Fantasy Hunter's Moon: The Sin & Sentence [IC] [CLOSED]

[Infab]

Rosanna looked at Aleister for a few moments, as silence settled into the room after he finished. "...Al, have ya lost your mind?" she said, letting her arm drop to her side from the back of Adona's chair. Eshax's Sultan soon spoke, after stroking his beard again. "What exactly do you want out of this summit, Mister Germain? You seem to want us to cave entirely to your demands. The demands of a outspoken terrorist, leading a rogue nation, whom have launched attacks upon a sovereign nation. We are attempting to right the wrongs of the past few years, yet you seem unwilling to cooperate. You have no faith in us as leaders or nations, and have openly insulted us. Why should we budge in regards to you? Why should we bother recognizing Nocturne as a sovereign nation, or you as anything but what you've clearly presented yourself as?"

 

[Dmaster]

Camille could not help but chuckle openly at Aleister when he addressed her, shaking her head from side to side. "I suppose you would rather be known a remorseless slaughterer instead of a coward, then. Though there is a stark difference between bravery and stupidity." she replies rather flatly. "To openly challenge the goddess Velin, a powerful deity and ruler of the Church with zealots littered throughout the entirety of the continent, is stupid. To create a nation of refugees that you would shelter from the horrors of the purges, is brave. To use your refugees as fodder, to attack another nation's borders and start pretending you are a general at war, when no borders are drawn or open declaration has been made, is beyond stupid."

"I will make myself clear on this, Aleister. You are not a general, as far as I am concerned you are no longer even a priest of your previous faith. You are a madman playing pretend and seeking to fight injustice rather than prevent injustice. You had no reason to slaughter a theater full of people, you had no reason to haphazardly bomb a port without so much as measuring the force of the detonation that'd come of it, and you have even smaller reason to be calling the leaders of the world cowards. You do not act in defense, you act in wanton assault without care for who gets caught in the crossfire." Camille retorted, her eyes narrowing as she leaned forward in her seat.

"You are the coward. Resorting to surprise attacks and underhanded killings in the hopes to intimidate and pretend that you are much larger and much more powerful than you actually are. You do not care for the lives of your people if you would throw them to the slaughter and declare war on the world over!"

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Aleister removed his beret and ran a hand through his blonde hair, not neatly bound by any braid or ponytail ribbon, but let out like a mane. He glanced back around to the Sultan.

"To begin with, we are not terrorists, nor a rogue nation. We want to be free of the violence and suffering. If you think my words unduly harsh, then consider, from my perspective - how can we trust that this isn't a delay until the next bout of hysteric slaughter? As Monsieur Theodore in the gallery has mentioned, purges are nothing new. The one we are attempting to move past is only the worst that has yet to occur. To make inroads, here and now, to make some form of a foundation for a lasting peace... this cannot be built by honeyed words and empty promises. I fail to see where I am unwilling to cooperate. Outside, of course, agreeing to hand over all of our heads to sate the gestalt bloodlust, so that our blood can be used to write treaties that will be torn in half once sufficient time has passed."

"But reparations, then. King Newmont and Queen Marie-Claire both speak of these. Lady Undite speaks of Church reforms. We will also offer what we can in reparation to... undue harm caused by our own hands. We wholeheartedly want cooperation for a peaceful future."

"If you wish for me to step down, I shall do so alongside all the heads of state and government who are complacent in the killings. If you wish for my imprisonment, and that of my planners for daring raise our hand in defense, then I shall happily serve my sentence in a cell alongside all the others guilty of such in the nations of the continent. And if you want my execution, then I would expect my compatriots at the chopping block will number several monarchs, and at least a single goddess."

"Nocturne wants to be free, to be left alone from meddling affairs. Let there be peaceful trade, let the exchange of arts and culture occur, but we have no wish to be drawn into the wrath of fire and steel once again. We are willing to do everything that all the other nations are willing to do as well."

Taking a single, almost labored breath, Aleister manages to turn himself to face Camille. "And you are the single most wretched fiend in this room, and that is an accomplishment that could only remotely be surpassed by a single other, and they at the very least stand in repentance. We recognize that wrong was committed at Devontown. We recognize that we shall, like the other nations gathered here, repay what is deemed necessary to rebuild. You, on the other hand, are nothing more than a vengeful spider that wishes for the slaughter to continue so that you can feast upon the endless supply of corpses."

 

[Dmaster]

Camille glares at Aleister, her face twisting with anger as she suddenly stands up. "You think I wish to 'feast' from this egregious purge?! I began by saying that the purges ruin what a good hunter stands for! I do weep for the innocent vampires slaughtered, those uprooted from their homes and thrust into the arms of an utter madman such as yourself." she says hastily, leveling a finger at him as her bangs fall before her eyes.

"You saved my life, and to that end I will always be grateful for that, Aleister. Yet when I became a hunter I promised myself and the public that I would stand against mad vampires that seek to bring terror to the world..." the Marquess' voice breaks, though she collects herself before growing angry yet again. "You are no longer the priest who helped end Ashwood. Were you the same vampire you are now during the inquiry, you would have joined him without question. I swore to kill you, and I only hesitate now because Velin and Undite saw it fit to give you a chance. Do not throw it away."

 

[Breadman]

The response from Undite answered his question regarding what the Church might do, but the Atracan king's words were less trustworthy to him. The nobility have a habit of making promises and forgetting them, or putting in half the effort needed at best. Theodore did not discount the possibility that he was overtly cynical. But so far, there wasn't much he could do but sit and observe and take notes.

Then Aleister spoke again and his pencil stopped in place. The former inquisitor never thought Aleister would be in a position that would leave him speechless, but here they were. Did he really believe he had that much leverage? Or was he so ready to die for his cause that he would put so many of the people he was trying to save at risk without any hesitation?

A chance glance towards the knight in the room revealed that he was at his boiling point. His hand was now wrapped around the hilt of his sword and his attention was focused towards the vampire as he spoke loudly about his patron god and the evils she embodied. But he wasn't the only one ready to strike the Nocturne leader down. The situation was beginning to deteriorate quickly with each exchange.

His eyes were now on the gods. Hoping that they could restore order.

 

[Infab]

The Sultan glanced between Aleister and Camille for a moment, before speaking again. "I believe the young woman next to Adona is right, then. You have lost your mind." he said simply, before looking to the others. "He wishes for every leader on this continent to abandon their offices and thrones, as he has already said that we are all guilty. This man is clearly insane, and I do not understand why we are entertaining his ridiculous ideas and notions." Velin sighed, looking to Undite. Somehow she knew this was going to happen. "...There will be a fifteen minute recess. Find ways to calm yourselves...if at all possible." she said, standing up from her seat. Some of the other delegates moved, standing from their seats and moving about the room. King Newmont completely stormed out the room, appearing as if a blood vein was about to burst on his forehead.

Catarina glanced to Aleister, a smirk on her face. "Well now, Archbishop. You've really driven a cast iron wedge between yourself and every delegate at this summit. I'm rather amazed at how quickly it happened..." she stated, before standing up from her own seat. "Good luck pulling that wedge out, dear." she commented, as shw strolled off towards the entrance doors.

Velin and Undite moved over to the side, off to themselves so that they could speak in private. "This summit should have never happened. Things could have been settled in far different ways." muttered Velin. Undite sighed. She felt terrible for the amount that her friend was being bashed. She knew it was fully justified, but it still hurt to watch. And Aleister refusing to budge because of his emotions bothered her greatly. He was going to get himself and everyone in Nocturne slaughtered if he kept this up. She was surprised Newmont or the Sultan hadn't already declared open war on Nocturne. She didn't know what to do beyond talk to him.

Adona, meanwhile, did not move. He sat still in his chair, simply observing those around the room. Rosanna always wondered what he was thinking about. Maybe the fates of each of them? Perhaps the various ways the summit could go? Or something else? "Hey, Rose..." he finally said, spooking her a bit. "Yeah?" she asked. He glanced up towards her, and smiled. "Think you can get me a bottle of whiskey? The good kind. None of that cheap stuff. And a few extra glasses." he asked. Rosanna couldn't help but grin. "Sure, boss." she said, before turning about and heading towards the door.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

Kregore couldn’t help but let out a little bit of laughter to himself as the summit began to deteriorate rapidly into arguing. Closer and closer, he’s getting his wish of the violence escalating and was anxiously waiting to see who’d start throwing chairs first. Though unfortunately, Velin called recess so that everyone could let out some steam. Naturally, having nothing else to do, he gets out of his seat and takes a smoke break. He also waves his cigarette pack as an offering to anyone who wants any. Meanwhile, Langa shrank in his seat during the arguing. All he wanted was to know just what the mainland leadership was doing to prevent the purges, and if possible, get them to understand they could’ve done something and perhaps still could right now before his mother ends up as ashes... If she hasn’t already.

“[FOR A MOMENT, THIS ALMOST FELT LIKE CHOW TIME WITH THE 76S.]” Kregore says as he wanders around the table.

Langa disagrees. “[Fuck me, I just... I just wanted to talk sense into these guys... I’m not going to make it out of here alive, am I?]” Exasperated, confused, and feeling exhausted, he runs his hands down his face before looking at Aleister for a moment. He started off so well but things just deteriorated so quickly, and now Langa’s wondering just what the hell he had gotten himself into. He agrees with Aleister’s sentiment that these Adonian leaders are useless and ought to step down, but even he knows that’s never going to happen. If Nocturne wants to bring in real peace and change, he’ll unfortunately have to work with them no matter how ignorant and lofty they are. But he’s drawn the ire from all of them, and they know Langa spoke up in his defense. This makes him a target too, and it’ll be a miracle if he can return to the Ridge with his head still on his shoulders. “[If this was home, he would’ve been killed by now. Rigo wouldn’t allow this shit from anyone.]”

Motioning to his boss, the packet slides across the table and Langa takes out a smoke. Then he takes out another, and then another; he might just need them for later. His eyes are glued to the table in mild regret as he smokes away.

 

[Infab]

Rosanna soon returned with the whiskey and glasses, setting them in front of Adona as he looked about the room. "There ya go. Gonna step over and say howdy ta Theo and Camille." she then said, to which Adona replied with a single nod. He poured himself a glass of the dark liquor, swirling it about as she stepped away. Then, he glanced to the large man and his vampiric associate. "Hey, Kregore. Care for a drink? How about your friend Langa there?" he asked, motioning to the other two glasses. He knew who they both were, really. No mistaking that gibborim aura.

Rosanna arrived near Theodore, grinning at the short man, before looking back to the others in the room. "Summit ain't even started good, and people are already at each other's throats." she said, glancing to Aleister. "And Al...He just ain't helpin' things." She then looked at Camille, waving to her and motioning her to come over. It had been a while since she had seen the huntress, and was curious to how life had treated her the past few years. Even if she hadn't liked the woman since after Mariette's death back on Grimtham, she'd still be nice to her.

Undite glanced over to Velin, taking note of Velin's silence as she leaned against a pillar. Eventually, she patted her on the shoulder, before looking towards the others in the room. In particular, Aleister. "...I'm going to speak to Aleister. Maybe I can convince him that what he's asking for regarding the continental leaders just can't be done. Maybe he'll see reason, compromise, and try to trust and work with the others. Otherwise this won't end well for him or Nocturne." said Undite, as she looked back to her friend. "...Alright. Good luck, Dominique..." said Velin softly, faintly smiling at Undite before looking away. Back towards the wooden floor boards beneath them. Undite gave her another pat, before stepping away. She walked around the table, moving over towards and eventually arriving at Aleister and the Nocturne delegation.

Outside the buidling, King Newmont gulped down a glass of burbon rather quickly. Burbon always calmed his nerves. And he needed it right now, lest he try to come across the large table to cut Aleister's head off when the summit resumed. He eventually sighed as he handed the empty glass off to an aid. In truth, he needed to speak to Marie-Claire. She was on to something when she allowed a member if her delegation to speak about the formerly vampire ruled portion of wine country in southern Escaria. Perhaps, Escaria and Atraca could come together on a few things...such as granting rights to supernaturals and cutting Aleister and Nocturne out of the discussion? He glanced to his aid, a smirk on his face. "Help me find the Escarian queen, will you? She and I need to have a little chat."

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"Hey, Kregore. Care for a drink? How about your friend Langa there?"

The silence that fills the air around Kregore is enough that his cigarette hitting the floor was clearly audible. His hands tighten into fists, and his neck cracks as he turns to look at who it was that spoke his name. It was that fucking cowboy. “... WHA’ DE FUCK?” he murmured out loud. Much like how a lion stalks towards its prey did Kregore creep up to Adona’s seat; his widened eyes with their glowing red veins doing little to hide how close he is to a furious rage. Langa’s just as alarmed, and he too diverts attention towards Adona, but a wave of Kregore’s hand gets him to sit back down.

Now in front of Adona, his sackcloth hood outlining the enraged expression on his face, he looks at him straight in the eyes with a finger raised at him. “ONE. JOU GET ONE MINUT TO SAY TO ME HOW DO JOU KNOW THIS NAME.” Did Basri sell them out? Did he tell the constabulary that they were coming in exchange for a bribe? To fuck over the Warders is definitely something the 76s would do. The thought of this only makes him angrier.

Meanwhile, Langa notices Undite approaching; seemingly with something to say. Whatever it is, it better be something good to defuse this.

 

[Breadman]

"I don't think he ever wanted to." Theodore said as he got off his chair "Those demands are beyond outrageous. I'll give Velin this, she picked the right time to call for recess. A few moments later and thing might have turned violent." He glanced back towards where Royland was standing only to note that the knight had moved. The teacher panicked for a moment before managing to locate the knight again in the room. Once he got him in his sight again, he let out a sigh of relief. He was nowhere near Aleister or Camille "I hope at the very least" He tried to get back to the topic "That the monarchs don't use the outrage to ignore their promises."

On the other end of the room Royland slowly moved towards his patron goddess. The words spoken about her so far had infuriated him, but he didn't do anything. He was performing as instructed. To not raise his blade unless someone were to do so first. He understood why he had to do it, but it didn't stop his inner turmoil. His inaction was burning him up inside. But for now the very least he could do is function as his code said. Undite had just walked away when he got close enough to speak.

"My lady. The summit is proceeding...rather violently. Is there anything for me to do to ease the burden on your shoulders?" Chivalrous and old fashioned words used to hide his hope for her to let him loose. A pale flame to keep up. He knew this, but it didn't stop his outrage from fueling it.

 

[Dmaster]

Camille had taken her seat after recess had been called, glaring with hostility in her eyes directly at Aleister. Beneath the table her leg bounced erratically, hand of her arm balled into a fist as it rested on the table. From the letters she had received from him she had known that he had gone mad, but this? This was beyond unprecedented. The more he refused to be cooperative the likelier it seemed that the others would rather just call for his execution. He is not even working in service of his people, he is damning them right with him.

She sighed to herself before Rosanna motioned for her to join the both of them, the huntress catching it in the corner of her eye. Camille slowly got up from her seat, giving one final glare to Aleister before stepping over to the duo. "He is fortunate that they confiscated my blades." she says to the both of them, crossing her arms over her chest. Trying to formulate a greeting for Rosanna was a bit awkward considering she had thought her dead, though her being with Adona cleared that up immensely. So a cold open such as that would suffice.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Aleister said nothing as people began to filter out for the recess. He remained seated, quiet, looking at his hands and content that they had remained so clean today. White gloves were so easy to tarnish. There were ink wells all around and he had already utilized a pen several times. It was a miracle they were clean of blood. He frowned to himself. No, of ink. That's what he was thinking about.

His delegation was talking among themselves, attempting to utilize an atmosphere of a collected calm to mask their irritation and fears. The nations weren't wanting real justice, and they were just dancing around the issue, putting forth half-measures to only serve their own ends. Deacon Silvatori leaned in to whisper to Aleister, and they spoke, slowly, in low voices. Elfreide was reviewing one of her ledgers and was penning a letter to what appeared to be the Alchemist's Union. As for Lady Saeti Ruko, she seemed somewhat distressed. Thing hadn't changed much in the world since her time, it seemed.

Silvatori wandered off to speak to some officials, leaving Aleister alone as Undite drifted towards the table. He didn't look up from his hands as she approached, but he knew she was there, right in front of him.

"They won't listen," he whispered. "They don't want to. They just want more suffering."

 

[Infab]

Adona smiled. "I am Adona. The God of Life, Death, Time, and Fate." he replied. "...That should give you a general idea. I also know what you are, where you're from, and a variety of other things...Its kind of my job to know." He took a drink from the glass in his hand, before continuing. "Don't worry, nobody else but the other two goddesses know who you and the other one are. The rest of them aren't really paying much attention to us." He offered the whiskey again, motioning to one of the empty glasses on the table. "Drink?"

Rosanna nodded. "I got a feelin' they won't ignore this stuff. Too big of an issue to just make false promises." she said, responding to Theodore before Camille walked up and spoke. "Yeah...We don't need any bloodshed here." she said, glancing over towards Aleister and the Nocturne group. Undite was moving over to speak to them. Hopefully the goddess could talk some sense into him. She looked back to Camille, and faintly smiled. "...Its...nice to see you again, Camille. You look well." she said.

Velin glanced up to Royland. "No, but thank you for the offer, Ser Royland." she replied. "Its just something I have to bear myself. I've made so many mistakes over the years, and now I have to pay the price for all of them. This being part of that payment." She glanced over to the delegations around the room, before looking back to Royland. "You've served me for countless years, and have proven to be the most trustworthy and loyal of them all...Thank you, Ser Royland. Hopefully you serve the Church just as well in your new position as a Senior Inquisitor."

Undite sighed. "...Aleister, they will listen. That's the whole point of this summit. To listen to you and the rest of us. The supernatural." she said softly. She gently slid a seat from nearby to sit near him, and sat down. "...Right now, emotions are blinding several of us. Tensions are high...and you're not exactly making things easy here. You just demanded that if you stepped down, that every leader on this continent to step down with you...Do you realize what that would do? Things would be thrown into a state of chaos...and more chaos is what we don't need right now..."

------
​

As the crowds filled the streets once more, moving about as the summit was going on inside the town hall, a woman in full plate armor made her presence known when she stepped off one of the large carriages near the town's post office. The blonde woman looked about, rather amazed by the sheer number of people. A good chunk of them now gawking at her due to her Age of Darkness-era plate armor and longsword. She smiled at the onlookers, nodding her head once, before looking to the town hall. She could sense the presence of three gods inside, along with a variety of other supernaturals. How interesting. She had heard of this 'summit' that was taking place on the way to Red Gorge. The rights of supernaturals and the status of some island nation known as Nocturne on the table for discussion. She also knew that it would likely be the best place to locate her former goddess and current church leader, and it seemed she was right.

She made her way towards the town hall, her plate armor clacking as she walked through the crowd. Some of which continued to gawk. Her armor bore the markings of the Inquisiton, but also bore others. Odd angelic runes here and there, along with another strange marking. Was she a paladin? Perhaps a knight commander? As she arrived at the front steps to the town hall, she was stopped briefly by soldiers as well as members of the Inquisition. The Inquisition, however, took note of her gear. "...Who are you, Knight?" asked one, cocking an eyebrow.

"Dame Rebecca Witlocke. Knight Commander, and Templar of the Vigilant Order." she stated, looking to the Inquisitor. He looked confused, looking to the other Inquisitors with him. Templar? The Order didn't have Templars. Not that he could remember, anyway. "...Wait here, Dame Witlocke." he said, before walking inside the building. He needed to check with someone old for this. And it wasn't long before the inquisitor had made his way to where Royland and Velin were. "Ser Royland, Lady Velin, there's a Dame Rebecca Witlocke at the front entrance. She says she's a Knight Commander and 'Templar of the Vigilant Order'." he stated, looking to the both of them. Velin's eyes went wide, before shifting to look at Royland. "The Third Templar?!" she almost blurted out, shocked.

 

[K0mori]

The Queen and her delegation filed out of the room quietly as the recess ensued. Having already spoken her intent to reverse Escaria's course, Marie-Claire had remained calm and quiet as Aleister lobbed more insults, made impossible demands, and generally infuriated every delegation to the summit aside from the disreputable individuals from Caraborough and a lone Escarian scholar whom Velin brought along, and apparently just to deflect greater responsibility for the purges onto the leadership of Adonia's nations, too. If anything, it undermined the last remaining shreds of credibility the church had left, as even though he was not speaking on behalf of the church directly, his invitation to speak at the summit had come from the gods themselves, implicitly revealing his purpose. Yes, we coerced and threatened you into committing terrible crimes, but how will you assure us you'll never do it again?

As Maire-Claire exited the chamber she spared a glance back at Aleister, whose face was firmly planted in the palms of his hands, and unlike the other leaders who had looked upon him with the sort of disgust that one would normally give to a pile of dog droppings, the Queen narrowed her eyes and smiled before turning and briskly leaving the room with President Lécuyer. Everything she had warned Aleister about in their brief meeting ahead of the summit was coming to pass; he was enshrining his leadership, with all of its poisonous history and tendencies, to be inseparable from the isle of Nocturne's identity as a fledgling nation. Their terrorism was not just necessary, according to the Archbishop, it was valiant. As a result, he was destroying any chance at reconciliation with the world. Now, it was entirely possible that Atraca and Escaria, and perhaps other nations as well, could invade and reclaim the island with the blessing of the world community.

But that would not be ideal, either, the Queen conceded. She genuinely wanted things to work out for the accursed sorts, and an all-out war with their desperate country wouldn't work toward that goal. Perhaps a blockade would be better, to starve the nation of resources until its leadership agrees to more suitable terms. She set the matter aside for now. She had more important things to worry about. Namely, she needed to prove that Escaria could, in fact, reform itself. One of the greatest hurdles, as revealed during the summit already, was her kingdom's lack of a formal hunter's guild. She called together her ministers and proposed a temporary solution.

"Monsieurs, I am willing to pledge a sum of my own money to the establishment of an Escarian Hunter's Guild. But if it is to last, it must have an annual public grant," she explained. "We have to show them that we're able to prevent the sort of brutality we witnessed during the purges, and that starts with outlawing the hiring of thugs and bandits to commit murder against innocent vampires. We need hunters with standards."

President Lécuyer agreed. "Many municipalities already have budgets for this sort of thing, but if we restructure the laws we can funnel it all to the top so that it's revenue neutral. I'll send a telegram to my aides this evening."

"And another thing," the Queen added. "I want to name Camille Giguere to head the project. I'll send word to her immediately."

While one of the delegation's aides trotted off to locate Camille, one of King Newmont's men approached and gave a slight bow. "Queen Allemand, my lord wishes to speak with you," he said.

Maire-Claire nodded politely to acknowledge the request and then excused herself from her company. She followed the aide back to where the King was standing. "Well, I didn't think we would be occupying similar positions at this summit, but thanks to that madman Archbishop, I believe we have only one position to occupy. We are all united against his leadership, non?"

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"Drink?"

Kregore frowns and squints at Adona in confusion. This man’s clearly lying to him. He’s no god, nor does he even look like one. Perhaps he’s one of those crazy street preachers that proclaim themselves to be some divine power sent to “cleanse iniquity” before getting stomped into the mud themselves. He’s lost count of the amount of times he’s had to oversee the clean up of the aftermath.

“IF JOU KNO’ WHO I AM, JOU’D KNO’ I DO NOT LIKE BEING LIED TO.” he growls at him. “AN’ THAT I DO NOT LIKE WHISKIE.”

He folds his arms; letting Adona know his patience is depleting. “NOW, WHAT IS IT DAT JOU WANT FROM ME?”

Meanwhile, Langa nods at Undite as she speaks to Aleister.

"...Right now, emotions are blinding several of us. Tensions are high...and you're not exactly making things easy here. You just demanded that if you stepped down, that every leader on this continent to step down with you...Do you realize what that would do? Things would be thrown into a state of chaos...and more chaos is what we don't need right now..."

“She’s right.” he says. “Honestly between you and I, I don’t like any of these old families and leaders, and I wish they could all just die off just as much as you want them to. Even my own cousin isn’t an exception to that. But, from where you stand... where we stand right now with what truly little we both have at the moment, we don’t have much of a choice but to work with them towards peace for our kind. They’re scum, they’re pretentious, they’re full of themselves, yes, but they’re the only ones all of Adonia will listen to right now. You can’t expect them to dance to your tune so easily until you have them all standing well and fully within your shadow.” He takes a sip from his canteen.

“Make no mistake, Archbishop, I am not going against you, but I speak from experience from having to be in a position like this myself. Such is a lesson the Ridge had taught me long ago.“

 

[Infab]

Adona shrugged. "Ah well...I did walk in here covered in a green inferno. Not much else could convince you, I'm afraid. I could tell you in about two and a half minutes, a woman in full plate armor will walk in here named Dame Rebecca Witlocke. I could tell you in about seven minutes, someone above us will cough and spill their drink on the person in front of them. They'll jump up, shout obscenities, and accidentally drop their glasses over the railing. Which will land on the table there near where your friend is, startling him. And that the last cigarette in your pack of cigarettes is actually broken in half due to terrible production standards at the factory that produced them in Northwestern Escaria two months ago."

He smiled again. "Or I could do this." he said, before snapping his fingers. Suddenly, time abruptly stopped around them. Some of the delegation advisors were frozen in mid stride as they walked around the room, others stopped mid conversation. "But it's all on you to believe if I'm a god or not. Remember, though, that I have literally no reason to lie to you." he said, before snapping his fingers again. Time began to flow like normal once more, as if nothing had happened. "Now, as for you...I just wanted to talk, honestly. Its been...several hundred years since I've met another gibborim like you. The last one was a woman...a mighty warrior, who was struck down by an Icon of Sin in the Ancient Era. Really a remarkable being."

---
​

"Well, I didn't think we would be occupying similar positions at this summit, but thanks to that madman Archbishop, I believe we have only one position to occupy. We are all united against his leadership, non?"

"Indeed we are, Marie-Claire. Indeed we are." he said, setting aside his glass after finishing another gulp of bourbon. "I was wondering as to what all you had in mind regarding how we handle this situation. Personally, I think we can proceed with the summit as planned. But we try and cut Aleister and Nocturne out of things a bit. He's clearly insane to think the entire continent will cave to his demands." He glanced over towards the front entrance, taking note of a woman in plate armor talking to his soldiers and some inquisitors, but chose to ignore it and focus on his conversation with the Escarian Queen.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"Or I could do this."

Then time really did stop. Everyone and everything stood still with not even the air breezing around Kregore’s face as he ran around the table trying to get the attention of the living statues of people surrounding him. Even Langa didn’t move a muscle, frozen in place as he was in the middle of talking to Aleister. “LANGA?! LANGA!!” he screams as he waves his hands frantically in front of his face. Langa keeps looking right through him. ‘This is insane...’ And Adona was smiling back at him.

Just as a final test, he pulls out a cigarette and throws it at Adona... only for it to slow down and hang in the air, completely still. Then time resumed, and it bounces on top of the desk Adona’s sitting at.

"Now, as for you...I just wanted to talk, honestly. Its been...several hundred years since I've met another gibborim like you. The last one was a woman...a mighty warrior, who was struck down by an Icon of Sin in the Ancient Era. Really a remarkable being."

Kregore almost doesn’t hear Adona speak as he’s still in surprise at what just happened. Time just suddenly stopped... And this couldn’t have been a coordinated joke on him because even Langa was just as still as everything else was. Maybe, just maybe, there’s truth to what Adona’s saying after all. His rage fizzles out and his naturally serious expression comes back.

“AH HAH... IMPRESSIVE.” he means half-sincerely; the other half being caution. “JOU HAVE MY ATTENTION NOW.” The wooden seat next to Adona makes a light screech as Kregore pulls and sits in it. “I WILL SIT WITH JOU.”

Now seated, he rubs his face under his hood still trying to figure out if this was some sort of trick. Then he looks at Adona, looking less angry than he did before. “AN’ I AM NOT THIS TING YOU AND ANOTHER SAY IS A ‘GIBBORIM’. I AM ONLY AN ‘INNIE’.”

 

[Breadman]

"I wouldn't worry about Camille." Theodore spoke, eyes focused towards Royland, who was now speaking with Velin "She's not the one with the violent devotion and magic sword on hand." He turned to the huntress "I'm curious, when you turned over your weapons, did anyone loudly announce what they were?"

"I...Yes, my lady." Her words were like wine to him. The anger and rage that he felt moments ago subsided with calm and the ever familiar sense of pride. Her devotion to carry every burden possible to atone for mistakes she may have made was inspirational. The strength of character needed was what he needed to channel for his own duty. Years of devotion to her cause had given him the distinction needed to prove his worth. He couldn't fail her, not with the tasks she had entrusted him with. For that he needed to remain calm and keep his mind clear. He couldn't afford to make mistakes out of anger, no matter how righteous it might be. "I thank you for your trust. I will continue to serve with the same loyalty and strength that you give me."

Ser Royland, Lady Velin, there's a Dame Rebecca Witlocke at the front entrance. She says she's a Knight Commander and 'Templar of the Vigilant Order'.

The knight turned his head towards the man. The helm hid the shock the name produced. Her? Now? We're the hands of fate writing a joke? Did this man come down with momentary madness?

The Third Templar?!"

His goddess was equally stunned.
"Let her in." His voice dropped, nearly growling while saying the words to the inquisitor. He didn't want to, but if she was just left outside the courthouse, it would result in a scene that would further undermine them. His hand once again rested on the hilt of his sword.

 

[Infab]

"Ah, but you are." said Adona, before taking another drink from his glass. "A gibborim is what you get when a demon and an angel have a child together. I'm sure you've noticed that you're considerably different...and far more powerful than everyone else on your island. Yet, even with the blood of the angels and the demons flowing through you...you're not bound to either realm. Heaven does not call to you, nor the Abyss. The Mortal realm is your home...but you are free to visit either of the others at will. That's...something you'll figure out in time."

He paused for a few moments, glancing towards the door. And soon enough, there was the blonde woman in plate armor that he had spoken of. "That's one prediction down. Right on time." he said, grinning slightly.

------
​

The inquisitor bowed to Ser Royland and Velin, before turning about quickly and moving towards the front entrance. With a simple wave of the hand, Rebecca was allowed through. She was lead through the building, eventually arriving in the central hall. She paused as she entered the room, looking about at the various delegates and individuals moving about. A rather interesting gathering indeed. She smiled at those that looked towards her, as her sheath-less sword was held by the blade firmly in her grip in her off hand. She could pick out all three gods with ease, their powerful auras drawing her eyes to them. Adona simply waved to her, and she slightly bowed to him before looking towards Velin.

For those in the room that could notice auras, the woman that walked in bore a powerful aura of almost an angelic nature. It wasn't like Cassiel's aura, however, as she still felt very human. Its just...she felt pure. Saintly, even. She stepped through the room, moving towards where Velin and Royland stood. She smiled at them both, and bowed to Velin. "Lady Velin. An honor, and privilage, to greet thee in the flesh." she said, as she remained bent over. Velin studied the woman for a few moments, still a bit wide-eyed, before nodding slowly. "...Yes. A privilege to meet you as well, Templar." she said, glancing to Royland. Rebecca straightened up, before looking to Royland. "Ah, Ser Royland! Time hath been kind to thee, it seems!" she stated, grinning.

 

[Dmaster]

"Fortunately I am speaking of justice, not senseless violence." Camille replied to Rosanna with a shake of her head. "There is not a single ounce of remorse for what he has done, and his proposals are beyond insane." Her fingertips rose to her forehead, her gaze suddenly on the floor as she shook her head subtly. "It is good to see you too, Rosanna, thank you." the huntress said as she looked to both Theodore and her once again. "Seeing you would be some surprise yet most everything was explained by you being with Adona of all people."

Camille seemed confused by Theodore's statement and the question that followed, momentarily perplexed. "Announced it? Non... Perhaps they were too embarrassed to after I yelled at them for doing so?" she theorized. "And who are you talking about, exactly?"

Just then, this new woman in plate armor arrived which prompted an inquisitive squint from Camille. Another knight from Velin's Order? With a sigh she watched the exchange carefully, cursing herself for once expecting this summit to be smooth, let alone normal. She had expected the chaos sure, but something seemed significant about this woman popping in unannounced, especially in armor such as that.

As the huntress scrutinized Dame Witlocke the aide from the Escarian delegation politely interrupted before briefly describing Queen Marie-Claire's offer. A small smile appeared on Camille's lips as she nodded her head.

"The leader of the Escarian Hunter's Guild? Why I would be honored... Though I may have trouble finding hunters to start it." she replies before shrugging her shoulders. "Ones with standards and not doing it for the 'sport' of things, mostly, if any at all. Nevertheless, I will do the best I can to serve Her Highness."

With that the aide nodded promptly and returned to the delegation outside, ready to relay the news of the huntress' acceptance.

 

[Breadman]

"Speaking of the knight currently speaking with Velin." Theodore pointed towards Royland. "We're not exactly friendly with him. Given your own criticism of his patron goddess, you're probably not in reverence either." The scholar was a bit perplexed by the knight currently. He wasn't like this yesterday in front of the class, but maybe he was putting on an act?

He went silent when the second knight walked in. There was something about her that drew attention her way. She clearly knew Velin and Royland, but Theodore was in a position where he had no idea who this could be or possibly what she is.

"Aye, lady Witlocke, it's been a hard few centuries, but I manage." Royland answered, having regained his composure. "I can only guess that you came for the summit?"

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"A gibborim is what you get when a demon and an angel have a child together. I'm sure you've noticed that you're considerably different...and far more powerful than everyone else on your island. Yet, even with the blood of the angels and the demons flowing through you...you're not bound to either realm. Heaven does not call to you, nor the Abyss. The Mortal realm is your home...but you are free to visit either of the others at will. That's...something you'll figure out in time."

The words just slide out of Kregore’s ears like mud. Ratka has already given him far beyond his fill of this ‘gib-o-rim’ nonsense. She keeps telling him he’s more than what he thinks, but he doesn’t care nor has he really noticed any difference that separates him from his Warder comrades beyond his size. He didn’t listen to her then, and he’s not going to listen to it now; not even if it comes from someone who might actually be backed by real power.

“JOU SOUND LIKE A NUNNIE I KNOW, GOMGAT. SHE SAY THE SAME THING JOU SAY, THAT I AM THIS GIBBORIM AN’ HEAVEN AN’ THE ABYSS ARE MY HOMES. YET NEITHER OF JOU WILL UNDERSTAND. THIS ‘MORTAL REALM’, THIS ‘HEAVEN’, THIS ‘ABYSS’ OR WHATEVER DIE FOKK JOU CALL IT, NONE OF IT IS MY HOME AN’ IT WILL NEVER BE MY HOME. THE RIDGE IS THE ONLY LAND I WILL CALL HOME, AN’ THIS WILL BE SO EVEN WHEN I DIE. I LIVE THERE, I FIGHT THERE, I KILL THERE, I FUCK THERE, AN’ I WILL DIE THERE WIT’ ALL MY DESIRES FILLED, AN’ ALL MY WANTS SATISFIED. THERE IS NO LAND ELSEWHERE THAT CAN GIVE ME WHAT I WANT.“

His bloodshot eyes look right into Adona’s own. Buried deep within his golden irises, if Adona could see past the veins, is a proud reflection of all the violence and pain he’s inflicted onto too many people.

“IF JOU KNOW ME TRULY WELL AS JOU SAY, JOU WILL KNOW I DO NOT WANT TO BE ANYONE, ANYTHING, ANYWHERE ELSE.”

 

[Infab]

Adona nodded slowly, staring at Kregore for a moment. It was as if he was staring off into space, before refocusing on the gibborim. "...Well, enjoy while you can, Kregore. I don't control fate...but I can see what fate brings. And fate has prepared something far greater for you." He smiled once more, before motioning towards Langa. "I won't bother you much more. Relax, and enjoy the show." he said, pouring a little more whiskey into his glass. He then looked over to where Rebecca was, studying the knight as she spoke to Velin and Royland.

"I can only guess that you came for the summit?"

Rebecca gently shook her head. "Truthfully, I am not. I came in search of aid, as I woke up in a poor serf's field in northern Atraca. Once I regained mine composure, I set off upon a journey to Eternis...Perhaps the Gods or the elders of the Order would know why I am here. I changed my route when I learned of this particular summit." she explained, looking around the room at the others. She then winced a bit, her right hand moving to her side. "...I am also injured...The last thing I can recall be my struggle against Sazak...and collapsing upon finishing my duties as ordained by Raziel."

Velin gazed at Rebecca for a moment, before speaking. "...Dame Witlocke...You died after completing the spell. The wounds that Sazak inflicted on you killed you in the end." she said softly, looking down to Rebecca's side. Rebecca looked to her former goddess, her slightly cheerful expression fading quickly. "I...I perished? Truthfully?" she replied, her voice filled with confusion...and worry. "...W-Why am I here, then, Lady Velin?" Velin looked to Royland briefly, before looking back to Rebecca. "Sazak...managed to find the Ring of Adona as well as my Executioner Blade. He's used the ring numerous times, leading to fluctuations in time...You're here because of him."

Rebecca's eyes slowly traveled from Velin to the floor. Sazak did this? Was he trying to break the binding? Or was it something more? "...When I defeated that wretched creature, I should have slew him post haste...Instead, I banished him back to the darkest Abyss. And now, he runneth amok once more." she muttered, her grip on her sword tightening. Velin nodded slowly. "...We're still trying to locate him. And we have a group of individuals in the Abyss attempting to retrieve the artifacts. As well as your descendant, whom he used to claim them." Rebecca's head snapped back up, her gaze locked onto Velin. Wild eyed. "M-My...My descendant?"

Cassiel soon spoke up, having walked over to where the three were standing. "Yes, Dame Witlocke. Her name is Valeria. She is also a member of the Vigilant Order, a Senior Inquisitor in fact." he explained. Rebecca looked around to the angel, trying to comprehend all this information. Sazak had used her descendant to find the artifacts and claim them. How did he know she even had a descendant?!

"I-I...Dearest me, I need to sit." she said, her hand moving to her head as she stepped over and sat down in one of the empty seats nearby. "Just rest for now, Dame Witlocke." said Cassiel, before noticing the blood that was now running through the cracks in her armor and down her leg. Oh dear. "Better yet, please. Come with me over here. I will tend to your wounds." he said, quickly stepping over and helping the Knight up and across the room near where Rosanna, Theodore, and Camille were standing. Once there, he sat her down in an empty advisor's chair and began to strip her plate armor off to access her torso. Meanwhile, she glanced up to Rosanna, Theodore, and Camille. "...My apologies, sir and ladies. I doth not mean to intrude into thy conversation." she said, with a wince as the pauldrons were removed. "I am Dame Rebecca Witlocke. Knight Commander, and Templar of the Vigilant Order."

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"...Well, enjoy while you can, Kregore. I don't control fate...but I can see what fate brings. And fate has prepared something far greater for you."

Kregore scoffs back at him with a sneer. “AN’ I SAID, I DO NOT LIKE BEING LIED TO. THIS TING CALLED ‘FATE’ IS A LIE, MENEER, IT IS NOT EXISTING! IT IS SOME DOMKAK EXCUSE BY WEAK MEN TO NOT FIGHT BACK. TO ACCEPT WHY TINGS ARE THE WAY THEY ARE. OR ELSE YOU MEAN TO SAY, ALL I HAVE RIPPED, AN’ CUT, AN’ RAVAGED, AN’ KILLED WAS MEANT TO BE?... HA HA HA...” The way Kregore laughs is somehow even worse than how he talks. “OI, SAY TO A MAN I MADE INTO MY FOKKPUNK DAT WAS HIS FATE, AN’ SEE IF HE BELIEVES THAT BULLSHIT.”

With nothing more to say to Adona, he gets up, kicks the chair out underneath him, and walks off back towards Langa shaking his head.

 

[Breadman]

...My apologies, sir and ladies. I doth not mean to intrude into thy conversation.

"Madame, it's quite alright, given your condition." Theodore began to assure the lady knight

I am Dame Rebecca Witlocke. Knight Commander, and Templar of the Vigilant Order.

"..." He blinked rapidly for a second "Come again?"

At the same time Royland observed Cassiel take her away with caution. The time warp had brought forth chaos, but he never predicted that one of the saints would come back. There was still a possibility this was a trick. Another one of Sazak's games. The creature was a master manipulator and one of their worst rivals. And yet at the same time, why would he risk the wounds? And Velin surely would have detected his taint if it was him. He turned to his patron goddess, hoping there would be some answer to this.

"What do we do now?"