Fantasy Is The Demon Lord A Myth [Arcanepunk High Fantasy]

[TanteRegenbogen]

When Sasha took her leave to speak with Lady Aevith, Ephelina smiled and waved as she said: "Hope to see you at the festival!" As she passed Gerard, Ephelina muttered: "Hmm. You look familiar. Could be one of the Abalithe locals? Or maybe someone from long ago. Anyways, I need to wrap the ceremony up so we can get on with the festival."

Ephelina went back to the front to finish processing blessings. Once she was through with all the blessings, there was a final dance that not only featured all dancers, but the followers could also partake in the dance. [Melody] A large part of the crowd participated merrily. The dance began to move the people outside with Ephelina leading the parade towards the adventurer's guild. But before exiting the temple, Ephelina's hair graduality returned to it's brown color as she entered the late afternoon sunlight.

As the parade made it's way through the city, there were many onlookers. Many very curious as events of this kind were only usual for the festivals of lesser known deities. The festivals for larger deities tended to be more formal and less "fun", at least when it came to the capital. Of course, in rural areas and in places like Abalithe festivals for larger deities were more like festivals and less like long ceremonies.

Eventually, the parade got to the adventurer's guild which was maybe a ten minute walk from the temple. At training ground number three, everything was already set up with plenty of seating, many food stalls and even some game stalls. At the front, there was a stage for entertainment. Off to the side but pretty far to the front was a seat for Ephelina and possible entourage such as the two clergy of the other ogre deities, elected assistants to the shrine and community leaders.

As the dancing ended, the crowd dispersed to down their own things at the festival. Ephelina handed out tokens to the poorest of the community for free food and a card for three free games at the game stall. The token also enabled to do games at a discounted price. There were however plenty of games that were part of the festival such as tug of war, running games and the highlight in which teams would build huts and jump on opponents huts to try to bring them down.

Ephelina continued to go around to talk with people.

 

[Ginko The Mushishi]

Prodigy Adventurer

Calcifer A. Bernhard

Festival Blues

Festival Grounds

Calcifer found himself pulled into song and dance, though he looked rather out of place. His straight faced expression and dull eyes expressed no enjoyment with doing so. For the most part, his participation was that of clapping lazily along with the others. The walk towards the Adventurer's Guild was a short 10 minute commute. In the end, Calcifer was glad it had ended with the people dispersing to their own devices, and allowed Calcifer to remain in that regal solitude he so desperately loved. In time, the young man found himself face to face with an associate.

High Priestess Elphelina.

It wouldn't kill him to make an attempt at small talk, he supposed. Nor would it be a total drag compared to most of the day had been. The only highlight for him was Rurra's words, which continued to run on repeat in his ears. The Demon King would return... He would make sure he faced the Demon King, no matter what it took. There was nothing that would stop him from achieving his goals..

"Elphelina." Calcifer greeted her with a nod, placing one hand over his side and giving a formal bow to her once he caught her attention.

"I'm sure you're enjoying the festivities. I have still yet to immerse myself, it seems... I'll find something that will kill my time until the next job, though. Standing around seems so useless when there's contracts to be taken up, I'd like to think." He sighed as he crossed his arms. Observing the festival with his dull eyes.

Interactions: TanteRegenbogen

Code by Serobliss

 

[Rcticwolf]

Daylight Fantasy Ginko The Mushishi Moonberry TanteRegenbogen

Rys and Ria wondered around the guild hall enjoying the festivities and the food, while occasionally looking at the job board for a task that needed their particular skills. However they made not of those that had showed up and so the Elf man Mercer, they easily spotted Gerard and Kyros, and the strangely appeared Calcifer.

“That one definitely has an intense look about him, maybe he wants to be Rurra’s champion or something” Ria stated

“Maybe, but I think it’s more of a status ideal, hopefully he doesn’t turn out to be a jerk” Rys added

“I still don’t see the other priestess, the one that had only her left arm” Ria replied

“Her name is Sasha, and I agree, she doesn’t seem to be here, perhaps she didn’t want to come after all, or she’s really good at hiding” Rys stated

The two girls continued their mingling as they went around looking at people and barely chatting unless they were adventurers.

Sasha had indeed not shown up yet…

 

[Daylight Fantasy]

Watching Sasha as she walked off from the corner of his eye, Mercher didn't bother engaging much into festivities. Looking around the festival, Mercher thought that he stood out like a sore thumb considering his status. With no interest in interacting with the others around him, Mercher made his way to search for a more reserved and quiet area of the festival when he saw some of the others made their way. He'd thought about going back into the forest but quickly shook the idea, considering the possible outcome that he'd may be coming out of the forest far past the festival's end.

In the end, he spots a small clearing near an adventurer's guild. A small wave of relief washed over him as he Make his way to his destination when he saw Elphelina with a rather dull male together in the corner of his eye. Nodding a bit in respect, he continued his way out.

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

Ephelina was soon approached by Calcifer, a believer who occasionally stopped by the city shrine. In fact, it was possible Calcifer's entire family were followers of Rurra. He greeted her and tried some small talk, expressing that he had time to kill until his next contract. Ephelina wondered if Calcifer considered becoming Rurra's champion. "Is that so? I've been wondering whether you are interested in the Rurra's champion thing. I am not saying you are chosen, but I think you'd be a candidate." Ephelina said.

Ephelina then saw the two beastkin girls and smiled, waving to them. "Aren't those girls adorable. A keen eye would identify them as beastkin, but all sentient species are equal in Rurra's eyes. That is what I don't understand about some of the clergy of the main deities. They have abandoned the word of Aevith and think orcs, ogres and beastkin are lesser beings even though humans and elves are the more fragile species." She said. The thought made her think of Sasha. Sasha's absence made her worry a little. It gave her an idea as she tried to wave over the beastkin girls. She'd have them go look for Sasha for her if they were willing.

Mercher the elf was spotted near a clearing near the guild. He nodded towards Ephelina before continuing towards the forest. Ephelina wondered why he was heading towards the forest as they had originally planned to help heal the little wind deity during the festival.

 

[Rcticwolf]

Ephelina was soon approached by Calcifer, a believer who occasionally stopped by the city shrine. In fact, it was possible Calcifer's entire family were followers of Rurra. He greeted her and tried some small talk, expressing that he had time to kill until his next contract. Ephelina wondered if Calcifer considered becoming Rurra's champion. "Is that so? I've been wondering whether you are interested in the Rurra's champion thing. I am not saying you are chosen, but I think you'd be a candidate." Ephelina said.

Ephelina then saw the two beastkin girls and smiled, waving to them. "Aren't those girls adorable. A keen eye would identify them as beastkin, but all sentient species are equal in Rurra's eyes. That is what I don't understand about some of the clergy of the main deities. They have abandoned the word of Aevith and think orcs, ogres and beastkin are lesser beings even though humans and elves are the more fragile species." She said. The thought made her think of Sasha. Sasha's absence made her worry a little. It gave her an idea as she tried to wave over the beastkin girls. She'd have them go look for Sasha for her if they were willing.

Mercher the elf was spotted near a clearing near the guild. He nodded towards Ephelina before continuing towards the forest. Ephelina wondered why he was heading towards the forest as they had originally planned to help heal the little wind deity during the festival.

Rys and Ria avoided most of the festivities after getting their fill of food as they searched for the representative of the assassins guild, but they saw that Ephelina was beginning them over and they approached her cautiously.

“How can we help you Lady Ephelina?” Rys asked

Ria stood next to her sister quietly as she looked at the priestess, still on the fence about trusting her.

Sasha in the meantime was in the midst of an argument with a bishop at the cathedral.

“I’m sorry Bishop, but I am going, I have an old friend to meet” Sasha stated

 

[Ginko The Mushishi]

Prodigy Adventurer

Calcifer A. Bernhard

Festival Blues

Festival Grounds

"If you'd expect me to pass on the offer of being a candidate I would say you might have a few loose screws." Calcifer commented with a smirk.
"Yes, I will be attending as a candidate. That I get the chance to prove my abilities capable of taking down the Demon Lord, is worth every bit of hard work I've tended towards since I was the youngest adventurer in my Clan. All I can ask for is Rurra's noble blessing."

Calcifer gleaned towards the two beastkin Elphelina mentioned, and looked down at her as she spoke. "I do not condone or consider any species lesser than myself. I suppose I have Rurra and my own Clan to thank for such a viewpoint. Perhaps other deities are just narrow-minded." Calcifer concluded.

When Rys and Ria were called over, Calcifer remained rather stationary. Not an inch in his body moved as he watched them. His dull eyes scanned them over with mild interest into what skills they held. Perhaps he could acquire some understanding of their skills through their choice of clothing, or perhaps any weapons present on their person. While observing them all he could glean from their attire were that they were merchants.

They wore clothes that modestly hid most of their features, he wasn't sure if he was staring at a clothes rack- or actual people. All the same, he gave them a curt nod to show his professionalism. If Ephelina speaks true that these two girls were beastkin: Calcifer wouldn't have cared to notice.

Interactions: TanteRegenbogen Rcticwolf

Code by Serobliss

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

"That's what I like to hear." Ephelina said with a smile to Calcifer. "I am certain you could contend for the first place."

Once Rhys and Ria had cautiously approached Ephelina and asked how they could help her, Ephelina spoke: "I am concerned about The Saintess Lady Sasha. I have a feeling you may have the skill to fulfill my request. If you could go check on Lady Sasha's welfare for me. If there is any trouble alarm me. If you do that for me, I will give you plenty of food or maybe another reward of your choice." Ephelina gave them a wink afterwards.

(Sorry for short post.)

 

[Rcticwolf]

"That's what I like to hear." Ephelina said with a smile to Calcifer. "I am certain you could contend for the first place."

Once Rhys and Ria had cautiously approached Ephelina and asked how they could help her, Ephelina spoke: "I am concerned about The Saintess Lady Sasha. I have a feeling you may have the skill to fulfill my request. If you could go check on Lady Sasha's welfare for me. If there is any trouble alarm me. If you do that for me, I will give you plenty of food or maybe another reward of your choice." Ephelina gave them a wink afterwards.

(Sorry for short post.)

The two wolfkin looked at each other before looking back at Ephelina. “Sneaking into the cathedral will be difficult, are you sure this is what you want?” Rys asked

“We can do it, but there could be casualties…” Ria added

(Eh screw it, can’t remember any of my other ideas)

The door to the adventurers guild suddenly burst open as knights of Aevith entered “Ephelina! You are under arrest by order of the cardinal, your crime is attempting to subvert the holy high priestess of Aevith!” One of the knights shouted

“Any who aide in this ogre’s betrayal will be dealt with swiftly and painfully” another added

This clearly meant that Sasha was not going to make it to the party and most likely held against her will.

Rys and Ria immediately took a defensive stance, intending to fight back if necessary.

Ginko The Mushishi

 

[Ginko The Mushishi]

Prodigy Adventurer

Calcifer A. Bernhard

The Attack

Festival Grounds

It seemed as if Ephelina asked the two women in front of them to find the whereabouts of Lady Sasha. In the end, that request seemed to be put on hold. Guards from the Adventurer's Guild rushed out to block the surrounding area of Ephelina, the two women, and Calcifer. Though he didn't much care for the reason as to why--it was a mistake that these simple minded fools would come to regret in time. Calcifer's eye twitched. He gently pushed Ria and Rys behind him, in an attempt to keep them out of the way for now.

They would simply be getting in the way.

Calcifer placed a heavy hand atop the shoulder of one of the guards, though he stared intensively at the one. He was speaking to all of them. He made sure to tighten his grip, just to get his point across. "You have two options, only two. I can make it easy for you an answer which one might be your best decision." Calcifer's tone was filled with a bitter disinterest towards the situation, but there was a twinge of annoyance towards what the guards were doing.

"Option 1, you get to run away from me immediately, I'll give you a 5 second head start. If I see you after 5 seconds, I'll come after you. Maybe, just maybe you will survive. But 5 seconds is more than generous, I give all the monsters I kill way less time to run."

"Option 2, well that one is way worse. I'm not above using my powers, and trust me when I say- even the demons I face fear my abyssal powers. Do you have any loved ones? Say goodbye to them once I seal you all into my sword. You'll only know eternal suffering nor know any peace in the afterlife. Forced to bear the seething pain of my cold flames. Pick your options wisely, I am not in the mood to offer you any other. Just know that option 1 allows you another day at life."

Calcifer was still ready for a battle, if need be.

Interactions: TanteRegenbogen Rcticwolf

Code by Serobliss

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

As the knights of Aevith burst into the festivities to arrest Ephelina, Calcifer already began threatening them. Ephelina though it was daft of the knights not only to call her just simply Ephelina without any respect or formal titles, but also to try to arrest her despite knowing of temple rules. A cardinal of another deity was in no position to order the arrest of a high priestess. The only authority for such an action would be the council of high clergy, meaning at least half of the high priests and high priestesses were needed to order an arrest.

Ephelina's patience with the rule breaking corrupt clergy was running thin. Her aura made the air in the area seem heavy, her eyes emitted an eerie glow and the dark abyssal aura of Ephelina became apparent as she spoke: "As paladins you should be aware of the rules and formalities. What makes you think the cardinal has the authority to order my arrest? Is he growing afraid that I might influence the person he used as a puppet? I think it might be time for a purge once I have taken the cardinal to the gates of the deepest layer of the abyss."

The knights drew closer as Ephelina warned them: "Sheath your weapons if you don't want to go to the abyss before the cardinal." Nonetheless, a knight got pretty close to her and reached out to grab her. Again she spoke: "If you lay one finger on me, I will show you what I can do with a single finger." Ignoring her warnings, the knight grabbed her arm. She responded by flicking his forehead with a powerful flick, stunning him. The knight seized up and dropped to the ground like a wooden plank. "You should have listened." Ephelina said.

She turned to Calcifer and asked him: "Can I entrust you the duty of protecting Rurra's followers? I have to enact justice and save a damsel in distress. I am sure you are the one for the job."

Ephelina walked past the knight who avoided approaching her. She made her way to the temple where more knights were assembled. Again she reminded them of the laws of the temple and neutralized anyone who attacked nonetheless. Of course, not to scare any clergy, she made use of a non-lethal method of dispatching assailants. Some knight could be "just following orders" and would get a lighter punishment.

One of the knights seeing the high priest of Fira pass by, requested his help: "Wont you do something? She is clearly going rogue!" "I am just observing. As much as that ogress is an annoyance, I am sure that whoever slighted the high priestess will get their come-uppings. She doesn't just do things for no reason." The high priest of Fira said as he smirked. In the end, in the entrance hall, a few knights found their feet sunk into the stone floor, a few were unconscious on the floor and the rest trembled as Ephelina made her way past them.

Ephelina then called out loud: "Cardinal! The abyss calls for you! I will come and free high priestess Sasha from your grip and purge the corrupt from the temple!"

 

[Rcticwolf]

As the knights of Aevith burst into the festivities to arrest Ephelina, Calcifer already began threatening them. Ephelina though it was daft of the knights not only to call her just simply Ephelina without any respect or formal titles, but also to try to arrest her despite knowing of temple rules. A cardinal of another deity was in no position to order the arrest of a high priestess. The only authority for such an action would be the council of high clergy, meaning at least half of the high priests and high priestesses were needed to order an arrest.

Ephelina's patience with the rule breaking corrupt clergy was running thin. Her aura made the air in the area seem heavy, her eyes emitted an eerie glow and the dark abyssal aura of Ephelina became apparent as she spoke: "As paladins you should be aware of the rules and formalities. What makes you think the cardinal has the authority to order my arrest? Is he growing afraid that I might influence the person he used as a puppet? I think it might be time for a purge once I have taken the cardinal to the gates of the deepest layer of the abyss."

The knights drew closer as Ephelina warned them: "Sheath your weapons if you don't want to go to the abyss before the cardinal." Nonetheless, a knight got pretty close to her and reached out to grab her. Again she spoke: "If you lay one finger on me, I will show you what I can do with a single finger." Ignoring her warnings, the knight grabbed her arm. She responded by flicking his forehead with a powerful flick, stunning him. The knight seized up and dropped to the ground like a wooden plank. "You should have listened." Ephelina said.

She turned to Calcifer and asked him: "Can I entrust you the duty of protecting Rurra's followers? I have to enact justice and save a damsel in distress. I am sure you are the one for the job."

Ephelina walked past the knight who avoided approaching her. She made her way to the temple where more knights were assembled. Again she reminded them of the laws of the temple and neutralized anyone who attacked nonetheless. Of course, not to scare any clergy, she made use of a non-lethal method of dispatching assailants. Some knight could be "just following orders" and would get a lighter punishment.

One of the knights seeing the high priest of Fira pass by, requested his help: "Wont you do something? She is clearly going rogue!" "I am just observing. As much as that ogress is an annoyance, I am sure that whoever slighted the high priestess will get their come-uppings. She doesn't just do things for no reason." The high priest of Fira said as he smirked. In the end, in the entrance hall, a few knights found their feet sunk into the stone floor, a few were unconscious on the floor and the rest trembled as Ephelina made her way past them.

Ephelina then called out loud: "Cardinal! The abyss calls for you! I will come and free high priestess Sasha from your grip and purge the corrupt from the temple!"

Ginko The Mushishi

Once Ephelina stepped into the great Cathedral she was once again surrounded by knights and paladins of Aevith as the cardinal stood upon the balcony above them. “Ephesians, you have pressed your luck for the last time, you have been nothing but a thorn in the side of the followers of Aevith.” He stated as he glared at her.

“And now you’ve tried to take our high priestess away from us, to corrupt our faith, if the great Aevith were here now she would strike you down where you stand for trying to subvert her faithful.” He shouted, the knights and paladins kept their distance from Ephelina but still keeping an eye on her.

While they all were distracted, Rys and Ria were outside the Cathedral, scaling the side of the building. “So why are we here again?” Ria asked

“We are doing the task that Lady Ephelina gave us, albeit with a slightly different objective, instead of just gathering information, we are going to try and save Lady Sasha while Lady Ephelina deals with the corrupted Cardinal.” Rys replied

“Right, but first we need to find a way in then find out where her room is right?” She asked

“Yes, the way in will have to be one of those windows near the top, we will have to break it open” Rys added

The two wolfing reached the window and broke it open, no resistance encountered as they began sneaking through the halls trying to find the room that held the high priestess.

Sasha stood at the door of her room hitting the door with her hand and shouting to the guards outside. “I command you to release me!” She demanded

The guards ignored her and stayed put, Rys and Ria readied themselves before lunging at them with knives coated in poison. Ria jumped and bounded off the wall before stabbing her knife Into one guards neck, while Rys slide across the floor and stabbed into the exposed joint of the knee before slicing up towards the family jewels.

The two guards dropped to the floor foaming from the mouth and bleeding from their injuries seconds later and dying.

The girls then opened up Sasha’s room and smiled at her, telling her of what was going on. After hearing she ran from her room and headed towards where Ephelina was, with the two girls following behind her.

The cardinal glared at the ogress, after watching her dispatch most of the knights and paladins.

“Why is there always someone trying to ruin my plans, why can’t you just die like the one before you?!” He shouted “At least he went down easy, I simply sent him to battle and he died, it was easy enough to do, but you are such a pain” he groaned afterward.

Unbeknownst to the cardinal as he went on about his actions against Felis, and what he did to keep Sasha under his thumb, the air in the room began to grow colder and colder.

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

As the cardinal revealed himself, complaining that Ephelina was in his way and mentioning that he sent someone in the past to his death in battle, because that person was in the way, probably it being a mention of Felis. Ephelina shot back: "How you do know that person died? Did you ever find a corpse? If that person went by the name of Felis Alemaster, then I guess I am his vengeful ghost. It complicates things a little when you are reborn as the opposite gender and as an ogre instead of an elf. No one recognizes you anymore so you have to go by a different name. Do you want to go to the abyss and see if you find the soul of Adept Alemaster there? It would be a pointless search though as he didn't stay dead for long."

Ephelina felt the air get colder. "It seems like someone was finally freed. I guess the girls did a good job. Now should I deal with you and give you the punishment you deserve or should I let her punish you instead?" She spoke. Ephelina then shouted: "Should I punish the cardinal or would you like to do it Sasha?" A smile come on her face as she awaited the response of Sasha, who was on her way to their location.

 

[Rcticwolf]

As the cardinal revealed himself, complaining that Ephelina was in his way and mentioning that he sent someone in the past to his death in battle, because that person was in the way, probably it being a mention of Felis. Ephelina shot back: "How you do know that person died? Did you ever find a corpse? If that person went by the name of Felis Alemaster, then I guess I am his vengeful ghost. It complicates things a little when you are reborn as the opposite gender and as an ogre instead of an elf. No one recognizes you anymore so you have to go by a different name. Do you want to go to the abyss and see if you find the soul of Adept Alemaster there? It would be a pointless search though as he didn't stay dead for long."

Ephelina felt the air get colder. "It seems like someone was finally freed. I guess the girls did a good job. Now should I deal with you and give you the punishment you deserve or should I let her punish you instead?" She spoke. Ephelina then shouted: "Should I punish the cardinal or would you like to do it Sasha?" A smile come on her face as she awaited the response of Sasha, who was on her way to their location.

The cardinal stopped and glared at Ephelina “you think you can fool me? Of course there was no body, he died and was subsequently eradicated, no god would waste their breath on protecting that useless boy” the cardinal sighed “a shame really, I could’ve made use of him in other ways, but alas, getting to close to the high priestess made him a threat” he looked at Ephelina “why do you care? Did you know him?”

Before she could answer he felt the cold front emerging from behind, he heard Ephelina’s words to Sasha not believing them at first, but the cold forced him to turn, which upon doing so saw Sasha standing behind him, her hand gripping her scepter that she hardly ever held.

“Cardinal… I am very ashamed of you, the faith of Aevith was meant to be a beacon of hope for those without any and you have gone and corrupted those that served under you, I appreciate what you have done for me, I don’t know where I would be if you hadn’t taken me in that day, you’ve raised me to bear the honor of Aevith herself, but to see you like this is just… shameful, I take no pleasure in this but I hereby declare you as excommunicated” she replied

“Excommunicated?! You can’t do that! Without me you wouldn’t be able to control the masses, you wouldn’t be able to keep the church together, you couldn’t even know what to do without me!” He shouted

“Silence! I have had enough of your corruption, now except your punishment or face my wrath” she replied

The cardinal turned towards some of the knights that were still alive “seize the high priestess and kill that damn ogre, I will not…” before he could finish his sentence Sasha had placed her scepter in the middle of his back before freezing him instantly, his face frozen mid word before she gave an almighty whack with the rod, shattering the frozen man into pieces.

 

[Ginko The Mushishi]

Prodigy Adventurer

Calcifer A. Bernhard

Guard Duty

Temple

Calcifer took the words Ephelina into consideration. With Ephelina and the two others working on whatever the hell is going on, Calcifer would be just fine taking on the objective of protecting the followers. It only took him a few minutes to divert people's attention away from the situation at hand. Afterwards, Calcifer crossed his arms beside the Temple, keeping anyone from going in or going out. Once he was assured the situation would die down, he'd lower his guard. Ephelina spoke of saving a damsel in distress? Perhaps he had not been informed of all the happenings recently.

Nonetheless, if Ephelina was interested in saving someone, far be it from Calcifer to judge that decision, or find fault in it. Calcifer has never had to worry about someone else like that. He had always fought on his own, and needed nobody to slow him down. Even escort missions were done all by Calcifer's lonesome, with no need to complicate situations even more...He had always been strong enough to hold his own.
Perhaps that is what gave Ephelina strength, the ability to save someone close to them. Just as Calcifer was finished with his thought, a rolling chill came through. Calcifer grunted quite unamused by it. "Should have brought a scarf..." Calcifer chided himself under his breath.
Interactions: TanteRegenbogen Rcticwolf

Code by Serobliss

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

Ephelina watched with satisfaction as the cardinal got what he deserved. Until the end, he was a pompous snob who thought he was untouchable. Ephelina however hadn't expected Sasha to freeze the cardinal solid and then shatter him. Once it was all over, Ephelina approached Sasha. After a brief pause, Ephelina hugged Sasha. "I was worried about you. Damn that dumb cardinal and his following. I am so glad you are unharmed!" She said.

Ephelina made sure that she wasn't hugging Sasha too tightly. Soon she let got to no smother her. Now that the cardinal was out of the way, it would be much easier rooting out corruption among Aevith's following, however still a lot had to be done. There were at least two bishops that needed punishment too. People lower in the ranks might be able to get off with a lighter punishment such as a demotion or be sent off to a frontier mission. It was all up to Sasha's decision. Ephelina could possibly help Sasha choose trustworthy replacements or in the worst case even call upon Rurra to advise on selections for new cardinals and bishops.

"Sasha. Do you need rest? Otherwise, I would offer my assistance if you need help with combatting corruption in the temple. I know plenty of good souls among your following. And if you want to move that to later, we can go back to the festival to relax. We could maybe even find you an adequate disguise." Ephelina said. Maybe she was going a bit too quickly. She then asked: "Am I overwhelming you? Please tell me if I am. You can be honest with me."

 

[Rcticwolf]

Ephelina watched with satisfaction as the cardinal got what he deserved. Until the end, he was a pompous snob who thought he was untouchable. Ephelina however hadn't expected Sasha to freeze the cardinal solid and then shatter him. Once it was all over, Ephelina approached Sasha. After a brief pause, Ephelina hugged Sasha. "I was worried about you. Damn that dumb cardinal and his following. I am so glad you are unharmed!" She said.

Ephelina made sure that she wasn't hugging Sasha too tightly. Soon she let got to no smother her. Now that the cardinal was out of the way, it would be much easier rooting out corruption among Aevith's following, however still a lot had to be done. There were at least two bishops that needed punishment too. People lower in the ranks might be able to get off with a lighter punishment such as a demotion or be sent off to a frontier mission. It was all up to Sasha's decision. Ephelina could possibly help Sasha choose trustworthy replacements or in the worst case even call upon Rurra to advise on selections for new cardinals and bishops.

"Sasha. Do you need rest? Otherwise, I would offer my assistance if you need help with combatting corruption in the temple. I know plenty of good souls among your following. And if you want to move that to later, we can go back to the festival to relax. We could maybe even find you an adequate disguise." Ephelina said. Maybe she was going a bit too quickly. She then asked: "Am I overwhelming you? Please tell me if I am. You can be honest with me."

Sasha stood there trembling a bit as she tried to fight back tears. “I.. I need some time… away from the church…” she replied before getting hugged by Ephelina. “I will take care of the corruption later, the cardinal will serve as an example” she added and wiped away her tears before looking at some of the remaining followers of the cardinal.

“For those of you that remain, I will give you a task if you wish to avoid punishment, spread this to the farthest of our branches, tell that the cost of corruption is high, if they do not surrender to my will then their punishment will be to face my wrath…” Sasha demanded.

Some of the men just stared at her with stunned expressions, some had already started shaking before turning to leave.

A slight chuckle escaped Sasha’s mouth before she turned back to Ephelina “so shall we return to the guild to continue the festivities?” She asked

 

[Ginko The Mushishi]

Prodigy Adventurer

Calcifer A. Bernhard

Returning to Normal

Temple

Calcifer stood by the temple doors as he watched the two embrace. He allowed them their time for conversation, and then proceeded to cross his arms. "Return to the festivities? Pretty bold of you to appear publicly after you just announced you were going against the church." His eyes dragged towards Ephelina. He sighed, and then looked over to Sasha. "If Ephelina is your friend, then consider me a sword to use in your battles ahead."
Calcifer then looked towards Ria and Rys. "You both are incredible fighters, I see. I would not mind getting to see you both in action at a closer glance."
Calcifer would soon walk with the group, if they intended to go to the guild.
Interactions: TanteRegenbogen Rcticwolf

Code by Serobliss

 

[Rcticwolf]

Prodigy Adventurer

Calcifer A. Bernhard

Returning to Normal

Temple

Calcifer stood by the temple doors as he watched the two embrace. He allowed them their time for conversation, and then proceeded to cross his arms. "Return to the festivities? Pretty bold of you to appear publicly after you just announced you were going against the church." His eyes dragged towards Ephelina. He sighed, and then looked over to Sasha. "If Ephelina is your friend, then consider me a sword to use in your battles ahead."
Calcifer then looked towards Ria and Rys. "You both are incredible fighters, I see. I would not mind getting to see you both in action at a closer glance."
Calcifer would soon walk with the group, if they intended to go to the guild.
Interactions: TanteRegenbogen Rcticwolf

Code by Serobliss

“I appreciate your concern, but I’ll be fine, after all, the corruption in the church needs to be purged, and I will have lady Aevith’s support, and Ephelina will support me as well.” Sasha smiled warmly “however it will take time for this event to reach the rest of the church, so I’ll be fine for now, and on top of that they shouldn’t pose a threat to me in fear of what I might do” she replied

Rys and Ria looked at Calcifer “we aren’t fighters, we prefer peaceful solutions, it’s how we were trained, violence is only a last resort” Rys stated

Sasha looked at Ephelina and gently took her hand “would you be willing to escort me Ephelina?” TanteRegenbogen

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

"Don't worry about it, Calcifer. A large part of the conspirators have been killed already. Additionally, I doubt anyone would try to pick a fight at the adventurer's guild against two high priestesses and a candidate for the champion of Rurra. And you know me, I don't go down easily." Ephelina said to Calcifer. When Sasha took her hand, Ephelina blushed a little. She then replied: "Of course I will escort you back to the festivities. Today is going to be a long evening and we will arise even stronger tomorrow. Though you may need to consider picking a champion to combat the demon lord too when he or she appears."

Ephelina led Sasha and then others back to the festivities where conspirators already lay tied up and ready to be escorted to the dungeons. The crowd cheered as Ephelina, Sasha, Calcifer, Rhys and Ria returned.