[System]
* Age: 20
* Gender: Female
* Appearance: "Hmph. Just wait and see what this witch can do." A very petite girl, easily mistaken for a child even on close examination. She resents this.
* Abilities: A highly capable witch, from a bloodline of magic users lasting back to the ancient king's times. Fio's catalyst is a sword, with a slender and elegant blade and a blue and gold hilt. She cannot fight reliably with it, but it is an excellent catalyst for casting spells all the same. Her chief method of offense is the conjuration of Phantom Swords, though she can use other forms of magic she favors Phantom Swords for her most direct and powerful method of dealing damage, as the Phantom Swords have considerable armor-piercing capabilities even in their base state when fired as projectiles. Her personal durability is quite low, and thus Fio also has capability in barrier spells in order to protect herself from being harmed. By casting a spell and attaching modifiers to it(such as summoning a number of Phantom Swords then adding commands to repeat the process to add more swords) she can alter it or increase its effects.
Additionally, she possesses three doll familiars. These familiars are intelligent and have their own personalities, feelings, and specialities.
* History: Fio's family has practiced magic for a considerable amount of time. It is said that she is descended from a court mage of the Ancient King, and her sword catalyst was a gift to her ancestor that has been passed down through the generations to her. Living in a secluded place, a small but remarkably cozy home, she swiftly gained a reputation as a witch due to her rather irritable interactions with travelers and her rather obvious usage of magic. Given her unique usage of a sword as her catalyst, she has been called both the Sword Witch. Needless to say, given her family history, it was only obvious that she would come to accompany one claiming to be a reincarnation of the King, if only out of curiosity. Can she really be what she claims to be?
* Anything else: Fio is a rather irritable girl who does not tolerate foolishness. While she hates being mistaken for a child, she has childish mannerisms such as a love of sweet things and a fascination with dolls and small, cute animals. Regardless, she is still a capable practioner of magic and will quickly remind anyone in doubt over her abilities of that fact. Personally, she is not at all certain if Sorcha is what she claims to be. Rather, she desires to find that out for herself, her curiosity being the main reason for her presence to begin with. While her irritable personality can make her rather grating to be around, she does not take alliances lightly and possesses a deep hatred for those who would betray the trust of others.

[User]
"Well, Sucaria, I don't want to set traveling again without proper rest. What say we spend the night here with the elves and set out at first light?" Luna asked her maid. As much as she would prefer to set the maid's mind at ease, while she healed from these wounds, she didn't quite want to set out with no rest. "If it makes you feel better, you can stay close tonight in case something happens." With that, Luna had made up her mind and the two would head back to Sarah and the elves.

"Would you all mind if we rested here with you all for the night before heading out then? I think I could join in on the storytelling bit though I think I might need to hold off on the drink." Luna mentioned, wanting to stay fully sober to put Sucaria at ease. Luna grinned a small bit, "I have plenty of my own to tell, though I don't know how they'll compare to your own." It was almost as much a challenge as it was an admittance.

[Assistant]
Still clutching the pillow tightly to her slim, petite frame, Fio didn't move to prevent Sir Vyrell's departure, instead glaring at a space on the wall irritably as she lay on the bed.

That stupid, stupid Sorcha.

After all that effort she put in, she couldn't even be here...

Under most circumstances, Fio Fan Falisse would never have considered ever falling asleep in Sorcha's bed. Doing so was tantamount to surrender. To allowing all sorts of misfortune to befall her.

It was, to put it simply, placing herself in needless danger.

However, the exhaustion that had overtaken her after the experience in Cethlann's dream was impossible to ignore. As she gripped the pillow tighter, her eyelids began to grow heavier, dropping as her glare became less focused. Indeed, it seemed everything was catching up to the Sword Witch as she lay on the Queen's exquisitely, extremely comfortable bed.

Her resistance to falling asleep was rapidly crumbling.

At least, until something cut through her exhaustion.

She caught sight of the tiny figure fluttering through the window, commenting to herself entirely obliviously as she fluttered over to the plates. Trash queen. Prank.

Fio was certainly angry with Sorcha, but at the same time she was in her service.

This was a matter of pride.

"Sura, spectral swords. Bar the exit."

The blade shimmered into view, and with a wave the window was promptly blocked by the glowing blue form of multiple blades interlocking to create a barrier.

"A prank, unseelie? You were going to prank her?" she commented, placing the pillow to the side and rising to her fee.

Perfect. There was no escape from the room, and she had someone to take her frustration out on.

Someone who unquestionably deserved it.

"I think you're the one who invited a little bit of pranking."

[User]
Location:
Nids End

---

The elves were busy carousing, one was dancing a rather entrancing, flowing dance around the flames and Sarah was busy regaling the elves of the tale of some far off battle with a demon. A ferocious battle, where all she had was the great shield she was carrying, and the well wishing and training of her teacher that left shortly before.

She was mid sentence when Luna returned with Sucaria.

"Oh? By all means, having someone else familiar with these lands telling stories would be appreciated!" Sarah replied with a friendly grin. "Come on, you start then. I can finish mine later." Sucaria would stand pensively next to Luna, seemingly still uncomfortable but acquiescing to Luna's commands. Curiously the cyclopean fomorian could be caught casting a few glances towards the maid, but he didn't seem to say much or do anything aside from join the elves in their carousing, challenging a few of the elves to arm wrestling contests or other shows of strength.

Eventually though, as the night wore on the elves would turn in one by one. Sarah was completely smashed by the end of the night as they say, and had at various points in the festivities ended up leaning and falling on Luna, earning more than a few cool glares from the maid before said maid also helped carrying her off to her tent to prevent further incidents.

It was in the middle of the night, after Luna and everyone had fallen asleep would Luna be woken by a somewhat familiar voice.

"Oi, human. Get up." It was the fomorian. He was leaning against a rock wall, seemingly sharpening a few sticks of large pieces of wood into spears. "I'll smack ye if I have too, on yer feet. That maid of yours needs some help." He'd gruffly reply. "Elder Beast out there's being ornery tonight. Her fomor blood is listening."

It was true, Sucaria didn't seem to be anywhere. Up on the hill at the top of the rocky shoreline she could see little motes of yellowish light over it.

Location:
Hjrelskins Fall, Forest
Paladin@BrokenPromise

---

Elnith deftly avoided the slow, cumbersome tree, having been a distance from it to start with made it easy for her to avoid most of the blow as she'd avoid the hefty blow. Lugh fared slightly worse, being knocked on his feet from the impact and tumbling across the ground a bit…and giving the little Unseelie the perfect opportunity to swarm him.

"Aw, they wanna be new friends!"

"Garden~garden~"

"Cut and prune the flowers~"

"Until they are done~"

Lugh growled, quickly rolling along the ground, avoiding one of the creature's claws and jumping to his feet, but one leaped into the air and latched around his head and neck, proceeding to viciously claw and rip at his hair and head. The tree would slowly try setting up from where it had fallen - only for Luana to grab it with her hands and proceed to well, quite effectively peck it.

"Ah~ah! Oh that tickles!" The tree giggled as Luana's head viciously began hollowing a hole in the tree's bark. "Oh, but…I don't think its ready! I'm a tree! Still a tree! Can't be something else!" Luana would feel the branches wrap around her, swiftly yanking her off of the tree and tossing her away, and towards a group of the ravenous little plants.

There was however, now a fairly deep, sizable hole in the tree's bark. Green sap was leaking from its body now, and the tree would turn its attention towards Ethelred and Elnith, the initial crack had almost completely extended from the creatures base to its top, along with the hole, the thing was nearly falling apart. Some of the things roots were still trying to pry itself apart, for some reason, but it also had significantly slowed down.

"No you don't!" Elnith swung her sword, the blade bonking the one trying to get Lugh off and sending it to the ground, earning a huff from the youth and a thankful nod. His face was pretty badly scratched, but otherwise he seemed fine. "Any ideas, Ethelred?"

"I'll carry an axe next time." Lugh commented, readying his own weapon. They likely needed to finish this fairly quick or find a way to deal with the small pixies before they were overwhelmed entirely.

Queens Quarters

---

"Okyaaa?!" The little fairy immediately did a 180, wings fluttering in a panic as she'd shout in surprise, somehow, having been completely oblivious to Fio. She initially seemed like she was ready to bolt, but upon seeing the diminutive witch, the Fairy's posture relaxed slightly, a look of mild annoyance forming on her face before her mouth turned upwards into a grin.

"Ahaha, its a human child." She'd laugh. "A teeny tiny itsy bitsy human child! Ahaha, like I'm scared of a pint sized child that's barely bigger than me!" The pixie derisively cackled. "For annoying me, I'll guess I'll curse you instead!"

The pixie raised her warped, twisted hand. She was certainly building up magic, though Fio couldn't say what for. In fact, she could barely detect any magic at all! Was it because the fairy was too powerful for her to feel? No, in fact, it was quite the opposite.

This fairy, was so incredibly weak she'd barely be a threat to anyone. The curse would probably be an inconvenience at best for a few minutes, whatever it was if she was allowed to finish.

[Assistant]
". . ."

She was tired. She was already irritated.

That was enough to make this stupid little fairy's intrusion even more aggravating then it would have been otherwise.

But then the useelie opened her brainless little mouth.

And she spoke.

And the words she said...

Had she come here with a desire for punishment? Was this unseelie a twisted mashochist who wanted to suffer? Perhaps that explained her behavior.

Fio's left eye twitched as she watched the utterly pathetic display of the fae's attempt to curse her. She could barely even detect it, it was such a weak buildup of magic that it might not have even existed. What was it going to do? Turn the tips of her hair purple? Give her a minor cough?

Whatever the case, she wasn't about to give this idiot the satisfaction of a successful curse.

"Moonlit Shine," she said, in a casual, noncommittal manner as she put only the barest amount of mana into applying a ward to herself. It wasn't necessary, really, given how weak the curse would almost certainly be, but it was a perfect demonstration of the distance between the two of them.

The only sign it had been cast was a brief blue-white light that flowed across Fio's body, before she simply reached out to grab the unseelie from the air.

"A child? That's what you called me. A child," she said, wrapping her slender fingers tightly around the tiny fae's small body, "You're not talking to a child, you total idiot!"

Placing her free hand to her chest, Fio continued.

"I am Fio Fan Falisse, and I am going to make you remember that name, you brainless little moron! You absolute fool. Maybe you secretly wanted to be be punished, and that's why you came here?!"

As she spoke, her free hand left her chest and sharply prodded the unseelie's cheek. By this point, the seething fire within her heart had completely overpowered her physical exhaustion. The Sword Witch was utterly livid. This stupid unseelie came here first intending to curse the Queen and then her, and yet she was that week? She was that utterly stupid? And so dumb she thought she was a child on top of that?

She was perfectly mature! Perfectly adult! Who would ever make that mistake!? Only an idiot! That's just how stupid this unseelie was!

"I have not had the best day recently, and lo and behold, a pathetic little ignoramus whose magical power is so low she couldn't curse a frog has decided to volunteer herself to help me let my stress out! If she's stupid enough to call me a child, I can't tell if it's idiocy or masochism that made her decide to help out!"


[System]
Milo Ventri
Age: 29
Appearance:

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 200

Likes: Drinking, smoking, seafood, big band and swing, Hema (historical european martial arts), Smithing, fishing, boating.

Dislikes: Gambling, shouting unnecessarily, pop music and those that love it, kendo, computers.

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Special Talent: despite his age he is a skilled longswordsman, as well as a somewhat accomplished blacksmith.

Profession: Milo is an old world Blacksmith by trade, he works out of a small workshop that he owns and lives in The Old Harbor part of the city.

Bio/Personality: As a child, Milo was entrenched in the world of iron. His family, living in a large steel producing city, were all part of the industry and so he was constantly exposed to the sights, but he chose to take a different approach, he chose to be a Blacksmith. Fantasizing about knights in armor, warriors clashing swords, he began to forge blades, and soon he began to use them. Milo soon began making a name for himself in his city on the tournament circuit, and with every win, new customers followed after seeing his own blades used in competition. This was surely the life he wanted and the one he was going to lead, all until he was involved in a car accident. With his leg badly damaged there was little hope of competition, but he could still practice and fight to an extent, the doctors all gave him hope that maybe someday, maybe he could compete.
 Milo soon fell into a deep depression and began to drink heavily, but soon he was given a gift, a small workshop on the dockside of Sol city, his dream home, a new beginning, and maybe and solid chance to come back from his injury, a chance to make his name relevant again.

 Milo tends to be a stubborn mule when it comes to most things, however, when he has been drinking you can get him to bend with a smile and a kind word, though be prepared for payback for taking advantage of him when he sobers up. Milo is very competitive and will fight to the bitter end with no sign of quitting even when he starts losing, now made more intense ever since pulling out of his depression, now that state is the fire that drives him.

Your character's favorite song:

Tell us about yourself:

*Your age: 24
*What part of the world are you from? USA
*How many years have you been writing/roleplaying: on and off for seven years
*How often do you have time to post? I can post everyday

[User]
Paige Kennedy

There was a wash basin in the corner of the shop and Paige went over to clean up the best she could as he spoke. She tossed the spent pair of rubber gloves the first aid kit offered with a trick shot off the wall into a far waste bin. Though her hands were clean her sleeves were stained with a combination of Milo's blood and alcohol. A few drops had also made it to her jeans. Both would would be a write off. In spite of it all though, she was beaming inside and a triumphant smile was creeping across her face as the warm water ran over her forearms. Two in a day was unheard of. Like a four minute mile. Bob had been a case of old fashioned police-work while Jackie was almost a matter of luck. She hadn't even been looking for him until chance brought Milo's revolver into her hands. The man had been very good at his craft, but like any old time criminal, real outlaws, would tell you, greed would get you locked up or killed quicker than a bullet.

Her stomach groaned slightly at the mention of food as she dried her hands. Pulling her phone out of her back pocket she quickly swiped away a few notifications to look into Milo's suggestion. "I think that silliness is over now," She said referring to the race. "Traffic is still gonna suck though." Her eyes scanned over the red and yellow highlighted lines of the traffic grid then scrolled down to the reviews of the restaurant itself. She knew nothing about the local fare. With the exception of her golf outing, she'd hardly done anything other than work since landing in Sol. "Looks pretty swanky," She said. She glanced at herself in a polished mirror that Milo used for some part of his work and cringed. Her hair had fallen away considerably from its regular tie and her face had some kind of smudge from scratching at an itch while working on his arm. Then there was the coppery scent of blood mixed with alcohol and the rough, burnt smell of metal that permeated everything in his shop and clung to her clothes. "God, I look like hell."

Looking back over at Milo, it really appeared that there'd been a heavy burden lifted off him. He wasn't spun up and tense like he'd been at the Winter Party and he wasn't mired in self loathing like she'd found him on Wednesday. He didn't have to thank her for doing her job, but turning his offer down felt in poor taste after what they'd just accomplished and she was in too good of a mood to refuse a free dinner, particularly an expensive one. "Well, if you don't mind waiting," She said running a hand through her hair. It already felt smoky and greasy and she loathed having to wash it again to look presentable. "Just run me back up to the parking garage. I'm gonna have John Dillinger's car here towed away so I can play with it later."

[Assistant]
Marinalia (Romus) Olympus
&
Victoria Darya Romus
Old Harbour . Sunday Lunchtime, Race main stands, Pit lane, Lunch time.

---

Marilania watched nervously as the next stint and so began to kick in, the end of the race was coming, tension was building as Joels car was unable to get past the factory car sat on pole.

The race that had started so well and such good positioning by Tommy to reclaim the positions lost in the swap over. Then came the crash that slowed everything to a crawl in comparison, watching the tension hit breaking point a quick call was made to swap under caution. Watching from her seat up above she waved over to the camera crews her OHI badge hanging from her neck and a little pin badge added from polar star she had dig out, at least she better advertise the family business.

The commentary came and went, the British duo where fairly easy going but seemed some of the most informetive and more useful of the coverage, informaly some of the more senior coverage on the race cutting to at the most dramatic moments. At there team caught back on she jokily blew a kiss to the camera and at least tried to defuse the tension that seemed to be reaching a point that the very world would crack beneath them.

Suddenly Joels momment came as she saw the coverage cams come to view, both cars where nearly neck and neck, inches separating as both cars and causing the entire stands to suddenly stop watching as the last straight became a dramatic battle for the first place. The season was about to end on a dramatic wheel to wheel knife edge.

Both cars roared down into the final section, practically so close they where chipping paint and bumpers touching, a split second from wiping out at nearly 200 miles per hour. The race down the straight was neck and neck, the cameras could not even tell between and the timing was nudging between. A few times they seemed to nose ahead and fall back, both cars a single bad gearshift from victory or second place.

They crossed the line side by side to the deafening sounds, cheers and horns of the crowds as the timing boards processed and seconds passed. Both cars began to slow to a parade lap pace. Soon thr computers flashed the times and drivers as there sensors and trackers downloaded.

P1 Nicolosi, SCR, OHI, Nissan 300. 0
P2 Sato, Nissan F1, Nissan GTR,+0.035

Joining the cheers and realising Joel was so close he probbly never knew which car had won, the radio was quiet and had been since the previous sections.

 Joel... Sato. GTR. +0.035.. P2... Nissan 300 P1!

Just like the airport! Sol city Champion.

Not realising the coverage had turned into team radio and was tuned in her slightly tense English accent was broadcast over the entire global coverage as booming cheers range up from the final results.

 Drowned out by the sheer noise, she could only hear what was going on thanks to the noise canceling systems. Flicking a intercom switch and laughing to relive the tension,

Looks like we have somthing to celebrate tonight! Seems we gonna need more booze!

Watching the other cars come in and a the final times came in in quick succession as commentry realed off names and times as quickly as possible, the acidient prior had bunched everyone tighter and the final sections where a intense round of last minute daring overtakes, desperate defenses and defining cheers as people's favorite drivers came in. Up down the pit she could see teams celebrating and commiserations going on, reporters and TV crews gathering and waiting for drivers or covering the positions as they came in.

Heading down the stairs she saw a cooler thrown open and someone tossing beers out, it seemed everyone was starting the party early down on the paddock and pit stops. Catching a beer and thanking thr person whoever it was she watched from down below hearing the cheers echoing from thr stands and watching as the talking heads rapidly proved that 1000 words a minute was not only possible but slow.

---

Up in the stands Victoria watched and saw the crash with a crunching force, she relised why Marla had decided to stay back, too many bad memories. Watching the coverage and the cameras, the race was close and bunched tighter behind the marshal cars.

A few laps later the race began to heat up intensely and soon the cars where racing neck and neck, both cars where now racing bumper to bumper and the entire stands had paused and stopped, everything was waiting on the result of there automotive dueling. Leaning over the side she watched from above asnthe exited the final turns dead split. A micro fraction between them and measured in millionth of seconds.

The cats sped down to the finish line and crossed it at a dead heat. The TV could not split the two, t every angle showed a dead heat. Soon Marilanias voice was on the entire international broadcast....

Nissan 300...P1

Soon the entire crowd was on feet cheering as the results came in, other cars sped past at breakneck speeds and raced by electing loud cheers across the board as famous teams liveries streaked by and red lights lit up breaking down for parade laps and the first corner.

Yes! Damn it sis... That's drama...

Laughing as somehow she had made in onto TV across the globe by pure chance, only Marilania!

Cheerfully over to there companions across the way, she shouted over.

City Hall, 7.30, dress up, there's a very good event on! Our car won!

Cheering loudly and joining a hug from Maria and Vesarian next to her on the front row. The crowds cheered and she saw on the TV feed hugs, and similar celebrations breaking out in pit lanes and other stands across the city.

---

Back near a balcony the mayor watched and as the city below was celebrating, soon dozens of parties and events would be t breaking out orognized and adhoc across the entire city.

The celebration was rising and soon a good distraction from the events across the city prior would kick in. Soon one the police cheifs looked confused on the radio and listened.

Sir... We got radio traffic... No conformation, just encrypted traffic in the city net. Excuse me...

The police soon huddled, somthing strange was going on in the city but they did not know. Yeah SCPD had its problems, but everyone jumped to worst until confirmed otherwise.

---

Marla was waiting at city hall as she briefed a few working and making perperarions, talking and giving final instructions based on the new events. It was still a few hours off but everyone was here early as part of a final rehearsal before they launched the event.

Laughing as one the 300 clad Spartans almost fell over on his sheild and sighed, even with such a perfect plans, a bad cable or left cardboard could wreck everything!

get this place cleared damn it!

We have a victory party to launch!

The security was already planned and in place, photos of persona non grata handed out and memorised with particular emphasis on Bob. If he went within a mile of the event he would find his ass pinned by half a dozen security.

Dozens of tables set like gears of a drive system, chairs for teeth sat still covered, boxes drinks on cold storage and caterers made platters and trays. Soon her mons lisa would begin.

Well with time for her make herself apropiately ready!

---

@Mattchstick@Silver Fox

---

[User]
 Milo nodded, the race had started pretty early and his sense of time had been messed up from the whole mess. "No worries, I'll run you to your car, you get cleaned up and meet me there." Milo was pulling the rounds out of the revolver as he spoke and after he had stashed them away he grabbed his keys, the whole mess was a blur now, a memory already fading into the future prospects, he could only imagine what he was going to have as his life from now on, he knew that likely he was not going to get away from this for long, but for now, he was free.

 "Honestly, when I saw you at that winter ball downtown, I was sure you were only going to make things worse." Milo said as they made their way to his truck and got in. "But, I'm glad it turned out, and as much as it hurts me to say it, I owe you one, a big one." Milo was grinning ear to ear, it didn't really matter what kind of favor she would ask of him in the future, she gave him his first breath since he started drowning in Sol. He dropped Paige off at her car and looked over, "Just meet me there in like an hour, if you change your mind, no worries, you got my number when you want to call that favor in."

 Milo returned to his shop and as soon as he was in the door, he locked the shop and hopped in the shower, the water and soap stinging all of the new wounds that he seemed to be collecting. They always say that you do most of your thinking in the shower well, Milo was no exception and one thought really stuck out. God this has been fun. the past few days, they have been an adrenaline filled whirlwind, Paige and him rolling through criminal intrigue like a dervish, the two of them never really did this much together even in Delta, Ana always seemed to be the buffer there. Milo got out of the shower and looked through his closet, he pulled out a nice black button down and black slacks, mostly so that if blood got through his bandages it would be harder to tell, and got his hair and beard back into order, he actually felt like he looked rather dashing. After getting dressed he picked up some cash and left, he thought to himself for just a moment, that he did really hope that she would show, not just so he could thank her for the help, but really cause it has been nice to have an old friend back, a piece that brings the man he was and the man he is a little closer together. He arrived at the restaurant and was seated, luckily the race had a good effect on not filling restaurants that don't play sports. He sat and ordered a bottle of sake for the hell of it, hot drinks weren't his favorite but whatever.


[System]
Profession: Pilot
Age: 22

Appearance:

Personality:

I cling on to the ghosts of the past. I wrap myself so deeply into the illusion I have weaved around myself that it has become who I really am. This is me....perhaps it has always been me.

Morgan is the quintessential joker and flirt. Brash and cocky, when he is not on duty he can be seen losing himself behind the latest cocktail or alcoholic drink. Either that or bedding someone else on the station or planet that he takes his leave on. Irreverent, arrogant and seemingly devoid of scruples and generally just not giving a damn, Morgan is the ultimate source of frustration to his superiors and his poor, long suffering partner. If he wasn't so damn good at what he did, he would have been excised long ago from the space corps.

This is who he is.......perhaps.

The truth is something different. A man besieged with his own insecurities, believing himself to be nothing more than a failure, Morgan carries with him the ghosts of a past that he cannot truly rid himself off. He believes himself to be in over his head — and that it is nothing more than a matter of time before the truth is realised and he is exposed for the fraud that he truly is.

Morgan is haunted by the sight of a girl with blonde hair and blue eyes...looking up to him as her life slowly faded away from her. Holding her hand because for that moment, for that one moment in his life, he was powerless to do anything.....powerless to save the girl that he loved with all of his heart and soul.

It is something that is eating away at him slowly from the inside.

Morgan is afraid. Of friendship. Of companionship. Of commitment. He is frightened to love again, or to believe in anything, because if he does.....if he loses someone he cares for deeply again.....it will kill him.

It was.....is far easier to drink his troubles away. Carve another notch on that bedpost.

It allowed him to forget.

Background:

Her name was Vanna. She was the best of us, of all of us. She was better than I deserved. Now, and certainly then. Sometimes I still see her. In my sleep, in my dreams. It is the only way we can ever see each other again.

Born the son of a long line of pilots in the space corps, from an early age, it was believed that Morgan would follow in the footsteps of his parents, and indeed he did.

Just not in the way he believed that he would.

Morgan passed every single examination set in front of him by the space corps with ease. He was always the brightest and the best of his class. He was future commander material. When he met his beloved Vanna at the space corps facility and became engaged to her, it seemed his future was bright and there was no mountain that was too high for him to reach.

When it all came crashing down, it came crashing down hard. It happened the night before their wedding.

At one of the finest restaurants on the space station Eclipse, where they had met, and where they had due to be wed, Morgan stood. Taking his bride onto the dance floor, hand in hand, arm in arm, they began to dance to the sound of violins. When the loud bang came, they were all already too late. Vanna slumped forwards, into Morgan's arms.

As he lay her down gently, cradling her, crying for help....as the blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, she looked up to him. She reached up with trembling hand, touched the side of his cheek......

"Carry on.....always....for me. I love you."

They were the last words she ever spoke.

Vanna was given a funeral befitting her, as her coffin was sent out into space, as she would have wanted....

Two years on, Morgan honoured her final wish. Carrying on with his line of duty, he was nevertheless scarred by what had happened. A pale shadow of the man he used to be, where he acts on the surface like a cocky and arrogant braggadocio, the truth is simply that he is a person who is beset by his own insecurities and demons that he cannot truly excise.

He believes himself to be trapped in a situation that is slowly spiralling out of control....

[User]
Major Carver looked at her and nodded.

"Soil samples at the very least. If you can bring me back samples of the local flora and fauna too that would be even better Officer. Do you have any comments of questions Ensign?"

Feeling her eyes bore daggers into him, Morgan smiled slightly. Glancing sideways at her, he gave her a surreptitious wink as he answered, "None here Major. I will see to it that it is done."

Nodding his head, Major Carver glared also at Morgan before his glance softened slightly when looking over towards Beatrice.

"Very well. You are to report back with your findings in three days. Dismissed."

As he turned to leave, walking down the metal walkway, Major Carver's voice trailed after him.

"Ensign Kayler." Stopping, Morgan looked back to the Major.

"Once, you were the best. You aced every single course. Every single exam, you were always the best of them all. Its why you're still here. Its the only reason you're still here. Don't let the past destroy everything you once were Ensign. You won't get another chance than what you have now."

And with those words, Morgan's expression went hard. His eyes stared at Major Carver as the seconds drifted by.....seconds that drifted into a minute. Finally, he nodded his head.

"I'll bear that in mind Major," he said coldly, all hint of laughter and jokes gone now.

Before more could be said, Morgan went down the metal ramp leading to the floor of the hangar.

"Today we will be going out in the EX-128," he said without looking back to Beatrice, his tone now professional and business-like.

Arriving at the small pod, he gestured to it. A round, circular space ship, it wasn't big enough to fit any more than two people inside of it. There was a ramp leading up into the interior of the ship. It was this ramp that Morgan stood in front of.

"The EX-128 is a prototype. It was not built for comfort. It was not built for combat. Its been designed small deliberately," he ran his hand across the shiny grey metal surface. "It can travel at greater speeds than the Galacticus, than any ship you've likely been on before Officer," he said looking back to her with a small smirk.

"When we take off, I'd recommend that you belt up and sit back for the ride," still smirking, he walked up the ramp inside.

Inside the ship, a long corridor leading in from the outside came to a single door separating. Pressing a small circular depression outside the door, an arched hatch opened up with a low hiss. Beyond there were two chambers. The one they stood in was an elongated circular chamber. There were two beds on one side of the chamber, and what looked to be a kitchen area on the other side. The beds were covered with simple, and clinical, white sheets, and the kitchen, for what it was, had one counter on it with what appeared to be a fridge and cooker next to it. They were both metallic. The whole room had a metallic look to it. Grey metal shone everywhere, bright in its pristine cleanliness. The only exception to this were the white covered on the bed.

"There are two rooms in the ship. Like I said, it wasn't built for comfort," Morgan said as he walked into the first room.

"A combined sleeping and dining quarters. Beyond the door there is the cockpit. That is where I will be flying and you'll be navigating."

As his eyes flickered back to her, he nodded his head. "You do know how to navigate don't you Officer?"

Without waiting for an answer, Morgan walked next to and flopped on one of the beds. Turning on his side and looking over to her, his smile turned slightly suggestive as he gazed at her with his dark eyes.

"You know, even though we have two beds, it is possible to fit more than one person on a bed...." he patted the space next to him on the white covers.

A space that suggested that there was, indeed, room for another.

"It gets really cold out there," he said, still looking at her with intent. "Real cold."

[Assistant]
Beatrice mentally noted the answer regarding the samples. When they were dismissed, she turned to leave, but she stopped when she heard the Major address her partner. Curious, she stopped and listened as well. She raised an eyebrow at the words. He was the best? What the heck happened that made him like this now? Whatever it was, it's clearly serious as her partner suddenly went cold.

She decided now wasn't the time to ask such questions as he led the way to the Falcon, or the EX-128. As he spoke, Beatrice took in the details, and started calculating the carrying capacity for the supplies they need without hampering the ship's speed. She lifted a small device and started putting in orders for rations, the device beeping rapidly with every button rapidly pressed.

He got her attention once more when he asked if she could navigate. Was he joking? Of course she could! Navigation was one of the essential topics for Exploration Sciences. However, before she could answer as such, he simply flopped on one of the beds, and....proceeded to start trying to initiate procreation with her.

With a deadpan look and narrowed eyes, Beatrice simply did not answer, and tapped on her device before closing the device. Not long after she finished using the device, rations, supplies, sample containers, and a couple pairs of flannel blankets and PJs appeared in the closet. But that wasn't all that warped into this ship.

Apparently, Beatrice has some sense of humor, because numerous bags of ice warped in, on the bed specifically, and they were uncomfortably close to Morgan. If he wasn't cold before, he most certainly is now.

She then added professionally, "I just warped in the supplies needed to last us for three days. According to my calculations, it should not hamper the speed of this space craft. I believe we are ready to head out,"

[User]
Morgan certainly was not prepared for the appearance of the ice, as it piled onto the bed right next to where he was. He rolled off the bed and back to his feet, shivering as he did so.

So it's like that, is it? She was "one of those types. Never mind, they all thaw eventually.

Raising an eyebrow at the sudden appearance of the supplies, he held his hand on his hips as he shook his head.

"Lets hope that we don't get delayed then Officer," he said with the smallest of smiles.

When she spoke, she spoke with what Morgan liked to call "robotic precision". She was professional, mechanical......devoid of passion or humour. Studying her features, taking in the whole of her, Morgan found himself noting that, while she was certainly extremely pretty, it was the sort of beauty that seemed to be sculpted or manufactured rather than being human. She was, in her manner and demeanour, almost like a robot. He was, for a moment, almost tempted to ask whether or not she was a synth, but finally decided better of it, pushing the thought back again.

Walking the room, taking in its surroundings, Morgan went over to the closet, glancing over the supplies and clothing before nodding his head in an appreciative manner.

"So, Officer, since we're going to be partnering and travelling for a while together why don't you tell me a bit about yourself?" Morgan began, flashing her a small smile as he sat down again on the edge of the bed, ignoring the bags of ice as he gazed at her.

"Where are you from Beatrice? Friends, family.....you know the sorts of questions."

The corners of his lips turned up in the slightest of smiles as he added, "Any significant others I should be wary of?"

[Assistant]
Beatrice stared at him when he mentioned delays, and she answered his comment, "Provided we follow protocol perfectly, we should have no delays," She watched him as he looked around and took in the supplies that she ordered. She noted that he nodded approvingly, as well as he should. Her calculations were correct, and she took everything into account. Or at least she thinks she did...

Before the anxiety could creep in, she turned her attention back to the Ensign. She had noted his physical qualities were attractive, and now that she could see his body language, she could see that he was lackadaisical and was not serious in general. How in the world did someone like him become referred to as the best once?

Beatrice listened as he asked his questions, and her eyes became half-lidded at his last question regarding a significant other. She answered him, "No. I do not have time for such tomfoolery," She then continued as she brought up a holographic star map from her watch and as she started pre-planning a course, she continued answering his question, "I am from London. My father is Dr. Marche Briarwood, and my mother is Dr. Melissa Briarwood. Dr. Tessa Briarwood is my older sister, and Dr. Anthony Briarwood is my older brother,"

It was impossible for anybody to not know those names, as they were big names in the science world and made significant contributions to society.

[User]
"Tomfoolery," Morgan chuckled at that.

The woman was ice. Pure ice. Looking at her, he would have been hard pressed in that single instant to see if there was any difference between woman and machine. Everything was spoken with a cold detachment, like a block of ice. Or a machine. Maybe she was one of them? One of those lifelike synths that were created to give one the impression of being human, when they were not.

But no, he recognised the names that she spoke. Giving s low wolfwhistle, he jumped back to his feet.

"Impressive, Science Officer Beatrice Briarwood. You are descended from greatness. You must be so proud of yourself. No wonder command thinks highly of you. I consider myself honoured to be in your presence."

Heading over to the metallic door that was at the far side of the room, Morgan presses the round button. It opened, sliding upwards, revealing a small circular chamber beyond.

"We should get this show on the road, your greatness."

Going into the round cockpit, there were two seats positioned next to each other. In front of one of the seats was a large console. On the console was a monitor that showed an image of a large green grid. Periodically on the grid, green and red lights blinked on and off in a strange, almost disconcerting pattern.

Next to the other seat was a second console. This one had what seemed to be a series of levers and large buttons. It was this seat that Morgan sat himself down. Reaching up to his top right, he pulled down the seatbelt, strapping himself into the chair as he placed his right hand on one of the levers.

Outside the window in front of the cockpit was a view of the ships hangar. On the ground level people scurried back and forth, going about their business, either going in or out of the other aircraft in the bay, or otherwise seeing to the repairs of said aircraft. One figure stood in front of the Falcon. He had a red anda green flag in his hands as he held his hand up, gesturing to Morgan to bring the ship forwards slowly.

"Buckle yourself in partner," he said, looking back to Beatrice as he reached up to the large red button just over his head.

"Its going to be a bumpy ride, so don't get too comfortable," he chuckled as he placed his finger on the ignition.


[System]
Role: Warrior
Race: Goblin
Description: Bok stands at a solid 2 feet 10 inches tall, with thin, ropey muscles, sharp teeth and a hard stare. At 5 years of age he is the prime of his youth to be a warrior for his great tribe. Dark green skin is tightly pulled around his skull and bones, he is gaunt, ugly, and mean, and bald. Always reaching to prove his skills to himself and his comrade, he hopes one day to become chief like most warriors, and is not above using trickery and mischief to elevate himself; luckily for everyone he hasn't had much a chance to get away with anything nerfarious yet.

As for armaments and armor, Bok usually wears has animal-hide leggings, and shows off his bare-chest which has accumulated a few scars to make himself look tougher. He has a wooden club with bronze wrapped around the end, for crushing and bludgeoning his foes kneecaps and arms.

[User]
Nabi closed her eyes and leaned back while Ty massaged her feet. It felt good. Really good actually. And the more that he did it, the more that she felt her worries dwindle away and she could just focus on preparing herself mentally for what she was about to do. Mostly, however, she could just relax. Her eyes popped open again when he stopped and told her that they needed to meet up with the others and get organized for the raid. She shot to her feet and jumped a few times, balanced on her tiptoes, and then did a couple of cartwheels. She was feeling good. She looked at him and smiled. "Alright, ready to go when you are."

Gabi was in the small kitchen of the hut (if you could really even call it a kitchen. Really just a corner where food was prepared). The plump chicken had been plucked of its feathers and she was now boiling it in a iron pot. There weren't a lot of seasonings on hand, but she tossed whatever she had in there, along with some mushrooms, onions, and cabbage from a recent harvest. It was starting to smell good at least. That was a good sign.

[Assistant]
Taurl nodded in approval as he saw her little display of agility. Try as he might, he couldn't do cartwheels. While that particular move wasn't really useful in a fight, it was a sign that Nabi was well-balanced and agile enough to be able to dodge, climb, or run if the situation called for it.

"Good to hear. Let's go. How about we go to find Tovo first. I'm not sure where he is, but we can look around. The village isn't that big. We could use his skills in close combat."

[User]
'Oh, Bok, could you kill this wolf without using your favorite weapon?'

Whatever, Tovo. Bok watched resentfully as he paraded his catch around down and all the annoying children asked to touch the stupid wolf. Bok could probably catch a wolf, if he wanted too. How hard could it be? If Tovo and that friend of his Bok forgot the name of could catch a wolf, then so could Bok. Well, he didn't want too right now and he needed to train if he was going to prove himself in the big fight that was going to happen soon.

He wandered off to look for something to do and he saw Taurl, who Bok knew was going to be leading the raid, and some other goblin he didn't know the name off.

Bok propped his elbow against his club, Basher, and examined his nails while whistling an extremely casual tune in order to catch Taurl's attention. For what, exactly, Bok didn't know but he wanted to impress as many people before and during the fight as possible if his reputation was going to go up.

[Assistant]
@Stekkmen

Nabi nodded. "Alright, lead the way then." She did one last cartwheel for good measure and then stretched backwards with her back arched almost enough for her hands to touch the ground before she slipped the knife into a little loop on the side of her loincloth. She was about to follow Ty when she noticed some whistling and she turned to see a goblin with a big club that she didn't recognize. "Oh, who's that?" she wondered out loud, curious if he was also a warrior.

[User] Once he had finished making a new shield he took the time to make sure that everything was locked. He had to make sure that none of the thieves tried to steal weapons or materials that didn't belong to them. Once that was done he decided to take Gabi up on her offer for dinner. It was rare for him to get a meal that was prepared by someone else. He still got good food of course since the chief understands that his skills were essential to the running of the tribe as a whole. Once he locked his forge up he went to the farm remembering where it was since he gave them the farming tools they needed. He then knocked on the door to her hut and waited for her to open.

[Assistant] Gabi had just finished the chicken and placed it on the small wooden table in the center of the hut when she heard the knock on her crude wooden door. She hurried over to the door and then opened it to see Olric on the other side. She smiled at him in a warm and welcoming way. "Oh, glad you could come. Come right on in. Dinner is already on the table."

[User]
@Stekkmen

"Oh. That's Bok. Bok! We were just looking for you!" Technically, they had been looking for Tovo, but Bok was the next person in mind. "I'm looking for warriors to join me on a raid. We're going to the Rockbiter village. I think you, I, Tovo, and a few others are all we need. It's just gonna be a quick attack, in and out. Get them back for their attacks on us. Take some stuff, let them know that we can't be messed with."

The day was getting later, and it would be late afternoon by the time they left for the raid at this rate. They might not get back until night.

[Assistant] He smiled softly as she opened the door and welcomed him he bowed a bit and said "thank you for letting me into your home" he said politely before he slowly walked in. He then asked "may i use your bathroom I feel it's only right if I wash my hands" he said since his hands were covered in soot and ash from forging. They were calloused and tough as befits his profession. When she pointed out the washroom he went and cleaned off his hands before sitting down at the table "very nice shack you have gabi"

[User] "Not at all," Gabi said and pointed out the washtub in the corner of the hut. "It's right over there." As he went to wash up, Gabi lowered herself into a seat and then started to carve up some of the bird and distribute it between two copper plates that were dented and quite old, but were the best that she had. "Thanks," she said when he complimented her home. "It's not much, though, honestly. It's pretty small, and usually a mess, especially when Nabi is around. She's quite the slob."

[Assistant] He gave a nod as she pointed out her wash tub where he was able to wash his hands before sitting down and joining her at the table as she offered him a piece of the chicken and he laughed a bit as she said it was usually a mess thanks to her sister. "I can understand that but still you made this into a home and that's what mattered. My hut might be bigger but that just makes it seem so empty. It's part of the reason I usually occupy most of my time to forging" he admitted picking up the chicken with his hand and taking a bite of the chicken and nodded "you would make anyone a fine mate" he said with a wink since her cooking was so good.

[User] Gabi grabbed a chicken leg and took a bite. She was quite hungry considering her condition. She gulped down some of the chicken and then wiped her lips with the back of her hand and smiled at him and blushed a little at his comment. She liked that he had a bit more charm than most of the other males that she had been with. Most just wanted to get to the mating part without much in the way of small talk. It was refreshing to find someone who wasn't so crude all the time. "Well, your job as the blacksmith is very important to the tribe for making tools and weapons, especially if these feuds with other tribes turn into something more."

[Assistant] He smiled softly as he noticed her blush as she accepted his compliment about her making anyone a good mate. He honestly didn't get to talk to people so even just this talking over a nice meal meant almost as much as creating a new weapon. As she said his job was important he blushed a bit and said "true besides it's rare to find a goblin with the strength and mental acuity to make a good Smith. Though don't forget your job is important too. After all you help provide the food for the tribe without you and other farmers we would never be able to grow into adulthood." he said taking another bite from his chicken licking his lips before wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He then said "I just happy I finally have someone to talk to even if it's just small stuff like this" he said softly

[User]
@Aristocles@Stekkmen

Nabi waved to Bok. "Hi, Bok, I'm Nabi. You should come with us. We're going to find Tovo to go with us on the raid." She did wonder what the reaction of the other warriors would be when they discovered that a female was going with them. It wouldn't shock her if some of them weren't comfortable with the idea of it.

Gabi smiled at Olric while she continued to eat her fill of the chicken, feeling like a bit of a pig when she noticed that she was eating more than he was. She thought about him mentioning that her job was important too. He was referring to her working as a farmer of course, but that was only a part of her job. Like all females, she would be expected to produce many younglings in order to ensure the tribes future. "Well, you can come by whenever you want to talk," she told him. "I bet it does get pretty lonely in your job."

[Assistant]
Once the two goblins left the temple, Edra headed straight to the main altar positioned  further behind the bonfire almost to the point that it was leaning on the wall that separated the temple proper and the place where the shaman rested and kept her supply of ingredients for rituals. That altar held both a wooden idol that had several face carvings and a rabbit's head. This kind of offering was the most favored of all offerings by the gods and with such favor required preparation to ensure the prayer of the one who left it be answered and to appease the gods greatly.

She walks to her ingredients cache and grabs some amorous herbs and a wooden mortar and pestle before returning to the altar. She begins to grind the herbs into a thick amber paste that she proceeds to dip the offering into. She goes into a trance like state and walks to the bonfire. The bonfire reacts to the offering and gets slightly stronger than normal. She then holds the head over the bonfire and utters the words of sacrifice before dropping the rabbit head into the fire. "Utzilah miopiar lethodar akula vigis."

The bonfire greedily accepts the offering and the gods show their favor by quickly consuming the flesh of the rabbit head and blackening the rabbit's skull almost instantaneously, making it ready to be mounted outside. Edra then takes the skull out of the temple and mounts it for the whole village to see.

[User] He smiled taking another bite of the chicken enjoying the meal as he soon heard her say that he could come by anytime to talk. He nodded and said "I extend the same kindness. If you ever want to talk and you don't mind me hammering away I will be more then happy to listen. In all honest it can get lonely in the forge but that's why I sing when I hammer the metal." He said with a smile wondering if he was really starting to like Gina. She was mature, kind, and smart and he was sure she was probably already with a litter considering her appetite but he wondered if he could be next.

[Assistant]
@Pandalope

Bok pretended that he just noticed them.

"'Ello, Taurl." He listened to his proposition with exaggerated care. At the end he hefted Basher back over his shoulder and nodded solemnly.

"Alright, I'm behind ya. If anyone can't be messed with, it's us, eh?" He glanced over at the woman, Nabi.

Bok was more than ready to smash some skull and bash some brains, it'd been too long since he'd been in a good fight. No point standing around when there was work to be done.

He looked at Taurl and gestured at Nabi with his club. "Is she comin' with us? Just for watchin'? Or is she gonna, eh, fight?"

[User]
@Jangel13

Nabi made a face and planted her hands on her hips. "Of course I'm coming with," she said as if it were the obvious answer to the question. "And I can fight if I need to." She wasn't sure if she would actually end up finding, but there was a pretty good chance obviously, so she had to be ready.

Gabi smiled. "Thanks for the offer," she said to him and polished off more than her share of the chicken before she got to her feet and walked over to the washtub to clean up after eating. Although she wasn't very big yet, her middle did have a distinct roundness to it that Olric might notice as a sign of early pregnancy. Her chest was also fuller than normal as well.

[Assistant] "Alright. Let's go to the chief and make it formal. If we get his blessing, we'll have no problem getting word of this raid out. As soon as we have a few more fighters, we set off immediately." Taurl knew the way to the Rockbiter village, having been there on a raid in the past. That assault hadn't been too successful, and Ty wanted to try it again. His motive for leading the raid wasn't as pure as revenge for past raids on the Goblin Bone village, insofar as revenge could be called a 'pure' motive.

[User]
As Bok began to follow Taurl around he held his club in both hands in front of him and looked at Nabi.

"Well I just wanted to make sure I didn't 'ave a weak newbie girl on our team! You're not a weak newbie girl, right? How many globs you smashed? What's ya weapon o' choice? Eh?" He gestured at her with his weapon, a shove into the air. Bok wasn't too keen on some girl who's never been in a fight before muckin up things.


[System]
BASIC
Goes By (Nicknames): Maleficent (alter-ego); The Winged She-Elf; She-Devil, Devil's Incarnate (by Thorin); Delva, God-Mother (by Fili & Kili).
Royal Titles: Lady of Ambaróna/"Fangorn".
Other Titles: First Commander of Isengard, Sauron's Most-Trusted Servant (as Maleficent); The Watcher; Guardian of Durin's Folk.
Age: 5,739 (Looks 37-38)
Gender: Female
Race: Elven Hybrid (Sindarin and Noldor Bloodlines)
Other Bloodlines: Silvan and Teleri (Through her grandfather's relatives)
20/20 Elvish (10/20 Sindarin, 6/20 Noldor, 2/20 Silvan, 2/20 Teleri)

APPEARANCE
Face Claim: Angelina Jolie
Hair Color: Medium Brown
Eye Color: Yellow-Green (Boldly-luminous when furious/angry)
Skin Tone: Creamy
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 119 lbs
Body Build: Slim

Finger Claws:

Curved Daggers:

Combat Outfit:

Dresses for Two Towers/Return of the King

Wing-Cloak

PERSONALITY
OVERALL PERSONALITY
Likes: Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits, Ents, Happiness, Animals, Peace, Music, Plant-Life, Training, Flying/Sightseeing, Yearly Seasons.
Dislikes: Death, War, Chaos, Greed, Spiders, Maleficent, Orcs, Sorrow.
Strengths: Fighting/Combat, Flight, Knowledge, Wisdom, Harsh Temperature Resistance, Protective/Affectionate Nature, Keen Senses, Agility.
Other Powers: Wallcrawling, Banshee Scream, Enhanced Strength, Telepathy, Telekinesis.
Weaknesses: Stubbornness, Loneliness, Anger, Vindictiveness, Split Personality.
Fears: Sauron, Losing Family.

Elegant | Unpredictable | Capable | Headstrong | Mysterious | Maternal | Observant | Intelligent

Everyone believed Saeril to be born as a creature of chaos and pure evil, but they just do not know the true story. In actuality, Saeril is a good-hearted, nurturing individual, who highly valued the peaceful natures of Middle-Earth, whilst having the passion to support and protect its various realms and inhabitants. Born during the First Age, Saeril is a strong-willed she-elf, and the last of an ancient Elven clan from Fangorn Forest. A very intelligent, loyal-to-the-bone perfectionist, who stays true to her word, she focuses on finding the best intentions for others, to the point of making great judgment calls, as much as willingly risking her life, in the process.

From the despair of her devastating past, following the Deceiver's corruption upon her mind, Saeril is truly hurt and very lonely inside, having to be caused by the guilt and horror of her cruel and malicious deeds, as well as the amount of pain and trauma she had to endure. After being rescued by Gandalf the Grey, she was left "more Orc than Elf", while her other alter-ego "Maleficent", a psychopathic representation of her corruption, still lingers within her mind. However, after Sauron's defeat, this other personality dissipated, giving back her natural Elven beauty.

The ultimate goal was to redeem and dissipate this inner darkness from within, but she never anticipated it to be a challenge when she rekindled herself with her Dwarven godsons Fili and Kili, whilst having to closely bond with a young she-elf named Yavanna, whom she had grown to love and deeply care for, as if she were her own daughter. Determined to protect both the Sons of Durin and the Bright Star of Middle-Earth, Saeril will become extremely aggressive and violent, whenever someone threatens, or has inflicted any sort of harm to them; as this contrasts her more-gentle nature, she will be blunt and gladly let the offenders know the price. In addition, since witnessing the death of Fili, she will go to great lengths, if it means to prevent Kili and Yavanna from falling under the same fate.

Both as "Maleficent" and herself, Saeril is a ruthless, immensely-formidable warrior in her own right; despite withholding a certain elegance, she's truly a very deadly foe for anyone who'd dare challenge her personally. A vast majority of her strength came from the enchantment Sauron had placed upon her, as well as the supernatural connection he was able to forge between them; even while she was formerly his chief of the Isengard legion, she possessed a number of abilities that have allowed her to stand her own, and even overpower the most skilled of individuals. Due to this connection, she's able to enhance these abilities. She also shows herself to have great telepathic power; either taught or naturally inherited from her parents and/or ancestors, she can read the minds of others, conjure up visions through physical touch, and receive thoughts from a certain distance.

Saeril will not hesitate to comfort, guide, or advise others when they seem to need it. Proud, proper, and almost-completely fearless, she will never bow to anyone she disagrees with. Evident by her relationship with Thorin Oakenshield, it's complicated when it comes to terms of the trust; she betrayed him (as he claimed) by "stealing" the starlight jewels from his treasure hoard for King Thranduil. Although she was claimed as not "trusting", Saeril openly showed that she cared a great deal for him, saving his life multiple times on different occasions.

BACKGROUND
Place of Birth: Fangorn Forest (Also known as Ambaróna).
Family:
- Kili Durin (Godson; Alive) (Dwarf)
- Fili Durin (Godson; Deceased) (Dwarf)
- Dis Durin (Co-parent; Alive) (Dwarf)
- Vili Durin (Co-parent; Deceased) (Dwarf)
- Hermia (Mother; Deceased) (Noldor Elf)
- Lysander (Father; Deceased) (Sindarin Elf)
- Ulla (Aunt; Deceased) (Sindarin Elf)
- Kinloch (Uncle; Deceased) (Sindarin Elf)
- Kriva (Grandmother; Deceased) (Noldor Elf)
- Disgla (Grandfather; Deceased) (Silvan/Teleri Elf)
- Fidnai (Great-Grandmother; Deceased) (Teleri Elf)
- Sahov (Great-Grandfather; Deceased) (Silvan Elf)

Other Relations:
- Gandalf the Grey/White (Mentor/Friend; Alive) (Maiar)
- Thorin Oakenshield (Friend; Deceased) (Dwarf)
- Aragorn II Elessar (Friend; Alive) (Man)
- Lord Elrond (Acquaintance; Alive) (Half-Elf)
- Tauriel (Acquaintance; Alive) (Silvan Elf)
- Haldir (Acquaintance; Alive) (Silvan Elf)
- Gimli (Acquaintance; Alive) (Dwarf)
- Thranduil Greenleaf (Acquaintance/Friend; Alive) (Sindarin Elf)
- Legolas Greenleaf (Acquaintance/Friend; Alive) (Sindarin Elf)
- Yavanna Undomiel (Friend/Daughter-Figure; Alive) (Elven Hybrid; Mortal/Sindarin/Noldor)
- Bilbo Baggins, Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Peregrine Took, and Meriadoc Brandybuck (Acquaintances/Friends; Alive) (Hobbits)
- Azog the Defiler & Bolg (Enemies; Deceased) (Gundabad Orcs)

[User]
Fili kept a hold of the reigns, relieved that the princess was able to stay back and let her arm heal. The company traveled a few hours until they arrived at a forested area. Unlike the rest of the foliage, everything within the entry appeared withered and dead. "This forest feels...sick, as if a disease lies upon it", Bilbo was uneasy, and he looked to Gandalf in hopes of him coming up with another route. "Is there no way around?"

Fili wasn't liking the looks of this, either. The woods were dark, and the trees were too close together to allow a horse through such a tight space. Just as Saeril and Kili managed to catch up with them, he glanced to the elder. "This isn't like our forest, is it?", the blonde questioned her lowly, referring to her home and the woods of his childhood.

Gandalf looked back to see the huge black bear watching them, who seems to be making sure that they didn't take the ponies into the forest. "Set the ponies loose", he ordered them. "Let them return to their master. We must travel through on foot. Going around will take twice as long", he spoke as he stepped to examine the entrance to the forest.

Saeril glanced at the forest as Fili asked her about the difference between this one and Fangorn. "A little bit. This one is more denser; heavier, being much longer and taller. Unlike the woods you're used to, you can easily get lost in this one", she's been here, and it was all true. Fili let himself down before he carefully helped Yavanna off the horse.

"A shame to lose such fine beasts", Saeril stated as she dismounted, and helped Kili down. "If only you saw the creatures back in Fangorn", she chuckled at a fonding memory of the Ents, although she hoped her laughter would bring a little light to their upcoming situation. "Mighty things they are", the she-elf sighed as she thought about her home, softly smiling at the creature before her.

[Assistant]
As they arrived at the entrance of the forest. Yavanna looked at the entrance in front of them. Just like Bilbo, she felt uneasy about the forest. She could feel the darkness...the sickness of the forest before them. It was her elvish nature. She was a lover of nature, of forests...of the beauty of Middle Earth. This forest, was nothing like the one she knew back home and grew up exploring. It was dark.

Listening to Saeril, compare Fangorn forest with this one, she smiled softly. "I imagine Fangorn must be beautiful." she said softly. "By the way you describe it, it reminds me of Lothlorien a little. How I loved to explore there." Yavanna smiled at her childhood memories, any time she went to visit her grand-parents.

Kili glanced over at Yavanna, as she brought up a place he was not familiar with. "Is it beautiful there?" he asked her with a smile.
Yavanna nodded "Very much so. It's one of my favorite places...I would often visit, when I was younger. My grandparents, Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn rule over those lands." she said with a warm smile on her face. As Fili helped her down, she smiled at him softly...before she gently stroked the Horse's muzzle. "It would not be wise, to bring them into the forest." she said softly. She let her and Fili's horse go back towards it's master.

Kili stood on the ground, beside his God-Mother once she helped him down. It seemed like Gandalf was deep in thought for a while. Before he returned and asked them to not send his horse back.
"You're leaving us?" Yavanna asked, what could make Gandalf rush off in such a hurry? The young Princess did not know, of the conversation he had with her grand-mother back in Rivendell.

[User]
Saeril and Fili smiled fondly when they heard Yavanna talk about another section of Middle-Earth; one that the winged she-elf knew too well, while Fili didn't. It had been a while for the elder to be there, and the only thing she remembered about that forest was the glowing lights of the trees at night. It was a beautiful homeland for the many Elves, including the legendary Noldor. However, she frowned when the princess asked about the beauty of Fangorn. In truth, it wasn't as bright as how it was those many, many years ago. Ever since the downfall of her race, there wasn't much to the forest anymore, except for the fellow Ents who shared that said-territory.

Pulling an old clump of vines off a stone statue, Gandalf saw that a large eye had been plastered with red war paint. Galadriel's voice spoke to him in his mind. "If our enemy has returned, then we must know. Go to the tombs in the mountains. "The High Fells. So be it", he swallowed, turning quickly back to the group. "Not my horse, I need it!" he called. "I would not do this unless I had to", Gandalf answered to the princess as he got onto the horse's back. "I have business that needs attending to, and it cannot wait. No matter what happens, stay on the path!", he reminded them, before riding away.

"Come on. We must reach the mountain before the sun sets on Durin's Day", the woods were uninviting, and a broken, paved path that leads them towards the darkness. Foliage and shrubbery crowded the travelers, and the trees seemed to reach the sky and block out the possibility that the sun was above them. "This is our one chance to find the hidden door."

Saeril has been using her elven stealth to allow herself to walk quieter, but the forest itself was eerily quiet. Something wasn't right, she knew. It didn't feel normal. She couldn't help but see Kili stride away from the group. That was when she remembered: the very air was heavy with illusion. It had no effect on the Elven folk, but she just found out that Kili nor his brother were immune. They began to walk slower, their speech began to slur; they were hallucinating and disoriented, and they began to feel light-headed but they forced themselves to keep going.

Quickly, the she-elf had to prevent him from almost falling off the edge of the path by grabbing the back of his cloak and turning him around. She was down to his level, and holding his face, trying to tell him that it wasn't real and that he was seeing things. Fili wasn't any better; also in his own trance, and kinda in his own little world. It was strange and out of place to see the brothers like this; so disordered.


[System]
{Height/Weight}
5'11"/"You've got some nerve asking that"

{Age}
Twenty-eight

{Personality}
As a generally level-headed and often playful individual, Samehana can come off as being more approachable than her appearance might suggest. Samehana has a habit of being a little flirtatious, though at the same time she's also quite snarky, especially with her crewmates. The one thing she gets the most excited about is facing opponents who can test her skills, a fact that sometimes causes her to drag out fights longer than needed for maximum satisfaction. Those who seem to have the potential to become stronger intrigue her in particular, and she'll often make note of them in the hopes of future encounters.

{Home Island/Sea}
Fishman Island

{History}
From a young age, Samehana knew she wanted to become a martial artist. As a little fishgirl, she often watched as her father's students at the Fishman Dojo trained vigorously in the art of combat. She idolized both her father and her older brother, Samejin, and it wasn't long before she begged her father to train her in Fishman Karate as well. While her father, Samemoku, was hesitant at first, Samehana was persistent. Before long, she had broken through her father's wall of denial and began training at the dojo. Both Samejin and Samemoku were impressed by how quickly Samehana caught on to the finer points of Fishman Karate, to the point that they labeled her a prodigy. While Samehana trained happily, she quickly surpassed her brother who had been training for years up until she took up Fishman Karate.

Samemoku began to regret his choice somewhat once Samehana had begun to blossom into womanhood. Her shapely figure and pretty face attracted no small amount of suitors and would-be students who wanted to win her favour. It took the elder fishman quite a bit of willpower not to stop her from training in order to shelter her from those who would come to take her hand in marriage. At the time, it took Samehana a while to catch on, but she eventually turned it into an opportunity for competition. In fact, before setting off from Fishman Island, she had a sort of "contest" running where whoever could best her in combat would be worthy of her hand. Of course, she never lost.

With Samejin in line to eventually be the next head of the Fishman Dojo, Samehana didn't have much reason to stick around other than perhaps settling into complacency. Instead, Samehana decided that she would explore the world outside of Fishman Island, hopefully encountering greater fighters than those she fought in her homeland.

{Fruit}
N/A

{Abilities/Race Traits}
As a Fish(wo)man, Samehana possesses immense physical prowess. Though, Samehana is considered monstrous even among Fishmen. Combined with her mastery of both Kenbunshoku and Busoshoku Haki, Samehana is a formidable fighter. It is her proficiency in Busoshoku Haki that earned her the title "The Black Shark", due to her ability to harden her entire body with Haki. Also of note is her cooking ability, which is literally only in the area of seafood. Everything else she makes turns out awful.

{Fighting style}
 Samehana happens to be a high-level master of Fishman Karate, which she often combines with moves she's picked up from various martial artists she's encountered during her travels. Samehana typically tries hard not to kill her opponents if it isn't necessary, a luxury she can afford on account of her immense speed and power.

{Ship Positions}
Cook-Golden Fleece Pirates(?)

{Bounty}
9,000,000 Beli
For theft of a Marine ship, assault of Navy personnel, destruction of government property and "obstruction of justice"

[User]
Rayne
Xerxes

Location:
* Solitary Cell of The Muron Prison

Interacting:
* @RyoRyoRyoken
* @Renny

---

---

The look of surprise was etched into the guards face. He was used to hearing prisoner request for a woman, a drink, or even a gourmet meal, but a suit, that was a new one. Slowly shaking his head, the guard made a call on his mini Den Den.

"Bring a 2 piece black suit, which shirt, a black tie, and black loafer to the Crimson Reapers Cell, that's his final wish." the guard relayed, chuckling slightly before hanging up.

"Your a funny one, Crimson Reaper, a few guards will be up to help you change." He regarded Rayne with a cold stare, rage and hate boiling under his calm mask. He had heard of the horrors that the Crimson Reaper had wrought on the Conomi Islands with little remorse, even going as far as to try and usurp the chain of commands with his twisted words. He would be…no, they would all be glad to see this pirate dead, his head severed from his body, and the blemish that was Xerxes erased from the world.

All of the emotions that Rayne found useless or degrading were hidden deep within the flesh of his soul. As a result, for once in his life, all major emotions were almost entirely under his control. All it took was the shadow of death to seemingly be upon him.

"Well, well, Baldy. It looks like you managed to grow quite an impressive mane, shame that you don't have much time left to enjoy it."

Rayne recognized that voice, he gazed at the man who had appeared behind the guard, who jumped out of the way. "C-captain Zepp, sir!"he said quickly before saluting Marine.

Rayne remained silent, allowing himself to be impressed with Zepp's suit, just his style. Yes, he was the Marine that dragged him into the ship back on Conomi. " Time is the' ability' that allows us to perceive continuous changes in structure or quality. In that case I'll have all the time in the after-life." Rayne claimed, his grin slowly fading.

Two guards then appeared at his door, neatly folded suit in hand. They were quick, as if they had is size in stock. "You wouldn't mind helping me dress would you. Don't want me slipping out of those cuffs." he pointed out, gesturing with his eyes to the extra cuffs that the second guard held. Slipping past Zepp, the cuff guard began to unlock the locks on his straitjacket.

[Assistant]
The news of Kanki's death struck Jax pretty hard. He couldn't believe that he was gone just like that. If Jax didn't go out ahead, then maybe he could have saved Kanki. If he wasn't an idiot who thought splitting up was a good idea. Why did he think that? How dumb was he? Jax shouldn't be here. He thought too much. It caused death. Blood is on his hands. Kanki falling.

Jax woke up from his rest in a cold sweat with these thoughts haunting him constantly. It was his fault for thinking about the future instead of the present. He needs to focus on his crew now and make sure the mistakes of the past aren't repeated. Jax keeps telling himself that, but it's hard to get the thoughts of Kanki out of his head. He needs to grow stronger to protect his crew. His teleportation has grown quicker and it doesn't drain as much energy. On a good day he could possibly teleport another person with him. Luckily, if the teleportation fails it just leads to a lack of teleportation and no one being split in half.

The newest member of a group is a doctor that we found in order to save our captain. Fadel is his name and Jax could not thank him enough for saving Sunny. He seemed like a good enough guy, especially since he was willing to join on with the crew. The other new crewmember, Dirk, had the brilliant idea to sell and steal his devil fruit in order to make money. That was definitely something they needed, especially to get a new ship.

They sold it enough times to get the new ship and Jax had the honor of designing it. Honor might not be the right word, Jax just winged his design. He was lucky enough to hold onto the blueprints of his former ship. He basically just shrunk the size of the ship to fit their budget. The only change that was made was on the figurehead. The flaming woman who represented the spirit of The Rose Horizon will be our guiding light into the Grand Line.

Jax finally woke up from his daze of thought and realized that he was on the deck. He noticed his captain coming onto the deck and he listened to what he had to say. Sunny said that a piece of his past was in the prison and he was asking for our advice."Yeah, it's probably a mistake. But isn't becoming a pirate a mistake to some people? They see us monsters who pillage and plunder. They see our existence as a mistake, but we are the ones who truly live free. You must follow your own path and you are my captain. That means I will follow you anywhere. A prison is also a great place to practice my powers. Breaking out of a prison fits into my repertoire of uses for my power." With that last joke Jax looked at his captain with the intensity of his desire to not let anything happen to his captain or his crewmates during this jail break.

@BCTheEntity@JMerlrobot@RyoRyoRyoken

[User]
Adrian Amadeus

His view had been the same for an hour.. That is what other people would say if they saw Adrian in the same position like he had minutes to spare. No, the captain had a different view, it wasn't the sky with is fluffed clouds, if wasn't the jumping fish with slime shined scales, and it wasn't ripples in the water. He thought going to Conomi Islands would of made ticked a box off his list of things to stop worrying about but it didn't. However it fueled him.

He clutched the bars that held him from falling into the ocean, regretting the image of his now disabled mother. He remembered how she tried to hide the damage done to her behind her own quilts. The image of her calm face as she told him to have faith and stop worrying. This image had left a nasty movement in his stomach, The neighbors told him it was due to the explosion and that is what caused her to lose her legs. "I wonder what she does now", his thoughts were like rain about her, constant.

He broke thought hearing noise, a creak of some kind. It took him a while to notice that it was his own feet moving, he had been in the position for too long. He wondered how he would sleep tonight, the noise of the lieutenant, a bear of a man. Who stood taller than Adrian, and much more broader. He remembered the first time he had seen him, his hands huge, and hair sprouting from his knuckles as if he were some sort man beast. The thought of the image made him chuckle, "Total killer with women aye?" His mood had calmed a little, right now he saw Drum island.

"What happens now?" He asked himself, if he were a fortune teller, he wouldn't know whether to look at his own future or not right now. All the captain knew is that he'd have to wrap up to keep warm.
@NachoBachoPacho

[Assistant]
Zepp Kisaragi
Drum Island, Muron Prison

"No need to be so formal, pal. I ain't quite as uptight as some of the other stiffs in here." Zepp clapped the guard on the shoulder and turned his attention back to Xerxes. There was definitely something different about the man's demeanor. Though, whether that was on account of Zepp's only interaction with the prisoner being in the midst of battle or some more peculiar reason was ultimately unimportant to him. If anyone could see the Marine's eyes, they might have caught them rolling as Xerxes waxed poetic about time and the afterlife. At least his predilection towards speeches hadn't changed at all. "Well, at least you've come to terms with your next destination. Though, I'm not sure whether you're gonna get an enjoyable experience out of it." Zepp retorted as two guards passed by him with a suit prepared for the prisoner. Sure was a quick retrieval, huh? Barely any time had passed since Zepp heard the soon-to-be dead man make his final request.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were trying to pull a fast one on me." the Captain remarked as the two guards that had entered began to undo Xerxes' straitjacket. Moving closer, Zepp took hold of the cuffs and slapped the seastone bondings around one of the man's wrists, allowing him, begrudgingly at least, to put his new tops on. "You make any sudden moves and I execute you right here. I'm sure I won't hear many objections on that front." he whispered into Xerxes' ear, his facial expression in stark contrast with the gravity of his words. The newly appointed Captain of the 99th held the back of the prisoner's neck as if he were picking up a naughty cat, watching his every move as he got his Sunday best on for execution day. He had considered tearing the suit to bits as soon as it'd been brought over, but decided against it. Ripping up a two-piece suit was kind of a petty jab in light of the situation surrounding Xerxes' crimes.

Once the outfit change was complete and the prisoner's bindings were once again secure, Zepp let go of the back of the newly-dressed Xerxes and chuckled. "Picked a hell of a time to decide you want to look fancy." he snarked, nodding at the guards to start moving. The hour of the execution was already drawing near….


[System]
Age: 17
Race: Human
Nationality: Dutch / Japanese

Personality: A starry eyed youth, heart ablaze and hands layered in the callouses of constant work with the spear. She laughs easily and openly, equal parts absent and ignorant to deceit as she goes about her schooling. Enjoys physical challenges, anything she can work on with her hands appeals to her, but she finds herself averse to puzzles and trivia games. Not the brightest of people but tries to compensate with earnestness and effort. Feels a touch of envy for mages who can barely lift a tome weighing more then ten pounds but can summon phantasmal creatures to aid them, but is too consious of hurting their feelings to voice or act upon it.
Backstory:
The de Windt's have a longer history in Japan then they do with their own family name, tracing their line all the way back to the early Dutch who helped crush the Shimabara-Amakusa Rebellion and securing themselves as the sole European power still tolerated in the country till their borders were forced open two centuries later. Relations tensed in the past century given world events, but their connection of the magical side of things made surviving changing times unscathed a more reasonable affair.

The descendent of Dutch merchant marines now stands, ignorant of the blood upon her lineage and with her sights set only upon a bright shining future. As a child she played with sticks, golden hair flying wildly as she chased and was chased by boys from a sleepy countryside village, the glory of a bustling market long since given way to the twilight of after years, where all still lingered neither prospering nor failing. A haven to retire to and the breeding ground of childhood ambitions for something more, the harsh clang of steel and the burn of a wooden shaft twisting against her palms.

The young Lorelai had no word for what she sought, only that she was compelled to push herself hard and long even at the expense of more mundane studies. Times of play gave way to earnest training under the attentive eye of parents, always losing herself amidst a field of sunflowers. Tilling the land for miles with only a hoe, only to carry bags of seed and sowing by hand till her blisters wept and her hands were a mix of caked dirt and weeping scarlet. She laid the groundwork for true martial training with her own hands, surrounding herself in the flowers of her long distant homeland before every knowing the true heft of a weapon in hand.

The nameless conviction carried her far from home, the sunflowers wilting as her gaze turned to the academy of her dreams, where her heart knew she'd be a step closer to fulfillment.

---

Battle with Shinzou. 6/7/21
Stats:
END: 71 (B)
STR: 65 (C)
DEX: 60 (B)
AGI: 70 (B)
INT: 5 (F)
WIL: 5 (F)
CHR: 20 (D)
SPT: 35 (D)
LCK: 5 (F)

---

Weapons:
Worn Spear-An implement she's trained with for the last two years, knowing it's every groove and how much strain it can take. Carries it with pride and cleans the head habitually even when not used. Can support her own weight vaulting with it even in Composite Armor.
Shatter Star Fragments: Remnants of a magic canceling sword.
Gear:
Composite Armor: An armor made predominantly of leather with added plate along one arm and shoulders for protection without comprimising her agility between and in combat.
Independent:
Spirit Boost- As an Earth Human, Lorelai has a wellspring of inner power waiting to be tapped into. 40% boost to Spirit when over 50. Currently: Inactive.

De Windt Bloodline: Her birthright as a member of the De Windt family cultured over the generations and the events they played part to.

Friend of Tengu: The Tengu feather that is on her will allow her to be identified as a friend of Mt. Kurama Tengu. Ordinarily Tengu are quite pervasive about people, often staying distant, or even hostile at times. As a result of her actions also, a certain Tengu has appeared as a student on campus... This also makes her elligible to learn further Tengu Arts.
Major Skills:
Farmer's Last Resort- The spear has long been the weapon of peasentry, with a low skill barrier to use but a ceiling as distant as the stars above. To call oneself a novice is to stand firm against charging adversaries and hold your spear true. Level: 2 (6pts)

Dieter's Fields-Moving beyond tactics of the peasentry is the true spirit of combat with a spear, understanding the advantage that comes with a greater reach then a sword and learning to use the full range of motion to aspire towards heights most would never consider. Level: 1 (5 pts)

Fujiwara Shinto Exorcism Manuscript Volume 1 - A manuscript detailing standard seals for Shinto style exorcism. It's multi-purpose too being mainly focused on protection and support if it isn't a spell that's for exorcism.2 Points.

Yagyu Shingan-Ryu (Yari Spear). 2 Points.

Major Skill Points Free: 6
Minor Skills:
Iron Flesh- Level: 1 (2 pts)
Indomitable- Level: 1 (2pts)
Follow Up- Level: 2 (4pts)
Dragon Rage- Level: 2 (4pts)
Second Wind- Level: 1 (2pts)
Signature Move: Ride the Wind- Level: 1 (2pts)

Forms:Farmer's Last Resort:
Form One - Forward March
Execution: Lunge forward, thrusting forward with both hands on the spear before returning to starting position.
Principle: The simplest way to attack. Power comes from the force of movement making even frail arms provide lethal force.

Form Two - Shield Wall
Execution: Hold an arm out and across your chest, bracing the spear atop it as though you were holding a shield. Thrust forward, sliding over the arm for a quick jab. Mastery requires using your 'shield' to redirect a misaligned thrust into a true strike as it passed over.
Principle: An aided strike that develops arm strength in thrusts without heavy dependence on personal skill. A foundation in controlling the spear without both hands upon it.

Form Three - Breaching The Wall
Execution: Grasping the spear with both hands and positioning it overhead, thrusting at an angle as though going over a barrier to reach it.
Principle: Trains the arms to support the spear without any aid and cements the users balance.
Dieter's Fields:
Form One - Quench the Thorns
Execution: Performing a standard thrust at such speed so as to look to have not moved. Done with a firm stance rooted to the ground for superior handling.
Principle: The basis for all spear fighting, connecting the stolid base of a Novice to the more fluid Journeyman. Teaches speed and coordination with the spear.

Form Two - Sow the Land
Execution: Perform a wide slash with the spear, shifting hands down a palm length before swinging back around, continueing till they've gone both ways along the shaft.
Principle: Understands a fuller range of motion and acclimates the hand to gripping the spear at any length with reasonable surety.

Form Three - Break the Frost
Execution: A heavy handed swing against a training target that bounces off, rotates fully around the user and transitions into a thrust.
Principle: Introduces power into the techniques and creates a flow between prior forms.

Form Four - Exalt the Harvest
Execution:Steps forward sharply, putting weight on the lead foot as the spear is raised from behind, overhead, and slammed down in a crescent arc.
Principle: An aggressive helm splitter that further develops power based on where the shaft is held to extend or shorten the arc.

Technique:
Ride the Wind: A stationary leap upwards from a crouch, grasping the spear firmly in both hands before driving it downwards tip first as you land upon and stab through an enemy. Lorelai throws the entirety of her being into the attack, sacrificing footing for the added power of crashing upon them.

[User]
Minazuki

Assassination attempt investigation, hrm? Made sense then. And considering the matter of the mask...

"Fine." Otis had suspected as much. It remained a curiosity to him that humans were so eager to segregate themselves from the other sentient races in the world, but perhaps a sense of xenophobia was easier to foster when you only spend time with those similar to one's self. He shrugged off that idea, storing into his mind that Utsumi was lying. That teacher had told them to set up room arrangements for groups of four, without mentioning anything about how those of a more incorporeal slant would not be arriving at their room at all for a sizable portion of the singular week they'd be spending in Kyoto. Even in the absence of any nefarious kidnapping, there was no reason why the training the demons had to undertake meant that they couldn't return to their hotel rooms at night.

Simply put, shit stank bad.

As Ultana offered a suitable distraction for him, Otis drew out a piece of paper and a pencil. He closed his eyes briefly, his exceptional intelligence retrieving the details of that assassin's mask in far greater detail than what his phone's camera could capture, before he drew multiple variations of that same mask from different angles upon the piece of paper. There was a slight pause as the Strigidae's mind raced through any other possible details that seemed unique, but after a while, he stopped and wrote down a simple question instead, before folding the letter in half.

"Utsumi," Otis said, waving the letter towards the man. "If you receive reports, you can send reports. Can you send this to Koyuki?"

Within the letter, the question address to the kitsune was simple: "Where can you buy this, specifically? -Otis"

[Assistant]
Ultana Whelen

As the teacher responded to her requested it almost seemed like she might've not been able to go before he reveals that their teacher Kuuto gave them a permit to enter the library. Though, instead of giving her the talisman she thought was the permit, he had her place her finger on it before something appeared on her hand before disappearing. If she wasn't to be given the talisman, than it appeared to her that the 'permit' might just happen to be what appeared on her hand a second ago. A magical permit?

As the teacher explained, the library happens to be in a familiar location. The shrine where she was able to learn the Overflowing flame technique, the Fujiwara estate. She was confused at first but he later made sense of it that the library was beneath it, underground. Now that she got what she wanted, she thanked the teacher and immediately left the hotel and made her way over to the shrine. Once Ultana reached the Fujiwara shrine, she went up to someone who works at the shrine.

"Hello, my name is Ultana Whelen, I'm here to see the library." She greeted them as she showed them her hand.

[User]
The hardest part was sitting still for an hour while all the regulars got to demonstrate their arts. Even without an interest in swordsmanship she could be impressed by the display and ache to practice it, but she wasn't raised to be rude when this was done for the Silver Gate student's benefit. They had limited time and there was much that could be learned, so cramming everything short of CPR into an hour was hardly tedious.

When the demonstrations concluded she didn't hesitate to proclaim her interest into the yari spear. It would not be long till she had one of her own and she wouldn't embarrass Muramasa-san by fumbling it just because she couldn't account for the difference in weight and length. She could tell already this would be significantly longer then her more westernized spear, but hey, that just meant she had an edge in pole vaulting, right? That, and stabbing, but the obvious need not be stated.

"I shall be proficient in using the Yari before I leave Kyoto, or I shall train with a weighted staff for the next year, I swear it!" The blonde declared passionately to the instructor, eyes almost seeming to be aflame as she pumped her fist before the older sensei.