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Fantasy Fading Flame (In Character)

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Maria
After giving her thought, Maria patiently listened on, dwelling on others' suggestions for a journey plan. In a way, she felt obligated to help Jericho hold the mixed bunch together, seeing so many varieties in thoughts and opinions. The Incruscans may be reckless and insolent with their tongue, but they are recognised fighters. Maria knew too well of this herself, having fought along and against them on the field. Especially in the case of the fox-man, who apparently went by foreign name 'Todd'. Somehow, Maria felt confident that the Incruscan was speaking from experience. She thought splitting into smaller groups is a valid point. They'd be more maneauverable to navigate the forest, while being in smaller groups means it'd be easier to provision separate parties in uncharted hostile territory. But then again, with all their powers combined and the group still had a difficult time with the Cerebrate earlier, who knows what lies waiting for them under the dark shades of the woods? Sticking together was their best call.

As Jericho was wrapping up his opinion on the suggested routes, a young elf rudely interrupted the meeting in a rather 'oblivious' manner, to which Maria only sighed, followed by a chuckle as Margot the mage scolded the clueless child. Returning to the planning and the map, Maria traced her finger on the magical lines that appeared on the map. She'd always been more or less intrigued with the art of wizardry - scribbles on the old ruins and scrolls and the network that is said to link the Light through all living things. Magic was not so popular in Regalia, and in fact, it was only her curiosity on the matter that initiated the very first research programs on wizardry, with materials Maria brought back from her conquests.

Back to the mage's inquiry, Maria voiced her opinion.

"Perhaps there are shallow parts, still, we'll need to know how strong the current is. And if that doesn't work, getting some wood for a makeshift bridge isn't beyond my abilities."

Maria also understood the importance of supplies, and so spoke out her thought on the problem.

"Assuming our initial load is intact, we should have enough supplies to travel through the forest with little concern on this regard. Besides, there are spots where we could potentially resupply." Clearing her voice, she continued. "However, just to be careful, we should try to run into these outposts and camps as often as possible."

The night was long for them. And in Maria's case, as she finished those words, the Guardian stepped back from the group with her hand slightly pressed onto her belly. The wounds from the previous fight were healed, thanks to that peculiar headless rider's magic, but now, she was feeling an irritating void in stomach. It was protesting for some nicely roasted onions in warm sauce, perhaps with a freshly-baked bun on the side and some good ale to swallow them all down.

Kabboom Kabboom Vyseryx Vyseryx -robert- -robert- D. Rex D. Rex
 
Jericho

"Maria's got a point, so we'll most likely do that," spoke Jericho. It was obvious that the woman was drawing from her military experience, though she could be having difficulty adapting, due to the size of this group compared to the average size of the units that she command. Certainly, there is room for improvement. Trying his best to avoid Leafa, he thought it fit to wrap up the briefing. "So that's the plan. We'll go through the outposts, cross the river, hit the Supply Depot, then Streamend, then make a break for the artifact. It's not much, and the risks are big, but I believe we can pull through. When we hit a snag, we find a way around. Don't blame each other for anything, now. That's the most important part."

"That's all. Go grab some food. Sleep. Just be ready for tomorrow. We wake at sunrise, and ride at dawn. Dismissed." Jericho ended, rolling the map up and fitting it in one of his pockets, and grabbing his Halberd. His clinking footsteps carried him outside the open door, standing on the steps of the town hall. Resting quietly for a second, he begun to run over everything in his mind. His newfound responsibilities, his stomach, his drowsy eyes, and his aching hands and feet. Taking care of things in the exact opposite order, he sat down, resting his Halberd on the steps securely, closing his eyes a bit whilst rubbing them with his armored fingers, and fetching a young lad nearby. "Some good food! No fish! And a mug full of ale!" He hollered, tossing a fist-sized bag of Imperial silvers into the young lad's lap, and off the young man was. As he waited, Jericho doubled back on his burdens. His... group.

What the hell was the King's Council thinking? How could someone like him be put in control? And Audrich Crimson, did he have a role to play in this? Even with his Clarity, there's no guarantee that some of the Incruscans may start a fight with Maria, or one of the more Imperial-inclined members, especially Hadrian, might make the first move against the Incruscans. Most of the members also seem to be self-centered, and how will he even hope to stop them if one of them decide that they are better than everyone else, and try to run off with valuable supplies, or even grab the artifact from under everyone's noses if they get there? A daunting, daunting task indeed, and this only makes Jericho's stomach churn harder.

SCSaya06 SCSaya06 Trappy Trappy hostage hostage Nightblade Nightblade Soviet Panda Soviet Panda Pilgrim59 Pilgrim59 Unwavering Knight Unwavering Knight CombatReadyPenny CombatReadyPenny Sybil Sybil billthesomething billthesomething CrowOuttaHell CrowOuttaHell Aryasaurus Aryasaurus AlphaKyle AlphaKyle QizPizza QizPizza -robert- -robert- Vyseryx Vyseryx FTR FTR D. Rex D. Rex
 
Maria
Maria was relieved to hear that Jericho agreed with her suggestion. Her time in the legions had taught her well the dreadful experience of lacking sufficient supplies, and she knew it was the last thing she'd want to see again on this earth. As the man reviewed the route they were taking, her blue eyes traced the distance between outposts and landmarks where they'd stop to restock. Fortunately, if the map was accurate, then it wouldn't be too long for them to travel between these spots, so the journey may not be too hazardous. However, Maria knew reality would hardly play out according to how they had planned. After all, she wouldn't expect them to travel undisturbed amidst a thriving spawn of beasts, feral and Dark alike. And it won't be just the beasts that they'll need to keep an eye out for.

As the Jericho dismissed the group, Maria stayed behind, with her eyes seemingly analysing the roughly sketched map. However, her mind was elsewhere. Despite being set on a journey so filled with uncertainty and unforeseeable challenges, she found herself more concerned with her soon-to-be companions. Keeping it passive to the Incruscans' provocations and insults have been working just fine, but there's no guarantee if they should break loose on her sometime during the journey. While Maria didn't think she would have any problem using some force keep them in line, she believed it would be best to keep hostility between group members as low as possible. Infighting isn't good for any scenario.

And then there was that particular warrior. Hadrian Arcadius, she believes he called himself. Now, she wouldn't be all too confident with her ability to judge characters, but based on his previous display, the man should be watched. He appeared loyal to the Empire's ideas. Devotion is good, but extremism will only ignite more conflict between members of the group.

After a while, she started making her way out to the steps, after briefly eyeing the present members of the expedition team. As she pushed open the large door, the Guardian decided to leave those thoughts behind, instead focusing on a more imminent problem. Leaning the large polearm on her shoulder, she gazed over the town, finding an inn or some sort, just to spend the night. At the same time, her stomach was feeling as if it was on the verge of a violent revolution - it demanded food. As she recalled, her last meal was a small lunch - a strip of salted ox meat from a shady merchant carriage on her way to Frontierville. Business kept her too occupied for a proper meal.

She noticed the halberd wielder, Jericho, as she walked down the steps. The man was staring off at no particular object, instead seemingly waiting for something, or someone. While she was at it, Maria realised she never really got to know much about this man.

"I see you're preparing yourself for the trip?" Maria spoke up as she approached him.

Kabboom Kabboom

( FTR FTR I just realised that I didn't add Maria's reaction to Hadrian offering his hand earlier. Just assume she shook his hand in a formal manner. I'm very sorry for this xP The week was really busy.)
 
Jericho

Mere moments after he had sat his armored ass down onto the steps leading down from the town hall door, a familiar, feminine voice called out to him from behind. "I see you're preparing yourself for the trip?" Maria queried, as she walked up close to him.

"'Preparing' is a strong word. I prefer 'thinking over'," Jericho responded, with a slight scoff. They had sparred a bit not long after they got here, yes, but Jericho could not discern exactly how to treat her. As a celebrity, a general, a soldier, a Guardian, or a warrior. "And you. What brings you here to this part of the Empire, huh?" he responded, looking back at her. His helmet was quickly coming off, its use having fled since the fighting had died down, and his... 'pigtails', as the annoying yet naive Elfling called them, flowed freely, dirtied by sweat, blood and dirt.

"The call of duty." her voice rang out like iron. She quietly gazed into the distance as she said that, before turning back at him. "I assume we're after the same thing." From here she'd lower her voice, so that it sounds just above a whisper. "Where does your loyalty lie?"

"My loyalty lies with the Light. The men. Can't say the same about everyone else in our group, however." Audaton replied firmly, fixing his eyes onto hers as they crossed paths. They both were trying to probe each other, to perhaps gain some insight into the other person's motives and personality. But it would seem, Maria was just as tough as Jericho, if not tougher. That, or the man just sucked at judging personality through the eyes. Perhaps it was the latter, but the man would prefer to think the former was the truth.

Shortly after that, Maria spoke, disengaging. "I was just saying, Audaton, I feel like I shouldn't doubt you. As for this...circus of an expedition team, a few encounters and they'd be more worried about staying alive than pursuing their agendas." The word 'circus' bounced around in his own head a few times, adding to the unease. His internal voice kept repeating the words, 'My circus.'

"But if they do act to compromise our quest, I hope you won't hesitate." She looked straight at him as she spoke these words. "I won't."

"Hesitating is the last thing I would ever do. I learned that a long time ago." Jericho responded, his voice growing feebler as the second part of the sentence came out. His mind circled back to the last time he hesitated in decision-making, and the doubts begin setting in again. A bright voice cleared the dark clouds, however.

"Very good!" A brief smile appeared on Maria's face. "It's easy to say anything, Audaton, but I believe you. Anyways...!" Clearing her voice, she continues. "I'm finding a place for the night, why don't you join me? I could use the company." she leaned on her bardiche slightly, seemingly inviting him with her body language alone. "Sounds good." Jericho shortly replied, reaching for his Halberd and standing up by propping it against the ground. The young lad and his promised meal evaded Audaton's mind for the time being, as he had his Halberd in one hand, and helmet curled up in the other.

Trappy Trappy -robert- -robert- (mentioned)
 
Margot

Margot left the town hall quickly. She was glad that her plan was more or less accepted, though the warning about no plan surviving contact with enemy bothered her. The forest was a big and random place, where many dangers lurked amidst the trunks, threatening to hurt her and her son (and other members of group too, obviously). But for now, she was too tired to deal with that problem; she simply needed a place to rest.

The sorceress checked on Leo in her backpack, who apparently was dozing off again and started walking energetically in the direction where, as her memory served, an inn was. With a little bit of luck, it should still be intact and Margot really wished that was true. She needed a night in bed.

Little did she know, that a pair of orange eyes were tracking the mage’s movement.

shadowz1995 shadowz1995
 
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Needless to say, the Vile's sense of hearing was incredibly sharp. The words stated at the small, makeshift meeting did not escape him though their meanings did. Tenet caught a few lines and could vaguely understand what was being said in the conversation but the details were completely lost between the lightborn soldiers. Tenet knew that they were going to be going into "forests" and that a "forest" was where he used to live. The idea of returning to familiar territory alone excited the man, despite the lack of enthusiasm coming from the light-walkers. He understood the word dangerous and that word was used several times. Some kind of threat lurked in these forests but that was nothing new for him. He lived around it his whole life. Hell, he was in danger just for existing and being in a settlement run by the people of light.

Still, the corrupted man's orange hues watched all that were in sight, never lingering too much on one person out of fear of another surprising him. It didn't take too long for the shinies at the meeting to disperse and begin heading their respective ways. Some back and forth had gone about between as anger seemed to have flared up but otherwise nothing of interest happened. The armored woman that had taken him down earlier walked out as well and Tenet's eyes narrowed slightly at her presence, not that she could have seen him do so. She seemed far more relaxed, albeit tired. However, there was another presence that truly drew his ire. One that felt similar to the kind woman that taught him how to speak. That same woman had mentioned to him to seek out a woman that would feel similar to her. That this woman would have a certain look about her. The female certainly matched the description and Tenet decided to move in.

He didn't need to attract anymore attention than necessary so the man used what he always did when he stalked prey in the forests. The night came to life around him, swallowing his physical form in shadow and darkness. The only thing left clearly visible were a pair of orange eyes, seemingly floating in the air. During the day, he would only become truly invisible in the shadows of the forests but during the night.... it was damn near impossible to see him even if one was standing right in front of him. Getting on all fours and leaping silently from one rooftop to another, Tenet followed the target of his interest. The only audible sound was the soft scratching of his claws coming into contact with the tile. A literal shadow in the night.

The Vile made sure to avoid the peering gazes of the light-walkers despite having no real need to do so. He eventually came close enough to the mage woman to drop down some distance away from her and follow behind her. It was only when he was at a comfortable distance, far enough to react to danger but close enough for her to hear him, that Tenet relented some of his control over the darkness. He appeared to be some shadowy humanoid in this form without any other real description. Formless and.... not at the same time. To announce his presence to the woman, Tenet lightly dragged his claws across the stone beneath his feet, much like one of the Darkborne wolves would do while they were hunting. No doubt it would bring alarm but it didn't really process in Tenet's mind at the moment.

The Vile stood on two feet, dropping his shadowy camouflage to reveal his normal, pale state. Marred by the red blood of those he stole it from and his own black blood from his wounds. The corrupted didn't actually know whether or not this was the woman in question, so he merely pointed at the red ribbon upon his wrist. His eyes held no malice, as the usually did, merely regarding the mage in curiosity. His head even cocked to the side a touch, much like a dog's would when it was confused or wanted something.

Vyseryx Vyseryx​
 
Hearthfall Season - Midnight
Sashi
Townhall, Frontierville

​
Catching a wind of the plan's concept, Sashi proceeds to turn outwards from the collapsed walls of the town hall and worked her way around the building. As much as she was a reserved person, it crossed her mind that no one would emerge from the forest unharmed. It was apparent, in her thought and experience, that she should converse and volunteer herself for the daunting task ahead of them as a vanguard scout. But before she could approach the familiar faces at the door, it was best that she should keep her identity as an exiled Tsarina a secret for the time being. Her hands reached for the closest piece of shawl that she could find and quickly wrapped it around her silvery, white hair. Tucked away beneath the comforts of the warm piece of cloth, the druid took some charcoals found on a nearby desk, along with some dye that she uncorked from her satchel. Smearing a dual of hand-drawn markings across her face, it was more difficult to distinguish her from the common rabble by her weathered robes and rugged-looking visage.

An aroma of freshly-picked lavenders and other sorts of pleasant daisies surrounded Sashi, as a natural impression of a forest dweller. Donning her new look, she approached the commanders with a strangely squeaky voice that shattered their image of the reserved druid. Her voice had broke in the midst of her excited words. Accompanied by a half-salute of a greeting wave, Sashi smiled with a light gaze towards Audaton and Theodosiel.

"Well met, o' fair commanders of the Light! ... Oh right... Sashi, Druid of the Elbe Forest, at your service. May I be so bold as to accompany and search for some peaceful walks with you two. For our path would align until the end of the streets. Feel free to say no... but I'll do so anyways."

The druid attempted to lighten the mood with her awkward way of striking a conversation. Giggling away at her own words, Sashi found Jericho and Maria looking at her more confused than surprised. Of course, this was only a sly endeavor of the druid to distract them from recognizing her identity.


Interacted: Kabboom Kabboom Trappy Trappy
Mentioned: N/A

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Margot

Something was following her. Neither her ears could catch the slightest sound, nor her eyes could see a dimmest form, but she knew it was there. Stirring the Network with its presence, a creature of Darkness moved in the shadows, trailing the sorceress and sending a shiver down her spine. Darkborne hadn’t usually hunted like that – they were bold and primal, attacking as soon as they were in range – the change in tactic suggested a foe much more formidable than Darkwings or goblins.

As the creature got on the ground behind her, Margot’s fingers started forming a simple stunning spell, that she was ready to shoot at the aggressor at any moment but just as she expected it to attack her a strange sound reached her ears. The sound of claws dragged against the wall.

‘A mistake?’ Margot thought , trying to make sense of this predator suddenly revealing its presence. ‘Because we are on alien ground for it? But no, it was doing so well on the roof why would it… Purposefully?’

It didn’t make sense to postpone the confrontation anymore. If the fight was brewing, she could as well start it; if not… then she was curious.

Margot quickly turned on her hill, with the spell-clad palm before her aiming at the creature behind her. It was a human, at least in shape, with glowing, orange eyes and shadows dancing around its… his body. He didn’t look like any Darkborne Margot has ever faced or read about. It didn’t seem to be aggressive in any way too and to add to woman’s confusion, it was pointing at something with his finger. The sorceress squinted her eyes, and in the light of dawning sky she had managed to see a scrap of material around his wrist. A red ribbon.

Margot felt as if the lighting had stroke her. She hadn’t had any contact with her Guild for almost two years, ever since she was ‘excused’ from Ratthe. And now a man covered in Dark stood before her with a piece of cloth that brought so many question to her. He didn’t seem to be a mage and Grand Arcanist barely ever dealt with other people – which meant person before Margot was about as special as he seemed.

“Who are you?” The sorceress asked, trying to bring as much confidence to her voice as she could. She put both of her hands loose along her waist to seem more relaxed, but she still wielded a stun-spell as a dagger ready to use it at any time.

shadowz1995 shadowz1995
 
(Gonna be a short one sorry)

Needless to say, the woman didn't appreciate being followed and Tenet only realized this when magic surged within the woman. Though, once she had finally turned around and seen exactly what was happening, her own curiosity seemed to mirror his. The veil of darkness Tenet had wrapped around his form now gone, leaving only the pale-skinned humanoid creature he was regarded the woman with equal parts caution and curious. He heard the words she said. "Who" rather than "what" are you? It was a question he had heard many time in his 4 decades of life but the "who" was throwing him off. Who meant person, at least that's what the woman said. You meant Tenet himself. So, was the woman trying to ask what person was he? The Vile was unsure how to answer and it was quite clear on his face as he tried to formulate the proper response.

"Tenet...." the man said while pointing at himself, "Told....find....you...."

"....mind....."

Hopefully, the woman would understand what he was trying to say, as he indicated with a clawed finger pointing at his head that he wished to communicate mentally, as the woman had said she would be able to do. Words could not be formulated accurately, even in his head but Tenet found he was able to convey his messages clearly this way through intent and feeling. Perhaps they could read cohesive thoughts that he couldn't really understand himself.

'The woman in the tower said to find you. That you could speak with me as she does. She sent me to help you light-walkers in exchange for my freedom. I was promised to be left alone if I helped. She said you would be able to help me.'

The thought alone was enough to bring some feeling of frustration and anger to the forefront of his mind. Tenet just wanted to be left the hell alone and it seemed like that was the only thing he couldn't receive.

Vyseryx Vyseryx
 
Jericho

Stopping in his tracks, surprised by the sudden newcomer, Jericho's halberd hand twitched, in preparation for a sudden strike, should the need arise. The man had learned from a few run-ins with... disgruntled civilians, and old habits die hard. The 'threat' here was only imaginary, however, for it was but a woman, worn and weary from the tough night so far, with a dusty face and some otherwise disheveled hair, tucked neatly underneath a wrinkly shawl. A small glance from top to bottom revealed nothing suspicious or dangerous to Jericho, other than the woman's unkempt clothing, with her garments hanging dangerously loose, revealing a considerable amount of skin.

"Ah, you're more than welcome to join us, druid. The more the merrier." he shortly replied, before continuing on his way, with Maria and the new friend, Sashi, slightly lagging behind him. His mind, previously occupied with doubts and frustration over decisions that made no sense in his mind, was now given a new task: Search and consume good food. 'What the hell was the name of that inn, the one with the good food? Grind? Grinded, Grinder, something...' echoed the thought within the wells of his mind, as his hair feels the chill of the night, whilst his body remains at a swelling heat, due to all the armor he's still donning. His feet would propel him forwards towards this elusive inn, ignoring the civilians walking past, moving considerably out of the trio's way.

Alas, after a good five minutes of endless searching, weighed down by a starving stomach, clawing at his insides with ice cold talons, Audaton found the place (Grindes? What kind of name is that?). A shabby inn-bar, with a sign that sways in the wind as if it were recently fixed. Though he was adamant that there were even better places to eat in Frontierville, Grindes would have to do. Walking through the door didn't take much effort, seeing as it was relatively already open. Most of the denizens within the inn barely reacted to his trio's entrance, seeing as most of them were smashed on grog and other questionable intoxicants, that Jericho found wiser to not ask about. A nod from the innkeeper, a familiar Giant sitting in the corner, conversing with a human, seemingly a hunter of some sort, were all that caught Jericho's eye, as he sat down on the last empty table, gesturing to Maria and Sashi to sit down.

Making contact with the creaky wooden chair, Audaton let out an exhausted sigh, as he begun undoing his armor plates at a leisurely pace, leaving his free clothing to finally breathe after a lifetime of being choked and stuffed under rigid armor. A waitress, weary from the long night and the sudden influx of customers, approaches them quickly enough, waiting for an order. Being only now reminded of the lad that he had previously sent to fetch food, Audaton felt some shred of regret that he did not linger further to at least grab his food, thinking of the wasted Imperial currency that he'd foolishly thrown onto the lad. But no matter, thought he. Money is not one of his many concerns. He can always work for some.

Pulling out a fresh handful of Imperial silvers, he ordered. "I want your best meal. And some ale to go with it." Glancing over to the druid and the other Guardian, his voice continued. "And what will you ladies have?"

Trappy Trappy Pilgrim59 Pilgrim59 CrowOuttaHell CrowOuttaHell SCSaya06 SCSaya06
 
~ L u n a l a ~
Location: Hidden in a wagon
Status: Alive - Health 100%
Position: Main Character
Tagging: Kabboom Kabboom Trappy Trappy (for admin refernce)​

The meeting was seemingly over, and with that, the Guardians and soldiers alike began to slowly dwindle out from the town hall, some splitting up to find sleeping quarters, and others for food and drink to celebrate after their hard-won battle for Frontierville. Lunala, however, stayed in her position until she was certain that the cost was clear. She made sure to move when the doors opened, scurrying quietly around the corner and watching the individuals until barely any remained. Lunala waited a few more minutes to make sure she was truly in the clear, and then stood up, carefully making her way back through the village. Her thought was that f she could just find somewhere to hide for the night - a wagon or something would be desirable - where she could hide in and no one would be the wiser, it would make her journey all the more easy to partake. She could hide their until they leave, and be taken with them without their knowing.

Searching the town, Lunala came across some of her father's men loading a handful of wagons and tending to the horses that would pull them come the morning. The wagons were of a wooden base, a canvas top arching over a frame that would prevent the contents from getting wet if it should rain. Each man carried a crate filled with supplies, or weapons wrapped in rags - food and medicine were the primary things that were loaded in; gear to set camp, ropes, nets, chains. Lunala waited in the dark until they finished up and went on their respective ways, and then carefully crept over to one of the wagons, opened the canvas flap and climbed inside.

Once in, Lunala was able to take her time and get herself situated in there so that she would remain undiscovered. She had picked the wagon that harboured some supply crates and canvas tarps; the tarps being in the back, Lunala simply slipped herself underneath one, and was obscured completely by sight.
 
Spessartite Phos​

The rock maiden petted the girl, trying to be supportive despite the time-inappropriate question. Luckily Margot's suggestion nailed the mark she was already considering, so she nodded to the helpful mage she met just hours ago.

"You are probably right," the elemental replied, "hey Leafa dear? Let us go outside and then we can come back ok? We will find out later." With that she would lift up the child with ease, taking her out to get some sun and air. Once outside and down some stairs she would set the elf down, now leaning against a wall and observing the war-torn town. Being fed the info via her mind-link was useful, causing her amusement to the seemingly great benefits magic brought to everyday life apparently. Even as Margot left however and people began to move about, Spess would remain on that wall, still as stone, as if they were a camouflaged insect waiting to strike. She would respond to Leafa, but for the most part, she stayed there for a few hours.

-robert- -robert- Vyseryx Vyseryx
 


Audun the Fallen
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Location: Frontierville - Forest
Status: Extremely Exhausted
Disposition: Slightly Evil
Interacting With: Vyseryx Vyseryx shadowz1995 shadowz1995
​


Once the meeting in the town hall finished, Audun and Taryn were the first ones out of the building. The two of them snuck out and strolled down the road to an inn Taryn had seen coming into town. Hopefully, it had not been destroyed in the short time that she had been away. However, when she and Audun were done, there would be a possibility that it would be destroyed. Again, hopefully not, but who knows how aggressive the two of them would get. Walking out, she caught the eye of a certain Incruscan bandit she had employed years ago. She blushed as their eyes met before her attention snapped away and her mouth twisted into a scowl. Audun noticed her change in expression and lifted her chin up so that their eyes met. "Don't scowl like that, it ruins your pretty face. What's wrong?You know you can tell me. we're in the same boat."

"There was..." Taryn moved her head away from Audun's touch to keep him from seeing her blush, "There was this damn fox Incruscan. I made a contract with him maybe 10 years back. That little fox thought it was a good idea to work for a tsarina behind my back. It wasn't."

"Sounds like you got jealous," Audun teased Taryn.

His partner was quick to retort, snapping at him, though he didn't seem to mind, "HE broke the contract! What did you think I would do? Send him off with pockets lined with gold? No. He was going to be punished."

"What did you do, get him arrested by the Imperial Army? You don't exactly go easy on them when you feel 'betrayed.'"

"Turning him in was exactly what I did...well, not before I put a little curse on his, member" Images of Todd flashed into Taryn's mind. She pushed them away and continued with a slight giggle. "Whenever that stupid fox gets hard, it starts to glow like you used to. It also gets hard whenever he's in danger, just to make sure he lives to see me take over the Empire and to cause him some embarrassment."

Audun chuckled at Taryn's sadistic tendencies. When the two finally reached the inn, Audun stopped at the door and said, "You go on and get us a room. I'll catch up"

"Don't take too long... I might start going for other guys if you do..." Taryn teased as she went into the inn, leaving Audun outside. She would get with someone regardless of whether or not Audun came back. She needed more life essence for the days ahead. Even then, it's not like her urges would be satisfied with lowly humans. They were means to an end, while Audun was probably the only one she could rely on for satisfaction.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Audun had stopped outside the inn when he felt a Dark presence nearby. It was familiar...the presence possessed some Light, but it also possessed a significant amount of Dark...much like Audun himself. This presence must have been the Vile he met earlier. The one that called himself Tenet. Audun needed to talk to him, or at the very least make sure he was really a being like himself. The Nephilim almost placed comfort in knowing that he was not the only person suffering the pull between Dark and Light.

Waving Taryn away, he paid no heed to her comment. She would've found other men and women even if he did follow her in. Such was the way of a Succubus. However, it was strange how Taryn acted when she brought up Todd. Audun knew her well enough that she was never like that around anyone. This was slightly disturbing, but as long as it doesn't affect her fighting or her promise to help him obtain the artifact, there would be no issue.

Strolling into the forest back from where they came from, Audun followed the Dark Aura until two figures came into view. One was definitely the one named Tenet. The other was female and had magic coming off of her, a mage. From exhaustion, Audun could not identify the magic she was emitting, but he could still feel her fear and a hint of hostility. He unholstered his lance and stepped into view, not bothering with stealth. The moment he did, he recognized the female figure as the witch from earlier. Anger stirred in him, but he could not start a fight even if he wanted to, so he simply lowered his lance, "You, again? *Sigh* What business do you have with this man over here? Better not be anything violent, cause I not in for a fight right now."

 
Maria
Maria was rather surprised by the mysterious young lady's debut, who identified herself as 'Sashi', a druid of the Elbe Forest. A stranger, and certainly a strange character. There were dust and coal all over her, as a piece of tattered cloth conceals most of her messy hair. This 'Sashi' was opposite to Maria in the inn, as the trio settled themselves around a small table, apparently the last one empty, as some were used as temporary beds for the wounded, while others were cramped with soldiers celebrating and getting intoxicated with ale. It was hardly the best, instead being pretty much what one could expect from a frontier tavern, which was no doubt built to provide for the pioneers and settlers' needs, who were mostly poor and would not demand much. As mediocre as it was for her standard, it would have to do, as Maria could hardly remain patient anymore for some food and drink to satisfy her empty stomach.

One would be wise to consider a stranger a threat as long as their intentions remain ambiguous. Maria knew well of this, as she scaled the young woman that sat opposite to her. Under the dim lantern light of the inn, the druid's untended appearance was seemingly amplified by the shade, though Maria put effort in trying to read her characteristics. 'Untended' may be a rushed conclusion to the young lady's attitudes, after all, Maria could hardly say different about her appearance after the fight. Partly because as she was but stranger who turned up out of nowhere and insisted on following them, while Maria could not see why they would refuse her, she could not find herself completely comfortable with 'Sashi''s undeclared intents. There was also something else about this woman, something Maria had just caught a glimpse of with a blink of an eye. Even as the steaming dishes of food and cold pints of ale were brought before them by the waitress, and the silky texture and the sweet taste of roasted onions filled her mouth as she dug into the food almost immediately without a word, further amplified by the hot gravy's fragrance and spices which resulted in an explosion of taste that would melt one's senses to the pleasure, Maria found herself peeking at the druid every chance she got.

Washing the food down with a chug of the cold ale, satisfying her taste buds with the welcoming aura of distilled summer berries and the striking kick of the drink, in her pleasure, Maria slammed the pint upon the wooden surface harder than she'd intended to, and finally decided to speak up. Her words were loud and clear, addressing Sashi the druid.

"There is really something about you that I should recognise . . . But unfortunately my mind seems to be rather distracted. Anyway, you may call me Maria, my friend. It is convenient that you would join us, we were just about to talk a bit about ourselves."

She paused as a small giggle escaped her throat, before continuing.

"No storytelling is complete without the proper drink. So, tell us about yourself. What brought a lone druid so far from her forest of solitude?"

Pilgrim59 Pilgrim59 Kabboom Kabboom
 
Hearthfall Season - Midnight
Sashi
Townhall, Frontierville
​

From the cool gale that blanketed the empty streets, to the warm, stoked fires of the Grindes, Sashi found herself back to where she started her new adventure - this time with two familiar faces. Perhaps this was the first time that they had settled in for dinner, or in this case, a midnight meal. Having braved the fixed look of the two Imperial commanders, Sashi had caught on to their firm attentions. Her recent and audacious presence has only served to increase their already-tense postures. Strangers are usually frowned upon, especially when their intentions are shrouded behind closed lips. Breaking from her thoughts, the druid lifted her face against the table's candles, with a pleasant and calm smile.

"I'll have two full plates of salmons and potatoes, and a side of whatever vegetables you've got. Grilled it, sautee it, mash it... whatever works for you, sister. Oh, and a mug of your signature ale, please." Sashi declared her orders to the waitress.

Their meals rolled down the table lavishly, with aromatic fumes and scents flooding the table of the battle-weary warriors. From the tender fabrics of medium-grilled salmons and baked vegetables, to the flowing brown gravies, the juicy, steamed essence of their meal quickly rejuvenated the trio with each bite. Sashi quickly munched down her first plate, before turning her wicked attention at the lush vegetable garden that was her side dish. Devouring her food out of borderline starvation, the druid found herself in paradise as she resided in the moment of some heart-lifting thrill. This was exactly one of the things that she yearned for in her journey - to sate her appetite in the company of friendly faces. Before long, the trio dug through their plates, before settling their hands on their mug and their tensions on pause at the Druid's reply as she took a few sip of the well-seasoned barley extract.

"Err... fun." was her answer, as she took another sip, enduring the initial bitterness of the ale, before finding comfort in its sweet aroma. Her eyes met the two's, as they sat dazzled by her irregular response.

"Oh right... Much to say, I have not. Perhaps a sense of adventure? Some sense of accomplishment? By many forms do Guardians stood by. But for a humble dweller of the woods, such as myself, my habits of old tends to... defer me from that kind of sense. I'm afraid I do not have a straightforward answer to your question, as I have yet to discover my true endeavor thus far."

Lifting her face further up, the candlelight shone her amber-like eyes, as well as her silky, and sprawling white hair. Despite her shady look beneath her hooded scarf, the druid dispelled their cautions little by little with her soft, tender voice, and her unwavering confident eyes.

"I can sense your uneasiness at this table, o' Imperial commanders. But rest assured, for my intentions are far from those of destruction and chaos. My will is of balance, as Femosis guides my path."

Taking a bite from her last slice of potato, covered in sweet gravy, Sashi broke her serious tone with an erratic display of pleasure on her face. Her sudden shift of a serious tone to a ridiculously awkward one would slowly tug at Jericho's and Maria's softer sides.

"I swurr... Zis pohtaytomf. Ish sho good! If there is ever a need, do not be afraid to harass me with your words.. Wait, that came out wrong. AHEM!
Excuse my expendable words. If! There is anything that this druid can do to support this august company of heroes, speak your minds and my sword is at your command."

Of course, the young lady in her white robes has yet to divest herself of her own sanity, so one could only viewed her as a very awkward person, instead of a jester. But Sashi, the vigilant druid knew better, as she masks her serious inflections in order to solidify her awkward, sporadic personality in their eyes - depriving them of their senses to recognize the exiled Tsarina. Finishing her sentence, the visually-destitute lady unveiled a few clinking coins from her satchel and paid homage to the waitress for all of their midnight needs. She chuckled a bit, dismissing their concerns after paying for the whole table. To them, it was an unnecessary kindness, but to her, it was a grateful act of a simple thank you for their past encounters.


Interacted: Kabboom Kabboom Trappy Trappy
Mentioned: N/A
 
Leafa

Yawn

Leafa had been sitting on the ground leaning against a wall for a couple hours now, she was never the one to stay still for long, and after long hours of waiting, she had had it. She stood up and turned to the rock lady, she was clearly angry, but tried to keep her cool when talking.

"Ok so look. I know I maybe shouldn't have asked that, but COME ON! Do we REALLY have to stay here for so much time, I'm already bored from waiting, and this isn't getting me closer to my parents! Plus I overheard some people talking, we're going to the forest! Do you know how many cool bugs we could find? And most importantly, the spider thing dragged mommy and daddy to who knows where! We have to search everywhere! ... .... Well... I have to search everywhere..."

And just like that Leafa's kind of angry voice tone faded away, her voice was reduced to almost a whisper and she was trying to hold the tears in.

"Maybe I shouldn't get my hopes up... I thought me and Yellow hair would be friends forever the moment I met him... but now he's nowhere to be seen... the same will probably happen with you... AGH! Maybe this was just a stupid idea, I should just head back home, maybe someone else survive- Oh. My. God. That butterfly is so pretty!"

Immediately regaining her jolly and bubbly spirit, Leafa locked her eyes on a beautiful and small white butterfly that had landed abruptly on the ground, a few steps near Leafa. She took small and silent steps, being more careful with each step she took. When she was finally in range of catching it, the insect started to take flight, but, much to Leafa's suprise, it didn't fly away from her, instead it gracefully landed on her open hand, and stood there, motionless. "Woooow! It didn't run away! I can't believe it! Uhm Mister or Miss Butterfly? A-are you my friend? Uhm... fly for yes, and don't fly for no."

The butterfly started to take off, and remained in the air for about ten seconds, before landing yet again on Leafa's hand. It was signaling that it was her friend.

Sybil Sybil
 
Margot

"Tenet....Told....find....you....mind....." The man clearly had problems talking. The sounds of human speech were coming out of his mouth with hardship, distorted by the throat not accustomed to being used this way.

But that didn’t prevent those five crooked words from giving Margot many things to think about. Firstly, the not-a-Darkborne there had a name. Secondly, he was told to find her, so it meant somebody with some sort of authority sent him to Frontierville knowing sorceress would be there; it meant involvement of one of Red Ribbon’s Archmages and that spelled trouble. Thirdly ‘mind’. It took Margot few seconds to figure out he probably meant telepathy. Seeing how Tenet had problems talking normally, it was probably the most efficient way of communicating with him.

Sorceress raised her hand and drew a Mind Circle before her. It took her almost half a minute to finish spell, before Tenet heard in his head:

‘Boy, answer and we speak mind’

The link was different than the one which she used to talk with elemental and druid earlier. Aside from words, it allowed to share abstract concepts, like feelings, pictures and sounds – a means usually used when communicating with person not proficient in Empire’s language, or in this case, not proficient in talking at all

When the link was established, Margot focused her mind and sent Tenet a mental equivalent of giant question mark, wishing for him to lay out his situation for her

'The woman in the tower said to find you. That you could speak with me as she does. She sent me to help you light-walkers in exchange for my freedom. I was promised to be left alone if I helped. She said you would be able to help me.'

Lazareth. Margot took precaution to not let reaction flow through link. Only at’Zethra would be crazy enough to make a deal with a Vile. And to promise him freedom for help with artefact. Margot’s heart suddenly felt as if pierced with an icy splinter – the Grand Arcanist was almost certainly lying to Tenet about his freedom. This manipulative woman would never keep the word given to non-mage.

But before Margot had time to decide what she will do with this situation, somebody interrupted them.

"You, again? *Sigh* What business do you have with this man over here? Better not be anything violent, cause I am not in for a fight right now," a new voice spoken

The angel, the one Margot had met before, was standing near to her with a lance in his hand, though not in a position suggesting hostile intent.

“ ‘Anything violent’? Said a man with a weapon in hand?” Margot asked with an amused tone. She pointed at Tenet. “I must disappoint you. I was just introducing this man here to wonders of telepathic communication, as he seems to have trouble conferring other way. Want to join us?”

Sorceress’s hand, still with Mind Circle before it, now pointed in Audun’s direction.
 
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Jericho
"Excuse my expendable words. If! There is anything that this druid can do to support this august company of heroes, speak your minds and my sword is at your command." As the druid spoke, Jericho felt chunk after chunk of Grindes' finest go down, as he feasted himself on this delightful pork rib, marinated with the frontier-special, crumbsauce. Jericho had not the slightest clue what they make crumbsauce from, but all he knows is that it gives every meal a savory, tangy taste, which brings out the succulent fat in this pork rib he was chomping down, with the occasional bitter kiss of ale.

"Well. You on the way too?" he uttered, feeling relaxed as he sunk into his chair. The armor and gear were now resting neatly under his feet, making sure no lively thief can just simply lift it away without a fight. His comfy underclothes, a worn dark green shirt, and some loose pants, were all the man clad himself with, which some would consider impolite, especially in the presence of two highly esteemed women. But he cared not, and frankly, no one else cared. 'Twas the frontier, after all. Life and death are not at all foreign customers here on the border.

Eliciting only a nod from the woman, Audaton lightly exhaled, stealing another sip from the mug. A thud as the measly ale container smacked back down on the table, he found his facial muscles involuntarily shrinking and contorting, in response to the ale. A question boomed in his ear, its actual volume amplified by the dizziness of the alcohol. "Ahem, Audaton. The Chaplain didn't seem too fond of you earlier. Why was that, if you don't mind me asking?"

Concentrating on the question at hand, the booze had elicited a small chuckle on him, as he rubbed his flushing nose, and prepares for some storytelling. "It's... something about my past. Grew up in a village, y'know. One not far from the border. Attacks came and went like breakfast, lunch and dinner. I learned how to fight quick. Real quick. Had to defend the village, along with my friends. The people felt... calm, secure around me. Soon enough, I found out my charming good looks, and talented swordsmanship, weren't the only reason why they felt calm."

Shifting himself closer to the table, he continued. "Shipped off to the Guardian Academies quicker than I could say goodbye to my mom. Skip ahead a few years, and here I am, straight up Guardian. Assigned to a Team immediately, Anvil Team. Charming folk... They were my friends. My comrades. Then one night, I was in charge of directions, during a mission. One thing led to another, we got lost and... well, I don't wanna talk about it. But apparently, someone does. Some god-damned, ass-brained, boot-licking scribe decided that Anvil Team would make a good lesson for any aspiring leaders. Leaders like that Chaplain. Some people just have nothing better to do..."

"It's okay, Jericho. I understand. Sorta." came a response from Maria, having stripped down to her basic clothing, gear and equipment also at her feet, although left in a more loose manner. If anyone tries anything, she can probably just force-punch them in the nuts. "Mm? How so?" Audaton replied, intrigued. "Well, I don't know how much of me the Empire actually tells everyoen about, but... my upbringing was kinda harsh. Obviously, not as harsh as you, since I was mostly safe, but my parents didn't approve of my... opinions. Wanted me to become a princess or something, marry me off. But, as you see, I became a general, though my men didn't exactly like me as much. Then I became a Guardian... now I'm here."

"A toast, then. To shitty beginnings." he proposed, raising his mug up high. A rough exchange of cups clashing against each other. Jericho and Maria were engrossed in the moment, chugging down ale, as Sashi contently watched, keeping mostly to herself. And so the conversation went on, subjects changing like sands in the desert, and the mugs stacking up at a steady pace. The meals had long been finished, their inedible remnants growing colder on the table surface. Jericho was unlike himself, the ale having transformed him from his normal broody self, to a man who was rousing half the inn for a jolly old dance, eliciting smiles and laughter from the dulled men. Maria, unlike the noble woman she was, was joyfully clapping along Jericho's drunken gallop, laughing ecstatically.

Finally, as the night cools down, or rather, begins to heat up, nearing 2 o'clock, Maria stood up, utilizing her noble background. She paid for everything else that Sashi hadn't already paid for: the extra mugs, the half-broken chair, and the coziest room in the whole inn. As the smashed trio stumbled up the stairs, giggling from the stupefying ale. The room was unlit, having seen its first use in perhaps months. A luxurious bed sat in relative disrepair, along with a tree outside the window. A few headstands, and some unlit candles spotted the interior, but otherwise, that was it for the room.

Sashi settled outside the window, atop the tree, among her own box of nature. Perhaps she found solace in the trees, or perhaps she just wanted to get away from the drunken wreck that were Audaton and Miss Theodosiel. The duo clambered onto the bed, both giving less than a damn about their proximity to each other, and all they could think of was sinking into a good sleep.
 
Spessartite Phos
​
The living statue blinked at the young girl's sudden outburst of frustration, her head turning to look down at her with a slight frown. The issue only was made even grander when she noticed the small girl getting upset, warranting her body to lean forward in an effort to reach and comfort Leafa, only to notice her mood shift at the sighting of the small insect.

"Woooow! It didn't run away! I can't believe it! Uhm Mister or Miss Butterfly? A-are you my friend? Uhm... fly for yes, and don't fly for no."

The small girl's excited response to the insects flying only brought a small smile to the earthen woman, withdrawing her hand in worry that she might startle the girl's newest friend.

"Sorry 'bout me leanin' like a lard, I don' really sleep none I jus' rest some. I worked 'ard ya know?" She pushed gently off the wall, standing up straight and letting small dust and debris from their stillness fall off them as they stretched out of habit. "We 'r 'ere because they are goin' that way. Even I wouldn' last long without some backup! Have patience now, 'aight? Let's go find us some grub for ya hm? Maybe find pigtails again and introduce him to ya knew friend!"

Maybe we can find that nature mage or other mage with the baby I met earlier...

-robert- -robert-
Mentions: Kabboom Kabboom Pilgrim59 Pilgrim59 Vyseryx Vyseryx
 
The Vile felt the fallen angel from a ways off before he stepped into view but due to the conversation at hand, his presence didn’t really register in Tenet’s head. Still, once he was aware of his existence, the cloaked man turned to face the approaching creature of light and dark. His eyes narrowed in curiosity once more as the angel’s anger seemed to rise, seemingly directed at the woman next to him. Obviously, Tenet was unaware of what transpired between them and so the animosity between the two confused him. So much so, that the words spoken aloud didn’t really register.

‘You are both angry. Why?’ As the Vile asked inquisitively, the angel joined the telepathic link between the two.

“Angry? Nonsense,” the sorceress said in a forcefully calm voice.

“We got off to a bad start,” Audun was annoyed at how the woman in front of him denied her emotions. Both he and Tenet could feel it. “And it seems that her fragile little ego can't even admit that she's angry.”

“Let’s just say I don’t take kindly to such… coarse personalities as yours.” The fallen angel’s attitude was starting to tire Margot. Was this man even capable of a civil conversation?

“Coarse? Like your attitude is any better.” Audun’s personality was at a low. He would've wanted to be “nicer” to the sorceress, but the amount of dark magic that he used that day had twisted his thinking. He bit back his anger and tried to be more… civil. “But...I will make an effort to change, and so should you, woman. You're not as high and mighty as you think you are.”

The Vile merely looked back and forth between the two, the confusion clear on his ghostly features.

“So, maybe a new beginning then, Angel?” Margot skipped over the borderline insult, and curtsied delicately. “Margot Lagarde, a hmm… Guardian Mage, I guess? I am not yet sure, what hierarchy is in place here.”

“Yes...a new beginning would be appreciated…” Audun did a small bow as he put away his lance. “Audun. Paladin of the Church of Light.”

‘Tenet.’ the smaller cloaked figure chimed in mentally.

‘Pardon us,’ the sorceress turned back to the Vile. ‘We met on battlefield earlier in a heated moment and had a small disagreement.’

‘Yes. I was not particularly in a very good mood earlier today. This hag just so happened to be one of the people I lashed out at.’ Audun’s was using as much effort as he could to not insult the Mage, but even more of it was used to hold back...other negative tendencies.

Tenet turned his gaze to the fallen angel, sensing what the mental link could not pick up. He couldn’t understand one of the emotions but the other was one the pale one was certainly familiar with. ‘The whispers. They are in your thoughts?’

Audun was confused at what Tenet was saying. The Nephilim soon realized that the Vile would be able sense the violent and lustful feelings within himself. ‘Whispers? I don't hear whispers in my thoughts. But my desires tear at me and compel me to do...certain things...’

The Vile tilted his head, unable to completely comprehend the desires Audun spoke of or even the fact that the paladin did not hear voices as he did. ‘It...talks. The dark whispers. Tells me to kill. Devour. Destroy. Survive. It's always there… telling me to give in. To give it more. I understand.’ Orange hues quickly snapped to the mage’s. The question clear in his mind, ‘Does the light hear them?’

‘No, we usually don’t.’ the woman looked at the Vile with concern in her eyes. She had only heard stories of Darkness ‘talking’ to someone and none of these stories had happy ending. ‘When we do hear them though, it’s usually too late to rescue us. But you two are different - your tolerance to Dark is fascinating.’

A little bit of curiosity sounded in mage’s voice - the scientist inside her was fascinated with a creature that could look into the abyss and survive it.

‘Tolerance?’ The cloaked male questioned. ‘The woman said the whispers were always with me. I was born with dark. I am also.... I have light too. She said it keeps the dark from going too far.’

‘A Guardian talent’ Margot thought before answering.

‘Yes, you do have that in you,’ the sorceress sent him a weak smile. ‘I know it’s probably hard to imagine, but without that you would feel much, much worse.’

‘You cannot begin to imagine how bad it can be.’ Audun let the thought out without much consideration. ‘My...heritage offers some protection, but if I choose not to fight it, it will eat away at my soul within hours. Had I no hope for redemption, I would have fallen long ago.’

‘I am confused. I do not….feel bad. As long as I do not eat too much, as I did earlier with the big dark one.’ To assist with the statement, Tenet shared how he currently felt. He was in pain due to the wounds and the whispers were in his mind, telling to extinguish all the lights around him. Yet, he did not feel tortured as Audun did or claimed to. Tenet couldn’t completely sympathize with the angel’s plight.

‘It's because you were born into the Dark. I made the mistake of cursing myself with this Dark power. Have you ever met a Seraph who uses this kind of magic?’

‘What is a Seraph?’

‘A rare sight’ Audun left his background ambiguous to the Vile. He had spoke more about himself through the mind link than he would have liked to. If he were to give into his darker side, he would've tried to kill the mage and the Vile in front of him. But his overwhelming exhaustion kept him from being violent. 'It's late and I'm sure we're all exhausted. We can talk about this another time, but tonight, I want to rest. My partner has a room already, you two are welcome to stay the night if you wish.”

The pale man nodded his understanding, turning his attention to the mage woman, ‘I do not sleep. The woman told me to help you and I will. So, I will be in the shadows near you until the next day.’

‘Very well, gentlemen,’ Margot answered them both and then turned to Audun. “If you know the place, that still stands then let’s go. We could both use some rest before heading off.”

shadowz1995 shadowz1995 QizPizza QizPizza
 
The day after...

Jericho

As he woke up, Audaton noticed a few things. First, a mild headache. Probably from the wild drinking night prior. He would've woke up with a head-splitting one, if it weren't for the crumbsauce. No wonder that it is the frontier's favorite. Another thing that caught his mind, was the candle floating across his vision. His senses came back to him, and could feel the blanket floating up, held in place by his foot on a corner alone, and his clothes were slightly tugging at him too, trying to lift itself upwards. Outside the window where Sashi lied asleep, he could spot a few of her belongings, along with her robes slightly tugging themselves forward, with the leaves also doing the same. This must be Maria's work. The girl was still asleep, wrapping herself against his right hand as if it were her personal teddy bear or something.

Moving quickly, Jericho retracted his hand from the girl's grip, he rose forward and used his hand to grasp the floating candle. Like clockwork, Maria woke up, and everything fell to the ground, minus the candle in his hand, echoing out a jumbling cacophony of... things hitting the ground, giving Jericho a small boost to his headache. Laying down the candle quietly on the bed, he rose to his feet, only shooting a brief "Get up. I think we're a bit late." back at Maria, as he begun putting on his equipment half-hurriedly. As he fixed his gauntlets on first, he moved to the window. Glancing out, he could see a different Frontierville from the one he saw last night.

Anyone must admit, Frontierville folk work fast. The marks of battle and damage left by last night's attack was virtually gone, with only a few clumps of Dark dust residue being swept up by a few women, being perhaps the only remaining mark of conflict on the streets. Glancing over towards the town hall's direction, he could see a Giant with an equally gigantic sword dozing off on the ground, amidst a spurring convoy of Imperial troops. Over at the wooden walls, he could spot a few ropes tied to the inner sides, leading down and terminating at the necks of a few civilians, with some of them being Incruscan. 'Must be the Chaplain. He works quick,' remarked Audaton in his mind. Turning back to the druid, Sashi, he said briefly. "Wakey wakey, druid. It's go time."

With that, he turned back indoors, grabbing the rest of his equipment to suit up, as a duo of horsemen rode through the street outside, kicking up some dust and spurring a few murmurs and panicked gasps from the women, who all got out of the way in time. Hopefully.

SCSaya06 SCSaya06 Trappy Trappy hostage hostage Nightblade Nightblade Soviet Panda Soviet Panda Pilgrim59 Pilgrim59 Unwavering Knight Unwavering Knight Octo Girl Octo Girl Sybil Sybil CrowOuttaHell CrowOuttaHell Aryasaurus Aryasaurus QizPizza QizPizza -robert- -robert- Vyseryx Vyseryx FTR FTR D. Rex D. Rex Midrick Midrick
 
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Hearthfall Season - Dawn
Sashi
Grindes Inn, Frontierville​




  • "Dearest sister! Wait for me!~"

    "Come on, Sashina, we are going to be late!"

    "I'm coming!~"

    It was as she remembered it, Samo in all of its splendor and extravagance. The cool breeze of the summer wind and the crowded piers, filled with earnest and hard-working citizens of the kingdom. White, pillared buildings sat among the bricked houses, indiscriminate of its dwellers, while White Knights roamed the streets, keeping order in the name of the great Tsar. A world free of worries, with the only thing they yearned for was an eternity in its calm and placid environment. Sarmania had came out of the recent war victorious, and with her growing economy, the nation had a sense of unification under the Tsar.

    While the nation embraced its hard-earned place in the world, the two Tsarevnas enjoyed their days in the hanging gardens that overlooked the western docks. The basking sun embraced their pink cheeks, while refracting their white hair and amber eyes like a duo of silver embroideries that interlaced with gold jewels, among the vines of the lush garden. A brief moment of happiness for Sashi, as she dwell within a figment of her past utopia. Serafina's voice would break the silence of their journey towards the far side of the courtyard. Its resounding echoes would haunt Sashi for the rest of her days.

    "Mark my words, lil' sister. One day, I will become Tsarina of all Sarmania. Together, we will rule the world!" Serafina exclaimed at the top of her lungs towards the blue horizon.

    "The prettiest and the fairest of them all! I believe in you, dearest sister. And then all the world can eat potatoes without worries!" Sashina followed, oblivious to her sister's resolute tone.

    "Hahaha. Very funny, lil' sister. Very well... one day I shall pronounce you the Potato Goddess of the world."

    "Yay! I love you, dearest sister!"

    . . . . dearest sister. . . d e a r e s t s i s t e r. . . . dearest sister. . .

 
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Hearthfall Season - Dawn
Maria
Grindes Inn, Frontierville
​





  • Webp.net-resizeimage.jpg​

    "...but that's really it! You make fire, you add water and stuff and boom, soup!"

    "Yes, at least that's how you imbeciles do it. Look, cooking is art, not that mediocre shit you're pulling. Watch."

    With that said, the skinny man returned to gutting an eel with his bayonet knife. The blade moved through the creature's flesh like cutting butter, swift and precise. And before long, the filleted eel was ready for the boiling pot. It rained for six days, as she recalled, and the Red Swamp was swarming with eels. These creatures were not a popular choice of food, but hell, the lowly infantry like they were would take anything to ditch the rock-hard bread they were given as ration. That, and the fact that these are believed to be the staple food of the denizens of the Red Swamp during rainy seasons ensured them that the hideous-looking bastards are edible.

    Maria paid no heed to the soldiers' discussion. Her eyes were there, observing the eel's head, which was added to the boiling pot as someone suggested it would give off a 'divine' taste. However, her mind was not there. As much as she wanted to get away from her parents, Maria missed the Drakefort. She missed brothers, not because she was favoured by them due to her being the youngest of all, but because they accepted what she truly wants. They would train her in secret, despite their father's objection, and while the King rode off with his envoy on occasions, the Theodosiel children would sneak off to hunt and camp in the pinewood for days, months, or their father's return, fully knowing the punishments. Proper high-born girls are probably supposed to cherish their beautiful dresses, jewelries and their lavishly prepared feasts. But none of that mattered, Maria knew she was no proper high-born girl.

    Suddenly, someone nudged Maria by her arm, snapping her from the past. A cup filled to the top with mead was handed to her by a fellow guardsman, who then turned to others and carried on with their banter. Big day. They were moving out tomorrow, their first dip in real battle. Where glory and fame awaits! Or so they believed. She might've been homesick, but Maria was not at all gloomy on that day. They drank, danced and mocked each other. Songs were sang throughout the barrack. Songs sung by young boys and girls who would never sing again.



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Pryonn & Kaatl

Sleep had become a delicate matter. The knight could remember back when he yet dreamt, a process induced by closing the eyes and relaxing the control over his muscles for just a bit - a series of actions that no longer sufficed. He could have ordered his cells to enter a deeper, more resilient rest, though that would have rendered him defenseless for several hours, if not days, or even weeks. Awakening from such a state had always proven to be troubling as he could never quite tell how long he would sleep, him being rendered incapable of even registering various cutting-instruments being shoved into his esophagus or other vitals. Perhaps he could yet dream in such a state? He always seemed to forget. As such, for occasions like these, he had devised a new, more precise method of resting: Shutting down specific parts of his perceptions.

As the knight knelt beneath the shadow of a tree, the fairy sleeping in his lap, his visored view appeared to be bowed by whatever onlooker cared to spare a glance, outwardly just a sleeping figure resting after a night's arduous battle. In truth, even if his eyes were closed, his ears would yet hear. At other times, his vision returned, but his auditory organs would rest. His ability to sense vibrations would reign, while the other senses slept. His brain cycled through sensory faculties, to shut down and reawaken, his perceptions cast about in a clock-like manner, each allowed a certain amount of rest. A rational, efficient method of recuperation, some might say.

The downsides were creeping paranoia, possible hallucinations, and nausea if abused, for this method simply couldn't make up for proper sleep. Other long-term effects were damage to the immune system, allowing for all manner of micro-organisms to invade. Thankfully, longevity wasn't a concern; for the flesh was weak, the metal was strong.

The night passed by and with dawn the knight stirred again, the fairy in his lap awakening with a long-drawn yawn, emphatically stretching herself while looking up at Pryonn. "Good morning, Kaatl." he spoke evenly, carefully extending his arms, eliciting a series of cracking sounds as his joints recovered from an uncomfortable positioning. The fairy replied with a smile, flicking her wings, before leaning back against the chestplate again, signalling a lack of willingness to fly and balance herself upon his shoulder for now. Taking the cue, the knight shouldered his Terra-banner with one hand, while the other carefully clutched the fairy to his chest, allowing her more of the sleep that she desired while he went on his way.
 
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Hearthfall Season - Dawn
Sashi
Grindes Inn, Frontierville​





  • "Pleasant night, druid?"

    "Retiring your eyes can prove to be quite pleasant. But dreams erode my sanity, I prefer the vigilant daylight."

    Sashi replied, with a gloomy tone, although with a sincere heart. She wrapped herself beneath the warm, faded cerulean cloak. Its discolored, and weathered fashion concealed its origins, but the druid found some comfort in its nostalgic demeanor. Even years later, its robust aroma of Karelian powders* yet lingered at the attentive hands of Sashi. She took personal pride and time to preserve its sentimental values, or what is left of it. However, being seen with the Tsar's Crest* was the last thing she needed, and so with its presence scraped away from the blue fabrics, so did her emotional attachment. Breaking away from her thoughts, Sashi followed up with her words to catch up with her warrior companion.

    "A stranger to another, with caring words. How did you end up in this august company of heroes? Pardon me with my brazen words, but you don't seem like the type to be delegated with our unorthodox diversity."

    A short silence ensued with the druid's question, as she stood with her white hands attached among her white robes and waist-sash like a gentle maiden, awaiting Maria's words. Her amber eyes studied the girl's visage with attention, as her sword and dagger idly suspended themselves beside the silky texture of her vested thighs. Sashi leaned her right feet forward, crisscrossing her legs out of former lady-like habit. Even though she had spent lengthy vacation in the Elbe with excessive liberties, the exiled Tsarina yet retained her charming histrionics. As much as she disliked it, Sashi couldn't help but give in to its alluring calling. Perhaps, it was one of those rare occasions of which she defer from brute languages and substitute for her unconventional approach on things. To most, simple words would do the trick, but to the druid, it was a matter of intimacy and mildness that spills the words of truth, especially from her familiar companion.


    Translation Notes
    1. Karelian powders: Common form of detergent developed two decades prior in Sarmania. Used in equipment cleaning, especially fabric and textiles.
    2. Tsar's Crest: Six-rhombus shape arrangement that makes up a snow flake. Symbol of the Sarmanov's family and Sarmanian banner, also known as Samo's Carnation. Worn on cloaks by the royal family, and the White Guards. (will provide visual in Civil War arc, or maybe sooner :3 )

 
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