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	Aeden smiled at the sudden formality of Shye. It was quite endearing. [color=ffd700]”It is hard to say how long this alliance will last, but for as long as I am with them I will certainly sponsor your membership.”[/color]

He still had one more thing to tell her, but then Garrett called for everyone to convene. Aeden stood on the opposite side of the table to Garrett and crossed his arms. [color=ffd700]”I was hoping we would get started soon with this mission.”[/color] He glanced over to Tali whom had voiced a dissenting opinion of Garrett.

[color=ffd700]”Tali,”[/color] Aeden calmly said. [color=ffd700]”This is a conversation we had last night that I feel we came to an understanding over.”[/color] He looked directly at Garrett. [color=ffd700]”A change of your manner of speech may be wise among this crowd. Not everyone is amenable to a noble’s tongue, and it’s clear this group is far more willing to risk the ire of nobles and royalty.”[/color]

He cleared his throat. [color=ffd700]”Now, we are all here for a reason. Let’s not waste our time and effort.”[/color]

	Without warning, the door to the tavern burst open!  Almost as if on queue to interrupt everything going on with the other alliance members, Mason strolled obliviously through the room, wearing multiple satchels that emitted the soft clinking of glass with each step he took.  Smiling at Shye warmly as he passed by, he set his bags down at a table near to the one Garrett had ruined, and began rummaging through them; producing a syringe and vial.  Mason quietly filled the needle with a tiny amount of the vial's contents before walking up behind Blight, quickly stabbing in into a large vein in his neck, and injecting the solution.  After ensuring it had successfully entered the bloodstream, Mason pulled back the needle, assuming Garrett would just use his blood manipulation to quickly seal the wound.  [Color=darkorange]"There, you should be cured of the curse now.... Let me know if you still exhibit curse like symptoms.[/color] 

With Garrett cured and nothing much for Mason to say or contribute, the young knight cleaned his equipment before putting it away, and beginning to read his new alchemy book as he took a seat nearby.

	Nailah couldn't help but raise an eyebrow with an interested expression as she saw Algimar's reaction, smiling as if nothing was happening despite her teasing. 

[color=C86050][i]"Hm~ Interesting..."[/i][/color] she thought to herself as she observed him from a distance.

Other than Algimar, there was another interesting thing for her to notice... The second Nailah started flirting with the new guy, Allard was staring so intently at them that it was painfully obvious what he was feeling... The way his brows furrowed didn't help either.

[color=C86050]"Don't need to get jealous, my sweetie~ I promise next time I'll let you know that I'm going to take a bath..."[/color] Nailah said, giggling as she gave a few steps towards Allard, poking him with the tip of her tail.

When Garrett's voice echoed through the tavern though, Nailah's amused expression immediately disappeared, giving place to a profoundly annoyed one.

[color=C86050]"Oh... Great... Our [I]leader[/I] is here..."[/color] Nailah said with a sarcastic tone, covering her face with her hands and shaking her head in disappointment.

[color=C86050]"Pathfinder... yeah... Despite being [i]only[/i] a guide, he acts like we are his subordinates..."[/color] Nailah said, rolling her eyes.

It wasn't a surprise to anyone in the group that Nailah disliked Garrett. After all, she never tried to hide that. But she wasn't the only one who had a terrible first, second, third and fourth impressions of Garrett... Soon after Garrett gave his 'order', Tali opened her mouth, saying everything that thought about him. As Tali continued speaking, Nailah could only agree with her words. By no means what she was saying was wrong, in fact, Nailah thought the same thing.
When Tali finished and looked towards the group as a whole, Nailah shifted her weight on her legs with a graceful motion. Enough to draw attention to herself.

[color=C86050]"You all know how I feel about Garrett already... I'm with Tali."[/color] Nailah said, shrugging. Even though Nailah would love to talk about how prepotent, arrogant Garrett was and how he treated others as his subordinates, demanding respect without having done anything to deserve it, she had already said that both to Garrett himself and for everyone else in the previous meeting.

When Aste walked forward, treating Garrett as if he was in fact the Alliance leader, Nailah couldn't help but to step forward.

[color=C86050]"No need to ask him, Aste. He is [i]not[/i] the leader. The Alliance is a group. Decisions are made by everyone and not by a single person. Besides... Garrett's ego is already big enough as it is... We don't need someone massaging it even further..."[/color] Nailah said.

When Aeden spoke up, trying to defuse the situation, Nailah sighed heavily. Disappointment and frustration clear in her expression. She wasn't part of the Alliance nor she was under orders of any specific organization so she could basically do whatever she wanted and had no need to obey someone's orders. But if everyone in the group was fine with being ordered like dogs and underlings, it was their choice.

[color=C86050]"If you guys like being ordered like dogs and treated like underlings, fine by you, but don't expect me to not bare my fangs if he dares to order me to do anything. After all... I'm not officially a part of the Alliance neither I am under orders of some organization."[/color] Nailah said, shrugging as she gave up on that matter.

	Garrett's eyes fixed on Algimar, he nodded at the words spoken into his head. An all too familiar feeling that leaves a pit in his stomach every time from how Vrondi and the Shiny man used it at times. Everything he said was exactly why the Alliance was created in the first place. 

"[color=a0410d] Everything stated is our mission at the moment, Algimar. Welcome to the Alliance.[/color]"

Then, Talise spoke. It did not phase him, it quite reminded him of the Taxis teasing he received whilst employed exclusively for them, and in the court of Vrondi. A vein popped out of his neck even though he believed it did not phase him, he would have to address such a seditious use of words utilized against him.
"[color=a0410d]You have every right to question me. My only interest is to succeed in our missions. That cannot be done without some form of order, rules I have made that keep me in check more than any of you, were any of you to follow them. I believed the group was to save the world, not play dress-up at the royal court caring about appearances and how eloquently networked any one of us can be with the right people. My appearance has nothing to do with our mission's chance of success. I did not believe such hatred could be given by such a bias, nor how someone spoke, especially in a group with such aspiring plans to cure the world.[/color]"

He gritted his teeth, turning to Aste, with a soft smile, her words seemed honest and full of a lack of prejudice towards him, how he looked, and how he spoke. She was straightforward in what she needed. Everything from what she said made her seem completely capable of being a benefit to the Alliance's efforts.


"[color=a0410d]Any noble heart willing to apply shall not be turned down. By the powers bestowed upon me not by myself, but those who created this Alliance, I shall not turn down those who wish to add their powers to the mission we have. To save these lands, cure them, and ensure they stay that way.[/color]"

Now Aeden spoke, proving Garrett's judgements about this man, a font or a spring with bountiful amounts of advice and knowledge to dispense, perfect for any individual who wanted to walk the straight and narrow line. He considered his words, shut his eyes to internalize such advice, a change he had to make to get to the more wild members.
"[color=a0410d] I will speak more frankly. Thank you, Aeden.[/color]"

Mason came in. Garrett's eyes watching exactly what he would do, his hands would reflex trying to do something to stop the man from piercing his neck with the syringe, but would fall hopelessly after the deed was done, allowing the stinging pain of the elixir injected into him to do it's work at eating away at the mind-tearing curse within him. He sighed with a clenched fist, feeling as if he were momentarily a test dummy.


Now, Nailah would add in her metaphorical cents, not necessarily anything he would not expect from her, especially when speaking of him. He was obliged to address this as well.

"[color=a0410d]Nailah. You are welcome to join the Alliance at any time. You do not.. Need to add coals to these fires at all unless you have no intention of helping. We have a mission. Cure the world of Nuxtan influence. We need to do this without ruining relations with the nations and making this Alliance the scapegoat of all hatred and misgivings because we cannot maintain proper bearing of the world around us and minimizing the destruction of it. As I recall we've uprooted the calmer lifestyle here in Pearl with our presence alone, and caused collateral damage to the buildings and tenements outside. The merchant's guild was breathing down our necks because we have been working without a sense of accepted direction.[/color]"

He sighed. Placing his hands on the table.
"[color=a0410d]We can clear the air on the road. I called you all... To inform you we need to move [b]now.[/b] Our mission is not to stay in Pearl.[/color]"

He reached into a satchel that rested fastened against his outfit, pulling out a map and placing it on the carved table. Pointing at it as he described what they would be doing.

"[color=a0410d]Our goal is pointing North into, yes. Wyvern territory, now, most routes have traders and explorers heading West from our position here in Pearl, and North from there into the mountains, though, I am thinking of heading East, along the more coastal area, through this river here, and North into the very same mountains. Now, you are all welcome to give any recommendations and possible rest areas. But this is what we have at the moment.[/color]"

	Allard scratched the back of his head, kicking himself for letting his thoughts play out so clearly across his face. He turned to the map, able to see it clearly from his seat. He leaned forward to the map in thought.  [color=9ACD32]Well....For what its worth, the path is quite a good one to take. Best to stay out of Fotia as much as possible till we need to. I would suggest though, not taking on the mountain until after another day of rest. The goal, once we secure it, should be promptly returned without chance to stop and become lost. We could stop in that small town there for the night. Shouldn't have too many eyes on us. Besides, if anyone did want to challenge us being there, we would be gone by morning to retrieve our goal and back out to Gaia."[/color]


Lynn's ears perked up when Garrett explained the path. [color=7FFFD4]Oh! A river! That sounds amazing! We have to go by it!"[/color] she said excitedly, her tail wagging. She turned to Nailah who was closest to her. She knew Nailah didn't like Garrett, but it seemed like it was a great opportunity. [color=7FFFD4]"I've never been up a river before, it should be fun!"[/color] she happily pleaded with her.

Aligimar put Shye off a bit. His presence gave her an uneasy feeling despite her knowing she had never seen him before. Perhaps it was purely the fact that he was a Nero royal, and dressed like it as well. Her time as an assassin she had done the dirty work of a number of Nero royals, and now seeing one in the group made her less enthusiastic to speak up any more.
Upon looking at the map, it only seemed like things would only get more uncomfortable on the trip. Shye knew the group was headed for Fotia, though she didn't know where until now. It wasn't quite where she was brought up, if one could call it that, but it was close enough that upon seeing the location on the map it made the hairs on her neck raise. She started shaking a bit and excused herself to go sit down. Nix noticed the change in her demeanor and hopped down onto the tabletop she sat at, a bit off to the side from the others. It gave an odd chirping sound that started off like a cat but ended like a bird. It's head tilted as her tail thrashed side to side.

Dremmick mostly kept his comments to himself. There hadn't been [i]too[/i] much fussing yet, so he paid that arguing no head so far, and it even seemed to be somewhat resolving itself...hopefully. This 'who is the leader' matter that was starting to wear at his patience, but he tried to show some restraint. He wasn't sure why, maybe he was just tired from the previous day, but he wasn't in the mood to argue. He stood up from his booth and moved closer to the table everyone was loosely gathered around. He noted Algimar as he came around to talk with Garrett briefly and then took in where they were headed on the map. The path was a bit longer, but it may have been easier to travel, which could make the difference when with a large group. Plus.....less Therosi to deal with. [color=A52A2A]"This path is longer, but it will be safer,"[/color] he looked up at the others in the room, [color=A52A2A]"Unless you want more trouble than it's worth, I suggest we take it,"[/color] he finished as he went back to his seat and started checking his gear.

	If Tali's expression could have soured more, it would have already. Garret didn't even realize anything about the situation of being the group to, as he said, cure the ills of the world. Someone who looked and acted like him was practically suicide in the political and social arena. He had no tact, no sense of social graces, and absolutely no sense of appearance. Tali didn't much care about appearances and social graces among those speaking to her, but she was versed in courtly proceedings and social interaction.

Seeing it as flat out impossible to pierce the apparent self-centered and arrogant view Garrett had of himself, Tali hopped down, walking towards the door a few steps. She didn't even look at Garrett. "The issue of leader is impossible to solve. However, you are to lead us to the next objective. Then, get to it, without issuing orders. I said it last night and I will say it again, we are not a military. We are a group of adventurers expected to be the world's heroes."

	Aeden remained silent as they discussed options for routes. He had little knowledge of the area as most of his time as a member of the Aion had him either in Sunfire, or going to the other side of the world to where they were right now. He hated to admit he was far more familiar with sneaking over the borders of Nero than he felt comfortable with. 

The bickering over leadership was quite irritating. Even a ragtag group like their own needed some coordination in their mission. He decided to focus more on the conversation surrounding how they were going to get to their destination. [color=ffd700]"How much longer will this longer path be? I'm all for taking the safer route, however, we are a group that will affect the future of the world. Can we afford to take the longer route?"[/color]

Nyph sat at Aeden's feet and listened quietly. This whole fate of the world viewpoints were just too much for him to think of. He far preferred being there to save the fate of people that were in front of him. That was how you saved the world in his mind.

	Nailah quietly listened to Garrett's words, rolling her eyes as he spoke. It was especially ironic... Garrett said that they had to 'save the world without ruining relations with nations' despite the fact that he was the biggest threat on that matter. 

Tali too had a few things to talk after hearing Garrett's reply to her previous comments.

[color=C86050]"Honestly, having a leader in a group of adventurers sounds like a terrible idea... Having a leader is not necessary for a coordinated and efficient group. What is necessary is to every member to know each other, trust each other and not act by themselves."[/color] Nailah said, agreeing with Tali.

[color=C86050]"Anyways... As long as our guide doesn't start acting like a self proclaimed general and starts ordering us around, I'm fine..."[/color] she said, sighing and rolling her eyes as she turned away from Garrett, clearly indicating that she was done with that conversation.

The path the group was going to take seemed to be a good one. Staying away from Fotia and areas where they would attract attention, following a river until they entered the mountains, which were wyvern territory. 

It was then that an adorably familiar voice caught Nailah's attention. The second she had heard about a river, Lynn became incredibly happy and excited. Seeing that reaction from the lassa girl, Nailah couldn't help but to giggle as she smiled towards Lynn.
[color=C86050]"Well, I do not have any particular problem with said path... Regarding the river... It surely will be a refreshing experience!"[/color] Nailah said, looking to Lynn with a mischievous wink, silently hinting at her that it would be ok for them to go swim on that river if she wanted to.

[color=C86050]"It would be good if we were a bit more careful when we get to the mountains though... Wyverns are known for being quite territorial..."[/color] Nailah said, looking to the group.

[color=C86050]"Other than that, I do agree that it would be best for us to [i]try[/i] and not draw too much attention. If the circumstances were other, I wouldn't have a problem in stopping in Fotia, but given our current mission and... well... our reputation, that's already not one of the best... A longer, but safer path should be better."[/color] Nailah finished, agreeing with the decision taken by the others.

[color=C86050]"Since I don't take many things with me when travelling, I am ready whenever you guys are..."[/color] Nailah finished, sitting down near Lynn.

	Algimar merely stood and watched their discussion, or argument. It was clear they were not the most cohesive as a unit. However he did sense that each were capable in battle in some way. He could only sigh at the break from focus on their mission. However, after hearing the young girl Aste approach Garrett in attempt to ask to be a part of the alliance, he knew their ranks were being filled with new blood regularly.  The fragrance of hot mineral waters coming from the one named Nailah and many others made sense to him now. They were free, enjoying their time, and this was a mission they felt was important enough to work for. But he did not buy that they saw themselves as heroes... Well.. Perhaps the Aion agents did.

	Dremmick's teeth ground in frustration at the continued statements from the other members of the group, some smoke escaping from between his teeth. [color=A52A2A]"Alright, I have head all I needed to hear. I couldn't give two shits if we have a leader or not, but for better or worse at least he is trying to mobilize this group to move forward. He has about as much tact as a dead dog, but so far he has guided  our path here just fine. One should wonder how can anyone profess to be 'saviors of the world' with their noses so high in the air."[/color] Dremmick stored his gear and looked around at them after standing back up. [color=A52A2A]"Keep going like this, it will be a miracle anyone makes it back down the mountain."[/color] He shook his head and walked for the door. [color=A52A2A]"When all of you finally figure out what the hell you are going to do I'll be out there waiting."[/color] With that he pushed through the doors to go tend to his horse. Truth be told, and not that he would say it, he was worried this group would get themselves killed. As he brushed his horse down, he wondered to himself just how involved he should get with this group. Originally, he had planned on just leaving as soon as he could, but something about them told him he couldn't leave them. Whether it was remembering what the seer said to him, or a lost voice in his mind, he wasn't sure, but despite what he said, he knew leaving them behind would only open them up to getting killed sooner. He set the saddle back on his horse and took a deep breathe. He patted the side of its neck as he looked into the horse's eyes. [color=A52A2A]"Sometimes I wish people were as easy to deal with as animals,"[/color] he murmured with a faint grin. The horse, almost knowingly snorted, as if agreeing with him.

Lynn's ears and tail drooped a bit as the atmosphere of the inn quickly went from cheery to uncomfortable. Tali had opted to go to the staircase. Lynn guess that she didn't want to be around her while she seemed to be in a sour mood. Nailah, though voicing her own opinions, still ended up sitting next to Lynn, which she was grateful for and seemd to perk back up a little, especially when she agreed about the river route. Seeing Dremmick get irritated was new to her, having not seen much of him before, but...maybe he had good intentions? True, if Garrett simply asked people to do things instead of demanding it, it could go a long way, but he didn't seem to ask for anything to crazy, and usually asked for feedback as well. Maybe if she interacted with him as well, it would bridge the gap between him, Tali, and Nailah. If he was asked things, he might even pick up on that and start to do the same, right? She looked up to Garrett from her seat, [color=7FFFD4]"Uh...um...Sir..Garrett...Would you mind if we made a stop at the river along the way? I know it may seem a bit selfish, but I would love to stop there for a while, maybe even for just a small break?"[/color] Her speech slowed at the end of the question as she analyzed him for a moment. After the shot Mason gave him, claiming to get rid of a curse, she started to notice his mannerisms changed quiet drastically. Almost as if he were severely tired now. [color=7FFFD4]"Are....you okay?"[/color]

	Aste was quite surprised to hear the comment form the Tali and Nalila. They said that they weren't really part of the alliance, yet they knew so much about garret. And he don't seem to be a well-liked person, not very popular. With that in mind, Aste took note on not to get too close with the garret guy.

[i]So he is the leader, but they don’t really like him?[/i] Aste thought. Reminds her a bit of her guild politics, now to remind of her, they haven’t asked on what she does at least, but she might be able to cook up a story she need to. But it’s no wonder that alliance is trusting, with that guy like him as leader. She pondered if there are any spies, other than the slave with collar that seemed too valuable and elaborate. All it takes is one determined person to break that sloppy shield that she wove out. There's still something missing. 14 days, that was her bet, or 4 days, if she weren't lucky. 14 was the most inauspicious number that she knew of. It weren't superstitions, but traditions should be respected for a reason. Of course, she isn't that vocal on such hearsays, not when she had her days as a magoi apprentice. 4 or 14, Aste isn't willing to say on which would be the less fortunate one...
But, better to let things settle on its own, things will get better, hopefully, that alliance would find a way for the long run. And the treasure, fabled treasure that was supposed to be found on the other part. [i]Shye had a boyfriend now, it seemed.[/i] Aste quickly silenced her stray thoughts. She''ll just write a book first before settling down.

[i]Wait.... They're setting out now?[/i] Aste felt a pang of regret getting into the Alliance, she hasn't even had any good mornight's sleep yet! They were going to get moving soon, so long for her stay in the inns. She felt weary just from hearing this. But at least she had a good bath on the brighter side, but she'll sleep on horseback.

"I second that, the river will be a good stop for a break," Once again Aste tried to suppress her yawn on the sleepless night. [i]The riverside would do for a nap...[/i]

	As the town was now busy to its old habits it was gathering near the marketplace for some kind of ceremony. The guardians of Pearl were out in front with their armor on but helmets off to show off their prideful grins. The people of Pearl surrounded them. They gathered jewels and tossed them over the knights. Piles of red and orange leaves were raining down on the town from flying scattering Oro children happily piling them up and tossing them around as decoration. Another mess for the town to clean later but for now it served a beautiful aesthetic purpose. Similar to that of the royal meeting a day ago. "While we are thankful for your gracious applause we are here to escort a rare jewel from the mountain into the alliance. She will fight for Gaia's lands and ensure we are healed from this curse! Lets hear it for the alliance!" The crowd shouted with loud roars of excitement from very large people. "Where is the rest of the alliance anyway?" Asked one of the crowd. "I believe they were last seen at Savvan's" Galland raised his large blade towards the Inn. "Lets go then!" He began walking, leading the group of Pearl knights as they formed a circle. Escorting the one named Itzel in the middle, as she rode her beast.

	The pomp and ceremony was something Itzel gave little thought. She went through the motions and waved when necessary, giving a smile to each as she passed by. Her trusty companion, though, was loving it. Gaston pranced proudly, head high. He occasionally let out growls or roars to let everyone know he loved all the attention. The parade took her to the front of the inn and Itzel got off of Gaston. She pulled his face down to be level with hers, rolling her eyes. "You are quite the one for attention. Now, stay here until we need to go. I will be out later with some food for you. Or, you can go hunt after we make camp."

Gaston seemed to almost scoff at the command to stay, but he dutifully followed what his owner told him to do. As Itzel went through the door, he started to run a claw along the dirt, making intricate designs to pass the time.

Itzel, upon entering the inn, was greeted with the look of a standard inn. It was far less decorated than those of her home, but it seemed clean and well kept. She looked around for what seemed to be the alliance, her eyes fixating on Aeden. His appearance practically screamed, "Let's save the world." She quickly moved up to him, clearing her throat. "I am Itzel Chalchihuitlcue, soldier from the Oro royals. I have come to join the alliance and offer my capabilities."