1358 replies to this topic

[Acacia Sgt]

<This whole thing sure seemed to have solved itself just fine. Although... it does sounds like she has quite the problem.> John thought. ''Oh, you guys are going into town?'' He asked.

[Mercakete]

"Yeah. Valter and I were talking about it last night," Norbert simply answered John.

OoC: Wrong person.

Edited by Mercakete, 06 February 2012 - 10:51 PM.

[Snowy_One]

"I am not sure of what use I could be in a sparring fight without my bow. I only have my skinning knife with me normally and I have never had to fight in close combat with it." she said as she shuddered at his last words. A curse? That didn't sound right at all to her, but mental illness? Maybe not right, but certainly close enough. A mental voice in her head chastising her for changing. A personification of guilt?

"I... Think you may be right on the seeing a doctor though. Though for all our sakes, let us hope that it is not destructive."

[Acacia Sgt]

<Hm, that may not be a bad idea either. Given that we're here and all, it would be a waste to not have some sight-seeing of the city.> He thought.

''You can be of use even with a bow. You could try to fire your arrows in order to make it more challenging for the ones doing the actual dueling.'' He suggested with a laugh.

[Mercakete]

"Hmm. Not a bad idea, but this sparring session will probably last longer than I initially thought. It's a good idea, but I want at least one round alone against Blake. I'm not used to this poleaxe at all yet so I'd like to focuss on that at last a little," Norbert put in as he considered the suggestions, "But Robin, you could still practice maneuvers to avoid getting hit since our enemies won't care if you can't fight at close combat. Actually, they'll probably take advantage of it, so it's better to prepare for that with people who aren't after your blood."

[Snowy_One]

"I am not sure it is a good idea to fire into you guys as you spar. Even without a tip, a arrow can really hurt if it hits, not to mention I could put your eye out or shatter your knee. Still, if you will have me, I will come with you, both to spar and out shopping."

[Phoenix]

Battle Preparations

The three Sancturans flew off into the night atop Isis, the Second Queen. Many hours passed before they arrived in the area they were to search for their targets. Haythem put Isis down right near the mouth of a small rocky canyon. He knew they were in the right place, seeing a faint group of campfires inside the canyon. The canyon walls were illuminated and casting a golden tint, while everything outside was a midnight blue. Amon, Haythem, and Malik quickly dismounted and began making preparations, as well as discussing their plan of attack.

<"First, you should muzzle that wyvern so she doesn't make any noise. Second, we should scout the area and make sure they don't have any patrols. Lastly, we have to get in there and destroy their food and water, and kill anyone who gets in our way."> Malik explained.

<"Okay, first off, Malik, Isis doesn't need a muzzle. She's plenty quiet. Also this area is pretty well known for dragons, so it's not strictly necessary that she be quiet. That could even work to our advantage if we need a 'dragon' in the area for whatever reason. Second, we need to avoid killing these people. It defeats the whole purpose of the mission to just go around stabbing anyone who detects us. If we get spotted after we complete the objectives, all is well and we can just run."> Haythem replied.

<"I'm not killing anyone tonight."> Amon declared with a serious look on his face. He then pulled a small veil over his mouth, leaving only his eyes and hair visible.

<"How ironic."> Malik muttered.

Maidens and Redwrists

Once again, before Rasha could answer, another conversation or two came, though this was perfectly fine with her. Like before, she motioned for Amina to pay close attention to what they were saying, and then once there was a long enough pause for Rasha to feel comfortable ending the immersion lesson, she responded. "I'm sorry, I wouldn't know anyone in particular. The guards keep an eye on who comes and goes and blue hair is a rare color, even among your group, so if he's left the building or been anywhere, one of the guards might know."

Meanwhile one of the rexians found himself being asked about Amon. He simply shrugged at first. "Ask a maiden." He honestly didn't know, and maidens were typically the best place to start when it came to finding others on the staff.

Raquel

When Veronika brought up the meeting, Raquel put her head down a bit. She was trying not to think about it, but that was admittedly selfish of her. Her decision would affect the group as a whole. "She wants a part of it. Unlike Lilith, she didn't just take it. She wants a part of it for herself. She and Lilith had a talk about it, and she doesn't seem to care either way, now. The thing is ... she tagged a condition onto it that I just don't like, and I'm also worried about what it might mean down the road."

Church

"Major General, just who is your enemy? Who could make use of an artifact that in times past, the church could not? Whatever urgency the Order of Wrath sees in gaining this artifact is clearly-" "Careful, Worthington." Desmond interrupted. "It was Lord Wrath himself that has given us this task that you so foolishly kept hidden. We will do only what he requires of us, so be careful what you accuse us of doing."

Crackdown Continues

"The forest is so close to that entrance, that you will have a hard time leading them back here. Try to subdue them, but be especially careful." Langley instructed. "Taylor is going to have to catch any stragglers in the woods with just his own men, unfortunately. I should probably file in a request for more specialty units. These hideouts are being well thought out, and it is getting more difficult to adapt."

Darksider: Heroic 4

"Yes my horses do not seem very fond of me. Perhaps what I need is a pegasus!" Simon realized. "With a pegasus, I would be able to travel through the skies with the two of you. Oh, but the pegasus would have to be black, a pure black stallion with menacing eyes~"

"Hahahah, that's not physically possible! No pegasus could carry you!" Cecily nearly lost control. "Besides, three is company, and four is a crowd." she added, noting Cloe.

"I count three of us." Simon muttered in a confused tone.

"Black pegasi are extremely rare too, now that you mention it ... and a male would probably be too much trouble for you." she noted.

Kigen Barracks

<"Ah, that is good news."> Katsu looked up down at his feet for a moment and grimaced. <"I suppose one more day won't be the end of me but, after that, I must get back on my feet. I have to do something."> While Katsu felt a need to train that bordered on obsession, what he was really concerned about was escaping his and his friends' defeat at the hands of the fallen Matriarch and Admonitor. He hadn't become any stronger since his battle with them, and so the defeat was linger over him and haunting his thoughts. <"Has there been any word from my employer in the north?">

Edited by Phoenix, 07 February 2012 - 12:43 AM.

[Mercakete]

"Alright. Thanks," Norbert responded to the maidens and making a note to ask one of the guards if they'd seen Blake. For now, though, he turned his attention to John. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"A'right; thank ye!" thanked Gytha before heading back to that sparkly room where she saw a bunch of maidens before. Selecting one of them randomly, she brusquely adressed her. "Ahoy! D'ye know where I can find Amon?" she was smiling her usual, jolly grin and just being loud and friendly in general, as was her usual, happy self. It didn't occur to her that others might not see this as normal and she might be perceved as...overly exuberant. She also was fully equipt, her belt holding her puch, sheathed sword and holstered pistol. Her fists were on her hips, sure, but her obliviousness probably wasn't helping her much...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cecelia began muttering "I don't see why they don't just send specialty units in advance and save us the trouble" but cut herself off after "I" and instead replied, "Understood, ma'am." And with that, Cecelia took off into the sky to relay the tactics to her pegasus knights. "Alright, ladies! As soon as you see them emerge, dive in and subdue them! Let's not let them hide in the forest! Maiming is preferrable, kill if you have to, but don't let them under the boughs of those trees! Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am!"

With her soldiers' affirmative cry, Cecelia took her position at their head, watching and waiting with her sword drawn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

<"Well, this did come for you,"> Daichi replied as he handed Katsu the letter he'd been carrying. He wanted to ask more questions, but decided against it to allow Katsu to read the letter first.

[-Cynthia-]

Veronika

"Well I'm sure Aisha could have taken it from you if she had really wanted it, not sure why she would bother with diplomacy. The emblem might be hard to use if you keep breaking it though...that is if we ever want to try and use it. What's this condition she had anyway?" Veronika asked Raquel. Dealing with fickle vasili wasn't what I had it mind for this adventure, but I guess we have to deal with this.

Selene

Desmond had answered Worthington's questions for her it seemed. "It would be preferable if you aided us in this, or at least did not impede us. We are doing what is best for Ursium, whether you believe it or not, and we will continue to act in her best interests," she said simply to the assorted people of interest.

Clara

"Well if you want to keep up with us, you'll probably need riding lessons. And an uh, big pegasus. Do you have any combat training...if not maybe you should consider a job back at headquarters," she said to Simon. Well he's not the worst company, even if he is a bit odd. Wonder what Cloe would think of him...

Edited by -Cynthia-, 07 February 2012 - 01:46 AM.

[Phoenix]

Raquel

"Well," Raquel began. "She never had any intention of letting Amon travel with us after we leave Sanctuary. She'll only allow him to travel with us if I give her a part of the emblem. He's her servant, but it still feels like blackmail, and I've got a bad feeling about splitting this emblem over and over again, too."

Church Folk

"Neither I nor the other three orders will try to impede any of you." Worthington assured Selene and Desmond. He gazed helplessly at the floor and shook his head. This wasn't something he was prepared to deal with.

"It's good to know the word of Lord Wrath is being taken seriously. Good day to you all." Desmond bid his farewell and made for the exit. His next stop was the office of the Head Wrathite, now his office, apparently. Clover followed closely behind. Athrun lagged behind for a moment, reflecting on the situation.

Darksider: Most Dangerous

"Oh yes, a large pegasus! He should have massive wings and a fierce gaze!" Simon added.

"Pft, no wingspan can account for your weight. You should probably take the headquarters job, yeah." Cecily commented. "I guess if you're serious, we should go ahead and see if Layla has a problem with that."

"Oh and to answer dear Clara's question; yes, I am more than capable of holding my own in a combat situation. I am the darksider! I am one of the most dangerous combat shamans the world has ever known!" Simon held out his arms as he boasted. "Behold, my official rankings!" He quickly whipped out a small parchment and handed it to Cecily.

Stamina: 5 Strength: 0 Magical Power: 8 Precision: 5 Agility: 4 Fortune: 1 Defense: 2 Resistance: 4

"An official profile and ranking from the Warriors Guild? Save for stamina and magical power, these scores are kind of pathetic. What made you think they were good?" Simon became instantly teary eyed. "Hmm ... how do they even rank someone's fortune in a testing environment?" she was genuinely curious about that, but handed the parchment over to Clara to examine since there was little else she could glean from it.

These Maidens

"Amon? Amoooon ... Oh! Amon Zeev. I saw him with the High Priestess last night, but that was the last I saw him." the maiden answered. Another put a finger on her lip to think, and then she realized she was able to expound a bit further.

"High Priestess Lulu held a meeting last night. I saw Amon and a lot of the other agents gathered around for a briefing of some sort." The next maiden seemed to mimic the first and was able to provide the next piece of the puzzle.

"Oh Haythem, Amon, and Malik all left, last night. They must be on a mission. I saw them from my balcony, last night while I was stargazing. I would have missed them, but they flew very close to the palace and I spotted all three of their heads; Haythem's fine silver spikes, Malik's blazing red tresses, and Amon's golden mane~"

The first maiden spoke up again saying "I suppose if they left for a mission on Isis, they must be out in the desert somewhere, still."

Those Maidens

With Bert's question answered, Rasha and Amina thought to go on about their business, but then it occurred to Rasha that she might want to check just to make sure they weren't needed for anything else. "Is there anything else any of you need to know?"

Katsu

<"A reply?"> Katsu asked somewhat rhetorically as he reached for and accepted the letter. He quickly opened it and began reading it. For the first time since the battle, he was able to smile. <"Good ... Atsuko is safe, and our payment has been sent off to our village in the south. Though it also mentions that Atsuko does not plan on staying in Europa very long. Hmm ....">

[Mercakete]

"A mission? What sort o' mission?" Gytha asked. She knew she probably shouldn't worry about him. He had other people along and he was a good fighter. Still, she did want to know, "Who d'ye think would know where they went?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

<"You just keep getting good news today,"> Daichi happily commented before asking, <"So, you're leaving here tomorrow. Where will you go? You shouldn't tax yourself. Even if the doctors let you go, I doubt you're well enough to travel alone.">

[Phoenix]

Maidens

"High Priestess Lulu would most certainly know, but I'm not sure where she is, right now."

<"There are only so many places she could be ..."> another maiden chimed in in rexian. <"She could be in her office ... or maybe with our queen. Or perhaps she is visiting the stables.">

"Try her office, first. Umm, follow me. I can show you where it is."

Katsu-san

<"Atsuko was the only survivor. None of my relatives live in our village, so she is the only one with any true connection left to that place. I would be doing them all a great disservice to leave her out there on her own. Before I do anything else, I should find her. I'm worried she might leave Weyland's home and not let anyone know where she's going, though."> he replied. If I know her, though, the only place she would go to is the village. If it turns out she left, I would probably find her there.

[Mercakete]

And so Gytha followed the maiden to Lulu's office.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

<"You don't have anywhere to rest, then..."> Daichi had been hoping Katsu had someplace to stay, but it seemed, as he might've guessed, that his fellow mercenaries had been his family and they had stayed wherever they'd pleased along their travels. The Kigenese swordsman brightened up as he proposed an idea he had. Katsu was an honorable man, so it wouldn't be any trouble. <"Don't worry, Katsu-san. You can stay at my home until you're well enough to travel and properly defend yourself again. Atsuko-san can just meet you there and I'll keep an eye out for her. You can ask your village to redirect her to my home if she gets there before you've recovered, too.">

[Acacia Sgt]

''Ah yes,'' John answered. ''You see, I wanted to know where the Stables were, since I wanted to check on Gil and I didn't followed them yesterday to know where exactly it is.''

-----

Finally reaching the dining hall. Sophia took a seat and ordered breakfast.

[Mercakete]

"Oh, I get it. Yeah, I know where they are. I'll talk to a guard on the way there, but I'll show you where the stables are. Just follow me," the pegasus rider replied to John before telling Robin, "You can take care of washing your clothes while I show John the stables. We'll meet up when that's done. Just ask the guards for directions, I guess, since they pay attention to who comes and goes." With that, Norbert began leading John out of the guest building and into the palace. It was the only route he knew to the stables, but it worked, so he didn't have a problem using it, even if the palace was a reminder of how self-centered this Aisha vasilus was.

On their way out of the guest building, Norbert stopped to ask one of the guards, "Hey, have you seen an Ursian man with blue hair? I'm looking for him."

Edited by Mercakete, 07 February 2012 - 03:34 PM.

[Acacia Sgt]

''Hey, wait a minute...'' John began, but Bert had started moving, so John had no choice but to follow suit. That is, until he finally stopped.

''Wait, I only asked where it was. I'm not exactly planning to go right now.'' He could finally said.

[Mercakete]

"It's easier to just show you, but I guess I could give you instructions. Remember the courtyard we were in when we first came to the palace? Did you see which way we went with the mounts? Follow that path then take a right at the fork in the road. It's basicly a straight shot from there," Norbert answered John.

[Acacia Sgt]

''That's easy enough, thanks.'' John said. ''By the way, finding Blake or not, just where exactly are we practicing?''

[Mercakete]

"No problem," Norbert shrugged before adressing John's question, "Hmm... That depends on where Blake is, I guess. On second thought, maybe we should pick somewhere with more room than one of the guest rooms, though... But it should be somewhere where we won't hurt anyone accidentally." Thinking it over, he decided to add a question to the guard he'd asked about Blake's wherabouts, "Do you have anywhere we could practice our combat abilities?" They probably did, he just needed to know where.

[Snowy_One]

"I would like to know where I can handwash my clothes personally if you do not mind." asked Robin of the maidens.