[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/QLcqYBY.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/HEHbZjU.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/Zm9NBje.png[/img][hr][hr][b][colour=FF3131]Event:[/colour][/b] Castle Mandelein [b]|[/b] [b][colour=FF3131]Location:[/colour][/b] Mandelein, Kerremand[hr][hr][/center] [hider=The Journey] Qasem arrived early enough to be the first at the meeting-place instructed by Taleja. Even at the late hour, eyes lingered on his tall frame and darkened complexion as they passed in returning to their homes. He had quickly become accustomed to such suspicion ever since moving south from the Darhannic lands, and had long since decided to ignore it. A truth seeker had nothing to hide, after all. His actions and results would speak for themselves in due time. He reached two his hip, and one by one three thin vials of dark solution fastened there emptied into his throat, until only a fourth, containing a transparent liquid, remained fixed to the belt. His manas made no effort to accelerate the reaction processes within his body; there was no telling what the night might yet entail, and he wouldn't want to burn through his reserves too quickly. But some things needed no rush at all. Qasem's already dark eyes became darker still as his pupils fully dilated, despite the overhanging streetlamps. His heart rate slowed too, and a faint but familiar tingling warmth began to grow from the tips of his extremities. He shifted his weight as he swallowed back the bitter after-taste, looking up and down the street for the arrival of his companions. Soon after, an unexpected visitor arrived at the meeting point, catching everyone's attention. A black habit adorned the figure as they walked up to Qasem and greeted him. The newcomer was a tall and slender person, their face concealed by the hood of the habit. Taleja emerged from the woods, holding her Pendragon smooth bore musket in her hands. She surveyed the meeting spot, taking note of the two figures waiting there. [colour=006633]"Thought it would be wise to scout ahead while waiting,"[/colour] she stated. Peering through her mask, her green eyes assessed the pair. [colour=006633]"Sister Laska, have you taken the place of the Monkey King?"[/colour] The figure in the black habit made the sign of the pentad in front of them, their head bowed in apparent humility. The habit draped their figure entirely, concealing their identity from view. In a faux-feminine voice, they began to speak, [colour=FF3131]“Forgive me, Sister, for we have sinned."[/colour] Qasem and the others exchanged puzzled glances, wondering who this stranger might be. Without warning, the figure spun around, revealing themselves to be none other than the Monkey King. Ashon beamed a wide and goofy smile, clearly pleased with his clever disguise. He was now adorned in one of Sister Laska's fine black habits, which seemed to fit him quite well despite his lanky frame. [colour=FF3131] “You thought it was the good sister, but it was me, Jamboi!”[/colour] Taleja observed Ashon in Laska's habit in silence. After a moment, she spoke, [colour=006633]"You're dressed in black, good."[/colour] She then turned to walk towards the tree line and motioned for Ashon to follow. [colour=006633]"I will explain as we walk,"[/colour] she added. Qasem's face distorted as he reconciled his sense of humour with that of sanctity. The result was him starting silently at the Yasoi man for far too long. [colour=DDA0DD]"It is good to know we have Eshiran's eyes on us at the least."[/colour] He finally said after Taleja already began ushering them along. [colour=DDA0DD]"[i]As with the dreamers.[/i]"[/colour] He added as silent prayer to himself in his mother tongue before following with silent obedience. Taleja led the duo through the dense woods, weaving through the underbrush and avoiding muddy banks on either side of a trickling creek. As they continued along the creek, she explained the plan for their mission. [colour=006633]"I’ll need to pose as a courier and meet the smugglers,"[/colour] Taleja said, her voice low. [colour=006633]"Then, we track them back to their base and scout it out. Once we have the location, we return to Mandelein and bring the others tomorrow."[/colour] The plan was relatively straightforward, though bound to be more difficult than anticipated. As they approached a large, moss-covered rock at the base of a towering oak tree, Taleja pointed out it out as one of the many landmarks they needed to follow. [colour=006633]"There are certain points where we could potentially be ambushed or seen, so we need to be careful,"[/colour] she cautioned. [colour=006633]"One of you is a Yasoi, so I suggest you climb into the higher branches and follow me there."[/colour] Turning to Qasem, Taleja added, [colour=006633]"For now, our goal is to remain unseen. You can have your fun tomorrow, Inquisitor. I won't hold you back."[/colour] Her green eyes glinted mischievously as he could have sworn she gave him a playful smile under the mask From there, she turned left, and walked up a steep incline as she led them. She had to duck and dodge the low-hanging branches that obscured her path as she followed the incline, eventually coming to a clearing where a cluster of wildflowers grew. In the centre of the clearing stood an unusually large banana tree which appeared to have purple fruit, with thick roots that protruded from the ground like fingers. [colour=006633]"As for the next direction, I need to head towards that gnarled tree over there,"[/colour] Taleja said, gesturing towards a twisted and gnarled tree in the distance. [colour=006633]"But we should be careful."[/colour] She scanned the tree line cautiously. [colour=006633]"I suggest you two keep a low profile and take the long way around to avoid being seen."[/colour] Qasem only nodded in agreement. He'd decided not to argue with his mysterious fellow student; he'd only receive more lies in return. She'd inevitably spin herself into a mess only the truth could untangle, but in the meantime there were more than enough dangers and mysterious to investigate. The drugs had worked well into Qasem's system, causing his slow but deep heartbeat to pound loudly in his own ears. He was eager for action, and leapt with astonishing speed towards the indicated direction. Only to be brought up short by a tap on the shoulder, his habit-donned companion indicated a strange shadow a few feet ahead in his path; a passing guard. Qasem smiled in thanks, and moved further into the covering of trees in order to give the unexpected watcher a wide berth. Only once they were part-way did it occur to the Darhannic brother that his enhanced senses had not heard or felt another being from the direction at all. Sure enough, once their detoured path was complete, the pair were able to turn and see the shadow's source; completely unmoved. As any normal tree ought to have been. Taleja's eyes narrowed as she examined the unusually out of place purple banana tree, searching for the sign that would indicate the next direction. After circling around it, she disappeared briefly before reappearing on the other side, her musket now aimed in a new direction. She began striding confidently toward a dense thicket of brambles, using her gloved hand to clear a path as she made her way through the tangled undergrowth. As she passed through the thicket, the plants seemed to wither and die at her touch, revealing a clearer path ahead. Her use of magic was evident as she drew power from the surrounding vegetation. Taleja stood by the small pond, flanked by cattails and reeds, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the duo. [colour=006633]"Glad to see you both made it,"[/colour] she said as she gestured to the left, revealing a narrow path, leading them down it in a hurried manner. As they walked, the path was bordered with an array of toadstools, varying in colour and shape. Taleja couldn't resist the opportunity to collect some samples. [colour=006633]"While I waited, I examined them already. If you want to take some with you, pick the ones that are brown and shaped like teats."[/colour] [colour=DDA0DD]"Yourself as well,"[/colour] Qasem courteously replied before reaching for the indicated specimens and adding them to the emptied vials on his belt. [colour=DDA0DD]"Do they have particular effects?"[/colour] He asked casually, curious as to the girl's horticultural knowledge. [colour=006633]“Those are Psilocybin mushrooms. Often used within religious rituals, or enjoyed re-creating a religious like experience.”[/colour] She smiled toward the Inquisitor. [colour=006633]“Eat enough of those, and you will feel you have personally met even the Darhannic god.”[/colour] [colour=DDA0DD][i]"In the heat of its bitter brew was found the truest sleep Where within the dreamer wanders and seeks."[/i][/colour] He smiled at her. [colour=DDA0DD]"We do have... Similar practices within my home."[/colour] He confirmed before suddenly remembering the third in their party, Qasem's head snapped towards Ashon, giving the Yasoi a warning look before he could do anything too rash. Ashon looked as if got caught red-handed. [colour=DDA0DD]"But we'll have to leave practical experiments for another time."[/colour] They continued down the path until it led to a rocky outcropping overlooking a clearing, the meeting spot in the distance. With a burst of energy, Taleja climbed up onto the outcropping and surveyed the area, keeping low to avoid being seen. She gestured for the others to join her and pointed out the figures waiting in the clearing. [colour=006633]"They're waiting for me. I'll go down alone. You two try to get to the other side of the clearing. I'll buy you some time, but when they leave, you need to tail them."[/colour] [colour=DDA0DD]"She seems remarkably capable for someone in need of our help"[/colour] Qasem stated once sure they were safely out of earshot of Taleja. [colour=DDA0DD]"Don't suppose she let you in on what it is exactly she's delivering?"[/colour] Ashon beamed a smile at Qasem, watching as Taleja moved out of earshot. [colour=FF3131]“Did you notice that? Even when we're not casting, you can feel it as soon as she comes into range,"[/colour] he remarked. He gestured towards the three figures gathered together. [colour=FF3131]“Imagine being followed by her. If she got too close, any mage worth their salt would notice her easily. That's why she needs us.”[/colour] As for the package, Ashon shrugged. [colour=FF3131]“She hasn't been very forthcoming.”[/colour] [/hider] [hider=The Meet] Taleja descended from the outcrop and followed the path that led to the clearing, where three figures were waiting for her. The first was a woman in her forties, accompanied by a tall Yasoi cut-throat pirate, typical of Dami's eye, and a younger androgynous figure with a bandana covering their face. [colour=yellow]“Halt! Drop your weapon and show yourself!”[/colour] The woman shouted, and the three of them brought their guns to bear as they aimed them to the girl, spreading out as if expecting an attack. Taleja sighed as she cursed under her breath. [colour=006633][i]Maits[/i][/colour]. She dropped her musket upon the floor, and removed her mask and hat, revealing her braided bright white hair. The Yasoi leered at her and whistled, [colour=orange]“Looks like we’ve been sent a luuntai little thing to keep us company. Maybe we should have her take off the rest of her clothes, have myself a luush’elar”[/colour] As the third approached closer, they shook as the androgynous figure sharply pointed their rifle at Taleja and exclaimed [colour=black]“Sumplfhexe! [i]- Swamp Witch![/i]”[/colour] The Yasoii spat out his bakeleaf in response and followed suit [colour=orange]“daxtoil!”[/colour]. The woman just laughed at their reactions. [colour=yellow]“It seems someone sent the Perrench witch our way”[/colour] she said, grinning evilly at Taleja who returned an intense glare. [colour=yellow]“Why have they sent you, girl. Do you have the package, or did they want someone to put you in your place as a reminder of what happens to little girls who don’t deliver.”[/colour] Taleja stood her ground, not intimidated by their threats. [colour=006633]“I have the package, but it won’t be handed over until you lower those guns. You know the terms.”[/colour] The woman narrowed her eyes, [colour=yellow]“You’re pushing your luck, witch. Do you know any idea who we are?”[/colour] The woman tapped her gun with her finger. [colour=yellow]“I've been shooting longer than you've been alive. Chad here has been sailing ships through Kerreman patrols since before your dad was even born. And Nyx? Well, they've killed more people in cold blood than you have toes and fingers.”[/colour] Taleja rolled her eyes, [colour=006633]“Well, congratulations on your impressive resumes. Now, let's get down to business, I know that you wouldn't want to risk the wrath of your employer by not fulfilling your end of the deal. So let's make this quick and painless, shall we?”[/colour] The Yasoi stepped forward, a dangerous glint in his eyes. [colour=orange]“You're in no position to make demands, witch.”[/colour] Taleja didn't flinch. [colour=006633]“Oh, but I am. You see, I have something that you want. And if you don't agree to my terms, I'll just take the package and leave.”[/colour] The woman stepped forward, holding up a hand to stop the Yasoi. [colour=yellow]“Fine. Put the guns down. But if you try anything funny, we won’t hesitate.”[/colour] Taleja nodded as she reached into her satchel and pulled out a small wooden box, setting it on the ground between them. [colour=006633]“You can inspect it if you'd like.”[/colour] The woman motioned for Nyx to check the package, who opened the box to inspect its contents. Removing what appeared to be some kind of solution in a sealed jar, and nodded. [colour=yellow]“Seems legit.”[/colour] [colour=006633]“Good. Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll be on my way,”[/colour] Taleja sad, holding out her hand. The woman chuckled as she reached into her coat and pulled out a small pouch, tossing it to her. She caught the pouched, open it to inspect it, before nodding in satisfaction. [colour=006633]“Then all is concluded.”[/colour] She moved to collect her belongings before leaving. But before she could take a step, the Yasoi grabbed her arm roughly. [colour=orange]“Not so fast, witch. We have some unfinished business to take care of.”[/colour] Taleja's arm was roughly grabbed by the Yasoi, but she remained composed. She slowly removed her glove as she twirled around and grabbed a hold of the Yasoi's hand, making direct skin contact. Instantly, the Yasoi's eyes started to bulge as he felt a sharp sensation travel through his being. He could feel his connection with the gift paralysed as his manas began to tremble violently, repulsed by the contact, becoming unstable as they began to draw from themselves. The veins in Chad’s body began to bulge and protrude as he fell upon his knees, shivering, sweating profusely, and on the verge of losing consciousness. She released her grip, and with her other hand, she drew her flintlock pistol from her bag and pointed it at the Yasoi's head. [colour=006633]“How far can you go without your helmsman?”[/colour] she asked in a firm voice. His companions looked on in shock and fear, realizing that they were dealing with someone who was not to be underestimated. The woman set down her gun on the ground and signalled for Nyx to follow suit. [colour=yellow]“Our business is finished. This was just a misunderstanding. We require his services.”[/colour] She let out a sigh as she saw Taleja lower the pistol. [colour=yellow]“I wouldn’t stay around by the twenty-first if I were you.”[/colour] Taleja gave a small smile, [colour=006633]“I’ll keep that in mind.”[/colour] And with that, she shot the pistol beside the Yasoi in front of her. She turned around, and disappeared down the path. The sound of the women behind her moving to check on their colleague. [/hider] [hider=The Chase] Ashon and Qasem quietly followed the three smugglers, being bought ample time for them to navigate through the dense woods to get to the other side of the clearing. The river behind them running loud as it covered the sound they made. They watched the woman walking out in front, followed by the Yasoi male, who is being supported by the one known as Nyx. [colour=orange]“Next time I see that bitch, she is dead.”[/colour], his cursing drawing the woman’s ire. [colour=yellow]“What ever possessed you Chad to grab her is beyond reason.”[/colour] The woman continued to be on lookout as the other two made their way onto the small craft, following them on board after pushing it into the water as it started to drift down the river. The Yasoi starting to use the gift to empower the movements, causing it to that travelling at some speed. [colour=FF3131]“I’ll take the tree tops to stay ahead, you follow up from behind. Try not to attract any attention.”[/colour] As the pair made their way through the woods, the two sharpshooters proved to be quite the challenge, especially the woman. She was skilled, and her aim was deadly, taking down any tempting wildlife targets for game. Ashon and Qasem had to be extra careful not to get caught. Ashon relied on his dervisher skills and swung through the branches of the trees to keep up with the smugglers. There were one or two close calls, when a disturbed bird proved target practise. During the journey, there was a fearsome roar, like the one they witnessed when they first came into Mandelein. The individuals on the boat slowed down as they spent a moment surveying the surroundings, appearing to look concerned. It was the second one, louder and clearer than the first, that sent shivers down the spines of those present. The Yasoi on the boat immediately reacted and sped down the river faster. Ahead on the river were a chain of rocks which appeared to bar the way for any boats. They questioned if this was the destination, though with the use of powerful advanced magic, they were able to twisted and morphed the terrain, creating a path to allow them to pass through. As they approached the destination, they soon caught sight of a small galleon docked at the shore. The ship looked surprisingly well-maintained for a smuggler’s vessel, with fresh paint and a study-looking hull. They can notice several smaller ships nearby, each loaded up with cargo, and it was clear they had access to a wide variety of resources. The ship was guarded by a small army of over three dozen people, consisting of both humans and Yasoi. They were armed to the teeth, with swords, muskets and magic at their disposal. The base was a hive of activity, with workers loading and unloading cargo, and soldiers patrolling the perimeter. Despite the bustling atmosphere, there was an underlying tension in the air, as if the smugglers were always on the lookout for trouble. It was clear that this was like a well-oiled machine, with advanced magic being used to bypass the river’s natural defences. Ashon let out a low whistle as he spoke to Qasem, [colour=FF3131]“Well, now we know why she needed our help.”[/colour] He examined the smuggler's operation with a mixture of admiration and suspicion. They had succeeded in their mission and found the location, but Ashon could sense that Qasem was still hungry for answers. [colour=FF3131]“I don't think you want to turn back now, do you?”[/colour] Ashon fixed Qasem with an intense gaze, waiting for his response. He knew that they had come this far, and turning back now would mean leaving their investigation incomplete. [colour=DDA0DD]"Not until we find something useful."[/colour] Nodding simply, he sighed and replied, [colour=FF3131]“There are several Yasoi in that area. It should not be too difficult for me to slip in unnoticed.”[/colour] He removed the black habit from his head and handed it over to Qasem. [colour=FF3131]“Take care of that for me. The smugglers won't be my only concern.[/colour] With a big grin, he threw his dervisher knife at high into a nearby tree before running and swinging up into the upper branches, to then diving from a branch to swing across the other side through the thick foliage that obscured him high within the trees, using the rope to guide his movements. [/hider] [hider=The Inquisitor] For one so large and equipped, Qasem moved with quiet speed on the low ground. While the flora might have been different, the Kerremand swamps were not all so different from the tropical forests of his home. His body's reflexes and senses increased as they were, the boy was overly-aware of every sound he made, down to his own heartbeat; and any of those that might spot him. He prioritized caution over all else; whatever info he found would be useless if it landed him killed. Or worse, needing rescue from the Yasoi or Kressian. He counted the bodies he could, but there were more still further in. Instead, he lingered outside, close to where the water met the treeline and an excellent position to survey the delivery taking place. A pair were arguing while unloading the crates, preparing them for land transportation. The language they used was jumbled, half the human Kerremand language, parts in the Yasoi dialect of the same region, and even the odd Perrench phrase thrown in when the other two proved insufficient. It wasn't until the latter showed up that Qasem's attention was drawn away from the crates, the sight of more unusual purple banana’s, and the wafting of an alluring smell of food to his sensitive nose. [colour=brown]"Sewers don't go further than the graveyard."[/colour] The first of the set continued the argument. [colour=brown]"Rotting corpses along with the rats and whatever else might be there..."[/colour] [colour=gray]"Years ago,"[/colour] The other snapped back. [colour=gray]"They've opened up the tunnels under the castle; we'll move easy through there."[/colour] Then their footsteps grew closer still, and Qasem moved on. Thankfully, the low growling from a rather large crate distracted the men. Whatever it was contained within, it was bigger than a human, for sure. [/hider] [hider=The Monkey] Swiftly moving through the trees, the Hyparian deftly clung to branches and swung from one to another, living up to his name as the Monkey King. Unlike in his homeland, where extra precautions are made to counter individuals such as himself, these smugglers had grown used to a linear form of combat typical in human territory, so he enjoyed greater freedom. As he made his way past idle lookouts chatting amongst themselves, he listened to the sound of fluttering birds that provided the perfect distraction. Spotting an overhanging branch that led to the ship, he quickly tight-roped along it and landed on the deck with a flourish. There, he wasted no time and immediately started to pluck items of clothing from a nearby washing line, using them to blend in with the crew. Taking a nearby box to look more inconspicuous, he began walking into the thick of it, navigating the ship with ease. He approached the ship's authorities, a stern-looking human male who appeared to be the captain, and an overweight individual who seemed to relish the sound of his own voice. Despite the thick Perrench accent, Ashon was able to pick up on some of their conversation thanks to Penny's language lessons. They seemed to be discussing operational security, and Ashon mentally noted a whistle signal, the call of the Mockingjay. It seemed that the operation was waiting for all six cargo crafts to arrive before setting sail further up the river toward the Yasoi lands. They appeared to be on a tight deadline, hoping to make the delivery before Victendes. He was about to leave as his ears pricked up about a discussion of someone working within Mandelein, to pass along information and help secure the efforts there, [colour=FF3131][i]a traitor?[/i][/colour] He cautiously made his way across the deck, attempting to descend into the lower levels of the ship, but the overwhelming stench stopped him in his tracks. Ashon recognized that smell all too well, and a shiver ran down his spine. Clutching his chest, he quickly backed away and moved behind a crate on the far side of the ship to steady his breathing and calm his nerves. As he surveyed his surroundings, he saw an opportunity to use his knife to abseil down the side of the vessel and gain access to the interior through a porthole. What he saw confirmed his fears: Yasoi cargo, his own kin, and a few humans kept in chains and bondage. Was this a slave ship? The question tormented him as he carefully made his way around the patrols and back onto the deck, edging closer to the captain's quarters. Peering inside, he saw expensive furniture and trinkets, and a large set of keys on the desk. His attention was drawn to a crate on the table, containing a very dark metal that appeared to be moulded into a cube shape from his vantage point. As Ashon pretended to be a crew member, he carefully placed down a crate and took a moment to catch his breath. The languages upon the ship were a eccentric mix of Kerreman, Perrench, and Yasoi, in no particular preference. He overheard a conversation between three well-dressed individuals, possibly captains of smaller ships around the galleon. One of them complained about having to deliver another large package from up north to the Yasoi, suggesting that they should refuse the task by offering to shove it up their arses. The other individual, who happened to be Yasoi, rolled his eyes in response. The first individual continued his crass remarks, stating that at least the Tarlonese women were more cooperative and attractive, willing to spread their legs to make it worthwhile, even suggesting that they look so alike, he could fantasize about them being sisters. The second human captain disagreed and expressed frustration with Retannese women on the last voyage, who considered themselves too cultured and superior for such things. He even joked that he had a better chance of seducing a Rezaindian Nun than a Retannese girl. Ashon couldn’t resist as he walked past, [colour=FF3131]“Wouldn’t make a [u]habit[/u] of that.”[/colour] to the chortle of the other two. As he walked away, he overheard about witnessing some giant white dragon whilst he was up there. As things were winding down, Ashon gathered as much information as he could and made his way toward the back of the main ship. He hooked a branch to create a path for himself back into the trees when he was approached by a young boy who had been watching him. [colour=teal]"You've just been walking around with that same box. You're not one of us, are you?"[/colour] The boy looked up at him, growing frightened. Ashon put on a charming smile and moved his hand in front of his face, [colour=FF3131]“Oh? We Yasoi just love our trees! Nothing to be scared about.”[/colour] The boy began to step back, but suddenly felt his back hit against something hard. He jumped in shock, caught off guard as Ashon swiftly hit him with a well-placed chemical chop to knock him out. Ashon weighed the pros and cons of leaving the boy there, and ultimately decided to take him with him. [colour=FF3131]“I'll leave this one for the Inquisitor to handle,”[/colour] he thought to himself. [/hider] [hider=The Return] He found Qasem pacing in wait for him, a frown of displeasure only deepening when Ashon fully delivered his request along with the boy. [colour=DDA0DD]"Vashdal preserve and forgive."[/colour] He whispered before placing hands on either side of the smuggler's head and ceasing the chemical reactions needed to produce long term memories. It wasn't a terribly invasive process as far as internal chemical magic went, but that didn't stop Qasem's face from turning pinched and haunted. [colour=DDA0DD]"They're keeping something here, one of the monsters, maybe. I'm not so sure if they are wildbloods."[/colour] He informed his companion once the boy had passed out from his magic. Ashon quietly placed him among some crates at the rear of the ship, covering him with a sheet. Their presence would go unnoticed. Ashon turned to Qasem and said, [colour=FF3131]“We should report back our findings."[/colour] He retrieved the habit from the Inquisitor and put it back on. [colour=FF3131]“Let's find out what Milady de Winter makes of what we have been doing.”[/colour] They set out on the journey back to Mandelein, taking a more direct route to their destination, spotting a recognizable figure in the distance. [/hider] [hr][hr]