[h3][center][b]Opera Night[/b][/center][/h3]
~[@Eviledd1984], [@The Irish Tree] (NEP)~
[hr]

Even from here, the Manor could be seen sitting atop a small hill overlooking the town, situated far in the back. The thing looked to be old but well kept with a number of workers heading to and from it every now and then. Really, nothing seemed too out of the ordinary if one took things at face value.

[b]"Maria and Nephele! A pleasure indeed."[/b] The jovial man chuckled brightly, motioning for them to follow him into the village. [b]"I give you a formal and friendly welcome to Aspenmourne. It's really a shame we don't get much more travel these days. Absurd rumors of our lovely village being haunted, of all things."[/b] He scoffed, as if the very notion of it was absurd. [b]"Ah, but no matter. You probably don't care about such baseless rumors."[/b] As they walked through the seemingly bustling streets, the mayor exchanged greetings with a number of the villagers. A few said hi to Nephele and Maria as well, but for the most part they were allowed to move unhindered through the village, and soon they had reached the hill that led up to the manor.

[b]"All very good questions, my dear Nephele."[/b] He replied once they were standing in front of the manor. [b]"To put simply, the play we will be performing is missing the 'hero' of the event, so to speak. The man I hired seems nowhere to be found and with the main event happening tomorrow that simply won't do."[/b] He grinned. [b]"So! I recently became aware of your guild and thought - why, what better way to have an authentic heroic exploit by an adventurer themselves!"[/b] He laughed jovially, seemingly quite pleased with his solution. [b]"Don't worry, we already have the villain set in place as well as the 'damsel in distress' as it were. All you two will be required to do is recite a few lines and perhaps have a little improvisation during the climax."[/b]

He opened the door to the manor, holding the door open for the two of them to enter.

The interior of the mansion, once they walked in was well lit and smelled of both fresh paint and a little sawdust. The foyer was as impressive as the walls of the exterior seemed to suggest. Polished, clean tile floors shined with obvious care. Expensive furniture lined a few of the walls and an old grandfather clock was situated against one wall. A few paintings donned the walls, and a stairwell alongside the left wall led up to the places second floor. The only thing that seemed out of place is a chandelier that was sitting on the floor. A system of pulleys seemed ready to pull the thing into the air, and secure the rope to the second floor.

[b]"Agh, I thought they had already... "[/b] He grumbled, shaking his head. [b]"If one of you wouldn't mind helping get that chandelier in place...there should be a place to tie on the second floor's back wall, near the railing."[/b] He began walking, passing by them. [b]"If one of you also wouldn't mind fetching my daughter so we could begin rehearsal a bit so you can get a feel for your roles, that would be much appreciated. She'll likely be out back in that graveyard of all places...I don't see what she likes so much about that place..."[/b] He shook his head, leaving them to do their respective tasks. [b]"I shall be in the ballroom making sure everything is ready."[/b]

[color=8882be][h3][center]~Arletta Dupain~[/center][/h3][/color]
[@PaulHaynek][@The Irish Tree] 
[hr]

There were a number of new people in the guild, weren't there? A dragon, Mothwoman, and even a...preistess of some sort. Odd, especially that last one. A shame she didn't have much time to introduce herself at the moment. She had an excitable minotaur to keep up with. She glanced at Magnus as he hurriedly ran back inside for his axe, shaking her head and grinning at Magnus' excitement. Well, that was one way to get motivated and get ready for the incoming mission. The Dullahan followed Magnus hurriedly out of the guild house. [color=8882be]"Ah jeez...wait up Magnus!"[/color] She called after him.

The trek was a fast one, if not too eventful one for the first part of their trek. She was looking forward to visiting another town. Maybe she'd be able to keep her head on this time and not screw things up so much. Well, no matter she'd do her best. That was all anyone could do. It seemed trouble had found them, however. An overturned stagecoach with a man stranded on top of it - and some sort of beasts attacking him. Magnus was first to act, charging in head first with his axe, which she quickly followed up on. Brandishing her demon silver blade, she rushed behind the coach. Now that Magnus had drew their attention, she circled around and attacked them from behind. An intimidating bellow came from Magnus, providing a perfect distraction and intimidation to make sure she didn't get noticed - at least, not easily.

The Dullahan lunged forward, speedily cleaving her sword into the side of one of the beasts from behind, careful to avoid their stinger-like tails. She followed it up, speedily aiming to stab a second right in its side, hopefully skillfully executing both and taking out two more before they even knew what had happened.