[Center][img]https://i.imgur.com/rajQvUp.png[/img][hr][hr][b][colour=006633]Event:[/colour][/b] An Introduction [b]|[/b] [b][colour=006633]Location:[/colour][/b] Mandelein[hr][hr][/center]

[colour=006633]"Lady Dorothea Hohnstein von Albesatz-Danzau,"[/colour] Taleja announced. Dorothea turned around at the sound of her name, greeted by Taleja's warm, practised smile. The woman stepped forward, taking Dorothea's hands in hers, the leather gloves squeezing slightly. [colour=006633]"Imagine my joy and enthusiasm when I discovered that I was to be joined by yourself."[/colour] she continued.

Taleja's eyes then moved to the others present in the room. [colour=006633]"These are the others that were sent?"[/colour] she asked, her gaze sweeping across the group. There was a tall, lanky red-haired Yasoi, a Sister of the cloth, a Darhannic, and a few others who may be involved as well. [colour=006633]"Care to introduce me to them and provide an update?"[/colour] Her green eyes shone in an inviting manner as she proposed this toward Dorothea.

Eyes filled with surprise when a familiar face took her hands. She wasn't informed other students would be joining. Soon enough, granting the girl a warm smile back. [colour=86608E]"Well, this is a surprise. I did not expect Lady Taleja to join us in this endeavour. "[/colour]

Dorothea tried to find her words as she was tasked with giving her friend a short summary of events. [colour=86608E]"Well, I assume introductions are in order first. Some of them you might have seen around the school already."[/colour] Her eyes pointed towards the Red headed Yasoi. [colour=86608E]"That Yasoi over there calls himself Jamboi, so I assume it would be safe to call him that as well."[/colour] Her gaze then turned to the two servants of the divine in the group. [colour=86608E]"That is Sister Edyta Łaska and Qasem."[/colour] Then turning her back to Taleja. [colour=86608E]"It truly is good to see you. Any help is a god sent."[/colour]

[colour=86608E]"Ah, right. For our findings."[/colour] Her mind tried to think of how to describe the things she saw. [colour=86608E]"Sister Łaska and I found the skeleton of a long gone prisoner.... It gave me the creeps. It looked humanlike but also more beastly... I've never seen anything like it."[/colour] She looked towards the Yasoi. [colour=86608E]"I think Jamboi and Qasem might be best to explain their findings themselves."[/colour]

Ashon was pretending to mind his own business as he was lost in thought about the described bestial human in the dungeon. A wild blood? It would match their investigations findings. He felt that something was off in his surroundings, as his thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Lady Taleja, as Dorothea introduced her as. He felt a strange sensation, as his senses have become clearer and sharper, like the time he had been affected by a magical dampening device as used by the enforcers when they first arrived in Mandelein.

Likewise, he couldn’t help but notice her green eyes, those damned green eyes, and as she looked at him, he felt as if her sight was burrowing right through him. It was eerie was that when he looked within them, it was almost like he saw a reflection of himself in her eyes, her face creased into a smile like one he has worn a thousand times or more himself. Despite the eerie feeling, he beamed a welcoming smile as he jokingly introduced himself. [colour=FF3131]“I? Why yes, it is like, the great Monkey-King himself, Jamboi!”[/colour] He lowered his posture into a simian stance for emphasis.

Then, he turned to Qasem, giving him a nod, and discussion the discussion of their findings. [colour=FF3131]“Qasem found that the beast’s blood contain manas belonging to that of a human.”[/colour] allowing his colleague to explain further. [colour=FF3131]“As for our findings… the beasts may be walking amongst us right now, or may have been before their transformation. Furthermore, the attacks didn’t come from the woods, but from the town itself.”[/colour]

[colour=DDA0DD]"If it [i]was[/i] the beasts' blood and not the girl's."[/colour]  Qasem amended Ashon's information [colour=DDA0DD]"They've been attacking locals indiscriminately, seems there's more than one. Whatever this beast is."[/colour] He offered a hand and friendly smile to the new arrival.  [colour=DDA0DD]"Though I am curious how you knew we would be here, Lady Taleja, or just how you came to Mandelein yourself for that matter."[/colour]

Edyta was seated some way from the others, and she could feel the unease of her manas. [colour=f26522][i]Venomhand.[/i][/colour] She had been trained to hunt monsters.

[colour=6ecff6]"It is just so,"[/colour] the Rezaindian confirmed. She made a show of being deferential in her body language, avoiding eye contact, playing to the demure stereotype of the dutiful nun as she rose scampered up. She was not much of a chemist, the one trick she'd learned to be the masking of her emotions. She employed it now. [colour=6ecff6]"Those were wild blood skeletons, and... I'd venture that this is a wild blood outbreak, Oraff help us."[/colour] She quickly and reverently made the sign of the Pentad and executed a quick bow in front of the newcomer, hands clasped in greeting in front of her, just out of arms' reach. [colour=f26522][i]Your filthy hand will not touch me.[/i][/colour]

[colour=6ecff6]"There were some - we have been discussing - who went into the forest, tracking the 'beast' yesterday."[/colour] She shook her head, clearly worried, and clenched her fists. [colour=6ecff6]"It... it should've been [i]me[/i].[/colour] [colour=f26522]They haven't returned, and I was [i]trained[/i] to hunt monsters."[/colour]

Taleja listened attentively to the introductions, nodding occasionally and returning their offered gestures as they spoke. She noted their theories with a hint of amusement, but didn’t voice her thoughts.

As Qasem introduced himself, and shook her gloved hand, she returned the gesture with a firm grip and a warm smile. [colour=006633]“Taleja, please, I am a Biro like yourselves. Yes, I was instructed to meet with your group and assist once I had followed a lead in Irsburg. I was informed to expect a familiar face.”[/colour] Her faced turned to smile toward Dorothea.

Her attention then turned to Laska, her green eyes meeting hers. [colour=006633]“They followed the Beast? Impressive. I pray that they were successful.”[/colour] Taleja paused for a moment before adding, [colour=006633]“I assume these were the best fighters amongst those that gathered here?”[/colour]

Edyta did not have very much more to say, truth be told, and she had always been taught to speak worthwhile words only. She shook her head tightly. [colour=6ecff6]"They were... those quickest to volunteer. I was needed elsewhere."[/colour]

With a goofy grin on his face, Ashon turned to Laska as she made her comment. [colour=FF3131]"Our dear Sister is feeling a little envious that Manfraud, Casii, and Loonii are out there playing with the beastie. Don't worry, I'm sure they'll leave some for you too."[/colour]

[colour=86608E]"We have not heard from them in a while... I'm getting a bit concerned."[/colour] Dory used her knowledge of plants to recreate a relaxation substance to keep herself from getting too emotional. [colour=86608E]"Now with Taleja here, we have more eyes to investigate"[/colour]

[colour=DDA0DD]"Informed by whom?"[/colour] Qasem pressed, ignoring her attempt to dodge his question.

Edyta remained quiet. She was no investigator and the venomhand's subtle avoidance had gone over her head, despite her overall unease. She did, however, glance from Qasem to the white-haired witch, allowing her eyes to linger for a moment on the second.

Taleja observed the group dynamics unfolding before her, and it was clear that the group was dysfunctional, to say the least. She glanced around at each of them, and noticed Dorothea becoming upset. In a reassuring gesture, she placed a hand on her back and offered her some gum. [colour=006633]"Don't worry, Manfred should be able to handle it on his own,"[/colour] she said, offering a polite smile to Edyta and ignored Ashon. [colour=006633]"It's a relief that all the experience of the group wasn't left behind in the woods."[/colour]

As Dorothea prompted the conversation to turn to the investigation, Taleja smoothly transitioned into the next topic. [colour=006633]"This is where I need volunteers,"[/colour] she said, scanning the faces of those gathered. [colour=006633]"While in Irsburg, I came across a courier coming here who was receptive to, shall we say, persuasive methods."[/colour] She made eye contact with the sister. [colour=006633]"The courier was due to make a delivery to an outpost nearby, and based on the information you provided, it very likely that the two events are linked. The rendezvous is today, so we need to act immediately."[/colour]

Taleja arched an eyebrow in response to Qasem's question, but quickly regained her composure and replied confidently, [colour=006633]"Why, who else?"[/colour] before redirecting the conversation back to the topic at hand.

The Yasoi opened his mouth and reminded those around him once more why he was an idiot. The [i]venomhand[/i] continued to dodge the question, likely with less grace than she imagined. Edyta grew tired of it. [colour=6ecff6]"It is not my place to lead, but to follow the will of the Pentad."[/colour] She unknitted her hands and rose, calling [colour=6ecff6]zamrażanie[/colour] and [colour=f26522]palenie[/colour] to her waiting hands. [colour=f26522]"That said, we need direction. I shall hunt down and destroy the beast. I pray that Ahn-Eshiran will spare those who left before us. Dorothea, the man who courts you is among them, so you shall accompany me."[/colour] It was more than a gesture of kindness, though it was that as well. She had suspicions about the girl. This would be a good place to dispose of her should it become necessary. [colour=f26522]"Qasem and Ashon shall accompany Taleja to the rendezvous."[/colour] There were truths that the venomhand was hiding and the Darhannic, despite his filthy religion, was skilled in just such an art. Ashon was... rather strong if nothing else, and perhaps he could get her composure to break, to reveal something. She twirled the scythes experimentally, blood already starting to pump faster and hotter at the prospect of combat. [colour=6ecff6]"That is my advice."[/colour]

Taleja smiled as she observed the fierce determination in the sister's eyes. Perhaps the fool's story was not entirely without merit. [colour=006633]"While I have no doubt that the beast would be no match for the power of the Pentad, may I offer a suggestion for the search? The Forest is vast, and two pairs of eyes may not be enough. You should consider enlisting the help of the locals to aid you in your task. The more, the merrier. Perhaps my friend Dorothea can use this to demonstrate her skills?"[/colour]

[colour=DDA0DD]"The locals have proved unhelpful and unworthy of trust."[/colour] Qasem interjected before the unspoken tension between the aloof young women could boil over.  [colour=DDA0DD]"Those that may be of value should not be put at further risk. I trust the good sister's instincts,"[/colour]  [i]If not her modesty[/i], he added, unspoken but to himself.  [colour=DDA0DD]"Though if another pair of eyes are truly needed, Ashon may prove valuable; who better to scout the forest than a Yasoi?"[/colour] He stepped aside and motioned for Taleja to move with him. [colour=DDA0DD]"I would be more than happy to share more of what we have learned on the way to the rendezvous."[/colour]

Ashon observed as everyone wanted to rush in without much thought, shaking his head in disapproval. [colour=FF3131]"Anna's husband could be convinced to search for his missing wife, and perhaps we could offer the henchman and his goons a sum of money to aid in the search,"[/colour] he suggested. [colour=FF3131]"Not like running into the woods like headless chickens didn't cause this mess in the first place,"[/colour] he added with a shrug.

Dorothea looked rather confused at the direction given to her by the good sister. [colour=86608E]"Are you sure that is a good idea? I am not the strongest, after all."[/colour] Her eyes tried their hardest to avoid any eye contact. [colour=86608E]"I will do my best to help with whatever I can."[/colour]

Hearing her friend's words. [colour=86608E]"No, I think it might be best to not go with a full group. It would expose us rather obviously to whatever lurks within the forest."[/colour] The girl tried her hardest to show a comforting smile to the other. [colour=86608E]"My skills? I can always try and see what the locals could reveal."[/colour]

It was clear that nothing would get done unless someone made a move to go. It was also clear that not all was right with Dorothea. Edyta had never known the touch of a man, but she had loved, before, from a distance, and she was fairly sure that, were her beloved in imminent danger, she'd not have been so circumspect as the Feskan was now being. [colour=f26522][i]Lies,[/i][/colour] she thought, [colour=f26522][i]from liars. Social politics and manoeuvring.[/i][/colour] It disgusted her, and what made it worse was that she'd been guilty of joining. Then Ashon said perhaps the first worthwhile thing to come out of his mouth since the entire debacle had begun. [colour=6ecff6]"Ashon is correct. The woman's husband is likely to help us, and any of her relatives. I would not trust the mercenaries, however. Blood has been shed between us. Dorothea and I should speak with the husband before heading out of town."[/colour]

Others continued, and the nun shook her head. She had hoped not to have to air it out, but she tired of these games. She turned to Taleja. [colour=f26522]"In Dami's name, I intend no offence, but I shall not mince words with you either. My trust is not given. It is earned, and I have been given no compelling reason to trust you to venture alone with the inquisitor."[/colour] She regarded him, then. [colour=f26522]"You are a man of great talents and abilities, but raw strength in the Gift is not one. Should things go awry, I believe you should have Ashon's strength with you."[/colour] She turned to the Yasoi. [colour=f26522]"I shall speak with candour again: I trust you more to act than to speak. Until a moment ago, nothing you had previously said revealed the slightest ability to behave with decorum or exercise social grace. If you accompany myself and Dory instead of Qasem, what guarantees do I have that you will not make a fool of yourself and us?"[/colour]

[colour=6ecff6]"I had spoken my piece earlier and now is the time to act. I leave each of you to your own free will, for such is the gift of Ahn-Dami."[/colour] With that, Sister Laska began moving, still open to receiving more input but not to wasting any more time.

Taleja smiled politely as the Sister spoke. [colour=006633]"I share your anticipation to trust in the success of this mission, Sister."[/colour] She then turned her attention to the Yasoi. [colour=006633]"I require stealth and a tracking, and the Monkey King could be of assistance. We need to follow the contact to their hideout."[/colour] She looked toward Qasem, [colour=006633]"As for the Inquisitor, his skill set may not be suited for the task. Since you have a close relationship with him, would you be willing to take him with you to search for the others?"[/colour]

This one was a worm who recognized a hook and wanted nothing to do with it. If anybody could learn more about her, it would be Qasem. Edyta was certain of it. She imagined that he would be too.

Qasem found himself too far taken aback by Laska's unexpected praise to argue with her.  But Taleja's slyness was enough to set him back to the task at hand. [colour=DDA0DD]"I think you'll find me plenty adaptable, Lady Taleja."[/colour]  His full toothed smile remained still firmly in place, and his voice pleasant as ever. [colour=DDA0DD]"I am too curious to meet this contact not to insist on joining you."[/colour]

Ashon moved behind Qasem, his steps silent as he approached his friend. He leaned over him, his voice low and conspiratorial as he whispered in his ear. [colour=FF3131]"I think her point was that you were not meant to meet them,"[/colour] he said, a sly smile forming on his lips. He bopped Qasem gently on the top of his head, his hand bouncing off his friend's thick curls. [colour=FF3131]"Or yet, anyway,"[/colour] he added with a chuckle.

Taleja let out an inward groan and raised her gloved hand to pinch her brow. She then reached into her coat pocket and retrieved a small container of pellets, swallowed one with some water, hoping it would ease her headache. She addressed the group, [colour=006633]"The decision has been made. Let's make preparations, and you two can meet me outside the entrance to the town. You may dress in any colour you wish, as long as it's black,"[/colour] she said, eyeing the flamboyant clothing of her two peacock companions.

She held their gaze for a moment before continuing to the other group, [colour=006633]"It's crucial that we find the others in one piece and quickly. We'll need all the strength we can muster for what's to come."[/colour] Her green eyes narrowed as she emphasized the importance of their mission. [colour=006633]"We don't have time. Make haste and prepare yourselves accordingly."[/colour]

Qasem turned, faced Ashon with an expression of exaggerated shock. [colour=DDA0DD]"You don't mean to imply that our fellow Biro could be purposefully concealing information from us? When we've been so forthright with what we've learned ourselves?"[/colour] When he turned to their new arrival again, his mouth was set in a tight hard line, the friendliness before gone, but nodding as she listed instructions.

 [colour=DDA0DD]"It's clear you know something of the beast and what we might encounter. Sharing such knowledge would be the most valuable preparation of all."[/colour]

Taleja had made it to the door when the Inquisitor's words reached her. She stopped and scowled, turning to face him with a sharp glint in her green eyes. [colour=006633]"I wouldn't be careless with your words, Inquisitor. Some of us came here to do more than a leisurely stroll in the woods, a free lunch, and an academy commendation,"[/colour] she warned him. Then, placing a polite smile on her face as she spoke. [colour=006633]"Only know as much as you have informed me, save there is one observation you left out. Your wild blood attacked during a moonless night, and you should fear what may happen when it is shortly four moons. That's in four nights,"[/colour] she said, emphasizing the countdown with her fingers. Her eyes then flicked to the Rezaindian. [colour=006633]"As the good Sister should have informed you."[/colour]

[colour=006633]"We have a deadline, I don't intend to find out what happens if we fail to achieve our objectives before that night,"[/colour] she said, before tipping her hat to Dorothea in a personal farewell as she opened the door. [colour=006633]"If you want to be of use, then prepare to move, or I'll leave without you."[/colour] She pushed through the doorway and left.

[colour=DDA0DD]"Our track of finding helpful friends continues"[/colour] Qasem drily concluded as the newest arrival left.   [colour=DDA0DD]"That ones lies easy as she breathes. She knew we would be here, but not who we were. Someone else sent her."[/colour]  His furrowed brow relaxed as he looked to the others in the group.	[colour=DDA0DD]"[i]We[/i] at least need to work as a unified team, together. If we cannot trust each-other, we have no chance against a real monster."[/colour] With a nod to Ashon, he too turned to leave.

[colour=86608E]"Even if Taleja might not be completely truthful, we should not disregard her... With three people gone, we need all the help we can get."[/colour] With that, Dory walked behind Laska, looking somewhat distressed. [colour=86608E]"We shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth."[/colour]

Ashon watched as the group bickered amongst themselves, some raising their voices and others quietly observing. He couldn't help but feel amused by the scene before him. His attention was drawn to Taleja as she skilfully provoked Qasem with her words. Ashon had to admit, he was impressed, even he, the great Monkey-King Jamboi, had never been able to ruffle Qasem's feathers quite like that.

Looking back at Qasem as she left, Ashon continued,  [colour=FF3131]"Her tongue slithered like a snake behind her teeth, but we need to look past it. My dear Qasem"[/colour] He drew her hypothetical figure in the space she stood.  [colour=FF3131]"She's come to us for help, whether she wants to admit it or not. And it's up to us to decide if we're willing to provide it."[/colour] He gestured to the rest of the group,  [colour=FF3131]"We're all here for a reason, and I have a feeling our interests align, at least for now."[/colour]

He turned his gaze towards Laska and asked, [colour=FF3131]"Do you happen to have any spare habits we can borrow? We need black clothing."[/colour]

Edyta was prepared for more of Ashon's Mockery, but she managed to hold herself back and not judge... at least outwardly. [color=6ecff6]"What purpose do you seek for them,"[/color] she asked bluntly, narrowing her eyes. She was not [i]entirely[/i] against offering assistance, but the nun would not abide by people besmirching the sacred vestments of the church.

It was naught but a few minutes later when Edyta moved off after Dorothea to see if they couldn't find anyone to help in their search for Manfred, the two yasoi girls, Viktor, and Anna. In truth, she noticed, Ymiico had disappeared as well, shortly after some incoherent speech in broken Avincian earlier.

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