[center] [hr] [h2][i][color=008080]God’s Shattering[/color][/i][/h2] [hr] [h3][i][color=008080]Exilia[/color][/i][/h3] [/center] It seemed that luck, or rather, skill and grit saved Fei and Jessi from being pummeled to death by the first wave of the raging mob or rabble and scum, but as they say 'It only gets worse' and soon enough the remnants of the wretched circled them, like vultures waiting to prey at a dying animal. Their twisted smile, like frothing hyenas, heralded doom for the duo of Imperials as it became rather evident that no matter how many they killed there would be more to takes the place. Soon enough, one of them dived at them, wielding what looked like a crooked ax that was meant more to crush than to cut... it was the sign for the slaughter to begin. And, it did, but the first one to meet his fate was the ax-wielding psycho who found out that his heart had been pierced by a lance belonging to a doll-like construct. Anyone in the whole of Exilia knew what that meant and thus they stepped back, fearing for their very lives, the one who stepped inside the decrepit tavern. "Most impressive", a girl's voice said, upon a simple head turn, one could ascertain that it came from a blonde with an enigmatic smile in her face. The girl was of mean height and build (just about Fei's size), her hair reached just about her shoulders in the front, with the back tied into a single braid and she wore what could be better described as a mix-and-match combination of a battle armor and a blue dress. Beside the girl an number of dolls just like the one that had just killed the ruthless ruffian laid in wait, ready to execute every of their mistress' commands[url=http://i.imgur.com/Hbl7QAX.jpg]*[/url]. "Your efforts moved me", the one that could be none other than Emilia -The Puppeteer of Warovia- herself said, with more than a little excitement coloring her discourse. "When I heard about it, I could barely believe, but it's in fact true that no one else other than the child of the Blood Knight had come to my lands in exile. What do I owe the pleasure of this meeting to, Fei, daughter of Asgard?" With the pleasantries taken care over, Emilia turned to Jessi and smiled as she regarded the way he seemed to be about to crumble to pieces. "Oh, and let us not forget the valiant knight who fought through life and limb to save the princess of Flaming Hair, one such as you deserves a place to rest and a balm to sooth your wounds, thus I propose that we continue our conversation in my humble habitation. Of course it's much less luxurious than what your mistress may be used to, but they are there best this forsaken land has to offer." "Of course, you are free to turn down my hospitality. But, I wonder, how long it'll take for you remains to be feeding the pigs, if that's your choice?" Emilia said with a knowing smirk, anticipating the initial refusal of the duo. Indeed, their choice was between taking their chances with a declared enemy of Fei's mother, or fight until they could no more and succumb to the hands of the mob that even now was held at bay only because of Emilia's dreadful presence. [center]• • •[/center] [center] [h3][i][color=008080]Aquaria, the City of Water[/color][/i][/h3] [img]http://i.imgur.com/3jKxrRt.jpg[/img] [/center] After a couple days or so, traveling on the airship full of luxuries that are usual for this kind of transportation, the group composed by Alex, Tori and the Aquarian twins arrived in the grand city of Aquaria the trading heart of the Imperium. The foxy twins wasted no time in bounding off the ship as soon as it had been docked with smiles beamed on their face as soon as they were greeted by the smell of the abundant water and the sound of the waterfalls who was like a gentle lullaby for them. "Ha ha, we're back home, Linea! Quick, let's go see mom!" Sienna said in her typical energetic way, though it looked like she was even more excited than usual. "Indeed, Oneesama, we are back." Linea replied in her usual shy way, though even she looked to be a bit eager to meet their mother after months away from home, if her wagging tail was of any indication. Yet, before her sister dragged her as usual, Linea took the time to turn to their guests and bow, before apologizing, "I'm sorry, but it has been a long time since we left. If it's not imposing, we would appreciate if you came and had lunch with us. I'm sure mother will be glad as well." And, with that said, the twins, or better Sienna, dashed out to meet their mother at the Grand Library of Aquaria, second to none but Imperial Library resting at the cradle of the Imperium. [center]• • •[/center] "Ah, I'm sorry if my daughters gave you any trouble, please take a seat and let's enjoy this afternoon meal." Surprisingly, the twins' [url=http://i.imgur.com/6hQyYEq.jpg]mother[/url] didn't even looked to be that much older when compared with her daughters, yet the semblance between them was quite clear. "So, I take it that you're here to explore Arcadia, right? Oh, this bring some memories back..." The fox woman spoke in a soft voice as they sat around a table in one of the upper alcoves of the library that also double as the Aquarian family's habitation. From the open porch a breeze swayed in the room, carrying the cool smell of the abundant water and of the water lilies that dotted the city more still ponds, before them a large selection of foodstuffs from all over the land decorated the table, a meal worthy of even the Imperator so to say. "Talking about memories." The fox woman said, regarding Tori, "Ara~ Tori my dear, it has been ages since I last seen you. You've grown so much; now you're a fine young woman. I bet the boys must not give you a moment of peace, right~?" This last dragged comment, was said with a knowing tone as the fox woman shot a narrowed eyes glance at Alex. Perhaps, was she seeing something that wasn't there, or... who knows? "Ara ara! Please excuse this old woman's ramblings, I'm clearly letting my mind wander off, right?" She said, chuckling heartily just a moment after. "By the way, excuse me for the lack of introductions", the fox woman regarded Alex, since she was already acquainted with Tori (in fact, being one of the young librarian's teachers and the one who introduced Tori to their shared profession), "I'm Berlina Aquarian, the Head Librarian here at the Grand Library. Also, the mother of these two, hopefully not very troublesome puppies and Deputy Queen of this province. Though, don't let this tick you off, the only thing this titles ensure is that I have so much paperwork to do that I barely ever get the chance to leave the office. Really, I'm not special at all." Despite the way she said it, it was clear that Berlina was a more than a bit proud, or perhaps even... haughty about her position, if the smug smile she had on while she waited for Tori's and Alex's reply was of any indication. [hr] [@TheWindel][@Lucius Cypher][@BlueAjah][@Awesomoman64][@McFazzer][@Flamelord]