[IC] Equivalent Exchange: Gimme Dat Booty

[Skyswimsky]

Between the 3 ever-warring Kingdoms of Sedrian, Kushtark and Ordon was, every now and then, a period of peace, initiated by the opening of the Labyrinth, as it was called by the most. A period of peace accompanied with the greed of many, nations, legends, entire mercenary armies, all of them coming together with only one purpose: Enrichening oneself or putting hope into a bizarre legend of actually returning. Whatever the reason was, the entire ‘event’ was, without any gain, hosted by the same 3 Kingdoms, a last piece of evidence for the once united glory known as the Ordon Empire.

It was at such a period of peace, that a mass of people, nearly all dressed the same, was guided onto a big, with all kind of engravings adored field. The Emblem of Teann Ch'i was embedded on all of the them, be it on their cloaks, the, for the misfits cheap, Cylinders or the more fancy Magitek weapons that the so called Conquistadors wore. One would think the entrance to the Labyrinth was some kind of giant door or similar, instead, it was easier and yet more complicated, the entire field was the entrance, activated through some simple magic managed by a collective chosen by multiple power-holders. Apart from that, they were send in in waves, depending on their allegiance, otherwise, arguments about the loot or who to blame could emerge, and while the Labyrinth was a one-way ticket to Hell, it wasn’t limited to just one usage per opening. How one could tell it was open in the first place? That was simple, the entire field was a simple light-show, a ever glowing candle in even the deepest and darkest of nights.

“All right, you all know the drill?” A person leading the entire group finally spoke up. “Everyone still standing here gets executed.” It was simple to understand, for the girl standing in the group as well those besides her, just because you choose the Labyrinth over death didn’t mean you actually mean it like that, and those not going through with their choice would be greeted by the other alternative: Death. “Fuck, they won’t really kill us, will they?” The woman heard another person talking, somewhere in the group, one of those who would most likely still stand here after the entering was done. What a fool she was, as if this public execution was the biggest wrongdoing in that false Utopia that Luthica finally left behind her. “Are you nuts? We wandered through the entire fucking desert and even further just to come here, do you really think they just let you go if you chicken out now? We weren’t made for our society, you should feel grateful to be useful at least like that! Not to mention we got some basic equipment to defend ourselves against whatever we might have to face!” Yeah, the basic cylinder that could hold 5 Crystals and had no other remarkables features, something that was in high-demand outside of Teann Ch’i as it allowed anyone to use magic, but compared to their usual weaponry it was like a Stick to a Sword. The only reason they got it was to boost their ‘value’, well, better than nothing she guessed.

“Alright.” With a self-asserting nod the leader of the group put his arm into the air, also equipped with a Cylinder, he triggered the fire mechanism and a signal flare shot high into the sky: A signal for the mages to initiate the entering. With that, the glowing intensified, more and more, Luthica could swear a few of the misfits bashed onto one of the Conquistador’s, heh, smart move? Trying to get some better equipment before they would be on the...what? Other side? She didn’t know, all she knew everything was blank, blank and white, and she felt dizzy, more and more, she wanted to yawn, but her body didn’t listen, were her eyes open? She didn’t know, but the eyelids felt heavy, and slowly, the woman lost consciousness.

…
…
…

“Urgh…” With the taste of ash in her mouth, Luthica slowly regained herself, desperate attempts to cough the foul taste in her mouth out, she opened her eyes. What she saw was something she would not have expected in her deepest imagination, a clear night-sky with a moon of a size she had never seen before, it was beautiful, heavily into contrast with the black ashen ground and the single...boned tree? Slowly getting up Luthica examined her surroundings again, right, there were other people, people she had never seen before, none of the group she initially joined with. But people nonetheless.

She wasn’t entirely alone.

---

<<Roar of the Bloodmoon>>

---

.

[Zombehs]

Arriving on the field caused a rush of conflicting emotions to fill Roan’s head. Stifling a groan as he collapsed to the ground, giving up on trying to stand, he didn’t try to sort through the feelings. Apparently the Labyrinth’s Gate was a significant enough location that even the residual traces he had collected couldn’t help but react. All he had managed to gather was that it was held in mixed regard by those he had “contracted”, and little else. Instead he waited for them to fade before he stood up with a sigh and looked out over the field that stretched out before him.

Though the sun had just begun to poke over the horizon, the field provided its own source of light. Bright immaterial wisps drifted up towards the fading night sky only to be snuffed out a few meters above the short grass. It was scenic really, but he refocused with a few blinks and paused in his involuntary advance with a start. Something here tugged at some deep part of him, but he wasn't ready to head inside just yet.

The road here hadn’t been easy if mostly from the sheer length of his trip. His wanderlust had led him to the furthest points of the lands before, finally fed up with his aimless wanderings, Roan had decided to challenge the Labyrinth. The result had been several months of rough travel through less-than-friendly lands in an effort to arrive as soon as possible. As a result, his pack was far emptier than he would have liked and his contracts had seen more use than they usually did in a year. With the bright sight in front of him though, Roan didn’t feel an ounce of regret.

He recalled that the Gate was supposed to be open for a few days at minimum to even two weeks at longest, giving him more than enough time to rest and recover before he dived back in. The plains were devoid of anything he could use, but there were small woods nearby that would likely house all he need to rebuild his stock of supplies and offer him shelter for the time being.

---

Watching the sun set over the horizon, Roan poked at the smoldering flame pit idly. He’d seen more and more people arrive to enter the Labyrinth over the past few days. Their numbers had been enough to blot out the field’s soft glow at times in the night, but they were always gone by the time he woke in the morning, no doubt already within the Labyrinth. The first few times he had seen people disappear and be transported, Roan had to fight the very real urge to simply halt his preparations where they were and go for it. There was something vexing to be stuck doing such mundane tasks while others ventured into the unknown. Yet, the logical side won out for Roan. The Gate wasn’t closing just yet, and there was no telling what would await him on the other side. Best to be ready than wanting after all. With a sigh, he set about finishing for the night and getting ready to sleep. There would be a few more days before he was fully set to join the many that had entered before him.

---

Roan awoke with a start, his markings flaring a bright red as he instinctively called on his magic. On his feet and examining his surroundings quickly, the Raulite felt his heart plummet. ‘This is not where I fell asleep.’ Aside from the fact that he wasn’t in the safety of a tree, the more obvious sign was the unnatural moon that hung above his head, vastly larger than the one he was familiar with. Beyond that there was the fact that it was night, and Roan was confident enough in his internal clock to know he hadn’t slept for an entire day. Lastly there was the fact that there were others around him, others he had no inkling of knowing. All of which meant one thing in Roan’s head: somehow, one way or another, the Labyrinth had managed to pull him in from a distance.

With that in mind, his first eloquent word was, “Fuck.” At the very least it hadn’t ripped only him and him alone from his camp. His supplies were around him, if a bit scattered, so he set to gathering them up into his pack while keeping an eye on the others.

[Psyker Landshark]

On the dawn of the fourth day of the Labyrinth's opening, a lone knight clad in worn armor approached the field, kneeling down in prayer.

"Blessed Austema, grant me the strength to strike down the infernal legions within this cursed Labyrinth. Grant me the fortitude to carry on my holy work within the bowels of hell. And when I fall, let my death benefit church and nation." He chanted before he stood back up, looking back across the entrance to the Labyrinth. From what he had heard, a platoon of Austeman Crusaders would soon be setting out on a campaign into the Labyrinth.

Alexei smiled. If he was to die in the service of his goddess, let him die along those he called brothers. Even after the years he had spent wandering, perhaps he might recognize some of the knights in the Crusader entourage. Drawing his greatsword, he sat down to await their arrival, sharpening his sword with a whetstone as he did so.

An hour later, his patience was rewarded as he spied a group of armored knights bearing a familiar symbol approaching. With a smile, Alexei pulled himself up and headed over to meet them.

"Brothers!" He cried as he approached. "May you be blessed in the name of our goddess Austema!"

"Well, I'll be damned!" A knight in more ornate armor befitting a captain approached Alexei, clasping his arm with a grin. "Brother Galanis? You're still alive? Suppose Rudovich owes me twenty gold now." The knight-captain laughed, patting Alexei on the back. "I suppose you're here to join us in one final, glorious charge, then?"

"Indeed I am, Brother-Captain Birlidis." Alexei replied. "Slay monsters in the name of the goddess and give Isakios a chance to retrieve magical artifacts? No end could be more fitting for a Crusader of the goddess."

"Very well, then. Fall in line. The Labyrinth will be opening soon, Brother."

___

And indeed it did. Not ten minutes after that did the Labyrinth open, sucking Alexei and the rest of the Crusaders in. But when Alexei opened his eyes, he saw none of his compatriots around him. Instead, all he saw before him besides a scorched wasteland was a group of assorted adventurers scattered across the ground.

"Fuck." A voice said to his side.

"Indeed." Alexei chuckled. "I suppose it could be worse, though. It is not necessary for me to die alongside my brothers. All I need do is die in the name of my goddess and my kingdom."

[Rinnee]

This was as far south as she had ever been, and most likely the furthest she’d ever go. The ground was not covered in snow, and the air wasn’t as crisp, but with the changing seasons the sky was thick with clouds and threatening to rain at any moment. It gave Arydnia a sense of home, and comfort, but it still wasn’t enough to make her forget why they had travelled all this way. It had taken a fortnight to travel from Taeron to the gates of the Labyrinth, and by the time they had reached the field of departure, night had fallen upon them. With only hours before midnight, and the start of Arydnia's sacrificial ceremony, the men feasted and gathered amongst each other.

As it was against tradition for anyone other then her family to see her before the ceremony she kept to herself in her tent, eating alone and preparing by herself. As time passed, and the ceremony was finally upon her, Arydnia found herself in a bit of a predicament. Standing before a mirror in her ceremonial garb, her hands trembled visibly as she held them out before her. 'Come on, stop shaking.' While she felt nothing, or rather, she thought she felt nothing, Arydnia couldn't ease her nerves even as she scolded herself. Pacing around and taking even breaths, she waved her palms trying to rid herself of any lingering anxiety.

"It's time, M'lady." A voice from outside her tent said, his words causing her to freeze in place. Mouth dry, she swallowed hard and finally willed up the courage to answer back, "Coming." She called out halfheartedly, gaze falling to the rug beneath her feet in a defeated manner. Walking over to a large trunk in the center of the room, she lifted the latch and slowly opened the top. At the bottom of the crate sat a gold plated belt attached to a tall broad sword, the Tobolt crest was engraved boldly onto the shoulder of the blade. Taking the items into hand she attached the belt along her hips, and adjusted the sword so it sat comfortably against her. Taking a look at herself one last time, she gave a heavy sigh before stepping out of the tent. 'Now or never.'

The Kings Guard all fell to their knees at her presence, their swords sinking deep into the earth as the men bowed their heads to her. Licking her lips nervously as she took in the sight before her, her eyes soon fell to her father as he held his arms out to her. “Kneel, Arydnia.”

Taking one final breath to calm her nerves, she went before her father on one knee, and bowed her head. Addressing the men surrounding them, her fathers voice rang out amongst the trees, “Today we have all gathered here to celebrate the life, and death of my daughter, and your princess, Arydnia Tobolt.” In a salute, their fists pounded against their armor, the rattling of their chain mail echoing in her ears. “In honor of the future-king, Aeris, she will sacrifice herself on her 18th name day to the Labyrinth, and will return to us in anew.” They saluted her again, pounding their chests passionately.

Emerging from the Kings tent, Aeris took slow and graceful steps towards them. In his hand sat a rich, golden crown made of twisted branches and roots. Flowers, leaves, and berries adorned the crown, and as it was handed to the king, he slowly placed it onto Arydnia's head. “I bless you with the crown of Tellus. May her energy fill you and give you the strength to face, and defeat your enemies." Taking a step back and standing next to his son, the King opened his arms and smiled down at his daughter, "Now rise, Arydnia."

Standing proudly before her House, Arydnia eyes sat steadily on her father as he placed a hand on her shoulder. “The North will honor your sacrifice for the ages to come, and the gods will bow their heads to your bravery. I've seen great things in you, my daughter. I know you'll make all of us proud.” She could see nothing but greed in the eyes of her father. Even as he encouraged her, she could hear the hunger, and ferocity behind his words and it caused her jaw to tighten in disdain. Staring at her father with a hardened look, she finally returned his words with a curt nod, “Thank you, your grace.”

Turning her gaze to her brother, she bowed her head before him as he stepped up to her. Unclipping the chain from his cloak, Aeris removed the heavy wolf pelt and draped it over Arydnia’s shoulders before securing it with the gold chain. “May Jaho watch over you, sister.” His words were sincere, as was the uneasy look on his face. As his twin, the girl could feel her brothers pain. She knew that once she out of the picture, he would soon become just like her father. Filled with greed, and craving power. If only things could be different. “And you, brother. May the gods bless your reign.” There was so much more she wanted to say, but Arydnia knew that her time here was up. Letting her hand drop, she looked to her father, waiting further instructions.

“From here, you will set off to the Field of Departure where you will draw the Gate Circle. Remember, it must be past midnight for the ritual to work." From the thicket, Sir. Ramsay led out a tall white mare, the soft clopping of its hooves forcing all eyes on him. Motioning out with his arm, her father called the Knight forward as his voice rang out again, "Royalty is forbidden to go any further until the gates have closed, so Sir. Ramsay will lead you there."

Turning to face the old Knight, she was met with silence as everyone bowed their heads to her. With slow steps Arydnia walked up to the horse, her palm petting the mares neck before she helped up onto the saddle. Gazing back at her brother, a heavy frown stretched across her features as she watched his head bow low, "For the good of the Kingdom, and by the blood of the House." In unison, the Kings Guard and even her brother, and father chanted their words as she was lead away, leaving their voices to echo through the tree's in a powerful chorus. This was an honor, she reminded herself, their was no other person that could fulfill her duty. So with a heavy heart, and her head low, she repeated their words to herself in a quiet tone, "For the good of the Kingdom, and by the blood of the House..."

---

As they walked through the forest, Arydnia found comfort in the silence that surrounded them. They passed up a few camps, catching sight of other travelers waiting for their chance to enter the gate. The sheer number of people waiting to enter the Labyrinth was astounding, but they were all here for the same thing. To attain magical artifacts, and slay beasts in the honor of the country, kingdom, or people.

“Are you afraid?”

Pulled from her thoughts the sudden question had taken her by surprise, and as he turned to look at her with concern, Arydnia felt her stomach churn in dread. No one, not even she had asked herself this question. She had prepared for this day for years, training non-stop, and listening to her father constantly remind her of the glory, and honor she’d bring to the House upon her sacrifice. It was her duty as the Princess of Taeron, and as a Tobolt, so she could not be afraid.

“No, I am not.” Her tone lacked any depth, and her eyes were as hard as stone. She had prepared for this day all her life, but even though she refused to show it, Arydnia was terrified of the unknown and what would meet her on the other side of the gate.

Arriving at the center of the field, Arydnia pulled her leg over the saddle and hopped down from the large horse. Walking forward and taking in the large field, her voice broke through the silence as she began to draw a large circle in the dirt with her foot, "Are we alone, Ramsay?" Looking up at the Knight once she finished the circle, he gave her a stern nod before grasping the reigns of the horse. Carefully drawing a five pointed star in the center of the circle, Arydnia slowly began to carve out symbols in the dirt. Scriptures from the old language sat in every edge of the star, and once she finished the last rune she stood in the center.

“Midnight, my lady.” Swallowing hard, she nodded slowly before turning to face the Captain, "Right, give me the dagger." Removing it from his belt and tossing her the blade, the Knight grinned as she caught it easily by the grip. "I've taught you well, girl. Now use that strength to see your way through this." Pulling himself onto saddle, the horse trotted in spot as he tugged on the reigns, "We'll see each other again, Princess."

Eyebrows knitting together in doubt, Arydnia gave a hesitant nod, "Of course. Until another day, Sir. Ramsay."

With her words the Knight kicked his boot into the horses side, forcing it into a gallop as he rode away. Left by herself, she waited until he was out of sight in the forest before she began. Taking the blade into her left hand and squeezing the edge tightly, she pulled the grip of the dagger, slicing deep into the palm of her hand. “I call upon the blood of my blood,” Squeezing her hand into a fist and holding it out, she spilt blood along the ring of the circle, outlining the pentagram as she continued, “I, Arydnia Tobolt, Princess of the Kingdom of Taeron, sacrifice myself in honor of the future king and give myself willingly to the Labyrinth.”

From her blood, a thick, black substance began to spill out, defining the edge of the circle, and the runes she had drawn within it. Like a heartbeat, the pentagram pulsed with light, glowing a dull red as it began to open the gates to the Labyrinth. A cold wind swept past her, going through her clothes and sending a harsh shiver down her spine. It was the winds of the North, and they howled at her approach. Sweeping around her and clouding her vision with the dust, she raise her hands up, covering her eyes and shielding her face as the icy storm whipped at her skin.

The ground beneath her boots began to shift like waves, and soon she began to sink into the ground like quicksand. Swirling around her ankles and calves, it locked her in place as it began to liquify into a dense, tar like substance. Her breathing grew erratic, and in confusion and terror she began to claw at the earth around her, desperately trying to pull herself out. Struggling only seemed to worsen things, sinking her even faster. From the muck, tar covered hands began to rise from the surface, oozing the black liquid over her clothes and body as the hands grabbed at her arms and hair. Slender, feminine shapes attached to the hands began to drape themselves over Arydnia in effort to pull her down. Losing her grip, she looked to the sky one last time and before she could even scream, darkness overcame her and she was swallowed whole.

---

Her mind was plagued by horrific images during her unconsciousness. Blood, death, and agonizing screams filled her head, and sent a shiver down her spine. Faces of the women before her flashed before her eyes, and as their screams rang in her ears, she was finally forced awake. Gasping for air, and sitting up from her spot along the ground a cold sweat ran through her body as she became fully alert, and aware of her surroundings. Lifting her hands and looking at her clothes, the black tar was no where to be found on her body, however the foul taste of ash had taken over her pallet and the gash on her hand was still bleeding. Looking around and realizing she was in the presence of others, she watched as they rose from their sleep and looked around in the same confusion.

Staying cautious, seeing as she didn't know any of these people, she slowly stood from the ground and dusted off her clothes. The crown atop her head had wilted away, leaving the flowers and plants, dry and dead. Taking its deteriorated state as an omen, she dropping it on the floor and turned to face the unfamiliar figures surrounding her. As a few seemed to begin to chat, Arydnia's focus quickly fell to the strange plains surrounding them. Like the color of the tar that had swarmed her, the dark, soot-like dirt beneath her feet caused an uneasy feeling to swell within her chest, eyes turning up, she gazed up at the large moon, admiring the size as it towered over them.

"Where are we?"

[GamerScribe]

"Last chance to head home, kid." Said the man standing beside Cenric; a towering figure of an individual whose callused hands, scarred forearms, and strong build marked him as a warrior; and red-lined vestments marked him as being from the Nest in Ehrvin. He had been, at every step of the journey, attempting to get Cenric and others to leave what he considered to be a fool's errand.

"Thanks, but I'm fine, really; I've made my choice." There was always one in every group from Corian; a man or woman who came along simply to talk people out of entering the Labyrinth... Not that people blamed them. Amidst the people of Corian there was little respect for those who braved the place, and even less actual reason to do so, as the kingdom was fairly unantagonistic. Add to that the fact that it's very existence went against the teachings and you had the recipe for a very heavy sense of mistrust and disapproval from the common people.

Nevertheless, those in charge understood the power and opportunity that the accursed Labyrinth's exchange provided, and more importantly they relied upon the artifacts to keep them safe. Thus the Labyrinthine Expedition Grant had been established; an organization which paid the families of willing individuals who chose to venture there. A group that for the cost of a life would improve the lives of entire families. Kerigs whose parents or grandparents chose to sacrifice themselves could suddenly find themselves with tuition to go to go to the Nest full-time and become a member of the Order.

"Just saying; your mom would probably prefer you alive and well to a stack of cash. Especially after what happened to your si..." The warrior went dead silent as he noticed the brands along the back of Cen's arms come alight, glowing with a strange pallid light. It was just an idle rumor he'd heard, but from the younger man's sudden ire there was apparently some truth to it... He had worked alongside the mage class before, and he recognized the glow for what it was; a threat, a signal that the boy was tapping into the power from which Corian magi drew their abilities. He went still as a stone and twice as silent in the following moments.

After a while Cenric's shoulders slouched, his eyes softened, and a breath he hadn't been aware he was holding escaped from betwixt his teeth. "We're here." He muttered lightly, having felt the caravan come to a full-stop. Whipping back the leather shade that kept it's cargo and passengers from the unforgiving heat of the sun on warm days and the biting chill of rain or snow on colder ones he hopped down onto firm ground and grinned at the satisfying crunch his boots made.

A large ship had left Corian for the mainland. Upon reaching port three caravans had begun the treck inland to the Labyrinth, and as they reached their destination two of these unloaded entirely, their riders packing what belongings and provisions they had gathered and forming lines facing the vast magical construct.

Fifteen of those assembled in Corian backed out at the last moment; worry, wanderlust, and keen wits steering them clear of actually entering. The rest patiently waited, watching other groups from other places trickle in. Amidst these Cenric patiently waited his turn, pulling an apple from his pack and taking a bite. As the juices trickled down his throat and dribbled along his lips he chewed at the fruit idly and tried to think of other things. Dian was safe at home, leaving him feeling as though he were missing a limb, his mother was likely worrying which made him anxious, and knowing his father he was deep in prayer at the moment hoping that Cen returned. "Three..." He said between bites, reminding himself of the creature and people anchoring him to his home, his reasons for returning. Glancing down at his hand, just between his fingers he shook his head and as a resolute glimmer filled his eyes he rescinded his former statement, quietly whispering; "Four."

Slowly it came time and the party from Corian faced the entrance to the Labyrinth. "All together now." Came the call from the party's unofficial leader, a balding and good natured man from Gard who had run a furniture store before deciding to join the expedition.

"Finally." Cen muttered as he took another bite of his apple. His feet marched forwards, his back straightened, and his breathing became more smooth. And then came the light... the overwhelming sense of detachment... Like he was falling asleep without any of the initial tiredness that usually preceded it. Like he was falling while standing in place. Like he was losing sense of whether up was up or it was thirty-seven.

...

"Kf!" Lying on his back Cenric began to cough at the abysmal taste upon his tongue, rolling over to hack and spit at the floor in his urgency to rid himself of it. It had been apple moments ago, but now it just tasted like soot. As he cleared the abhorrent flavor from his palette he also took note of sounds around himself, voices. Blinking in the moonlight he makes out shapes, realizing swiftly they aren't those of the people he entered with.

Glancing around in mild confusion he denotes the odd landscape with passing interest before raising his right hand and grabbing his own ear firmly, giving it a sharp tug and scratching at the lobe with his fingernail. "Ah!" He cries out lightly, seeming half-surprised at the pain. A moment passes and a gigantic grin spreads across his features. "I made it in, and I'm still alive." He mutters softly. "So far so good."

[Click This]

The sight of the field before the labyrinth was a grand thing to see as Jean Carteneau crested over the hill on his horse. The journey from Lulia was just over a month; it took Jean and his small team of five scholars a week by sea on the Lulian fast frigate Sirius to a port of one of Lulia’s friendly trading partners, and then another two weeks by horseback to where they were now. A bit tired from the journey, Jean suppressed a yawn as he and his team of five mages surveyed the entrance to the Labyrinth. The professor thought the scene to be like some sort of fair or festival, by the sheer number tents and people adorning the great field before them, but of course he knew that the tents were simply staging areas for various nations and orders.

Jean stood silent for a few more seconds atop the hill before the silence was broken by a steady, but still unsure voice behind him. “Shall we go in, then?” The professor tilted his head back. The voice belonged to a young summoner that had volunteered for the expedition, like everybody else on the team. She was a bit hasty, but he supposed nobody could be faulted for this or otherwise on this day.

“No,” he said with a shake of his head. “A long journey should be rewarded with a little rest. The military’s already been here for a couple days, and it would be good to drop by before entering. Unless you prefer to barge in, hungry, dehydrated, and tired?” He tilted his head back again, giving the summoner a wry smile before gesturing for the group to move ahead with a hand wave.

The Lulian tents were not hard to find. The temporary canvas structures were dyed navy blue and yellow, the house colors of the Crown, and its edges were gilded. The perimeter of the tents was guarded by swordsmen in ceremonial uniform, and these qualities stood out well enough for the small group of scholars to find their kinsmen after a cursory scan of the area. The little Lulian post felt more like a forward operating base instead of a place where people, in theory, went to die. This perhaps was a cultural difference, and Jean recalled the words of the Teann Ch’I commander that he overheard on the way to the Lulian tents. Lulians were definitely unlike them –All of the people at the Labyrinth entrance were volunteers, and a small group of them would even eventually return to Lulia after sending off all the expeditionary teams.

While Jean did not know any of the officers or soldiers at the tents, they were very hospitable and were glad to share stories and food with the newcomers. Four expeditions had already gone in, he was told. Two were the elderly, one by the army, and one by the navy’s marines. They would be the fifth, joined by a team of battle-mages, a fact that Jean shrugged at. The more the merrier, he supposed.

With night now falling fast and everybody rested and content, the joint expedition moved towards the gates of the Labyrinth, dismounted and on foot. Like the others, Jean did not know what to expect. Indeed, he feared the unknown, but the chance to see and study the Labyrinth itself for himself was too alluring.

---

Jean blinked. A second ago, he was with his fellow scholars and army compatriots, with a sea of tents around him. That was now gone, instead replaced by a scorched field and an unfamiliar, foreign night sky. Reasoning that he was likely now inside the Labyrinth, he looked down to confirm the status of his belongings, which were as intact as it was when he first arrived at the Lulian camp. He then looked around him, scanning the blackened field. He looked for the familiar face of the energetic summoner, and then his white-coated alchemist colleague, and then for the blue-and-yellow coated soldiers of his country, but Jean only found unfamiliar faces amongst the group of people that he had appeared in. The professor slowly stood up.

“Well,” started the professor, scratching his head. “This is troublesome.”

[Psyker Landshark]

As every member of the impromptu group began to get their bearings, Alexei took the time to look at the area around him. Unfortunately, there seemed to be nothing but wasteland around. Except for the massive white tree they were below. And that unsettling black gemstone within the tree. Either way, he turned back towards the group as a black-haired woman began speaking.

"Well, well, I suppose we are inside the Labyrinth, though I don't recognize any of you personally. I guess a small introduction shall do it the beginning? The name's Luthica." She said, before moving towards a girl in armor, examining the cut on her hand. "Mhm, this doesn't look good." Alexei took a moment to glance down at the girl's cut himself, and wondered what the bloody hell Luthica was talking about. He'd gotten worse injuries in arms training as a squire. Then again, he wasn't dealing with knights here. Damn it, why did he have to get separated from his brothers? Falling alongside them in the name of the goddess would have made a better death than dying with these adventurers.

Next, the dark-skinned boy began to speak up, edging away from Alexei for some reason.

"Roan." He muttered.

Well, he was a friendly one. Then again, that could be excused, really, seeing as how the Labyrinth was arguably a death sentence, and he may not have been here by choice.

With no one else speaking up after that, Alexei decided to give his own introduction.

“Alexei Galanis. Crusader of the Austeman church and knight of Isakios.” He bowed as another person began to introduce themself.

"Cenric Hargrave. Of the Order of Uliphetes, in Corian."

Oh, wonderful. A bloody snake-worshipper. Alexei's lips pursed slightly, but he kept quiet for the moment, allowing the next person in line to speak.

[Rinnee]

Names, and origins were passed around so casually that it caused the girls jaw to drop in awe. It was understandable if they were associated before, but seeing as they were all strangers, a single thought occurred to the girl. Did these people have no sense of caution?

“Jean Carteneau.” Another said, forcing Arydnia to turn her gaze, narrowing in irritation up at the older man. “I was a professor of alchemy and the white arts at the Hayes University of Lulia. Perhaps I can assist with that injury?”

These people could be anybody, she reminded herself. Enemies of the North, Bandits seeking unsuspecting adventurers to kill in the night, even creatures of the Labyrinth trying to trick them into their deaths. No matter how friendly they seemed, Arydnia wasn’t going to give away information that could put her life into jeopardy. So once all eyes fell on her, the girl decided to use the name of her teacher, Sir. Ramsay, in hopes the alias would satisfy their curiosity.

“My name is Arryn, and-“ Tugging her hand away from the other girl as her hand suddenly went under inspection, she scowled defiantly and took a careful step back, “my hand is fine.” Cheeks red with embarrassment, she hid the wound by gripping the fur of her cloak, staining the pelt with her bloody hand as she tried to control the bleeding. “People have died from infection from smaller injuries.” Remarked the alchemist, which only caused Arydnia to scoff quietly.

"Feh. It's only a flesh wound." Shifting her gaze to the tall crusader, she was quick to nod, agreeing with his words despite the dull throb of pain coming from her palm. It was going to take a lot more then little cut to take her down, after all."I'm sure we'll all get worse ones while we're in here. There are monsters to be slain after all." Eyeing Alexei, her sights fell onto the great sword attached to his back. She had heard stories from her father about the Crusaders of Isakios. Knights that fought in the name of their goddess, Austema, eliminating anything they discerned as infernal, or demonic.

Years ago Taeron had been at war with Isakios due to the invasion of their borders, and preservation of the creatures living within the forests. Of course, like all of Taerons great wars, the northern winds were given credit for their victory, even the great nation of Isakios was no match for the winter and harsh conditions. There was still a bitter relationship between the two nations even after all these years, but Arydnia wasn't here to bicker about history, or past mistakes. She was here for the same reason the Crusader was, to slay monsters for the glory of her nation.

[Skyswimsky]

"Well, if you are not willing I am not going to waste my limited crystals on you." Really, if she did not want her help, she wouldn't bother, maybe she was too proud for this whole thing? Or maybe she knew Luthica belonged to the trash-tier of her nation and looked down upon her, whatever it was, with an attitude as her, it was clear who would survive longer... . Maybe, her own words were also part scolding herself, her resources were limited after all. Usually it wouldn't be hard to get more Aspects, but who knew to which rules this crazy Labyrinth worked? Well, she just had to try, better sooner than later though.

“I would think that would be why expeditions bring healers and physicians,” commented the other alchemist now, right, expeditions, while that hold true for the Conquistadors of her Nation, Luthica was just some random person that didn't have much of a choice. Regardless of that, if she wasn't mistaken, those people usually didn't have any fancy healers or physicians with them, mostly because every well-trained citizen was knowledgable in the fields of transferring life from one place to another. “Speaking of which, have any of you seen an alchemist in a white coat or a silver-haired summoner?” Now THAT was a very broad description, she had seen tons of those people, but most likely not the ones Jean was looking for. "I know a lot of white coated alchemists." With that set aside, there were more important matter, as the Paladin said. "Monsters? Huh..." Right, with their surroundings, she highly doubted this was paradise, making sure her weapon would work was something she should have done the moment she arrived here, silly girl, the Cylinders that they got were the most bottom-tier after all, her own skill didn't matter, only the type of ammunition. Heck, while having place for 5 Crystals, didn't even allow for something simple like simultaneous activation. Thus, Luthica pulled the small thing from her waist and equipped it around her arm, she already prepared some very basic Fire Crystal beforehand - for when she would have been fortunate enough for something unexpected to happen while traveling towards the labyrinth -, now, all left was to aim at some empty space, somewhere between the alchemist and the rather silent guy and pull the trigger. And surprise! It worked, a small mental ~yay~ gave a quick smile on her face as the fireball shot a few metres forward gradually becoming weaker.

Now, Jean spoke up again as he waved away the little bit of smoke her small device created. “Brown hair, long coat with the Lulian crest on the collar, and a trunk way too large for a middle-aged man to be carrying?” Mhm? Luthica guessed their Alchemy wasn't THAT different, The female Alchemist couldn't deny she expected a bit of surprise. Then again, their Cylinders were kinda famous for the simple reason of allowing to use magic to basically everyone, and if you knew how, even more.

[GamerScribe]

Respect was the name of the game. As the group gave introductions he heard their various names and titles and respecting their willingness to share contemplated providing his own in turn. In the back of his mind he pondered momentarily if this was the right thing to do, if one of these people may be an enemy; a member of some warring state which held animosity towards Corian, a roguish lout who would kill for the thrill, or perhaps some worker of the Labyrinth itself. Still; his subconscious shot back that should one of them turn on him he would show them the proper respect as well, offering a quiet burial after he dispatched them.

Cenric found peace of mind in the fact that scholars and soldiers apparently made up the group by and large. An alchemist was an individual who understood both science and magic, they were commonly deemed people of intelligence, their knowledge could prove useful in trying to find a way out. As for the combat ready among them... Any former warrior knows it's usually better to let someone else do the fighting for you if they're willing, and that way they can do the dying for you as well.

Noting Alexei's clothing and thinking over his words the Order Mage found himself shivering slightly. There were no wars or great battles between Corian and Isakios, but there was distrust and distaste of one another's practices that among individuals there had been bloodshed in the past, even if it hadn't escalated to a national scale it was something to worry about. Something in the man's expression towards him told him he was right to do so.

Peering into the distance the follower of the great serpent became lost in his own thoughts. He had made it inside, which had been the first thing he'd been troubled over, especially considering that since practically no one came back out there was no knowing if just entering would kill you or not. That out of the way he had to find a treasure grand enough to fund his research, to begin with, and then somehow manage to get out of the Labyrinth with it. Initially this had seemed the easy part but glancing in every direction he realized that the field of bony trees where the moon seemed to hang too low and the company seemed a bit erratic was all there was for some distance.

Well; aside from the massive gem. As tall as he and exuding an eerie emerald light from with it was, this black gem that would likely garner everyone's attention once they stopped chatting and started looking around. There was nothing like it back home, that was for certain, and it was for that reason that he didn't think to bother with it. Not only was it likely too heavy to take with him, he knew he wouldn't have the faintest idea who may purchase such a thing.

Compact but valuable; that was the idea. Gold, silver, fire...FIRE! The last thought came unbidden to his mind, having been inspired by the sudden eruption of fire biting at the air to his left, feasting greedily on the oxygen and warming his face with it's heat. He was startled, but unwilling to show it.

As such he softly said; "That... seemed unnecessary." After that instant he was entirely focused on those around him, not wanting to wind up fried and fricasseed if another of them decided to randomly loose a fire-bolt.

Turning to face the woman who had loosed the great gout of flame he saw her shaking her head and heard her pipe up; "No, I know of no Alchemists outside of Teann Ch'i." He had become so lost in the conversation that he didn't know why Alchemists were up for discussion, but nodding towards the space the flames had just scorched the air he decided it best not to ask, waiting for some form of response to his own comment.

As the girl stepped closer to him Cenric focused in on her, his eyes quickly sweeping from her feet up to her face. She was pretty, her eyes cheerful, and her gaze straightforward; all in all it disarmed him of his wariness after the sudden surge of fire and his shoulders loosed some of their tension.

"I just wanted to make sure it works, because, Monsters?!" She had said and he found himself agreeing, though he didn't say so aloud. If there were monsters they should make sure they were prepared, that much made sense.

"I suppose that's reasonable." He responded, pushing his glasses a bit further up his nose in a gesture that was intended to show nonchalance. Honestly he felt anything but; the fire had rattled him, sure, but more than that it was the uncertainty. Were these people friend or foe? Would he make it out? Would he ever see Dian or his parents, or his friend again? Even if he did make it out, would his research succeed?

Within moments it was apparent he wasn't the only one who thought so. Snapped from his worries his eyes widened at the show being put on. Roan, one of the other men in their impromptu coterie, had taken it upon himself to test his own abilities. “Blade Dance.” The man said. Suddenly there was something... someone... a figure or phantasm of flame seemed to assail the air before it before vanishing. Impressive magic but it was unnatural, and as such discomforting. “Interesting…” the man went on to say, to which Cenric found himself wishing to reply until he saw the man's hands. He blinked in recognition. Markings, tattoos of some sort, but reminiscent of his own Brands.

Cen was absently aware of someone moving off to his right. He heard a sigh and his eyes flitted towards the one who had introduced herself as Arryn. She was moving towards something behind him, something he determined didn't matter to him just now. "What is this thing?" She asked, but he was too focused at that point to reply, pondering his Brands and wondering if he could access his abilities whilst in the Labyrinth. Nevertheless; after the little stunt with the fire he noticed her. He was doing his best to make sure he noticed everything after that.

Glancing down at his hand Cen pondered just how dissimilar their abilities may be, his mind reeling with questions he wasn't sure he wanted the answers to. And then suddenly his thoughts died away and what was left was a moment's peace. Taking the opportunity he loosed an Aidhr Kehl and watched his Brands very subtly writhe as though breathing. Within himself he could feel the entirety of existence. Every bird, beast, and creature of the briny blue existed within him at that moment and he could feel their hearts pulsing in time with his own, hear their breaths and their cries, feel their every joy and sorrow. Exhaling slowly he ended the spell. Unlike the fireball or the spirit his own ability had made no visible mark upon the world. Despite this it had actively improved his mood. He may be a lone Corian, but as he recalled his magic instructor saying time and again; a Corian mage is never truly alone.

[Click This]

It seemed like the people that Jean had found himself were friendly than he expected and were engaging in social introductions. That was a start, he supposed. At least they didn’t seem to be hostile. The professor nodded and kept a mental note of each person as they introduced themselves, making sure to keep their names in mind. After introducing himself, his attention shifted to the two girls on his right, recognizing one of them as being from Teann Ch’I, and also the one that first introduced herself. She had a very peculiar cylindrical device that was popular in that country, but Jean had little experience with the device or even her country’s style of alchemy. His gaze fell down to the hand of the other girl, who seemed to hail from an upper-class or noble origin, judging by her demeanor and style of clothing.

Her hand was clearly cut and bleeding. Jean deduced it was not life-threatening, but could turn into an infection if left untreated, so he decided to offer his help regardless.

“…Perhaps I can assist with that injury?”

With swift fierceness, his offer was declined. The warrior-looking bloke named Alexei’s comment wasn’t reassuring to the professor, who surmised he likely didn’t care too much for proper healthcare. Jean made a brief comment and an exchange with Arryn and Alexei before giving up his case and returning to his initial point of concern: Where was the rest of his own party? He’d spent the better half of a year putting the best team together for this research mission, and to have it go missing at the most important moment was more than inconvenient.

“…Have any of you seen an alchemist in a white coat or a silver-haired summoner?” Jean asked his question in vain. He realized it was unlikely that anybody in this group had seen them, since they appeared to be quite disoriented and confused themselves.

The Teann Ch’I alchemist named Luthica spoke up, pointing out his question was too general. Indeed, there were lots of white-coated alchemists. How silly of him, it seemed he wasn’t fully awake yet. Jean opened his mouth to retort, but quickly closed it as the other alchemist raised her cylindrical device and fired it off away from the party. He could guess what she had just done and what she did to accomplish it, and also her reason for firing it, but he nonetheless got the impression that his Teann Ch’i counterpart was rather reckless. The device was interesting enough that he would have to ask her more about it at a more prudent. In any case, her actions didn’t affect anybody and it was none of his concern, so he continued to clarify his question.

Unfortunately, the answer was no, and he felt his heart drop a little. Professor Jacobs had all the catalysts and equipment…

---

Soon enough, Jean’s attention turned to the large black gem that he had first noticed upon waking up. It was not the emerald glow of the gem that caught his eye, but the eclipse of the light by another figure. The noble looking girl with the injury was drawing close to the mysterious stone, hand outstretched almost as if to touch it.

Were they all this dim? Or was this group just special? Jean momentarily doubted himself as he wondered if Lulia was sheltered amongst a world of dimwits. Touching objects with unusual properties or with obviously magical origins was something even a peasant knew not to do. While the gem did indeed intrigue him, there was an elaborate set of protocols and methods to observe and test such items, and with good cause, for Jean knew full well that anything was game inside the Labyrinth.

He quickly stepped forward. “I wouldn’t touch that without thorough investigation,” recommended Jean, breaking away from his previous conversation.

The brown haired girl snatched her hand away just before touching the glowing object, appearing to pout.

The professor chuckled. He supposed she was alright, only a little misguided. Shrugging, Jean puts his thoughts aloud, if only to make sure nobody else made the same mistake again.

“Sorry, force of habit. In the field of alchemy you don’t want to be touching random things without knowing what they are. I suppose this applies even more so now that we’re in the Labyrinth. Don’t want to be turned into a golden scepter the first day, after all.”

[Rinnee]

While she wasn't about to admit it, the Alchemist was right. Any wrong move could get her killed, and since she lacked any magical knowledge she knew better then to talk back. Curiosity killed the cat, as the saying went. "I could try taking it apart." But satisfaction brought it back. The same intrigued look returned to her eyes as Luthica stepped up to the stone; at least there someone who shared the same interest in the gemstone as she did. Watching the Teann Ch’I closely, Arryn's eyes widened with awe as the other girls hands began to glow with power, "Die Wahrheit will ich in meinen Augen sehen, sag mir, welchen Weg muss ich dafür gehen?"

"Are you all so intent on trifling with the first object of interest you see?" Came the giant Crusader, before Jean chided along in protest as the girls huddled around the rock, "I'll be on the other side of the field if you need medical assistance.” Their words ticked a nerve in the girl, forcing her nose to scrunch in frustration and a light grown to rumble through her chest. "You know, if you head to the opposite side of the field you'll be singling yourself from the group. If there are any monsters around, they'd probably pick you off."

Their chattering reminded her of the ladies in waiting that would follow her mother around. A flock of hens worrying and groaning over nothing, and it seemed like these men behind her were no different. With her arms crossed, Arryn turned and faced the group with a hard glare, “Well, standing around and doing nothing has gotten us nowhere fast, so if any of you have any other ideas, I’d love to hear them.” Not even attempting to wait for a response, she turned back to the stone with an annoyed ‘huff’ and a quick flick of her hair. Earning their criticism wasn't something she took pleasure in, and since this wasn't the first time her choices had been reprimanded, Arryn couldn't help but feel like she was being treated like a child.

"Alienis, Bestia, Corpus, Mutatio, Vitreus, Potentia? Mhm..."

Full attention on Luthica now, the light surrounding the other girls hands died out as she stepped away from the stone. "Alright, so what I could read from it. This crystal is composed of something unknown, as in, supernatural that can't even be explained with magic, think alongside Aliens! Hence the name Alienis.” Unsure of how to take this new information, Arryn continued to listen intently as Luthica continued, "But also something chaotic and animalistic. If I touch it and scan it again I could most likely get more information?!”

[Zombehs]

Roan, now having determined that his summons were still functional, didn’t turn his attention back towards the object that held the others’ attentions. Though he caught pieces of the conversation, associating voices with individuals all the while, he was more focused on scanning the distant horizon and the land in between it.

“Someone could climb…” That was Cenric if he wasn’t mistaken, the man's deeper and accented voice making it easy to pick out. As he walked around the tree’s perimeter to get a full view of their surroundings he caught the voices of the others.

“... would we do without you?” The sarcasm laced voice sounded like that of Arryn, and he turned in momentarily interest as it seemed the voice originated from above him. Sure enough the young lady seemed to have climbed the tree as Cenric had suggested despite her words. Having satisfied his curiosity, he continued to examine the land around.

“... Weg muss ich dafür…” Having finally completed his round around the tree they had appeared in front of, Roan was a bit disappointed, if unsurprised. Absolutely nothing of interest or note had popped up, and scratching at the back of his neck, he cocked his head to listen. A strange chant of unknown words by the female alchemist, Luthica if he wasn’t mistaken. Interesting to hear even if he couldn’t make heads or tails of what the meaning or purpose was. Perhaps it’d be easier if he was actually facing said alchemist so he could observe what was happening.

Before he could so much as turn though...

Suddenly, a thump could be heard, resounding heavily from the crystal. Dancing in the moonlight, the emerald fire that sat at the center began to flicker, its prominence creating another source of light within the nighttime wasteland. The beating continued, quickening its pace and growing in volume, until the voices of those who stayed below the white tree was drowned out by it. The drumbeat of the crystal continued onwards for ten seconds, before just as suddenly, it stopped.

In the stillness that followed, the moon changed, the white surface peeling away like a blossoming bud, revealing the red moon that rested within.

The night sky turned magenta, as blood-light poured from the eye of the moon, casting a sinister gleam over the bone-white trees. The light was almost vaporous, descending upon the wasteland like red mist, drenching the blackened soil. The emerald flame burned ever-brighter, the ground rumbling violently as the conflagration within the crystal grew in intensity.

And then, the tree that was bent at such an awkward angle came down, its branches piercing the ground. Soil rushed up along the inner side of its branches, smothering whatever remained inside that cage. Soon, the prominence of the crystal was hidden by the many layers of tar-like soil that covered it. With a vicious, cracking sound, the trunk of the tree tore itself from the ground, revealing its roots for just a moment, before those sharp-ended tendrils collapsed onto one another, forming a singular, sharp stake. The same emerald fire could be seen dancing on its head, a ghostly will o wisp that flared in the windless night.

One by one, black-earth limbs grew out of its sides, clumps of dirt hardening and forming limbs, joints, and claws. It was a soundless beast that grew out from the ground itself, and only when it had properly form did it celebrate its revival in the light of the Bloodmoon.

A resounding drumbeat could be heard, the first of its many heartbeats.

---

Away from the others, it was now not the continued conversation that caused Roan to glance backwards. With the dull and barely audible thump, the Raulite turned with narrowed eyes. Staring at the piercing light the crystal gave off, he felt a beads of sweat form. “Shit.” Taking a few steps back, he stopped when the noise cut off abruptly. “Shit.” He murmured again before continuing his backpedal away from whatever was happening. When the “moon” fell away, Roan didn’t even stop his retreat this time, only continuing to mutter, “Shit.” He only stilled to keep his balance when the ground beneath his feet shifted, taking the time to glance around at the same time. As far as he could see, there were no other creatures that had been spawned by whatever triggered this. He watched from the distance as the tree came to life with a grimace. “Shit indeed,” he murmured once more before his tattoos flared a bright red once more.

[Psyker Landshark]

Alexei turned to the newly awakened creature, slowly starting to smile as he took the sight in. This. This was why he was here. To slaughter those that both the church and the goddess deemed impure and destructive. He loosed his greatsword from a baldric on his back, tossing the sling aside as he stepped forward. “Now this is what I came for.” He grinned, clutching his massive blade with both hands. “The goddess Austema smiles on us this day, for we shall purge the infernal!” The knight cried gleefully, beginning to charge light mana into his sword.

[Click This]

For the first few moments after suggesting for the group to avoid meddling with the suspicious object, it seems his words were being heeded as Arryn stepped back. But almost as soon as that happened, the Teann Chi’I alchemist stepped forward with one of the inane comments that he’d heard out of an alchemist, let alone what seemed to be a reasonably competent one. The worst of his former students were brighter than her.

Before Jean could object, Luthica was already beginning to cast a spell in a foreign language, and the former professor decided to make good on his earlier statement. If they didn’t listen, that was their problem. They’d learn from their mistakes.

He started stepping back slowly, before gradually picking up the pace such that he was retreating backwards at normal walking speed.

In the next moment, his fears were confirmed. A dull thud emanated from the crystal. Then, another. And another. And another. Jean was halfway across the field. He looked back, and bit his lip as the massive white tree began to move. It was a treant. In a flash, his hands were at his waist, and in another, his sidearm was unsheathed. Preparing for the possibility the monster might rush at him, the professor held the weapon in a defensive position. Somehow, he found the need to reinforce the fact that attempting to alchemize the crystal was a horrid mistake.

“I don’t want to come off as rude, but I did warn you guys.”

The tendrils of the monster continued to reach outwards as Jean spoke, spreading through the field. One came too close for comfort, and unsure of its disposition, hacked at the root of the beast. Unfortunately, it seemed Arryn had misconstrued his admittedly belittling statement as being directed towards her, from what he gathered from her stinging retort as they both retreated.

He shrugged. He’d dealt with worse threats from rowdy college students before. Empty threats in a mutual combat situation would just hurt them both. After all, it seemed he was the only skilled medical practitioner amongst them.

“Sure. It’s my job to talk about smart things. It’s also my job to keep you alive, so please keep that in mind as well.”

[Rinnee]

Reaching the highest branch that was strong enough to support her weight, the young Northerner had scaled the oddly bent tree after meeting the Corians words with her own bit of sarcasm. He was all talk, and no action so far, and Arydnia had no patience for those kind of people. So as always, she moved on impulse and frustration, climbing the tree simply because the other man did not. While she didn't achieve much from this feat, she did finally gather some distance from the group to be amongst her own thoughts. Slowly standing along along the branch, a firm grip on the trunk kept her balanced as her eyes casted over the scenery before her. From her perch at the top of the tree, Arryn could see for miles. It was quite the sight but with nothing but the white trees, and the barren wastes going on for as far as the eye could see, she could only sigh in frustration. While she wasn't expecting to notice a village, or directional marker in such a hellish looking place any kind of path, or sign of life would have been extremely helpful.

Before she could begin her descent down to tell the others of what little she had found, a dull sound noise came from the flickering crystal. It pounded heavily in her ears and within the area, steadily, and rhythmically, almost as if it was a heartbeat. As the beat quickened her eyes fell to the other below her as they seemed to react to the odd noise. Any attempt she made to call out to them had been for nothing for any noise had been drowned out by the loud pounding. But just as soon as it started, it was quick to end.

Almost instantly the scenery above her began to change. Green eyes grew wide as the sky above grew dark and the moon above bled, staining the large white surface like blood as a red haze drifted over her and the rest of the unlikely group. The wood moaned and shook beneath her feet, forcing her to latch onto the trunk as it suddenly began to bend and reach for the soil. Curving at such an odd angle the drop was only a few feet, so as it drew closer to the ground below, Arryn leapt from the tree.

Landing on her feet and falling into a crouch with a soft grunt, she acted almost instinctively as the sharp tips of the branches surged into the ground around her. Doing her best to evade any roots as they staked into the ground, she stayed low and crawled desperately towards the edge of the cage of branches. 'I'm not going to make it, I'm not going make it, I'm not going to make it-' Blood pounding in her ears and fear driving her to rush recklessly ahead, she gripped the hilt of her sword and with a hard swing that sliced clean through the wood, she bursted through the wooden branches and out into the open area.

Tumbling to the ground and panting heavily once she escaped, blood pounded in her ears and adrenaline shot through her veins. Inches from death, and escaping with only a few cuts and bruises, the Northerner knew she had no time to count her blessings as she drew to her feet. This fight was only beginning, and as she turned to ready herself for another attack the girl found herself frozen in place. Pulling itself from the black soil, its body took shape, looming high above her as the resounding heart beat rumbled deafeningly in her ears. It was a Treant. “By the gods…” For eighteen years she had been trained and prepared to enter the Labyrinth. To fight and eliminate whoever, and whatever came before her in this hell, but this--this was out of her league, for sure. “I APOLOGIZE FOR SUGGESTING YOU CLIMB THE TREE!” Cenric's sudden yell forced Arryn out of her awestruck state, causing her fall into a run as to gather some distance between her and the beast.

"Good god," Came Jean as she finally made it to their side, “I don’t want to come off as rude, but I did you guys." It took all of her control not to drive her sword through the Scholars chest, his words continuing to belittle her even as she stood beside him. "Something smart always needs to come out of that mouth of yours, doesn't it Professor?" Raising her sword in a defensive stance, the edge of her blade was kept pointed at the Treants location, "Keep talking and maybe this beast won't be the only threat to your life tonight." She didn't mean this of course, but having no filter, and tensions rising thanks to this new threat, Arryn wasn't about to tolerate the mans unnecessary comments.

“Sure. It’s my job to talk about smart things. It’s also my job to keep you alive, so please keep that in mind as well.” Biting her tongue and keeping her eyes locked ahead, she reminded herself that there were bigger things to worry about then arguing with the scholar. Besides, she knew he was right. Surrounded by Mages, and Warriors, Arryn was undoubtedly the weakest of the group, and she understood this. She was going to need these people more then they were going to need her, and that unfortunately meant Jean as well.