[sub]in collaboration with [@Aerandir], [@TheDoctor], [@Urukhai], [@Fetzen], and [@Wildeyes][/sub] [h1][center][i][u]"Coven Found"[/u][/i][/center][/h1] Matrim's journey to Witches' Paradise had been a thankfully uneventful one. After finally tracking down his horse the hunter went as fast as he could, stopping only when the horse needed a break. Some of his wounds had reopened over the trip but Matrim hardly cared at that point. The other hunters needed to know, and he would deliver the message. Very late the second night Matrim finally made it to the town, feeling the fatigue over him. His only energy at this point was the desire to finally make it to the others, to confirm he wasn't alone anymore. At the entrance the hunter didn't even bother to rein his horse in and ran to the door, busting it open to enter. Finally inside, Matrim panted heavily and announced, [color=ed1c24]"I found them."[/color] [hr][sub]Bobby, Ashlynn, and Alric[/sub] Matrim spoke of horrific transmutation experiments, mental violations, and demons. If the first two weren’t bad enough, and they were plenty bad, the last told Bobby what he’d been spending so much time trying to find out. They’d found Lorelai at last. More importantly they’d found where Elizabeth and Coraline had been imprisoned. The missing hunters had kept Bobby up the last few weeks. Matrim and Flint’s return was a small miracle by his counting, and certainly cause for celebration. There were still hunters out there suffering though, and that meant there was work to be done. Bobby sent flyers calling for a meeting of all the local hunters, to happen tonight, hopefully after Matrim had recovered enough to speak. He sighed as he resumed his post behind the bar of the Witch’s Paradise. [color=f26522]”Another long night eh Bobby?”[/color] He whispered to himself. [color=f26522]”I’m getting too old for this shit.”[/color] As Bobby whispered to himself, the bell jingled as two new arrivals strode in. Bobby was struck by a large man, clad in a brown and green cloak, witht he hood pulled back. He had a glorious mane of golden blond hair, with a full beard to match. He had a heavy hammer at his side, and a massive shield strapped across his back. Beneath his cloak, Bobby could see he was wearing plate and mail armor. The man was so impressive, and despite his token attempts at staying low key, that Bobby almost didn't notice the small figure follow into the bar behind the large figure. "What are ye here for?" Bobby called to the stranger. The stranger held up one of the fliers he had sent out. "I've heard that the local hunters are meeting here. We're here to join their ranks." Bobby nodded as he pointed to the two stools in front of him. "Always room fer acomplished men like ye self. Alrich Uther I gather?" He said with a chuckle then glancing at the small girl behind him. "And Ashlynn Sheyln behind ye?" He almost had a twinkle in his eye as he cleaned a clay mug with a rag. Of course he knew of them, he knew of all the major hunters/mercenaries/knights worth their salt. He had his own network of informants that was quite impressive. The pair smiled, as Ashlynn lowered her hood. "You honor a pair of humble hunters." They belly up to the bar and order drinks. After a quick look around Ashlynn decided no one was likely to kill her here. Bobby was certainly a legendary figure, and her father spoke of the man fondly. He'd said the man had a near perfect memory, and knew the name of just about every hunter to spill vile blood. She grinned at the man, her white eyes full of excitement tempered with concern. "Mr. Flint. Do you perhaps know an Elizabeth? Elizabeth James? She's a dear friend of mine, I was hoping to catch up with her." Bobby looked at the girl as she mentioned Liz. A pained looked came upon his face, as he was worried about the lass. Though Ashlyn could not see it, he was sure Alrich did. "I do Indeed missy... I'm afraid to tell ye that she's been missing for a few weeks. Poor girl got caught up with Lorelai Von'strauss... Been searching for her since." Ashlynn turned a forlorn look to Alric. "Von'Strauss...? Elizabeth... why couldn't you have just been a noble?" "Is that what this call is for? Some kind of rescue operation?" Alric was concerned, if Bobby was referring to the Von' Strauss he thought he was. "You're referring to the demon binders, correct? You're in luck, we have spades of experience dealing with the like." Alric put an encouraging hand on his friend's shoulder. "At least Liz hasn't gotten herself in trouble with anything too unfamiliar." Bobby raised an eyebrow as Alric said he had experiance fighting demons of the like. Obviously he hasn't met a Von'strauss. "I know of yer stories of fighting demons, but Lorelai Von'strauss has the skill to summon far more dangerous Demons, Demon Lords to be exact. Even me dear Friend Hector Digard lost his life to her hands, She is not to be trifled with. Top top it off with an entire conven of powerful witches. " Alric smiled at Bobby's warnings of Demon Lords. "Thanks for the info. You can fill us in on Demon Lords later. For now, let's enjoy some food and drink until we have our grand meeting. You never know if you'll have another chance." Alric raised his mug in a toast, and bought rounds for the bar. People's spirits were high for a little while. [hr][sub]Digard's and Co.[/sub] During the few weeks after Flint had recovered, He and Fenros had gone out searching with Allltia and Mishka for any clues as to where Lorelai was, as well Liz and Coraline. They tracked down, along with Emiliah and Vivian, any clues of demon sommoners, finiding and killing at least four witches in the process. While traveling, they took Emiliah on and trained her as much as they could with the knowlege of their trade their family had been in since before the time of Christ. She was a quick learner, and though it was mostly in teaching her Hebrew and rituals that she could use with out the priesthood. They were already on their way back when a messenger stopped them on the road telling them to come back. Fenros was personally still mad at Bobby as he found out that He had met Lorelai a few weeks before their little escapade with Death... A day later they all had arrived back at the Witches Paradise, as others had been coming in. As they walked in Flint found the closest stool and floopped down, [color=0054a6]"UGH...This is why I don't hunt with you Fenros." [/color] [color=007236]"Cause you're lazy?" [/color] Fenros asked in a flat tone. He shot his elder brother a look. [color=0054a6]"Because you are so uptight all the time... and you can't relax every once in a while."[/color] Fenros shook his head, [color=007236]"Father was the same way...." [/color] [color=0054a6]"No he wasn't! He had a personality!" [/color] Flint said, cutting his brother off. He looked to Viv, [color=0054a6]"Am I right? Fenros is all business and no pleasure." [/color] "Uh...." Vivian looked betwwen the two brothers, wanting nothing more than to not be caught between them. She grinned brightly. "You." She turned to Fenros, poking his chest. "Need to smile more, and relax once in awhile. This job is hard enough without making it harder on yourself." "And you." She turned to Flint. "Could learn to be serious when the moment called for it. You're talented, and sometimes I wonder if some of it doesn't go to waste." "Now, please don't beat me up. That'd be great." She winked. Soon her drink came and she stiffled a laugh in the mug. Flint pulled back as she turned on him, He looked slightly hurt by her words. Though she had a fair point, even his father had said the same thing growing up. Fact was that he was always serious on a mission, he only continued to act laid back as a facade. He was honestly worried about Liz, and what she did to save him. He didn't want the others to pry and ask so he acted like he wasn't worried. He leaned forward,[color=0054a6] "Says the one who is always smiling and bouncing around."[/color] He said while pointing a finger at her with his eyes narrowing on her. Fenros had only shrugged as he agreed with Viv's statement about Flint. Though he really didn't care what they thought that he was too serious. He had too many things to worry about to have fun at the moment. Perhaps after he kills Lorelai and Finds Elina that would change.... He looked down at the drink the Bobby had brought over.[color=f26522] "Good to see ya all safe and sound,"[/color] He heard Bobby as he hobbled over. He looked Fenros directly in the eye, [color=f26522]"I'm sorry about before, but just so ye know... This meetin is some good news for ye." [/color] Bobby looked to Vivian, [color=f26522]"Glad ye survived with these ruffians. I'm sure you kept them out of trouble then?"[/color] "Aye, although it took everything I had." Vivian flashed Bobby her signature grin. "They're every bit as talented as I remember Bobster." "Sooo... What's up? Pleeeeeaaase tell me you've found the Von'Strauss whore." She batted her eyelashes cutely. Bobby looked at Viv and smiled. "Better be, They be filling Hector's boots. " He said with a huff. She then went on to ask if he found out any more info, "As a matter of fact, Aye. I did. Matrim had managed to find out where the whore of a witch was after being tortured and what not for a bit." Flint and Fenros sat up in their seats, perked up just like a wolf at hearing vital information. Both said in unison. "Where?!" Bobby raised his hands, "Ill tell everone in a minute...right now rest and prepare you two" "Sweet!" Vivian exclaimed. She nudged Flint's arm, smirking playfully. "Just one Von'Strauss away from being reunited with Miss Liz huh? How long after that before the wedding? I'll need an escort, and something to wear, timing is important." She giggled. Flint was slightly pushed to the side as she nudged him, not really paying attention, but when he finially realized what she was saying he looked at her with wide eyes. "W-w-what?!?! There is nothing between us!" Despite his protest a small hint of red appeared on his cheeks, Even though she had shut the door on any relationship before the hunt, He still did have feelings for her, that and the fact that she had sold herself into slavery to protect him...it was something he wouldn't stand for. That was his role...to protect others...not to be protected. He was relieved, only slightly at the thought that he was finally one step closer to finding her. Fenros forced himself to lean back onto his stool. He knew if Bobby wanted to wait to tell everyone, he was going to wait, no matter what he tried to say. Growling only slightly as he gripped the counter. For him, it was two things, Lorelai, the witch who killed his father and mother, and also Elina... who, despite this past year, he still believed that she really wasn't a bad witch. He knew they were in the same castle...because of Medusa. "When will this meeting start then?" He asked Bobby. Bobby shrugged, "A little later." This only made him growl even more. That wasn't any help. He let out a sigh, calming himself down as he glanced around the bar, noticing other hunters he never seen before, a large man iwith a giant shield on his back, a blonde woman with pale eyes. He even noticed Yuri and Andri. [hr][sub]Andri[/sub] It had not been long until after his meeting with Medusa that Andri returned to Seren's Folley. He had wanted to search for Liz, knowing that she had to be somewhere within the boundaries of the Castle, but his efforts had come out to no avail. Since his return it had almost been like he did not exist at all: There were no giant's drinking sessions in the tavern, not only because of a certain additional inhabitant being worried about his appearance, but also because Andri had started to feel somehow trapped there, ready for every other hunter to finish him off if that other hunter was in the mood for it. And the whore he had to attend to on a more regular basis than not ? It had cost him barely any effort at all to convince Khan to get him there the fast way. Other errands could be done early or late when the transition between day and night wasn't far away. Now however, there was no escape. He [i]had[/i] to attend this meeting, even if it meant sharing the same room not only with Fenros, but with all the other hunters he believed were not only knowing or at least suspecting something was very wrong with him, but also willing to put and end to this the ultimate way. The assassin almost rushed through the door and went for a chair that was both close to a wall and close to the exit leading upwards to the other rooms. From there, he started staring into the room, scanning it. It appeared he had just speeded past the Digard brothers - something he was glad about. There was another person next to them, a female. Was she new ? Likely, but given him rather being a newcomer himself who was he to judge ? [hr][sub]Yuri & Andri[/sub] It was a slow walk that brough Yuri the the bar, the shaft of his scythe clicking in time with the clicking of his boots on the stone streets. The hunter sighed as he opened the door to the bar with his shoulder, and at least having the decency to close it with his free hand, rather than with his foot or weapon. Taking a seat, Yuri leaned his scythe on the table as he pulled a second seat around to prop one of his legs on as he sat. He rubbed at his jaw as he took his hat off, his fingers running along his beard that had been lengthening slightly as of late, but the growing facial hair want alone as the tips of his fingers met a few new cuts that were clotted up. Yuri sighed as he brought his hand away from his face [i]"Those are going to scar up, wonderful, more to the collection."[/i]. After a momentary relaxed silence, Yuri reached out and grasped his weapon, opening the blade slowly by hand, the blade emerging without fanfare. The once whole blade now baired some cips along the inside, three to be exact. Yuri fished through his belt and fetched out a whetstone and set about working at the divots in the blade. It soon became appearent that he wasnt trying to buff them out, instead he seemed to be sharpeining them, adding what apeared to be a small serration in the blades. Frowning he stopped sharpening and put both the stone and the blade away before hauling himself to his feet. Walking to the bar the scarred man got himself a drink befor notticeing Andri. Grinning slightly Yuri grabbed his scythe in one hand, and his drink in the other before making his way over to the giant of a man, Setting both down next to him as he lowered himself into a seat near him, "Nice to see a framiliar face" Yuri said to Andri as he sat before taking a drink and continueing "So how has life been treating you freind?" Andri wasn't looking at Yuri until the other hunter approached the bar. Too great was his fear of attracting the attention of the man he had asked for having a close eye on himself. What an irony. However he could not cut out that grinding noise. For someone who was considering being attacked right here during this meeting as a scenario, it was a somewhat eerie thing to hear. Then the unexpected happened as the other hunter selected him to have chat with. [color=fff79a]"Wait a minute... isn't that the guy you told to surveil you ?"[/color] [color=00a99d]"Don't panic! Please!"[/color] The assassin was far from admitting it to the worm as it could just affirm him, but his heartbeat was becoming faster. If he just had an empty jug in his hands that he could cling on with his fingers demanding for movement, it would probably have made his tension unnoticeable - but there was none except for Yuri's. [color=00a99d]"Heya."[/color] It didn't take long for the giant to take note of the newly added wounds. Right now he was glad that they existed, something he could probably use to divert the focus from himself. [color=00a99d]"Given the circumstances... I'd say rather fine."[/color] It was a lie of a purity he very rarely dared to use. Andri tried to sound casually. [color=00a99d]"And you ? Haven't seen you in a while."[/color] Yuri shrugged as he took a drink "Eh not bad, not bad. Recent events keeping me busy more than anything." His voice trailed off for a moment, before he brought himself back with a shake of his head. "So you get the flyer thats been making the rounds, or just here for a drink? Speaking of which, you want one,?" Yuri gestured slightly with the drink in his hand to emphasise the question. [color=00a99d]"Yes, of course!"[/color] His answer came quick like a shot. How long had it been until he had indulged himself into a decent bit of alcohol ? Too long. And it would come with a jug, so it wasn't too late yet to make himself appear calm. Andri waited for Yuri to return with whatever drink he had got. Just about everything would be acceptable for him right now and so it came, causing the assassin to express his gratitude for the expense. [color=00a99d]"It was the flyer. I'm wondering what the kickup is all about. You have any idea ?"[/color] "Nope" Yuri responded with a slight chuckle "I think im going to take a break from guessing at where these grand hunt of ours are going to take us." he face fell slighty "Especially after last time." He took a drink and forced the grin back "Whelp we could ask." He said casting a side glance at the giant "But that would be to easy right?" [color=fff79a][i]Especially since last time ? Tell that guy not to talk so disrespectful about that event! Before you came across my little self you were stuck in the dark ages of sex and the whores unhappy. Now look how things have changed.[/i][/color] Andri did not respond to Khan's interruption, because he knew that Khan knew what he would have responded. He tried to focus on Yuri. [color=00a99d]"Actually I'm not [i]that[/i] eager to know about it before all the others. And if I judge Bobby correctly, he will make sure that we all get to know it the moment he thinks we should."[/color] He started to consume his drink, apparently not impressed by the jug's size at all. [color=00a99d]"So you've been busy ? Hunting witches I guess, heh ? I can see the cuts and bruises. Was there any success ?"[/color] Yuri nods "A few, minor witches and monsters seem to be poping out of the woodwork recently. No idea why. But there they are frightening the 'oh so pure' town people" Yuri waved his hands in a very sarcastic motion. "Who then call us." Yuri shook his head slowly as he took a drink. "Boggles the mind sometimes. But its what we, or most of us... siome of us, signed up for I suppose. But yah, a few successes, a few good fights, a couple new notches on my blade, literally and figuratively." Andri really would have liked to know more about the details. Witches frightening town people didn't necessarily mean that they were actively and deliberately doing so. Ordinary people had a massive tendency to be frightened just by a remote presence. So there was something for his conscience to gnaw on. On the other hand... he couldn't reverse the flow of time and it definitely was outside his responsibility, so he had the choice between allowing his doubts and questions to consume more space in his mind or to forget about it. The latter option was far more preferable, though he couldn't kill the other thing instantaneously. Additionally, there were so many of his own worries in his head - both literally and not - that he, if he was honest, just wanted to small talk a bit more. [color=00a99d]"Your blade ? I've not seen much of it yet. Why did you opt for such a mechanism ? Wouldn't have something more ordinary both sufficed and been less fault-prone ?"[/color] Yuri set down his mug, and though for a moment before retreiving his weapon, which he turned over in his hand as he spoke. "Thats a good question honestly. Would certianly be easier with a fixed blade I can tell you that, less moving parts, less matinance. But it also means that I would have a kinda target following me around, hard to desguse a scythe right? Its this that makes the practical part of my mind want to tell you that its simply beacuse its easier to blend in when you dont have a blade poking out, people also seem more comfortable when they dont think you have a sharp, pointy object. That and the sheer suprise of suddenly having one." Yuri reached out and slowly pulled the blade of the scythe out by hand once more, the hidden lock making a slight click as it latched into place. With an almost melencholy look about him Yuri ran his eyes along the blade "But also with it like this, its a choice you know? You have to draw it twice, you have to be so sure you need to end a life you can do it twice. With a fixed blade it's to easy just to draw and strike, no thought, just motion. Too easy to make a mistake. Too easy for people to get hurt." Yuri breathed out, letting the silence fill the space between him and his weapon before chuckling soflty to himself as he close his eyes and closed the blade. Putting the weapon back to its reasting position he queitly mumbled to himself [i]"Even then. Sometimes I don't think thats enough."[/i] Retreving his drink he took a gulp before nodding to Andri "Sorry.. didnt mean to put a damper on things." Yuri's response to his question was surprising. Andri really had not expected the other hunter to be so... he wasn't even sure how to name it. He could see both the points in Yuri's thoughts, but which of them weighed more: Obscurity or an inherent restraint forcing one's mind to make a second thought ? The assassin appreciated both, but he wasn't convinced about the point of time this restraint kicked in with the scythe. His own weapon was terribly slow-acting even compared to a scythe that one would have to carefully unfold like a huge map before using it, but in his case it was a necessary evil because he needed something that didn't spill blood, not a deliberate choice. Yuri's chuckle appeared odd to Andri, but his last sentence prevented him from asking about it. Instead, he pulled out his garrotte that had been hidden in one of the larger pockets of his leather armor and let it dangle above the table in front of the other hunter. With a slight smile, he said: [color=00a99d]"Perhaps you should try out this. You have a lot of seconds for aborting with that. If you are more experienced, you can even feel the thin line between unconsciousness and death, and use it to your advance."[/color] The scarred hunter looked at the garrotte, a small onesided grin appearing on his face. "Perhaps in time freind. For now I think i'll bear what I have, its become framiliar at this point. But tomorrow is always a diffrent day right?" Yuri finished speaking just as Bobby spoke up, grabbing his attention "Speaking of diffrent days." [hr][sub]The meeting[/sub] Matrim slowly stirred from his bed, giving a small groan as he sat up. After giving a glance around the room, he slowly remembered all of what happened. His arrival at the inn and speaking with Bobby about what happened with his fatigued self. After that he made Mat rest and get back to full strength as the other hunters were to gather here. The waiting made Matrim restless, but he knew it was necessary. Only at full strength could they possibly take on that many witches. Hearing voices outside his room, Matrim slowly got up out of his bed and changed before equipping himself with his arms, including a flintlock and a dagger. His spear was still at the witches' castle, something he'd need to get back. For the time being he had found a temporary replacement spear until he could reclaim it. Stepping out to the bar Matrim gave a glance around the room, recognizing some of his fellow hunters from what seemed like years ago. Much had happened since he was last with them, and he would need to tell them much. Fortunately Bobby would be there to help him out to explain everything. As soon as the briefing was done, they could get ready to move out. While Matrim wasn't physically old, he felt so wearied and tired from everything. His eyes seemed to sag as he slumped into a chair at an empty table not too far from Bobby's. Looking over at the man, Matrim gave a nod, ready to begin. Bobby's gruff voice sounded out over the clamor of the gathered hunters. "Alright ye rough lot!" His gaze swept over the gathered faces, and soon they all quieted. "I've called ya here for a hunt." "Those o' ye in the loop know we've got some missing hunters. Liz an' Coraline haven't been visiting family." His voice was grim. "They've found themselves in the clutches of one o' the most vile witches to hex or spit." "We all know witch signs, and we all know there's a damned sight too many 'round here for comfort." He gestured to Matrim. "Matrim here has found their source at last. Tonight I call on ye to hunt witches, tonight we stalk Lorelai Von'Strauss, and her coven." "It'll be a long night laddies, and I expect not all of us will make it back here for the celebration." His voice held a note of sadness for all its resolve. "But we'll not balk in the face o' demons will we? We'll finish now, what Hector began all those years ago." "Now Matrim. Tell this lot what you told me." Bobby's hand fell on the young man's shoulder. Matrim gave a steady glance towards everyone in the bar, sitting up straighter in his chair. Information was key during hunts, and he was glad to give it all out. [color=ed1c24]"The castle is two to three days travel from here, and there are many witches. From what I saw one was a chimera creator named Ang, a really sick twisted witch that one who wanted to experiment on me. Another was a human snake mix with mind reading powers. The third I met, mental emotion tapping, though she's probably dead. "I was captured by the witches after being injured by a mountain lion and bear mix. There seemed to be some dissension between the witches, though I don't know much about it. Several were complaining about their leader...Lorelai I believe. Another they seemed to follow was named Medusa. Short story about my stay: it was dark, scarring, and very educational. I failed to find any of the missing hunters but I believe they were being held elsewhere. They probably know I've escaped by now but I don't think they would expect an attack by a large group so soon. Surprise would be our best advantage,"[/color] the hunter finished his report, slumping a bit back down in his chair. [color=ed1c24]"They also took my spear so if anyone happens to find it when we're there, it'd be nice if that could be returned to me."[/color] The giant man's facial features went sliding downwards even before Mat had finished his report. It wasn't until fresh air was leaking into his booze-covered mouth that he actually noticed having lost control over it. Even Khan didn't appear to be in the mood for an obvious 'Did they cut off his penis and he wants it back ?' prank about a lost spear that was lying on the road for him. [color=fff79a][i]Mhmmm. You're in trouble. You brought peace to the coven and now the hunters will come for it. And the witches will probably suspect you of betrayal because you too are one who has left the castle. Time to choose, boy... You could forget about this heap of human junk and earn your rightful place among the supernaturals by telling them. I could get you to them right here, right there, right now.[/i][/color] Why was there such an amused undertone in Khan's mental voice ? Wasn't it a bad thing for a parasite to enjoy it when its host was in trouble ? [color=fff79a][i]Or wait... you just [b]couldn't[/b] forget about this heap of human junk, could you ? Watching them being ambushed in an ambush you were the key in its preparation... You'd beg me for poofing you back into that coffin after you have committed suicide, wouldn't you ? So stick to the other option: Stay here, let things happen, participate and bear the risk of the other hunter's not accepting you after all because Mr. Wolfbreath is a stubborn and distrustful one.[/i][/color] One part of Andri wanted to cry out for Khan to stop. Another part wanted to continue listening to the demon's insights as it felt that one couldn't lay out things any better than Khan did. [color=fff79a][i]Or you could blurt out everything, now. The great nasty thing Rebecca told you about... The fearsome reason for everyone to stick to a fragile peace, perhaps, maybe, unlikely... Oh, you already are a traitor. But now it's in your hands to cause a terrible lot of real damage, not only for you. If you ask me... stick to the women.[/i][/color] The entire speech of Khan had taken a terrible toll on Andri's mood. He would have discovered all the interdependencies himself, but that worm had handed them to him on a silver platter, adorned with a slight trail of malice. Or was that just his own mind attempting to make Khan's reasoning less feasible by contaminating it with things he didn't like ? Anyways, for several seconds, there wasn't much of a difference between the giant man sitting next to a wall and a statue of a giant man sitting next to a wall. The only person he briefly squinted at was Fenros when he discovered another part of the equations Khan did seem to have overlooked: Did this man see the possibility of him becoming a traitor ? He knew he could teleport, he knew he had a multiple day's advantage for whatever he was up to when the location involved Castle Bloodrose. But... did he knew that he had already been there ? He had taken so much effort into not allowing for this, but one could never be sure... There was one straw he found. One thing he could cling onto: Convincing them to not start this hunt in the first place without telling any of his secrets. [color=00a99d]"Do you think it's wise to start such an endeavour with the limited numbers we have ? We're speaking about an entire coven, right ?"[/color] He expected some of the hunters to rage at him for this, but perhaps there was a majority that would agree with him. [color=fff79a][i]Major achievement Andri! You're really quick at getting disasters rolling, not only in bed. What if they agree to just wait until more hunters have gathered here ? Your argument will become invalid and the massacre even bigger.[/i][/color] From one of the shadows at the edge of the tavern, Draco had watched as the rest of the hunters debated and discussed their newest hunt in silence. Whatever expression that he might have shown seemed to be hidden under a face mask of sorts, but with his arms crossed across his chest the casual observer might have noticed that the fingers on his right hand were tapping against his upper left arm in thought. Clicking his tongue as he came to a decision, he decided to speak up. "[color=0072bc]For what good it is worth, I might be able to remove one of the witches from the coven before the fighting begins and remove her as a threat. I won't be able to join in the hunt itself if I do so, but removing a witch from the defense of wherever they have dug themselves into before the rest of you assault it would have to make something of a difference...[/color]" Vivian nodded to Andri. "He's right, our numbers are somewhat lacking for now." She grinned. "I've been traveling awhile though, and I've made some friends believe it or not." She drug some parchment out of her bag, along with a pen and ink. "I'll send out some letters, I should be able to get a few lodges worth of hunters here within a fortnight." Ashlynn spoke up shyly. "I might be able to get a few knights here... if we needed." Gideon was her father, and truth be told if he knew what was happening he'd probably ride a contigent down. Hector Digard was a friend of his after all. Matrim glanced at the other hunters who spoke up, disgruntled that several were immediately against attacking soon. The hunter sat up straighter and looked between the two. [color=ed1c24]"Like I said, a quick attack may be our only advantage. If we wait for more hunters the witches could very well call in their own allies. What happens after a fortnight and we get more hunters just to figure they have more witches with them? We'll just continue to indefinitely wait till every bloody hunter in the world gathers. They seemed surprised to see me there, which means they weren't expecting hunters to find them and they don't have proper defenses set up. It'll be a nest of hexes, traps, and even more witches to fight if we wait it out."[/color] Vivian's hand paused over her letter for a moment. She sighed, sitting back in her chair. Her eyes met Matrim's for a moment, before she nodded. "Mat's right, surprise is our best bet." She glanced over at Ashlynn. "We'll still send off for back up, incase things go sideways, but the sooner the better." Ashlynn nodded in suit, grinning. "Y-yeah, a surprised witch is bad enough, but a prepared one?" She shuddered. "The sooner the better indeed." "Aye." Bobby's voice sounded again. "We'll be movin' out tonight." He unrolled a map across the bar. It detailed the region around Seren's Folley, and bore a small red X that Matrim had added. "Plan is to fan out through here." He indicated their approach. "As to spot any waiting ambushes, and ensure we don't leave nothin' behind us." "We'll gather up here," He pointed to a valley close to the castle. "And finish our approach." [color=00a99d][i]Shit![/i][/color] That had gone terribly wrong and, to make things even worse, it had gone wrong exactly the way Khan had predicted. Of course that was something the demon worm did not forget telling him loud and clear. Making the possible carnage even more vast really was a major achievement, in the most negative sense possible. Andri felt really bad at this moment, and one could see this. His face had turned pale as if he was ill, his movements had become slow and he was staring at the floor as if there was something really interesting to discover. The assassin was so busy succumbing into his dismal thoughts that he wasn't even aware of the fact that his face could be considered a major information leak for an attentive observer. Bobby's decisiveness about putting this hunting plan into action did add to Andri's confusion, too. Moving out tonight ? The giant man hadn't even progressed enough in his cogitations to be able to tell why he had such a bad feeling because of this. He just had. Only after a considerable amount of time he had continued sitting there in his corner like a piece of stone, the reason for this started condensating: He had to stop this madness before it took place! Why had it been that he and Rebecca had arranged for this secret meeting between Medusa and Lorelai, thereby both risking a lot ? Because there was this rumour about something coming that would be far too great for any of the two sides to handle on its own. Did he have any serious confirmation on this ? No, except for some 'divinations' as Rebecca had called them. Probably a good assertion for a witch, but not really for him. But who was he to play games with fate ? Could he or anybody else afford to just [i]assume[/i] that this was pure bullshit and therefore continue with business as usual ? That was a no that was more sure than the other - and there were other arguments, too. Assuming that the entire coven was a huge bunch of really terrible witches that would deserve to be killed, wouldn't this huge bunch have a vast area of really bad influence ? Yuri had just told him about a few witches 'threatening' citizens, but even the true chain of effects behind this was uncertain. A vast area of bad influence just didn't appear to be what reality was around here. So tracking logic back resulted in the inverse assumption that the coven just could not be really bad in its entirity. Was it justifyable to kill all to hit a few ? Even from a non-moralist point of view it couldn't be. Deaths of innocent people had a natural tendency to make the remainder of the innocent people more aggressive. [color=fff79a][i]Erm... hello ? Andri ? What are you thinking ? You're so silent...[/i][/color] [color=00a99d][i]Shut up![/i][/color] it came back, very unsubtle. Perhaps he could save the coven by warning them. How long would the hunters require to go there ? Two days ? Three days ? Something like that. But that would be the same time Mat would have required to get back here, and how likely was it that his escape had not been discovered in a meantime this long ? Not very. Entire Castle Bloodrose likely already was on high alert, so likely nothing of effect to do there. That made it even more important to make the hunters not starting their endeavour in the first place. [i]Two[/i] sides were to be saved from a massacre here. But how ? [color=00a99d][i]Liz![/i][/color] It was a brainwave that blasted through his demonically infested head. What had Bobby said ? It was about the missing hunters, Liz and Coraline! Sure the latter one also was important, but the two witches had told him that Liz was in the Castle - and he had already gained mutual trust with her. What if he would manage to get her here ? Wouldn't that shake things ? Perhaps it would at least add a delay to things... [color=fff79a][i]You don't even know where she is! You don't know what happened to her![/i][/color] [color=00a99d][i]One more reason to get to the Castle![/i][/color] [color=fff79a][i]Oh... and how do you intend to do this ? Being faster than the other hunters with your giant ass on a horse ?[/i][/color] [color=00a99d][i]No! This will be the very first poof of you that won't take away my clothes or make me reappear at a place I don't like![/i][/color] [color=fff79a][i]WHAT ? I want more whore-time for this![/i][/color] [color=00a99d][i]It's not unlikely that we will end up living in a castle full of women with almost no men along them! Isn't that attractive enough for you ?[/i][/color] Khan didn't answer. Instead, Andri could feel the worm curling. It was only then when Andri directed his words to the other hunters again: [color=00a99d]"It is quite possible that the witches have detected your escape days ago, Mat. Now imagine what they could have in store waiting for us by now! I say that a full scale assault is crazy and that's it! Perhaps we can think of smaller, more intelligent solutions!"[/color] Of course, as an assassin, he wasn't referring to anything with this... [color=00a99d]"Excuse me, I have to go for a pee."[/color] Thereby he left the main room through the door that lead to the other parts of Witches' Paradise, including the rooms upstairs. [color=fff79a][i]You're not going to pee ? Damn... wanted to see your ding dong dangling![/i][/color] The assassin carefully opened a back window and squeezed out. He didn't run in order not to cause excessive noise in the mud, but he wasn't slow moving either. His steps were directing him right to his shed where he started to collect the more important things in his posession, throwing them all into a cloth bag he used to transport them in when travelling with only as little care as was absolutely required. [color=00a99d][i]Khan ? You know the destination. Do it, NOW![/i][/color] It was near instantaneous. A sudden surge that started to cut him out of the constraints of what mankind described as 'natural laws', just to reinsert him into the ordinary world at another place a blink of an eye later. Bobby's eyes followed the giant with suspicioun, but now was hardly the time to confront him. "Alright lads and lassies, grab your gear and organize into teams." He glanced at the clock. "We'll meet back here in say... two hours. Then we ride out!" Vivian nodded grinning. "Dibs on the priestess!" She turned to poke Fenros in the chest. "You too wolf-boy, things never get boring around you." "O-okay!" Ashlynn grinned shyly. "Alric and I will ride out with you then." Draco sighed a little as his offer was seemingly ignored. Shaking his head a little to himself for even bringing up an offer to these people, he remained in silence for a moment before the offer to form teams was brought up. "[color=0072bc]For what I have planned, I would actually be better off working alone. However, I can assure you that I'll remove at least one witch from the equation.[/color]" Flint and Fenros were quiet during the meeting. Having aggreed with Bobby wholely to the point of attack. Fenros had looked down at the bubbly Viv as she poked him in the chest. "Thanks?" He said with a tiny hint of a smile. But he looked away for a moment when the large man with the face covered mentioned only getting one witch out. He honestly agreeed with the man in the point he worked better alone...but with this, they needed all the help they could get. "One witch is not much an advantage out of a castle. What would more of an advantage is having another veteran hunter to fight along side us. Trust me I get the whole lone wolf thing, But we need you more in the attack." There was a sudden light knock on the door, followed by a man opening it from the outside. The man entered in, having a gruff but light look to him as he walked inside. Followed by him was a boy near the age of eighteen, looking timidly around the inn and holding a small but thick book. The older hunter, Conra, scanned the room around for who he was looking for, and finally ended up on Bobby. [color=00aeef]"Bobby! Sorry I'm late friend, glad I made it before you all headed out!"[/color] The hunter called out as he walked over to Bobby's table to sit down. Arid, the younger hunter, was unsure what to do until Conra waved him over to sit down next to him. [color=00aeef]"Glad I got your message, I'd been wanting to update my book on witches for a while, a hunt would be a perfect opportunity to do so!"[/color] Bobby broke into a grin and quickly shook the man's hand. "Conra! It's been ages! Good to have another o' the old guard to watch over these pups." He smiled grimmly. "And trust me old friend, we'll need it."