[IC] Blood Act I~ Ghosts of the Past

[Luna]

Colette

She sighed as she gave up on looking for Lucillia and sat down in front of a tree looking up at the sky. She envied the early morning time sky because of its peacefulness, something she hadn't felt in centuries. She sighed and looked away "Why must the sky torture me, I had enough it of" she muttered as she payed with her pink hair that was out of its usual pony tails closing her eyes. She leaned back her left kneel pointed up as her free hand rubbed her exposed legs which were as cold as ice which she was used to. Her mind slowly went back to the conversation she had with her savior.

"Can I possibly get stronger....will it take away the pain from my non beating heart that I want to get rid of, put everything in the past behind me..." she had so many questions about this that she didn't have the guts to ask Lucillia because she felt stupid for asking.She gave out or more like forced out a hollow chuckle as she stopped her actions and curled up the felt fabric of her new dress brushing against her skin. She could feel her eyes tear up but none did not fall.

"I doubt nothing could take a centuries worth of pain, never" she said coldly as if she was trying to convince herself. All soon was silent around her as her eyes stayed teared up beneath her eyelashes that were against her pale skin which made them stand out even more.All she could hear was the sounds of crickets singing their final song and birds in some other trees not far from her. But nothing eased her paging mind at all.

She looked up when she heard someone say hi to her and she looked up blinking away her tears. She vaguely remembered seeing this girl before in the Underhaven but never talked to her since she was still settling in.

"Um hello..." she said her voice was a little cracked from her ealier emotions that were leaking through her mental barrier

[Ryonara]

Meirin did not expect this to happen. With all that occurred yesterday, she did not expect to see this boy. She felt ashamed at first, wondering why he was hugging her. Only when she glanced at Ssarak did she remember with great clarity that the two of them saved this boy as well as a few others last night. It made her glad that he survived, as it reminded her that Ssarak was right; she did save lives, despite her own self doubts. It still pained her to see the faces of those who were just out of her grasp, but for a moment she was glad that she was able to save at least one life, perhaps even more. When the boy went to embrace Ssarak, Meirin simply stood quietly until the boy let go. He opened his mouth to try to say something, but he was speechless. What else was there to say? She knew that he wanted to thank the two of them, but perhaps out of shock or shyness he could not. Meirin simply stepped over to the boy and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We're both glad that you're alive. How are you holding up?" Meirin than gave Ssarak a subtle but understanding look; she would speak to the boy for now, and allow him a chance to check in the Infirmary.

[EliteCommander]

Ssarak Dyrackthanose

---

Ssarak noticed Meirin's gaze and nodded. She would be more well-suited to talk to him than himself, and one of them needed to see who was wounded in the infirmary. He gave a polite nod to the boy, then entered the infirmary. He looked around the room, but was not really sure where to begin. No matter what he did, he needed to avoid getting in the way of the medical staff, so he mostly stuck to the sidelines. As expected, the entire room was filled with people with various degrees of injuries. Some looked like they would be fine without help, while others were maimed to the point that all the healers could do was make their last moments painless. As much as it pained him, he focused on the latter group closely. The sheer thought of seeing a friend in that state struck fear into his heart, but to be able to grieve would be better than just not knowing. The only thing keeping him out of depression was the knowledge that at least most of these people had a chance. The college's healers were probably some of the best in Tien, so if anyone could save them, it was them. The infirmary had evidently held out against the demons' assault, so not all of the college's healers had perished. When Ssarak's village was attacked, almost everyone who could have helped the wounded had been killed, so many who did survive had been doomed to a slow death. Ssarak considered it a mercy that most of them had died before he returned, as it meant he did not have to witness their lives extinguishing around him.

[Lucius Cypher]

Annabeth Gulch

The girl that Annabeth was talking too seemed... Distressed? Sad? Well, Annabeth could imagine why. Yesterday was quite harrowing to many people. Normally Annabeth would use her telepathy to figure out more, but today she believes everyone needs some time to themselves. To grieve alone, and with others when they're ready. Not that Annabeth was the type of person who'd leave someone well enough alone. "Hi. You seemed distressed. I don't mean to pry of course... Yesterday was quite a tragedy for many people. I'm just trying to do my part and help some people out. Are you okay? Lost, perhaps? I'm actually heading towards the forge, if you'd like to accompany me." Now that she thought of it, Annabeth should try to find some of her friends too. Haklo, Leith, Ssarak, and anyone else she could find. She should find Grey later as well, see if he would like some company. And of course, Annabeth should see Cynn as soon as possible. No telling how she's holding up after yesterday's events. "I'm Annabeth, by the way. I think I've seen you before, but I can't quite place a name."

[Freeshooter92]

Alaira Taenn

Though still very much unconscious, Alaira did shift slightly in her (more or less) self-induced coma. This relieved at least one of the Apothecaries, who had begun to suspect she was dead. Whether or not she's brain-dead remains to be seen of course.

Grey Onyx

Grey simply waved as Annabeth left. He understood, it wasn't exactly a happy time at the moment. "Nice meeting you too." He added as she left. Hrm, now what? If it weren't for Mathix ordering him to take a day off, he'd have a nigh-uncountable amount of things to do. Though, he couldn't fault Mathix too much. Sure he looked fine on the outside, but what if something gives out on the inside if he exerts himself? It only makes sense not to push a soldier too hard, why waste a good man? It made sense, but that didn't mean he liked it. He decided that training was likely too much for him right now, so maybe a walk? He wasn't 'on patrol' technically, and nobody would fault him for settling any disputes he came across, right?

He walked for a time, and was surprised that nothing of importance happened. Usually when disasters like this struck it would be an opportune time for mischief, but everything seemed to be in order. He did notice the infirmary, however. He'd heard that after they dealt with some kind of demon there they had managed to lock the place up like a vault, and even held out against whatever assault the demons carried out. "I doubt Mathix'd care if I helped out the medics, right?" He mumbled under his breath. Grabbing knives and potions for people was hardly strenuous.

The infirmary was... crowded to say the least. it was extremely disheartening to see all the wounded but... oddly encouraging in a strange way. This... this carnage could not be allowed to take place again. He would train, he would get his hands on enchanted weapons, and he'd do everything in his power to deliver the justice these people were denied, that was a promise. Several figures stuck out however (It was impossible to miss an eight-foot tall black dragon-man in a white room after all). There was also a man with an oversized gauntlet, a young student and...

"Ah, Meirin. It's good to see you alive." The guardsman said as he approached the group. "Course, I doubt they could take you out so easily." He regarded the other people assembled, before asking "Friends of yours?"

[Ryonara]

As Ssarak left Meirin chatted with the boy. He was obviously rather shocked at the whole ordeal, and spoke very little of what had happened since she and Ssarak saved him. He did mention losing one of his closer friends however. Meirin gave him her condolences, for what they're worth. Eventually the boy simply wondered off, leaving Meirin to stand alone. Didn't last for long however, as Grey showed up. Meirin was a bit surprise to see him here, half expecting that he would be guarding the college. But maybe he was here to do that. "Hi Grey. They're friends, yes. We met up yesterday before... Well, before the demons attacked. I suppose you could say we grew rather close to each other afterwards. Are you here on patrol?" She noticed that Grey had very few injuries on him. He was patched up, but considering he was a guardsman, he had expected him to be much more wounded. She actually sort of expected to find him laid out on one of the cots inside. "I guess I should have assume that he'd be able to take care of himself. Didn't be break his arm yesterday though?"

[Fallenreaper]

Noel Howle

After playing a balancing act with the tray, a meal for the guard who had woken up, Noel had been instructed to watch one of the patients. A familiar, white haired student who seemed fixed in a slight, restful slumber. Much to her surprise, she easily recognized the student as the very girl she had admired in the Dinning Hall. This made the task slightly easier, even if she wasn't already eager to help, her hands then pulled up a chair to take a side at the cot.

Her hands settled in her lap while her eyes just watched Cynn's relaxed posture, looking blissfully calm compared to some of the other patients brought in last night. Instinctively Noel's mind recalled how impressed she was by the aptitude the College healers displayed, matched only by their determination to care for their own. It was rather heartwarming, possibly the key factor for her volunteering now that she reflected back on it. It also helped she had a little knowledge about herbs and experience in healing during her time in Eania.

Her fingers twisted her borrowed nurse's dress, about only a few inches above her ankle and form fitting, as her legs softly kicked beneath her seat. For a while she sat there. Her brown eyes continued to stare down when movement caught her attention, her face rose slightly. The patient's eyes were open, causing Noel to jerk in surprise and hand clamped over her lips in order to stifle the small yelp. Stunned and numbed to her next move, Noel could only watch as the hallucination play out, the acknowledgement of the patient's whereabouts slow to return to the white haired girl's face, the head moved to her fingers skirting along the sheets. It had be scribbling word Los but too stunned by the display, Noel didn't spare time to determine them, merely fixed in place as a spectator.

After several minutes, Cynn seemed to take in her condition. Her face twisted up in shock, likely from being in a strange place, before she spoke with expected surprise. Finally acknowledgement reached her eyes as well as her mind, barely easing Noel's clawing discomfort. Cynn's words stammered drive what remained away. bith the young student's introduction and confirmed Noel's suspicions she didn't know where she was.

Fully aware how frightened the patient was, Noel removed her hand from her mouth and tried to sooth her. "It's alright, you were brought by a student and are currently in the infirmary. The healers have been treating everyone injured during last night's catastrophe."

Noel bit back the sickness in her stomach when images, memories of the wounded and dying, came into her head. She couldn't help the shudder which raced up and down her spine. The notion worsened when she thought back to Cynn's earlier display. Her eyes broke contact, partly to hide the discomfort she felt and then turned toward a Esyire situated farther away from the pair. Noel had caught the whispers of who he was.

Straightening her dress she once more faced Cynn, this time with a small smile. "Even the Headmaster was hurt and brought here for treatment. Which brings up a few important questions: how do you feel? Is there something you need?"

[Konan375]

Leith was unsure how long he had been asleep while leaning against the wall, but when he jolted back into reality, Ssarak was gone and Meirin was talking to the student. He pushed off the wall and took a look inside the Infirmary. It was way too crowded for him, so he decided to stay outside and wait for Ssarak. As he walked over to Meirin, a guard approached them. The man was the exact opposite of Leith in terms of build. While Leith was tall and skinny, the guard was tall and solid. The man seemed to know Meirin. Leith made a face of mock offence and spoke to Meirin.

"Are you not going to introduce me?" Leith shook his head and clicked his tongue at her, a smile making its way onto his face. He looked at the guard and smiled. "My name's Leith," he said as he held his right hand out to the man before stopping and offering his left hand out to the man instead. I think breaking someone's hand would be a horrible way to meet someone, he thought as he chuckled to himself.

[Freeshooter92]

Grey Onyx

Grey was relieved that Meirin seemed to be alright. He didn't really know many students by name, so he wouldn't really feel too good if one of them died, even if he'd known her for less than 24 hours. She'd asked him if he was on patrol, and he scowled. "The captain ordered me to take the day off. He saw me after I fought that one demon, I was quite a mess, I'm told." He explained. True, he was covered in bruises, lacerations, several of his bones were dislocated, the whole nine yards. "I'm a bit tired, but I feel fine. I must be the only one around here that doesn't want to take a damned break..." He added, seeming even more frustrated, though he quickly calmed himself down. "Anyway, I figured that helping the Nurses wouldn't be physical enough for the captain to get angry. I gotta be useful somehow." He didn't seem all that aware of the fact that his quick recovery was... unnatural to say the least. This guy was the kind of thing that just more eerie the harder you looked at it.

The smaller man with the gauntlet piped up at this moment, and he turned to face him. Now that he was closer, he was absolutely astounded he didn't notice the man's unusual appearance earlier. Bald albino's tend to stick out. That gauntlet was even stranger, he thought. It had to be enchanted, seeing as how it's bulk made it absolutely worthless as armor. "Grey Onyx, of Blacklight." He said as he returned the handshake. The man had offered his gauntleted hand, but withdrew it as if remembering something. Clearly he was unfamiliar with it. "That's an odd gauntlet there, Leith." He said. "I take it you haven't been wearing it for long?"

[EliteCommander]

Ssarak Dyreackthanose

---

As much as Ssarak wanted to speak to the people he knew, he did not want to put himself in the way of the infirmary staff. Besides, most of them likely needed rest, and simply seeing them alive would be enough to put his mind at ease. A few of the friendly faces he saw came from Satori's psychomancy class, and at least none of those seemed to be in mortal danger. Of course, there were others from his classes that were not present, which meant they were either fine, or they were deceased. Time would be the only way to determine which was the case. Apart from Lidda, he could see no teachers in the room, though there were guards, staff, and other college officials. He even saw the headmaster, Khan, recovering from the wounds he sustained during the previous night's events. He also spotted Mar in the infirmary, along with her child. From the outside, both her and her child seemed to be in good health for their circumstances. From what Leith had said, she had been attacked not only by demons, but by the other Naga, Xyden, as well. Ssarak could not fathom what would provoke such an attack against the mother of a newborn child, but he hoped Xyden received proper punishment for his actions.

The person Ssarak saw who he was most concerned about was Alaira. She was not conscious and, by the attention the staff was giving her, not responsive as well. He could see that she was breathing, so she was certainly alive, but of all the people he recognized, she looked to be in the worst shape. He could not admit to knowing her too well, but anyone who knew Alaira knew that her talents in combat was one of the defining features of her personality. The fact that she was in her current state underscored how dangerous the demons they faced could be.

Once he had looked around the infirmary enough, Ssarak left to return to Meirin and Leith outside. As he approached the group, he noticed an unfamiliar individual in a guard uniform speaking to the pair. Ssarak walked up beside Meirin and gave the guardsman a nod.

"Greetings." He said politely before looking down to Meirin. "I saw a few people I knew in the infirmary. The headmaster was there, wounded, but recovering. I saw Mar and her child; both appeared in good health, all things considered. Alaira seemed to be in a much more dubious state, however. She was alive, but was unconscious and did not appear responsive. I intend to return to check on her when the infirmary is less crowded. One person I did not see was Aruna. I know she did not return to your room last night, so I hoped to find her recovering in there. Hopefully, she is unharmed and simply found another place to stay for the night due to the chaos."

[Konan375]

Leith inspected his gauntlet with a smile after Grey's question. "That's a good eye..." he trailed off for a second as he realized the inappropriateness of his statement for having just met the man. Sure, Grey might not mind the statement, or even notice it, but there was the chance that he was sensitive about the subject. Whatever, I've gone past the point of no return,, Leith thought, and with a shrug, he continued. "You got there. I've been wearing this since last night right after the attack happened, and I can't really take it off now since it fused to my arm." Leith picked up a loose stone from the floor with his left hand, giving it a toss into the air and catching it as he straightened up.

"I got it a few months ago. A reward for working with Satori's Investigation Squad." Leith threw the stone into the air and caught it with his right hand. He squeezed his hand into a fist and looked up at Grey. "It's quite handy, and it helped more than once last night." He opened his hand and poured the dust that the stone had been reduced to onto the floor. He shot Grey a playful smile and held his right arm up. "Arm wrestle?"

Leith turned his head towards Ssarak when the Esyire approached them with info on what he saw in the Infirmary. Leith nodded at Ssarak's sentiments about Aruna. While he didn't know her that well, he knew her enough that her death would have an effect on him. "Maybe we'll bump into her today. So, What're we going to do now?"

_________________________________________________________________________

"This damned place is too large!"

Darius was frustrated. He thought that he had understood the directions to get to this Lucilia woman, but after passing the same window the fifth time, and each time he got there a different way, he knew that he was lost. The fifth time seemed to be the lucky number because Darius spotted a man in a guard uniform. He approached the guard, and when the man didn't turn around, he cleared his throat.

The guard jumped and spun around. He was an older man, and if Darius had to guess, they were close to the same age. The man had a haunted look on his face that Darius knew quite well. It was probably a look that he himself had after his first few battles. It looked like this was his first taste at battle. The man stared at Darius for a few moments before his eyes widened and he shook his head, as if realizing where he was. After clearing his throat, the man spoke.

"What is it?" The man sounded like he needed to be somewhere and was in a hurry to finish the conversation. Darius cut to the chase.

"I am looking for a woman named Lucilia. My detail left me here. Now I need work. Since most-"

"Good! Come with me." The man interrupted Darius and started walking away. Darius had to restrain himself from shouting at the guard for interrupting him. He took a deep breath and followed the man. As he walked, he continued speaking. "I can't take you to Lucilia right now, but I will after we help Justine, the Geomancy teacher, haul some stuff. My name's Erik, by the way."

"Darius."

[Ryonara]

"I still think you should get that checked, Leith. To be reliant on a demon weapon... It's just asking for trouble." Meirin commented as Leith showed off his gauntlet. It was handy she had to admit, but at the same time she didn't trust it since it was a demon-made object. They often never really work well with normal people, or so she believes. She let Leith and Grey chat with each other shortly after Ssarak came back. It seemed that the Headmaster had been injured last night, which made Meirin's heart sink. The Headmaster, the large, imposing Eysire who controls some of the strongest demons in the college, was hurt enough that he had to be put into the Infirmary? Just what sort of demons attacked them yesterday that would do so much damage? Meirin gulped and tried to ignore it. They survived; whatever attacked them yesterday was defeated. Or at least gone.

Ssarak also mentioned some other people too. Mar and her child, which Meirin was somewhat surprised about. She knew that Mar had been carrying a child from the rumors she's heard about her, but to have already given birth? It must have had happened yesterday, and considering what happened than, it must have been hard on her. Alaira was another name that Meirin somewhat remembered, mostly as the loud-mouth elf girl who seemed to want to fight everyone. Meirin gave her a wide birth, though that didn't mean she also didn't feel a bit sad hearing that she was also in the infirmary. Like the headmaster, Meirin imagined that Alaira must have fought some powerful demons to have in such a wounded state. And lastly, there was Aruna. But Ssarak only mentioned that he didn't see her. Meirin hoped that she got out fine, but given that she hasn't seen her at all yesterday Meirin didn't have high hopes. Meirin didn't want to think what might have become of her roommate, but it's not like Meirin could just pretend that nothing could have happened.

Not wanting to dwell on such negative things Meirin decided to jump on Leith's question about what they should do now. Her first thoughts went with trying to find others to help out but she didn't know who to go to for that. Than she had another idea. "Well, I did break a few of my weapons last night. I'd like to go see if anyone could repair them. We might also find something to do to help out at the forge too. I'd imagine that after what happened last night, they could use anyone who could use a hammer."

[Freeshooter92]

Grey Onyx

Grey was likely too good-natured to see the 'good-eye' line as an insult or such. So naturally he payed it no mind. He was a bit incredulous at that last statement, however. "It... fused to your arm? you should probably get that checked..." the Guardsman said. Well, it wasn't like it was too much of an inconvenience or anything, they were literally standing right outside the infirmary. Leith then demonstrated what the arm could do, and Grey was impressed, if somewhat disturbed. From stories he'd heard, these types of weapons never turned out well. Though if anyone could help him, they were here. "Hah, no thanks. I can't afford another broken arm, that might put me out of commission for a few days."

The Eysire... Ssarak he thought returned at around this time, and spoke about the various wounded he saw in there. He didn't really know anyone, save one. "Yes, Khan was injured last night as well, poisoned no less. Whatever was in that drink, it made Khan's demons go berserk. If what Lucilia said is true that's what started this whole mess..." He was quick to add the second part, however. "Don't worry, the situation's contained, Khan's more belligerent demons are gone and Zaad and the other one are more or less back to normal." He was quiet for a moment, and he continued. "That's what I was fighting, you know. Khan had this one demon, though it bore more resemblance to an angry mountain that grew legs than any sort of living being. I was barely able to survive, and likely wouldn't have if it weren't for that necromancy teacher..."

[EliteCommander]

Ssarak Dyreackthanose

---

Ssarak nodded in agreement to Meirin. It would be best for them to be prepared in the event something threatened the college again. His armor was still usable, but it was dented in places and could stand to have some repairs. His axe was fine, if a bit dulled by the fight. Although, he was considering doing something that he had been thinking about for a while. His axe was a perfectly effective weapon, and it had sentimental value to him due to the fact that it was his father's, but when it came to maximizing efficiency, he had an idea for a weapon that would serve him well in a more diverse range of situations. Also, since they were all at least in relatively good health, they would certainly be helpful in the rebuilding efforts.

"Do you know who it was that poisoned Khan?" Ssarak asked. "I suppose it makes sense that Khan would have been harmed if he was under the influence of a toxin, but it is concerning that a foe was able to deliver the poison in the first place. That would mean an agent of our enemy was in the college beforehand, and close enough to the headmaster to poison his drink. We have no reason to believe that they will not attempt a similar tactic again. It could be that Satori and other psychomancers will be able to ferret out infiltrators in the future, but it would be foolish to deny the possibility of it happening again. Whoever the college's foe is, they have demonstrated that they are indeed powerful."

[Luna]

Colette

She was shocked to say the least as well as surprised and it showed in her maroon eyes, someone was actually talking to her, let alone inviting her to come along somewhere. Her emotions ignored for the time being "I Im Colette...Colette Filiatrault..." she said unable to keep her shock to herself. She stood up brushing the grass off her new dress. She nodded "S Sure I can accompany you..." she said cursing herself for stuttering the way she did but she couldn't take it back since she did want to go and she couldn't face being left alone again...at least not for a while until her emotions were back behind her barrier as much as they could get.

'Is this my chance to make a friend...is my time of loneliness finally over.." she thought to herself many emotions going through her eyes. Fear, Shock, Surprise and then finally hope taking place in her youthful eyes that were filled with tragedy

[Lucius Cypher]

Annabeth Gulch & Colette Filiatraut

Annabeth smiled at the girl, Colette, as she began to walk away. "Well then, follow me." As the two girls walked through the college, trying to get around all the contruction, Annabeth decided to make some small talk. "So... What sort of magic do you use, Colette? I'm a Psychomancer. That's mind reading and such."
"I think I might be a decromancer or something like that during the fight, I managed to summon a small bat demon to me, I dont know how" she said looking at her hands with confusion etched on her face.

"Demonmancer huh? That's pretty cool..." Annabeth tried not to think that Colette had anything to do with the demons last night. As much as she currently distrusts demons right now, it would be wrong to put blame or suspicion on Colette just because she was a demonmancer. She seemed to be a rather new one at that. "Sounds like you need a bit more training though. Do you think you can summon a demon right now?"

"I dont know I can try but I dont make any promises" she said stopping. She closed her eyes concentrating a glow surrounding as a bat sudden appear before her flying in front of her. Her eyes opened and gasped when she saw the same bat she had summoned the night before."I...I did it...." she said still shocked at her new found ability.
Annabeth waited and watched as Colette did her magic. She was skeptical to think that she could succeed at first. She knew that Colette was a novice mage maybe last night was just an accident. Even so, a "Small Bat Demon" doesn't sound too powerful. But sure enough Colette opened a tear between the Inferno and our world, and managed to bring out a small bat demon. It was apparently familiar with her. Annabeth clapped in slight awe. "Impressive. So this little guy helped you out last night?"

"Yes he did...." she said as it flew around her head nuzling the wing that was on her head making her stiffle a giggle at it. "He distratced the enemy and I managed to get through the fight sure I was injuried for the entire night because I was caught off guard."

"Oh? Are you okay? If you're injuired, we should stop by the Infirmary afterwards and get your wounds tended to."

"Oh I am fine..I healed over the night. But what I worried about is that due to the extent of my injuries I would go into deep blood lust since I lost so much blood...luckily Lucillia was there and gave me more of that Marrow stuff incase I did go into blood lust" she said "After I healed I made this new dress since my other one was torn"
"My my, you're just full of suprises aren't you?" Annabeth said jokingly as the two girls moved on. "You know, maybe we should stop by Underhaven to get you a drink. I mean, I'm not sure if it's open right now after... All that happened... But I still need to check in for work anyways. Ah, here we are."

Annabeth and Colette stopped in front of a massive stone building. So much heat and noise was coming from it that you'd think there was a war going on inside. There was certainly enough weapons to supply an army of one-hundred thousand. Annabeth was a bit nervous to enter, seeing that everyone inside was hard at work and looked near ready to kill with the weapons they were making. but she steeled herself and walked in, carrying the broken hilt of her longsword.

Colette followed her and looked around the familar builing she was in for the second time, she allowed her bat demon to vanish. She flinched when she saw the looks of mistrust when they looked up at her and she forced herself at the ground, though she was used to such looks, it still hurt her.

Annabeth was going to walk in when she noticed Colette look down. While Annabeth didn't think ill of the girl, she could imaigne that the others at the forge might. She went over to the small girl and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry about a thing Colette. I won't let anyone hurt you just because you're a demonmancer. Come on, maybe we'll find something for you too." Annabeth offered her hand to Colette before the two would enter the forge.

Colette took her hand shocked that she did but allowed herself to take it, a small smile played on her face for the first time ever in centuries. "Thank you so much Annabeth...I cant remmeber the last time any one has ever done this for me...." she said looking at her ignoring the looks of the others in the forge.

"More people should!" Annabeth returned Colette's smile as the two entered the forge together. Inside the sound of hamming and fire overtook everything. The workers had to yell at each other over the top of their lungs just to rely a simply message, and even Annabeth had to raise her voice just to speak to Colette next to her. 'I think we need to find the Forge Master here. At least he could direct us to someone who could help." And that Forge Master was none other than Tyrael, Head overseer of the College's smithy as well as the demonmancer teacher. He seemed to be relying orders for the workers as he was churning out blades and armor at a surprising rate. His arms swung with lethal efficency but at the same time, a sense of gentleness and caring, like he wanted to make sure he wasn't merely making many weapons, but making them well.

Tyrael raised his head and noticed Colette, one of her students and a regular at Underhaven. He was curios as to why she was here, but made his own reasons. Perhaps she was here with the girl she stood next to. Maybe she wanted a weapon for herself, who's to know? "Approach. What is it that you want?" Tyrael's voice seem calm, yet stood over the sound of the forge. Annabeth was a bit initmidated, but spoke. "I-I need my sword repaired..." Tyrael looked at the remains of her weapon. Just a handle and a hilt now. Why she wanted repaired instead of replace he didn't know. He jerked his head towards a pile of other broken weapons. "Leave it there. It should be finished before sun down. How do you fair, Colette?" The demon orc quickly dismissed Annabeth as he spoke to his student.

"Um...Mister Tyrael...I think I might have discovered an ablity I might have last night turning the fight the night before" she said trying not to be itimidated by the male before her. She kept her eyes on the ground unable to look up at him.

As Annabeth went to put her weapon among the piles a bit away Tyrael spoke to his student. "So I have heard. I felt the presence of the Inferno tearing just a little while ago... I assume that was you? Hmph." Tyrael briefly returned to work before he got up and beckoned Colette to follow him. "I must say, you are quite a promising student. You have been barely under my tutorlage for for two seasons and have already summoned your first creature. Not under the best circumstances, which makes it all the more impressive. However I should warn you to refrain from summoning your demons outside of class. Tensions for demonkind is high right now, and many are on guard to slay any demon who I have not given the express premission to be here. Additionally, I fear that other demons may see your potential and will... Take advantage of it. Tell me, what weapon do you perfer?" Tyrael suddenly asked. He seemed to be holding something behind his back.

"I perfer something sharp and short like a dagger so I can hide it on me better than a regular sword, though I have little experiences with shorts and daggers" she said looking up at him, she kinda figured that since the attack last night they things would be different for a while. "But I dont get it, how was I able to summon so early, its not really common at all..." she asked confused

Tyrael took a dagger out from behind him, in a simple leather sheath. He drew the blade and showed it to Colette. "Here than. I call this weapon Azoth, the Cure to Life. More importantly, I have put an enchantment on it to banish low level demons, or at least weaken stronger ones. Use it if you find herself facing demons again, and carry it with you everywhere." As Colette took the dagger he pondered how to respond to her next question. "Despite what my course syllabus would tell you, summoning demons is a rather simply task for demonmancers. They merely need to... Will it, sort to say. What takes time to master is finding the demon you want, and being able to control them when they come." Tyrael got to Colette's eye level, which nearly required him to sit.

"Those who mistakenly beleive that they have to power to control their demons will find out how weak they are. I made that mistake the first time I summoned a demon, and because of it I am what I am now. The gods have been merciful for you to only summon a weak demon within you control. But I want to tell you right now, you still need much more training. It may be safe for you to continue summoning the demon you already are familiar with, but if you want to try for a different demon, a stronger one, come to me first. I would hate to see you be possed or die."

Tyrael stood back to his full height and walked towards the forge he was working at. "But enough of that. I am sorry to say but my time to chat is limited. I have to return to work now. Take your friend and try to enjoy the rest of your day. If you have any questions or request about your magic or demons, come find me later."

Colette blinked as she pondered at what she said holding her new weapon to her chest. She looked to Annabeth and then back at her hands that were holding the dagger. My will....did it allow me to summon just like that without much training...' she thought as she went to sit down ignoring the looks of the poeple sitting next to her. She shuddered as she remembered the words if she were to try summoning a stonger and different demon than what she was familar with "I maybe be a depressed girl...doesn't mean I want to die' she thought which disturbed her to the bone.

By the time Colette was done talking to Tyrael, Annabeth was waiting for her. She was going to greet her, but something about Colette seemed sad. Wanting to get to the bottom of it, Annabeth closed her eyes and focused her mind. She attempted to read Colette's thoughts, though it was difficult with all the other minds around. Still, she was able to pick some of what Colette was thinking. She was depressed. With this in mind, Annabeth tried to look friendly. "That's a nice dagger. Did the Forge Master give that to you? Look's sharp. Say Colette, do you want to learn how to use it? I'm pretty good with daggers myself, and I know some other people who might be interested in training with us. I mean, if we ever need to defend ourselves, you know? Would that be intersting for you?"
"Hmm I would love to learn how to use one, the one I fought with was just beginners luck but should the time come and it happens again it might not work again and I could get killed" she said nodding her head towards her new friend.

[Konan375]

Leith chuckled at Ssarak's last statement. "That they have." He thought back to the night before and suppressed a shudder when he remembered the demons coming back to life. For a moment, the battle was lost, but when they blew up, everything changed. But before the demons blew up, Leith had felt a sense of hopelessness larger than what he had felt when he was attacked by those two men five years before. Echoes of the feeling still lingered even hours after the battle was over. It was a disgusting feeling and he never wanted anything to do with it again. This will never happen again if I can help it.

The sound of metal scraping against metal brought him out of his thoughts. He was clenching his hands into fists, and the clawed fingers were scraping against the palm of his gauntlet. He also realized that his face had contorted into a grimace. When did that happen? He took a few calming breaths and relaxed.

"We just have to close the gap, then." He turned to address both Meirin and Grey. "I will have this looked at, but not right now. I think that my arm has less priority than everyone else here at the moment." He adjusted his cloak so that it would cover his gauntlet. After the night before, maybe having something demonic might make people nervous."To the forge, then?"

[Crossark]

Cynn Ellime

The words of the woman in the chair startled Cynn. It made sense that she would be brought into the infirmary if harmed, but she felt alright, albeit a bit tired. Maybe this woman, this room, even, was another hallucination; an inception-like scenario. It dawned on her that she didn't know what this "inception" was, and the fact that she had thought it up made her more certain of the idea that this could be another hallucination. Still, the girl seemed friendly enough, and Cynn did have a vague recollection of fighting a man in the dining hall. What harm could be done by engaging the woman?

Cynn looked her up and down, taking note of her odd hair color and her...less than subtle chest. In fact, she was quite beautiful, and the elf almost wanted to just stare at her a while longer, but the realization that she had been asked a question and did not know the nurse's name cut that short.

"Um..." she said after several seconds of silence. "May I have s-some...water...please... I-I'm sorry, I-I...don't know your name." Cynn blushed and looked down at her lap, avoiding looking at the girl for fear that she might ogle.

[Fallenreaper]

Noel Howle

The white haired student looked upon her. Her eyes roamed up and down, their gaze settled a little too long upon her chest, an action which her a little too self aware of its size, but out of politeness she ignored. The student had been through a lot after all and the last thing she wanted to do was worsen the stress. Her discomfort was slowly discarded when Cynn spoke, breaking her discomfort and thankfully drew her attention from the fact.

Noel relaxed when the moment of awkwardness had subsided. The white elf- she assumed by the ears- still seemed to act oddly in her opinion, making her unsure if Cynn was truly alright. Taking deliberately slow and gentle movements, Noel's hand reached for a pitcher and mug to retrieve the requested water. As she poured, her words spilled smoothly like the liquid itself. Pure and simple.

"I'm sorry. I should've introduced myself. I'm Noel Howlee. Pronounced How-lee." She ensured to exaggerated the key syllables, trying to make her last name clear as possible. Her mouth naturally opened into a o shape and tongue pressed against her teeth, making her look goofy. Once the mug was filled she passed it to Cynn then pulled her hands to rest once more in her lap when the elf had took a firm hold.

[Rtron]

Chessmaster and Mackendrick

You failed.

The words were spoken flatly. Yet Mackendrick imagined they held some accusation as the reverberated in his skull. “Well, I have very good reasons-“ He began, only to fall silent as he was cut off. You let two girls, barely with any power of their own, not only delay you long enough for the tide to turn, but also stop you from killing at least one of the diplomats. There are no, ‘very good reasons’ for your failure. “The girls didn’t stop me, who had help by the way, common sense did. And besides, I nearly killed one.” He muttered. When the demon population in the Great Hall began shrinking, and the number of master level mages began increasing, Mackendrick had decided to leave, rather than finish his objective or the girls who were fighting him. He probably could have finished what he needed to do, but likely would have died in the process of trying to escape. Survival trumps professional pride, no matter what the scenario. We don’t want to hear your excuses..

“I could probably get back into the College and kill the diplomats.” Not to mention, kill the two who had distracted him for so long. It had been a fun game, but now they were the reason for his failure, and this conversation. The presence of the voice was beginning to give him a headache. No. You lost your chance. Go meet with Legion. You’d serve a better purpose there. Abruptly, Mackendrick felt the voice leave, and with it, his headache. A small sigh of relief escaped him.

Back in their prison, Chessmaster was pacing again, their separate personalities diverging once more. “You should have killed him for his failure. “ His sister hissed. His brother snarled in agreement. “Perhaps. But pawns like that take time to create, and that’s the one thing we don’t possess. If he survives the game, and fails to redeem himself, then we will kill him. You don’t take your pieces off of the board without gaining something in return, or having replacements.” Chessmaster countered. “You’ve been staring at the board for too long.” His brother noted.

“Thousands of Centuries, to be exact.” Chessmaster said, idly. He had their head turned towards the board once more.

Althalus

The first thing Althalus became aware of when he awoke was pain. Intense pain, everywhere he had nerve endings. Which was a good thing, he supposed. That meant that even though he had indeed passed out in the medical ward, he was still alive. The fact that he was on a cushioned bed and not the hard ground meant he probably wasn’t being saved for a later lunch by a demon. Probably. The soft sounds of people going to and fro in a medical ward helped assure him that he wasn’t about to be eaten. He didn’t open his eyes or give much of a sign that he had awoken. It was much preferable to put off the real world for a while longer. Now…just what in the name of the Gods happened.. It was all just a little bit blurry. He remembered being in the medical ward when a Demon suddenly attacked.

He remembered a Snow Elf trying to help, only to throw up, and he remembered his own attempt to stop the demon. Doubtlessly, that was the direct cause of his pain. But why had he thrown himself at the demon? Suddenly, as he spent several minutes grasping at the elusive memories, it all came flooding back to him. Lyn. Mar. Xyden.

He shot up into a sitting position and immediately regretted it, cursing for a few moments. His body didn’t like him laying there. It really didn’t like him trying to sit up. “Mar?! Lyn?!”

Aramir

After being lucky enough to survive the night, and catch a glimpse of Auriel to assure herself that the elf was still alive, Aramir was tired enough to fall asleep as soon as she hit the pillow of her bed, the sleep deep enough that she didn’t have any nightmares. She awoke to the sounds of a damage College being repaired, slowly but surely. Seeing as she couldn’t really help, still weak from overusing her blood when Zaad decided to have his fun with her, she wandered. Everywhere she went, the scene was largely the same. Visitors from other nations pestering the College Teachers, people gathering the dead for burial and the wounded for treatment, people repairing what damage had been done by the demons, and some survivors simply staring off into the distance, amazed to be alive.

The College was a mess. And Aramir had a sinking feeling that this was only the beginning.

Uicle

Uicle was having a far more trying time than most. Rather than getting the worried members of the College’s guests who were just happy to be alive and wanted to know what would be done to prevent this from happening once more, he got the angry ones who wanted to lay the blame at the College. Specifically, anyone who could have done magic that could have stopped this. Couple that with organizing the Golems that were still functional to help the College staff, and dealing with those Golems that weren’t functional, destroyed or severely crippled by the Demons, his patience was low. But, to give him credit, he did try.

“I’ve told you before. The Headmaster is resting from being poisoned. The Archmage is resting as well, from saving the College from being destroyed by demons.” He repeated for perhaps the twentieth time, far more calmly than he actually felt. “Where is the Demonomancy teacher then?” The Djarkel officer demanded. He seemed to be the spokesperson for this group. “He’s busy making sure this can’t be repeated. I don’t know where he is though.”That was a small lie. Golems in the forge for repairs could easily see Tyrael working at the forge. However, this lie didn’t seem to placate the man. “Then find him!” Uicle gave up. “Fine.” Uicle summoned a metal bird. “Follow the golem. It’ll lead you to Tyrael.”

As the group left, Uicle sent a message to Tyrael, through one of the golems closest to the demonomancy teacher. “I may have sent a particularly annoying group of guests to you. Feel free to kill them. I’m sure we can pass it off as they died in last night’s attack.” As soon as he turned to get back to work, a large loose piece of stone came crashing down onto his shoulder, severely denting it. “Hah. Very funny.”