Fantasy The Great Mage Hunt of Delaran (Currently Open)

[Britt-21]

Silver Stone

This man was definitely unaware of Dark Mages being within the city. But they were definitely gone now... Or so she assumed. Silver had no idea what happened to the other guy that they tried to corner earlier. She should probably let this Man know that someone else was involved in the incident. As he called for a Guard and informed them of the situation, they quickly scurried off to find a scout she could assume. "There's one thing I havent mentioned yet." she said "There was another Person involved. He was trapped by three of the Dark mages before he ran off and took two of them along with him. I made sure the Third didn't get to him. So I'm sure he's still alive." Silver could give a description if she needed to. It would definitely help the guards find the one man who was involved with the whole ordeal. Unfortunately she was only able to get a good look as his hair, height, and what he was wearing. His face was unknown. The more she stood there, the more cautious she grew, knowing that she had her blade on her back was probably catching a bit of this Man's attention. "My name is Silver. A Mercenary. Nothing more, nothing less." just being a messenger bird to protect the City from the danger that it's about to face.

ShadowHounder Mentioned BakaTheIdiot ​

 

[Jackaboi]

Grandmaster Issac Baelsar and Elisa Moonfire
​

Issac was caught off guard by Elisa suddenly jumping in, just how did she get out? He looked back to the mage who was already charging with spear in hand. Judging by where he was aiming the attack definitely wasn't directed at him. The mage rushed past and drove the spear into Serah's gut. Landing a life threating wound before making his intentions of why he let himself be captured to Issac. Claiming that Gildal wanted to have a face to face chat with him. But putting that aside for the moment, the mage appeared to have missed the finishing blow, and Issac was well glad he did as life had finally returned to Serah's eyes. "Serah? Damnit! Why did Xina have to go herb gathering at a time like this! Elisa! Notify the soliders we need medical attention down here!" Elisa nodded but before she could go, they were greeted by that same voice again. Making it apparent the black mage was still close by. Elisa readied her sword again. This time ready to land the killing blow herself. "Damnit! Show yourself already!" Issac tried to keep pressure on the wound, minimising the loss of blood. Serah herself attempted to get some words out, trying to apologise for her actions through the pain. However just before she could reveal the most important piece of information, a dagger came flying out from the darkness, piercing Serah's neck.

Rage started to boil up within Issac as he threw his sword with extreme force in the general direction of the dagger. But it was too late, all that action acomplished was knocking the reinforced door off it's hinges with an ear piercing clank of two metals making contact with each other. "YOUR DEAD! YOU HEAR ME!?" Elisa merely knelt before Serah's body. Angry not only at the black mage but also at herself. "I'm so sorry for doubting you Serah... If I'd realised sooner what was going on... Maybe... It really was my fault things ended this way." Issac was about ready to give Gremble a good idea of just how furious Issac was. But upon seeing him honoring the fallen with his own prayer. His rage was extinguished, leaving only sorrow behind. He placed his hand on Elisa's shoulder. "Don't be stupid princess... There's nothing you could've done to prevent this. Win or lose, that mage had no intention of letting her live to tell her story."

Now looking to Gremble, the mage who took it upon himself to honor the death of an enemy that, at another time would've tried to kill him without a second thought. "Stand Mage." He simply stated, some amount of sterness in his voice but devoid of hostility. "You wish me to speak with your leader corrrect? If you'd have asked me at any other time I would never have taken your request seriously and have you executed... But... Given the events that have taken place. I can see now that you and your people have some honor among them. So... Now I will let you make your way back to Magus, and you will notify your leader that we will set up an encampment on neutral grounds so that I may hear what he has to say. I will notify my soldiers that you are to be let go. But remember this... We ae still enemies. We may have fought together against a common enemy but that doesn't mean we think you people aren't just as dangerous." Having said his piece he turned to Elisa. "Escort our guest out the tower will you? Make sure our soldiers don't give him any trouble." "Right away Grandmaster." She briefly said before nodding to Gremble with her own stern look.

ShadowHounder Kiyoko Tomoe

 

[ShadowHounder]

Jackaboi

"I'm sure that General Gildal will be happy to hear you are willing to speak with him. Though..." Gremble thought for a moment as he prepared himself to return to Magus. "He was expecting Elisa to still be in charge... and I've been told he doesn't think too fondly of you, Grandmaster. Guess today proves that even the most stubborn can see the values of others." The mage remarked in a half joking manner. With his satchel in hand, Gremble let Elisa escort him to the entrance of the tower. He looked around at the architecture of the miniature fortress as he followed the princess. "I must say, this is quite the structure. Built to last... I doubt it would fall easily to simple cannon fire. I'm starting to understand why Colossi and Magus are in an eternal struggle. With how both locations are built and placed, it would be near impossible for one side to successfully infiltrate the other. Though... I still don't understand why people fear magic so much. Is the ability to create fire from your finger tips so different from the mechanisms that produce near endless amount of heat? Wouldn't being able to create materials just a less limited version of alchemy?"

 

[ShadowHounder]

Britt-21 BakaTheIdiot

"I'm sure if he was attacked, another guard in the city has already located him." Gideon thought briefly on the subject, before beckoning a soldier to come nearby. "Are there any reports similar to this woman's during the time period of this supposed attack?"

"Yes sir..." The soldier said, slightly hesitant having already heard of the message going out to Colassi. "A man earlier today stated that he dispatched two dark mages. Last report said he was headed towards a doctor for treatment."

"See if you can track him down." Gideon ordered simply. "I will need to talk with him to get a better understanding of the situation at hand. For now, Silver, you may go continue you current mission. I'm sure your contractor wouldn't be happy if you were late to the job." With that last remark, the General walked off to return to watch duty... at least until someone located the warrior who fended off the two evil magic users.

 

[BakaTheIdiot]

Ashitaka - Somewhere in Deleran

Twisting his ankle really did a number on Ashitaka's walking speed. He had already been trudging for nearly ten minutes, but still showed no sign of getting close to his destination. What a shame that his goal was on the other side of town. Still, he continued walking, a small limp in his step. He had wrapped some cloth around his hand in order to stop him from bleeding everywhere, and while the bleeding had stopped, it still stung.

Looking at the business card Xina had given him, Ashitaka wandered around the square, hand tucked away in his cloak, looking for the medical office. In a way, the old swordsman was thankful that he hadn't endured any truly serious injuries. The fight could have gone so much worse, and had that girl been sacrificed, he would have surely been more seriously wounded.

On the other hand, his trust had been violated: what was his employer hiding? What else was she keeping from him? Better yet, why was she keeping things from him? So many questions, and he had no answers. All which would be answered in time, he hoped.

Jackaboi ShadowHounder

 

[Jackaboi]

Grandmaster Issac Baelsar and Elisa Moonfire

Issac's stare only intensified upon hearing the mages jest. "I wouldn't recommend staying around until I change my mind. Get moving." Then he stormed off towards the door that was now lying on the floor, picking up his sword along the way. "SOLDIERS! I WANT MEN OUT SCOUTING THE LAND FOR THE INTRUDER! AND GET THIS DOOR FIXED!" "R-right away sir!" Elisa managed to escort Gremble through the tower and to the entrance with little to no hassle from her comrades. However she slowed down at this point, noticing the mage studying the tower and looking fairly impressed while doing so. The princess smiled a little before speaking. "Impressive right? Solid reinforced stone made to withstand the heaviest of artillery." But that smile soon turned to a somewhat conflicted frown upon hearing the question that she'd always had trouble answering. "Magic has power beyond anything we could possibly imagine... Power that only a select few have access to. Not to mention that same power was abused more times than I'd care to count. Including my mother." The last few words were quiter but still audible enough for Gremble to hear the princess. That was an answer to Gremble's question, but was it her answer? It was easy to tell that Elisa was conflicted about the whole ordeal despite her best attempt to hide it. If anything she didn't hate the mages, her hatred was directed to those who practiced the forbidden arts of Black Magic.

ShadowHounder​

 

[ShadowHounder]

Jackaboi

Gremble went back into his deep thoughts for a moment, briefly noting the princess' quiet remark. "But are the actions of few really enough to condemn the lives of many?" The mage asked before clearing his throat. "My apologies... this is not the time to be challenging morals. I'm sure we'll meet each other soon, Princess Elisa. The Grandmaster would want you to attend... and I'm sure General Gildal would be happy to see you..." A slight hint of frustration escaped his voice when he mentioned the leader wanting to see Elisa. Before long he was at the border of the two strongholds. "Until the meeting, M'lady."

-----------

Gildal was the first to let loose a sigh of relief when Gremble appeared before the gates. "Alright everyone... move along." The leader remarked, before noticing the wound that Gremble bandaged up. "And someone who can heal come here and make sure he's going to be okay..."

Once Gremble was placed in a room and given healing treatment to stop the bleeding, Gildal approached the scout. "Good to see you're still alive... Were you able to get that meeting with Elisa?"

The young mage sighed at his General's question. "Straight to the point... as always. Unfortunately, certain matters involving the rogue that followed her made it so that Issac Baelsar was placed in charge for the time being. On the flip side, those same events allowed him to be willing to speak with you." Despite providing good new, the scout did not seem pleased with what he was telling the commander.

Gildal's gaze went low when he picked up the hesitation in his pupil's words. "It's alright to tell me you know... I won't hold it against you if you had to..."

"No... not that." Gremble cursed under his breath continuing. "The woman that assassinated them... she was being possessed by a Black Mage."

This only caused the anger inside Gildal to boil even further. "I should've known more of them would show up... It was only a matter of time. Ken! Set up a city grouping!"

-------
The meeting was set up with great haste... many of the people being concerned considering the events that were occurring. Gildal cleared his throat as he prepared himself. "They're back! Those damn forbidden magic bastards are starting to real their ugly heads again and this time we begin to fight back! This time they will not have a chance to run our names through the mud! They will pay for sending us to hell just so they can break the contracts of our society!" The crowd went wild as Gildal placed his fist in the air. Once the crowd began to calm down, the leader told them the scary part of the news. "I will be heading to an temporary outpost to speak with the leader of Colossi... in hopes that I can start this war before it even starts. Ken is in charge until Gremble and I get back... and if we don't..." Gildal knew the implications that came with the possibility of not returning. "Then may you find a way to fight the just cause without me. I'm counting on each and every one of you to do the right thing." With his last remark, Gildal walked off to the gate, letting Gremble lead him to the location that Issac gave him.

 

[ShadowHounder]

BakaTheIdiot

Ashitaka soon found himself face to face with a couple guards. "Sir, halt... we were ordered to locate a man who fought two questionable mages within the city earlier today... do you know where we migh-" The guard noticed the wound that the old swordsman had, interrupting himself upon seeing it. "Are you okay sir! Do you need medical attention?"

"Someone remind me why the Grandmaster thought it was a good idea to send Xina to Colossi?" The other guard grunted. "I thought doctors were supposed to be healing the wounded... not picking up the corpses."

"Will you shut up and help me!" His partner snapped as he walked to try and guide the mercenary. "We can get you to a medical center nearby... and then General Gideon will want to speak with you once you've recovered."

 

[BakaTheIdiot]

Ashitaka - Outside Xina's Office

"At ease, men. It's not serious. I merely cut my hand and twisted an ankle." The old swordsman sighed. This was, quite literally, not what he needed - more attention from more guards. Still, he needed a bandage, and maybe there was a nice penny involved for killing two mages...

"In any case, the swordsman you're looking for? You're looking right at him. I fought off two magi, black magic to be sure. There were nearly casualties; a little girl might have gotten a bit singed during the fighting, but she's OK. Both of them are dead. One took an arrow, one a blade to the chest. You're welcome."

He turned his attention to the walls of the city.

"I don't know how fortified those walls are, but you're wasting your time. There were three mages that I encountered... I escaped one of them. She could still be out there.Hell, there could even be more. The threat isn't outside of Deleran: it's already here. Now, I'm no higher up, but if I were you, I'd start thinking twice about fortifying the exterior as much as you have already. Set up search teams, weed them out. I've done two thirds of the job for you already, so finish the rest. In the meantime however," He gestured to his hand. "I would very much like to see a medic. I held the wrong end of a bladed whip."

ShadowHounder

 

[ShadowHounder]

BakaTheIdiot

"We've already received reports about the third mage." The modest guard remarked. "A Silver haired warrior neutralized her... but she was killed by an unknown third party before we could reach the scene. We've already sent guards all over the city in hopes of finding this unknown leader. As for now... General Gideon wanted to talk to you personally... though he hasn't disclosed why. He just told us it was urgent that we found the man that defeating the other two black mages."

 

[BakaTheIdiot]

Ashitaka - Outside Xina's Office

Realizing there was no easy way out of this, Ashitaka simply sighed. This was something he would simply have to sit through. "Alright. I'll play nice. Take me to him."

With that, he gestured for them to lead the way.

A number of thoughts were racing through the old swordsman's head: had he been discovered? Was his job being brought to a swift end? Was his life on the line? He did not know. For all he knew, this "Gideon" fellow was probably just going to say hello. Then again, he had been wrong about people's intentions before, and he highly doubted he was right this time. He was prepared for the worst.

ShadowHounder

 

[ShadowHounder]

BakaTheIdiot

The two guards dropped Ashitaka off at one of the MEU medical centers, where his wounded hand was swiftly treated and bandaged up. "This sound help prevent any potential infection." The nurse assured the hired sword. After a few hours of waiting, Gideon walked into the room that he occupied. The old man barely held the stance of a soldier, but something about his attitude was commanding.

"You must be Ashitaka..." The General cleared his throat as he sat down next to the man. "My name is Gideon... I was hoping you would be able to answer a few questions regarding the mages you fought this morning. I can understand if you are not willing to talk... I can already tell that your blade has a price tag on it." The last remark Gideon gave was blunt and cold. "If I need to I'll be willing to take some gold out of the MEU's funds to repay you."

Gideon's facial expression changed once he got a better look at the man he was talking to. "Aren't you the one who defended the Innkeeper yesterday? I must say... it takes a great deal of bravery to speak your mind on such a topic... especially in front of Issac of all people." Gideon's tone became much more joking when speaking of the execution. Though the man was spared... Gideon knew it was simply due to the outcry that this mercenary caused. He was certain that, had no one protested, that poor man would've lost his head that day.

 

[Jackaboi]

The Negotiations - Neutral Land between Magus and Colassi
​

Elisa remained silent upon Gremble's following questions, tis plain that she simply didn't know how to answer them. In all honesty, she asked herself those same questions every day. Luckily however he dropped the topic once they began approaching the border. While she watched him walk on towards his home, she couldn't help but think about the countless ways this whole "chat" could go wrong. Especially now that Issac was getting involved. Speaking of which he must be getting everything ready. The border between the two territories would be a perfect spot for neutral ground to commence negotiations. With that in mind Elisa simply decided to sit on the grassy plains as she awaited the soldiers to arrive.

Meanwhile at Colassi, the princess guessed right as a small squadron of soldiers were already on route to the border, with all the equipment needed to set up a temporary forward camp. Issac was obviously behind them barking orders and keeping them in line. "Terry! I thought I told you to make sure that tent was secured on the cart!" "S-sorry sir!" "Jacob! You're falling behind!" "Sorry Grandmaster!" "Adeline!" "Y-yes sir?" "... You're not doing anything wrong. DO SOMETHING WRONG SO I CAN KEEP YOU IN LINE!" "Wha...?" This was basically the whole trip up until they reached the border where the princess was waiting.

The three soldiers dropped to the ground exhausted from Issac's commanding. "Did I say you could faint yet? Get this place set up!" "(Simultaneously) R-right away Grandmaster!" Being well disciplined, the soldiers leapt into action despite their own human needs. In the span of around 10 minutes the large tent was already set up with the inside containing a wide table with two chairs on each side. One for the leader and the other for their bodyguard of choice. Now that everything was ready Issac ordered his soldiers to stand guard outside the tent and direct the alleged saviour of Magus inside where the Grandmaster and the princess would be waiting.

ShadowHounder

 

[ShadowHounder]

Jackaboi

It was only a matter of time before two cloaked figures showed up at the site. One of them removed the hood, revealing the dark haired leader inside it's large shadow. "Yo!" Gildal remarked to the two guards casually. "I've been informed that your Grandmaster is here to speak with me." The figure behind the leader sighed as he removed his own hood, revealing the scout Gremble behind him. At this point, Gildal walked past the guards, caring little of what they would try to do. Gremble apologies to them briefly as he followed. "Grandmaster Issac Baelsar! It's a pleasure to finally meet ya." The savior extended a hand to shake, grinning when he noticed Elisa. "Fancy seeing you here Princess. I guess this means that mind control crap I've been told about has been cleared up after all."

"General... I thought we agreed not to bring that up." Gremble muttered toward his leader.

Gildal thought for a moment as he plopped into the chair presented to him. "Oh right... I did, didn't I? Sorry about that." The mage shrugged as his bodyguard let out another frustrated sigh. Gildal spun his staff in his hand a few times as he spoke, the design changing each time it made a full rotation. "So... any traditions I have to sit through? Or can we start this meeting?"

 

[Kiyoko Tomoe]

"Worry not... Everything is going as planned," Varus told the snake. "They'll be at one place together soon enough, and one of two things will happen. Either they'll wind up trying to kill each other, or they'll be prime targets for neutralizing myself. Worse comes to worse, they'll believe me to be the acting leader, and that at my supposed death all is over. That's what three years ago was for, after all."

"With regards to that sellsword though... He needs to be handled immediately. Chances are someone other than him knows about it by now, because he's not the... quietest of people, from what I can tell. Send as few after him as you can for now, as the less we involve him in this, the more likely they'll think everything comes back to me."

As Varus finished speaking to the snake, Lily approached, joining him at the meeting spot they'd planned. "Indeed. This tree holds a few memories of mine. I remember a time when this tree was more beautiful than any other... Though now, due to the war, it has unfortunately fallen victim to the hands of the corrupt kingdom that wishes erase our kind, and the pitiable mages that realize not what suffering their idea of peace will really cause to themselves."

Varus quickly cleared his throat, pulling out a dagger and starting to carve a few lines in the stump beneath him. "Three years were long enough for me to remain hidden. It's about time I did something more, make sure that both sides know that a war is just that; war. Magus wants to, regrettably, give in to some claim of peace, while Delaran merely wishes to seize control over the ignorant mages running things in Magus. The stage has been set, and now, it's time for us to take it."

Stabbing the dagger into the center of his little carving, Varus stood up and proceeded toward where the meeting spot between Delaran and Magus was being held. "You're about to see something interesting. And, regardless of what happens; even if I die, return to this tree. Whatever you see will make sense when we return."

Jackaboi ShadowHounder

 

[Jackaboi]

Issac and Elisa
​

A deathly silence filled the atmosphere in the tent as Elisa and Issac waited for their guests, the tension rising and Issac's patience dwindling with every passing second. Finally, two cloaked individuals arrived at the location. Adeline peeked inside the tent for a brief moment to notify the Grandmaster. "Sir, the 'Saviour of Magus' has came." Issac nodded and gestured them to allow them inside. "Once they are inside, notify the others that they can head back to Colassi for some rest. We can't negotiate on equal grounds with two soldiers waiting outside the only exit." "Yes sir" Adeline just made it back out in time to see the leader of Magus casually greet them. "(Ahem) The Grandmaster awaits you insi..." Before she could finish speaking, Gildal had already paced right past her, with the recently released prisoner apologising as he followed behind him. "W-whatever..." Adeline gestured her comrades to follow her back to Colassi, leaving the only people left being Gildal, Gremble, Issac and Elisa.

Issac was of course, left slightly underwhelmed by Gildal's casual greeting to the organisation's leader, the same one that dedicated his duty to hunting down his kind. When Gremble extended his hand, Issac didn't budge an inch. The distrust practically oozing off his expression. Elisa nudged him with her elbow. "We are negotiating right? At least show some common courtesy..." Issac simply grumbled under his breath as he stood up and gave Gildal a firm handshake... Maybe more firm than the saviour would be comfortable with. Then sat back down. Deciding to ignore the mind control comment. Gildal's laid back behaviour lead Issac to briefly look to Elisa to voice his disappointment. "Are you sure this is the man that rallied a whole village of mages?" Elisa nodded in response. "This is the one... Don't let his personality give you the wrong impression." Issac returned his focus to Gildal, already feeling like just cutting off his head then and there. Gideon was the one that could deal with these sorts of things but Issac wasn't exactly expecting this when he arrived at Colassi. "I think we can just get straight to talking. I'd like to know right away whether I'm wasting my time or not... So... You went to great lengths to get me here. Not to mention the risk your scout took to see your plan to fruition. Now it's paid off and we're here on equal grounds, what do you want?"

ShadowHounder

 

[ShadowHounder]

Jackaboi

"What I want is for you to stop grouping my people with those Black Magic heretics... but that's not what I'm here for. I was just hoping we could have a friendly chat and place this silly war on hold." Gildal leaned forward while his face suddenly turned serious. "We've got a bigger threat to deal with."

Gremble looked at his leader in shock. "General, you don't mean..."

The savior let out a long sigh. "Yep... I have reason to believe that another dark mage cult's gone and rear it's ugly head. A member of my civilians have made reports of questionable individuals roaming around the outer cabins. This situation involving a Black Mage possessing one of your soldiers only strengthens my suspicions. If we are going to want to deal with this threat... we have to do it before they strike and we likely will have to together. As much as I know we both don't want to do this, I'm asking for a temporary alliance. Trust me when I tell you this. I have an... personal experience trying to combat a war by myself." A large lump filled Gildal's throat as he mentioned his warning... almost as if he was struggling to keep his composure just thinking about it. "So, Grandmaster Issac Baelsar, Princess Elisa Moonfire... do we have an agreement? As leader of the people of the Magus refuge, I, Gildal Malibus, swear my life to the truth... and solemnly pledge my life to protecting all those who breath from the terror of Darkness and those who abuse it."

 

[Jackaboi]

The Sinister Snake
​

"Sssso in the event things go south... You plan kill off any further susssspicion with your own death? You are clever indeed... Although I do hope you don't sssseriously mean to get yourself killed. Your service to us has been most beneficial. As for that ssssellsword... I will attend to him personally. In times like these we can only rely on people like us to get the job done right. Unlike our idiot comrades I'm not keen on leaving behind witnesses." The snake could taste the presence of another individual approaching. Turning to the source it was none other than Blake's guest of honour... And the person that her organisation was looking for. The snake remained still, blending in with the surroundings, looking like any other animal defending it's territory. the snake allowed Lily to do what she came to do first and talk to Blake, whom was planning something very dangerous once again. The snake remained silent but it wondered how getting involved in this again wouldn't draw too much attention to themselves. But yet... The snake knew Blake wasn't an idiot. Looking to the interesting carving he drew. The snake assumed Blake new what he was doing. As he started to walk away, this was the time for the snake to introduce itself. Slithering in the way of Lily before she moved any further.

"Lily Bravfar correct? Our people have been watching you for a long time. Not to mention that a couple of your servants were ours too until you "demonstrated" your magical prowess on them..." The snake snickered for a brief moment before continuing on. "Don't worry... I'm not here to avenge them or anything of the sort. The moment you were found out they outlived their usefulness and needed to be put down before they said anything that would compromise us." The snake slithered up and around Lily's shoulders and relaxed, showing that the snake meant to do no harm to her. "As far as I am aware. You are looking for a place where you belong aren't you? A place where you wouldn't be shunned for being the real you. Rather... You'd be praised... Perhaps even revered should you rise high enough in the ranks. Oh... I almost forgot to mention... This place I speak of, can also help you unlock abilities with your magic you never thought possible... I'll give you time to think that over. For now shall we see just what 'Varus' has planned for us?"

ShadowHounder Kiyoko Tomoe
Mentioned: BakaTheIdiot

 

[BakaTheIdiot]

Ashitaka - Medical Barracks

So this was Gideon, the famed general. In all honesty, Ashitaka was pretty surprised. He didn't look much older than he was, and the old swordsman was far too old for this kind of work. Still, he kept his posture. After all, it was rude to slump in the presence of an officer. Not that he really cared, but seeing that he was probably going to be asked a lot of questions, he could at least present himself in a (slightly) better light.

"Yes, that was me. I was the man who spoke out in front of the crowd and spared the man's life." The swordsman admitted. So it hadn't been forgotten? "And you're right, I do have a price. But that price depends on what you ask me. If it relates to me personally, my clients, or rumors I've picked up, it's fifty pieces." With his offer on the table, he simply waited for a response, all the while digging through his mental book of lies in case something goes south.

ShadowHounder

 

[DrRoosterhammer]

Deleran City- Laughing Tiger Tavern​

A dark skinned man with blonde hair and amber eyes, a telling sign of a true Ineport native, sat at a table covered in coins and jewelry next to four other men in the Laughing Tiger Tavern. Sebastian De Le Torre Marquis kept a blank expression on his face as his low voice rumbled forth “C'mon, Jamie, while we're still young.” He said as he fixed a cold stare on the young merchant across from him who was attempting to decide whether to fold or bet against the Ine man. Jamie fiddled with a stack of coins as he glanced from his cards to Sebastian then back to the cards, sweat forming on his brow “P-patience, Bast, don't rush a w-winning hand...” muttered Jamie as he slid a stack of coins to the center of the table. Sebastian, or Bast for short, touched the glass of bourbon to his lips as he watched Jamie “You're a terrible bluffer, Jamie.” Bast pointed out as he took a drink from his glass, sliding an even bigger stack across the table. One of the other players, an older man, chuckled as the sweat visibly dripped him the young merchant's forehead “Best ye fold, lad, Bast ain't one to hesitate t'make ye poor and homeless.” warned the old man as panic set in Jamie's eyes who, reluctantly, threw his cards on the table “Fine, ya lucky bastard, I fold.” he declared as he stood up to leave with the others as Bast gathered his earnings with a triumphant look. Bast tied the bulging sack of winnings to his belt and tucked it inside of his pants and stepped towards the bar to finish his drink and pay for another.

The tavern door would burst open, it was the old man who had warned Jamie, “Oi, e'eryone, they're 'bout t'execute ol' Daren Balder!” he declared and the occupants of the dimly lit tavern bustled out into the crowded streets, trying to get a better view of the city center. Bast was finishing his third drink as he followed the rest out seeing as he visited Daren's Rest Inn once or twice before so he wanted to know what the man was accused of. Bast scowled at the massive crowd and poor view of the city center and carefully maneuvered himself onto a barrel, bourbon glass still in hand, as he watched the events unfold below. Individuals defending the accused Mage harborer, others scorning him and demanding his execution. Bast took a long drink when it was declared the man's head was spared “Lord and lady, what a humiliating display! Should've killed the poor sod after stripping him of his honor and dignity like that.” He stated as he stepped down from the barrel and went back into the Laughing Tiger to continue drinking and wait for another game.

Deleran- City Streets​

When Sebastian finally stumbled out of the Laughing Tiger he was unaware of how much time had passed, and who's to say he left the actual Laughing Tiger and not another establishment, as he stumbled down the city streets drunk and ruffled. He would stop occasionally to place a hand against a wall and steady himself before pressing on in no specific direction seeing as the city was placed on lockdown and a mage hunt was underway according to a heavily, now rather lightened, pursed noble who passed through the Tiger. Suddenly the intoxicated Ine man stopped just as a flaming arrow hit the wall before him and dropped into a pot of water “Kist.” cursed the drunk as he simultaneously counted his blessings. Bast stopped as he took in what just happened and glanced down at the arrow then scowling at his reflection, causing him to the kick the pot and shattering it. He found himself on the scene of a sword wielding woman dispatching another that burst into black flames, this causing the drunk to fall back on the ground and crawl around the corner. “Charred body of God.” He groaned and crawled back around and following after the woman. Being a staggering drunk tended to make for good cover as he tailed after the woman, stopping to lean against a wall and pretend to either relieve himself or vomit to alleviate any suspicion should someone see him.

The drunk stuck to the shadows as he stumbled along, almost actually falling down at one point, until finding a small shack. He pressed his back against the wall of the shack, sliding down onto his bottom as he peaked his head around the corner before quickly pulling it back when the woman and a musketeer looking fellow came TOWARDS HIM. He swore again under his breath as he closed his eyes and slumped over, pretending to sleep in case they walked by. Instead he heard them enter the shack and eavesdropped on their conversation. Dark mages? In the city? Guess the M.E.U is slacking off or simply a joke. He thought to himself as he pushed himself up and staggered away from the shack to process what he just witnessed and heard.

But first, another drink and maybe a game of dice. He was feeling rather lucky or just too drunk to know better.

Eavesdropped ShadowHounder and Britt-21 's conversation​

 

[ShadowHounder]

Jackaboi

Lily was caught off guard by the snake's sudden approach. She prepared her magic, but realized it would be useless once the reptile started speaking to her. The young maiden couldn't help but chuckle at the snake before her. "How clever of you... turning into a lesser creature to trick me into thinking I could use my magic." Lily did not seem too pleased to hear about the servants that knew about her intentions. "I wouldn't care regardless... they knew too much from the beginning... you should be happy I didn't sniff them out sooner. I don't appreciate people getting in my business."

Lily seemed relatively unphased by the snake's movement up her body... almost like she was used to such actions from such dangerous "pets." A grin touched her face when the offer was presented to her. "I knew Varus was hiding something. I could tell from the day we first met that he had some special secret that he just didn't want to share. I might enjoy seeing just how strong my powers could be..." Lily did as the snake suggested and began to follow the madman towards his destination. "No longer will Gildal hold me back."

 

[ShadowHounder]

BakaTheIdiot

Gideon cleared his throat. "I wanted to know if you heard the mages you fought mention anything about their plans or who they were working with. Additionally, we recently found out that Lily Brafvar was an uncover agent for the mages and killed the family that she was hiding inside of. Do you think there could be any connection between the two events." Gideon raised an eyebrow as he asked the question about Lily... almost like he had suspicions about Ashitaka involving the whole mess.

 

[BakaTheIdiot]

Ashitaka - Medical Barracks

Exactly the question Ashitaka didn't want to hear. Still, an answer was needed, and he had just the perfect lie: one tried and tested throughout the centuries: one that wasn't even really a lie in this context:

"I don't have the first clue of who you're talking about."

Truth be told, he really hadn't heard of Lily. Of course, he had interacted with a person planning to flee to Magus... but he had no idea that her name was Lily. This was to be the sword of his lie: he had no idea who Gideon was talking about, has far as he was concerned.

"All I can tell you is this: I do have a client who wishes to get out of Deleran safely, and this whole ordeal is putting my business behind. Do me a favor: lift the curfew by tomorrow. Then, we can all be happy, and I can get paid."

ShadowHounder

 

[ShadowHounder]

BakaTheIdiot

"Tell me then, Ashitaka." Gideon muttered in a serious tone. "Why would your client need to leave Delaran 'safely?' My men aren't as swift to halt civilians like Issac's are. If it was for a political matter, they would've contacted us already to arrange uncontested departure. Could it be possible that your client has involvement within mage society? Or is it possible that your client is the mage and knows that they would be captured the moment they tried to leave our walls?" The General didn't like this form of interrogation... but matters were far to important to be playing "nice." He placed a hand on his sheath, ready to grab his blade should the mercenary chose to attack him.

 

[BakaTheIdiot]

Ashitaka - Medical Barracks

Seeing Gideon's hand go to the sword, Ashitaka beat him to it. Immediately, a dagger flipped out from his sleeve and pointed at his throat. His facial expression did not change.

"Careful there, Gideon. You're forgetting: I'm a broke, injured mercenary. A desperate one. I'm paranoid. You want this to go smoothly, put away the hand."

The old swordsman cracked his neck.

"Besides, even if I wanted to tell you - which I can't - I wouldn't. Know why? Because it's bad for business. Then again, what do you care? You and your band of playthings have been screwing me over since day one, and my patience is wearing very, very thin. Here's my piece of advice to you: listen to your people. I don't belong to Deleran, and neither does my client. I don't know this Lily you're fussing about, and I'd like to keep it that way. Now do me a favor: stand down, or this can get far, far bloodier."

ShadowHounder