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Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Solomon Sparrow & Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

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This was not at all what Athena expected to happen. She agreed with Jazdia when she also stepped in to help wrangle the shopping spree girls. And when Erwin escalated after the once Goodenough was on his way, She also spoke up with Jazdia. It wasn’t really worth the hassle. Athena didn’t like the man, she wasn’t disagreeing with Erwin on that, but they already had another mission to take care of. The closest town was Fanghorn, and though they had guards on hand, their resources were still limited.

Then Erwin made good on his threat. The gunshot hit true, the fluttering of several birds filling the void of silence after the thunderous boom deafened those near. Athena’s ears flattened as she flinched from the explosive echo. Jazdia’s appeal to put the gun down ignored.

“Erwin!” she shouted before the merchant started to change. She stood watching as the thing grew larger and grosser as tentacles sprouted from almost every part of his form. She raised her shield, and lowered herself more defensively. She gripped her spear tightly with her other hand, the point aimed towards the monstrosity’s direction. She took a couple steps forward, keeper her eye on the monster, more so on his lance. Unfortuneately, the creature moved before she could and struck Erwin’s torso, sending him flying back. Athena quickly dashed from where she was to stand in between formerly Goodenough and Erwin. She took a quick look back to see that Solomon had somehow already reached the man, making sure he was okay. Confirming that Erwin was alive, Athena returned to looking down the nautical horror.

Solomon had been watching the peddler leave, and then Erwin taking a shot. Bad decision by the looks of it. The darkening of the merchant’s shadow and the shadowy aura of the earlier pulse had a true source. He wasn’t just a man who had learned magic, this was a being that was truly capable of harnessing it. A being Solomon had once encountered so many years ago. One that supplied him the power to go down his current path.

As Erwin landed on the ground, Solomon rose from a black shadowy mass near by to make sure he was okay. The hit he took was surprising soft in appearance, appearing to only have pushed him back than attempted to pierce. Either way, he was conscious, and Solomon’s attention wasn’t truly needed. Solomon stood up from his position on the ground, helping Erwin stand as well.

“Come on up, you’re okay.” said Solomon. Despite being decrepit in his own right, Solomon was able to be stable and study enough to help Erwin up, “ Have you ever been taught to pick you battle, young man?”

Athena stayed where she was. Even though the entity visibly backed down, calming even, Athena kept her guard up. Her stand made it clear she was being defensive as opposed to hostile. She didn’t know what Goodenough turned into, but she didn’t want to risk the creature turning aggressive again and landing another blow against those around her.

“Please keep back.” shouted Athena to those very people. While that included most of the women, it was directly more towards Louise who approached the tentacled entity. Athena’s fingers slowly raised and lowered onto her spear, making sure her grip was solid. She didn’t know what was going to happen next, but she still felt uneasy about the elevated situation. One thing was for sure, the party wasn’t going to get much rest for the duration of the night.

Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Solomon Sparrow & Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

---

Solomon hummed softly at what Jazdia said. A binding spell of some sort. One that relied on darkened magic. That alone gave creed to the bearded Goodenough’s ability to take care of himself. Even to help take care of others. Then there were the cages. Solomon wasn’t sure of the specifics of the merchant’s wares, but from the ornate weaponry to the jewelry, the cages felt very out of place.

“Unless his trade is luxuries. Would you believe he catches exotic animals?” said Solomon in jest. He continued watching the others as Erwin walked past the doctor and elf, and then again with a stack of papers, “but more likely something less than ethical, let alone legal. Perhaps we should be grateful the cages are empty. But should they not be in our presence, I guess we’ll cross that bridge once we get to it.”

Vaguely aware of the commentary behind her, Athena kept her attention to Erwin. The thought of papers had occurred to her, but after the reveal of the magical properties of the items it felt unlikely the merchant would be associated with any of the trade guilds. Having papers on the items made sense, until Lily said something, she assumed they were ordinary items.

When Erwin returned with his own identification, Athena reached out in an attempt to stop him, only muttering out a few sounds, but was too late as Erwin began reading out the book. Athena felt it was a bad idea to share this information. For one, it was unnecessary to compete with the merchant. Second, this envoy was meant to be secret. If news that the King’s relatives were a part of the caravan, it might tip off whatever force that had been blocking Rascade’s previous attempts.

Athena lowered arm back down, resting it around the spear she had leaned up against her shoulder. What’s done is done. Gripping the spear firmly in her hand once again. Athena straightened up. There was something about the man’s smile she didn’t like. Then again, she just didn’t like the man, so she couldn’t justify to herself anything about why. She just felt increasingly uneasy. If the man was prepared with papers, why did he go through the hassle with Erwin to reveal them?

“Erwin, perhaps we’d wrap this up soon. We’ve wasted too much time, and we still need to rest.”

Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

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Athena closed her eyes as she sighed, “fine. Then in an effort to rest, lets keep the noise down. From both sides. Louise, I believe you were going to finance this transaction? You should monitor them before they send you to the poor house.” Athena visibly relaxed, but she remained wary of the merchant. Whatever that thing was with his shadow, or shadowy aura. It didn’t sit right with her. Even if that was he means of protecting himself as he traveled alone.

She took a step out of the way so that if any of the others wanted to talk with the peddler, they could without her interference. Already she could see that the doctor and Erwin were looking over. And Yvonne had already come and gone. At this point, Athena would not be surprised if the others had been awoken and eventually come over. She supposed that the merchant got his wish then. He was able to interest, or at least make himself known to most of the camp. If this was the extent of Goodenough’s clamor, then Athena was going to leave it alone. However, she planned to still keep watch through the rest of the early morning until their next departure.

Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Solomon Sparrow & Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

---

For a while, Athena sort of watched while still keeping her guard up. She half smiled when the twins kept heckling the man and his wares. She leaned on one leg, in some amusement. Athena couldn’t be sure what the bears’ abilities were but it looked as though one of them could sense magical attributes. She touched the jewelry one by one with her large claws. The other kept the man confined to the side of his wagon. Now having such odd hours of operation made sense. Magical items, contraband under normal circumstances. And the merchant himself, well he seemed capable in his own right. The moment the twins started to get to the merchant, Athena felt a chill up her spine.

With a small display in power, something about the man felt off. The girls had backed off a little, and the air around the merchant felt dark. A pulse. Of what, Athena couldn’t tell. It seemed to have come from the man, appearing darker somehow. This is how the man was able to travel alone without fear for his wares. The twins started apologizing, and Louise offered to take on any costs. These seemed to calm the late night peddler as he started pricing the items Lily had pointed out. Athena didn’t say anything on the pet comment, instead letting Louise handle that front. Instead, she straightened her posture. Whatever just happened, Athena did not like.

It would be a lie to say that the properties of the bearded merchant’s wares didn’t peak her interest. One one hand, the man’s chosen merchandise made sense for him to work late, travel alone, and seek other travelers of such. Anyone with any authority to act against him would be within the borders of most town or cities by now. On the other hand, the power he displayed, and the shadiness of his actions were still bothersome. It was late, and even if circumstances required it, still didn’t help her outlook of the situation.

“You should hurry with your dealing, Lily, Rose.” said Athena. She walked closer to the group to better see what the girls were messing with. And if need by she could stand in between the merchant and the twins. “Once they’re finished here, it would be best if you were on your way.” Athena said seriously. She still didn’t like the merchant, and pushed to hurry the interaction. The less time the man lingered, the better.

Solomon found himself standing next to Jazdia still at the camp. Solomon felt the pulse, and a familiar magic. It wasn’t like his own, but the energy of shadows was not something he wasn’t attuned to. Up until then, Solomon had no interest in the dealing with the merchant. However, the demeanor shift was enough to get him to at least standby and watch from confines of the camp.

“How odd.” commented Solomon with Jazdia, “are Cedar’s sisters causing the man some distress? I’m sure you saw it, too. That wasn’t anything ordinary.”

Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

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Slow moving cart. It arrived near the camp a lot faster than Athena had anticipated. Steering off to the other side of the road. The bearded man made his entrance, like any show merchant would do, and set up shop. Already Athena was wary. It was way too late for anyone to try peddle wares. Athena took a step forward when Louise overtook her. Louise looked back before approaching the merchant herself. Athena held back waiting to see what Louise would do.

Whatever Louise said was lost to Athena because shortly after her approach, the party's wagon began shifting. Wood creaked as the two bear children exited from the back, the wood creaking more so than the wagon did on its approach. Athena half expected those who managed to fall asleep to be disturbed awake. It just went to show how discourteous the peddler had been. To be out this late, Athena didn’t have much trust in him or his wares.

Athena walked up to the merchant along with the bears, “Rather inconsiderate to be making a sales pitch this late when many good folks are trying to sleep, don’t you think?” she said, ignoring the twins, letting them do what they want. Maybe the presence of two bears might startle the man into revealing any ulterior motives.

Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

---

“Ah, Louise.” said Athena as the squire approached. She waited until the archer elf had finished informing the squire of what she found. She then looked back down the road. A faint glow from the late night traveler’s wagon started to peak through the trees, and Jazdia kept her ears focused, she could just hear the soft thuds of the mules hooves, and the creaking wood.

“If he is alone, I say leave him be. His schedule is odd and his cargo potentially dangerous, but I do not suspect he will pose much threat. Should he try something, we have numbers and expertise.” Athena then turned to Louise, “I’ll keep an eye on him, and watch for any other dangers. But keep one eye open just in case.”

Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

---

Athena looked towards the direction Jazdia pointed. She didn’t really see anything though the trees, but Athena noticed the change in Jazdia's eyes. Jazdia must be blessed with some kind of enhanced sight. Regardless, there would be nothing to gain on lying. Jazdia was a professional in her own right. Athena turned to look at the others. Some were finishing up setting up camp, while others were lingering around the campfire, keeping warm. Athena’s eyes shifted to look at Jazdia before facing her properly.

“We should let some know. Louise and Erwin to be on guard. Let the others rest. If your eyes are able to see so much from so far, what is the man’s cargo? Even if he is alone, the cargo might give us a clue on his motives. That is if you’re sure he is alone. It is strange enough to be traveling this late.”

Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Solomon Sparrow & Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

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The trip was mostly uneventful, even when he was placed in the driving seat. Despite knowing how to ride a horse, Solomon had little to no experience steering a group of them. Even more so the power and speed of warhorses. More than once the cart veered off the road. The horses complained, and eventually Solomon would correct himself. Though he hardly kept the wagon straight, he eventually found enough of a groove to keep it on the road. He could see Erwin and Varya had taken the lead. Athena stayed in front as well, but closer to the cart than the outriders. Though he didn’t see specially, he could tell the others, such as Yvonne. Over time, he lost track of the others. There were significantly more people than their last party. Given the multifaceted nature of the mission, that made sense.

As the moon rested high in the sky, and the trees swayed in the breeze as the cool air grew more chilly. A perfect time to be studying, Solomon thought. It didn’t feel like much time had passed since crossing the newly pruned bridge. Evidence of fallen foliage littered the side of the road, piles of twigs and branches left to rot along the wayside, as the roads themselves were also patched.

Eventually, the time came calling for Solomon to stop the carriage. He did his best to navigate it off the road safely, following Jazdia’s instruction to a suitable campsite. There didn’t seem to be much resistance along this front. Solomon did wonder why not continue to Fanghorn. Though it had been a mere four months since the encounter that happened there, he knew enough restoration took place for some residence to take place. It at least had some guards on duty. Solomon kept any suggestion about it to himself. While he was used to long distance travel, and even camping in the woods. This was his first time escorting an envoy. He deduced there must be a reason. He’d ask Jazdia about it if he ever got the chance to talk with her during the remaining hours of the night.

Solomon dismounted from the carriage, to meet the others as they were starting to gather and set up camp. The wagon rustled as the two bear sisters started to help unload some of the camping equipment, but they also brought attention to the bridge the had cross a while ago.

“Hmm, yes, the bridge.” said Solomon as he passed the wagon. He paused his steps to answer the girls’ question, “I don’t know specifically what he did, but that was indeed your brother. His aim wasn’t to destroy it. It was to block it. Though that is what I’m told anyway. You would have to ask him the details.”

Solomon then went to join the others. One was building a fire, and someone else received the tent from the twins. Shortly there after, Athena also came up to the group. Silently, everyone worked as the camp came together. Water was gathered, and supplies accounted for. This late at night, Solomon could see how tired some of the party was. Even Thernous appeared drowsy and he managed to sleep through Solomon’s time off-roading.

“We’re still pretty close to the road. It’s not likely anyone else would be traveling this late. Still, I’ll take first watch” said Athena. She was now equipped with her armor and equipment from when last she spoke to the party back at Rascade. In one hand was a shield, decently tall, but very well worn, and in the other a spear. Two pearls embedded just below the spear head gleamed in the moonlight as the spear swayed in her grasp. “I find myself more suited to keeping an eye out in the dark.”

Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Solomon Sparrow & Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

---

Not only did Louise approach, but so did another elf. A blueberry of a man named Varya. He seemed much more formal compared to the others, both in dress and mannerisms. He appeared really professional. Louise, on the other hand, was more flustered than one would expect in a guard, Yet, despite that, she was blessed by a spirit. To be worthy of such a spiritual companion, Louise must be gifted in her own right. When Varya stepped back, Athena raised her arm closest to Louise’s positions and gave her a quick pat on the head. It felt awkward. Athena could recall when Voltspear would occasionally do the same so many years ago when specific commanding officers came to the grounds for the first time and once to a recruit.

“Pleasure. I am Athena Voltspear, nice to meet you.” Athena then let her arm fall back to her side. She then turned her head as the name was repeated, Yvonne commented on the name and Athena nodded. “Voltspear was my master. It wasn’t the most conventional of relationships, but I learned a lot through him. I adopted his name shortly after his passing. It was when, well, when I came to myself the most. I hope to be able to live to his standards and provide as much support to you and the others like he did during his service.”

As the group were talking, a dark figure entered the room again. For most of the conversation, Solomon had followed the girls with Thernous to a most appetizing looking feast. The bears took no hesitation as they dug into the table, gulping down entire pies at once. Solomon decided not to partake, content at watching the girls finally have their moment to unwind from their fear and worry. After several minutes, he left to see where the others had wandered, only to find they hadn’t left the meeting room at all.

“Pardon me, ladies. And you as well gentleman elf. There is a buffet in the next room over. I recommend you have some in your system before we depart. The journey to Meche will not be done in a day. His majesty was gracious enough to provide. If you don’t now, I’m afraid Cedar’s siblings might finish it before long.” said Solomon, “Before I forget, I am Doctor Solomon Sparrow. At your service.”

Sovereign's Will: The Edge of War [Looking for new players]

Athena Voltspear

Location: Kindeance

---

“I don’t plan to. But for right now, we are envoys of the king.” said Athena, “I simply ask that when in the king’s court to be a little more respectful.” Athena looked towards Prince Alec. She could see on his face some turmoil from the information he had to share. Athena couldn’t know what it was like to be him, and forced to do things on a whole other level compared to essentially everyone else in the country. Perhaps Jazdia's gift in some way offered a small taste of what most recipients would feel. Athena's gaze then went back to Jazdia.

“I apologize for my abrasiveness, and to you Miss Rosenving.” said Athena. “I’m probably not what you’re used to when it comes to partners. I don’t mind working with you on this… this multitude of objectives the king needs. On this we are equal.”

Then towards the prince, “I apologize for speaking on your behalf out of turn.”

Athena paused for a second, “If you wish to join us, then please come closer. We don’t mean to keep you alone. At least, I hope we don’t.” she called out to Louise.