Fire Emblem: Seal of Ages

[Takumi]

Arell McCain
Levitum​

Mother Telma was scary. How had she even done that without so much as looking Rendan's way? Keeping a mental note on asking about the kung-fu nun thing later, he found himself remaining in his seat out of intimidation. Arell decided to keep the thought of Mother Telma's freaky accuracy to himself. He simply smiled and as the young lad Brendol appeared once called for. Cheeky little lady he seemed to be.

"Well, Brendol, I'm Arell," the redhead said with a shake of the boy's hand, "and I wanted to know all you know about Jack Rogers and the Goddess Miha. Whatever it may be." He added, relaxing completely in the face of the boy's nervousness.

@Verran

Martha Fabre/Gertrude
Eshil Plains​

Gertrude grunted in slight distaste. While sleep had come easily to her, it was still light and she had yet to be completely consumed by sleep. Her eyes had snapped open as she had been grabbed, body jerking in the Taguel's hold until they eventually released those they had held captive. Frowning softly, she gazed to her charge and Reina to make sure both were unharmed. Luckily they didn't seem to want to harm any of their group.

Martha huffed, blowing hair out of her face as she eyed their temporary captors.

"What's this about bandits?" She asked with a raised brow.

@Verran @Falcon @Azurian Dream @Nomad-22 @Conway @Jessica2477 @TheSly

 

[Verran]

Islas de Abaroa, 26th day of Zoi in the Season of Growing 1012 ADW.
11 Days after the fall of Thalia.
Port City of Levitum
@Takumi

The lad nodded, a brave face of boyhood maturity. As though he had entered into some sort of contract. Still, Brendol glanced at Mother Telma, who gave a soft, encouraging nod. It strengthened him and he stood, hands on his hips, and began a tune. It was as strange cross between a lullaby and a ballad. Yet, in the stories of a children, what else could their own epics be?

"Jack Rogers was the pirate king! Only one who could be. All before and to this day, dukes an' lords an' duchesses an' ladies but none could be king. Up and down the seas of the lands. No straight was safe! Not a bit of coast was safe from his hand. The rich went empty and the poor flooded with coin! An' not a single seaside orphan went hungry when Jack was King! No sir! Not under his eye! No one could catch him though. Oh they tried, they tried as true as I see you. But they only got the tiller of his tiller of his ship. Cause Jack was blessed above them all! Miha! Goddess bright, our shining light, held him best. Some say he was her…" here he suddenly paused with a none too subtle of a shifty glance at Mother Telma. He began again, fumbling and quieter this time. Making an amended version on the spot.

"He was her…her…most devoted servant. Yah, devoted. So, so to show this. She gave him this spear," Brendol suddenly strengthened again, "but this was no ordinary spear! 'Course not. Could not! No, see, this spear was for the Ages! With it in his hand, the sea was his ta' command. Wind didn't matter, cause the water obeyed wherever he pointed Miha's lance! So it's said, leastwise. Yet the wind became jealous. Ignoring its importance on the seas, it whipped up a raging wind. With a mighty swoosh! His entire ship tipped and the spear slipped from his grip! Down into the sea went Jack Rogers, but Miha held him dear still. Turtles! People turtles! Swept across the waters to find him. Plucking him from the sea and dragging him to dry land. The spear too, despite the depths it sank to. They dived for it. Down down for it. The great Jack Rogers couldn't help but ask, when the spear was returned to him without reservation, what had he done to earn such a boon. And the turtles answered him, 'Jack, great Jack. All across the seas and all throughout the land have you been. Yet, in all you have traveled, you've never taking more from what is the natural world than needed. The fish you caught you ate. The tree you chopped became mast and planking. Not once have you taken from the sea that you did not need. And so we of the sea love you. Hail Jack! Pirate King and friend of the ocean! Hail Miha's devoted! We give your spear!' And he took it. Off he went to the rest of his life of plunder, amassing the greatest treasure in the world that only the eyes of bright children, like me, can see. It's all over, and we take it cause Jack loves us best!"

And here, Brendol leaned in to the seated Arell, bringing his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "But Jack was a man, and all tales of man end when they pass. He sailed out, one last time, from this very harbor! The brightest day of summer it was. The air was still, but the ship moved where the spear pointed as ever on. Alone, Jack saw again the turtles who saved his life those years ago. To see him off, one last time. He gave it to them, without nary a word. They were about to speak, when he put a single finger to his lips and said his last, 'I go to the Goddess, complete again.' Jack shuffled off his mortal coil as the turtles turned off to the sea, between the morning moon and sun, never to be seen again. Jack and his ship drifted away, lost forever, but they say that if you listen to the waves on windless days, you can hear him say, 'not man nor wind nor beast ever caught me! Not man nor wind nor beast, but the Goddess Miha holds me in her deep blue sea.'"

 

[Conway]

23rd day of Zoi, Night
Eshil, 10 miles north of Abelsol
​

Veran was already on his feet as he noticed the figures passing by, some already grabbing at their prey. His sword slid out from his sheath as he looked to the tents, picking up the muffled screaming and shadows being dragged off. His eyes darted between the shadows, finding one that seemed to have its back turned to him, a fatal mistake. Veran flew towards them when he heard the voice of the enemy leader speaking about them not being the humans they have been hunting for, followed by Korwin's call to hold. Veran's blade stopped mere inches from the taguel's neck, and remained there, as a threat, while their leader and Korwin called the uneasy truce. As the torch was lit Veran's eyes, seemingly empty and menacing, met those of the Taguel, who seemed younger and was staring back at him with eyes full of pure dread, knowing that he would have died if the truce was called any later. Veran closed his eyes and took a breath, backing off from the Taguel, as he leaped back to get away from Veran.

Veran remained in a ready stance, like a cat prepared to pounce. His eyes locked onto Reyna standing in the middle of a group of them, her hands being unbound and a gagged removed from he mouth. His eyes transferred up to the taguel closest to her, then to the others between him and her, as if they were planning the best path to cut through all of them. He glanced towards Korwin, content with him continuing talks, as Veran remained on gaurd, and a threatening presence to hopefully discourage the enemy from attacking should the conversation should sower.

________________________________________________________________________________________
23 day of Zoi
Eshil, several miles south of the Ufral border
​

Joris smiled and looked up into the sky as Naira asked about his past and of Thalia, "Ah, yes, those were good times. Bandits would rarely attack a full Thalian escort, and those that did were either complete fools, or fools with death wishes. Most of the time we would simple drive them off, while others were handed their date with the reaper, at the end of a lance. None were capable of looting anything of worth the risk of death again. The Diplomats themselves? I suppose it depended on which one it was and if they were traveling with anyone. They often stayed inside their carts speaking their language with others of their trade."

Joris' smile grew larger, "Jousting tournies on the other hand, those were a true spectacle. There is no greater feeling than the surge of the crowd after unhorsing an opponent. There is no way to describe the energy that fills you as you feel your lance shatter against your opponent's shield." Joris took a long breath as he reminisced about his many victories in the arena before his mind drifted to Thalia.

"Ah Thalia, yes there are many Pegasi there, and they are as graceful as they are swift. Their riders, as regal as they are fierce. They are a force to be reckoned with to be sure, but I prefer to stay planted to the ground, flying at my enemies head on; fighting them in their face, as opposed to remaining high out of reach."

 

[Fyrra]

As the moon rose over the capitol city of Nahstrand, so too did King Horik rise from his throne, beleaguered from his royal duties and the uneasy air that followed nearly everyone who'd come to him for guidance, assistance, or judgment. Stern eyes gazed upon the audience chamber, empty but for the soldiers standing guard, until he too strode for the door in a vain effort to escape the tension that plagued his chamber for the past week.

A knock interrupted his escape, and a voice from beyond the door called.

"Your Majesty. Duchess Thorun has arr-"

"Send her in." The king interrupted.

Soon the chamber door opened, and in strode a pair of knights clad in pristine, white capes with a vibrant blue flame emblazoned on the back, followed by the duchess herself, in a red cape with a green fern as its emblem. As the trio entered the chamber, the doors closed behind them and they knelt before their king, who in turn signaled with a hand for them to rise: royal formalities and social ritual, of which the king had little time for.

"We rode as swiftly as we could, your majesty. The remainder of my retinue should arrive within three moons." The woman speaking bore raven hair in an ornate, silver clasp with a few loose strands up front. She glanced about, inquisitive. "Are we the first to arrive?"

"You are, and not a moment too soon," the king replied, "Thalia has gone silent, as have our envoys within the capitol. A scout has been dispatched to find them if they've fled, but I do not expect his return either."

"Any news from Midori?" The king shook his head, and the duchess sighed. "Troubling. They must mean to break the alliance as well."

"You would do well not to make such assumptions. Someone is merely intercepting our pigeons and sabotaging our couriers: a problem, to be sure, but not yet a catastrophe." King Horik paused, mulling this detail over. It didn't sit well with him, that something could so effectively tamper with foreign diplomacy, but reality left few other answers beyond the two presented. He scratched at his beard in frustration. "Mirchaud should have arrived yesterday. If they've harried the summons as well..."

"Then we are next."

An uncomfortable silence grew between them and the watchful knights standing by, as they all realized that what befell Thalia surely lurked just beyond their reach, ready to seize its moment at its first opportunity. The king glowered, at the very least thankful that the majority of his court were not here to see him distraught, but he'd need their input before making too many big decisions. For now, the basics were more important. "I'll not lose another son, not to this of all things. But that can wait a day or two. For now, I need you to remove any foreign sellswords from strategic points. Station them outside the walls if you can."

"You would thin our ranks so readily?"

"Better that they thin, than open the gates for an unwelcome guest!"

"As you command, your majesty."

"As for Midori, we cannot afford to take chances. I shall prepare an emissary, but they will require an escort. Tomorrow we gather in the war room, but for tonight you may rest." And with that, the king dismissed his retainer for the evening before retiring from the audience chamber, a bodyguard on either side of him. He paused at the door to his son's bedchamber, musing aloud to himself before continuing on. "No, you'll need your rest too. That is the least I can give you."

 

[Nomad-22]

Jebei felt like a fool when Korwin sacrastly pointed out they needed to alert everyone. Harsh but fair. The young plainsman thought as his comrade sounded the alarm. It was too late however, as two shadowy figures came upon them both. Surprised, Jebei let loose an arrow toward the red armored one coming at him but the attacker dodged it expertly.

"Spirits!" The nomad exclaimed as he jumped back grabbing for another arrow. Before further combat could happen it stopped at the command of an eldery voice. "Wait a moment." Jebei muttered, recognizing the type of voice it was and the phrases used as Korwin demanded answers.

He positioned himself closer to Korwin as everything calmed down. His suspicions about their attackers were confirmed when a torch lit revealing everyone in the camp. So they are Taguel. Father did mention them a few times like how they are as a whole an honorable people and don't attack unless provoked.

Lowering his bow Jebei then bowed his head toward the elderly Taguel lifting up Reina to her feet.

"Thank you for your restraint, elder one. I am Jebei son of Yesun from the Batu tribe escorting this band of travelers. May we know your names and the cause for this...incident?"

 

[Takumi]

Islas de Abaroa, 26th day of Zoi in the Season of Growing 1012 ADW.
11 Days after the fall of Thalia.
Port City of Levitum
@Takumi

The lad nodded, a brave face of boyhood maturity. As though he had entered into some sort of contract. Still, Brendol glanced at Mother Telma, who gave a soft, encouraging nod. It strengthened him and he stood, hands on his hips, and began a tune. It was as strange cross between a lullaby and a ballad. Yet, in the stories of a children, what else could their own epics be?

"Jack Rogers was the pirate king! Only one who could be. All before and to this day, dukes an' lords an' duchesses an' ladies but none could be king. Up and down the seas of the lands. No straight was safe! Not a bit of coast was safe from his hand. The rich went empty and the poor flooded with coin! An' not a single seaside orphan went hungry when Jack was King! No sir! Not under his eye! No one could catch him though. Oh they tried, they tried as true as I see you. But they only got the tiller of his tiller of his ship. Cause Jack was blessed above them all! Miha! Goddess bright, our shining light, held him best. Some say he was her…" here he suddenly paused with a none too subtle of a shifty glance at Mother Telma. He began again, fumbling and quieter this time. Making an amended version on the spot.

"He was her…her…most devoted servant. Yah, devoted. So, so to show this. She gave him this spear," Brendol suddenly strengthened again, "but this was no ordinary spear! 'Course not. Could not! No, see, this spear was for the Ages! With it in his hand, the sea was his ta' command. Wind didn't matter, cause the water obeyed wherever he pointed Miha's lance! So it's said, leastwise. Yet the wind became jealous. Ignoring its importance on the seas, it whipped up a raging wind. With a mighty swoosh! His entire ship tipped and the spear slipped from his grip! Down into the sea went Jack Rogers, but Miha held him dear still. Turtles! People turtles! Swept across the waters to find him. Plucking him from the sea and dragging him to dry land. The spear too, despite the depths it sank to. They dived for it. Down down for it. The great Jack Rogers couldn't help but ask, when the spear was returned to him without reservation, what had he done to earn such a boon. And the turtles answered him, 'Jack, great Jack. All across the seas and all throughout the land have you been. Yet, in all you have traveled, you've never taking more from what is the natural world than needed. The fish you caught you ate. The tree you chopped became mast and planking. Not once have you taken from the sea that you did not need. And so we of the sea love you. Hail Jack! Pirate King and friend of the ocean! Hail Miha's devoted! We give your spear!' And he took it. Off he went to the rest of his life of plunder, amassing the greatest treasure in the world that only the eyes of bright children, like me, can see. It's all over, and we take it cause Jack loves us best!"

And here, Brendol leaned in to the seated Arell, bringing his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "But Jack was a man, and all tales of man end when they pass. He sailed out, one last time, from this very harbor! The brightest day of summer it was. The air was still, but the ship moved where the spear pointed as ever on. Alone, Jack saw again the turtles who saved his life those years ago. To see him off, one last time. He gave it to them, without nary a word. They were about to speak, when he put a single finger to his lips and said his last, 'I go to the Goddess, complete again.' Jack shuffled off his mortal coil as the turtles turned off to the sea, between the morning moon and sun, never to be seen again. Jack and his ship drifted away, lost forever, but they say that if you listen to the waves on windless days, you can hear him say, 'not man nor wind nor beast ever caught me! Not man nor wind nor beast, but the Goddess Miha holds me in her deep blue sea.'"

Arell McCain
Levitum​

Holding back a chuckle as the young lad took pause to make a small change to the tale, Arell listened to every word Brendol said. The spear that Miha had given Jack had been very vague in what material he had found in the books, never being specified. Whether it was deliberate or not he wasn't sure. At least, he had a feeling that the one passage he had found to be smudged had been the most specific on the item compared to the rest at one point in time.

This added information, however, was interesting in deed. Talking turtles was one thing, but if they had the spear they'd had to of placed it somewhere secure no doubt. Either way, no matter what one thought of the tale if the spear was what was being looked for then they'd have to find it quick. Something in the tale caught his interest, but he'd mention it to Rendan later.

"Thank you, Brendol. You know, you could make a rather great author or bard." Arell spoke up, and although his words could potentially come off as light teasing he was genuine in his words. The boy seemed like he could become a genuinely skilled wordsmith at the least.

@Verran

 

[Falcon]

Early, Early Morning
24th day of Zoi - 9 Days after the fall of Thalia
Eshil, 10 miles North-East of Abelsol

Reina almost choked as she tried to spit out the cotton that had been stuffed in her mouth, but she was left to figure it out on her own as the Taugel who had lifted her to her feet moved to flank their matron as she approached "Agato" and Jebei. she looked breifly between them trying to determine which must be Reina's guard, and unable to decide addressed the space between their heads.

"Master Jebei son of Yesun, Master... Spearman, Know that I am Uaria, Matron of the Bandowi tribe of the Northern Plains Taguel." As she spoke the Taguel under her command finished undoing the bindings of those they had captured, and the withdrew to one side of the camp,waiting eagerly as if expecting some sort of important meeting. One, a white haired taguel woman with her arm in a sling, smiled in apology to Martha. A young sandy haired male male continued to look uncertainly at Veran as he bounced back behind a blue furred archer.

"We did come here hunting Bandits," She continued with a nod toward Martha who had posed that question. But not the kind that steal goods and money. We would not travel so far for just that. We seek a group of human men who have taken several of our children as they played near the outskirts of the Warren. True, they were foolish to leave the safety of our hills, but is is foolishness that should be met with extra chores and not Kidnapping. We would face one of the legendary dragons themselves to get our own back.

"Our scouts saw your party, what looked to be a bunch of humans in mismatched armor, and mistook your for the ones we sought. But your charges face is very much like the Lady Lorelei whom I met in my Youth, and unless I miss my guess one such as that would not be a part of such banditry."

"My mother once went by that name," Reina muttered softly to Jebei and "Agato" as she approached them from behind, but the old Taguel's ears were good and she heard.

"I thought as much, then we shall call you Coraline daughter of Lorelei, since in such times of strife men's true names should probably not be spoken allowed. Were it not for our own quest I would offer you hospitality with out people, but instead I find myself instead asking for your aid. as... unseemly as it is to ask help from those we have just wrong fully attacked."

She was cut short, however, as three Taguel called out to the group and brought forth a bound prisoner, prodding her into the light. Purple hair framing a woman's face, dressed in White Stanislavian Armor.

"Matron, we caught this one spying on the camp."

---

Late-Morning
23nd day of Zoi - 8 Days after the fall of Thalia
Eshil, Several miles south of the Ufral Boarder

It was no surprise to Esmail when Suraya directed Joris to take them on the road that would eventually join up with the highway leading to Atrea. Thalia was in a period of unrest after all and of their small party Joris was the only one with any reason to head in that direction. Esmail watched the other man closely for a short bit to see if he would protect, but if what the cavalier needed was information that could be gathered anywhere on the road south before they hit a branch in the path where a firm decision might be needed. There was time yet, and as far as Esmail was concerned his job was to tail the lady until she grew tired enough of travel to make a visit home.

As Joris and Naira, Nira, Niera... whatever her name was ... the Troubadour... he'd learn the name properly eventually, always had been better with faces... talked, Esmail kept only half an ear on them. Neither of them were showing him any attention anyway. Very few people ever did unless they wanted something. So it was when the young archer approached... well perhaps not as young as he first thought approached for conversation Esmail was caught slightly off guard. Especially considering the nature of the questions asked.

He frowned, but not in anger or displeasure. It was a thoughtful frown, as if he were calculated the most precise answer, or may-hap the easiest to understand reply. It was also quite possibly the most emotion that had crossed his face since meeting these new... allies might be the best word... for now.

"To answer that I must give you a bit of a history lesson as well," the albino began slowly. he kept an eye of Levi's expression as well, making sure his response was being followed. it would not do to confuse the man, not when he seemed so eager to learn. If there was one thing Esmail would always respond well to it was a thirst for knowledge.

"it was once, before the great war, that the scholars considered all magic, no matter it's use to be in one single category. it is here we see the times of the great Archsages, and most of what we know now has been salvaged from what remains of the books they wrote. After the wars, largely because of how magic had been used in the battles, magic began to be broken up into categories. Light magic, that which has the ability to protect and heal became to domain of the churches. Monks, clerics, and others devoted to one god or another.

"Shadow magic, that which had been used largely for battle or stealth got shunted to the side for in times of peace it was unneeded. over time the practice of it became largely taboo although it can in some ways be used for protection just as much as any of the others. Most of the rest fell into the domain of the elements. Fire, water, air and so forth. those who wanted to learn magic without either being taboo or associating with a deity take to these types... of course there are spells left out of those categories and they mostly get shunted into whatever category people feel they are most like.

"I will of course answer any specific questions you wish to put forth, though I am unsure what you actually want to know."

 

[Azurian Dream]

Early, Early Morning
24th day of Zoi - 9 Days after the fall of Thalia
Eshil, 10 miles North-East of Abelsol

Mentioned: @Jessica2477 @Falcon

During the commotion of chaos Alrevis had also been attacked on his perch atop a small hill near the camp. However in the mist of the attack the two Taguel's that had attacked him would be met with unexpected resistance in such a manner that a rather aggressive commotion could be heard as three bodies could be seen spiraling down the small hill. With a loud thud Alrevis appeared book at the ready to be smashed repeatedly upon the face of the Taguel who had attacked him as the other one fought desperately to put him into a choke hold while making sure he couldn't unsheathed his sword. However as it was about to turn nasty all three froze at the sound of a elderly Taguel growled into the night on their mistake of apparently attacking the wrong group.

"Ah bandit hunting," Alrevis spoke letting go of the Taguel underneath him to help back up with his free hand as the other let him go mumbling a apology. As the two Taguels backed off Alrevis hilariously slung his book back into its case walked over halting just a little bit behind Reina as a rear guard. Just because they claimed a apologetic hand with a noble goal didn't mean they were telling the truth, or were not acting to play out who they had caught. However his silence didn't stay long as with surprise a long time friend, and fellow Stanislavian Ludivine Daulfern. He would turn to Gavril for a moment sharing a look of surprise and confusion with his best friend as he turned back to the Taguel in charge.

"Ludivine," Alrevis spoke allowed looking to the Reina, and then to the Matron.

"She's someone I, and Gavril know very well," Alrevis spoke to both aiming to lower the tension on his old ally quick.

"I promise she means no I'll will to us, or your side either. To be honest I would rather see her unbound for her wyvern will not be to far, and is very protective of its "mother"," Alrevis explained politely clearly aiming to keep both sides from meeting with a enraged large lizard that could fly with a massive jaw filled with flesh tearing teeth. Turning to Reina he also motioned to her to speak some words to ease nerves.

"Gavril, and myself can vouch for her completely, but it probably be best we speak on this matter behind closed doors later when we get a chance," he expressed.
.............................................................................................

Evening,
19th day of Zoi - 4 Days after the fall of Thalia
Atrea, Main Road south of Nahstrand and the Great River

@Falcon @Verran

As Aina cooked the freshly caught, and gutted fish Lauvus helped by bringing in some fire wood along with some extra to be carried for future camping. Atriean trees were perfect for fires lasting longer then most other trees in other regions thanks to their heavier thin nature. Its also why he had grabbed a few for his own. With his knife at hand he got to work carving out a new quiver or two of arrow bases. His bag thankfully still had a few feather's he had claimed from a wild rooster that was also cooking at the fire atop the frying pan he had helped set up. Fish, and chicken were on the menu, and both smelled well especially with the wood adding a great smoky flavor to it slowly. The harder part would be the tips he had a few left, but only for two quivers past that he would indeed have to rely on Aina for the metals.

"So then my merry band of three plus Gus our noble stead shall we share stories," he asked motioning to his two accomplices for the night.

 

[Verran]

Islas de Abaroa, 26th​ day of Zoi in the Season of Growing 1012 ADW.
11 Days after the fall of Thalia.
Port City of Levitum
@Takumi

Brendol beamed in pleasure at the praise and happily bounded off at the Matron's order.

"Alright alright, off we ye little scamp," Mother Telma smiled as she then continued, "you know. Your questions harkens to a sweet memory of another lad. Strong and handsome who reminded me of the times I danced with the pirates in the flower of my youth. Ah, so few ever returned properly to the church despite my efforts. Still, the man showed, and he listened to Brendol's tale, sang with us some a service with such a honeyed voice that it must have been the gift of the Goddess. Then he was gone, taking his ship off into the horizon. Still, I wonder what hearts he swooned while here, the large scamp!"

She gave a laugh. "You'll be staying for the service I trust? No duty more dutiful than that which is to the Goddess Miha, is there."


Eshil, 24th​ day of Zoi in the Season of Growing 1012 ADW
9 Days after the fall of Thalia
10 miles North-East of Abelsol
@Falcon @Azurian Dream @Jessica2477 @Nomad-22 @Takumi @Conway @TheSly

Korwin's mouth drew into a thin line. One would hope that a tribe of people with senses far superior to humans, especially when compared to in the dark, would think to try and scout out their children before launching an attack so as to ensure one of the said bandits wouldn't murder them all in the assault. Apparently not. Such simple considerations seemed to evade these desperate people seeking their children. Which meant they were now wrapped up in it to for he could almost sense Reina's bleeding heart coming into play as she, newly released, came up behind him and Jebei. Still, this time Korwin had to concede to the greater argument. That of a tribe of upset and perfectly capable of murder Taguel who were more than willing to face 'one of the legendary dragons.' With current forces, it was rather hard to make a meaningful objection to doing them a favor.

Although, he thought dully, it would have been better to discuss any family connections in private. Hopefully, something useful would come of all of this. It was, at least, vaguely interesting as all hostage situations were. His mind almost had the chance to begin toying with the possibilities before the Stanislavian was dragged in. It surprised him little that they were being tracked, considering how much chaos they left Abelsol. The questions to ask were how many were following and who would miss her if she didn't report in?

The answer to a question he didn't think was needed to be asked was supplied by one of their newest companions, Alrevis. His eye twitched as, yet again, an infernally convenient occurrence took place. The fact that Alrevis already knew Gavril and they just happened to collide in Abelsol now got compounded by the fact that now, apparently, both this stranger, Ludivine, knew both Alrevis and Gavril enough to be worthy of a recommendation of her honor. Such contrivance made him quietly grind his teeth and glower. Considering he was already glaring from underneath his helm since the night attack began, it didn't really make any apparent difference. What's next? Finding royalty lost in the wilderness? Or perhaps finding a fanatic from home? Maybe even a pair of dragons who just happen to have sworn fealty to the princess here in her youth? Why not!

Resisting his anger, he settled for further suspicion of undivine intervention and resigning himself to the long march to the sea. The presence of another was a nuisance, but his goals remained clear as crystal. Just another factor to juggle. One that was as suspicious as any of them. Except for Gavril. Korwin wondered if there was any point to discerning the matter, before dismissing the notion. There were more immediate matters to attend to. Watching this exchange, for example.

***

Sadia let out a quiet cheer of relief as she was released back among her fellows. It had been a harrowing, horrific experience that had her quite overwhelmed indeed. So close, so close to having her neck snapped and her mere life extinguished. Oh such a nigh on tragic end! All she could do would be shiver

Thank goodness I'm over it, she mused lightly. Still, something at her back itched. An unspoken yet seething mass that heralded, to her, of a likely silent lecture for her failure. Duty of the assassin to protect what the big burly guardsman could not. Speaking of big burly guardsmen, and other defenders, Sadia's eyes darted nervously about to take in how everyone else was reacting to being so thoroughly ambushed.

 

[Falcon]

Early Evening
24th day of Zoi - 9 Days after the fall of Thalia
Atrea, Charside, off the Main Road

One would think five days would encourage the growth of friendship, Aina mused as she walked along leading Gus and keeping an eye on her old friend and new companion. But so far no such luck. Well she supposed things might be better if she stopped egging them on, but watching the verbal spats between the young man they'd fished out of the river and Iori (when Iori chose to speak at all) had turned out very entertaining.

As for Lauvus, Aina enjoyed his company. He was a decent story teller, cheerful enough in personality, and seemed to want to be helpful. The two had quickly worked out a deal of sorts. The man was free to travel with them and use Aina's supplies, including a spare sleeping roll and fresh bandages, and she would share meal and accommodation freely as well. In exchange, once he was well enough he would help Iori guard the packs, and also help with hunting, fishing, and other chores. It seemed a fair trade. At least it did to Aina who had run the calculations of what wages she would normally pay a guard against the cost of the supplies he used.

And so they had traveled more or less peaceably at a donkey's pace for the better part of a week. Following the Main Road south and staying away from the coastal regions as that would not be profitable considering the wares Aina currently peddled. She needed more prosperous merchant towns, places with those who might want to cater to a minor lord. Granted she needed to be careful, tail and ears always covered. Delicate powders applied to the rings around her eyes anytime they entered an area of civilization. Trading with known contacts before any else. It was a risk coming this far, but if she made it down and back she'd have officially proven herself to the guild.

Someday she'd have enough to hire more than one guard, have a wagon, or even a caravan, and the ability to travel anywhere in the world she wanted. "You'll feast on the sweetest hay one day, Gus." she stated panting the gray donkey's nose. He only snorted and tossed his head. But as they crested the nest hill she could see their destination ahead of them.

Charside was a fairly large fishing town set along the shore of the great lake Charmont near the middle of the Atrean kingdom. It had begun as a fishing village but quickly gained notoriety, and prosperity, when the local lords realized it boasted a pristine view of clear blue waters, lush forest around it, and the mountains in the background. Those who could afford it often came on holiday here. That meant it was also enjoyed a measure of economic success as well. Aina had a contact here. She reasoned she could make a tidy profit of the bulk of her wares,pick up some new wares, and continue south.

Aina quickly pulled out a pocket mirror, one of her most valuable possessions, and checked that her hair and makeup were in place, even as she shot a warning look to Lauvus and Iori. both had already received stern lectured on hiding her true nature. Though she had given herself away pulling the man from the river.

Soon they reached the gate and Aina was giving an accounting to the guard for her wares. "Midorian spices and fabric dyes for trade," she announced proudly to the questions. "Along with a few other interesting items I've picked up. i have a full list of my inventory here." and she pulled out a sheet of parchment from her over-robe, covering in very neat spiky writing, the first list in Midorian glyph with the item written in common beside it.

The inspection continued. She was almost always inspected at the bit towns and inevitably...
"Don't touch those!" her voice cracked out as a guard reached for a very carefully sealed chest very precisely placed on Gus's harness. It was covered in waterproofing wax and the contests inside carefully protected with precise padding. "Item five on my list. Any mishandling could cause the contents to become extremely volatile. And don't you dare break the seal on any of my dye cakes either! I've worked hard to get the guild to trust me with their transport!"
It was always like this.

The captain raised an eyebrow but gestured the guard to move away from the donkey. "You may pass."

Aina offered a very polite bow of thanks in return. "Is the Dancing Willow still in business? It's been some time since I've passed this way but I do remember they had a proper set up for traveling meals."

"You mean your odd Midorian way on not letting anyone see you eating?" the Guard Captain smirked a little. "I think the do still have some of the Booths set up on that one wall, yes. Follow the main road through town until you get to the central square and then take the first right. They should be in plain sight from there."

Aina bowed again before leading the little group into town, Gus's hooves rang oddly as the paving stones changed.

The Dancing Willow was as easy to find as she had hoped, and fortunately still ran by the same family. They remembered her too, although the last visit she had been much younger and still clutching the coat tales of her father. But even the memory of acquaintance made things easier. Her merchant bags were locked safely in the Inn's strong room (for a fee) and Gus happily stabled in the barn out back where she was able to give him a complete rub down.

"You two decide if we're asking for one large room to share or two smaller ones." she tasked to Lauvus and Iori. Surely they could get along long enough to managed that. Aina didn't mind sharing in the least, but she had a feeling Iori might insist on rules of propriety.

Only when Gus was settled and the decision of rooms made did Aina lead them inside.

The Dancing Willow was a large, green roofed, three story building with rooms for rent on the floors above and the street level given over to a rather popular tavern. The sign outside was a simply painted willow tree with it's ribbon decorated branches blowing in the wind. Inside was painted in golden cremes and dark wooden beams and paneling. Aina found it cozy if a bit busier than her usual liking. But then they had arrived around dinner time.

Many patrons were eating, drinking and laughing. There seemed to be a banner of mercenaries in one corner, their outfits marking them from all over although Aina's eyes danced briefly over one young woman she thought might be Midorian. She always noticed her own people. This girl had short brunet hair and was wearing an outfit of navy so dark it might as well be black, trimmed with pink.

In the other corner she thought there might be some entertainment, but she paid that no mind either. Her first priority was settling their sleeping arrangements with the proprietress, and getting something to eat. Aina might be tight fisted in most cases, but a good bed, and meal made by someone else, after many days on the road was well worth the coin... or was when you knew the place was good and the prices fair.

Soon everything was paid for and the three seated at a fairly private booth where they couldn't be seen by the masses, awaiting their meal. Again, Aina didn't particularly care, but she didn't want to make the choice for Iori.

 

[DesReploid]

Denzin san Viago
Early, Early Morning.
24th day of Zoi - 9 Days after the fall of Thalia.
Eshil, 10 miles North-East of Abelsol.

​

"Taguel..." Denzin murmured under his breath if he recalled correctly those were battle shapeshifters not dissimilar to him. Being ambushed during the night was bad enough already but it was only made worse by the ambushers being Taguel, it was almost a worst-case scenario to him, the true worst-case would have been being ambushed by other Wolfskin.

He did not know if Taguel could somehow identify other shapeshifters like him, but he was fairly certain that if one of them was to catch a glimpse at the transformation stone hanging from his neck as a pendant they would recognise it as a device similar to the ones they must be familiar with using. He quickly removed the necklace and stuffed it into one of the inside pockets of his coat and drew the hood even further down into his face. He would rather not risk being recognised and possibly called out as a Wolfskin. It would be rather unpleasant, to say the least.

Their story about their children being kidnapped was equally as concerning as it was amusing to Denzin. There were a few funny ideas in his mind what a bunch of robbers wanted with children that, so many he had to stifle his laughter and then there was what he knew from experience people could be up to and it set a quite large number of grim thoughts loose in his mind. He was never a particularly righteous person or one that believed that those that are in need needed to be helped without question and without asking for anything in return, but when you were stealing children that changed the playing field a little. Though, Denzin was certainly not going to speak up. He was, for one, too tired to approach the Taguel chieftain and he was also almost entirely certain that, if not the little princess, another of the more righteous and goodie two shoes type must be around to speak up and tell the poor, poor people that almost attempted to murder them all in cold blood that they would, of course, help them.

In the meantime, Denzin looked for the next best comfortable looking tree, leaned his back against it and let himself slide down the bark until he sat against it. He had his eyes lazily drift across all the other people around, noticing that the pretty hooded girl he had spoken to before was scanning the others as well. He wrapped his coat even more tightly around himself, and silently whistled a little melody only listening to everything around him with half an ear. He just wanted to go back to sleep.

"No manners, these Taguel, couldn't they have waited until morning to ambush us? At least then I wouldn't be as tired now." He silently murmured to himself, rustling around on the inside of his coat a little to find the most comfortable laying position. At least the warmth was nice. If he hadn't trained himself not to do such things he would certainly be drumming on the ground with a wagging tail now.

Levi Callaghan
Late-Morning
23nd day of Zoi - 8 Days after the fall of Thalia
Eshil, Several miles south of the Ufral Boarder
Mentions: @Falcon

​

Levi listened as closely as possible to Esmail. The quite intimidating exterior seemed to be deceiving. He had at least not expected such an open answer from the man. Perhaps it was also that his ideas of what shadow magic was skewered his perception of the magician slightly. He understood the historical aspect of Esmail's explanation well enough and he, luckily for Levi, did not go into any great detail which made it much easier to understand and process.

"So, to put it into layman's terms. Shadow magic is nothing more but war magic, a weapon, just like my bow or Joris' arms? That is quite a large difference from what I was taught this particular kind of magic is. But I guess it does make sense, every time we humans have discovered something we have tried to weaponise it for use during wartime in one way or another, it would make sense that there would be magic specifically design for these purposes." Levi spoke his thoughts out loud, less toward Esmail but more toward himself so that he would be able to remember this small lesson on the topic of magic and the way he understood it.

"I do not have any particular questions, at least not at the moment. I was just genuinely curious. I grew up with my aunt and uncle, they were both hunters and my father was a salesman, none of them had any idea of magic. Actually, that's untrue, my father despised it since he was tricked with it quite a number of times when he was just starting out and did not know any better. I was raised without any exposure to or knowledge about magic and all of the family members that surrounded me had somehow gotten themselves into the belief that dark magic can only be used for evil purposes. Naturally, my perception of it is a little... off and I figured, now that I am so greatly outnumbered by practitioners of magic arts it would be at least somewhat beneficial to me to know a little more about it than I did before, which might as well have been nothing, so I figured I would ask the one person whose magic I knew the least about. What you said is certainly much different from what I had expected and I'm quite grateful that you explained it to me." Levi explained himself, his eyes only rarely straying from the path ahead of them.

He was curious where this journey might go from here. It had only been a night since he had met these people and already his horizons had been broadened. It was interesting to be sure and Levi was quite happy to stick with them and move along with the other, much more clumsy magician. All these people seemed mysterious and interesting. The horseback warrior had let slip that he was a former knight and Levi certainly wanted to know more about that, he did not seem all too reluctant to speak about it, which was already a pleasant surprise since it meant he could likely ask the larger man without fearing his head be lobbed off. The other person on horseback - He believed her name was Naira - had been rather silent so far, but he would have to speak with her as well. The silence she had chosen to wear was making her even more interesting than she would have been otherwise and the other woman was certainly an interesting one that Levi had a lot of questions for. Some of them much less formal than others, such as whether or not it was her usual greeting to kiss someone, which seemed to be the case. The two women he at least had to talk to out of "obligation", after all his father did send him out into the world to find a wife and he should be flogged in the streets should he deny that either of the two had certain allures to them. As he was thinking about all the other people with him one question did creep into his mind.

"One question did just come to mind. I am honestly surprised I did not think of it earlier... Why is it that shadow magic, in particular, is so despised? Clearly elemental magic is more than capable of causing significant damage as well, so should it not be shunted away too? And then I have a type of bow around my shoulder that we call a warbow should those not be banned as instruments of war too? The singling out of your particular subset of magic perplexes me somewhat."

 

[Conway]

Evening
24th day of Zoi - 9 Days after the fall of Thalia
Atrea, The Dancing Willow Charside

Tsubaki had been in town for a few days, playing songs at the inn, and earning coin by playing for the rich folk that came through town on vacation. they paid well, and when he chose the perfect song for the mood, the tips would come rolling. He had been able to purchase himself a new lute that morning. The strings strummed tones as sweet as the morning breeze, the soundboard echoed evenly and strong, and the frets were spaced perfectly. Truly a work of art, but any bard worth his salt knows that every instrument has its quirks and takes time to adapt to play it to its fullest capacity. As such Tsubaki had spent the day playing at The Dancing Willow to gain a feel for the new lute, before playing before the nobles, and getting his call to play before the lords and Ladies all across the world.

But that would have to wait, he had a different audience to entertain today.

"That's what we do with a drunken sailor
That's what we do with a drunken sailor
That's what we do with a drunken sailor
Early in the morning!

Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Early in the morning! "

The crowd of Fishermen and Mercenaries let out a loud cheer of jubilation at the end of the jig, banging the mugs of ale on the table and laughing at each other. Tsubaki bowed, to an audience that was no longer looking at him, before glancing to the door. Night had fallen quickly and travelers weary of the road had been trickling in. He raised his lute to play another song, before a cough drew his attention to the side. It was the owner of the establishment, Scarlet, aptly named after her head of bright, curly Orange hair, tied up in a tight bun, with a few strands starting to escape. Her clothes were nothing to gawk at, but the way she held herself made it clear she was in charge around here. She sighed looking over to the Mercenaries and Sailors which had now assimilated into one giant mob of tankards, food, and drunken men, now drawing the ire of the travelers who wanted to enjoy their meals in peace.

"It's time for them to go, lest they start playing that knife game and lose another finger in my Inn. Can you handle it?"

Tsubaki smiled, "Why of course my precious flame, it would be only the first of list of things I would gladly do, to earn your affection."

Scarlet rolled her eyes, clearly not amused, "Well get on with it, and try not to make as much of a mess as last time." She waved her hand and turned shoving a drunk man accosting a barmaid, away as she made her way back to the bar to manage the flow of drinks. Tsubaki turned back to the conglomeration, taking stock of them. He had noticed they had stopped selling drinks to them a while ago, but the drunks had managed to keep themselves going with their own supplies which they had brought with them. Tsubaki stepped forward, clearing his throat.

"Well then, I must thank you all for your patronage, but it is unfortunately time all of you to make your exit." A few men looked up to Tsubaki, suborn looks on their faces.

"Oi, we is here payin' fo' our drinks! We ain't be leaving till 'eve had our fill!"
"AYE! What he said!"
" Do yer' job! Play another song 'or us bard!"
"AYE! What he said!"

Tsubaki smiled coyly, "Oh, with pleasure." He strummed his lute, singing a note in harmony with it, in preparation.

"OOOOOOOOOOOh
Bugger off you bastards bugger off
FUCK YOU!
Bugger off you bastards bugger off!
Like a herd of bloody swine who refuse to leave the trough
You'll get no more this evening so you bastards bugger off!"

Many of the men threw their heads back in confusion and shock, others apparently too drunk to hear, began beating Tsubaki a beat on the table with their tankards.

"Here's to all the thievin' waitresses been serving you your beer
They've put up with your noxious breath and stupid drunken leers
Be leaving all your coin on the table when you go
Tomorrow you'll have a throbbing head with nothing else to show!

So Bugger off you bastards bugger off
FUCK YOU!
Bugger off you bastards bugger off!
Like a herd of bloody swine who refuse to leave the trough
You'll get no more this evening so you bastards bugger off! "

Tsubaki played his way over to the table they had gathered around and jumped atop it, placing himself in the center of attention. As he sang he began to kick over any untended flasks and tankards, knocking their contents into their supposed owners. He would get really close and sing in their faces as he sang, "Fuck you" and "Bloody Swine, in an attempt to turn their stunned expressions into rage. He knocked over plates of food and pulled a sailor's beard. As he approached the end of the chorus he noticed a familiar face in the corner booth. He was very surprised to see Aina here of all places. It had been nearly a year since their last meeting, and this next Verse would be perfect for the situation that had just revealed itself. He played and danced his way over to their table in the corner leaving the confused and angered men to fester at their table for a moment.

"Here's to all the lovely ladies who are waiting for the band
And thinking one of them might make a charming one night stand! "

He gave a smile and a wink to Aina and a nod to the others before addressing them all with his next line.

"Oh please don't take offence because this songs not meant for you
I'll be happy to oblige you when this nasty job is through! "

Tsubaki nodded back to the crowd of angered sailors and Mercenaries, that had begun to make their way over. He drove his boot backwards into the bollocks of a sailor that had tried to sneak up behind him, sending the man stumbling back in pain. He danced and played his way straight back into the mob, dodging punches and swipes, moving away from the other customers. The barmaids had apparently rehearsed this already and had moved the rest of the patrons off to one side and away from the front door. Tsubaki continued to dance his way through the punches and even a sword swing, but the drunk men could not find a single blow on him as he danced.


"Bugger off you bastards bugger off! "
"FUCK YOU!" Tsubaki smacked the man who said that.
"NO you Idiot! You have to say it in time!"
" FUCK YOU!" A man swung a chair at Tsubaki, which he dodged leaving the chair to fly into the man he had just smacked.
"AYE! What he said!"
"See he's got the right idea!
Bugger off you bastards bugger off!
Like a herd of bloody swine who refuse to leave the trough
You'll get no more this evening so you bastards bugger off!"

It was at this point that Tsubaki noticed one man had strayed from the pack, and somehow found himself at the table of the young Midorian girl with with the deep blue armor and pink highlights. He placed his meaty hand on the table and looked to the other side of the table before realizing he was not looking where she was sitting. He turned back to her and put on a crooked, drunken smile, and said, "Hey there little lady. Wanna... GAH!" His face went white and twisted with pain as Tsubaki's foot hooked its way into his crotch, leaving him cowering on the floor questioning if he would ever be able to have children.

"So now your promising the ladies a night of loving bliss
When truth be told your far too drunk to stand up straight and piss!"
So give it up you bloody sots you'll not be getting laid!
And the sooner that you're out the door the sooner I'll be paid! "

He turned to the mob with a look of disgust, lowing his lute to point an accusatory finger at them, singing the last line acapella. He lifted his lute again and begun playing again as he reached the last chorus of the song, bobbing and weaving as he danced towards the front door. A single bead of sweat fell down his face, as he kept his performer's smile, which only seemed to enrage the men more. He was lucky these men were all as drunk as they were, or they might have wounded his face, which he desperately needed to keep presentable if he wanted to ever play for lords and ladies.


"Bugger off you bastards bugger off
FUCK YOU!
Bugger off you bastards bugger off!
FUCK YOU!
Like a herd of bloody swine who refuse to leave the trough
You'll get no more this evening so you bastards bugger off!
You'll get no more this evening so you baaastaaards buuuuuggeer ooooooooooooooff!

And Thank you!" Tsubaki dashed out the front door, leading a mob of angry sailors and mercenaries off into the darkness of night. The barmaids let out a collective sigh of relief and began to clear up the mess made during the bard's escape. Scarlet shook her head and sighed as she brought out a round of drinks to everyone left in the Inn. She eventually made it over to group's table placing fresh tankards infront of each of them.

"On the house. Sorry about the noise and the mess, but it would get a lot worse if those folk stayed for much longer... As for the bard, Siiiiiigh, he'll be back..."

"Was there ever any doubt of that?" Scarlet rolled her eyes again and made her way over to the Midorian woman, to giver her a tankard, before heading back to where the ale was kept to take stock of what was left. Tsubaki strummed his Lute and glided over to Aina, Lori, and Lauvus's table.

"Oh, it has been Seasons since we last met under the moon, but alas, fate has brought us together again, fair Aina, and I see you are with companions."

 

[Jessica]

Gavril Daulfern
Mentions - @Falcon @Azurian Dream


He'd sensed them coming. Something within forced him to jolt up and prepare for whatever had been lurking. Unfortunately, the darkness proved to be an overwhelming weakness and he was bound and captured because of it. It had taken only a moment of weakness for the Taguel to capture all of them; quite embarrassing if Gavril had anything to say about it. They'd gotten to him before Reina, and if they had had murderous intent, they could have killed her. Damn it! What kind of retainer was he to be captured and defeated again and again?! Reina's father demanded better of him! He needed Gavril to do better! For Reina's sake! Luckily for the group though, the Taguel didn't mean any harm, and all of this was a misunderstanding...

He should thank them, honestly. It showed just how poor their defenses really were.

But, like lady Reina, he listened to their words. The fact that Taguel children had been kidnapped was indeed troubling, and knowing his charge, she would most likely offer her services to help. He wasn't opposed to this of course; Assisting this group with their troubles would lead to a better relationship, and potential allies for the future.

However, it wasn't until they brought out a cloaked woman and pulled down her hood did Gavril's mind seem to stop working for a second.

Ludivine?

...What was she doing here?

His lips pressed together in a thin line, wondering how to address the situation. He didn't want to hurt his sister, but... she was spying on the camp...

...

There was only one reason why she would be spying on the camp, and he didn't need to see her armor to know what it was.

"Yes, we know her." He paused, not saying anything else. Gavril wasn't sure what the Taguel would do to his sister if he confirmed she was not an ally. However, there was also no promise that she wasn't there for ill reasons. Why else would she be spying on this camp? A better question would be how long had she been spying on them.

---


Ludivine Daulfern
Mentions - @Falcon @Azurian Dream


She had seen traces of Taguel lurking the area and had decided to lay low so as to not be spotted by a third party. Fosc had been sent away to linger on his own and listen for her calls if anything went awry. Unfortunately, they were one step ahead of her. They captured her wyvern first, before finding and trying to bind her. They'd be met with resistance, punches, kicks, biting, whatever Ludivine could use as a weapon. However, it took the threat of her wyvern's life to make her settle down.

The soldier was more carefree with her own live, but she would never gamble with her comrade's. And so, the Taguel captured her as well.

She'd been presented to the large band of people and exposed; the hood of her cloak pulled down to reveal the purple haired woman's appearance to them. What they'd find on her is what was the equivalent of a notebook on her person with the front couple pages torn out. Curiously, the page written about Gavril joining lady Reina remained, as did word of the growing party the princess had managed to band together. Shouldn't these have been sent to her superiors?

"They already know." She answered Alrevis. In truth, she was far more concerned about Fosc than herself at the moment.

She didn't say anything else. There was no need to continue talking, and the rest of the information was none of their business.



---


Suraya of Farrokhzad
Mentions - @Falcon @TheSly[/fieldset]

Truthfully, Suraya had absolutely no reason to go to Atrea except because it sounded more fun than heading towards the mess that was happening in Thalia. Who wanted to deal with that anyway? Atrea... Was the place with the fish right? Well whatever~ She'd find out when they got there!

She'd been quietly humming to herself, listening to Esmail's and Levi's conversation about magic. It intrigued her even though she was already aware of the topic herself. Staying so many nights slaving away behind books and tutors and enclosed rooms was great for the mind, supposedly, but not for her sanity!

Still, she found an opening to jump into the conversation and decided to invite herself in.

"Oh, there are plenty of reasons." She spoke up, "Elemental magic is far more destructive to property and sometimes body, but you can heal from those wounds. The user does not run the risk of losing their sanity, or say, becoming a big, dangerous monster." She held up her hands like claws as she said the last part.

"Dark magic is about as destructive on the user as it is on the subject of their spell. Not to mention some of the spells are far from humane. For instance, say you were to break your leg and my handsome bodyguard decided to cast a time reversal hex that fixed it. Depending what sort of time reversal hex was cast on to you, you may have to experience breaking your leg over and over if Handsome Bodyguard kept casting the same hex repeatedly, CRRK!" She made the snapping motion with her hands along with the noise, "Or, your leg could continue going backwards in time until it is nothing more than an infant's. Aside from that, it can be used for painful torture, dubious activities, and can completely take over your sanity... It has its upsides as well; it's not wholly evil, but its capabilities are used more for ill intents than good."



​

 

[Falcon]

Early, Early Morning
24th day of Zoi - 9 Days after the fall of Thalia
Eshil, 10 miles North-East of Abelsol

Wait that armor and a large lizard? Reina paled a little bit as she realized these men were dropping hints that the woman was a wyvern rider. Yet both claimed to know her....

"I... if you would like to release her into Gaveril's care? I'm sure he can keep her out of trouble" Reina trusted Gaveril, she knew him. If he said someone was okay they probably were. But though Alrevis also spoke up for the prisoner Reina had only just met him as well.

"If she has the flying Lizard trained perhaps our search will go that much quicker." Uaria questioned. "Our scouts had followed the bandit's as far as the human market town, but i'm told we lost both sent and tracks among the mass that seem to never leave that area. And we apparently don't know armor markings as well as we should." Here she glared at several Taguel who had the grace to look sheepish. Two of them alike in face but wearing red and green armor, perhaps to distinguish them at a glance for their comrades.

Reina chanced a glance around the came to see what she could pick up from the tired faces of her companions in the torch light. "I would like to help, but it is not my voice alone which has an opinion. If you will give me a little time to confer with the others...."

"Of course." Uaria motioned the Taugel back and Reina glanced first at Korwin and Jebei, and then next to Martha, nodding them to draw near. Everyone else was either in one of their employ, or had distanced themselves from the conversation by falling back asleep.

"I want to help," Reina whispered, "But if you all say it's too dangerous I'll listen. Jebei, these are trustworthy people right?'

---

Late-Morning
23nd day of Zoi - 8 Days after the fall of Thalia
Eshil, Several miles south of the Ufral Boarder

Esmail opened his mouth to respond to Levi's question but before he could do so Suraya jumped in. The man found his eyebrows lifting higher and higher off his forhead as she spoke until he feared he might not have any left. This was quite an interesting development. It seemed her ladyship had quite an interest in the shadowed ways and enough knowledge to know what was theoretically possible if not enough to know what was both with and practical. He would have to correct some of these misconceptions before Levi began to believe Esmail himself to be a monster, and Suraya got herself killed with experimentation.

"Her ladyship is both correct and incorrect," Esmail began carefully. "What she speaks of is what people fear, not necessarily what can be done. Elemental magic is based in the elements. These things are easy to understand by man and it's not often that experiments go too far awry during the creation of new spells. Experimentation of the unknown realms are, unfortunately often lumped in with dark magic because the results can often be deleterious. So much so in fact that casters have been killed, or worse vanished from the face of the earth. There are some places were magic experiments are banned altogether for good reason." He tried to ignore the dull throb in his gloved right hand, but the fingers twitched ever so slightly.

"Not to mention that dark magic is often the easiest to abuse. However, if you are talking about classic spells there is one in particular that i prefer to use when can transfer health from my opponent to myself in small amount... if you have an interest in learning, either of you it would not be an unpleasantness way to pass our days while we travel."

At leas then he could curb rouge experimentation and perhaps help them avoid many of the pitfalls that often fell half trained shamen....

.... wait a moment, had Suraya called him... handsome?

Esmail's face went suddenly still as he realised that fact.

 

[Fyrra]

Aloof Troubadour
23 Zoi, eight days post-Thalian coup.
South of the Ufral-Eshil border.

Naira's gaze wandered across the horizon as she and her steed trotted along, unsure what to make of her chosen conversation partner's explanations. The knight appeared to live for battle, and when lives were not on the line, his hobbies included mock-battles in some sort of arena? Curiosity kept her attention as she wondered whether all Thalians were like this, or if it was just those who ventured across the mountains to the east. The conversation taking place behind her drew a curious glance, but it took Naira a moment to excuse herself: the barbarism of war and the differing implements of destruction they all carried were not an eager subject for her to explore, yet to deny the weight of her staff in such a conversation would be hypocritical.

For certain, there are those who've survived horrible injuries simply because she was in the area, but how many more are now dead because she'd mended the wounds of a warrior? Surely they were not all as proficient as Lady Suraya, spilling the blood of many a sellsword in the pursuit of her personal freedom, but that meant being here would cause the most harm in the moons to pass, even if Suraya's whimsy were not arguably at fault. Adding Joris and Esmail to the equation only complicated things further, but then again, none of them were truly out to cause anyone harm, were they? Even the infamous viper, whose pale visage hushed conspirator, emir, guardian, and servant alike carried with him the charm to earn Suraya's trust.

So, her gut feeling must have been what was wrong, no?

"At least they do not joust atop them. The fall from saddle to sand is treacherous enough without wings. Scraped shins and the odd gash from a stone are preferable to a fall from on high." The girl shuddered, not even knowing where she would start if she had to mend someone struggling to survive the fall from a sky-horse. By comparison, a wound from a lance or an arrow was preferable, and even the feeling of someone channeling raw entropy to consume one's essence through dark magic could be treated.

Naira stretched, thinking to change the subject. "What is it like in Atrea? I have only ridden to this land of grass twice before, and nowhere else. Are the people across the mountains as welcoming as those of Eshil? What do they enjoy, apart from this joust?" She bit onto her lip in frustration, mostly from her distrustful nature. Only knowing Atrean people as those who fight for control of the mines had given her no small amount of tension, even without trying to reason a safe way to travel there. Surely the armed escort would keep the more common dangers at bay, but that left dealing with anyone foolhardy enough to cause problems in spite of the group's presence, or professionals: both situations the girl was woefully unprepared to accurately anticipate, let alone counter with an escape plan beyond flying just a little too close to the fire, grazing it by the edge of her dress.

 

[DesReploid]

Late-Morning
23nd day of Zoi - 8 Days after the fall of Thalia
Eshil, Several miles south of the Ufral Boarder
Mentions: @Falcon, @Jessica2477

The sudden appearance of the eccentric spellcaster initially startled Levi. So much so he had to stop his left hand from pulling and firing the arrow he had grasped as quickly as he could. If he was going to stick by these people for a while, he should probably get used to suddenly having someone be next to him and he should probably also do something against his reflex to immediately open fire against anything that startles him, while it might help in a survival situation, here it certainly did not. He made a mental note of all that, fully aware it would leave his mind just as quickly as the thoughts had entered it.

Levi sighed a little to relieve his tension upon realising who had suddenly appeared next to him, before fully devoting himself to listening again. The explanations each of the two magician's gave seemed, to him at least, to be fair reasons why one would find dark magic to be dangerous. However, as the two continued their explanations certain parts of it did not quite add up to him.

"Though what you describe is quite a brutal application of magic, Suraya, similar things could easily be done with elemental magic. Could you not try to burn a cut closed with fire in an emergency scenario? If poorly done that would surely also kill someone. Your explanation seems sensible as well, Esmail, but is a sword not simple to exploit as well? Once you have learned about how to properly use a blade like that, you have gained power over at least those that do not know how to handle a weapon. I understand that the unknown is scary and dangerous, I am quite afraid of magic in general as I do not know how it works. I am at a loss as to how a priest could close my wounds or how a mage could summon a storm of flames. However, experimentation has always taken a toll on people, no matter what. Of course, the further something is explored the less likely it is to cause unintentional harm, but then that simply means that the type of magic you wield has not been explored far enough yet. The idea of forbidding something because it can be used to torture feels to me somewhat silly. Anything with a sharp edge of point can be used for such things and elemental magic can certainly be used for such purposes as well, I would certainly believe it to be a type of torture if someone charred of my skin bit by bit. And let me just mention that learning to wield a weapon is likely just as dangerous as experimenting with magic, I certainly would not want anyone to try and count how many times I have almost taken my life with my own bow. It's also why I would not offer to teach someone how to use it unless they insist upon it because it will hurt, and it will hurt badly, for weeks, sometimes months and if you are particularly unlucky years. Sometimes your body does not even recover from it. All these reasons even you, people who practice or have at least studied dark magic for some time, bring up can be easily brushed aside by pointing out that other things are widely accepted that show the very same traits." Levi paused his ramblings for a while. He had certainly spoken enough, especially considering that he was not a subject matter expert. He was an expert at pulling a piece of string that had been attached to a crescent string, not bending the elements to his will. However, there was still something he wanted to say.

"Perhaps it is just that the common folk do not know much about magic that some of it is feared. Humans do naturally fear what they do not know after all. Or perhaps I am just not experienced enough in the subject to know certain nuances that would change my entire argument drastically." He quickly added the last part in an attempt not to try and sound like some pretentious know-it-all who knew nothing at all about what he was talking about.

"Though, I will have to decline your offer to teach me, Esmail. I don't believe I will have enough room in my hands to wield a tome or staff when holding my bow and as I had mentioned before, I have had a tendency to hurt and sometimes almost kill myself when learning how to use a bow. I think I have had enough near-death experiences caused by my own hand for the next few decades. Also, I cannot abandon Joris over there, if I were to take up magic he would be the only one left without it. And along with all that, I also take a lot of pride in my marksmanship, I don't believe I need much more than my bow and some arrows to defend myself or others." He finished explaining. Just as he did he remembered that he had wanted to speak with the young sorceress anyway, so he figured now was a good time to turn to her as well.

"Since we are headed to Atrea, is there anything in particular that you wanted to see there? Or do you just wish to travel around for a while, Suraya? I reckon I could make a decent tour guide, I've spent most of my life there after all." Not only did he spend most of his life there, but he also spent most of it travelling due to his father's occupation. He was likely one of the most experienced people in terms of travel routes throughout Atrea as well as the general lay of land of the kingdom. At least, he always liked to think so and he did pride himself in being able to say that there should be very, very little to no spots in Atrea that he has not hunted in before. Finding food would probably become easier and easier the close the group got to his home and, no doubt, favoured terrain.

"I presume that neither of the both of you have been there before? Do you perhaps know if our other companions have been before?" He asked both Esmail and Suraya.

 

[Verran]

Atrea, 26th day of Zoi in the Season of Growing 1012 ADW.
9 Days after the Fall of Thalia
Fishing Village of Charside
@Conway @Falcon @Azurian Dream

"We are getting two rooms," Iori deadpanned. Colder than winter in Stanislav, Iori's response brooked no argument, not even that of a teasing one. What on earth did her friend get up to when traveling? Did she always pick strange men out of rivers and then casually suggest that they all share rooms as if they'd known each other for months. The propriety of the issue was only half the battle. Her anger turned the thoughts round and round in her mind as the days went by while Lauvus, if that was even his name, poked and prodded at her buttons. Sharing all manner of stories, but never a thing about himself, oh no. That would be telling. But hey, she thought in a mimicry of his voice, tell me all about yourself. We're friends here.

It sickened her how easily he had earned some semblance of Aina's trust after popping out of a river. Certainly, Iori knew it was right and proper to care for those in need as the spirits demanded equal respect for all life, even in the killing of it. But surely the stranger's temperament flew past such indulgences with a teasing mockery that ground Iori's nerves raw. Usually it was best just to ignore him, but it was a quiet pervasion on what was meant to be an effective vacation.

Still though, she would insist upon some proper privacy, regardless of what either felt. It was easy enough, in the wild, to create or find an effective barrier for such things. But she would not bathe with both a stranger and man present in the same room if she could help it.

A bit of culture from home was, well, odd to her this far south. Then again, Iori hadn't exactly left her hometown much, let alone leaving the homeland. Perhaps such things did spread across the world. Although, she could scarcely imagine why someone would want to leave the homeland with its beautiful bamboo, the most delightful cuisine, the best clothes under the sun and moon, explosive fireworks, and splendid faith. Although, the latter was decreasing, much in spite of her efforts. Still, it was with a bit calmer head that she thanked the spirits for upholding such a lodging in the far south of the world. The meal was progressing swimmingly, if a bit noisy, but the privacy was delightful. Until, suddenly, the background static died and a person appeared. A bard. Well, she thought as she swallowed a bit of rice and regarded the newcomer with narrowed eyes, at least she knows this new stranger.

 

[Conway]

Early, Early Morning
24th day of Zoi - 9 Days after the fall of Thalia
Eshil, 10 miles North-East of Abelsol
​

Veran's eyes swept back and forward through the Taguel, gauging the strengths and weaknesses of each one. He remained in a readied pose, prepared to pounce, knowing that many parley's were only temporary. His eyes remained hollow and lifeless as he judged the odds of battle carefully. He knew the archer would only get in one shot before he could reach her, disabling her bow and her with a quick slash, and the younger one behind her would likely be too paralyzed with fear to react before Veran took him down as well. That would leave himself in a precarious position, but with the aide of his allies, he was confident the rest could be dispatched, ensuring the safety of Martha and the Little Bird.

Veran had only been half listening in to the conversation, being too busy working out how to make the best out of a worst case scenario, but that all changed when the topic of the kidnapped children were brought up. Veran blinked, as his eyes betrayed his emotionless face. He slowly relaxed his guard as his open hand tightened into a fist, and his eyes glowed with a subdued anger. He kept his sword drawn, but low, no longer threatening the Taguel.

The moment Ludivine was brought out, and her name revealed, Veran's eyes shot to the sky. A wyvern was a nasty foe to try and fight, but his worries were quelled as the rider implied its capture already. Veran looked back to the taguel, reevaluating their strength, impressed by their achievement. But all that was secondary, the children were more important. Veran nodded as Reina agreed to help, then shook his head at the thought of the kidnappers,

"Сукин сын, они будут ебаный платить," He muttered under his breath, before looking up to the Taguel, his face in its normal pissed off expression, but his eyes narrowing with anger, "Which way did you last see them head?"

________________

23 day of Zoi
Eshil, several miles south of the Ufral border​

Joris chuckled at the thought of Falcon Knights and Pegasus Riders jousting, "Haha, Indeed. If they flew close enough to strike each other with jousting lances they would be taken out by the wings of their opponent's mount, not to mention the speeds at which Pegasi fly. Even if the were to avoid the wings of their opponent, were would the energy for their thrust come from? On horseback, the force from a lance strike goes from the lance, to the rider, to his steed, and finally to the ground. That is why a lance shatters, and riders are unhorsed. In the air, where would the force come from? That is why, in combat, a Pegasus Rider's strength comes from their mobility."

Joris nodded as Naira asked about the people of Atrea, "Ah yes, the people. Most of the common folk are hardworking and diligent laborers. They are a very diverse people, and many are quite welcoming and hospitable, depending on where you go. Though they can also be a superstitious and suspicious of some outsiders, particularly from, well, you know the history your nations have. Though some do see through that and realize their lords are often to blame. If I am being honest, the practices of many nobles are, well, detrimental to their people. In particular the in-fighting that exists between the nobility." Joris sighs and shakes his head clearly unhappy with the arrangement he is speaking of, but he continues, "Only knights often find themselves in a joust, most people spend their time socializing with their neighbors in taverns and bars, or perhaps working to make the next day's work easier, or improve their own home. There are many other things they do as well."

 

[Takumi]

Islas de Abaroa, 26th​ day of Zoi in the Season of Growing 1012 ADW.
11 Days after the fall of Thalia.
Port City of Levitum
@Takumi

Brendol beamed in pleasure at the praise and happily bounded off at the Matron's order.

"Alright alright, off we ye little scamp," Mother Telma smiled as she then continued, "you know. Your questions harkens to a sweet memory of another lad. Strong and handsome who reminded me of the times I danced with the pirates in the flower of my youth. Ah, so few ever returned properly to the church despite my efforts. Still, the man showed, and he listened to Brendol's tale, sang with us some a service with such a honeyed voice that it must have been the gift of the Goddess. Then he was gone, taking his ship off into the horizon. Still, I wonder what hearts he swooned while here, the large scamp!"

She gave a laugh. "You'll be staying for the service I trust? No duty more dutiful than that which is to the Goddess Miha, is there."


Eshil, 24th​ day of Zoi in the Season of Growing 1012 ADW
9 Days after the fall of Thalia
10 miles North-East of Abelsol
@Falcon @Azurian Dream @Jessica2477 @Nomad-22 @Takumi @Conway @TheSly

Korwin's mouth drew into a thin line. One would hope that a tribe of people with senses far superior to humans, especially when compared to in the dark, would think to try and scout out their children before launching an attack so as to ensure one of the said bandits wouldn't murder them all in the assault. Apparently not. Such simple considerations seemed to evade these desperate people seeking their children. Which meant they were now wrapped up in it to for he could almost sense Reina's bleeding heart coming into play as she, newly released, came up behind him and Jebei. Still, this time Korwin had to concede to the greater argument. That of a tribe of upset and perfectly capable of murder Taguel who were more than willing to face 'one of the legendary dragons.' With current forces, it was rather hard to make a meaningful objection to doing them a favor.

Although, he thought dully, it would have been better to discuss any family connections in private. Hopefully, something useful would come of all of this. It was, at least, vaguely interesting as all hostage situations were. His mind almost had the chance to begin toying with the possibilities before the Stanislavian was dragged in. It surprised him little that they were being tracked, considering how much chaos they left Abelsol. The questions to ask were how many were following and who would miss her if she didn't report in?

The answer to a question he didn't think was needed to be asked was supplied by one of their newest companions, Alrevis. His eye twitched as, yet again, an infernally convenient occurrence took place. The fact that Alrevis already knew Gavril and they just happened to collide in Abelsol now got compounded by the fact that now, apparently, both this stranger, Ludivine, knew both Alrevis and Gavril enough to be worthy of a recommendation of her honor. Such contrivance made him quietly grind his teeth and glower. Considering he was already glaring from underneath his helm since the night attack began, it didn't really make any apparent difference. What's next? Finding royalty lost in the wilderness? Or perhaps finding a fanatic from home? Maybe even a pair of dragons who just happen to have sworn fealty to the princess here in her youth? Why not!

Resisting his anger, he settled for further suspicion of undivine intervention and resigning himself to the long march to the sea. The presence of another was a nuisance, but his goals remained clear as crystal. Just another factor to juggle. One that was as suspicious as any of them. Except for Gavril. Korwin wondered if there was any point to discerning the matter, before dismissing the notion. There were more immediate matters to attend to. Watching this exchange, for example.

***

Sadia let out a quiet cheer of relief as she was released back among her fellows. It had been a harrowing, horrific experience that had her quite overwhelmed indeed. So close, so close to having her neck snapped and her mere life extinguished. Oh such a nigh on tragic end! All she could do would be shiver

Thank goodness I'm over it, she mused lightly. Still, something at her back itched. An unspoken yet seething mass that heralded, to her, of a likely silent lecture for her failure. Duty of the assassin to protect what the big burly guardsman could not. Speaking of big burly guardsmen, and other defenders, Sadia's eyes darted nervously about to take in how everyone else was reacting to being so thoroughly ambushed.

Arell McCain
Levitum​

Arell scratched his cheek in an almost sheepish manner as the Matron brought up what, in essence, sounded like a past lover or crush she had. When asked about staying for service, he glanced to Rendan.

"I'm not sure, Ma'am. We've already taken so much of your time as it is." He replied, hoping the other could help him out here. He didn't want to seem rude by flat out refusing, plus they had to meet back up with the captain eventually.

In reality, he didn't want to be put on the spot as the choir boy again, as amusing as it was the first couple of times she had assumed such who knew how long service would be?
@Verran

Early, Early Morning
24th day of Zoi - 9 Days after the fall of Thalia
Eshil, 10 miles North-East of Abelsol

Wait that armor and a large lizard? Reina paled a little bit as she realized these men were dropping hints that the woman was a wyvern rider. Yet both claimed to know her....

"I... if you would like to release her into Gaveril's care? I'm sure he can keep her out of trouble" Reina trusted Gaveril, she knew him. If he said someone was okay they probably were. But though Alrevis also spoke up for the prisoner Reina had only just met him as well.

"If she has the flying Lizard trained perhaps our search will go that much quicker." Uaria questioned. "Our scouts had followed the bandit's as far as the human market town, but i'm told we lost both sent and tracks among the mass that seem to never leave that area. And we apparently don't know armor markings as well as we should." Here she glared at several Taguel who had the grace to look sheepish. Two of them alike in face but wearing red and green armor, perhaps to distinguish them at a glance for their comrades.

Reina chanced a glance around the came to see what she could pick up from the tired faces of her companions in the torch light. "I would like to help, but it is not my voice alone which has an opinion. If you will give me a little time to confer with the others...."

"Of course." Uaria motioned the Taugel back and Reina glanced first at Korwin and Jebei, and then next to Martha, nodding them to draw near. Everyone else was either in one of their employ, or had distanced themselves from the conversation by falling back asleep.

"I want to help," Reina whispered, "But if you all say it's too dangerous I'll listen. Jebei, these are trustworthy people right?'

---

Late-Morning
23nd day of Zoi - 8 Days after the fall of Thalia
Eshil, Several miles south of the Ufral Boarder

Esmail opened his mouth to respond to Levi's question but before he could do so Suraya jumped in. The man found his eyebrows lifting higher and higher off his forhead as she spoke until he feared he might not have any left. This was quite an interesting development. It seemed her ladyship had quite an interest in the shadowed ways and enough knowledge to know what was theoretically possible if not enough to know what was both with and practical. He would have to correct some of these misconceptions before Levi began to believe Esmail himself to be a monster, and Suraya got herself killed with experimentation.

"Her ladyship is both correct and incorrect," Esmail began carefully. "What she speaks of is what people fear, not necessarily what can be done. Elemental magic is based in the elements. These things are easy to understand by man and it's not often that experiments go too far awry during the creation of new spells. Experimentation of the unknown realms are, unfortunately often lumped in with dark magic because the results can often be deleterious. So much so in fact that casters have been killed, or worse vanished from the face of the earth. There are some places were magic experiments are banned altogether for good reason." He tried to ignore the dull throb in his gloved right hand, but the fingers twitched ever so slightly.

"Not to mention that dark magic is often the easiest to abuse. However, if you are talking about classic spells there is one in particular that i prefer to use when can transfer health from my opponent to myself in small amount... if you have an interest in learning, either of you it would not be an unpleasantness way to pass our days while we travel."

At leas then he could curb rouge experimentation and perhaps help them avoid many of the pitfalls that often fell half trained shamen....

.... wait a moment, had Suraya called him... handsome?

Esmail's face went suddenly still as he realised that fact.

Martha Fabre | Gertrude
Eshil Plains​

As Ludevine was brought forth, Martha pursed her lips and straightened her stance ever so slightly. While she didn't know this woman, the noble was a tad upset at the fact that they had been followed. The woman wasn't much of a threat now while outnumbered, but she'd keep an eye on her in regards to Reina. Speaking of she glanced to her friend, quickly noticing Reina motioning for her to join their little huddle, she did so quietly. Standing by to listen, she gave it some thought. She understood her friend wanting to help, she also understood the potential risks in doing so as well. However, she could relate to the Taguel regarding their children since she herself was an older sister that absolutely adored her sibling.

"This whole quest of yours seems dangerous so far. If you want to help, I'm with you." Martha replied with a curt nod.

Gertrude pursed her lips at the news of the missing children, and knew without a doubt that her charge would want to help the Taguel get them back. While she had no doubt about their groups abilities in helping she couldn't help but worry, for the children's sake more than anything else.

@Falcon @Verran @Conway @Azurian Dream @Everybody else

 

[Verran]

Islas de Abaroa, 26th​ day of Zoi in the Season of Growing 1012 ADW.
11 Days after the fall of Thalia.
Port City of Levitum
@Takumi

Rendan was of a similar mind of his comrade, yet his mind snapped onto one small detail about her little swoon. The fact that someone had listened to Brendol's telling of the tale. Brendol was a boy and the matron was, well, rather old. Meaning that someone had come and asked for information on the ancient pirate. And had gotten the same tale. While Rendan wasn't exactly sure what could be useful from the tale, it had provided some new data. Which meant that the individual who heard the tale could indeed draw some of the same conclusions he could. And, if he strung it together as a recipe, it made for a nasty concoction. Someone had a leg up on where the spear could be.

"Matron," Rendan said as calmly as he could, "could you tell me how long ago it was that the man came?"

"Oh, it was only half a moon ago he came in. Sweeping up the stairs, as polite as you please! And…"

Taking advantage of the Matron's renewed ramble, he wheeled, grabbing Arell while beckoning to their third comrade. "Time to go."

He was already down the stairs before Mother Telma could call after them. Breaking into a run as they burst out the front doors where he began to explain his reasoning. "Someone else is on the same trail as we are," he panted, "someone who's probably…"

But he didn't get the chance to finish as, erupting from seemingly on high, a fireball hurtled down and exploded into his shoulder. Sending him tumbling with a howl of pain and flame.



Eshil, 24th​ day of Zoi in the Season of Growing 1012 ADW
9 Days after the fall of Thalia
10 miles North-East of Abelsol
@Falcon @Azurian Dream @Jessica2477 @Nomad-22 @Takumi @Conway @TheSly

Korwin kept his face neutral. Which, considering he had placed his helm back on his head, wasn't difficult in the least. This promised to be something beyond what he had in mind when escorting the princess across the continent. True, he had been offered whatever he wanted, but if they were going to stop at every random issue across the way, he was going to have to put his foot down. Still, the fact that the taguel existed and were hostile five minutes ago, remained a very convincing cause. At the very least, he could guess that the bandits were close. There was little doubt to the mercenary's mind that the tribe had at least tracked the kidnappers to the general location. He certainly hoped they did, anyway. It would be a marker of horrendous luck if it turned out that the kidnappers had gone an entirely different direction. Presuming, then, that they were in the area then…

By a dragon's stool, he thought, I'm already planning it.

There was, then, only one recourse of action. He shrugged. Which was, by the by, as much assent as he had given this entirely short trip so far.

Then there was the affair with the wyvern rider. Having finished his internal venting at draconic influences, he internalized many of the possibilities as to what this could mean. Korwin knew that he would enjoy a long conversation with her for, despite the credentials supplied by one of his companions, all information that could be…extracted from her would be most beneficial. How long had she been following them. Did anyone else know about their little-big party. Which legion was occupying Thalia. Just a few examples of useful information.

Still, such a pleasant conversation would have to wait until they weren't in the presence of a horde of strangers. They may have known Reina's Mother, but that didn't mean they needed to be privy to such discussions. Still, he could at least appreciate their cause. Parents could easily go to incredible measures for their children. A fact he could appreciate better than many, and far more than any realized.

***

Sadia dithered nervously. It was, after all, still a tense situation. Spies, a night attack, and now talk of helping out their night attackers. Why, it went quite over the poor girl's head! Still, what was one to do? Try and talk Reina out of it? No no, the voice of a sweet, foolish maid would hold nary any weight at all! Besides, did she even want to try and talk Reina out of it? She was, as of now, the heroine. Savior! Right? Right. That's what she had been told. If in not so many words as to so many actions. And Sadia was, if nothing else, a good girl. A girl who followed the right things from the right people. This was, naturally to her, the right person. So, while she dithered, she waited. Waited for the decision that would ultimately come. No matter what path lay ahead. Be it to follow the wishes of the Taguel or push on towards to the coast, Sadia would continue to be exactly what she was. A good servant.