Fantasy Anteheroes

[Kuroakuma]

The dim moonlight cascaded in to the small clearing that had been found. The soft wind rustled through the trees, in rhythm with the soft breathing of the group of people that were nestled up against the base of a large oak tree and lost in their dreams of happier times and happier places. The grass in the clearing was soft and tender, almost as if it was alive and giving you its loving embrace as you stepped around the place barefoot. The leaves gently rustled in the wind, a calming feeling covering the clearing like a gentle caress. Those inside slept well, and they slept deeply.


It was due to their easy embrace of this calming slumber that they would never be waking again. Silent as shadows, from the edge of the grove snaked several small Imps, charcoal black with golden markings covering their body; barely visible in the dim lighting. They crept forwards, crude razors in hand as they moved towards their prey. Seeming to tiptoe across the soft green at their feet, they barely contained their snickers of delight and mirth as they watched the fools who had thought they had found safety sleep, helplessly, before them. The first of the Imps reached its target, sliding up beside them and pressing the cold steel of the blade against their throat before, grinning hungrily, the Imp drew the razor across the mans throat and watched with glee as his blood began to spill from his slit throat, his eyes shooting open as he began to choke and gurgle and struggle to no avail.


His friends were still asleep, their dreams keeping them in a far away place from the cruel reality of their imminent deaths as the first man's struggles slowly but surely died out as he did. The Imp cackled with glee as his hungry eyes closed and his hungry mouth opened, and he feasted. The Imp ringleader had no idea as to how the humans were sleeping so soundly through their friend's death, but he didn't care. He was eating well, and so were his brothers.


A figure in the shadows turned away, shaking their head at the Imp's inability to comprehend the magicks that had assisted it. Stepping into the shadows, there was no trace of them even having been there.




Jonathan woke up with the light of the sun stabbing his eyeballs, despite them being hidden behind his tightly closed eyelids. He slowly sat up, his blanket sliding down his chest as he opened his eyes and held his hand over them, squinting He groaned and tossed his blanket off of him before slowly getting to his feet. Blinking a few times to clear his eyes and adjust them to the sudden light, he looked around himself. The house he was in was barely standing, an abandoned building on the outskirts of a human settlement. His mind briefly wandered back to his crew; how were they faring? Were they still even alive? He shook his head and stepped over to the door, which he nudged open with his shoulder.


He stared out at the small village, and sighed. He'd been called here, somehow. The feeling in his chest had lead him here. Was there someone in that place he needed to find? Or was he just imagining the voice that called out to him? Sighing, he called out. "I'll be heading into the town for a bit. I'll be back later or you can come in and join me when you're ready". Jonathan stepped out onto the road, gazing wearily at the forest on the other side before he began to walk towards the town. As he reached the first building he sighed.


The voice inside of him kept nagging at him, telling him he needed to be there for some reason. He mentally cursed and began to stride around the small town. "I'd be surprised if anyone important was actually here in this town in the middle of damn nowhere anyway".


In reality, the town actually wasn't too bad. It had all of the necessities one would need to make a living in the world, and plenty of guards patrolled the outskirts for any attacking demons or bandits. Houses, shops, bars, it was quite a place for a person to visit if they could survive the journey. It wouldn't be too surprising at all if there were quite a few important people here, especially now that leaving at night was certain death.


(Short post is short, writers block is kicking in, huehuehue)

 

[BoysPlantGraves]

Ein Thorquinn


Feet heavy with fatigue dragged themselves over the crumbling dirt pathway littered with pebbles and stray glass broken into tiny sparkling stars, the single souls movements slow as though they were stuck in molasses, hidden within an alleyway shrouded within the darkness of a pair of towering shops built out of withering wood strolled an exhausted Ein.


Boots of an olive brown collecting the dust of the uneven ground as the toes dug small trenches into the dirt with each loose step, once smooth leather scuffed and ruined from traveled erosion.


Runs trailed the exterior of the once well leggings worn beneath the womens thick almond skirt which the surface of was decorated with unintentional patches of unwelcomed dirt, recently acquired mere moments ago when Ein had fallen into a predicament she hadn't expected when she had left her hotel for what she had intended to be a peaceful and kind stroll for resources.


With trembling fingers which peaked through holes designed in the womens green striped gloves Ein held a firm grip on the worn wood of the shop on her right as she stood before the entrance to the ally way, the sweet scent of pastries and bread wafting through the air and swirling the fearful soul as her knees subconsciously knocked into one another as though a deer atop shined ice. Weary eyes of hazel scowwered her surroundings cautiously, attempting to rid herself of her anxiety by sparing a moment to gaze back over her shoulder once more to inspect the now empty ally way which she had been torn away into.


Quickly turning away Ein with great effort moved forward onto the empty street, the sensation of thin slices of wood prickling her skin gradually disappearing as her hands instead traveled to the strap of her satchel which she had luckily recovered after it had been thrown yards away from her body when her attacker had found no interest in its contents.


Eins lower lip quivered slightly as thoughts fell through her mind, memories of the sudden attack she had experienced minutes earlier and the theft of her families staff replaying within her conscious.


Both grandmother and father would be furious if they were to be informed of the unlucky mishap she had performed, especially as she despite their warnings and disagreement forcefully begged for their approval on a trip she wished to partake in alone due to a petty feeling which swept through her chest, a sensation of desire which made Ein feel as though it was necessary to follow the senses distressed calls.


Their critics and hypothetical remarks filling her mind as Ein ruthlessly fell back against the wall of the bakery she had been admiring the scent of earlier, a hiss of air escaping her chapped lips as a tender section of her abdomen collided with the shop. Though Ein only allowed herself to cringe for a lone moment before gradually recovering as her hands arose and she readjusted her comically large hat, the suns deafening rays of golden light shrouding her face in light shadows, the dawns gentle gusts of wind trailing through her tangled strands of fiery hair, skimming her scalp and cooling her while she attempted to push the memory away and free herself of its annoyance.


Today wasn't going to be the best day, wasn't it?


Ein thought, eyes stinging with light tears as she released a roar like yawn, fingers hovering over her mouth as she did so.


Well at least it wasn't going to be the worst. Hopefully.

 

[Thinslayer]

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Connection established.


Awaken.





A pair of soft silver eyes opened up to a sunlit sky for the first time. They glanced around, drinking in the colors of the new world, and gazed down at the body just below them. A slender hand reached up and turned about in front of them, connected somehow. It worked. It really worked!


She winced and picked off a secton of rotted skin. The new body was left unattended for a bit too long; at least now it would heal and grow, now that a soul possessed it. Gwenivere braced herself against a tree and rose to her feet; it was high time to get moving toward that village in the distance. She pushed off and broke into a sprint. Her legs quivered and protested against their sudden use, but Gwen ignored them. They would get their rest later. She closed her eyes for a few moments as the wind rushed past her ears and raced through her silver hair.


Gwen opened her eyes just in time to realize she was about to run headlong into another human. She tumbled out of her run and dropped her face in the dewy morning grass.


"Oof- ow."


@Kuroakuma

 

[korigon]

The call felt directed to her, and to her only.


She could feel it in her chest, the yearning for the ache to subside. It was an interesting feeling, but not exactly pleasant. Comparable to the emotions she had when she undertook her missions, ignoring the cost and the risk, and solely focusing on her commission. Yet there were no missions for her to complete, and the last task she had completed had to be months ago. Clients were rare these days, but that was acceptable. As long as she had freedom and life, Blayre Stormbow was satisfied.


Despite her preference the towering woodlands with their crackling leaves and greenery, the city would be satisfiable. She could not say how the sensation would fade, but it felt like something needed to be done. The fresh smell of refreshing bread was wafting through the city, and Blayre couldn't help but sigh in exasperation as her stomach growled. It was time for food, and with the delicacies of the bakery near her, she could soon quiet her hunger and get on with her task.


Taking in a whiff of the fresh air and pleasant scents, she smiled. Today was going to be an excellent day.


( Sorry for rather short post, trying to figure out ideas on what to work with. )

 

[AsherMastrImmortalis]

A man leaning against the corner of a room groaned, slowly opening his eyes to the sound of the door next to him opening. He gripped a dagger, getting into a stance as he saw the door opened. Glancing at the bed, Lucian mentally cursed at the absence of his friend. Slowly shifting his feet closer and closer to the door, Lucian got more and more ready to ambush anyone who stepped through the doorway. Seeing that no one's coming in, Lucian stayed silent, hearing the sounds within the house.


The night before, the thief chose to stay in a corner near the doorway so that if someone unwanted were to sneak into the abandoned building and enter the room, Lucian could easily ambush the stranger. Even if he were to start sleeping, years of paranoia in the cities to not get caught caused Lucian to pay attention to the smallest of details, especially when it comes to sounds.


However, somehow someone must've managed to get into the room and taken Jonathan without making a sound. Maybe it's that good at sneaking?


Lucian pushed his body off the wall, taking a few small silent steps forward. Just as he does so, Lucian heard a familiar voice sound through the building. "I'll be heading into the city for a bit. I'll be back later or you can come in and join me when you're ready." Lucian sighed a sigh of relief, knowing his friend was okay and that he just woke up earlier than him. Though the fact that Lucian didn't hear him until after the door open worried the thief.


"Meh. Might as well... It'll be a good stretch." Lucian muttered to himself. After a minute, Lucian walked out of the room, looking around for the speaker from before. It didn't take long, since he was starting out to walk to the nearby village. Lucian smirked slightly, walking silently on the same road as many times before to stalk Jonathan. "I'd be surprised if anyone important was actually here in this town in the middle of damn nowhere anyway". Lucian could hear Jonathan mutter to himself. He grinned and was about to surprise him, but blinked as a girl nearly bumped into Jonathan. However, the girl dodged and, as a result, face-planted into the plants.


"Well damn." Lucian muttered. "That ought to hurt...." The thief walked casually now, giving up on his prank on Jonathan.


"Hey, Jonathan." Lucian said to his friend before turning to the girl. "You okay down there?" He offered his hand to her.


@Kuroakuma


@Thinslayer

 

[Kuroakuma]

Jonathan Black

​

Jonathan paused slightly, his instincts causing him to take a sudden step back to avoid the woman who burst from the forest to his side. His hand was immediately on one of his daggers, staring at the girl as she slammed face-first into the ground. He looked down, eyebrow raised as the girl lay on the grass. His hand left his dagger and he looked at her, his blank gaze right on her face. "..... You've got some green on your face". He turned around as Lucian went to help the girl up, before looking over at the nearby town. He was tempted to keep walking, but something felt odd about the girl. Turning to Lucian, Jonathan nodded and helped him help the girl up. He still had the feeling in his chest, and he could swear it had gotten stronger. He looked the girl up and down, tilting his head slightly. "I'm going to get food if you two want to join me". He turned to look over at the town, eyes narrowing slightly.


"That feeling is still there". He mumbled softly, barely audible to even the two right beside him. He began to stride quite quickly towards the city, his stomach rumbling. He needed breakfast, it seemed. He could always rob a store, but the amount of guards around...


He stepped into the town and the feeling intensified, Jonathan's eyes flicked around to every face he could see. He would've scouted more, but his stomach grumbled quite loudly as his eyes passed over a bakery. "Time to go buy some bread, I think". He looked back to Lucian and the mystery girl as he walked over to the bakery. He took note of the girl with the overly large hat, and stepped into the bakery. He paused for a moment, however. As he'd entered the door, the feeling had intensified once more, almost as if he was right near something important.


He stood inside the bakery, staring at the pastries that they were showing off. He almost drooled; it'd been a while since he'd had a cake.


He really wanted the cake.


... He really, really wanted the cake.




@BoyPlantsGraves

 

[Thinslayer]

"Well dam." Someone muttered. "That ought to hurt..."


"Hey, Jonathan." The guy said to the other man before turning to Gwen. "You okay down there?" He offered his hand to her. Gwen took his hand and used it to pull herself up to meet his face. Her gleaming silver eyes locked with his, and she clasped his hand tight.


"Yes," she replied, offering him a warm smile. "I'm okay. Thank you for asking." She glanced at Jonathon. "Are you oka-"


"You've got some green on your face."


Her face immediately reddened as she furiously wiped at it with her sleeves. By the time she finished, Jonathon was already walking away. "I'm going to get some food if you two want to join me."


Gwen looked at her new friend and shrugged. "I'll go if you go. Don't worry about me; I don't need to eat just yet."


"My name is Gwenivere by the way. You can call me Gwen. What's your name?"

 

[BoysPlantGraves]

Ein Thorquinn


Eins fingers plucked away stray strands of grass which had tucked itself away within the depth of the creases in her comfortable skirt. The seams frayed with age, strings astray as they peaked out from within the clothings edge. Small clouds of dirt were released into the air as her fingers on occasion patted the cloth of her skirt downwards, the particles roaming within the empty air for a moment before freely falling without pattern or meaning, swaying with the gentle winds as they brushed by leaving with the accompaniment of what it made contact with. As her clothes slowly returned to the semi-presentable condition they had once been in a tender smile caused the edges of Eins lips to twitch upwards with pleasure, grateful that she wouldn't take on the appearance as someone who was homeless.


The tap of the toe of her shoe rhythmically atop the cobblestone of the sidewalk filled the quiet atmosphere as products of the earth fell out from within the crevasses of her shoes back to the ground. Though Eins attention was abruptly drawn towards the sound of a mixture of steps, some harsh as others were light as though practiced.


The women licked her lips subconsciously as her eyes fell upon a trio of odd individuals, a group which didn't entirely seem as though they were meant to come together, let alone casually stroll an empty towns roads. Though the air which had once been fueling the young women seemed short and far, the familiar sensation she had been following through her travels drowning her suddenly and applying pressure to her once stable lungs.


The intensity of such emotions caused the girl to strongly falter, fingers halting all movement despite her usual fidgeting antics as she simply stood still for a moment as a tall man stalked past her, a staff of wood attached to his waist, prepared for use though its surface was free of damage, a distinct lack of scratches or dents apparent in its form. His black hair looked as though it hadn't been combed that morning though Ein held no room to judge as that was her hairs current state, without an obvious thought process just as the door was about to close she suddenly walked through herself cringing at her stupidity as she did so. The heels of her boots clicked atop the preferably clean floor as she spotted a position to stand within the bakery.


The sweet scents wafted about in the quarters and Ein couldn't help but draw in the scent greedily, allowing each sense to communicate with the pleasurable sweets smell.


Though her lack of skill in being so Ein attempted to act as she normally would during a social occasion and remain casual, though her eyes kept traveling to the other, expecting him to glare back as well his stoic expression free of emotion. But it seemed his attention was occupied with something he ranked as something of high importance, with lively curiosity Eins hazel eyes trailed down his field of vision and they fell upon the sight of a single slice of cake set up for display. The scatterbrain Scotland girl then suddenly pointed her pale index finger into the air as she announced to the worker who had found themselves nearest,


"Miss, I would very much enjoy a slice of that there cake." Her accent was deathly apparent as she spoke, her words slurred as her Scottish origin laced itself into her sentence while her finger fell upon the slice of cake which she held no knowledge of. Whether it was chocolate or vanilla was but a mystery to the young women though she wished to converse with the other man, for such emotions as these seemed unnatural and she wondered if he was feeling them as well. As the employee keenly took hold of the food and placed it atop a single plate gingeraly, a fork set beside it kindly ready for use Ein strolled forward quickly and with an odd goal she perhaps should have thought out more thoroughly. Though as soon as she stood before the counter her calloused hands had already grasped the designated amount of change necessary from her coin patch for paying and slammed it atop the counter with unintentional volume, nerves obvious as her movements jerked and strained with tension.


The scent was heavenly and if Ein hadn't known better would've thrown the fork to the side and dug in at that moment, not having experienced the sweetness of cake in what felt like an eternity though instead with tight, sweaty hands she gripped the plates glass edges, the feeling deathly intense within her as she then turned around on her heel and held the cake out to the other man and without much obvious thought spoke abundantly,


"I have feelings for you!"


Oh why did she word it in that way?


Interacted With:


@Kuroakuma


Mentioned:


@AsherMastrImmortalis


@Thinslayer

 

[Kuroakuma]

Jonathan Black

​

Jonathan stood in the bakery, sighing as he took in the inside of the shop. He shook his head, staring back at the cake just as he noticed someone had moved into the bakery after him. The odd feeling in his chest returning caused him to shuffle slightly. It'd spiked when he'd stepped into the bakery, then dimmed for a moment. Now, however, it had returned. Jonathan looked around the room, trying to find out why it'd fluctuated like that. His eyes swept around the room before they rested upon the girl from before, her massive hat giving her identity away easily.


As his eyes hit her, his brows narrowed before he looked back at the cake. "I'll just see what the hell's going on after I buy my ca-". His thoughts were interrupted as the girl pointed at the exact cake he was looking at and she spoke.


"Miss, I would very much enjoy a slice of that there cake."


Jonathan froze as the girl slammed her money onto the counter. He stared at the precious cake, his precious cake, as it was given to the girl with the large hat instead. He wriggled his nose in both annoyance and aggravation; he'd noticed her looking at him, so she must've been buying that on purpose. "What kind of person buys a cake someone else wants right in front of their face?!" he thought, left fist clenching slightly. He took a deep breath and calmed down, ready to order some bread before he was interrupted. Jonathan noticed her nerves, and he went to reply before-


"I have feelings for you!"


".........."


Jonathan's mind went blank, his equally blank stare focusing on the shorter girl before him. He stayed completely still, not moving an inch as he locked eyes with the girl offering him the cake. Eventually, he rose an eyebrow. "Well, that was a lot faster than usual." He narrowed his eyes and calmly turned to the shopkeeper. "I'll take a loaf of bread. Preferably hot." He then turned back to the girl, tilting his head to the side ever so slightly. "Outside. We'll talk outside."




@BoyPlantsGraves


(Almost 5 am here, sorry for taking so long and also sorry if my writing gets a little iffy x'3)

 

[BoysPlantGraves]

Ein Thorquinn


With what will the young women could muster with furrowed brows she with keen determination completed the difficult task of stopping her fingers from trembling, though there was a twitch every unmeasurable moment she was capable of not worsening her case by perhaps accidentally dropping the cake she was sure the man desired greatly.


At a gradual pace her large witch like hat slid down the exterior of Eins skull and now shielded her hazel eyes from witnessing the predictably uncomfortable glare of the male before her. Such a statement as what she had just said sounded like a confession a five year old would speak to the crush they had on a child perhaps down the road and had only been experiencing the emotion of 'like like' for longer then an hour.


Though Ein meant nothing of crushes as she stood there, hat hiding the upper portion of her face as she scrambled for an explanation though not speaking out of fear of what other stupidity may escape her. Why hadn't she been raised with a filter in the back of her mind, something that would have stopped her and perhaps would have formulated a more educated statement such as maybe though it surely sounded absurd she's sure, 'Oh hello I'm Ein would you mind sitting down and having a conversation with me?'


But such an idea like this was long gone she was now defeatingly aware of. She expected there to only be the sound of footsteps walking away as she was sure the man would take no interest, especially after such an unintentional introduction of awkwardness though instead he spoke something else.


"Well, that was a lot faster than usual."


The young womens cheeks were then lit with heat, prickles of small flames bouncing a crossed her freckled cheeks which lay hidden beneath her hat.


Was he making fun of her? Well, yes, she was an odd girl, not the most developed Ein knew and she wasn't even interested in the idea of love but to speak such a line as that sarcastically? Slight offense filled her.


Then as well what did this stranger mean by, 'then usual', were women just fawning over him constantly as though he was a hero from a novel. Ein swore he didn't even comb he hair that morning, what did he have that would make it possible for him to say 'then usual'? For a split second she wished to take hold of the silver fork balanced upon the glass plate and use it as her own though recovered quickly, the intense pressure upon her lungs which pulsed as though her own heart beat reminding her why she had even spoken to the man to begin with.


"I'll take a loaf of bread. Preferably hot."


"Outside. We'll talk outside."


With an affirmative nod which caused the hat to fall over Eins expression even further she released an edge of the plate and grabbed the top of her hat, tugging it upwards above her head, small thin clumps of her orange hair stuck to it though she held no way of knowing as she simply placed it back atop her head.


"Outside." Ein repeated eyebrows knitting together as she attempted to imitate his stoic expression and show that she herself was as well an extremely serious individual who looks as if they haven't ever smiled before. "Gotcha stranger." Ein in a single fluent motion turned around on the heel of her boot and began in the direction of the door, thankful that her clumsiness hasn't caused her to accidentally fall and perhaps make matters worse.


Interacted With:


@Kuroakuma

 

[korigon]

Blayre watched and waited in the corner of the bakery. The whole scenario was bizarre, starting with the young girl, probably around her late teens, confessing her feelings to the older warrior. He took it extraordinarily well, and simply ordered some bread before announcing that they would talk outside. Young lovers, perhaps?


With a start, Blayre realized the man was probably near her own age. Young lovers, indeed! Still, it was an odd sight. The girl stood flushing scarlet for a moment before abruptly turning swiftly aside and exiting the bakery. Very interesting, she though with a sign of a smirk on her dusky face. Yet as she stood there, smirking like an idiot, a thought occurred to her. The throbbing had very nearly faded away. Granted, it was still there, but hardly noticeable. The minute the man had appeared, it had stopped.


She took a second look at the man and cocked her eyebrow. Perhaps he was more than what appeared before her eyes. A magician, perhaps? She had not encountered them often. Blayre knew what she had to do, however, and acted immediately.


She paused as she stood up rapidly, and frowned as her chair made a grating noise against the floor. So much for staying quiet. Another pause. Should she do this? It was quite irregular, she had worked with men her whole life, yet this one caused her to be. . . . .Nervous? It was too late to go back. She approached the man and lightly tapped him on the shoulder. "May I join your company?" Blayre asked, not a single smile on her face. The day was turning out quite unexpectedly.

 

[LeviathanL]

Arcanus


A lone traveler appeared over the horizon, something of a commodity in this day and age. There weren't many people on the road in these monster-infested lands, let alone someone who travelled alone. The man was either a reckless fool or had the power to ensure his own safety.


In fact, Arcanus was both, many monsters had bothered him on the road, but he always managed to chase them away or destroy them with his magic. Having said that, he was lucky he hadn't come across a more powerful monster or even a lower-tier demon, but Arcanus didn't realise this.


There were lots of things Arcanus didn't realise, if he did, he wouldn't have felt so secure in his own abilities or his own intellect. He did not realise that no matter how strong the individual was, a lone traveler could not survive for long, not in these parts of the land, anyway. He also did not realise that this journey was not his own idea. Oh, his desires were real enough, but he did not known that there was a reason why he traveled to such a remote small town, other than his own whims.


Arcanis strolled through the town, looking for a place to resupply. He doubted he could find the answers he sought here, not in this hole in the ground. He must travel farther inland, to realms even more teeming with demons than this one. There he would find the clue to find the Demon King. In a way, he was true, the answers he sought were not to be found here, but the answers he needed were.

 

[AsherMastrImmortalis]

Lucian tightened his grip around her hand as she pulled herself up. He smirked as she stared into his eyes, staring back at her silver eyes with his red eyes. "Yes. I'm okay, thank you for asking." She answered, and Lucian nodded. He watched as she turned to ask Jonathan if he was alright, but he told her


"You have some green on your face." Lucian chuckled as the girl began to blush and wipe the leftover grass and dirt from her face.


"I'm going to get some food if you two want to join me." Jonathan said as he walked away. Lucian sighed and smiled at the girl, who looked at him.


"I'll go if you go. Don't worry about me; I don't need to eat just yet." She said to him. "My name is Gwenivere by the way. You can call me Gwen. What's your name?"


"Lucian." Lucian nodded to her. "And I'll be following him, so come on."


He followed Jonathan to the bakery, though because the village was unfamiliar he got lost on a few twists and turns as he tried to keep up with Jonathan. Eventually, he reached the bakery, right behind Jonathan.


Opening the door, Lucian noticed a few things. First off, in his peripheral vision, the man could see a girl with a large hat. Second was the scent of bread and sweets that were first experienced in the days of being a rather petty thief. Third was the sight of such delicacies. Fourth was the sound of the door opening after he and Gwen had entered, though it was noted because of the strange air that was now present moments after the door opening.


Lucian walked next to Jonathan, waiting to order next. He smiled, seeing Jonathan eyeing the cake. His mind wandered to a time beforehand when his friend complained about not having cake for a long time and suddenly having cravings for it. Lucian chuckled slightly at the memory, his lips forming into a smile.


Just moments after, however, as if the universe was called upon to use its fantastic sense of irony, Lucian watched over Gwen's shoulder as the young lady with the big hat from before had ordered the cake Jonathan was eyeing. 'Ah, that ought to hurt...' Lucian winced as the cake was given to the girl. His eyes caught body language of Jonathan's rising frustration, and he was very much about to pull Gwen away from an explosion before he sees the miniscule hints disappear. He sighed and calm down himself, dropping his guard.


Though even with his guard up, a thief expecting and planning for the unexpected would never expect that girl's next line. "I have feelings for you!"


Lucian felt the awkwardness creep into his mind as he and Jonathan kept silent and stared at the girl. He then watched as his friend ordered a loaf of bread and told her to go outside. The girl walked away, and Lucian glanced at Gwen. ".... The most straight-forward girl I've seen yet." He tilted his head towards the direction of where the girl walked to. "Anyway, are you sure you don't want anything?"


@BoyPlantsGraves


@Thinslayer

 

[Thinslayer]

"My name is Gwenivere by the way. You can call me Gwen. What's your name?"


"Lucian." Lucian nodded to her. "And I'll be following him, so come on."


Gwen followed Lucian around town as he tried to find the bakery. He would meander down a street, check the intersection, and pause to consider his options before taking a path, and every once in a while he would glance about to see if he recognized anything. Gwen wasn't much help, since she didn't know the place any better than he did, but she didn't feel nearly as awkward as Lucian did each time he'd say 'It's definitely this way.' On the contrary; she rather enjoyed his company, so she'd always nod and give him a reassuring smile. It simply wouldn't do for him to feel like she was irritated with him.


On the bright side, she got to visit parts of town she'd otherwise never even seen. There was a small book shop in one corner of town owned by a doddering old man who looked like he would die if anyone so much as looked at him wrong. And then there was a specialty butcher shop around the corner that sold edible giant bugs. Five minutes later, they came upon a rental home occupied only by an obese child snacking on lettuce. The clatter of pans upstairs meant that the mother had to be in there somewhere, unless the father was the one who did the housekeeping.


Eventually, though, they came upon a street that smelled of wine, sweaty feet, and freshly baked bread. Lucian didn't catch on until Gwen pointed out a sign overhead that said 'BAKERY'. Jonathan had to have been just as lost as they were, because they walked in just as Jonathan began considering his options.


Once the bakery door shut, the puckering scent of sourdough and the fermented aroma of rye quickly overpowered any lingering remnants of human byproduct smells, and so Gwen allowed herself to breathe a sigh of relief. Her gaze eventually wandered to a spritely young woman who, judging from the way she kept bouncing off the display cases, was smitten with love-sickness over that chocolate cake over there in the corner. Their budding romance began with, 'Miss, I would very much enjoy a slice of that there cake.' The erotic tension escalated as she fumbled a few coins out of her wallet and slammed them on the countertop. Once the cake landed in its lover's arms, the girl turned and raised it aloft to proclaim:


"I have feelings for you!"


But just like in those cheesy soap operas young people were attending these days, their passionate affair would not have been complete without a bona fide love triangle. The girl had the misfortunate of placing her beloved cake directly in the gaze of the rival for its affections: Jonathan Black. And Jonathan, being the romantic runner-up, had to have his final say before letting the cake go. So he did what anyone else would have done: take them both outside and calmly explain that, while he still loves the cake and would have given everything for it, realizes that his rival is the cake's one true love and the only one who truly deserves it.


"The most straight-forward girl I've seen yet," Lucian remarked to Gwen, shattering her immersion in the moment just as she was about to witness the season finale. He was right, though; the girl did have a uniquely unrestrained way of expressing herself. She nodded and continued watching the end unfold.


"Anyway, are you sure you don't want anything?" Lucian prodded. Gwen closed her eyes and took a deep breath; watching two people bicker about a stupid cake wasn't worth getting irritated over, much less at someone who was just trying to be kind to her. She turned to Lucian and lightly touched his arm. "Thank you Lucian. Please, I don't want to impose, and I have no way of repaying you, so I must decline your offer."


Still, the sudden realization that she hadn't a penny to her name hit her like a truck. Her mission on this world would have to be aborted if she couldn't locate a steady source of income soon. Working at a fixed location wouldn't work; she would need the freedom to move with the others. She was loathe to sell her talents for money, but as the saying goes, beggars can't be choosers.


Maybe she could work as a healer.


She was about to voice her idea to Lucian when it occurred to her that he would probably ignore her rejection of his offer and buy her something anyway. And she was getting hungry. So she swallowed her pride and turned to him again.


"On second thought...maybe...could I take you up on that?"

 

[Kuroakuma]

Jonathan Black

​

"Gotcha stranger."


Jonathan sighed slightly, following Ein outside of the bakery. She really was a weird one, and the crowd that had gathered in the Bakery made him uncomfortable. As he left, he made sure to glare darkly at everyone he could before he set foot outside. As he did so, however, he realized that the feeling had picked up again, not as intense as the one he was feeling from the girl before him but.. He turned around just in time to be tapped on the shoulder by a woman he'd never met before.


"May I join your company?"


He raised an eyebrow as he looked her up and down, her stoic expression matching his own and he picked up that feeling again. He nodded, motioning for her to follow after him and the other girl. Stepping outside, he narrowed his eyes. "Another one coming? Jeez, how many people are we going to have suddenly popping up?". Jonathan looked around, trying to find the source of the newer feeling as he stood outside of the Bakery. He shook his head and sighed, turning back to the two women that were his company.


For a moment, Jonathan realized he had no idea what to say. Was he sure that they even knew what feeling he was having or was it just coincidence? No, each time he looked at either Ein or Blayre the feeling intensified, like an arrow pointing him in the right direction. Jonathan coughed, and looked at the two women.


"So... what brings you here?"




@BoyPlantsGraves


@korigon


@LeviathanL

 

[korigon]

It wasn't a very difficult question, but Blayre paused before answering. What did bring her here? The man in front of her was the cause of it, she was sure. It wasn't romantic, of course. Part of her felt attraction to the man, and the other half was befuddled. He attracted her, but not in a passionate manner. How could she explain that? This man had shown up and suddenly turned her incredible morning into a disorganized puzzle.


She turned slightly to her left and examined the girl there. She might have been around her early adult years, but it was hard to tell. Such a short frame! But again, she hesitated. Perhaps the girl felt as she did, and had no other way to express the 'Feelings' she had. Interesting. It only served to strengthen her opinion that this man was some sort of magician or wizard. Should she be that blunt? Well, she couldn't let the question go unanswered.


As she opened her mouth to speak, she realized her ears were growing hot. She was blushing! Like that foolish flame-haired girl had been. She thought she was in complete control of her emotions, but obviously not!


She started speaking gracefully, like a diplomat at a peace talk. "You. . . . .Attract me. Not in the way you might think. Perhaps we should head to a more discreet location?"


@BoyPlantsGraves


@Kuroakuma

 

[LeviathanL]

Arcanus exited the bookstore, unsurprisingly, he didn't find anything of note there. He knew the chances of finding any work on magical theory in a backwater bookstore was slim at best, but he had to check. You heard al kinds of stories of apprentices finding powerful spellbooks in small shops and dusty attics, too bad most were just that, stories.


Arcanus' next destination was the inn, to book a room for the night. But before he reached it his eyes spotted a small group of people. Nothing exceptional about that in a town, but these weren't ordinary villagers. From their clothes he could tell they were fellow travelers on the roads, possibly adventurers.


Not that it mattered to Arcanus, he even wondered why he even noticed it. He wasn't looking for a party and he planned to just walk past them without so much as an acknowledgement of the fellow traveler. But fate, it seemed, had other plans.


A large carriage suddenly appeared in front of him, moving dangerously fast on the narrow road. Arcanus had no choice but to hop next to the small group of people, lest he be hit by the reckless driver.


@BoyPlantsGraves


@Kuroakuma


@korigon

 

[BoysPlantGraves]

Ein Thorquinn


Ein inspected the floor of the bakery as though it was worth her keen and undivided attention, cracked tiles teetered unevenly beneath her feet. Such a sight oddly saddening, the owner of the quaint bakery perhaps having had spent a fair amount of money on these so they may attract more individuals and express some sort of professionalism. Such emotions as a womens compassion always befuddled Ein as it did now, while she was feeling pity for the stranger which owned this talented bakery.


The click of her boots atop the tiles seemingly far to loud, as many of her actions naturally were as she exited the bakery with the unknown man in tow.


The wind brushed by Ein kindly as she then halted beside the dirt road, taking a small breath inwards as she mentally attempted to formulate a sophisticated explanation for her sudden outburst in the bakery. Conscious whirring as she thought up small things that were good in this awful scenario to calm her, well, she had gotten the man outside for one thing, though she wished she had done the task more fluently and in a more lavish manner.


But she had gotten the mans attention and though her first impression could be considered dreadful, was now seemingly standing alone with him outside the bakery, with a quick exhale she span around fingers grasping the plates edge as she held it close to herself awkwardly prepared to speak when,


"May I join your company?"


The women now standing before Ein and the other man spoke in a way that held an influential aura, holding herself as an individual and as someone of authority. She spoke as Ein personally wished to, with strength as she seemed to hold herself with confidence. Which she should for her elegance was striking and unlike those of many females Ein had passed on her travels, blue marks tracing her features and crafting a design few could imitate.


"So... what brings you here?"


Ein held intention to reply though instead remained quiet, her hazel gaze befalling the women silently as she awaited her own reply in the special case that she may be confronting the two to discuss the matter she had planned to talk to the stranger about, a part of her wished for such a chance as this to be true in the case that it wouldn't sacrifice anymore of Eins miniscule dignity.


"You. . . . .Attract me. Not in the way you might think. Perhaps we should head to a more discreet location?"


This hooded women was astounding! Her words trailing into each other in a way Ein couldn't even imagine the chance of speaking in such a way. Why hadn't she held the skill to sound as though she was someone of a high importance, and hold herself without intention of creating herself smaller under the gaze of another.


Not an emotion of jealousy nor envy filtered through Ein though one of admiration, wishing she could at some point interact with the other if it may bring her the chance of carrying herself in such a way as the other did.


With a sudden unknown dose confidence herself the Scottish girl stepped forward, her lips spreading upwards into a crooked grin, grateful and excited that the women had approached them due to the same emotions.


"That goes the same for me! You can have the cake, I just needed to talk to you about it and wanted a reason to." Ein spoke quickly, her accent making her s's sounding as though they were replaced with 'sh'. Prepared to go on and perhaps explain the emotion that was occupying her chest she was then halted with her mouth half open when a speeding cart flew by at an alarming.


An event such as this causing Ein to instantaneously release one of her hands from the glass plate she had been holding so tightly before and press her warm palm atop the front of her skirt so the air may not drag it upwards. "Oh my," She proclaimed in a quiet tone mainly to herself as she eyed what she could of her skirt in case one section may flare upwards until the wind had calmed down one more.


Though it seemed the wind which had once been passing had been shielding yet another strange force of calling, causing Ein to turn around slightly to spot a man with an exquisite staff, the sight causing a feeling of longing for her own which had been stolen that dawn.


"Are you alright Mister?" Ein then spoke to the bearded man hoping that her words in some way may not cause the stranger to do anything off putting.


Interacted With:


@Kuroakuma


@korigon


@LeviathanL

 

[LeviathanL]

"I'm fine, thank you child," Arcanus responded to the short girl in the large hat. He could hardly believe himself, this were adventurers? They looked so young. Then again, maybe he was just getting old, its not as if the frequent demonic attacks increased the average lifespan. Here in this bordertown, in such a demon-dense area he might well be one of the oldest persons left.


He shook of the feeling, that wasn't his problem, as long as he could still fight he wasn't going to be too old for traveling soon. Normally he'd say his goodbyes and be back on his way, but something seemed to make him stay with the group.


"So, fellow travelers, how's the road ahead?"

 

[AsherMastrImmortalis]

"Thank you Lucian. Please, I don't want to impose, and I have no way of repaying you, so I must decline your offer." Gwen initially answered. However, after Jonathan had left she seemed to change her mind as she looked back at Lucian. "On second thought.... Maybe... I could take you up on that?"


Lucian chuckled softly at her change of heart. "What do you want, then?" He looked at the display of food, wondering himself what he should get. However, Lucian settled on the classic loaf of bread, not really caring how actually boring the choice was.


The thief turned around, glancing for a view of his friend. It seemed that the crowd had thickened, now including two more girls and an old man. Well, there goes a harem, I suppose. Lucian chuckled inside his head. Then again, maybe the old man wouldn't mind the women...


Lucian turned back to her, getting out a gold coin, or rather a fake one. It was kept in his person for months now, the only hint of its fake being that it had a small scratch on the edge, which revealed the only thing golden about the coin was its color. Casually the thief flipped the coin above his hand, waiting for the girl to answer.


"Thank you Lucian. Please, I don't want to impose, and I have no way of repaying you, so I must decline your offer." Gwen initially answered. However, after Jonathan had left she seemed to change her mind as she looked back at Lucian. "On second thought.... Maybe... I could take you up on that?"


@BoyPlantsGraves


@korigon

 

[LeviathanL]

Many kilometres away from the small town, a young man in armour moved through the encampment of the Blackened Banner. His name was Gale, and he was in a hurry. This was so because he had a delivery to the command tent, and he dared not keep the Banner’s leader waiting. His speed was significantly hampered by the package he was supposed to deliver. He did not even know what it was himself, it being encased in a large chest, but Gale wouldn’t have been surprised if it was filled with bricks, considering its weight. It was so heavy it couldn’t possibly be carried by one man, and even with the use of a hand truck his progress was slow.


He finally arrived at the command tent, and the guards eyed him for a while before allowing him passage.


Upon entering, the first thing he noticed wasn’t the burning candles –which was odd because the sun hadn’t set yet- it was his commander, hands on his back, facing away from him towards a large map of the area that someone had pinned to a board.


“Ehm, general?” Gale started.


“Tell me, Gale,” the man interrupted, “how long have you been with me?”


“A few months now, sir,” Gale answered hesitantly.


“And in that time, what is the opinion you have formed about me?”


“Sir?” I asked baffled, “I’m just a soldier, I wouldn’t presume to judge you.”


“I am not asking for judgement, I am asking for opinion, something everyone –soldier or king- is entitled to have. Don’t worry about insulting me, you have my word I won’t take it personal.”


Gale swallowed, “Well, I know some call you a traitor for breaking away from the kingdom, and many of the adventurers you took in are very… unsavoury.” He spared a glance at the commander, but the man’s scarred face remained passive. Gale swallowed and continued: “But you did what you did for the sake of defeating the Demon King.”


“And that fact excuses me for my actions?” the general asked.


“That I cannot tell you sir, but I can tell you I lost my entire family to the demonic horde, back before I joined. They tore apart my entire village, every man, woman and child. I only survived because my mother hid me in a barrel and distracted the demons away from my location. I would do anything to prevent that from happening to anyone else ever again, and I’ll forever follow the man who tries to stop the demonic horde altogether.”


The general was silent for a moment, and Gale started blushing at his own words.


“You are a good man, Gale, I’m lucky to have you. Would you help me open the chest?”


“Thank you sir. Yes sir,” Gale replied. After hauling that heavy chest around, he was quite curious to the contents.


Honestly, he was a bit underwhelmed when they opened the chest only to reveal a large rectangular stone. He had joked about the chest containing bricks, but still he had hoped for something a little more flashy.


He helped the general place the stone on the wooden table, and then noticed it wasn't completely unmarked. There was a symbol carved on the side, but Gale didn't know its meaning.

"What is it?" he asked the general.


"An altar," the general replied. "One of two things I need to fulfil my goal."


"What is the second thing?" Gale asked.


There was a gleam metal, a sudden movement, and Gale raised his hand to his throat. There was blood on it. He met the general's eyes, he had never noticed before how cold they were. Gale tried to speak, but this only caused the blood on his throat to bubble. He fell down over the altar.


"The life of a good man," he heard his general say, and then everything went dark.


Obsidian, General of the Blackened Banner, wiped the blood of his dagger and returned it to its sheath. He then faced the altar and began chanting.


"Nefarox, Lord of the Pit, come forth!" But nothing happened.


"Nefarox, the price has been paid over the altar of blood, come forth!" Still, nothing happened


"Nefarox, thrice I call for you. I, Obsidian of the Blackened Sword demand your presence. Come forth, demon!"


A sudden wind blew open the entrance to the tent, and Obsidian turned around towards the opening. But nothing was there, and one of his guards had already reached out to close it again, very carefully not looking inside the tent.


Obsidian turned back to the altar, and there stood Gale, covered in blood. And grinning broadly.


"You called?"

Spoiler

For just a moment, Obsidian could only stare at the young man. How had he survived? No, he hadn't, Obsidian realised as he got a good look at Gale's bloody throat. As he looked upon the creature's face again, he knew the truth. This was Gale's body, but the maniacal eyes and the mocking grin were someone else.


"Nefarox, I presume?" Obsidian said.


"You presume?" the creature said, his voice filled with ridicule. "You only kept calling for me to appear, are you surprised I actually showed?" Nefarox laughed, an action that caused blood to come up through his throat and stream from his lips. "But I must compliment your effort on the ritual, you did every little detail right. So many demonologists these days are in such a rush, they forget to check if they are sacrificing the right thing to the right demon, it's very frustrating. As if all demons have the same preference."


Nefarox looked at his hands and experimentally moved Gale's fingers. "But you, you even made sure your offering was to my preference, right before you whipped out the knife, my compliments for your eye to detail."


He dropped his arms again and walked towards Obsidian. He halted was uncomfortably close to Obsidian's face, but the general steeled his expression, much to the demon's amusement.


Nefarox grinned: "But I suppose you haven't gotten through all that effort just to have a chat with silly old me. So, mortal, what is it you desire?”


“The location of the Demon King,” Obsidian replied.


The demon put Gale’s hand over his dead heart in mock surprise. “Now why would you think I knew that, or would be willing to tell you even if I did?


“The same answer for both questions: because you are a demon.”


Upon hearing his response, Gale’s smile widened even further, beyond anything a human mouth could achieve without tearing itself apart.


“Good answer, mortal. But I’ll have you know this is quite valuable information. I won’t just hand out the location of my liege to just anyone.” -The demon could not have put more disdain on the word ‘liege’ if he tried.- “At least, not without getting something of equal value in return.”


“I already sacrificed a good man,” Obsidian said.


“That was to get my attention, mortal, and now you have it. But if you want me to sell you have to be prepared to buy.”


Obsidian gave the demon a scornful look, but he didn’t hesitate with his reply.


“What do you want?”

 

[Thinslayer]

Gwen watched Lucian pick out the type of bread he wanted to buy her. With so many options to choose from, he settled on the only natural answer: pick the basic option. He forked over the coin for the loaf of bread and gave it to Gwen, which she would willingly have snatched from his hands and scarfed down on the spot had she no higher standard to uphold. But being one of the Seven meant she had to set an example, even in the little things.


So she took it with both hands and bowed her head. "I appreciate your generosity, Lucian. Thank you," she said before picking off the first delectable piece of bread. Then she picked off another piece and handed it to Lucian. He probably would have refused had she verbally offered it to him, so she didn't bother. Hey, he bought the bread; he should at least try it.


Gwen glanced out the window again to see a new scene unfolding. A mage and a busty young woman had joined the party now; perhaps it was time to greet them. She stepped through the door and immediately began sizing up the female. The woman was tall, dark, and well-built. Elaborate and functionally useless armor decorated her flawless skin. The chestplate pressed her unusually large breasts into a set of attractive scoops, which the woman would undoubtedly flaunt given an opportunity; she'd be a fool not to. Her face, or what little the males would notice of it, was largely rectilinear and powerful. The newcomer had to be a noblewoman.


Gwen responded accordingly.


"Greetings. I am Lady Gwenivere of House Valentine and Chair Holder of the First Council. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Pray tell me your name, madam."


She extended her right hand to shake. The bread, of course, she kept behind her back.


@korigon

 

[Kuroakuma]

Jonathan Black

​

"You. . . . .Attract me. Not in the way you might think. Perhaps we should head to a more discreet location?"


Ah, right. I'm so irresist- Jonathan mentally slapped himself, deciding to stop playing around and actually be serious about the situation. Although, the people watching him wouldn't even know he was being silly. Now that they were in a much better lit place, Jonathan looked the woman up and down, noting her apparent lack of armor and her weapon before he returned his gaze to look directly into her eyes. He went to speak-


"That goes the same for me! You can have the cake, I just needed to talk to you about it and wanted a reason to."


She wanted to talk about... the cake?


Jonathan gave the shorter girl a confused look as he turned to look at her, eyebrow raising. He looked her up and down as well, but he couldn't stop staring at the cake nor the comically large hat. He would've spoken, had a man leaped backwards to avoid a rampant carriage and landed near the group. Jonathan's hand was immediately on his blade, but he let his hand fall as he realized there was no danger. He watched the shorter girl and the man interact, and looked away as he spoke.


"So, fellow travelers, how's the road ahead?"


Jonathan rubbed his head. Everything was moving a lot faster than he'd imagined. First he'd had the short girl almost screaming in his face, then suddenly a second woman appeared and asked for an audience. Both of the two felt as if they were connected to him, so he didn't immediately turn and walk away. He supposed, though, that if he had have, he would've immediately been hit by a carriage just like the third member of their new party; a man with a much better staff than his own and quite the beard. His first action in regards to the newcomer was to stare the apparent mage in the eye and calmly say "Dead." in reply to his question.


Jonathan then turned to the two ladies he was with, letting his hand drop to his side as he felt for the comfort of the sword on his side. Locking eyes with the darker skinned girl, he was almost about to speak when-


"Greetings. I am Lady Gwenivere of House Valentine and Chair Holder of the First Council. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Pray tell me your name, madam."


Jonathan was confused. House Valentine? First Council? The girl, Gwenivere, must've hit her head quite hard on the ground. Either that or she was quite the good liar. Jonathan turned away, rolling his eyes and shaking his head. He quickly recovered, turning towards the mage. He took a good look at the staff, and then up at the mans weary eyes. "Forgive my less than courteous reply, sir. I've been hanging around these parts for a while now, and all I can say is that anyone that went closer towards the Demon's lands hasn't come back. In one piece, anyway." A couple days ago a man had wandered back into the village, huge gaping wounds in his chest and a line on his neck almost as if someone had tried to cut it. He'd spoken of a place near here that radiated peace and safety, but he'd been awoken from his slumber to his whole party butchered and devoured by Imps the like he'd never seen. He'd run away after almost being killed by the Imps and using a spell to toss them away. He'd died shortly after from blood loss, and been given a crude burial just outside the town.


Jonathan rolled his shoulders back and grunted, the feeling had grown and grown, but now that so many were gathered it seemed to have vanished almost completely. Jonathan felt a new tugging at his chest, and turned to stare in the direction. Dark clouds covering an even darker land welcomed his eyes as he stared towards the nearby mountains. Immediately, he knew that he was being dragged towards the only place that could actually kill him. He groaned audibly, rubbing his temple. "Of course we're being taken there."


So something brought all of these people here together and now suddenly it's tugging us towards a place that'll kill us all if we're too weak or we mess up. It'll be at least a week before we get to the border of the demon land things or whatever they're called, and that journey won't even be a cakewalk. Jonathan looked up at Lucian, eyes slightly narrowed. His fellow bandit would easily be able to tell that his boss was worrying, even if the others couldn't.




@BoyPlantsGraves


(Not sure if I got the right blue for Arcanus, and sorry if my reply is a bit bad x'3)

 

[korigon]

The day was turning out somewhat adequately. She still hadn't had any breakfast, though, and she desperately wanted to get off the streets and into somewhere more comfortable. Cracked cobblestone streets were no place for a meeting to be held, especially with the many carriages and horses flitting by. She was about to note the danger of this to their 'party', when a speeding cart whisked by, practically tottering on it's shoddy wooden wheels. If she had not been caught up in conversation, she would have followed it and punished the driver. She was still inclined to do that very thing!


Putting the cart out of her mind, she waited for the man to respond. The very first thing he did was to turn away and speak to one of the newcomers to their party, a man carrying a staff and possessing a fatigued posture. "Dead."


That was it? Before she had the opportunity to respond to this enlightening statement, a new woman swiftly thrust her right hand out to Blayre.


"Greetings. I am Lady Gwenivere of House Valentine and Chair Holder of the First Council. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Pray tell me your name, madam."


She was astonished. How could she respond to this comment? Blayre felt like she had been hit with a brick and lost her wits. Should she recite the Celestian greeting, or should she explain that she was a noble no longer.


"Greetings, Lady Gwenivere of House Valentine. May the moon illuminate your path, and the stars guide your midnight travels. I am Lady Blayre, formerly of house Stormbow." She hesitated, unsure if she should continue. Her past was not a very pleasant thing, best to leave it at that. She sighed, hoping that she wouldn't make a mess of herself in front of the crowd, and briefly ignored the other woman as she focused on Johnathan. He was muttering things about 'Going there' and making some sort of moaning. A very bizarre man.


"It too is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Gwenivere." She added, absently. She hadn't turned back toward the woman, hopefully she wouldn't take any offense from that. The call seemed to be changing, shifting. She was no longer directed at the man, it seemed, but instead towards another path.


@LeviathanL


@Kuroakuma


@Thinslayer

 

[LeviathanL]

Arcanus


"Dead"


Arcanus raised his eyebrows at the young man's response, but he kept silent, waiting for the man to elaborate.


"Forgive my less than courteous reply, sir. I've been hanging around these parts for a while now, and all I can say is that anyone that went closer towards the Demon's lands hasn't come back. In one piece, anyway."


Ah, that explained the man's weary look. So it was really that bad here? Well, he couldn't expect from members of the common folk to be able to handle such amounts of demons. He could scarcely imagine how those without acces to magic still survived even in these parts. It was a testament to mortal tenacity, he was sure.


Nevertheless, Arcanis was determined to continue on his quest. It wasn't as if he had anything to fear from demons. His magic would be able to handle anything the beasts tried to throw at him.


He was more inrigued by the two young women. They had suddenly started to introduce each other to themselves, using quite the fancy titles. Most of which Arcanis had never heard of. He dismissed it as some kind of game, after all, what would nobility be doing here in this backwater town? Nobles who were after the Demon King would send soldiers and mercenaries, they wouldn't endanger theirselves by going into hostile area.


Then he noticed the dark-haired boy watching the horizon, towards the demon-infested lands.


"Of course we're being taken there."


"We?" Arcanus asked, his curiosiy piqued. "Who is we, and why are they being taken anywhere?"


@Kuroakuma (I really don't care about font colour)