[center][h3][color=39b54a]Dorter, Trade City[/color][/h3][/center] [@Lugia] As the spell was cast over the Nu Mou, he'd feel a sudden surge of life within him as the dread of death all but evaporated. The spell that the White Mage had cast seemed to nullify the dreaded effects of the Dark Esper's counter attack, allowing the Black Mage to breath easily. After his impromptu meal, Robert left the wall and began following the steps of the Summoner and Robin. Though not entirely sure where they were, he could see a crowd of people gathering in the what appeared to be the city's center. As the mage stepped forward, he could see a wooden platform in front of those who had gathered here. Sure enough, the two humans from before stood upon the platform, their eyes focused on the crowd as the soft echo of murmurs and whispers rung in Robert's ear. However, his attention would be quickly drawn to the figure between the two of them, a regal form of a man- visibly older those flanking him- dawning armor that seemed blacker than night and a massive blade who's tip rested softly upon the wood. Robert didn't really know why, but he felt an ominous presence from the man. [@Cyrania][@Evanist] "This one is fine... But Cedwic," Livia would turn her attention from the Taguel to the field behind them, her eyes seeming fixed on a certain point. It was then that an unfamliar voice called out behind the duo, causing both the Taguel and Viera to turn towards it's origin. It was a creature much like Cedwic, though unique in his own right. He was followed closely by a feathered creature, much like the swordsman from before that seemed to lead the guard. Still, Erion's words were comforting, causing Livia to smile softly. "Cedwic was kind. Foolish, but kind. He knew war would claim man, but showed no fear... Even at his end," The Viera reached a hand up as she stroked her cheek, attempting to wipe away the obvious tracks from unseen tears. Though she seemed to show no sign of grief, it's obvious today's event's were taking it's toll. All at once the troops around the trio began to make their way into the city. All at once, Livia seemed to gain her composure with a heavy sigh, "We must go. Vernire will want to speak about what has happened." With that, Livia began to make her way towards the gate, motioning for Jo-Anne and Erion to follow. Once they made it to the center of Dorter, they would see an assembly before a stage, with three figures atop it. Jo-Anne would recognize Robin, but the others remained uknown to anyone... However, the dark armored man in the center seemed to attract alot of stares from the Taguel's companions. [@Eklispe] Try as the warrior might, he could not find any sign of Holliander. Though he clung to hope that the swordsman might still be alive, the scattered bodies of both the undead and the living were all the greeted him upon the field. Or at least, up until he crested the hill. Once he had made it to the top of the mound, he could clearly see the helmet of knight at the edge of the woods. If he took a moment to scan the ground, he could see what looked like bird's feet leading further into the woods. Having traveled through this thicket before with his caravan, Arus would probably think that this familiar sight was nothing strange... But though everything looked the same, the air about him felt wrong. It was as if the very nature of the beast that stood before them had violated and desecrated this place, causing it to seem foreign and hostile. [hr] [@Evanist][@Cyrania][@Lugia] As the murmur of the crowds grew louder, a sudden loud thud could be heard from the stage. If one looked, they could see the tip of the blade buried into the wood. All at once, the area fell silent. "Dorter no longer offers the protection we need," the armored man spoke, his voice seeming to boom and echo with supernatural strength. Though his presence was overwhelming, the ominous aura about him seemed to fade into an air of authority. This made demanded respect, even those who stood behind him seemed to notice this, "It is time we make for Zaland. The fortified walls will make it much easier to mount a defense, despite our loses." All at once, the voices in the crowd seem to raise up. This news obvious disquieted most that stood within this assembly. "What about our homes?! It's been little over a season, and you'd have us pack up on a trek further south!" A voice called out from the crowd, though the source would remain hidden in the crowd. "We all have had trying times," the Summoner spoke, holding up a hand as the dark armored man turned his attention to the one with the green cloak and strange orange horn, "Even now we mourn the loss of those who did not survive this latest onslaught. But a castle's walls would offer better protection, better-" "Getting rid of the fools that rushed our men to their deaths would be better," The same voice shouted, causing a few others to shout our in affirmation. It was now that the blue robed figure -Robin- stepped forward, "No one is to blame for this, aside from Grima. The wicked 'Beast', as you all call him, is the source of this violence and chaos. If he had never came here-" "You mean if you never had sent him here!" This time, the voice was familiar to some. Seem Va'gaji was speaking his mind, "We know about your involvement! You couldn't handle him so you-" A sudden crackling cut the Bangaa off before he could finish his speech. Upon the stage, a massive blade seemed to rocket out of the ground, cleaving the earth and the stage just behind the dark armored man, who seemed unphased. This blade was cloaked in an ominous shadow- Robert able to tell this was a strong form of darker magic. All at once, silence fell over the crowd once more. "They died alongside us! They fought beside my brother, Holliander, and saw the end of several of those vile creatures! I will not have useless hate mongering within my walls. If you do not like those who I place my trust in, you can see yourself out of the city," And with that, the blade would recede back into the earth, it's eerie presence no longer felt. No objections this time, though the Summoner and Robin exchanged worried glances, "Now prepare your things. We leave in two days time. Bring only what you need to survive the trip, and nothing more!"