Fantasy Hunter's Moon: Ascendancy [IC] [CLOSED]

[Worthlessplebian]

The inquisitor looked on with steely eyes, gone was the morning jubliance. Replaced by the hardened gaze of duty. The beginning of the speech, Rajko figured that this was what they were discussing when he heard them through the walls. Throughout it, Rajko tried not to let the speech or the information within get to him. He failed when the Raven's fate and loss of her child was brought up, making him briefly show a look of condolence. However, it was the description of the madness plaguing the mad vampire that caused him to ball his fists. His head turned to the side showing the other cheek as he dare not see eye to eye now.

Rebecca outlined her thought process and reasons next, Rajko found it exceedingly altruistic but unintentionally conceited. Especially the Saint's last statement. Though it was not a promise, the premise of it was the same. Rajko would've said this is a habit of hers but as much as he wanted to say it, he does not know the Saint nearly as well as the others present. A long, drawn out breath escaped him as Sebastian and Camille grilled both Rebecca and Cassandra in their own ways. They were frustrated by their own grievances and Rajko was by his own. He hated that he was put into this position, that he feels apologetic for this. The old wounds did not help.

"Reckless," Rajko scolded. "she's now an element of uncertainty, not even by the fault of her conduct." He told Rebecca in a calmer tone than the two before him. It is clear by his voice and content of his words that he does not hold Cassandra in contempt, at least for her plight of insanity. "Your words are fanciful, Saint. Well-intentioned, surely, but not what is needed. To us or to her," he gestured to Cassandra. "As for Lord Adona's decisions, I caution heavily against that way of thinking. My loyalty in him and, by extension, you is based on the bond of my oath to the Order and the duty of my task. That does not equate trust or faith." Said flatly.

"Now, then. All said and not done yet, can she be helped in another way that is not simply by divinity or mysticism? Would a physical remedy provide a cu-" He stops himself and rubs the back of his neck. "symptomatic treatment? Best to have all tools available."

 

[Infab]

"Your pleas of insanity are lost on me, and I cannot ever forgive you for the misery you have caused me and those far more innocent than I. Velin was wrong for many things, yet her tearing you apart and throwing you into the Abyss was catharsis given physical form. It is where you belong. Yet my personal feelings of you and your past cannot jeopardize this mission. If you are genuinely sorry, then us completing our assignment without you falling apart and endangering us is a good enough start. Once we're through, you can return to the Abyss and finish your eternal atonement."

"I won't allow the world to burn because of a personal grudge, and so long as you are more of an asset than a detriment I have no quarrel with you."

Cassandra listened, completely silent. Her eyes shifted back to the ground for a moment, and she slowly nodded as Camille finished her statements. "...I understand. I shall do my best." she soon said, before Sebastian spoke his piece. Aimed mainly towards Rebecca.

"If you fail to keep her in line, then I'll assume Adona stuck her with us because she'll just be another damned thing his chosen butchers can throw into the path of a whirling machine to be bifurcated or something like that."

Rebecca didn't respond, simply eyeing the tired soldier for a few moments. Cassandra didn't breathe a word either, her attention still on the cobblestone they stood upon. But then Rajko spoke, and their attention shifted to the inquisitor.

"Reckless. She's now an element of uncertainty, not even by the fault of her conduct. Your words are fanciful, Saint. Well-intentioned, surely, but not what is needed. To us or to her. As for Lord Adona's decisions, I caution heavily against that way of thinking. My loyalty in him and, by extension, you is based on the bond of my oath to the Order and the duty of my task. That does not equate trust or faith."

"...Duly noted." responded Rebecca, her tone softer than before. She really could have worded her statements better. Both she and Cassandra continued to listen as Rajko spoke again.

"Now, then. All said and not done yet, can she be helped in another way that is not simply by divinity or mysticism? Would a physical remedy provide a cu-" He stops himself and rubs the back of his neck. "symptomatic treatment? Best to have all tools available."

Cassandra spoke up again. "I've tried isolation, blood letting, hydropathy, electrocution, doses of mercury, and so on. Nothing. I've even went more severe routes, with a bullet to the head or taking a knife to my brain. I just regenerate." she explained, "Keeping me focused stops my mind from wandering, so that helps. Either by just talking to me, or giving me a task to do and focus on."

 

[Worthlessplebian]

"I've tried isolation, blood letting, hydropathy, electrocution, doses of mercury, and so on. Nothing. I've even went more severe routes, with a bullet to the head or taking a knife to my brain. I just regenerate." she explained, "Keeping me focused stops my mind from wandering, so that helps. Either by just talking to me, or giving me a task to do and focus on."

Taken aback by the more extreme examples, Rajko rubbed his chin before responding. "And I suppose doses of other medication might not be as effective or at all due to a vampire's unique constitution." He sighed in slight defeat. "I'll keep mind of that and I'll try to keep searching for other solutions if possible."

 

[Damian0358]

Xiaòzhou listened to what Cassandra and Rebecca had to say, paying equal attention to the reactions around him. It was about what he expected, though he was nevertheless glad to hear that Camille was willing to put things aside for the time being given the task at hand. Even more than before, he wished to aid in Cassandra's return to the Abyss, as what appeared to just be quirks after leaving the Abyss seemed now to indicate that they had a time limit to how able Cassandra is before she succumbs, even accounting for what help Rebecca might provide her.

"Sometimes there are simply no other options than what is considered mystic or divine, as troubling as that might be to some," the hermit added his voice, "so it is well worth an attempt, see if St. Rebecca is able to at least stall her collapse."

"But aside of that, this just heightens our need to finish our dealings as quickly as possible. To such an extent that even I would have supported your return to the Abyss now, Cassandra, if time proves too limiting, but I put my trust in Rebecca. Though if need be, I am willing to aid in any way possible... though I don't know if you would appreciate my conversation," he said with a slight chuckle, "I have been told that it can be a bit dry. Would likely not be what you need this hour."

His slight smile shifts more neutrally as he makes his final remark: "...just remember who is waiting for you below, perhaps even how they might feel about all this. That might help stave it off too."

 

[joshuadim]

Azathor was pleased to hear that the company seemed to be in rather good spirits after a night's rest. Especially after some of the emotions that flared last night, it was good to have some cohesion amongst them. However long that lasted however was up in the air, as the issue regarding Cassandra's mental state was brought up again. Azathor listened quietly as both Rebecca and Cassandra spoke, then the others giving their views on this matter. He didn't have much to offer in the way of words that he did yesterday; the pragmatic approach to this matter was still the one he held, but ultimately he did understand the potential danger of Cassandra breaking loose like that.

Xiaòzhou bringing up Mariette was a smart choice, as Azathor nodded towards him in agreement. "Indeed. Love can help pull anyone even through the darkest of voids. I know this." he added, muttering his last words as he turned his head towards the morning light.

 

[Breadman]

"I trust you and Adona's judgement, Rebecca." Royland responded after he was quiet for some time. Others had their reasons to mistrust and hate Cassandra. Most of all Camille. Adona would forgive the lack of faith and scorn, as with just about anything else. "It would be wise to listen to the other members of the Abyss. If focus is what your mind needs, then point it to the one who needs you."

 

[K0mori]

Sebastian stood up, annoyed that Rebecca hadn't given any response to his input. She seemed confident in her interpretation of Adona's will, and wasn't about to climb off her high horse anytime soon. Rajko kept things pragmatic, steering the conversation toward the means necessary to keep Cassandra sane. There was little in the way of treatment beyond magic and faith, it seemed. Things took a rather strange turn after that.

First, Takato brought up someone waiting for Cassandra in the afterlife, which got Azathor talking about love of all things. And while Sebastian was tempted to dismiss this, skeptical that any creature from the Abyss would understand love as humans did, he simply couldn't deny that Azathor been nothing but helpful and polite since they had met. He furrowed his brow as he realized he was slowly making friends with a demon.

Royland then added that Cassandra should "trust the other members of the Abyss" but he seemed to be referring to both Azathor and Takato. Was Takato also some kind of hellspawn now? He had been shocked enough when he discovered what was under Royland's helmet back at the sawmill, although in hindsight he felt that it was his own fault for being so unobservant. But Takato, too? His head felt like it would fall off his shoulders, the way it had swiveled hard back and forth between those present.

"...What is everyone talking about?" he finally asked, his anger fully replaced by exasperation. "I feel like I've picked up and book and started reading at the third act."

 

[Worthlessplebian]

The oddity in the direction as three members of the group began espousing support for love caught Rajko's attention. They were on the correct path if nothing else, but he knows the depths the mind can take to twist itself and their thoughts. Love as grand and beautiful as it is, is also one of the greatest double-edged swords. Only leadership and loyalty can come a close second to the dangers of love. He would move to warn them of this path until Sebastian, in a bewildered and exasperated manner, spoke up.

"Hey, don't look at me." He shrugs. "I'm just as in the dark as you are,"

 

[Infab]

"...What is everyone talking about?" he finally asked, his anger fully replaced by exasperation. "I feel like I've picked up and book and started reading at the third act."

"Hey, don't look at me." He shrugs. "I'm just as in the dark as you are,"

"...Mariette." said Cassandra softly, a smile appearing on her face. Not a wicked one, like last night, but a genuine one. "Yes, I do think often of her and how she would feel about the things I do. It does help."

Rebecca looked to Sebastian and Rajko, speaking as she motioned a hand to Cassandra. "From what I've been told by Valeria as well as Senior Inquisitor Beaumont, Mariette Desrosiers and Cassandra came to terms with their feelings for one another after their escape from Sazak's enslavement. They're in love."

She had also noticed the looks Sebastian had given Xiaòzhou, so she felt as though he had not been told of exactly what Xiaòzhou was back at the Cathedral. She pointed to the Oni next. "...Since I think they failed to tell you, Xiaòzhou is what is known as an Oni on our sister continent to the west. Oni are decended from demons, whom lived in the mortal realm. The Oni continue to live here, after the demons were forced back into the Abyss."

She then shook her head. "Believe me, I was surprised about it when I first heard. I never knew they existed until I was told by Cassiel." she added.

 

[Damian0358]

Xiaòzhou shifted his skullcap and slightly flattened zhuāngzi jīn cap to reveal the smoothly shaven roots of his horns around his hairline, such that only the group could really see, upon Rebecca revealing his nature to Sebastian.

"Though oni are demon-descent, us being from the mortal realms has brought us closer to humans. Stronger in some ways for sure, but inheriting all the weaknesses demons had and then some. I can't speak much on oni society however, all of my masters have been human, and they all guided me down the mystic path I've walked down my entire life. But oni are still close enough to demons that we can freely pass through the gates which allow entry into the Abyss without sin, so that and my virtuous mysticism led to me being chosen by Cassiel to join Senior Inquisitor Beaumont on his mission last year," the hermit explained.

"Though I do recall word of my nature spreading through the Cathedral quickly, given I had returned from the mission with fully-grown horns, so it wasn't exactly a secret," he remarked whilst facing Rebecca, as he shifted the two caps back in place.

"I'd be happy to share with you my story however, if you so ever wish to hear it," he said, facing Sebastian, with a slight smile, "or any remaining questions you may have," concluding with a hope that this wouldn't cause any issues within the group in the near future.

 

[K0mori]

Suddenly, Sebastian was fully awake.

Rebecca and Cassandra had done little to shine light on the situation. In fact, Sebastian would have followed up by asking who Mariette Desrosiers is and why he should even care, had Rebecca not immediately moved on to talk about Xiaòzhou. He looked curiously at the man he knew as Takato before, until he began to chuckle under his breath. "That's... honestly incredible. I had never heard of Oni until now." He relaxed his stance. In fact, Sebastian was relieved, as Xiaòzhou's origins were not as worrisome as he had feared they might be. He gathered himself and then gave a nod to the hermit. "I may take you up on that when we have time, but I trust you regardless."

 

[Dmaster]

Camille was already fully aware of the hermit's origins as well as who Rebecca and Cassandra had been referring to, but her lip twisted about all the same as the conversation progressed. "The Church really told you nothing about who you were working with? I cannot say I am surprised," she relents with a bitter shrug, noting that only half of his question was likely answered.

"Mariette Desrosiers was an Escarian countess who oversaw one of our most prestigious vineyards, and she was also a vampire. She was one of the members of the inquiry here in Grimtham, though she was not with us in the end. Her mind frayed and gave in to all manner of temptations, from weaving dark magic to even trying to work with Sazak and the Duke in exchange for becoming a pureblooded vampire, temporarily at least. In time, she recognized her mistakes and felt it proper that she end her life to atone for all the harm she had done, or perhaps was going to do next," the huntress recounts, her tone slow with reminiscence.

"I was there when she made such a decision to gaze upon the sun one last time, and to this day I do not know if I should have talked her out of it. As you might suspect, I wasn't the friendliest with her throughout the ordeal of our journey... Still, I recognize that what she did took an immeasurable amount of strength, and now I have nothing but respect for her. Last I heard from Hudson she had chosen to stay and fight the war in the Abyss. I hope that she is well."

 

[K0mori]

"The Church really told you nothing about who you were working with? I cannot say I am surprised."

"Maybe my being helplessly ignorant was all part of Adona's plan," he snarked in reply.

Camille quickly explained who Mariette Desrosiers was, and Sebastian's amusement quickly disappeared. Apparently, despite whatever station she had climbed to in life, she was just another lost cause, flirting with dark forces to scratch whatever infernal itch she was preoccupied with. He almost wanted to say "good riddance," but between Camille's high opinion of the deceased Countess and the high chance that Cassandra would react poorly, he held his tongue. Still, it seemed suspect to him that someone so concerned with atonement would also feel so enamored with Cassandra as to help her cope with her past crimes, and even embolden her to leave the Abyss entirely.

He decided to choose his words a bit more carefully. "Sounds like she's where she needs to be. Maybe if she were here, she'd be slipping into old habits, like you have," he said to Cassandra, crossing his arms. "Either way, I'm glad I finally understand what happened between the incident here on Grimtham and our current predicament that made you want to 'help.' Now, can we please move on? We're burning daylight."

 

[Worthlessplebian]

The explanation provided by everyone in question did indeed allow Rajko a deeper understanding of intricacies of the events leading up to this moment. And though he knew what an Oni was thanks to the knowledge of the Church (a privilege not shared with Sebastian for some reason, he noted), an actual history lesson from Takato had been most enlightening. He did like to see things straight from the well, recalling his first words to this group.

But Sebastian is correct in the end. "Yes, I'd say we're due for a transition in scenery right about now."

 

[joshuadim]

Sebastian's harkening towards their goal got Azathor to snap out of the brief trance he had found himself in, having waddled through a few memories, and shrugged in agreement as he went over to Horse and gave him a rub on the head before climbing atop the saddle. "Weather seems good, and if it permits we shouldn't be troubled on the way by it." Azathor then said as his brow furrowed towards the relatively calm skies above. Horse tossed his head forward and let out a strong snort, as if the beast was signifying its own restlessness of being able to move again which had Azathor give a pat to his neck to ease his mount's nerves.

 

[Infab]

For Sebastian's final comments, Cassandra gave the soldier a dark look. But she didn't say a word. She couldn't. If she intended to survive long enough to actually help kill Sazak and the other Icons, then she needed to focus and play ball. Not piss anyone off any more than she already had. Maybe a dose of divine medicine from the Saint would ease her mind. For the day at least.

Rebecca nodded in response to both Sebastian and Rajko's comments about moving on. "Yes. We have two days ride to reach Peltragow from here. And we shouldn't stick around in one spot too long. They might have sent someone after us, after the incident at the mill."

Eventually, she noticed that one of them was not among the group. Jayden. Rebecca wouldn't have to look about very long, as she soon spotted him approaching the group from down the street. He was carrying a bag as well as a large metal cylinder. It appeared to be a coffee pot. She raised an eyebrow as he neared, which he soon noticed.

"Figured we might could use coffee or somethin' on the way. I'm not much of a morning person unless I've had some. Dunno about the rest of you." he stated, before motioning to the bag. "Cups, matches, and some cigarettes. For those who smoke. Also got some tea, if you're not the coffee type."

Cassandra spoke up, as she looked to him. "How did you afford it all?" she asked, also raising an eyebrow.

"Eh, sold that blunderbuss. I don't need it." he muttered in response. "Besides, the Saint has the journal. That's the important bit."

Cassandra shrugged, before turning about and moving to her horse. "I think Sebastian's out of cigarettes, so you might want to hand him a pack." she said, as she slipped atop David. She adjusted herself in the saddle, before leaning forward and propping on the horn. "Ready when the rest of you are."

As Jayden walked by, he handed the soldier a pack of cigarettes from the bag before noticing Sebastian's eyes. "Gods, man. You look like hell. If we stop anywhere, I'll brew some coffee for you." he said, his eyes widening for a moment before holding up the coffee pot and wiggling it gently.

It wasn't long after wards that everyone else had mounted up, and were soon on their way out of the western end of Grimsby. Something they had noticed while they were moving was that the Konstantinov vampires seemed to have left during the night. Maybe their caravan had arrived? Whatever the case, they probably would be seeing them again in Peltragow proper.

Outside Grimsby, rolling green fields met their gaze. Beautiful trees dotted the landscape, leading on and on west and northwest towards the seat of Grimtham Isle. It was quite a different picture from what Cassandra had seen years ago. She had traveled this way mostly during the night, instead of during daylight.

As they rode, Cassandra would soon find her attention drawn to Claire. The enforcer rode up beside her on her left, away from the others. Cassandra looked to Claire, curious as to what she was doing. But she'd soon find out that it was simply Claire wishing to speak her piece.

"I decided to save what I wanted to say until we were on our way." said the Enforcer, looking ahead as they rode. "Cassandra, I've known you for a few centuries now. Every time we've met, we've tried to kill one another. You've taken from me several people that I've cared about, and tried to take others. I've had to deal with the aftermath of your slaughters, as well as dealt with being the target of your insanity. And quite honestly, I think that you should die. Immediately, either by my hand, Camille's, one of the others', or even your own. The world would be better off without you in it."

Cassandra didn't respond, and there was a tense moment of silence between the pair. But eventually, Claire spoke again. "But, that isn't how things work. At the moment, someone of a higher position than me decided you were important enough to live for a little while longer. I won't be around when your time runs out, most likely. But I genuinely hope that when you finally die, its the single, most excruciatingly painful thing you've ever felt in that long, twisted mess you call a life."

The last few statements were given with one hell of a hateful look from the enforcer. Something Cassandra had grown accustomed to from Claire, every time they met. Finally, Claire ended her comments with one final statement. "And wherever they bury you, if you're killed, I'll visit once a year just to spit on your tombstone." she muttered, before gently flicking the reins of her horse. The horse picked up speed, allowing Claire to ride ahead to where Rebecca and some of the others were moving.

Cassandra remained silent, simply watching as the enforcer rode ahead. Her mind was abuzz, however, with words she dare not say. And actions she dare not take.

 

[joshuadim]

On the journey atop their respective horses, Azathor stayed mostly quiet save for occasionally humming a tune he remembered from one of the maidservants of his childhood. She tried her best to juggle them all along with the others assigned to care for them, as he and most of his siblings were a handful. It made him frown to think of what likely happened to her when she disappeared one day. Back then he only thought that perhaps she had been moved elsewhere, but knowing his father's malice and cruelty it was likely the worst case he could imagine. Yet another in a long list of souls for Sazak to pay for.

Horse let out a soft whinny, which had the demon prince open a small pouch latched to his belt to grab a few white cubes. Sugar cubes, to be exact, as he managed to lift them from his lodging last night when the innkeeper was not looking. He had heard of horses enjoying such snacks, and he took one in between his fingers on his other hand and lowered it to Horse's mouth. The beast slurped it up greedily, which brought out a chuckle from his rider as he lowered two more cubes in succession shortly thereafter. "Have a sweet tooth, don't you?" he muttered to Horse, "I suppose I do too."

Horse did not respond, as he simply kept on forging ahead on the road. Azathor only grunted as his hands returned to the reins, "Mhm. I do prefer silence often times too."

 

[K0mori]

Sebastian took the cigarettes from Jayden and tucked them into his pocket. Chuckling grimly at his comment about Sebastian's restlessness and brewing coffee, the soldier replied, "You and I will be fast friends, Atrikanner."

He decided not to light up a smoke just yet, since his lack of sleep also meant his throat and lungs were still sore and sickly. He instead took in the fresh air of their long ride and focused on the picturesque scenery to let go of the claustrophobic notions which had occupied him all night.

Everything felt warm, peaceful, and calm for the first time in days, and he said a quiet prayer that it would remain this way until they reached their destination.

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Upon knowledge that Jayden sold the blunderbuss family heirloom, Rajko had been disappointed. Only because he would've taken that particular piece of history off of his hands, had he access to money at the moment. Oh, well. Shoving aside frivolous thoughts of souvenirs, Rajko mounted atop his trusty steed Leofwine and set off with the rest of the assemblage. His eyes took in the rolling green outside Grimsby. Taking all this beauty within mind, body, and soul.

Then he heard the utter verbal destruction which took place behind him. A sharp whistle came out as he heard kill-words, though to anyone not paying attention it'd look unrelated and more appropriate as an appreciation towards the scenery.

Once the Enforcer left Cassandra's side, Rajko bent and turned the reins. Leofwine, more attentive than a maidservant, took the signal to slow down. Subtly, of course. In the span of ten or so seconds, Rajko became out of lockstep with the rest of the party. He arrived by Cassandra's side soon enough and spoke. "It's a beautiful place, aye? My mother was a painter in the spare time when she wasn't fixing people's shoes. She'd love this. When I was a wee'un, I could spend hours looking at her paint. No canvases and barely enough for the colors. After this, I'm thinking of taking up the brush like she did. What about you? Any plans or talents and skills you're hoping to learn? Or use." His tone felt slimmer and looser than when he normally spoke, but still had that iron-clad firmness underneath it.

 

[Infab]

"It's a beautiful place, aye? My mother was a painter in the spare time when she wasn't fixing people's shoes. She'd love this. When I was a wee'un, I could spend hours looking at her paint. No canvases and barely enough for the colors. After this, I'm thinking of taking up the brush like she did. What about you? Any plans or talents and skills you're hoping to learn? Or use."

Cassandra's eyes shifted from her intense gaze on Claire ahead, moving to Rajko as her head turned to face him. As he finished, her expression had changed to one of confusion. Is... Is he serious? "...I don't think I'll be here long enough to learn anything new. Maybe a few weeks? Two or three months, at the most?" she replied, "...My talents won't matter much in the Abyss."

She paused for a moment. He was trying to strike up some kind of conversation. Keep her mind focused. She decided to oblige, as after Claire, she need something else to think on. "...And yes, this is a beautiful place. I never really noticed it during my time here a few years ago. I was too busy running about, doing what the Duke asked. Oh, and keeping an eye on Sazak." she soon said, "The last time I went through here, it was during the night. I had captured Valeria and another of her inquiry. Wesley Wilch. I was taking them to the Duke's estate in Peltragow, as he wanted to deal with Valeria personally. I intended to keep Wesley for myself... in my insanity, I saw something in him that was never there."

She sighed. "But I know what you're trying to do, so let's not go further into that particular ordeal." she continued, "...I have a few talents already that I try to maintain. I sing from time to time, though that's something most tend not to want to hear because it often comes out during combat. Nothing quite like a crazed pureblood vampiress belting out a song while cutting down her targets."

"...In all honesty, I started singing because of my sister. We adopted her as a child, and she was a bit easy to scare. She and I would go exploring in the woods around our estate, often in the evening, and from time to time there would be things that she'd hear that would scare her and render her a crying mess." explained the Pureblood. "When I found her, I'd sing to her to calm her down as we made our way home. She seemed to enjoy it, so I started to later sing to her when she just needed cheering up. If she was happy, I was happy... so maybe me singing now is just... tied to that in a way. A moment in time where I was happy."

She went quiet for a few moments afterwards, before giving a final comment. "I do dance, as well, but I'm a bit rusty."

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Yes, Rajko's intentions were as subtle as a locomotive on fire, painted in the brightest, most obnoxious shade of acid green imaginable with a ghostly train whistle. But the inquisitor is never one to shy away from his promises. He's never been one for these chats, as they say, preferring to let his actions speak for themselves. Yet talking is an action as well, isn't it? And yes, he saw the confusion in her face plainer than the morning. He's not that heartless; cold certainly, but not heartless.

He'd listen to the vampiress explain her last visitation to this place. "Yes, that would be best." He concluded with her. It was the information after that gave Rajko a unique perspective into Cassandra's brain and history. So he obliged to continue her conversation. "I am not a songster, such as yourself, but I do possesses technical knowledge. I can control pitch, volume, rhythm et cetera." He continues, "My mentor, Solomon Koegh - obscure to many but a damn fine hunter, had the idea. A way to better utilise my shrieks in my werebat form. Never could tell what was on his mind, but he acted quite fatherly with me during my early years. One of the fondest times was when he took me to a play in a theatre. Strangely, I don't quite remember what or who it was about. I kind of wish I did now, would be nice to reminiscent with the work in front of me." Remarked the man, the hints of a soft smile on his face.

"As for dancing, you'd be surprised with how quickly you can scrub the rust off. Interesting overlap between swordsmanship and the footwork in a dance. " Rajko recognised that the vampiress might wish to stop now so he quieted down though he'll be here in either case.

 

[Infab]

"You're probably right. I've used a rapier and a saber enough to have the footwork down. Maybe I just need a little refresher, is all." she said softly, soon looking ahead. "...And if you can remember, at least, the month, year, and city you saw the play, I can probably tell you at least what the play was. I have a few former clients who are pretty big fans of theatre." she added. She then glanced back to Rajko, adding a small bit at the end. "...Just think it over."

The group traveled on, passing over the green fields and by the beautiful trees. They would occasionally pass by large plots of farmland, with various crops being tended to by farmers and their workers. It was here that they spotted a few of the elves that had appeared over the past few years due to the time fluctuations. Having no nation to call their own, and being rather small in number, most of them had sought out places to live and occupations to survive. And most seemed to return to dealing with nature when it came to their jobs. Farmers, landscapers, tree planters, lumberjacks, and so on. There were also pastures, full of farm animals like cows and sheep. Cassandra considered stopping briefly to restock her supply of blood, but decided to wait till later at night to do so.

Eventually the group had to stop for the night, pitching camp next to a stream so they had access to water. And night in the wilderness proved to be just as peaceful as the day. The stars were out, filling the night sky around a full moon. Crickets chirped across the wide fields and pastures, just loud enough to provide ambiance. If there wasn't a near apocalyptic war going on, it'd have been a great place to stay for a few weeks. Just to get away from the world.

The next day and night went the same as that one, which proved to help boost everyone's mood. No fighting, no arguments, just actual decent conversations. And Rebecca did as she had said she would, giving Cassandra doses of divine magic to see if it helped with her tainted soul. It seemed to work for the most part, as she had yet to hear that one particular voice anymore. Or see its source.

The third day, the group would finally arrive at Peltragow. The wide stretching city seemed abuzz with activity, likely locals and refugees from the eastern portions of the island mingling amongst one another. The surrounding, more rural portions of the city outside the large walls of the inner city were actually crammed full of refugees. And the constabulary looked as though it had been stretched thin due to this. Likely either dealing with an influx of crime due to the war, or just trying to maintain some sense of order. The group made their way through the streets, eventually reaching the inner walls and passing through to Peltragow proper.

Cassandra looked about, taking in the sights and sounds as the group continued on. She hadn't been back to Peltragow since she left years prior, determined to catch up to Valeria's group in the mountains to the east. She had woken up in the morgue, having been beheaded and burned. And to this day, she didn't quite remember who had brought her back. All she knew was it was a man in a top hat. An alchemist, maybe, but she knew a few of those.

Claire was more focused, only shifting her gaze to what was around her when they neared or something specific drew her attention. "We can stop at the Obsidian Lighthouse for a few hours. Its friendly to supernaturals, as some of the other inns in the city. And I'm sure they have some room, too. Not everyone can afford it." she said, "Its down at the waterfront."

Cassandra spoke up. "Yeah, I know. Lady Tariun owns and runs the place." said the pureblood. "She's the one leading the rebellion in the Abyss."

Claire glanced back, raising an eyebrow. "A demon owns it?" she asked, surprised.

"Yeah. Valeria and the others also stopped there a few years ago when they arrived in Peltragow. Cassiel, an angel back in Eternis, told me about it." responded the pureblood, before glancing to Camille. "The Huntress can confirm."

Rebecca looked between them, before smiling slightly. "Well, at least we'll be in friendly company. If she's there."

And she was. As the group arrived at the exquisite looking inn, passing through the large oak doors, they found themselves being serenaded with piano music. The faint smell of perfume, flavored cigar smoke, and specially crafted mixed drinks hung in the air, adding to the wonderful atmosphere. Surprisingly, there weren't any patrons in the bar at the moment, as a worker moved about cleaning the tables. A Kobold moved around behind the bar, rearranging the bottles he could reach and cleaning glasses. Their gaze shifted to the piano player, whom seemed to be a well dressed woman wearing a black bowler hat.

Tariun.

"Ah! Just the people I've been expecting." she spoke, the piano music continuing as she looked to the group. She gave them a smile, looking to each of them as her eyes shifted from their normal appearance to the traditional demonic black and yellow.

 

[joshuadim]

Their journey and arrival to Peltragow was fortuitously uneventful, much to Azathor's comfort, as he followed Cassandra's lead towards their stop in the city. When mentioning that a demon owned the establishment, the demon prince remained silent but his mind pondered as to who it might be. What business would a demon have to run an entire inn around these parts? He could only imagine as he entered to take a look around to admire the furnishings and general atmosphere. A kobold worked at the bar, which made him give off an audible grunt of amusement. But then he felt the unmistakable presence of Tariun which immediately made him still as he looked at her.

"...Tariun?" Azathor muttered aloud in surprise. At first, he wanted to ask why she was here. Given the situation of constant fighting it seemed rather strange to him that she was here. Tending to an inn. But then his more pressing concerns popped up that overtook that line of questioning. "What news comes from the front?" he then asked as he placed his hands in front of him and awaited her response.

 

[Infab]

"...Tariun? What news comes from the front?"

The music stopped almost abruptly, as Tariun reached up and closed the lid over the piano's keys. "You're always the type to get straight to business. I guess that's a biproduct of Azgon's teachings." she responded, taking a short cane from beside her seat and standing up. "I'm eagerly awaiting the outcome of a major operation. I should be receiving word regarding that any moment now. As to why I'm here instead of instead of in the Abyss, since I'm sure you're wondering, I use my ownership of the Inn here to our collective advantage."

She strolled over, flipping her cane about and tucking it under her arm. "I keep tabs on the events here in the mortal realm through my contacts here. I speak to members of the Church, the Gods themselves, and even members of the Heavenly council here. And I can keep track of what Taranoch and his Icons are doing from here. Its far easier to do these things from this Inn, rather than from Kaizen's palace. Plus, I don't want to get in the way of the reconstruction efforts there unless I have to."

She then looked to the others. "Ah, but where are my manners? I am Tariun. I am an ascended demon, and I was advisor to the late Demon King Kaizen. I served faithfully as one of his Chosen, until Taranoch betrayed him, murdered him, and took the throne. I lead the rebellion against Taranoch and his Icons."

She looke afterwards to Rebecca, after she finished speaking. "And you must be the Saint! Rebecca Witlocke, correct? I've learned quite a bit about you from Cassiel. Quite a talkative angel, that one."

Rebecca smiled and nodded. "I've heard bits and pieces about you from different people. A pleasure to finally meet you."

 

[K0mori]

The prior two days on the road, Sebastian's health and attitude seemed to improve considerably. He joined discussions when he felt he had something worthwhile to say, and spoke mainly to the other humans. He seemed to be growing more comfortable with Azathor, Rajko, and Claire, and of course continued to get on well with Takato. At other times, he kept relatively quiet, sticking to his books as per usual. And while he still remained on guard around Cassandra, he avoided being overt about his distaste for the woman. He could see that the others' attempts to keep her calm and rational seemed to be working, and he didn't want to disturb their progress.

When they finally reached their destination, he had developed enough fortitude to merely laugh off the revelation that a powerful demon was running an inn in Peltragow right under everyone's noses. He remarked, somewhat bitterly, on the possibility of other businesses and institutions being run by fiends "of all sorts" without anyone's knowledge across the continent. It suddenly seemed to make more sense that the world's armies were brought into conflict with each other so thoroughly- they were infiltrated at all levels. Despite this paranoia-inducing conclusion, Sebastian was still calm and collected. There was still time to avert an even greater catastrophe.

The inn was nicely appointed and the piano music welcoming. He barely had time to consider ordering a drink, however, before their ally made herself known. Tariun, the ascended demon, was quite unassuming from Sebastian's perspective, but he had heard that demons could take on mortal vessels to hide amongst humans. He found a place to sit and did so, leaving the conversation to those who knew what they were talking about. Unsurprisingly, Azathor seemed the most eager to strike one up.