Conscripts

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Night -> Morning 24th
Location: Lover's Lake -> Blossom Cafe
Interactions: Farim @Lava Alckon, Torvi @Tae, Roman @ReusableSword, Zarai (24th) @Rodiak
Mentions:

---

The sight of the spirits, using Roman as a conduit to discharge their fury, did little to frighten the two men in coats. All it did was confirm what Farim had been warning John about. This meant they weren't dealing with drugs, but rather magic. And also this woman.

Just before the spirits returned to their dormant states in Roman, Frederick not so subtly gave all of them a thumbs-down for their trouble. Meanwhile, John turned to Farim, who seemed surprised at John's presence. He feigned equal amazement at Farim, with two fingers crossing behind his back.

"Glad to see you around, my friend. I see the guards were getting rowdy over there, but our friendly bear Roman here have taken cared of them. As for Annie, I believe I saw her running into the forest somewhere. You might want to go after her, she might get lost."

Meanwhile, Frederick looked rather displeased at the woman asserting her authority, but his tone indicated of a disappointed father looking down on her impetuous daughter.

"That's odd, I don't recall you signing a paper, do you? You might want to be careful with your words, and your feet too, madam."

"We appreciate the help, but we are officially responsible for this man's well-being. We will take it from here."

With that, they got to work taking Roman away from this disaster of a ceremony and began his treatment elsewhere safer. As they left, Farim seemed rather suspicious of the duo. Frederick's actions weren't as discreet as they hoped it would.

"You as well, Farim." He nodded neutrally, the words left behind would befit a well-wish, but not a warning. What does he mean by this? Was it a slip of the tongue, or a cleverly veiled threat as well?

---

The incident was reported immediately. The next morning, the three doctors, Alina, Frederick, and John sat in a solitary room in the Varian guesthouse. Sorian servants were suddenly not allowed in, replaced by personal Varian servants and guards this time around. One of them at the very least looked at the news with bagged eyes.

"The Sorians aren't aware of your involvement yet." She exasperatedly said. "However, that guy, Farim, didn't seem like ones who would go quietly into the night, as you both recall. This can be a big big problem, as it could put both of you on the wanted list, completely jeopardizing our work here. Needless to say you made quite a mess yesterday."

"I acted too quickly. It's my fault, it's on me." Frederick quickly covered for John, responsibly and without excessive, if not any, emotions.

"It's on both of us." John also stood up. "The end-result puts both of us in the crosshairs, so it is our responsibility to handle it."

"This concerns the Order as well, so this is our work now." Alina folded the newspaper and tossed it elsewhere. "I'll write a letter to Hunter, telling him to come back. You both ask Ravenwood a favor. See what that precious little princess has to say, and what that Alidasht guy wanted to do, then we'll go from there. Worst case he decides to blabber, he gets the blackout treatment."

"We should move fast then, otherwise it won't be worst case scenario at all." John suggested. "I can check on Farim, see what he has to say."

"No no no no. If you say he's suspicious of both of you, then he will have his guards up when talking to you." Alina protested. "I'll ask if anyone of us have contact with him. If he approaches you, then act normally. Don't expect anything out of him."

"Alright. Then Frederick, you should lay low for now. Stay inside until we figure out what's going on." John said, as close to an order as it could be, but Frederick understood his position

"Got it."

"What do you think I should do then?" John turned to Alina, who shrugged.

"I think you should just go out like you would as a visitor." She replied. "But do not, I repeat do NOT, get into more fights." The doctor chuckled, something Alina didn't find particularly funny. "I'm serious! You've attracted attentions at the park, got on Count Calbert's watchlist, now you assaulted a princess. Thank god, your reputation is so solid people are doubting the story."

"On that note, when is that guy making his move on John?" Frederick asked, crossing his arms.

"Soon. I'll keep my heads up when out and about. If a fight is inevitable, then..." He moved his hand crossing his neck.

"Fine." Alina rolled her eyes. "Your medicine is refilled. Take it, and head out at your leisure. If nothing else, this concludes the meeting."

The three stood up at the same time, one of their hands crossed their chest upward, their hand located beneath their golden medicinal pin.

"For peace and harmony across the land, one pill at a time." They repeated in unison. Then they parted.

---

The weather today was pretty gloomy, but it was fine for John's standard. It made him easier to fit in with the common citizenry, though as today, he wore a yellow jacket over his usual suit, the embroidery certainly stood out among other more prestigious and royal-looking individuals. The pattern looked more rugged, primitive, though not dirty by any means, yet contrasting with the modern collar design, it's a weird and interesting mix.

He arrived at the cafe later than others, finding out about this date opportunity only just earlier. Hopefully this time, there won't be any problems. He knew the watchers that might be on him, but he too also wanted to check out for romantic interests. It was one of his original goals upon coming to Sorian, aside from visiting old friends and teachers, before everything began to go south against him.

He was given a number, and escorted to the table number to match. The woman he was paired with today was nobody strange. It was Lady Lesdeman. He met her during Princess Sadie's picnic. That one at least was pretty fun, though she wasn't in the best of mood nor conditions then. Now though, she was pretty. Her blonde hair gracefully rested on her shoulders, as she sat awaiting him. Her beauty was worth a smile, as he would approaching her.

"Lady Lesdeman, we meet again! I hope you're doing fantastic in this rather gloomy morning."

Avalia

Time: One Week After Human Arrival
Location: Seaside Park
Interactions: Aurora/Rowan @mole Vasco @JJ Doe
Mentions: None
Equipment: Longsword and Plate Armor

---

The orc had a few long nights thinking about that battle with the dark elf. His battle instincts all told him that it was a fool's errand to be able to save Zora. He was simply too far away, too slow, and the elf was too fast. But it still hurt to think if he could have. All the possible scenario swirled in his head. Could he have done something if he had spotted Veric earlier? Could he have prevented it if he instead of jumping away, he had moved in and take the initial hit? He couldn't help but wonder in silence. Thankfully, just as annoyingly however, he didn't have that much silence to begin with. Replacing Zora for the human role was this guy Vasco.

He was restless. Spared no gaps between silence. He kept asking everything, from why his skin was green, to poking at the sword he used. While it did the job of distracting him from thinking about Zora, it ticked him off to no end. And not to mention he liked to sneak off and do his own thing. Rowan had already told him specifically to not do that, but who is to stop him. He had already done so the night before, but thankfully Barrock predicted where he was going to go.

When dawn began to break, Barrock headed over to Rowan while Vasco was still asleep.

“Friend,” Rowan spoke to Barrock. “You watched Vasco all last night as promised?”

"As instructed." He lifted an eyebrow above his blood-red eyes. Both metaphorically and literally. "I do not trust him alone. My presence here already risks him wandering off somewhere."

In fact, he might have already did.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: Edge of Lover's Lake
Interactions: Torvi/Mina @Tae, Roman @ReusableSword, Anatasia
Mentions:

---

"Of course nothing goes smoothly."

Without a beat, Frederick swung his hand on the back of Anastasia's head, strong but with tempered measure, very forcefully make her go as gently as possible into the dreamland.

"Wait, that's the princess." John just realized who their target was, as she fell on his arm unconscious. It sent a cold up his throat.

"That's why I acted. She does not need to know." Frederick cracked his knuckles. "We've seen enough. Let's move."

He did not hesitate to dash in already, not even waiting for John's readiness or observation. He was a military man, he trusted John to be right behind him with his syringes at the ready.

When John and Frederick emerged clear from the forest, entering the fight with Roman from the side, with Farim at one end and Torvi on a tug of war with him. They did not stop to consider what Torvi seemed to be doing, they jumped straight on Roman one at a time, who seemed to be more than distracted at the sight in front of him. Frederick was first, he stomped on Roman's knee joint from behind, then he would slam his fist on the back of his head. If it knocked him out here, all the merrier. John is right behind him, ready to detoxify him.

Into the Land of Twilight

Tillius

---

It didn't seem like the hologram was sentient. The orc leaned side to side while it was talking and it didn't react to it, only when he had the spear, a message from the long departed.

From what he could figure, this spear had a stained past. Whoever was named Lukman was clearly very attached to the spear, and likely a good warrior to back its mythical status, but something had happened that made both the owner, the hologram to harbour such conflict towards this spear. For the elves, these objects and artifacts had a romantic notion to them as if they too are also human, and their legacy are tied to that of their owners. Tillius couldn't say he fully understood the sentimentality, but the blade clearly was in good shape, so its story continues to be written. Like that elf said, he ought to use this for the purpose of good, whatever that means with this group of adventurers.

Tillius spent a couple more minutes than the rest looking over the quality of this nifty weapon he just acquired. Even with just a whiff, the air already cried pain. It's a good weapon, something he would have loved to have possessed back in his service. And better yet, since it was made by elves for elves, the weight of the weapon was nowhere near heavy enough for him to be used with two hands. It wouldn't hinder his ability to use it in conjunction with the shield, unlike the two falchions that actually required two hands to use to its fullest extent. However, he is at the limit of his capacity.

Finally, he joined back the group. Like Rezello, he caught the tail-end of the conversation. Letting the lads have the discussion of whether or not they should carry around that skull that could potentially put everyone in jeopardy, Tillius stood by Rezello.

"Out of curiosity, how good are you with spears? Or twin swords?" He said to the man, still looking at the group hurdling in the workshop.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: Edge of Lover's Lake
Interactions: Not yet
Mentions: Torvi/Mina @Tae, Roman @ReusableSword, Sorian Guards @princess

---

For most of the celebrations, the two doctors recused himself in the woods, only observing the celebration from a safe if not unseen distance, their black jackets blended harmonically in the evening mist. They mostly chatted, observed other celebration goers and often times, mostly for the younger and excitable John, humming to the sound of the music. However, they both did not participate in the celebratory feasts or dance. It is easy to get swept up in the heat of the moment, and as doctors, they needed to stay vigilant for others who might be in or causing trouble. Case in point.

"What in the hell is happening?" John looked upon the stage, seeing his friend, Roman, acting strange and then getting piled on by several guards.

"Hmm?" Frederick turned towards the stage on command, as Roman was slowly breaking free of his grasp. His eyes flattened for a few seconds. "Looks like he might be drugged."

"Drugged? We have to restrain him pronto. A man of his size is a juggernaut." John proclaimed.

"Patience." Frederick crossed both his arms, his head gestured in the direction of the few city guards. They didn't seem aware of the two doctor's presence, but the two can hear them easily. They were here for Violet, so unrelated.

Roman finally broke free after a minute or so of struggling, now John's fear materialized, as he began rampaging through the remaining guards and towards the Sorian guards. The escalation had gone to the moon, with weapons drawn now. But Frederick continued to observe and held John back.

"That woman..." He raised an eyebrow in annoyance, fearing that Roman might charge her and lost attention on the Sorian guards instead. He wanted them neutralized first before taking action, but if it came to this, they might have to take action anyway. He wasn't sure if that hooded woman had nefarious purpose or not, but the focus is on Roman first, and he felt it necessary to remind John of that. His temper was close to bursting seeing her being threatened.

"Frederick..." John looked over.

"Trust my judgement." He calmly said, the military man in him coming out. But his posture changed this moment, from casual observance to professional vigilance.

Into the Land of Twilight

Tillius

---

Tillius followed Carnatia shortly after, catching the hologram in the midst of its explanation. The orc was eager to look around, but considering the last few fights or so, he only loosened the wrap on his helmet. It is still possible that this holographic elf could end up smacking the group in the face again if they deemed them a threat. But for now, he seemed content on letting the group take whatever they wanted.

Tillius was curious though. That hologram seemed sentient enough to recognize the group's presence, and even come up to respond to Roxas. This wasn't the golem, where that thing was pre-programmed. He wondered what kind of creature this is? A piece of technology, magic, or this is what elves are in this land, knowing how weird it could get.

While Roxas went for the bow, Tillius went for the polearm. He laid his shield to rest against the wall and picked up the weapon. Even just holding it he felt the superior craftsmanship of the elves. The slight chill as it made contact with his bare skins, the glint from its sharp blades, the scratches and dents from past combat. It was...a bit too beautiful.

"That hologram did say it's almost a millennia and a half since someone stepped in here..." He mumbled as he looked over the spears again.

Into the Land of Twilight

Tillius

---

"Mm. Fighting fire with fire indeed." Halfway through preserving the other shelves, it was already extinguished. Nevertheless, it was a pretty damn good job of her thinking up unconventional means to get rid of the hazard.

Once Tillius was certain nothing else proved a hazard, he turned to Vesemir. "Don't worry, I have no such interests. Just making sure we die from the appropriate monsters in this faraway land instead." The orc quipped, more jokingly, but then again, orcs don't tend to have good sense of humor.

While Roxas tended to the injuries the party received, the elf went and opened another door to another room, while Engelbert wanted to keep moving. Tillius wasn't sure if rushing it while there were still injured people was a good idea. There could be more like this golem in the next room.

"Sure, have fun with it." Tillius took the crystal out from his belt and handed it to Vesemir. "However, I will stay with the injured for now, until Roxas finishes her work. The danger that potentially awaits in the sunlight takes less priority than the danger we potentially have now with them."

Into the Land of Twilight

Tillius

---

By the time Gray Flame shot that arrow, his premonition of an imminent explosion warned him not to commit to the attack and instead duck behind his large. It turned out to be wrong, but the decision was for the most part a correct one, as the laser through its damaged lens scattered off and scorched off the metallic skins of his shield, but it otherwise was completely fine and held up. His positioning right next to the pillar also created a pseudo-barrier from the lasers, something to which Gray Flame took advantage of when he couldn't with Roxas's.

When Tillius reviewed the scene, Engelbert was already finishing the golem off, and by the time the orc reached it, it was already head-deep in its own blood, or whatever that even is. The fight was over, they needed to handle the aftermath. Firstly, Carnatia, the one member who did not utilize either covers, and was promptly shot with the lasers. Roxas was already on the scene for it, but Tillius remembered the brooch Carnatia had given him earlier today, one said to be enhancing mana efficiency. If there is a time to be using that loot we got from the abandoned house, it would be now.

"Might come in handy." He tersely stated, taking out the brooch, knelt by the two ladies, and let Roxas decide if she'd like to take it. He didn't linger around them though. The second aftermath requiring his attention was the fire. It wasn't because he suddenly had sentiments for those precious old relics that he never heard or had respect for, or that Vesemir was crying about it in the background, but the fact that there were multiple bookshelves nearby, all of which could easily catch fire from that already burning shelf. Tillius had fought fires before in his times in the army, and while no one would be in danger of burning to death, inhaling smoke is the invisible killer many had perished to throughout the years, even decades and centuries. They were also underground, which wouldn't help if all these shelves catches fire

Unfortunately, with only his shield, he wouldn't have much to stop the already burning fire. He could, however, prevent it from getting worse. And that is what he did, going to the right and pull the two shelves away from the flames.

"Any of you, handle the other one." He gestured towards either Rezello or Engelbert, the two strong men of this group, to do the same for the other ones. If someone could stop the actively burning fire, Tillius presumed they would be doing that soon.

Into the Land of Twilight

Tillius

---

The knee of the golem was in disarray, and that weird barbarian did strike a good blow against it somewhat. The molten blood seeping out of its stone seemed serious, if not fatal. To make sure, Tillius readied his wooden javelin, moved to a spot where he had a clear shot of the exposed stone.

The orc took a few steps back before moving his entire body into the throw. From the two steps run, the lean back, the arm length and the orc strength, it was tailor for a piercing shot towards that molten stone. The golem's system were begging for death with its screech, and hopefully this should put it out of its misery.

Into the Land of Twilight

Tillius

---

Unlike the rest, Tillius didn't have much experience dealing with golems, so he preferred to stay silent and listen. From the description of both Gray Flame, Roxas and others, it didn't seem like the orc would require his sword here, not at least now. No need to bite into granite and rocks. The target to look out for were the eyes and its monstrous warhammer. There might be a coordination module somewhere according to Engelbert but who knows where it is in this one.

"If you'd consider this damaging, I can try going for its eyes or core." Tillius showed Engelbert the wooden javelin. It wasn't an impressive show, but it's at least an option. "I'm better off playing the bait though."

Tillius watched calmly as the golem switched from its dormant state to an immediate danger. At least he was expecting to having to fight this, he held his javelin as if it was a normal spear, and his shield ready to block or deflect its warhammer if he ever failed the dodge.

"Let's not delay further. What's everyone's role?"

If the golem began attacking and the elf still hadn't doled out what he was supposed to have done, Tillius would take charge.