[IC] The Battle for Astrea II [Always Open]

[Bubsy 2]

Hazel's confidence was surging as Harley fumbled over his words. She was exhilarated to not be the one unable to properly form a sentence for what seemed to be the first time in a month. However this dissipated as he trailed off, talking about assassins. If Hazel was anything it was inexperienced, and she was very quick to overanalyze the situation. He's trying to change the subject. What does that mean?! Is he trying to avoid making a move? Shouldn't he try to kiss me or something? Does that mean he's not interested? Did he say he likes me to be polite? Is it because he knows I have no idea what I'm going?! He's trying to spare my feelings, isn't he? That jerk! She audibly huffed, stiffening, no longer leaning against him. "Assassins, huh..." Was all she said aloud, now looking away from him.

[Eleventhfret]

"Hey, what are you doing?" Harley asked, feeling entirely rejected as she stopped leaning on him, he then tensed up, his cheeks painted an in-your-face red, like a coppery sunset. His eyes widened as he realized how vulnerable he just made himself. He decided it best to act like it didn't even bother him, however that utterly failed, and he instead stared at the table, completely silent. His mind drifted to Amadeus, he would call this, 'An Amadeus Moment.' Something so stupid, you would only expect it from Amadeus. Harley's tail half-heartedly flickered as he spoke. "Uhh, I--I-I uhh, like, your...everything, kinda." He stuttered, not yet feeling ballsy enough to actually look at her. He quietly rubbed his arm where she'd been leaning before setting his hands on the table and twiddling his thumbs.

[Bubsy 2]

Oh geez what've I done. Hazel could instantly tell she had made another mistake as he sunk onto the table. Why do I keep messing everything up? Hazel took towards staring towards the sky, contemplating her next move. Her hands were in her lap, thumbs warring between each other. She jumped a little when he said he 'liked her everything'. "Oh... I... uh..." She was now once again the one unable to chain together words into a sentence, but she now wore a bashful smile. Her face was now also reddened, and she felt like she was so warm she felt she was about to inadvertently start a forest fire. She chuckled nervously, "So... This..." She didn't finish her sentence. She was about to make some stupid remark about not knowing what she was supposed to do in a situation like this but decided against it. Saying something like that would hardly help. Instead she chuckled again, realizing how stupid she sounded, stuttering and laughing and being completely unable to finish a sentence. She turned her face back towards Harley, hoping he'd do something.

[Eleventhfret]

Harley looked to Hazel with uncertainty until he realized, She's as nervous as me. he then gathered up every ounce of testosterone and confidence in him and scooted a bit closer to her, pulling the ol' arm on the shoulders. This was not, however, just any girl. If she thought he was creepy, or got startled, she could easily incinerate him, or the entire forest, just because Harley was all too eager to get his hands on her. On the contrary, Harley was no ordinary boy. He was fucked in the head, and not too terribly against being roasted if it was by Hazel. Plus, he always kinda wondered if he'd smell like bacon if he was cooked. He then looked to the subject of his slightly demented affection. "So, cupcake, got plans for lunch tomorrow?" He asked casually, dying from anxiety internally.

[TheWendil]

Something was off. The presence she was so interested in was gone. Snuffed out from existence...no, it wasn't that. The presence was moved. Transported...yes, that's what it was. The Black Devil's work. A flash of something crossed Marianne's gaze before she chuckled to herself.

"Mister Try Hard is certainly A.M.U.S.I.N.G. Honestly, does he believe I can't trace his magic? Ah, but no. That's too extraneous to waste effort on someone like him. My, my...."

The dark mage continued on her path with earnest, entering into Hazel's tent. Yes, it was what she expected from the Child of Omen. It needed more jars of eyes though. Humming to herself, Marianne found a seat on the bed and began the long wait for the other girl's return.

She was patient enough, and the desire to observe her new subject was exhilarating to say the least. Amadeus was just too trite but Hazel's reactions were worth experimenting over. So she sat in silence, smile on her face.

"Please don't take too long Mister Try Hard. I'll be sure to turn your head into a lantern when you die. It's the least I can do when you go around M.E.S.S.I.N.G. with my work."

Another cheery rambling to herself. Then her mind conjured up a better idea and she perched off her seat and crouched down beneath the bed. Crawling under it, she waited for the other girl to return soon.

"Hmm...Hazel, Hazel, yummy, tasty, Hazel...."

[Animus]

Isen'roy watched as Amadeus Cross abruptly join in and started talking to Ashaad. He had no issues with this except for Ashaad referring to him as one of 'his men'. He'd settle that issue with him later.

Turning back his attention to Adrian, he cracked his neck as he spoke.

"Whether or not I'm offended is irrelevant. What I find ridiculous is that even though we know next to nothing about you and that meaning we know nothing of your accomplishments, you think you can just waltz in here and casually say that you're as capable as Jade and Reiner combined AND imply that we have to listen to your strategies from now on?"

Isen'roy was not smiling. He didn't find the situation amusing at all and it didn't help he was pissed at both Adrian and Ashaad. Honestly, it wouldn't have been surprising if he blew the encampment up trying to beat them down in his rage.

"The person not taking this situation seriously is you. Like I said earlier, if you think you're capable of becoming a Jaeger... prove it."

[Crimson Lion]

"Who's that beauty?" Kazeharu said aloud. He had been walking around the encampment for a good five minutes looking for the so called 'Prodigy Child' and had caught a glimpse of what seemed like a red haired warrior leaning against a tree. "What's a beauty like her doing in a place like this?" He asked not expecting an answer.

"She's Solanne Loxone, and I suggest you don't try anything." Kazeharu turned around quickly, not sensing another person's presence. A black haired boy wearing leather armor and with a white katana on his belt stood there staring at him. "She has two younger sisters that can both flambé you alive and rip out all of your organs." The boy said with all seriously.

"And you are?" The older man said.

"The guy you requested to meet, Amadeus Cross." He said as he held out a hand, "You're Kazeharu Kajiya, right?"

Kazeharu was surprised at this, he was honestly expecting someone a little more ... Strong looking? Not a kid who looked like he had just graduated school. "Yeah that's right, but are you sure you're this Cross guy I'm 'pose to meet? You seem a little young." He asked.

Amadeus chuckled at this before walking away, motioning Kazeharu to follow him. "That's what they all say, how about we sit down and talk." He said as he began to walk towards a small table and sat down, Kazeharu doing the same at the other side. "So what did you want to talk to me about Mr. Kajiya?"

Kazeharu made a sour face. "Don't call me that, it sounds stupid. Just call me Kazeharu, or even Kaz." He stated as he opened his bag and took out two pieces of paper. He put them both on the table, one on top of the other. The top one Amadeus recognized because he himself was the one that made it. It was a flyer saying 'I'm looking for magic, enchanted, or demon weapons. Paying good money to whomever can sell me one. -Amadeus Cross'.

"Oh! That's my flyer! So does that mean your here to sell me a weapon?" Amadeus asked

"Not exactly sell, more like barter." He removed the flyer and it revealed a bounty flyer:

'Mortuum Populo, King of the Undead. A Necromancer who, for the last 20 years, has slaughtered small villages with his army of the undead and uses the corpses from said villages as new additions to his army. His location is unknown, last seen in the Water Kingdom.
-Reward: 1,000 Gold
-Must be Master Class to accept.

Amadeus looked over the bounty, "And what would you like me to do with this?" He asked, not really sure what was going on.

"Mortuum killed my whole family and village 18 years ago, I've been hunting this guy down my whole life while seeking vengeance. I figured out where his base is but there are a couple of problems. Well, three problems. That's why I need you."

Amadeus raised an eyebrow, "and those problems are?"

"1. I'm not a master rank, so even if I kill him I won't get the reward. You on the other hand are. This is the least of our problems however. 2. There's a magic barrier around Mortuums base that doesn't allow entry. However I hear that you have a weapon that can get rid of that pesky barrier right?" Kazeharu asked looking straight at Amadeus.

"It's in repair but yeah that's correct." Amadeus answered.

Kazeharu nodded at this before continuing on, "and 3. Inside the barrier, there is his huge undead army that he has been collecting. Plus a couple of Giant Zombies that he had summoned. I'm guessing you can handle those right?" He asked the younger man, a trace of doubt in his voice.

Amadeus began to think about the scenario, 20 years worth of collecting Zombies would mean a seriously large army. He doubted that he could destroy them all on his own, maybe he could get someone to go with him. Zombies are weak against fire, so maybe a fire expert like Hazel or Solanne? Or maybe an expert on the undead like Marianne? "I can probably get SOMEONE to help us out, if not then I can at least help you get to Mortuum. But either way, we can't do this until my swords repaired. And speaking of weapons." He said as he looked at Kazeharu expectantly

Kazeharu sighed and unhooked what seemed like a very long rapier from his side and set it on the table "Eclair, an enchanted sword that can control lightning." He said as he pushed the weapon towards Amadeus. "I picked it up over the last 18 years of traveling, and it's yours if you help me out." He said.

Amadeus picked up the rapier and hooked it to his belt, next to Truth. "Consider me hired." He said as he stood up. "Pride won't be completely fixed for another week or so. So in that time I want you to gather all your information on Mortuum and bring it to me." He said as he began to turn around and walk away.

'Wow so business like' Kazeharu thought as he nodded to the request. "I can do that, but can I ask you a question?"

Amadeus turned around, "Shoot."

"Well, why do you need so many magic weapons? I mean, you already have your sword that cancels magic, and I assume that the katana at your side is enchanted, so why do you need another."

Amadeus smiled at the traveling swordsman, "Because I need POWER, so much so that I can save everyone when the time comes."

"You know, you can't save EVERYONE. You're only human." Kazeharu said

Amadeus chuckled at this, "Well then I guess I should aim to become a God or a Demon then." He said as he walked of.

"What a weird kid." Kazeharu said before opening his bottle of sake. "Well, now seems like a good a time as any to get drunk."

[Against This]

It dawned on Adrian that there was a rather large case of miscommunication at play. All he had meant was that he was comparable to either Ward or Coy on an individual basis, but certainly not both combined. But his scowl only deepened when he saw that Isen'roy was far past listening to explanations. This man is going to be impossible to work with if this continues.

With a shrug of his shoulders, Adrian relented. "Very well," he replied, with a voice that echoed his exhaustion at the entire situation. With a swift motion he set down Whisper's case and unlocked it. The golden monstrosity within was one of the most powerful manmade bows the Water Kingdom could offer and boasted one of the most ridiculous designs in history. To be completely honest, Adrian was almost embarrassed to be seen with it.

"I don't have any practice arrows with me," he warned Isen'roy, although he was sure such a thing would do little to deter him.

[Bubsy 2]

Hazel stiffened as Harley placed his arm around her, seeming to almost jump a bit. She wasn't expecting him to do that, but she wasn't displeased. She was acutely aware of her reddening face and rising embarrassment. She began to worry over her hair with her hands, a nervous mannerism which she often resorted to. She was doing her best not to accidentally start a forest fire. When her emotions ran high she was prone to accidentally releasing magic, and the tiniest spark could completely ruin the mood. She did comprehend the question he asked, but it seemed that she was spending quite a bit of time tripping over her words towards the answer. "Lunch? I... uhhhh..." He called me cupcake "I... Well..." By Atros he looks so good "I mean... I don't..." She resorted to mentally lecturing herself, Come on Daphiat, you're the Child of Omen, the Bane of the Sky Kingdom, the Incinerator, one of the most powerful mages to walk Astrea, you can do this. "No, I don't have any plans tomorrow." She finally managed.

[Eleventhfret]

"Great, that's exactly what I wanted to hear. Hey, unless some monster requires slaying, I've got a day planned." Harley indeed had a day planned, however, it was very secret, and he wanted to catch up with the others soon, after all, they were his teammates. Even though Solomon sucked ass, and Ama was a bitch, he mainly wanted to go talk to Solanne. "So, wanna be getting back soon, then? Or we could hang out here and have a bit of fun? Let the fire of passion burn?" He offered casually, flashing Hazel a wink.Crap, What if she accepts but accidentally burns everything? Or burns me for suggesting? Too late, I guess. He leaned over whispering softly into her ear, deciding not to assume the worst. "Nobody has to know.." in an almost sing-song tone.

[Crimson Raven]

Kelsier had been sitting on a hill that overlooked the loud, rambunctious camp, carfully making note of the warriors gathered below. These are the 'heroes' of this age? He thought scornfully. Most of them look green enough to get themselves killed without a babysitter. One...two...three... I count a few more than a dozen that look like they can handle themselves well. As for the rest, when push comes to shove those greenhorns are going to panic and get themselves and those around them killed. He sighed and shook his head. Stones and glass houses, Kelsier. I was as green as they are once. Unwilling to go join them, Kelsier stayed up on the hill and waited. After a while He saw a duel begin to take place on one side of the camp.This could prove interesting. He thought.

[Bubsy 2]

Hazel's heart was thumping. She was indeed on the verge of burning everything, but luckily for Harley it was not intentional and she was doing her best not to. The fact that he was talking about fire and passion and burning definitely was not helping. She wasn't entirely disinterested in staying, but she didn't think she could manage to keep latent magic from letting itself out for much longer, especially if Harley kept doing what he was doing. She was starting to clam up. She was reddening rapidly, could hardly breath, and was about to burn down an entire forest. She grasped at her collar, pulling it away from her neck, "W-w-wow, it's... uhhhh... is it just me or is it like a million degrees out here?" She was now nervously chuckling again. I think I'm actually about to die, Hazel Daphiat, heir to one of the most powerful families in the Sky Kingdom, feared by all, most powerful mage ever, beautiful, smart, charming, and completely inept at dealing with people, She lamented to herself.

She knew that she was expected to answer his question. She wanted to stay, but she definitely was in no state to carry this on. "Well... I-I... I have to... uhhhh... Mari... and... uhhhh... Solanne... we were going to... ya'know... we were going to go... and... Mari wanted to show us her new... carcass." You're awful at this. She told herself. She was now nervously laughing again. [/i]Absolutely hopeless.[i]

[TheDarkTemplar]

Earlier that day...

Four horsemen surrounded Nilara as they escorted her to the coalition force camp. As they approached the necromancer couldn't help but feel disappointed at the fact that this was where she'd be staying for the foreseeable future. "This is it? I'm going to be living in a tent city?", she groaned at the thought. Sure there times when she and the old crew had to camp out but that didn't mean she enjoyed it. In fact, back then she was treated like a queen, when camping her tent was filled with various foods, wines, and some of the softest bed rolls in the sandsea. That's when it hit her, Nilara's old crew, they were all probably dead by now. "Well then...", sentimentality wasn't her strong suit and it was only when one of her escorts replied to her earlier statement did she break from her trance.

"You have been assigned special quarters"

"I don't imagine it being my own private villa", Nilara's suspicions were confirmed when they arrived at her tent. There were two guards posted at its entrance and inside were the bare basics needed. A bedroll, a low table and a chest to place her clothes.

"You will be confined to your tent when not on a mission. You will be brought your meals three times a day, and if you need to leave your tent to...you know, the guards outside will escort you to the showers and latrine"

"...you're joking"

"I'll send word for your first meal to be brought in. Is there anything else you need?"

"Yeah, can you take these damn gloves off!", Nilara was already sick of this place. First day and it's not that different from the dungeons, maybe a little brighter and better smelling but all in all she was still a prisoner and the last thing anyone should do is cage the necromancer. The guard removed the iron gloves and headed outside after reminding her once again of the guards posted by the entrance. "Shit! I didn't ask for my things back!", Nilara let out a frustration filled groan as she laid on her bedroll. The thing was itchy and it was clear she would not be enjoying her time here in the least. A few minutes passed before the same guard returned with food and her clothes. "Your sword will be given to you when you are assigned a mission", there was a moment of painful silence as Nilara considered soul draining the man. Deciding that she didn't want to fight a camp of what was supposedly filled with the best warriors in the three realms Nilara simply replied, "Listen, I get that you don't like me. In truth, I don't care if anyone here does. But for ducks sake I'm not a damn war dog only let out of its cage to fight! This camp is filled with the best fighters around so unless I was immeasurably stupid, which you probably think I am, I wouldn't try to fight my way out. Now can you please tell me where my sword is so I can go and get it myself if you don't care to get it for me!".

The guard didn't flinch, he maintained that indifferent stare he always kept up and spoke, "Your weapon is with the blacksmith for repair and modifications. You'll receive it when you are going on an assignment". Nilara had to try with all her might to not lose her temper. Before she could say another word the guard left and that's when she put her plan into action. "Thanks for the information, asshole", she thought as he stuck her head out the tent entrance. The two guard standing there were immediately put on alert and drew their swords. "Alright Alright, just taking a peak outside", pulling her head back in she stuck her hand under the back of the tent to pull out one of the stakes. Once that was done she managed to crawl out the back of the tent and began looking around the camp for the blacksmith. That's when she caught wind of what seemed to be a fight brewing. "Leech can wait, this looks interesting".

[Animus]

"Well, I wouldn't want you blaming your equipment once this is over," said Isen'roy.

The red-haired warrior stood up casually and grabbed the hilt of his blade. It was the same technique he had used on Solomon two weeks back. A quick draw technique that made use of a vaccum created by the cut to create a shock wave.

Three slashes, three shockwaves. Each of them packed considerable power and they were all heading towards Adrian. If he couldn't handle something of this level, then he wasn't worth talking about.

Adrian was slightly caught off guard by the sudden attack and squatting was proving to be the worst possible position to be in. A quick yoink brought Whisper out of its case with his quiver and a hasty incantation brought up a three barriers in front of him. It was probably overkill, but he was unsure of how powerful each one would be.

There was no time to waste with his usual snarky commentary. This fight could get out of hand very quickly. That's not to say he was overly concerned about collateral damage, but rather he wanted to keep things flowing in a predictable manner.

"Oh? Not bad," said Isen'roy who was already on the move. The shockwaves almost traded evenly with the barriers leaving only a sole barrier. Instead of wrapping around it and avoiding it, Isen'roy decided to go directly for Adrian.

Scraping the blade on the ground so the friction created heat, the blade ignited in flames. He easily cleaved through the the barrier and was headed toward's Adrian's Torso.

[Against This]

That glorified club is going to be a problem, Adrian noted to himself, already trying to think of ways to disable it. The tactician was already backstepping as the Phoenix approached his last barrier, as there was no way in hell that thin was going to hold up against him, and reached for one of his throwing knives on his belt and kept it behind his back, in an effort to keep it out of Isen'roy's sight.

"Tes aur, atro ven," he whispered, channeling light magic into the blade and giving it a very dull radiance. In that short span of time, Isen'roy had already cleared his barrier and was much to close for comfort. With a solid backwards jump, Adrian simultaneously threw the throwing blade a good meter in front of Isen'roy and averted his eyes.

The spell was no more than a cheap trick, as just about any novice mage would be capable of it, but once it came in contact with something it would burst into light for a second or so. But with any luck, it would disorient the angry red man for a moment and allo him to collect himself.

As Adrian landed, he got ready to knock an arrow into Whisper.

[Animus]

Isen'roy tch'd in annoyance as Adrian dodged backwards to avoid his blade. The tactician had immediately judged his barrier to be inadequate and reacted accordingly.

As Adrian threw the dagger in front of him, Isen'roy braced himself for an explosion type magic only to have a burst of light blind him. That tricky little... he thought. Immediately understanding the situation, Isen'roy weighed between the various options laid before him. He could attempt a blind shockwave in the general direction Adrian had leapt in, he could run around attempting to dodge attacks until his vision returned or he could... and the list went on.

All of these thought processes occurred in a fraction of a second and Isen'roy decided on his next action.

He stood perfectly still.

Using his sense of sense of sound and smell, he determined where Adrian was and adjust so the sides of his body faced him. He would adjust accordingly even if Adrian attempted to move. The reason was simple, he would remain on the defensive for the next few seconds till his vision returned. By standing sideways, he reduced the hit box available to Adrian. By minimizing the area Adrian could use to target at, he was confident he could parry the attack even without his vision.

[Crimson Lion]

Amadeus had gone to a clearing nearby to test out his new sword and was now walking back to the encampment, 'I've heard of a technique where people use lightning magic to super charge their muscles, making them stronger and faster. I wonder if I can use Eclairs natural lightning magic to do the same' he began wondering as he almost reached the encampment.

It had been a whole month since the last mission the Babette's had been sent on as a group, and he was wondering why they hadn't been sent on another. "I should ask Gregoria when the Babette's are going on another mission, or if I can at least go on a mission with the Jaegers." He said aloud smiling, "After all, I can always learn from them." He said as him eyes began to flow behind his bangs. As they glowed he began to see things naked to the human eye, he saw strange lights in the air that seemed to move in a pattern of sorts, the smallest movement of an spider spinning its web on a tree 15 meters away, the smallest sign of a snake in the grass near him that was about to lunge out at an unsuspecting mouse.

'Ethos's eyes, named after the ancient god of the moon, silver eyes that can let me see anything and everything, including the flow of magic and even the slightest muscle movement.' he thought with a bit of pride. These eyes where the whole reason he was able to become a master rank so fast. When watching his teachers, he saw everything to how they used a weapon to how they controlled the flow of magic, and he practiced and copied all of those techniques he had seen over the years to get to where he is now. And had still done it with everyone he met (including teammates) in order to integrate their fighting techniques into his own.

"I kinda feel like I'm just a copycat." he said with a sigh, “Maybe I should create my own fighting style, but that sounds to difficult.” as he finally reached the camp, seeing a crowd forming near where he had talked to Ashaad earlier

Nilara had been standing behind tent as she watched the brawl. With her head peeking around the corner she happened to notice a certain Sandsea wanderer sitting by the fire. "Shit", she thought as she pulled herself away from the fire's light hoping to have not been seen. "Perhaps I should go get Leech", Nilara began to turn away from the camp.

Amadeus saw the girl beginning to leave and approached her, "excuse me miss, do you know what's going on?"

Just as she was bout to leave Nilara bumped into someone who she had assumed to be one of the guards looking for her. Not hearing what the man had said she grabbed him by the shirt and put a hand over his mouth to stop him from calling the other guards. "I just want to get my sword. Now if you could do me a favor and shut up I'll go get it and head back to my tent, alright?"

Amadeus was dumbfounded by the older women's statement, "U-ummmm, y-yes mam!" he said unsure what was going on.

"Good", she said as she let go of his shirt. "Last thing I wanted was to summon a demon here of all places"

"A demon?!" He said suprised. "You can summon a demon?!" He asked in more of a surprise then in fear.

"First, lower your voice. I'm not trying to get the Sandman's attention. Second, of course I can don't you know who I am? No you don't otherwise you wouldn't be surprised that i could summon demons", Nilara took moment to figure out the situation. "You don't look like one of the guards, you a stable boy or somethin'?"

Amadeus sweat dropped at this 'I know I look normal but to be mistaken for a stable boy' he thought with a sigh, "Umm I'm not one of the guards, I'm one of the 42" he said scratching his cheek then looking over their shoulders to see a pair of guards searching around for something. "Well there are guards coming our way, I don't know what the situation is but I suggest you hide real quick." He said as he tried to form a sort of wall between the guards and Nilara.

"42...that number s'posed to mean something to me-shit", Nilara hushed up once she heard Amadeus mention guards. She hid behind the wall Amadeus erected until the guards had moved on, "Thanks, what's this about 42?".

Amadeus lifted an eyebrow, "Aren't you one of the 42 warriors that the three kingdoms sent. I mean, you don't seem to be a guard, cook, or stable hand." He said as he looked around just in case there was another guard around.

"Aye, I ain't no stablehand. I don't know if I'm one of those 42 though, I'm more of a special case. The higher ups here don't seem to trust me, and for good reason...you've never heard of me have ya?".

"They don't trust you?" He asked more to himself then her "There are people here who have made deals with demons, hell, there's a guy here who I think IS one" he said referring to the brief glance he saw of his teammate Harley. "But no, I don't think I've heard of you" He said as he took out and opened a small notebook labeled 42 and began flipping through the pages trying to find an entry of her to no avail.

"Really?! You never heard of me? Nilara Varentia? 'The Necromancer Queen of The Sandsea? Leader of The Cursed Ones bandit clan? Ring a bell?", Nilara felt a little offended that her reputation wasn't international but she felt even dumber for telling whoever this kid was that she was notorious bandit.

Amadeus felt a rush of déjà vu as he remembered that his first meeting with Hazel was exactly the same and how just like before he HAD actually heard of before. "Oh yeah! I've heard about you before" then a realization hit him, there was a known and notorious criminal hiding from the guards In front of him. He took a deep breath to relax, remembering that a lot of people here where also criminals in a way, "Well why are you trying to hide from the guards?" He asked as he tried to get a feel of the situation.

Nilara paused for a moment as looked over Amadeus. If he knew about her and didn't alert the guards perhaps he could be trusted. "Well as you can imagine with my colorful past most ain't likely to trust me. Specially what with me bein' a necromancer. Bastards got me locked up in my tent without so much as giving me my effects. I figured if they won't gimme my things I'd best get them myself. I was on my way to get my sword when I noticed that little brawl back there and if you don't mind I should prob'ly be gettin' my sword".

Before she could leave Amadeus stopped her, "Maybe I can help you, there's no alert so I'm guessing they haven't realized that you have didsappeared yet right? I can help you get your stuff back and then you can sneak back before anyone even notices you disappeared" he said with a small grin.

"...you're alright, uh what's your name again?", Nilara asked as she glanced around for guards.

"Amadeus Cross, I'm not as famous or powerful as the other guys here but I can pull my own."

"Well then, Amadeus Cross, let's be off then", Nilara began to leave the area of the fight but stopped before realizing something, "...which way's the smithy?".

Amadeus thought for a bit, "I think you are looking for Alice, if it's her then your weapons in trusted hands, I'll lead you towards her" he said as look around a corner to make sure there where no guards before walking. "She's not far from here." He said leading the way to Alice's workshop, I think she should be out of her tent right now because it's around lunchtime, when we get there just get in and out asap." He instructed as continued to walk through the encampment.

"Won't be long. Ya can't not notice Leech", Nilara assured as they snuck through the coalition amp. It didn't take long before she and Amadeus arrived at Alice's tent. Nilara opened the tent flap just enough to peek inside. Right away she saw Leech sitting there on top of a table. The Necromancer quietly but quickly snuck into the tent and grabbed Leech from off the table and as quickly as she entered the tent she was gone. "Alright, got 'em. Time to get back to the tent beforim missed", she said jokingly as she tried to remember her tent's location. "Ah yes, that way"

As they walked Amadeus looked over to his partner in crime, "Can I ask you somethings?"

"Rather you didn't but fine go ahead, I owe ya that much"

"Well when we met you said something about not wanting to get the 'sandmans' attention, do you and Ashaad have something against each other or something?" He asked as he saw a guard up ahead and yanked Nilara into a corner, patiently waiting until the guard walked past them.

Nilara watched as the guard left the area before speaking again, "That's twice you've saved my ass, I'm usually more alert than this." she tried to change the subject as it wasn't a pleasant topic of discussion and to reveal too much now could have things end up very badly for her and numerous others.

Amadeus nodded at the agreement with a smile, forgetting the original topic, "Well we all have an off day." He said as they continued walking to her tent. They arrived near the tent to see two guards in front of it and another talking to the two. "Shit I think that a head guard, He's probably here to check on you!" He said with worry, then an idea came to him, he turned to the other warrior, "I'm going to distract them, hurry and get back inside ASAP." He said, waiting for confirmation.

Nilara heard Amadeus' plan and quickly ran to the side of the tent making sure she couldn't be seen by the guards. "I made an entrance at the back of the tent, once I see you distracting them I'll go in the back".

Amadeus nodded and began to walked up to the three guards, "Soldiers, what are you three doing outside this tent? Is an important official here?" He asked trying to sound interested.

The head guard turned just as he was about to enter the tent. "No one important in there, sir. Just a filthy bandit in there. We've orders to have under constant watch due to her 'colorful' past. Colorful my arse, that woman's got enough blood on her hands to paint the sandsea crimson!", it was clear the guard had some strong feelings against Nilara. Either out of distrust for criminals or something more. Either way it was unknowable his reasons for hating The Necromancer.

'Don't we all have blood on our hands though?' he thought as he heard the guard's rant. "Well may I go in for a second," he said as he looked to the head guard, "I can check on her in your stead, i'm sure you have better things to do" he said as he didn't want the head guard to see Nilara with her sword back in hand.

The guard's response took a while but eventually he shrugged his shoulders as he walked away saying, "Very well, these two will be outside should you need them."

He nodded at this and watched the head guard walk away. Amadeus walked into the tent.

As soon as the head guard had left Nilara crawled into her tent from the back and placed the stake back in the ground. Once inside she slipped Leech under the chest in her tent. "Inside the chest's to obvious, don't want them to find it durin' a search". Once Leech was safely hidden away Nilara turned to Amadeus who had entered the tent shortly after her. "My thanks, Amadeus...hmm that's too long of a name. Your last name is better. As I said before, you have my thanks, Cross. Maybe when I sneak out again we can share a drink."

Amadeus chuckled at this, "My friends call me Ama, if that helps. And yeah, maybe next time we can have a drink." he said before he slightly cringed as he remembered the drink he had with the other desert dweller. "Well I guess its my time to go, I hope that I can get sent on a mission with you, you seem like a pretty cool person." he said with a smirk

"I am, unfortunately most only see the bandit and not the dashing rogue. Anyways you'd best be off before those two come in for ya. Till next time, Cross. I'll be lookin' forward to that mission", Nilara plopped down onto her bedroll and lazily waved goodbye with her face in the pillow.

Amadeus walked out of the tent and nodded to the two guards before walking away.

[Crimson Raven]

Kelsier soon lost interest in the duel, and spent the day paceing the small area he had designated as his campsite. There wasn't much there, just a tent for when it rains, a pack that contained money, blankets and a few odd tools and knick-knacks he had collected plus his sword, made up just about everything he owned. He was bored, he wanted somthing, anything to happen to give him something to do. Finaly, he sighed and muttered, "I guess I will go down to the coalition camp to see what trouble I can get into there."

Kelsier walked into the camp with a confident stride and absolutly no idea where he was headed. He just wandered aimlessly, checking out differnt spots. He soon realized he had wandered near the mess tents where food and beer were being consumed in equal amounts. Kelsier decided to get something. Just because he didn't need to eat doesn't mean he can't. If he went without sufficent food or water for awhile, insted of starving or getting dehydrated, it just felt uncomfortable, like an itch he just can't scratch. Kelsier got a hunk of bread and a flagon of water. He was walking back, going to find somewhere to sit, when he heard a very famillar voice. Kelsier scowled a truly fearsome scowl and honed in on the voice. He found the owner of it sitting at a crowded table telling a anecdote or a joke in a loud animated voice, just getting to what was, appearently the punchline. "...and so I said to her, "Thats not my pistol, sweetheart." At that, the whole table exploded with laughter, and few of the younger women lisening to him turned bright pink. The speaker stood up and gave a courtly bow. Said speaker happend to look up at just the right moment to see Kelsier watching him with a deep and forbbiding scowl. "Umm... Gentlemen if you would excuse me I need to see a man about a dog, a bullet, and a bedsheet." He said drawing more laughter. The still grinning man made his way over to Kelsier and greeted him. "Kel! I'd never thought I'd see you in a place like this its been what? Three yea--.
Kelsier punched him solidly on the nose with his right fist.
The force of the blow and the sheer surprise knocked the man on his ass, where he held his nose and moaned. "Ahh Ow, damnnit. If this is how you treat your friends, I pity your enemies." "You deserve it, Miles." Kelsier said humorlessly. "I never denied that." The man, Miles, replied cheerfully. "But you didn't have to go take it out on my nose."
"Tough, it will heal."
"It still hurts!"
"Good, maybe next time you will think before you something that stupid again." Kelsier said pointedly. "Ahhhh it hurts it hurts..." Miles complaned. "Give it up," Kelsier said "I know its healed already." Miles's grin returned in full force, "You knowit and I knowit, but the pretty serving girl over there, she don't knowit. I was a hopin' that I might bum a drink or two with some sympathy." He said, slipping into an accent. Kelsier couldn't help it, he smiled and sighed "It always has to be a joke with you." "Sometimes its a pun." Miles said deftly. That got Kelsier to chuckle and he said, as he held out his hand to help Miles up, "You, are a punny man, you. Yes, very punny." Miles took his hand and Kelsier hauled hauled him to his feet. "Now, about that bedsheet..."

[Shikaru]

Spirit calmly and quite without much care at all strolled into the camp-sight. All around him he mostly saw big brawny men in full armor, a few he recognized simply by reputation, others he regarded as brutes trying to show off. He thought to himself calmly, he looked literally nothing like any of the rest. They'd probably laugh him out of the camp, at first glance, he looked very weak and frail. Under his out-ward appearance however was strong magic, people generally learned about it the hard way. He looked around the camp, trying to pin-point anyone he recognized as Jaeger from the posters. He recognized two people dueling, about it. He shrugged, not noticing anyone else important looking, and walked over. He stood a ways from the two, watching the fight. Typical people trying to show off, he sighed and dropped cross-legged onto the ground. He wondered if they'd notice him, or simply plow over him during their fight. He wasn't too worried or much in a hurry at all either way.

[Eleventhfret]

Harley squinted, glaring at her quietly for a brief moment before nodding, and with a sudden (insert appropriate sound effect here)!!!, he teleported to Hazel's room. He got a throbbing headache shortly thereafter, incredibly surprised that he teleported exactly where he wanted to from so far away. He probably wouldn't be able to do much long-distance teleporting for a while, but his other magic was still stronger than ever. Harley's eyes widened when he realized how he was able to teleport so precisely, and he almost shouted out, but instead flashed a wink at Hazel and said, "Have fun you two." Then disappeared in a whirl of smoke, reappearing next to the other redhead, Solanne. "Hey there, how's it going Sugarlips?" He asked the woman casually with a crooked smile, tail waving slowly back and forth.