[IC] Into the Flames

[Guilty Spark]

"Yes, that I am," Alurat responded, setting his glass down on the edge of the table and looking off into the distance introspectively. "Consequently, the results are particularly potent. That's how life works, isn't it?" He asked, letting the question hang in the air for a moment before continuing. "Your capabilities are directly proportional to your efforts, which brings me to my next question." His gaze focused on where he imagined Ivan's eyes to be. "While I am competent in battle, I am not a warrior by trade, but you, Sir Rischter, are." He tapped the tattoo on his forehead. "This gives me the ability to detect presences, but only when active. So if your instincts warn you of anything untoward nearby during this quest, I would ask you to warn me so that I can ferret out anything that lies in wait for us."

[Bravest]

"A rune for detecting presences, huh.", Ivan said as he stared at the man's runic mark on his forehead. "Though I believe your rune magic would suffice, it would be my pleasure to be of use.", Ivan replied to Alurat. The skies were turning from bright blue into a radiant yellow, the adventurers have spent much time configuring and feasting. A loud roar coming from the mountain was heard throughout the fort. "I believe our creature has grown impatient and is asking to be slain.", Ivan said to his allies. "We should be able to leave now, as long as you all are ready.", he said as he left the tables, and started to head through the doors.

[MarsAdept]

Sophia smiled as she heard the roar of the beast echo down from the mountain. She could feel that fear rise from within her at the same time, the fear evoked a lust for combat and thrill of the fight to awaken in her. She stood up and proclaimed, "About time... This hunt should be fun." Sophia grabbed the last few grapes out of a bowl as she left the tables. She was happy and eager to get started. If she had stayed much longer, she might have been encouraged to keep eating. She was not really interested in being fattened up for some other creature's lunch.

[Guilty Spark]

At the sound of the roar, Alurat's eyes widened and he turned to look in the direction of the Ember Peaks. Whatever creature they faced certainly sounded ferocious, which was all the better for his purposes. Any doubts were assuaged by the confidence with which Sir Rischter faced the beast's bellow, taking charge of the party and leading the way out the doors of the fort. Grabbing a pitcher of the chilled juice he had been enjoying, Alurat followed after the warrior, pulling the hood of his cloak up once again. Looking over his shoulder, he called out to those still at the table. "You heard the beast, lets be on our way while there's still good light."

[zaga2575]

Caelyn was dining to himself, sizing up all the fellow adventurers. He had not seen a spread this generous in a very long time. So, if anyone was watching, Caelyn gorged himself. "Ah, I like yer philosomofee there Allyourrat. Just like me eatin' the more I'm puttin' in, the better me belly is feelin." Caelyn let out a roaring laugh. Except this time, it seemed to echo extra loudly. "Man, are me laughs really that loud?" Caelyn looked around the room and saw everyone's gazes focusing on the mountain. "Ah, it t'was the beastie then. Good, was about to be insecure about me laugh." Caelyn shook his head and went back to gorging. The Ivan fellow suggested it was time to leave. Caelyn snatched up some fruit and smoked meats for the journey, and picked up his axes. "Ah me two loves, Slash and Thrash." Each blade finely honed, and upon further inspection would see they were enchanted. Caelyn wasn't ready to reveal just what yet. He kissed each of them as if a child and sheathed them on his sides. "Well ladies, might we be goin?"

[HaltingBlooper]

Samuel noticed a variety of things. The roar of the creature from the mountain, which had caught his attention first, the reactions of everyone, the slightly annoying face-stuffing of the dwarf. He stood up and faced the mountain, and smiled to himself. "I suppose the creature is tired of waiting. I believe we should go before it comes to meet us!" He pulled out Emla (His weapon's name) and fixed it in the pike position. He was a bit puzzled by what exactly they would find that they could keep. That might end up being as good a reward as the reward itself.

[Pie Flavor]

Honoka stared silently at the group as she was the last person to leave. She wondered how this was all going to end up, considering the colorful companions that were going on this quest. It seemed a bit too large in her opinion, but it was better to be cautious considering the roar that echoed through the peaks. The size of that creature most be intimidating at the very least, but with this many people it should be fine considering if all went well. So with her gear she briskly walked to the group's destination being relatively quiet most of the trip there with little conversation.

[Bravest]

As Ivan headed out, the others started to follow him. Beyond the doors of the fort lie a wide area, free for anyone to roam about. Just a few minute walk away, the entrance to the abandoned mines await. Ivan started to move towards the direction of the mines, glancing back every once in a while to check if the others were still following him. After all, this was a quest no one can do alone. The sun was staring down on them, and there were no clouds to protect them from its hot embrace. The scorching heat was another thing to mind. Though the distance was quite short, it seemed longer due to the intense warmth that the bright star gave upon them. Ivan was sweating, his armor was enough to keep him warm for cold days, but not cold for times like this. He murmured a curse to the sun's heat as he finally reached the entrance to the mines. The entrance, unlike any other, had a shade due to the huge figure of Silverbeard carved just above the entrance. Silverbeard was just like the average dwarf, with his long locks and thick beard, short yet dauntless stature, but still, the figure looked like a carving dedicated to a noble. Beneath the huge carving was a wide open hole, full of rusty minecart tracks and abandoned mining gear such as pick axes and gem detectors. Ivan took a small rest. He sat on the ground covered by the shade as he took out one of bottle of ales, and started to drink it. As he sat there, he observed whatever was in the entrance of the mines. Abandoned materials, some old unrefined gems lying around, some unused carts and rust tracks. It seemed to be abandoned for a long time. The lighting system was still functioning, despite it not being used for quite a while now as he heard. "Hmm, how odd.", he said. "How could the lighting work properly, when this has been abandoned? Surely it requires a lot of maintenance and such for it to continually work." He pondered about whatever it is that was keeping the mines lit up, and what could it be contributing to that beast above. Just as he thought about the beast, another roar was heard. This time, it was louder but quick, as if it was hurt by something or someone. Ivan stood up, and glanced at the top, trying to get at least a peek on whatever was waiting for them up there. Sadly, he saw nothing but a bunch of crumbling rocks.