Tales of Malaketh: Ritual of the Blood Red Night - Part 1: On The Run

[Nanami Touko]

"Keep your hood down as far as you can, Almira. As different as you are, we can't afford any suspicions... These garbs will already be worrying enough." A soft voice spoke to a rather short girl, face mostly obscured by the robes she wore, though a tiny glint of violet eyes peeked through, as the taller one spoke.

"I-I understand... But, is this really the right thing to do? We could be in a lot more trouble if they find out the truth about it." She fidgeted a bit, tugging the robes closer to herself, already perceiving a few stares from around the tavern.

"It's our only chance, at this point. If we continue on as we are, we'll be caught. Much as it worries me, we need help. If we have to lie a bit to acquire it... So be it."

"I... I see..."

Tarask was an unassuming village, only known because of its vicinity to the Gorletsian border. Trade and soldiers rolled through it, but more importantly, so did mercenaries, treasure hunters, trouble seekers. Those willing to take a job at the promise of gold aplenty, or rarities for reward. It's here, at the Warm Nights tavern, that two vampires make their troubles known... In as much secret as possible. A flier posted, unassuming, 'We seek protected passage through the lands of Silnynon, as we are not as well versed with the northern half of the country, and need to pass through as soon as possible. You will be paid graciously for your efforts, in gold or treasure, whichever is preferred.' A simple too good to be true request, yet there they stood, hooded and waiting, for the first to approach and ask of this.

The meeting time said for the evening, as odd as that may be for a group looking to pass through quickly, but as evening rolled around, so too did a few potential takers. The taller figure greeted them with a smile from beneath their hood, a gentle chuckle following. "Hello, and well met," came velvet words, audible over the din of the crowded evening tavern. "If you are here, may I assume it's to discuss the listed proposal? I'll take any questions you may, or may not have. I will only ask you not to trouble my associate with them. It's late, and she grows tired. I will more than suffice to answer anything you're curious about."

Edited June 21, 2018 by SnakeMomMelissa

[Xinnidy]

Alex couldn't help her curiosity. The request had been very odd, an escort mission throughout Silnynon that would pay handsomely? They hadn't even specified how much the amount would be... had they never asked for requests before, or were they trying to pull a fast one? Still, Alex kind of needed the money, and travelling through Sylninon wasn't an issue at all. If they wanted to steal from a naive sellsword and beat it during the night, it wasn't going to work on her. No Sir.

Arriving at the appointed meeting spot, Alex could clearly see two hooded figures waiting, standing out from crowd like a sore thumb. It couldn't be, could it...? Oh, it definitely was, they seemed to look at Alex expectantly, as she took a seat for herself. Great, that definitely feels shady. The taller person seemed to be in command here, offering to answer any questions the people interested in the job would have. Okay, at least that was a start. Alex couldn't help but take a glance at their associate once all was said. Hmm...

"What's your destination? Usually people point that stuff out. Gives a better idea of how long it'll last for." Alex stood up from her chair, extremely unimposing in height, but face and tone always serious. Getting more information first was a good way to figure out if this was a scam or what, she'd be paying attention to how they answered.

Edited June 18, 2018 by Xinnidy

[Moblin Major General]

"The distance and the days can be two very different things. I would say they probably intend to make for the capital, which from here is long and perilous. If they were dishonest about the money, they would not venture here. Tarask has coin aplenty for the seedier people, if they know where to look, but the Warm Nights does not." Glendwr took a drink of mead before continuing. "That doesn't mean they want for well-kept secrets, of course, but if there's anything I've learned in my 10 years of mercenary work, is that there comes a point where the right amount of money ensures sealed lips on the part of a worker." He gets up and crosses the room to the cloaked woman. "And my lips are sealed." He extended his hand to shake on the deal with the woman. "I am Glendwr Silver-Steel. I am a swordman, and I know my way in dark and fog, more than many humans, and by some accounts as well as the average vampire." He chuckles and then clears his throat. "People say strange things, don't they? Anyway, expect me to join you whenever you intend to depart, to wherever you are bound." Glendwr goes back to where he was sitting, sits again, and motions to the barkeep to bring him another tankard of mead.

[scorri]

Sephtis had known that this day would come. It always did. His funds ran out in his search for the culprits responsible for his family's death, and he would have to pick up some odd jobs to replace them, all the while letting the trail grow colder while he was away. It had happened at a particularly annoying time this go around, since he'd finally felt he'd been making some progress. Rumors of witnesses to the attack that had fled from the nearby village, not wanting to be killed for seeing things they should have left unseen. His usual frustration at the situation had been tempered some by the flier promising gracious pay, an indication that perhaps this time he could be back on the hunt after only one job. Still, never one to jump before looking, he'd stayed back, blending in with the crowd and letting others approach first.

The girl looked like a somewhat standard, if inexperienced mercenary, not that he had much room to talk there. Although his family had been known for their skills, he still had only mastered a few. The second... Given his comments and name, despite his claim to be a mercenary, he was most likely a vampire hunter. A slight twist of the mouth was the only indication of Seph's distaste and it was well hidden by the scarf around his face. Most hunters were not worth the name, not like his family, and many were wild, crusading into the depths of Gorletsia to slay their foes, as opposed to only killing those actively trying to harm humans. Still, best to hold off too much judgement, especially if he were to be forced to work with the man either way.

When no others stepped forward, Seph pulled the scarf down away from his face, checked to make sure he could easily access gun and tome, and moved to the table with the two cloaked strangers. "I agree, knowing the destination would be a good start. In addition, what dangers do you expect? Simply the normal woes of bandits? Or is there more reason you are asking for protection? I only ask because while these lands are not perfectly safe, there is little extreme danger to be found for those who travel smartly during the day. And a promise of a generous reward for such a simple task. Especially given at least one of you seems to know how to fight." The last sentence was said with a bit of a smirk and a gesture towards the sword at the apparent leader of the two's waist.

"So tell me. Why should I trust your offer?"

[Nanami Touko]

The destination, and trust. As well, this other man, hmhmhm. "As well as a vampire. What a claim, and how useful. We'll make sure to notify you then, good sir." Now, how to placate the other two? They seemed capable enough, at least to defend for a while, or offer a distraction should things get too dire. Now, to spin a yarn, or offer some of the truth? A lie would be easier to see through, much as I am accustomed to speaking... Let's offer them some of the truth, and a proper reward.

"My name is Misea. This girl, she is my charge, and seeks to travel to the capital of Hrolt. An arranged marriage was not quite what she had been expecting to wake up to, this morning, and as I am her sworn knight, I follow her orders to the letter. Though, capable as I am, I am but one soldier, unable to stop so many alone. You should not expect much resistance once we are away from here, and further north, but a couple of manor guards should be no issue for you, as trained mercenaries, yes?" Hopefully not.

"Before you protest," Misea began, reaching back into her robe, and procuring a small leather sack, "I'll pay half up front, and the other when we arrive. Six hundred gold a person, another there. Surely twelve hundred gold is worth my liege's freedom from a man she doesn't care for? And for an easy job." Hopefully the gold would hook them, though Misea had one more option up their sleeve. "We'll be leaving tonight. Likely soon, so if you are interested, please say so."

Almira didn't say anything, head moving slightly under her hood, as she peeked out again at the new faces. "Hello..." She offered greetings, and a small wave, trying to smile a bit.

[Ether]

Find the Princess and return her to me, at any cost... what a pointed yet vague set of directions, really now... still, the pure-blooded Princess Almira, ever kept secluded in her little castle. She had always been curious... who wouldn't, after all? And now the girl had run loose with... some amount of an entourage. The King had not said, but such a naive little thing wouldn't be able to evade his guardsmen on her own, especially not so long as to be tracked into her domain rather than the castle she had been kept in. Whether she would abide by the order or not was yet to be seen... after all, the girl certainly had a reason to flee... but to track her and lay eyes upon her? Now that was an opportunity that she would not miss for the world, and having fled into the plains of Svarljearn? No one would find the girl faster than the area's own Countess.

The trail had lead to Tarask... a small human villa past the edge of the border... still technically within her domain, not that the human government that claimed it belonged to them would agree. The signs put up of vague work with unreasonably high pay, and the lingering scent of a vampire in the town that was not one of her own... yes, that was them. With the time that meeting claimed... why Astrid would even have time to visit her favourite wench before crashing their little party... what wonderful news~

Perhaps too wonderful. As delectable and positively wonderful as a fun romp with the little miss Mikayla had been, satiating both her thirst as well as her thirst. Astrid found herself almost late! Almost... that scent had not left the place, the two were still here... one smelt of aging hay and the other almost blank... impeccably clean clothing was the best way she could describe it... her nose had not failed her before and it surely had not now. That pair of vampires was still in this village. Approaching the tavern they had set as meeting place, Astrid thought to herself, bemused... all it took was a small something to obscure the colour of her eyes to a gentle blue, and to hide her fangs... the humans here that did not know of her were none the wiser that she was any different from them. She hadn't even bothered to darken her skin with cosmetics... though she supposed her hair already being dyed was a boon in that regard.

In spite of how clueless humans seemed to be of a disguised vampire walking among them, Astrid had a Princess to find, and possibly apprehend. Stepping into the Warm Nights with a rather eccentric swagger to her walk, Countess Raskkron had arrived just in time to hear the Princess' aide give their offer. Walking straight over to the meeting with a confident stride garbed in a rather unassuming barmaid's dress, axe hung from a belt at her hip swinging gently as she walked.

"My my, now that is quite the interesting story, don't you think~? Do go on~" Astrid noted, the scent she had been tracking filling her nostrils as she took a breath. From this close, there was no way the aide wouldn't recognize her... the Princess though? She just might be naive enough to be none the wiser... how would the handler respond, Astrid couldn't help but wonder. Cause a scene and attempt to fight a losing battle? Or remain calm despite the likely duress in her mind? How fun~

[Xinnidy]

Okay, scratch the hooded duo. This dude going on about 'destination and time', 'as well as the average vampire'... he was even weirder. What was up with him? Going on as if he'd already been hired only served to tick Alex some, and made her more suspicious. Why did he seem so eager to help them without asking questions or knowing how much he was going to get paid? Some people... either he's planning something, or he's a thick douche. 'As well as the average vampire'... she'd pay to see that. Well, not actually. Crossing her arms, Alex rolled her eyes, digressing before paying attention to the taller contractor once more. At least they seemed fine with clearing things up. 

Oh, a noblewoman, or something of the sort, huh? The girl did seem a bit exotic... perhaps from Katchel? Well, it wouldn't fit their story at all. This morning, that meant they were from the neighboring lands... were they? Alex was honestly not very learned about Silnynon still. Most of these regions blended to her, just like Katchel and Reman's borders, she only knew that they were closer to vampiric territories thanks to the increase in general tension. Needless to say... she had little ground to question it. From Alex's perspective, it seemed believable enough. Another factor that leaned the woman's opinion towards trust was the situation described by her knight. A predicament decided by her family, such as an arranged marriage, a frustrating, imposing restraint... Alex could relate to that easier than she thought.

And half the pay upfront? That seemed like a deal. Manor guards could be more troublesome than your odd bandit, but the total sum was worth it in Alex's eyes. She even managed a small smile back as the shy girl tried to greet them properly. "Alright, that sounds fine to me. We just go to the capital and tell some dude to suck it with that marriage idea. Win-win to me." Alex nodded, and took a step forward. "I'm in."

Another woman... rather flamboyant barmaid, by the looks of it, seemed to have her interest piqued by the story as well. Something about her tone didn't sit well with Alex, but this barmaid wasn't really doing anything wrong, mayhaps even might be interested in the work, so Alex just lay her eyes on the barmaid quietly, curious but with no intention to confront.

[Moblin Major General]

The lightly armored young woman decided to join in the escort. Glendwr was optimistic about this girl, probably because he knew another like her from when his father still lived. If she has kept her wits about her thus far, she ought to do well. He looked as the door opened and another walked in. The woman asked after the story, apparently intrigued. "What's so wrong about running out on a sudden arrangement? It doesn't sound to me like she was ever promised to her fiance from birth. What's it to you, anyway? I don't think that's any of your business. Unless you want to help, that is." The strange woman seemed interested in the pair of women. For what reason, Glendwr didn't know, and he probably didn't want to. He just sat back, chugging away the last of his tankard of mead. Done for the evening, he returned the tankards he drank to the barkeep and sat back down where he was before. "Any other takers? We haven't got all night, after all."

[scorri]

Seph had been cautious, even with the offer of 600 gold, but the arrival of a new woman caused him to pause. She wasn't wrong. It was an interesting story, in more ways than one. Interesting didn't mean believable though. The question became did it matter. The likelihood that something illegal was going was high, but perhaps she truly was a rich girl running from a marriage. And if she was, what right did he have to turn them down? That was his family's job, that he'd sworn to uphold. Protect the innocent from the monsters hunting them. No matter what kind of monster it was. He frowned and then shook his head. "I'm going to be blunt about my lack of trust. But I'll still do the job. Even if you're lying about your reasons, the money is a good enough incentive to make me want to stick around to the end." Even if their group was going to be filled with some weirdos. Or at least one weirdo...

[Nanami Touko]

Misea smiled at the group as they all seemed interested, even their new addition, but alarms were ringing in her mind, her composure being tested. Why is she here? Is she here alone? If anyone else came with her, this village is going to turn into a bloodbath. This cannot happen. I have to get rid of her, or try to get her to leave. Anything. If only it was that easy...

"Truly, I appreciate all your acceptance in this offer. I'll leave the money here, then, as I need to speak with this young woman for just a moment. Almira, you can talk with them for a bit, right? You like meeting new people."

"Uhm... Yeah. I do... What's wrong, Misea?" It seemed as though she hadn't noticed what her friend had.

"Nothing, nothing. I just happen to know this girl, and was hoping to go over details with her personally. She's helped me with jobs on a few occasions." The idea that Misea knew her dawned quickly on Almira, who tried not to panic, only shrinking back some.

"Alright... Don't take too long."

"Of course, of course... Excuse me, then." Slipping around the table and taking hold of the new girl by the arm, in an unassuming but forceful grab, Misea brought her towards the door, slipping outside with her-- and then did her best to pin her up against the tavern wall, dull red eyes gleaming out from under her hood. They were scanning her face, trying to discern reason, as a growl was choked back down.

"And to what do I owe the pleasure, Countess? Are you here alone? If you aren't, I'm afraid this is going to get quite messy."

---

Almira watched them slip out the door before shuffling a bit over to where Misea had been standing, letting her hood up just a bit. Her violet eyes met the tavern's soft lantern light, as she looked at the other two with a tiny freckled face, then over to the man at the bar. "Uhm. Hello! My name is Almira... It's nice to meet you. Where are you both from?"

[Ether]

So this was how the handler intended to play it, then. Interesting.. could there have been a cue to the Princess to flee, in that exchange? If so, the servant was intending to sacrifice herself to make time for their charge... or thought they could win. Still, Astrid did not know enough as of yet to make a judgment on how to approach this, so best to play along, for now.

"Of course, Misea, my old friend~ I would absolutely love to talk with you~" Astrid replied with cheer as she was pulled outside, and immediately pinned against the outer wall of the tavern in an aggressive manner.

"Oh my, how bold~ Come now, you'll draw suspicion like that~ Call me Astrid... old friend~" The Countess replied, gently placing her hand on Misea's wrist and pushing back on it, rather easily overpowering the Princess' handler enough to break the pin.

"But, as you might know, I prefer to be on top~" She teased sweetly, before quickly reversing Misea's position, pressing the handler into the wall before leaning in to place a soft kiss on their neck, pulling her head back before fangs became involved, instead moving her lips up to Misea's ear as she began to whisper.

"Alone? I am, but perhaps not for long. Almira's father instructed me to retrieve her, but I'm inclined to try to understand just a bit more of the situation before deciding if I'll remove the girl. He's sent his men in this direction, but I found you first... it is my domain, after all. I cannot say how long it will take them to make their way here.

[Balcerzak]

Wilhelmina walked back into the tavern after her small visit to the lavatory, a bit of brisk in her step, curious if anyone with information had shown up--and completely oblivious to the fact that most of her fliers had been papered over by someone else's more enticing ones. There'd been no-one but the regulars earlier, before nature called, but perhaps now? On her way in, her attention was briefly caught by a small scene near the entrance, one lady had another pressed up against the wall, faces very close to each other. Blushing and quickly looking away--public displays of affection can often be awkward--she pressed on, in through the door, and quickly noticed a small group near one of the tables.

"I hooope I'm not presuming," Mina moved over to greet them and started up, a little lilt to her voice as she did, "But you're here because of the flier? Have you seen her? Any news at all, bad or good--though I really hope it isn't bad?"

Edited June 19, 2018 by Balcerzak

[Xinnidy]

"Hm? Ah, I'm from Reman." Alex spoke up, a bit distracted by the way the barmaid and the knight left. What was up with that? Well, if it was an acquaintance, at least it explained the intrusive tone of the barmaid when she jumped into the conversation. Though it was a bit weird of her to not just speak up and get her acquaintance's attention like a normal person... Well, I hope it doesn't devolve into something rotten. There was the off-chance this 'barmaid' was from their turf, and was sent by this rich girl's family to stop her. That'd be unfortunate.

Enough thinking about these deceptions. Alex was aboard this now, and no deterrent was going to stop this poor girl from her independence if they didn't get through Alex first! "I've not been in Silvynon for that long, but everybody knows the way to the capital. You don't need to worry that I can do my job!" She nodded, trying to cheer up this shy girl some. A woman seemed to call for them, but she was talking something so odd that Alex couldn't quite piece what was her deal. News? Seen who, this girl? She took a glance. A fairly normal woman... huh? Alex could help but tilt her head a bit, staring in confusion.

Edited June 19, 2018 by Xinnidy

[scorri]

So at least one foreigner in their group. Not that it would matter overly much. She didn't seem to be talking to the one by the bar, so he figured he was up next. "I'm from Silvynon myself. A town not too far from here. Though I haven't been back there in years. Too many other things to be doing. Where did you say you were from?" Someone else showed up, though she seemed to be talking about her own fliers, not the one they were responding to, which was somewhat strange. "Ah, I'm sorry. I'm afraid I haven't seen your flier. We were here to answer the request of this woman and another. An escort mission to the capital. Unfortunately nothing to do with your girl."

[Nanami Touko]

Misea could only sigh as they kept having their composure tested, closing their eyes and trying to put up with Astrid's boldness. She'd always been like this, but maybe it would be a good thing... Her interest in humans could be the tipping point in making this work. "King Aamon wishes to use old magicks to wipe out all the humans on the continent." Misea wanted that to sink in, and sink in well, because it was the whole reason for this ordeal. "I overheard him speaking about it to his council. He needs Almira for it, for some reason, I don't know what, but I don't trust any spell from centuries ago. So I told her... And we ran. She doesn't want anything to do with his ideas, and considering what you get up to in your keep, I can imagine you wouldn't want it either. So..." Gods was she strong, too formidable an opponent, but Misea did manage to push her off slightly.

"Are you going to help us, whether for the right reasons, or your own... Or do I draw my blade? I will not give up Almira's life, not so long as I still draw breath, even if it means having to fight you... Astrid."

---

"All the way from Reman...!" Almira was stoked, mouth wide open in surprised, but only for a moment, seeming embarrassed by her reaction. "Th-That's really cool. I've never met anyone outside of this continent... Did you travel far? What did you do there? Er... T-Too many questions, sorry. I'm supposed to be quiet and polite." She tried her best to clam up, but with another person coming over, that natural curiosity was sneaking out again.

"Oh, er... I haven't heard anything to do with another person. Who are you looking for? Can you share, or..." She gulped, Misea wouldn't be happy about this, but she couldn't help herself! "And you're from Silnynon, huh... From around here. Er... Me too, just, from a small keep nearby. I don't really think the area has, a... Proper, er, name... Uhm... What , wh-what were all your names, by the way? I'm Almira, so... That's a good start." She tried to smile again, though it almost seemed like she was getting overwhelmed or worried, shrinking under that hood just a bit more.

[Moblin Major General]

Glendwr heard a light thud on the wall outside the bar. "I thought that was something that happened later at night. Oh well, I'm not gonna say anything." The local schoolteacher entered the tavern, face bright red and tilted away. As she went over to the other hands and the client, he heard her mention the missing woman's flier. "Still looking for your friend? I looked right and left in these woods, and I still don't know where she could've wandered off to. Once I return from Hrolt, I'll look for her again if she does not return." He comes behind the scarfed man and puts his hand on his shoulder. "Don't we all. Say, what's with the-" He was interrupted by the young lady's question. "Glendwr." He already explained himself to the retainer, so he thought it best to keep it short.

Edited June 19, 2018 by Hylian Air Force

[Ether]

"Wipe out all humans? Did I hear that correctly?" Astrid replied, pulling back of her own volition as Misea began to push back, pursing her lips in frustration. Well, the stakes on this little adventure had suddenly jumped quite a bit higher in a manner of moments, eliciting a sigh from the Countess. 

"I won't stand for such an atrocious idea. Besides, the Princess would be ever so distraught were I to spill your blood on the ground. I would like to see her smile, rather than frown... it's not a sight one oft gets to lay witness to." Astrid continued, releasing Misea fully after a few moments, clicking her tongue with a shake of the head.

"None of the guardsmen that entered my domain were anything I wouldn't be able to handle... likely the same lies true for you, but I cannot safely say the same for Almira or any of the humans. I would make haste either getting them aboard or leaving them behind, Misea. Was that all, or shall we return inside before she spills her guts in front of the tavern's patrons?" The Countess concluded, resting her hand on the door before looking back over at Almira's handler.

[Xinnidy]

Oh, she was so excitable... Alex really couldn't help but find the act a bit endearing, a weak smile back at the girl. "Almira. That's a nice name. I'm... well, Alexandra if you really wanna split hairs, but just Alex is fine." She held back a chuckle, "And yeah, when you come from somewhere as far away as Reman, you have to travel a lot. Had to take a boat and everything... it's been a while, though." Honestly, the boat was the boring part of her travel. Not a lot to do in a large piece of wood crossing the sea. Ah... not that she would need to take another anytime soon, thankfully.

The weird guy had a better idea of what this woman that just showed up was after. A missing acquaintance, huh? Alex didn't stay in town much to know the ins and out, but that was bound to suck. Silently, she gave her condolences to the missing person.

[Balcerzak]

The first to answer Wilhelmina was tall, dark, and--she peered closer for a better look--yup, definitely handsome. Unfortunately, what he had to say depressed her spirits. People were gathering for the sake of tourism, and not for Lucy. It was... disheartening. Perhaps if she'd been born to wealth, she could have rallied a greater effort, managed to actually do some enticing. But alas.

However, a bit of cheer quickly returned to her countenance as the--my, isn't she adorable! But awfully... young to be in an establishment like this? Anyway, her earnest interest helped to respark Mina's faith in humanity. "Oh, did the news not make it to your... keep?" Curious, she didn't remember any nearby castles, manors, or such. Maybe she was lost, or hadn't realized just how far she'd travelled? Whatever, to the backburner with that, there was more important business.

"Well, you see... my dear friend Lucy has gone missing," the teacher nodded as one of the members of the search teams, apparently, had come up and chimed in in support. "Thank you again for your efforts, by the way," she added before returning her attention to who she'd been talking to.

"She's always been a bit of a birdbrain, and prone to sleepwalking, but of late things just got worse. Real bad anemia, often seemed disoriented, or just lost in the clouds. And then..." she made a 'poof' motion with her hands, quickly spreading and extending all fingers from closed fists, "Just gone one morning. The day she was to wed too, quite tragic. But! There's still hope. I'm sure of it. So I've been looking for anybody who might have any ideas, travellers especially. Oh deary me, where are my manners. Wilhelmina Murray, but you can call me 'Mina'," she paused, a slightly thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Or 'Wilma' I guess, but I prefer 'Mina'." Then she extended her hand for the girl to shake. "Nice to meet you Almira. ...Do you like 'Mira'? Wow, that would make our names sound pretty close, wouldn't it?"

Edited June 19, 2018 by Balcerzak

[Nanami Touko]

"Glendwr, Alexandra, and Mina! It's really nice to meet all of you. I hope we can get along..." This 'Mina' lady sure had a lot to say about her friend, though... A lot of it far too familiar, oh no. Almira tensed up nice and tight, eyes widening at the quick realization. "I... I think your friend might've been, taken by a vampire." Her words were quiet and almost cold, as if she didn't want to speak on the issue, but was too polite to withhold the knowledge. "Anemia, and... And the aloofness. Well... I read a lot, since I was always stuck in my room. Anemia is blood loss, right? Or, uh... Medical texts were always more difficult, er... Not enough healthy red blood cells? Well... Vampires drink your blood... R-Right? So that... And the disorientation... It sounds like she was being charmed by one."

---

"You did hear right... We shall make haste, then. It's... Good to know that I don't have to fight you. It's been too long since we've had a proper conversation. Meeting blades with you isn't quite the talk I had in mind." Having Astrid on their side was incredibly welcome, the Countess' name quite well known as far as her folk were concerned. An odd one, but a strong one, and someone that kept to her interests, for better or worse. "I will say, though," Misea began to add, approaching the door, one last stern look at Astrid.

"Do. Not. Touch her. What you've become... It's far off from what I used to know, and while I can handle this shift, she is far too naive for anything you might try. Even if you're stronger than me, I will fight you to keep you away from her. She is my charge... And I will see her safe." That was all that needed said for now, Misea had little hope Astrid would listen to a nearly baseless bark. Forcing their best smile, they entered back in, just as Almira gave a rather quick reply to what Misea could only assume was a question on her name.

"A-And you can call me, 'Mira, if you want... I don't mind. I'm... S-Sorry about your friend."

"Well!" Misea exclaimed, loud and clear, approaching the group with hands clasped and a cheery grin, "it seems as though I've managed to come to terms with my old friend. Shall we depart, then? We've got quite the travel ahead of us, and while it's late, leaving now would be much better than waiting until morning. I do love to camp... I don't believe we've met, miss. I'm Misea... Were you here about the notice? You're free to come along if so, I've gold enough for the lot of you."

Edited June 19, 2018 by SnakeMomMelissa

[scorri]

Seph had been about to respond to their employer when the strange man came up and placed a hand on his shoulder. He instinctively grabbed the man's wrist and yanked his hand off. "Don't touch me. You don't know me, you don't touch me. And even when you know me, you probably don't touch me." The explanation given by the woman looking for her friend was worrying, but thankfully Almira covered the likelihood of it being vampires without Seph needing to step in on that. "That's a good train of thought, Almira. The worst sort of news for you, Mina. I'm sorry for your friend. My name is Sephtis, though I suspect it would be easiest if you all called me Seph."

The two other women had returned, seemingly having sorted out their differences. It all seemed a bit convenient, but the promise of the gold was enough for Seph to let sleeping dogs lie for now. "It's good that you two worked things out. I agree, best to set out soon. Better to get some time on the road while we can if you came from nearby. No sense in giving those looking for her an advantage."

Edited June 19, 2018 by scorri

[Ether]

"Too long... yes, I suppose it has been a long time, hasn't it?" Astrid replied wistfully, gently chuckling at Misea's follow up. So quick to jump to the defense of their liege... how noble.

"What I've become? Misea, I am the same as I've always been... drawn to beauty... the same that originally drew me to you. Simply grown up now, forced far too quickly, and no longer under my father's thumb. As for your charge... we shall see. I assure you there is not a thing unsafe that I would do with the precious little thing. If you worry for her naivete, perhaps I'm just the medicine she needs~ She's simply too curious a case for me to leave entirely alone, as I'm sure you're aware." Astrid replied, dropping the topic as the duo stepped inside of the door, looking over at the group alongside the Princess... and one extra compared with the time of their departure. Walking ahead of Misea with a spring in her step, Astrid stopped just short of the Princess, a grin forming on her lips as she bent forward, bringing her face level with the shorter girl's.

"Mira, you said? Oh my, how cute~ Fitting that,  though, getting a look at you~"

[Xinnidy]

"Red wha- well, isn't all blood red anyways? Or, I guess it's a touch darker if it's more than a trickle..." Were there multiple things that made your blood? Guess this girl was really into this stuff. Alex had never heard anything of the sort, but it was a clear connection on everything else. Loss of blood and acting weird could very well be vampires. "Yeah, I can see it being vampires too, since we're supposed to be close to the borders... that must suck." Alex didn't know what to say to this woman, Mina. She was bad at cheering up from bad situations like that. "My condolences... guess she'd be somewhere south, but going there is way dangerous."

The knight had come back... and things went well with that acquaintance, Alex could relax about that then, probably. ...'Barmaid' seemed like she wouldn't care about personal space, though, at least from how direct she could speak. Ah well, not a problem for Alex to think too hard on it. This was just an escort mission after all. "Well, that's great then. I can grab my things in a jiffy and be right back... Ah, will we go by feet, or do you have a carriage or something?" Going by feet would take quite some time, but it was up to their resources.

[Balcerzak]

Well, the young girl was certainly spooked, but if what she had to say bore out, then she had every cause. Wilhelmina had just impressed upon her how very real a bogeyman vampires could be, quite by accident. "It'd been quiet for awhile now though, almost a year... And Lucy always loved garlic. But if that's the case maybe things are going to start up again in earnest," she muttered, during a lull in Almira's explanation, after Seph's validation of her theory.

Mina had obviously never had any direct contact with vampires, few Tarask natives had, despite hearing news from other places along the border faring much worse. It was strangely like something, or someone, had been keeping them more or less at bay. But now not even that could be relied upon, perhaps. A frown crossed her face briefly, before she could replace it. It wouldn't do to frighten the little girl more than she already was.

Nodding as Almira accepted the nickname, should she choose to use it, and appreciating her sentiments, she tried to keep her spirits positive. Taken, charmed. Bad news, but not irreversible, perhaps? Things were in a way more comforting now, having at least some lead rather than left with absolutely nothing, but also much harder. Hiring a vampire hunter, some expert who knew of a cure or something, was even further from her grasp than just trying to pick up tips about a lost and confused woman who'd strayed far from home.

And Wilhelmina's train of thought was swiftly derailed by the (apparent) return of the person responsible for the touristy fliers one of the other folks had mentioned, along with a guest instantly charmed by the young girl herself. The most cursory of glances, and an assumption was instantly leapt to.

Shaking her head briefly in answer to the question, Mina elaborated. "Ah! You must be Miss Mira's mother. I knew she was too young to have staged this by herself, and if I were you, this really isn't the sort of place I would leave her alone..." Oh no, she'd slipped into scolding mode. Better put a halt to that. "I'm sorry, it's not my place to tell you how to raise your daughter. Just... people will talk. Anyway, I must confess, I never saw your notice, was merely following up on business of my own."

Pause... "Gold, you say?" Heavens knew she couldn't afford to save Lucy without some. Maybe she better hear this out a bit further. It was a bit distressing, not knowing what her timeline was. But at least her friend wasn't starving or freezing to death in the wilderness. If she had been taken... if whatever vampire had designs on her hadn't finished with her yet, she'd surely be tended to in some fashion... right?

Edited June 19, 2018 by Balcerzak

[Nanami Touko]

"Er... Hello... You smell bad." It was a quiet comment, hopefully only Astrid heard it, because she would be able to catch the implications of being smelled so easily. Much as Almira didn't know who she was, she could tell that she wasn't human. "Almira, yes... Thank you, I-I suppose." Getting called cute by this strange vampire wasn't exactly what she'd wanted today, but it was what was happening. She tried to smile, though with another vampire suddenly coming along, this was a touch more troublesome than she'd been expecting.

At least the others were lively, and funny, miss Mina making a few comments that made her giggle something fierce. As Misea approached, they had to cover their mouth, as they'd started biting a back a laugh. "Me, her mother! Hahaha... I might be old enough for that, but, my apologies, I'm just her caretaker. You're definitely right, though I assumed she would be fine for a moment with the people that I'm paying to protect us. Was I wrong? Have they harmed you?" Misea quickly stepped forward and took her hand, putting themselves between Almira and Astrid, as well as collecting their bag of gold.

"No. I'm fine... That one's weird, though," Almira mentioned, glancing as Astrid once again.

"Don't I know it... I did mention gold. Six hundred of it now, and six hundred of it when we reach Hrolt, for all of you. That offer remains the same, so if you've skills necessary to fight, then come along. The more the merrier. As for transportation," they began, Almira coming over to hide behind them once again, "I've a carriage ready. It's large enough to fit eight, and we've only got seven. Sound good?" They hoped it did, as they continued to take Almira along, outside of the bar. "Come along, our lovely entourage~"