Fantasy Hunter's Moon [IC] [CLOSED]

[Infab]

Rosanna glanced down. "Oh, alright. You got a Sheffield, right?" she said, checking the bandoliers she was wearing. Eventually, she slipped several bullets off one of the belts, and handed them to him. "Fourty-four fourty. My revolver uses the same thing." she said, with a smile. "Rifle's a different story. Fourty-five Long Kolt." She reached over and patted the lever-action, now back in its holster on the saddle.

-------

Valeria nodded. "Go right ahead. Rosanna can take you to your horse. She'll protect you. After all, she's a Dullahan." she said, motioning to Rosanna. Rosanna heard Valeria's statement, and gave Sergey a salute of sorts with two fingers. "Happy to help!" she said, with a smile.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Aleister took the moment to relish the pain of the silver touching his bare hands as he transferred over nearly twenty silver bullets to his leather pouch and pistol with his bare hand. He returned Rosanna's smile, though there was a slight pained glimmer for a second behind them.

"I appreciate it greatly, madam." He stepped away as he heard Valeria call upon Rosanna, and he glanced around. It looked like everyone was in fair enough health, but he couldn't be entirely certain. He glanced over Camille and headed towards her.

"Looks like you were in the middle of it," Aleister said, noting some of the mud and muck on her. "Any injuries or pains you would like me to take care of, madam?"

 

[EdwardDewey98]

Jakob looked at the tiny scholar in front of him and smiled. He smiled and asked jokingly. "Anything? World peace and love among all races and creeds?" He then patted Theodore's helmet. "Nah, I'm fine professor. I could be better...but I'll be totally fine hopefully..." He then looked at Erwin. "Talk to you later, brother." He gave Erwin a pat on the shoulder, before looking to the other members of the Inquiry. Seperated and hostile to each other. The constable wanted to help everyone, help them understand that nobody in the inquiry was an enemy to the others. Had he managed to tell Camille to back away from the Countess earlier, perhaps the noble wouldn't have tried to fight the huntress. He wanted to approach Mariette to talk with her, but then Jakob grunted as he felt a sharp pain in his left thigh. "Oh that...fucking..." he said through gritted teeth, trying not to swear too much. "...That smarts, oh Gyasis...that hurts." He let out a few heavy breaths before approaching the Countess. "Madame?...Can we have a few words?" he asked, a bit shyly. "If I'm bothering you, we can talk tomorrow or something. No problem."

 

[Infab]

As Ethraeil pressed the soul for more information, it seemed to get more terrified. Moreso than it already was, as it was just a soul trapped inside the mind of a lich. "I-I don't know anything else! I swear! The colonel keeps tight lipped about his affairs!" The soul then began to panic, likely thinking of what Ethraeil could potentially do to it. "Please don't hurt me! I swear I told you all I know! Honest!"

---------

Cassandra straightened up a bit. "Well...everything's pretty much a haze. I do remember that I was a new hunter. Just like you, actually! I had been brought into the Vigilant Order...they were low on members due to the spat the group had among its members when they were brought into the church. The ones that broke away are still called what they used to be. The Order of Velin, I think. Anyway..." she said, before eventually standing and coming over to sit with Wesley.

"...The man that...you remind me of was also a hunter. He was the man that trained me...I think...On the mission into the highlands, he couldn't go as he was needed elsewere...so I was stuck with other new members and one or two other senior inquisitors. I was so excited because it was my first real mission...we were going to this fort named Fort Brandshaw. The fort is long gone, now. Lost in the war ten years ago to shelling...but back then...it was a nesting place for vampires."

She looked away for a moment. "We...we weren't prepared. The vampires decended on us like locusts and killed everyone...everyone but me." She then looked back to Wesley, her eyes burning red. "I was kept there and tortured for months on end. They'd even let me run away sometimes, out into the forests on the mountains...only to catch me when dark came like it was some kind of game...then I finally snapped." She snapped her fingers as she said it. "...I realized...it was the church's fault...the Order's fault. Nobody came to save me. They sent me and left me to die there, and moved on. So I asked the vampires to turn me. Make me one of them...so they did."

Cassandra then grinned, the look in her eyes that of one whom had truly lost their mind. "...And then I killed them all. Every. Single. One. Then I came down from the mountains, and began my own crusade against the church. I hunted inquisitors and priests alike. And I was good at it. I knew exactly how they worked, and I had this intense...burning hatred to use as fuel."

 

[K0mori]

Mariette's expression, though tested by her confrontation with Aleister, was still genuinely full of caring concern for Jakob as she turned to him. "Anything you need, Constable," she answered him, awaiting his input. She expected him to give some saccharine advice to patch things up with the others, which likely wouldn't ever happen. And yet, she would be happy to listen to it. The world would be colder without Jakob's kind words.

 

[joshuadim]

Ethraeil didn't even need to speak the words when he turned away from the soul in his mind. Then you are of no use to me any more. At that moment, the soul was ripped apart in all manner of excruciating ways, leaving the soul to scream in agony for a few brief moments before dissipating entirely and leaving its essence to be absorbed into Ethraeil's own being. He then returned from his mind and back to the real world, disappointed he had no information to deliver in regards to the Colonel's whereabouts. He quietly observed the conversations unfolding in front of him, and noticed that a new person had appeared to join the company of the Inquiry. Who this person was exactly, was somewhat of an enigma to him.

 

[Viper Actual]

Galina nodded when Jakob asked her to be calm and have faith. She would say nothing more on the matter as she noticed alot of glares from the others.

When Valeria flared up in response to more bickering from the vampires Galina tried to make herself as small as possible.
She made a simple nod to acknowledge Witlock's statement.

After that the newcomer spoke of retrieving his horse with Rosanna escorting him. Galina recognized the accent. Tsavanian. They would have much to chat about later.

For now however Galina decided to check up on Boris. In an effort to calm him down she gifted him an apple. "You were very brave, comrade."

 

[EdwardDewey98]

Jakob smiled at the Countess, before bowing as he removed his constable hat and rested it on the side of the carriage. "I heard you fighting with Aleister, madame...I don't know what drifted you both apart. I don't really have the entire picture of what's been going on...but...I wanted to tell you madame that Aleister tried his best to protect your body. Sure." He paused for a moment, his face twitching a bit as he felt a rather sharp annoying pain shoot through his side. He then continued. "...s-sure, he didn't want to revive you but...considering the situation we were in at the time, we had to act at that very moment. In my case, I didn't know you COULD be resurrected like that...it was us against three people who wanted to burn your remains or maybe use them...in despicable ways...maybe..."

Jakob looked to Aleister as he talked with other members of the inquiry nearby. "Aleister...he's not perfect, madame." Jakob then chuckled painfully, looking back to Mariette. "But...who is perfect in this day and age, m'lady? We all make horrible mistakes in our lives...I've made plenty, and I'm sure a venerable woman such as yourself has made some as well." His face then turned to a more worried expression. "I'm not asking you to forgive him...nor to apologize to him. I simply ask you to consider being the better woman in this situation and give him another chance...just like everyone should give you one as well." He gave the Countess a smile. "If something ever bothers you...I'm always here to listen, madame. I might lack your years...but...I certainly know how to listen to others."

 

[Dmaster]

Camille raised her brow at Aleister's approach, something else she was considering quite uncanny much like Witlock's outburst moments before. Between the rising ire between him and Mariette, she was considering that he may be seeking a conversation more pleasant than what had just transpired, though why he chose her she was not exactly sure. Perhaps it was out of genuine care for her well-being, or maybe it was some way to gain favor with the huntress and change her ways. Regardless of the reason she still found it somewhat shocking, but she had been open enough with him to share her past in the inn due to his curiosity. It wasn't exactly a well-kept secret history, but the fact he was legitimately interested in it beyond malevolent reasons got his foot in the door then. Even then she came to realize that part of the priest willing to do good in the world was in there, to what capacity Camille was unsure. Yet it was just enough to turn her malice into thinly-veiled pity for his misguided condition.

As for the huntress herself? The Marquess was covered in a great deal of muck rom her tumble, though not exactly caked in mud due to the water-logged nature of the mire. There was an aching soreness rising through her back and legs, the tackle off horseback meant the landing was unpleasant even with her acrobatic skills. She smirked and soon started to chuckle at his question, head shaking in an almost condescending fashion. "No open wounds, thankfully, else I would ask you to cremate me on the spot before you go plucking the muck for leeches." Camille replied lightheartedly. "Just aches from the fall those beasts caused. I was knocked off my horse and now that the fighting is done my body seems to be remembering the predicament it was in moments ago. The concern is appreciated, but you needn't use any effort on healing me."

She dropped her smirk and looked to the Senior Inquisitor, then Mariette as they chatted with Jakob. Incredible he has the strength and patience to deal with talking with such a miserable creature after her childish tantrum. Perhaps he was slashed senseless enough for the blood loss to allow a pleasant conversation with their almighty toddler, or maybe he wanted to thank her or set her straight in his nice, fatherly manner. Such kindness is utterly wasted on her. Soon looking back to Aleister she began to look rather puzzled, as if trying to find their words.

"Do not heed the Senior Inquisitor and the countess' words so heavily." Camille added, her tone just above a calm whisper. "You are a priest, and far from a soldier or hunter. They seem to forget you... volunteered your services." To her understanding a vampire with such pacifist tendencies and religious background would detest this venture, leaving her to think he was more or less conscripted unless he held ulterior motives. "Unlike Mariette your head doesn't stick back on once it is lopped off."

 

[The_Rifleman]

Sergey listened to the senior inquisitor point out another one of the hunters, a woman by the name of Rosanna. Sergey thought she was rather cute, till he heard she was a Dullahan. Ain't this group one of a kind. He never met a dullahan, just like never meeting a lich either. The circumstances of having so many powerful, unique beings in one place is quite extraordinary. He wondered how many others in the group have something special about them and are just hiding it. Nonetheless, he was rather happy he'd have someone powerful escorting him back to his horse just in case there were any more wolves about. He could handle himself pretty well, but to hear that the platoons of the famed Wallace are roaming the area is enough to even make his hairs stand on end.

"Happy to have you tag along!" Sergey returned her smile with a nod, and pointed towards back through the swampy bushes, "He's bit back that ways but shouldn't take long to find the road, and tree I tied him to. Shall we go. I can tag alongside your horse or whatever your prefer."

 

[KRIY]

When Cassandra mentioned of her torture and her eventual turn into becoming a vampire. Wesley immediately recognized a probable cause of Cassandra's insane and dangerous split-persona.

The Vampires that have captured her have tortured her so much that they left her without any trace of hope. corrupting her to bow to their will before she killed them. and with the Order not being able to save her drove her to this to becoming what she is now to this day. What would have happened if everything went fine? What would have happened if they knew what they were walking into? Cassandra would have lived a life happy as a hunter. and would probably become the best one.

But. here she was. an unfortunate victim of the past. slaughtering every inquistor or priest as vengeance for leaving her for dead. Wesley couldn't blame her for going down such a path.

While he was in his train of thought. it was broken by Cassandra's crazed glare as she spoke of her hatred of The Order. for every phrase that she would speak, Wesley swore that her grin stretched a but more. he didn't want to escalate the situation any more further so he placed his hands onto her cheeks gently for her to focus on him and then spoke.

"I understand your hatred for the Order. but It'll only bring yourself to pain in the end. What if you were to strike me down and kill me in order to get your point across?"

 

[K0mori]

As expected, Jakob attempted to persuade Mariette away from her animosity. She listened patiently and then replied. "What caused us to drift apart is quite simple, monsieur. When I became a pureblood, I went to Aleister and invited him to do the same, and in the process, informed him that I had led the enemy to believe that I had switched sides. Yes, it was a reckless thing to try to settle my feud with the Marquess at that moment, but when Aleister came along to discover that I had been lynched for my efforts, he was the only one who knew for certain that I was not an enemy. Speaking with him after the fact, he freely admitted that I shouldn't have been killed, and yet, he advocated for my burial instead.

"Aleister is a vain man, Jakob. He had the chance to seize something that all vampires wish for- the ability to walk under the sun, and therefore access to society which we've been excluded from, and he didn't take it. And I believe that choice eats at him. The way he claims I lack restraint, I suspect he thinks I was rewarded for making the wrong decisions, and he expresses it as resentment and jealousy so severe he would bury me to settle his own conscience on the matter, even as he claims he'd prefer me living." Mariette removed her hat and tucked it under her arm, revealing the short, pixie-looking haircut she now wore as a result of Erwin's cruelty. "I'll avoid these sorts of confrontations in the future out of respect for Mademoiselle Valeria. I owe my continued survival to her in the midst of these shocking examples of humanity and inhumanity alike. But if Aleister, or Camille, or Erwin wish me to see them in another light, then they must make an effort.

"The problem is, none of them wish for that," she added with a grim laugh. "I will continue my work and maybe save their lives again, but they will always prefer me dead. C'est la vie." She went silent for a moment as she unlocked one of her cases and retrieved some blood for her next meal, tucking it into her coat. When she spoke again, there was a distinct sadness in her voice. "You know, when this is over, I think I might tear down the old estate and build a new one. One with lots of windows."

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Aleister was a little surprised himself at Camille's relatively civil attitude, though perhaps that was only because any conversation after Mariette's venomous harassment would be a step up. He listened intently as she explained her condition, and was happy to hear that she wasn't wounded aside from a few aches and pains. After what they had all gone through it was a miracle only one person turned out seriously injured - and even then they were all healed up, aside from the lingering pain.

He was further surprised to hear her take his side on the matter, and his own mild astonishment was visible in his cherry red eyes. Of all the people to at least understand his perspective, Camille was one of the least likely he figured. It was, if not vindicating, pleasant to hear that someone of esteemed nature didn't have such clouded judgement on the matter. A rich and ironic thought when it came to some of Camille's other opinions, but for the moment they were not obstructing her proper judgement.

"Between you and me, Marquess," Aleister said in a similar calm whisper to her, "I am on your side in regards to past events at the mansion. I tried to stop Mariette when she propositioned me to join her, and I warned her it would not go well. That, along with her failure to restrain from drinking the Romanov blood... and insisting that I, too, drink it is another mark against her. Especially now that we know it has dangerous side effects. This entire matter with her now is simply some convoluted theater. She will not bully me into her own impulsive ways, if that is her attempt. I see now that she has no principles in her body, which makes her a decidedly dangerous woman. I resign no one to the sins of their ancestors, birth, or condition. Actions are what create the person. And her actions have been less than pleasing to mine eyes."

"A word of warning, though I know you are already watchful. She may make some ridiculous move on Theodore as well. I explained to her his desire to reanimate her head, which horrified her as much as it did me. But whereas I am willing to stop with a lengthy chastisement for the scholar's supremely inappropriate suggestion, she may go further."

Aleister paused for a moment. "And thank you for understanding my perspective on this matter. I tried to explain to them a priest does not belong on the field when compared to so many other formidable fighters. I am the only one here who can bring the dying back to life. Had we lost someone because I was not there to save them, I would be greatly upset. This farce Mariette insists on pushing makes the matter far more ridiculous. I am no stranger to fighting when need be, but I have fought humans and vampires. Not werewolves. And, in fact, I was conscripted for this by the inquisitor. It was not a voluntary matter for myself. I am, of course, happy to help in these holy matters, but Valeria specifically sought me out to request I help her. I respect her, but her chastisement was most inappropriate."

"Anyways... my magic can help your mild pains, if you want those removed. No leeches needed for that," he chuckles lightly. "Jakob's pain is serious enough that he will be put to sleep for recovery, but a few bruises and aches can be easily washed away."

 

[Dmaster]

As he spoke to her of Mariette's reaction to Theodore's supposed stint in necromancy, her stance moving to something straighter while she tilted her head back and looked down on Aleister slightly, mouth twisting here and there ever so slightly. Whether this was a slight nod of disrespect to the vampire or genuine interest in his words was a bit difficult to tell, but perhaps the latter due to her surprisingly cordial nature at the moment. Her finger gently tapped at her bicep as she stood there, soon rolling her neck to work out some of the aches before she nodded once he concluded that tangent.

"She is a vampire that I have encountered readily on my hunts. Nobles are often insecure in life, putting themselves on pedestals of wealth and lavish lifestyles to stave off whatever emptiness eats at them. A noble of her caliber in undeath is all of those things and more. Frightful, petty, condescending. They trade their fear of dying alone and unfulfilled for fear of dying without having done anything with their empty lives, moving for mad power grabs to assert themselves over their new shadowy society." she explains, shaking her head rather solemnly. Or perhaps it was out of disgust? "Yet I always think it is a poor time to try to improve your life when you have found immortality. Life is worth living knowing that you have little time on this earth."

Camille shuts her eyes, recognizing that she has gotten off-subject slightly before she looks back on Aleister as they open. "I am well aware of what Mariette is capable of, and I hope at this point you are as well. Whatever she preached to the Senior Inquisitor to gain her trust was nothing more than empty words to delude herself and others from the truth. 'Do the right thing', yet threaten to kill a fellow inquiry member twice? Mon dieu." Another shake of her head as she chuckles at the absurdity of it, saying it aloud. "I had a feeling you were more or less dragged into this by Witlock, even back at the inn I saw you looking over your shoulder to plan a way to escape Cassandra. While I still meant every word about what I said about your affliction, you are not a fake priest or you are extremely committed to keeping the charade going. But things are far bigger than killing a single pureblood, now. For the fate of the world we have to muster up the patience to deal with maniacs, monsters, and the like."

At the offer for some healing to lessen the pain she held up her hand again, much like she did at the mansion earlier but this time without the disgusted look on her face. "I am fine though, truly. Sometimes you have to experience pain to numb yourself to it in the future. I've experienced far worse, and it will pass after I rest some, I believe."

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Aleister listened quietly at Camille's minor tangent on philosophy of vampires. He had a gentle, wry-like grin on his face the entire time, displaying a minor sense of amusement. It was already known he disagreed with her on those matters, but such talk was best saved for another more comfortable time.

"Oh, I know what Mariette is capable of. I simply wish not to assume the worst from most people. It leads to constant disappointment, of course, but seeing the world as being full of deplorable actors really dampens the outlook on the future of our souls. Society is a reflection of the people, after all, and it too will rot along with us. I don't count myself an optimist, but hoping for a better and more just world comes with being a priest, I suppose," he says with another light chuckle.

"I do appreciate that you at least recognize me for who I am. While I still disagree with your outlook on vampirism, that is a different matter entirely. There are more direct and important matters to deal with at the moment, as you say. This whole ordeal with the Duke and Cassandra is enough to give me a headache."

He gives the Marquess a smile and shrugs, crossing his arms. "Yet this is how it is. I'm going to go check on some of the others. Don't hesitate to call upon me if you require something."

Aleister gives a polite nod as he departs back towards the carriage, glancing over the others. Everyone looked relatively fine. The only one he didn't see much of was Theodore. He didn't particularly want to go talk with the man, but duty demanded he at least see if he needed any healing. He walked around the carriage until he spotted the little Escarian scholar.

"Monsieur Theodore. Any wounds or pains you wish to be addressed?" He asks in a neutral manner. "It seems just about everyone has managed to get by with little more than some bruises and scrapes."

 

[Breadman]

"I'm fine." Theodore answered dryly. "At most I singed the horse's tail with that firebomb, but it hasn't given any signs of distress once the last werewolf lay dead, so I can assume he's fine as well."

"I saw you take a tumble off the carriage, but given you're up and offering people you aid, I'll hazard a guess that you're in good shape." He was silent for a second before asking with a grim tone "In your opinion, is Jakob going to be fine?"

 

[EdwardDewey98]

Jakob looked at the Countess as she spoke of her home with sadness. He gave her another warm smile, while crossing his arms. I'm sure it'll look fantastic, m'lady. You can finally enjoy the sun once more, and walk among us common folks." Despite his gentle words and smile, Jakob was not only sad that the Countess wouldn't try to give them another chance, but he was also worried that she'd distance herself from everyone in the inquiry. He understood why she did what she did, after suffering for so many years out of the light of the sun, she was finally free to walk amongst mortals. He also understood why Aleister refused to take the deal.

"My lady...if you don't mind m--" Jakob said, before flinching a bit. Another sudden pain hitting him in the side. "F-Fu...that hurts..." he muttered, trying to hide his pain under a smile. Still, it was getting worse. "My l-lady...I understand why you feel the way tou do...but please, this will only alienate you from good people. I understand your dislike of Camille, since she's...'difficult' to say the least, and I know Erwin is a bit of a brute...but he's a good man." He then tried to think of what to say next carefully. "...but Aleister is not only of your vampiric kin, but he's also the man that tried to save your soul. As flawed as he might be...he tried to do what he thought was right in the moment...please just consider giving him another chance." Jakob then let out a small sigh. "But m'lady...its just my suggestion. At the end of the day, you are the one in control of your actions. I'll still help you any way I can."

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Aleister eyed Theodore's horse. "Perhaps the creature would benefit from its own little mask and helmet," he joked.

He thought for a second at the scholar's question, but nodded. "Indeed, I think he will be fine. Before we set off I'll grant him some pain relief and sleep. When he wakes up, he'll be just as good as he was before this mess. I told Erwin that I don't think he'll contract lycanthropy, but that there is the possibility it may take hold. There is no point in sugar coating or concealing this information. I made it clear to Jakob as well."

 

[K0mori]

"And what exactly do you mean by a second chance?" Mariette carefully questioned him. "A second chance at friendship? At trust? The truth is," she explained, "there's no such thing as 'vampiric kin,' Jakob. When I speak of the gens de la nuit, I don't mean to draw contrast with humans, but rather emphasize the gens - the people - and remind others that we're not so different. But just like humans, not all of us are going to like each other. He will have my physical support as a fellow member of this inquisition, but I simply cannot give a man a friendship or my full confidence if he doesn't want it. The same can be said for the others. Now," she added, her expression softened, "you need rest, mon ami. Please, even if this matter isn't settled in your mind, understand that we can return to it after you've recovered." She reached out, offering her hand to Jakob so that she could walk him back to the carriage.

 

[EdwardDewey98]

Jakob smiled at the Countess. Even if she didn't agree with him, knowing that she's open to talk about the topic meant a lot. He nodded and gently placed his arm on hers. "T-Thank you, madame..." He then walked alongside Mariette back to the carriage's door. Before he climbed in, though, he stopped to look at Valeria. He then turned to Mariette. "O-One moment, m'lady." He then looked back to the Inquisitor. "Inquisitor...where's Wesley? He hasn't come out of the swamps yet." He looked concerned for the young man's safety, completely unaware of Wesley's disappearance back at the mansion.

 

[Infab]

Cassandra's crazed toothy grin turned into a simple, warm smile. "But that's the thing, Wesley...you're not part of the Order or the Church. Not officially. I don't have to worry about hurting you." Then, catching Wesley off guard, she leaned in and gave Wesley a gentle kiss. It lasted but a moment, before she pulled away and grinned again as her eyes returned to their original color. "Now...get some rest! The change will be complete soon, and we'll need to get moving!"

-------

Valeria looked to Jakob. "Wesley was taken by Cassandra. We assumed he'd be with you and Erwin, but apparently she must have taken him elsewhere." she responded, before looking about to the others. "Don't worry. We'll find him. Knowing Cassandra, she kept him alive to use him." She then looked to Ethraeil. "I assume you were able to take a soul or two from the werewolves for interrogation?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

She didn't like having to rely on Ethraeil's necromancer abilities. She felt utter hatred for necromancers in general. Still, Ethraeil was under the control of the church, and a valuable tool. She could overlook his dark acts for the sake of the inquiry.

--------

Rosanna offered her hand to Sergey. "Hop on. Horseback is faster than walkin'." she said, motioning him over so he could climb onto Rayham behind her.

 

[EdwardDewey98]

Jakob looked down, now worried about the safety of the young man, since he's been captured by that monster. "I hope that...t-thing isn't torturing the poor boy. We need to find him as fast as we can, inquisitor. He deserves better than being some monster's plaything!" Jakob flinched in pain again. "I...I better rest now...see you all tomorrow." He looked at Mariette and gave her another smile. "Thank you, m'lady...rest well." he said, before climbing into the carriage. He laid down on one of the seats, waiting for Aleister to make him sleep. He surely needed some proper rest after all he's been through.

 

[Viper Actual]

Galina, now sitting casually on her horse, listened to the others. More bickering. More complaints. Too little action.
She was beginning to grow worried for Wesley.

If Erwin and Jakob hadn't seen him, then who had?

Galina sighed as Witlock proposed that he had been captured by Cassandra. This was the most plausible theory though it didn't make it any less dangerous for Wesley.

Galina rode up to Witlock. "How are we supposed to find him? Wesley, that is. We can't track Wesley and Wallace at the same time. Especially not when Ashwood is aware of us."

 

[K0mori]

Mariette gave a slight bow to Jakob before climbing up onto the front bench of the carriage. She took out the vial of blood she had retrieved a few minutes earlier and listened to Galina speaking to Valeria. "Hopefully Monsieur Wesley is still alive. If they bring him anywhere close to us, I should be able to sense him by his aura. That's how we know he was taken by Cassandra, after all, as I sensed it happened. Unfortunately, I had my hands full with you, Madame. For the sake of the world at large, however, I do believe the best course of action is to press onward in search of Wallace and to ensure that we have the means to kill Duke Ashwood."

 

[Infab]

Valeria nodded. "We'll likely find Wesley the next time we encounter Cassandra. Hopefully she hasn't done anything to him. As for Wallace, I have a good idea of where he could potentially be, if Ethraeil's methods of information gathering have proven unsuccessful." She glanced up to Mariette, then over to Galina. "Porthcrawl. Its the closest city to us, and is currently under military quarantine. A safe haven for him, since the only ones allowed in are the military, medical staff, and members of the Church. And if we show up through the typical method of reaching the island city, which is by ferry, his men could easily just kill us and throw us in the bay."

She walked over, to check on her horse, before continuing. "That means we'll need to find an alternate way into the city. I believe there's a small fishing village nearby. I'll need to check my map again to make sure. We can take a boat or two from there, and make our way across the bay to island during the night."