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[b][color=662d91]Interacting with:[/color][/b]
[b][color=662d91]Mentions:[/color][/b][/center][hr][center][i][b][color=ed1c24]Three months earlier[/color][/b][/i][/center][hr][i][color=00a651]Dearest Brother,

I am afraid I have to bear bad news in this latest letter of ours. Our land has been attacked by the monsters that had appeared all too suddenly. We were ill prepared for the attack, as we had eased up our security only days before the attack as we had other businesses to attend to that needed more security. It proved to be a wrong decision on my part as the monsters broke through one of our gates and kept on coming. We fought back relentlessly, but there was no end in sight. Days of fighting ensued until they finally reached the inner circle where our home is located. They also broke through that gate, but we had managed to repel them by then. It was suspicious, it was like someone or something was controlling them. I would have no time to investigate as our family was hit hard, and efforts to shelter those who lost their homes and also rebuilding the facilities from inside to the outside are being done. We have lost many good men. Our parents have also perished, along with Jeremiah. Everyone is pitching in to help with the efforts and we have pooled our many resources to rebuild, but this would stall our progress. We still sent out traders to sell whatever they can to keep the profit going, but if we do not recover soon, I am afraid we would suffer long-term consequences. [/color][/i]

Gabriel read and re-read the letter over and over again for the entire ride. The Saldosius land attacked! By monsters! And it yielded disastrous results. This would be a major setback for the entire family. From what Micah wrote, it was so destructive that it would cost them much more money than normal, and would take a long time before they can get back on their feet. Their loss of men - cousins, workers and their very own blood - was certainly a bad thing too. And this was just thinking of the repercussions it had on their business! The emotional scars that his sister would have right now... Gabriel just couldn't imagine the face his sister would make. He sent a quick message that he was on his way back to South Akripola. It took him days of travel, and thankfully someone was willing to let him go along for a ride in exchange for an enchanted dagger.  

The carriage pulled to a stop and he heard the stranger speak, [b][color=f26522]"Well here we are. On the edge of Saldosius land. Looks like they took a heavy beating."[/color] [/b]

Gabriel dismounted the carriage and took in the sights. The entire outside area was ravaged. The usual sight of workers greeting him now seemed like a distant memory. It was empty, and not a single soul was to be seen. He gripped the straps of his bag and then turned to the stranger. [b][color=662d91]"Thank you."[/color][/b] He offered the stranger a wave. The stranger nodded his head and then urged his horse to go on. The sounds of hooves hitting the ground gradually disappeared, along with the wheels hitting the dirt path.

Gabriel then moved forward - taking in the sights of his old home. What was patches of crops was now just dirt with the occasional broken hut here and there - and some more broken equipment. He saw the carcass of the animals there, though it was obvious that it had been dead for a rather long time because of how much it had decomposed. The smell of death that had hit him was all too familiar to faze him, but his heart began to hurt. This was his land, and he couldn't protect it. No matter how much he hated being restricted by being in the land, he still cared about it.

He finally reached the inner circle of their land and he could already see the hastily repaired gate and multiple guards posted atop it. Gabriel raised his hand and waved it, getting the attention of the guard in front. Upon recognition of the man, the guard's face softened and he yelled, [b][color=f7941d]"Master Gabriel has returned. Open the gates!"[/color][/b] There was a resounding cheer after that and the gates opened. Gabriel grinned at them as they greeted him with cheery faces despite everything that had happened. 

[b][color=662d91]"Glad you are still well Uriel."[/color][/b] Gabriel said as he patted the guard's shoulderplate. 

Uriel smiled back at the secondborn. [b][color=f7941d]"It will take more than that to bring me down sir!"[/color][/b] He boasted. That was when his mood seemed to darken as he relaxed back into his original position. [b][color=f7941d]"Lady Micah is in the castle. She's in a meeting with the council about the repairs. I've heard they're considering of asking for help with one of the other families."[/color][/b]

Gabriel's mouth formed a thin line as he pondered on the idea. He was not as smart in politics as he is with magic, but he didn't like the idea of showing the other family that they were so desperate that they need help. They might see this as an opportunity to take advantage of them. Then again, it would quicken the restoration of their land. Thankfully, he thought, there were others who were willing to help - mostly renegade travelers whom they have helped before. 

Ever since Micah's rule, everyone had started to get along and they even started to treat the workers better than ever; hence why they were always so happy to see each other. Their parents were not happy with this. But thankfully they abolished such horrible treatment, since now they were more willing to help than to simply run away and never look back like what most 'slaves' would do under these kinds of circumstances. [b][color=662d91]"I'll go see Micah."[/color][/b]

[b][color=f7941d]"Yes sir."[/color][/b]

With that, Gabriel headed for the castle which was in the middle of the inner circle of their city. He could see mages of all kinds helping out. Good thing they established a good educational building here too, since it helped cultivate mages. While, yes, they were employed for their own interests, he could confidently say that they would enjoy the studies if they really did have passion for magic. And what better occupation than the one that they thoroughly enjoy?

He reached the castle - which was just a larger form of a house if he were to be honest and much more grandiose in nature - and entered, giving the guards a nod. It wasn't damaged though, so he could assume that the monsters never reached this part of the area. Hopefully the ones at the south end of the inner circle was saved from the fate that befell those in the north, where he had entered. Gabriel turned his head from side to side, searching for any sort of life inside the castle - but there were none. Were their maids and butlers helping out outside? It would make sense, since they needed all the hands they could get. Even the guards seemed like they were only resting while taking watch.

Gabriel showed himself to the private room their family had. He bumped into their head butler, Fir, while heading there. Of course someone was still inside. [b][color=00aeef]"Ah, Master Gabriel, welcome back. I wish everything was in better condition for your return."[/color][/b] He mused before bowing his head. [b][color=00aeef]"I shall alert Mistress Micah that you are here once she is done with her conference with the council. In the meantime, would you like some tea?"[/color][/b]

He smiled at the head butler and nodded his head. [b][color=662d91]"That sounds wonderful Fir."[/color][/b] With that, Fir disappeared into another hall and towards the kitchen. Gabriel then positioned himself inside the private room's couch - the soft feeling of it making him instantly ease up. It has been a long time since he felt this kind of softness. He looked up to see a complete family portrait of his family - his father and mother standing behind the three siblings while Micah was sitting down in the middle with him and Jeremiah flanking her. The thought that they were dead hit him again and tears started to prick the sides of his eyes, threatening to fall.

That was when Fir opened the door and Gabriel snapped out of his thoughts. He quickly wiped his eyes with one swipe of his arm and then turned to Fir, who was laying down the tea he had offered. [b][color=662d91]"Thank you Fir, you are dismissed."[/color][/b] The butler bowed and then headed out. He reached over to drink some tea and it made him relax even further, and yet he couldn't help but sigh in sadness. He couldn't joke around with Jeremiah anymore. He couldn't have rows with his father anymore; as much as they didn't get along, that didn't mean he didn't like his presence. He couldn't have a daily talk with his mother over a cup of tea about his latest ruin he plunged himself in.

He heard the door open again and he turned his head - his sister at the door. There was silence between them as Gabriel stood up. A minute passed and Micah dashed towards him and began crying, gripping onto his shirt tightly, and Gabriel wrapped his arms around his sister. [b][color=00a651]"I couldn't... I couldn't protect them Gabriel!"[/color][/b] She exclaimed between sobs, tears flowing freely down her face. [b][color=00a651]"I-I... I was right there when they... they..."[/color][/b] She choked up as she buried herself deeper into her brother.

Gabriel patted Micah's back soothingly - but he was noticeably sobbing as well. He rested his head on her shoulder. [b][color=662d91]"It's alright Micah."[/color][/b] He muttered. [b][color=662d91]"You did your best."[/color][/b]

They stayed like this for what seemed like forever - two siblings seeking comfort in one another. Their family was now no more. The ever prideful Saldosius Family was decimated into near nothingness, with only the effort of the most resilient fighters' efforts that saved it. Everything they had known had been torn down. The places they grew up in were gone - destroyed. After their sobbing episode, the siblings sat down and Micah recomposed herself. 

[b][color=00a651]"Thank you for coming back Gabriel. I'm sure you were busy..."[/color][/b] She said.

Gabriel quickly gave her a dismissive wave of his hand. [b][color=662d91]"Nothing's as important as my family. Especially considering what had happened."[/color][/b] He pointed out before leaning back. [b][color=662d91]"Just our luck huh?"[/color][/b] He muttered, facing upward and he gave a long sigh.

[b][color=00a651]"They hit hard and fast. They practically came out of nowhere."[/color][/b] Micah said, gripping her shoulders as she began to recount the entire event in more detail than what was on the letter. She almost broke down into another crying session but managed to compose herself again before continuing. Gabriel listened intently, every gruesome detail ingraining itself into his head. His hands bawled into fists as he vividly imagined the scenes she recounted. As she finished up, she buried her face into her hands. [b][color=00a651]"I still can't believe all that happened in the span of three days."[/color][/b]

[b][color=662d91]"What I can't believe is how they managed to slip by the other borders without being spotted."[/color][/b] Gabriel pointed out. He then began to tap his fingers against his thigh as he continued, [b][color=662d91]"Not a single report right? They just appeared and then we get attacked... It's just too surreal you know?"[/color][/b]

Micah nodded in understanding. [b][color=00a651]"Well, like I said, someone might be involved. Or maybe there's some higher power involved in all of this. Smarter than just a bunch of monsters trying to kill, at the very least."[/color][/b] She replied.

Gabriel then smiled. [b][color=662d91]"And you want me to find out about it?"[/color][/b]

She gave him a sad look. [b][color=00a651]"You're the only one I can trust enough for this. I need the others here too. Can I count on your brother?"[/color][/b]

He gave her a chuckle. [b][color=662d91]"You bet."[/color][/b][hr][center][b][i][color=ed1c24]Present[/color][/i][/b][/center][hr]Or that's what he said, but three months have passed and he still got nothing. Even before the attack, he's been investigating the monsters as a side hobby, but yielded no results from it. It was odd, and he felt like it was wrong somehow. He doesn't even know how these monsters were made! He'd wanted to capture one just to see its general behavior, but even there he was unsuccessful. He's traded information with others to put some light on the mystery of these things - but still nothing.

Gabriel had entered the town of Nadska without much difficulty - since he was already known for stay here for a while before departing once again. Nothing much had changed in this small town. It was just another day. Maybe it was a good thing that nothing much happened in this place, since that would give him the peace to think without worrying someone would bound up to him to ask for an enchantment. Then again, there were some people who would do that here. He honestly couldn't bring himself to care anymore.

Heading to the marketplace first, he began to stock up on his food for the next few weeks, or days depending really. He managed to talk his way down to a manageable level of money for everything he bought. Thanking his father silently for teaching him how to haggle effectively, he began to walk around with no destination in mind. It still wasn't night so he wasn't keen on entering the tavern just yet, since that would just mean that there would be loud drunk people around him for the remainder of the day - and he didn't really like hanging around particularly aggressive ones.

Gabriel found himself near the Church to see a lot of them there. Last time he's been here, there weren't many people worshiping the God of Harvest. Then again, harvest time was coming around and the surrounding area was pretty damaged - so maybe they were just trying to invoke everything the God had to offer by increasing their numbers. Or whatever. Gabriel wondered if it would work though. He guessed that this wouldn't be the optimal time to check in with one of the worshipers who he made friends with before, to tell him about the various Gods and Goddesses - but mainly this one. He at least wanted to speak to him about things, as she's one of the few people he could really trust, but maybe that could wait until later.

Resigning himself to the fact that he can't do anything else aside from the tavern, Gabriel headed off to the tavern. It was pretty early in the evening and he waved at the barkeep who waved back at him. [b]"Welcome kid, what do you need?"[/b]

[b][color=662d91]"Just a room, and a glass of mead."[/color][/b] Gabriel requested before dropping the requested money in front of the barkeep and he took it happily. 

[b]"Here's your room key, and then your mead."[/b] The barkeep said, not paying special attention to the male. Gabriel nodded a thanks and then headed off with mead in hand. He sat down at a table with another adventurer in it. The two spoke and exchanged tales of their adventures. 

[b][color=7ea7d8]"You went down with Tujic and his goons to that ruin off to the west?"[/color][/b] The adventurer asked, admiration in his voice. [b][color=7ea7d8]"Damn man, heard that place was full of traps."[/color][/b]

Gabriel waved his hand dismissively and gave a light chuckle. [b][color=662d91]"Yeah well, it wasn't too hard when you could read the runes that activated the traps were."[/color][/b] He bashfully said, hand immediately going to the back of his head as he rubbed it.

The adventurer reached over to pat his shoulder. [b][color=7ea7d8]"Man, you lot must have been the talk of the town back then!"[/color][/b] He loudly exclaimed which caught some attention, but once they saw the admittedly unimpressive looking male with the loud, bulkier adventurer, they just turned their attention back to themselves. 

[b][color=662d91]"Well, yes, Tujic and the others were at least."[/color][/b] He replied with a small shrug as he took a swig of his mead. [b][color=662d91]"Us Runic Mages just get our money share and just leave. Don't take much credit."[/color][/b] He shook his head.

[b][color=7ea7d8]"Damn, bad luck. But you guys are still in demand, you know, the ones who actually want to delve into ruins. Ain't much of you guys around."[/color][/b] The adventurer pointed out as he crossed his arms. [b][color=7ea7d8]"Say, if you aren't doing anything, you could run with us."[/color][/b]

The secondborn shook his head and gave him an apologetic smile. [b][color=662d91]"Sorry, but I'm on a job right now. Can't put it off really."[/color][/b] As much as he loved going into ruins and exploring everything, he still had to find out about the monsters and he couldn't get sidetracked now. [b][color=662d91]"Maybe another time?"[/color][/b]

The adventurer clicked his tongue as he began to drink his own beer. [b][color=7ea7d8]"Shame. Next time we see each other though, be sure to stick with our band."[/color][/b]

He laughed and nodded. [b][color=662d91]"I mean, sure, if I'm done with my job."[/color][/b] Gabriel replied with a thumbs up.

[b][color=7ea7d8]"Good brother! See you next time!"[/color][/b] The adventurer finished his entire mug and then swiped off his sword. [b][color=7ea7d8]"Bye then!"[/color][/b]

Gabriel cheerily waved. [b][color=662d91]"Bye!:[/color][/b] He slouched into his seat and began drinking his mead. That was when a hooded girl entered and had this strange aura about her. He watched her head to the barkeep and then request something before handing her payment - and the barkeep seemed to be so ecstatic about it.

This took him by surprise. What could the girl give that was so important? And the barkeep was even panicking. Leaning forward, he tried to pick off what it was by sight alone - even if he was a little too far back. The glint of blue that came off from the solid was interesting, and he became interested so he looked a bit more.

A parti sapphire.

So that's why. Gabriel sat back down and didn't pay it too much mind. He thought that it was something more than just a stone. While it was something important and actually very expensive, it wasn't something unique in Gabriel's eyes considering hos his father used to flaunt several himself.

Perks of coming from high society. 

What was odd was when the woman turned to a Myti and then didn't react positively. She did something that scared the Myti, but Gabriel didn't really notice what it really was. The hooded woman left for her room, he assumed since she was going up, and Gabriel just simply took another swig of his mug. Okay, this was interesting. 
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