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Fantasy For Astoria! - (Reboot!)

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Sondwin's feelings were not slighted by the directness of Roman's request, and silently moved to the door. His size alone seemed to bring some calm to those closest to the entrance, and his armor made a few children's eyes go wide. It must not be often that a dragoon is seen in these parts, Sondwin mused. He did recall getting similar stares earlier, but with everything going on in the festival, he had been spared little attention.

Planting his feet firmly with his back to the door, Sondwin stoically folded his arms and focused on projecting an air of confidence. Perhaps this would help. More than likely, his sword would see blood today, but for now, Sondwin's eyes closed. He would be prepared for whatever came.

FireMaiden FireMaiden
 

Apples had tried to yank away from Leo but failed. And upon approaching the human lady with turquoise hair, the Nymph was instantly filled with a sense of annoyance. It had been the stupid humans that caused all this destruction in the first place, and had tried to kill her,why would she approach one now? As she went to reach for her wound, Apples flattened her ears and would have jumped back if it weren’t for the fact they were wedged like bound logs in this small space. The humidity and heat from other bodies made the bad swirling feeling within the Nymph’s throat worse.

“Augh!” She growled when the barb began her work, “That hurt!” but that did not seem to deter her. As she began to sing, Apples was surprised by the golden glow from her hands and little specks like stars began to dance. Apples blinked and admired them. On her abdomen, she felt a tightness within the wound, as if it were being forced closed. However, after a moment, the song ceased and the woman sighed. Apples touched the place where the wound had been and looked down at the woman in puzzlement and light curiosity.

“How,” she tilted her head to one side, wincing a bit at the remaining pain “How did you do that?”

"What? The healing magic?" Ina asked, cocking an eyebrow at her. It was hard for her to believe that the woman in front of her had never seen this before. Especially being…well as non-human as she was. "I just…can. It's like walking I guess, it comes naturally. I focus on what I want to happen and…it does. With a little finesse of course," she explained with a small triumphant smile. As she spoke, her eyes began to search the crowd for anyone else in need of her magic.

Meanwhile, Alaric was taking a breather having successfully escorted the bar patrons along with Roman and the woman with two children. By the looks of things the woman had run over to ~Was that Apples?~ Alaric thought to himself. He would check in on her later as well as try to ask the woman how exactly she was healing Apples. Scanning around the town hall, Alaric then noticed a rather tall woman in guard attire with a confused and frustrated look on her face. Deciding to try and give her a pep talk, he walked over to her and began to speak.

“Are you all right?” Alaric asked in a concerned voice.

Giantess looked down at the sound of his inquiry and gave a hearty laugh. "It will take more than the flames and a few fresh faced warriors to bring down the Bulette Breaker!" She proudly proclaimed as she lightly pounded her fist against her chest in a seemingly boastful display. "Still, I cannot fathom why the empire would burn this village…"

As Viah spoke, she felt a strange tugging at the back of her shoulder, like a splinter scraping against some surface and burrowing deeper into the skin. The haft of an arrow was broken off close to the skin, so the giantess had not noticed before it in all the excitement.

Reaching up the tall woman gripped what she could of the arrow and gave a swift tug, dislodged the arrow tip from her flesh. "Such tyranny I can not abide."

Alaric pondered what the giantess had said about the soldiers wanting to burn down the village before remembering what the townspeople had said about a man named Malachi Fields. He wasn’t sure what the empire wanted with him, but if they were willing to burn down an entire village to do so. “Tyranny cannot be abided by indeed. I managed to lead a group here along with a man named Roman from a pub before it looked like they set the place on fire. Cut one of those guards near in two with this,” he pointed to his longsword strapped to his back now. “Name’s Alaric by the way” he continued. Seeing her unceremoniously yank out the arrowhead reminded him of the woman who was healing Apples earlier. “I’m not any good with healing magic, but I might know of someone who is.”

“Running off, he scanned the room taking note of how frantic the cries of one particular- ~is that a talking bird?~ Still, he took note of how it cawed that more soldiers were approaching. ~If we’re going to potentially have to fight off more soldiers, we may as well have as many people who can fight if needed,” Alaric thought to himself. Returning to his scanning, his eyes fell upon the woman looking around, much like himself. “Excuse me miss! I require your assistance with healing someone!

Meanwhile, Apples was looking down at the woman with a perplexed expression. As she did, she kept rubbing the area where the wound had been.

“But,” she cocked her head slightly, “humans can’t-“

She was distracted by the arrival of Alaric, from the tavern. Her ears swivelled and perked up as he spoke to her but what had her attention instead was the chirping voice of the same bird that had helped her from the soldiers before. Another attack? Her ears flattened angrily.

“They have you defeated and still wish to attack further?” She growled to nobody in particular, “what could they possibly achieve with such carnage?” Was it pride? Stupidity? Prideful stupidity? Mortals were far too confusing for the Nymph. She pushed her way to he giant door and pointed her ears towards it. Sure enough, she heard the marching and voices of more men. Grumbling, she just so happened to glance at the giantess and looked up in slight surprise at the woman’s sheer height. Unlike humans, Apples did not feel any contempt for giants. She knew a tribe of them many, many years ago and were pleasant enough to be around.

“I do not understand any of this.” She said with a low sigh. Already she was looking around, maybe she would be able to escape herself somehow.

Ina, not catching the beginning of Apple's sentence, turned to face Alaric and immediately recognized him as one of the warriors who had saved her before. Giving him a quick once over, she nodded.

"Lead the way Mr Hero," she answered. As the two started pushing their way back towards the doors, Ina kept her head on a swivel. Searching for anyone with injuries that would hinder them in case they needed to run or god forbid fight. When they reached the giantess, Ina found herself impressed by her size. "Is this the injured one I was told about?"

“Yes,” Alaric began, “She got hit by an arrow and I’d rather not let that fester. I saw what you did for Apples over there and I figured that you could do the same thing for her.” Truth be told Alaric had heard stories from his father about warriors who had ripped out arrowheads and not taken care of it later instead of tying down the arrowhead. He did not believe that the tall woman would be felled by such a problem, but he wanted to be sure.

"It is only a single arrow." Viah argued, "And it did not pierce deep. Save the healing for those who are truly wounded."

Ina raised an eyebrow. “My assis- I mean, the mercenary I hire once almost died from a singular arrow.” she scolded. “And considering I don’t see an arrow sticking out of you I assume you tore it out?” She tsked as she gestured for the giantess to lean down. “Come closer darling, I need to get a look at that wound.”

The massive woman knelt down begrudgingly, though she did not grumble or argue further. If this woman insisted on healing her shoulder so strongly, Alixaviah would not argue further. Such things she found to be beneath her.

Once again, Ina began to sing. Like before, those nearby would feel refreshed, with minor injuries and lacerations healing. Small flickering lights danced around them, and once the song came to an end, Ina wiped sweat from her brow with a smile. "There you go! Easy as pie."
 
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Agonizing minutes would pass, the eleven woman perched in the window a comfort to many. But to others, a sign of their doom. The soilders speech had inspired others, those not constantly watching the woman in the window for any sign she needed to defend again. For the moment however, with the occasional shout in elvish, the soliders outside didn't draw near. The panic had slowly been dwindling, the general mass of those inside the town hall finding it easier to ignore the flames outside rather than acknowledge them. But as that panic subsided, the voices of reason would begin to speak. Huddled in their small cloisters at first, older men with graying beards and traveling merchants spoke amongst themselves. Their hushed voices would grow over time to heated discussions. The biggest topic of course, was how to stop the soliders. "The obvious answer is hand over this Malachi person," One merchant would bolstered. "If we hand him over, they're spare the rest of us."

"Absolutely not!" One of those older men, with his graying beard, "He is one of our own, we do not betray our own!" The older citizens and those not so advanced would share this view. But this crowd was not just citizens of Halamead. Merchants and travelers, mercenaries and bards, adventures and guards. Many unfamiliar faces, faces the stones didn't recognize, wouldn't share this sentiment.

"Does that matter?" The same merchant replied. "Your town is burning, our stocks are burning! We will burn if we stay in here too long! Or worse yet, they'll break down the doos and slaughter us all!"

"Stop saying things like that!" A woman would plead. The woman in the window recognized her as that plump woman showing off the Faye's stitch on her dress. Only this time, her face full of life was darkened with fear. "You're scaring the children!"

"They should be scared!" He barked. "As should we all be! These men don't care, handing Malachi over is the only way to stop this madness."

"Is...is that true?" Another voice would join. A small one, weak and timid. Shaking, a small boy had made himself known. This time a different member of the crowd would recognize this figure. No older than 5, maybe pushing 6, his soot covered face and reddened face had been brought to safety by none other than the beautiful bard and brooding soliders.

"Yes. Do you know him? You could help us stop this," The merchant stated, bending to his knees wanting to be eye to eye with the boy.

"Yes."

"Stop talking young man," Gerald would interject, having pushed through the crowd with speed that rarely blessed his aging body. "You don't need to answer."

"He does, the rest of you haven't the courage."

"I...I do know him," The boy would repeat. "I am him. My name is Malachi Fields."

The silence that fell upon the hall was heavy to crush your chest. The soliders had burned this town in search of a child. A woman who finally managed to find her strength threw her arms around the boy, sobbing as she shook her head. Her words were hard to make out but it was clear she was pleading. Pleading for these people not to take her son. To spare him whatever fate these soliders had planned. The merchant himself, so stead fast in his plan, found his stance shaken. "Perhaps another plan is needed," Another man would finally speak up once he took had processed this realization. The man who spoke, now known as Roman, looked to the woman in the window. She nodded, dropping down from her perch to approach.

"We need to gather those who can still fight. Our numbers wouldn't be great but we can push these soliders from Halamead if we work smartly. Any of those trapped in the city might be recused." He said once she had approached. Aurelia however, seemed to disagree with that plan.

"And as we fight, the town burns. I say we find a way to draw them from Halamead. The townsfolk can begin to fight the fires and almost certainly rescue those remaining."

"But there's no guarantee that all the soliders would follow us."

"We don't need them all to follow, we just need the bulk of them. We be loud, use something that can't ignore."

"They'd catch us not even a mile from the city!"

"That's plenty of room!" The two seemed comfortable bickering but they both knew time was of an essence. One way or another, the soliders needed to be dealt with.

 

Aloi Navi

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A Plan in Motion

Aloi actually did take the time to hop out of Aurelia's Hood and onto the windowsill she'd been shooting from, looking down at the people, at at the boy the town had been set ablaze for.

He frowned as he turned and looked out at the town, taking in the much higher view than ever before "Not every building has been set on fire" he said thoughtfully "More about containment, they wanted Malachai captured, not killed. They would have stayed outside of the town and razed it from there"

"Given enough distraction, I believe that the local Faye would be quite capable of handling the fires, as long as they aren't bothered" a decent group of Faye could stamp out a blaze in very little time.

Aloi grinned at the people below him "We can guess at a few things. One, they most likely don't know what Malachai looks like. They gave no description or had no portraits. If we want to lead the soldiers away, all we have to do is have someone play the role of Malachai as he flees the village, as well as a few people to chase 'him' making a noise and drawing attention. Preferably those who can fight well"

His tail flicked back and forth as he talked "We lead them out into the woods where their arrows and fire will be less effective, if need be leading them on an extended chase further away from the village" he tapped his paw against the hilt of his blade "If any do remain, and they truly do not know what Malachai looks like, as I believe they don't" 'and hope' he thought to himself "Then it is easy enough to say you attempted to give him up, having him flee before you could"

This was all based on conjecture of course, but he'd already started talking to one person, might as well talk to them all and put his thoughts out there, to hopefully get people moving in some direction. Sitting here waiting to be smoked out like prey was not something he wanted to do.
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Crow Interactions: Seraph Darkfire Seraph Darkfire
When it turned out that this Malachi guy was actually a kid, Crow could not help but let out a frustrated garble. All this chaos for a mere child?

“Bah!” Crow thought to himself, “all this is so stupid!” People’ve gotten worked up for far better things. Food, land, and gold, he knew very well those were worth fighting for, but a child? He just couldn’t understand the reasons for their hostility! Despite his ire, he himself didn’t want to get himself involved with the human’s affairs, even if he were to be a giant, fire breathing dragon. Getting involved with politics was a complicated game that wasn’t to his tastes. Also, if he didn’t want to get hurt, the best choice would be to leave…

Though, that’d be the boring option. Since when did crows pick the easy route? Of course, with their superior intelligence, crows always knew when to run, but to heck with it, Crow was a hundred years old and counting! Why not let this wizened crow have his fun? Besides, Crow was always a sucker for drama. However, for him to get involved, a change in venue would be required. Through a different hole in the roof, Crow hopped through and flew down, perching on one of the rafters.

At the moment, the little Brownie that he’d seen was making himself and his opinion known to the crowd. Crow listened to his argument and nodded in agreement. Crow could also contribute to the mouse’s plan.

“CAW, CAW!” Crow screeched before speaking in the common language. “I concur! It’d be wonderful to have someone pose as Malachi! I could help with the diversion by chasing after the fake Malachi and yelling out lies to draw the troops attention! I do love a bit of mischief! CAW!” Crow then gave a laugh before growing silent to listen to what the others had to say.
 
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Planning
Pt. 1​

Leo’s chest was heaving for breath as he finally had brought the Nymph over toward the lady that had responded to his call. He stood by and observed the nasty wound close in a subtle amazement. The ex-mercenary had seen his fair share of battles, but in his time, he rarely experienced healing magic in person. His eyes glanced down at the healing rays until his attention was pulled away by the loud cawing, followed by a warning, coming from a crow! One trip to Halamead and Leo’s perception of reality was already being turned inside out. The movement of the huge wolf that startled him earlier, followed by a rather impressive showing from a familiar fellow half-elf, Aurelia, kept the rogue’s mind occupied until a couple more people appeared before the turquoise haired woman for treatment.

Remaining silent and standing a couple feet away as the healer, nymph, knight, and giantess conversed over more medical treatment, Leo continued to make slight glances back towards the nymph to make sure she stuck around so he could get a few more answers from her. His main focus, however, was the commotion now taking place in the town hall. When the identity of Malachi Fields was finally revealed, the half-elf’s stomach sank. These soldiers torched a town during a festival, slaughtering innocent people, in search of a mere child?

The rogue’s jaw tightened and his right hand gripped the handle of his longsword in a mixture of anger and disgust as the unjust actions of the royal army really started to sink in.

Meanwhile, Sondwin pondered the conundrum: there were indeed two problems and he spoke to this in a loud, but firm voice.

“To fight in the city will be risky with the fire, but our numbers would fare better against the larger army of attacking soldiers. On the other hand, the city will indeed suffer,” Sondwin spoke, his tone calm and steady.

“Leading the soldiers from the city would undoubtedly spare more destruction. A decoy can be provided that will allow the soldiers to believe a group was smuggling Malachi from the city. But a battle outside the city would allow the full force of the army to come to bear,” Sondwin continued. “We would be overwhelmed by sheer numbers. Indeed, I believe in either case, facing the aggressors head-on will not lead to a favorable outcome.”

Sondwin stepped forward, staring down at Malachi with his brow furrowed. “I do not fear death. I believe the decoy plan would be the best for the city and its residents. But those who join this plan will be hunted down. We will need a sound strategy and determined individuals to play the part.”

Sondwin’s voice trailed off as he looked around the room at other fighters who had caught his eye. Would they agree?

Leo listened to the opinions of others in the room, staying particularly quiet as he thought about the gravity of the situation. Finally, he decided to speak up.

“Is the city not already suffering? Homes and entire livelihoods have already been burned to ashes. Families are lying dead in the streets. We face royal swine with orders from the Emperor who will stop at nothing to complete their mission.” His words were loud enough to be heard throughout the hall, though he seemed to be lacking a proper motivating inflection in his voice.

“Even if we managed to bait the soldiers out of the town, there is no guarantee that they wouldn’t be slightly suspicious or thorough enough to finish the job here. There might not be a Halamead to protect come dusk.” Leo looked toward everyone who had spoken so far as he wrapped up his point. “Both the boy’s and the town’s best chance of surviving is if we’re here to protect them. We could use the mayor’s knowledge of Halamead and those willing to fight these animals to set up defenses and clear the town.”

"You make a good point, my fellow warrior." Alixaviah spoke, her deep voice rumbling out across the hall as she cleared her throat and continued on. "However I think our best bet is to actually flee with the child. Enough able bodied fighters willing to escort the youngling out of town and defend him." The large woman's emerald eyes swept over the room, meeting several people's gaze. "If they know Malachi is not here, then we will be the target, not the town." The giantess spoke with authority and conviction, though she was clearly still trying to formulate the rest of her plan as she spoke.

"I have seen that some of the men the Empire has brought here are recently conscripted recruits. A small party of able bodies would be able to withstand the full force of their numbers, if it comes to that. Worst case, we will have the advantage in fleeing, as even a small army can only move so fast. Easy to outpace for a smaller group that travels light."

Apples, looking around and listening to everyone’s impute was severely conflicted. On the one hand, despite her general disdain toward mortals (well, humans specifically) the thought of a child being slaughtered for no good reason that she could see disgusted the Nymph. But on the other hand, the thought of this carnage spilling out into the surrounding wilderness was an upsetting one. As the giantess spoke, the proud Nymph breathed harshly through her nose.

“She’s right.” Apples spoke finally, “There are too many innocents here. If you flee, it brings the fight into an open space which gives you an advantage. There’s enough land around here for ones to hide while others fight." She was aware that what she was saying was clunky and most likely unhelpful, but the Nymph was too unaccustomed to watching out for others other than herself to be much assistance.

“I can only hope that this does not result in the wilderness being destroyed in their mindless violence,” she added, more to herself than the crowd. Getting out of this confined space filling with smoke and surrounded by too many bodies was indeed a priority. They had enough able fighters, she could swiftly depart in the chaos.

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Roman and Aurelia would have fallen silent as others, those who could find their voice, finally spoke. At first, Roman would look at Aurelia in triumph, as if his plan had been immediately proven superior. If the non humans even agreed, surely their betters would agree as well? "I don't believe their full force would follow," He spoke to the horned man. "But it would be enough to prove our efforts futile." He seemed sure now, without hearing the others, this would be what they proceeded with. But the horned man would then speak again in favor of Aurelia's plan. She was smart enough not to celebrate immediately, but it was reassuring to see at least her side would be considered.

"I believe this is worth whatever consequences may come," The elven woman stated, her voice falling again as someone else spoke. Leo. Aurelia felt her face twisting some in disappointment as he spoke in defense of fighting there in the city. "Leaving and drawing the soldiers away will make sure there is a Halamead still standing by dusk, the townsfolk can exit the town hall once we draw them off and begin to combat the flames!"

"Who even has the ability to do that?" Roman asked, looking around the room. "Half of these people are drunk, the other half are too scared to move."

"Because the soldiers are in town! Drawing them away will-" Aurelia stopped, taking a deep breath to try and calm herself down. Yelling would help nothing. It was now she realized there were still others speaking, and thankfully, she hadn't missed the giant woman's comments. "Exactly! And we wouldn't even need to bring Malachi with us. I sincerely doubt any of those soldiers know what he looks like. They're expecting him to surrender. If they knew, wouldn't they have searched the crowd instead?" Aurelia pointed out, looking to Roman.

"I suppose you have a point there. I still believe our best bet is fighting them here in town. You can cover the rooftops, Magni can keep them corralled, the rest of us can chase them out. Of course we'd need to discuss the details…" Roman muttered, looking at Apples now that the Faye had voiced her own opinion.

Apples pinned her ears at Roman’s words and turned to face him, “That’s some way to strike hope in your peoples’ hearts. Your town can be rebuilt. Mortals cannot.” she grumbled as she pawed the stone floor in frustration. There was too much talking going on and not enough action, “there is more than one way to take care of a threat such as this.” she scratched the healed wound on her midriff as she spoke, thinking about what she could do about it. Not that she wanted to, she stood out enough as it was, even among the horned people and giantess.

“Both plans have their pros and cons,” Sondwin said, speaking up again. “Which is better may not be determined, as what we decide will be. Regardless of the direction chosen, I promise I will do my best to ensure its success.”

Alaric observed as both plans were presented to the room; truth be told Alaric favored the plan where they spared the town the most destruction. Unfortunately that meant that whatever group Alaric was going to be a part of would take the brunt of any fighting. It was an eventuality that he would need to face.

Clearing his throat he began, “I’m on board with drawing the soldiers away from the town so it is saved. Besides,” he shot a look at Roman, “We have plenty of people here that are very capable of fighting.” Turning back to the room, he continued. “However, while I prefer that option, I wouldn’t mind defending here as the other one. If we can pick a spot within the town and corral them as you suggest, that would work too. Force them to fight on our terms as you’ve suggested Roman.”

Ina was getting irritated as she listened to the others go back and forth. Her fists were clenched at her sides as she looked at the little boy she had saved. The noble demeanor she normally carried about her had all but disappeared. She grit her teeth, and immediately made her way across the room, ignoring the bickering behind her. Kneeling down in front of the little boy, she smiled at him trying to comfort him as much as possible.

"Darling, not a single one of those ingrates is going to lay a hand on you. Do you understand? I won't allow it," she said sternly, ruffling his hair. Then she stood and turned to the others.

"I don't care what we do," she snapped loudly, the anger in her voice evident. "But a decision needs to be made quickly. And I'll be damned if these jackasses get their hands on an innocent child. And if ANYONE," she shot a look around the crowd, "even thinks of handing this little boy over I'll make sure you lose more than just your wares."

"Personally, I'd like to get my hands on that general," she sneered, cracking her knuckles. "But I'm not the type to sit and strategize. The only thing I know is that we've got a limited time and I need to get out of this dress if we're planning to fight. Soot I can get out of the fabric. Blood? A much more difficult task."

Alixaviah let out a deep and boisterous laugh at Inari's last comment. "By Enone!" The giantess declared. "This woman has more fight in her than half of the people in this building!" She said, her voice still having the hint of a chuckle. Just as swiftly as her outburst had come on, her expression turned serious again.

"The words she speaks are true. The longer we debate, the more of Halamead burns due to inaction." Her gaze surveyed the room again. "This injustice must be dealt with promptly. Why wait for them to come to us when we can take the fight right to them? I say we form ranks and charge forward to meet this threat head on. Who is with me?"
 
Arcturus
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"Excuse me!" Arcturus yelled over the panicked throng of people flowing past him, trying to stop every individual that came close to him and being shoved away in return, "Excuse me-have any of you seen a close friend of mine!? He goes by Ozzy, rather bland clothing decorum, drab black hair, a, er, disagreeable goatee, and about yay-" Arcturus was cut off by a hard shove from behind as a frightened woman pushed past him before regaining his balance to lift his hand above his head, "-about yay-high!"

There were no takers, unfortunately, and no matter how loudly Arc yelled character descriptions and called for Ozzy through the crowd, he was no closer to finding the man. The screams were quickly changing from the terrified screams of peasants to the terrified screams of dying peasants. The army was pushing further into the village, the flames reaching even higher than before. His anxiety and concern were beginning to spike, and he feared that if he didn't find Ozzy soon it would be all too late.

He'd combed what felt like half the town-the parts that weren't already ashes, that was-and he couldn't find head or tail of Ozzy. He'd had to search through many a burning neighborhood and had to fight for every inch of ground he traveled through the panicked mobs, and he'd already inhaled enough smoke to down an elephant. Frankly, it was a miracle he still had functioning lungs at the moment. The fact he was wading through the madness barefoot didn't help matters whatsoever, bits of stone, charcoal, embers, and splintered wood digging into and burning the soles of his feet wherever he went.

The horde of refugees pulled him along against his will, despite how strongly he pushed against the flow. The dying wails and rasps of steel were growing even closer, and to his growing consternation, he couldn't even catch a glimpse of it over the heads of the crowd.

Arcturus needed to find Ozzy, and soon. Much as he loathed to admit it, the reason they'd found themselves in this situation in the first place was solely Arc's fault. He'd insisted on stopping by Halamead on their way to Odelun, and Ozzy had followed him on the detour out of principle. Ozzy would follow him anywhere and allow Arc to get away with much more than he reasonably should have out of some misguided idea of a life debt, which was a fact Arcturus abused all too often. But, as much as Arc treated Ozzy like a glorified bodyguard and frequently took advantage of his kindness, Ozzy was still the closest thing to what Arc had considered a friend in a long time.
The relentless flow of people dragging him along seemed unending, however, and Arc grew gradually more desperate with each passing minute. The peasant horde eventually coalesced around one building at heart of the town, and Arc was dragged inside along with them. Finally, the swell of bodies surrounding him subsided as everyone broke into different directions, crying in disbelief and sobbing when reunited with their families who arrived before them and even moreso when they weren't.

Arcturus hadn't been aware that everyone had been retreating to the town hall, but Ozzy had always been more perceptive than him so there was the possibility that he'd fled here when things went turvy.

"Ozzy!?" Arc had to yell just for his voice to carry over the raucous in the entranceway, and even then his words had to compete with those of other men and women yelling for their loved ones as well. "Ozzy, are you here!?" He was pushing through crowds at this point, combing every nook and cranny in the building to find his friend. There seemed to be a discussion consisting of the soundest minds left in the building, but it didn't pertain to either Ozzy or Arcturus himself so he only paid it the barest amount of attention. Who the hell was Malachi Fields anyway?

Though one or two cases of mistaken identity got his hopes up, he was once again left sorely disappointed. Ozzy wasn't here, ergo he was out there. He was close to ripping out his hair at this point, and once again he had to force his way through the crowd to the entrance. The flow of refugees seemed to have stopped and the doors now closed, and when Arc tried to push them open he was stopped by a misplaced barkeep.

"Wait, you shouldn't go out there alone, it's safest togeth-"

"I insist," Arc said, shouldering past them and through the doors because he was getting sick and tired of obstacles inbetween him and Ozzy. The chaos outside seemed to have gotten worse, and Arc attempted to break into a run the second he was past the doors. Attempted, because Arc only made it a few steps outside before a hail of arrows crested the surrounding rooves and slammed either into the wall of the townhall, the ground, or for one particularly lucky shot, Arc's left shoulder.

He only let out a yelp followed by a grunt of pain before he'd fallen to the ground on his back, breath knocked out of him. It went halfway through before stopping, the blood-soaked arrowhead peeking out the back of his shoulder and thetail of the arrow sticking out the front. The arrow hurt like hell, sure, but Arc had gotten accustomed to tuning out pain. What really got to him was the sheer, astronomically shit luck.Clenching his eyes, he took one deep, calming breath before two men rushed outside after him to drag him back inside. Couldn't he just catch a break, for three minutes?
 
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PLANNING, Part 3​


Apples watched the exchanges, flattening her ears a little at Ida’s comment and fought the urge to roll her eyes. “Sounds like something people would do.” She mumbled at the insinuation of giving the boy over. When the giantess spoke up and appeared to take charge of the situation, Apples glanced at the door, hearing the approaching soldiers. She rolled her shoulders with an annoyed sigh. This was going too slow. And honestly, she wanted nothing to do with it.

“This is no concern of mine.” She commented flatly, “I’ll find my own way out.” She turned around to start pushing through the crowd.

"Wait! Clearly you were skilled enough to make it through the soldiers, we need as many hands as possible!" Aurelia spoke, hopefully quick enough to stop the Faye woman from walking off. "Please, we need help. I realize you don't care but these people don't deserve to suffer from our indifference. Your indifference. These soldiers deserve to pay for their actions right? These fires will keep spreading and eventually reach the forest if we don't do anything."

"The rest of you should listen as well. We all want to help but indifference will only lead to our ruin. Your hearts must be strong. Certain in your convictions. These 'I don't cares' or 'I'm fine either way' don't help any of us reach an answer," Roman would speak plainly. "Voice your wants clearly."

With a deep, loud sigh, Enver knocked on wood with his shillelagh, hoping the gavel-like sound would bring some order to the chaos. "These are all fair ideas and reasonable considerations," he started, pausing briefly to steady his nerves. "I agree to stay and fight in Halamead. As with any approach, we should be smart. Survivors among these soldiers may recognize us, so the cover of the smoke and the many shadows from which we can strike would help conceal both our actions and our identities." Though he and his family seldom agreed on any topic, he did not wish them harm, especially at the hands of the emperor and his vile pawns.

"That's exactly why we should take the fight out of the town!" Argued Alixaviah. "If they are unsure who to blame, the entire town will be put to the torch again. If that happens then what is the point of standing and fighting? No. Only a coward hides behind smoke and trickery."

Leo was turning all around the room, listening to those who would posit their ideas and plans. As his emerald eyes scanned from person to person, the half-elf couldn’t help but get increasingly annoyed. Losing crucial time due to all of these different goals, plans, and morals had the outlaw gritting his teeth. The more thinking he did about teaming up and working together with complete strangers caused an uneasy feeling, like a pit in his stomach. A small amount of relief came as Leo listened to the blonde-haired human speak his mind on the matter, only to be replaced with an immediate sense of dread and anger as the giantess beside him was quick to shut the human down.

“And only a fool would toss out the safest and most effective plan for some backwards concept like honor.” Leo snapped, “The point of us standing and fighting right now, at this moment, is to beat back the soldiers and save the boy, if you’ve forgotten. The best way to accomplish those things is to use our advantages that we have at this very moment. The general I saw out there. Their leader. He looks more battle tested than any outlaw or mercenary I’ve fought before. How do we know that we aren’t playing right into his hand, and that the whole point of torching Halamead wasn’t solely to coax Malachi into fleeing? Or to corral us in here like sheep and battle a war of attrition until a weak link gives him up?” He looked around the room, trying to catch the gaze of those who wanted to take the fight out of the town, before glancing back at Alixaviah.

“Here, we have all sorts of cover, vantage points, choke points, better knowledge of the town’s layout, and even a defendable stronghold for the rest of these drunk saps. Most importantly we have the element of surprise. The giant already mentioned that there are plenty of rookies in the ranks, and with the current situation, I’m sure they’re feeling as cocky as ever. Sneaking a few of us out, distracting them from the front, and picking them off from their flank, forcing them to attempt to retreat from a burning town they may as well be lost in sounds like victory to me. Once the immediate threats are dealt with, then we can find a way to keep the child safe, and not just for the night.”

"The smoke will choke us!" Aurelia reminded them, exacerbated. The soldiers could have magic on their side, protection from the smoke and the flames but they did not. "There might be a tactical advantage here, but what's the point if we can't breathe or see? They could slip past us or surround us before we even realized. The wind doesn't blow in our favor anymore than it blows in theirs if we fight in those streets." Aurelia, even realizing that the number of people who wanted to draw them out of town was on her side, hated the idea of forcing someone along. The wind might not be favorable, but as two creatures add their two cents, Aurelia felt her heart grow warm. Perhaps the Faye were on their side? Surely the little folk didn't want their town to burn. Roman didn't mind forcing people though, holding his slight grin. All he needed was the stronger of those here to agree, mouse and bird opinions hardly registered. There was also the question of the townsfolk. Watching these possible heroes discuss the town. Their own voices hushed, eyes glued to the group. One member of the crowd, though, was drawn to the peculiar looking woman with her back turned.

As she moved through the crowd, a small hand would grab hers. If she looked rather than shove it away, Apples would find the culprit Malachi. His eyes were downcast, the young boy trying to push tears away. "You're going outside right?" He asked quietly. "Take me too. I want to save everybody." It seems as though the merchant had gotten to him, convincing him this was the only option he had. "I…I'm scared. Can I keep holding your hand? Just…just until we're near them. They'd hurt you I think, I don't want that. I don't want anyone to get hurt." He sounded so sincere, so sad. "I like your leaves," He then added, managing a little smile. After all, his mother always said it was best to compliment people if asking them a favor. And this was a fairly large favor.

“She’s right,” Alaric began, “Unless we know how to manage the smoke and how to fight without our eyes, any city-based advantages are meaningless. One thing we can at least agree on is keeping the child safe, no way in hell are we handing him over.” Noticing the child beginning to speak to Apples Alaric waited to see what she would do; this could affect the entire discussion.

Apples had stopped dead when the child grabbed her hand. She had thought to yank it free when the small boy began to speak. “This is none of my-“ she started but as soon as the words “I’m scared” escaped his lips, the Faye stopped speaking and listened. Then he smiled. Apples felt her saplings quiver toward him as he complimented them. Her expression changed slowly from annoyance… to sympathy. Now that she was actually facing him, he reminded her of a foal. A small, lanky little foal who was afraid of everything in the first few minutes of his life. And like a foal, he was defenseless and innocent. And yet his ‘herd’ was choosing to panic and discuss unimportant matters rather than do their actual due diligence and protect him.

She sighed deeply and if the small boy allowed her, she would pick him up and hold him close to her chest. The undersides of her wrists would glow a soft green and velvety vines would come out and gently coil around the boy in a protective cocoon. They weren’t tight or binding so he could slip out if he wished but Apples would hold onto him easily this way, even with just one hand. She glowered at the crowd, internally wondering why nobody other than the mage-healer had even attempted this.

“I can handle the smoke, at least for long enough to get people out of the city,” Ina said with a sigh, rubbing her temples. Her eyes flickered between everyone before landing on the young boy in Apples’ arms. “My magic can use the smoke as a cover. With a good enough distraction I can get the boy and a few others out of here at least. Then there would be no one for a weak link to expose.”

She then crossed her arms over her chest. “The smoke is the biggest danger keeping the fight here. No amount of my healing magic can make your lungs be able to handle it better. Wind magic would be helpful, but unless well controlled, would spread the flames faster and farther. We don’t just have the city to worry about here.” As Ina spoke, it was clear she had been able to calm a little from her previous outburst. “What I said still holds. We don’t have time to argue.” Ina then shot a pointed look at Roman. “No matter how much heart you have, we are wasting time.”

“Pardon,” Arcturus interrupted, pushing through the surrounding crowd and throwing his bleeding corpse into the limelight, “But if we were to operate under the assumption that this isn’t a campaign of indiscriminate murder-well, moreso than it already is-then would it be a stretch to conclude that any captured peasantry, tourists, or townsfolk may be held or are currently being transported outside of Halamead?”

"No, the smoke is just too much of a risk," Aurelia spoke. "In any case, taking people out of town it seems…do you really think they're just going to up and leave?" They were terrified but most of these people had been born here and had the intention to die here. "If we create an opening, drawing the soldiers away they can-" The young woman was cut off as a new face interjected.

"Most likely they're being held just outside of town. Once the buildings have turned to ash, they'll be used as a bargaining chip in exchange for the boy," Roman answered him, gesturing to Malachi. "No matter what approach we choose, there will be an opportunity to recover them." The citizens were not prisoners or war or criminals, simply stepping stones into retrieving their main goal. "Their camp would be further out, and they'd need them close in case someone approached to bargain."

"I still believe that's the best option," The merchant from earlier muttered, his glare hard set on the child in Apple's tender arms. Roman and Aurelia both turned to face him.

"Regardless of what we do, our main goal is to ensure that the child lives his life freely." Aurelia snapped, stepping close to him, jabbing her finger into his check. "Kysstu á mér rassinn." Her brows furrowed, the merchant's eye widening for a few seconds, as if he had maybe understood her words. "Taking the fight out of town gives you all an opportunity as well. To control the fires and reclaim your goods or your homes," Aurelia pointed out, looking back now to those who had been so adamant about staying in town. "There are people still trapped out there, people who will die if they're out there much longer." The smoke would choke them, the fires would burn their bodies, broken building would trap them. They were on borrowed time and these discussions needed to end quickly.

Enver stroked his clean-shaven chin as he pondered the majority's reasoning for wanting to take this away from the village. Yes, there was smoke, but people were at risk of dying from the flames and debris. Alixiviah's reasoning hit home especially well. "Of course, I see it now," he admitted. "It would be selfish to keep this village our battlefield when innocents are put at greater risk by the minute. We should go, then."

"I believe the majority of you agree to take the fight out of town, yes?" Another man spoke up. This time, the mayor himself. His eyes looked heavy, his shoulders slumped with exhaustion. "I thank you, we…this town is all most of us have. I believe I have a suggestion on how to draw them out…if you might listen?"

Roman, finally letting out a breath of resignation. "Very well," He spoke. "Speak Oswald, what's your plan?"

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All eyes were one these people now. A rag tag assortment you wouldn't typically see together for extended periods of time. Panic still hung thick in the air, but a general hush had fallen over a majority of the crowd now. "It's...well, I believe it's a bit complicated."

"This entire situation is complicated. Any suggestions on how to pull this off are welcome," Roman spoke rather curtly. Gerald watched him for a moment, his fingers flexing on his cane as his mouth opened and then closed again. After a few moments, the man would clear his throat, gaze shifting to the more welcoming members of this group.

"There are a few carts out behind this building. Big enough for transporting barrels, crates, those things. Perhaps you could use one to draw the soliders away. You'd be able to fit in the back, and someone here, or perhaps the Crow, can shout that Malachi is escaping."

"You don't actually expect us to take the child?"

"No, no of course not!" Gerald replied quickly, rather incredulously. "He would stay here, as one of your companions here pointed out, they don't appear to know what he looks like. I imagine someone could pretend to be him. In any case, once the soliders are drawn off, we can save our town."

"Hmm...I suppose it's not the worst idea. But we'd need a horse. The mutt isn't big enough to haul us all and a cart."

"Maybe one of the merchant carts? Surely our horses would have run from the flames as well," One woman suggested with a soft smile, a chorus of annoyed and angry voices piping up in objection. "Oh please, if it means you don't burn to a crisp, you can suck it up!" The woman quickly replied, the sharp tone in her words enough to end the throat of more squabbling.

"Leaving in foot would work as well," Aurelia would finally add. "The cart idea is convenient, but the soliders all appear to be on foot. Me and Magni could keep them distracted enough to ensure we get far enough away from town."

"It all depends on the situation outside," Roman added finally. "We'll need to see what our options are. There's another door outside through the east hall, you all have until the nail falls to be ready." As he spoke this time, he gestured to a candle sitting on a metal plate. The wax had melted down almost enough for the next nail to fall and hit the plate. They didn't have long to prepare, but they didn't have much of a choice. "Be ready."

 
Alaric Hayden:

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Alaric breathed a sigh of relief as the group was going to go with the plan of escaping rather than fighting. However, they still needed a plan to escape after all. Listening in on the ensuing conversations it became clear that as a result of taking this branch, two more branches opened up. They could either take a cart and escape fast making it look like Malachi was on the cart or they could fight their way out on foot. There were too many unknowns with taking a cart and loading it up with everyone; not to mention they would need to spend precious time to find a horse. It was for this reason Alaric was in favor of fighting his way out on foot except they would need someone to be at the tip of the spear. It just so happens there were a few people including himself that could do such a thing.

Turning to Roman Alaric began to speak. "Roman, if we can't find a horse to draw the cart we are going to have to fight on foot. Would you be willing to be at the tip of the spear with me to clear a path? I've seen what you and I can do when we escorted the patrons here." He also turned to give the giantess a look that asks if she would be able to help too. "I'll trust your judgement on how we should proceed."
 
Alixaviah looked between Gerald, Roman, Aurelia, and Alaric. As the latter looked up at her, the large woman spoke in a clear and thundering voice. "We do not need to waste time looking for horses. I left my chariot nearby as I came back this way." Viah now looked around the room at each person as she continued, "My horses aren't likely to have run off, as they are trained for combat."
 
"I suggest we use both tactics," Sondwin said, nodding to Viah. "We will use a cart simultaneously with a force on foot. The footmen will break through the forces in the town, causing a distraction whilst pretending Malachi is with them. The general will undoubtedly send at least some men after this force, but the cart will be our main focus. A few minutes after our first group leaves, the second will rush forth with the cart. It will look as if we intended the first group to be a distraction while Malachi flees in the cart."

Sondwin held up two fingers. "It's a double feint. A plan that the general will not likely expect from common villagers." Sondwin frowned, then pulled out a map and laid it on a table. He pointed to a blue circle on the map.

"About five miles north of here, there is a lake with a monument there from an old battle. I passed by it on my way to this town. We can regroup there, if we survive the attempt," Sondwin concluded.
 
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While the others talked strategy, Ina was digging through her bag. Quickly, she pulled out some clothing and light armor, and turned to face them after the dragoon stopped talking. "A good plan, honestly. Though it may be a good idea to do more than just two groups. Really confuse them, you know? But we'd have to have more volunteers." She looked around at the bystanders for a moment, and then shrugged. "I will be back shortly," She said with a nod. Then, she made her way through the people who had gathered around the group. Changing was an absolute necessity in her mind. Not only did she need to be able to move freely, but she also needed to be able to not worry about ruining her performance attire. It was much too expensive.

After finding an empty office to change in, and doing so rather quickly, she made her way back to the group, tying her hair up away from her face as she approached. Not quite paying attention to if anyone was speaking, she walked over to apples and Malachi. She gave the boy a bright smile and ruffled his hair.

"You look afraid little one, but you don't need to worry. We have some big and strong friends here to keep you safe." She cooed to him, in as comforting of a tone as she could muster. Then, she lifted her palms, which were glowing once more, and caressed his face. "Stealth" She
murmured as the wind around him picked up ever so slightly. She smiled again. "Now, your job is to be quiet. Like a little mouse in a cheese cellar. If anything happens, you need to make yourself small, and hide. Stay hidden, and I promise I will find you. Do you understand Malachi?"

The boy nodded in understanding and she turned to face the others once more. "Any changes to the plan in my absence?"

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Crow Interactions: Rumble Fish Rumble Fish
“CAW!” Crow honked happily. “I shall then wait for our Malachi to run away!” After his announcement, Crow, his eye caught by one particular individual, then flew down towards Apples and then landed straight atop her head. He then bowed his head upside down so that his eyes met her eyes.

“Caw. Honk. Click. Click. Pop,” Crow sounded in his language, which roughly translated to, “You seem to be an odd one, aren’t you?” Then, resuming in the common language, Crow continued, “I saw you earlier today and was eager to talk with you, but now seems not to be the moment for me to monopolize your time. After all this mess, would you like to have a chat? I'm curious to know who you are."
 

  • 16a19e8db10f7ba9b5dcc4529e8b9801~2.jpgRoman Durant
    Location: Halamead, The Town Hall
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    Mentioned: TheMightyRedLemon TheMightyRedLemon (Ali)
    Roman was pleased, although his features didn't show it, that Alaric was the first the speak once the deliberation had ended. Roman certainly wasn't pleased by the outcome, but they had the strong bones of a plan. "Aye," The man nodded. "You appear to have some training as well, your mentor did well," He commented with an approving nod. He had managed to cleave a man on half. It was brutal, and the outcome a bit sloppy but that was no easy feat to achieve. The man opened his mouth to aska nother question when the ox man spoke up for the first time in a while. Roman had honestly began to assume he would have left the rest of them to their own devices. His contribution though was fairly helpful though. Especially after the giant woman spoke up again. But at the mention of the general, the man stiffened.

    "Cy...The General is not a man to be challenged. Not now," He spoke rather bluntly. The old man was a living, breathing legend. He had conquered more men, slain more beasts, toppled more kingdoms in the past 20 years of his life than these rag tag misfits would even encounter. He simply outclassed them all. "In any case, he's not the one in charge as of now. It's his Lieutenant, the man on armored horse back. The General would have made it back to their forward camp by now and is likely polishing off a glass of whatever swill the soliders managed smuggle past him." In all likelihood, it was booze from this very town.

    But any planning, any more words they might have had would be cut short by a mother's very stressed voice. "What are you doing?!" The woman shrieked. She was fine with Apples having embraced the child as he seemed rather comfortable in that bundle of branches, not that she could manage to move more than two feet away. She was still watching closely, like a hawk, her nerves thread bare. So seeing a stranger cast some sort of spell on her child with no explanation was rather...her nerves seemed to crack a little more.

    "She's helping him, there's no need to worry," Roman's spoke, his voice somewhat softer than normal. "I believe, it is a safeguard on the chance soliders make it into the hall. Allow me to apologize, she should have explained," He added, though his tone was now merely explanatory not accusatory. Ina most likely, didn't know better. But his focus finally shifted to Apples. "The boy needs to stay here. We can't have him with us to battle, and the surrounding area won't be safe once the soliders flee." Roman was expecting combat, didn't matter if it was as a large group or two smaller groups, he knew it was going to happen. Finally, the man would turn to the rest of the group. "Aurelia, how many people can Magni hold?"

 
Enver Bronte

A double feint...? Enver knew little of military tactics, but judging by the positive reactions of the more seasoned warriors, it had to be an effective move. He knew the term 'feint', so his brain pieced together a definition based on information and context. They were planning to split up and distract the soldiers on two fronts.

The time had come to decide which way he'd go. That elven woman—Aurelia, if he heard correctly—could accommodate three others on her wolf, Magni. That is, assuming they weren't clad in heavy armor. Enver's best choice was to accompany some of the other tough fighters. They would undoubtedly draw the most attention and put themselves in the greatest danger. Therefore, he raised his hand to volunteer. "Prithee, sirs... Take me with you?" the young noble insisted to Alaric and Roman, tapping the head of his shillelagh against his own shoulder. "I may not be as skilled, but I have spells that will be conducive to your welfare."

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Leo Donahue​
Leo had his time to simmer down after his previous outburst and was doing his best to listen in on the plans and make sure he was aware of what they decided to do. His skepticism began to wane as the plan started to come together further. He grew increasingly satisfied as strategies were discussed that included some aspects of his plan that he thought would be helpful in a situation like this one, like forcing them out of the town instead of relying on one big getaway. He remained silent, though his eyes and ears were playing very active parts in following along, listening to the motivated fighters and capable leaders. The same thought crossed his mind from before about how he preferred to do his own thing and working with people would be a hinderance, but he wasn't a fool when it came to combat. Having seen and heard what he had, Leo was feeling more confident that the best way to deal a blow to the Royal Army was going to be together.

Leo was on board with the double feint plan as Roman and Aurelia expanded on it a bit more. Splitting up the group between the heavier, front line fighters and the agile, back line fighters seemed like a good way to genuinely convince the soldiers of an escape attempt. Aurelia's last comment about becoming fugitives caused a sly grin to tug on the corners of the outlaw's mouth for a split second as it felt slightly ironic to him. He was snapped out of it as the blonde haired man from the earlier discussion asked to join Roman's group, encouraging Leo to stand up and make his own decision. His gaze turned toward Aurelia, doing his best to make eye contact before speaking up.

"I think it would make the most sense for me to go with you and the dog. I might be able to help with his mobility somehow by using my magic, but no promises. Does that work?"

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Running With Wolves​
The half-deity stayed silent during all this talk, unwilling to do more than protect this boy. Despite her own feelings towards humans, no part of her felt that she could just leave him. If they wanted to hurt him, they would have to go through her first. She was snapped out of her thoughts by the sudden appearance of a small bird. Apples let out a squawk of surprise but quickly went quiet as the bird spoke to her. It had been that one she had met prior to the town hall. She blinked a couple of times and her ears flicked up slightly.

“I’m afraid its not, friend,” she spoke to the bird, lowly in his own tongue, “however if we do escape, I would be glad to.” She gave the bird a small scratch on the top of his head with her finger tip. In response to Apple, Crow gave an affirmative “click” before flapping upwards to the rafters and disappearing through the hole in the roof.

Apples tightened her grip on the boy as Ina granted him some extra protection. Despite this good deed, the faye was uneasy about the whole thing. Was this going to work at all? But it was when Roman approached her that Apples was put back on age. “What?” she scraped her hooves against the stone agitatedly, “We can’t leave him, they’ll slay him!” she snapped, flattening her ears and holding onto him tighter.

Roman who had quickly lost interest in the tree creature looked back from his own group now, brows furrowed. He was annoyed. "He will be slayed if he leaves," He spoke firmly. "Do you think his mother would allow you to leave with him? Or do you expect a defenseless woman to follow us into battle? Do you expect a child to fell soldiers three times his size?" He asked incredulously. "Leave the boy here. For his own good."

“Where was his mother when people wanted to leave him to die?” Apples sneered back at the man, she was slightly taller than the soldier so glowered down at him “What’s going to stop them from finding him once we are gone?” she added, her grip on Malachi tightening slightly. None of this made sense to Apples, and frankly she felt more inclined to do the opposite of what they wanted. Who were they to say she did not know what was best, when clearly they had no clue themselves?

At Aurelia’s words about becoming a fugitive, she let out a dry, slightly seething laugh. “Bold of you to assume that I never was one.” she looked at Mangi and sighed, “I’ll run with you,” she was speaking directly to him, “Carry ones who need it, my hooves are enough.”

Aurelia let out a small sigh. Roman needed more tact, but this woman did seem to be a little…hardheaded. Either way, she hoped she listened. A battle was no place for a child. "Good to hear. But are you sure you can keep up? Magni is very fast," She said with a smile, patting the wolf's head as he let out a prideful bark. Dire wolves were known for their speed and strength. Their loyalty. Aurelia has the utmost faith in him and his ability. Her attention though would be taken by the elven man from earlier now. Leo. She couldn't help a smile hearing him speak. "Wolf," She said as Magni chuffed, his tail thumping against the wooden floor. "Any magic you think can help would be appreciated. My own is not the best for supporting others," She added with a slight laugh. Alright, that was two for team Magni. If the tree woman was serious about running on her own, that meant they might have an unexpected extra spot. Perhaps the crow and Aloi would tag along as well?

“I don’t doubt your speed, brother.” Apples gave the wolf an amused smirk, “I can keep up with you.” she let out a small hum of resignation at exactly what this whole debocle meant. Apples hadn’t wanted to kill any humans, she never did. But given their hostility, it seemed there was no other choice for any of them. Running from the carnage was also not an option, though why exactly was lost to the Nymph, she remembered very little prior to being woken up.

Leo nodded towards Aurelia after having his offer accepted to try and help them on their ride. He began to make his way through the crowd, sliding through naturally, like a fish in water. If these people hadn’t just lost their town there’d be a few pockets I wouldn’t mind picking… He couldn’t help but think as he passed a few of the mouthy merchants from earlier. The outlaw rolled his eyes as he ignored his urge and continued through until he made it to his group.

As Leo got closer to the wolf, the more he started questioning his proposed strategy. The rogue had self admittedly gotten upset earlier at some of the remarks made during the strategy discussion, and probably a bit because he wasn’t able to convince anyone to change their votes. This time around, however, he felt like he would actually be able to contribute his abilities to flip a bird to the kingdom, and especially that subhuman general. The thing was, he had never been in a position to attempt what he was thinking. Leo thought that if his passive ability could grant himself increased mobility and air time, that he could somehow grant it to the wolf as the rogue sat on his back. At least if nothing else he should’ve been able to use it to make himself easier to carry. His brow was furrowed in thought and he was tracing the markings on his left arm as he eyed the wolf, doing his best to come up with an idea that would make his plan work to the best of his ability.

As Leo approached, Magni seemed to stare at him. Or perhaps through him. It was clear the wolf held some level of intelligence not clear at first glance. His bright yellow eyes holding the gaze of the broody elven man as he shifted the weight of his sturdy body between his legs. Dark fur bristled in anticipation, claws dragging softly against the wooden floor as the beast approached Leo. He got close, huffing softly so his breath blew over Leo's face before the wolf playfully nipped at the man's clothing. It was almost as if Magni was trying to encourage him, like the wolf believed in this plan. And not that he could tell them all…but Magni did. After all, Aurelia agreed, and he would follow her anywhere.

The rogue kept his eyes locked on the beast as he watched him approach, up until he felt the breath of the wolf on his face, causing the rather stoic looking half-elf to close his eyes completely. He kept them closed as he felt a light tugging on his cloak. Not minding that a beast that could tear him in half was playfully biting near his chest, Leo reached up with the arm he was previously fidgeting with and began to run his fingers through the wolf’s fur, scratching behind his ear. The outlaw put his arm down at the same time he opened his eyes back up, this time looking toward Aurelia, and sporting a more confident look. “This guy seems more excited to kill these bastards than I am. When can we leave?”

Inari, who had been attempting to comfort the mother of Malachi after her outburst and watching the interaction go down calmly from near Apples, stepped forward at the question. She pushed back her hood and bowed her head slightly. “My name is Inari, but you can call me Ina. I’ll tag along. I’m sure you could always use a little healing here and there right?” Her eyes darted between all those who were going and landed on the wolf, who she managed a warm smile towards. “Plus this fella is cute. I wouldn’t mind sticking around him. Who knows, maybe my lazy old friend will catch up with us,” she said, muttering the last part under her breath. “I have some pretty useful support magic. I can give us a bit of a boost. I can also keep the smoke at bay for a while.”

Arcturus raised his hand. “Call me Arc. I’ve had a run of bad luck recently and I seem to have misplaced a friend of mine. Ozmintj'breu, Esquire, Ozzy for short-I don’t have the time to give you his last name I’m afraid, it’s fifty-eighty letters long, you understand. I think the Empire may have him in custody, and I would very much like to reunite with him before they burn him at the stake or whatever it is they do.” He was wringing his hands, clearly becoming anxious. “I’m a mage by trade, and I’d be much obliged to become enemies of the state with you.”

Leaving with what seemed like half a party was concerning. Leo would no doubt see the hesitation in Aurelia's eyes as he asked when they could leave. "I suppose whenever we're ready," She said with a small smile. It was a little group, but they didn't need a lot for a distraction. She'd certainly feel better with a larger number. In the chance they were caught and cornered, it would give them a better fighting chance. Anxiously, she draw closer to Magni, running her hands through the fur on his side to help calm her squirming stomach. The elven woman would take a deep breath, looking to Apples to ask something when another woman spoke up. The one who put some sort of spell on Malachi. "Oh yes!" Aurelia beamed. Having a healer with them would certainly keep their blood inside their bodies. You know, where it was supposed to be. "Isn't he just adorable? He was the cutest little thing when I picked him too, instant bond ya know?" Aurelia yammered on. She knew that humans didn't pick companions like the elves did. But pets were very similar, so hopefully these ones would understand.

She had just fallen silent again when someone else spoke up. A man this time. An elf. And not a half elf like her or Leo. And not one who seemed to have been kicked out from the homeland or disowned. That was…a surprise to say the least. He looked a little disheveled, as expected, but it had been so long since she had seen a full blooded elf in these parts; Aurelia was rather excited. Especially when he said he was a mage. "Wonderful!" With that their party seemed full as she assumed Aloi would be tagging along with them or Roman. "Alright, let's get to the front door. Check your weapons, we shouldn't need to use them much but it's better safe than sorry yes?"
 
Cart Planning Interlude:​
Interactions: FireMaiden FireMaiden (Roman) Goonfire Goonfire (Enver) RedLemonReturns RedLemonReturns (Alixaviah) Clockwork Syringe Clockwork Syringe (Myself/Alaric)

Fugitive. That was certainly a word Roman had never assumed would be associated with his name. That very notion made his stomach churn, his skin crawl. The usual never unnerved, steel faced man, let worry seep over his features without a second thought. Liomura was not perfect, but they were his people. Sebastian, his King, the army, his family. Going against them was in fact, going against everything this man had ever been taught in his many years. Becoming a fugitive over the simple burning of Halamead was…not ideal. The very thought might have terrified him. But his face would stiffen again, his shoulders rolling back to stand tall as he remembered he was not alone. Roman needed to have taken chargethis rag tag bunch needed guidance, especially from someone as skilled as him. "The woman there," He gestured to Alixaviah, with a nod of apology for he hadn't yet learned her name, "mentioned her cart. If it's large enough, we should take that. If not, I'm sure we can transfer the horses quickly with little issue," He spoke clearly. The cart would be their best bet of staying ahead of the foot soldiers. It would give them time to prepare, set up at the ox man Sondwin had suggested. A lake would give Aurelia some edge with her magic as well if the air was more humid.

Roman's attention would then be caught by a familiar face he still hadn't exactly placed, asking to be taken along. "You're a cleric?" What luck these strangers had. "Did you study at the Academy in Reaycaster?" He followed, the man's features still stuck there in his memory, like a name on the tip of his tongue he couldn't get.

Enver's lips parted, but no sound came out initially, as though he debated what exactly he should tell this man. It was apparent Roman had vaguely recognized his features, yet the faint creases to his brow said he couldn't place the baronet. "Well…" he stalled, still trying to get his words together. Quickly, he exhaled before putting it simply: "You can call me a cleric—from Lucien Magical Academy, yes. Enver Bronte, sir." Roman didn't strike him as the type to go around advertising that he had a fallen noble on his side, especially now that he and the others present were officially fugitives from the law.

Taking the interest in his profession as an agreement to let him join, he inched towards the door, hoping to be aboard that cart soon.

As Enver Bronte inched towards the door, Alaric took note that Enver graduated from the academy as well; and apparently Roman gave off an expression of confusion. Confusion towards what Alaric did not know. If Roman could recognize those that had studied at the academy it was only a matter of time before Roman connected the dots about Alaric. Still, he had to press on.

Looking back at Roman, Alaric spoke. “Indeed that man seemed to have studied there Roman,” he began. “I certainly feel a little safer with a cleric in our midst, though we can’t let our guard down.” He smirked as he continued, “Though I imagine you would not be one to do that now would you? We should head to the cart then as you suggested."

"We will have to transfer the horses to another cart quickly." Alixaviah spoke in a booming voice. "I doubt a simple chariot will work for what we need. I will unhook them and bring them around while someone else brings a cart over." The large woman's voice did not falter, did not give away turmoil within her. What she was doing was indeed an act of treason, especially from a guard within the kingdom. What would they say back home? How would the people react to the hero of glittergnash turning rebel? Viah shook her head to clear the thoughts. What she saw here today was wrong. Something had to be done about it. "No turning back now. Let's move."

Roman's eyes widened some, though it was not nearly as noticeable as it felt. "Bronte…didn't hear much but with clerics being so rare, that name was passed around pretty often. Good to put a face to the name." That confirmation made Roman feel better, he trusted those from the Academy. At least more than he often trusted others. He had to assume that this man had completed the 12 required years…as those who flunked out or were expelled would have their tongue removed if they were caught introducing themselves as so and so from Lucien Academy. "I am Roman Durant," He introduced, both to Enver and the woman who he had yet to address in full. He seemed to not know about this man's fortune. Or if he did, he didn't find it important right now. Which was the more likely case. His gaze turned to Alaric as Enver slinked away, a small nod answering his fellow soldier.

"Lucien Academy does not accept just anybody, I believe that gives him some more merit," Roman said. "I agree though, him being here is certainly reassuring." In the very least, their chances of dying seemed to decrease a good bit. If that Bard woman went with Aurelia, that would mean each group had someone capable of healing. His thoughts were quickly snapped away as the tall woman spoke. "Aye, let's move on. Anyone else joining us," Roman spoke rather loudly. "Follow now!" He added, turning now to follow Ali and Enver. "Me and Alaric here can retrieve the cart, Enver you follow her to retrieve the chariot," Roman ordered, pressing his ear to the door for a few moments to listen for anything suspicious. Footfalls, shifting metal, absolute silence. Once Roman was satisfied there was nothing out of the ordinary, he'd open the door. First ushering Ali and Enver out before he would exit, expecting Alaric to be right on his heels.

Sondwin stepped forward, his steps quick but steady as he followed Roman & Alaric through the door. Fighting on foot met his style better, but he would make do. The cart needed support. Sondwin glanced at the others who would be joining him, but made no comment. Whatever happened, he would need to be one of the first to strike if the enemy got close.

“I will take the rear position on the cart,” Sondwin said to the others. “I will be able to defend against projectiles more easily with my shield.”

"Understood," Roman answered with a quick glance behind him to the ox man, reassured to see that the others were following him. They wouldn't have long, and they'd need to be fast. As soon as the other's took off with Magni, if would be go time.
 
Leo Donahue​

After the reassurance of Aurelia's wolf, Leo was ready to get busy. He had been itching for a fight ever since he saw the esteemed general order such a plan during a festival filled with all sorts of different races and classes of people, and maybe even before that. The child had been a focal point of the conflict here in Halamead but after seeing how his mother cared for him in such in a manner, and how he was loved enough for his blood to shriek out in fear as a simple spell was cast upon him, Leo could not see this fight as one to simply "protect" the child. Rather as one of vengeance for the innocents gutted and burned for the sin simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The rouge was practically craving to crawl on the burning rooftops and take out as many of the filthy soldiers as possible on his own and see just how far he could get against the Kingdom's best.

Leo's words to Aurelia were a bit of half-truth considering his feelings had been festering since the town had been locked inside this damn building. His confidence may have been slightly crushed by the overwhelming amount of people who had argued against him, but he had been readied once more. For some reason, however, his stomach felt heavy as he caught the hesitation and reluctance to distract the soldiers in Aurelia's eye once he mentioned his readiness to leave. Resting his hand on the hilt of his ornate dagger, the outlaw sighed in frustration as he started to seriously feel the complication of the situation with all the other players in the scenario.

Pacing impatiently, he witnessed the healer and another figure who seemed to be a full-blooded elf join their party. Feeling like there was no time for greetings, as soon as Aurelia gave the word, Leo was making his way to the exit, assured that his longsword and daggers were ready for the long-haul. Leo's emerald gaze was looking back toward Magni. Hearing his fellow half-elf's sentiment about not using weapons much, and the amount of people who ended up joining the party, he decided that his little theory could wait for another day. Leo had scanned the group once more, before looking toward Aurelia.

"I think your wolf has enough to deal with. I'd prefer to follow along with you guys at my own speed. Like the Nymph."

Leo nodded toward Apples as he backed up right to the door they were planning to exit from. His right hand gripped tightly around the hilt of the longsword slung behind his back. His own motives might have been partly the reason he wanted to take the mission at his own pace, but the half-elf couldn't deny his desire to ride the wolf and fight along side capable fighters once more. Especially against a common enemy.
 
CrowInteractions: Rumble Fish Rumble Fish

When Crow popped out from the roof, Crow got a clear view of the outside, and it did not look pretty. At the entrance of the town hall, the soldiers formed a sturdy wall of bodies, ready with their weapons to skewer anyone that may try to flee outside. All around, the town was smoldering with smoke of burning houses with the distinct smell of burnt booze emanating throughout. Crow could make out a few corpses out in the distance, which was a bit of a shame. However, the situation wasn’t completely miserable. From afar, Crow could spot the soldiers tending to whatever wounded they could collect, and though the streets were being patrolled, there weren't enough men to cover the entire town. What's more, the town hall wasn’t completely surrounded. After he hopped around the point that made the roof, Crow could see that the back of the town hall remained unguarded, which was a perfect place to make a getaway.

With this new information, Crow hopped towards the hole in the roof, dove in, and landed straight onto the rafters.

“CAW! CAW!” Crow announced as he flew down, completely interrupting whatever conversation that was going on. With a few frantic flaps of his wings, he finally settled atop Apple’s head. “The soldiers have formed a wall at the entrance! However, they have yet to surround the entire building but look ready to do so!”

Announced to everyone in the hall: FireMaiden FireMaiden Togy Togy Rumble Fish Rumble Fish Clockwork Syringe Clockwork Syringe Goonfire Goonfire @sxperhuman Seraph Darkfire Seraph Darkfire TheMightyRedLemon TheMightyRedLemon Grimmlock Grimmlock DarKnight36 DarKnight36

With his announcement made, Crow looked down at the child before issuing a few pops and clicks to Apples which roughly translated to, "I presume that's the boy in your arms? I guess I'll be going with the cart group?"
 
Last edited:
056e0c796102f135083c2e914da348d6~2.jpgAurelia Barrows
Location: Halamead, The Town Hall - Out front and headed away from town
Interaction: Grimmlock Grimmlock (Leo) Seraph Darkfire Seraph Darkfire (Aloi) Rumble Fish Rumble Fish (Apples) Togy Togy (Arcturus) Radish__ Radish__ (Ina)
Mentioned: Parrot Parfait Parrot Parfait (Crow)
Her stomach was in knots. The smell of smoke clung to everyone crammed in the town hall. In every breath, soot tickled her nose, her eyes fluttered up to the windows sitting high up in the walls. She could see the orange flickering light in the plumes of smoke even with the sunlight still bright. This plan was crazy, absolutely insane. But it needed to be done, they needed to do this or the entire town was going to burn down and these people would lose their homes. Their livelihoods. But her bow felt unusually heavy now, the slight think of each arrow hitting another as she walked towards the front door sent shivers down her spine. The weight of what was going on, what was about to happen grew heavier on her shoulders with each step. Magni could sense her tension, see it too as the young woman chewed on her bottom lip. Only when the Crow flew back in with an update (the bird making Magni's stomach rumble some) did Aurelia's eyes moved off the large front door. That was good, in a sense. They're distractions would help draw a bulk of the soldiers away from town, and then Roman's group would draw the rest. Aurelia shook her free hand, shifting some as she then ran her fingers along her bowstring. As she did, Leo spoke. "You have magic to do so?" She asked him. Aurelia didn't really doubt it if Leo was willing to run on his own, but it was still a concern. "Best be prepared."

Magni dipped forward, Aurelia quickly swinging her leg up and over his body, resting just behind his shoulder blades. "Come on you two," Aurelia said, looking at the bard and full elf. They needed to be quick. Magni would rise one they were seated on his back, letting out a huff and small shake. He wasn't use to this kind of weight, the wolf letting out a sound almost like a grumble. He paced forward some, walking towards the door as Aurelia looked to Apples. "Leave the boy here, please," She spoke gently. But that decision would ultimately be up to Apples. They didn't have any more time to argue. The mayor hobbled forward with two larger men from the crowd who would take control of the door. "Crow!" Aurelia called up. "Once we leave, tell the soldiers we're escaping with Malachi! Use the same ruse when Roman and the others leave in the cart!" They needed reason to chase. These soldiers didn't know what Malachi looked like, it would make sense that a talking bird didn't either. With that, she would nod to the men at the door who would finally pull it open.

Soliders outside noticed almost immediately, alarmed shouts filled the air but were quickly replaced by screams of surprise as Magni's giant body sprinted toward them. At the last moment, he'd leap over the line of soliders as the front doors slammed shut. As he landed, Magni skidded to a brief hault to turn and sprint through a wall of smoke. The thunderous sounds of men turning to give chase followed shortly after. The wolf would dip and turn between the buildings, smoke burning at his and Aurelia's eyes but it wouldn't be too long before Magni's paws would hit the grass just outside the town boundary, with the soldiers we're right behind them.
 
roman.jpgRoman Durant
Location: Halamead, The Town Hall - Streets
Interaction: DarKnight36 DarKnight36 (Sondwin) Clockwork Syringe Clockwork Syringe TheMightyRedLemon TheMightyRedLemon (Ali) Clockwork Syringe Clockwork Syringe (Alaric) Goonfire Goonfire (Enver)
Mentioned: N/A
Limited time made for risky choices. Roman's face burned hot, his jaw clenched so tightly it felt as if his teeth may crack. Smoke had immediately assaulted his sense, the mild relief he had found in the town hall had been ripped away. He couldn't help but curse her, that little elf that had him sneaking around the back like a common lout. "Stupid fucking idealist bitch..." Who really cared about this town? Why was is worth so much to risk their lives like this? Charging in ahead wasn't the best idea either, the solider knew that. But, it would have given him time to drag Aurelia and that mangy dog out of town and far away from his former employer. He knew first hand that these soldiers were not to be messed with. From what he could tell, though, they had no royal mage among their ranks and none of the glittery enchanted pieces. They were hard to miss. Roman rubbed his eyes the best he could with an armored hand, the man crouched low as they came around the corner, which put them in the sight line of a couple soldiers that hadn't gotten the memo to follow the wolf. He restrained himself from letting out a sigh, his hand slowly moving to his holstered sword when he noticed something. They did seem to be guarding the carts the mayor had mentioned, but furthermore, had an interesting bundle in their hands.

"Black powder buds," Roman warned. It was a small sachet or jar sealed with wax. Inside would be a mix of flammable powder and small pieces of metal. In the wax on the outside had a rune that, once charged with mana, would have a delayed detonation. The explosives were meant to be used to clear debris along blocked roads or getting through cave ins. "They bring them out for clearing rubble, but they could launch them any moment. "The charges looked small enough that they shouldn't cause too much damage, but the town's people may panic and flee if they hit the building," He said, looking back at his impromptu team of misfits. They had to act, not only to get the cart they needed, but to keep those fools inside from getting themselves killed. Roman turned his gaze back to the soldiers, watching them. They were silent. They moved with purpose, but for what the man couldn't tell. He drew his sword carefully, about to roate his body around to a nearby crate when he's suddenly showered by splintered wood from a thrown knife.

"Halt! In the name of Liomura!" One of the soldiers commanded as Roman flung himself forward with wide swing of his sword to create distance.

"Don't let them ignite the powder!" Roman commanded, stumbling to the side to avoid a spear jab. There was no way to tell which one of them could ignite the rune, or even how many of them were there guarding. At least three, but the smoke made it hard to see until you were up close. "No mercy!"
 
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