Ray Heart (Completed/Finished)

[Soverign]

Though such ceremony wasn't her cup of tea. The events were made interesting by random issues and people. She exuded her normal patience going through the ceremony steps as the night went on. But when it was over she didn't hold in the gasp of relief when it ended. Forging things she can be at it for hours. Even days at a time. But sitting around and just listening had her wish she was deaf at some point.

Making her way through the crowd Baloc stood before the only one present of the pair. She found it interesting the groom wasn't present but she wasn't going to try and guess. It took some time to actually get an audience with her. The bride having to deal with drunken people and having to avoid a few herself. The smith soon got her chance and bowed formally. Once her bow was done she knelt offering the gifts. Opening the one destined for her Baloc showed it's function. In delicate fan she showed it could function as a fan but then pushed the section allowing the thin blades to show themselves. Writing in her journal and showing it tot he bride 'I would be careful Lady Brook. This is a beautiful tool though it is also a weapon. The gift for your husband is also here. Do you wish for me to give it to you or wait for his arrival?' She had expected the Groom to be here. Whether he really was to arrive or not she didn't know. But she hoped he did. Little glory if the gift she gives for a wedding is used for a murder.

 

[Wiggin]

\/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\/
Thorne Glowbrew
/\~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/\​

Thorne felt a slight pang of annoyance at the assumption that he had stolen from bones. Was that a rumor that was going to spread after this or was it just Naeve who thought this? Thorne shook the thought away from his mind, adjusting his grip on the flower pot in his hands. "Well first off, I think it would be less dangerous for you if I just kept the details of what I took to myself. In the event you get questioned or taken, you don't need to lie about ignorance which makes it easier to come off as genuine. They could put a spell on you to make you tell the truth and it wouldn't be a worrying event. Now…" Thorne snapped his fingers to make the transition between subjects more noticeable, and it made the conversation seem like a casual one, "As for who is trying to kill me, I can safely say that I was an idiot and have no precise idea. I was taken by the allure of gold from a messenger, and so I don't know the identity of my employer. Apparently the item I have in my possession is something that has caused wars, or at least, has been an item of interest for those that desire power. That's all I'm really willing to tell you." Thorne finished as they approached the rook city estate, one of the more central sections of the human part of the city. The stench of liquor and wine from nobles held itself in the air. "On to the matter at hand, do you have any skills at sneaking into manors such as this? I would rather not leave you on the streets while I sneak in and plant this thing," Thorne nodded to the plant in his hands.

 

[CaptainLiterally]

Navea shrugged in response to Thorne's words, begrudgingly noticing the wisdom in refraining to share all he knew. But the information about the orb intruiged her. It again begged the question: what had she gotten involved in?

She she began to slouch in annoyance at reality: bitter cold and immenent danger could put a damper on any situation.But the familiar noises of her native district gave her some comfort. The pungent scent of home helped her to relax somewhat despite the prickly feeling on the back of her neck that hadn't stopped since she left the Cockatrice.

She was glad when the silence ended and Thorne finally asked her about her manor-robbing expertise.

"You could say that I consider it one of my superior skills," she responded, standing a little taller. She was eager. A little tired, she noticed, but glad to have something to do.

 

[EldridSmith]

Emanthe didn't respond to Verity having gotten used to seeing many foul things in the minds of others, he wasn't surprised but his gaze upon her grew rather soft as she had to go through all that. She then continued on about how paperwork would take far too long. "I work in records a good deal and could speed it along provided we have some evidence, though it would be preferred she volunteer it herself." He declared without speaking up any further, his mind moved on to the task at hand.

Emanthe quickly spotted Yeothal's gang standing around before Verity pointed Yeothal out of the crowd, he assessed he would be hard pressed to nab the criminal with the gang around. However he had a feeling that there was more than him being here than just a simple call to help the reconstruction... he seemed to be waiting on something or someone or a group of people, whatever it was he decided monitoring them was a must. Verity then stated she planned on going over to Yeothal for a chat and asked if he would be willing to jump in to help if the talk soured. "Of course, it is my duty after all." He stated with a smile. "Good luck." He wished her before keeping his eyes on her as he moved to the interior of the tavern but keeping a distance from Verity with Amaril.

"Emanthe, knight in of the departments of records and training, a pleasure to make your acquaintance again. I believe it's been a year or so since we last met so forgive me for forgetting any details of our prior meeting." He declared politely before ordering a cup of coffee. "I spend much of my time either buried in papers or teaching the incoming knights so I don't often get to meet the veterans outside of the two departments I frequent. I'm glad to get this mission as a bit of a break from those two. If you need any help with paperwork after the mission I can give you a hand or pass it through the channels a bit quicker." He politely offered Amaril. "What is it like as an outrider if I may ask? I've heard the stories but I want to know what really happens if you don't mind sharing while we wait."
@Elvario @Valkan

 

[Ur Degaton]

"Who is this mysterious benefactor that employed you and your men?" Solomon asked curiously. "Because if a fight breaks out, I'm not sure I'll be of much use. I'm long past my fighting days son." He explained to the charismatic gang leader.

Truth be told, he really wouldn't be useful in a situation like this. There were too many goons idling around. If he were to break out his book of tricks amidst a crowd of his criminal allies, he could risk harming them. And since he wanted to be on Yeothal's good side. He knew better than to try anything needlessly dangerous.

Solomon was also very curious as to whom the employer of the gang was. And why they would hire such a ragtag group of scoundrels, regardless of how skilled they may be. It was safer and more efficient to hire well trained mercenaries, or morally dubious adventurers to take care of seedy tasks. Unless there was something he was missing about this whole ordeal.

 

[Valkan]

Aramil Argannon

Apparently, a big detail had slipped Aramil's mind. He had indeed met this person with Verity. He was indeed a knight, one by the name of Emanthe. No wonder his face looked familiar. However, unlike Emanthe, he was clueless about what had happened on their previous encounter. Given that the Knight worked in records and training, he probably had some business to settle with him related to the former, as he would certainly have met him enough to remember him if he was his trainer at some point. "Likewise. Since I am mostly a field worker, I have a tendency to forget such meetings." Aramil answered in an apologetic tone, just as he took a sip of his tea.

Emanthe then elaborated on his happiness on leaving the routine of his regular job, which he completely understood. He would go crazy if he had to "be buried in papers". But still, it didn't sound like the man actually hated the job, just that he was very busy. Which was good, not everyone fits in the same slot. Emanthe was even kind enough to offer Aramil some help with the post-job paperwork. "I would appreciate that, paperwork is a nightmare for me. And since I'm just helping because I appeared by chance, I get the feeling I'll have to do more of it than usual." He wouldn't reject such an offer just like that, and flashing a smile at Emanthe as he answered showed how pleased he was to take it.

The conversation then took a turn towards Aramil. Not that he minded, but it was odd to hear someone ask about his job. Maybe in the proper company he'd get asked that more? Whatever the case, Aramil took yet another sip of his drink and answered. "Summarizing, it is quite the opposite from your role. I travel around the outside of the walls, helping in settlements here and there. My missions range from things like gathering materials, to escorting something to safety, to my most recent one, supervising the protection of an outpost in construction. I also like to help locals if I can in my free time, but that is just me."

Emanthe | @EldridSmith

 

[Nero Kunivas]

- Kallias Drakos - The Cringing Cockatrice -

Once the madman who set fire to the Cockatrice had been subdued, Kallias set about aiding with clean-up once Kaz was in better hands. Though some would look at him oddly at first, none would complain once he picked up a broom and began sweeping away ash and debris. Any injuries sustained by other samaritans during this task would be quickly healed by the blood mage. The irony of an aristocratic man getting his hands dirty by aiding the common folk was not lost on Kallias, he just didn't care. People needed help after all and more needed to be shown the benefits of hemomancy.

Hours passed, a couple of drinks that were unable to salve his dry mouth and use of his blood magic throughout the day were all serving to remind Kallias of something urgent: The Thirst was calling. Even so early into it, he could already see the pumping veins of people's necks much more clearly than usual and his hands were beginning to tremble. Thankfully, he had experience managing the early signs of The Thirst, so he was able to push them aside for now.

Taking a big handful of gold coins, Kallias donated to the repair fund for the Cockatrice and headed to the bar after Gattas had emerged from the cellar with a keg. "Hail Gattas!" He would call out to the goblin as he approached. "How are you holding up? I just came to check up on you after your recent bout and assessing the damages." Kallias began, then his expression perked up as he pointed toward the fund. "Oh! You'll find an extra contribution to your wonderfully named fund, Gattas, courtesy of yours truly. You will find it quite substantial." Though he held a haughty tone, his expression was a sincere smile. "This is a fine establishment, after all."

@TheEccentric

 

[Novama]

Time: 8:05 PM
Day: Monday
Weather: Mostly clear with few clouds and a light cold breeze. Freezing cold.
Those Involved: @Wiggin @slifer @Elvario @Ur Degaton @Skyhunter @TheEccentric @The_Queer_Alien @CaptainLiterally @Soverign @EldridSmith @Nero Kunivas @Valkan
TooLongDidn'tRead: The tavern didn't completely burn down and many have gathered there. Kaz is in jail after being subdued by gattas and kallias and captured by the knights nearby. the rook wedding concluded and now folks are partying.

Note From The Author: (what could happen. who knows.)
Post Listening:

Cringing Cockatrice

Despite the chill in the air and the growing smell of booze, Yeothal was particularly collected yet calm. His men on the other hand, sitting at tables all around his were clearly on edge. Solomon's comments joined thoughts similar to his in a chorus at their boss wondering why he dragged them out there to some crap bar for unknown reasons and goals. Yeothal ignored them, which he didn't have to do long, when Verity approached. He magic exploded like a bomb throughout the tavern creating a lul in the air and occupants like that of an opium den. Everyone including Gattas, Kallias, Aramil, Solomon and Emanthe slumped, leaned, and relaxed to the point of nearly falling asleep. Verity moving through the room was perceived like a princess slow running down the beach as she made her way to Yeothal. He was late in responding to Verity's comments, but respond he did as he kicked one of his men out of a chair so that the lady could sit. Like in a dream, his speech ran together oddly but the message was overall conveyed.

"You are well informed pretty lady like a smart lady I have plans and could use a smart lady like you who is in the know aware of the things that I know and have prepared for with men who will die for me and me for them but money is important very important our home you see needs money is evil but necessary like we are to the man who employs us with money which we need you see so see who we deal with him that we may get more money and you can help,"

The rest of Yeothal's men were in similar stoopers with some seemingly being quicker to rouse themselves and some completely passing out.
The cockatrice was eerily quiet despite the crowd. The cold wind whistling through the patchy 2nd floor and absent roof was clearly audible along with the crackling fire in the hearth.

Ray City Jail

Kaz heard a voice speak loud enough for him to hear from the cell next to him. It was the guy asking for food previously. His voice was on the deeper side and he spoke with a city slang.

"You, my friend, are a resident like the rest of us in this Ray City Jail. Depending on what you did, you either got an execution coming your way, slave sentence, or a rough night in jail. So, what'd you do? Tell me a story since we have nothing but time and maybe a surprise if I like your story..."

The man then shifted around in his cell before becoming still and quiet. Other than the occasional wails of a madman a few cells down, the floor was Kaz's. The guards didn't seem to mind the captives closely giving them free reign to be as rambunctious and loud in their cells as they wanted.

Rook City Estate

Countess Harven, now Lady Rook, parted with her wine long enough to take in Baloc's presentation. Her eyes went wide as she sobered a little to gasp and put on a show of how exquisite the craftsmanship and 'cuteness' of the item was. She instructed one of her ladies in waiting to collect the gifts from Baloc. Her expression soured and she took another long drink at the mention of her now husband, Lord Rook.

"That man left shortly after our ceremony on business. Hard to say when he will be back. I wouldn't suggest waiting on him. He kept me waiting five years and was nearly late to his own wedding."

The lady of the house drank deeply from a newly topped off glass. She then started to weep drunkenly. Her women rushed to console her. Some of the nobles nearby whispered and gossiped. Those further away got the story wrong and started passing along the assumption the gifts from Baloc were not to the Marquess's liking. The mostly human gathering eyed Baloc cautiously with several of the guards on edge. How would the demi-human react to the Lady's poor show of thanks for the gifts. One drunken noble in the back ripped a lance from the wall and started declaring he would 'slay the dragon'. He managed to let the tip of the lance drive into the ground and sharply jab himself on the hilt when it backfired into himself.

Outside, Kyrian would exit out the front gate of the walled property into a spacious street. The late hour met few carriages or people on the road, but there were a few stumbling folk out and about being watched over by their servants. Among the rabble, Kyrian spotted Naeva and Thorne whispering to each other intently and regularly eyeing the Rook property. The iron wrought fencing blurred as he passed down the street, feeling the chill in the air as soon as he left the magically controlled property of the Rook house.

 

[TheEccentric]

The crisp air of smoke and alcohol softly pressed itself against Gattas, assailing his nose with this familiar yet unfamiliar scent. Though damaged and ashen, the glow of the Cringing Cockatrice isn't easily snuffed. A warm hearth and a warmer service are appreciable enough on their own, but his inn's atmosphere is what truly causes the people to flock here. Here, criminals and the police force can intermingle in relative peace albeit with a wall of tension blocking most interactions of that nature. His eyes wandering, Gattas saw more than a few familiar faces, but they were more acquaintances than friends so he didn't intend to fit his bulbous nose into their problems. Flitting between legs and hips, his voice spoke with spittle and bittersweet mirth whenever his other patrons gave their sentiments and verbal support. His afternoon staff have already been changed for the day, and although his evening staff were a bit surprised by the damages, it's nothing too severe.

His eyes shifted to the side upon the formal mention of his name, yellow eyes catching the silhouette of the samaritan with the strange crimson magicks. Gattas' appreciation for the man skyrocketed when Kallias gave his aid in the bout against Kaz, which fortunately ended with them taking just a few scratches and singes at most. He trudged along forward, a merry smile creeping on his gobliny face. "Words ain't sufficin' for all yer help there, good'un. Ah'll make yer name gets carved on me countertop o' destiny.", giving a rumbling chuckle, his eyes traced to one side of his countertop, a little segment with a removal wooden plate. On them, are various names and tallies, a comedic little piece of local bar culture for his patrons to mark their own debts and thoughts, some even going so far as writing down some mushy heart carvings inside of which are their and their partner's names.

His expression remained jolly and bright, but the distinct softness of exhaustion and age could be seen from the corners of his eyes. Turning his eyes back to Kallias, the air of gratitude emanating from Gattas is very much noticeable to the sanguimancer. "Heroes come in weird ways, don't they?", replying with a euphemism, the goblin lightly placed the keg on the floor beside the counter. Though, before he could continue with his words, the overflowing magic cascaded against his face, pulling him into a sullen trance. His mind screaming slumber while his eyelids bore the weight of the world, the old goblin caught himself before he could drop to the floor, hand slapping against the wooden front of the counter. Through swirling desires of rest, the goblin eeked out a single sentence in a slurred tone. "God...damn...it...A...no...ther...prob...lem..."

 

[Skyhunter]

The young Bloodhawk stared into space, thinking and weighing his options, he didn't have much at this point. He could only rot within this cage they had locked him up in, which again Kaz did not understand why. But his thoughts were disturbed when he heard a deep voice in the cage beside him, telling Kaz where he had ended up at and what would happen to him.

Kaz was well aware of what a execution was, he had seen many of them back home when the Bloodhawks would capture warriors of other tribes. Slavery too, surprisingly enough that fate almost was casted on Kaz when he was captured by a enemy tribe, but he was lucky enough to escape such a fate, slaves that worked for other tribes never survived very long afterwards. The last part was more of a dream than a reality for the Bloodhawk. He knew he wouldn't be let out after one night in this place, but a man can imagine.

For a few moments the Bloodhawk was quiet before letting out a quiet chuckle, " What I did i did to survive. To make sure more people didn't get hurt or killed. " The Bloodhawk started, he rested against the cold wall behind him, staring up at the ceiling. " I murdered a man and ate him to satisfy my bloodlust, to eat, to survive. " Kaz explained " I wish it wasn't this way but it had to happen. My bloodlust is something i can't control. Damn my God who made sure to inflict my people with this curse... I made sure it was quick though, I never take pleasure in killing a man unless they've wronged me. But I got reckless, too comfortable, didn't think those cowardly knights would come for me. I lead a trail back to a friend whom I slept in the same room with. I hope he's okay, he did nothing wrong. They attacked me and took my only, uh, treasure from me. My mother's broken dagger, a dagger I broke long ago to protect myself. And they took it from me. " Kaz sighed quietly.

" I remember then being thrown into a weird empty space but reappeared onto the same bed surrounded by knights. They pointed their weapons at me and took my things. So I attacked, it got bad for me. Too many of them, my magic wasn't too weak or I was too weak. " Kaz gently placed a hand against the temple of his head stating at the cold gross floor. " Fire... The room began to burn, i wanted to kill them all, I wanted to watch they burn. I wanted to rip the eyes out of their heads and feed it to them. I was so angry. I was not aware of how injured I was, I was slashed across my body. Too angry to feel the pain. I ran, escaped through the window. "

The Bloodhawk sighed " Only to be chased down by a goblin, a wall walking goblin. Scary sight that but a exciting one. I was bleeding, I was cold, drained from using my magic, confused, frustrated. Angry. Only to also have someone else chase me as well, but this person had shown me something I thought impossible... They were against me as well but I want to learn from them, know the secret of their powers to learn it myself. But the goblin and this man both fought me in a weakened state. I was... Excited, I wanted to fight, I felt my body surge with energy. I fought then... I'm not sure. I then woke up here in this cage. " Kaz finished with a sad and frustrated sigh. " Stuck. Well, what do you think of that story, friend? Do I get this prize you talked about? " He asked to this stranger in the next room.

 

[Novama]

Time: 8:05 PM
Day: Monday
Weather: Mostly clear with few clouds and a light cold breeze. Freezing cold.
Those Involved: @Skyhunter
TooLongDidn'tRead: Prison birds doing prison things

Note From The Author: (the world waits for no slackers)
Post Listening:

Ray City Jail

The man didn't reply for a bit after Kaz's tale but he was clearly listening as the occasional "huh" and sighing whistle made it apparent the story had an affect.

"I'll be frank kid. I think you're looney. Probably deserve to be in here, honestly. But you have the right sort of crazy that could be useful."

The man said whispered the last bit so Kaz would have to listen very close to make it out.

"Me and the boys are planning a jail break with our friends outside. We could use some more fighting power when we break ourselves out. Promise not to eat me and you can come along for the ride,"

The mystery man offers. Done whispering he immediately goes back to talking about inconsequential things to idle the time.

"You suppose Beatrice loves me? Whenever I see her at the brothel, she charges me less than the going rate of the house. For a while I thought it was because I always came on their sale days, but every time I visit she says she can't wait for me to come back. I know she doesn't tell it to the other fellows. They told me so when they got done."

 

[Skyhunter]

Kaz looked over at the wall when he mentioned that Kaz belonged here, he sighed, he didn't understand why he did. But the Bloodhawk didn't respond, not until he heard the next part that they were going to break out of this prison. He liked the sound of that, a smile made its way across his face, the outsider chuckled a little. " Maybe this beat rice does, I wouldn't know what a brothel is but sounds like a delicious piece of meat. " The Bloodhawk responded confidently. If they would be able to fight out of this place, Kaz would do what he could to do that, he didn't belong in this place no matter what anyone said, he did what he had to to survive. " My arm is a bit messed up, I can't make a fist properly. They cut my arm pretty deep, say, whats your name friend? I'm Kaz Bloodhawk. " the young outsider explained.

 

[slifer]

The wedding party at the Rook Estate started to wind down as the day turned into night, and frankly, Kyrian wanted to go back to the Cringing Cockatrice. He had to apologize to Gattas after all, and hopefully get a good place to sleep, which seemed like a better and better idea because he was full of delicious food, and tired from having to do a bit of priestly mingling at the party. He made his goodbyes to the appropriate people, making sure to say goodbye to the Baroness and the newlywed wife, thinking that from the looks of things it would either be a loveless marriage or an impending divorce, as the groom had already left.

Kyrian disappeared into the kitchens, and with money changing hands, Kyrian had leftover food wrapped up to go and a chicken held under one arm as apology gifts for Gattas- as he figured the man would appreciate a gift akin to a chicken- one that kept on giving, and wasn't just for one time use. Gifts in hand, he left the estate, passing the walled property onto the spacious street.

His eyes looked over the crowd, almost immediately spotting Thorn and Naeva plotting....something. It wasn't like he knew who they were, but they stood out to him clearly because they didn't seem to be making an attempt to hide how intently they were watching the Rook Estates. It only took an instant to make his decision, but with a sigh, he strolled over to the pair to engage with them, shifting the chicken on his arm like a bag of groceries that needed adjustment. In his mind he was already formulating a plan- kill them with kindness. "Are you two all right? My name is Father Kyrian Zamir. If you need a warm place to stay and some food to eat, I can show you a few places that would accommodate you." Normally, he didn't lead with the fact that he was a priest, but it usually helped people bring their guard down around him when they realized he was a cleric affiliated with the churches in the area.

@Wiggin @CaptainLiterally @Novama @TheEccentric

 

[Elvario]

Verity
​

Interactions: -

Verity realised she'd spiced (or de-spiced?) things up (or down?) a bit too much. If she wanted a career in legal non-drug based drug usage, this would be the thing to go by. Sadly enough, for all current intends and purposes, it made things a bit more challenging.

She listened to Yeohal's rambling and concluded three things. First of all, he was indeed just a middle-man. Secondly, he considered himself to be some sort of folk hero, breaking the law for the betterment of his kin. Thirdly, they were to meet their employer right here, in the remnants of the Cringing Cockatrice.

She'd already dived in too deep now, so she figured she'd play along. Giving him a smile, she'd agree to his proposal. "That sounds like a great plan. I'd love to meet this employer of yours. Could you tell me a bit more about him, so that I know who I'll be dealing with?" With that said, she hoped her magic would hold up for long enough to have Yeothal on her 'side' when these people were to actually show up, otherwise things were going to get rather awkward. She also couldn't help wondering what a random old dude was among Yeothal's goons, as his emotional state didn't quite seem to match theirs either, but she figured she'd leave that for later.

 

[EldridSmith]

Emanthe sipped on his tea as Aramil "No worries, I myself forgot a great majority of the details of the meeting." He stated with a smile. He liked to work on the field, however he was called to help train the younger generation as well as work with papers as most knights didn't desire to go into those fields he felt it was his duty to help keep the clockwork of the eldritch knights running smoothly.

Speaking of paperwork Aramil took him up on his offer of helping deal with the paperwork that would come after the mission. "Of course, glad to help. Not many knights like paperwork, so I'm not surprised. Thankfully being born into a noble family I was rather used to dealing with it from a young age so it doesn't bother me. As for the extra paperwork for helping Verity we'll have to go through, I can help smooth it all out with the superiors." He stated with comforting smile before sipping his tea as Aramil answered his question.

"I see, I would like to give it a try one day, potentially swapping with an older outrider who can deal with logistics and youngsters, it would be nice to see outside the walls more often since I've spent a vast majority of my time within the city. Dealing with people without having stacks of papers or having to instruct a knight on the errors in their stance and form sounds nice, and I don't mind gathering materials, honestly sounds easier than looking for old documents buried in the archives." He says with a joking smile. "Maybe one day I'll join you on some of your missions. As for now I've got to stick to my current assignments." He was about to comment further when before magic went off and put him in a state of near sleep causing him to spill his tea over the table before he fully returned to his feet fully awake once more.

Emanthe looked over to Aramil who was similarly rousing and stealthily motioned for him to play it like they were still asleep, as this would likely help Verity in her negotiations seeing as Yeothal had something in mind for putting everyone to sleep. Though he still was physically prepared to rush towards Verity on a moments notice if things went sour. However seeing as she sat down and was playing the part to go along with what Yeothal was saying, he felt it would take a decent bit of talking before anything of note happened for them to rush over. Still he felt he should be doing more, but he couldn't quite figure out how so he resigned himself to continuing his watching of Verity and playing the part of a still asleep person.
@Valkan

 

[Wiggin]

\/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\/
Thorne Glowbrew
/\~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~/\​

Well, at least this girl knew a little about sneaking into places like this. The two of them were by one of the walls that kept the estate closed off to unwanted visitors. Naeve would then see Thorne implode inwards as he teleported, soon reappearing on top of the wall. He then placed the plant down on the ledge and reached a hand down to help Naeve up. "Grab my hand so we can get over this wall before we're seen," He said, waving his hand.

 

[The Last Curse]

​

Trudging through the lamp-lit streets by civilians of varying shapes and sizes was a tall hooded figure with a large sword wrapped tightly to their back. To the average citizen, they appeared to be a common mercenary: either coming back from a job well done or seeking refuge from the cold night. However, it was none other than the heir to the Beryl Throne: Nyxus Aragon.

Much like most cities he's visited, Nyxus had no direction in particular. In an enormous city such as this, it was easy for newcomers to become lost - he was no exception. Every time he entered a new setting, he'd immediately head towards the taverns: they were good places to find jobs and people in need of help. However, he had no luck in the pubs he had previously visited; most patrons were too inebriated to talk, and everyone else seemed perfectly content with their labor. He had hoped in such a city so big that at least one civilian could use his assistance - perhaps he wasn't looking hard enough.

Regardless, Nyxus had heard some gossip during his brief time in the city. He vaguely heard there was a fire at this popular bar called the Cringing Cockatrice. And despite the damages, many patrons still attended there. He wasn't able to hear the full conversation, but he knew that was where he had to go. Where else could he find work than in one of the most popular bars in the city?

Unfortunately, it wouldn't be that easy. Nyxus couldn't find the bar by his own wits - the city was just too expansive, and he constantly received mixed directions from the locals; one infuriating little Kobold lead him right towards the city gates, and several men sent him into another district. Nyxus thought it was a hazing ritual for newcomers, but those expletives that Kobold yelled at him as it ran away made him think otherwise. Still, his escapades around the city only gave him more knowledge of his surroundings. Nyxus was sure the Cringing Cockatrice was around here somewhere.

As he made it past several stores and houses, he noticed a building far ahead of him. At first glance, Nyxus noticed that parts of the building were in ruin - and even more concerning, the roof was completely missing. Despite the building's dilapidation, he could still see orange lights pouring out from the windows; there were still people in there. Upon seeing this, Nyxus remembered what he heard earlier. With haste, he made his way over to the building, sorely hoping that his luck had finally changed.

Reaching the front of the building, Nyxus slowly opened the front door, a very audible creak sounding out in the packed bar. As he took a step inside, he noticed that most of the patrons seemed rather...sluggish. Though it was expected for a bar to be a place of complete inebriation, almost everyone here looked as if they were awaking from a nap or going into one. He didn't know what sleep ritual he stumbled upon but quickly figured that he shouldn't make himself a stranger, strolling over to a free seat.

Greatsword and pack jostling in unison as he sat, Nyxus continued to survey his surroundings. Due to the current state of the bar's patrons, it was difficult to strike up a conversation with anyone, though he spotted two people across from him who didn't seem completely wasted. He held his hand up in greeting and gave an awkward smile,

"Good evening, My name is Nyxus. Now, what exactly did I walk into here..?"

 

[Nero Kunivas]

- Kallias Drakos - The Cringing Cockatrice -

At the mention of his name being engraved into Gattas's countertop as by way of immortalizing his deeds today, Kallias was genuinely touched by this display, holding a hand to his chest in surprise. "My, you honour me, Gattas!" Bringing down his elated state, he went on. "It was nothing, really. You needed help and a ruffian needed stopping." Kallias spoke with a shrug and seeming modesty, how real it was was anyone's guess, but none could doubt the truth behind his words.

When Gattas made the inference that Kallias was a hero, he was honestly stunned into a brief silence. He had been lavished with praise before when saving the lives of the unfortunate, yet rarely if ever did they outright use the word 'Hero' to describe him, even in the heat of the moment. Nothing gave him more joy...and guilt, to be called such a thing. His mixed feelings were apparent upon his face for a few moments, but when he realized this, Kallias forced a smile to hide the latter of his feelings.

"Me? A hero? ...no, no, not at all. That's being too kind to a freak like me."

Kallias kept this thought internalized within his head, but when he began to speak out loud to acknowledge Gattas's praise, a sudden and strong lull began to overtake him and in his sullen state, Kallias could see Gattas being afflicted by something similar. Every sense, aside from The Thirst, screamed at Kallias to sleep, yet he could just barely keep his eyes open from his experiences of many sleepless nights in the past. Not that it did him much good; to move around or act in this state would be ineffectual at best, dangerous at worst.

@TheEccentric

 

[Wiggin]

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Thorne Glowbrew
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Thorne at first didn't notice Kyrian when he had scaled the wall. He was too focused on getting the mission done, and his sleep deprivation wasn't helping with that either. Shit. This might be hard to explain, but maybe he could pull it off. "Oh, hello um… no we're fine at the moment. Can you please not tell the owner about this, we're trying to give a present to them and it's supposed to be a surprise. Ok thank you bye…" Thorne said, obvious lethargy leaking in his voice. He didn't give much of a chance to respond, picking up the plant and jumping off the end of the wall and into the bushes on the other side. The fact that he was a priest made Thorne feel a sense of unease, an instinctual sensation due to him being undead. Thorne wanted to get away from the man as soon as possible, in case he caught wind of what he was.

 

[Ur Degaton]

Solomon's mind raced as foreign magic entered his body, causing him to become drowsy and prone to subjection, like being buzzed without any alcohol. He only knew one person in this city who had a knack for using magic in such a way. His suspicions were correct when he spotted Verity approaching their table. She must have used her magic as a cautionary measure. To ensure that she was safe against the army of thugs that made up Yeothal's posse. He knew her tactic was sound, but he couldn't help but have his pride a little hurt at the prospect of being under the influence of another magician. But he quickly pushed those thoughts aside in favor of the mission.

She was jeopardizing his goal. The point of being undercover is to get information whilst under the guise of the enemy. So that said enemy is off their guard and more susceptible to leaking information that could prove useful. Her forward approach to the situation could prove detrimental to the operation as a whole. If the employer finds out that a knight is at the meeting location, they will most likely bail and it'll reflect bad on the gang and make another meeting difficult to arrange.

Solomon could feel anger bubbling up within him, but he suppressed it. She was only doing what she thought was best. She was the skilled investigator, not him. But still, he had to do something lest he be put in jeopardy.

He floods his system with magic and slowly dispels the influence she had on him, as not to draw her attention at the sudden flare of energy. He looks up at her with a glare. "Eh boss, I could be wrong, but isn't this the knight most famous for her use of mind magic? The type of mind magic that has made criminals time and time again spill the beans on sensitive information?"