Not just one Hegelan city but two in a single day. Even if the Perrenchmen did not look that amused on the surface, however in his mind were all sorts of joyous thoughts roaming. What a wondrous city.
Hearing the merchant rabble in the mercantile district had no effect on him as he was at this point still admiring the infrastructure and the city as a whole. He scarcely picked up what their guide was telling them.
A bunkhouse? Perhaps they were not expecting a man of such high standing as himself because otherwise they would have had a less smelly abode, would they not?
Yvain was so absorbed with his own thoughts that he did not notice her cousin was already away, a shame. Guess I’ll be out on my own then. With that the Perrenchman set off. Looking around, he soon became rather hesitant to buy anything. What do I want?.. A smirk appeared on his face. One of his wishes finally came true and he does not know what to do or get. Perhaps it might be best to just wander around.
The boy was going through some of his notes, smiling confidently. “Martijn de Mol, can come in handy in future endeavors. Fiske Flachstrauch, current moniker.. nothing annoying with it yet. Leander Keraunos, potentially fun name although pretending to be a thunderchild was too cumbersome. Raghild Rauch, Kind of a weird experience… still surprised I was never exposed as a man. Oswald Osborne, What a fun name that was, just not fun when the church people aren’t so gullible. Reynard Danneman, potentially lucrative for later. And then we have…” The boy let out a sigh before ripping that name out of his notes. “Not like I’ll ever use this one again.” One by one he began to remove some redundant names.
The boy dipped a quill in ink and began taking notes whilst using his offhand to direct one of his knives to circle around. “Hmm, what about Isaac Lischka? A name like that would be perfect for when my current one becomes too risky to use. Maybe Gester Grappehaus?..” Fiske laughed to himself. “No, no, that sounds more like a joke name than the others.”
“Perhaps what I need are some more further reaching names. Manuel Amador doesn’t sound too horrid of a name to have. Maybe I should add something from the other side too… Osman Kocak, hah! That name might even sound normal to a Darhannic!” Then a sense of frustration hits the illusionist, sending his knife into the wall. “Belzaggic… Yasoi… No matter how great my acting is or my illusions may be… I doubt I can convincingly.. unless there might be another way. That may lead me towards more dangerous paths…” The boy looked determined. He will find a way to further his art.
Dorothea sighed heavily, letter in hand. The journey homeward was not one she particularly wished to partake in, however it is one she must. A pained expression covered the girl’s face. I am not ready for this. I don’t think I’ll ever be. The thoughts of taking a friend with her as emotional support haunt her. She truly would love nothing more than to have a friend with her yet she knew that she’d rather not involve her friends into that pit of problems.
It was still rather concerning that the place of meeting was in Wismar. Usually when Annalie kept it within her own holdings within Forchberg, was this sanctioned by the other houses or perhaps it was nothing more than a trap. The only thing the girl knew for sure was that she could not back out of this whether she wanted to or not. Her family’s reputation relied upon it.
Meeting at the Capital
Upon going through the gates of Wismar, the Kaufmanns himmel, it has been so long since she saw the city that shows both sides of the coin that is her beloved country. The city was truly opulent, showing off its wealth everywhere it could. It also showed off the ugly side, the homes filled with wealthy merchants. Rumors around the merchants have spread towards the main houses that merchants around Dami’s eye will do almost anything for a spot in the city. Selling your soul to demons like the Rednitz just for monetary gain, just thinking of it makes me sick. a weak grin covered Dorothea’s face as she realized the irony in her train of thought.
Heinrichsburg, the palace of the five seats. What a horrid place for a meeting. A sign of the victory of the five ruling houses… However, it is also a reminder of the failure of her own house. It should still be her family’s palace! It should be her palace! Walking past the halls, the walls had memorabilia of her family. Paintings of past rulers, battles fought by Heinrich the Great. It all felt like mockery, how dare they. If it were not for her forefathers the other houses would’ve been nothing more than low Kerreman nobility.
The doors were opened by the Wismarwacht as she approached the chamber of the five, however something was off, there were six seats around the large table. Not only that, only one of the six seats were filled, did the others not arrive yet? “Ah, Lady Hohnstein. It seems that you had a safe trip back to our beautiful city?” The woman in the seat stood up and bowed courteously. A warm smile covering her face. “Or would you rather be called Gräfin now?” Dorothea smiled back, somewhat annoyed by the warm welcome from a woman like her. “It has been quite a while since we met, hasn't it, Herzogin Rednitz?” The girl bowed back. “Herzogin? No, no, I am but a Gräfin this cycle. Alfred Benrath is the herzog now.” Annalie pointed towards one of the seats. “Come now, enough formalities. Sit. We have much to discuss”
Annalie cleared her throat. “My sincerest condolences, Dorothea. I was truly saddened to hear the news of the attack.” The woman put up a face filled with regret. “If my informants were allowed on your father’s lands I might have been able to save them. Now they have fallen victim to the Traveller’s radicalized bandits.” “I’m still surprised there wasn’t an attempt on the other houses.” Dory interrupted. “Ah, now that I think about it it is weird, isn’t it?.” Annalie replied. Dorothea’s expression still looked somewhat saddened but a soft spark of anger lit as she started to put the puzzle pieces together. “I do hope you won’t end up like your father, that would truly be a disgrace to such a historical great family. You show a lot more potential than that coward.” Annalie grinned. Dory gritted her teeth. “I would prefer you not talk about my father like that now that he is no longer among us.” The Rednitz woman looked somewhat surprised by the response the other gave. “Why is that? Did you really revere your father?” “It is because he believed in me, to lead the family-…” Before Dory could even finish her sentence Annalie bursted out in laughter. “You truly think your father had faith in you? The only reason you were still heir was due to your brother revoking his claim onto it.” The words of the woman stabbed deep into the girl’s heart. “What are you saying? My father always showed his utmost love towards me…” Dorothea started to slump into her seat. “Is that how you see it?” Annalie pointed right at Dory. “Then what about your tutors? No true magic tutors, no real others past etiquette, Avincian and our own mother tongue.”
Having enough of the slander Dorothea jumped up from her seat. “You have no right to talk about my family like this!” Annalie’s expression changed to an irritated stare. “Sit down, Dorothea. I do not wish for this to get messy. You can cry about how little people cared about you after we finished our talk.” Dory’s eyes stabbed into Annalie’s. “I have learned quite a bit of languages… and my magic-..” “Ah, but that is because of yourself. Not due to your shameful example of a fath-.” The Hohnstein girl began to draw. “Enough!” The Rednitz woman looked unimpressed. “Sit down, this is your final warning.” The warning was not received by the girl as within moments Flames started to appear… But before the girl could do anything further she was forced on her knees. Annalie stood up and walked towards Dorothea. No matter how much the girl tried to stand up she was kept on her knees.
Annalie Grabbed Dorothea’s chin to force her into facing her. “You’ve shown much potential, yet your obsession with your family gets in the way of achieving greatness.” Dorothea’s eyes burned with maddening anger. “You growl like a rabid hound, but in reality you are nothing more than a pup wishing to be a wolf.” How dare she? How dare she? How in the hells dare she look down on me like this? If she could use her hands she could kill her, if only she could use her hands… The expression on the woman changed to a sadistic grin. “But you will be a well behaving little one, will you not?” The look on Dorothea stayed defiant. Annalie’s face inched closer to Dorothea’s ear. “You know, I know about your little fling with the Kerreman lad. What was his name again? Ah, right… Manfred was it not?” The woman blew into her ear. “It would be a shame if you lost him as well, wouldn’t it?”
Fearful thoughts raced through Dorothea’s mind. She wouldn’t just kill a foreign noble to get her to fall in line would she?... No, no. She definitely would. A woman like this is dangerous enough that even Manfred would not be safe. The fear was enough to cause the girl to nod. “That’s a first step, I’ll bring up to greatness yet.” With that the woman walked back to her seat, letting her grasp of the girl go. “Now that that’s settled, there is something I wish to discuss with you.” Annalie paused. “Do you not hate the fact that your house is one of the major houses yet does not get to decide anything? Does the fact that these incompetent fools run the country not anger you?” Dorothea looked hesitant to speak up. “I believe that the five houses have been overall a detriment to Feska…” “Then how would you feel about the Hohnsteins, or rather you taking a seat as one of the five houses?” With that one of the seats fell to the ground. “Then what would the other houses say?...” Dorothea was still unsure to agree. “In that case… We just get rid of those as well.” The other seats fell down one by one until the two occupied seats remained. “If they refuse to accept you then I will make sure we will be all that remains.” Annalie grinned. “But does that not sound so bad, now does it? Two houses instead of five in charge? No longer cycling the title of Herzog, just the two that share the title.” The Rednitz woman opened up her arms with a warm smile. This has to be a trap. “Will the other countries not intervene with a powergrasp like this?” The girl questioned the idea the other had. “No, not really. As long as we keep the trade flowing they do not care.” Annalie stood up triumphantly. “Now, will you join me in the making of a new age of our beloved Feska?” Dorothea nodded before standing up herself. “I will be a part of the new age of our beloved Feska.” After quite a hefty discussion between the two the plan was set in motion and Dorothea returned to her home at Linthlan.
Sorrows
Walking around her home gave her mixed feelings. On one hand it is still her home, the place she grew up in… but it is also a lot more quiet than she was used to. Out of curiosity the girl explored the rooms she never truly got to enter before. The room of her father was ransacked. The effort was made to make it look somewhat presentable, however it was obvious to the girl that something happened here. The pain from seeing her father’s room turned into something more akin to boiling anger as she entered her mother’s old room. Empty, it was as empty as could be. Did she know this would’ve happened and went back to those dirty Herbeumonts?
Then her brother’s room. Floris was always the goofy type, a child that never wished for the burden of ruling. To think they could take the life of such an innocent child. After looking around she stumbled upon a letter, did he mean to send a letter out before the attack happened? Filled with curiosity she opened the letter and noticed that it was addressed to her.
Dear Sister,
If you read this I will most likely have been gone for a while. Seeing how you are, you must have been sulky in my room. Well I have something to tell you if that is the case. First, don’t look too deep into my room! It is not yours even if I may be gone! And second, please don’t be too sad. I will still be able to see the incredible things you can do even if I won’t be with you anymore.
The reins of the family will be in your hands if my fears are true. But do not fret, you have enough people to push you forward. It is okay to ask for their help from time to time, you know?
We will meet again when your time comes, although I do not hope for a reunion before you can brag about all the great things you’ve done in life.
The best brother, Floris.
Tears began to drip off the girl’s cheeks. “Floris.. You dummkopf… You should’ve said that with your voice, not with written words. I am not ready for this... Ich vermisse dich so sehr....”
❖ Dory returned home after receiving an invitation. ❖ Her together with Annalie Rednitz have begun plot to overthrow the other houses. ❖ Dory still has doubts about it, her hatred for Annalie only grew. ❖ She returned to her home and found a letter of her deceased brother.
A high noble from head to toe. Yvain values the nobilitas he was born with, however he does feel a desire to prove that he truly is worthy of said privilege, be it through his words or through his actions. When it comes to diplomatic matters he tends to use his gift to it's fullest extent to the point he might start coming over as flirtatious. He however disdains using it on people that are truly committed to their partner, feeling that it would be an unforgivable sin. Not even requests from his father, the Duc de Berbignon will be accepted on this matter.
C H A R A C T E R A P P E A R A N C E
Standing at an impressive six feet, Yvain has no qualms of his height. His Blonde hair, blue eyes and wearing the ruby that was said to be a gift of Benedict the Blessed to his son. have gotten his family to see him as the new Benedict. To subvert this however, Yvain has chosen to wear more darker colored clothing.
L A N G U A G E S
Being a product of two truly prestigious bloodlines, Yvain got nothing but the best tutors from around the lands. Giving the boy a perfect fluency in Perrench and Avincian, Revidian and Enthish were taught to the boy from a young age to prepare him for the coming political discourse he will be a part of. Out of intrigue and curiosity of the eastern people's cultures Yvain picked up Thalak, Budesrnish and Warlish so that he may send himself on diplomatic missions to these nations.
T H E G I F T
Blueblood, Rosebud
❖ Kinetic - Journeyman
❖ Arcane - Adept
❖ Atomic - Adept
As a person of high standing in both class and capacity, Yvain's usage of magic is as sophisticated as he is. Having mastery of the telekinesis element of Kinetic magic to the point he uses it in his way of life without much thought. These points however is not to say that he would not enjoy abusing his power from time to time just to prove a point, getting quite the kicks from seeing his opponent's face as he forces them to the ground with the use of gravity
He prefers not to use Atomic and Arcane as much as he likes using Kinetic, feeling he still is too clumsy with both schools. But when he is pushed to use either of two he could not care less what kind of collateral his magic could cause, you could say that the gloves will be off, figuratively.
B A C K G R O U N D
Being the child of Duc Jacques de Berbignon and Margaret de Perrence-Beauneux gave the boy quite a lot of privileges growing up. Always getting the best tutors for Language, sword fighting, etiquette and magic among others. He got all that was needed for the heir of a great ducal house. His relationship with his siblings have been quite strained ever since he could remember, being the golden child distanced him from them. Soon enough being proclaimed as heir apparent during his younger years when it was clear that the others would not grow as far as him.
Ever since then Yvain has had to deal with a pit of vipers, trying to use his naivety for their own personal gain. In truth the boy had a mixed feeling about these vile people, at first there was disdain. Feeling pure disgust for the minor nobility wishing to use a child for borrowed prestige. And then there grew another feeling in his later youth, pity.
Yvain has always envied the main branch as no matter how worthy they truly are for the position, they will inherit the throne while he will never be looked at as a successor. This envy has caused him to have quite the dislike for Arcel de Perrence, whom he deems to as sorely to meek to lead Perrence.
Coming to Ersand'Enise has been a refreshing time for Yvain, having been away from the viper's pit back home gave him plenty time to think.
M O T I V A T I O N
The young lad came to Ersand'Enise to mingle with the high society of other nations, building up his personal influence past his family's so that one day he might be chosen the rightful adviser of the Perrench crown. Although his family wished for him to marry a woman from the Herbeumont family, the candidate however was too meek for his standards. Ersand'Enise is a prime opportunity for him in this sense.
The main fear of Yvain is of ending up as a puppet instead of the puppeteer. The feeling in the back of his head that eats away at him is the fact his family would have the gall to use him as a tool to further their ends. He is the useful one, he should be the one to profit the most.
Another person he would love to find is a worthwhile rival to match his skill in dueling, giving him further drive to better his skills.
I N V E N T O R Y
Vailant Noir: A shield made from the scales of the Gehenna from the times of the Eskandr invasion of his home.
Cufflinks with the crest of the Berbignon imbued on them.
S T R E N G T H S & S K I L L S
❖ Know-how around courts
A given for a noble of his caliber. Yvain has been taught how to deal with courts ever since he can remember, giving him the gift of feeling natural in a court of nobles.
❖ Trustworthy
Yvain is not a man that will easily back down from his words and if made a friend will be a very loyal companion towards those he trusts.
❖ Great Fencer/Duelist
The Perrenchman has loved sword fighting ever since a young age, taking it up as a hobby and being quite known for his swordsmanship in the Perrench courts.
❖ Great memory
Yvain has a great memory, he will not forget a favor he gave someone even well past a few years time. His ability to remember faces upon a single instance is something he has found to be quite useful within the ambitious viper's pit he usually resides in.
W E A K N E S S E S & F L A W S
❖ Might makes Right
Yvain is a believer of the philosophy that the strong should lead and the weak should follow. This believe set is somewhat twisted in the sense that he feels only the nobility deserves to be strong, causing him to have disdain for any strong commoners.
❖ cruel
Although he is not the sort to truly get violent if listened to. However, if he is pushed over the edge he will show no concern for the pain he might inflict on the target of his anger.
❖ Stubborn
Some may come to find it difficult to change his perspective on things once Yvain has made up his mind on a subject
❖ Petty
Although he is a man nurtured around the ideas of fairness he can not help himself from being rather petty from time to time.
M I S C E L L A N E O U S
❖ He has a soft spot for cute animals
❖ He has a pet dog named Perceval
❖ He secretly has an incredible intrigue for regions outside of Constantia. He will however never admit to it.
The merchant boy strolled around the noble district, somewhat uneasy during the evening of Velles the twenty-third. Was it really okay for him to just stroll around here? Perhaps he could come over as noble if he tried hard enough.. and if he was going to find one of the more pesky nobles he could always make a run for it.
After looking around the district for a while he stumbled upon a rather eventful dorm. Fiske decided to cloak himself before looking into one of the windows. Laughter, food, booze. Ah, it looks like a delight to be a part of it The boy thought to himself. oh, how he’d love to be a part of it. A while after taking in the party, a smile formed on the boy. “It seems that this party is not fit for an artist like me, but let me reward you for this entertaining view.” Fiske grabbed one of his small purses and left it in front of the door, knocking on the door and swiftly leaving the area.
Once in a safe enough distance he peered and saw a woman pick up the purse before going back inside. Content, the boy clasped his hands together. “Thank you, Alise.” Once out of the Noble district he laughed. “I wonder if Ipte will look favorably on me now.” He happily skipped towards the swirl. “I also wonder if Alise is free, combining my art with hers is quite the challenge.” And with that, he went in.
Dorothea’s feelings were quite turbulent. Anger, fear, sadness… guilt. Everything about that day was wrong. Not only did she fail to keep her mind on the mission, she also yelled at people she shouldn’t have and Manfred… Manfred… if not for Vedil, would’ve died.. However the price… the thought of it was enough to truly terrify her. No matter what she tried to do to keep those thoughts at bay, nothing helped, even her books weren’t enough to calm her.
The feeling of her body moving outside of her own control, the magic coming from her… terrifying magic she does not know coming from her fingertips. The feeling she felt when She beat those things… even if it wasn’t her own doing… it felt invigorating. ‘Was that my doing? Was that me?..’
“Well, if I don’t have much left. I guess I’ll have to make my life worth something before..” She gulped. “..I’m gone..” A warm feeling came over her as she realized that at the very least she could use her life to help someone that deserves it more.
Looking through her mail. “A suitor’s letter, another one, another… Oh, this one is transparent about it. No Heinrich, my family isn’t interested in an alliance with your house.” Then a letter with not just one familial seal on it… but one of the combined houses... “Are the Benrath organizing a party, having every other house’s blessing? Maybe the Rheinsburg thought it would be important enough that every other house would put the national seal on it?.. ”
Tears dripped off the girl’s cheek as she read the letter. “You’re kidding, right?... Me?.. This must be a prank letter, haha! Annalie can be a bit of a prankster!” Dorothea’s laughter did not last long, being replaced by silence. Placing the letter on the table, taking a seat and resting her head onto her arms all that could escape her mouth was a soft: “Why?..”
“Imbeciel, Dummkopf, Fjols!” Fiske was rather annoyed with himself, walking in circles. To think he’d be that brave… or rather idiotic enough to try and jump into almost certain death! “Perhaps I’ve gone mad. What in the world made me want to help those bastards out? They could’ve died for all I care!” The kid pulled on his hair. “Am I growing soft?...”
Remembering the feeling of Martina and Moli drawing was enough to make him feel sickness to a similar degree. The fear of knowing both of them could have turned him into a past-tense made him tremble once more. “Martina…. If that is your real name… I will have to thank you for being so merciful…”
The boy smirked. “And I still have to cash in for that dance.”
Dory was feeding her pet Schluckodil, Mrac. "You're growing quite well. You'll be big and strong soon!" It was truly hard not to spoil such a cute one like him, but she has tried to not make the young Schluck too spoiled.
After feeding Mrac, Dory grabbed her new favorite book and sat down. "Let's read some more of your adventures, mister Laughing knight." She carefully opened up the book once more. Reading and filling in the blanks for hours and as the book concluded, a bright smile was plastered on the Feskan's face.
"He's so cool! I wish I could be as strong as him. So confident and daring. In a fight he laughs, while I tear up in one." Just like a star-struck child, Dory got hit with the real world quite hard. "I won't ever be like him though" The girl grew more frustrated. "No matter how much I practice. No matter how much I learn. No matter how much I try! I will never be able to beat strong people."
Envy hit the girl hard. Envy towards her own younger brother. Envy towards her Friends. Envy towards even people she barely knew. “If I had their power, people would look at me. If I had their power, people would respect me. If I had their power! I could make the common man’s life-.” For a second she paused, thinking about the encounter with the man whose glasses she took. Saunders and those ruffians. Anger filled her mind. “Scum like them don’t deserve a better life!” A picture of the Revidian that helped her seemed to calm her down. “Gianni. I still need to reward him… If only I ruled, I could lift up that boy’s status. People like that show true nobilitas.”
As the woman ranted and vented to herself she remembered a certain encounter. The words rang through her mind. ‘So, if you were to regain your position in Feska, Dorothea Hohnstein, would you rule fairly and justly?’ “Of course I would! Who is she to doubt me? The gall of her when the only thing as to why she can talk like that is her strength… That’s right, strength… All I need is to be strong… There has to be a way to get stronger than what is decided at birth…”
Before the first match started the Feskan couldn’t help but get her curiosity piqued upon seeing a path by the cliffs, thinking it might show her something interesting. the path itself was narrow and treacherous. She nearly slips and falls into the churning waters. “Verdammt! What a terrible idea this was…” After a while the trail branches, spotting a nest of some sort and going towards it. The nest is massive and she recognizes it as looking like similar but much smaller creatures' from back home. Dory realized that it belonged to a Perrench Thresher, grabbing one egg before waiting and finding her balance back.
Soon enough greed takes hold of the woman as she wished for more, trying to make it off with three of the eggs. In doing so she began to lose her footing and slips, losing one egg and barely avoided falling down the cliff. The woman looked at her dirtied dress and couldn’t help but yell out from the humiliation of it.
Around the fields of Eskand the Feskan met a friend in Rina, offering to help her goal of selling her cider recipe by funding it and sending some of her family’s Spratz supply over. After a nice discussion Rina accepted the offer in exchange for the cider's recipe along with some of the brandaeble that were ripe for the picking. The only condition the Feskan added was that the girl has to write to her in the coming days, becoming pen pals.
Huulendam was always a nation she wished to visit. Being told that the main family was quite a big deal here… but why is it just more wetlands! She came to the school to see more, not more of the same! The woman could scream if she were alone, sadly Desmond was with her for the time being. Dory’s expression was nothing short of showing peak annoyance. After seeing some ruined buildings she let out a sigh of relief, finally something that could be interesting!
An old fort was in her vision and she just knew she couldn’t leave it be, a need to explore it. Dory traces the unstable walls of the ruins, intrigued by what happened here to leave it in such a state. Then she realized it, a tower that was still somewhat intact. Getting to the tower required quite a bit of effort as she wasn’t exactly equipped to get around too well. She found a shelf with what appeared to be a few old books, many dusty and withered with age.
After searching through the withered books she ended up finding a children's book. The title sparks joy in the young Drudgunzean’s heart. The Tale of the Laughing Knight. A lot of pages were missing, however quite a bit were still quite well visible. One page that really piqued her interest was one where the Laughing knight showed a Blonde woman the error of her ways, reading the older script with the best of her ability. “The Bitch Knight raged at him, slamming her sword into the ground in what looked to be some sort of tantrum.… This is a Children’s book?” Reading further a bit as it was quite excited. “ The knight bowed low and said. ‘Welcome to the show, milady!’ he taunted the other, ‘you're the main attraction!’...” The Feskan couldn’t help but snort at the entertaining mannerisms of the Laughing Knight, truly a treasure worth keeping.
After returning back a bit she stumbled upon a shed that muffled a buzzing sound, the sound was rather off-putting but after her previous find she couldn’t help but go inside. Dory found inside nothing short of a horror, an insect-infected interior. Flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches ... All of them just crawled about and avoided the door she opened. There was nothing to feed on, yet many congregated here. She could see a table with something hidden under a cloth. As she made her way towards the table she realized that the insects did not get close to her… nor did they toward what was under that cloth. Now she had to know what it was, unveiling the cloth. When she unveiled it, a soft little tune begins to play right before the object can be revealed. That tune had ALL the little critters inside begin to crawl and fly in a singular, organized pattern around it, forming a black halo of insects. What Dory found was none-other than a music box.
During the finals Dory just wished to spend some time with Ayla and Maura for a while, going along with them as they wished to go over the wall, saying how great the view was. As they ascended they began to hear the echoes of a hum, coming right from that person. The closer they got, the more the light from the moons revealed a woman in a black cloak, wearing a dark witch-hat, not as big as Maura's, with metal bands stitched together that began to glow. Maura's own hat, already glowing, flashed brighter as if it resonated with it. Seeing it in action the Feskan could barely speak, her eyes glued to the woman's head before blurting out "What craftsmanship—"
The addition of a flute to the little melody had the mysterious figure begin to sway her being left and right whilst a small, black feline emerged from under her cloak. It mowed and then chirped to the beat, giving the newcomers a stare, but the woman did not react beyond this light movement. 'Oh, a kitty!' Was all that went on in Dory's head after it appeared. She tried to make eye contact with it and gain its trust with slow blinks. A warm smile appeared upon her face as Maura gave her some jerky to feed to the cat. The cat trotted toward them and nuzzled the jerky before taking a bite off Maura's. After chewing a bit, it then takes some from Dory before turning its head toward Maura again. The woman's humming stopped, and she smiled over at the lot right before the cat lunged toward Maura, or rather her hat. The moment its paw touched it, both it and the hat vanished and the humming came from on top of the nearest tower on the wall.
Seeing Maura panic over the loss of her hat reminded her of herself and her cloak. "Was that hat important to you?..." Then as they were starting to enter pursuit and hinder her humming… the witch sang, The very voice of her made the three feel very vulnerable at first, but then an air of tranquility comes with the new song as the Witch stares at them with a toothy grin and Maura's hat waved with her hand over her head.
The sudden determined musician Ayla caused quite a bit of shock in Dory, were they really challenging her? Well, not like she’ll be able to do much. Even so the Feskan tried her hardest, utilizing every bit of knowledge she had to make a variety of colors from one point, herself. Dory's feet began to tap the ground and within moments she was dancing to the music her friends were making. The woman retaliated with her own song and dance and after quite the battle the woman disappeared, leaving the feline behind. Dory again couldn’t help but try to pet it. The cat meowed and hopped off the ledge. It rubbed itself around her hand and then her ankle before meowing up expectantly with its tail perked up, as if demanding something. Maybe it is hungry again. Dory took the leftover jerky and showed it to the cat. "Want more of this?... or... this?" She used her other hand to softly pet the cat. The cat began to lick the jerky and nibbled away. And then, looking content, it trotted over to the tower and squeezed into the entrance. It then continuously calls out as if it wants the attention. Dory walked along with the cat, until it reached the door. Opening the door and following it further. Inside, Dory found the cat on a small, neatly tied package just waiting to be unwrapped. It sat there. Then, it noticed Dory. "Meow." it cutely mewls before unleashing an unnaturally loud, lion-level roar before vanishing into nothing, much like the Witch herself. The package remained, with only a light, dark stain left on it.
After being stunned from the incredibly loud roar, Dory was left with a nice package. She grabbed the strain and put it in her pocket. Then there was this package and Dory couldn't contain her excitement, opening it slowly so as to not rip anything from the packaging. Then suddenly a wave of cold blasts through Dory, as if she had opened a door in the middle of a snowstorm. She feels it strongly in her right arm in particular. And then she doesn't really feel anything on it, like she lost the sense of touch. This fades, somewhat, except for what is on her forearm. A mark - a white one - was left upon it the shape of a tulip that eventually fades. But Dory can still feel it. After collecting her cool again she found a nice looking broach.
As the match had ended Dory returned to the Betting hall that she left storming a couple days ago, she had to repay Manny for his gift after all. Having encountered a well dressed man that told her that there might be secret, exclusive items on sale. This however was nothing but a filthy lie as a group of four men converge into the one-way alley and walk up to the duo, "That'a one of 'em students, Saunder?" the glasses man nods, one hand in his pocket and the other gesturing at Dory, "All yours. Fresh from the academy of twerps and rich kids." the head of this gang of four pulls out what seems to be a metal pipe, "Good." they all have weapons, one has a shitty knife and the other a wooden club, "This is for our families that eat shit why you sit comfortably on your asses with no punishment." says the better-spoken club-wielding lanky lad. To think someone would misuse her trust like this.. “This is for our families that eat shit why you sit comfortably on your asses with no punishment." Our families?... What did he mean with that? She felt trapped, feeling a lump build up in her throat. "No punishment? But I haven't even done anything to hurt someone." Dory looked somewhat annoyed. Did other students screw these guys over? Why does she have to deal with this mess? Dory puts her hand behind her, close enough to touch the man if he tried anything. "I would stop drawing if I were you, sir. I do not wish for this to go bad for either of us." Her hand tensed up, ready to strike the man with her own magic.
"Ohhh, I'm very afraid." Saunders nods with his sarcasm as evident as Eshiran's lust for battle. Dory can feel it - Saunders has a higher RAS than her by what he's drawing, although not by a considerable amount. The assault doesn't end. She can barely see straight from all the blows received, ready to fall any second. And then she feels herself getting kicked in the gut by another in the gang, forcing her on her knees. Finally, the knife wielder slowly approaches, and attempts to mangle her eye. She manages to headbutt the back of his hand, however, "Ahhh! Bitch!" now he's mad, and Dory isn't in great shape. He grabs her hair and prepares his knife to take her eye.
As she began to accept the fact she was just going to be another victim, a commoner boy that seemed to be helping her? Why would he even want to help someone like her? Dory had a moment of respite, as all eyes were on the boy. She still felt weak. She never was a strong mage, or at least she thought. At this very moment, she could feel the mark on her arm writhe and throb. Like it was beckoning her She cried out at Gianni. "Kid, you should've left me. I don't want others to get hurt for my mistake..." Slowly standing up. her breath getting rather cold.
The kid was getting beat up because she couldn’t handle some plebeians by herself. As her vision began to somewhat return to her she could see one of the men lunge at her… and as if it came naturally she tapped against his skin and drained him of his energy… it felt good.. So damned good. Her euphoria came to an end as another man attacked her, luckily managing to avoid it. Another of the men began to get rather annoyed. "Fuuuck. Saunders, the deal's still not done!" he growled. With that Saunders moved in to attack the Feskan’s blind spot.. within moments his hand was stuck in ice. It wasn’t the strongest and thickest but it got the job done. He flinched, but then ripped it out with a strong swing of his arm, "Little tart. You are not supposed to be this potent." he glares at her.
The expression of Dory was quite something.. or rather her lack of expression. She used her arcane like she never used before, the mark leading her path in ice. No words escaped her mouth as she was trying to make a club out of ice to hit Saunders with. Using his kinetic magic, he dragged one of the assailants and used him as a meat shield! "C'mon! You wanted a student! Where's the effort?! You guys really thought you could just get a student without a good plan?!" Saunders opens his arms in a big shrug, the last remaining man didn’t reply and grunted in annoyance.
Dory had never truly been in a battle between two mages before but her mind was still filled with the pleasure of using this new coldness. Saunders’s frustration with the situation grew and grew, hurling metallic objects up to throw at the woman but before any of it happened he could feel his hands getting colder and colder and before he could think of something else, was coated in frost. Breaking free wasn’t too much of an issue for him but did only exhaust him further. He was pissed, to think a child was embarrassing him so, throwing a great blast of Arcane flames which were only countered by an ice wall. Most of the flames were doused by it, but the hot steam scales Dory's arms. Saunders breathing began to get heavy, "Just another pompous little bitch! I ought to put you in your place, since these lesser men can't do SHIT!"
There was not a single word from the woman as her expressionless face was now nothing but a gaze filled with murderous intent. Saunders was preparing for another ice attack. Both his hands conjured advanced fireballs, ready to chip into Dory's defenses and rake in a win. At worst, he would use the lackey on the side. But then, nothing happened. No cold, nothing. Until he feels it. It is too late. He falls to his knees, hands against his temples as he succumbs to the chemically-induced agony prompted by Dorothea. "G-g-go to Essshiiiirannn!" His mouth foams and he screeches briefly before the saliva muffles his cries. He falls over, nearly dead from shock.
The woman grinned rather evilly, there was still a man standing. A small club of ice was conjured and hit the man in the back of the head, knocking the last man out. After a second of recollection she looked at the man who helped her out. Whew ..." he looks over at Dory, "That was close." "You should've ran, why did you help me?" The girl looked confused at the man, keeping her arm hidden as it throbbed. "Don't need a reason to do the right thing." he answers, hand on his flank as it definitely hurt from the beating, "Wouldn't be my first fight, so it's fine." he spitefully kicks the knife-guy on the ground, "Merda." he sighs and then checks out Saunders, "This guy's always been trouble. Seems to look just fine without glasses but always wears them. Weird, don't you think?" "Need that checked out? I'm not a binder but I'm sure I can numb the pain a bit." Dorothea looked rather concerned. Gianni shakes his head, "I'm fine. You're looking worse." "I'm okay, I can keep myself going for a while if I have to.." Saunders, barely conscious, tries to reach for his glasses, "Hnnnggg." Dorothea looked down at the man, stepping on his hand while a grin appeared on her face. Oh, how easily she could take this powerful man’s life. Would it feel good to drain all the heat out of his body?
As Saunders succumbed to unconsciousness once again Dory picked up his glasses and put them in her pocket. "A small payment." She looked at the man "You may do with them as you please. Ah, may I have your name?" "Gianni Bruni, you?" the boy replied. "Dorothea Hohnstein, I'll remember that name. Next time we meet, I'll have a reward ready.... Or you can ask for me at the school." Gianni gestures in denial, "No, please, I don't want a reward." he claims, "It was the right thing to do. One student did the same for me today. So I thought if I did that too ..." he rubs his abdomen and winces a little, "Well, I'm sure you'll see the world a bit differently now. I hope, anyway." "I will give you a reward whether you want to or not. Good deeds should be rewarded after all..." Dory looked stern enough to get the message through. "I would be rather sad if I did not reward my savior." Gianni chuckles, only to cough afterwards, "Ahhhh," he spits to his right, "Fine, fine. You really should get out of the Quarter before more of these groups show up." he warns, offering his hand to Dory, "Be careful. More and more are sharing their sentiments."
“Then let’s work to change their sentiment to something better.” With that the Feskan grabbed the man’s hand and was let out of the Quarter by the Revidian.
Diamondscale Thresher egg.
Drudgunzean Gold Thresher egg.
Rina as a contact (500 Magus expense for long term investment.).
cinnamon-brandaeble cider recipe.
The Tale of the Laughing Knight. A book with many illustrations of the famous Laughing Knight, and the story of his eventual fall. Many pages are missing, however a few renditions remain somewhat intact. One looks eerily familiar.
Lord of the Mosquitoes: a musical box that emits a sound that draws all mosquitoes and many biting insects within a hundred yard bubble.
The Mark of Clairmont: An advanced Blood Magic Curse that increases drawing and containment inefficiency, but in turn amplifies cold-based Arcane abilities. The cursed will feel easily cold in areas that aren't explicitly hotter than average.
Clairmont’s Cracked Broach: Increases Arcane-based cold attacks casting power by 3% and illusionary power by 3%. This was a Broach that was once commonly used to represent certain families during famous Garden Parties in Relouse.
A high-quality pair of glasses, runically imbued: allows one to see in ultraviolet and infrared, as well as true yellow. They focus light and allow for night vision.!