant to numb pain. However-" Karadar started. The Knight attempted to stand up, and a powerful cracking sound resonated in the room. "AAAARGH! My leg!" The same Knight exclaimed. "However, the injuries do not really go away..." Karadar continued, his voice becoming quieter from the awkwardness of the situation.

"More help will be brought soon! I promise on my honor!" He said energetically. He then proceeded to lead Sparks through the Guild and back to Libra's quarters. "You shouldn't wander off alone like that. Especially when we're on an assignment. As a squad, we have to work together to achieve our goals. A Guild was formed with the concept of teamwork and harmony..." Karadar lectured, starting to drone on and on as they walked through the halls.

[iTem]

He noted that he was being studied so finally pulls his things and himself inside and lets the other’s eyes wander his person. It’s… uncomfortable to be studied this outright. Perhaps it’s part of the process? Yes? No? Can he try being charming? No? Yeah that’s probably the best thing right now.

“It w-“ He was intending to somehow try and cut the man off. But what made the cut instead was something shrill and ear piercing that it managed to echo inside the cold stone room. Great. A screech. Rius perked, alert, facade faltering for a moment. First day in and someone’s already having their bones broken. Probably. The place is odd and inconvenient… Hmm…

His mind wandered off for a moment, leaving him open and panicked when the clock was handed to him. Or maybe it was more of a shove for the seemingly thinner man. Sirius dropped his supplies with a loud clatter and quickly answered with a “Y-yes!” that faltered in tone while his hands fumbled with the clock that seemed more like a freshly caught and struggling fish than it is as an inanimate object.

After the Holy Knight left, he sighs and finally drops the fool act, holding the clock properly and facing the others, he looked somewhat nervous. His façade was back up. “I… Uh. Hello. Please do what you were intending to do…” Whatever they were…

Sirius stood there, awkward and unsure as to what he himself should do in the meantime. But for now, he supposes it wouldn’t hurt to carry his supplies to a corner and just do what was instructed to him. It’s just a few minutes more anyway.

[ReaptheMusic]

Elizabeth perked up, feeling better about Kar. After they had gone down the ladder, she had used the last rung to hop her tiny body onto the Holy Knights back for a piggy back ride. She was pretty light, and he appeared not to mind. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she smiled, blinking innocently as she listened to Kar drone on about rules and regulations, and how honorable it was to be a knight. She took his words to heart even though she knew he was just essentially repeating himself. A bit cold, she pulled the hood of her cloak up as they made their way back to the Libra Hall.
Once they had returned to the hall, she saw the newcomer and got off of Kar's back. As she did, her hood came back and, after glancing at him, she blushed dark red and dashed upstairs unwittingly into the mens side. From upstairs, they could hear someone say, "HEY!"

She came out, giggling and blushing. Oh so, that's what that looked like~

[iTem]

Sirius seated himself on one of the many chairs in the vicinity. He was waiting for the time to run out as instructed, though he’s still not sure what he should do after the others were lined up. He supposes that he’ll just ask them later. What’s with the hastiness of the others though? Were they to go somewhere? The others somehow looked at him funny when he didn’t know what to do, other than watching the clock and wasting the time that was passing him by.

A couple of minutes later, he hears small metallic noises of worn armor and perhaps small muttering. He could barely understand what was being said given that it was being muffled by the stone divisions. He hoped it was the Holy Knight earlier though. Then the door finally opens to show the Holy Knight earlier. Only that this time, he had company that was in the form of a smaller and more feminine feature with… pink hair? What? That can’t be real, can’t it? What’s with people and their choice of hair color these days? What’s next? Green? Purple? Why can’t people be content with the usual hair colors anyway? He knows white is a normal thing but wow… Whatever…

Anyway, she got off of the knight and glanced at him. He offered her a smile, much like what he did with the others, only to see her take a glance then dash towards the men’s room. A voice was heard, sure, but she exited all giggly and flustered. She said something about finally knowing what it looked like. He would’ve been confused but her reaction says it all. He wonders who she saw though. Still, none of them are doing much at the moment anyway and it seems that she’s more open than the others so he approaches her. “Hello, miss. Did I do something to make you run?”