Tales of Sythus: Rise of the Shadowlords; IC Thread

[Ethir]

[Kathar Palace - Throne Room]

Once more, the thief was first to speak, his words "I'll do it" reaching Fingar with ease, and the three syllables brought that chilling smile back to his face. He simply nodded at Lujurio, a gesture that, to anyone that knew him, was a simple thanks. he nod suggested he had nothing else to say to the boy for the moment, and he should wit until others had given their response before he would talk again. And Fingar did not have to wait long, because Alfirineth soon spoke up and addressed him, also confirming her allegiance with him. He smiled at her mention of it sounding fun, grinning mischievously at her while she mentioned she would like to know how he came across the knowledge of her parents. "Rin, my dear," he whispered to her quietly, his voice reaching them all as if he were standing next to them, "I'm the High Priest of Sythus, the Empresses' right hand man. It's my job to ensure I know everything about our citizens. But do not worry, I assure you no harm shall come to them whilst your allegiance lies with me."

Marcella was next to speak, and Fingar's gaze fell upon her with an anger filled glare as she proclaimed he should not be sat upon the throne before a formal proxy. He stood quickly and his hair flew up with his rapid movement, shrouding his face in waves of white, "You demand a vote?!" his voice was raised a little and his eyes were glowing brighter than ever. He was about to continue with a hate filled sentence when she finished what she was speaking herself. His eyes still glowed bright with anger as she mentioned his convincing ways were boring, and how she used her name and position of a council member as if it meant something to him. "You Bychan's are all the same. Using your place upon the council as if you better everyone else. I care not for your family or your honour, simply for your allegiance to my cause. They are not to be involved in this, and neither is the council. Swearing upon them is not an option my dear Marcella. Surely you, an intelligent girl such as yourself, has figured out that much by now?" He sat himself back down and closed his eyes, taking a few deep breaths before opening them again. The red glow had receded to it's usual state has his anger had resided a little, "But, I commend you for seeing the light. Have no worry, the Kingdom of Sythus will thank us all when this is all over. And those who don't will surely regret it."

Fingar's eyes fell upon Ruin, his half dragon bully he'd commandeered into fighting for him. "Awfully quiet over there dear, something the matter?" A dark chuckle escaped his lips and Ruin shot him a glare he was all too familiar with. If looks could kill, she would've murdered him a million times over by now. There were times Fingar could've sworn her glares had managed to inflict pain on others, and he often held admiration for her ability to do that. But he remembered that she was little but a means to an end and hi admiration for her faltered. Their eyes were still locked, her glare battling his as they silently stared at eachother. "I'll take your silence as your agreement to my offer, though I doubt you'd have dared try to say no. We both know what happens to dear old sis if you had," he broke the silence and looked away from her, addressing the group once more, "And now we must retreat to the library. I have something set up there I would like you all to see. The guards will escort you all, I shall follow along shortly." He rose from the throne and walked briskly towards the door he had entered from before turning back once more, "And Lujurio. Touch nothing." He turned and stepped through the doorway, listening to the sounds of several guards enter the room and asking the occupants to follow them to the library. Once there, they would all see the map in the center of the room Fingar had set up, the location of the shrines drawn on. Fingar, on the other hand, was retreating to the bathroom for a few moments respite before he would leave to join them there.

[Kathar - The Rusty Brewer - Upper Floor]

Lukas' gaze fell upon Dray as she tried her best to squeeze her words out, eventually stringing a few sentences together. She answered Nerom's questions for him, and Lukas guessed by her statement of doing what they must, she would not hesitate to harm the shrine if it meant stopping the unleashing of the darkness. He knew it must be hard for her to contemplate that, for she was a part of that forest, but he felt sure she would do it if she really had to. "We go now," he heard her say, and he smiled a little, "Of course Dray, I'm sure the pair of you are kitted out with enough weapons for this journey? perhaps a stop at the apothecary or markets is in order for food and medical supplies? The Whispering Woods aren't too much of a trek, but I can't guarantee how safe your journey will be."

He turned his attention to AuRon who still seemed to be fiddling around outside, "Your wings will come in handy here AuRon, you can scout ahead and keep an eye on these two travel-" The sound of beating wings overpowered Lukas' voice, and the old man got up to look out the window, angry the dragon had started to leave without so much as letting him finish his sentence. Upon reaching the window, he looked out and spotted the grey shape of AuRon receding into the distance, the dragon seemingly headed for the mountains. Shaking his head with a furrowed brow, he turned his attention back to the remaining two occupants of the room, "It looks as if he has deserted us. You are on your own now. Make haste! The City Guard will surely still be making patrols. Make your way out of the city as soon as you can. I will remain here, I fear if I come with you I will only slow you down. Return here when the shrine has been dealt with and I will tell you where next we strike. Head to the markets first, swipe some food and leave some coins. Then head out of the city." He shuffled back to his seat and sat down with a slight moan, massaging his knees when he was safely back in his chair.

[Kathar - The Rusty Brewer - Upper Floor -> Kathar - City Markets]

Nerom found his barrage of questions answered, not by the old man he had posed them to, but by the druid sat next to him. We do what we must. The words echoed around in his head as he thought about them, deciding the at Dray most likely meant the shrines had to be destroyed when they found them. Shrugging, he guess that was probably the best way to keep the opposing team from using them for their cause. He watched as Lukas got up to check on AuRon, and sighed as the dragon upped and left without a single word to any of them. "Well at least it'll be easier for us to hide without a dragon giving us away?" He offered a humorous tone to try and brighten the situation up a little, though he doubted it would have much of an effect. Lukas addressed them both and suggested they make a move, mentioning the markets should be their first stop. Nerom stood up and headed towards the door, looking back to see if Dray would follow before addressing Lukas, "We'll be as quick as we can. I doubt you'll be wanting this to drag out any longer than it needs to. Shall we go?" His last sentence was aimed at Dray, though he didn't wait for an answer before he slipped out of the room, down the stairs and back into the streets of Kathar. He hung about outside the door of the inn for a few moments to allow the druid to catch up before he made his way through the winding streets back towards the marketplace.

The walk didn't take long, Nerom was used to covering distances in the least amount of time. Several guards passed by as he walked, but he clung to the shadows and remained put of sight, though he paid little attention to the fact Dray may or may not be hidden as well. He probably came off as not being interested in being partnered with her, but creeping through the streets of Kathar hardly called for a heartfelt conversation. He eventually reached the markets and slipped behind the fruit stall, figuring it would be the easiest to prepare fruit on the move than try and cook meat and such. Looking Dray over, he doubted she'd eat much more than fruits and roots anyway, so surely a diet of fruit would hardly hurt them for the few day journey there and back. "I'm thinking we should get supplies from here," he said as he started picking the lock to the closed stall, "Is there anything in particular you want me to look for?" His voice was low ad quiet as he tried to keep himself concealed from the patrolling guards a little while longer.​

 

[Jho]

Outskirts of unnamed village in Kathar- Palace Grounds- Throne Room


"Hmm…"

Monique scanned the letter with nearly illiterate eyes. Her vision was dimming again, which made the small print and her strained capability of reading all the worse. Her head began to hurt when she couldn't get past the first sentence, and in the fall of her easily overwhelmed dam of patience, Monique was about to throw the letter into the bubbling cauldron before her.

"Don't."

Emil whispered above her as the council of skulls hung protectively over Monique's leaning frame. Monique cursed under her breath and lifted her head to match the eyeless gaze of her deceased mentor.

"I will crush that skull to pieces and serve it to the children of this wretched village. Interrupt me again fool and I'll assure you my words will prove heavier through your vision and not your hearing." The spiteful, agitated hiss that accompanied Monique's threat was music to Emil's absent, yet still utilized ears. But he withheld his pleasure, since he knew his beloved was all too serious with her threat, just like she was the other thousand times before. One false word, one chuckle, one high-pitched note to show his pleasure, and she would not only destroy his only medium to be with her, but she'd do it slowly and deliberately for him to see the ruin of his efforts. It would be beautiful agony, but it was not yet time to indulge in that.

"That letter is very important. And you will be pleased with the fruits of your efforts."

Monique lowered her gaze to the floor. She was intrigued by the promise of Emil's words but she wasn't in the mood for wearing out her eyes so early in the day. She had just finished putting on her layer of graveyard dirt and did a few stretches to keep herself mobile. Yet before she could put the final touches to her love potion, she heard a raven creating a horrible song with it's wretched voice outside of her tent. She walked outside to see it hovering over her invisible barrier, and when he realized he was spotted, he dropped his package next to an old tree and flew away.

Now Monique wished that she had brought a vial of blood to kill the creature. She wouldn't be stuck in her situation and Emil wouldn't be pressuring her to read a letter that was supposedly important. If it were so important, couldn't the person send a messenger? Who knows what could have happened to the raven on it's way to her tent? Or rather, when it reached it's destination?

Wait.

How did they know where she was?

"I know you are agitated with the raven and my own intrusion of your affairs, but I fear you let your mind wander to the most insignificant details. Prepare your eyes Monique. I will help you with the words you struggle with."


Monique sighed and opened one of her many vials hidden in her long shawl. She unplugged the bottle and let some of the liquid drip on one of her fingers. She lifted her mask to hang on the back of her neck, and applied the blood droplets to her eyes.


"It had come to my…" "Attention." "That you are a…"

---

"It has been awhile since I have seen this castle." Monique mused to herself as she looked up at the towering building before her. It looked different a few centuries ago with different banners and decorations adorning the new coat of paint. But it wasn't unrecognizable, and the sight of the previously forbidden area had brought back pleasant memories. And now that her banishment of the castle and the courtyard had been lifted, if not, at least temporarily, she could haunt the hallways once more.

"Guard." Monique spotted one of the guards patrolling the area at the far end of the castle. He saw the mask of the witch doctor and immediately readied his spear to attack. Apparently he wasn't aware that her presence was requested, and though his shaking knees foretold what he felt of Monique's presence, she was too tired from her walk to be amused with his fear. "What? Don't play these games with me, I don't have the energy or care to defend myself from a mere patrolman. Fingar has summoned me, and you'd be wise to lower your weapon."

When he heard the name of his High Priest, the guard rested his spear on the ground. He walked towards the back door of the castle Monique stood in front of and unlocked it with his key. And though he held the door open for Monique, he dared not to stare into the glowing glare of her mask. "Right this way please."

---

When Monique was nearing the throne room, she realized that she may be a little late to the meeting. She didn't move very fast, mostly because she was frugal with the blood infusion of her calf muscles, and the patrolman from before was wary of escorting her around the castle. She dismissed him nonetheless, as she remembered where most of the rooms were.

"Arnold, I request your ears for the throne room."

Monique summoned one of her mentors, Arnold, by sprinkling some cursed clay on his skull. Arnold was probably Monique's favorite of the gang. He only came to her when summoned and gave his services when requested. Unlike Emil, who was always around.

"Present."

When Arnold was ready, Monique placed her hand on the top of his bare dome and began to hear the bits and pieces of information passed along in the throne room. She was still a flight of stairs away before she could join them, but she enjoyed the conversation regardless. She supposed Emil was right from before. The letter was indeed important, and she was satisfied with the outcome of the events that lead afterwards.

When Monique finally got close to the throne room, it was time to leave and go to the library. She was tired all over again, but not undone. So she allowed the guards to lead her with the rest of the group in silence as she kept her breathing pace steady.[/hr][/hr]​

 

[Nougat]

[Kathar>Palace Throne Room>>Kathar>Palace Library]

Fingar replied to Lujurio's words with a chilling smile and a nod. It was rather frightening, although Lujurio didn't show it. It wasn't long after Lujurio spoke that two others spoke. First Alfirinth, agreeing and also questioning how Fingar found out about her parents, which he answered in the same eerily quiet voice as he had before, then Marcella, though she was not so quick in agreeing. Her voice was calm, but scalding. Perhaps they taught how to do that to all the little noble children. Then, despite her words seeming to be so close to disagreeing, she said she would join, in her name and in her position as a council member. But really, those two things wouldn't matter quite as much if she angered the one who currently had the most power.

The one who didn't speak was the dragon woman. Instead, she sported a dark glare in the direction of the high priest, and the high priest glared back at her. There was a brief moment of silence, the two facing off, and Lujurio just stood by and watched. It was like a struggle for power, except---well, Fingar would have won that already. It seemed more like the hatred a slave may have for their owner. The silence didn't last too long, as Fingar broke it, assuming that the woman was going to join. And Lujurio imagined that she probably had, no matter how much she may hate it.

Once Fingar had finished speaking to Ruin, he addressed the rest of the group once more, telling them to go to the library before getting up from the throne and walking briskly away. But before he did, he said one more thing. "And Lujurio. Touch nothing." Lujurio simply raised his arms in a form of surrender, showing that all he was holding was an apple. Of course, his cloak could hide quite a lot, but it wasn't as though he were really trying to prove his innocence. People who tried hard to prove their innocent usually didn't seem too innocent.

Then, as Fingar had said, some guards entered the throne room. But entering with them was yet another person, wearing a glowing mask and carrying a large staff. Witch doctor. Lujurio watched the newcomer for a moment, although he didn't say much or show any particular discomfort about being around the person, but instead a slight curiosity. He often heard stories of such people, but not really enough to actually learn of them. So, while he was going to be keeping a rather safe distance between him and this other person, Lujurio was probably going to be watching this person.

Lujurio walked out of the throne room with everyone else, following the guards through the lavish corridors to the library. The library was just as nicely decorated as every other place in the palace, though if seemed a bit darker, either because of the tall dark shelves or the people in the palace and their aversion to library fires. It seemed quite nice though, even if Lujurio's slight difficulties with reading making him dislike the library just a bit more than the other areas he had seen in the palace.

Seeing a large map in the centre of the room, Lujurio ambled over to it, ignoring the guards who were still in the process of leaving. He assumed that the map was what Fingar had brought them there for, though he didn't see why the high priest couldn't have brought the map to the throne room. Ambiance, maybe. Looking at maps in a library did seem to fit more than looking at maps in a throne room, and it was really the only reason Lujurio could think of. Lujurio looked over the map quietly, looking at each marking on it, despite the fact that he really didn't know what it was about. Looking at maps was better than questioning the amount of women Fingar had sent for, really.​

 

[Mowkie]

{Kathar - The Rusty Brew --> Kathar - City Market}

The leaving of the dragon is somewhat disappointing, but somehow Dray knows and understands that the pride of some creatures can get the better of them. She has the scars to prove how much of a hassle some creatures of the forest can be. She couldn't imagine getting in the way of a dragon.

She is not surprised when Lukas says he's not going, and indeed he would simply slow them down. Looking Nerom over, she has a hunch that he can keep up with four legs. Peridot eyes look down at Rysear, who already begins to draw energy from her to make himself solid again. Dray smiles as Nerom exits the room, completely forgetting Lukas as she does exactly as she had done before, undressing herself completely. This time, the ceremony of undressing herself seems to be hastened, and within half a moment, the glowing pelt is once more placed around her shoulders. The change even seems to be faster, as though the World is quickening the asent from human to wolf. Nonetheless, it is still painful, even as she keeps any sounds of it to herself.

The human flesh falls away, disolving within moments to be taken back to the Earth, and nothing is left behind. The wolf in the candlelight appears even more wild than the Druid that had been standing there a moment ago. The same peridot eyes look up at Lukas, the blade between her shoulders glimmering ominously, and the wolf gives a huff before turning and exiting the room, leaping down the stairs at inhuman speed. Without any more of a wait for Nerom, she exits the building, eyes darting towards every shadow, small growls emitting from her throat every now and then. This form allowed her to blend with the shadows, unseen, where the humanistic form would have given her away. And though her mind is more beast than human, she still has intelligence and understanding to know that the elf is her untalkative partner and the guards are out to, inevitably, kill her.

Upon getting to the fruit stall, the wolf easily grows restless, whining slightly, hopping from foot to foot as her eyes continue to watch the shadows. Rysear, sitting at her side, holding a bundle of her things, speaks to the elf. "Get what you need. A Druid needs nothing from the city." The wolf looks to her dragon companion, whining again, this one almost inaudable. Hackles rise and fall with each passing of a guard, tail down and straight, ears perked fully. It is her battle face that shows, for somehow she knows that were they to get caught, it would be the end of them both. And yet...she still remains somewhat patient. Somewhat...​

 

[Nemopedia]

ooc: My apologizes for skipping out on you all. Make it a double apology as I've been 'lazy' on my post.

Marcella Bychan

| Kathar; Throne Room – Kathar; on the way to; The Library|

Raising up her chin again the female gave Fingar a slight glare to the eyes. He as someone of 'supposed' higher ranks as she had surely to understand what this meant? It wasn't out of arrogance that Marcella had made this vow, or because of the power behind her family background. She would understand why the 'commoners' inside of the room would misunderstand her as someone who was right now solely leaning upon her rights as a noble, but this had more to do with her own pride. The vow made not directly to Fingar, she had never intended to be his 'loyal' subject as she merely wished for the best for her family and the country she grew up within. The peace that the empress had ruled within and how she wished to keep it, this was her vow! However Fingar saw her position as something that seemed to rule over the people, but he gravely misunderstood the meaning of protection without physical force. Protection by serving the people and the empress, she stood under the empress and the empress had served the people of the Sythus, like that she, Marcella and the Bychan family had automatically served the people as well and she vowed to do so further. "Take it however you wish." She replied, back to her masked self again. She wasn't going to bow down, she never was going to bow down and she refused to bow in front of this corrupted soul.

The slick man went over to Ruin, speaking against her in a most belittling manner as if he had full grasp on her. How and why she was unsure of, however she was surprised to see that the usually so feisty and bloodthirsty Ruin had turned so silent. What more secrets were hidden behind the doors of this palace? What more corruption would she have to face from these who she thought and always had considered as allies? Marcella understood for the first time how lonely it must be to be a sovereign with great power and influence like the empress had been. No one could have truly been trusted by the empress and she Marcella had been so naïve as never to take note of it, having blindly followed the path set out by her father with the conviction she had believed everyone else carried as well. In the end they were all kowtows as there was a battle promising to start which would reveal their true colours. However, what were hers? Marcella wondered how she would come out of this mission.

It was then that a new appearance joined their sides. Clothed in exotic clothes and presumably someone from outside of the city walls. Marcella had heard of them; witch doctors, but she never actually met one in person. Her eyes trailing over the newcomer, taking in the details of their clothes that she had never encountered before, the style, the detail and the colours. It was almost foreign, but they were all from the same country. Again Marcella was hit with the fact with how little she actually knew from the world outside of the walls and it dizzied her a little. First the news of the murder, then the sudden revelation of corruption within the walls… Marcella supposed that she should have expected the latter, for they were clothing high positions after all, but she somehow never really had bothered herself to what extent this corruption had weeded itself. Disgusting as the female closed her heavy eyes, walking on in the long hall ways as to follow through in the library. The day had been much too long and the night wasn't promising itself to be short either, sleep was weighing down heavily on this human who had always lived in luxury and the information that was thrown at her was taken on with a heavy heart and much critic.

Breathing into herself Marcella stopped inside of her tracks for a while, her hand going down over to her left hand that carried a red garnet ring, a present from her late lover and also a source of power to draw magic from. Closing her eyes the female concentrated onto drawing out a little of its power, carefully as she didn't want to shatter it by using too much force and neither want to render it useless by drawing too much power at once. Carefully she managed to take out a fraction of its power, healing her exhaustion of the day and energizing her again. It wasn't much, but it had to do as she wished to give the stone the chance to replenish itself by leaving its 'inner' core alone. It was delicate work, but through years of practicing the female had come to understand the concept of relying on gems and stones as her magical source. With that the female breathed out again and her eyes flew open, leaving the shadows behind as to follow onto her way to the library.​

 

[RaccoonKing]

[ Alfirineth >> Kathar Throne room. - Alfirineth >> Kathar Library ]

She was content.

Worried, but content with the answer the high priest delivered. Of course, Rin was still concerned with the fact they were so easily discovered and known about! Furthermore, she was curious to why they were not arrested for their crimes if their presence was known. "It seems I have abandoned my families name for no reason." Her words were a soft sigh, passing her lips as white locks with the shades of blonde wrapped around her skin as she shook her head, lips curled to a deep frown. Had she not been careful enough? It only proved in her mind that she was inadequate in terms of skills at the moment. Then again, Rin had always been best in collecting than battle itself. She often found jobs involving hunting or looking for information the easiest.

The dark elf pursed her lips, red eyes looking upon the other three with a blank stare, devoid of the mask she displayed proudly. The situation they were in was not the best, forced to work for a man who knew them well. He could control them. Even if they tried to resist, the man would find a way to crush who disobeyed him, be it execution or mind games. "Such a sweet gamble." She purred, her lips finally curling into the false smile she usually adorned. 'Such a disgustingly sweet gamble.'. Rin could only see this as a risk. With the high priest gone she felt her form settle, relax as she stared at the now empty throne with sorrow. The royalty who once sat there did not deserve her fate.

"Rest peacefully."

Turning on her heels she looked to the guards who were unable to hear the whisper that escaped her lips. It was barely spoke, just the faint movement of her lips. With that she put her attention upon the guards, a smile on her lips as she inclined her head to one side. "Could you please escort me to the library?" She asked, her tone soft as she received a faint node in response. With that she watched as the guard began to head towards the destination, her feet dragging her behind him as she allowed him to lead. She only paused when another was present, causing a soft hum from the pale lips.

Rin took a moment or two to study her before red eyes softened back from their calculative gaze, her attention back on the guard who awaited her movement. "Such a wide variety Fingar..." She smiled, turning back to the guard. "Lead on." Heading to the stairs she placed hands clad in gloves against the wall, enjoying the faint feeling of the texture through the thin material that kept her hands warm if only slightly. She often had a habit of this as it allowed her to improve on her illusions, something she took pride in occasionally. Rin focused back on the guard who had stopped, his hand motioning to a door before he left, leaving her to stare at it with distaste.

Her hand settled upon its surface before she applied her weight, letting the door swing open. Slipping inside she held the door for a few moments before releasing it from her grip to close behind her. Red irises seemed to glow faintly as her eyes ran over the mass of books, interest glowing innocently in the blood coloured orbs. Walking over towards the desk where Lujurio was, planting herself on the opposite side as she glanced over the map. Raising her arms from her sides she folded them, allowing them to settled upon her armor clad torso as she faced the door.
​

 

[Ethir]

[Kathar Palace - Library]

Fingar paced back and forth outside the library, in a similar fashion to his pacing outside the throne room earlier. He wondered how, were he to be asked, he would explain his swift exit from the throne room and the long wait he had forced them to endure while he was attending to his...business. He did't want them to know what he had really fled so quickly for, but nor did he wish to lie in such a way that would arouse suspicion amongst them all. He had only just recruited them to his cause, the last thing he needed was for some of them to doubt him. Though, he already suspected Ruin was not truly in it like the rest of them appeared to be, he knew she was only doing this simply because he had the upper hand with her sister held in his charge. He had, however, mentioned no harm would come to her should Ruin follow his orders, and he simply hoped those words would be enough for the half dragon lioness to keep her fury at bay. Finally, his pacing stopped and he placed a hand on the golden handles of the heavy oak door, before giving it a delicate twist and letting it glide open for him.

This time when he walked in, nobody got shivers running down the length of their spine.The roaring fire by the table he had set it managed to keep warmth in the room despite his cold presence. Usually, he would've waved his hand in the air and put the fire out to replace the fear he extracts from people, but today he had no time for petty magic and instead took his place behind the table, facing the occupants of the room. With a nod, he dismissed the guards and folded his arms, his cloak falling gracefully over his thin elven frame. His glowing red eyes scanned over the map he had prepared once more before he looked up and began addressing his guests, "What you see before you," he said in that whispery voice that echoed in such a way it sounded as if he were standing next to the person, "Is the key to the success of our plan. I mentioned earlier the nine shrines of the Immortals, and here I've taken the liberty of circling them all for you. Memorise the locations as best you can, I won't be supplying you with another copy, and this one will be locked away from prying eyes hen you leave, so popping back to look it over isn't an option. You might notice the closest one to us is in the Whispering Woods, but don't despair. I know many citizens fear this place, for it is a great source of magic. But honestly, there's nothing to worry about. The only serious danger there are the Druids, and I'm sure you're all more than capable of slaying a few whimsical fairies." He smiled at them, his lips curling upwards and his teeth flashing in the dim candlelight.

"Be warned though, the shrines are guarded by a Guardian, though exactly what form this Guardian takes is unknown. Each of the Immortals has designed the protection themselves, so goodness knows what you'll be facing. But I have faith in you all, you're each of you gifted with a talent I expect you to use in these coming trials, so I suggest you work together and find a way to use them well," his cold eyes ran over each of them again, "Now, after dealing with the Guardian, your task is simple. You're simply required to place the Jewel of Kathar in the waters of the shrine, and once it has the blessing of all nine, return here to me." Fingar unfolded his arms and placed them on the table, leaning over the map with an evil sneer creeping on his face, "Now unless you have any questions, you may leave me. Go now and complete this task. I will send word of your next destination when the first shrine has been overcome. You will be given supplies on your way out of the city. Horses await you at the city gates, the guards know to turn a blind eye to you all roaming the streets." He stared at them and waved his hand dismissively, a sign they were to leave as quickly as possible.​

 

[Ethir]

[Kathar - City Markets]

"Get what you need. A Druid needs nothing from the city." Nerom heard a voice as he finally broke through the lock on the market stall. He turned his head and his eyes widened as he saw a wolf behind him. His hand fell to the knife on his belt until his eyes fell on another creature, the one he presumed the voice had come from as he had never heard of a talking wolf. He frowned at the strange creature, the one he hadn't seen before. Turning his attention back to the stall he'd broken into, he called over his shoulder, "That's a strange companion you have. Care to explain exactly...what it is?" His voice was hushed due to the circumstances they were in but he knew those the words were intended for would hear what he said. He swung the door open and crouched slightly lower to avoid being seen and he stepped into the stall, his eyes scanning the shelves frantically for any signs of food.

The owner of the stall clearly believed his stock was safe from all manner of thieves because the fool had left everything on show. Opening the bag he was carrying on his back, Nerom filled it with all manner of fruit and nuts, putting in as much as he could out of fear they wouldn't have enough if he under filled it. He was about to leave a few gold coins but his habits from over the years of thieving from others had made sure his morals had all but vanished, so he left nothing and headed back out to meet Dray. "I have everything I need from here. As far as weapons go I'm fine, but what about you? Need I stop at the blacksmith on the way out of the city?" He was unsure whether to address the newcomer or the wolf, but he figured one of them would understand and respond at least.​

 

[Nougat]

OOC: The fact that I'm on a phone didn't effect my banner. So yay. My post is probably short though.

[Kathar Palace>Library]

Lujurio was soon joined by another person, who stood at the opposite side of the map. Alfirinth. Lujurio didn't say anything to her, simply glancing up at her for a moment before looking back at the map, and the circles that were on it. Lujurio had no idea what the map was for, or why it was marked with circles. But he didn't imagine that people regularly marked down maps for no reason. Surely, it must have been important.

Eventually, the High Priest arrived. Just what was it about him and leaving people waiting? Lujurio was silent, as Fingar dismissed the guards, and started to explain the map, his quiet voice still easily reaching Lujurio. So the circles marked the location of the shrines. Considering the things that Fingar had said before, Lujurio actually felt a bit bad that he didn't figure it out earlier. He still didn't say anything as he looked over the map, trying his best to just remember the general locations of each shrine. He didn't need to talk to do that.

Fingar made the task sound so simple. Go in, defeat some guardian, bless the Jewel of Kathar, and leave. It seemed easy. In, out, and onto the next place. But, of course, Lujurio realized that it wouldn't be as simple as that. Otherwise Fingar wouldn't have to carefully research people who he could convince to go for him. He could just tell a couple of guards to go to the shrines. And besides, if the Immortal Nine themselves had chosen the protection for their shrines, the guardians will likely be strong. No one wants to lose, after all.

Once Fingar had finished explaining everything, he dismissed them all with a wave of his hand. He was so obviously grateful for their help.

Well, Lujurio had no reason to stay there. He certainly wasn't going to be picking up any books to read on the trip. So Lujurio was quick to get out of the library. It seemed that it was time to have a little adventure. Lujurio was sure that Rhith could take care of the inn until he was back.
​

 

[Rashuad-012]

[The Whispering Woods>> Outskirts >> The Whispering Woods]
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"I know you don't want me to say it. but I'm going to," she said as he horse scuttled to catch up with Daegon's. "I know, " he replied, "Which is why I won't stop you from saying it." V'Laire gave Daegon a crooked look, then a roll of her eyes in grief over his bold attitude. She loved Daegon ,but a man is a man when it came to directions. "Well we can't stop here. The Whispering Woods is a cursed plain, and we don't want to stay lost in here." Her attention was jerked to her left as she heard a chilling wail in the distance of the dead trees. It brought Daegon to a halt, his right hand reaching for his sword at his side. V'laire unhooked her enchanted spear from its holster along the horse's side, Daegon drawing his blade in similar state of mind. With each still step their rides made, a hollowing hiss began to ring through their ears.

"We need to move.." V'Laire said as she began taking the lead. Daegon heeded her words and they whipped their horses into a wild sprint; but it seemed the faster they went the louder the sounds became. The hissing transitioned from wailing to shrieking, then from growling to dark roars belonging to who knows what kind of horrors. The clamor of noise began to flank them, outrunning their mounts. They dismounted and sent their horses ahead of them. If they weren't found, someone would find the horses and look for them, hopefully. "We're surrounded. V'Laire, come to me," he called to her. She rode to his side and took his free hand, Daegon reaching for his amulet and casting a ward to fend them from evil. As he mumbled the words, V'Laire could hear movement within the shadows. Something.. no, somethings, creeping all around them. Just out of the corner of Daegon's eye he saw a skeletal creature scuttle into the dark. Looking to his opposite side he saw more, and more, until he was sure their were being hunted by a horde of the undead. "I don't suppose you have any Divine spells, do you?" he asked before placing a kiss on his amulet, then on her hand to complete the ward.

"Undead, huh?" she chuckled, placing her back to his. "Flare should do it. It shines as bright as the sun, and burns the dead just as well." He scanned around them as they began pacing in circles, covering their flanks from all directions. He noticed as the danger closed in on them from a legion of bats blocking out the light above the trees, the little bit of sight around them began to dissipate. "Tested it yet?" the shadows closing in faster as he could just barely see the ghouls approaching, bony jaws dripping in hunger. As all grew silent, the blackness left merely a ray of light over he and V'Laire. All grew still and cold as if the reaper had reached out to them, staring them in the face until all of the light was gone. "Shield your eyes.." she muttered, and then an explosion of light erupted from her hands burning bright as the flames of the sun. The horde's shrieks of pain rung out over the woods as the the light roasted their flesh and turned their bones to ash. She pulled in her hands back to her chest before she emptied all of her mana, falling into Daegon's arms as he quickly turned to catch her.

 

[Mowkie]

{Kathar - City Markets}
Rysear raises a little brow at the reaction to Dray. First, he wants to kill her...now, he is simply curious. Perhaps there is missjudgement in this. "You have never seen a skinwalker before? It is Dray, for she runs faster this way." He had assumed the elf was speaking to him, as a wolf cannot talk but for the occassional whine here and there, which is apparent in Dray's constant back and forth, hackles rising and falling, a small whine echoing from her as a guard passes by. The little dragon-like creature watches Nerom warily, unsure of what to think about his stealing the fruit and nuts. In fact, the man doesn't even leave coins for the poor owner of the stall. Were he to have coins, Rysear would leave them...but a Druid is a little low on the currency of society...trading is done with goods and not coins in the forests.

He looks back at Dray, who is low to the ground, crawling almost. She wants out...away from the strange place they call the city. When Nerom speaks again, Rysear shakes his head and lifts the bundle he carries, as the blade is wrapped within the cloak. "Everything is right here. Now let's go before Dray decides you are an enemy. The wolf mind is much more simple and instinctual than the Druid mind." He says nothing more, instead leaping up and gliding forward on wings that shimmer with strange bolts of lightning. As he goes forward, so does Dray, who now stands at full height, hackles raised, eyes glinting with the instinctual fear of staying here. She needs no more temptation to leave, darting forward at full stride, hoping that the way she goes is the right way.​