[IC] The Cosmic Jest - A Fantasy with Steampunk Elements Roleplay

[IceHeart]

Veronica's 10th Year

The Asmothe Mansion was a stately piece of architecture. A combination of wood brick in colors of white and red brick. It was certainly large to the average person but at only 30 rooms more wealthy nobles would consider it quite quaint. The colonial looking mansion had a wide porch that wrapped around 3/4ths of the house with plenty of plants, and chairs to sit on and look out at the surrounding nature. Looking at it from the outside one would imagine a quiet place, the ideal retreat away from the world where one had little to worry about.

That was so very far from the truth however, as a very particularly unlucky young girl happened to live there.

The inside of the mansion was quite the treat to the eyes. Pictures, decorations, and expensive looking furniture were plentiful, being mostly light colored pieces light easily made its way into the mansion. There was a parculiarity though, almost every sharp edge in the place was blunted in some way. Much of the furniture had rounded edges, anything with a pointy end had some kind of rubber or cloth attached to it so if one were to perhaps, hit their head against it, the protection would soften the blow. The interior was designed with safety in mind.

At the moment there were few servants in sight, as most of the staff were busy preparing for a very special occasion, Baron Asmothe was coming home after 2 months on business trips and ahead of his arrival was a letter, stating that the servants were to prepare for a picnic outside. To make it fun they had also been instructed to keep it a secret from Veronica. While a picnic did not sound like too much work...the problem was Veronica's curse could make the slightest thing potentially deadly. All food had to be tested to make sure it was not diseased or spoiled, a perimeter had to be created around the picnic area for protection, and a million other things had to be considered to keep the event as safe as possible.

---

On the first floor of the mansion, Veronica had woken up in her bedroom, washed her face, gotten dressed in some cute, white and black-laced clothes and managed to put a ribbon in her hair with the only problem being a nasty knot in her hair that had hurt when she combed her hair. She looked in the mirror and adjusted whatever seemed not quite right. With a smile of accomplishment she nodded at herself, turned around, and promptly tripped on her own foot to crash onto the soft, fur covered floor.

Blowing out a face full of fur she looked up and noticed her cat, a black, short-haired kitty staring at her on her floor with its green-eyes. It tilted its head as if wondering what she was doing while Veronica scrambled to her feet.

"You know I just wanted to feel the floor, right Midnight?" Veronica questioned her cat, who looked away in disinterest. Veronica puffed her cheeks in frustration and left her room.

Veronica started to look around to try and find people but they were surprisingly absent. "Where is everybody?" She walked into the main drawing room, but did not find anyone inside. One of the pictures caught her eye, with with a magnificent ship in full mast and decided to get a closer look at it. While she did so, the hooks attaching the picture to the wall started to become loose...

[rush99999]

[DOUBLE POST EXPUNGED]

[rush99999]

Suddenly, a large iron golem crashed through a nearby door. The golem moved over to the painting as quickly as it could while still being mindful of Veronica and caught the painting just as it began to fall. The large golem then proceeded to frisbee toss the painting into the opposite wall with enough force to embed it therein despite its safety measures. The danger averted, Gear Heart Mark 4 turned to Veronica and held out its had. Within moments, a bright red poppy had sprouted and flowered in Gear Heart's hand for the girl to take.

While usually by Veronica's side at all times, Gear Heart was undergoing maintenance that morning and working on him in Veronica's presence presented many potential dangers. However, Gear Heart's 6th sense for danger went off during his maintenance. This caused the golem to cut the finishing touches short and immediately run off to Veronica's current location. The rest, as they say, is history.

[KRAZY J]

Whilst food was being prepared and set up for the picnic Jack was waiting by the front door for miss Veronica being ever so vigilant. Jack was new to the establishment as he had only been in Veronica's protective service for 6 days, but he was catching on quick that anything could happen at any time. As he heard Veronica's questioning voice seeming to be towards her cat Midnight Jack started walking to greet her.

He couldn't see her yet but he started his greeting calling out "Ah miss Veronica tis' a perfect day for a stroll, the sun is shining and the birds are chirping hurry now le...". Right before he finished his sentence he heard stomping and quickly jumped to the side just missing the golem. He then ran with the golem for the only time he ran was when the little misses was in trouble. As the golem stopped he caught a picture that was about to fall on miss Veronica's head and threw it into a wall across from them. "Miss Veronica I'm so sorry I should have been by your side, let me grab this painting from the wall for this I cannot abide." Jack walked over and pulled the painting from the wall and set it aside then walked over and stood by Veronica. "Now what would miss Veronica like to do? Anywhere you go I shall follow too." Upon seeing the flower Jack also added, "Hopefully that's the celandine poppy good for failing eyes, and not the poppy somniferum a drug in sweet disguise."

[Kuro]

Noella Le Sciellou
^{Current Location: The Asmothe Estate (Kitchen -> Outside Veronica's Quarters)}

The whiskered girl reached for a ladle, and tasted one of the final products waiting to be finished for the Baron's picnic: a rabbit stew. Noella had quite a taste for food, and could easily notice if any funny business was going on within. Of course, taste testing for Veronica was always a risk for the huntress, but she often figured that her constitution was fine enough that some brewed up poison wasn't going to stop one that spent days and nights in the woods, especially if that person was a peasant. Peasants had to deal with nearly every illness or disease known to man, and those who survived their first decade generally had a hearty body. Sitting the ladle down back into the pot, Noella cupped her chin in thought. "Not like my mother's cooking, but it will do enough for the Baron." She gave the servants a nod, and made her way to the next dish.

Her new life as a servant of Baron Asmothe was interesting, to say the least. As Noella went to reach for the spoon, a loud noise echoed throughout the large building and its many rooms. With a sigh, the huntress set the spoon down back in the pot and spoke to the servants. "I'll see what the noise was. Keep the food hot, but nothing more. I expect to find the same taste as before!" Despite Noella's usual kindness, her words were more of a warning to the servants should a possible assassin lurk in the crowd. She waved the chefs back to business and sprinted down the hallway towards Veronica's quarters. Gear Heart and Jack were supposed to be watching Veronica to make sure she was safe, but Noella hadn't known them long enough to be sure of their abilities. Truth be told, the noise could be anything, and that thought greatly worried the huntress.

Noella found the group with Veronica, safe and sound as they were paid to keep her as. The huntress' quick eyes spotted the wall-embedded picture frame that Jack was pulling free from the wall before they settled on Veronica. "Are you okay, Veronica?" She asked, making her way to the young child."It seems like... they already have the situation under control. I hope they didn't give you a fright." Her words carried the same meaning for Noella. It was one thing to see such an expensive golem face to face, but it was another thing to see it charge after Veronica to protect the child from danger. She would often shudder from thoughts of a rampaging boar that would almost shapeshift into Gear Heart. If that picture frame was a person, certainly there would be no sign of life showing due the force the golem threw it into the wall. With another but final glance to the picture frame, Noella counted her blessings and thought herself lucky that Gear Heart was on their side.

---

@KRAZY J, @rush99999, @IceHeart, @Apollosarcher, @Lord Orgasmo

[Lord Orgasmo]

Working as an aide for this little girl had proven far more difficult than he had ever thought possible. He thought his time in the military was hards, but this was something else. He'd defended her for almost four months now, and had had a pretty hard time of it. Thankfully, others had joined the fray, and he could have a few precious moments of rest. On top of protecting the girl, he had recently started to dabble in potion making. Taking a few classes, a few experiments here and there, but nothing advanced. He could identify several types of potions and poisons. Whether it by smell, taste, or more often, its color.

Lance had the opportunity to relax for once. Laying back on a couch in the living room, he slowly began to drift off into a peaceful sleep. But he new it wouldn't last long. Wait for it. Wait for it..! CRASH!."Ah, hell." Visibly straining to get up, Lance rushed over to the source of the noise, only to find a small group had gathered surrounding Veronica. She appeared unharmed."Heh, looks I'm a little late to the party eh?" He said sleepily. Looks like that nap was going to have to wait awhile.

[IceHeart]

The painting started to fall but was intercepted by the golem who promptly tossed the offending picture into the wall. Veronica watched it all happen with wide eyes, especially after seeing the painting get embeded in the far wall. While it was quite impressive to witness, it was not however exactly out of the ordinary so Veronica quickly snapped out of it. "Thanks Gear Heart, you're the best."

Veronica happily picked the poppy the golem handed to her and then turned toward Jack and Noella. "Hello Jack, Noella, don't worry, Gear Heart helped me." She took another look around and squinted her eyes, noticing Lance the elf as he entered the room to see what had happened. "I see you guys are all here, but where is everyone else? It seemed quite lonely in here until you all showed up." Veronica twirled the poppy in front of her nose, got it a little too close so it started to tickle her and promptly sneezed, right in Jack's direction.

Veronica's cheeks flushed a bit when she realized she had just sprayed Jack with her sneeze. "Sorry, I didn't mean to..."

The main butler of the household, an elderly gentleman named James, entered the room, thankfully drawing attention away from her. "Excuse me Miss Veronica, but I do believe your father is driving up in his carriage as we speak. I knew that you would want to know right away."

At that wonderful news, Veronica's eyes lit up and she could not help but start running around the room, forgetting about poor Jack. "Dad's back, dad's back!" The ribbon in her hair bounced along as she hopped around the room. She suddenly stopped in the middle and looked around at everyone. She appeared to be pondering something as she cocked her head to the side slightly, nodded to herself, then straightened up.

"Can someone carry me to the front door?" She was definitely a bit on the spoiled side, as she raised up her arms, expecting one of them to carry her to meet her father.

[Lord Orgasmo]

"I got it." Bringing the girl up into his arms and then onto his back, piggyback style, making sure her head was just a little lower that his, he never quite realized just how light she was. Huh. Maybe he was stronger than he though. Taking careful steps out the door and into the courtyard, another small crowd had gathered, likely to see the Baron's return. The short walk to the road was... Mostly without injury. He pulled his hair a little re-adjusting Veronica, but other than that, not much seemed out of the ordinary.

Finally reaching the road, a Carriage led by two beautiful chestnut horses could be seen in the distance. Looks like the Baron's back, and just in time. He set the girl down very gently, but held onto her hand with a soft but iron grip. She wasn't going to be running away."Here he comes! You ready? Be mindful of the horses, I don't want you getting hurt." His mind traveled back to his time leading a caravan through Ebberon, only to be kicked in the face by one of the horses. He had a broken jaw and nose. Heh. Fun times. He almost missed it. Almost. Snapping back to reality, he re-gripped Veronica's hand, just to be safe.

[rush99999]

Gear Heart lowered his hand once the poppy was accepted and looked on as others entered and interacted with Veronica. The golem remained largely motionless for the moment. He usually did so when no action was required.

When Veronica requested a lift, Gear Heart made no attempt to pick her up. His 6th sense picked up far too many ways for that to go wrong every time she made that request, a vast majority of which involved him picking her up. Instead, he simply followed behind Lance and made sure Veronica was safe while she was on the elf's back. Upon reaching the road, Gear Heart stood near Veronica and returned to his more inactive state.

[KRAZY J]

Jack smiled slightly as Veronica apologized for sneezing on him then when she turned away he wiped away the illness of his outfit. As the butler walked in and gave the news of the baron returning a smile ran across Jacks face. Watching carefully as Veronica ran in circles for the mess from the golem bursting through the door still scattered the floor. Miss Veronica requested to be carried to go see her father and as lance picked her up and started to the door the golem followed.

"Ah such a beautiful day a very good day indeed, though do mind your step on the floor there is debris, I'll get them all cleaned up as you tend to the young miss, all must be perfect or as close as it can get." After the trio went outside Jack quickly cleaned up the debris from the golem smashing through the door then he walked up to miss Noella and with a smile on his face he said."That golem sure is a handful but his heart will always stay true, he helps the young miss for that is what he was made to do, I think there is emotion even though he doesn't show it, in his eyes I see love but maybe that's just me being a poet, Now I know your cooking grand and your helpers dare not appose you, I'll ready the sight for the picnic unless my help you require with food."

[Apollosarcher]

Lucky had work to, or else he would be off studying magic or perhaps off to pester Noella for archery lessons. The young half elf had just finished brushing down the Veronica's pony in the stables. Fresh bedding, food, and cleaned hooves meant that all horses here were just calm and happy. With his chores done he stepped out from the small wooden stables just beside the manor to spot the Baron's carriage approaching. Sighing the boy prepared to put the carriage away and got water trough ready for the tired horses to drink. On his next trip to town he'd have to ask the blacksmith to come up and reshoe the the Baron's chestnut horses.

The elf spotted the young mistress and Lance having walked out to meet the arriving lord of the house. Lucky walked over deciding to see what all had been happening. He managed to catch the end of the older Elf's warning about the horses. "They only kick if you're in the blind spot, or you do something to upset them. Most of Baron's horses are pretty easy going, their gentle compared to my old horse." He chuckled remembering his ornery old mount, looking at Veronica he smiled. "I'll be finished up after I get the carriage put away, if you wish to catch up." His thoughts of archery practice or study vanished when Veronica was around, with her was just another boy playing game or talking with a friend.

[Kuro]

Noella Le Sciellou
^{Current Location: The Asmothe Estate (Outside Veronica's Quarters -> Estate Entrance)}

Noella smiled as Veronica appeared to be in a cheerful mood, but a part of the huntress felt distant despite the upbeat atmosphere in the estate. The girl's chants about the Baron returning brought ill thoughts for Noella, for she never had a father growing up. Still, Noella couldn't let herself daydream and be distracted by personal thoughts. The huntress quickly shook her head to clear her mind, and followed the rest of the party towards the front of the estate, where Veronica's father was just about to arrive according to the elderly butler, James. It was always interesting when the Baron returned, or at least Noella believed. He would always have tales to tell to his servants and daughter, but Noella was often more concerned about her payment, although she didn't have a habit of asking rudely. Taking up this job was one of the ways the huntress was able to support her mother, and Noella knew better than not to anger the Baron and lose her job in the process.

She glanced at Jack as he approached Noella, and spoke his concerns. "Please, leave the delicacies to me. I believe it is best that the Baron have a suitable place for Veronica and his' picnic, so I'd rather not worry you with the food." Noella replied, flashing a smile at Jack in an attempt to ease his worry. Nearly everything was already personally tasted by herself, so Noella felt that there was no more reason for them to be concerned about the food that the Baron and his daughter would soon eat. The few dishes that the whiskered huntress had not tasted before the picture frame incident could be tested by Noella on the spot, or the most likely option, thrown out and fed to the wild animals that habituated the forest on the estate's property.

When the elf arrived to join the party of servants, Noella turned her attention to Lucky and gave the boy a nod. He would often bug her to teach him archery whenever the huntress had free time, and after a few minutes of begging Noella would always relent. She didn't always want to spend her time watching Lucky struggle to hit a target, but he was as good a friend to Noella just like the elf was to Veronica. Friends were supposed to do things together, and the huntress often thought it was fun to have some sort of an apprentice or underling to teach the arts of the wilderness. Perhaps even in the future Lucky would be able to save Veronica with the skills Noella taught him when she wouldn't be able to reach her. It was something the huntress hoped would never happen, but it was, indeed, always a possibility. Anything was a possibility with Veronica - if it had a chance to happen, it most likely happened.

---

@KRAZY J, @rush99999, @IceHeart, @Apollosarcher, @Lord Orgasmo

[IceHeart]

As everyone gathered out from the baron's carriage made its way down the lane, the graceful chestnut horses brayed upon seeing home and Lucky, who they associated with food and other needs. Veronica, who had been giddy with the lance's ride watched with joy as the carriage got closer. She returned Lance's grip and looked back at Lucky when he said his piece.

"See ya Lucky!" She waved with her free hand and watched him as he readied himself to take care of the carriage before turning her eyes back to her dad. The rather modest carriage turned to the side when it got close and the baron stepped out.

The baron was a fairly average looking man, with short black hair, strong blue eyes, and a fairly impressive mustache that had some curl to it at the ends. Average in height and build, he was certainly not someone who would make an impression, expect maybe for his eyes, in plain clothes. Still he had a certain air about him that told others he was important and had very good posture. If nothing else his clothes were decently expensive, though hardly flashy as he preferred a more modest look, but there was some fur on his collar as well as an emerald ring on his finger. The only other thing about him out of the ordinary was a special sword strapped to his waist in a scabbard, if one was to look closely at the handle a person would notice gears embedded in the handle which meant it was a modified weapon.

The baron, who had at least a bit of a noble air about him before, suddenly broke down into the grins of fatherhood. The baron rushed forward, grateful that Lance was taking such care with her, but now it was his turn as he scooped her up in his arms and gave her one twirl before stopping, just in case. "My sweet pea how are you! Daddy has missed you so!"

Veronica gave a giggle when she was twirled around and looked as if all the stars had aligned just for her. "I'm so glad to see you dad! I've been waiting so long for you to come back!" Veronica hugged her father around the neck once he brought her close for a hug.

"Yes, I've been wanting to see you too. Also where is your mother?" The baron asked, though of course he knew where his wife was, she was helping set up the location for the picnic.

"I don't know, I've hardly seen anyone around today." Veronica looked puzzled as she noticed a twinkle in her dad's eyes.

"Well we'll see everyone soon enough I suspect." The baron started to put her on the ground, noticed a hole in the ground, and quickly shifted position to firm ground. "Hmm I'll need to have that filled." He grumbled and then turned to the ones still around, Lance, Gear Heart, Noella and Jack. "I take nothing has happened to my lovely daughter while I was away? She certainly seems energetic enough." It was nice to see her so full of life, unfortunately often times when he returned from a trip she was sick with something so it was a good change.

"Don't worry dad, they've all taken good care of me!" Veronica proudly stated with a thump to her chest as if she had something to do with it.

"Hmph, well I'll have to take your word for it my daughter. Thank you all for your continued service." The baron bowed to them all, the gratitude evident on his face since he could not be there personally. He straightened up and smiled. "Now, I believe we all have somewhere to be if I am not mistaken." The baron frowned a little at Jack, still not sure if he could fully trust the lad but he was certainly skilled and nothing had happened yet. At least Lance and the golem were nearby and he had great faith in them both. "Can you lead us to where the festivities are? I'm sure things must be getting close to ready by now."

Veronica looked up at her dad unsure of what he was talking about. She was certainly going to be surprised.

---

"If our information is correct the target should be coming to that location." A grizzled looking man peered through an eyeglass at a location in the distance where some blankets were being laid out along with tables and utensils. It was the location of the picnic near the pond the mansion had. There were lookouts around so they were keeping their distance, the man and three other cohorts.

"Certainly not the easiest target but with these little beasts I think we'll be able to kill her without having to do anything ourselves." Another man held what appeared to be a squirming bag, with who knew what was inside. "Frankly I'm still confused why the client wants her dead, I don't think his noble is exactly important or anything."

"Well its not our job to ask questions." The grizzled man grunted, then pointed at the biggest member of their group. "Get the magics ready, we'll have to program the monsters first to make sure they go straight for the target. We want this done quick and clean after all."

The large man nodded and started preparing scrolls and charms for their preparations.

[KRAZY J]

Jack bowed back as to not disgrace for he was the baron and Jack was a mere servant. Upon hearing the barons words Jack nodded politely and guided them towards the chosen spot for the picnic. "It is good to see you well and healthy for your return, we've all eagerly waited for our master's return we've yurned. Right this way baron and young miss to the spot of the festivities, but please stay close there could be danger everywhere even lurking in the trees."

As Jack lead them too the spot he stayed ever vigilant as it was an open area with a dense tree line. Jack didn't like big open spaces for his experiences with them normally led to being surrounded by other fighters he had beaten in the past. Switching his gaze from the tree line to the festivities in place Jack lead them to the picnic and stayed right by Veronica's side.

[rush99999]

Gear Heart marched ahead of the group as they all began to walk to the picnic. Unlike Jack, the golem looked straight ahead towards their destination. Vigilance was pointless at the moment in Gear Heart's eyes. Nothing was setting off his 6th sense, so there was nothing to worry about...Until there was.

Tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick. A fast ticking noise suddenly became audible from within Gear Heart's body as he stopped dead in his tracks. Tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick. For those who had been around long enough to learn about the golem's 6th sense, they'd quickly realize that something had just triggered it and that they should expect some form of danger very soon. Tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick DING! With a loud ding, the ticking ceased and Gear Heart moved again. The golem briskly walked back over to Veronica and walked at her side along with Jack and the baron, looking every which way in an attempt to locate the danger his 6th sense had picked up.

[Lord Orgasmo]

An elf's ears were for more than just show. Lance could hear an audible ticking noise coming from the golem. Not good. Running to the Baron, Lance exclaimed:"Sir, the Golem's ticking again. Your daughter is likely in imminent danger. Do not let her out of your sight. Please stay here. I'm going to go scout ahead, the trees may be hiding something." Lance, while he didn't have his lance on him, as it was a danger to the girl, was not without a weapon. Lance wore some big boots, and in those boots was a hidden dagger. Just in case. He turned to Jack "I may need your help. Veronica's life may be in danger. Follow me."

Unsheathing his blade, a solid 5 inches of serrated steel was produced. Lance then ran to the picnic area. Everything seemed fine, but that was only the calm before the storm. Being a scout in the military did have its advantages. Walking into the treeline a large pair of footprints could be seen in the dampened soil. Forests were good at keeping the soil wet. Not to mention the grass was pressed down in some places. Following the trail for what felt like an eternity, albeit it was only a couple of minutes. Fout figures could be seen squatting by a tree, about 30 feet wway. Time to put those elven ears to use once more. "They're saying 'her', likely referring to Veronica...Something about... a scroll? ...And Monsters?! Lance brought his blade up. "Get ready for a fight, this isn't going to be pretty. Lance Spoke, not even checking to see if Jack was behind him.

[Apollosarcher]

Lucky waved goodbye leaving the other has lead the two horse over to the water trough, the half elf unhitched the horses. Tying the horse in place he grunted as he pushed the carriage into the overhang by the stables to keep it out of the elements. Then carefully took both horses back into the stable, putting them in stalls he had just freshly bedded. He brought back apples for the two hard workers, then filled up water and food for the two before he turned away.

Walking back down the hall Lucky emerged into the his little home besides the stables, it was a small two room house that doubled as storage. However he couldn't complain he had a soft bed, hot food, and plenty of horses to keep him company out here. Fetching out his violin case, he sat down tuning it carefully deciding he would surprise the others with a little music later. Finishing the tuning, he got himself a glass of water and one of the apples he kept around for the horses.

Enjoying his snack, the boy got up and put away his violin in its case. Dusting himself off, and ordering the horses to be good in his absence the boy left to go find the others and play some music. Of course he knew nothing about the attempt by murder's with foul monsters approaching if he had he might have gotten a bow rather than a violin.

[KRAZY J]

Jack heard the ticking coming from Gear Heart but before he had a chance to ask Lance had answered his question. Jack quickly nodded in acknowledgement and proceeded to follow Lance for he clearly had experience in tracking that Jack lacked there of. As they scouted the tree line and then into the trees following close behind Lance He picked up on a familiar scent.

As four shaded figures came into sight and after Lance had spoken Jack quickly responded "Monsters....scrolls." Jack stopped dead in his tracks and only spoke once more. "Those beasts only have one thought process 'kill there target' and only that, they will head straight for Veronica now we must act, Tactics are your expertise so give the order and I will have your back, we can fight them now while there not ready or return and get the others ready for the attack."

Jack had been hunted many times by beasts of different shapes and sizes sent by other fighters to take him out of the competition. He new this was bad.

[Lord Orgasmo]

"Alright, we've confirmed at least four, likely with beasts to aid them. Let's return to the others, we'll need to inform them and protect Veronica at all costs. Let's go." Running back to the main area, everything seemed to be fine. Maybe it was just the four... He ran to the Baron,"Sir, I have reason to believe that there is going to be an attempt on your daughter's life. Over by the forest, we've found four men likely about to set beasts rampart. You might want to get some guards, this could get ugly."

The first two he could find were Lucky and Noella. Noella appeared to doing...Something with the food, while Lucky was close by, playing his Violin. He stepped to Lucky and said:I have reason to believe that there is going to be an attempt on Veronica's life. Do not, I repeat, do not, let her any where near the forest, got it? I need you to tell the others. Jack already knows about this and is going to help you alert everybody. I'm going to get my gear, I'll be back shortly." This was when Lance noticed the boy had no real way of defending himself. He put his dagger into the boy's hand, in its scabbard."Put this in your pocket, or hide it in your boot. You might need. I'm off." And with that, Lance sprinted into the Manor to grab his equipment.

[Kuro]

Noella Le Sciellou
^{Current Location: The Asmothe Estate (Estate Entrance -> Picnic Grounds)}

Noella approached the food being carried out for the picnic, and tasted each one for a double take to check any for any odd flavors that might be poison. Everything had seemed to be okay, at least to her. No odd flavors were noticed, and Noella wasn't on her knees and spewing blood from her eyes or being affected by some other dangerous side effect from a possible poison. The huntress went to give the chefs and servants delivering the food an okay when she noticed Lance and Jack venture deep in the forest, far from where the picnic would be held. Something was up, and Noella was sure she would soon find out.

"You all should get back to estate as quickly as you can. That's an order." The whiskered huntress stated, motioning with her hand for the chefs and other various servants to return to the estate as fast as they could. She looked at Gear Heart, and knew that he more than capable of watching the Baron and Veronica by himself for just a few seconds. He was a brute, and no sane person would try attacking a giant golem by themselves, especially one that could throw you quite literally into a wall. Using her brown and light green cloak as camouflage, Noella threw it over her head and darted off into the forest in search of one of the weapon caches she hid in case of an emergency just like this.

Of course, the arrow tips and blades were personally made dull by Noella in consideration for Veronica's safety. She had taken a rock to each sharp point, grinding the sharpness down so it would be impossible to cut someone with it. As a second safety measure, Noella had purchased a few magic lock boxes, those that only open when the owner touches it. She believed her plan foolproof, but in the case Veronica found one the caches, the baron's daughter would surely have someone with her to quickly take it away before, by the misfortune of her curse, she hurt herself.

"Now, where are these hoodlums located..." Noella mumbled as she crept along the treeline which kept herself hidden but close enough to have sight of the Baron and his daughter should she need to rush to their side. She knocked an arrow on her bow, and readied herself to blast these would-be assassins with the accuracy of a sharpshooter and the power of a modern day rubber bullet.

---

@KRAZY J, @rush99999, @IceHeart, @Apollosarcher, @Lord Orgasmo