DrowsyPangolin

Beyond the Boundary

Elizabeth sighed. Essentially, they'd been told they were all going to die, seemingly a recurring theme from Cross. Still, he, and his daughter, had given them some information. She didn't much like the thought of dealing with roaming cannibals or packs of wolves, but the implication behind the mysterious creatures Cross had mentioned made her nervous. The woman quietly hoped that they would manage to avoid the giants altogether if at all possible. She had seen all she needed to of the lord's bodyguards to be certain such creatures would be a problem. Obviously, the ones in the Wastes, if there were any, wouldn't be as well armed or armored, but a mountain of muscle and savagery was the last thing she wanted to run into in the middle of nowhere. Her thoughts were interrupted as Sage spoke up. She was right, if they were going to work together, it would help to know at least names. The conversation went around the table, with each member of the party introducing themselves. The dog-girl seemed quite excited, though Elizabeth still was a bit perplexed by her, that confusion only growing when she brought up some fighting style. Elizabeth quietly chalked this up as a form of magic, something to watch out for. Four swords, who had now revealed his name as Al, had continued on in his typical fashion. Lexine replied last, only giving her name and support. As she finished talking, Elizabeth sat up in her chair, clearing her throat. "My name is Elizabeth Tosli. I agree, it would be best for us to set out at dawn." The woman rose from her seat, leaving a half-eaten plate. "In the meantime, I suppose it would be best to enjoy the last bit of civilization we have left."

Noah had been happily munching away at his meal while listening to Cross. The information didn't frighten him, in fact, he only grew more excited as the dangers began to stack against them. After the lord had finished, everyone began introducing themselves. Noah finished off a roll before replying cheerfully. "I'm Noah, Noah Kass. I hope we can all become friends." The boy smiled for a moment before turning to Haruka. "The Fist Through Which the Sun Breaks? What is that?" He pasued for a moment, trying to find the best way to ask his next question. "And... um... Your ears. Have you always been like that?" He spoke a bit sheepishly. After all, he'd never met someone with dog ears, and he wasn't certain if the girl was subconscious about them. He also found himself shocked that a person could eat pine bark, much less threes pounds of it.

Elizabeth nodded to Noah, letting him know she was leaving for the time being. She doubted he was in any serious danger in the castle, at least for the moment. The woman crossed the floor, her cane clinking softly against the marble as she made her way to the door. The great iron gateway opened with a creak, and she felt the cold Grisian wind blow whip across her face. It was mid afternoon, though the sun seemed to set early in Gris. She wondered how much daylight they had left as she walked out into the courtyard. The marketplace was something worth looking into. Even if Cross was supplying them, there might be a few particulars worth looking for.

Beyond the Boundary

No problem, I imagine most of us are dealing with finals at the moment.

Beyond the Boundary

Elizabeth looked back and forth at the newcomers as they joined in with the rest of the group. The girl's appearance was strange, and her manner of speech suggested she was foreign. The other newcomer was an old man, who seemed rather unimposing, but she knew better than to judge someone entirely on appearance. Four Swords remained rambunctious, a trait she doubted would be disappearing any time soon. The woman's eye twitched when he recommended they leave immediately. Regardless of how uncomfortable the castle made her, it was far more hospitable than the frozen wasteland that waited before them. Thankfully, one of their new comrades dissuaded this impatience. Elizabeth gave Sage a grateful nod before taking a small bite of pork from her plate. The woman's gaze moved to the quiet brother. She couldn't place that one, and that made her nervous. Thankfully, the altercation with the younger Cross had been quelled. The blonde woman wondered for a moment what the girl's childhood had been like. Vulture's Roost seemed a strange place to grow up.

Cross nodded as the newcomers joined the party. It seemed the group as a whole had agreed to his terms. As the group conversed amongst themselves, Alec spoke up. "It is entirely your decision when you set out, though, if you decide to wait until tomorrow, I have a number of guest rooms that you may use. In addition, my library, and the rest of the city are open to you. I will have your supplies gathered as soon as our discourse has concluded." The lord walked to the end of the table, turning towards the party. "But on to business. As I said before, there is limited information regarding the Wastes, however, I have gleaned a bit from the few sources I have." Alec cleared his throat. "The Great Northern Wastes are, just as their name implies, completely devoid of organized human settlements, however, according to some works I have read, this was not always the case. There once were cities north of my border, though at some point these settlements became unsustainable. Now, when and how that happened, I don't know. There are a number of legends, including famines, wars, and even a rather... fanciful description of a great dragon scorching the earth. Perhaps, in your travels, you may come across the ruins of some of these cities, and learn more about their fate for yourself."

"While there are no cities, I have heard reports of small numbers of wildfolk roaming the Wastes. We know little about them or their culture, though they seem to be disconnected from the rest of the world. There have been a few reports of cannibalism, though I cannot ascertain their legitimacy." Cross paused for a moment. "As it stands, however, your greatest obstacle will likely be the environment itself. It only grows colder the farther north you travel, and the wind and snow are quite unforgiving. Immediately north of Vulture's Roost there is a wide frozen plain, mostly devoid of life. If you continue north, you will find a great forest of evergreen trees. Beyond that are mountains. I have no information regarding the geography beyond that point, as my scouts have never attempted to pass them." Cross glanced away for a moment, as if in though. "Beyond information regarding the land itself, a variety of... interesting creatures have been observed. There are the standards for Gris, of course: wolves, bears, mountain goats. But there have also been reports of great mammoths wandering the Wastes, an oddity that vanished from Gris some years ago. In addition, my scouts have reported strange cries within the forest. There is a chance creatures far more dangerous than wolves and bears have remained unseen. Of course, there is also the matter of the previous adventuring parties. If they are still alive, they probably won't take too kindly to others encroaching upon their treasure."

"I believe that covers most of the information I have-" A voice cut across the room as Emilia spoke up. "I've heard something else. Ohn says there may still be other giants living in the Wastes." A small smile crossed Alec's face. "Oh, is that so, Ohn?" Cross motioned toward the giant kneeling to the left of Emilia, the one bearing a greatsword. The mountain of iron rose to his feet, nodding to his lord. Emilia again lept from her seat, rushing over by the giant. "Tell me again, Ohn, I don't remember all of it." The giant extended a massive hand toward the girl, who took hold of one of his fingers. All was silent, except for the girl nodding, as if the massive being was somehow communicating his thoughts through touch alone. "Right, yes, I remember now." The heiress turned toward the party. "Ohn says that when he and Rahm first left for Vulture's Roost, which was... let's see... fifty years ago? Regardless, Ohn says they weren't the only ones. There were some living in the mountains at that point in time. Apparently there weren't many though..." The girl frowned for a moment. "He says they aren't fond of people. Apparently they had been nearly wiped out by humans in the past... oh... Um, also apparently the giants had a different version of what happened to those cities in the north. According to their traditions, the giants, having lost most of their people, prayed to their god, which was a fire god, or something similar, and he destroyed the human settlements with a sea of flame." Emilia giggled. "Ohn says he doesn't necessarily believe that's how it happened, though."

Alec nodded to his daughter and the giant. "Thank you for that, Emilia. I'm certain Ohn knows more of the Wastes than anyone else." Turning back to the table, Alec coughed. "That is all the information I have on hand. If you would like, you may make use of my library, perhaps you will find some source I've missed. Otherwise, continue your meal. The rooms I am offering are in the eastern wing of the castle. As I said before, I'll have your supplies gathered. In the meantime, perhaps you should become familiar with one another, the Wastes are a dangerous place, after all." With that, Alec left them to continue their meal.

Beyond the Boundary

Oh, that's unfortunate. I'm sorry you feel that way. Personally, though, I don't feel characters providing a bit of comic relief takes away from the premise. After all, the subject matter and the trials the characters will face in the Wastes remain unchanged. I suppose I just like the idea of having a varied cast of characters. If you change your mind, you're welcome to stick around, but if it's not what you're looking for then good luck with your future endeavors.

Beyond the Boundary

The girl narrowed her eyes at Ashley as he replied. She took a step back, furrowing her brow. "What kind of traitorous scum do you take us for, sir?" Evidently, Ashley's implication had managed to deeply offend the little lady of the court. "We are not barbarians, whatever the rest may say!" The girl's hand balled into a fist. "My father may have soaked this ground with the blood of his enemies, but a great kingdom has grown from the fertile soil such a labor produced." A wave of red crossed the young lady's face. She clearly had not inherited her father's composure, or perhaps she just hadn't developed it yet. "You insult this land, its people, and the man who made our current state possible with your words. Bow your head and beg forgiveness, wretch, and you may live to regret your folly." The young girl glared at the man before her. "I said apolo-" The child's rising voice was cut off by Alec's interjection. "Emilia. Cease this. It is dangerous to trust a person you have never met. If this man questions my sincerity, then so be it. Though, to be clear, I do not intend to harm any of you. So long as you abide me my singular request, you may do as you please." Emilia grit her teeth, clearly frustrated, but said no more to Ashley as she returned to her seat.

Having dealt with the situation his daughter had caused, Alec returned his attention to the table. A slight smirk crossed his face as Ira continued. "Though your appreciation of my city is admirable, I have no taste for honeyed words. This is business. Uphold your portion of this agreement and I will see to it that you are provided with whatever you need." With the scholar's consent, it seemed the entirety of the group had been persuaded. After the verdict had been solidified, the ashen-haired woman inquired about the first half of the lord's bargain: information. "Right then, being that you are all in agreement, I will give you an idea of what it is you will face in the Wastes." Cross paused for a moment. "There are few sources available, and many of those are little more than hearsay and legend. However, given the nature of your errand, perhaps such sources are to be believed."

Before Alec could continue, the doors of the Great Hall swung open, and two more strangers entered the room. Alec eyed the newcomers carefully. One was an old man, the other a young woman with some rather peculiar features. Stopping his explanation, Cross turned toward the pair of new arrivals. "It would seem we have a pair of stragglers." He took a step toward them. "Since you were directed here, I imagine the two of you are also headed to investigate this temple in the north." He gave the newcomers the same piercing gaze that had been permeating the rest of the group. "I have set up a sort of bargain with this group of adventurers. I will provide information and supplies for your expedition, free of charge, so long as you report back to me with your findings. The others have already agreed. Will you be joining them?" The Lord positioned himself so that the two mountains of metal guarding his throne loomed behind him. "If so, you are welcome to partake in the meal I have provided."

Beyond the Boundary

The guard was taken aback for a moment as the old man came onto the scene. Two. There were two more. He imagined Lord Cross must have been well into his deliberations with the others already, and he wasn't a man who liked repeating himself. He motioned towards the two of them to follow, and walked through the town at a hurried pace. They passed by the marketplace, where the people of Vulture's Roost were still going about their daily lives. As they walked, the guard began to speak. "Right, so, Lord Cross is interested in this business up north. The temple that this... Tikkis fellow wrote about. We've had a few coming through on their way north to look for it." The castle was coming into view, its banners still billowing in the wind. "There's a group already in the great hall, talking with Lord Cross at the moment." The guard sounded fairly young, and his hurried speech indicated a bit of stress. "I must remind you that Lord Cross is the sovereign of this city and its territory. Be respectful and mindful of his title if you want to avoid any... problems."

The guard beckoned his comrades to open the castle gates. "We've got two more joining the expedition to the Wastes. Open up." The great iron doors were slowly wound open, and the guard led the duo behind him into the courtyard. Soldiers were still drilling within the walls, seemingly paying no mind to the newcomers. Reaching the entrance to the great hall, the guard turned, pointing at the door. "The Lord is addressing the others in here. "Remember what I said about being respectful." He nodded as the old man reached for the handle. "Go on in."

Beyond the Boundary

Accepted! Actually, showing up at the gate where Haruka is at the moment would probably be best. That way the guard can just take both of them to the castle. Welcome aboard!

Beyond the Boundary

One of the guards stood at his position above the gate. His brothers-in-arms had taken the previous group of adventurers into the castle, so he'd been left alone to man the gate. Ordinarily, it was a boring job, but with the volume of travelers they'd had lately it was a bit more interesting. Still, he'd zoned out slightly, watching the clouds move above the landscape, when he heard a voice from the foot of the wall. He leaned over the battlement, peering out of his helmet. Supplies... had they missed one? No, this girl hadn't been with the others. After a deep breath, the guard called down. "Right, then. I'll open the gate for you, but if you're headed north, then you're going to have to speak with the lord before you do anything else. Once again, the gate opened with a mighty creak. The guard descended the wall, stopping at the city's threshold. He carried a spear about six feet and length. "Hello there Miss. Like I sai-" He stopped for a moment, realizing the woman he was speaking to had ears similar to those of a dog. Thankfully, his helmet hid the look of utter confusion emblazoned across his face. "Um, right. Like I said, Miss, if you're heading north, you're going to need to go see Lord Cross at the castle. There are a few others there already, I think." The guard was quietly rationalizing the woman before him. Giants existed, he saw two of them on a regular basis. So what was so outlandish about a dog girl? He motioned towards the street leading through the city. "I'll escort you to the castle. We should probably hurry, though."

Beyond the Boundary

Alrighty, cya!

Beyond the Boundary

Accepted, I'll add you to the character list! Currently, everyone is inside the castle at Vulture's Roost. I think the best way to introduce Haruka would be for her to show up at the gates, and I'll have one of the guards rush her to the castle with everyone else if that's cool with you.