[center][img]https://78.media.tumblr.com/a3b148938837c8380c1eb6e43f0d31fc/tumblr_pcvta2YxeN1w6599so1_1280.png[/img][/center] [center][h3]Starting location, Priestella [/h3][/center] The creature growled as it attempted to push past Frede, But it was a simple matter for the bestial knight to wrestle the thing to the ground. It kicked and snapped it's teeth in the air, but appeared to be pinned in place. Even if it could move, Anyon had cut off any route of escape. The trio walked back out into the hallway, shards of glass in hand. Father whiskey illuminated the way from the back with his lighter. Alistair and Flame could hear him saying things about “these kids” with a smile and shake of his head. As they quickened their steps, whiskey only laughed and kept up. They passed many rooms, but they soon walked through the doorway at the end. The end room was a massive dining hall. It was very long, and featured a single rectangular table that could probably seat over a hundred men. It still had a table cloth on it, it had almost entirely rotted away. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and whiskey's lighter was just bright enough to illuminate the cobwebs stretching between them. There was a massive door at the other end of the room. Anyone who knew anything about how such establishments were set up could guess that it was likely a kitchen. But there was something else in the room with them. At first it looked like Lord Talus's glowing eyes and smile. But they were too small, too close to the ground. This was not the giant that approached them previously. [b]“Goa.”[/b] The chandeliers all lit up, revealing the shape of the figure. It actually looked like a maid, but it had that same “effect” that Lord Talus had. Being made of black, smoldering darkness that flaked off into the air. With the extra light, the trio could see the walls were covered in decorative drapes, and most of them looked to still be in good shape. There were a few open windows, but they were relatively high up. Maybe fifteen feet above the floor. But the most concerning thing in the room was the giant wolf at the other end of the table. It was starting to stand up now that all the lights were on. Unlike the other wolf, this one was truly a monster. Once it was up on all fours, it was easily ten feet tall. The smoldering maid gave everyone a wave before vanishing entirely. The wolf made no sudden movements, but its growl could be heard anywhere in the guild hall. [hr] [center][h3]Center Ally , Suttling's Basin, Priestella [/h3][/center] Vasilis forced a grin, but his eyes were still spinning. [color=gold]”Uh, I just sort of, think about what spell I want to use, and then the magic happens when I focus.”[/color] He closed his eyes. [color=gold]”I'd actually be happy to go into detail with you later about it.”[/color] He looked over his shoulder at Irene. [color=gold]”You think we got them all?”[/color] [color=peachpuff]”I wouldn't count on that.”[/color] A wolf girl [url=https://78.media.tumblr.com/ed4c1c858d6ff288b2b4f87de780f314/tumblr_pafo7yNGwZ1wt7ek9o1_1280.png]in suspenders and a disheveled shirt[/url] ran a hand through her hair before leaning out the window of an adjacent building. [color=peachpuff]”There are so many poor and hungry and so few rich folks like yourselves.”[/color] She giggled. [color=peachpuff]”It's really not true what they say about the strong dominating the weak. The hungry will always devour the plump.”[/color] She sighed and looked at Hiro. [color=peachpuff]”But how did you spot that ambush? Hmmmmmm, Hmmmmm...”[/color] She rubbed her chin while intently staring at Hiro. She was humming loudly enough that she might not hear Hiro's response, should he choose to talk. Or perhaps this was her way of letting him know an answer wasn't necessary. [color=peachpuff]”Anyway, I think tight-eyes over here has the right idea. You should leave as soon as possible. If you're worried about running into a second ambush, I'm sure he could spot it a mile away! With those tight eyes of his.”[/color] She gave everyone a wink before stepping away from the window, vanishing from sight. [hr] [center][h3]Center road, The Golden Quarter, Priestella[/h3][/center] While Eiko and Aki considered their response, Hilda panicked and bolted past everyone, including the guard. [b]”Hey! Stop right there!”[/b] The soldier immediately took off after Hilda, leaving the two other girls alone in the allyway. [hr] [center][img]https://78.media.tumblr.com/5604732d4f8be8b8f78e2e64daa12edb/tumblr_pbwuuhhjOX1w6599so2_1280.png[/img][/center] [center][h3]”Near the docks”, Cham, Priestella[/h3][/center] Aer glanced between Ashton and Yuuki as they took turns speaking. Though she did glance momentarily at Aaron as well. [color=FFDEAD]"Yes, I figured you weren't local. I'm actually a stranger here myself."[/color] To demonstrate this, she waved her arm along the visible trinkets they could see. [color=FFDEAD]"My name is Aer Pacifica. I'm an adventurer who's task is currently locating Mistress Vertti. She is no one I have personally met, and she has been gone for over a week."[/color] She sighed before extending her hand to the side. [color=FFDEAD]"If you're new to the area, you probably won't be of much help. Though the offer is appreciated."[/color] Aer was about to walk off, but she suddenly froze in place. [color=FFDEAD]"Oh, right."[/color] she turned to look at the three boys. [color=FFDEAD]"This city is sealed off. It's surrounded by bandits and the only people allowed to go in or out are licensed adventurers and merchants."[/color] She squint her eyes. [color=FFDEAD]"If you were kidnapped, then you're walking around in the open now because...?"[/color] Aer closed her eyes. [color=FFDEAD]"I don't have time for this. But it's not safe to walk around here. You're clearly not locals, and if you don't have a passport that allows you entry, the punishment can be very harsh."[/color] The cloaked woman fixed her eyes on Aaron and reached behind her back with one arm.[color=FFDEAD]"I'm going to take you to the authorities. What they do to you will not be pleasant, but at least you'll have a chance to prove you're not in league with the bandits."[/color] The locals were becoming increasingly interested in the group of boys, and started to stop and observe the scene. The longer they waited, the more denser the crowd would get.