Norindul and the City of Guilds

[Key Tuzi]

[fieldbox="Darkmoon Guildhouse, gold, solid"]

[COLAB POST Charm & Kanari > Shialya (@Sol-Et-Luna)
Location: Darkmoon Guildhouse
Weather: Raining

Waterlogged footsteps clamored through the halls of the Darkmoon guildhouse, courtesy of two mismatched women seeking shelter from the rain. Kanari had rather enjoyed their time in the light shower - Charm on the other hand...

"Aww, did you see the apprentices? They looked like they were having so much fun, I miss those days." A cheerful voice rang through the building as they made their way down the main corridor. Pink hair flowed behind a petite female as her pinkish gaze turned toward the delicate snow haired woman next to her and gave her a smile.

"Hey, have you seen Wolfsin anywhere lately? I haven't seen him all day." Kanari asked with hints of curiosity in her voice. The Darkmoon Phoenix wore a slim black dress that stopped at her thighs, with golden triangular designed etched into the bottom and straps that crossed over her collarbone connecting to a cloth around her neck. A cloak that resembled flames fell from her back and was held up by thick fluttering orange straps that also personified a burning blaze hanging off of her shoulders. Her black socks stopped just above her knees to a point and descended with golden trimmings as it wrapped around her lower thighs. Her black and gold boots folded down and stopped at the middle of her calves. Altogether, the stunning outfit matched its wearer's personality well. Fiery. Bright. Alive with energy. A stark contrast to the modest white robes and golden hooded cloak concealing the Guardian Angel of Darkmoon.

Kana reached up and pulled a strand of hair from her face, placing it behind her ear then held her hands behind her back.

"Comatose," Charm, the snowy spirit aside Kanari's colorful character, mused in the soft murmur. Her voice was light as the footsteps carrying her through the halls of Darkmoon. She wasn't particularly talkative, today or any day - but the energetic presence at her side enticed Charm's efforts to be social every time her glance wandered in Kanari's curious direction. "He left early this morning, 'Official Guild Business' he called it. You know what that means..."

A light yip sounded from the feline-creature hanging lazily against the Snowflake's white robes. Oh how the pup loves to pleasure himself in the name of business. Words drifted through Charm's mind in a voice most ancient and bemused, Raiju's inner thoughts affirming her own, though Kanari heard no more from the small creature than his weak bestial groans. Charm inclined her head to the spirit silently, securing her hold on his nimble body with no more than a slight tug of her lips to imply she'd heard him at all.

"Of course, I should have guessed." The Dusk Elf let out a giggle, closing her eyes and placing a bent finger to her lips. "I swear, does he not have anything better to do." She added playfully, glancing down at the feline attached to her companion. Kana gave him a smile, then returned her gaze back to Charm. "Maybe we should join him later, though I'm not sure if I should drink, I always forget what happens the moment alcohol enters my system. Lightweight is a bit of an understatement for me." She giggled again trying to remember that last time she had ale, sadly with no luck.

"I would not risk drinking in Comatose. Cloud-Head might steal you off in the night and ravage you..." A surprising look of concern crossed Charm's face momentarily, as if she were truly worried about her friend's safety; but they both knew Rian, "cloud-head", well enough for their safety to be assured. The look faded faster than it'd come, leaving Charm to look upon Kanari with a mild smile.

"Hmm, you may have a point, perhaps that isn't such a good idea." She snickered at the thought. "I don't know, either way I think we should do something later." There was a slight bounce in Kana's step as she spoke, and joy could be seen on her face, as always. She enjoyed her time with the quiet snowflake, even though Kana was usually the one babbling on about nothing in particular. "And there's no way you can get out of it, I'll drag you if I have to." Kanari chuckled. A playful groan of protest slipped from Charm's lips at that.

"Do something? I was hoping to nap later on... does that count as 'something'?" She was joking of course. As an Amaris Knight she had specific duties to fulfill, the first of which was to be "an outstanding role model for the recruits and lower-ranking members!" as Wolfsin frequently boasted and berated her for. Kanari narrowed her eyes teasingly at the girl.

"Nope, a nap doesn't count. In fact I think that would be considered the exact opposite of doing something, silly."

"Fiiine... Maybe we can vis-"

Charm mumbled the start of a compromise to Kanari's demands when a door opened just down the hall, drawing her halfhearted offer to an abrupt close. Charm's steps slowed to keep from colliding into the back of Shialya, a cheerful girl the snowflake had grown to admire. Taking care not to spook the woman, Charm cleared her throat lightly before murmuring a polite "Good morning."

Kanari stopped with Charm and after her friend managed to get out a greeting, Kana gave the redhead a large smile. "Hello Shialya, how are you on this exquisite morning?" She said as she recognized the apprentice.


​

[/fieldbox]

 

[Qu'ess Baenre]

Location ~ Eliwood, gathering more information on a guild quest
Time ~ 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Characters Involved ~ Gabriel, the mother and Father of the missing girl

"So you are telling me that she disappeared in the middle of the night right after you put her to bed?"

"Sir, please do everything you can do to bring our daughter back to us. She is our world and the next in line to lead the family in this city."

"I will do everything I can but first I need to know," Why would they send him on this quest? Wouldn't this be more up Azmeryths alley not his? "Where did you last see your daughter? Or What she was doing right before she disappeared?"

"We saw nothing odd just her normal self but we did put her to bed last night and this morning she was gone when I went to check on her."

"So you put her to bed in the night, and went back to check on her in the morning and she was gone her bed empty, as if she willingly climbed out of it and walked away."

A nod from the parents was enough to make Gabriel want to check the girls room, it would be easy to find it by himself but the father insisted to show him. The two walked on silently through the massive manor until they came to a dark oak door a gloved black hand raised and pressed into the door forcing it open with a creak. It was a pretty normal room for a girl of the age of courtship, of course that was to the eyes of the father but to Gabriel....many different strings of energy interlocked into this room criss crossing almost as if the two the energy came from were dancing about the room. He watched the trails of energy his eyes following them until they disappeared into the mouth of the forest that rested miles from the city, his eyes slipped shut for a moment before he turned on his heels and made his way out of the room and back through the house to the front door...where he stopped and turned to the girl's parents.

"For the sake of your daughter tell me about that forest out there. WHat do you know about it?"

"Sir, that forest has nothing but legends centering on it almost as many as you do, there nothing but death or even a fate worse than that waits inside those dark depths. The only legend that we speak of in this town out loud though are those we deem the protectors of the forest...The faces of owls rest upon the bodies of bears, they are the most ancient of beasts and have been around longer than the world itself as some say. They are the gods of the land if you encounter one of these beasts know...that it is an honor to see one."

Gabriel breathed another light sigh at that point taking a small bow before turning to leave, the two parents retreating back into their now silent home leaving Gabriel to ponder all the information he had gained. This was going to be a pain in the ass to search that entire forest for the girl, he stepped forward disappearing with the first step leaving behind nothing but a dust cloud from where he had once stood. He reappeared on the outskirts of the forest his hand outstretched with three smalls pearls each of them radiating and extensive amount of magic. The pearls circling one another as they rotated slowly at first and then gradually they increased in pace until they shot out and embedded themselves into three different spots on the ground around Gabriel. Soon though the pearls changed evolving into somethings else much different than what they were before much scarier.

Once everything had settled next to Gabriel stood three beasts, all conjured using the pearls that had once fit into Gabriel's hands. At his right stood a cheetah, though not like a normal cheetah it had the teeth of a sabertooth tiger slipping down from the top of his mouth and his body while slim like a cheetahs was much more muscular than a normal cheetahs. At his left rested a giant bird, the bird looked like an almost perfect mix of an eagle, falcon and a hawk, its wings were a complete brown color except for the tips which were a deep, deep crimson red color. The bird flapped its wings once flinging dust and debris everywhere taking to the sky in almost a flash circling above the forest. The last beast he never summons in front of Wolfsin, a large spider whose body seems to keep blinking in and out of existence with eight large sword like legs. The three creatures were gone in a matter of seconds and soon Gabriel was back on his path into the eerie forest....this was going to be eye opening he was sure...

 

[Sinopa]

Name: Llerina Barrit'tar
Location: Darkmoon mercenaries' training grounds
Interactions: Remmy (@Kelsi Kitsune), apprentice NPCs
Current activity: Training

---

Llerina stood in the shadows of the other apprentices. Her hood shrouded her features, a small glimpse of glowing red peered through the darkness that seemed to be her cynical eyes. The Drow's arms crossed over her chest as she leaned to the right, keeping her weight on one hip in a disinterested stance. Her faded red cloak flowed in the light wind as well as the feathers from her spaulders which tickled her upper arms. Cold drops of water dripped against the exposed dark skin of her stomach every once in a while sending chills down her spine, but it didn't bother her. What bothered her was the wasted time she spent standing there listening to the recognizable lesson, as an archer she had already mastered these techniques long ago.

She looked up at the clouded sky, inhaling the scents the rain brought, and ignored most of what the raven haired captain was saying. She frowned, finding that Banshee was nowhere in sight, who was probably flying around the city, free of any annoyances which Ller envied. She lifted her nimble hands to her hood and pushed it back, then put one on her forehead shielding her squinting eyes that had stopped glowing the moment they touched light. Crimson orbs shifted to the ground as she watched mud splash onto the bottom of her armored thigh high boots that covered her skin-tight black pants. Her brows furled as she lifted one foot to have the rain wash it off only to drop it back in the mud again. Her boredom was interrupted by the instructions Beliel began ordering, and relief from her ennui swept through her mind.

Llerina felt a tap on her arm as she pulled her bow from around her, causing her to slighting flinch and turn towards the source. It was a boy who smiled at her, but only received a frown and a raised brow.
"Want to be partners?" He asked, his smile faintly faltering in surprise to her foreboding demeanor. She looked from him around to the others, analyzing them, then turned her gaze back to the boy.
"For now, sure." She gave an impish smiled and pulled an arrow from her quiver, examining the tip. Since it was only training the arrowhead was removed and replaced in padding that formed a ball. She hit the padding against her hand making a thumping noise. Her smile widened; it was padded but the force she would put behind it would still make the arrow hurt like hell.

She looked back at him with mischief and the two stepped back so that around 20 feet were between them. Without a moment to spare she lifted her heels, held up the bow with her left hand, and drew the string back to her jaw line. She aimed at the man's chest as she let out a breath, then loosened her grip on the string and released it sending the arrow flying towards its target. As it hit causing him to step back on impact she stepped to the right while pulling out another arrow and positioning it for another shot. Her eyes never left the man, so she saw the quick blast of lightning. She turned on the balls of her feet just enough to move out of the way, then she fired another arrow. It was clear that he hadn't yet mastered the technique as he was hit by another of her arrows. After she stepped to the side a bolt of lightning struck her shoulder and surged through her body. She twitched and released the string on accident, it flew towards him but he dodged by turning on the balls of his feet like she had done before. Without giving him a chance to fire she stepped to the side and shot another, but once again he dodged.

After evading his blast something caught the edge of her eye, causing her to twist out of the way of a weak fire ball, her partner wasn't so lucky and was knocked back. She found the ambushers and immediately released an arrow to the flame thrower which initiated the change of partners to the girl who once again shot flames at her. She dodged and shot just as she had before, they circled eachother in the process. After a minute she nodded towards another group and the girl smiled in agreeance. Llerina spun around, bow at the ready as she locked onto a woman with braided blonde hair and a scarred cheek whom she recognized to be Remmy. The archer aimed at the apprentice's chest, drew the string, and loosed the arrow.[/hr]

 

[Grimoire]

[fieldbox="PASCAL 'POE' PENDARIS, turquoise, dashed, 40, Georgia"]

[stabs=bcenter|900x80]
{slide=SETTING|center}Comatose Keep & it's raining.{/slide}
{slide=MOOD|center}Slightly tired{/slide}
{slide=MUSIC|center}None atm{/slide}
{slide=TAGS|center}NPCs & anyone in Comatose Keep{/slide}
{slide=NOTES|center}^___________^{/slide}
{slide=PROFILE|center}Pascal 'Poe' Pendaris' character profile, click.{/slide}
[/stabs]

With the envelope safely delivered to Leon Mallory's own hands Pascal was now free to head on over to Comatose Keep. It was the only place where she could tolerate being around a large group of rowdy people; the majority being her guildmates, of course. It was indeed a convivial yet chaotic atmosphere that came from all the drinking, singing, laughing, chatting, and in some days the famous tavern fights and challenges.


By the time Pascal had arrived to Comatose Keep the fickle storm's downpour had completely drenched her heavy cloak. She slid off her horse and immediately one of the stable boys politely greeted the Scholar while taking the reins to accommodate her steed. "Ian," she said. The blonde teenager turned, "Mam?" he stood their to await her request. "Ian, please wipe down Artos and feed him well," Pascal said in a kind tone. The clink of a coin was made as she flicked it towards him. Quick hands caught a shiny silver coin in mid air, "Yes mam, right away!" he said with a wide grin that lit up his face. Pascal stood their for a short moment with a warm countenance that watched over the young man as he walked Artos' towards the stables. She always did have a soft spot for the younglings.

Hastily, she walked towards the large-dual wooden doors of Comatose Keep but stopped abruptly at the doorstep. The elf heaved out a large sigh as if to brace herself from what was about to be unleashed once she opened one of the doors. Even though they were mostly her guildmates, the easily embarrassed elf still felt uneasy in large crowds...and the attention that sometimes came with it was just too much at times. Cold hands reached for her glasses to wipe off the raindrops that clouded her vision and put them back on. With no more distractions she opened one of the thick wooden doors and like a roaring wave the sound filled her ears. Pascal closed the door behind which caused a few heads to turn to see who else had joined in the fun.


"Pendaris! Finally out of your cave, are ya?!" a man roared with laughter as he raised his mug to salute her. A few others that were aware of her had paid their respects as well. After all...Pascal was one of Lady Comatose's second in command and closest friends. Pascal answered them with a silent nod and with a hint of shyness shown through her lop sided smile. She hung her wet cloak and coat on the large coat rack that was next to the entrance before heading towards the bar. Trying her best not to bring any more attention she avoided any further eye contact and practically shielded her face with her hand so as to not be so easily recognized by anyone else. Once at the bar she sat on one of the high stools close to Skylan and let out another sigh of relief for making it to the bar without having more people shouting out her name and pointing her out. Surprisingly enough the bar wasn't too crowded, at least for now. However, there was one particular being that stood out and who happened to be talking to Skylan. Pascal gave him a really quick once over without being obvious about inspecting the newcomer. She hadn't seen him before...a new traveler, perhaps?

Still feeling the chill of the cold rain Pascal was in dire need of more tea to warm her body, but decided to wait until both had finished talking since it be rude to interrupt their conversation. Pascal had put in a special request for Skylan, a long time ago, to serve tea since she wasn't too keen in drinking alcohol. In fact, no one had ever seen her take an alcoholic drink but little did they know that she could probably beat most of these fellows in a drinking contest.

She sat with her body facing the bar but turned her head sideways to scan the large room for Camrian. It wasn't too hard find the guild leader of Comatose with that fiery red hair of hers and so had quickly spotted her. Close by her was Wolfsin...ah, yes of course. She wondered what kind of mischief she was making for the wolf of Darkmoon this time. Pascal's protective instincts began to stir a bit but she knew that the Lady Comatose was capable of taking care of herself especially within Comatose Keep. Facing back forward she glanced over at Skylan with a smile as she continued to wait quietly for her tea. Even though she wasn't trying to eavesdrop into their, Skylan and the traveler's, conversation it was not hard to overhear what they were talking about.

[/fieldbox]​

 

[Kelsi Kitsune]

[fieldbox="Remmy, blue, solid"]Location: Darkmoon mercenaries' training grounds
Interactions: Llerina(@Sinopa), apprentice NPCs

Remmy had a partner swordsman, and they started out about twenty feet or so away. Her hair was soaking wet in the cold rain, and her hand gripped her training sword more tightly. Atonashi gave a slight nod and the two began to move in a circular pattern slowly. She watched the every movement of her opponent, making note of the various others, mainly the closer ones. Among those were a set of archers behind her. Her opponent showed a slight shift in weight, and she moved in quickly to lock swords with him.

Their swords were made of wood padded with foam, but if struck hard enough, they would still leave a mark. She made effort to keep her eyes on him, and they continued their circular pattern, before he pushed his sword toward her, pushing away and swirling around to swing into her side. Remmy swirled the opposite way, and swung her sword upward, blocking the attack with force, knocking the sword back. This left Atonashi open, but she quickly closed his chance, moving her sword to the right above her head, grabbing with both hands, and bringing it down into a side swing from the right, which met his side with a bit more force than she had originally intended.

Just as she was about to follow with another attack, a foam arrow hit her in the back of the head. She continued to watch her current opponent, who was soon attacked by another swordsman, at which point she turned to the archer, and watched her while waiting for a new opponent. A fireball was shot at the archer, but it missed, and hit her opponent. Remmy watched them circle for a minute, then another ball of fire was thrown out, missing the archer, and just barely missing her face. She tried to keep her cool, and attacks like this were not to be directed at anyone's face, but after minute more, they nodded, and Remmy noticed the archer spinning around to face her. Llerina, an archer, whose aim was about as accurate as it was deadly.

Llerina had let the string go, releasing a speeding arrow directly at her chest, which she just managed to dodge. Remmy wanted to show that she could simply move out of the way, but she noticed that even being this far away, the arrow was still moving too fast. Once step too slow, and the next would make contact. Atonashi circled with the archer for a minute, and then closed the gap quickly, and swung her sword towards Llerina's side. She realized that it wouldn't hit her, because Remmy was a few inches to far away, though she did see the archer move back a little nonetheless. Remmy backed off a bit, and swung her sword in her hand, re-positioning it, and continued the circular pattern once more.
[/fieldbox]

 

[Mercinus3]

Daedalus Arteria
Location: Comatose Keep, tavern
Currently doing: Talking to Skylan
​

While he had waited for the barkeeper to finish placing the glasses back into storage for the next customer, the figure briefly scanned the room. He presumed, correctly, that the massive ruckus he noted just moments before was indeed a drinking contest. He assumed that one person challenged another into consuming a flagon of stinging alcohol without making any sort of reaction to its effects. It was a common occurrence that he had seen during his travels, though it wasn't something that he would definitely want to do. The mind needs to be clear, ready for any possible threat that comes to pass, he thought, seeing what seemed to be the loser step in front of the fire pit. The flames did, indeed, light up the man's features. A moment later, he began to sing what appeared to be a warrior's hymn. How… predictable, he concluded. While he did admit that the man sport a natural singing voice, the warrior archetype was too the same here as everywhere else he had been to. "How… pathetic," he muttered under his breath, barely audible to those around him.

His concentration was broken when the barman finally acknowledged him. About time, he thought, listening to the man's questions. Despite him wanting to just get the room from the man right away, summoning Rekhyt in the process, the figure refrained from doing so. While thieves are a common occurrence throughout the world, he knew that Kalt was well-known for the guilds. He wouldn't be surprised if the tavern that he was requesting a room from was one of the residences for one of the guilds. Pissing off more than one guild into targeting him was certainly not the best course of action, let alone reveal that he knows the Dark Arts. Instead, he remained courteous. "I do plan on being in Kalt for a while, so a room would be greatful. I would like to be provided with food and drink during my stay here, though I don't need a stall as I don't own horses." This is humiliating, stooping to such weaklings, he thought, watching aimlessly as the barman scrawled the details of his stay. The price for the room didn't faze the mage a bit, but his face steeled into a cold expression when the man acted coy about the payment options. Glancing around, the figure lent close to the barman, arms placed on the table, his left arm before his right. "Now, I know this is not my place to appear… intimidating," he started, his voice low enough so only the barman could hear them. "However, don't think that I am just another fresh-faced traveller that can be easily manipulated. The last time a group of people tried to manipulate me of the money that I had…" he paused, the right ring finger pulling back the sleeve of his left arm, revealing the faded red stain that had a slight metallic odour to it. "… Well, it didn't go well for them. Luckily they were a bunch of thieves that were swiftly dealt with, which is why I am more lenient now. But don't test that. Am I clear?"

Pulling his sleeve back over his glove, his arms were removed from the counter, his right arm reached for one of the pouches that were on his side and his hand slipped in to grab the contents of it. "Now, I do not own silver coins," he started, his hand now out of the pouch, clasped around something. "But hopefully, this will suffice for the duration of my stay." Placing his right hand onto the paper, his hand uncurled as a faint clattering was heard hitting the wood of the counter top. He moved his hand back to reveal a small portion of the pouch's contents; 3 gold coins and a couple of small stones of ruby and emerald. "Hopefully, this would meet the requirements for payment." He had heard the door open a short while ago, he turned his head enough to see who had arrived through the corner of his eyes. A woman had sat down on the table, watching them as she waited for the barman to be free to take orders. Pushing that to one side, he turned his gaze to the man and awaited the response.

 

[MotherOfCthulhu]

Evaline.
Rooftop.

Eva was preparing to descend from her rooftop refuge, the danger had passed and her little bird was back out where she belonged. She'd even managed to collect something nice to further her investigations with her current major project. With the coast clear she had taken a step to the roof edge with a dull rumble caused her to freeze, her eyes snapping skyward. She was out in the open, there was no cover here and no room she could shut herself in until the storm passed, she was vulnerable. No. She thought to herself, please spirits no. She begged of the sky, though it had never heeded her pleas before and so she doubted it would now.

Of course the weather heeded no mortal man nor woman and the resounding boom ripped through the air like a whip attempting to cleave the clouds in two, it's tip striking her deep in the heart and rendering her inert for a fraction of a second. It seemed to reverberate around her skull and shake her to the very core. Not a moment had the thunder boomed its angry cadence than a scream like a chorus of a thousand insects burning escaped Eva's throat. It had the ability to resonate and reverberate in the skulls of any unfortunate to hear it, a high pitched cacophony that could be quite the headache. Luckily the weather had driven most people inside and so she was unlikely to draw too much unwanted attention, not that in her current state she was able to much worry about what other people thought or saw.

Her back hit the lip of the roof, her rump finding the corner and there the spiderling pulled herself in as tight as one was able. Her knees pulled close to her chest, her heels against her rear and her head covered by her arms and hands, her forehead against her knees. Her sweet little basket had fallen and tumbled to its side, spilling the contents of her shopping trip across the stone roof. Apples she'd bought for dessert rolled, one of which coming to a mocking stop at the tow of her boot, they were his favourites, red like a maiden's blush, like love, like hate...like blood and they had the scent of fresh fields and morning dew clung to their skins.

Eva wept openly now, her slender frame trembled violently as the rain continued its onslaught, every clap of thunder caused her to visibly flinch, jumping near half an inch from her tightly pressed corner though never to raise her head or move from her fetal position. This time she didn't weep for things lost and emotions wasted, this time she wept because she was scared, she was scared and she knew no one was going to come this time. He certainly wasn't going to, any kindness she had earned from him was likely forgotten in her failure to kill the wolf and her subsequent betrayal of him and her old guild. Wolf was not going to come either, he was no doubt busy with...anything that didn't involve her. Even if he knew she was in trouble would he come? No, of course not, what had once been between them had been snuffed out the moment Wolf had found out she was a spider.

He had warned her though, so many times he had told her that the world of men was not ready to find compassion or kindness for her kind. If she'd been a noble animal perhaps they would have but she was not, she was a spider which always had and always would bring up suspicions and distrust. She could still kill him, kill the wolf and return, he'd be mad for sure but she would have done what he'd asked her to do finally, he'd probably take her back. Another strike of lightening caused the spiderling to flinch and pull into a tighter ball in the corner of the roof, skin now soaked and clothes drenched but she didn't notice nor care, she just wanted the thunder to go away. Did she really want to hurt Wolfsin though? He had betrayed her sure and after all they had shared it had hurt but she had intended to kill him. He could have run her out of town or a least back to him. He had given her a choice though and despite the fact they could not truly look at one another it was better with his guild, wasn't it?

Her head hurt, it was hard to think straight and the edges of morality were crumbling at the seams. She could feel it at the back of her mind, a needful clawing that promised relief from troublesome emotions and ones conscience. Eva knew the feeling well, it was similar to a drug in its effects, the more she gave in the more she wanted to use it for any little hindrance or pain and like many drugs this one came with far reaching consequences, consequences she just couldn't risk. With every crash of thunder it dragged its way closer, that primal instinct, that urge to just give in and let her shifter side take control. Wolfsin's disgust for her beastial self aside it was a risk she couldn't take, few in the city would take well to a giant spider roaming the walls to find somewhere to hide from the rain. It would be just her luck for her own guild to be hired to put her down and she had no intention of dying tonight or any other night.

Hidden as they were by thick dark clouds above and the thick soaked fabric that covered her like liquid night, the beading rain drops like stars on the canopy that usually was in the sky, her eyes pirouetted between abyssal night and the sorrowful human hue. Her fingers tightened to pinching about her knees and her thoughts focused in earnest effort, she had to stay as she was, bi-pedal and humanoid, the storm would pass and she just had to ride it out.

It seemed that she did not have all that long to wait, a dull ripple made its way to her fear numbed senses and then the sensation of rain was gone. It took several long moments for her to get the courage to look up from her knees, a strange shape over the market place made her curiously tilt her head and squint. A white hot liquid pain struck the air shield and ripped its way through her sensitive eyes, forcing another, quieter shriek as she quickly covered her eyes and closed them tight. White lights danced across her vision, leaving her both dizzy, nauseous and disorientated, the bright sun like light made its way passed her eyes and into the center of her head where it spread out like a Catherine wheel.

Eva began to wonder if all this outside stuff was really worth it, it had been nothing but trouble, except at night time. At night the entire city was beautiful, quiet, still and dark enough for her to make her way around with ease. With head buried in her sodden skirts she gave a few experimental blinks, trying to stop the vision of the shield and light dancing in the forefront of her eyes. Eventually it dimmed but did not go away and she could make out the very rough edges of the folds in her skirt. Satisfied she was not going to be permanently blinded she closed her eyes, leaned further into the wall and willed the light and the thunder quietly away.

Silently, the other side of the roof a small scruffy head had appeared, one arm over the lip of the roof and one foot balanced on the edge, the rest still balanced precariously on the boxes stacked against the buildings side. Her previous mission forgotten Sparrow was staring open mouthed at the display above her, she'd not seen who had cast the magic but she was certain it was magic. The first magic she had ever seen that hadn't involved trying to rip someone in two at least. It was a beautiful display but the second shriek caused her to flinch and glance back to the black shadow in the corner.

Right, her mission, with a mighty grunt she pulled herself back onto the roof and quietly padded over, she had no intention of sneaking up on the woman this time and her devil may care smile was replaced with a concerned frown. Hesitantly the, now equally wet, child placed her own cold fingertips on the every edge of the Widow's bicep, feeling the muscles beneath flinch but the arm didn't pull away.

@Vio

​

 

[tipsytotodile]

Shialya Develoira
location: Darkmoon Guildhall
interacting with: Charm & Kanari.
~~~~

The red haired elf paused for for a second at the unexpected voices from behind her and whirled around to see who it was.

She smiled kindly at the two behind her when she realized who it was and that she recognized them well. She'd seen them around the Guildhall mostly. She knew their names, but not much other than that.

"Good morning." She said softly to the two and looked over to Kanari "I'm well, thank you for asking."

She had to agree it was quite the exquisite morning, which was a topic some might disagree with due to the pouring rain outside. She, on the other hand, loved it. rain was her favorite. So soothing to her, especially when among the trees.

The fox hidden inside her bag poked its head to see who was speaking and why they had stopped Shialya from moving for this short moment. Upon laying her eyes on the two figures before them, she let out a quiet yip, one of excitement and happiness.

The elf looked down at her vulpine companion and began softly scratching the lazy creature's head to soothe her and lull her back into the bag. She looked back up at the other two, moving her slender fingers to absentmindedly scratch behind the fox's ears.

How are you two? " she asked, not wishing to be unkind or impolite or seem like she didn't care because of course, she did.
​

 

[DoomyCakez]

​

Location: Kalt Western Entrance, Trader's path.
Characters In use: Barnaby, Bathazaar, Elois, Multiple NPCs
Activity: Entrance to Kalt, Sight-seeing, Meeting a new face.
Directed Towards: @Vio

One Hour Later~~~

How long had this tiny party made their way down the lonesome trader's path, eyes blinded by the suffocating mist that clung to their backs, legs weighed down by the heaviness of the sludge that wished to grasp at their feet? Even Bathazaar's graceful dance had visibly lessened, his wings flapping with the rigidness of a statue, muscles straining against the onslaught of heavy raindrops.

Personally, Barnaby found himself liking this weather. It was a display of Xanthrimius' displeasure and Barnaby could easily guess why. How many years had his patron god wished for him to return to his place amongst the Divine, to return to his life of seclusion in that silent shrine, only to watch the many travelers that wished to honor Xanthrimius with their praise, and pray for its guidance and wisdom. Barnaby, himself, had long ago lost pleasure in "praising" his patron god, his interest in the Divine slowly fading and seeking refuge in the odd beings that came to see the shrine.

Creatures of true beauty and intelligence, the perfect creation mirroring the very deities that Barnaby was created to watch over...yet, they remained so far away, just out of his pleading grasp. Barnaby could remember that, in his foolish youth, he had sought to converse with these beings, only to find that they knew not how to speak the Divine tongue. So he learned their languages, years and decades of learning, until he could finally speak to them; however, these creatures gazed upon his form and could not comprehend the looks of the divine. They fled in fear, worrying that he himself was a god. How silly these creatures were...and yet he found his interest in them only increasing.

He learned to shield his appearnce, taking on the form that they could most easily identify with, and started venturing from his shrine, walking amoungst the meer mortals that had, for so long, been so far out of his reach. How beautiful they were, in all shapes and sizes. Elves, Dwarf, Drow, Giant, Druid...so many, yet his favorite, the one he gazed upon with the most pleasure....human. They were the youngest of he mortal inhabitants, their life spans being the shortest...so everything had so much meaning...has so much importance; however, they, along with the others, were so foolish...carving through mother earth with carelessness...so much carelessness that Barnaby could hear Mother earth crying out in agony. Even now, Barnaby could hear her faint whimpers, scars still burning from the torments she had endured; yet, even then one could not deter the love in his heart for these simpler beings.

His curiousity for these beings, these images of the gods, increased more and more to the point where Barnaby found himself venturing further and further from his shrine, seeking to fill his naive eyes with the rest of the world, outside of his shrine. He wished to study these creatures, but no only that...He wished to open his heart to these beings, bestow the truest blessing upon them from the deepest parts of his soul, for he loved them so dearly; yet, his patron god soon grew displeased with his behavior. Barnaby had started to ignore his Guardian duties, to the point where Xanthrimius was forced to intervene, prying Barnaby from the mortals and locking him away in the shrine. Xanthrimius wished to protect his guardian, knowing the innocence of Barnaby's naive eyes would be blind to the torments that man could so easily cause...But Barnaby was no one to listen so easily. He rebelled, in disagreement with his Patron God and left his place of refuge, seeking out the world and the knowledge it had to offer him...No more would he watch over the shrine...no...

We are nearly there. I can see their torches from here.

With Bathazaar's charming sing-song coo, Barnaby found himself prying his thoughts away from the past, a small frown crossing his pristine face...Oh how brooding he had become these days, these many walks allowing him to momentarily lapse into his own subconscious to relive the events that led him here today...But had his past been so bad? He often found himself missing that shrine, almost rathering to return to his lonely visage of viewing these beings from afar...however, that thought was rather fleeting, swallowed up by his ever present curiosity.

Something cold brushed against his fingertips, causing this lonely being to glance down at the small doe, Elois, just by his side. How in tune she was with his emotions, much more so that Bathazaar...at least that what the snarky Raven let on. Barnaby's eyes narrowed for a moment, the glazed over, distant expression fading away as a small smile crossed his naturally plump lips. He brushed his hand over her head, no words needing to be exchanged as he calmed her fears. "Don't look so bothered. I am alrigh-"

A loud call, the noise unmistakable to the likes of Barnaby, filled the trio's ears....Another dragon's call, yet this one was very different. Each dragon had their own distint call...Their own song as if it was their signature, and this one was higher than the last...Like a breath of fresh air or a gentle breeze, at least to Barnaby, who physically stopped in his tracks to listen...With all this fog, it was nearly impossible to see ahead, but Barnaby could hear. The loud, powerful beat of the beast in flight, the leather of its wings battering the wind with such power and purpose, completely opposite of his dancing Raven...Oh yes...and the Raven?...why he seemed to be rather...surprised.


RAHHK!!! DRAGON!!!

There was a frantic flapping as Bathazaar suddenly appeared from the shielded skies, just behind Barnaby, but he was followed by another call, this one just above Barnaby's head. He looked up, eyes of swirling color momentarily glowing as the fog parted before him, like that of the red sea, opening up the sky to allow him to catch a glimpse of this creature of beauty...A dragon of the purest white, edged in gold, like a vision of purity in the sky...What a privilege it was to view such a creature, but that image was fleeting, for in a instant, the beast diappeared from his view, heading towards the....

Barnaby's eyes widened once he caught a glimpse of the city blanketed by the thick fog...Salt....or at least that what he knew it as...It truely was something of wonder, Barnaby being able to smell the industry radiating off of it, yet...he found his eyes wandering to something else....The white dragon landed at the front gate, but it was not the dragon who Barnaby found himself gazing upon...But the person leaping from the creature's very back...

This person was dressed in all white and gold, matching that of the beautiful dragon. Barnaby had never seen anyone ride a dragon, he himself believing the creatures to be untamable...like himself; however, this...being had one fully tamed and in his care...How peculiar. Barnaby did not waste time taking off towards the Gates, not wanting to miss an opportunity to seek out this person who was quickly escaping his visage.

It had only taken a few moments, Barnaby's swift feet carrying both he and his companions to just outside the gates; however, Barnaby found himself suddenly awe struck, multicolored eyes of the purest beauty widening to nearly the size of apples, his golden pupils glittering like the purest starlight...My...the visage of amazement wthat was before his eyes was beyond comprehension...How amazing this city...this mortal city was to his divine stare...Such fruitss of enjoyment greeted his stares and filled him with so much sudden awe...How intelligent these beings were, able to create something as intricut and difficult as this city or rock, wood, and metal...However, there was a silent cry that still wished to ring in his ears...His mother earth was still silently weeping in agony, nearly drowned out by the many carts and voices that seemed to nearly suffocate the area, moreso that the dense fog that had closed in around him.

His attention was pulled back into reality once something glinted in the corner of his vision. He turned, only to find that the white knight was disappearing inside the gate. In momentary trance, Barnaby found himself following despite the cries of protest that seemed to stem from Elois just beside him.

Barnaby! Wait! worry was clearly visible in the young doe's voice, her words falling upon death ears as Barnaby rushed passed the guards, only to be grabbed and stopped by one who was...coincidentally missing a helmet.

"Woah, woah, woah." The guard seemed to chuckle, immediately switching to his more professional voice as his armored hand gripped thick fur of Barnaby's shoulder plate. "Where is your hurry stranger? You seem rather ardent on getting inside Kalt, eh?" Barnaby was jerked back slightly, lanky arms extending outwards as he quickly balanced his steps. The mortal tongue, especially that of a human, was always something that interested Barnaby...Their words were so rough and nearly callous...the complete opposite of the language of the divine; however, now was not the time to think of that. Barnaby glanced back, his eyes slowly turning color until they were a gentle, sand color. He had learned to hide his appearance long ago...and here would be no exception. He straightened, his natural grace flowing through as he took a few steps, then bowed deeply to the guard before him. "Ahhh...well, you see fine sir, I have been told a many great things about this city of Salt- I mean...Kalt, yes Kalt." He straightened, exuding the natural presence of a peacock as he steps slightly to his left, not wanting to lose the White Knight, who had now through a large sack into a nearby cart. His eyes wandered passed the guard for a moment, watching this The white knight move with such purpose...such surity...oh how fascinating to the youthful Barnaby. He continued his speech, stepping free of the guards grasp. "I was told that the ladies of Kalt were indeed the finest of the land...even better than that of Elis'e'del, the city of moon elves...I came to test this theory true...as well as possibly gain a fortune of my own, for you see..." Barnaby turned slightly, reaching into his vest and retrieving a small panflute. "I am a performer, coming to grace this beautiful city with music." He smiled from ear to ear then, his natural confidence and charisma burning through, covering his lie with a layer of innocence....In truth, he knew nothing of this odd city, but now that he had found something of interest, he wished to seek it out whole heartedly.

The guard gave a light chuckle, his arms folding over his chest as he glanced over his shoulder at his comrades. "Oi, ya see there, Neil? We got a soft one here if there ever was one." He laughed then, his partners seeming to mimic his speech and call. Barnaby took little to no notice of his, for his eyes had wandered to the white knight once more, scanning the area quickly until he found him....He was rather far off from the gate, speaking to a Elf...apparently a slightly elder elf; however...something drastic happened that fully called his attention.

"Oh great Xanthrimius...." His eyes widened beyond belief, elegant mouth literally falling agape as the young knight removed....not his...but her....helmet. If an image of perfection could ever exist, Banraby would have thought it to be the image of beauty before him...Tresses of white, like the very winding rivers of Norindul, or the dancing winds just above his head, cascaded down the small of this creature's elegant back....On now Barnaby noticing the natural womanly curved almost hidden by the layer of glistening white and gold armor. She had her back turned to him, making him unable to see her face, but even now...he knew it was truly beautiful... How odd this feeling was, suddenly engulfing him in a momentary layer of warmth as all other noises seemed to disappear....he even seemed to forget about the rain, only able to watch as this true vision of beauty moved about, no longer with purpose or power that he had seen before, but utter grace and gentleness....at least in his eyes. "Xanthrimius...who is this image of beauty you have bestowed upon my unworthy eyes...who is this creature of purity and perfection, for I do not know her, but she hath struck my heart...and left he speechless..."

"Excuse me?"

"RAHK!"

Barnaby was suddenly jolted back into reality as Bathazaar's large form suddenly landed upon his shoulder, causing his lithe form to fall forward slightly. He caught himself, shaking his head as if the clear it from whatever daze this woman...this white knight had suddenly placed him in. His cheeks suddenly flushed, he had been speaking aloud. The guards seemed just as confused as he was, Barnaby only staring them down for a moment or one of them spoke, a look of sudden rage crossing his face. "OI THAT'S THE GREEDY BUZZARD WHAT TOOK MY HELMET." He then proceeded to point one of his armored fingers right at Bathazaar. Barnaby only then remembered the helmet that the naughty Raven had dropped at his feet only a hour before. A look of momentary panic rushed through him as all three of the guard seemed to stare at him angrilly.

"You no good dirty thief!" One of them suddenly barked, drawing his sword from a rain splattered case. A look of momentary fear seemed to cross Barnaby's expression, his hands coming up defensively as he tried to sooth them with his charisma and charm. "Now, why would you go and do something like that? You must be mistaking my lovely Bathazaar for another raven, for I am fairly certain that there are many other black birds around! I'm sure this is just a misunderstan-"

"Can it, pretty boy!" The other guard shouted, eyes narrowing as he seemed to crack his knuckles under his gloves. "Teaching an animal to steal for you...that's the lowest of thievery."

"Now now, I assure you I would never do such a thing....such a job would go against my principles!" Elois had back away slightly, shielding herself just behind Barnaby's leg as she whimpered silently. It was a bad idea to come here...these people are barbarians...

Rahhk...Looks like you really did it now, Pretty Boy. Bathazaar cooed deviously just beside him. Barnaby gasped, head turning to glare at the beautiful bird as he nearly shrieked at it. "I DID IT!? YOU'RE THE ONE WHO CAN'T KEEP YOUR TALONS TO YOURSELF, YOU FILTHY SACK OF FEATHERS!" He stopped quickly, face reddening as he realized what he had just said. The guards were ready now, ready for blood as they stepped forward towards them. Elois cowarded for a few moments, terror coming to her expression as she wailed. LET'S GET OUT OF HERE!

Barnaby found himself completely agreeing, his hand quickly reaching down and pressing to the small deer's back. Bathazaar took off into the sky, like a bullet. In an instant, Elois' whole form turned glittering lilac, the color stretching up Barnaby's long arm. She quickly disappated, exploding into glittering dust that quickly washed over Barnaby. He transformed in a single moment; long ears suddenly pushed out from either side of his head, followed by sand colored antlers. He grew a tail, his legs suddenly turning into fur as his legs bent to that of a deer, his feet turning into hooves. This was magic alright....but a different kind of magic....magic in its truest, most natural form.

With a rush of air, Barnaby was suddenly gone, leaping over the guards as he took off into the city. heart yearning to find that white knight once more...How far could she have gotten within a few moments, completely escaping his visage as he disappeared around a corner, the protests of guards slowly fading until he was left with he pitter patter of heavy rain, the distant thunder rolling over his head, the calls of the city, and his own hooves pressing into the stone paths.

He ran for only a few moments, before he came to a halt, ducking into an alley way as he quickly reverted back to his original form, pushing Elois from him as she quickly took back on her solid form. Bathazaar landed on a small perch in the alley, shaking to rid the water from his pristine feathers before he gave a small protest. This is just silly, Barnaby. We came here to explore the city, not get chased around by silly humans while we ourselves run around looking for some 'white knight'. Hmph...

Barnaby turned slightly to glare at the bird, grumbling with a bit of venom in his elegant voice. "The guards were your fault. If you had not been so naughty as to steal from them, we would not have been in this situation...and I could have so easily walked in and spoken to her..."

She's out of your league. One of those independent types who don't need some frilly Faerie latching on to her wing. Besides, she does not even seem to be your type.

"How would you know, you filthy buzzard?"

Would you two stop it? elois interjected, giving a small snort as she lightly brushed her nose against Barnaby's hand. We only just started our search. I'm sure we shall find her rather quickly, no?


Barnaby was cut off by a sudden, blazing ray of light that shot up towards the sky, not so far from where he and his party lay. He stared up at the sky, the mild force of it causing the feathers and beads about his helm to shake and blow about, creating a chorus of dings against his silver helm. He looks surprised, taking in the false light with a strange emotion....He had never seen mage magic such as this...artificial light...artificial sun rays...How much had Mages so quickly learned, to the point where even godly control such as this was possible...He swallowed that thought down, eyes wandering to the streets as he stepped free of the alley to investigate this magic...only to find...something he had never thought...


It was her...his white knight....and here he was staring her straight on, able to take in the face of this creature of pure perfection. She was a human....only someone as lovely as she could be a human, but not only that...her youth was astonding, looking to be about the same age as he, even thought Barnaby never aged. Her eyes are what struck him the most...Orbs of the iciest blue...cunning, powerful...sure..and so very beautiful. He thought he would nearly melt at the sight of those eyes...the lines of her youthful face...the skin dotted with barely noticeable freckles...oh how beautiful she was....and how powerful, for her to be able to create artificial sunlight with a single flick of her sword...

The sounds of cheers were muffled around Barnaby, who could only stare at this vision of beauty...this woman who she suddenly felt some sort of possession over...some sort of obligation to..as if a cord has so easily gone off in his head, bounding him to this gentle creature... How many women had me met in his time, yet none seemed to mirror her... He blinked, taking a tenative step forward as her sword fell and she glanced around at the gathering crowd...It was only not that he had noticed them himself, but he brushed passed them, his natural grace allowing him to quickly make his way through the crowd, suddenly forgetting about his own concealment as he eyes slowly started to change back to his original swirls of shining color.

Bathazaar flew over head, watching his master with a bemused stare...how foolish he was, so eager to rush into the world of humans with little to no realization of what sorts of reprocussion would come...They had been lucky enough, every one of his flings seeming to die out within a few weeks; however, there was always that worry of his truly falling for someone....It could only spell trouble. Elois stayed to the outside, wandering along the outline of the group as she tried to seek out her master. She felt the same way Bathazaar did, worry crossing her expression as she watched him push through the crowd....It was utter stupidity...knowing that his life was much longer than that of humans and other mortals alike....something such as this could only spell trouble...but Barnaby was the fickle sort, so this would have to die down quickly.


Barnaby's white knight was moving through the crowd, her mage in tow...Barnaby followed, his long frame allowing him to close in the distance rather quickly, but he earned stares from the citizen's, who watched his flamboyant appearance with wide eyes. He managed to reach them rather quickly, finding that they had stopped at a small fruit stand. Barnaby halted only a few feet away, quickly fixing himself before he straightened and stepped forward, reaching passed her as he plucked and apple from the stand and held it out to her. Unfortunately for him, Barnaby had forgotten a golden rule...Mortals seemed to really value the idea of personal space...as well as tact....Barnaby knew none of those. He was rather close, his face close enough that he was able to take in every angle, ever line of her...noticing the smallest flecks of mana dancing across her icy stare. He was momentarily breathless, the smallest hue of red slowly crossing his face as he stampered, only to quickly recover with the most genuine of smiles. "Magic such as that can only be conjured up by someone with such power....and seeing as how you managed to tame a dragon...I would not expect any less...But power and beauty? I believe that Xanthrimius himself took his time when creating such a work of perfection and radiance such as yourself." He paused, realizing just how frank he was being. "Ahh..do forgive my forwardness...but you see, it's just that I never expected to find the image of perfection before me after only moments of arriving to this city of....Kalt?" He lightly twirled the apple in his hand, eyes wandering over it for a moment as he spoke with nochalance. "Such a beautiful woman, must have an equally beautiful name, yes?" He glanced up at her then, unable to conceal the light-hearted smile that wished to form on his cheek, warm eyes basking in her presence for a moment as he treasured her beautiful eyes once more...


​

 

[Azzy]

[fieldbox="Comatose Keep - Tavern, Blue, solid"]

• Characters in Use: Aiobhelle Xa'Raav
• Currently Doing?: Observing/Interacting
• Characters Involved/Mentioned: Camrian, Wolfsin ( @Key Tuzi , @Wolfsin )

Comatose was very alive this morning. Song filled the air via Orin, and the members of the guild, and the beast of a man known as Wolfsin clambered on in the middle of the Tavern. Most likely in the middle of one of Cammie's deadly challenges once more. It was a wonder the Big Guy was even still alive after all this time. The girl say there on her stool, pale legs crossed one over the other as she rested her cheek in the palm of her hand. Crystal eyes gazed at the table where her Adoptive sister sat, and the smallest of smiles pulled up the corners of her lips. With her free hand, the girl combed through her extremely long hair in a slightly bored manner, her foot swinging to the tune of the bard's song. She wasnt much interested in what was happening at the table as she knew that Camrian would win, and Wolfsin would do something foolish as a punishment in return. The girl sighed, she was rather bored, and soon found herself tuning out the commotion until the noise got louder, and it was soon realized that Wolfsin had indeed given up the victory to her sister. Good on you, Flare. Good on you.

Aiobhelle's eyes found their way to the center of the room as Wolfsin rose from his chair, and from his lips blurted the sound of song. He was nowhere near as gifted as Orin in her own personal opinion, and his voice wasnt as nice, but...its wasnt...terrible? Yeah, its wasnt the worst she'd heard. When he had finished, Aiobhelle rose from her own stool, her hands soothing out the fabric of her silver, gold and black dress. Her short body made it's way through the crowd, and she soon emerged from the background to stand at the back of camrian's chair, her crystalline, ice wings seeming to shake themselves out with the now familiar chiming noise of rubbing ice. The girl placed her hands on Camrian's shoulders, and let a smile grace her lips once more as her eyes fell upon the large, silver haired brute across from them. "If that display is how you plan on winning Flare's heart, Pup...well I suggest you rethink your strategy. Cant even stomach liquid fire?" She giggled a bit, and swept a long strand of her platinum hair behind a very long, and pronounced, pointed ear. "What shall we do with you, Old Boy? Perhaps a glass of water is in need~ Apply it to your burn, and everything shall...simmer down eventually." of course her pointed words were for play, some of Comatose still found it hilarious that such an innocent little elf, and one such as the Gem of Comatose could be so sharp. She then proceeded to idly play with a strand of Cammie's hair as she flashed her smile still at Wolfsin, and just then one of the barkeeps brought him a glass of cool water.

"Nice song, by the way. Im sure Orin will give you an A for effort~"

She then winked, and laughed just as the entirety of the tavern erupted into laughter to join her playful pokes at the Darkmoon leader. It was all in good fun.​

[/fieldbox]

​

 

[Key Tuzi]

[fieldbox="The Comatose Keep Tavern, pink, solid"]

Mao > General
Location: Comatose Keep Guildhouse, Tavern

Mao had to hand it to him - the pup's coy acceptance of defeat had come unexpected to the whole of their audience. Wolfsin was not known for turning down challenges. Hell, half of the raging crowd placed their stake that he would somehow succeed, despite the absolute impossibility of Camrian's challenge. So it came as a surprise to the vast majority - Camrian included - when the mighty Wolf rose from his seat and mounted a stage before the hearth to pay his fee. Mao, in all the uproar, took it upon her delighted self to abandon what would soon be a flustered Camrian and chase after the sneaky blond who entered moments before. A silver thread wove itself expertly between the Tuzi Witch's nimble fingertips as she headed for the bar.

[hr="white"][/hr]

Camrian > Wolfsin, Aiobhelle, surrounding people in Comatose
Location: private tables, center of tavern

Camrian, like all the other wild drunks crowding their table, balanced on a fine thread of crazed anticipation while watching the brutish Wolf. She was neatly composed in her seat but the nervous excitement carried through her eyes like wildfire. Eager to witness his defeat, the Viper paid little to no mind in masking her emotions, sure that things would play out exactly how she anticipated.

...But when had Wolfsin Silvermoon ever failed to surprise the cocky redhead?

Harsh clattering of her heavy mug against the table shocked Camrian almost to the level of his words, "You have won. I submit." As if on cue, laughter bubbled up from the pale rabbit at their table. Camrian could do nothing more than sit back with a mildly disoriented awe in her eye as the towering man took his stage. There'd been a tone in his asphyxiating gaze. One of amusement, triumph; he'd wanted to lose. Not that she could fathom why, considering how prone this lot was to teasing him.

"He knows I will torment him for this. So why? I wonder..." Camrian murmured softly, lost in the wonderment of her own drunken curiosity as a soothing bard began to sing. Except... it was no bard that loosed the deeply soothing lyric captivating her guild house - it was the countenance of a man she suddenly could not recognize. A rugged wolf so big and tough that little monsters and nasty sprites paled to behold his might, whose husky throat could manage rowdy laughter in the same breath as this melodious sigh? For likely the first time, Camrian's burgundy lips fell slightly agape in his regard. It was almost impossible to believe that this voice belonged to the lungs which so filled her days with course banter and snide quips.

Yet it was true. Right as the rain drumming against her windows, Wolf's deep resonance carried through every clever word and phrase, familiar to her as the warmth of a bright flame. A part of her yearned to reach out and respond in some kind, but it was like he knew, like he could sense the slow unraveling. His golden gaze pierced her straight through, pinning what aching parts of her wished to leap up and deny him the satisfaction of her speechlessness. Because she knew, as Wolf's hauntingly calm voice came to a resounding close, that she'd lost more than intended. Fire crackled lightly beneath the olive of her cheeks, even as he took his bow and lumbered back to the table - a ripple spreading through Comatose in his wake. Yet her eyes never strayed, because doing so what be a submission, one she did not entirely understand and found herself flustered to contemplate longer than a breath or two.

She watched him lift his mug, sloshing back a slow drink, and the lava neath her already drunk-flushed skin cackled. Only when a pair of cold hands smoothed over her shoulders did the viper find her next breath. Of course, the comfort of her sweet sister's touch lasted about as long as Aiobhelle's silence. Camrian had to choke back a sudden laugh at the dove's sly accusation. Winning Flare's heart, huh? Was that his intent? The redhead doubted that it had much to do with hearts - no, this was a battle of wits and wills, of pride. The smirking dog knew that in accepting defeat before he'd made a fool of himself, he would win the amusement of her confusion and frustration. Or at least, that's what the viper assumed as she met his sandy gaze across the table. Heaving a soft chuckle, Camrian's fingertips snatched up her discarded mug from the table and finished what remained of her fiery drink. A patient tongue lapped the remnant drops from her lip, breaking slowly into a playful smirk.

"You stand accused, dog. What say you to the crime my darling sister believes you've committed, hm?" Back to her wits, Camrian lounged back in her chair and attended the sly pokes Aiobhelle launched at him. Of course, Camrian had two jobs to fulfill here - not only to taunt the flunkee of her challenge, but to tease her precious sister. "Ahh, you know little dove," her innocent lips mused in the young girl's direction, turning up a quirky smirk. "I do not recall you being able to stomach Kolagora's milk any better than our puppy here~"

Laughter echoed Camrian's mischievous giggle as the bustling crowd began to spread out and find their own nooks around the tavern to reoccupy. Warmth still pooled beneath the viper's skin, but by this time it was more due to amount of FireWater in her system. She wasn't drunk - her nature made that impossible - but a mellow comfort had settled into her bones that yearned for a soft bed. However, dutiful as she had to be, Camrian settled for popping her muscles in a sleep stretch and nuzzling her cheek against Aio's little hand. "So, little Dove, we're to adventure outside the wall for supplies soon. Isn't that right, Wolf?" Lifting her chin once more, she cast him a childish grin. "What do the numbers look like on both sides? Any specific location your group is looking to venture?"

[hr="white"][/hr]


Skylan > Pascal, Daedalus, surrounding people in Comatose
Location: Bar

Skylan took notice of Pascal's presence with a respectful nod, though his attention hung loosely on the customer at hand. He was a peculiar character, cloaked with a haze of intent the barkeep could not clearly read. As silence gave way to answers, the raven-haired man got to work on preparing Pascal's usual order. He worked mindlessly through the conversation, his motions practiced and true, though when the traveler's tone grew foul with the undertones of a threat Skylan's hands stilled their work on the beverage. Not out of fear, or even surprise really; the devoted barkeep simply preferred keeping coarse matters from tainting the purity of his drinks.

"Manipulated?" The dull word fell from Skylan's lips, no more than the faintly amused breath of an otherwise tired man with far too many concerns outside of the whimpering of a petulant child. He was accustomed to men like this - travelers from outside the wall, who drifted into their city with the belief that intimidation and brute force would earn their desires or stand to protect them from their follies. Firm fingers gripped around the nearest rag until their knuckles stood out, pale bones against the stained cloth. Skylan was irritated - insulted by the absolute insolence of this man who'd so mistaken his words. Bright flames jumped in his eyes, as if Nerexia's breath fueled their eternal fire. Yet before his mouth lay waste to the pest, a trilling laugh cut the tense air to Skylan's right. As if on cue his fingers loosed the cloth, spine straightening to fully acknowledge his pale mistress whose rump so carelessly placed itself atop the bar.


[hr="white"][/hr]


Mao > Pascal, Daedalus, Skylan, surrounding people in Comatose
Location: Bar

"You would be surprised how easily the mind is manipulated, boy."

Mild amusement danced in the violent violet eyes of that who spoke. She was a whimsical character, that which bore too much skin and carried herself purposefully with a rabbit's mask round her head and a delicate thread strung between her long fingers. The Tuzi Witch, they called her - a woman most revered and feared round the streets of Kalt for her chaotic nature... among other things. Mao balanced upon the wooden lip of Skylan's bar intently, her eyes roaming the traveler's dim silhouette while a game of cats cradle played out between her swift digits.

"You seem to have a fundamental misunderstanding about the way this city, and more importantly this guild works. Allow me to fill you in." Exulting a soft sigh, Mao's bare feet pattered to the wooden floor and carried her closer to the traveler. Mao had no bearing of the words "personal space" to say the least, a dangerous game to play especially with one of this man's kind. One of her own kind. Yet, tempted from the jesses of intimidation or reserve, the Tuzi Witch sized up to him pointedly so as to join their gaze. "We of Comatose do not manipulate, thieve, or threaten those seeking our services - especially for substance so trivial as coin. We take in those who need a hand, payment or otherwise. That is the way of my family. To help those in need, to aid in the prosperity of sustenance of Kalt."

A deep inhalation filled the small woman's lungs, expanding her uncovered chest beneath the wave of pale pink hair contently. She took a step back, satisfaction leaking into her carefully poised smile as her glittering eyes hovered about his outline. And when next she spoke, her voice had lowered to a knowing murmur. "We do not discriminate against your kind," she contemplated the remnants of a dark aura dripping from the man's person as if its fruit still paraded his atmosphere. After a deft pause, she continued on, "-or any such kind; except on rare occasion when one such as yourself condescends to threaten the safety of our family or home."

By this time a crowd was amassing, eager customers in need of drink and guzzling up Mao's unusually stern whispering with the appetite of starved dogs. She had a firm reputation in Comatose, one that carried to the farthest reaches of Kalt and reaped many curious, enticed and intimidated patrons to her door. Though normally she might have acknowledged the loyal breeds, Mao had no care for the crowd this time. Her eyes trained themselves to the traveler's countenance with not such a sweet expression as one of a fierce mother whose young were in jeopardy. No, Mao did not take kindly to cocky children who believed the dark arts a shield to fend off their own shadows.

"I will make this abundantly clear, traveler. Your coin means little more than dust to the people of this guild, and to the leading guilds of this city, if we suspect your nature to threaten our well-being. So you've a choice. Tame your ignorance, your over eagerness to wield dark murmurs, or seek repose elsewhere. But know that any act of malevolence here will be a declaration of war to many more than your chosen victim. Am I clear?"
​

[/fieldbox]

 

[Grimoire]

[fieldbox="PASCAL 'POE' PENDARIS, turquoise, dashed, 30, Georgia"]

S T A T U S

SETTING⇒ Comatose Keep
MOOD⇒ Thirsty for tea >_>
TAGS⇒ Comatose Keep & NPCs
NOTES⇒ :3
CHARACTER⇒ Profile, click.
MUSIC⇒ None atm.

Although, Pascal did not arrive in time to hear Skylan's side of the conversation she was pretty sure he did not deserve what he had been told by the lone figure since those in Comatose do not strike unless provoked first. The traveler's attempt in keeping his voice low was futile against a few and so his words had evidently reached Pascal's pointed ears and those of the other second in command, Mao. The end result was not good; she was just as irritated as Skylan and Mao were.

This was a VERY close knit guild and anyone that came after one of them would most definitely end up answering to the leaders or when the time called for it... the entire bloody guild. BUT Comatose was a professional guild with a reputation to keep. They didn't get to be the main merchant guild of the great city of Kalt by killing, stealing, and intimidating their way to the top. No, they did so by crafting with their own hands as renowned artisans. Furthermore, being high caliber merchants they believed that good relationships with people was crucial, so clearly messing that up would put a hefty dent on the guild's integrity and interpersonal skills which they heavily relied on to stay as the top merchant guild. Before Pascal could give him a piece of her mind Mao had beaten her to it.

The blonde elf sat there non nonchalantly as Mao spoke the truth to him. Not a single word left her lips to try and stop Mao or defend the traveler. Some people really did need to learn the hard way to understand how things were done around here. For some, it may have been too harsh of the Tuzi Witch to speak in such manner to the newcomer but coming from Mao this was, honestly, just a teeny tiny slap on the wrist.

Pascal did have to give the lone traveler some credit...he did not strike against Skylan or anyone in Comatose Keep, so he wasn't stupid. After all, actions are louder than words, right? No harm no foul...this time. This could have been an unfortunate misunderstanding, but it is during these times that you can catch a glimpse of people's true colors. However, Pascal did not want to label him as a "bad buy" right from the start but first impressions do say a lot about people and with that being said Pascal will not be forgetting this incident.

She was also unimpressed by the mound of riches that he took out from his pouch and laid upon the bar. If people only knew how much wealth they had stored up in their hidden vault...they'd probably get raided everyday just to get to it. "Keep your gold and precious stones, traveler," she said coolly, "if we need payment from you...we shall let you know."

Pascal's eyes slid off the newcomer and focused them on Skylan...where was that tea of hers, anyway? Focusing her attention now to other important things such as a large mug of tea the tired and cold scholar gave Skylan a pleading look that had, "MY TEAAAAA,PLEASEASKLDJAKSLJDLKAJD:(" written all over it.

[/fieldbox]

 

[Mercinus3]

Daedalus Arteria
Location: Comatose Keep, tavern
Currently doing: Conversing at the bar with Mao, Poe and Skylan​

The figure stood there, waiting to hear the response from the barman about whether the room was clear and, more importantly, whether he was made clear about not being trifled with. While the man certainly did not want to pick a fight in the bar where it was possibly home to a guild, which seems likely, he would be more than capable of taking the current patrons. I don't want to use that magic just yet, he thought, his mind pondering on what magic to use. Sure, casting Rekhyt was a definite choice, but he would need to think on what to follow that with. However, his thoughts came crashing down when the barman answered him with one dull-sounded question: "Manipulation?" That was something he did not expect, despite him not showing it. A misunderstanding, I assume? He wondered, the only conclusion as to why the man had answered him that way.

However, something tug unto his mind. His mind was filled with one particular face, with a laughter coming from it. He concentrated further to see if anything bad was happening, but from what the premonition had given him, it was more of a confrontation of words than… just a normal confrontation. Moments after the premonition, a laughter filled the atmosphere. The figure noticed that the flames in the barman's eyes had disappeared, seemingly returning back to normal. His presumptions of this place was to be confirmed momentarily when a condescending voice spoke, assuming that it was him who was the target of the words. Slow and deliberate, he turned left to face the new person to the conversation, his left arm lowered. His both of his heterochromatic eyes locked onto the woman's own eyes. In his mind, there was something different about her, though he couldn't put a finger on it. He guessed that the person was someone who was capable of magic, seeing as the 'feeling' he had about people normally ended up being mages, though something was still off. He prepared himself in case that the person knew an Art.

When she started to speak, the mage's gaze turned to that of anger. As a person who was nearing their 50s, this… girl had the nerve to call him boy. His left hand clenched, him dismissing the pain from the earlier cut. Instead of allowing the anger showing in front of the patrons, he replied back. "The mind is a fragile thing unless you are prepared, girl." Thinking on her words, he assumed that she was capable of some form of mind manipulation. However, as she carried on speaking, he learnt that the guild who owns the tavern was the Comatose Keep. While the guild was unfamiliar to him, he did have to admit that their goals were noble. If he had been around at an earlier point in his life, he possibly would have joined the guild. However, he was living in the now, so that was something that he would disregard unless they did something extraordinary.

Her next choice of words were intriguing to him. He assumed that she knew that he was capable of performing the Dark Arts. His suspicions that she is capable of the Arts was only growing stronger and confirmed that she is somewhat magic-capable. Clairvoyance was not his strongest area of magic, so he cannot identify if she was truly a mage and has to rely on his hunch. He dismissed the forming crowd as his eyes remained locked onto hers, anger from being called a boy still emanating from them. Her threat towards him didn't help his mood either but without his demon summoned, he was vulnerable. It didn't mean that he was capable of defending himself when he had to. His own blood started to go through the gloves and started to drip onto the floor, unbeknownst to him. "While the threat seems daunting," he started, choosing his words carefully. "You seem to know what I am capable of. The only question you have to think about is this: Which one am I capable at?" His eyes remained locked onto hers as he reached for the payment with his left hand, leaving blood impressions on the bar top. "However, rest assured that I am certainly not going to attempt to face at least one guild by myself. Especially over a misunderstanding on the tone the barman used when talking about the room arrangements. That plus the combination of a pathetic mugging attempt and a tiring journey… You can see where my mood came from. I do apologize for any possible hostilities on my behalf." Just to keep the peace while I recover, were his thoughts as he spoke. I will certainly not forget this, however. "I do have to admit that this is the first time that I have heard of the Comatose Keep guild, despite me occasionally visiting this city. Your intentions are at least better than those fools of the Crypt Keepers."

Just as he was about to turn back to the barman to see if he would still get the room, another voice spoke up. He turned to face the woman who had entered the tavern just moments ago. He acknowledged that he heard her by nodding and placing the bloodied valuables back into their pouch. "As long as I am aware of any costs, then that's not a problem." He turned back to the strange girl and the barman. "Is everything concluded?"

 

[Wolfsin]

GM POST:

@MotherOfCthulhu

The rain and storm was gone as soon as it had come, the vacancy of lapsing thunder left a longing moan as a side effect to the purest of magics, but the sky have become a haven of peace. Blue skies wrought of clouds, and the faintest hint of a rainbow seemed to streak off far to the east. Soon the City became a livelihood of a million different sounds. The Shops flung up their rafters, The people roamed the streets, and even the slight cling of training swords could be heard against the clamor that was the now beautiful city of Kalt; alive and well.

How quaint it was that the only one watching the spider on the roof, was the bat on the tower. Deep crimson eyes set past a hazy sight as a woman bared her gaze of Eva. Of course the spy knew nothing of the Widow's name, nor her prospects, it was for amusement alone that Aihme watched what would be prey she'd found.

The coming of day caused a low hiss to form past her plush lips, but not a single ray touched the pale flesh of the woman before she cloaked herself in the shadow of the hatchet in the clock tower.

Even more curious was the little bird that associated with the spider on the rooftop, Aihme was sure to make note of that, but would she approach? For the time she would only watch. "This one might be a real point of interest for our guild." She hummed to herself in a darkened sort of tone. her voice was deep and alto but it has a sincere seductive allure to it that couldn't be denied.

"You and your toys. Why not pluck this one up like the rest and be done with it... surely the light of that Darkmoon paladin doesn't bother you Mistress."

Aihme smirked and glanced back only side long. "You are sharp of tongue, and I am sharp of blade.. do you really wish to tease Kahlien. This one intrigues me because she is closer than most to the Real target.. that shadow of theirs.. and still why not endure some boredom for the chance to claim two trophies... It isn't as though we will run out of time any time soon." Aihme giggled to herself, and the lustuous voice of man joined her in her jest. "Quite.. Mistress.. "

 

[Wolfsin]

Phantom @Soulserenity20

The lanky jester paused for a moment to allow the passing of some children running through the streets. he was a kind gentleman of sorts, a mysterious man but one that most would never think to hurt a fly; or perhaps they expected the fly would be dead before he could hurt it? They had come to stand before a large fountain with a beautiful pool of crystaline water now, a perfect place for presentation really and Phantom intended to make due with that fact. bemused by her way of riddling a riddler he resorted to a more direct approach this time.

"For those visiting Kalt, obligations do not exist, for those looking to make a home here it is sometimes best to have a game of words and wit with a Guild master. I do not know your purpose here, nor will I ask you directly, but by suggesting such things I ask you indirectly." Phantom smirked, then twisted his body to spin around in place and present the whole of the city, as though he owned it. "Kalt, the city of guilds is a road map at its very nature. you see for anyone who comes here it is in their best interest to adopt themselves a family within one of 100 different guilds that keep principle and dominion over this city. For our hunters, there are many guilds, but famed among them is The Quarry. Should you look to further your Arcane knowledge, you might find depth in the Arcanium; perhaps the grandest library to be found in all continents of Norindul, though some would argue." He winked at her, and then continued. beyond libraries, and hunting grounds, you have a place for anyone a home for anyone, regardless of race. No one goes homeless in Kalt unless they no longer belong here... " I solemn look gave enough to tell her without words the gruesome deeds needed to not belong.

"The Day could be filled of my ramblings, I would tell you stories of Origin, my own and others, but if you seek answers beyond that then maybe you will answer these questions, lest you wish to indulge my company for the remainder of this day; which... i certainly would." A soft sort of laughter parted the mans lips; followed by a light sigh. "So for our fair lady, when coming to this city what were you looking for. Perhaps we may find it. "

 

[Wolfsin]

Arktus @Aka~Kitsune

Arktus had seen the workings of the devil twins far too many times to be surprised by the events around him. Nadia.. sweet temptress Nadia.. was a dervish of hell if he'd ever thought to give anyone the title, and the prodigy of death Aiden... frightened even him as a Guild master... In ways he feared that the boy might someday outdo him.... perhaps that was why....


Blghhhhhh~

Arktus doubled over just as the Song like voice of Nadia reached him and a puddle of spittle and blood, and bile fell over the floor. Arktus did well in just pushing up from the ground where he remained and looking directly into the eyes of the Devils daughter. "You did very well, Nadia.. your dance of death is still stunning to behold. Arktus wiped the blood from his lips and then turned away from her. "The spell was successful, but the patron we used... was already damned to Hell's creation, what we nearly summoned might have leveled this city; given the chance. I don't expect the Guild Lords would be fond of that, so everyone here should remember what the consequence outside of Kalt for our craft is."

Arktus turned to Aiden. "You also did very well.. a new craft I suppose?" For now it was best to make sure the young prodigy was still on his side... he was a powerful asset.

 

[RaccoonKing]

@Wolfsin

Nadia's expression twisted further into one of concern when Arktus began to feel the effects of his magic, her brows furrowing as her teeth bit down harshly upon the flesh of her lower lip. There was a vast difference between the Nadia from before that found joy from the act of tearing flesh with unrestricted glee and the Nadia now that seemed almost innocent despite the second flesh of drying blood that clung to pale skin. "A-arktus..." She mumbled softly, movements paused to give her a moment to think before she shook her head, lips pursed. There were always consequences...

Peering back over when the guild master spoke, the red head slowly climbed to her feet as a smile slipped slowly upon her features as she did. "Ah~ What a nice compliment~" She purred, the glimmer to her gaze brief but there as she brought her hand down to offer to Arktus. "Maybe you should rest though...that must have taken a lot." Her head cocked, waves of red spilling across her shoulders, stained with a coppery scent that blended with the lavender that normally accompanied her, as she frowned.

Aidan had already bundled the corpses into the corner of the room, nudging the last with his foot as his hands were buried within the depths of his pockets, a snarl on his features. "Disgusting." A small twitch to the corner of his eye signaled the end as he pushed the corpses from his very mind, the fact of their weakness alone bringing a deep weight upon his chest. He wanted more. Practically growling, lips torn to a scowl, Aidan headed back over to his twin and their guild master with a small huff, chest heaving. "Not exactly. I am just wanted to test my domination magic on Imps. I was curious to how tough they would be to conquer..." Rolling fiery red orbs, the male twin sighed deeply. "I wish it was more entertaining though..." He grumbled.

A second sigh followed as Nadia fell against Aidan's arm, prompting his gaze for a moment as her back rest against his side, her own gaze slid over to the ceiling. "What are the other guild masters like?" She questioned suddenly, barely registering what was originally said. "They have to be strong, right?" Nadia stood up properly as she begun to look over her armor gauntlets with a frown. "I want to meet them...seems fun." was the quiet mumble as Nadia begun to loosen the bonds keeping gauntlets on. When the two metal accessories were dropped into her grasp, Nadia began to study them carefully, grimacing. "The blood will stain these..."

A larger hand reached over, plucking the right gauntlet from her grasp, rolling it within his grasp grasp before passing it back. "Considering all the fighting you get yourself involved in this was bound to happen you know, Nadia?" Aidan turned to her briefly, narrowing his gaze. "And I have pointed out hundreds of times to you, some of the important people in Kalt, were you seriously not listening to me?" He hissed, growling when a blank stare met his own. Of course, Nadia just stared back with a small smile on her lips but a seemingly curious gaze. "...You really weren't listening were you?"

Nothing.

Grumbling a few curses, Aidan turned over to Arktus with his expression back to normal despite the slight annoyance in his gaze from before. "Right... Is there anything else we need to do?" He would ask, shoving his hands back into his pockets with as he ignored Nadia who had already headed over to the imp corpses out of her boredom, already using her foot to nudge at the pile. "If not, I have more texts to read into." Nadia piped up then, smiling brightly. "Oh! I want to go buy some oranges!" Aidan just waved a hand at her, causing a small pout before he continued. "I want to master my domination magic and then look into other fields..."

"Power hungry moron.."

"Right...you are calling me a moron."

The two twins began to glare at one another. Aidan with a cooler stare and a slight turn to the corner of his lips while Nadia seemed to almost sulk at her brother before turning away. The two simply dismissed each other and their insults but they still seemed to hold their annoyance. Siblings had to fight and theirs were always minor, presented through brief insults at one another. "Ah...I am bored now..."​

 

[Soulserenity20]

The Gates of Kalt

The fountain Phantom had led her to was mesmerizing, and as he spoke she found herself contemplating through vision as she watched the surface of the water shifting to and fro. What did she come here for? The festival, yes, bu what else? She believed that all living things followed the path of their own unique fate, wandering along the different trails of their destiny, each destination shrouded in perceived purpose. She knew her journeys were taking her to the places she needed to go to in order to become the person she was meant to be and yet, she was also wise enough to know that she could never, and was never meant to, know what events at which locations would form what aspects of her. Life was a mystery, that was certain.

"What am I looking for..." she continued to gaze into the churning, bubbling water for a short while longer before looking up at the strange, pale man. "I'm not looking for anything except whatever is looking for me. So perhaps we'll see what's looking for me and that shall be what I can look for." She grinned, enjoying the man's company and enjoying, even moreso, the fact that he was a crafter of words and could destruct her own and make sense of it. She hated having to explain her statements toothers and could often tell how well she'd get on with someone simply by their ability to keep up with her in conversation.

"For now, I should look for room and board. How's that for a start?"

 

[Soulserenity20]

Kalt, Main Street-7:24pm

The streets of Kahl always seemed to have a stench about them. Perhaps it was the body odor of some thousand people packed onto the main roads at almost any given time, or perhaps it was just the smell of bullshit, leaking out of the many guild houses scattered about the grand settlement. One hundred guilds, was the number said to be ruling this city. Xander found it difficult to believe that one hundred individuals, the heads of each of the guilds, managed to run the city in equal standing. He was certain, without being able to be certain, that there were guilds with a little more pull than they should like to let on. There was corruption within the walls of Kalt, of this much he was certain.

Xander wasn't fond of cities. He didn't like the politics that came with them and the lies that came with the politics. He didn't like people being divided into classes and he certainly didn't like the resulting destruction that came to the environment in order to fuel the growth and livelihood of the city. No, Xander much preferred the woods and the rural regions of Norindul. And yet, there was something alluring about the city, like a horror movie you weren't very much fond of but couldn't look away from nonetheless. Perhaps it was the taverns, or perhaps it was the women. ... Perhaps it was both.

Xander smiled as the smell of ale took over the drab smell of the busy streets. He was nearing his favorite bar in town; The Drowning Swan. As he made his way up the cobbled street he caught a glimpse of a hawk soaring back and forth across the gap in the roof-tops above. When he reached his destination, he noticed the hawk had stopped flying back and forth and had taken roost on a nearby rooftop.

"Aubren." He thought to himself and smiled at the protective, watchful nature of his companion. Turning back to his destination, he pushed open the doors of the tavern and strolled in, brightening up more and more the closer he got to the bar. A black haired waitress passed by him and spun on her heels when she noticed who he was.

"Xander, my dear, it's been too long since I saw your old mug." Running her eyes up and down the length of his body she offered a flirty smirk. "...Or the rest of you for that matter. Stay out of trouble." She spun back around and continued on through the crowd, delivering her drinks to whomever had ordered them.

Xander laughed out loud as he turned and continued to go take his place at the bar. "Definitely the women," he grinned and beckoned the bartender for a pint, looking forward to his evening in the city of guilds.

 

[Esmeray]

[BCOLOR=transparent]A Little Bit Ironic[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Collab:[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Doom, Mother, Vio[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Barnaby, Eva, Asa[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]Various NPCs[/BCOLOR]


[BCOLOR=transparent]After the small crowd that gathered around them dispersed Asa and her entourage walked down the side of the street with their horse drawn wagon following closely behind them. They would stop by every now and then to do business with some of the open shops. She was able to sell parts of the troll that she had slain for coin, but most of the creature went to a shady potions shop. Finally emptying out the wagon she stopped a Kalt Guard, and paid him ten shillings to return the horse and wagon at the city's front gates. Reaching the end of the block Pywll told Asa that he had to stop by the fruit stand to pick up some items for his daughter. Of course Asa stood by him as she leaned against the side of the stand, simply observing the people walk by with an alert icy blue gaze. Every now and then she would be greeted with a wave or a smile from a random citizen, to which she would equally return the gesture. Shifting positions she situated herself next to Pywll in front of the fruit stand, and watched him look through the apples carefully. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"The fresh ones are closer to the back." Asa mentions casually to her friend, whom simply nodded as he continues searching through the stack. Asa merely chuckled watching him, finding his pickiness amusing. Noticing a blur in the corner of her eye, her attention snapped to the movement of a hand reach into the pile of red apples beside her. It wasn't until she saw the stranger's hand did she actually felt his presence, and because of this her blue hues flitted swiftly to the man's face. Startled by the fact he was merely inches away from her own face caused her to step to the side awkwardly as a twang of uncomfortableness swelled. Asa's ear's picked up his stammering as she situated herself comfortable against the stall and curiously she glanced up at the man's face. The maiden nearly missed his flushed cheeks by seconds as a genuinely confident smile graced his handsome features. Her pale, icy blue orbs met the man's stardust like eyes, and in that moment she knew he wasn't human. This sparked a strong cautiousness with in her and her body involuntarily moved into a more alert stand. Wary of his intentions Asa unintentionally narrowed her gaze at the man, almost coming off as a glare, before she sighed. The young woman took the shiny red apple from his hand with a false casualness, and then returned it to the stall merchant. When she looked back at Barnaby she gave him a polite smile in return and listened to him speak of her. When he mentioned Verebera, another look of caution graced her face for a moment before she feigned another smile.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"He's been following me." she thought as a seed of distrust sprouted within her. Unsure as to what she should do in this situation she simply turned to face the crowd walking by, and gave him the cold shoulder. She wasn't really impressed, and Pywll took notice to her nervous gestures.He decided to force himself into the situation as a hearty laugh escaped off his lips. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"I'm sorry sir, she doesn't do well with compliments. I'm sure she appreciates it though." Pywll's voice and tone was smooth as he spoke up. He then turned back to the merchant and handed the woman a few shillings before taking a basket of fruit from the stand. Walking around Barnaby to Asa's side he puts a hand on her shoulder as an attempt to calm her nerves. "I'm Pywll, and this image of perfection, as you so boldy stated, is Asa. We do mercenary work here in Kalt, so if you ever find yourself in some trouble don't hesitate to come find us at the Darkmoon Mercenary building. Anyways, we have some more errands to run, so we best get going. It was nice meeting you, and I hope you enjoy your stay at our fine city." With that both Pywell and Asa waved good bye to Barnaby. Pivoting on their heels in the other direction they walked onward. Once they were a few feet away Asa let out a deep sigh she was holding back, and her shoulders quickly dropped as she relaxed. A quiet thank you came out as a mumble and Pywll simply smiled at her as they walked down the streets.[/BCOLOR]


[BCOLOR=transparent]-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Barnaby had never been much of a man to take a hint that was easily before him, but he had in fact taken notice of her sudden change in attitude. Maybe he had been too forward with this woman, so boldly stating his opinions, with little care towards her own morals and values. He should have known better...however, those thoughts were rather...fleeting.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]As she stepped away from his presence, Barnaby easily took notice that she had a want for personal space...his mistake, but it did little to deter the layer of confidence and mild mischief radiating from his form. His smile only brightened, stardust eyes glittering as the woman's expression went through a series of changes. It had always interested Barnaby how humans could be so distrusting over strangers...Simple observations could so easily be misinterpreted as stalker like tendencies or naughtiness. It took Barnaby a moment to notice, but once the woman became rather defensive, Barnaby found himself lifting his hands, apple still in the left, in an attempt at a friendly gesture. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Now now. I do not wish to cause you to be caution...'twas simply a friendly observation of a new admirer." [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]He offered a light hearted chuckle, his own expression only softening further..only to disappear slightly as the woman's own caution and….distrust?..Seemed to increase.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]As she plucked the apple from his hand, Barnaby found his dazzling smile returning...only to falter as she returned his offering back to the merchant...Odd...Barnaby was usually the best a picking fruit...But she had not only turned down his offering, but she suddenly turned in silence and moved away. Barnaby honestly felt his heart sink slightly, a hue of red coming to his cheeks as he realized how much he must have embarrassed himself in this moment. He hastily took a step after the woman, reaching out for her, when he was suddenly greeted by her companion.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]What was this? Barnaby had little interest in this middle-aged mage, his eyes narrowing slightly, but his friendly demeanor staying the same. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Pyrll." [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]His gaze quickly turned from Pyrll as he addressed the woman directly…[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"I-if I have caused you any embarrassment, that was the furthest from my intentions...Miss Asa" [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]The moment her name slipped from between his lips, he only felt himself smirk slightly. Asa? Her name was Asa...What a lovely name...So short and yet it summed up everything about her...at least what he knew and was assuming. She was not much of a talker, the opposite of Barnaby, who enjoyed giving public displays of affection and being the center of attention at anytime...So it was rather true that his public compliments had indeed caused some sort of embarrassment.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Pyrll spoke again, which Barnaby politely listened...any information about this woman was rather valuable to him. Mercenary work? Barnaby would not have guessed this woman to be in that line of work; however, her violence still did little to damper his spirits, if not only lift them more than they should have. At the mention of himself getting into trouble, Barnaby found himself speaking before he had really thought his answer through. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Oh no...I've never been the sort to condone violence. I'm a bit of a lover, not a fighter…" [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]It came out as a mumble, but he instantly cursed himself for speaking so carelessly about Asa and Pyrll's line of work. He felt himself flush once more, giving a slight nod of his head as he corrected himself. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"But I have always found myself respecting those who were able to do something such as mercenary work...I understand it is rather dif-" [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Barnaby was cut off as Pyrll and Asa gave a hastily farewell and turned to leave, but Barnaby wanted to know more! He had only just met Asa, but he found his curiosity only rising. Barnaby stepped after them, chastising himself further for being so careless towards Asa. He could tell that she had been on edge the entire time, and that was the last thing he had wanted to cause….Maybe he would have to take a different approach to speak to her…[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"H-hey! Wait just a moment!" [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]Barnaby called out, his lithe form moving rather quickly to close the distance between them.[/BCOLOR]


[BCOLOR=transparent]---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Bathazaar had been flying silent circles above the market, watching his master's utter failure to somehow court this odd 'Dragon lady' that they had only seen moments before. It was unlike Barnaby to be this careless, knowing him to usually be less forward with girls...mainly because they were usually to sort to come to him in the first place. Bathazaar found himself utterly amused, releasing a cackle as he circled once more and landed on a nearby roof, close enough to the apple cart so he could get a better view of the performance.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"My my...He is laying out all the stops, is he?" [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]The Raven cooed softly, flapping his feathers a few times to dispel the droplets of water that had yet to be dried by the artificial sun. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Are you too stupid enough to see the lady isn't interested...oh come now...she is not even your type." [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]Did Barnaby have a type? Bathazaar and Elois alike knew him to be more of the "If it has legs, its doable" sort; however, not to say he had no standards….It was only that the Faerie had quite a lot of trouble saying 'no' to those he did not wish to be stuck with.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]The Raven cawed, a look of mild bewilderment rushing over him as Barnaby's attempts went rather unnoticed, the Dragon lady deciding to give him the cold shoulder. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"..well...that's rather cruel...is it not Mast-" [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]Something move in the corner of the raven's vision, causing its black head to cock the side, turning back to cast his gaze on what it had been. The roof was not too large, the sides of it rising up slightly as a precaution to keep the stupid fleshies from falling to their deaths...It was sad that creatures as dumb as these humans existed...so stupid that they could not even develop the ability to fly...no, they would rather go with opposable thumbs; however, that was rather off topic. Huddled in the corner, was something shrouded in black (Eva) ...Bathazaar could not really make out if it was male for female, for the creature was cowering in the corner in a short of fetal position...Not that Bathazaar was one to care. The Raven cared little of the acts of those outside of Elois and Barnaby...and even then those caring moments were rare...No...what caught the raven's attention was the lovely basket just beside it.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]The Raven blinked, its head cocking to the side once more as it turned to face the featherless black thing (Eva), shaking himself to dispel a bit more water before he leaped off of his little perch and flew forward, landing just beside the basket with a silent thud. He leaned over and glanced inside, noticing nothing really shiny, but objects that were foreign to his superior Raven mind….or at least that is how he saw it. He released a small caw then, leaping up as he landed on the handle of the basket, wrapping his large claws around it as he took to the air. It was a rather heavy basket, so he found himself only able to rise a few feet above the featherless black thing (Eva), quickly turning away as he headed for the edge of the roof.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Eva was rather oblivious to the happenings of the court below, locked deep in her own personal hell she was struggling to find the epicentre, a place where she could remain calm even as her instincts demanded her to panic and flee. The hand on her arm was noticed, light as a lily and gentle, it took a moment to realise her own damp, cold hand had fallen atop her little sparrow's and a moment further to realise that was indeed who it was. The thunder was blissfully quieter now but the bright spike of sunlight demanded she keep herself shielded a moment more.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]With coloured afterimages haunting even her closed lids and a sickening sense of disorientation any movement until the feeling subsided would be rather fraught. With her senses returning she was all too aware of the raven that had landed on the lip of the roof, it wasn't making any attempt to go unnoticed with its loud calls. Sparrow shifted at her side but the spiderling did nothing, it was just a bird and while they made wonderful snacks they were otherwise pointless to engage with. She had much more important things to focus on after all, like not throwing up the meagre breakfast she'd helped herself to that morning. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Sparrow was eyeing the bird cautiously, crows were a bad omen, and it looked like a crow to her, they usually meant death or disaster if she remembered her training correctly anyway. Besides there was something that hinted at intelligence, a sentience of a sort that an animal ought not to have had. Whether it was sentient or not it seemed it was a thief, it flapped its ashen wings and landed by the Spider's basket, Sparrow assumed it was after the fruit and odd trinket buried in the bottom of the basket. She was of course planning to shoo it away but then instead the bird gripped the handle of the basket and attempted to take off! [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]The basket was no small thing, made of woven wicker and lined it was not light either, the fact a bird of the size of a raven could lift it meant the creature was clearly not a normal bird. Sparrow's hand tightened on Eva's arm but the girl was too surprised to utter a single word or even cry out at the bird. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Eva had kept tabs on the bird, they were lighter stepping than most animals but again the bird was being rather bold and making no attempt to hide its presence from her. Her breathing was calmer now, slower but the instincts awoken by the fear still pricked like thorns at the back of her mind. Perhaps that was why she didn't simply reach out and take her basket from the bird and break its neck as usually she would have. Instead there was the sound of ripping cloth and but a fraction of a second for the bird to relinquish the basket and move before a chitinous limb stabbed violently into the wood of the roof, trapping the basket through its handle and pinning the paper roll to the ground. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]The long black appendage easily equaled Eva's height and then another foot in length, it was jointed in three places and glistened in the artificial sun like oil on water, towards the end it held sharp looking hairs that were more akin to thorns and the tip was a wicked blade that looked much like the end of a spear. It was as thick as an arm and held a natural thick armour plating over its length. The spider queen lifted her head from her knees ever so slightly, the orbs rather than the wistful, mournful hue were a corresponding shade of poison from corner to corner. Small black slits had formed at her temples and a further four in a line across her forehead while her fingers seemed to darken to the first joint, her nails seeming sharper as they pricked into the delicate fabric of her dress. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Sparrow had never seen her employer do this up close, in fact she'd only ever seen this once before and while it didn't scare her it did make her far more aware. Releasing Eva she created some distance between her, the basket and the bird but despite that attempted to shoo the bird regardless. While she may not have been fond of carrion birds she was not going to purposely let one get killed, especially one that seemed as though it were owned. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Eva kept her gaze on the bird, it would be smart to give up on its attempted prize before it became a meal but it had been a while since she'd had raw flesh. Typically she avoided such urges but perhaps today she'd make an exception. That said she was beginning to become aware of something, her primitive spider instincts couldn't comprehend it and the sophisticated human part of her could not correlate the data into anything usable but there was certainly something that wasn't quite right. [/BCOLOR]


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[BCOLOR=transparent]How crude most creatures could be, with their sudden urge for violence and inability to share their objects...Plus, why were these fleshy beings so tricky. One moment, Bathazaar had assumed the featherless black creature to be nothing more than the usual featherless creatures; however, one would assume he was sorely mistaken,[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Bathazaar had found himself nearly scott free, making it a few feet without hearing calls of rage or being hit with some sort of object, with sudden ease, and even turning back to tease the other little fleshy one that had been beside the black thing...Well, good thing he had turned back, for in the blink of an eye, a strange black object suddenly erupted from the featherless black thing, directed right at Bathazaar and his prize. The Raven panicked, backtracking enough to where the strike barely skimmed the feathers of his lovely tail. The giant black appendage struck the basket with enough momentum, that it completely dislodged one of the few apples placed within its confines, propelling it over the edge of the roof and to the market below.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]In terror, Bathazaar released a loud "CAW", calling out to his master hopefully he would pause in his attempts to woo the white-claded warrior long enough to fix this situation he had placed himself in. As the other featherless being made a poor attempt to shoo him, Bathazaar flew up, high enough out of the appendage's range so he could get a close look at the featherless black thing….Well...she was far more ugly that he had originally assumed...not much of a difference since the featherless beings were usually ugly in Bathazaar's eyes...however, the fact that she suddenly resembled a plumped up super spider only worsened his opinions.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Through the magic shroud and artificial sunlight another lightning bolt struck, this time far closer to the kingdom than originally thought. The thunder boom, flash of blue light showing through the artificial sunlight the mages had placed...The storm was still rolling, with vengeance.[/BCOLOR]


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[BCOLOR=transparent]Asa could hear the strange man who cared little of personal space call out to them and a small irritated sigh escaped off her lips. This one was persistent, at least his inability to give up was admirable, but in some cases people need to learn when they are taking things too far. Asa picked up her pace, starting to fear that she would end up having to cause a scene in public. Her clunky shiny metal boots thunk heavily against the stone pathing as she starts to leave Pywll behind. Of course, he picks up in speed to keep up with the blonde haired maiden until she abruptly comes to a halt.Pywll watched in awe as Asa cringes in pain after an red apple suddenly falls unto her cranium. She hunches over muttering swear words quietly as Pywll picks up the now bruised fruit.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"How….."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"If you say Ironic you are going to loose teeth." Asa mutters a bit harshly towards her friend. A clear look of unamusement plagued her face as she tilts her head up to give a soft glare at the elven man. The tension immediately dispersing as the two break out into a easy fit of laughter.Standing erect Asa reaches over and takes the apple from Pywll's hand. It seemed to have came straight up but as she inspected the buildings roof she could see the raise lining the buildings edge. The only reasonable explanation would be that someone had thrown it over carelessly. Catching glimpse of a young girl shooing a crow away Asa pointed at them while nudging Pywll with her elbow.[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"Young lady!" Pywll called up to her politely with the wave of a hand, "Miss is there some sort of problem!?" he asks her.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]It wasn't really what Asa expected to be asked, but dropping the issue of just receiving slight head trauma the white knight begins to look around for a way up the roof. Leaving Pywll's side, Asa inspects the surroundings of the building and successfully comes across a series of neatly stacked boxes and crates on the right side of the shop. Taking a minute to rearrange them accordingly she safely secured a way up to the top. Climbing up, she peeks her head over the wall, and nearly fell at the sudden fright. She had never seen such a creature before, and the box holding her up began to wiggle with her imbalance. Resituating herself, Asa grips the wall tightly until she and the stacked crates become stable enough for her to hoist herself over. Of course, she was very noisy in doing so, as anyone wearing that much armor would be, but she thought nothing of it as she courageously pressed onward with the new situation. Now safe on sturdy ground Asa cautiously approaches the two, but keeps her distance. For some reason the creature before her looked…..familiar. Unfortunately for her, she feared saying anything would cause a misunderstandings, besides she was never good with talking to strangers anyways. Still she could not shake this feeling that she has seen this woman before, and considered that Pywll would be more assistance. Leaning over to fetch him, she instantly notices that he is engaged in conversation with a frustrated Barnaby to which she rolled her eyes. She then whistles for Pywll's attention.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Uh? Ah! Yes, Asa! I see you found a way up. I'll head up now!" It was only a brief moment before Pywll was swinging his leg over the wall and planting his feet on the rooftoop. He assesses the surroundings before his face lights up with a sudden realization. Moving to stand next to Asa he casually mentions. "Hey doesn't that look like that one woman that's been running around the guild? You know the long black hair, the webs, long dress? What the name….Eve? Evalynn?" Pywll questions.[/BCOLOR]

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[BCOLOR=transparent]As Asa stepped off at a faster pace, Barnaby found himself picking up speed as well, his long limbs and impressive stride catching up to them as he continued his insistent barrage. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"If you would wait just a moment, Miss Asa! I only wanted to-" [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]A sudden caw erupted just above Barnaby's head, causing him to halt mid-stride and grasp his heart in sudden fear. The fear had not been his own; however, the fact that he shared a conscience with both Bathazaar and Elois could say enough for the situation. The fear had stemmed from Bathazaar, surprising to say the least, being that Elois was usually the more fearful of the two.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"B-Bathazaar!?" [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]Barnaby called out in the middle of the market, causing eyes to fall on him once more as he glanced around in sudden panic. His companion was in danger, or at least those were the signals he had received, and now his attention was suddenly shifted. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"BATHAZAAR!?" [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]This fear in his heart was suddenly eating him alive. He turned rather white in the face then, his heart picking up pace until it was matching that of his feathery companion, who had still yet to show himself.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"IT'S GONNA EAT ME!"[/BCOLOR] [BCOLOR=transparent]Bathazaar's voice suddenly erupted in Barnaby's head, causing the taller male to whip around; however, upon doing so, he was greeted with the sight of his majestic raven being shooed by none other than a simple human child. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"...what?" [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] Barnaby only stared, momentarily confused until he heard something just behind him.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]THWACK[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Barnaby jumped slightly at the noise, Bathazaar's fear still fresh in his mind, as he slowly turned back to Asa and Pyrll. Asa was hunched over, holding onto her head as a single red apple rested by her feet. Barnaby went momentarily wide eyed upon seeing that, taking a step or two towards her as he tried his best to hold back a light-hearted chuckle. (It could not be denied that the sight was funny; however, Barnaby did not want to laugh if Asa was genuinely hurt.)[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Are you alright, Miss Asa?" [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]Barnaby asked rather carefully, holding in the laughter that wished to work its way up his throat, while still managing to ignore the fearful caws of his loyal raven. His question was answered through her actions as she threw a sudden threat to her mage companion. Pyrll had reached down, lifting the bruised fruit between elegant fingers as he seemed ready to comment on what Barnaby was thinking; however, he was halted upon hearing Asa's sudden threat...Barnaby, unfortunately, was not one to really heed that warning. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Rather Ironic…" [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]He mumbled slightly to himself, only to have Bathazaar's caw erupt once more, causing him to curse softly under his breath. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"IT'S HIDEOUS! IT'S GOING TO EAT ME AND YOU ARE BUSY FLIRTING."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Barnaby could not help but chuckle softly, moving his delicate digit up and bruising a few strand of loose raven locks back underneath his glittering helm. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"You scared of a human child? Why, Bathazaar...that is very unlike you…" [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Idiot! It's not the child I am scared of -smelly little runt. It's who she is with!"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Barnaby released a small sigh, glancing over to Asa and Pyrll as they suddenly erupted in laughter. He felt rather left out of the situation, but his pursuit would have to wait, not matter how much he wished to continue. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"I'll be there in a mo-"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"WHAT'S HAPPENING TO BATHY!?" [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Elois's voice suddenly erupted just to Barnaby's left, her bleets of concern loud enough to make him hold his head in sudden pain, losing balance for a moment as he quickly tried to calm her fears. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"N-nothing, Eli! I'm going to check now. Come here so I can get on the roof." [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]He had nearly forgotten his little doe was still in the market, her silence mostly stemming from her harsh fear of crowded places and people; however, it only took a few moments before the little doe came into view, sprinting towards him as she slowly became more and more transparent, her fur turning a gentle magenta as a faerie dust trail glittered off of her and up towards the sky. Many of the humans would assume it was nothing more than an illusion, children staring in momentary wonder and bystanders clapped once more for the Mage and the Dragon tamer. Barnaby could not help but feel slightly insulted by that; however, he turned and rushed behind a nearby stall, wishing to hide his and Elois's connection as her form rushed through the solid barrier and leapt into him, Barnaby's arms coming to wrap around himself as he hunched over and transformed once more.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]It only took a moment, a burst of magenta and blue light erupting and raining down upon the many bystanders, dazzling them with a glittering rainbow of purple and blue. Barnaby took that as his cue, emerging from behind the stall and quickly moving towards the roof where Bathazaar still resided, flapping frantically as he moved to escape the child's shoos. He would have quickly jumped up; however, he stopped upon seeing Asa and Pyrll disappear over the rooftop. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Barnaby released a small sigh, shaking his head as his new doe ears slowly folded back upon his head, his antlers scraping lightly against the wall of a nearby stall. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"I had wished to keep people from seeing me like this, Bathazaar...are you certain you cannot just….fly down he-"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"GET UP HERE NOW."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Barnaby did not hesitate as he straightened and took off, his speed making him virtually undetectable as he raced across the street and leapt up, landing softly upon the roof and in between Asa, Pryll, and the supposed "Monster". [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]As soon as he had landed, Bathazaar flew upward and forward, dropping down upon Barnaby's shoulder, causing him to lean once more from the massive raven's weight. Bathazaar leaned to his master, cooing soft thanks as he nuzzled Barnaby's waiting hand. [/BCOLOR] [BCOLOR=transparent]"You don't know how happy I am to see you. Those fleshy beings should be expelled from society!" [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]Bathazaar cooed, his fears lessening and, in turn, calming Barnaby's own heightened fears. Barnaby shook his head, gently stroking his raven's fur as he spoke back. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"You are rather melodramatic...there is only a chi-"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Pyrll suddenly spoke, causing Barnaby to look up at him in mild confusion. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"It's Barnaby, actually, Pyrll. It's an odd name, I know; however, rather difficult to confuse with-"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Behind you..." [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]Elois whispered softly, causing Barnaby to turn slightly at the waist and look back. His eyebrows immediately raised, momentary surprise washing over him as he was met with the so-called "monster" that Bathazaar had insisted was dangerous. Barnaby was surprisingly unphased, turning back to Asa and Pyrll, only to see a look of caution and fear upon Asa's lovely face. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Barnaby felt a small smile work its way across his lips, noticing that even with that look, she was still just as lovely; however, he felt it rather necessary to calm her and Bathazaar's fears. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"..Monster, hm?" [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]He turned back to person huddled in the corner of the roof, his expression gentling slightly. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]"Eva then...is it?" [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]Don't talk to it…" [/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]Shut up, or I might let her eat you."[/BCOLOR]


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[BCOLOR=transparent]Sparrow did her level best to not appear to be disturbed by what was happening, the bird had flown off and not a minute later two faces popped up over the wall. Sparrow recognised them from around town but she had no idea if they were affiliated with the Spider and even if they were if she'd want them close. Of course, she was but a human girl so what could she do of any use? She hadn't even been able to successfully shoo the stupid bird from the basket. Worrying her lip in a very unladylike manner the little street kid decided to step physically between the two bodies, blocking at least part of Eva from the sight of the strangers and spreading her arms wide to create the biggest impression she could. A defiant look on her face that seemed to boldly state 'you shall not pass'. Of course she would have been about as effectual as a small cat. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Soon enough the bird found its master and Sparrow stared openly, mouth a gape, at the fae man who had sprung up to the roof with all the elegance and grace of a deer. He was so terribly pretty and she felt herself blush despite herself, feeling awkward and nervous the longer she stood in front of the three. They spoke an unfamiliar name to the girl but she guessed it was the true name of her employer, no one hated their kid enough to call her Spider right? Briefly glancing to the black figure she faltered in her act of protection, they seemed nice, well, [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]he [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]seemed nice, with his pretty face and nice voice. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]The long black leg released the basket, deft fingers working their way between satin and lace to grab its handle and drag it closer to herself. She could sense the movement, hear the words, two voices were familiar to her but for the moment she couldn't place them. Her head was still thick with fuzz, the chittering of a thousand insects buzzed inside her brain, tiny voices who spoke languages that few understood all urging her to do one thing. If she did it though he would find her and she wasn't sure whether he'd be angry with her or not if he did. The kid was there as well, it would be a shame to have such a clever kid caught in the crossfire between her and the people on the roof. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]A third voice joined and it sounded odd, she felt the change in Sparrow and it worried her, fear was only a good motivator as long as nothing stronger got in between. The chitinous leg rose and gracefully arced over Sparrow's shoulder, it came down in a diagonal sweep across Sparrow's shoulder, the tip against the roof digging in much lighter this time as it pulled backwards, urging Sparrow back with it who carefully took steps backward to comply to the spiders wishes.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Eva intended fully to rise but another sudden strike of lightning had her pinned to the ground and fighting the sudden roar of the insect part of her mind. Though in that flash of brilliant light and terror the names of the two voices came to her, Asa, the one who was so brightly garbed it hurt to look at and Pwyll, her companion who she knew comparatively little about. The third was still a mystery and while his delicate features seemed to appeal to Sparrow he seemed no better or worse in appearance than Pwyll to her.The leg around Sparrow twitched in tighter and the girl visibly flinched and looked briefly concerned for her own well being. Glancing from the spider to the pretty man the child hesitated to say anything, "She...she doesn't like the storm...or the light."[/BCOLOR]


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[BCOLOR=transparent]Asa peered at the young street girl momentarily, before nodding in response after receiving the information surrounding the black creatures troubles. Had she been alone with the beast Asa would have made every attempt possible to sooth her with words. Whether this creature was their guildmate Evaline or not doesn't matter. They needed help, and as a knight of this city it was her job to assure everyone's safety. Unfortunately her bonded ability wouldn't help in such a situation, and Pywll's magics were no where near strong enough to ease a raging storm. Her icy blue orbs flitted over to the beastly, yet amazingly beautiful form which her new stalker possessed. From what she could gather, Asa assumed he was of fae origin. Elbowing Pywll in the arm, she pointed at Barnaby with purpose. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"You think he could? If we ask for his help you will be indebted to him."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"You mean WE Pywll." Asa corrects him in a coy whisper, a small smile gracing her usual stoic features. With that Pywll approached Barnaby and began to speak with him on aiding them in solving this situation. Meanwhile, a small ruckus erupts from the streets below. Shouting echos throughout the casual liveliness of the market, and Asa peers over the side to catch a glimpse of a young boy being chased after by the fruit stall man from before. The boy was a scrawny little thing, clutching a bag to his chest. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Theif! Somebody stop that rat!" The stallman hollers shaking his fist unable to keep up with such a agile child. Before the others on the roof could respond, or even stop her, Asa charged from the roof, and lept over to the other one. She continued to roof hop away as she pursued the thief from high above. Her vision only ever breaking from the young boy to glimpse at her path ahead, making countermeasures as to when she should jump, dodge, or pick up speed. It was time like these where Asa wished she never picked up the habit of wearing such heavy armor. It was clunky and hard to maneuver in, but she pushed herself to keep going. Eyeing the child's movements she could see him position himself on the farthest side of the street, but slow down, as if he was about to make a turn. Something large wagons would do in order to make turns smoother. This kid was smart, but easy to read. He was going to turn into the shaded alley up ahead, and either stop there or disappear. Asa leaped from the edge of the building she was on the moment the child made the turn, and she descended upon him swiftly. Falling against the forewall of the opposite building she propelled herself off it and tackled the boy to the ground. She could hear the snap of bone underneath her, no doubt she was much too heavy for this young boy to withstand. The thin paper back he was carrying had been flung away from him during the fall and apples were rolling away from them as a pained cry whimpers out from underneath her. Immediately the white haired woman shifted her weight off of him, as he began to swear at her for breaking his arm.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Crazy bitch! You broke my arm!"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] He cried out, holding the twisted arm at his side while he lay there on his back.The young man looked no more than twenty, he was scrawny and fragile looking to the point that Asa's eyes widened in surprise. She would think that her weight would have broke more than just his arm. Surely he had a few cracked ribs as well. His extremely pale skin and raven black hair were dirtied and matted as if he hadn't been properly cared for in years. While his body screamed malnourishment, his eyes the color of acid were lively and full of tears. She stood up, eyeing the boy, and in that moment she felt her heart sink. She pitied the boy, surely he stole the food because he had not eaten in days. Shaking her head the white knight quickly came to her senses. [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]No I cannot pity him just yet, for all I know he is a scoundrel to lazy to search for work, [/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent]Asa thought cautiously. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Quit your sniveling thief, and explain yourself." Asa harshly yanked him up from the cold stone path and set him up to his feet. The boy's bright green eyes narrowed in scorn towards the knight as he shakily kept his distance. "If you run again I will catch you again. Maybe break another bone next time eh!?" Asa threatened him further as she demanded him to comply. The boy was withdrawn, but he nodded shyly out of fear. He knew he wasn't going to get away this time, Asa could tell by the look on his face.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"I was hungry ma'am...w-why else would I steal fruits?"[/BCOLOR][BCOLOR=transparent] The poor boy bowed his head in shame. Asa's eyebrow perked questioningly at his response, though the boy was right from what she could tell. This probably was not his first time committing the crime though, and actions need to be taken. Should she cut of his hand and make an example out of him? Turn him into the guards and have the city deal with him? She felt like she needed more from the boy. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"What else? Have you not tried to contribute to society?"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Who in their right minds would hire a street rat like me?"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"You did not answer the question. Have. you. tried?" [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]".....Once. I worked once. A family friend took pity on me and gave me a job."[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Then why are you stealing for food thief!?"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"T-they went out of business, I swear no one else would hire me. I have no skills!"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"What horse shit coming from your mouth you little runt. That's why you take apprentice positions fool!" [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Do you know how hard it is to get such roles my lady? Please have mercy!"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]The boy's begging was pathetic at best, but somewhere beneath all that groveling Asa felt it in her gut that the boy was being genuine. Besides it was only a handful of years ago that she herself was lower than dirt scavenging for scraps on the docks, but what could she do for the boy? Asa fiddled with the coin purse on her hip, the gold clinking together rang quietly in both their ears. She could give him some gold, but would that help? He would spend it all and go right back to stealing again. Why give a man a trout when you can teach them how to fish? Then an idea struck her, something she had never considered doing before. She knew now how she was going to make an example of this boy, she was going to take him under her wing. For a brief moment she could feel a sensation trickle under skin, a light sense of pride that was not her own.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]Vere?[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]I would be so proud of you if you did.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]After the two exchanged thoughts, Asa let a small sigh escape off her pink lips. Normally this would be something she would be against, as she typically didn't do well with people, but Verebera had always pushed Asa to break out of her comfort zone. Maybe this could be beneficial not only for the boy but for herself as well. "Alright. You are going to serve time giving back to the society you stole from by working for me. Welcome to the Darkmoon Mercenaries kid." Asa placed a hand on her hip, a stark face staring at the boy who nearly nodded in defeat. Working for Asa would surely be better than losing his hand. The two gathered up the apples from the grimy street floor and returned them to the inside of the paper brown bag. The fruit was badly bruised and dirty, he would be unable to return them. She grabbed the boy by the scruff of his shirt and dragged him away in the direction of the guild headquarters. As they are on their way walking Asa could feel a slight change in pressure in the air, and turned to look over her shoulder. She could see a faint shimmer coming from the building on which Pywll and the other stood, and shortly after the raging storm over head departed without a trace. It appeared that the fae man had helped them after all, she should surely show her gratitude next they meet. She glanced back down at the boy who watched the lightening vanish in awe, the skies once again grey with a light shower. They continued forward, their boots splashing in shallow puddles as they tread their way to the guild building. After a short walk the two arrived and Asa pulled the boy inside.[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"Annise, see to it that this boy is tended to. Under no circumstances is he to leave the building. I want him watched like a hawk." Asa called out from the door as "[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=transparent]she approached the front office. The woman sitting there gave Asa such a surprised look that it startled the knight. [/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]"What are you doing here!? Blast the raven must have missed you! There is a guild fight and you had been called forth to participate!"[/BCOLOR]

[BCOLOR=transparent]The woman's words struck her once again with shock. Her chase after the thief must have caused her to accidentally evade the raven. If anything the notice was probably given to Pywll who she was just with. How unfortunate that she would be late to such an event, and incredibly embarrassing. She shoved the boy forward. "Where does it take place?" Asa questioned quickly. When she was given the coordinates she pointed to the boy. "Watch him. He is my new underling." she orders the woman as she darts out the front door and down the street. Hopefully she will not be too late, her guildmates would surely need her brute strength in this fight.[/BCOLOR]

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@Wolfsin @MotherOfCthulhu @DoomyCakez​