[System] How does one repay the gift of freedom? Through eternal loyalty.

[User]
Not a single care was given from Claudia regarding the symbol. First off, the others would remember it. Second, there probably weren't a lot of symbols to look for, so why should she worry about it?

Why not me? Claudia thought, though in Rusalka's much more intimidating voice. I'm the adventurer. I'm the one they'd take seriously, not just another pretty face. You're not even in the Society.

You take that back, miss edgy. I'm the one of us who's better known. I'm sure I'm much more relatable.

You spent a couple months in prison. That's not impressive. It means you got caught.

Well, if I hadn't, you wouldn't exist. It's better than someone who wears fashion accessories to be scary. And I was the one who got us out of there. You may have convinced me I could, but I did it my way. Talking. Not sneaking around, and, as you said, "shankin' bitches like they're a poor man's dinner."

Rusalka's voice grew quiet in her head, but even though it was in her own voice instead of the vigilante guise's, Rusalka laughed through Claudia. Not an evil laugh at least. Just a quiet, 'okay, we're good now' chuckle. Also quietly, a whisper from Claudia herself...to herself: "This better be fun."

[Assistant]
Camp of the Nirmathi Rangers

---

As the group questioned Gavirk, he ordered one of his men to hand out the down payment of their services. "The river Marideth runs within sight of the Keep. If the Molthuni soldier is smart, he likely has a watch stationed overlooking the water." The accidental display seemed to barely phase Gavirk, as he quickly shifted his attention to the next question. "When Nirmathas claimed her independence from Molthune, they built Fangwood Keep as a sort of border fort: an aggressive posture towards the Nirmathi. We have conquered and lost the Keep many times over the years, the latest of such excursions being nigh a decade ago when we took it back. Since then, we've been in talks of peace with Molthune, and this rogue soldier is endangering those efforts. That's why we are sending you instead of going ourselves; if Nirmathas took the fort back, it would signal another step in the ongoing war. If Molthune stormed the Keep, it could be seen as a sign of weakness, and elements of our army may try to take advantage. This is a delicate situation, and I trust you will keep the details to yourself?"

Without bothering to await an answer, almost as if he implicitly trusted the paladin in the group, Gavirk turned his attention to the next question. "The woods hold the standard dangers. Not much in the way of quicksand, and the brambles typically don't hunt you if you leave them alone." His response was deadpan, and not even a hint of a smile showed on his face. "There's been reports of hobgoblins along the path, and there's a troll that has a cave not too far from the Keep. He's never bothered us, so we haven't tried to root him out. Other than that, not abnormal dangers to speak of. The woods are fairly quiet." With his answers delivered, he turned to check on some of his men. "If you excuse me, I must see to the training of some new recruits. Please do not delay."

With Gavirk busy, the group purchased their requisite supplies at the quartermaster, spending some of their newly-earned gold before making their plans. A makeshift tavern was an ideal location to plan. The "structure" was little more than a large tent with a plank set upon two barrels serving as the bar, but there were several soldiers mulling about the area. Someone had embedded a pamphlet into a nearby tree via use of an arrow, and the pamphlet had a crudely drawn image of a troll on it. "Bounty: 1000 gold to whomever brings me the head of Sigurx. I'll be at Fort Ramgate -- Signed, Arther Cossack."

It was decided after a short time that the best option would be to begin their adventure immediately, push as far as they could in the remaining light of the day, and break camp along the trail. The journey for the first day was uneventful, and the night's watch equally so. They had traveled for a few hours the following day when they stumbled upon a cavern system. The area outside the caves seemed bare, although the grass was worn within several feet of the cave entrance as if a makeshift path had seen the pounding of thousands of footsteps.

[User]
Detta tried her best to make conversation on the road. Given her attire, talking wasn't going to make them much louder even if they wanted to slink by quietly.

"My pa says a castle traded over and again never gets fixed. This rushed human work made for quick wars's not likely different." She raised a ambivalent palm. "If one company took it without help getting there first, could be full o' holes still? The tricky part's holdin' the bastard."

The cave they found was impossible to miss. Detta turned her head, raised an eyebrow, and stopped. After a quiet look, she lowered the visor of her helmet and strode carefully towards the cave mouth, leaning to get a better look around the scenery. Squinting into the dark didn't yield much that she could make out, even with her dwarven eyes. The pounded path didn't have footprints big enough to be from that troll with the bounty, either.

>Survival 9: Ain't no trolls around here, boss!

Detta put a fist on her hip with a metallic click and half-turned her head back. "What you make o' this?" She asked her friends.

[Assistant]
Hanani did not say much when the man answered his comrades questions, in fact, he remained completely silent and left to go purchase a couple things right after the man had finished speaking. The information they had gathered was plenty and his knowledge of trolls was well enough that if they did run into one he knew to simply use his fire spells to help dispatch the beast before moving on to better things. Once his potions were bought he met up with the others so they could begin their 'adventure', hoping to simply get it over with as he wasn't all that interested in much else, unless something proved to be of interest as they traveled. Before their rest of the first night he spent some time simply talking to Mercy, amusing himself with the small banter until he was forced to get the rest his body decided to force upon him.

 The following day he was just as quiet as before, content with simply listening to the others and only speaking when spoken to if it could not be avoided. When they came across the cave systems, he simply squinted his eyes and took a look inside, figuring the others would look at the prints as he was more interested in what could potentially be inside... which seemed to be nothing, at least not at the moment. "The cave system seems to be relatively silent and made of limestone," he told the others, probably the most he has said in some time in a collective sentence, "Nothing sounds out of the normal nor does it seem dangerous at the moment, but that isn't to say that we won't have some troubles later on if we don't go through quickly."

 With that said, he simply pulled Mercy from her sheath and held her in an almost lazy, but natural, manner. When the Paladin asked for the other's opinions Hanani remained silent. He didn't much care about the tracks and he didn't glean much from them regardless, so he felt he did not really have anything to add to the conversation in those regards. "Oh come on, it can't hurt to share some of the information you get even if it isn't-"

 "Shush, it is nothing important and the Paladin gleaned about as much as I did," Hanani growled at the sword mentally, his face showing his displeasure.

HP: 28/28
AC: 19

Spells -
0: 4/4 (DC:14)
1: 4/4 (DC:15)
2: 2/2 (DC:16)

Arcana Pool: 5/5
Mercy Pool: 1/1

Perception: 18
Knowledge-Dungeoneering: 14
Survival: 21

[User]
⋪▬══▬══▬⫷
⋪▬▬═▬Kyra and Kit▬═▬▬⫷

---

The party spied upon an opening within the nearby crag, and the banter trailed off as they approached. With a simple glance, it seemed like a perfect place for their extraneous bounty. Though, traveling only a day and assuming the first cave you happen to slip by is the home to a troll would a tad irresponsible. And so a handful of the adventurers stooped over the cluster of steps in the grass in search for clues, Kyra included.

She came to a low crouch, inspecting the ground for any visible pattern as the weather had cleared away any particular print. "This must've been abandoned quite a while ago," she remarked as she started to follow one such pattern in the trail. On its own it was unrecognizable, but she was able to track it down a few feet until a piece of brush had to be peeled away to reveal it. Underneath, there was a print, relatively preserved.

"Hobgoblins," she spoke up. Eyeing around a little and rising to her feet, almost identical patterns were flooding over the trail, all about as recent as this. "It seems that they left in a hurry. And in droves." She pondered to herself for a moment on this. There were so many. Why would they have all fled like this?

"I don't think a lone troll could've ejected this many of them from their home. Either men invaded the cavern, or something else has nested here. Something much bigger."

>26 to Survival.

[Assistant]
Valerio Vexx

Wilderness

---

Valerio shuffled his cards as he and his allies searched the caves, a bored expression on his face. He feels like he should have consulted the Harrow before they started venturing out, but decides to not dwell on it too much. Still, however, his paranoia slowly became apparent the longer they traveled through the wilderness. For a moment, he decided to look around, himself. As he surveyed the general area, Valerio hears some rustling in the trees.

"Damn it, it's an ambush, isn't it?" Valerio questioned, drawing a card as he looked up to the trees. All he found instead was but a lowly squirrel, doing naught but... mocking him?

"... False alarm." Valerio grunted, eyeing the squirrel with annoyance. As an attempt to forget whatever he just did, Valerio figured he would continue by scanning the area for any latent magic. Whispering the words to himself and waving his hands in the air, Valerio had cast Detect Magic. As the faint wave of scrying magic slowly pulsed throughout the area, Valerio's readings indicate that there seems to be nothing of magical origin in the immediate area. Before he could detect some more, however, the telltale sound of chuckling continues to break his train of thought.

Turning back around, Valerio once again spots the squirrel, laughing more frantically than before. Valerio also has the feeling that somehow, the squirrel is insulting his mother. Losing his patience, Valerio decided to cast another spell. Touch of Fatigue. Maybe this will shut that rat up...

What followed was a short dispute. Well, dispute's a bit of a strong word... The squirrel leaped on Valerio, biting and clawing at him as he frantically began to beat it to death with his club, his thrown card missing and flying back into his other hand. The squirrel had scurried across the gambler's body as a means to evade his attacks, causing the gambler to hit himself a few times trying to catch the dastardly beast. Finally, after a short display of man-screaming and wild swinging, Valerio had managed to finally beat the woodland creature, raising it in the air victoriously, before dropping it on the ground. As he took a breath, relishing his victory, stifled laughter could be heard from the direction of the party. Turning towards them, he had noticed that Detta had been holding back her laughter.

It was at this moment that Valerio realized how much of a fool he looked like.

"Ah, I was just... finding us lunch!" Valerio had said, with a nervous smile. "How about any of you help me pack it up? I'll be here, looking for a... a stick! Squirrel on a stick! Anyone ever tried one of those? They are divine."

The half-elf felt like he will never live this down. Ever.

[User]
Rusalka watched in mild amusement as her companion was mauled. By a squirrel. That he provoked. Becuse he's perfectly sane. She would have helped, of course...once he went unconscious. Not that she wasn't going to hold this against him forever. Claudia would, too, but not in amusement. She'd have handled it much more childishly, though, so it was much better for Rusalka to be out.

Once the distraction had passed, Rusalka stepped forward toward the opening to the cave. "Now that you've lerted everyone to our presence, I'll go see exactly who may have been listening. Stay back unless you're accustomed to life in the dark. Not the mental dark, Valerio; you stay here."

>Stealth Roll: 27
>Perception Roll: 20
>Walking in as far as she can, watching where she's going.

[Assistant]
As Rusalka delved deeper into the cave, there were a few things that soon became quite evident. First: the caves were now uninhabited. Second: the previous inhabitants were likely a large number of individuals who cared little for cleanliness. Third: they left in what appeared to be a well-thought-out manner. Although much was left behind, the items that remained were neither valuable nor useful, as if anything that would be required was packed up. There were several crude sketches that one would hesitate to call artwork in one of the "rooms" of the cave system; another held worn out clothing and pieces of cheap leather armor that appeared to have been ruined beyond repair.

In the main living area of the cave was a large blood-stained chair, apparently used as a sort of throne, and a rug laid out in front of it. Rusalka quickly noticed that the rug held the same emblem of the mailed fist holding arrows that Gavirk had showed them. In addition, she could tell once she approached that the chair's stains were intended to be decorational, not the result of someone's untimely death (or at least, not while they were in the chair). Finally, hidden by a minuscule bump in the rug, she noticed what appeared to be hinges in the floor, and carefully putting weight on the carpeted section revealed a deadfall trap of some sort.


[System]
Age: 556
Sex: Male
Appearance: He wears a dark suit of heavy armor that is caped, a katana style sword hangs from his back. His hair is long and black, and his eyes are a very bright icy blue.
Personality: He is a "loner" type, but very compassionate and respectful of most life. He will protect his friends always, even at the cost of his own life.
Bio: He became a Vampire a long time ago, and was taken to travel with his creator who he called "Teacher," who taught him many things about the world and his power. On his way through the outskirts of the kingdom he and his teacher were attacked. His Teacher did not survive, and Carsonomel was wounded, so he dug himself underground and slept to recover

[User]
@GrizzTheMauler
Tarquin "Quin"
Quin stuck out his tongue towards Magnus. "Who do you think you're talking about Magsquatch?" he teased before taking the shield from Magnus, him stumbling backwards a bit trying to support the weight.

 Niklaus "Nik"
Nik smiled at Maggie. She was always bubbly and able to put a smile on his face. She would've loved Dash. "Well, I'm guessing not Larkin. He doesn't like us anymore," he teased, knowing it very well was Victor. He didn't come around much but he was glad when he did. Victor would be a better ruler and every time Victor came around, Nik wanted to give up his crown. "So, what have you been up to, Mags? "

[Assistant]
Elizabeth 'Liz'

@Legion02@EmzyOfNeverland@Emma

Well it wasn't that Liz was particularly wanting to have her siblings hate her for being a brat but, she supposed, that was the sacrifice for wanting good to happen and trying to make it do. What she saw as good, at least. She remained at her father's side for only moments before Victor marched through the door, her father moving to meet him. Liz waits for the ritual of Victor giving a gift their father and he to assess comment on it before she walks toward the door.

On her way to the door she stops at her brother and father, "I will leave you two to catch up," she says before wrapping her arms around her brother for a brief moment before saying, "Good to see you safe," she wasn't sure if 'good' was right, sure, she loved all of her siblings but she also loved not being thought of as a brat, which Victor did. Vampires, the Krishkov's at least, weren't an affectionate bunch but Liz seem to have missed that memo.

Liz slowly departed the room. The loungeroom was currently possessed by Caspen and Alice and Liz did not want to get tangled in that mess. Instead she avoid the room and took the hall instead, finding herself meeting her older siblings, Maggie and Nik. She greets them both with a nod of the head

[User]
Magnus

"You sure you want to carry my shield, young one?" He chuckles at the sight of Quin trying not to drop it. Fang isn't much help, barking and running circles around them, as if the shield was a toy he wanted to play fetch with.

[Assistant]
Alice

"Sure Cas, I'll await for you in the lobby then."  Alice gives him a smile as he heads to his bedroom. But instead of going to the first-floor lobby right away she retreats back to her own room in quick haste. In a locked drawer hid bottles of pills and vitamins needed to help Alice get through the day without experiencing any... symptoms. Taking the medicine every day was a grave reminder of how weak she was, how weak she will always be. Only a few know of her condition, none of the younger children know, and not even Sarah whose been serving her for 100 years now. If they found out, who knows what they'll think of her. She shook off the thought and quickly downed her pills so that she can make it back to the lobby before Caspen does.

[User]
Carsonomel had been sleeping for years, he had just began to dream. At one moment he was floating through nothingness, the next, he was back in the fight, watching his Teacher become torn into pieces and burned. He screamed within the dream as he felt his wounds in his dream, he hadn't fed before sleeping so his wounds had not had sustenance to heal. He charged one of the assailants in his dream and as he slashed with his sword he fell into darkness again. Floating endlessly in darkness it seemed, but not the kind when you are asleep and devoid of dreams, but like he was lucid dreaming within a void. He felt weightless, his rage and sorrow still burning within him. Suddenly his Teacher appeared before him, and he was instantly calm. Awaken. His Teacher said. You are needed above. There are those you must protect, your true family. Carsonomel began to sob. "But I couldn't even save you!" he cried, "How can I protect others when I cannot protect my closest friend, my maker, my Teacher." His Teacher floated closer to him and put a hand upon his shoulder, smiled, and Carsonomel woke up.

His eyes opened quickly and he sat up quickly, pulling dirt with him, but he was still submerged. He then rose his arms, which took all of his strength, tearing the wound on his abdomen further open as his slim amounts of remaining blood slowly poured from it after lying dormant for so long. He grunted with pain as he slowly pulled himself up to the surface. He rolled from the hole he had made and grunted loudly, breathing heavily. Turning, he saw the town they had been heading for in the distance. He tore a piece of his cape off and placed it over his wound, tying it off and rising to his knees. He then pulled his sword from his back, sheath and all, and used it like a walking cane, making his way down into town, holding his wound, trailing sparse large drops of blood behind him.

He made his way to the capital, looking up at the large building, barely able to stand. Mustering all of his might he pounded upon the doors, making loud pounding noises, three to be exact, and then fell to his knees at the doors. His vision became blurry, his muscles began to fail him, and he brought himself down to the ground slowly with his sword and passed out on the steps. He would not die, but he knew his recovery would not be pleasant once he was found. He then fell into the thoughtless nothingness of unconsciousness, bleeding on the front steps of the largest building.

[Assistant]
Victor
@SouffleGirl123
"Sadly not." Victor answered, while not sound too sincere in his sadness. "Humans are still so very…extraordinary." He commented as his father lifted the blade. "So short lived. Yet so willing to dedicate their lives to one art alone and perfect it. Or they buzz like bees until their hearts give out or their body becomes gray and old. The blade was forged by a small workshop in France from the lovely town of Heritange. Absolutely stunning in its…humanism." Victor had no problem with admitting that humans could be better in some things than him. He had led a long life but not yet long enough to master every skill. And even then, every time he mastered one skill, humans managed to invent another.

Victor was certainly taken aback a bit by his father's request. Him and Maggie, decorate? He didn't have an artful soul at all. Quite the opposite. Some of his siblings might even call him boring. Though, as his father continued, he understood. He certainly had fond memories of the roaring twenties. A time of endless partying. With Maggie almost always in the middle of it all. She certainly could hold a grand event yet his father was right. Sometimes she needed to be curbed a little.

Liz's hug did not come entirely as a surprise. She was still so young and full of almost human warmth. Something he actually had lost already at her age. It fascinated him how his little sister kept going like that. Ever the brattish child that loved her family. Though, history often offered glimpse of the future. All his siblings, at a certain point, went through change. No doubt Elizabeth would suffer the same fate. He only hoped she'd grow up just as strong as his older sister. A little awkwardly he wrapped one arm around Liz to return the gesture.

"Tell me, father." Victor then continued. "How are my siblings?" Of course, Victor could ask them himself. He wasn't sincerely concerned about their well-being. At least not for now. No, he wanted his father's opinion. Which one grew, which one didn't change at all? And of course, his father knew Victor certainly held some in higher favor than others. Nik and Maggie were certainly important in Victor's life. As were Liz, Sasha and Quin. Victor couldn't be bothered less about Caspen. Only if the kid went a step too far, Victor would deem taking about Caspen necessary. And then there was Alice. His sibling whose existence Victor would rather deny. His father couldn't be oblivious to the hostility between Alice and Victor. But Victor seemingly held a fascination for his little sister as well. Or at least pretend to have it, only to catch glimpses of what Sarah was up to.

[User]
Alice

As Alice waited for Caspen in the lobby, three pounds on the door got her attention. She ordered the two nearby guards to open the door cautiously, curious on who would knock so ominously. Alas, the body of a man in a suit of armor and long black hair bleeding out startled Alice as the guards slowly approached the unconscious man. Alice rolled her eyes "He's dying you idiots, help him in I guess, I shall go inform father at once." As she is walking, Alice pulls out a phone and texts Sarah,
"Rush to the infirmary at once and inform them to prep for a bleeding out victim.
Oh and bring me a mint tea." Alice enters the room to find Victor and her father conversing.
Alice's face contorts a little, she knew how Victor saw her as a stain in the family. They didn't necessarily get along but this wasn't the time to start anything.
"Father I've come to inform you that there is a man in armor bleeding out on our doorstep... I figured you'd want him to at least be looked at so I had him rushed to the infirmary."

Sarah
"Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us."
The words of the book filled Sarah's mind as she was engrossed into it. A buzz rang out from her phone. The phone Alice got her because "I don't want you to forget how much I do for you, you have a life here now, you might as well enjoy it."  Is what Alice said as she purchased the phone for Sarah but really it was used to just relay orders out when Sarah was not close by.
But the text about the dying man surprised Sarah, Alice wouldn't normally order something like this. It was as if she had a heart...or something like that. The next text didn't surprise Sarah at all. She got up and closed the book, wondering whether she should make the tea first or go to the infirmary first.

[Assistant]
@KimmiNinja@Carsonomel

Duvalt

Duvalt smiles and is about to speak to Victor when Alice comes in. Noting a slight change in bot of their demeanors he is astonished when she says they have a visitor who's bleeding out. "I want him taken care of. Someone awaken the doctor and tell him he is needed in the infirmary." He looks to Victor sadly. "I'm sorry, my son, but we will converse when the time is better. For now I must go see what is happening..." He starts heading to the Infirmary.

Gunnar

Having gotten the girl stabilized, she would make a decent recovery. It pained Gunnar to see such horrible treatment... Some of these kids just irritated him to no end... They may be royalty, but they don't act like it... And it made him upset. Being a vampire didn't mean that you were better. Just different. Back in his time as a traveler, he learned that there is a way for them to coexist rather peacefully. He met a village that did just that a few centuries back. It was through his time as a traveler he gained a reputation globally as the Journeyman. a legend that no one knew the origin of... No one even knew his name. Just the feats that he accomplished. And they were amazing feats. Felling armies and saving lives was his bread and butter. Gunnar had traveled to train, but ended up finding his calling. Which is why he came back. To prove that with patience and diligence, that the two kinds could live in a world together. But with how the children turned out... He was saddened. Because they held so much potential, and refused to change the views of the humans... In fact he had been in contact with a few other nobles in the realms and they noted that the Krishkovs were viewed rather darkly... The savagery of some of the children was well known and people feared Duvalt's power... For he could rule the entirety of the Vampire world if he so wished...

Snapped out his thoughts he spots the newcomer enter the infirmary. He makes himself useful, having studied and even guided the medical world in his travels. They quickly staunch the blood and get him stable. Gunnar makes sure there are guards at the door and has a servant run for Magnus.

[User] Carsonomel woke slowly from being unconscious. His skin was slightly sunken in now, he had not fed since he'd awoken. His wounds would heal, if he only had the blood to sustain them. He tried to speak, but he was so dry, his throat crackled. He tried to sit up, but couldn't.


[System]
Sex: Male
Age: 35

Appearance: Artos stands tall at 6feet, with a muscular physique and and ice blue eyes. Upon his back from right shoulder to left hip is a bright blue scar that has never healed properly in the arctic winds, a reminder of what arrogance can cost someone. Upon his left hand is a plated glove connecting to a heavy piece of solid iron circling his wrist used to deflect an enemies attack and open up a riposte. The rest of his equipment is very lightly armored to allow maximum movement. Three flasks on his back hip store the crystal clear water he purifies personally and uses on his blade when no other sources of water are useable.
Artos' skin is a pale blue, the same as his fathers, with snowy short cut white hair.

Brief summary of abilities
Flowing water - A steam of water flows from his blades when in use and splash along anything his weapon touches, getting his opponents thoroughly soaked.
Sub-zero - As the name implies he creates a pocket of intense cold, freezing anything in the zone of control solid. Those doused in his waters are often left in a coffin of ice.
Frozen blade - A variation on flowing water, a thin coat of sub zero water freezes along the blade making it a blunt/piercing style that often forces parts of the body hit to become completely numb. With a bit more control he can force the water to shape outwards and expand on the blades length to provide extra reach.
Soothing calm - Restorative magic channeled through his pure waters creates a slow regenerative effect.

Far to the north there is a realm obscured by endless winter inhabited by warriors who fear not the fangs of deaths icy touch. It is here Artos was trained in the harnessing of this merciless form of combat under the tutelage of his father Archibald Bane, trained to kill any who would see his homeland invaded by the outside. Taught to hate with the same unforgiving manner their homeland would take them with. His father had trained until his body had turned an icy blue, so infused with the frozen magic that permeated his home, and developed a style all of his own using thawed ice found deep within a mountain of colossul ice. The water was pure and flowed to the tune of Archibalds magic like a puppet, taking whatever form he desired, freezing and returning to liquid with a thought, and enhancing his own natural affinity in the process.

This style of combat was passed down in full to his son who adapted to the merciless weather and training without complaint, mastering the magic at an alarming rate. By the age of 20 Artos had perfected every technique his father had developed over a lifetime of study and dedication. To the next challenge Artos claimed true mastery and further improved upon the style. A weapon forged just for his own hands was commissioned, a set of twin double edged longswords, blessed by his father and forged by a master smith, became extensions of his very being. Years down the road he would reforge the handles of these blades, making them much longer and allowing both to connect at the base of the hilt with its sister weapon. With this versatile arsenal it was without question that Artos had become a legend to his nameless home. Rather than seek the life of protecting his home and rearing a family of his own the lad set out to explore life beyond the chill winds and familiar scenary. Now he is a wandering blade master in seek of challenge.

Artos is a loyal and honest swordsman with strong loyalty to whomever has earned his services, believing in the ultimate concept of right and wrong, and adaptable to any situation. Artos displays little emotion in battle beyond the need to prove to himself that his mastery over blade and magic is superior, not to his opponents or his master, but to his father. Despite the serious nature of his being, Artos is still a pleasant and friendly person to be around when the fighting is over.

[User]
One of the leaders in Paragon research? thought Travis as he began to listen in on Felix's explanation of the Paragons more in-depth. Travis didn't know what to make of that phrase; it was as if the Catholic mage had unknowingly hinted at more than one individual dedicated to researching these artifacts. But how was that possible? He himself had gone through who knows how many tomes and publications he could get his hands on to even polish the surface of what the Paragons were. He felt uneasy about this, especially being an Aspect trainee of the Societas Academia, a school practically based on the foundation of magic. The very thought of not knowing more about the Paragons startled him; could the Societas Academia really not have any relevant information of these artifacts? Or could it be possible there is in fact a record but only behind closed doors?

Continuing to take in Felix's overwhelming information of the Paragons, the more Travis began to believe why hardly anyone not in any higher echelons of anything would no nothing of these things. These Paragons were practically batteries of forever flowing mana, likely capable of fueling any spell he could even think of. Extraordinarily useful, as they were extraordinarily dangerous. With so much limitless energy of multiple Paragons in one location; the mere thought was was overwhelming. Too true as how the Arch-Magi had put it that a number of Paragons, if not all of them, could even create a literal reality shattering event. Unbelievably spectacular and utterly terrifying at the same time. This was plenty enough reason to hide these things from the rest of the world. Interesting how the Church knew quite a bit about them...

Felix eventually had begun to explain how he was able to find Travis and even know his name. Apparently what sounded like a conspiracy had seemingly taken place in the Catholic Church with the overall goal of locating the Paragons; a proposal that was once shot down for very good reasons but now resurrected and with plenty of steam to be put into motion. But that wasn't even the interesting part. Felix described, or what Travis could conclude to, was an ethereal entity of sorts had reached out to him, warning the Arch-Magi of a terrible calamity that was nearing realization. But what came with a vision of doom, also came with a roster of hope. As if he had become a vessel for this voice, he had unconsciously written down a list of names, or guardians as he put it, and the location of the individuals they belonged to. To even prove this point, Felix had offered Travis the parchment so he could look over. With widened eyes, Travis had found his name there and his exact location on the list of others Felix had mentioned before.

Dumbfounded, Travis stared long and hard at this parchment, nearly speechless of what any of this meant. Was it all true? He didn't want to believe it, but how else could his name have ended up here? Him? Destined to save the world? He was sure nothing special, aside from just scoring an Untalent win in developing mana-effecient spells all the while blowing himself up in the process.Farfetched? No shit, thought Travis as he mentally responded to Felix's assuring explanation, this is the stuff of fairy tails and legends.

This moment of anxiety finally broke as the Arch-Magi mentioned his intention of gathering the Paragons as well but not for the purposes the Church or anyone else has in store. This of course came with the need of simply acquiring a single Paragon in order thoroughly examine it and eventually contain it and more, depriving anyone the chance to destroy the world, if not, the entire universe. The opportunity that Felix had just offered him - not counting his fate-given responsibility - was incredibly alluring. But what of his current expedition? Surely he couldn't abandon that could he? Travis wrestled and debated with that fact and what was presented him, determining what would be worth his time and what could get him tossed out for. Get an honor role or save the world?

"You know what? For as long as I have been here, I have yet to prove if Mesoamerican cultures even had a concept of mana or magic for that matter and I've basically sidetracked my attention in learning a cost-efficient was of blowing my self up. I think its time for a topic change that's actually worthwhile." said Travis as he leaned in and grasped Felix's offered hand in a friendly grip, "Lets find ourselves a Paragon and save the world while we're at it."

He could see it now; Travis McGrath, Guardian of the Mystic World, Keeper of ancient knowledge. Somehow, he liked the ring that.

[Assistant]
Artos Bane

"I will not sample it just yet."

Artos nimbly ducked the heavy swing and hopped away from the woodsman to put distance between them. Based on his appearance alone it was obvious he was of a northern clan of some sort, but whether that was a part of his home town was unclear. Certainly Artos would remember someone wielding such an obnoxious weapon and screaming bloody murder. His home sported warriors. This man was a clown, to say the least. An insult to the heritage they shared. Artos slowly drew the right handed sword from his left hip and stared at the big man.

"Tell me, did I perhaps slay a friend of yours?"

If so this man had traveled for a long time to find his prey. For that at the very least Artos could respect the determination required. It had been years since he had thought of home, of his father, of his mother and his friends. All that was burned into memory were the routine exercises that had created his fighting style and perfected his control over the magic he now wielded. Though he claimed to be a master, it was not missed that the burly man was making the area snow unnaturally. That spoke of power and put Artos on high alert for any tricks and offered a silent prayer to the devils that this combatant proved worthy enough to finish his life.

Artos took a deep breathe and reached behind his back while pointing his sword at the enemy. Let us begin. There was a splash of water as on the pavement as Artos exploded into motion, a straight thrust to the stomach followed by a diagonal slash from left shoulder to right hip. Breaking momentum, he spun a tight circle and slammed the blade in a vicious arc that put the sword back firmly on the right before a mighty leap backwards disengaged him from potential retaliation, sword ready to deflect incoming attacks as needed.
The opening salvo was always meant to determine defensive capability more than lasting damage.

(I started this post THREE times and it was deleted THREE times. Fucking hell.)

[User]
The Kringle

The jolly man's attack had fallen short of it's mark, leaving him open for a counter attack. He was surprisingly nimble enough to dodge the first forward stab to his stomach, but the second slash caught him. The final spin and slam the burly man was able to block with the metal handle of his heavy battle axe.

He took a few steps back, resting the pommel of his weapon on the ground to stand it up. In-between the fresh cut of his coat from Artos' earlier slash the slight glimmer of chain mail could be seen. The armor kept him safe from slash type attacks on his center mass, but the force behind his attack seemed to have bent or broken a few of the rungs. "Hm, what you did is not important. What is important is that I will never forgive you."

The snow seemed to be building up in the area which the two champions of the north were doing battle. It now left a light blanket of snow on the ground, slowly building up as time passed.

With a determined look, the red crusader swung his axe while standing at the ground, uplifting a good portion of the fresh snow into the air. He then let out a mighty billow of air from his mouth, blowing the debris of frost at Artos. The breath spell would create the effect of a blizzard in a short area to obscure vision. Shortly after he began to hurl sharp chunks of ice at Artos while snow displacement still resides upon the area.

After the third throw the icey man suddenly dashed to Artos. He used the cover of the snow to try to surprise him after the earlier barrage of ice. The snow veil let up directly afterwards, seemingly blown away from the burly man's rushdown. Now dangerously close, he swung his axe at an angle at Artos this time.

[Assistant]
Artos Bane

Artos would not be caught unprepared for an icy breath attack, nor would he suffer in such a sloppy excuse for a blizzard. The snow obscured his vision of Kringel but it worked both ways with vision of Artos limited as well.
Dropping to one knee h willed the water he had spilled on the floor at the start of combat to flow up and freeze over his crouched form, creating a thin but durable shield. More water flowed from his canisters at his back and onto the ground in preparation.

As the blinding screen of snow dissipated to reveal Kringle in a blind rush forward, Artos willed the water to freeze into a long thin spike of steel hard ice directly in the path of the foolhardy attacker.

Not one to rely on the odds, Artos broke the ice rooting him from the snowstorm and pelted the shards at kringles head, hoping to throw off his aim and blind him as he had tried to do.

[User]
The Kringle

The Kringle was relentless, pushing forth past the icicle. He was however poked in the side of his abdomen by it. Breaking a few chains in his armor and leaving a small slice in it's wake; something that would of been much worse without his armor. Despite trying to dodge them, a few shards of ice still pelted the Kringle's head. Leaving small cut's in their wake. His aim wasn't as true as before but his axe still continued to swing towards Artos at full force. It seemed to be heading towards his shoulder.

[Assistant]
There was no way for him to block or deflect the full force of the incoming axe swing, Artos realizing the moment kringle plowed through his attack that the man wasn't afraid of pain or death. Throwing himself to the side at the last second saved him from being cleaved in half but the blade of the axe clipped his shoulder guard with enough force to stumble him back, the sheer power of the swing broke the straps holding his pauldron on and sent it clattering to the side as the axes edge drew a thin line of blood across his shoulder. Artos felt the blow and braced as best he could, ice forming across his feet to stop him from flying off.
Artos' drew the sister longsword and went on a heavy offensive, left and right, jabs, feints, routines meant to keep the opponent on their heels as the agile swordsman gained more and more momentum to increase the speed and power of each swing. Despite the building intensity his attacks were accurate, aimed at the thighs and the neck like a snapping viper they came. Both blades went into a spin behind his back and came up connected at the hilts as a double sided staff. Planted firmly in the pavement Artos went into the air and kicked with both feet at Kringles chest, using the force to leap back into a crouch with his left hand on the ground, connected blades behind his back.

Forward he came in full sprint, every step put up more and more snow, the sound of rushing water becoming very audible. Under the cover of snow flowed the sacred water along the blade and froze it outwards to double the stabbing range of his blades. Snapping them at the hilts Artos returned to pressure the big man with a double thrust to the chest but pulled up short expecting a block, instead retracting both and pivoting for another spinning slash at the midsection, ending the spin just as the blades passed to the far right and performing yet another double thrust.
If the big man wanted to play he would get the game of a lifetime.

One lifetime, to be exact.


[System]
Looks:
6 feet tall, strawberry blond hair, slightly freckling, pale blue eyes, lightly colored skin
Personality: I haven't quite decided. Let's see how he develops, shall we?
Abilities:
light manipulation: This ability is fairly basic. It is what it is, the manipulation of light. This can be in any sort of attack. Light weapons can be created, and the light can be manipulated into illusions and into enabling it's user to hide.

Cody can at the current moment manipulate light in a way that enables him to see the world, seeing figures, objects and the like by light, whether it is the presence of light or merely the absence of light.

He can also manipulate light in a way that gives him some defensive a and offensive properties, but this ability is quite new and takes a lot of of him.

Essentially, Cody is learning what he can do, but it is not in leaps and bounds.

enhanced touch: whether this is a super power or merely an effect of Cody's blindness, this is never the less useful

enhanced hearing: again, whether this is merely an effect of blindness, this is beneficial and is more then a typical blind victim.

History:
Cody was born to what could be a normal family. Well, normal for them anyway. It became apparent quite quickly that something wasn't normal with him. His eyes were a pale, pale colour, perhaps the lightest blue you would see, and sightless. But the baby didn't appear to see anything wrong, and was a bouncing, bubbly boy. Off times, people would forget he was blind.

He excelled in grades, using what aids he had to complete school work, and to do everything he could. It became apparent that despite his lack of sight, he was not hindered. He could play musical instruments with ease, he could cook, he could do just about anything that a normal boy could.

He didn't see any hinderance, and as he grew, he began to find that images began to form, light seeming to swarm around him, forming the images of what was there. He did not know if this was normal or not, but it helped him to further his life, giving him a better quality as he began to realize how much of the world he was missing.

[User]
As Gerswhin rushed to him, hugged him, Cody let his arms slide around her, trying to comfort her, to try and make things better simply...he was probably fooling himself. How could he say it would be better? They were being hunted. Who knew what had been done to them? He sighed softly, at her words, and reached to stroke her hair, his touch gentle.

"I'm not going to let you be hurt again, if I can help it, Gerswhin. We're safe here. My light cannot be broken"

He spoke with confidence, knowing it was true. By creating walls of light, Cody could keep the room safe, even if the walls were taken down. He could keep them safe, so long as there was light he could replenish himself with.

"It will be okay"

He would make it okay, no matter what it took. He would make it so they were safe, so that they wouldn't have to fear being taken in again, or killed. So they wouldn't be hunted again and again, for the rest of their lives, no matter how short that was. Because the alternative was to just lay down and die.

"I promise. I will make it so"

He didn't know how. But he would. He was briht, intelligent. He could figure it out. He could do this. Even if it took everything he had, he would do it. There had to be something. Anything. He closed his eyes, weary. Drawing a breath, Cody began to softly sing. It was all he had right then, and he sought to inspire hope.

His voice rose and fell with the song, something meaningless, really. Yet often it wasn't the words, but the tone, the feeling of the song. And a part of Cody always put his soul into a song. He trailed off slowly, the music seeming to hang around for a moment or two, before disappitating. He weaved light a moment, around the stairs, the walls to strengthen them, He would keep them safe.

Swallowing, he looked down to Gerswhin, to see how she was.

---

Maria was just contemplating the pros and cons of throwing something into the screen, for a second, as she gripped her desk tightly, digging her fingers into the desk. She looked up as Viccar entered, her expression blank, the fury toiling within her hidden. Which was probably more dangerous then normal. She rose slowly, smoothly.

Her nostrials flared, the only sign of anger she let show. "Talk to them? Pray tell, Viccar, who will talk to them? No one can get close, the one person that did, thanks to those Russian Assholes, screwed up, and is now running around calling herself "Destiny", while the team sent to secure two children has now screwed up so much, that exposure beyond anything we can deal with has now been seen by the world.

Who will go talk to them? You?" She laughed, shaking her head

[Assistant]
Gershwin looked up at Cody, and for the first time she truly observed his admirable features and the closure he emanated. Such a gentle yet dependable person, yet literally blind still so strong and capable - such a shame that his life was being sought after, and not to be shared to the world.

She let him go to walk over to Caits' side, and her heart sunk at the sight of her own doing to the former Agent. She was hanging in there, tough - or calloused - depending on how you looked at it - as she was to be. She knew they were being hunted down, so Caits' being weak is such a disadvantage to them. If only she could heal like they could.

"Cody," she softly spoke, "you don't think... your light could help her, do you?"

"I can only do harm, but you can do great things with your gifts."

---

Viccar braved through the slew of rage and humiliation, and knew he had to speak up his point - if not for the world, at least for himself.

'As I said,' he cleared his throat, speaking louder, and moving over to her side to her computer.

'There is an internet connection within their bunker that we can hack and access. We don't have to get close. We can just talk to them right here and now.'

He typed a few more lines of code before leaving the enter button to Ms. Jordan to initiate the computer, and camera, establishing a connection between them.

[User]
Cody looked to Gershwin, unsure off the answer. He had never tried to heal someone with his abilities, he wasn't even quite sure how he himself healed. It just seemed to happen. He frowned, and gave a soft sigh. Crouching by the former agent, he studied her a moment.

"I'm not sure"

He spoke softly, not particularly wanting to try, in case he did something wrong, but knowing that if Caits didn't get better soon, she could potentially suffer server consequences, and they did need her to be at, at least, a good measure of strength. It was a risk, Cody knew. Risk and reward, he mused. They'd certainly taken a lot of risks, the last few weeks.

He closed his eyes, letting out a soft breath, before inhaling slowly, laying a hand over Caits heart, He started to sing softly, a song he had never sung before, a song he doubted he'd even be able to recall, once it was over. It didn't even seem to be english. Power seemed to swim through him, but he wasn't even sure what it was he was doing. Light swirled around him, but he wasn't sure at all if anything was happening.

---

Maria shook her head, wearily. "And what would you have me say, Viccer? Beg them to help with the twins? To clean up a mess that is undoubtedly theirs, anyway? To make it so we seem weak?" She said, her tone low, dangerously so.

[Assistant]
"Yes," Viccar said, with the slightest hint of deviance and hope in his tone.

"Whatever we like it or not, nothing in our arsenal has the capacity to confront the Anomalies. The twins have some form of psionic power that prevents... us normal beings... from approaching them.

With the targets in Russia on our side, we may have a fighting chance, Miss Jordon. The Maria Gerda Jordon. I'm sure you'll find a way." He turned to leave the room, but quickly turned to speak his mind.

"Asking for help is not weakness. The Anomalies are all-powerful, but we're stronger in will." He nodded, and left the room.

[User]
Maria stared at Viccer, trying to see if her assistant was joking or just derannged. When she saw that he was completely serious, she still contemplated shoving Viccer into an insane asylum. As he left the room, she blinked.

"No, Viccer" She said softly, "the anomalies seem to have all the will in the world"

Such an admit of defeat however wasn't one she'd public admit. Moving, she stared at the computer screen, frowning. She sighed, weary. If there was a way of just making it all go away, Maria would do it, even if she had to sign away her very soul.

She pressed the button.

"Subjects 29, and 30, can you hear me?"

[Assistant]
Gershwin's eyes grew wide open. She did not recognize that voice yet it was loud and clear in the deafening silence. Added to the fact that the safe-house was isolated with only the three being there - and the only ones that so far knew about this place's existence - with hunters looking out for them, Gershwin grew cold and tensed up. The voice seemed ever-present and the sound bounced so perfectly around the room that they were not sure where it came from.

But the voice knew them - at least by the names they were given by the heathens back in that evil organization. The very people they were running away from had found them, and were now speaking to them as if talking to them. The gut reaction should have been to stay quiet and not respond, but if they already had an assumption they were there, and that they were on to them, Gershwin could at least buy them some time as Cody gets Caits off the sofa and to another location, ready on the run.

"It's Gershwin May and Cody O'Niel. Who am I speaking to?" She gestured to Cody to start moving.

[User]
Cody wasn't sure what it was he was doing. He didn't want to make a mistake, didn't want to hurt the former agent, and yet she would get hurt if he didn't do anything. She wasn't able to do anything, and if they had to escape again...they would get caught. He stepped back when the power left him, rising slowly, his head a little dizzy. Gerswhin's words barely reached him, and he looked down at Caits, who now appeared to have a better complexion then the pale, sickly almost transperant look she had had before, not that cody saw this. To him, her glow was brighter then it had been, the dull flashes almost gone.

turning from Caits, deciding she'd be alright for now, he approached Gerswhin, tilting his head, the slight whirl of internet reaching his ears, and he wondered a momet how that could be. Laying a hand on Gershwins shoulder a moment, he said softly "She's not here. No one is. Trust me on that. We are okay, until Caits wakes" He kept his voice down, almost a whisper. No need for whoever was listening to know they'd be moving shortly.

"My name is Maria, subject twenty nine. I am well aware of your names, yet some protocols must be maintained" In her office, Maria gripped her desk in fury, managing to keep her voice even. "And it pains me to admit, but we need your help"

cody went to speak, but the slight shuffling behind him stayed his voice. He glanced back, seeing Caits rising.

"Thats a laugh, Maria. You never accept help from anyone. You must be really desperate" Caits said, her voice slightly as she joined Gerswhin and Cody.

A hiss escaped Maria, "Agent Caits. This is not your concern, but the subjects"

"Cody and Gerswhin are my responsibility, Maria, and I won't let you abuse them"

Cody lay a hand on Caits arm, "While I'm pleased to see you up, Caits, It seems wise to see what she wants"

Cais glanced to Cody, but nodded with a sigh.

Maria was sorely tempted to just close the computer down, throw it out the window, but she drew in a breath and let it out again.

"There are two individuals wrecking over, killing people and causing destruction. We cannot get close to them, everytime we try, disaster strikes. We need your help, before they destroy the world"


[System]
Username: POOHEAD189
Race/Species: Human (From the Kingdom of Harek)

Gender: M

Age: 26

Career/Class: Mercenary/Armsman/Amateur Swordmage

Weapons:

* Bastard Sword
* Kite Shield

Physical Description (as detailed as possible please, pictures not accepted.): A lean, fit, but refined man with dark hair and eyes, with a navy blue tunic over chainmail (covering leather) and loose fitting dark brown trousers. He has a fair face, albeit with a scar at the left of his chin and running down his jawline. His hair is wavy, loose and tousled. Not entirely groomed as he was raised, he still looks more or less presentable, and perhaps charming when he feels the need to present himself as such. He has the look of a youth that has been refined like silver through various trials by fire.

Armor:

* Chainmail hauberk
* Leather armor over it.
* Leather bracers/pauldrons

Equipment/Other

* Sword sharpening/cleaning kit
* Water Jug
* Herbal remedy to halt light bleeding
* 3 pounds of beef jerky

Mental Description/Personality: Markus is a strong willed and adventurous young man, having left his moderately home to seek his fortunes to the east. He enjoys learning, his rebellious attitude having dimmed somewhat from his training by his Elvish master. He has a good mind about him when it comes to common sense, though he can be a bit rash if he lets his anger get the better of him. Generally he has a friendly, if wary demeanor. He will sometimes spout wisdom he has learned on his travels. In truth he has more general knowledge than spell knowledge, for he is only a fledgling spell caster. Still, he'll always be interested in learning more of the arcane arts. He has a curiosity about him that he sometimes can't help. Ironically, he'll chastise others for taking risks he might take as well.

Goals: Markus' goals are to seek his own fame and fortune, through his own skill. He wants to live as a free man, outside of the pointless bickering of the lords.

Background/History:
The bastard nephew of a lord, Markus had always been more focused on exploration in the surrounding forests and his various interests rather than his duties as a vassal. He used his standing not to further his family's fortunes, but to further his own. Not out of selfishness, mind. He'd often seen children who were less fortunate to be encouraged by their parents to do well for themselves. All he had ever heard from his family was what he could do for them.

One day his older brother was killed in a raid, which lead Markus and his father to argue and break off their relationship through a fit of anger. Markus escaped the next day, taking a modest sum of money as well as some equipment and traveling east, taking up arms with a few mercenary companies. He found despite his individuality, he was not a bad leader to smaller groups of companions, at least as long as they were after the same prize and had shared goals.

Before long he culminated enough funds to find an Elvish tutor in magic and swordplay. He lived there for 3 years, learning from the Elf in a forested tower before he was hired onto a fine expedition to explore the surrounding mountains. The adventure came into disaster, rock trolls making the group split up. Markus survived the mountains and found himself on the other side of them, next to a great body of water called the Sunlight Sea. He spent a year on the Cutlass coast, taking small, boring jobs on various ships as a guard before he found himself in HighMast.

[User]
Markus had his hands on his sword belt, looking very much the ragtag young mercenary that he was with his jagged but shallow wounds and dirt stains marring his fine features. His hair was unkempt and disheveled, though that wouldn't usually be out of the ordinary unless you count the bits of blood lightly dripping off his bangs from the forehead cut. His body was turned towards the group, but his dark eyes gazed into the forest as Eloryen spoke. He was used to the Elf's matter of fact manner of speech now. He only gave a small exhale of air to show his amusement at the comment.

He was quite glad Valerie was alright (and himself, but who's counting?), and he chose not to look at her to save her from a bit of embarrassment. It was an odd thing to him, to see so much of himself and how he first started out in this young woman. It was confusing for him to say the least, and he had to mentally tell himself that apart of that was also that they had seemed to hit it off quite well. That, and the fact you very nearly died there. That might mess your thoughts up a bit. His lips curved into an inward smile as the thoughts drifted through his head. He never failed to be a smart ass, even to himself. He was quite glad it was just a quirk, and not a representation of his morals.

As he listened to Eloryan begin to speak on how he had felled a beast twice his size, Markus still seemed to be in another world and lost in thought. Most would think he had a stoic quality to him that came natural. It did, in a way. After surviving a few encounters. It made men a tad more rugged in their visage. Women too, he had noticed. He wasn't about to brag about that Ogre, at least not without the Dwarf present to get some credit. They would need to help the wounded.

He blinked, broken out of his reverie by Valerie thanking him. Just for a moment as his thoughts switched back to reality, he looked a few years younger at the simple fact he was not so deep in thought as he often was. "Oh," he replied. "You would have done the same for me. And don't worry, that was more brave than anything. Maybe in a larger battle, formations would count more. But you went and did your best. That's all any can hope for." His smile was genuine and full of camradery.

"Let's get these Wagons going." Tobias sighed, gathering his wits about him. One of the peddlars that had driven the wagon behind him was tying his wound up in bandages. Behind them, workers began packing up the spilled contents of various wagons. There were still cries of pain as well. Woeful moans of those near death, or clinging to life. "I am going to need a drink after this. Hopefully the bartender will allow me free drinks for a song or two." the Elf half jested, and gave Valerie a wink. "You know I'm always needing a lovely assistant."

That did have Markus snorting a bit to hold back a chuckle. Just the way Eloryen was. He shook his head, and gave Valarie another smile. "I think after we get the wounded on the Caravan, you might want to take that wagon ride I offered earlier." he said. "I know I will."

[Assistant]
Valerie half-heartedly smiled back at Eloryen, but the aftermath of the battle left her not in the mood to be flirted with. She understood it was just his way, though, and so refrained from getting any more annoyed with it. Perhaps it was just how he forced some sense of normalcy back into the scene. She didn't feel particularly lovely at the moment, either, what with the blood spattered on her (none of it her own, thankfully) now beginning to dry, bits of dirt in her hair from when she'd hit the ground twice, and the sheen of sweat worked up from the fight.

"Probably a good idea," she replied to Markus, when he suggested the wagon ride again. It definitely felt more inviting now. There was work to do first, though, and they soon set out finding injured that were not beyond saving, and carefully transporting them back to the caravan. Valerie regretted that she didn't have any sort of trained skills in healing, leaving her unable to help them any further. There appeared to be a few among the mercenaries with some medical knowledge, mundane or otherwise, and most of the wounded they pulled in appeared to have a pretty good chance of pulling through.

Still, there were others that had already passed on, and there was nothing to be done for them but to recover the bodies, and to see that their final wishes in the event of their deaths were fulfilled. Hopefully they could at least be transported back to family, or given their desired rites. As for the slain orcs, the bodies were left behind. If the other orcs wished to reclaim them, they could return later and do so at their will.

Once they were back on their wagon and moving again, Valerie took the opportunity to untie her breastplate and set it aside, carefully checking over her sternum and ribs for any fracture. It was tender to the touch, but as far as she could tell she was still entirely intact.

"Why did they attack?" she asked Markus, taking up her armor again and beginning to secure it. There was still a chance of danger, of course. "Doesn't seem like orcs would care much for spices and sea stone. Are they just that eager for our blood?"

[User]
Markus might have been used to it by now, but it still effected him. The savagery of the Orcs would stick in his mind far longer than he'd enjoy. He saw good men that had been merrily drinking the other day now butchered like so much cattle. Hell, not an hour ago the day was bright and sunny, and these men and women were looking forward to getting their pay at the end of the day. Now...
He grunted as he hauled the last wounded man on the wagon. He was a burly ex-soldier with a bit of cloth wrapped about his head now. Markus himself could relate. He had to tie a bit of cloth to his head for the wound, though merely for pressure. It looked very much like a headband to him, his thick hair hanging over it.

He pulled himself up into the Wagon next to Valerie, aching all over and stinging from his wounds. He made sure not to look at her as she checked herself for her own wounds. The bumping of the wagon caused their bodies and heads to sway back and forth lightly as they set off, and he suddenly felt very much in need for a night in a secure location with plenty of ale.

His arms were crossed and resting on the crest of the wagon's side, Markus' chin atop his arms as he surveyed the forest that slowly became more and more sparse as their altitude rose. Valerie's question caught his ears. "I'm no expert, but I've heard stories." he breathed. "Orcs favor strength. Some tribes send out war parties to test their mettle against whatever they can find, to show they are worth something to their tribe. Sometimes they go out, and try to grab human prisoners to...-" He let that thought slide. "Other times, I believe they're looking for weapons. They can't forged steel well, but we can."

Another bump in the road, larger than most, brought Markus' attention for him to lift his head and gaze forward. He saw the gates of Hillglen over the treeline. Only another mile, it seemed. He allowed himself a small smile. He'd always liked the town. It was a frontier outpost, and a place where daring miners and adventurous hunters found refuge for a small bit. A few Knights of to slay great beasts also found the place to be a good starting point for rumors of such things.

The town's wall wasn't very tall. Only a head taller than an Ogre, but they were strong. The walls made of mountain stone, with some sea stone for good effect on the parapets, and the buildings within were a mixture of stone and hardy timber. Inside, a small barracks would be to the left, and further in would be the Tavern dubbed the Orc Ire and Dragonfire for the adventurers and travelers that flocked there. The Inn would be across the town three streets over. He wasn't entirely certain where these wagons would be heading, however. To see the Marshall perhaps, but he'd not met her before. He believed he recalled it being a her, though.

[Assistant]
An attempt to prove their worth... Valerie wasn't fond of casting judgement on those she wasn't familiar with, but everything Markus told her left her with the impression that the orcs had a very backward culture, savage even. The attack they'd just survived had no other purpose than to slay them and take their weapons from their corpses. Valerie doubted an orc would even find much use for a sword like hers. It was a colossal waste on both sides, but there likely wasn't any way to persuade them into stopping. Which left them with the unfortunate ultimatum of killing or being killed.

The bumps in the road gave Valerie small jarring pains, but she imagined her discomfort was nothing compared to those who had received more grievous injuries in the fight. She turned to see the sight of Hillglen approaching, with walls of stone and timber protecting the little outpost. As they approached, Valerie noticed a great deal of wear on the walls. Splits in the wood where arrows had once struck it, or even gashes left from an axe, evidence of an orc or some other creature trying to literally tear the defenses down.

"It looks like this outpost deals with these attacks often," she pointed out. One nearby section of wall had signs of recent repairs, with the stones in place there looking significantly less weathered than those surrounding it. "I wonder if anything can be done." Likely they just didn't have the manpower to do anything more than weather the assaults, but Valerie found herself curious if they even knew where the orcs were coming from beyond a general direction.

[User]
Markus glanced at her as the shadow of the walls fell over them, the gate now opening up for the Caravan to enter. "I'm not sure." he said. He truly didn't know what to say. Perhaps an army of men, or some other goodly race could or eventually will scour these mountains of the savage races. But, while they were here, it gave Markus work. A dark world we live in, where death brings me a way to live.

He gazed inwardly, suddenly lost in thought. Why are you thinking this way now? You have not thought of such things in months. Perhaps it was because he had not been in a true skirmish in months. Perhaps it was Valerie's words, and the fact she was bringing back memories he had not recalled for a few years. As he pondered this, their wagon entered through the thick timber gate. Crossbowmen and Archers patrolled above the walls, walking to and fro.

The streets were curved lines of cobblestone, more akin to well made countryside roads that happened to be located within a town's walls. The ground off the roads were hard ground with small patches of grass. The buildings were usually two stories tall, if that. Men-at-Arms loitered around the barracks to the side. One woman clutched her child as she saw the Wagons enter, seeing the dead men and damaged goods that were brought into the town.

Tobias led the Caravan down two streets to the Town Center, where he hopped off his wagon and stretched his neck. He told the guards at the front to announce to their master he was here, and then called all of the Mercs that were living and able to walk to approach him and receive their pay. Markus was looking forward to his 6 gold coins and 10 silver. He'd add it to the savings he'd accumulated over the past few years.


[System]
Username: Demon Shinobi
Age: 15
Gender: Female
Country of Origin: Japan (Though she is half Japanese and Half Italian)
Role: Storm Guardian Candidate
Flame: Storm

Weapon/Fighting Style: Asuka utilizes a whip coupled with fluid, quick movements in battle. IN truth this was a weapon she was taught to use by her father, who used a chain sword.
Box weapons:
1) Catena Frusta di Tempesta (Chain Whip of the Storm) - With a grip resembling that of a sword and a 2 yard long chain topped with a kunai like blade at the end, this is the perfect weapon to accentuate her skill with a whip. This chain whip channels and can be engulfed in the Storm Flame at the user's will.
2) Volpe a Nove Code di Tempesta (Nine-Tailed Fox of the Storm) - A small black nine tailed fox, with white tipped tails matching it's white paws. It is incredibly fast. It can fire small balls from its tails made of condensed storm flames. It can coat it's paws in storm flames while running. And it can coat it's fangs and saliva in the flames when biting. All at the beck and call of it's master.
Appearance:
As she stands now, Asuka is a fairly well developed young girl. She stands at about 5'4" with lovely skin and a lovelier figure for her age.

In ten years not much has changed. She has grown taller, standing at about 5'8" and has grown more in the bust and hip areas, though no male (or occasional female) would care about that right? Overall, she had some what larger more accentuated curves than she had as a child.

Personality: Asuke is typically level headed and easy to get along with. Ever intelligent and kind, one might think Asuka is picture of perfection. She does not feel this way. She works hard and strives to be better when necessary. However, she is not oblivious to her looks, and figure and uses it to her advantage when possible. She can be manipulative, a bit of a flirt and somewhat teasing. But that is more so because she finds it fun and humorous. She can be a bit odd and random in her behavior, but she picks her moments. There is a time to play, a time to be serious, a time to fight, etc. etc. Still even with her confidence and somewhat flirty attitude, she is quite innocent can be made to blush if she isn't the one teasing, but the one being teased. Asuka is simply Asuka.

History: Asuka's mother was Japanese and her father Italian. How did they meet? Well her mother was the mayor of Namimori at one point. She was beautiful, responsible, fearless, and much more. She was practically leading the charge against the local thugs and yakuza. Of course, this lead to many wanting her dead. She thought it didn't matter, but others weren't so reckless.

Thus, her father was hired. A bodyguard for hire at the time, his strength was renowned. Even to those yakuza he was not only recognized, but respected for his skill and ability. This was no small feat. His presence brought along much more peace of mind. Even to her mother, though it wouldn't be admitted, at first. Still, as time went on and the two spent more time together, they would eventually fall in love. That love would blossom into the birth of a child.

After that, Asuka's mother resigned. With a baby on the way she couldn't afford to risk her life. And neither could her father. They settled in Namimori since he hadn't had a permanent of his own due to his constant travelling. Without her continuing her work there was no need to further pursue harming her or her future child. Besides nobody wished to cause more problems with Asuka's father.

She grew up normally. Of course, up until she was ten. Then he father began to make her exercise, work a bit a bit more and train so she could be able to defend herself in the case that he wasn't around. He gave her a weapon similar to his. A whip. It could suffice. She learned fairly quickly. Now she'd 15. Her parents are off travelling with full confidence that she can handle herself. She can too. Though not many know, she can fight fairly well. She can take care of herself and does quite well in school. She strive to maintain a good position like her mother did, and still does.

Other: The following are added information.

Hobbies: Asuka's hobbies include reading Manga, watching anime, studying, training, and cooking. She also enjoys the occasional online game and the very rare eroge. But that's a secret.

Likes: Asuka likes having fun, hanging out, making new friends and occasionally a good brawl if it can add a little excitement to her life. However, more than anything, she likes cute things, even if she denies it.

Dislikes: Asuka dislikes jerks and rude people, though can put up with them if she is close to them. She also dislikes killjoys and boredom. She isn't one to take well to being teased, as hypocritical as that sounds. And she doesn't like people messing with or insulting the things or people she cares about.

[User]
Not long after Hideaki had locked the archery dojo doors and set off homewards, Aloise Akane, the ace of the kendo club, had suddenly chosen to address him. She completely unmatched in her art, if the rumors held fast, and Hideaki could respect that. She was also foreign but that was not too unusual, the archer supposed. It wasn't an unusual sight; Namimori was practically full of foreginers these days, after all. Her query was in regards to his preparations for the festivals, something that the bespectacled bowman thought was distinctly None Of Her Business. He'd let it pass though, give her the benefit of the doubt that this budding conversation wouldn't be the droll exchanging of pleasantries he'd been so accustomed to.

"Hmm? Good afternoon, Aloise-san," the boy cheerfully greeted the younger girl, sending a curt wave and a practiced, imperceptively insincere smile her way. It was a sequence of actions practically seared permanently into his being. Though mostly extraneous social formalities like these weren't something he particularly enjoyed having to do over and over again, he'd play his part well, just like he always did. First impressions counted for a lot, after all. "Ara, that's right. I do have to prepare for the festival. Guess I lost track of time," he agreed, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head, "But it's fine, I've got my outfit ready and everything. So all I have to do is go home, dress up, and maybe help out the class pres with her booth, ne?"

"What about you, Aloise-san?" the two-faced archer asked politely with feigned concern, "Don't you have to prepare for the festivities yourself?"

[Assistant]
She did notice the pretense of a cheery attitude the archer had on. The insincere smile, the false front and deceitful facade. It had the air that it seemed as if he'd been already accustomed to it, however. That much she knew, for socialization was an everyday thing the kendoka was exposed to, and also a rather vital part of her role in her family. Akane shrugged off the observation. To each his own, she thought.

"Good afternoon, Minase-senpai. I do have my outfit ready at home too, but am rather lost as to what I may do to help with at the festival. I hadn't any plans, after all. So I thought I'd approach you on this. If it doesn't bother you, would you mind suggesting some things?" the girl replied with a smile, preparing herself for whatever answer she'd receive. What she said was... partly true, though. Seeing as Minase was the first person she spotted, Akane thought of inquiring him about that. She knew she should've done things like this earlier, but procrastination had gotten the better of her. Typical.

The archer did mention of himself helping with the student council president's booths. That was an option too. Any thing to help, as she wasn't going to wander around aimlessly without a cause.

[User]
As Yuki and Asuka continued their conversation there was an underlying calculating tone as they spoke that made Luca rather nervous. It wasn't that the president's compliments and praises weren't genuine, it was just that she usually had some kind of goal when she spoke. Things were set inn motion as she answered their whether or not she was attending the festival. "But it won't be all fun an games. Due to some circumstances I'll be managing a booth all by myself. I don't even know if I'll be able to handle that much work alone. Since you're going..." There it was. Luca could do nothing to stop it. Between the presidents well laid traps, which no matter how many times he's been caught in them he never realizes it before it's too late, and Yuki's infatuation with him he was doomed from the start. Luca couldn't argue since Asuka had rescued him from numerous detentions, extra homework, double cleanup duty and the like. Not to mention those puppy dog eyes, practiced to perfection and strengthening her already impressive mastery of the art off persuasion. "Yup, no problem. You could of just asked though..." He said with a defeated sigh. Not only did she snare him but by exaggerating his injuries she gave Yuki a perfect extruse to stay close to him and also help with the stand.

"Well, I think it is for the best. After all Luca is hurt so staying out of harms way would be better." When did I become sine kind of burn victim...=_= To Luca's surprise Yuki didn't leave things at that and inquired about compensation with a smile similar to the president's when she negotiated. These women really were scary. He had no idea where the snowy haired girl was going with this but decided to offer anything he could when she looked at him. "Um yeah...well, working at the booth won't leave us much time to find a place to watch the fireworks so..." It was quite obvious he wasn't used to this as his voice shook slightly. "You think you could use that presidential charm of yours to secure us a good spot? If it's not too much trouble..." He added quickly.

[Assistant]
"Assemble an adequate number of our men to scout the premises beforehand..." An order was dictated by the young Kanesada heir, who was now dressed in a jet black yukata with his dark, mid-length hair tied up neatly. The old butler, to which the order was directed to, bowed to acknowledge the command and off he left in a haste back to the traditional Japanese mansion. Ren was left to his own thoughts while he awaited in the limousine situated in front of his mansion's gates.

Compared to the majority of the attendees of the upcoming festival tonight, Ren did not choose to participate in it for merry making or cash earning, no. As an ally of the Vongola family and a newly scouted Varia member, he was obliged to protect the future Vongola XI candidate who was to be attending the said festival. While he has yet to be acquainted with the candidate, a photo was sent to him by the current captain of the assassination squad to "keep an eye on him". Just to be on the safe side, a tanto (a short type of Japanese sword) was well hidden in the secret compartment of his yukata, in case anything should go wrong.

A sigh of boredom escaped his lips as he absentmindedly stared out of the window until a soft meow was heard. As if on instinct, the azure eyed male averted his gaze towards the origin of the sound. A little black cat stood a couple of meters away from the vehicle Ren was in, licking its tiny paw to rub it onto its face in a grooming manner. Being the cat enthusiast he is, the temptation was too great for the fearsome yakuza heir to stay put on his seat, therefore leaving the vehicle and approaching the sighted feline. His arm reached out to slowly pet the cat to see its approval to be touched, then the little feline reacted with a delighted purr while rubbing its head against the male's hand. Taking it as a positive response, Ren gently placed his arms around the cat and lifted it up, cradling it in his arms as he continued to pet it.

"Young master, we are ready for departure." An old voice called out to the raven haired male, Ren was slightly irritated internally at how much of a bad timing he had. A pair of circular, sparkling eyes stared up at him as he released another sigh before replying to his butler.

"............. Leave me be, ...at least for a minute before departure."

[User]
Asuka smiled at Yuki. "Are you saying valuable quality time with Luca isn't enough to satisfy you?" She chuckled lightly before letting a soft gasp escape her lips. She wasn't really surprised about anything, but she was going to act like it. "Unless... You'd rather spend it alone doing all sorts of things." She covered her face with both hands and shook her head just a bit. "I had no idea you'd already begun engaging in such acts Luca." She sounded shocked, though she was just kidding with the two. Teasing really.

Luca's next words only helped her to further the little gag. His request for her to secure a spot, coupled with his shaky voice. "D-Don't tell me you want me to secure a small spot for us so you can try and add me into your impure acts." She uncovered her face and pinched both of Luca's cheeks. "I'll have you know, I am not that kind of girl." She tugged on his cheeks playfully before letting go and laughing a little. "Still, I suppose I could do something of the sort." She let the joke go. She didn't want them to get too flustered in the off chance that she continued. Besides, jokes like this were better kept short. "As for why I didn't just ask..." She stopped to think for a moment. She had her reasons of course.

"To be honest. The way I saw it. If I gave you the option to say no, I'd have had to go through the ploy anyway. Well, either that or drag you along kicking and screaming. Which would have been easy given your current state. And even with Yuki's gifted athleticism rivaling my own, she'd have been easy to deal with once I took you hostage." She explained how she theorized things would have gone had she gone about this in the more normal way. "With all else considered, this seemed like the simplest, if not slightly less amusing course of action." She smiled again at the young blonde and white haired pair.

"Do you disagree with my plan of attack?" She then asked referring to the little talk as an attack. To her just about everything was some form of battle or another. Whether it be mental, physical or emotional. She did her best to strike first and continue that attack without mercy. Probably part of the reason she was Class President and unopposed. Though even if she were opposed she would be a shoe in to continue her run in Namimori.


[System]
Age: 18

Personality: She'd seem like the 'nice girl' type, with her ability and her use of it supporting that statement, but she can be in fact surprisingly childish. She is not evil however, just a bit childish. She even looks a bit young for her age, but she does get offended by others calling her out about it. She developed a mix of fear and hatred for elves, unless they prove to be friendly and not haughty, which she doesn't believe will happen anytime soon. Looks up to Minotaurs, helps them every once in a while, although this is pretty much on a whim.

Abilities: She is capable of flying, that's her regular ability for a fairy, but she has two little special abilities. The first of those is Photosynthesis - through what seems to be her wings, she is able to absorb some power from the sun, and convert it to power and some neutrients for herself. The extent of this is about the same as human meals - she has to focus on it actively for about 10 minutes to get a feeling of 'fullness' (it can vary depending on the amount of light) . She passively does it too, but it's not nearly enough to actually be anything significant, it just means a bit longer 'recharge times'. The second special ability is to transfer energy from herself to other living beings, including plants. When she does this, it looks like twinkles of light coming out of her towards her target.

Bio: Having run away from some elves she come to anger more than once, she is a bit against staying in one place for long periods of time. (for now I guess.)

[User]
Zvezdan

As the body started to sink he came closer to it watching it drop deeper. Air bubbles started to leave the mans lips. He could just live him to drown, like he intended... At this point the jelly fish scattered away. The body softly fall on the sea floor......but if they search revenge for the death I would set the girls in great danger... His farms went around the pirate and swimming fast he reached the surface and quite quickly the beach too.

No one was on it lucky, he pulled himself and the pirate body beside the row board that was resting on the sand. Water dripping from his tail and hair he pulled the man fully out of the water. Pressing the chest a few times to make him splutter the salty sea water. Was he starting to wake up? Zvezdan leaned over him and his voice used to sing his spell he hum singed sending a shiver of calm and pleasant feeling over the nearly drowning man. Take your friends and leave quick. And zvezdan turned around pushing himself back into the depths of the sea. Hoping the man would do as asked.

Fotis

He smirked a treasure they say. If someone refers that they wanted treasure you could get them to over pay easily. They should have choose their words more wisely. Before he could let any comment at the offered object another of the sea kin appeared, she was scared and that pulled any fatherly string in his body.

He used his big hand and petted gently the top of Eris head who hide behind him. ''Na,na, its fine. '' He all but cooed at her, smiling at her in the fashion that he knew what he was doing. He kneed and urged Eris to climb on his back and hold onto. Turning his attention to the newcomers.
''Treasure you say, That arent cheap. '' He looked at the woman who offered the metal object his face showing his displeasure for the low offer. ''Either way, Follow me if treasure is what you want. '' He said smiling starting walk in the woods path, not too long they were in a clearing several stones scattered around and a old camp fire was in place. He sat down on a big stone offering the pirates the other stones to sit on. ''Let exchange our names for good fortune. I am Fotis.''

[Assistant] Faeya saw Fotis discussing with the visitors. Something about treasure struck her as quite odd. She looked around and decided to go help Fotis with the newcomers. She flew over to where Fotis sat and gracefully landed next to him. Her eyes scanned the newcomers with a friendly and curious smile. "Hello, Fotis and… newcomers. Are you here for something?" She saw Eris and smiled at her, but she then noticed the girl's stance and her protective instincts kicked in. She turned her attention back to the arrivals and Her eyebrow went up, almost as if to say 'what did you do to her?' Though she still looked up at everyone, Faeya was very protective.

[User]
Take your friends and leave quick.

These were the words Seth heard as he quickly regained consciousness. He leaned up from the sand a sharp pain shot through his stomach and he began to cough up water. The coughing knocked him on to his back. After the coughing stopped he was breathing somewhat heavily and should slow down a bit. His eyes starred into the endless blue sky as water seeped out the corner of his mouth.

Seth attempted to get up again and was successful. His body still felt uneasy and he should anxiously be resting but he had to catch up with the rest of his crew. He stubbled into a woods like scenery and used the passing trees as support when he walked. "D..Dawn! Daichi!......Ahab!" Seth struggled to shout as he walked. He should be shouting for help. After that jelly fish incident he shouldn't be on his feet traveling in unknown territory.

Speaking of the jelly fish incident, Seth couldn't stop thinking about how unnatural the appearance of the jelly fishes were. Normally they aren't hostile but what happened with Seth was unquestionably hostile. What confused him the most was how did he get out of the water. Whatever saved him must have something out for him and in crew. Seth put his mysterious savior aside and continued his blind journey through the woods. He shouted the names of his crews mates again. His voice had a horse tone to it. Hopefully someone will hear his shouts of distress.

[Assistant] Eris had climbed onto the minotaur's back and wrapped her arms and legs around the minotaur and hid her head behind his back. while they walked she looked at the humans and relaxed a small bit but was still extremely scared when she looked over what they had and especially what the lady offered Fotis holding her hand up to her mouth and almost throwing up at the sight of the pistol but held it back... barely. When they reached the old camp she kept holding onto Fotis even when he sat down almost looking as though she she was never gonna let go of him.

[User] Daichi turned and stood still, listening, he thought he heard...Seth?...calling out for them as the group began walking he turned and said "you guys go ahead..." and headed in the direction he thought the sound was coming from, keeping his rifle up, eventually he did come across Seth "Seth? What happened to you?" he asked, Seth looked like he had been breathing nothing but seawater for the past 10 minutes, he was soaked head to toe and had sting marks all over him, Daichi went over and helped him "here, sit for a minute" he said as he eased Seth down against a tree.

[Assistant]
Nix had fallen in a cavern by the ocean, the possibility of it being a mermaid lair was a 50/50 chance she yelled out "Can anyone hear me?!" her knee had a large gash and a few bruises on her arms and legs. She was trying to get to the pirate ship, because she felt the need to warn them about the island and its treasure. She had ran so fast without thinking, she fell hard and far down. She was lucky to have a few halves of bread and her flute. She began playing a rather sad tune

Athena saw her chance to leave and took it, She jumped from tree to tree artistically once she got closer to the ocean she noticed a boy who looked as if he had been in a fight with a swarm of jellyfish. 'Lovely' She thought to herself Another male came over to him and helped him sit. She decided to drop down behind the injured one. "Move" She said and pushed the other one aside with a soft nudge and laid her hand over the injured boy, creating a bright light all the markings of the stings were slowly erasing and he looked less sickly when she stopped. When she stopped she ran off to the beach and jumped in, instantly shifting into a mermaid.

Dawn Followed the minotaur and gave a half smile to the scared girl, and the other one known as faeya. Her eyes darted around before she sat on the stone "Why do you think this is Cheap I can assure you it is not" She said to him and smiled when he asked for the names "I am Dawn, First mate" She said not knowing if he even knew what that meant. Her eyes suddenly were glued to the girl on the minotaurs back, unusual looking eyes and facial features not that of a normal human she smirked and held up the gun and showed her the barrel of it was empty then set it down. "Don't worry young one" she said and pulled her attention back to the minotaur

[User]
Zvezdan

Had a frown on his face, he tried to find eris or clariss but neither were around the typical places. He really wished to have someone with him at this moment. The weird bite on his hair and the person he gave warning too, were all too fresh and making him feel fear and insecure. He crossed his hands. A small worry that those two ended up walking on land to satisfy their curiosity was starting to creep on him. There were still places he didnt check. Like those 'secret' corners of the ocean ever of them enjoyed finding and call it their own. Following a memory of when he saw one of the mermaids swim in a system of under water caves he quickly swam to the cave opening and into it. He hoped they all were there together, he didnt worry about Athena at the moment as he was sure the tribe of the Minotaur wouldnt let any harm come upon them.

It was the melody that guided him the last few turns to reach a cavern. Well.....that wasnt the girl he hoped to find here. He silently watched from underwater listening to the music she played. Only when she stopped for a brief moment he broke the surface and watched her with a curious eyebrow raised. He saw her with the other fairies around but couldnt place a name on her.

Fotis

He gave a nod of welcome when Faeya arrived and greeted him. He wondered briefly if the elf folk would attempt and interact with this newcomers. His attention shifting back to the task on hand. His tail petting eris back even tickling her a bit to cheer her up as she clung to his back for something that he felt like was great fear. He will be more cautious.

 "Why do you think this is Cheap I can assure you it is not" Fotis smirked knowingly. He didnt knew the exact prize of it the exact worth but it was surely not enough, mostly it was their first offer and first offers were always a drastic underpay for the goods. "I am Dawn, First mate"
He didnt know what first mate mean but he assumed it was similar to first chef a leader. And the behavior of the woman was speaking in pro for it.
''Well, if you think thats enough for a treasure may I ask what you want? Maybe treasure doesnt mean the same thing to your kin and mine. If you ask my mother she would tell you that the greatest treasure of our home are the healing herbs. For that treasure that would be enough indeed.'' He knew about the tales of the treasure and its curse to lead to death to anyone who took it away. Each tribe telling the tale just a bit different, but in the end it was telling the same thing. As a trader he wanted to see what they own, how much he could take from them, as a Minotaur he wanted to know where they stand. Were they searching a way to die? Or were just plain greedy.

[Assistant] Daichi wondered who the girl was as she jumped into the water and disappeared, whatever she did seemed to help Seth and for that he thanked her, he knelt down next to Seth "Seth, are you okay?, what happened?" he asked as he looked seth over again to see if there were any injuries left.

[User]
Seth smiled as a familiar voice could be heard coming closer towards him. From what he could tell it might of been Daichi. His eyes site was not in the best shape so he didn't trust as of now. As the helpful mestrious voice asked if he was okay Seth frowned and said.  "I had better days..." He leaned against a tree with the help from Daichi and took a deep breathe. Seth was about to finally have a successful moment to rest until a another presence was felt behind him.

Seth tried to ask who was there but his throat was in serious pain. As he heard the foot steps of the stranger become closer he attempted to move but to no avail was unable to get up. Soon he felt a warm sensation fell his body and attend to the countless bruises on his body. His breathing receded back to a normal rate and Seth looked healthier. The sudden change from sickness to healthiness cause him to cough a lot but it stopped soon.

Seth quickly opened his eyes but closed them seconds after. The sun raise stunned his eyes and he opened them slowly again adjusting to the light. He turned and looked in every direction as if he lost something. "W...what was that?" Seth asked looking at Daichi. He stood up slowly with the help of the tree. His body was healed, he just had to adapt to the sudden change. He heard the question Daichi asked him but didn't want to answer. Instead he said "We.....should catch back up with Ahab and Dawn." When he mentioned them the thought of that mysterious voice he heard before he washed up upon shore came back into his head. He decided to put it aside for now and wait until he was reunited with the rest of his crew mates.

[Assistant] Alex must have had a really, really deep sleep. He awoke upon the ship he was contracted to so no change there. Alex got out of bed and strapped his two katanas to his waist before leaving the room. Sunlight burst through the room and into his eyes as soon as he opened the door. Hey! Looks like we reached land. Alex jogged over to the side of the ship facing the island, it was very tropical and quite beautiful in a sense. Alex vaulted over the side and rolled when he hit the ground. When he stood up he scanned everywhere, looking for any sign of his crewmates. "Now where the hell have they gone?" He asked himself.

[User] After waiting for a while and watching what the pirates actually did, Mint decided that it was about time she quit that hiding game and actually know more about the newcomers. "Sorry." She said, flying away from her hiding spot so she could come from behind Fotis, and face those pirates. After all, surprising those newcomers from behind wasn't a good idea, especially with their... quite mysterious weapons, at least from Mint's point of view. She did know about swords, but those... metal sticks with a hole in them, she couldn't really identify those, no matter how much she looked at them. "Hey, Fotis!" Mint called, waving as she flew towards him. "Hello to you too." She said with a little smile as she landed, not really remembering the mermaid's name at the moment. "So you must be the newcomers." Mind said with a straight face, trying not to look too suspicious, even though she was from one side excited, and from the other side a bit scared.