Conscripts

Avalia

Time: Morning
Location: River
Interactions: Rowan @GingerBobOh
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

"Rough." Barrock replied plainly to the mention of Rowan's participation in the dark elf war. It was the most sympathy he didn't think he'd be giving out to a random stranger, but being one himself, albeit not really participating for any righteous fervor, he knew firsthand life at the other end of a spearpoint. But it was somewhat undercut by him just forgetting Barrock's name just after he just announced it.

"Barrock." He gritted his teeth to conceal his annoyance, but left a very curt response to it.

Rowan proceeded to retreat further into the clearing after offering Barrock an opportunity to join his 'warm-up'. The orc's eyebrows perked. Warm-up huh? Was he just offered an opportunity to fight? A reasonable justification? With natural vigour giving rise inside him, Barrock looked at where Rowan had left him. Grabbing the blade near him along with his belongings, the Orc followed the footsteps. The clunky footsteps catching up with the light elf matched his growing skepticism that slowly caught up with his hotheaded desire for combat. The elf wasn't offering a spar, was he?

Seeing the elf practicing alone, that seemed quite likely.

God damn it...

Now that he showed up, he could not simply chicken out now.

Barrock kept a bit of composure as he dropped his belongings on the ground with the same energy as a little girl trying hard not to sit on the flower she loved. He did get a bit of calm back after grabbing hold of his blade though. It would simply be a training session, that's all, just with this guy here to watch.

The Orc's form was one of might, but at the same time exuberating a great degree of calm and self-control. The long hilted, long bladed sword often came close to a mighty swing that would have sliced through any weak material in its way, but it would stop and switch directions with great agility. Often, as he was yet to get used to having a partner-of-training. Normally he would be a lot more precise.

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

Steffen Gravinir

---

Steffen, let the others decide amongst themselves which tails to chase next. Having a very limited number of leads made the decision quite obvious for everyone. Cae Mayl this time. Once again a boring ride, but if he could stand the boredom of paperwork, this was nothing but an opportunity to practice a little bit of melody. He had no flute here, but his lips would suffice to create the delicate air dance in the form of a Veltian folk song. His whistling was no louder than any hooves clomping on the trampled roads, but was enough to keep some knights company for the journey.

Cae Mayl appeared around the same time they were at the fort the day before. A breathtaking scenic that gave him no surprise this was chosen as the first shrine to Mayon. The water seemed completely still, a pretty mirror for the goddesses to take good look at themselves, if they needed that vanity. Supposedly, it was deeper than anticipated, but it was the more magical nature of this place that got the message through to Steffen more than the water depth.

With the information that the shrine appeared untainted from Tyaethe, he would be reassured that there wouldn't be anything yet, not at least until the knights were fully disembarked. It still wasn't clear to what degree the Boar's presence here were like. Had they already left, finishing whatever nefarious task they were up to here already without touching a finger on the shrine? Or had they not even arrived yet? Are they around here somewhere, intentionally? That last question bugged him the time he was at the fort, and it would bug him again now.

Seeing Dame Serenity took off with Lein to search for any tracks out of the shrine, the watchdog duty had to be taken up by someone.

"Sir Gerard, Sir Nicomede, if you two don't mind." Steffen raised his hand to attract the two knights. "Let's keep watch on the treelines. Form a patrol to check if there's any Boars there." He figured the knights had enough hands checking the shrine as is.

@Krayzikk@HereComesTheSnow

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Late Morning
Location: Sorian Beach
Interactions: Charlotte @princess
Mentions:

---

"Good morning, Lady Charlotte." John returned the hug with his non-smoothied hand, as well as her smile with one of his own, small but with hints of excitement. "Yeah, perfect timing too. Caught up on my sleep and ahead of work schedules, so today is just good old do nothing day for me. Nothing but hunting for free food that is."

The same thing was the case the other day as well, but he and Charlotte all knew that didn't go so well.

Taking one subtle glance back at the group Charlotte arose from, John gave a shrug, lightening up his uptightness with a chuckle. "Sorry you seemed to be having an engaging conversation, so I didn't want to interject." Knowing his history with the Vikenas, both of them, he wanted this little interaction to be less serious than he normally is. "Anyway, you look good today. Do you go here often?"

Taking a sip of the smoothie in his hand, he gestured to Charlotte about his new-found snack. "You want some? I can get you one as well."

The Lion's Banner: A Fire Emblem-Inspired Anime Fantasy RP

Irian Sinewell

---

These organization names all sounded foreign to Irian, but the young lord was willing to shed lights on the individuals they were dealing with. In simple straightforward terms, they're trash, and they're here to take them out. Seemed like there were people like this in every kingdom and culture though. He did remember a couple of cases back in his settlements, thankfully most of them were just loose groups of low lives instead of an organized group like this.

In any cases, the plan was to get rid of their mounts and wipe them out. Simple enough, Irian did not think much of it other than to prepare. He did hear about the acid as a measure against armored opponents, but decided to opt out of, as his magic infusion were sufficient to pierce through most conventional armors he expects to face. It was also safer, considering acid is easy to hit yourself if not careful.

What he did hear though is the griffin rider's requests, and the horse recipe. Horse meats? That's a new to him. He held back the temptation to criticize it for now, since he had certain respects for nature's bravest and most humble animal, trying to let curiosity take the lead first.

"Is that for us or for Mr. Griffin there?" Irian came up next to Roger. "Never had horse meat before. You guys have it often?"

@Crimson Paladin

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Late Morning
Location: Sorian Beach
Interactions: Charlotte @princess
Mentions: Olivia @Potter, Lorenzo @FunnyGuy, Farim @Lava Alckon

---

The Ends of the Eromora

The journey north took almost a full day by train, and another few hours by snowmobile, and what John was greeted with wasn't a village of wonder and curiosity that sparked many cute fairy tales across the age, but instead silence - an eerie deafening silence. Right there, at the ends of a continent, a silent village sat there suffering from its accursed fate.

But by all means, it was nothing out of the ordinary for an event this calibre. Despite glowing reports from the governor there that the plague had already been contained, fear probably had yet to release its tight grip on its inhabitants. And it would continue so for at least a while longer after he would be gone.

The snow mobile slowly appeared inbetween the frozen treelines, two individuals stood in anticipation: Baron and Baroness Salovey of this tiny speck of land called Omyakon. Their governance was barely a footnote in Varian history, as the place was so remote no one wanted anything to do with the place. But today, they would be put under the spotlight by the Varian Institute, having an outbreak on their hands. Both spouses were shaking, not from cold, but anticipation.

"I don't trust that woman anymore, honey. Look at her, she's itching to snitch us out to the Institute." Baroness Salovey, a stern middle-aged woman, her curly black hair normally requiring high-maintenance cowered behind her large coat and hat, as she glanced back and forth between her bald husband and a blonde lady much younger than her standing at the distance.

"It does not matter how she looks." The Baron didn't even bother looking back at either, instead looking at the incoming snowmobile, that soon parked over at an empty snowfield, its driver and passengers disembarking. "This is their new guy. All new guys follow the books to bootlick their higher ups. Just follow my lead, give him what he wants and we'll be fine."

The driver with the snow goggle was accompanied by two gentlemen, one in military uniform and one wearing plain but sharp overcoat. It was not hard to identify who is who.

When John neared the two nobles, they both gave the doctor a simultaneous bow.

"Doctor Williamson. Omyakon is honored by your arrival." The Baron said.

"Deeply, deeply honored." The Baroness trailed behind.

"I understand the Institution is having a lot of questions regarding the situation, but be assured that we had everything under control..." The Baron continued, his voice monotonous. "Here is our full report...as well as all the individuals to be held accountable."

He handed John a few sheets of paper. The list of name was not important, John skimmed over the report worth lives over. And just like the previous report, it was shoddily written. Grammatical error and spelling error notwithstanding, they seem to lack the knowledge of what is a good report in general. The Barons wouldn't know it from looks alone, but John grew aware the moment they listed the only cause first in the report and then present evidence towards it. Especially combined with the list of responsible individuals, or as John would like to call it, lambs to the slaughterhouse. From his experience sticking around with Mina, it seemed awfully like they were interested in blaming someone.

"No."

A female voice spoke up from neither behind John nor in front of him. Stares of delirium were immediately sent that way.

"These men and women were not the ones responsible. I can attest on their behalf."

John raised his chin in curiosity, but the two nobles immediately intercepted her.

"Doctor Hania, I see you are continuing to spread information that goes against the best interests of Omyakon." The Baron sneered.

"It's not for or against anyone's best interests if it's a fact."

"Doctor Williamson, please forgive her uncouth manner. She lives and often works in solitude, so she can get a little cuckoo sometimes." The Baroness smiled, but John simply met the pretentiousness with a raised eyebrow. She turned back to the newcomer, seemingly confident in what she would say next. "Explain it to us, Doctor Hania. How is it that this plague is caused by magic?"

His eyebrows shot up even more. Magic. That's even more outlandish than the report said.

"That is not what I said."

"Oh it is exactly what you said, darling."

"I said it is influenced by a magical source, not that it was definitely caused by it."

"Oh? Then explain it to us, to Doctor Williamson here." The Baroness's voice churned. "How is it influenced by a magical source?"

The blonde girl suddenly found herself without words to say, especially as her peer, a man with much more power than her, one who with a stroke of a pen could easily ruin her life, was standing right there with his arms crossed. She grasped her coat with an arm, trying to avoid direct eye contact with John.

"I-I'm not ready to explain it at this time."

"As I presumed, there is no answer." The Baron responded, full of self-satisfaction.

"It's disgraceful, really. To think you are a doctor we entrust our lives to..."

John, having observed all three of them, were not really amused. He trusted none of these individuals, but from the brief conversation they had, there is a social dynamic going on here. Both the Barons were talking down to Hania, and addressed her as Doctor, meaning there might not be nobility going on with her. And by having the figurative 'victory' there, those Barons may be able to claim their bogus 'respiratory disease with necrosis and nosebleed' some authority and legitimacy, especially to Hamilton and Louis here, both of whom he did not expect to be aware of such technical knowledge. No, the authority to dictate the investigation should lie with him and him alone.

"If magic is not involved...then," John cleared his throat before speaking. "how do you explain necrosis and respiratory disease in the same sentence? Excuse my ignorance but I have never heard of a respiratory disease that causes your skin to die like that."

It was a bit of a lie. He could think of a few conditions, but they didn't know that. Neither might Hania...

"Honey, how is that the case?"

Works like a charm...

"I'm not sure myself. It could be a new disease..."

"You said it's a common regional disease though. You didn't read the report?"

"No no no Doctor Williamson, I have read the report. Ma-maybe you can talk to the doctors who wrote this instead of me?"

Holes had been poked, his authority had been secured. Now it is time to see who was the one speaking the truth.

"Very well, arrange a meeting with all doctors in this village. I want to hear everyone's perspective." Including this weird doctor here too.

Both Barons looked at each other, their nerves clearly been touched wrongly, but had to concede.

"It will be done, Doctor."

John remembered the ball a few days ago, he confessed being a fashionably boring person, wearing pretty much the same clothes everywhere until the day he is put into the ground. He wasn't kidding. With the exception of the coat, which John opted out due to the uninterruptible sun at its zenith, he looked quite similar to previous day's appearances. How this man, especially one who had lived in the cold north was able to withstand such heat in such stuffy clothes, science would have a field day. But one thing was for sure, it did not seem like he was interested in the water.

Having caught up with his sleep schedules, it was the first time John felt energized. He could finally embark on his lifelong mission: free breakfast. And today, the beach offered them. Its alluring aroma did not break him out of his composure, but it sure attracted him from stall to stall, enjoying a teensy bit of everything before moving onto the next, and then finally settling in with a large refreshment of strawberry-banana smoothie.

"Ah, good stuff. Good stuff." With a kid-like grin, he began trailing the shorelines but never really going close to the water. It was then that he noticed more familiar faces around here: Charlotte and Lorenzo. They were in the middle of a conversation with another woman and a man he thought was familiar. One of the Alidasht nobles? A pretty interesting one judging from his mannerism, and her visible discomfort. Noting that, John simply stood at a reasonable distance, waiting for Charlotte to notice a familiar face. It shouldn't take too long considering how out of place he looked.

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

Steffen Gravinir

---

It took a little while to go through everybody, but aside from that Boar member in disguise, every bodies in the barrack appeared to just be normal soldiers, no sign of the shards nor any additional Boar insignia.

"There's nothing else." Said Steffen as he returned to Fanilly, Amy and the mercenary lad. "Feel free to double check, however. A black shard is easy to miss."

@VitaVitaAR@6slyboy6

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

Steffen Gravinir

---

His chest tightened again, but after the first time, Steffen navigated the bloody carnage more unperturbed. Starting with the bed nearest to the door, a soldier who didn't seem to have much of a struggle, a single stab wound visible, he flipped their body over, his clothed hand trailed the back of their neck. Nothing, just an innocent dead. One to hope they did not suffer long before departing.

Steffen laid the body back down on the bed gently without a sound, turning to the next victim. A group of them, definitely had a worse fate than the last, laid on one another in a pile, with the two top ones with cuts and bruises that had blackened to the hours. The bottom one did not possess the engravings of the Boars, but instead a bloody sword in his still firm grip. He must have died for the protection of others, a valiant death that deserved the salute Steffen made. However, the same could not be said for the other victim.

Holding the collar down, it was gold, not the color of blood nor the pale skin; the borders followed a familiar man-made path. It's a Golden Boar member.

Immediately, Steffen grabbed hold of this soldier one-handed by the neck, lifted him out of the pile and dropped him to the floor rather impetuously in the middle of the barracks.

"Here's one. I'll check the others, can someone look at him?"

@VitaVitaAR

The Lion's Banner: A Fire Emblem-Inspired Anime Fantasy RP

Irian Sinewell

---

Finally. Fucking finally. The Lions entertained, and now the host provided this weird doll that surprisingly had a more useful and benign purpose than expected. Was it worth all those battle for, his lingering annoyance still made it quite hard to decide.

But whatever, results are in and it was basically a tiresome test with extra marks and they succeeded. Irian was just waiting for orders for the final home stretch, but he remembered that even though no one died or was injured, there was still Lirrah who was still sobbing back there, even after the terror of battle had subsided. No, it was actually this time of the battle that trauma would settle in - The quietness, when there are no longer the sounds of clashing steel to distract oneself from confronting with what just happened.

Quietly, Irian slinged the bow behind his back before heading back out, the same opposite direction the Nem had guided him. He did tell her that everything would be alright, the best he could do was follow up with it.

"Lirrah." The elf waved at the pink-haired merchant as he emerged from the room with a huff, but when neared raised both palms up. "Everything is alright. She's gone." Seeing Kayliss's nudge to Cadmon regarding Lirrah made him recall the countless scrutiny he had under some uptight boss. It took a lot of thickening up to get used to it. "Let us get out of here, shall we?"

@Octo@Psyker Landshark@The Otter

Blades of Iron Roses: An Anime-Inspired Knight RP

Steffen Gravinir

---

A dangerous mythical shard causing an uncontained burst of psychosis was not the last thing Steffen expected to hear, but it was still an interesting explanation. It was darn criminal though that the shard could just fall into the fort's hand and caused such a horrific disaster. Still, there were way more questions left unanswered. The mercenaries told them that their employers arranged them here - in this fort. Were the fort captain or some Thaln soldier the employer? Wolf Father forbid that ever to happen, lest they uncover an entire anthill of corruption as the shard should have been returned to the church's possession, not to this random group of 'who knows what' allegiances.

It seemed like they managed to bargain some cooperation though, work should begin to move thankfully. One step at a time: the shard first, and then the Boars.

"Well, if you want the shard found, let's get going, shall we?" Steffen exchanged a quick glance over at Amy, whose outburst had garnered a bit of derision from Sir Renar, and mostly ignored by the rest. Tough to say he had a point, but Steffen couldn't blame sentimentality, especially for one unfamiliar to horrors. Not to let the words dwell on for too long, the Ingvarr handed her a piece of cloth that the mercs had handed to the knights for the shard recovery.

"The barrack will need an extra searching hand." He stated plainly to the churchwoman, not letting his opinion on the matter materialize.

The door to the barrack was stuck and creaky, but a 'gentle' nudge freed it from its dormant state. And before him laid more bodies. It would take a while.

@6slyboy6

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

John & Roman & ◆◆◆◆◆ "△△△" ◆◆◆◆◆◆

---

((Previous Day Collab))

△△△ kept waving in Luz’s direction as Sir Barrios pushed her wheelchair until both figures were swallowed by the crowd. He turned his attention back to where the two other Varians were and approached them. “We meet again, Grand Healer,” △△△ nodded to Dr. Williamson, then to the blacksmith lord, “Lord Ravenwood.”

“Apologies if I am interrupting your mysterious secret conversation, but I was hoping you’d be willing to indulge me with a discussion about a certain mysterious secret party.”

Movement to the corner of his eye alerted Roman to the new presence seemingly wanting to join in on their conversation. “Count Fritz '' he spoke, giving the man a nod of acknowledgement. “Not so much a secret conversation, just discussing the pros and cons of possibly bringing these fried treats and popcorn to the northern territories. We don't know if they would be addictive or possibly some kind of health hazard.” his smile still didn't fade and he sounded just as genuine as he always was around others, “So what is this talk of a secret party?” his voice lowered again.

△△△ sighed and shook his head, “The world couldn’t be crueler… Why do things that are bad for you taste oh so good? It makes no sense.” He smiled and continued as if they were still talking about food. “Why, the secret party that you attended last night, Lord Ravenwood. I heard it was wild! …But also a little concerning since everyone who attended seemed to have mysteriously lost their memories.” He glanced at Dr. Williamson for a moment. “Lady Vikena, Lord Smithwood, and I decided to investigate the matter.”

John raised his eyebrows ”Oh yeah I’ve heard of that. It’s a nightmare for us yesterday.” He shot a glance over at Roman at the mention of Lord Smithwood. Given the almost certainty of magic being used, and their identities unknown, he couldn’t help but be a little worried. Especially when it comes to these two characters, they probably weren’t aware what they were getting into. ”Oh, are yall? What have you uncovered?”

“Not much so far. That’s why I wanted to ask you about the party, Lord Ravenwood.” He paused for a moment, considering how he should phrase the next part in case the lord was not privy to the possibility. “And ask if you have considered my suspicions, Dr. Williamson.”

Listening carefully as he decided on how to respond to the question, this was the first person that personally approached him with just that question in mind. “Last night? Hmm well I've made some inquiries into the event as well. For whatever reason I was not affected as badly as some of the others." That statement was true as he glanced in the direction that Zarai left. “I still don't remember anything aside from who was with us when we left and waking up with a slight headache.”

It was, as △△△ expected, the same testimony repeated by a different person. “As it seems to be more or less the case for the others as well. Which worries me more… My primary concern is what could’ve been done to the attendees during the party. Anything could’ve happened and no one is none the wiser because no one remembers anything.”

Not only considered, but basically confirmed. But the Count didn’t know that. ”I will put that into consideration, yes. But there hasn’t been any evidence beyond speculation, and not a lot of evidence period. If there’s any in favor of your ideas, we would love to hear it.” He shrugged his shoulders and laid his palms bare, as a casual gesture, but one socially-savvy person could tell he was subtly probing the Count if he was willing to give out more information.

A knowing smile slowly appeared across △△△’s face as he stared at Dr. Williamson. Even if the doctor had stumbled upon compelling evidence, he would not disclose it to him so easily. In his role as the esteemed royal physician, Dr. Williamson was duty-bound to safeguard the well-being of the royal family and her subjects. It was inconceivable that he would have neglected to explore the potential influence of magic when the slightest possibility of its presence emerged. The consequences of disregarding it were far too great to be ignored. “You sound like an intelligencer when you say it like that.”

After carefully observing the reactions of the men, he continued. “As you say, I have no evidence, just speculations and rumors. So I am sorry to say that I will be of no use to you, Dr. Williamson.” △△△’s eyes wandered in the direction Luz and her knight went. “However, I am desperate. And I am willing to investigate less reliable leads if I must.” His focus returned to the other two. “I don’t mind if it is mere conjecture, what do you gentlemen think transpired?”

Staying quiet for a moment to let the two talk, He pondered how to go about this conversation without revealing too much information but still giving this man a tail to chase. “Well go over some of the more well known information, we were all royals or nobles from the three kingdoms, i haven't heard of anyone losing jewelry or money, most of us came out of the night rather unharmed.” he glanced at the direction the zarai had disappeared. “Most of us… no missing organs or anyone mis-shapen in any way. What could we all have that could benefit someone?”

He shifted his stance and straightened his back with a sigh, “but I do press caution for you Leo and charlotte. If this person or persons would use something that affected the nobility and royalty from multiple kingdoms in such a way, then it's not too much of a stretch to come to the conclusion that they might harm or kill anyone looking into it…” his brow furrowed for a moment at his words, Fritz could very well be putting the others in danger thus making his job harder. “So again be careful who you talk to and what questions you ask. You could inadvertently get them hurt as well.”

Guilt and sadness for a loss yet to come gripped △△△. “It may already be too late for that.” He whispered as he closed his eyes.

△△△ took in a deep breath. He noted how both men were avoiding directly answering his questions, which led him to consider the possibility that either they were withholding information or that they were involved in the investigation in some capacity. “Lady Lesdeman believes that the party attendees were drugged. Were you able to find anything in their system to support this possibility?”

”There’s a lot of alcohol in their system, that’s for sure.” John crossed his arms, giving his thoughts a second scan before actually command his vocal chord to materialize them. He really did not want to give the Count information here, but giving him less would just alert him even more, hearing how he thought John was more of a spy than doctor. It’s pretty clear he had to give him something. And his quick thoughts provided him that something.

”But within the alcohol we also find something rather…troublesome. It’s a substance called bihydrat hydroxyd.” With a completely straight face, John explained the situation. ”The substance is, and I hope you will be discreet with this information, used in anesthesia. It is also a component of acid rain and pesticide used by farmers. Now, it isn’t inherently toxic, and since everyone seems to be fine the day after, it’s likely not poisonous. But keep an eye out for any dangerous symptoms.” The doctor looked at Roman with slight efforted reassurance, but his tone otherwise was eloquent before turning back to Fritz. ”To answer your question, yes, if they were drugged, using alcohol with added substance would be a good vector of attack, seeing how it is odorless and colorless, so blends in really well with drinks. However, as much as we have used them in our medical field, none of our patients have experienced memory loss, so there are still unanswered questions.”

△△△’s eyes grew wide and his mouth became slightly agape, unable to find the right words to articulate his emotions. Bihydrat hydroxyd. Bi. Hydrat. Hydroxyd. His body began to tremble, starting with a barely noticeable quiver that grew into uncontrollable shakes. Until, finally, △△△ erupted into laughter. “Oh, Doctor! I’d be greatly concerned if they didn’t have a drop of bihydrat hydroxyd in them!” Pausing momentarily to catch his breath, he playfully added, “Would you please be so kind as to fetch me a cup of water? I’m starting to feel rather parched.”

”Ah.” John tapped the side of his head once. It didn’t fool him. Usually that would have worked. ”Sure, have some.” He grabbed a bottle from his pocket, containing water he saved from Sadie’s party. Whether or not that came off as genuine or an elaborate ploy was up to Fritz, he was just glad that the Count saw through the ruse. Now he knew what to expect.

Wiping away the tears that had gathered at the corners of his eyes, △△△ inquired, sparing Lord Ravenwood the briefest of glances. “So, Agent… or Agents, who issued the directive to conceal the involvement of magic in this affair—His or Her Majesty, or V.R.I.S.?” ... A mysterious third party?

”Hmm, who do you think did so, Count ‘Hendrix’?” John asked the mysterious noble. ”You know, since you asked me quite a lot despite being quite aware of the transpiring situation.”

“Much less than you suspect, unfortunately. I wasn’t lying when I said I didn’t have evidence.” △△△ gave Dr. Williamson’s first question careful thought. “Based on past dealings, I wouldn’t be surprised if either gave the order.” As Crosswinds Tradings merchants, his family had the privilege of working with both parties, supplying them with an extensive range of ingredients, materials, and items sourced from far and wide—some of which possessed extraordinary properties by Northern Kingdom standards.

Again roman stayed quiet as the two talked, the count saying something under his breath and the Dr. making a joke of some kind related to a chemical he didn't quite pick up on. Apparently the punch line was for water or some other beverage he wasn't sure. He knew chemicals when it came to certain subjects like acid etching and the right components to mix for certain creations. Nevertheless it did not seem like the count was being swayed to the notion that the two of them didn't know anything more.

“I'm not sure what you mean by agent, I am a craftsman and the head of my family's craftsman and trading guild.” Roman wasn't sure what that third party was but only let bewilderment escape his facial features. “Magic is a dangerous thing, to both one's life and political standing. I Would tread carefully with your next words, Count Fritz Hendrix.” his voice changed slightly to a subtle accusatory tone.

“To start a rumor that the Crown was aware of the use of magic on its nobles on foreign soil and did not do anything about it while telling everyone that knew to keep it quiet… could very easily be misinterpreted as treason.” his voice didn't shift or quiver and his body language didn't change either. The people of the northern Varian territories were known to be very loyal to the crown to the point that many thought of them as zealots. Taking any perceived question or rumor as a possible threat to them. Most of those rumors held true.

The difference in the responses between the two Varians revealed a lot. The reaction to △△△’s audacious assertions, regardless of their veracity, told him even more.

Appearing unflappable or innocently oblivious to Lord Ravenwood’s warning, the count clasped his hands together. “Excellent! Does this mean you will rectify my terrible misunderstanding by sharing more of what you know?” Though the question was directed at the lord there was an unspoken invitation to the doctor to do the same, whether in front of the other Varian or in private, if need be.

John sighed; Fritz really is persistent. Roman’s response seemed to only push his buttons even further. The doctor exchanged a glance towards the northern blacksmith, tilting his head as a silent gesture to let him take the lead, and also for permission.

John was no Varian northsman of utmost loyalty, nor was he a Caesonian of grandeur. He was born into both, combined with a unique but cruelly attained perspective that really defined him as neither. He was John Harling Williamson, a scientist, epidemiologist, a healer and protector of people.

”I’ll let you in…you know what, let me tell you a story instead.” John began. ”There are a number of villages in the north, those that suffered a devastating plague not long ago. The biggest one: Alestal. It was a horrific time, entire families wiped out, generations dented with trauma.” He kept calm in his speech, but then reached into his chest pocket for a small fountain pen, covered in milk white paint and golden engravings, handing it to Fritz with gentle care.

”I was there in its darkest hours, as their salvation, and eventually I delivered it to them.” He said, without any hint of pride or sense of accomplishment, rather pity and anger. ”But I did not do any of that. She did.”

Visible on the side of the pen was a word engraved, a name: Hania.

”A local doctor from Alestal. Initially we found ourselves at odds, but in time, we considered each other partners…even friends.” A smile appeared on his face again, overriding a monument of melancholy. But soon, that smile disappeared as painful memories resurfaced. ”She’s the one who figured out the cause of the plague, the thing that so-called ‘men like you’ are so fascinated by, and fought it with itself.”

“Yes, she is a witch, and she saved that village. But.” John gave Count Fritz Hendrix an austere look, and what could be considered a desperate final warning. ”The village knew of her identity, and there was no going back. I will spare the details, but she had become so immaterial to this world that it would be difficult to even know if she ever lived at all. And that is a good ending compared to what could have been.”

John took a long deep breath, before finally relaxed, knowing he had just revealed quite a bit more than desired. But the truth was still there, and he shuddered to think of the possibility of those who failed to see it. ”How much of that was the decree of the king and queen, do you think? How much of that was the V.R.I.S deciding what is forbidden?”

Roman scoffed and stepped back folding his arms. He didn't like that he had to play the fool with political intrigue but he still had to hold some of his cards. He looked like he was going to say something when the doctor began to speak with his own warning. As he started, Roman looked towards the others for a moment then back at the count. He knew this story, there were several mysterious illnesses spreading among tight nit villages at the time. He was sent to maintain the quarantine with his men and persuade any against trying to escape or trying to get in. He did not envy John for what he and the other doctors had to do and see there.

△△△ traced the intricate engraving etched onto the surface. A hero whose name would never grace the pages of any history book. His hands cradled the priceless pen, drawing it closer to his chest, while his eyes closed in an effort to carve the name into his own memory. Dr. Hania of Alestal, Savior of Krasivaya. Each letter possessed a weighty significance, an untold tale of valor and sacrifice.

With a sense of reverence, △△△ extended his hand, offering the memento back to Dr. Williamson. “Thank you for telling me about Dr. Hania. I am honored to be one of the few to know her accomplishments. She deserved better… I am sorry you had to carry such a burden, John. It must’ve been a heavy load to bear.”

Rather than answering the doctor’s question, △△△ recounted him with the abridged version of another tale. “Within this very nation, there was a noble house that vanished inexplicably from the face of Eromora. On a day like any other day, the small town they lived in had been reduced to rubble and the denizens were found as a pile of burnt bodies—some dismembered, one tied to a stake. Such a horrific incident should’ve warranted some kind of record, but instead, every trace of their existence has been systematically eradicated. No book or official document has their name, no map shows the town, and no painting depicts their image. They were being expunged, in every sense of the word. All that remains of them now is a blighted land where the town once stood, vague recollections from those who knew of the place before it was cursed, and people too scared to reveal the truth for fear of losing something precious to them. What is unsettling… is that this isn’t an isolated event.”

The story came to an abrupt end as the previously gentle and easygoing countenance vanished, and a striking sternness that he had concealed until that moment, dominated his demeanor. “Your warnings have not fallen on deaf ears, and I assure you I do not take what either of you have told me lightly. I appreciate the concern both of you have shown me. However, I’m well aware of what happens to people entangled in magic or who pose a threat to those of considerable influence.”

The count placed his hand over his chest and nodded in gratitude. “Thank you, for telling me as much as you could despite… regulations. I apologize if I have ruffled your feathers, gentlemen. But this party… may be part of something far more nefarious.”

John knew that, it wasn’t a surprising conclusion, but what he was surprised and glad about was that he managed to get the Count to open up. Soon, the hostile countenance began to subside to a more compassionate and gentle responding bow in return.

“I lack evidence of any sort,” he stressed, “however… Let’s say, hypothetically, you’ve been keeping track of the number of attendants each Varian guest brought along, and you are aware that I brought three with me from Erwynn. If any of them or I were to disappear…” He stared directly at Lord Ravenwood, “You’ll know that your fears were correct.” △△△ leaned in so that both could hear him whisper, “And that Black Rose may be involved.”

”If you insist on getting involved then, Count Hendrix. ” John replied. ”I will not stop you, but I hope you handle Leo and Charlotte well. The Lord for obvious reasons, but Charlotte…she’s a good girl. I don’t want the abyss to look at her in any shape or form.” Knowing the two of them, with their own separate wounds to heal from, and a concerning level of determination to any tasks, they may end up in serious trouble.

“I cannot promise that no harm will come to them.” Especially if something larger lurked in the shadows. “What I can promise is that I will be there for them so that they don’t have to face the abyss alone.” The three Varians exchanged a wordless pause until Dr. Williamson finally spoke, breaking the silence.

”And also, you can’t drop the name Black Rose like that and not give us any context.”

“I can’t?” △△△ shrugged in an exaggerated manner. “Well then, I suppose I have no choice.” His fingers beckoned the men to come closer.