Aeolian

BLEAK

<Snipped quote by Aeolian>

I can add those two. The elements that are listed there are the ones that we use. But, if you have suggestions, I'm always open to hear them. This combat 'system' is very much experimentation as we go.

@Prisk

Oh! There are so many elements that could utilized I think. Here are some that might work within the story.

Water - Common
Plant - Exotic
Life - Mystical
Electricity - Exotic
Metal - Exotic
Glass - Exotic
Sand - Exotic
Snow - Exotic
Smoke - Exotic

Also, I would love one of those cards for my character. Just gotta think of a special attack.

Cheers!

BLEAK

@Prisk

So for exotic and mystical elements, do we have to choose one of the ones u listed in those sections, or can we create our own element for those categories? I was thinking of Sound or Wind element. Would either of those be okay?

BLEAK

Updated the character tab with 'combat' information. Let me know if something doesn't make sense. Also think about a 'special attack' that only your character might know. It's not necessary, but I'm not against it either. I use the 'superpower wiki' website for inspiration in these matters.

@Prisk

So the special attacks or element that is chosen or used...does it have to follow by the attacks you listed in the character tab or do we have the freedom to be a bit more versatile in our attacks and elements, etc.

And are all Aeon abilities elemental based?

BLEAK

I like that we can move at a slowburn kind of pace with the story and everyone is still interested and not freaking out about the RP dying lol

Anyways, Happy Holidays u guys..

Cheers!

BLEAK

_{H E L S T O N | F R I D A Y | O C T O B E R 2 6 ★}
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Traffic had already begun to back up as they took off down Pebble 82. The streets were lit with an unfamiliar energy and vitality of its residents. Some cascading towards the highways, while others far more inclined to bunker down in their homes. It was quite an unusual sight indeed. Gen-Alerts were a regular occurrence, but the magnitude that this incident had caused during the mid-morning bustle brought a level of suspense and urgency that was unprecedented. The light of the sun had begun its dance for those outside, the usual perpetual mist waning a bit from its normally oppressive nature as it retreated back into the stratosphere.

And when mist eased up, as did a bit of the tension on the road. This certainly made things easier for those who were heading out in droves to the great beyond, heading out to confront something they had yet to understand. Yet it was this very mystery that tantalized Luca's senses. It was scary how little he feared, how uninhibited he was. Most people had their reservations when it came to the particulars, yet Luca hardly had any. Each occurrence and experience was yet another way for him to delve into the crevices of the matter and extract whatever it was that he could.

He sat in the back seat of the family jeep as they turned on Highway A, his long legs somehow crossed onto each other, the window down and his fingers lightly tapping the top of the window seal. He gleamed out at the others cars that were heading their direction when the sound of the live news suddenly resonated throughout the vehicle.

"This is Candice Little of the Helston Public News. We come to you with a live update on the current situation plaguing our small town. Sources tell us that an encroaching force looms on the horizon. Details of the explosion that shook our town remain a mystery, but reports indicate that the unions are not at fault. We repeat, the unions are not at fault. Resistance officials have yet to give word on the perpetrators, but we will certainly be the first to let you all know as the situation unfolds. Please remain safe during these uncertain times.

Candice Little, Helston Public News."

Finnes was driving, though the sudden shock of the situation almost made her swerve. Her mouth was practically to the car floor, "Not the unions? How is that possible?", she said, looking over to Petra who sat in the passenger seat beside her. One could easily tell that Petra was perplexed by the sudden news, she groaned loudly, her fingers massaging the vanes that had formed on her temples, "It's not...". Petyr remained in contemplative silence, his pensive gaze focused on the passing terrain. It was sometimes difficult to dissect what was going on in his brain. He was always the most adaptive and analytical of their group, always one step ahead.

Luca seemed unperturbed however. He simply minded his time, using his breath to draw ephemeral shapes upon the window.

---

The makeshift campsite came upon them quicker than they had anticipated. A mass of movement from an amalgamation of resistance members, military personnel, and resident Helston volunteers flooded the area. They parked near a motorcycle, Luca being the first to evacuate the vehicle after taking a keen interest in the sounds of the not-too-distant combat looming off somewhere in the distance. He looked around curiously as he always did while Petyr and Petra retrieved their weapons from the trunk--Finnes came upon him, clasping her hands together nervously and looking out to the crowd as Luca was. She couldn't help but shake the unsettling feeling that crept up on her ever since the news report on the radio. Not the unions? The idea still vexed her spirit.

Petra appeared behind them, a long gun like device strapped to her back, its frame so large it stuck out over her shoulder like a long sword and was well past the length of her own body. "You gonna be alright Fin?" she asked the Union refugee, lightly tapping her arm. Startled from her thoughts, Finnes's body tensed up to an abrupt jolt. She rested her hand gently upon her chest once she noticed it was just Petra, a deep sigh of relief escaping her lips, "Oh...you startled me. Yes, yes. I'll be alright. I just...I don't understand."

"Whatever it is, we'll handle it. We always do. Right Luca?" , Petra said to Finnes, though addressing Luca simultaneously. Luca turned to her with a smile, holding up an exuberant thumbs up and nodding in agreement, "Mhmm!"

Petyr was the last to join the gang, coming up to stand alongside his twin sister and Luca. He looked out to the crowd as well, examining everyone who was there, grasping for some kind of signal that things were to commence shortly. He was analyzing every detail. From the people, to the sounds, to the setting, and the resources laid out before them. Whoever their adversary may be, he would devise a strategy of applicable extermination. Though he preferred the expression, Hatching a Devil's Egg--thank you very much.

Petra looked at him knowingly. She could already hear his brain ticking away like clockwork.

:: Dragon Heart ::

[P.S. Click on Lorn's picture to hear his new voice]

The Abandoned Magic Item Factory
@MarsAdept@Lmpkio@Valor

---

Lorn came to after his search of the factory via looking through the eyes of the dragonfly. He brought his hands to his temples and moaned a bit, a surge coursing through his head. His mind was in that dragonfly for too long it seemed, causing an uncomfortable pulsing like he was recovering from a headache. He shook his head and turned to Dreadlin, "It's a black market in there. And the exceed....it's located at the far end of the factory in a room. I felt it's presence from within, and it wasn't alone..."

Just then, a loud pop went off, like something had just been bulldozered, sounds of hard material and concrete suddenly cascading to the ground. The jarring subsided as he suddenly felt a presence of immense anger and determination, and the accompanying voice of a certain woman of solidified his initial thoughts, "Glory..." he murmured to Dreadlin. The assault had begun, though certainly not in the subtle manner that he had originally envisioned. In any case, Lorn adapted and would utilize the current distraction she caused to move forward with his plan. Glory and Victoria were certainly woman capable of commanding attention, he felt it.

And the guards outside had obviously heard the sudden commotion too, as some of them rushed back inside the factory while the others rushed around the other side of the building to see what had caused the loud boom. Patrons were running out too, notably frightened by what was beginning to unfold. Lorn sighed a bit, relieved to see things moving in his favor.

"Dreadlin, it's time. While they're preoccupied, I'm going to go procure our feline friend. Not sure your figure lends itself to subtly." he teased the man, though he what he spoke of was true. If he were to snoop around, Dreadlin would probably stand out like a sore thumb. In any case, Dreadlin could aid the girls in their assault, the number of Bat Wing members present was plentiful. He gave Dreadlin a pat on his shoulder and then got up and pushed his way through the crowd that were evacuating the premise.

Once inside, he crouched behind a vendor stall, trying to blend in with the patrons too scared to get up and evacuate like some of the others had. He peaked up from behind one of the stalls and briefly met eyes with Glory, giving her a fortified nod, hoping she'd catch on to his plan to be sneaky since his Heart Magic was ineffective on her. In any case, the fighting was definitely underway, fireballs whizzing past him towards Victoria, who aptly shielded herself from the attack. He glanced at her as she fought the wand-wielding Bat Wing mage and then took off down the hall, quickly tucking himself into a dark crevice to hide from the Bat Wing mages that were running past to confront Glory and Victoria.

He would wait until they all passed, and then continue towards the large reinforced metal doors in silent and carefully subtle strides.

BLEAK

_{H E L S T O N | F R I D A Y | O C T O B E R 2 6 ★}
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Mundane. BLEAK. Humdrum. These are words that could accurately be used to describe Helston on a day-to-day basis. The weather wasn't particularly interesting either, a light mist shrouding the small town like a blanket, though this was relatively typical, waters brought over from the eastern gulf no doubt. The soft glimmer of sunlight was beginning to slowly make waves throughout the quiet town. Everything seemed normal, in Helston standards.

The town certainly couldn't compare to the normal of Dadena City--a city with scrapers that reached far beyond the clouds. At least, these were the exaggerated tales that were told. It was situated way up north past Eastbourne and Mineral Grove. Not an easy or particularly safe trek to take, but worth it for some. Dadena City was unlike any other. Bustling with life, dazzling colours, and a cathartic cacophony that only the city folk could actually appreciate for all its glory. Yet the city life certainly didn't come without its flaws. Underground weirdos and the ever-present attempts of the unions were always something to keep on the mind.

Even still, this was certainly something our dear Luca always missed. A day didn't go by that he didn't miss the city and the underground world that pervaded below it. Looking out over the rooftop was unlike anything else. An experience that was difficult replicate in the flat land that was Helston. And yet, here he was, doing just that. The town was beginning to move, early-birds preparing for their equally early work. A number of individuals in the quiet neighborhood had gathered around a large tree(common to this region), their gaze look up towards the canopy. The wind of gentle this morning, creating a soft whisper amongst the branches and the leaves.

"Should we wake him?", someone said. "Leave em. He's here like this often". An older stout woman gasped, "But what if he falls?". Her husband pulled her away, "He won't. He never does." Another woman shook her head in disbelief, "I found him upon me rooftop the other morning. As sound as a rock I tell ya." The stout woman gasped again at this remark, her husband fighting harder to drag her along.

This was indeed true though. High up near the canopy was Luca, his tall lanky figure awkwardly sprawled out upon a large protruding branch. His arm was dangling off the side and his snore was like a cat. Surprisingly nimble for someone of his height. The murmurs from below broke him from his slumber. The hard bark to him as comfy as any silk comforter was to another. though perhaps this was less of the feeling and more of the experience. This was as close as he could get to the rooftops of Dadena City.

Luca's eyes opened wistfully as he sat up and yawned, his legs dangling over the side. Seeing him wake up, the small crowd began to disperse, "Be careful where you lie kid. I reckon you might fall and break your neck next time." Luca shook his head, refuting the statement in a rather unbothered kind of manner, "I am not a kid." he said, surprisingly deft in the manner that he kicked off the branch and landed softly on the dew covered soil below. The man stared at Luca, though the latter was paying the man little attention as he wiped himself off, "Completely missed the point" the man muttered, walking off.

---

Back inside the house, Finnes, his personal attendant and she's basically my mother figure was laying out plates on the table, an iron spatula in her hand full of meatless spud(a potato mix, usually with meat. A popular breakfast in Halston). "Come come. Sit before your breakfast gets cold." she said, motioning towards the empty chair at the table. The 21 year old Luca crossed his arms and pouted as Petra came stomping down the stairs, followed by her twin Petyr who was trying to consolidate her.

"How was I supposed to know that you liked him?"

"Umm...because I told you!" Petra yelled at her twin.

Finnes looked up from filling the last plate with spud, her face vexed, "What the hell is going on?"

"You knew I liked him and you kissed him anyways."

"I did not. He kissed me first!" Petyr retaliated.

"That's beside the point!"

"Hellooo!!!" Finnes snapped, grabbing their attention at last. "Both of you sit down please. We can discuss this later"

Petyr shrugged as Petra glared at him, but they both inevitably took a seat opposite of eachother. Looking back to Luca, Finnes rolled her eyes, "Now what are you pouting about?"

Before he could respond, a loud explosion could be heard from outside, a fair distance away from where they were. The light brought on by the explosion seeped through the windows as a tremble rippled through the house. Everyone stood still and remained very quiet until the trembling came to cease. Petra was the first to rush to the window, gazing out towards the distance. "And here I thought we moved out of Dadena City to get away from all this bull" she snarked.

Finnes put the iron spatula in the sink and wiped off the dried spud that had got on her hands, walking over to the window to look out beside her, "We came here to keep Luca safe." she said matter factly, looking over to Luca and giving him a motherly wink. Luca smiled as he fiddled with his fingers, "What could that have been?" he asked, his essence bubbling with curiosity. Petyr seemed rather unphased by it as he stuffed his face with a spoonful of luke-warm spud, "Probably just typical union fodder. The resistance can handle it I'm sure."

Petra snapped, "That was no typical explosion. And that light? No way!"

And then the siren went off and Petra immediately moved to grab her gear from out of the closet, "Gen-Alert" she said bluntly, latching something to her waist. "Wait wait wait!" Finnes stepped in, but Petra pulled out her phone and shoved the screen in her face, "Look. The coordinates of whatever the hell created that light and tremor have already been posted on the Net channel. The resistance is gonna need all the help they can get." Putting the device back in her pocket, she moved towards the door. Petyr finished slurping down the last of his spud and moved towards the closet to get his own equipment, "I'm in." he stated, prompting a simple nod of approval from Petra.

Luca watched as they opened the front door, "Wait for me!" he said in an exuberant hurry. Thrilling things like this always got him exhilarated. The potential danger took a backseat to his own curious inner workings and what may lie out there. This type of chaos reminded him of the city. He always sought it whenever it came to him.

Finnes made a zag towards him and stood in the way, "No the hell you're not." Luca pulled away from her, "Yes I am! And you know you can't stop me."

This was true and Finnes knew it. She watched as Luca went to grab his own gear, frowning, but knowing there wasn't anything she could do to stop him. "Fine! I'm coming too then." Petra raised an eyebrow and looked at her in shock, "Seriously Fin?".

"Yes, seriously!" she insisted, grabbing some gear she had stowed in a drawer, "If Luca is going, then I'm going too."

Petra looked at Finnes with a crossed expression, "Luca may seem awkward, but we personally trained him. He can hold his own. Plus he's special like me and Petyr. You know we can do certain things that you can't. And for something of this magnitude, you should probably stay back and keep us posted if anything happens within the town."

Finnes didn't respond. She simply brushed past them as she began towards the coordinates that had also popped up on her phone as well. "Are you coming or not?" she said curtly, not looking back at the three of them. Luca, Petra, and Petyr all looked at each other and shrugged.

"Wait..." Petyr said suddenly, a grin forming on his face, "Aren't we gonna take the car?"

BLEAK

Luca

★

_{L U C A S " L U C A " P O O L E (True surname is D A R I N A)
◄ 21 ▎ MALE ▎ 6'2" ►}

_{P R E S E N C E}

---

Luca is a strange young man, one who walks with a peculiar gait. He'd always been a bit of an oddity, with that curious aura that followed him like a shadow. He was often not one that could be completely described in the manner of a simple sentence or adjective. Awkward in posture, tall, and fairly lanky, always wrapped in an assortment of jewels and odd accessories(most notably, a golden locket around his neck with the picture of a 3-year old girl inside it). His skin is as soft and smooth as porcelain, yet even simple gestures are more like contortions. His adorable and boyish face belies an incomprehensible spirit of someone whose been warped by an overtly lavish lifestyle and an unusual proclivity for an assortment of unusual hobbies and interest.

Naivete is strong with this one of course, insatiable curiosity, perhaps even spoiled and pampered. A bit self-centered and apathetic due to his status as an only child in a world where he always got what he wanted. With a number of bodyguards ever-present at his side, Luca is known to frequently visit elite social gatherings and underground auctions.

He's become rather fond of collecting human body parts you know, keeping them evenly aligned in pretty little jars along the walls of his room. People are generally more fearful of his powerful connections than of the boy himself, so please don't judge him. He can be rather flighty and temperamental. Though generally good-natured, his child-like innocence often contributes to a lack of empathy and understanding to the feelings of others, despite being 21. He can become fascinated easily, but can lose interest just as quickly.



_{C H R O N I C L E}

---

Luca had always had quite a privileged upbringing and this way of life was all he ever knew truthfully. He was born and raised for a good part of his life in Dadena City. In fact, his mother was the Mayor of Dadena City, Mayor Olenna Poole to be precise. Father unknown, though rumored by tabloids and The City Lights newspaper to be a man residing somewhere in Helston. His stepfather is Ruslan Poole, active member of the city board who worked "under" the Mayor. The other half of the whole who helped to cultivate the rather peculiar young man that Luca is today. They never really figured out how to say no to him. The rich underground scene of Dadena City certainly contributed to his growing proclivity for oddities and curiosities.

"Hmm...I think I should like an eyeball next. Perhaps two. One brown and one blue. I've already got them in pairs."

Mayor Olenna took extreme caution when it came to the safety of Luca. He was always accompanied by several bodyguards, all of whom were highly trained combatants. Due to his connections and the prestige of his bodyguards, Luca often made a stir and was somewhat feared when he would attend underground auctions and gatherings. Our dear Luca is not completely inept, but honestly, he did not fair well during his days in mandatory military school. So much so, that Mayor Olenna pulled him out prematurely and had him personally tutored in the ways of combat, the arts, and mathematics. But any knowledge and skills he may have obtained or retained is generally theoretical. Practical applications for such knowledge have yet to come into play.

"Petyr and Petra? Oh I adore them very much indeed. They've always protected me for as long as I can remember. More closely than anyone else. Though, Petra seems to boil rather easily. She once threw someone over our balcony for calling me an 'Insufferable Ingrate'. I didn't mind. I was quite tickled by the man's words. She on the other hand was not pleased."

At some point during his later teen years, there was an assassination attempt against Mayor Olenna. Tabloids were hot on it, reporting that an anonymous source said that Luca was next and that the first attempt against the mayor was done by an undercover operative of the Haliat Armory. Protocols had always been in place to combat the advances of the unions, but this had certainly been there closest attempt yet. For Luca's safety, Mayor Olenna sent Luca away to live more anonymously in Helston, where he has lived for the past few years now, taking up residency in a simple unassuming home with his bodyguards and personal attendant, Fin.

"I miss home. I miss the city. It's so utterly mundane here isn't it?"

_{M E M O R I E S}

---

Olenna Poole ► Mayor of Dadena City and mother of Luca. She had him out of wedlock with a man from Helston, though she has kept that man's identity a secret. Her role in politics has left much to be desired in the way of personal child-rearing, though she does love her son very much, despite her lack of showing it. She and her husband Ruslan Poole have always given Luca what he wanted.

Petyr and Petra Poole (their true surname is unknown) ► Twin brother and sister and Luca's most precious bodyguards. They were orphaned street rats and grew up together when Luca convinced his parents to take them in from off the streets after they protected him from a child predator. They've been irrationally loyal to him ever since, dual serving as his closest friends, bodyguards, and caretakers. Petyr has always been the more cheeky, light-hearted one of the two. Petra is known to have a bit of a temper. Their origins are unknown.

Finnes "Fin" Johnson ► A middle aged woman who is Luca's personal attendant. She practically raised him and took care of him more than his own parents ever did. She is a refugee from a union state. She is sensible, calm, and kind. She sometimes gets annoyed by his child-like behavior, but she cares for him deeply nonetheless. Fin is incredibly spiritual.

BLEAK

Luca

★

_{L U C A S " L U C A " P O O L E (True surname is D A R I N A)
◄ 21 ▎ MALE ▎ 6'2" ►}

_{P R E S E N C E}

---

Luca is a strange young man, one who walks with a peculiar gait. He'd always been a bit of an oddity, with that curious aura that followed him like a shadow. He was often not one that could be completely described in the manner of a simple sentence or adjective. Awkward in posture, tall, and fairly lanky, always wrapped in an assortment of jewels and odd accessories(most notably, a golden locket around his neck with the picture of a 3-year old girl inside it). His skin is as soft and smooth as porcelain, yet even simple gestures are more like contortions. His adorable and boyish face belies an incomprehensible spirit of someone whose been warped by an overtly lavish lifestyle and an unusual proclivity for an assortment of unusual hobbies and interest.

Naivete is strong with this one of course, insatiable curiosity, perhaps even spoiled and pampered. A bit self-centered and apathetic due to his status as an only child in a world where he always got what he wanted. With a number of bodyguards ever-present at his side, Luca is known to frequently visit elite social gatherings and underground auctions.

He's become rather fond of collecting human body parts you know, keeping them evenly aligned in pretty little jars along the walls of his room. People are generally more fearful of his powerful connections than of the boy himself, so please don't judge him. He can be rather flighty and temperamental. Though generally good-natured, his child-like innocence often contributes to a lack of empathy and understanding to the feelings of others, despite being 21. He can become fascinated easily, but can lose interest just as quickly.

_{C H R O N I C L E}

---

Luca had always had quite a privileged upbringing and this way of life was all he ever knew truthfully. He was born and raised for a good part of his life in Dadena City. In fact, his mother was the Mayor of Dadena City, Mayor Olenna Poole to be precise. Father unknown, though rumored by tabloids and The City Lights newspaper to be a man residing somewhere in Helston. His stepfather is Ruslan Poole, active member of the city board who worked "under" the Mayor. The other half of the whole who helped to cultivate the rather peculiar young man that Luca is today. They never really figured out how to say no to him. The rich underground scene of Dadena City certainly contributed to his growing proclivity for oddities and curiosities.

"Hmm...I think I should like an eyeball next. Perhaps two. One brown and one blue. I've already got them in pairs."

Mayor Olenna took extreme caution when it came to the safety of Luca. He was always accompanied by several bodyguards, all of whom were highly trained combatants. Due to his connections and the prestige of his bodyguards, Luca often made a stir and was somewhat feared when he would attend underground auctions and gatherings. Our dear Luca is not completely inept, but honestly, he did not fair well during his days in mandatory military school. So much so, that Mayor Olenna pulled him out prematurely and had him personally tutored in the ways of combat, the arts, and mathematics. But any knowledge and skills he may have obtained or retained is generally theoretical. Practical applications for such knowledge have yet to come into play.

"Petyr and Petra? Oh I adore them very much indeed. They've always protected me for as long as I can remember. More closely than anyone else. Though, Petra seems to boil rather easily. She once threw someone over our balcony for calling me an 'Insufferable Ingrate'. I didn't mind. I was quite tickled by the man's words. She on the other hand was not pleased."

At some point during his later teen years, there was an assassination attempt against Mayor Olenna. Tabloids were hot on it, reporting that an anonymous source said that Luca was next and that the first attempt against the mayor was done by an undercover operative of the Haliat Armory. Protocols had always been in place to combat the advances of the unions, but this had certainly been there closest attempt yet. For Luca's safety, Mayor Olenna sent Luca away to live more anonymously in Helston, where he has lived for the past few years now, taking up residency in a simple unassuming home with his bodyguards and personal attendant, Fin.

"I miss home. I miss the city. It's so utterly mundane here isn't it?"

_{M E M O R I E S}

---

Olenna Poole ► Mayor of Dadena City and mother of Luca. She had him out of wedlock with a man from Helston, though she has kept that man's identity a secret. Her role in politics has left much to be desired in the way of personal child-rearing, though she does love her son very much, despite her lack of showing it. She and her husband Ruslan Poole have always given Luca what he wanted.

Petyr and Petra Poole (their true surname is unknown) ► Twin brother and sister and Luca's most precious bodyguards. They were orphaned street rats and grew up together when Luca convinced his parents to take them in from off the streets after they protected him from a child predator. They've been irrationally loyal to him ever since, dual serving as his closest friends, bodyguards, and caretakers. Petyr has always been the more cheeky, light-hearted one of the two. Petra is known to have a bit of a temper. Their origins are unknown.

Finnes "Fin" Johnson ► A middle aged woman who is Luca's personal attendant. She practically raised him and took care of him more than his own parents ever did. She is a refugee from a union state. She is sensible, calm, and kind. She sometimes gets annoyed by his child-like behavior, but she cares for him deeply nonetheless. Fin is incredibly spiritual.

:: Dragon Heart ::

[P.S. Click on Lorn's picture to hear his new voice]

Outside the Abandoned Magic Item Factory
@MarsAdept@Lmpkio@Valor

---

Things were moving faster than planned and zero time was wasted to commence on operation 'Cat Rescue'. Familiar with the woman, whose child he'd tutored before, Lady Isabella greeted him personally by warmly rubbing the top of his hand. Brief greetings were made before the began to explain the situation. He understood the pain the child was in, Dina was her name he recalled. Though the little girl was upstairs, he could feel her pain and distress at the loss of her pet Exceed. Her tears penetrated his soul like they were his own. These feelings, though they were not his own, they served as a greater motivation for him succeed in this quest. It had empowered his resolve.

As they made their leave, Lady Isabella pulled Lorn aside and looked at him intently, her face a bit red and agitated. And then she leaned into him and whispered in his ear. When she pulled away, Lorn's expression went rather uncharacteristically cold, but, keeping his composure, he simply nodded and left, following after his comrades who had already ran off towards the abandoned magic item factory outside of town. Lorn called out to them as he caught up, "I shall accompany Sir Dreadlin around the flank. But before we make any rash movements, let us survey the setting and act accordingly." he finished saying.

They were in new territory, which meant they needed to be cautious. It was rare that Lorn teamed up with other mages on quests, let alone quests that required confrontation. The words spoken to him in private by Lady Isabella penetrated his mind as he and Dreadlin separated from the girls and snuck around the back, hiding behind some kind of rusted mechanical contraption. He looked to Dreadlin as he pushed some of his hair behind his ears, "I can feel the exceed inside. It's scared". He peaked from around the corner of the contraption, taking note of several figures lazily gallivanting about the outside of the factory. One of them complained about being on guard duty as Lorn noticed a familiar dark guild mark on one of their arms, swiveling back around to Dreadlin, "I'll use my magic to peak inside. Maybe I can pinpoint where the exceed is. In the meantime, please protect my body in case things get violent out here. I won't be able to react to anything while I'm doing this" he said matter of factly.

From there, he brought his hands together in front of him and whispered, "Heart of the Dragonfly" and from within his unfurled hands, a gentle glow had given way to dragonfly, its frame resting upon his palms. He lifted his hand into the air, letting the dragonfly soar up and above the vagabonds who guarded the factory down below. He nodded to Dreadlin before muttering...

"Entwined Journey"

Immediately, his head hung over as his body slumped a bit onto Dreadlin. It was as though he had suddenly fell asleep. In fact, he had connected himself to the dragonfly. His consciousness was now inside the dragonfly itself, allowing him to see and hear everything the dragonfly was seeing. He was now in control of this small creature as he perched upon the frame of a broken window. With the buggy eyes of the dragonfly, he began inconspicuously surveying the inside of the building. There were many more of the dark guild members, more than he had imagined there to be. Unfortunately, no sign of the exceed though, which was most likely in another room or on another floor of the factory. The dragonfly fluttered it's wings and took off into the building, flying around quietly in search of the cat. None of the dark guild members took much notice of the dragonfly, most simply swatting it away when it got too close. The dragonfly perched upon a ledge as it peered around.

Where could this cat be...?