Chapter 1x: Breakout

[Thalia_Neko]

Kapoore 
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The hooded man wiggled his finger in front of her and gave her a low tsk, tsk.
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"Now, now, love. No need to be so hostile; though I do like 'em a little feisty."
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He took the dagger he was throwing up in the air and put it back into its sheath, a small grin crawling onto his covered face.
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"Kapoore? Never heard of him. Heheh."
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He laughed quietly as he walked over to the front of the cage and pulled a pick from his pocket. It only took a minute and the door was open. He swung the cell door forward, staring at his pick.
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"Hm. The locks they make here aren't very ideal, are they?"
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He shrugged as he put the pick back into his pocket and held his hand out for Shy to take.
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"Come on then, sweetheart."
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@Thalia_Neko
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Egret "Shy" Bluebird

Spoiler

(13) Sharpshot


Outlander Variant


PRIMARY STAT


Skill


WEAPON PROFICIENCY


Bows: A


Dirks: C


Personal Skill

 Outlander Style: Keenly, and reflexively swap weapons when attacked. Shy is never unaware. Allows instant weapon switch depending on range of attacker.

@The Lord of Sunlight @Ammokkx



@Archdemon @Clockwork Syringe


Shy definitely could see the outside world from within her uncomfortable, boring cell. Sheesh, for as grand, and gargantuan Valken's capitol was, they certainly neglected the brig area. Possibly, it was simply left shoddy, due to the Valken nobles (and royalty for that matter) simply not caring enough about their enemies; regarding them with very little respect. So, little, in fact, that they actually neglected to make the cells, or immediate area 'pretty' like the rest of the city. Who knew? Valken people actually didn't coat everything in solid gold. How fascinating their restraint.


A smallish, barred window in the back, was where she could watch the sky high above the city. It seemed to take ages, for that sun to finally dip so low, that there were no oranges, or reds in the sky. Only bright, glittering stars, atop a blanket of pitch blue-black sky. Indicating deep night. She had to wait so long, because even here, the cheer and merrymaking of the wedding's party lasted long long into the night. Only furthering to prove to Shy, that Valkenians wasted and flaunted their wealth foolishly below the gods above, uncaring about the squalor they reveled in. Just sitting there, waiting in that cell, Shy grew angrier by the second, wringing some of her ripped skirts harshly. Their audacity and capacity for unabashed consumption knew no bounds. The blatant disrespect for the suffering men and women in the Outlands was nearly unbearable.


Shy had been trying to determine any way out of this stinkin' cell, but in the time she had managed to look over it, despite its simplistic look, it was pretty secure. She hadn't, personally, managed to find a weakness. Still, Kapoore was nearby. Possibly waiting for the appropriate time. Then there was her companion, the 'Outlander', whom she now realized was merely another 'Outrealmer', like the redheaded squatter-snooper. Then there was that Valken, who had been speaking with said Outlander. Shy wasn't sure if either of them were still around. She had been far too busy with her own ordeal, trying to formulate her own escape plan to pay attention to a oddball (Marth), and his Valken 'friend', who might not have even stuck around this late.


There were a few guards on patrol, she knew of. That much she could hear beyond the doors. She counted their paces, and studied their patterns. It seemed there was about a five minute interval before a set of two guards passed by, then followed by another set of two guards. They seemed to alternate routes; with their paths changing every now and then, based on the sounds of their shuffling feet. This was a skill Shy had honed, from years spent sneaking into Valken to study their battle styles, and their fighting classes. To bring that information to the Outlands, to train up their own soldiers, for the inevitable full-scale war.


Well, knowing the guards paths, and patterns could only benefit the woman so much... Shy was still trapped within the cell, with no apparent way of escaping. Kapoore, at some point, at  voiced that the cells and possibly even their locks had seemed of poor-quality, and made second-rate. Probably because they did not hold prisoners often. Thinking, along this line, caused Shy to narrow her eyes. Nope, Outlanders were more than likely not held for all that long. When they were caught, they were kept for a short while, then... Well. It was probably obvious. She, herself, was probably already scheduled for such trash-removal. Lenneth had royally screwed her, it seemed. Even if the pinkish haired woman had attempted to help her with this momentary call, it still didn't help now.


Shy was imprisoned, awaiting execution, most likely.

 

[Ammokkx]

"Carren, what in the world are you doing...?"


The white haired noble was stalking the night in the robes of a Dark mage, the long garb barely not touching the floor as he walked. The man was headed to one specific location; though he couldn't tell you the exact justification why. He knew he should stay away from it, to let Freya handle everything. He had nothing to do with this war other than being a strategist. Yet... things did not feel right. Not with what he saw today.


After he had left the wedding, gathering his thoughts, he started to wonder how that could even happen. It's not like Freya to make such a slip-up, and the woman didn't look even the slightest bit panicked. The entire event was surreal, like some orchestrated and elaborate trap... which means that the little blue-haired missus from earlier just happened to get caught up in it.


Shouldn't Carren be happy about that, though? He very well should, but for some reason there was something gnawing at the back of his mind. If you're driven to sacrifice soldiers so willy nilly, and then being desperate enough to try a suicide attack... Surely there was something more at play? This war, was it really as simple as what Freya told everyone? If Outlanders started it, surely they would be calmer. They wouldn't rush in head first like that, trying to get every edge they could... trying to dampen Valken morale. That-


Oh. Carren had arrived. 


With a sigh, the man pulled the hood over his head. He couldn't afford to be recognized here. It wasn't the first time he was around in here, but it sure was the first time he'd break in. Carren helped set the schedule for the prison, much to his chagrin, alongside captain Xerxes. The both of them knew perfectly how the guard operated- and how to avoid them in Carren's case. If worse had come to worse, he had a backup to silence the guards...


And so, it began. Carren moved slowly and a tad clumsily due to his robes, but he had no better way to keep his identity concealed. He dove behind corners, waited next to or under stairs and made sure to mask his footsteps as he snuck through the labyrinth of this prison. It took him a good while to arrive where he needed to- but he knew exactly in which cell they would hold the Outlander general. Holding cell A- guarded by the most frequent of guard patrols. Luckily for Carren, eyes weren't on there constantly. Someone at security had made a grave oversight in the patrol routes, making the guards had a brief window where they weren't watching the holding cells. Carren waited patiently. The moment they were gone he walked up to the door, opening and closing it behind him swiftly.


Carren had made it. Now all he had to do was turn around and-


...see an entire peanut gallery staring at him. At least three people were there; two inside the cell and one outside. This was... mighty awkward. Alongside Shy another man was locked up, one that looked like a noble from far away. Just outside the bars was an older man, missing an eye and playing with the dagger in his hand. He didn't look like he was part of the staff; instead he was an intruder much like Carren.


Oh, right. Carren still had his hood on. Nobody would be able to recognize him this way; though he doubted they would do so in the first place.


"I'm on your side,' Carren whispered to the three people who also found themselves in this room. From underneath his robes, Carren pulled out a key. A spare one which he promptly stole when one of the guards wasn't looking. The noble was by no means a master thief, but knowing how people move certainly helps with these criminal acts. To them, he must look like a regular Dark Mage right now. Maybe even an Outlander, though he hadn't heard many of those practiced that art.


"Follow me out of here- all of you. The guards will check up soon- when they see the cell is empty, all bets are off. Even you," Carren paused and pointed to the blue haired man.


"This is an execution cell either way. Staying would be a bad idea."


With that, Carren heard the shuffling of guards' feet on the other end of the door. He pulled up his index finger to his lips to tell everyone to be quiet, then waited on the guards to pass. He inserted the key into the lock, making the cell door go open with a small creak.


Now it was time to run- for everyone.

 

[Thalia_Neko]

Egret "Shy" Bluebird

Spoiler

(13) Sharpshot


Outlander Variant


PRIMARY STAT


Skill


WEAPON PROFICIENCY


Bows: A


Dirks: C


Personal Skill

 Outlander Style: Keenly, and reflexively swap weapons when attacked. Shy is never unaware. Allows instant weapon switch depending on range of attacker.

@The Lord of Sunlight @Ammokkx



@Archdemon @Clockwork Syringe


Shy had expected this sort of wild antics from someone as shady as Kapoore, but instead, it was this strange man who entered the room. He was hooded, and wearing garb of some sort of dark-styled mage. Which, was immediately suspicious. Certainly, he reminded her of Outlanders who wore similar dubious hoods, reflecting their inner darkness. Like them, he most likely practiced some sort of dark magic. Valken's magic was more refined, however, and their mages and magics were quite potent. Outlander mages and magic were more unstable, flung like stones, instead of fired with precision like arrows.


"I'm on your side."


He said out of the blue. Well, at least there was that. The man definitely did not appear to be any sort of guard on patrol. If he was Valken, like she suspected him of being (even if he resembled Outlanders in some manner), she wondered why he claimed himself an ally, and showed up here at all hours, looking to help. Why would a Valken man do such a thing? She did not trust him. There was no way an Outlander was here, aiding her escape. Though, Kapoore... Shy still did not trust this hooded fellow. What was his aim with this? He also seemed to be seeking to aid the Outrealmer? Well.. okay, then.


He brandished some key, which was also curious. He must've been some sort of master thief to snatch such a thing. Her cell swung open, finally free. The short, blue-haired woman stepped free, out beside Kapoore. She looked over at him, and answered his musing about shoddy locks and poor craftsmanship. "It's because, they don't need to hold prisoners."


To her, that much was obvious. Even, if it was an incredibly dark outlook on the whole thing.


Turning her attention to her would-be savior, she questioned. "Who are you? Why are you helping? -" her words were cut short, when guards walked up to the door, their heavy footfalls easily readable. Instantly, Shy crouched down, closing her trap.

 

[Archdemon]

Marth was left to ponder for a second wondering about what Jackson said, so this kingdom squanders wealth and status and in this process the immensely poor were created and left behind. So this is truly how the civil war started, not with a band of cutthroats wanting to take the throne but by the neglected citizens of this kingdom who only want what was never given to them and this greatly angered Marth. At first he had not have the chance to be apart of this civil war but after hearing of this outrageous act of the neglect of the outlanders he felt the need to help out, like what his ancestor would do.


Thats when somebody else came and told them he's on their side and promptly let everyone, well everyone that can be, out of their cells.


Marth had no idea where Jackson was, maybe he left while Marth was thinking or that he was in this very room waiting for Marth, either way this was Marth's chance to help out the Outlanders here. He was about to speak when he heard footsteps multiple if he can recall correctly, instantly he grabbed his silver Rapier from the wall and readied it, just in case things go south here. Though after the guards are taken care of, hopefully everyone will be friendly enough to know he'll join them and their cause.


@Thalia_Neko @Clockwork Syringe @The Lord of Sunlight @Ammokkx

 

[Clockwork Syringe]

Jackson had left Marth to go and talk to the queen to tell her that Marth was imprisoned. Although what he was not going to tell her was that he knew the true reason for why this all started. Exiting the stairwell he managed to find the queen in the main hall finishing up. Briskly walking up to her, he whispered, "The outlander has been imprisoned, he is currently down in the dungeons. He still thinks that he is from another country as well also."


@Thalia_Neko

 

[Midnight Paragon]

Kapoore 
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Kapoore smiled to himself as his little day dream of opening Shy's cage and things getting a little more...lewd from that point, until her voice broke him out of his reverie. It seemed that while he was in his little stupor, some other hooded figure had walked in and opened the door before he could. Slightly dissapointed, Kapoore sheathed the knife he was tossing in the air and pulled his hood down. His mane of unkempt red hair fell down from it, covering his eye a little and getting in the way of his eyepatch. He turned to Shy as she spoke and shook his head with a smile.
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"Always rather grim aren't you, love?"
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His eye slowly crept over to the hooded figure who had freed her as well as the blue loon to Kapoore's right. He felt as if he'd already laid eyes on this person already. The voice was somewhat familiar...
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He was attention was drawn to the wooden door in front of them, the torchlight from the hallway outside seeping through the cracks as the metallic footsteps of guards in armor rang out, then they stopped, and an all too familiar voice to Shy rang out from the hallway.
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"Remember, there is to be no visitors from anyone save from Officers or Freya herself. The woman inside here is dangerous. Don't get any funny ideas."
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The sound of feet shuffling together was heard and a loud 'Yes, Sir!' then footsteps walking away. As soon as the footsteps stopped, a groan was heard.
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"Man, how did we land guard duty? I thought we were supposed to be relaxing before the march..."
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A chuckle was heard from the other side of the door.
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"You must be new. That's just how Captain Xerxes runs things. I remember when he was just another sellsword in the bunch of recruits. He's worked hard to reach his position; he'd be an idiot to let a prisoner as valuable as an Outlander General go unguarded."
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Another longer groan was heard.
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"Well I just wish it wasn't us. Hey, how many Outlanders do you think we can gut while we're out there? If the Captain is anything like I've heard, it'll be a bloodbath!"
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A sigh, then the shifting of feet.
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"Yeah, you're new. Xerxes doesn't fight the Outlanders if he can help it. He always says 'At our cores, we're all human, and I'll be damned if I won't try to help them first.' And I agree with him; this war has been going on too long."
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A silence followed, then the other voice spoke back up.
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"It's a wonder he even made it to Captain then."
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The other voice groaned.
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"Just shut up and keep watch."
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Kapoore turned to Shy and gave her a shrug, waiting for her opinion on what to do.
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@Thalia_Neko 
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[Thalia_Neko]

Egret "Shy" Bluebird

Spoiler

(13) Sharpshot


Outlander Variant


PRIMARY STAT


Skill


WEAPON PROFICIENCY


Bows: A


Dirks: C


Personal Skill

 Outlander Style: Keenly, and reflexively swap weapons when attacked. Shy is never unaware. Allows instant weapon switch depending on range of attacker.

@The Lord of Sunlight @Ammokkx



@Archdemon


Shy standing in the shredded garment that was once rather beautiful, though she never really noticed it as such, was right beside Kapoore. If she knew he was thinking some rather salacious thoughts regarding her, she'd beat his face in. Looking up at him, she narrowed her eyes, but had an otherwise bored look distorting her otherwise pretty features. "Well it's the truth. They just kill whoever is their enemy. They don't have any remorse..." she paused. "At least Freya doesn't." She couldn't speak for all of Valken, sure, that was a tad ludicrous, even if she did hold prejudice for these prissy assholes and bitches, but she knew. Oh, she knew. It didn't matter, if people had their own thoughts within this kingdom (which seemed to be rare), Freya's words were the end all. No one else's mattered. If she ordered it, it was carried out.


Turning to the person who had opened her cage, with a quick, fierce glance towards the other man there, freed from the cell beside hers, she questioned. "Okay, where's a bow? Did you bring me one? Give me a weapon!" Her words were whispered, but had a certain viciousness to it. Her eyes narrowed, waiting for her request to be fulfilled.


(hint: someone only give her a dirk)

 

[Archdemon]

Marth scanned the room, looking to see if there was possibly another way to exit the dungeon without causing a scene. From his immediate area there was only the door which now has two guards located at it so going out there would be bad unless they have no choice but to go threw there. He then began walking around a bit looking at everything, looking for a way out, sadly he couldn't find anything but there was a random weapon left there, A dirk by the looks of it. It looked to be of steel but it could also just be iron, whatever it's made out of the woman in the dress wants a weapon and this is the only one that's available so he picked it up.


He walked over to Shy and handed it over to her "Will this work?" He flipped it so that he held the blade part and extended the hilt to Shy, he mainly did this because it was cool and kinda edgy. He began to think about Jackson, he would feel kinda bad if he left him in the dark about escaping but trying to inform him would inform the entire castle so that wasn't a very good idea.


Marth took this moment to study the woman more, since they would be escaping together after all. She had very Cerulean hair, and her dress was slightly shredded, so she was apart of the party and for reasons she was placed in here. From what he can possibly gather is that she might be an Outlander since they placed her here, but the guards also said something an outlander general, maybe that's her or the red guy either way he'll have to speak with one or both of them.


This is quite exciting for Marth, this is his chance to live up to his ancestors legacy though he probably won't kill a world ending dragon like King Marth did but still! There's always room for something even greater to happen! Then Marth remembered something, he reached into a bag he was carrying on the side of his belt and grabbed something, whatever was in there made him slightly relax like he was glad it was still there. He pulled his hand out and waited for everyone else to be ready.


@Thalia_Neko @The Lord of Sunlight @Ammokkx

 

[Thalia_Neko]

Egret "Shy" Bluebird

Spoiler

(13) Sharpshot


Outlander Variant


PRIMARY STAT


Skill


WEAPON PROFICIENCY


Bows: A


Dirks: C


Personal Skill

 Outlander Style: Keenly, and reflexively swap weapons when attacked. Shy is never unaware. Allows instant weapon switch depending on range of attacker.

@The Lord of Sunlight @Ammokkx



@Archdemon


Shy hadn't been expecting the man to suddenly approach her with a dirk. With a raised eyebrow, and eyes glittering questions, she lifted her hand, and snatched it from him, quite quickly. Her eyes narrowed. Where had he gotten this weapon? Surely, they would not have been so stupid to just leave a weapon she was proficient in, laying within the same room she was kept in? That would be quite absurd. As well as, deathly. To the Valken guards, that is.


"It'll work, I suppose," Shy growled, through clenched teeth at him. He was not Outlander, and he was dressed as lavishly as the Valken people. She did not trust him. Oh, he at least wasn't Valken in name, but still, even though he was an Outrealmer, he possibly still supported Valken. Why else would he look so prim, and decadent? Why else would he be at a Valken wedding? "Why do you have a dirk?" she questioned.


Questioning this strange Outrealmer, she waited for a move to be made by their rescuer, or Kapoore. Supposedly, someone had an escape plan? If not, then Shy would just rush out, dirk ablazing.

 

[Archdemon]

Marth looked at her and replied "I just found it laying on a table, don't know why it was left there but it just was. I only found it because I was looking for an alternate escape route for all of us to take, for i highly doubt that we're just going to sneak out undetected if we go through that door. I couldn't find anything but then again I've never truly been placed in this situation so someone might have a better idea for what to look for. You're an Outlander correct? If you are once we escape I'd like to talk to you, it's related to your civil war."


He would rather they spend the time looking for a place to escape from rather than going out the front door because they have to go through the guards outside, the guards inside the castle, the guards patrolling the castle, the guards outside the castle, and they have to get far away from the Capitol itself. So he went back deeper into the dungeon looking for an escape route that maybe he overlooked or thought to hard upon that it's just simple.


He thought more to the Civil war, still pretty sure that his support will go to the Outlanders for nobody should have to suffer like they have due to the neglectful nature of this kingdom.


@Thalia_Neko @Ammokkx @The Lord of Sunlight

 

[Ammokkx]

Fantastic. Not even a minute into helping out the Outlander, and Carren's already being interrogated like he's the prisoner. Well, it's to be expected that she would be suspicious, but by the lords! Could she keep the questioning for after the escape?!


...Ah, no. Carren shouldn't think like that; the stress was getting to him. He figured that she should at least have a little bit of reassurance, but revealing who he was in his entirety may jeopardize the plan. So, Carren waited until the guards passed and gave her a vague answer.


"I'm one of the people of Valken. I'll tell you everything when we get out of here, but firs-!"


Carren was cut off by the woman demanding a bow, shocking him. Was she intent on fighting her way out?! No doubt this woman was capable, but the guards here were extremely well trained. Not to mention, a bow would be terrible in such small and cramped corridors... and why would he arm her in the first place?! Hadn't there been enough bloodshed just this mor-


Wait. Why did that blue haired fellow have a rapier in his hands? And just where did he find that dirk to hand to Shy? By the gods, what were the guards thinking?! Even if Carren hadn't bust these two out, when the execution came around they could have just stormed out the cell, grabbed weaponry and attempted an escape! Oh, the humanity... Carren was starting to question just how good of an idea it was to aid these two.


-Wait, no! There were more pressing matters right now. They've been freed, and the party needs to make its way out. If not, all of the people in this room are in danger.


"Do not attempt to rush out. You will get caught. I know how to evade the guards- just stick close to me and hide when I tell you to. I can get you outside, but from that point on I have no more reach. It's going to be a bit trickier with four, but-"


...The clock was ticking, Carren! The guards will show up soon again if you don't mobilize now...


"...Just follow me, stay quiet, and let's go!"


Whispering those final words, Carren carefully opened the door and signaled the three of them to run to the blind spots he pointed out.

 

[Thalia_Neko]

Egret "Shy" Bluebird

Spoiler

(13) Sharpshot


Outlander Variant


PRIMARY STAT


Skill


WEAPON PROFICIENCY


Bows: A


Dirks: C


Personal Skill

 Outlander Style: Keenly, and reflexively swap weapons when attacked. Shy is never unaware. Allows instant weapon switch depending on range of attacker.

@The Lord of Sunlight @Ammokkx



@Archdemon


Shy looked at the man incredulously, "You just 'found it laying on the table'? Wow... Those imbeciles, how careless!" her tone was one of incredulousness. How could Valken guards be so negligent? Have they gotten lazier since the Sharpshot had last been within these walls? Under, Freya's watchful eye? Unlikely. Maybe they were just too drunk, and too focused on partying to really adhere to proper duty. Or, maybe these few guards that had been posted around were just total idiots. Whatever it was, favor seemed to fortune them today.


She found herself nodding to the rest of his words, eyes peering around. While the cell had been shoddy, it had still done its job and kept her within, so she had only small barred-holes to observe her surroundings. Now she was skirting about, searching out another exit, like the man had suggested. So far, nothing. Even if this guards were stupid, the people who had built this place a long time ago were not. They wouldn't just install some sort of back exit into the brig, that would be asinine. Raising an eyebrow, she stood up, looking over at him, "Yes, I am an Outlander, you wish to talk to me? About the war? What for?"


"I'm one of the people of Valken. I'll tell you everything when we get out of here, but firs-!"


Shaking her head, her attention was demanded somewhere else, just letting her question to the Outrealmer float in the air between them. Instantly, she turned over to the hooded one who had unlocked her cage. "WHAT?!" she hissed in a hushed tone. "You're Valken?! The hell you doin' here then? The hell you doin' releasing a Outlander General?! Are you freakin' stupid?! I could gut you right here!" Shy brandished the dirk, which glinted in the dim light of the torches on the wall. A moment later, he was waving them to go forward, seemingly unconcerned with the questions she just posed. Or more likely, he would have to deal with the questions after the escape.


Growling, in frustration, totally furious about being aided by a Valken, Shy did understand the need for necessity. The necessity of being rescued (even by a Valken -which she was NOT happy about), as well as the necessity to move fast. Eyes gleaming at the man, when she moved passed, the short girl darted into a blind spot that they both noticed. He claimed to know the paths, but from within her cell, she had managed to map out a lot of the guards movements, too, from the sounds of their footsteps, chatter, and armor. She didn't need him. Especially, since he was Valken. She waited in this spot, thinking about dashing away on her own. She didn't need any of the men behind her...

 

[Midnight Paragon]

Kapoore
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Kapoore hadn't really been listening as events unfolded. His mind was elsewhere, daydreaming about a multitude of beautiful women in a café where he was head chef. A smile flittered to his face, but he snapped back to reality once he heard the door open. It seemed the hooded one beginning his exit, and was waiting for them to follow. He pointed out an area, a blindspot in the sentries patrol routes, an instantly Shy was there. Kapoore was next to head to the blindspot, and he looked to Shy ready to hit on her once again, but the look on her face stopped him. A smirk appeared, and he leaned over and whispered to her.
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"I wouldn't do anything rash if I were you. You're not really in any position at the moment to go charging off by yourself."
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@Thalia_Neko
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[Ammokkx]

Carren was slightly worried about the threats presented by Shy, seriously starting to reconsider every choice that lead up to this situation. He prided himself on his levelheaded, rational thinking, but this? This was the most boneheaded move he could've made. What's even worse is that the noble can't turn back anymore; he's already waist deep into this raging river.


...But honestly? Even if he could go back and undo it, he wouldn't. Carren isn't one to take risks usually, but this risk needed to be taken. There was more to this story than meets the eye- the rapid unfolding of these events almost made it seem like someone wanted to shut this particular general up. Somehow, though, Carren got the feeling she would've escaped anyway. It was a guess for the most part, but not without a foundation for the suspicion. She was a general, infamously known for infiltrating and training up troops. If she avoided capture for so long, then let herself be captured like that... Somehow, it felt too contrived. That's why Carren needed to get her out of here himself. Whatever she had planned, it wouldn't do the kingdom any good. Maybe talking would...


"No, Carren! What are you doing drifting off like that?"


He'd been on autopilot for most of the trip, pointing out the way to go and masking their tracks. He'd taken a few translated pages of old magic with him; easy to cast, ancient magic that erased traces for a small window of time. It didn't remove them completely, only hide them for a short period. This is how the guards wouldn't be able to find out the footprints of dust left behind by the ensemble, but once the magic wears off all hell would break loose.


The party of four had come quite far in the complex maze that were the Valken dungeons, a design choice to slow down and corner escapees. It was a good thing that Carren knew these halls. Still, somehow, something felt off. A feeling of distrust, though not from Carren. It seemed to come from the small group he was guiding out, and more specifically the general. It was to be expected, but that didn't make it any better. It worried Carren that she might try something rash and regret it. Furthermore, if she ran off, Carren would've helped this Outlander for no reason.


...But was that really a bad thing? Sure, it'd set them back but... if Shy ran away here, that means everything Freya was saying about Outlanders must be true. How they're despicable and selfish, untrustworthy and inhumane. Shy's comment about gutting him certainly lent credence to that. The noble didn't want to believe it, but all signs were pointing to 'Yes'.


Maybe this was a good way to test. If one of the Outlander officials; a commander of their troops, abandoned the man, he could show no remorse. His mind would be put at ease, and contribute to the military strategies without any underlying guilt.


Carren motioned with his hands that they were almost out of the prison, pointing to a spot near the door leading out of the catacombs. On the other side of this door,  guards should have been stationed. If Carren was right about this, however, they shouldn't be there at the moment. A favor he called in from a merchant, they should've pulled said guards away for just long enough. If those estimations proved to be wrong, on the other hand...

 

[Thalia_Neko]

Egret "Shy" Bluebird

Spoiler

(13) Sharpshot


Outlander Variant


PRIMARY STAT


Skill


WEAPON PROFICIENCY


Bows: A


Dirks: C


Personal Skill

 Outlander Style: Keenly, and reflexively swap weapons when attacked. Shy is never unaware. Allows instant weapon switch depending on range of attacker.

@The Lord of Sunlight @Ammokkx



@Archdemon


Shy glanced Kapoore's way, and regarded his words. He spoke truthfully, but Shy could defend herself. She was smart, but stubborn. Not that she didn't understand sneaking about. The redhead only sort of knew her. He didn't know her life before the Outrealms. Or at least he didn't understand it. Her hatred for Valken was deeply seeded, and her duty towards her people was even deeper seeded. She wouldn't just compromise this escape plan, because of her hothead. Not if she wanted to get back to the Outlanders. She did want to speak with Lenneth, to try to come up with some plan to help her people, but she wondered if that was possible right now. Probably not. She'd most likely need to come back.


Then, there was the Valken behind her, who was giving out specific orders, through these maze-like tunnels. What was his deal? Why did he help her escape? She had threatened him, sure. That was due to him being Valken. Wait, could he be leading her into a trap? Was that the plan? Seemed Freya-like. Claim a Outlander escaped, and killed guards to do so, then she'd ruthlessly put Shy down then and there if she could.


No, she couldn't think about stuff like this right now. She had to focus on escaping. Shy nodded to the Valken, moving swiftly and silently to the door, that shouldn't have guards behind it. Listening, she didn't hear anything.


Tentatively, and delicately, she began to open it, finding it unlocked. Suspicious.


Opening it, she peered out, and noticed no one around. Good.


Shy nodded, and moved out onto the street. She recognized this part of the city. Beyond the castle, but leading towards the downtown area of the capitol. Night made the place dark, but there were definitely some people still awake. She could hear some chatter nearby, but it wasn't that worrying. No sounds of guards, though... Most of the houses nearby were dark, with only some lights flickering in a few windows around.


Creeping along, Shy leaned against a wall, and peered around the corner. Shit! There was a patrol of two guards there. Their lantern swinging, poking the ends of spears against the ground like walking sticks. She pulled away, and was about to speak in a very hushed whisper to the others, when a light shined right onto her and some of the group.


"You there!" A man -a guard- shouted to her. "Wha? Y-you. The prisoner!!" he shouted. "She's escaped!" his words carried to nearby guards, who's armor began clanging, as they ran towards the group on the streets. "Quick! Alert the others!"


Shy narrowed her eyes, looking at her enemy fiercely. The Valken man hadn't warned about these patrols. Was he leading her into a trap, like she had wondered? Or maybe his information had been wrong?...


Regardless, it looked like they would have to quickly take out these men, otherwise the entirety of the kingdom would be woken up, and alerted. "Kapoore!" she hissed to him, meaning to quickly take out a couple guards that were beginning to run away to find some more guards to alert.

 

[Archdemon]

Prince Marth
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Heir to the throne of Altea
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((I'm trying something new in my posts, I hope the picture isn't too big))
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Marth followed the group quietly as they made their way through the dungeon, luckily they made it out without being spotted, sadly this wouldn't work once they got out into the city. As they made their way through the city, a stroke of bad luck landed upon them as the light from a lantern formed upon some of them. That's when they were spotted by a guard drawing in the attention of two others, they had to be quickly dealt with otherwise the entire city would be breathing down their necks. A quick fight was inevitable and so it must be dealt with very quickly, so with that Marth sprung from the shadows and quickly closed in the distance between him and the guards. He attacked one of them, with his silver rapier as it was the only weapon available to him to use, sadly though the guard he faced off with had a spear so Marth was at a Disadvantage but with being taught by his father he knew the best way to combat this disadvantage in weaponry by knowing when to dodge and strike.


Marth made the first move against the man and or woman, it was pretty dark and Marth didn't have time to check nor did it really matter too much. Marth drew his sword and engaged the guard, with the mindset of knocking them out cause killing them would cause more trouble than without. With this in mind Marth ran at the guard and thruster forward with his blade which struck the guard and with the sword still in the person not deeply mind you, he spun around dragging the sword with him out of the guards body. As he was about to jump away, the guard got him good in his side as he got away. Spinning around once more, Marth faced the person and planned to end their confrontation as he charged forward. Instead of doing the same thing again, Marth spun around the person just as they thrusted their lance forward expecting Marth to use the same move again, and slashed their backside causing them to stumble a bit and utilizing this moment Marth gave them a solid punch to the back of their head. In such a weaken state from the two attacks Marth made, the punch is what done the guard in as they fell unconsciously to the ground, still alive.


Marth flicked his blade to the side causing his cape to move as he then states one of his various victory quotes "My Swordhand twitches for more."


This would end Marth's turn so to speak.


@Thalia_Neko @Ammokkx @The Lord of Sunlight

 
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[Midnight Paragon]

Kapoore
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Kapoore rolled his eyes and shook his head when Shy merely looked back and headed forward with the hooded figure, his grin never leaving his face. He followed closely, even though he didn't really need it. He got in here without his help anyway. Still, he kept close, and when they were finally able to reach the exit, they were spotted. Shy quickly turned to him and said his name, indicating that he needed to do something. He nodded and pulled his bow from his back and loaded an arrow from his quiver. He began to aim, but suddenly, Marth jumped out of nowhere and began to engage them. For fear of hitting him, he put the arrow and his boy away. After a small injury they could tend to later, he managed to best both of them. He turned to the hooded figure and raised an eyebrow.
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"What now, genius?"
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@Thalia_Neko @Archdemon @Ammokkx
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Captain Xerxes - 'The Bear'
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Xerxes had, for a while, been busily patrolling the perimeter of the Barracks, thoughts of doubt filling his mind. Sure, this woman had undoubtedly filled his career with an unnecessary amount of pain and hardship, but was killing her really the right thing to do? He sighed quietly as he turned the corner of the wall of the Barracks, running a gloved hand down his face. Suddenly, a nearby shout penetrated the air; it was the sounds of guards, and they were calling for an alarm. Quickly, he rushed over and ran up a street, but as he approached, he slowed to a stop. To the gate of the Barracks were four silhouettes, and he couldn't make them out. His hand instinctively ran to the sword in his shield as he called out.
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"Hey! What's going on here!?"
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@Thalia_Neko @Archdemon @Ammokkx
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[Thalia_Neko]

Egret "Shy" Bluebird

Spoiler

(13) Sharpshot


Outlander Variant


PRIMARY STAT


Skill


WEAPON PROFICIENCY


Bows: A


Dirks: C


Personal Skill

 Outlander Style: Keenly, and reflexively swap weapons when attacked. Shy is never unaware. Allows instant weapon switch depending on range of attacker.

@The Lord of Sunlight @Ammokkx



@Archdemon


Shy watched as the Outrealmer rushed forward, to meet one of the guards. After their song and dance, the guard fell unconscious, with the man only receiving a small grazing injury. She regarded him for a moment. Slightly impressive, she guessed. She didn't understand why the Outrealmer and Valken appeared to be enemies right now, but assumed if he was trying to escape prison (why he was placed there, she also wondered), then it made sense that he'd have to fight back as well. She also noted he knocked out the guard. That had been a dilemma she was contemplating.


First of all, they were Valken, and she was an Outlander, so it actually made sense for her to straight up kill them, to make it easier in the future, however... Second, she was attempting to make some sort of alliance with Princess Lenneth, and well.. killing her countrymen probably wouldn't sit well with her.


Ugh, it was quite the issue. Especially, when the commotion drew even more nearby patrols. This was getting quickly out of hand. More people, including the man who had imprisoned her came running from the night. Two.. three.. Four more showed up.


Not good.


She glanced beside her and Kapoore had a bow out, "What?! You brought a bow? Give me that!" Shy hissed to him. It was imperative she get one to be much more effective in this fight.


A man with a lance leaped forward, and rushed them. Shy dashed to the side, then inward towards him. Her dirk found a few chinks in his armor, and she spun behind him. She had a clear shot to sink her dirk in this reckless guard's neck, just between the armor pieces. No, she had to refrain from killing them.. for now, anyway.


Shy instead, did something similar to the Outrealmer. She spun and leaped up, before bringing the bottom of the dirk's grip down on the back of his head. With the strike rattling the headpiece, the man fell over. Another, down, but they all had to go down quickly... Otherwise, more would just show up.

 

[Ammokkx]

Oh fiddlesticks.


Carren had not been anticipating a patrol this close to the barracks; nor had he expected the neatly dressed stranger to run up and zonk one of the guards over the head. Unfortunately, it was too little too late. At least four more guards showed up alongside the one who wasn't knocked out, and...


"Xerxes!"


Carren quickly covered his mouth as he cursed that under his breath. Why, of all times, did he have to show up now?! If Carren's cover is blown here, things were going to get really ugly really fast. There wasn't much choice left; Xerxes was a stubborn fool that refuses to talk when he's set his mind to something. Not even Carren would get through to him.


So, the mage pulled out his 'insurance', namely a dark tome. His favorite, in fact. It wasn't a particularly powerful spell, but it had a different advantage. It silenced the person it was cast on. If he could at least prevent Xerxes from dealing out orders, this would go a lot smoother. The only problem with that, however, was that Xerxes was an experienced soldier. Carren hoped that he'd be a  little too distraced with Shy as he snuck around, chanting something underneath his breath.


His concentration was broken for a split second as he heard the red-headed male asking him what to do now, breaking Carren's cover. The man flinched and backed off further, casting the spell at the wrong person. One of the guards that had come as reinforcements suddenly shut up completely as a rune floated in front of their mouth, preventing them from opening it.


Carren glanced back at Kapoore, cursing his own luck. He wanted to give out an order to fight, but if he raised his voice here then his cover would be blown. So, Carren stayed silent. He had no choice honestly, it was either that or being chased out as a traitor to his own country. Well, they wouldn't be wrong, but Carren would prefer to not have to go through that.


There was also another issue; he was now split off from the other three, and the guards weren't that far apart.

 

[Thalia_Neko]

Egret "Shy" Bluebird

Spoiler

(13) Sharpshot


Outlander Variant


PRIMARY STAT


Skill


WEAPON PROFICIENCY


Bows: A


Dirks: C


Personal Skill

 Outlander Style: Keenly, and reflexively swap weapons when attacked. Shy is never unaware. Allows instant weapon switch depending on range of attacker.

@The Lord of Sunlight @Ammokkx



@Archdemon


Shy glanced quickly around after she felled an enemy. That left... still four. No, five. The four remaining guards, plus that Captain guy who was obviously quite 'taken' with her. Hah, yeah, right. He wanted to gut her like a pig. He seemed to be quite a bit stronger than the fellow guards around, though. So, that meant probably just leave him. They had to escape quickly, not fight an entire Valken military! Otherwise, she might as well have just stayed back in the cell to live the last moments of her life in peace, instead of being smeared up off the side of some building, or the floor below. Though, the thought of painting Valken cleanliness, and purity, with her filthy Outlander blood was a tad bit amusing.


She knew they would hate having to waste the effort cleaning up her.


Shy watched curiously as the hooded Valken who had randomly, and oddly decided to help them moved off to the side, clutching a book. A dark tome, if she could tell, and she could, her eyesight was great. He was going to attempt something..! That meant.. as much as she hated it, she had to provide him a bit of aid.


Some guards seemed to notice him, and said some alarmed stuff to each other, "Over here, Valken trash!" she hissed, dashing over to them. A ping of anger ran through her. She had wanted the bow, but it didn't seem like red-hair was gunna give it to her. She had to make do with the dull dirk.


They turned, suddenly confused at the voice. Only to have the two of them take a couple hard swings of her dirk. One fell, along with the first guard she had knocked to the ground. The second, he managed to avoid any attacks his way. Lifting his spear, he charged her.


Shy ducked, feeling the air whoosh by her, a few strands of greenishblue hair fluttering to the ground. She swiped a dirk at him again, and caught his side, but it was just a dull hit on his armor. He felt the strike, and recoiled, by it was by no means fatal, or even remotely worrisome.

 

[Archdemon]

Prince Marth
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Heir to the throne of Altea
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View attachment 234537​

 
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There now only remained four guards, three lower class or at least just normal guards and a man who seemed slightly higher up in the chain of command. They have to take out everyone otherwise they risk alerting the entire city through the obvious use of an alarm system, they had no choice once the Outlander general was spotted. Maybe the general and this new combatant knew each other? It's a stretch but.... No asking her to convince him to do anything but attack them would be pointless, he doubts she has the necessary charisma to persuade him. Marth knows nothing of the man and his stance on current events in Valken so he can't do it and being an outsider he knows not what to say during this time. Maybe the hooded person can do something about it? Well it doesn't matter right now, if no one tried them they'll be force to knock him out before he can call for more reinforcements. Marth turned to see if maybe The Outlander needed help and saw that she was helping the Valken person, Marth turned then to the red haired man, though he seemed to be fine in his position but anything could happen. Argh! The whole situation was bad the moment they were spotted!


Marth then ran up to the guard the Outlander was fighting who was about to strike back at her, and with his blade he blocked the attack and when his opponent was vulnerable he struck him once with his sword and followed up that attack with a swift punch to the face, effectively knocking the man out. There was no theatrics or stunning moves, mainly because he didn't have the room for it. He turned to speak to the both of them.


"We need to take out the last three quickly, you Valken! If you can help out with your magic do so, otherwise me and the outlander must engage that guard over there" pointing at Xerxes "The red haired man should help take out the last one if you do manage to knock one of them out, don't kill! You ready?" he said towards the outlander whom of which he still didn't know her name.


@Thalia_Neko @Ammokkx @The Lord of Sunlight

 
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[Midnight Paragon]

Captain Xerxes - 'The Bear'
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Xerxes drew closer to the group, and one of the silhouettes turned and called out to him.
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"C-Captain! Help! The prisoners are trying to escape!"
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That was one of the guards he had told to stay on watch near the front gate. The prisoners were escaping!? His hand pulled his sword from its shield-sheath and he ran forward, yelling to the guard.
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"Go get reinforcements! I'll keep them in one place as long as I can!"
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The guard nodded vigorously before he took off down the street, Xerxes still charging forward, his shield raised.
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Kapoore
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Kapoore had once again not really been paying attention. This time it was a daydream about beach volleyball that was so rudely interrupted by Shy demanding he hand his bow over. He instinctively held it against his chest and looked down at his bow.
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"But...Hilde doesn't like strangers."
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Despite a certain friend of Kapoore's telling him it was better to not name your weapons as it creates emotional attachment, the second he bought this bow he gave it a name. He didn't really want to see Hilde in any hands but his, and as he stood there debating whether or not to give her up, the others had already took action. It wasn't until the yelling of an official looking warrior charging forward that Kapoore looked up. Quickly, he notched and arrow and shot it at the charging Captain, but the Captain merely blocked it with his shield, continuing forward. With no room to move well, the Captain smashed straight into Kapoore, he was sent hurtling into a wall, his back smashing against the stone, and he slid down it in a daze. The Captain then turned and swung heavily downwards at the nearest foe, which happened to be the blue loonie Kapoore had seen before. If he was going to dodge it, he'd have to be quick; that blade was coming down fast!
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@Thalia_Neko @Ammokkx @Archdemon
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[Ammokkx]

Carren was in a bind, right up until the Outlander had decided to shout out and draw the attention away from him. He breathed a sigh of relief, but knew that it wasn't the time to relax just yet. She may have taken out two, but there were still four more-


Or well, there would be if that blue-haired stranger hadn't just knocked one out. Granted, of the three still remaining one happened to be Xerxes. If the group had any chance at escaping at this rate, they'd have to deal with him first. Luckily the stranger realised this and barked commands at the rest of them. Carren would've preferred to lay down his own battle plan, but his lips were still sealed. All he could do was nod at Marth, before flinching from a bellowing voice.


"Did Xerxes just order a guard to get more reinforcements?" Carren briefly thought to himself, the worry on his face starting to increase tenfold. Nobody could see this, of course, with the dimly lit street and hood. Still, he had to move fast! If the noble didn't do something about that guard, this was going to get very ugly. Carren wanted to mutter a brief prayer or sigh, but left it at a gesture with the hand. He hoped at least one of the three escapees saw him motioning towards that guard before dashing off.


Carren ran in the same direction as Xerxes' underling, luckily slipping past the captain due to the chaos. He started to scan his tome, trying to find the passage to lay a strong curse of silence again. He started to chant out the words in an ancient tongue, looking up to see that he was still right on the heels of that guard. They didn't seem to have noticed Carren as he launched his spell, knocking the man down and causing a rune to float in front of their mouth. They tried to groan in pain but found themselves unable to make a sound, slightly panicking.


Unfortunately for Carren, that panic came coupled with anger. The guard readied his spear and charged forward at Carren, who tried to dodge but wound up still getting hit in the shoulder.


"AHCK-!"


Carren let a small cry escape from his lips, making a feeling of dread wash over him. He clutched his teeth, trying to hold back his voice from leaking out further. The worst injury this man had sustained up until now was a mere papercut, the gaping hole left by the tip of the lance was another experience entirely. It stung, pulsed and drained him of strength. It wasn't the arm that clutched the tome, but that didn't stop him from dropping it. Worse still, Carren couldn't focus on reclaiming the tome as he barely dodged out of the way of another strike.


Carren grimaced, casting a brief glance at his tome which lay open on a random page. The words showed a more offensive spell this time around, and while Carren didn't want to use it, there wasn't much time for debate. He was blessed enough to not only be able to read the page basking in the light of a street lamp, but also that it happened to be a magic spell in the first place. He chanted the words under his breath, extended his arm and fired a strong force pulse out of it. It wasn't material like wind would be, but just a massive shift of power in the direction of the guard. They were sent flying far enough away that Carren had time to reclaim the tome and have a second or five to think.


If he fled now, he could probably get away. Carren would end up back home, wake up and only have to give a brief excuse as to why there was a hole in both his robes and shoulder, not to mention why there was blood on that tome.


On second thought, returning might have been out of the question. He picked up his tome and dashed back to the three escapees, hoping that they were alright... and that his spell didn't wear off until they all managed to escape.

 

[Thalia_Neko]

Egret "Shy" Bluebird

Spoiler

(13) Sharpshot


Outlander Variant


PRIMARY STAT


Skill


WEAPON PROFICIENCY


Bows: A


Dirks: C


Personal Skill

 Outlander Style: Keenly, and reflexively swap weapons when attacked. Shy is never unaware. Allows instant weapon switch depending on range of attacker.

@The Lord of Sunlight @Ammokkx



@Archdemon


Shy heard the man from the strange portal worlds give out his take on it. According to him, Xerxes would have to be their target to take out. Otherwise, they'd never escape. This did seem to be logical, but... What was stopping them from just running now, even if the guards alerted more? By the time they all showed up Shy could be over the city's walls and out beyond into the wide expansive forest. She wasn't sure what the others would do, but figured they'd probably come along as well. They barely had any choice.


"S-sure..." Shy began, ducking and rolling out of the strike's way. Xerxes's blow had been closer than she was willing to admit. The heightened state of flight-or-fight response making her skin crawl, her heart beat fast, and her breaths short. "O..or, we could just escape!"


The bluegreen haired girl countered, pointing away. The Valken mage had managed to cut off the fleeing guard that was going to alert others. If she were to hazard a guess. So that was good. It'd give them more time.


She noticed Kapoore had been dazed, but he should be alright. Right? Right.


"Yup, time to leave," Shy stated. She rushed Xerxes took a swipe at him with her dirk, then leaped up, agile feet hit his shield, and she raced up it, before pushing off; the force of her shoving off his shield launched him back, and her forward. When she landed she took off in a sprint. A spear from one of the guards was thrown her way. Again, dipping to the side, she just barely managed to avoid it. Even a graze from that attack could prove fatal if it slowed her down.


The city was big, but that was okay, she knew paths to escape, she had done it many times before. The guards's movements weren't made to keep up on par with a scantily-clad Outlander. She was made for movement and agility, they were built for defense and protection. Their heavy armor would slow them down.


She glanced back and to the side. She wondered if any of them could keep up. Especially injured mage boy... She gave in reluctantly. He had helped her. She'd have to return the favor if he required it.