Current
I just can't. This is too much. Berserk was so influential on so many things that I love. Goodbye, Miura. You'll be missed by many.
13
likes
6 yrs ago
Migraines ew
7 yrs ago
Welp apparently discord servers are having some pretty bad Latency issues.
1
like
7 yrs ago
Well I just got my mitts on the Links Awakening remake. Excus eme while I disappear for a weak while I relive my childhood
2
likes
7 yrs ago
Migraine killed me today. Posts tomorrow.
2
likes
Bio
Hello! Welcome to my little bio.
Not much to say, really. Just a horror game protag that likes writing and playing vidya games when I'm not being chased by the cosmic forces of darkness. (I'm a security guard that works night shifts usually).
Of course, felling a tree needed a definitely hearty call out to go with it!
"Timberrrr-ah?"
What she was not expecting though, was the sound of an animal being caught in it. Was something using it as a sleeping place when she had started to get to work? Well damn. How did she not notice? She was focused but...well, no, that didn't matter. If some little animal was hurt, that was just bad all around wasn't it? Kokoma would lay her spear on the ground and quietly approach the sound of the kitten yowling.
"Hey hey..." She'd say quietly as she'd locate where exactly the cries were coming from. A sabertooth kitten of some sort...aw, it was so cute. Also likely in pain. Right she needed to fix that. Had it gotten stuck under the tree branches as it fell? Easy enough problem to solve if it was. "Shh, shh, its okay I'll get you out."
That left some questions though...where were this kittens parents? What was it doing here by its self...if they were nearby then that was going to get somewhat messy real quick if they heard it. If not, then she couldn't just leave this little cub by itself, could she?
The group of hunters were silent, frozen with obvious fear as Nobunaga would determine their fate, and soon, their fates were handed down. Novak would move swiftly. They all had ropes on them as some sort of standard gear it seemed, likely for snares, tying living prey to restrain, and nets and the like. The hunters would not resist being restrained, and soon with their hands tied and any dangerous items on them gone, they would be completely at their mercy.
It was just for a moment, but the group could feel the wind slowly shifting, as though it had calmed itself.
“...It seems you two have this handled.” Akando would say, nodding to the two. “As chief, Enli will decide their punishment. I don’t know how it is done where you two are from, but…exile, is likely what he will choose.” The hunter would sigh, shaking his head. “I’ll let you take care of them. Donovan asked to meet me at the old ruin on the cliff just outside the city.” Unless stopped, he would swiftly leave and make his way there.
The rest would merely grumble - and assuming Nobunaga had nothing else to say or do with them, they would quietly follow her back to the village.
“T-the hag?” The hunter would frown. “B-but the hag-they-left!” The hunter would say as he would be untied slowly. “W-well vanished! We don’t know…but when the old man came to us again, and he said the hag was dead…” He would get to his feet, wincing a bit in pain as he’d tell Leannah this. “If you’ve been in contact with them - then…why? And where?” That was probably not what she was expecting to hear. Regardless though, she wouldn’t be able to interrogate him for long if she wanted to keep up with Donovan before he was gone.
The Oni would frown at the request, not really wondering why he was being made to be a courier, but ultimately didn’t want to take the chance of upsetting Mie’s apparent guest. He’d walk off to find the recipient not long after she would bolt after Donovan.
As Mie left to do business with Narkissa, Lazhira would seemingly relax a bit, leaning back in and holding her body up with her arms as she’d look to the ceiling. She’d frown, seemingly thinking about a few things. Understandable, really…the girl probably had a lot on her mind all things considered, but soon she’d be grinning and looking over to Misaki.
“Things, huh…Hey, maybe I can help ya finish?” She’d ask the fox girl. “In return…you can let me touch your tail!” Misaki should have probably been expecting her to make an attempt to at some point. Of course, she could probably get her to help even without that condition.
“Well, Misaki…perhaps you we can discuss more of these projects at length once we’re on the road, hm?” Mie would however, turn her attention back to Narkissa. She would motion for the other woman to follow her out of the tent as she’d go over the things she wanted from her. She’d hold a hand to her chin, narrowing her eyes as Narkissa finished.
“Brimstone…Niter. Now why would you…” Mie would cut herself off with a smirk. “Well, first things first. Lets get you those. its none of my business what the customer does. Luckily for you, the one who wrote that knew why to send you to me.” She’d continue moving through the camp, moving to one of the storage tents that seemed to have a bit more security than the others. She’d tell one of the guards to go fetch her a bag of Charcoal before motioning for Narkissa to wait outside for a few seconds while she disappeared within, though wouldn’t keep her waiting for long. Soon she’d come out with a medium sized box of Sulfur.
“I keep some on hand for…reasons.” She’d open it, and Narkissa would be greeted with the smell of rotten eggs. The box was about a foot tall, and about six inches tall. Inside were about a dozen pieces of sulfur wrapped in what seemed to be some sort of plant fibers. “Satisfied?” Assuming Narkissa was, she’d hand her the box and disappear back inside though would soon bring out another box of similar size and hand it to her. Inside, of course, was Saltpeter. “Do be careful with this stuff. It can be…well, If he’s giving you that I’m sure you know.”
By now the Oni would return with a gallon sized bag filled with charcoal. Perhaps not quite the wholesale size Narkissa was used too, but considering the technology and how long this stuff would take to produce otherwise and Mie was on the last leg of her journey, this might be the best she was going to get for now. “And there’s your charcoal. As for the final thing…just after nightfall…actually, no. I’ll come and get you. I’ll send Ayumi to fetch you. Don’t worry, you’ll know her when you see her.”
Items Recieved: Crate of Sulfur: A small crate of sulfur about a foot long and six inches tall. Small compartments within are filled with individually wrapped pieces of the substance. Smells of rotten eggs as expected. Crate of Sulfur: A small crate of Saltpeter about a foot long and six inches tall. Small compartments within are filled with individually wrapped pieces of the substance. Bag of Charcoal: A gallon sized bag of Charcoal.
“I’m not sure what tools you’ll need. I’m fairly certain we’re not using this for the same things.” Mie would continue. “But…you can find the tools over there. Otherwise, ask the Oni. I’ll let them know its paid for.” Seemed simple enough now that she had things going.
“Excuse me, Lady Mie. One of your guests allies wanted me to deliver a message.” A second Oni would walk up to the pair addressing Narkissa. “The Bastelian said something about ‘retrieving something beyond the village where it all began.’ and also wishing you safety.”
The torch would hit the leaping hound in its skull with a resounding thump. The power of the blow would send the hound reeling back, falling into a pile of snow as flames and ash sparked into the air and leaving a burn mark upon the bone where the impact occurred. The second hound would soon give chase, following after Nick…and it would soon become apparent that the hounds were far faster than ordinary flesh and blood dogs.
The red hooded figure in question would turn their head briefly - they were too far away to really get a look at them, but upon seeing Nicholas they would seemingly give a small gasp of surprise and start running away from him, rather than away from the hounds. They didn’t seem to be particularly fast, as they’d dart through the snowy ground - he could easily keep up with them if the hounds were dealt with.
And speaking of the undead mutts…
One had leaped into the path in front of him, before quickly turning on its feet and launching itself at him again. The one he had struck earlier was now pincering him from behind, and the moment Nicholas would make a move to defend or attack the first one, it would make an attempt to latch its jaws onto his ankles and drag him to the ground.
“May the Goddess watch over your endeavors, Isidore.” The Queen would say as he’d make to leave, Octavia trotting along behind him. It was relatively easy finding what he wanted to purchase, and would run him no more than a few silver coins in the end. As he’d make a plan and prepare the gear, Octavia would munch happily on the bone - perhaps a little too happily, all things considered. By the time he was ready to leave, she’d have eaten everything. Bone and all.
Time to leave, then.
Finding the gate that led deeper was easy enough. The guards could point him in the right direction, should he choose to ask. Otherwise, it was just a matter of seemingly finding the lowest point in the city, where the crowds had thinned out.The conversation with the guards would be brief - they’d give him a little grief and sass for being human, but they seemed if nothing else willing to do as their queen said, and allow him pass once they’d be shown the ring. He’d be given the timepiece, too.
The gate itself was simple - a large slab of stone, flanked by two large mushroom towers that overlooked the road to it and blocked off the large passage completely. Likely to ensure demonic incursion would readily be intercepted. The stone gate itself was simple of construction, with a simple engraving of a moon and star upon it, and at their owners behest would start opening. The large slab would creak and groan, straining under its weight as massive chains slowly raise it. Isidore would immediately be met with hot, dry air as it would rise fully. He’d be urged to quickly step through, the guards not wanting to leave the gate open for longer than needed.
Beyond was a massive cavern that would slowly slope downwards. The stone was oddly smooth here beyond the gate, almost something like a glassy texture as though the rock had been blasted by intense heat. Further down Isidore would go, the large cavern’s ceiling eventually disappearing overhead as he went further, and further inside the earth…he’d reach his destination.
-Old Naraheim-
-The Deserted First Circle-
Stepping out of the cavern, he’d find himself in a sprawling, impossibly large cavern. In fact, this entire place looked like it couldn’t even exist if traditional physics were applied. He seemed to be standing at the far end of a large, rocky field. The floors and rocks were smooth as the entrance to the place, perhaps a side effect of the lava? Who could say, really. Said Lava seemed to pool in various places, bubbling away intensely hot creating numerous small lakes and puddles, while it seemed a large river of lava was formed nearby from a waterfall of it, snaking along a far wall as it would slowly extend far beyond Isidore’s sight range. What seemed to be metal pipes extended from the ground, belching what seemed to be steam at irregular intervals. They completely littered the ground, and even seemed to come out of nearby metallic structures that the Prince had mentioned. Were these the ‘Metal Roots’ he had spoken of? Speaking of those metal structures…were his eyes deceiving him, or were those simply large almost modern day to earth looking buildings? Or rather, at least, buildings he may have perhaps seen in the 19th century, though scaled up massively. The only difference was it almost looked like somehow they had been completely flipped upside down, right from their foundations and then sunk into the earth as though the earth was merely some sort of jello before it hardened again.
They were scattered and few and far between in the rocky field, but further on he could see a larger concentration of them against what seemed to be a small mountain - wait, no…rather than a mountain, behind the upside down city, seemed to be a gargantuan tree. It was sitting a little higher than the city itself, in a large hollow within the wall behind it. The fact he could see it from here was telling of its size at least. The round trunk would slowly rise above the city into the ‘skies’ of this underground place, until it would seemingly be abruptly cut off - perhaps less a tree, and more a stump then, but a massive stump nonetheless.
How a tree survived down here and wasn’t burned to cinders was anyone's guess.
Following the sight of the tree, he would soon find what remained of the trees roots. They would snake along the ground, intertwining with the overturned buildings. Oddly, more roots seemingly would come down from the ceiling in occasional places, big as the average redwood trunk back on earth, slowly snaking down before abruptly stopping. He couldn’t see any that directly made contact with the earth, but to his east was where a seemingly large concentration of them were coming down from the ceiling where their endpoints would be obscured by a large, cavernous wall.
So, to his North east, an old Demonic City, further a gargantuan tree stump, and to his east likely where he could find the roots where these so called Silk Weavers lived. To the west, the earth seemed to slowly slope upwards, though it remained otherwise featureless beyond what seemed to be a large statue of some sort buried halfway in the ground.
Octavia would sniff the heat laden air, growling lightly as she’d keep her eyes on the city. Was something over there?
Items Received: Goggles: A pair of goggles dwarves typically like to use in both mining and forging. Helps protects the eyes from heat and other debris. Work Gloves: A fairly standard set of tough, leather working gloves. Should offer decent protection from the elements and minor cuts and bruises. Lantern: A simple lantern. Has enough oil to last about four hours in total if used constantly. Pickaxe: A standard Pickaxe. Sharp, durable. Useful as a weapon if needed. Hourglass: A fairly ornate looking hourglass. Surprisingly sturdy looking, with the hourglass itself being secured within a blue colored circle, with the top and bottom of the hourglass serving to be where it could be stood up. About the size of ones fist and can be used to measure time in intervals of an hour. Can loop around ones belt for safekeeping and easy access, or stored easily in a bag.
“...Honestly Don, I don’t got a clue to what ya talkin’ about.” The dwarf would respond with a neutral expression. “...though, come to think of it…the Obelisk looks like one we got back in the hall of records…the Scholars there really don’t like people gettin’ near it.” She’d look up at the Obelisk curiously, but ultimately would go back to minding her business and checking on the animals as Donovan would sit and start to Meditate.
It was easy, in theory to do this. He’d inhale, then exhale, then in and out. In and out. Eventually he’d work into a steady breathing rhythm. A bit like a slow, ticking clock himself. As his breathing steadied and began to turn his senses inwards, he’d become aware of the energy as he had intended and began attempting to observe this energy.
At first, he’d have trouble really seeing it, this being the first time he did such a thing. Soon though he could ‘feel it’. It was an odd feeling, feeling something flowing through him, but not unpleasant. As he would observe and feel this flow of energy he was labeling ‘magic’ he would slowly find that it would eventually all flow through his chest near his sternum. However, the energy didn’t linger nor settle. It would flow through, seemingly replacing the energy that was already there with new while the old would eventually be circulated out with each exhalation he’d make. It was small amounts, but it seemed that simply breathing normally would slowly replenish ones energy.
Once he began attempting to store this energy though, he would notice something a bit odd. Channeling his own through the emblem would indeed change this magical energy into something divine…however, it did not seem to want to go back into Donovan. It was easy to guide his own it seemed, but this Divine energy seemed to actively resist his attempts to store it within himself. Every time he’d attempt to guide it into him, it would ‘slip’ from his control and seemed to find the fastest exit it could from his body as though it was actively resisting him. In fact, the more he tried this, the more his own magical energy seemed to diminish, tiring Donovan himself out.
Though his efforts were not completely in vain.
It was hard to tell how long he’d have sat there, in quiet meditation while Eirhild went over and inspected everything, but eventually he would manage some small success. It took a great deal of his own magical ability, but he managed to store just a little bit of Suthainn’s divine energy within his core.
Ability Gained: Magical Stockpile (Lesser Divine) You’ve learned how to better stockpile Divine energy from your patron deity. Normally novices must rely on emblems, crests, prayers, idols and faith to convert their own magic into deific magics. Those learned, though, can become wellsprings of their deities power themselves, no longer needing such things to cast miracles. You will need to meditate to replenish this power frequently at your level, but at higher levels such a thing won’t be needed.
(OOC: Effectively, this makes casting all spells stemming from Suthainn easier briefly.)
“Donovan!” Akandos voice would bring him out of his meditation, as the hunter would run up. “The Kyrnith has been pacified, I think. The other two are taking the hunters to the village…” Nearly immediately afterwards, Donovan would hear the familiar voice of Leannah soon following Akando’s, and he’d easily see the cat girl waving at him in a friendly manner.
“...oi whose the cat?” Eirhild would ask Donovan. “Didn’t fancy you for a cat lover.” There was some minor bit of hostility in the dwarfs voice, but she didn’t make any overly hostile moves.
After finishing her training session with Sorcha, Augusta was understandably bruised. Both in ego and body. Understandably so, really. Still, unless she wanted to be late with Rullphana, she couldn’t take too long. Just enough to clean herself off a bit and get the sweat off and adjust her clothes. She’d hurry along to Rullphana’s tower, where she’d be let in though not without a small harrumph from the guard present.
“Well, look who decided to join us.” Rullphana would say as Augusta would walk in. “I assume the Storm Bearer ran you ragged, hm? Certainly looks like it.” Raelzel was currently muttering something to herself while she was currently poised over a few herbs and what seemed to be alchemical devices. Leuca was currently hold her hands in front of her as she’d focus on a small mound of earth.
“Steady Leuca. As a Sirithen, you have a connection to the Fey and Nature. Making a plant grow should be easy for you.”
“No? Well don’t blame me if she bites your beak off.” Ayumi would say with mildly mocking tone as she’d watch Donovan leave, her vixen eyes keenly watching as he’d make his way out of the village. It was easy enough to spot him and where his destination would end up taking him. He’d follow the path south out of the village, back to where they’d all have arrived in this world from.
[i]“Pushing your responsibilities onto someone else? Heh, alright whatever. And I don’t need such a tool to kill.”[i] The small fox would respond, a grin forming on its muzzle. “Poison is good for discretion…but a knife to the liver, heart, lung, or skull tends to work just fine. See ya, beak-face!” She’d say, before scurrying off and following after Donovna, the prospect of apparently getting food enough to get her to move sooner rather than later.
So Nomura would soon end up watching Donovan as well, focusing his magic to his eyes. It seemed at least, this was indeed possible. As he’d focus he’d initially strain his eyes a bit, a sound of crackling energy as he’d be able to just see a bit sharper, and a bit clearer and he could certainly make out images further away than he could have before. Like the bird mask he wore - he had a keen eye that could see much further than normal and even pickout Eirhilds compass from afar.
Ability Gained: Enhanced sight (lesser) A simple ability that enhances ones visual acuity and perception. Does not allow one to see supernatural or unseen things, just allows one to perceive things more clearly and notice more details.
"That does sound like an acceptable use of our talents...very well, I shall do my best." The Arachne, unless stopped, would agree and then start to head out. Wasn't like she needed much in the way of being prepared, after all and unless anything exceedingly dangerous was out there, she should be more or less fine on her own.
"Chopping trees down, huh? Oh, I know how to do this! Leave it to kokoma!" Of course, it wasn't like she had an axe on hand. So she'd have to get a bit creative, now wouldn't she? She could have probably asked the others if they had one, but of course, such a thought didn't occur to Kokoma as she'd leave the small camping area behind and head towards a few nearby trees. How hard could cutting down a tree really be, right? As long as there was wood, cut into relatively small chunks that were dry...then just poof! Fire.
Easy enough.
Taking her weapon in hand, Kokoma would raise it into the air and -thunk- swing it right into the tree's trunk. She had seen this in that video game once, of course so she knew what she was doing...somewhat. Just had to cut it on the side she wanted it to fall, and then move before she became a Shenke pancake.
The hunters would remain mostly silent, unease overcoming them as they’d wait for their captors to decide what to do from here. Akando though, would listen to Novak with mild confusion.
“Lazhira? She has something to do with this?” He would question. “...I get that she’s a bit of an oddball compared to the rest of us, but she’s always been one of the nicest people in the village...” A deep frown would overcome his visage as he’d shake his head. He needed to meet up with Donovan soon if he needed his help with something.
“Can...can we go now?” One of the other hunters would ask Nobunaga and Novak. They had been disarmed, certainly...but who knew what they would do if they were allowed to leave. They didn’t seem remorseful or believed themselves to still be in the wrong.
“H-hey wait I said she’s busy!” The Oni that had also stopped Donovan would say as Narkissa would disregard him and instead just walk fairly easily into the Foxes’ tent.
“Ah? No, not interrupting anything...its fine, she’s a friend.” Mie would say to the Oni that was making a move to intercept Narkissa. He’d give a gruff huff before shrugging and going back to whatever it was he was doing before. “A letter and supplies, though? I’m afraid I’m not really open for the rest of my time here. Everything is getting packed up to be moved.” Assuming Narkissa would hand over the letter, the fox would accept and open it, blinking in mild surprise as she’d read its contents.
“...oh, I see. I see. Finally making a move, is he? Well, that’s fine.” Mie would stuff the letter into her coat. “If there’s nothing else you need immediately, Misaki, I have something to attend to with Narkissa here now.” Mie would say, standing up and supposing Misaki no longer had need of her, would motion for Narkissa to follow. Once they had left, Mie would turn to the human.
“Tell me what you need then. As for the other thing...Come back tonight. Alone. I’ll give it to you then. Its not something I can just wave around out here.”
Nicholas would move through the snowfield, towards the forest in the distance. Undead would climb out of the snow, their frost bitten bodies would crack and jerkily move towards the source of the commotion in the snowfield - that is, Elisette. The charm seemed to work thankfully. Though some would cross his path, it seemed as though they didn’t pay any attention to him, stumbling across the snowfield towards Elisette where they would promptly meet their end.
Of course, it would seem that no matter even if she’d cut them down - some would eventually get back up. Seemed whatever magic was keeping them alive was particularly pervasive. Still, aside from having one literally bump into him there wouldn’t be any incidents, and soon he was at the edge of the forest.
Unlike the one that was full of life and vitality back at the village he had seen first...this one was a stark contrast.
The trees were frozen, dead. A cold wind constantly pervaded the area, and the entire forest felt...somber. Lifeless. As though he was looking at the corpse of a forest, rather than a living place. Considering this worlds climate though, perhaps all of this was just natural. However, as he’d walk, he’d soon see something in the distance.
What seemed to be a figure in a red cloak, walking along the path some distance away. They didn’t seem to notice Nicholas, but before he could give chase, however, a loud howl would pierce the silence as several undead hounds would leap into the path in front of him. He wasn’t surrounded - there were only three of them but considering they had noticed him despite the rosary they likely were more powerful undead.
They were barking and snarling, teeth gnashing as they’d slowly advance before one would leap, fangs bared, towards him.
“Heh,” Nesherit would chuckle. “You’re probably right about that. Anyways, Old Naraheim is...an odd place. We don’t know much of the demons before the Moonless Era, and Rullphana could likely tell you more - but from what I’ve seen myself its a realm that’s uncharacteristically hot.” He’d assert, folding his arms against his chest. “Its hard to describe - Molten rock and roots of a massive tree, intertwined with massive steel and metal structures half submerged in the ground, if you can believe it. Geysers of steam from iron roots of metal trees permeate the area, too. Not to mention dangerous. Demonic beasts of all kind call the place home...thankfully we haven’t seen a high demon there in ages, but demons can be...crafty.” A fairly rudimentary explanation, just giving Isidore enough to know that it’d probably just be hot and dangerous. The guard wouldn’t be very long on their return either, and soon after the Prince had finished his explanation he would return with a pouch full of coin, fifty silver exactly if he cared to count it out.
“As for the silk weavers...I went harvesting once because I wanted to see how it was done - their habitat is typically near where the tree-roots meet the earth. They make their homes in them. They look a bit like butterflies, and are fairly timid but don’t let more than a few of them linger on you. They’re carnivores and an entire swarm can devour flesh from bone within seconds.”
Octavia was seemingly getting a bit restless, rolling around on the ground and lightly pawing at the ground in a mildly anxious manner.
“If death frightens you, then you’ve already failed.” Sorcha said with a rather curt tone as she’d gaze into Augusta’s own eyes. It was clear she was measuring Augusta’s worth for herself, but eventually she’d merely let out a long, drawn out breath as she’d tell her to stand. “Follow me. You’ll likely miss the start of Rullphana’s lesson, but you’ll just have to deal with it.” She’d say, leaving the room. “Leuca, look after yourself. I’ll see you sometime this evening.”
“O-okay! I’ll do my best!”
“I suppose that’s true in a sense.” Augusta said under her breath as Sorcha started to walk off. “I’ll see you at Rullphana’s lesson later, Leuca.” The elf woman said with a happy smile as she walked off behind the strict sounding swordswoman. Really, she wondered how anyone didn’t fear death. Truthfully, she was frightened of being stabbed in the torso again. There was a small trauma about it, of course. As the two walked together, Augusta decided to break the silence. “So, I have to let go of any fear of death?” She asked, looking to the woman for an answer.
“Hm, I wonder...” The woman would walk, footsteps echoing in the silent halls as they’d walk through them. “There is no being in this world that can truly say they do not fear it in some manner...save perhaps, the Gods who have very little concept of it.” She’d chuckle, leading Augusta through one of the halls, down some stairs into part of the castle she hadn’t been to yet.
“The king has spoken to me at length about the Leargas, you see. It was something I had trouble understanding, back when we first met. He explained it as ‘Achieving Emptiness’ a sort of state of equilibrium with you and the natural energies of the world around you. When you take on the memories, experiences, and talents of your ancestors - you must also contend with their personalities, experiences, and emotions as well. You must have absolute control over your emotions or lose yourself.” She’d chuckle, a small smile. “Something I’d never be able to do.”
Augusta listened to Sorcha’s bit of information. It wasn’t a bad thing to have. If she learned one thing about her time on Earth, it’s that information was the key to everything. “Achieving Emptiness?” She questioned, thinking about it some. That was like… Buddhists? Or something like that. It was more enlightenment than nothingness she supposed. It wasn’t a subject she had great knowledge over.
“So it ends up a battle of personality where you have to control yourself. Fight years of experience while exerting yourself through sheer force of will, is it? Huh.” Augusta thought about for a small bit as they walked. “I wonder what my ancestors would say to me. ‘Don’t let yourself get stabbed again’. Perhaps.” She wondered aloud. “Ahh, but that aside, you wouldn’t be able to control your emotions?” She asked as she looked at the swordswoman. “You look pretty in control of yourself, though I suppose you can’t quite tell everything by looking at someone.”
“You think?” Sorcha would respond, a small smile. “We hardly know each other, now don’t we? I suppose you wouldn’t know this,” The swordswoman would stop, looking towards Augusta just in front of a large open field on the western side of the palace. Several shadow elves had already gathered in the outdoor training area. A few shot dirty looks towards Sorcha and Augusta both, but the former didn’t particularly seem to mind. “But there is a reason the Sirithen of Tamaln fear me.”
She would walk into the center of the field.
“Pick your weapon. I need to see your skills for myself.”
“You’re right, we don’t really know each other, though I wouldn’t be opposed to it.” Augusta said as she followed the swordswoman. She wasn’t exactly sure what Sorcha was wanting from her in particular. She was green when it came to the sword or spear or axe. “Just don’t leave a scar. I don’t know what a bride would do if her face was scarred before her wedding day.” The woman joked as she unsheathed her rapier. “My skills are a small bit bare.” She added, “Please teach me well.”
“Hm...perhaps, we could as we spar.” Sorcha would slowly turn to face Augusta. “And don’t worry, I won’t rough you up beyond any bruises. Now then...a Rapier” The woman would fix Augusta with a pointed look, followed shortly by her blade pointing in her direction. “A weapon, good in close quarters. Slightly flimsy, but good at stabbing and piercing. Good if you have a keen hand and eye to stab at openings in armor, but otherwise good for little else.” She would explain briefly. “Hope your hands are as sharp as your looks. If you desire to test another, there are plenty here to train with.”
Sorcha would breathe in, taking a defensive stance.
“The only rules here are no magic. Come at me, then.”
“No magic. Wouldn’t matter if I could use it or not I feel.” Augusta commented, though she knew why the woman had said that. After all, she wanted to see how the woman handled a weapon at base. She swung the weapon a few times to get a good feel for it’s weight. It was light for the most part. She took some fencing lessons when she was little but real fighting was much different from a couple of hits with a mostly harmless epee. With a small sigh, she took a stance similar to fencing though her knowledge from then was mostly tenuous.
Her focus was fully on this now, however, moving closer… Slowly, until she took a quick step forward and thrust the point of her weapon forward, aiming at an open spot on Sorcha’s body.
Of course, that was rather obvious opening move for a rapier.
Sorcha would rather effortlessly swing her blade upwards, catching the rapier upon the edge of ot as she’d completely deflect the other womans blade. Sorcha would say nothing as she didn’t move, seeming content to let Augusta make moves for now.
Augusta retracted her arm and took a small step back. Her face was like stone, unphased as she started to take her step back forward and starting to take a couple of swipes at Sorcha’s midsection, expecting them to be deflected again before lifting the hilt up, with the blade pointed down and going for another stab.
As Augusta had expected, Sorcha would easily deflect or parry the blows delivered her way. Clanking of steel upon steel filled the training area as a few shadow elves would look on in mild amusement. However, perhaps something she wasn’t expected. When she went for another stab, Sorcha would instead simply side step to Augustas right, the point of her own blade for Augusta’s neck.
The elf, for her part, would step to the left, dodging the stab and she would turn toward Sorcha taking her high up hand down, slashing at the swordswoman’s belly. Sweat was catching on her brow a small bit as she took a step back, giving a small distance between her and Sorcha.
Sorcha wouldn’t make an attempt to deflect this blow - rather instead she’d let her armor do the job. Augusta’s opponent would let the blade of the rapier harmlessly bounce off her armor, moving just slightly to let the blade slide off.
“You realize I’m wearing armor, right?” The next sequence of events would happen far too fast for Augusta to really process. The elf would have merely a few seconds before Sorcha’s fist would smash right into her face and send her reeling backwards. However, she wasn’t going to give the elf a moment to even process that as she’d quickly approach before she even recovered, and she’d feel her legs being knocked right out from under her from a swift, but harsh kick right to her knee and sending her to the ground.
Augusta stumbled backward as she was hit in the face. She could only be glad that she could heal it so there was no bruise. Then, a sharp pain at her knee as she took to the ground in an unconscious movement not exactly of her choice. Still, she gritted her teeth and pointed her sword up towards Sorcha’s neck. “Geeeh…” She grunted, trying not to cry out from the pain.
Sorcha responded with a small grunt as she’d instead turn towards the other gathered elves. A few shadow elves watching would snicker at their fair skinned cousins apparent complete shutdown. A few more had started to trickle in, it seemed.
“That’s enough. I think I have a decent grasp of your abilities.” She would say, standing over Augusta, staring down at the blade pointing up at her. “Your body is quite deceptively strong, but I expected as much. What you lack though, is proper weapons handling and training, as well as the ability to properly assess your opponent. Therefore we can skip the strength and overall stamina training and move right to your weapon handling. A problem solved enough by itself simply from doing and practice.”
She would go on.
“Now then...we will spar every morning and evening from now until the dance here. I don’t have much time to drill more than that. The rest of you will get your training shortly...and all of you will stand at the edge of the field at attention until I’m ready for you.” Sorcha would turn back to Augusta now. “Now stand up. We’ll do this again.”
“Very well.” Truthfully, she wasn’t surprised by Sorcha’s words. After all, this body was suppose to be above average after all. “Oh, forgive me for small minute.” She held her hand out and let a flame come to her hand and held it to her face where she had been punched earlier. Her biggest asset was her face at the moment, she’d hate for it to be bruised. She stood and took a stance. She took a deep breath and was then ready as she assumed her stance.
“...vanity won’t serve you on the field. Each wound is a reminder of a mistake you made in combat - one you should remember.” Sorcha would harrumph. “In these three days, you will be barred from healing magic until my training is done. Now then, prepare yourself!” The training was, as expected, rather brutal. Sorcha’s teaching method was the epitome of ‘trial by fire’ and ‘learning through experience.’
She’d give instruction as well as guidance of course, telling Augusta the best way to wield her chosen weapon. A rapier was better with quick thrusts, and wouldn’t do amazingly well against any heavier armor. It would take a quick and deft hand to use such a weapon, using it to strike at an opponent’s weak points. Not that Augusta was given much of a chance to do that. Sorcha’s armor was both surprisingly tough as well as light it seemed, and though she wasn’t fully armored, the swordswoman was extremely skilled, effortlessly blocking the elvish womans blows.
One time she’d eat dirt, after Sorcha would quite literally, kick her in the ass after ending up behind her.
Another would see Augusta losing her weapon and then having it pointed at her in turn.
A bloody nose. A slash on her shoulder. A cut on her chest. Her trainer was pulling no punches, the hour training session was relentless. By the end Augusta would be both mentally and physically exhausted. Her body ached. She was bruised quite heavily in multiple areas. Drenched in sweat and probably hardly able to stand.
Sorcha, on the other hand, had not even broken a sweat and was barely just breathing a bit heavier than normal.
“Hm...alright, I think that’s enough.” Sorcha would sigh, sheathing her blade. “Any more, and I might actually kill you.”
“I’d say…” Augusta said, kneeling. Exhausted. She should have expected the warrior to train her this hard but this was a little more than she expected. She didn’t really expect to be beaten and bloodied. And then told not to heal! The gall. She wondered if this was even worth the training. She set her rapier at it’s place on her hip. “To my next lesson then.” She said, wondering if she’d even make it far enough without collapsing. Perhaps she’d heal herself slightly later. How vexing this woman was with “No healing”. Vanity was it? Why not take pride in her beautiful looks?
“Those who truly are deserving of vanity and pride look the part no matter the circumstance they find themselves in, Augusta!” Sorcha would shout as the elf would leave. A few of the shadow elves had utterly disregarded her instruction from earlier, however...and she would soon turn their attention to them.
“Now then, if you shadows think you can get away with not following orders...well then, you must be strong enough to beat me then! No either run twenty laps around the entirety of gloomhaven or draw your blade so I can kick your ass!”
...she seemed to be enjoying the ass-kicking a little too much, perhaps. Regardless, Augusta wouldn’t be pestered as she’d leave. Perhaps she could at least clean herself up a little later, though.
Skill Acquired: Novice Martial training (Rapier) You have attained some small skill with how to handle a chosen weapon, in this instance a rapier. You at least know which end goes in enemies, and you know at least theoretically, such a weapon will need a deft hand to hit enemies weak points as the weapon won't be piercing thick armor without some extra kick to it. Still, while you may be able to beat untrained people in combat, you'll likely fail against anyone with even a bit more training.
Finding the carts would be easy enough. After Malphas would negotiate and tell the Oni what was up, they'd be rolled out front of the camp, along with giving Donovan two Kamaitachi to pull them with. The beasts, were far more amicable and peaceable than when Donovan had last encountered one and seemed like they'd be able to haul far more weight than what Donovan could have by himself...of course, supposing whatever he had planned worked.
"Eh? Who's callin' me name?!" The familiar sound of the dwarvish lass would be followed shortly by her poking her head out from behind some crates seemingly filled with ores she was helping sort or take inventory of. "Oh, Donovan. Whatever it is, if yer gonna manhandle me more: No." She'd respond with a chuckle, walking over. She had ditched the sword and armor and was wearing a clothes more suitable to leisure or day to day business. "What ya need, friend?"
Malphas, once he had finished the task given to him would find a little fox scurrying back to him with a mildly annoyed, though seemingly curious expression. Ayumi would position herself on a box.
"Just going to let it leave?" The fox would question. "I suppose if he keeps up his end of the bargain...but I think I'm going to watch him, just in case. You should probably tell Mie."
Viorel would watch the two leave quietly, humming lightly as he’d consider the happenings in Liven. It was a sad affair, really. The villagers weren’t innocent. Neither was the so-called witch out there in the forest...but there was little that could be done about it now. The villagers decided to give into base desires of anger and blame to someone who merely looked different.
“Thinking too hard about these things is why you’re still just in training.” Cynthia would break his train of thought.
“Heh, you seem upset, Cynthia. Did that boy really upset you that much? Or have you become smitten with his innocence?”
“One of these days, that mouth of yours is going to offend one of us and you’ll be on the receiving end of her Ladyship's wrath yourself.” She would lean the broom against the wall, glancing towards the only source of outside light in the old, small church.
“...leaving then?”
“We have a job, priest. As the Seer and right hand of Hers, no matter who they are,” She would begin walking towards the door. “should they misuse Her gifts...then they shall meet the same fate.”
“As serious as ever aren’t you?”
“Better than making friends with people who have earned Her Ire.” Nothing more would be said between the two as the maid would leave, leaving Viorel in the dilapidated church with the others. Well, at least his job was easy for now...shame really, though...there was little he could do here except hope that the Apostles would come in and take care of the villagers after, but that in and of itself wasn’t something he’d like to do, either.
All he could do now, was see the job through to the end.
Despite having little experience in the way of negotiations, Misaki could quickly tell that Mie’s mask of being an ineffable merchant had shattered the moment that the implications of her suggestion had come to light. Of course, this bit of information was soon followed by the merchant’s own (rather apparent) desire for vengeance. While what she knew about Mie already made that less than surprising, allowing her to run amok with mass-produced wrought iron or steel equipment seemed less than prudent.
At the same time, if she was interested, then making use of her greed was probably in her best interests. But that had requirements all its own.
“Well, that depends on if you have what is necessary to create it. It’s not as if I am unaware of the implications that an advancement like this would have, either,” she began, crossing her arms as she frowned. “But the former comes first in this situation. If you have the heat required to melt iron outright rather than simply make it a molten blob of metal, I can work with someone to set up what is necessary for production.”
Here, though, the foxgirl would pause and smile wryly at the woman opposite her.
“Of course, if you don’t, then there is no point to this conversation, and you will simply have to accept something else in exchange. Whether or not they are on the same level as this, though, remains to be seen.”
“Heh, for better or worse, such advancements would come eventually.” Mie would offer Misaki a grin. “Far be it from us to deny such a thing, and far be it from me not to use it to make my own life more comfortable. I doubt I have everything you’d need here at this little camp in this middle of nowhere village, but once we get back to my home, well, if I don’t have access to what you’ll need I can guarantee you I will be able to find it.” The merchant would lean over the table slightly, obviously still enthralled by the idea. “I understand if you aren’t comfortable telling me these plans though. We hardly know or trust each other, so we could approach things one step at a time? Or perhaps you’d like to have an independent party take a look at your plans first to ensure I don’t run off with them?”
“Honestly, I’m not so much worried about the enrichment someone would gain from proceeding with this,” Misaki responded, shaking her head, “but rather the inevitable results if this sort of idea fell into the wrong hands. An early monopoly to establish initial production would be the least of my worries, but what the holders might do with it leaves me more cautious.”
At this point, the foxgirl would lean back slightly in her seat, thinking to herself for a moment before shrugging her shoulders. With Mie’s interest still apparent enough to not fear any sort of withdrawal of terms, it only seemed right to attempt to continue leveraging it in her favor.
“But, well, I have already stated what the minimum I need to begin creating prototypes; whether or not I want to give you everything out of hand is another matter entirely. Of course, if you were to act as a patron or partner, then there might be something else to be said about the matter…” “Hmm...” Mie would hum lightly, tapping a finger against the table as she’d consider Misaki’s words. She didn’t seem overly invested in the other fox’s concerns, but perhaps that was expected given what she had observed of Mie so far. “Well, if you have no concerns such as that, I would be happy to provide both funding as well as any other materials if needed. As I said, I may not have everything on hand at the moment, but once we return to Chagawa, I am certain I can find anything you need. Now, if I may ask,” She would fix the other fox girl with a look of suspicion. “What do you get from this? Not that I am going to press the issue, but clearly you’re offering this more than just me jokingly saying you need to buy something. You could develop this in secret and have the sole of it yourself. I’m sure you could easily find where and how without my help. Is it just money? Or is there something else?”
There was, of course, truth to Mie’s words; developing everything that she was currently proposing was possible on her own, and finding someone else to take her up on the offer would not be difficult… Had they not been here, of course.
“Well, if we were to speak with regards to what I gain… It is a bit complicated, but in short, my ultimate goal is to bring everyone to a higher standard of living. Money would obviously be helpful, and I’d be lying if I said that I wouldn’t mind having some on hand, but, well…”
Misaki trailed off as she glanced towards the entrance of the tent, the snow-covered scenery of their surroundings passing through her mind’s eye for a moment before she turned back towards the merchant.
“...Yes, that’s about it. I could do something like this myself, yes, but I am not foolish enough to undertake attempts at massive technological advancement on my own, much less spread them around; even if I did, nothing could stop it from being used with reckless abandon by people with darker inclinations. I may be an idealist, but being an idealist doesn’t mean that I don’t understand what might come about as a result of that idealism, for better or for worse.”
At this point, the foxgirl would sigh and shake her head, glancing towards the top of the tent for a moment before continuing.
“Of course, something like increased production of iron and steel would naturally lead to unrest, especially with how useful and valuable they are. But… Well, I’d like to think that stable profits and an empire of coin would be more useful to you than raw military might. Besides, I have other avenues of research that might be of use to everyone, and an unstable nation is far from suitable for such things to be developed in my opinion.”
It was likely that Mie would have other plans in mind for whatever amount of metal was produced, of course, but Misaki would much prefer not having to throw herself into the middle of a civil war if she could help it.
“Pfft, hahaha!” Mie would chuckle loudly, leaning back in her seat and glancing briefly towards the roof. “Sorry, you reminded me of an idiot who said someone similar once. While it's true I do think all the fighting and clans back in Chagawa are useless warmongers, I can’t deny that having a strong military is a good thing. Without a strong vault, amassing wealth is meaningless if you can’t protect it….besides, I can’t say selling to certain more...violent factions haven’t earned me a pretty penny and some favors here and there. That said...” She’d take a more serious tone as she’d glance at Lazhira. “What do you think?”
“E-eh? Me?” The native girl had been quiet for the most part, content to let the other two talk their plans over and let the negotiations proceed without her input. Nothing much she could really do to add here, after all given her limited actual life experience. “Uhm. Well… Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone could live more safely? Without having to worry about whether or not some neighboring tribe would come and steal things?”
“Hmhm, of course you’d say that.” Mie would sigh, one of her ears twitching in perhaps, mild disappointment of some sort. “Obviously if you tell me how this is done, I will make whatever gets me the most profit with it, no matter what it is. I won’t lie. But...if you intend to see this idealistic suggestion of yours to fruition, no matter what it would take,” She would say, perhaps a somewhat cryptic question as she’d lean across the table, extending a hand towards the other fox. “I might not mind being a partner in this little endeavor of yours.”
Seeing that hand extended, though, Misaki would pause, taking in Mie’s words as she closed her eyes. There was something ominous in the merchant’s phrasing, but in the current situation, making any definitive statements felt… Off. She had lived in a world where courts of law settled disputes, where verbal agreements were motions of trust. And so, to be left uncertain about whether or not to take this deal in the first place…
Well, that simply wasn’t all that pleasant to begin with. But even so, when the options left were to travel on her own or to fumble about in hopes of finding something useful as opposed to having a backer, the answer was obvious, loathe as she was to admit it.
“...There is a line that I will not cross, but I recognize the necessity of protecting yourself and your assets,” Misaki began, opening her eyes and looking straight at Mie, “just as much as I do the importance of handling matters behind closed doors. With that said, I suppose that you will be putting yourself in as much danger as I am if people catch wind of these methods, assuming that they work. So…”
With a sharp gaze, the white-haired girl would take Mie’s hand and shake it with as firm and as curt a grasp as she could.
“...Very well. Though, if I might ask: could you bring those I was with initially as aides? Of course, this would be up to them, and you have already negotiated with one to bring them along as far as I am aware, but I do believe that their presence would be useful in the long run.”
She could not speak with regards to Narkissa—not beyond being aware of her knowledge of history and ability to help reconstruct things from memory—but Novak at least seemed like he could hold his own, and Nobunaga…
Well, given the mention of warring clans, it would be incredibly foolish not to attempt to bring her along, regardless of how problematic the warlord could be in theory.
“Aides? I believe I already promised that Kippoushi fellow that I would allow them to travel with me back to Chagawa. As for the other...Novak, was his name? I already asked to meet him. I have a particular eye for talent and was going to offer him training in return for work and a place to stay...so I see no issue with this request.” Mie would say, shaking Misaki’s hand lightly and then sitting back down. “So, unless you want to go ahead and make a verbal agreement, we can wait until we return to Chagawa where I can write up an actual contract of sorts unless you have another suggestion or want to go ahead and get started.”
The huntress would frown lightly. Hm. Maybe she should give her a hug? She had seen humans do that to comfort others before, but would it be too friendly? Too familiar? She couldn't come off as that being a goddess. She also couldn't just demand she dry her tears either. Tsk tsk, ugh, why were humans like this? This was why she had to protect and judge them, because they were easily weakened by things like this.
Well, perhaps that was just her divine arrogance speaking.
"Hm...I don't think we'll be finding anything else out for now," Alasayana would respond. "Lead us then, Flora. I assure you that you will be safe. Oh, and, of course, I expect you to also groom my tails as per your punishment for waking me from my nap once we get a moment." Couldn't let her forget that, no. That was the most important thing in all of this.
The group of cornered hunters would fall silent, Novak’s words at least having seemingly placated them somewhat. A tense few moments followed. Silence, as Donovan would consider beating some sense into them...and then as he would whisper something to Akando and flee, the other hunter would give Donovan a frown and a furrowed brow.
“The old...Alright. I’ll meet you there.” The hunter would turn his head towards his former compatriots. “...You don’t trust them. I didn’t either, and to be honest, I still can’t say I understand or believe what is entirely going on here.” The hunter would speak, taking a less hostile glance. “But...we’ve always survived by working together. Hunting together. Helping when one of us had been wounded...when I was lost in the forest as a child, he’s dead now, the older hunters all helped me. They might be outsiders, but they’re only trying to help. We can’t live if we just shun all outsiders just because they’re not from our village.”
Akando echoed much of Novak’s own sentiment. And perhaps, after hearing it from one of their own, another of the hunters would begin slowly.
“...We...don’t really know much.” He would slowly begin. “But the old man found some of us one day while hunting. He was the one who first showed us the fog and the old temple.”
“Told us that there was a sleeping goddess of some sort sealed here in the Moonless era.” Another would speak up. “Said that if it was allowed to wake, the sea would swallow the village. As proof he...showed us what he meant. All of us had nightmares for a week after that, like we were standing right there when it was sealed.”
“Didn’t tell us who was responsible, or how.” The third would grunt. “We were in no position to question a god, were we? Game had already become scarce, and with the fog making animals more violent...he gave us the solution of just simply hunting the Kyrnith’s deer. Made the deer angry, but he had never really decided to help us.”
“Made it angry, but...we didn’t care. We still don’t really know much. We started coming up with a plan - if someone was breaking it, then we just had to find them. Soyala narrowed it down that it could only be Lazhira that was responsible...but well, we were hesitant. She’s barely old enough to go into the forest by herself even if she does it. She said hunting the deer would help throw off whoever was causing it. The Illuminator only said that recently Enli would just be a scapegoat to make the village fully believe in him and draw out whoever the culprit was directly.”
They would fall silent, not sure how to proceed or if they seemingly had any more relevant information.
The man of course, wasn’t in any position to really resist his feline captor. The burned and injured hunter would groan in pain as he was dragged through Mie’s camp and then hoisted up against a tent pole then subsequently tied up. Thankfully for Lazhira, he also wasn’t going to be stupid and resist further either at the threat of a broken leg.
“I-I don’t know much!” He’d say. “Just that we were followin’ orders! Soyala thinks that Lazhira is the one causing all this! I don’t know why, but we’re not gonna question a God if he says to do something, are we?!” He’d shout, the only bit of self defense he had right now. “A-all we really know is that if whatever is sealed in that old shrine breaks free, Dawn is going to be destroyed! We would have moved sooner, but...well, we didn’t want to make Akando our enemy - he could throw a wrench in our plans since well, he and Lazhira sort of grew up together somewhat...” He’d calm down a bit, breathing becoming a little more even. “I-I think I heard something about a key from the Old Man. Two, actually. One being hidden, and the other just...being in Dawn somewhere. I don’t know more than that.”
Leannah would be vaguely aware of sounds of movement outside of the tent. Seems like the Oni had positioned themselves outside a bit to help give her a bit of privacy. Perhaps it was a bit curious he didn’t mention the Hag, and rather the Old man.
Mie would listen to Misaki’s explanation with rapt attention, not taking her eyes off the other Kitsune as she’d speak. As she did listen, her face would slowly turn from mild disinterest to one of disbelief and curiosity. She would fall silent a few seconds before energetically leaning over the table with an excited grin.
“You’re telling me you know a process better for refining metal and ores!?” The fox would giggle lightly, sitting back and grinning. “Ahaha, if I had that I could rul-ahem - become the richest little fox in Chagawa, pfft, ahaha! Not even my dumb stupid kinsmen could deny me then, ahah!” A few more fits of giggles as Mie would realize she was being a little too emotional, and with an embarrassed cough would collect herself.
“Ahaha, sorry I got excited~” Mie would fold her arms across her chest. “If you’re being honest, Misaki, my lovely little kinsmen...despite my ahem, earlier excitement, I am of course skeptical of this claim. If you can give me the details...I can have one of the Oni attempt making it and test this claim of yours.” She’d smile. “And if it works...well, Misaki, I can guarantee you the both of us are going to be rich.”
“Ahah, don’t you worry. Auntie won’t hate any of us! If anything, she’s laughing at us lesser beings.” He’d chuckle. “The only thing she hates is a boring story, ahah!” He’d hand her the blueprints properly now, and whenever she’d take them from his hand he’d forcibly grab hers, giving it a rather vigorous shake to seal their little deal.
“Keep it! For now, anyways. Not like you’ll be able to make it anytime soon.” He’d say, almost sounding a bit confrontational as if he’d be watching how long it’d in fact, take Narkissa to make it. “Now, then...as for your supplies. Give this to the little fox of a beast.” He’d secondly pass her a note. “Don’t open it! Her eyes only. We have a little...deal, currently. She’s holdin’ on to something special for me. Mutual friendship and all that. If she can’t hook you up, then no one can, ahaha!”
He’d clasp the cane in his hand, turning to leave.
“If there’s nothin’ else, I’d suggest you go visit her sooner rather than later….ah,” A pause, looking over his shoulder. “We’d need a real big power for enough oomph! Make it special, you!” And then he’d walk off, not bothering to explain or tell anything further.
Concerning the blueprint he had handed her…
Item acquired: Rifle Blueprint It seems to be a diagram for some type of rifle. Unfortunately, while it seems similar, its written using completely foreign runic script. As well, the design choices seem...odd, or at least, odd for a weapon from earth. Might be some time before you can decipher this.
Item acquired: Message for Mie A message to be delivered for Mie. Of course, she could always snoop and read what it says if she wanted too. Who would know, right?
Hello again! Me again! So sorry about losing that little item of yours. Some dumb clock worshiping lunatic ran off with it. Now if you don’t mind, I’m pulling in a last little favor you owe. Help this one with what she needs, hm? And give her what I gave you already.
Oh, and of course, I still expect Enli to be sleeping with Auntie in the seas sometime tonight. The hunters, still have their uses. I’ll pay you accordingly...this time with information. I may have another lead you might be interested in as an apology for losing that broken toy of yours.
“Ahaha, why would I put a cute little thing like you in danger.” Elisete would giggle. “I think its better if I draw their attention. I know there’s a lot of them, but it’ll take more than a few undead to take me down.” The warrior woman would offer a toothy grin. “Not nearly strong enough to, hehe.” She’d pull open the door to the church, letting Nick walk out in front of her before she’d secure it behind them. It wouldn’t be long before Viorel’s barrier seemingly had been put back up.
“I shouldn’t be too long, hopefully.” She’d say, walking towards the edge of the village. “Uhm...also, be careful. Viorel keeps talking about something really bad being out here at night, but we don’t know what that is or where it comes from. Might be a good idea to try and find some place to hole up if night gets here and we haven’t finished yet. Anyways...here I goooo! Try not to become zombie food!~”
And with that, Elisette would bolt off into the snow field. It wouldn’t take long for the zombies to rise from their snowy tombs, clawing their way to stand as they’d start honing in on Elisette...but it seemed she wasn’t concerned now that she didn’t have to look after Nick. The warrior wouldn’t even make an attempt to avoid the first one, rather running right to it.
Her blade was drawn, and in an instant the head of the first zombie would roll across the ground.
“Alright ya dummies come to Elisette and die!~”
More and more seemed to be slowly converging on her, but it at least, would offer Nicholas free reign to move towards the forest in the distance.
“Knowing thine enemy is always prudent.” She’d assert in response to Isidore’s comment, but didn’t linger on the subject, smirking lightly as Isidore made his demands. “A hundred is a bit steep, don’t you think?” She’d say, raising a hand. A few of the guards would grumble about Isidore’s disrespect but none moved to say anything. “Fifty. Upfront should be enough to pay for anything needed to solve this issue...of course, if you run into unexpected problems I will help where I can. Information of course, is something easily provided. I can have my son fill you in on the particulars, or you can find Rullphana. I’m sure she would be happy to discuss such subjects at length. A time piece...I shall send one to the gatehouse at the entrance. More monetary reward shall be given upon completion. Is that agreeable?”
If he did agree, the queen would motion for the same guard that had offered him the ring. He would silently move away from Isidore and off somewhere as he’d inspect the ring.
Item Recieved: Dusk Ring A ring bearing the engraving of Shadow Elf royalty. One who carries it carries authority recognized by the crown of the Shadow Elves. Most who see the crest will be willing to show some manner of friendship and authority to the bearer.
“If you want, Isidore.” The prince would say. “I can tell you what I know while the guard returns with the money...I’ve been to Old Naraheim myself a few times.”
Donovan would dash back through the forest, thankfully his skills making the trip much shorter than it would normally be. He’d find himself at the edge of the village in a handful of minutes, and soon he’d be on the outskirts of Mie’s encampment. From a glance, it seemed like Mie was packing lots of things up, getting ready to move in only a few days' time and ensuring all her goods and supplies were all secure and ready to go.
It also seemed like she was busy.
“The Market is closed and Lady Mie is not receiving visitors right now.” One of the Oni would inform Donovan as he’d approached the center of the camp. “Do you have other business here, human?”
For the first few steps of the encounter, it seemed like things were going relatively well. Neffy had struck her targets the blades of water slashing and slamming into a goblin, nearly taking its head. In the ensuing confusion, Neffy would attempt to disengage, moving away from the others to get a bit of room to assess so she could strike more effectively and quickly...but it seemed the Goblins had a nasty little surprise up their sleeve.
"...Necromancy! A magic-caster?" Neffy would question. Well that would prove difficult to deal with. This would be a battle of attrition if they couldn't get to the one casting that magic then...thankfully, she liked to think she was good at moving through the battlefield quickly. "...Let me...handle it. Cover me." Neffy would say, wanting to get this threat finished off before it would take too much longer. If the others could at least clear a path or occupy the others then the easier time she'd have a chance of slipping in and finishing him off.
Of course she didn't have long, so she'd go ahead and keep her blade drawn, darting past the nearest goblin as she'd make an attempt to look for the one chanting those spells and preparing one of her own in to retaliate if she needed.
The Arachne would give Sefira a friendly smile and a wave, not seeming to entirely concerned with her position. Kokoma herself would end up taking a seat on Talliya, directing the others to Kuja and Teel. Both seemed more than happy, as long as they got a little affection in the mean time. Talliya seemed perfectly fine with letting Kokoma and another ride on her too. Maybe it was a little weird, in hindsight in a non-game scenario...but Kokoma wasn't one to really think about those things. It was a relatively uneventful trip, and about halfway through Kokoma would end up figuring out they could still use the menus. Otherwise, Kokoma would keep mostly to herself, though didn't miss an opportunity to chatter a bit or to cause a bit of mischief or to tease Sefira.
"...camp?" Kokoma would look around. "Oh jeez, totally wasn't paying attention. It got super late didn't it." The Shenke would say, hopping off Talliya. "Well this is a problem...no food, no cookware, no tents. Luckily for us," Kokoma would smack the Arachne's abdomen. "This bad girl can hunt and cook anything."
"...Master Kokoma, if you could refrain from doing that I would much appreciate it." The Arachne would sigh with a mild blush.
"That is to say, nope, I got nothin!" Kokma would continue, absolutely sounding way too cheery. Teel and Kuja would let the others off easily, and seeing that they were going to be supposedly camping here, would start taking it a bit easy.
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/jjKSxTj.png[/img][/center]
Hello! Welcome to my little bio.
Not much to say, really. Just a horror game protag that likes writing and playing vidya games when I'm not being chased by the cosmic forces of darkness. (I'm a security guard that works night shifts usually).
Have some dancing medjed.
[img]https://i.redd.it/q95hk1tobbv11.gif[/img]
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;"><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/jjKSxTj.png" /></div><br><br>Hello! Welcome to my little bio.<br><br>Not much to say, really. Just a horror game protag that likes writing and playing vidya games when I'm not being chased by the cosmic forces of darkness. (I'm a security guard that works night shifts usually).<br><br>Have some dancing medjed.<br><br><img src="https://i.redd.it/q95hk1tobbv11.gif" /></div>
Xaltwind
Renose
BabyKaiju
Double
Crusader Lord
Savo
Dragonfly 9
tadcfnaf
Azure Bubbles
agentmanatee
