[System]
'I'm definitely not used to this kind of crap, but heck, I'm sure gonna give it my all. I sure could use another companion, though. The current one is kinda cheeky.'
Age: 24

Supposedly, a hero from another world, even though he doesn't feel 'hero-like' at all. He was sent into a quest with the princess Rena Falkren from the kingdom of Eskar with some armor, a sword and a bag full of coins on him. Supposedly, they have to slay the demon king 'Lucifer'. (I know, my naming sense is bad and kinda lazy xD)

[User]
Noboyuki thought he had finally pieced the puzzle together. The fact of a revolution that happened, or would happen, was certain. Then there were the things about a tyrant. A female. It was that that made him think that, maybe, the dreams took place in the future. Falkren, the tyrant. If he wasn't mistaken, Rena's last name was that, and as far as he knew, the king (obviously) was a male. Then, were those....

"Dreams of what is to come?" He muttered to himself. "No, that is too far fetched. Rena doesn't have a power to look into the future, as far as I know." Then, what was it? Noboyuki HAD to make sense of it. At the very least, he knew the dreams were connected in one way or the other to Rena. Why? No frigging idea, to be honest, but there was still the fact that Rena had some worries in her pretty little head. "Maybe... Those were dreams of what she fears will happen when she takes on the torch from her father. She fears she'll be a tyrant. Something like that." Noboyuki really needed some more info. His mind wasn't as complex as that, he was sure of it, so he could barely make any sense of it. There might also be the fact that he isn't as smart as he wished to be.

That whole day, Noboyuki was absent, thinking only of how he would confront Rena about this. It seemed like some kind of personal matter. To be honest, Noboyuki didn't really heed any of Rena's calls all throughout the day, just trying to make some kind of sense of what had been in his dreams lately. Still, he would have never expected Rena to be the one on the offensive during the night and around the campfire. When she put her arms on his shoulders and talked to him a bit loudly and with a... commanding voice, Noboyuki was taken aback. Really so. How did she even....? He even fell off the cut off log he was sitting in at the time, freeing himself from Rena's hands.

"H-How do you-!? I mean, what are you talking about!? That's preposterous! I've never once in my life have lied to someone else! I... I...!" For the first time in his life, Noboyuki was at a loss for words. He had been confronted before by his mother, his father, other people who 'cared' about him, or the false Noboyuki he had created. Even so... how did this girl even know about that!? He started moving back through the floor. He was intimidated by Rena. Somehow, she had become something more scary than any evil god or demon king ever. Something he couldn't just fight with a sword. "I don't know what the fuck you are talking about!" He was angry, somehow. He stood up and turned around, before dashing into the forest. 'What the hell am I doing!? Why am I the one running!? I could've just... I could've just come clear to her! But what if she left me when she discovered I had been lying to her....?'

No, for once in his life, he had to be a man and face the consequences of what he had said. He stopped before going deeper into the forest. He was just like some kind of girl running away from what scared him. He just waited there. If Rena came after him, then he'd spill the beans. If she decided to stay in the campsite by herself, then that'd be the end of it.

[Assistant]
He ran... damn that was exactly the last thing that she wanted to happen, instinctively she lunged for the routing hero, but only met the dirt, her face skidding along a very short distance along the ground. She swore under her breath as she rose, she scratched herself and even opened a few shallow cuts, little bit of bleeding but obviously not even close to lethal. The leaves rustled, betraying the path that he ran down. Rena, without a second thought, gave chase.

Through the foliage that blocked her progress, it was thick here, making Rena seriously question how Noboyuki was able to push through at all, still guess a lesser man would've been stopped, but not him. Why did he take off like that? No... that was a rhetorical question, she knew very well why he ran, but that didn't mean she fully expected him to, what did he think when she finally got down to question him? Noboyuki... had his own problems, deep ones if the dreams were any kind of indicator.

Soon she stopped, out of breath, she had not realized how fast she was going, she was only so far into the wilderness, and yet she already had to stop. Rena only took a very short break, the fear of what might happen to her only companion was too great, she couldn't lose him. She chuckled to herself... if she had any doubts about her... love... they were gone now, really why would she go through so much effort for anyone else but him?

Ready to go again, but not really, Rena pushed back some bushes, she had to hold a gasp, she had already caught up! Noboyuki was just standing there, this was her chance. Prepared to fight until the end, she rushed out from behind her cover, she didn't trust him enough to not run again, hoping to catch him off guard Rena practically threw herself on him, maybe pinning him down at the legs.

It was almost... almost like a hug.

She held on, despite her being considerably smaller than the man, she held on like no other, there was zero chance in hell she was going to give up. She realized she got him from the front when looking up at him, it was a blur, but she swore there was shock on his face, she could only wonder what she looked like, all she knew was the burning sensation around her face. Rena dug her hands into him, willing for him to listen to her... he just had to this time.

"You need to stop running! From me... from yourself! Hell especially yourself, just enough! Don't you get tired?! Don't you at least trust me to trust in you?! Come on! Let me trust you!"

[User]
After a while, Rena finally found him and, well, he expected her to be careful, even so, he didn't expect for her to do what she did. She threw him down and they both fell to the ground, after the sudden tackle from Rena. Noboyuki was indeed surprised, even more by the words that came out of her mouth. She was right, Noboyuki was just running from himself. He needed to stop, like, right about now. But it still scared him. It scared him out of his mind. What was he now anyway? Was he anything aside from the lies he had been telling up until now? Noboyuki suddenly found himself at a crossroads. He did not know what the hell he was supposed to be in reality.

And as he thought about it with Rena on top of him, he knew that he couldn't just take forever like that. His breathing became agitated.Yeah, he needed to just come out and say something. He couldn't help but put a hand on her head. "I am.... I am... Scared.... Damn. That's the truth. I've known it for a while now. But I didn't want to face it. No matter what, I didn't want to. I wanted to protect the same dull life I leaded in my world. I didn't want anything to perturb that peace. And then, I was dragged against my will to this world. I knew nothing of it, neither did the inhabitants of this world knew anything about me. It was perfect. A new start. I may have longed for that for quite a while without even realising it."

He starts speaking with his heart, instead of letting his brain devise the perfect route to follow when talking with others. It was high time for him to stop doing so. "And then, in here, I went on lying. With things of less importance at first, until you had to ask me what I thought about you. I told you you were just a dear friend to me... only because I didn't want to lose you! I couldn't stand the mere thought of losing you! If you didn't feel the same way as I... I wouldn't know what to do! I was just so scared of that.... of you not ever wanting to see me again." He felt his eyes watering. Yeah. He was speaking a bit too much from his heart. If he didn't stop anytime now....

"Rena, I...!" No, stop. "I...!" You will be all alone again "I love you!" Get it back. Lie your way out again. You still have time. You can still protect what you have now. You can remain static at this point. "I love you so much! I don't care whether it is just some kind of blessed coincidence or part of some stupid study! I don't care anymore! I just can't keep it anymore in my chest and continue lying to you! I love you, Rena Falkren!"

Noboyuki shouted at the top of his lungs. It was done. There was no going back anymore. He could just pray. He couldn't just lie now, like he did long before. A grown woman wouldn't just fall for that. Now he just had to wait. He could talk to her about the dreams after that.... If they ever talked to each other again, that is.

[Assistant]
What? No really what?! Rena almost took a double take, she almost didn't believe him, that at first she couldn't believe that was a honest to God love confession. She laid there, just absolutely lost for anything to say, even her mouth hung there stupidly. This just took a really really unexpected turn, she thought that he would get defensive about his past again, that he would try to deny it again, yet never in her wildest dreams she ever thought he would confess. Her heart was beating so hard and fast, for a brief moment she even thought it might explode, her entire body felt hot, she was an absolute flustering mess at that moment.

That was it, she couldn't take it anymore, Rena clutched him even harder then threw her face into his shirt, giving him some kind of tight hug. "I love you too!" she was muffled, hell what if he couldn't hear her? She rose her again to look him directly in the eye, with a clear determination, and spoke those words again. "I-I actually love you too, Noboyuki!" There he couldn't have missed it that time, he knew, she knew. Their love was mutual, it almost had to be offical now.

She buried her head into Noboyuki again, this time tears even streaming down her face, she was crying? Such a happy moment that brought tears, such a paradox but she couldn't stop them. Rena continued her tight embrace, almost unable to let go, time passed, maybe five minutes, maybe fifteen minutes, time fell away to her, it felt way too good, to finally become this intimate with someone, it felt like heaven.

She loved Noboyuki, her first true partner, they would never ever be able to go back now, they both had knew that, still Rena was perfectly happy with how things turned out, she would never want to go back.

[User]
The words that Rena spoke made his heart flutter. Was it real? It wasn't a dream, right? He felt tempted to pinch himself and see if that wasn't a dream but, to be honest, he was scared that it was indeed a dream and that he'd wake up if he did such a thing. He was happy, to be honest. Not only did he let his feelings out in the open, despite his fear for rejection, but Rena felt all the same, and it was a relief that she did, otherwise, in which rock could Noboyuki have hidden under?

But that wasn't important right now. Right now.... What should he say? He did just declare his love to the girl that was on top of him, but how could he follow things up in any way? Being all like 'oh, yeah, right', seemed inappropriate, maybe a kiss? Nah, it would seem a bit too sudden in their current position and start of their relationship. Then there was one thing that would show his aggection and not seem as sudden. He put his arms around her and hugged her gently, while smiling to himself.

"That's... a relief. I wouldn't have knwon what to do if you turned me down. I'm so happy right now. I promise not to lie to you ever again." He simply said. Haha, just what got into him there? Suddenly, he just couldn't help but remember what he said and blush slightly. That voice in the back of his head too.... it didn't quite seem like his, to be honest, but since it came from his mind, he didn't really pay it any more attention, maybe it was only his imagination. He held her even tighter after building up his confidence to this time confront HER about her own dreams.

"So, Rena..... is there anything else that is troubling you? I dunno, maybe in the future or something?" He was fairly sure now. The dreams had something to do with the both of them. Certainly, Rena sure caught up fast to his lies, even though he is an expert liar. Only people who knew him to his very core could tell when he was lying, such as his mother or father. In other words, Rena might have been seeing dreams about him... while he saw dreams about her. He was almost sure. "Or should I say, Falkren the Tyrant? What is it that scares you Rena? Won't you tell me?" As far as he knew, Rena didn't really want to inherit the position from his father. "I'll do everything I can to make sure I protect you, so don't worry about it." He said, even before he got an answer. That's just how he felt about it, and what he would honestly do despite everything.


[System]
Age: Dirt
Gender: Female

Personality: Sassy, snarky, quick witted and a little foul mouthed are all traits this demon has. It's all a cover up to hide the emotional baggage she carries with her, especially with her father marrying a new stepmother demon. Sure, she has issues but it doesn't matter when she tries to get what she wants.

History: Being the daughter of the higher up demons, Lydia was always in her father's shadow as she strived to make a name for herself which landed her into some trouble. After the death of her mother via Sandworm, she grew reclusive and shut everyone out. She was equally surprised and furious when her father remarried to Delia. Believing her father never truly loved her mother, Lydia fled to the Living World to unleash her anger on Breathers. Upon arriving, she found her powers lessened and no one able to see her. She refused to return home, traveling the world in search of someone foolish enough to say her name three times in a row.

Powers: Lydia is able to bend reality as we know it to her every whim. Practically a demon version of Genie but only when summoned. In her incorporeal form, she can't really do much aside from phasing through walls, teleporting, and attempting to get someone to notice her.

[User] "I don't want your money. As for my name, I can't say it, like at all. Can't write it, the letters get jumbled. Same with spelling." She explained, a little frustrated. Come on, sucker, I need you to say my name.  She thought to herself.

[Assistant] He sighed. "How am I supposed to say your name if I don't know it. You wanna...play charades or something?" This was dumb. He could be halfway to ghost purgatory by now.

[User] "Yes, perfect!" Lydia exclaimed. "It one word but three clues." She said before holding up a finger to indicate the first clue before turning herself into a Tupperware container and opening the lid.

[Assistant] "Oh, shit, uh," Lawrence really sucked at this game. "Left overs? Take out? Tupperware? Plastic? Lid?"

[User] "No, no. Close but no. No. Yes, that's it!" Lydia replied turning back into herself with a grin. "Okay, second clue." She said before turning into a giant eyeball. This was honestly an easy one.

[Assistant] "Uh...look? See? Eyeball? Eye?"

[User] "That last one! Okay, third and final clue." She said before pulling out a report card full of A's.

[Assistant] "Pass? Honor roll? Grade? A?"

[User] "Nope. Nah-uh. Close. Bingo! Now put it together." She said. She was so close to freedom!

[Assistant] "Lid-eye-A!" Lawrence was so confident when he said it, too.

[User] "Close but change that eye to sound a bit more E." She advised. Geez, even when he got it he was dumb. Then again he was a Breather, so she couldn't fully blame him.

[Assistant] "Lydia?" He tilted his head, "Your name is Lydia?"

[User] "Yes! Now all you gotta do is say my name three times, spoken unbroken. Deal?" God she could taste freedom it was that close.

[Assistant]
Lawrence blinked. Then, a devious grin spread across his face. "Okay. Lydia...Lydia...Llllllook here. I see what you're trying to do here. You think that just because I'm some sad sack about to jump off his roof to his death that you can come in here and push me around? Well I got news for you Lydia, Lydia, Lady you're dealing with the wrong guy. I know a con when I see one."

Meanwhile downstairs, the Maitlands were trying to clean up. The TV, still running, suddenly cut to a commercial.

"Betelgeuse's gently used cars! Ladies and gents, these are the best prices in town!" Lawrence was dressed up in a cowboy outfit, using a fake southern accent. "So come on down here and wrangle up these savings! I'll do anything to sell you a car! I'll even chew on a dog! Ahrooooo!"

The commercial cut to something else. Adam glanced at Barbara. "He sells used cars?"

"His last name is Betelgeuse?"

"Barbara, look at this mess. This is someone who is struggling, and, and we're trying to put him out of his own house!"

"It's our house, Adam."

"That he bought. I mean...he might be gross, maybe a little sketchy, but we shouldn't put him out on the street. He's clearly going through something here."

"You're right," Barbara said, "We should go find him and apologize."

[User]
"Yes. Yes! Oh man this is going to be grea-wait what?" She said as he said her name before chewing her out. "Whoa, look, buddy, chum, pal. I'm just trying to do ya a solid. Isn't that what friends do? Whatdaya want? Qualifications? I graduated from Julliard, I've a great bio exorcist, and I've seen The Exorcist 167 times, AND IT GETS FUNNIER EVERYTIME I SEE IT! HOW'S THAT FOR QUALIFIED?!" She shouted before her head spun around like a top.

"Whoa, almost lost my head." She commented as she grabbed on to stop it.

[Assistant]
Lawrence opened his mouth to say something, but the Maitlands arrived on the scene before he could.

"Uh, Mr. Betelgeuse?" Barbara asked, approaching him sheepishly.

"Lawrence," he corrected her.

"We just wanted to-" Adam started to say something, but stopped when he saw Lydia. "Whoa, what is she doing here? Don't listen to anything she says, Lawrence! She's trying to trick you!"

"Yeah, no shit," He shrugged. "I kinda' figured."

[User] "Trick him?!" Lydia exclaimed before letting out an offended choked noise. "I'd never do that! All I did was help my new pal know my name, that's all." She looked over at Lawrence, standing near the edge of the roof. "Look, maybe I was a little aggressive on the sell. But we're BFF's forever, right?"

[Assistant]
Lawrence eyed the ledge behind her. "Yeah, best pals for life," he waltzed over and put a hand on her shoulder. "Just kidding. Get fucked, Lyds!" He shoved her off the roof.

"Lawrence!" The Maitlands cried in unison.

"What? She's fine. Right?!" He called over the edge. He didn't wait for a response. "I'm going back inside."

[User] "Shiiiiiit!" Lydia shouted on her way down before crumpling into a broken heap on the ground below. She laid there for a moment before picking herself up and resetting her broken bones. "Thanks a lot, dickhead!" She yelled, glaring at him.

[Assistant]
Lawrence climbed back in the attic window and headed down the stairs. His first hint that something was off was the familiar smell of menthol cigarettes. Oh no.

He came into the living room to confirm his fears. His mother was in his house, with luggage, and was storming around looking for things to destroy.

"Lawrence!" She snapped. "This place is a fucking disgrace. How is your aging mother supposed to live in a house like this?!"

He clenched his fists. "You aren't!" He shouted. "How did you get in here?!"

"You left the key under the mat like I've told you not to a hundred times. You'll listen to your mother one of these days boy."

"Get the hell out of my house!"

"You wouldn't throw your own mother out would you?"

"Like hell I wouldn't!"

"I'd hate to have to call the cops, boy. Who are they going to believe? A poor, little old lady, or a slobbish, drunken brute?!"

Lawrence clammed up. The last time she called the cops, claiming elder abuse, he'd spent the night in jail before it was sorted out. He scowled, disgusted with her and himself. She was coming into his life, yet again, to destroy it. The Maitlands hung around at the top of the stairs, sharing looks of concern. They followed Lawrence when he stormed past them to his bedroom.

"That horrible woman is you mother?" Barbara asked.

"So they say," Lawrence growled, trying to hold back the tears that were trying to sting his eyes.

[User] "The nerve. Throwing me off the roof. Good luck with those pansies, ya jerk!" Lydia shouted towards the roof before heading back inside. She blinked upon seeing the red clad woman who sounded like she smoked five packs a day. "Who the fuck let this prune in?"

[Assistant]
Lawrence sat down on the edge of his bed, burying his face in his hands. Now he wished he'd just gone ahead and chucked himself off the roof. Barbara sat down next to him, and rested a cold hand on his elbow. He withdrew.

"Is there anything we can do to help?" She asked, fully prepared to adopt this grown ass man. Adam sat on the other side of him, and exchanged a sympathetic look with his wife. It was all starting to come together now: the mess, the bad attitude, the crazy mom, the little, faded, circular scars up and down his arms...

"What can you guys do?" Lawrence's voice was muffled in his hands. He looked up. "No offense, but you're both a little too on the "Pottery Barn" and "Dry white wine" side to scare my mom away."

"There's got to be something," Adam insisted. "What all did that demon woman say?" He looked at Barbara for help.

"Learn to throw your voice!" Barbara's voice echoed across the room, "Fool your friends!" "Fun at parties!" She beamed at Adam. "Maybe we can do this!" She stood. "Come on, hun, follow my lead!" She lead Adam out and down the stairs.

Lawrence's mom was digging through the refrigerator, throwing out old take out and griping about there not being any food. "Damn boy can't even stock a fridge. He got this shit from his father's side of the family. I should have left his ass in a dumpster like- DAAAAY-O!" She straightened up and looked around. "The hell?" Was she having a stroke? "Me say DAY-O!" She jerked, as if becoming a puppet on strings. The woman then proceeded into the living room, belting out calypso music.

Lawrence came down the stairs to see what was happening. "Lawrence!" His mom yelled over the disembodied music. "What's happening?!"

"There's ghosts in this house, mom. And they want you gone!" He snapped down at her.

"Ghosts?! Why the hell didn't you say so?!" Here it was. She was about to freak the hell out and run. "I'm gonna' be rich!"

"WHAT?!"

"A real haunted house? You dumbass, you could have capitalized on this shit!" She cackled. "I'm calling the media as soon at this is over with!"

"You're supposed to be scared!" He shouted in frustration. Nothing ever worked out for him, did it? Everything was just one hit after another.

"We're sorry Lawrence," Babara appeared next to him, and Adam next to her. "We thought this would work!"

"I know what will..." A dark look came over his face.

"Lawrence, no! You don't know what will happen!" Adam protested.

"I know what will happen if I don't. Lydia!" He hollered.

"What was that?!" His mom screamed from the living room.

[User]
Lydia had been moping on the roof, grumbling to herself. If her father hadn't have gotten married, she wouldn't have left, which meant she wouldn't be cursed and be able to terrorize the living daylights out of Breathers. Now, even when a Breather who could see and hear her knows her name he pushed her away too. Literally. "You're invisible when you're me." She said softly to herself before a shiver ran over her.

Her yellow green eyes lit up as she appeared on the staircase to see the guy who could see her. He was calling her name. "Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. I'm so glad you've come around. You are not going to regret this!" She cheered, grinning cheshirely.

[Assistant]
"Please, let's talk about this!" Barbara begged, but Lawrence was through talking. He was ready for action.

"Lydia," He said again.

"You need to reconsider," Adam said, looking warily at the demon.

[User] "We are going to have so much fun! Now just gimme one more!" Lydia exclaimed, almost bursting with excitement. This was it! She was finally going to be free to be the demon she was! No restrictions, no restraints, no one standing between her and her goals!

[Assistant]
Lawrence took a deep breath. Just do it!

"LYDIA!" He did it. He summoned a demon, against his better judgement, with no clear way of putting her back. This better work.

[User]
The lights blinked out, surrounding the house in darkness as a bolt of lightening followed by loud thunder sounded out. "It's showtime!" Lydia's voice had a dark, malicious edge to it as her arms and head, now ginormous, appeared, swatting away the Maitlands and his mother far from the house before returning to normal beside him.

"It's our house now, Lawry!" She snapped her fingers, everything changing to a black and white striped gothic look.


[System]
Age: 61 (Since manufacture)

Gender: Male programming

Occupation: Mercenary

Appearance:

Decker stands at the standard android height of 6'2" (1.87m), 6'4" (1.93m) in armour, and has glowing blue optics. Despite his age, he still appears as a young man in his mid to late twenties due to synthetics lacking the biological ageing process in humans. On a side note, Decker is never seen without his armour, and he only removes it in extremely rare circumstances such as formal meetings. It is also due to the fact that he sees no need to remove it, due to not needing sleep and comfort.

Personality: Having lost most of his memory besides basic information on combat and how to operate technology, Decker is unable to remember most of his life before the crash, and as such, he is somewhat naïve and curious about things and tries to help out wherever he can. Despite this, he can still be a deadly adversary in combat due to possessing the strength of multiple humans and his enhanced reflexes. He can also be a lot more mature if need be. He will go to great lengths to get his memory back.

History: [DATA CORRUPTED]

Weapons and Equipment:
* ACAR-38: The standard issue assault rifle for every Marine. It, like all other kinetic weapons of the UEGNC, uses a coil propulsion system to fire 8.41x63mm armour-piercing rounds at incredible speeds and range. It has a selective fire mode and can fire single shots, burst shots, and full auto. Comes with an undermounted grenade launcher and holds sixty rounds.
* G119: Standard issue sidearm for UEGNC Marines. Holds fifteen 10mm rounds in its magazine. Decker carries two of these.
* E31 Homing Grenade: Frag grenades that home in onto targets when thrown and detonate.
* 7-inch Durasteel Combat Knives: A pair of combat knives able to cut through armour.
* Gen 1 Android Sonic Cannon: Decker can transform his right arm into a powerful energy weapon that shoots blasts of extremely high-powered sound waves. Though not as powerful as later versions, this weapon is still able to inflict a massive amount of damage.
* Modified Combat Armour: A set of powered armour modified and worn by Decker with improvements to movement systems and sensors.
* Many more contained in his ship's weapons locker.

Skills and Abilities:
* Pinpoint Calculations: Due to having a supercomputer for a brain, Decker can perceive the world in slow-motion, and can perform complex calculations in microseconds.
* Marksmanship: Processing millions of calculations per second, Decker can predict the movement of targets and fire with extreme accuracy.
* Advanced Hydraulics: Military Combat Androids all have advanced hydraulic systems, allowing them to have the strength five humans.
* Heavy Mettle: Due to being programmed with multiple combat styles, Decker is a deadly combatant in close combat, which itself is supplemented with his superhuman strength.
* Android Durability: Thanks to Decker's nanocomposite duratanium endoskeleton and bulletproof synthetic skin layer, he is far more durable than normal humans, being able to shrug off most blows and impacts.
* Photographic Memory: Androids are able to process and store information such as faces, maps, and files.
* Reactor Overload: Decker overloads his microfusion reactor, which provides him a temporary boost of power, increasing his speed and strength. However, he overheats quickly, and needs to cool down every so often. Overloading too much has to potential to self-destruct with the power of a small nuke.

[User]
In the skies and above the clouds of an uncharted planet, the air seemed to shimmer and glow, before a line split through and appeared to rip reality itself open, creating an opening which revealed nothing but a blue and white glow. Then through that glow, a spacecraft emerged, shooting out at an impressive speed, before plummeting down towards the planet's surface as the portal closed behind it. It appeared to be damaged, looking as if it had collided with something shown by numerous scratches to its paintjob and parts flying off as they shot through the atmosphere. Smoke was trailing out of several sections, which were also sparking and fizzling. As for its six large repulsor engines, only four seemed to be working. Even then, its rear left engine seemed to be burning out. Lights in its cabin also seemed to be sparking as the area was bathed in flashing red from warning lights. The entire craft shook as it continued its violent descent, its functioning engines screeching.

Inside its large reinforced glass bridge, an armoured figure sat in the ship's command chair, frantically trying to regain control of his craft. "No no no no NO!" Conrad Decker screamed, pressing every button on the holoscreens in front of him. Try as he might, the ship refused to respond to his efforts. "Why won't you work?" He grit out, slamming his fist on the armrest. How the hell did this happen? He was on his way to meet a new contract on a colony world in the Inner Colonies when he had the misfortune for his RIFT drive to malfunction, violently throwing him out of the hyperspace tunnel and falling towards some planet he didn't even recognise.

The android mercenary growled as he attempted to at least activate the ship's airbrakes or reverse its thrust to slow his descent, but as before, nothing worked. More than a little worrying as the ground was getting closer every second, a sea of trees down below.

"WARNING! Cargo bay door open. Manual override required." His ship's computer alerted. Throwing his arms up in frustration, he jumped out of the chair and raced towards the rear, which took a fair amount of time, given his ship measured at just above fifty-three metres in length. Reaching it, he saw that, to his anger, several pieces of unsecured cargo sliding down the metal floor and shooting out through the opening. Growling, he activated the magnetic clamps in his boots and sprinted over to the door controls. Of course, something had to go wrong just as he reached it.

"ALERT! IMPACT WITH GROUND IN <10> SECONDS!" The ship's computer warned with a tone of urgency as the craft's altitude rapidly decreased. He knew that because he had synced himself up with the ship itself, and he felt and saw everything its sensors and cameras did. He looked out the opened cargo bay. He was only a few dozen metres above the canopy layer. Cursing, he clamped on to a railing, the metal bending due to his strength, and positioned himself to absorb the shock.

The craft suddenly lurched as he collided with a tree, sending it tilting to the side. It vibrated and shook as it hit a dozen more in its path. Decker glanced back out, seeing to his horror that at this speed, impact would severely damage his craft, not to mention himself in the process.

"ALERT! IMPACT WITH GROUND IN <-#1&67136"

"Son of a bi-" Was the last thing Decker managed to say before the entire railing was ripped off the ground as there was a horrible metallic grinding, before he himself was thrown out through the back. His sensors went haywire, and the last thing he received through his visual feed was the craft finally sliding to a stop a few dozen metres in front of him and catching fire, before his systems shut down.

[Assistant]
Diana Florence was trekking through some heavily wooden terrain on the way to her destination. The hardened young woman took out a somewhat dirty canteen and took a sip of water. She was quite thankful the true heat of summer was still a ways off but the air was still warm and slightly muggy, which made her bit of chain-mail rather hot and sweaty underneath. Despite the minor annoyances she was still making decent headway though had to adjust her knapsack from time to time in order to feel comfortable.

The reason she was essentially in the middle of nowhere was because of her current job. Her task was to investigate the claims that a monster den had appeared in these woods and if it existed to locate and report it's location back to the nearby town who would inform the proper people to handle the situation. It was hard and dangerous work, especially for a lone mercenary where death or worse fates could easily befall her, but it was the life she chose for herself.

Only recently had she discovered signs of life other than wild animals in the area and she had started to track a set of hoof prints that betrayed the fact the creature walked on two legs, meaning it was not an animal but a monster. As she hunted after the creature she saw more and more signs of recent travel, such as broken twigs, scuffed up patches of dirt, even some excrement which was unpleasant to stumble upon but told her that she was only a few hours behind.

"I can only hope it leads me back to its den." Diana muttered to herself as she found herself climbing over a fallen tree. "If its only a loner this will all be for nothing, but if I do find their lair I'll have to be careful not to be detected." If there indeed was a monster den in the area and if the hoof prints belonged to one of the species she was thinking of, she would soon have to be careful in her pursuit and try to avoid setting off any crude alarms systems.

Her thoughts about how to proceed were interrupted when she felt that something was amiss. Soon enough a bunch of concerned birds quickly shot up into the air and flew off. Seeing where they were fleeing she looked the opposite way and saw a glimpse of something in the sky. It was hard to tell what it was but it was big, quite big. First thought was maybe a dragon but it appeared to be mostly one color and was just too oddly shaped to be any creature she knew.

She crouched down and hid, unsure of what it was, only that it was fast and coming closer. Thankfully it was not head straight for her and would easily miss her but, what in the world was it? She lost sight of it when she hid and then came the terrible crashing sounds as the object started to smash through the forest with its sheer speed and mass. Trees snapped, were toppled and even splintered into thousands of pieces as the huge hunk of metal tore through the woods. The crashing sounds were so loud and terrifying that Diana had to cover her ears and held her breath on reflex so the monster wouldn't notice her.

One more tree topple over from the onslaught, and then all was silence. Diana gingerly peeked out for her hiding space behind a hollowed out tree and listened. She waited for a full minute but no other sounds could be heard. Extricating herself from her position, her tracking mission pushed aside for the moment, she hurried over to where the sounds were. Soon enough she came upon a section disintegrated trees and earth where the massive object had first touched ground. Following the carnage she saw it, whatever it was.

It was huge, made of what appeared to be metal, yet not. It was definitely on fire and the swath of destruction it had caused was excessive. Without closer examination it would be impossible to even guess at what it was, some secret project by a neighboring government perhaps? Bits and pieces were thrown about the woods, most of it on the ground behind the thing. She tried to identify it but it was like nothing she had even seen before, but then she saw a figure, sprawled out among the rubble.

It looked human, but the strange armor it wore was unlike anything she had ever seen before. Like plate-mail yet perhaps more like the exoskeleton of an insect that was impossible for a human to replicate. She had absolutely no clue what was going on but considering how strange this was, she needed to investigate and find out the identity of the figure. Considering it probably fell from whatever the burning metal slab was, there was a good chance it was dead but as a mercenary she never let down her guard as she cautiously approached, careful of her surrounds as well as the figure on the ground.

Before long she was on top of it, one hand gripped her short sword for defense as she circled around, trying to detect any signs of life. She gave one of its legs and nudge and stepped back quickly just in case. This whole situation was so out of the normal, Diana hadn't a clue how to proceed. "It looks dead but with all that armor its hard to be certain. What could have been flying around on that?"

She looked again to the strange object but it still made zero sense to her. This was going to be a rather strange day.

[User]
/|WARNING! PROCESSING MATRIX STATUS CRITICAL|\

/|COMMENCING SYSTEM RESTART|\

/|DONE|\

/|ERROR: MEMORY BANKS CORRUPTED|\

/|PREVIOUS DATA CORRUPTED|\

/|RESTORING…|\

/|ERROR: RESTORATION UNAVAILABLE|\

/|EXTERNAL MEMORY BACKUP REQUIRED|\

/|INITIATING STARTUP PROCEDURE|\

/|SYSTEM CHECK IN PROGRESS|\

/[SERVOS: OK]\

/|HYDRAULICS: OK|\

/[OPTICS: OK]\

/[SENSORS: OK]\

/[SONIC CANNON: OK]\

/[MICROFUSION REACTOR: OK]\

/[PERSONALITY MODULE: OK]\

/[MEMORY BANKS: DAMAGED {SUGGEST IMMEDIATE REPAIR}]\

/|ALL SUB-ROUTINES FUNCTIONING|\

/|SYSTEMS NOMINAL|\

/|RETURNING TO FULL OPERATING CONSCIOUSNESS|\

Behind his helmet, Decker's eyes suddenly seemed to flash, before they shifted to a faint blue glow as his optics focused and unfocused, adjusting to the light level. The blurriness and slight visual glitching eventually subsided, and Decker found himself staring up at a canopy of green, warm rays of sun shining through the leaves. There was some movement above, and he zoomed in to see several birds perched on a branch, chirping away, some with berries in their beaks. For a second, he felt a sense of peace, which was odd an odd feeling in his circuits.

Something nudged his legs, and he slowly turned his head to see a woman in odd attire standing a few paces away from him. She appeared to be wearing a long blue dress, with some sort of metal armour covering her top, along with a pair of boots, a bladed weapon in her right hand. She was looking at his sprawled-out form with caution, though there was a sense of curiosity in her deep blue eyes. A gentle breeze blew through the forest, causing several trees to rustle up above, and the woman's dress and long, braided blonde hair to sway in the wind.

Decker groaned as he raised his hands above his face, before he shakily got to his feet, servos in both his armour and body itself whirring as he did. His inbuilt balancing systems ensured that he wouldn't lose his balance as he stood up to his full height, which he noted was far taller than the woman. He shook his head as the last of his systems returned back to life, before giving an uncomfortable wave at the woman.

"Uh, hello."


[System]
Race: Laguz (Raven)
Age: 21
Appearance: Messy short black hair. Tall and thin, angular face. Dark blue eyes. Large black wings.
Features: Bird's Eye (Sees farther away than most and can pick up more details up close.)
Stats
 Constitution - 4
 Strength - 2
 Magic - 0
 Skill - 6
 Speed - 6
 Defense - 4
 Resistance - 4
 Luck - 3
Inventory: Beaststone
Personality: Snarky, ever watchful for danger or things he can exploit, clever but impulsive with a quick temper, curious
Biography: He'd had honestly had hope for Miricia. Not much since Beroc would be Beroc, but some. He had wandered over from Derark to see if he could make a new life here. Now that King Temerius had abandoned them, he'd need to take matters into his own hands to figure out who'd murdered the former Beroc king no matter what.
Additional Info: Has dealt with the criminal underbelly before.

[User]
Nortiz - Dawn, Mirica

Oh no. Soldiers. The raven laguez knew the stories. The heavy soldier fortunately jumped out of his claws as soon as he saw his prince as Nortiz forced his aching wings to fly high and away. The humans would be fine (hopefully the other laguez would be as well as long as she was with the prince). Fellow humans were still viewed with basic civility even if they did seek to help the "half-animals". Any laguez though, especially one caught breaking the new "laws"...

Nortiz struggled to fly faster onwards, desperately hoping they either missed him when they were looking to arrest or didn't have bows. If he escaped this, he could either go back to his original plan or see if they needed help later on. In order to help though, he needed to not fall into their hands. And to do that, he needed to fly.

[Assistant]
Prince Erik Reighn - Dawn, Miricia

"I'd say that's an understatement," Erik answered his companion Zachary. The prince looked around at the lances pointed at him and contemplated what to do, while also taking a good look at the soldiers more carefully. There was... something wrong about this. Obviously the law was unfair. But something else was bothering Erik. It was these soldiers, their stances in particular. They were... off. They didn't seem like any standard Mirician soldier.

"Your answer, Prince Reighn?" The mustached lance-wielder asked again. Erik gazed at the mustached man, then down at the wolf laguz by his feet. He exchanged glances with Zachary and Gregory, and figured the best route would be to simply desist and comply. Nothing good would come from it otherwise.

"We'll accompany you," Erik stated with a salty tone. He watched the raven laguz previously carrying Gregory appear to take off, and Erik did his best not to look in that direction, so as to not attract any attention to him. He knew the situation well enough to understand that any laguz caught in the middle of this would be horrendous for them.

"Excellent," The mustached man nodded, causing the lance-wielders to raise their lances. "Now then, two things, my lord," He addressed the prince. "First, we must dispose of the ruffian still inside the tavern causing a disturbance. I assume he is not with you and that he may be... taken care of?"

Erik gritted his teeth. He knew exactly what they meant. Although he wasn't fond of the strange-haired mage causing damage, he also didn't want him brutally murdered without any chance to defend himself. Erik had to think quick on his feet. "The man hurt my comrades! I'd have him answer to me, if that's fair."

"Ah, that should work, my lord," The mustached commander nodded, and called for one of the soldiers to step forward. The man's appearance was different than the other soldiers, so much so that Prince Erik recognized him right away. He wasn't a regular soldier. He wasn't even Mirician. He was from Monos, the frozen lands of the north.

Constitution - 28
 Strength - 24
 Magic - 10
 Skill - 17
 Speed - 18
 Defense - 22
 Resistance - 17
 Luck - 12

Derius Merridan is the First Knight of Monos, a title granted to the strongest knight in the royal guard of Monos. Derius is a fiend, one who cares little about the excuses or pity of others, and carries out his orders swiftly and brutally. Erik had met him while he had trained with his friend, the crown prince of Monos. He had always given him the creeps, even when he was younger. His horned helmet resembled the wyverns found in that frozen country. Yet if Erik had to choose between fighting the First Knight and a fully grown, vicious wyvern, he would choose the Wyvern every time.

Derius walked into the tavern, and approached Felix inside. Instantly, many of the ruffians who initially resisted had paled and backed off, knowing full well who this man was. "Desist and accompany me, or die. You will not be warned again," The large, armored man stated loudly as he grabbed for his large halberd.

Erik could only watch as the First Knight had entered the tavern. He felt sweat drip off his brow, as he turned his attention to the mustached commander again. "Now then, secondly, that one," He pointed to the black laguz in the sky. "Was he one of the conspirators too, Prince Reighn? Shall he be annihilated?"

"No!" Gregory suddenly whispered beside Erik. The Prince grabbed his larger knight companion and gritted his teeth. "He's with us," He said impulsively, knowing full well the laguz would be captured now. But he knew being capture would be much preferable to execution.

"Very well then... Master Joriah, will you please?" The mustached man called to another, recognizable face to Erik.

Constitution - 25
 Strength - 6
 Magic - 24
 Skill - 24
 Speed - 20
 Defense - 10
 Resistance - 22
 Luck - 16

The man was almost as famous as his counterpart, Derius. As the First Mage of Monos, Joriah was in charge of the entire mage division of Monos. He was an unpleasant man who spent more time counting his money and spending it on gambling and other vices than on leading. But his skill could not be denied. His lightning magic was as precise as it was deadly. He walked forward with a grin and cried out to the flying laguz.

"Black-winged beast!" He called hatefully. "Get down here, or be brought down!"

It was only then that it began to dawn on Erik what was going on. The mustached man was a Mirician General of some sort. He couldn't pinpoint his name, but he had seen his face. However, the troops, their armor, and most especially their long, deadly lances, all bore the resemblance not of Mirician soldiers. They were from Monos.

What in the world was going on?

[User]
GERWAZY CASIMIR

A young, what should we call him, aristocrat? Diplomat?

I like Diplomat better...

A young diplomat was walking the streets of Mircia, noticing quite the hectic bar fight taking place. Once he got to the commotion, it seemed to have died down. What struck him as odd, though, was the incredibly powerful Monos presence, in one little bar. knowing that there was more to this tale than let on, he decided to let his talking try to calm the fight down rather than let it reignite, but this time everyone dying thanks to the Monosian powerhouses.

Gerwazy nudged his way to the center, where he saw the last person he would expect to be at a little racist bar, a prince from Albia. 'Perfect,' Gerwazy thought to himself, 'this sounds like the start to a bad joke.' The diplomat made his way to the Monos knight and wizard and said "Oh dear, what do we have here. If you continue this racist speech, than it might attract some onlookers. The last thing we want is the press to come out direction. So how about we just lower the weapons and talk this out like the civilized folk we are?"

At this point, Gerwazy was spewing stuff out his ass. He did not know the full story, but was trying to defuse it from becoming an actual skirmish. He prayed to the Goddess to aide him in this struggle

[Assistant]
Nortiz - Dawn, Mirica

"Black-winged beast!" He called hatefully. "Get down here, or be brought down!"

Nortiz glanced back at the scene. When had a random disturbance involving Laguez been considered important enough to involve mages (even it had involved a destroyed tavern)? Archers, he'd been expecting. Mages though, that was a different thing entirely, especially if the guy had wind magic on him. The raven swooped downwards, aiming to go behind the tallest building around and fly from there until the chase was given up on (not thinking about what could happen if he didn't get away, nope not at all). The guard couldn't be desperate enough yet that they'd destroy property to bring him down. So his best bet was to get out of the mage guy's range and line of sight while avoiding any other guards' attempts to bring him down. If he'd thought to bring a second set of clothes, maybe he could find a place out of sight, change, then attempt to disappear into the crowd, but he'd not imagined this kind of scenario happening today. What he had though was flight and speed. With a little bit of luck, he might still manage to shake off his pursuit, get into clothes, then plot out his next course of action. No way would he willing submit again, even if (when) this made things harder for him.

At the very least, "beast" was a better word than "pet".

[User]
Prince Erik Reighn - Dawn, Miricia

The mustached Mirician commander glanced at the newly arrived laguz incredulously and seemed about to give an order to his men, before Erik quickly intervened. "He's also with me," The Albian prince announced and stepped one foot forward. He glanced back at the new arrival with a curious glare before he looked back forward. The mustached commander seemed less impressed with Erik's answer, but lowered his hand before an order was given.

The mage from Monos, Joriah, meanwhile, gleefully smiled as he watched the raven get away. "Better for me!" He shouted happily as he prepared to fire a bolt of lightning from one of his tome books at the laguz.

However, Erik once more shouted, "And him!" Erik stated loud enough for the mage to turn his head at the younger prince. "He's also a part of my group."

Joriah eyed Erik up and down with displeasure, then shrugged. "I don't much care who that thing is with. He is an enemy to me."

"But as long as the Prince of Albia claims him, you cannot," The mustached commander said.

"You may command your Mirician forces, Albert, but you are not mine," Joriah spat back at the mustached commander, who Joriah identified as being called Albert. Erik knew the name.

Constitution - 30
Strength - 20
 Magic - 2
 Skill - 18
 Speed - 10
 Defense - 25
 Resistance - 7
 Luck - 7

"Bah!" Joriah exclaimed and threw his hands up, dissipating the spell. "Have it your way... for now." The mage angrily watched the raven laguz disappear. "Well, what will be done about him, then?"

"My men will retrieve him," Albert stated as he rubbed his mustache in thought. "As for the rest of you," He gestured to Erik, Zachary, Gregory, and the laguz near by. "You are to accompany me to the throne room. The King Jacob will see you."

Erik nodded and glanced at the new arriving laguz with a hint of annoyance. He looked at Gregory, his large knight companion, and motioned for him to talk to the laguz.

Gregory nodded and smiled at the laguz. "Just follow us and act like you're with us. When the king is done with us, we'll leave and cut you loose without any problems. Please just go along with it," The large knight leaned in further. "The Monos guys are some of their strongest fighters. We don't want to mess with them right now."

[Assistant] Gerwazy sighed relief. His tactic paid off. He looked at Prince Erik and bowed. "My liege, I come looking for you. I am Gerwazy Casimir of Kuro. I am here on diplomatic terms."

[User]
Nortiz - Dawn, Mirica

The raven straightened up behind the building, bracing for the sound of the mage's magic overhead.

Only for it to never come.

Nortiz puzzled through the mystery as he mechanically flew through the streets. The man had been ready to strike, his posture shouted that. There ought to have been a missed shot at least. They couldn't have given up on him already, not with the amount of guards. Maybe they were content to let him get away? Doubtful, but given they did have other prisoners, there should be some time before some would be sent to...

A brief glance out of the corner of his eye was all the warning he had before the net engulfed him. Frantically, he struggled to bite or claw his way out, but he was also falling to the ground. Progress was made, but the crash to the ground stunned him long enough for the guards to swarm. His wings were pushed together and tied first, even as he scrambled to fight them off. Then some wrapped rope around his neck and beak before it became his lead line while the rest hobble roped his legs, restricting his kicking range. All he could do for now was glare, fighting the helplessness and visions that rose up in his head. But of course, that glare would cause the sergeant to chuckle.

"Fiesty little bird, aren't you,"commented the sergeant as he stroked Nortiz's head, smirking as the raven failed to control his flinch. "I can see why a prince would claim you for himself." He then stood up and jerked on the leadline, causing Nortiz to stumble forward. "Form ranks around the prisoner and get ready to double-time to the palace. We wouldn't want to cause a diplomatic incident now, would we?"

Some of the men chuckled and the raven focused on the feel of cobblestone on his talons. He couldn't panic now. Panic later when alone (if he was left alone for long enough). He couldn't escape now (he'd simply be more tightly bound if he was in beroc form especially with his current lack of clothes and had no chance against all the guards right now), but if he kept his wits about him he could escape later no matter what happened before then (even if it took years). No telling why a foreign prince would claim a random laguz that flew away, but he could survive whatever came (he had before). There was one little bit of comfort he could think of as the guards dragged him to the castle. He'd managed to get into the palace after all.


[System]
Alfred Grimm

Last Mage of the Court of England

"Magic has rules. People like me make them."
Sex:
Male

Culture:
Anglo-Saxon

Age:
36

Physical Description:
Of an average build, Alfred looks younger than he actually is and usually hides his form beneath the robes of his position at court. He stands at about 5"11, and his forearms and hands bear the rough burn scars of someone who has made enough mistakes with magic to know how to avoid repeating them. Under the hood of his robes, his hair is short and closely kept, dark as a raven's plumage, and his body is more toned than it is actually strong.

Occupation/Skillset:
Alfred is a powerful and highly trained hermetic mage. His is the magic which is most reliable – the magic which, like any part of the natural world, follows laws. Aside from his ability in spellcasting, he is also an expert in magical lore and academics. If someone, somewhere, has done something magical, then Alfred has a good chance of being able to explain it – and if he can't, then he'll study it until he can. In the court of the Duke of Brittony he fulfils the position of the court mage, an advisor in all things magic, occasional interpreter of dreams – and a force to be reckoned with in his own right.

Personality:
Alfred is an intuitive and perceptive person, wise and kind. His natural demeanour is an astute and guarded one, however, from his years in the court of The King of England and then in the court of the Duke of Brittony, where politicians were the most abundant species. He is inclined towards children, however, and looks to take on an apprentice at some point – if he should find someone young enough to have time to learn all he knows, with the right temperament, and the natural ability.

Backstory:
Alfred Grimm does not have parents that he can remember, or put name and face to today. Instead, he was abandoned at the doors of the hall of King Edward the Confessor before his first birthday, apparently so that he could be taught the ways of magic by the court mage – a wise and elderly mage of the hermetic tradition, named Eamer of East Anglia, a name which no more told anyone his place of origin than 'Eamer of Albion' would have. Eamer the Mage remained as mysterious as this through much of Alfred's studies, rarely speaking of his hometown or origins if ever. Despite this, he was a talented and creative mage, and a superb teacher.

Alfred Grimm – named so not for any family, but for the colour of his hair – would begin to learn the core magical principles and the very basics of spellcraft at about the age of four or five, in roughly the same period as he was learning to read, write, and laminate vellum. He took to it as a fish takes to water, or a bird to flight, and still looks back on this time with great fondness. As time went by, the lessons naturally grew more advanced, the relationship between Master and Apprentice deepened, and Alfred's understanding of how things worked in the hermetic system grew and grew. He was passionate about learning – and equally as passionate about applying.

When he was 16, near a grown man by the world's standards, he set about improving his abilities without his master's guidance. This notion was motivated by his attraction to the girls of the court – daughters of minor noble houses, daughters of slightly less minor noble houses, servant girls, anyone really. This naturally made every decision he took in pursuing this goal rather unwise – and it came to a head when he tried to demonstrate a spell he had modified for them, a spell he had changed to make it more effective. It was indeed very effective – because he had removed the safeguards that made it tolerable to use.

He nearly lost his hands to an all-consuming magical fire. The girls he had been trying to impress never spoke to him again, terrified of what he could do and how little control he seemed to have. What kind of mage ends up bedridden for a fortnight because they didn't know how to avoid setting their own flesh on fire? A dangerous and stupid one. He did not repeat this mistake.

Master Eamer was furious, but he did not once consider rejecting Alfred as his apprentice. He nursed him back to health personally, feeding him all sorts of vile tonics and potions in the name of his wellbeing – a practice which Alfred later suspected as being as much punishment as remedy. A punishment he accepted, though. From then on, he was more disciplined in his studies and practice of magic – a change Eamer appreciated, no doubt. He would gain many more scars and burns in his studies, of course – but they would be more in the name of experimentation and research than bragging.

Alfred went on to learn alchemy, medicine, scrying and the primitive forms of divination available at the time, summoning – though he rarely dabbles in that, - ritual magicks, and the art of perceiving the hidden and subtle flows and eddies of arcana and mana in the natural world. It was a happy time, and it changed much of how he lived his life. In time, he was also to learn the less arcane and more practical aspects of life at court. Table manners, for example. Also, politics, the basics of swordsmanship, the ins and outs of heraldry and nobility, and at one point philosophy and art.

Time wore on. Alfred grew wiser, smarter, and bigger… and his master grew old. Older than he already was. Smaller, weaker, sicker, too. Among the last things his master taught him before Alfred took over at the court mage was how to learn for himself – and how to teach others, as well; he remembers his master's words well to this day –

"Alfred, you have always lived this life, you have always known magic. Your parents gave you to me because they had learned early that you were talented in this way – but many in the world have the gift, and never know."

"Alfred, you will know when the time is right, you will know who is right. Some day, find an apprentice of your own. Teach them. Pass on your knowledge. I have already taught you more than I thought I could."

"Alfred… you have been wonderful. Every day I have been thankful to be able to teach you. When my time comes… bury me in Gwent. It's where I grew up. Where I learned what you've learned here, from me."

His master lived for three years after Alfred took over his role at court, giving advice, still practicing magic, always learning. When he died, it was quick, quiet, and peaceful.

Alfred grieved, and took three months from his time at court to return Eamer to his hometown in Gwent.

When he returned though, he found that things had changed somewhat. For one thing, a woman named Edyth – one of the girls he had once tried to impress – was visiting him more and more frequently. For another thing, so were some other noble women. Some for potions for their complexion, some for potions for fertility, some for various other potions for various other things. Knowing that this would not make him popular with the men of the court, he tried his best to spend more time with the former than any of the latter – she was a servant, and charming, but not the kind of person any of the noblemen were likely to have keen interest in.

He was wrong.

She was beautiful, and very loving, and bright, and the subject of a torrid affection on the part of an admittedly minor noble, but still noble enough to ruin Alfred's day – especially when his dear Anise ran to Alfred crying, a bruise across her cheek.

He had never been so angry.

Had it not been for the physical proof of the young noble's assault on Anise, and his own high standing in court, he would likely have been executed for what he did to the offender.

Instead, he was exiled – so that he might "… become Brittony's problem."
On the bright side, Anise was unlikely to receive any unwanted attention for quite some time – the last man to give her any had ended up as something of a cautionary tale at court, his own standing ruined too.

And naturally, mages and wizards have plenty of work going. It was only a matter of time before he ended up in service to the good Duke, as he had been for some years before the quest began.

[User]
The bald man's eyes were closed, hands clasped above his knees where he sat. He was mouthing quietly to himself, not imposing his prayer over the meal upon his companions. He did not doubt their faith- otherwise he'd invoke Inquisition- but he knew that, often times, prayer was the farthest thing from traveller's minds. Especially with weather as dreary and dreadful as this. Hugo for his part asked for blessed weather in the days to come- his horse had much trouble travelling through the mud, and he'd even dismissed his valet due to the horridness.

He pulled his hands apart, his prayers complete, and lifted a sparse loaf of bread to his lips and bit into it with a single strong bite, pulling the bread away from his face as he chewed. His oaths required him to abstain from meat for all but three meals of the week, and on the beginnings of a journey Hugo preferred to keep to bread. Once his mouth was clear, he finally spoke;

"Ser Hugo Le Guen, Master Templar of the Bretons, master commander of the Commanderie of the Isle of Belle-ile. At the lord's service, and yours for the moment."

His eyes scanned over the group as he held his meagre meal in his hands. The women made him a smidge uncomfortable- his oaths forbade even coming into contact with women- but here they were, chosen by the Good Duke for their services. He wouldn't let his sensibilities come between him and a quest, however, and they were welcome companions so long as they kept the faith and kept to the job.

"I am a survivor of the Crusade for Sussex, where we were repelled by the pagans of England. I lead the vanguard in the crusade, and was both the first and last out of the combat. I take my vows seriously, I take my duties seriously, and I take this quest seriously." He said simply, taking the time to wash his throat with a sip of water. "But I will say this; I will put my faith in each and every one of you, and I expect and implore you to put your faith in me. Trust and co-operation will ensure our success."

He took another bite of his loaf of bread, chewing slowly and deliberately. After another few seconds of chewing he swallowed, drank another sip of water.

"Gloria ad Deus." He concluded in Latin. The man, in his white mantle and bearing his multitude of weapons, left the air to another of the company.

[Assistant]
Holding a hand out, the blonde youth poured a small amount of her water into the palm before setting the water-skin aside. Rubbing both of her slender hands together, she ensured they were both clean before she even thought about her meal. Once they were purified to a satisfactory level, she joined the holy man in his moment of prayer and began to eat.

Though she did not have such qualms over meat, she ate quietly and made little visible movement while chewing. Hearing the introductions, the girl noted just what capacity of folk she had found herself in the company of before she swallowed the piece of deer she had partaken of.

"My lady has given me the alias Concordia for this mission. She informed me it is the name of an old Roman Goddess that presides over marriage. I suppose she found it fitting for a task like this. I am very familiar with negotiations and the workings of merchants."

Slowly reaching up, she pulled her hood down slightly, hoping to mask her discomfort in such conditions. Under scrutiny, it was painfully obvious to even a child that she was not used to being in the woods like this. Frequently shifting a bit on the log in a vane attempt to find comfort, and the shuddering from her rain-soaked attire.

Sitting on logs, with no wine, no spice, no music. Nothing! How did people live like this?!

Finally, Concordia had enough. Getting up from the log, she walked over to her belongings and produced a wooden flute as she spoke, with a tinge of pride in her voice, "I am also trained in music!"

With that, she brought the instrument up to her lips and began to play a soft, gentle tune for her companions.

[User]
Alfred's eyes widened a little in surprise at the Knight's tale of crusade and conquest - that being, crusade against Sussex, and the conquest of his attempt. It was impressive that he had survived - even Alfred Grimm would have thought twice about confronting druids on their home territory. Not quite impossible, but more than daunting. His talk of pagans was concerning in its tone, however. Alfred resolved to try and keep a lid on his own views, for now.

Then, he suppressed a chuckle - a practice he had become adept at during his time at court - at the sight of Concordia. A spy, apparently, but also a spy with no taste for the wilderness, and no love of the darkness in the heart of the woods. He trusted that she would prove useful - but he trusted equally that when she did, it would probably not be at foraging for food, lighting fires, or stalking prey in the forest.

"I am Alfred Grimm, and I serve as advisor in all things arcane to our mutual liege lord, Ser Giles. I come from England, where I was originally trained as a Mage and had originally practiced as a magician. I am also familiar with the pagans you speak of, Ser Hugo - druids, mostly. Their connection to the natural world is remarkable, and it makes them fearsome opponents on their own land. Your crusade was brave, and your survival very impressive."

For a moment, he paused, stretching and turning away from the now empty bowl on the ground by his feet. He had been stretching often over the course of their journey, more to feel the rainwater on his skin than anything else. He was no Druid, but magic was as natural as anything, and most mages draw great enjoyment from the environment. Alfred was no exception.

"I follow the Hermetic tradition of sorcery, and am also capable of arcane study, ritual magic, summoning, and some degree of alchemy." He drew a hand up in front of him, closed his fingers into a fist, and then gently spread them again to reveal the warm glow of flames in the palm of his hand. "Perhaps most importantly, I am quite adept at counterspelling. Should we encounter other mages whose goals counter ours," the flames went out, their bodies turning green as their presence on the Annwn plane was dispersed, "I should be able to handle them." He smiled broadly.


[System]
Race: Yan-ti pureblood

Age: appears to be in his late 30's in truth closer to 70

Gender: male

Appearance: Ramius stands just under 6 feet, his shoulders are quite broad, but his arms and legs obviously have not been used to physical work. Upon the first look the man looks quite ordinary if a bit effeminate. Upon closer inspection there is just something off about him. For instance his skin is nearly gray in color and his eyes are slitted - even their striking blue color isn't enough to hide that fact. His left cheek looks like it has a burn mark on it - which in fact is a patch of scales extending from under the eye all the way down to his neck. His thin dark hair - which extends to his shoulders even when tied - is kept away from the eyes with a strap of red cloth that hides his ears.

Judging by the horrible scars that crisscross his back the man has felt the lash a few times. The area around his right shoulder blade is also covered by scales - as is most of his right arm apart from the fingers and palm.

Clothing/Armor: Ramius wears very simple clothes - usually wide cloth pants and a loose tunic that extends below his knees. The clothes are made of cheap cloth and have been colored brownish-green. The only part of his clothing that is a bit more expensive is the wide belt of his - made from some scaly leather and has a wide brass colored buckle. Over his other clothes the man wears a gray cloak - it too made from some cheap cloth, the cloak has obviously seen better days judging by the tattered hem.

Alignment: Lawful Evil

Weapons: A thin bladed dagger with a noticeably curved blade. The handle is adorned with two small emeralds and has a silver wolf's head pommel. Ramius keeps the knife hanging from his belt.

Skills/Abilities: Ramius possesses extremely good reflexes - so good in fact that he's able to dodge or even catch arrows if he knows from which direction they are shot at.

His ability with the dagger is below average at most.

He is a bard by trade so his skills in story telling, singing and flute playing are exceptionally good.

Ramius is the self titled 'King of Liars' - his skill in lying is so great that he can make the even most impossible story sound completely plausible and believable.

As far as talking to other people goes those who do not let his rather odd looks distract them they'll find that Ramius is actually a very verbose fellow.

Magic: Due to his Yan-ti heritage Ramius is able to see well in dark places, he is also able to spit acid at his foes - though that ability is highly limited.

He can break curses and other magical effects by playing his flute (countersong).

Ramius possesses a limited planar walking ability - which he got by angering one of Faerún's many fickle gods. He has no true control over the ability, but he does know exactly when a shift is going to occur.

Inventory: A rather battered rucksack containing food and water for roughly a week, spare clothes, a beautifully crafted silver flute, two money pouches, one with 50 gold coins with odd markings that are not recognized by anoyone - they are still solid gold so people don't often compalain. The second pouch at the moment contains 11 copper coins and two silver ones.

Backstory: Ramius - as he has chosen to call himself during his travels - was born in the Underdark to a society of Yan-ti. He became a spy and courtier at a relatively young age. His travels and odd jobs took him all the way from Amn to Luskan and Neverwinter. Somehow he ended up as a part of an adventuring group of very distinct individuals who set out to find an ancient artifact. During the adventure Ramius somehow managed to anger a god who cursed him to another plane of existence.

His first excursion to planar walking brought him to Castle Grayhawk where Ramius had to contend with all sorts of horrors, lies and intrigue. After what had felt like an eternity something pulled him away to a different plane again. The Yan-ti found himself in Barovia and again joined an adventuring party of sorts - these ones were actually on employ of one Strahd von Zarovich, whom had his own goals in mind. Ramius was forced to spend several years in Barovia - taking in even more horrors and bad memories - before another planar shift again happened.

The thus far last planar shift occurred nearly four years ago and Ramius found himself in Estermere. He found himself in a much pleasing environment - atleast in comparison to his last two planar excursions. Though people still are wary of the odd bard at the very least he has an audience to tell his weird stories to. He has integrated himself well to the society - or at least the part that visits taverns. In reality Ramius doesn't care if he'll ever see Faerún again - he has found a new home where his worst enemies are his dreams.

[User]
There had been so many homes, so many different lodgings and the occasional safe haven. Some had been damp and dark, unwelcoming and drab, some had reminded him of the old times, better days. Leaping Stag easily belonged to the small group of welcoming and safe places that he had seen over the years. He had seen hundreds of places like it, most of the welcoming ones in fair Faerún - a place he didn't miss nearly as much as he should have. The few people he had known were either dead or still trapped in horrible places with no hope of escape.

The Yan-ti shook his head as words pulled him away from his thoughts. "Could you tell the story about the dragon again?" The blue, slitted eyes opened a bit more, gleaming very slightly from the small shadow caused by the hood as he lifted his head to rest against the back wall on which he had been more or less sleeping against. Ramius seemed to ponder the question and forced a little smile to his thin lips as he examined the person who had asked the question - a youth of perhaps 17 summers, dark haired and eyes full of the joy of a simple life - the cloaked bard nodded his head ever so slightly. "Very well, but mind you there will not be much excitement since I'm sitting here telling the story to you." The boy nodded and waited patiently for the cloaked man to pry open a bottle of wine with his teeth.

"Years and years ago in a place called Faerún - a normal enough place with normal enough people it was as far as I can remember - there was a city called Neverwinter. For a time only misfortune happened to that city - none my doing, or so I hope... Though there was that one time with that noble, but that is a completely different story." Ramius paused to take a hefty gulp from his wine and scratched the burnmark like scales on his cheek. "Neverwinter and it's noble lord Nasher Alagondar one day had the most wondrous plan of hiring a sort of an adventurer's company. I somehow managed to end up becoming a member in the company and we were given our task. It seemed like an easy little job with a good pay. We were to find an old sculpture of sorts from a seemingly abandoned mine complex..."

The middle part of the story wasn't very exciting, but at the very least the storyteller kept it interesting. The group got to their destination without much of a hassle and began examining their surroundings. Every now and often Ramius took a sip of wine. Then he reached a part of the story where the group finally came face to face with a dragon. "...That's when we realized that we were not alone - at the back of the cavern slept a scaled being, nearly 200 feet long, with wings at least twice as wide. If we had all been wise we could have gotten out of there without any casualties, but no. There were untold riches down there with the hideous lizard and the more greedy of us were already eyeing around with that certain gleam of greed in their greedy eyes." Again the Yan-ti paused to take a sip of wine and now placed the empty bottle next to himself. "Some of us tried to dissuade them from touching the valuables - we were certain that the dragon would wake up and roast us where we stood..." He paused, glanced longingly at the empty bottle of wine and lifted his right hand slightly - showing the scales and scaleless fingers with the pointer finger extended towards the sky. "Give me a brief moment - I shall get myself something for these horrible symptoms of sore throat and then return to tell the rest of the story. Calmly the cloaked man stood up and disappeared inside the Leaping Stag.

[Assistant]
Tirarian sat in the corner of the yard, overlooking the motley crew. The Leaping Stag was one of the inns in the city that both was refined enough to attract the upper classes and yet cheap enough for the poor (well, probably not the poor poor). After a few drinks all of them would be toasting before forgetting it and going back to hating each other in the morning. But there was a fellow this place didn't attract often. Grey skin, slitted eyes and covered ears. She had seen him performing here and there, and she knew just what would satisfy her curiosity.

The Gnome lifted the brim of her hat up, and raised the flute to her lips. Tightening her lips into the appropriate embouchure, she thought to herself "Because if there's anything a bard loves to do, it's to tell other instrument players they can't play."

She started a steady song, hardly impressive. There was a distinct lack of other musicians out in the backyard and it wasn't hard to be heard at this distance from the bonfire.

[User]
I have made it to Estermere...

 The silhouette of the great city had been growing on the horizon since high sun. Livet's sojourn from the south, the path of which had meandered all over the countryside, was nearing its intended completion. She knew that once she got to the city she would have some pivotal decisions to make, but she had confidence that even though it wouldn't be easy, she could somehow make some sort of hold there. She knew magic was not welcomed by those unaccustomed to its use (that was to say most people in general) and thought that the best way to hide herself was in the crowds of Estermere. Not only that, but she was curious about the city. Many rumors existed about the grander of Estermere in the surrounding country, some scandalous, some outrageous, some horrifying; most were undoubtedly just tales told by those with fierce imaginations. Livet had approached the imposing gates of the city with sweat on her brow at the same time the sun crossed the point halfway through its descent to the earth. Her exchange with the guard was awkward, but civil. She thanked him as he let her through.

 Long shadows played on the cobbled streets as she hesitantly stepped past the threshold, the large apparatus behind her groaning as it sealed her inside. The guard had suggested the infamous Leaping Stag Inn. She hadn't much money left and didn't know the best way to go about getting more. She had thought about inquiring around the city to get employed as a serving maid or something of the like, but didn't want to be at the mercy of some perverted innkeeper. Her hand rested on the pouch containing her funds at her belt, the rumor of cut-purses one of the many thoughts clouding her mind. The city had a colorful crowd although it was small in the few final hours of the day. The sorceress set off at a brisk pace in the direction the guard had given her, keeping her hood up and worn cloak closed.

 Hazel eyes roamed the picturesque expanse of the city, a sight she hadn't seen since she was a young girl. Colorful flags and tapestries waved in a slight breeze. The citizens she had the chance to observe were obviously preparing for the end of the day. To have to step around and through the obstacles of other hustling patrons, collapsing street carts and displays, and workers carrying odds and ends was something Livet had never experienced before. More than a few times she caused a collision after backing away from one in front of her. She had to ask for directions multiple times, and was relieved when she finally saw the Leaping Stag emerge from the cityscape. A weary smile appeared on her face. She didn't know if she had enough to cover a night, but if not she could inquire about a cheaper inn or maybe even if there was any work available.

As the young woman approached the door, a muffled roar could be heard from the street and got louder until she pushed open the door, and like a bubble popping, she could hear the sharp cacophony of the lively crowd inside the inn. Livet smiled; once she had adjusted to a more populace scene, she found she enjoyed the festive atmosphere. Her eyes widened as she stepped into the inn proper - it wasn't much larger than others she had visited, but there were so many more people! The room wasn't packed to the point in which no one could walk, but she could see through windows to the backyard that there were many more patrons than those who lingered inside. The air smelled of fresh cooking meat, and in here away from the more intoxicated of the bunch, lacked the subtle sour undertone of vomit. The sorceress swallowed hard; once she initiated conversation, she had no problem upholding it but had trouble getting to that point. Having been raised in semi-isolation, she still hadn't gotten completely over a few awkward tendencies.

Two pale hands came up and brought down her hood as she strode toward the bar. She wanted to ask the price of a room, though she doubted she had enough with what meager currency still rattled in her coin purse. As her hand touched the counter, her stomach growled, and she made a note to ask the price of a meal. Livet also wanted to inquire about any rumors of work going around, but she didn't know if it were better just to go to the guard and ask about bounties. She didn't know if it was a good idea to just put herself out like that; she hadn't much experience in a bigger city environment. She paused for a moment at the bar, not really sure how to proceed, avoiding getting the attention of a barkeep.

[Assistant]
Ramius stopped to glance behind himself when he heard someone playing a flute. His eyes scanned the crowd and located the flute player. A gnome? Hmh... I'll sate my curiosity a bit later... He shook his head ever so slightly and headed through the door to meet the ear aching sounds of the patrons that seemed to love their little drinking establishment.

He moved through the crowd with ease, stealing a few coppers here and there from people too drunk to notice his sleight of hand. His swift hands also found a half empty tankard of ale - the owner of which had fallen in to drunken sleep. The Yan-ti did not particularly enjoy the taste of ale, but a free drink was always to be enjoyed if you had a chance for it.

Ramius emptied the tankard with few sips and placed it back on the table while leaning over to the sleeping man and nudging his shoulder "You shouldn't fall asleep like that, neighbor." The man flinched awake and blinked his eyes. He let out a little yelp due to the piercing blue eyes that were staring at him from under a hood. "W-wha? Uh... Y-yeah... I Sh-shouldh be headin' back to m' lass already..." Ramius smiled surprisingly warmly to the man and nodded. "That you should, neighbor." He nodded to the man before again continuing onward to the bar.

His eyes caught a new sight - a brown haired woman, quite attractive by the Yan-ti's standards, a new face surely. Ramius hid his right arm under his cloak and made his way closer to the woman while making sure the hood of his cloak covered his head. "I'm surprised to see a new face in the Leaping Stag, what brings you to this fine establishment li'll miss?"


[System]
Age:17

Personality & Bio: Humorous and vivacious, along with being very nosy and somewhat laid back. He always tries to find interests in many new things that look to him as appealing, and shows favor and compassion to whoever needs it, whoever it may be. His parents live out of town so he stays with a close friend of his while attending high school, and off hours he makes what free time he has to do personal writing on his life and his encounters as a small hobby.

[User]
After Mr. Noonan finished, giving a positive answer by telling Avery that she can stay with them, the girl replied with a thank you, following up by stating on what help she could be around their house, like cleaning and cooking so that it would be like paying her way to live with them.

"I wouldn't expect that of you," said Mr. Noonan to Avery, "But I think it would help the missus out a little bit."

"We need to make arrangements and stuff sir, you know?" said Roland, butting in the conversation with a situation for solving, "Like where would she sleep and all of that."

"Oh trust me, I know" replied Mr. Noonan, "We will get to the bottom of it. Maybe have a family meeting or something so we can get it figured out."

All of a sudden, Roland stomach had started growling, forgetting that he didn't eat anything before they left. Once Mr. Noonan heard it loud and clear, he asked the boy a question.

"Wow Roland," he said, "Must be starving, huh?"

"Huh?" said Roland, looking as if he was a little embarrassed by the loud rumble his stomach had made, "Oh…..uh…..yeah I g-guess so."

"Tell you what," stated Mr. Noonan to both Roland and Avery, "I'll go find a vending machine or something and grab us something to eat ok?"

"That's fine I guess," said Roland, "You want me to go?"

"You stay here with Avery, I can do it by myself," said Mr. Noonan, then walking towards the door and opening it to exit, but before going he had one more question. "Roland, anything specific you want?"

"Anything is fine right now sir," replied Roland

"Ok then," he said, then turning his attention to Avery, "What about you Avery? Anything in particular?"

[Assistant]
Avery just watched the two talk and laughed a bit when she heard Rolands stomach growl all of a sudden for she thought it wass cute and funny. She watched them talk and just sat there. She was not hungry for she had eaten but her stomach was still off a bit.

She listened to them and looked at Mr. Noonan before shaking her head. "No its ok the nurses should be bringing me food and they ahve a cafeteria down the hall to the left were visitors can get food I mean if you want that is." Avery Told Mr. Noonan fr they served more food then what the vending machines offered.

Soon the nurse came in and placed the food on her tray. "Here you go Mis. Jones some extra food to help gain your weight back. SHe said before leaving the room to take care of some other stuff. 'So yeah I am covered." Avery said with a small smile.

[User]
Avery answered Mr. Noonan's question of offering with a refusal, stating that one of the nurses would come in and bring her something to eat from the hospitals cafeteria, also implanting the idea for the man to try and eat something from there as well. Then after, a nurse came in to give Avery her food on a tray, handing it to her and stating it'll help her gain her weight back. After doing so, the nurse had left the room, Avery then stating that she was good to go in terms of food.

"Well, alright then. I'll be back in a couple of minutes," said Mr. Noonan as he left the room, leaving Roland and Avery there by themselves.

Once he left, Roland leaned back into the chair, attempting to get comfortable once again. As he laid on it, he turned his head over to Avery to see what she was doing, curious because of also knowing on how bad hospital food is as well.

"Wonder if the food here is any good," said Roland to Avery, "I've heard nothing but bad things about it."

[Assistant]
Avery watched Mr. Noonan leave and looked at Roland as he asked about the food. "Well to me its better then nothing since I was starved most of the time but it is bland and stuff for they do not seasn it and its based on the food groups mainly but your dad might ahve better luck since he is going to cafeteria so he can pick and decided what to get while patients do not have much say so." Avery xplained to Roland as she lifted the lid to her fod and started to eat her food at least.

Avery just ate not minding much for she was just hungry she would eat anything these days just to eat and to satisfy her hunger. "Its not that bad unlike the last hospital I wa at now that food was bad but then again it was a chap hospital this is a nice one so it should have better food." Avery explained as she finsihed the food and ate the cake they gave her wanting to give her some extra calories to help her gain weight since she was so thin.

Avery finished all her food and relaxed a bit in her bed as she got the remote and turned the TV on and tried to find a channel that was not about her and soon found one playing a movie and she left it on that channel for them to watch and relaxa bit at least.

[User]
Avery hearing his question, Roland listened to her as she explained to him on how she did not mind eating the food given to her whatsoever, refreshing his memory on how she had starved beforehand. She had also added that Mr. Noonan could pick whatever he wanted near the cafeteria the hospital had appetizing, or at least looked good enough to eat, so hopefully he would pick something good, or at least Roland hoped so.

"Yeah," said Roland, "I don't know though."

Once he finished, Avery kept the conversation going by telling him of how nice the hospital was, unlike her last one stating on how cheap it presented itself, stating also that the food was better here than the other place.

"Maybe," said Roland once more, "Hopefully Mr. Noonan will get something good for us……I mean, me and him, to eat."

After finishing the food topic, Roland decided to relax himself, turning his head back to the front, staring down at the end of the chair he was laying in. All of a sudden, he heard a television come on, along with a constant sound on remote buttons being pressed. He turned over once more to see Avery was flipping channels, trying to find something to watch to let the time fly by. Finding a movie that caught her attention, she kept it on the channel playing the program.

Roland looked over at the television for a moment, uncertain as to what they were watching. Instead of keeping quiet and enjoying the movie, he questioned what it was in particular the both of them were viewing.

"Hmm" said Roland, "Never seen this before. Do you know what it is?"

[Assistant]
Avery looked att the show for it was a cooking movie Julie and Julia and she like it. But she heard Roland and looked at him and shrugged at him a bit for she did not know. "I do not know I just thought it looked interesting for its seems to be a bit about cooking and I happen to like cooking." Avery said to him as she relaxed in her hospital bed as she watche the movie and giggled at some parts. "The only time I watched Tv was when I wa at your place dad forbidden me to watch tv sicne he was always in front of it watching wretling or what ever else he watches." SHe explained to him.

Avery then relaxed into her bed as she yawned a bit for she was still a bit tired at times and her energy levels were still pretty low at times because how thin she was and weak at the same time. "Sorry is the Tv bugging you for I can turn it off and you can take a nap." Avery said to him as she laid back in her bed wile it was in the sit up position as she looked at the Tv and watched the Movie enjoying it a bit while relaxing.

A nurse soon came in and took Avery's arm and took some blood for blood work and left without saying a word wnating to let Avery rest and not get stressed out.

[User]
Avery replied to the question that was asked by Roland, answering that she wasn't certain either of what the program was, but attracted her attention due to the fact the movie had to deal with cooking.

"Oh," said Roland, not knowing of what else to say.

Afterwards, Avery continued on how the only time she got to watch television was back at his house, stating that her father was nothing more than a tv hog and how he wouldn't let her see or watch anything. Roland didn't really have anything to say because of the weary feeling he kept having, so instead just stared at the television, trying to watch the movie with tiresome eyes.

Then, Avery asked if the television was of a bother to Roland, insisting that she would turn it completely off so that he could rest. It was nice to see that she was being considerate, but he didn't want to ruin her enjoyment just so he could rest.

"Oh, no," replied Roland to Avery's question, "You don't have to. Leave it on and continue watching it. Besides, food will be here in a few for me anyway, so I don't have no choice but to stay awake."

All of a sudden, a nurse had came in so that she could take more blood from Avery, and while doing so, Roland tried best to keep focus on the television.

[Assistant]
After having her blood drawn she then just laid in her bed as she watched the movie while waiting for Mr. Noonan to return with Rolands food and decied to be quiet to let Roland relax and rest since she cold be a talker when she finally can talk to someone. She justed watched the movie and actally liked it a lot and laughed at some parts that she thought was fnny and cute.

After awhile a social worker came in with paper work. "Helllo Avery I am Mrs. Harth I am your social worker and I was informed that you had a family that is willing to foster you." She siad as Avery looked at her and did a small nod. "yes and Mr. Noonan is at the hospital but he went to get him and my friend Roland here sometihing to eat." She siad to the social worker and she nodded. "Alirght I will wait then for I have a few things he needs to sign and you will be all set to live with him.' Mrs. Harth said to her as she sat in a simple chair and started writing down some stuff.

Avery felt weird having her in there and cruled up under her blankets not knowing what to do and was getting freaked again for she had very little trust in people after the utbreak with the press.

[User]
Roland tried his best to keep focus on the movie and stay awake so that he could eat when Steven's father came back with some food, but instead his eyes had began to fade a little from the relaxation and comfort he was in from the chair he was laying on.

A few minutes later, Roland had awoken, realizing that he had fell asleep, in amidst to find Avery and some other woman who presence had arisen into his sight. He questioned himself for a moment as the woman sat in a chair across from, also noticing that Avery wasn't saying anything either, so it seemed they had both discussed something while he was asleep.

"W-what's going on?" said a confused Roland.

[Assistant]
Avery looked at Roland when he asked what was going on and the social worker decided to answer. "I am a social worker for Avery and I came for I have papers for Mr. Noonan to sign if he is going to take custody of her if not then I have to start looking for a foster home for her and right now there is no home in this city that can take her in she would have to be sent to anothercity or even state." The social worker said and Avery did not like the idea of moving again with peple she did not trust. "So she told me he went to get you and himself som food so I thought I wait here and get things takn care of or figred out now so when she gets realeased from the hospital she can just go home and not have to wonder what happens next." The social worker siad to Roland.

Avery just stayed curled up in the bed not knowing what to do or anthing at the moment for she was to nerrvous to even talk to the social worker after she explained everything to her and now Roland. "Why are the curtains closed its is dark in here." She said about to open the curtain. "DON'T OPEN THAT!!" SHe freaked and the social worker froze as a nurse walk in after hearing her yell. "Oh dear you tried to open the curtains sorry the press has been hounding her so she hates the crrtains to be open." The nurse said as the social worker nodded and sat back down as the nurse went to Very's iv and injected something in it antd it slowly made Avery sleepy until she was fast asleep.

[User]
Coming to find out that it was a social worker on the case of Avery getting to move in with Roland at the Noonan's home, he was a bit surprised at first due to the transaction of information already being taken care of so fast and already having papers to sign for Avery to go ahead and be placed into someone else's home. He didn't really think much more of it, only knowing that it was very good news and that the problem was being taken care of immediately.

The woman had mentioned that she was in wait for Mr. Noonan to come back so that he may sign the papers she had ready in order for the placement to be complete, that way Avery could live with them and have no worries anymore on dealing with an actual stable home, minus the abusive parent as well. Roland decided to speak for Mr. Noonan, mainly because he wasn't back yet.

"He'll be here," he said the woman, "Don't know when exactly, but yeah. He'll be back."

It was taking a good while for Mr. Noonan to get back for some odd reason, but Roland also knew that he was a very talkative person as well, hence where Steven's gets it from, so he could be have a conversation with someone and forgot he had to get back here with something to eat.

A minute later, the social woman had noticed how dark the room was, finding that the shades from the window were closed yet not knowing the reason of why. As she tried to open them, a nurse came in and yelled telling her not to, Roland watching as it happened. The nurse explained to the woman of the press constantly trying to get a hold of Avery with questions and photos to make headlines all over town with, then going over to Avery to check up on her again, putting her to sleep as well.

As she left, Roland followed up onto the topic about the press trying to get inside.

"They were here before I got here," spoke up Roland, "The news people outside, they've been trying everything to get in. It's really getting out of hand."

Soon afterwards, Mr. Noonan came in with some food he was carrying in a bag.

"Sorry bout the wait," he said, "Got caught into a long talk with someone at the cafeteria. Hopefully this will be worth the wait."

As he handed the bag over to Roland, he looked over to find the social worker woman, questioned as to why she was there.

"Is something wrong?" asked Mr. Noonan.