Graded [Isekai Hell]-Fairweather Alchemists (PT1)

[Elvario]

Saoirse Desrosiers

Spoiler: Full Image

Mentions: Ryuuji TheTimePiece
Languages: Common | <Beastial>

“Supply and demand.” She replied to Ryuuji's mention of using scarcity to drive up value. “If we wanted to push our luck, we could even sell parts of recipe's to drive up the value of the final pieces even more. Especially if we make it so folk would assume they can fill in the blanks where they can't and would have to come crawling back to us and pay in full.”

She didn't reply to his 'if it becomes bothersome' remark, as it didn't, but she was far to prideful to ever mention a thing like that. She did reply to the other comment. “I'm merely following along.”

She thought a bit about the comparison to the monastery. “The bath there was useful and nice. The room-lay-out was clearly thought-out as well. Allowing for lots of decent sleeping rooms with little wasted space. You're right, there would be some things to learn from the lay-out of their buildings.”

She was glad to be let off out of the dance-floor, but wasn't sure what to do next. Her head was spinning and she needed to lean against the wall for a bit. “I'm fine.” She replied to Ryuuji, annoyed, but not harmed.

Melia Hayward

Spoiler: full image and source

From: Volenna (Event)

​

“It's closed, ma'am. It seems locked, but it doesn't look all that strong. Do you want me to try break though?” Melia called out, after reaching the door up the stairs.

“No, don't!” Saoirse called back. “If this is anything like we were told about, that's guaranteed to be a trap of sorts.” She added. “See if there's anything else around or if anything stands out about it, let me know.”

“Yes ma'am!” Melia would reply, deciding not to kick down the door. She'd observe the door, the frame, as well as the surroundings in general, looking for anything that might suggest an option other than breaking through.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Saoirse was coming up with a theory. She didn't like it. Watching Ryuuji put on the shoes, she noticed they forced him to dance. “A specific routine, you say?” That might confirm it. “Perhaps the door opens if you manage to make it through the dance-floor following that routine... Yet...” This was the part she didn't like. “You'd not be able to lead those blasted dolls.”

She sighed. “Gotta be pragmatic sometimes...” She muttered. “This never leaves this room.” She warned Ryuuji, as she approached him and held out her hands. “My best bet is that we're supposed to learn this dance and use it to outdance the dolls, in order to open that door.” She hoped that she was right, otherwise this would be awkward. “Otherwise there would be little use in the ridiculous set-up of this place.”

Once more, she sighed. “So, as a matter of exception, I'll allow you to lead me through the dance-floor.” She stated, allowing him to take the lead as a dance-partner and following along with the movements. Perhaps the seductive sway of his hips was making this a bit less unbearable than she thought it'd be and made her willing to try... Either way! She'd go for the mission, hoping they'd get onto the dance-floor and outdance the dolls in order to get the door to open for this dancing alchemist.

 

[Femboy]

Lei-Cao Cattlemaricanica Sedimentarius Formatta Taurus
1

Equipped Titles: Beast, Minotaur
Point Booster: Attentive Student (F)
Character Sheet
Elvario Lolory TheTimePiece
Having been enticed by the appearance of a magical letter to join on some strange quest, Lei-Cao was rather curious that some coven of some kind was after the important items that the sender wished to obtain. She didn't much question where the letter had even came from or who sent it, rather intrigued by the diaries it spoke of as well as this 'Scarlet Coven'. Reading each specific detail on the letter, she made her way to set out in hopes that such a quest of unknown origin would prove practical training for her own capabilities. That, and the chance she may encounter individuals who would prove useful to her own training and growth.

Though, having sought out the sender, she would have initially been likely too late to join except coming across the destination they were supposed to travel to ended up being conveniently along the path. Having no sense of direction whatsoever, she just saw it as an opportunity to ask for directions.

Without hesitation, she simply saw nothing wrong with just going in and finding four doors with no clue if there was anyone home. Supposing that the brown door seemed like it led to the room which was the most casual one where people would relax or stay in, she chose said direction and eventually came to a rather bizarre room filled with dolls and three other people. At least she had found people to ask for directions, so she simply and calmly opened her mouth to nicely ask for questions as any normal person would.

"HELLO, I AM LEI-CAO CATTLEMARICANICA SEDIMENTARIUS FORMATTA TAURUS, PALADIN AND RIGHTEOUS HAND OF CHAOS AND GRAND CHAMPION, LEGENDARY MINOTAUR WHO HAS NOT KNOWN DEFEAT OR FAILURE, AND ONLY STRIVES FOR POWER AND SUCCESS. LITTLE INDIVIDUALS WITH THE WOODEN PEOPLE, I REQUIRE YOUR GUIDANCE ON INSTRUCTIONAL DIRECTIONS FOR THIS LETTER SO THAT I MAY FURTHER SUCCEED WITH MY GRAND CONQUEST, AND CONTINUE TO FIND WHERE I MAY IMPROVE" Lei-Cao calmly asked at a normal tone of voice, holding up the same letter that had brought the others to the same goal.
"I HAVE NOT ACTUALLY REALLY SUCCEEDED IN ANYTHING YET, BUT I HAVE ALSO NOT FAILED, SO I HAVE A 138% SUCCESS RATE".

"I RECEIVED THIS LETTER FROM MERE NOTHING, THE BLESSING OF CHAOS ITSELF HAD BROUGHT IT TO ME, AND I AM LOOKING FOR THE LOCATION OF MY QUEST TO FIND FOUR VALUABLE DIARIES... IT... may seem that you are doing something here..." she announced, falling off when she looked amongst the wooden dolls unsure what was actually going on, wondering if she should have indeed knocked first. She also had no clue if they were amidst some sort of dance class, clearly she must have not been in the right place at all for finding diaries.

"IF... YOU'RE BUSY.... I CAN... come back later, maybe if you can just look at this letter and know where it is or, what? And I can leave you to your... dolls, Mister and Miss, and small bunny girl child..." she said, having had her large two-handed mace clutched but lowering it when it felt like the situation wasn't as... seriously required for such presentation.​

 

[TheTimePiece]

Ryuuji Kamimura

Languages: "Common", "[Terran]" "<Beastial>"
​

Mentions: Elvario Femboy Lolory

Indeed perfectly legal ways to make more money from people and create a market which would benefit Saoirse's profits. That was most ideal. "Excellent ideas as always Miss Desrosiers."


"Humble too, I can only hope that others will aspire to be more mannered like yourself." It was good to hear that she was okay after the being flung incident. Saoirse's assessment was fair as well for all they knew breaking that would trigger some sort of trap which could cause all sorts of problems.

There were two things which were about to occur that Ryuuji was not expecting. First he listened to Saoirse who was currently on the dance floor with him. She raised a valid point about not being able to lead the dolls to clear the floor.

"Of Course Miss Desrosiers. I understand this is to simply further our objective, I will not tell anyone, and I'll do my best to ensure we are successful." He thought perhaps speaking a bit more clinically about it might help Saoirse feel a bit better about the situation as he knew full well her dancing with a slave, and someone who was pretty much as low as you can go on the caste probably wasn't on her must do list.

He'd realize pretty quickly she was planning on dancing with him with the arms out even before she said everything, something which Jastira might have had some more use in, but with these shoes he supposed it didn't matter all that much. Nevertheless he had no plans on telling anyone about what transpired lest it upset Saoirse, which was counter productive to him getting what he wanted at the end of the day. Presuming he was able too, Ryuuji would then proceed to attempt to lead Saoirse through the dance floor and see if perhaps they could out dance the dolls to get that door opening up, moving with Seduction F some more in the shoes if albeit subconsciously.
"I suppose we're just fortunate these shoes weren't harmful, however I will say I did appraise them of course, but helping someone to 'learn how to dance' comes in different flavors it'd seem." He decided to add, so that she at least didn't think he just tried them on willy nilly.

Unfortunately as far as Saoirse's desires went for this not to leave the room it looked like one Minotaur was quite intent on making their presence known in the space, causing Ryuuji's normally collected face to look a tad surprised when Lei-Cao came in. Great more company, company which might cut into their profits at that if she didn't decide to bludgeon them to death, one who had a rather elevated default speaking volume too. Ryuuji was immediately guarded at these thoughts but he couldn't very well stop dancing with the shoes on. Even so he decided he would speak clearly back.

While it might have been a bit of a gamble Ryuuji would speak forthright. "Excuse me, Lei-Cao Cattlemaricanica Sedimentarius Formatta Taurus, you are currently in the presence of Miss Saoirse Desrosiers. She is not a commoner she is gentry, and deserves the utmost respect. With her as my Mistress, I cannot allow you to discount her as a mere child. She is a Haregon, and their stature varies, just as your own does, I'm certain you can understand that much." Ryuuji would not go further than that, he had no idea how much Saoirse wanted to reveal perhaps it was better for them if she thought they were just their for dance class, so he'd let her handle it, with how much information she wanted to share regarding why they were there to this new comer.

 

[Elvario]

(Flavour post)

Saoirse Desrosiers

Spoiler: Full Image

Mentions: Ryuuji TheTimePiece Cow Femboy
Languages: Common | <Beastial>

Saoirse was highly amused by Ryuuji knowing his place. That'd make dancing with him a lot less awkward. Especially as it'd stay in this room. The continued praise and seductive sway of his hips almost made her wonder what she was even worried about. “I see.” She replied to him stating he appraised the shoes first. He'd been commanded to put them on regardless, but she wouldn't blame him for being a bit more careful. She'd allow that much freedom in his thinking and acting.

Her mood was instantly ruined by some really loudmouth bursting into the room. Someone she didn't recognise from having been along thus far. To her surprise, however, Ryuuji replied before she could do so. That was a welcome change of pace, as it'd give her the time to come up with some words of her own. Her first instinct was to wonder how Ryuuji managed make the best use of the only reason for him to ever talk back to someone of the Beast caste. Namely to tell them off for being rude to someone like her, of the Gentry Beast caste.

Deciding to not even look at the cow, only having spotted the woman from the corner of her eyes, she continued the dance. She did, however, speak up as she did so. “We are currently in the process of figuring out a task associated with that letter.” That was about all she figured she'd need to tell. “Though the process of such would go above the current level of intelligence you displayed, so I'll abstain from further explanation.”

The only thing that made her not instantly hate the cow were a few things she's been spouting. “Though I must say, I do always approve of those seeking to improve themselves, even if they are seemingly unable to come up with how to actually do so themselves.” If she wasn't having to keep up with the dance, she'd have tried to come up with something more. “Well, stick around and perhaps you'll be of use.” She figured that might be the best option, for now, as being able to keep an eye on her would meant she wouldn't be spreading anything that was happening here.

Melia Hayward

Spoiler: full image and source

From: Volenna (Event)

​

However, Melia, looking down from the stairs to see what this was all about, was slightly less tactical than Ryuuji. For a while, she looked like she was about to try crashing through the dancing dolls to attack the cow. Keeping her patience, however, she'd eventually call out. “Ma'am, with your permission, I'd like to challenge this intruder to a duel at the first opportunity.”

The request wasn't entirely beyond Saoirse's expectations, but she still sighed. Defending her honour was nice, but was this the right time? “I'll consider it after we obtain at least two of the dairies.” That seemed the best course of action. She wanted her profit fist and this might motivated Melia to keep on trying, or to try even harder.

 

[Femboy]

Lei-Cao Cattlemaricanica Sedimentarius Formatta Taurus
2

Elvario TheTimePiece
Equipped Titles: Beast, Minotaur
Point Booster: Attentive Student (F)
Character Sheet

"GEN-TREE? SHE'SA WHAT?" Lei-Cao loudly asked of Ryuuji, looking to Saoirse and putting two and two together and laughing aloud with a big grin on her face. Eyeing the haregon nonchalantly, she continued to open her mouth and speak for everyone to hear.
"YOU MEAN SHE'S JUST A CUTE LITTLE BUNNY? WELL, WHY DIDN'T YA SAY SO. I UNDERSTAND'N'ALL NOT EVERY SPECIES CAN BE AS BIG AND NOBLE AS I. I DUNNO WHAT A GEN-TREE IS, BUT MAYBE THAT'S ONE OF THEM FANCY POSH-PEOPLE THINGS I'VE HEARD SO MUCH ABOUT THAT I COULD DO WITH LEARNING, AND ALL'O'THESE 'MANNERS AND RESPECT'. THEY TELL ME A LOT TO LEARN IT BUT NOT ANYTHIN' ACTUALLY HELPFUL ABOUT IT, I GUESS THEY COULDN'T HANDLE THE RIGHTEOUS CHAOS" Lei-Cao continued on as she hummed and smirked at Saoirse's small stature, crouching to better see and also try to match her height better to the best of her abilities, as if talking to a little kid. Listening to what she had to say about what was going on, she promptly stood up.

"I am Lei-Cao, greatest minotaur to ever live! I am clearly intellectual enough to handle anything! At least I am not wasting time dancing around!" she answered back, before quickly continuing.
"Besides, I can't dance, I don't do that thing, you're the little fancy bunny with the little feetsies and all that, but I will so remain to assist in hopes of seeing some of this coven I hear of, or perhaps what they're so interested in... and YES, I THANK THEE BUNNY FOR THE RECOGNITION. POWER, PRESTIGE AND IMPROVEMENT IS SOMETHING ALL SHOULD WISH TO SEEK FOR THEMSELVES, SUCH NOBILITY AND FANCYNESS OF YOURSELF IS ONE THING I APPARENTLY LACK. NOT ALL ARE INSTANTANEOUSLY CHARMED BY MY GRAND SPEECH AND STATURE AND THINK I AM CHAOTIC AND UNRULY TO BE AROUND, AND THEY WOULD BE RIGHT FOR THE FIRST HALF! BUT TOO MANY POSH PEOPLE ARE BORING, AND WEAK, AND DON'T CARE FOR SUCH EPIC CONQUEST AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT THAT I WISH TO BREAK ANY FOE AND OBSTACLE, AND TO SHRUG ANY ATTACK... " the large minotaur began to ramble on even as they were doing the puzzle that may lead them closer to acquiring one of the diaries, noticing the approach of an aggressive knight woman and instead taking it as a request for something else.

"It is quite alright, knight woman, I am not interested in a dance, you will have to find another partner or wait for someone to be free. I cannot dance! That is a thing for little dainty people, with dainty little baby-hands and princess feelings! I am Lei-Cao, I am not simply convinced into such activities or being so broken that I am.... dainty! That's for princesses and the weak, and in cases fancy rich people! I would much better suggest SMASHING YOUR WAY until we find what we have to! WE ARE HERE FOR BOOKS, NOT TO PLAY CHILDREN GAMES! Look at these TWO, I WOULD NOT DANCE, DANCING DOES NOT ACQUIRE DIARIES! BAHAHAHA!" she laughed aloud as she pointed and didn't withhold her joy, pointing at the two with the biggest grin on her face. She hadn't been expecting to encounter this when she got here, but such was the nature of chaos. Waiting and watching this was a lot more exciting than sifting through old books for a specific one. Besides, how was dancing supposed to do anything?​

 

[TheTimePiece]

Ryuuji Kamimura

Languages: "Common", "[Terran]", "<Beastial>"​

Mentions: Lolory Elvario Femboy

Ryuuji was pretty pleased with himself so far. There hadn’t been an incident since the Pandora’s pendant where Saoirse had been less than pleased with him, and that was even counting the time where he had to spam heal her after being singed and he wasn’t at the point in his healing abilities yet where he could really help. Thankfully for him she seemed unbothered by the fact he had appraised them first. Even if there was something potentially problematic on them he would have still put them on as long as there wasn’t a suggestion it’d be fatal if he did so. First he would have asked her with the new information…

Thankfully Saoirse as usual seemed to be holding her own in Ryuuji’s opinion in deciding how much information to disclose. He almost had an inclination to smirk when she practically roasted the new comer’s intellect which frankly, Saoirse didn’t even seem to be wrong on that end of things between the 138% success rate. However at the very least the Minotaur didn’t sound aimless from the sound of things. Aimlessness wouldn’t lead you toward anything particularly useful in life, as a utilitarian, something which Ryuuji personally could not tolerate. So the fact that she sounded like she had a desire to get stronger, could be of use to them. Saorise did make a fair point in that. That was probably the best move indeed, invite the Minotaur to stay around and maybe if there was something that needed quelling, or something big and heavy that needed moving perhaps her abilities would have some value based on Ryuuji’s surface level assessment of what he assumed she could do, afterall it had to take strength to lug around such a sizable weapon.

Saoirse also managed to make the most of this situation and presumably get Melia more motivated, indeed she continued to impress, in his mind.

Ryuuji’s opinion only continued to develop as he listened and continued to dance, almost letting out a sigh when Lei-Cao hadn’t heard of gentry.

“Yes. They’re one of those ‘fancy-posh-people’ things, in which it would be most appropriate to practice manners and respect before.”

He continued to focus on the dancing during the rambling bit. “I can assure you while it might not look like it, our dancing has purpose.” He’d state in response to Lei-Cao’s doubt.

What was more confusing was that it sounded like Lei-Cao had somehow taken Melia’s desire to duel as a request to dance as well. What sort of combatant didn’t have the term duel in their vocabulary? It looked like she’d have much to learn.

“Tch, I’m sure Jastira would be thrilled.” He commented softly, at this seeming sweeping generalization that Lei-Cao was making about dancing too.

 

[Elvario]

(Flavour post)

Saoirse Desrosiers

Spoiler: Full Image

Mentions: Ryuuji TheTimePiece Cow Femboy
Languages: Common | <Beastial>

Talk about an annoyance. This cow was worse than the average Human or Fae slave. Might even be worse than a Construct. Was this meant to be a fellow Beast? She was getting embarrassed for her own species just listening to the cow. The loud and mind-numbingly stupid words were rather maddening.

Assuming the puppets had activated a gain, Lei-Cao would likely not be able to approach Saoirse, as the puppets that she and Ryuuji would be dancing among would either force her to dance with them or knock her off of the dance-floor, based on previous happenings. It's why Saoirse would keep dancing and (mostly) ignore what the cow as spouting at her from a distance. However, when she did form a most excellent idea. “If you're anywhere near as strong as you claim to be, I challenge you to make your way across this dance-floor without being swung around by these puppets. I bet you wouldn't even last half a minute.”

Honestly, this was by far the best opportunity to test what would happen if someone were to just try to break the magic puzzles rather than solve them. Saoirse figured there was some protection in place that'd activate and get the Cow punished for trying to break things. If anything, she hoped for that to be the case. Either way, it was the most amazing test subject they could wish for. Ryuuji, being her dance partner, would see a slightly evil smile after she'd invited the Cow to essentially risk being beaten up by the dancing dolls.

As for Ryuuji's own words regarding Jastira, she had to nod. “All of this would've been perfect for her. It's a shame this place had to be in the See of all places. Or that she's not been around long enough for us to risk taking her along to a land that might set her free.” Those were the two main consideration. It also implied that Ryuuji likely wouldn't visit the Eastern Empire anytime soon, but that was another story.

Melia Hayward

Spoiler: full image and source

From: Volenna (Event)

​

Melia had gotten even more enraged by the cow, but she had her orders. “I swear, upon obtaining the dairies my mistress desires, I will make you taste your own blood!” She wasn't even that furious about her duel being misunderstood. Being a slave, she was used to many insults. However, the disrespect towards Saoirse was truly getting to her. Upon hearing Saoirse invite the Cow to test her strength against the puppets, however, she was quick to catch onto what Saoirse had planned. She figured she'd take some freedom to add-on to that. “Of course you're not interested to duel me! You couldn't even defeat these puppets if you wanted too!” She figured she'd add-on to Saoirse's challenge, also expecting them to have tenderized beef in the room sooner rather than later.

 

[Shatter Shard]

Cleo Rom
"Blue Quill Merchant"

Strength
Precision
Intelligence
Vitality
Speed

{ F }
{ D }
{ A }
{ E }
{ D }

D

Active Titles:
Human | Trader | Merchant | Stouthearted | Closer

-The See-
Marian Village

Code by: Shatter Shard

Cleo had lost track on his singing, only to realize that he had reached the end of his song. He blinked twice, and looked around at the successful endeavor. He sheepishly scratched the back of his head as he looked at Winrey. "I am not a great singer..." He argued, before stepping down from the stage. "Though flattering, I would have to refuse the invitation." The appearance of the journal gave Cleo a sigh of relief since the lab didn't demand much from them. Singing was a small price to pay for the objective. Feeling proud of himself, a light chuckle escaped his lips as he watched Winrey go for the journal.

However, his small celebration was short lived when an unknown assailant had initiated a tug of war with Winrey for the journal. "Mr. Winrey!" he called out in alarm, as the guard that had been standing by immediately set off into action, sword drawn and shield raised. Without hesitation, the guard rammed into the Coven Member with their shield, with the intent to stagger them back.

Cleo sprang forth and also grabbed the journal along with Winrey, intending to pull it out of the coven member's grasp just as they were about to be rammed by the guard.

SCROLLABLE

Mentions: Shatter Shard Lolory

 

[Lolory]

Winrey


​

---

MEDERA'S LAB
Elvario | TheTimePiece | Femboy
​

While the four adventurer's talked amongst one another, the ball room floor became lively once more. The dolls, sensing a new potential dance partner, reemerged from the floor, though this time they surrounded Melia, Ryuuji, and Le Cao in a circle. The dolls appeared to be like a congregation of sorts, an audience awaiting a show. The lights grew dim and a spotlight appeared from an unknown source. There, in the middle of the dance floor right next to Melia and Ryuuji stood a lone dancer. A new doll, but this one more finely dressed than any of the others, and far more animated. It's faceless head turned towards the two next to it, and it looked them both and down with an open flair of indignity and mockery. If it could speak, no doubt it would be insulting the both of them and their dance moves. It snapped it's fingers, and for the first time music swelled within the ballroom, an unfamiliar waltz not heard in The See or Ryke for centuries. There was an uncanny life like element to it that made its movements border in-between human and puppet as it bowed elegantly at Le Cao and held a hand out in invitation.

The doll graciously asked Le Cao for a dance, and to show these two humans what you're really supposed to do on the ballroom floor. Perhaps indulging in one dance with it couldn't hurt!

Saoirse had thankfully not been inducted into this new dance routine, but she could still watch from the sidelines if she wanted to.

---

CLEO'S LAB
Shatter Shard | Winrey
​

With the added strength of Cleo, Winrey was able to pull the book out of the Coven members hands. One final yank, and both Cleo and Winrey flew back on the ground as the thief lost his grip on the book. the coven member was practically dragged across the other side of the bar, and he looked at his empty hands in bewilderment. He braced a leg up on the bar, intending to climb over it, but Winrey used all of the power in his legs to kick him back, and sent him crashing hard into the bottles on the shelves.

Winrey got up promptly and dusted himself off, "Are you okay, sir?" He asked Cleo. "We should probably hurry and leave...I think the coven member is knocked out now." Winrey went over to the bar to take a peek at the slumped over figure. He wasn't moving anymore it seemed. "Well at least we solved the puzzles in this room. I wonder if the others have had any success yet...It's been awhile, and no one else has come to check on us in this room. Do you want to go and see what they might be up to? or shall we explore a different room?" With one book secure, they were one step closer to finishing the job. Winrey looked down at the book in his hand. He was also curious to try and take a peek inside of the books while they were here. Stealing them would be wrong, but reading them wasn't off the table.

---

ACTIONS: Kick coven member back

SETTING: The See-Mysterious Lab |TITLES: Beastkin-Rabbit, Enigma | VOICE:
​

​

 

[Femboy]

(sry, short post, busy with bad irl stuff rn)
Lei-Cao Cattlemaricanica Sedimentarius Formatta Taurus
3

Elvario TheTimePiece Lolory
Equipped Titles: Beast, Minotaur
Point Booster: Attentive Student (F)
Character Sheet

Even though Ryuuji said it apparently did, Lei-Cao saw in no way how dancing about got them any closer to solving some sort of puzzle or obtaining a book. About to answer before the little bunny voiced a challenge for her to cross the floor, she thought about it for a moment. It was an enticing idea. Though, wouldn't that be against whatever apparent puzzle they were trying to solve? Just what was their motive at this point.
"I do not understand, I thought you said dancing was important... " she mumbled, considering it was what Ryuuji had said just prior.
"Breaking and interrupting the wooden people things would be breaking the puzzle? Unless you both and the dainty little knight were not strong enough to conquer mere barriers and wooden attractions. 'Tis a possibility... " Lei-Cao mumbled, trying to seem like she was concentrating or being smart although there was evidently nothing of the sort going on in the minotaur's mind. Merely the scene that was here was puzzling enough.

"Not now, dainty little knight girl, for I am thinking. There will be time to consume a victor's lunch later, do not fret little one, ask one of your companions to dance with you if you are so desiring to... " she answered back, not even looking to her as she waved off Melia in her own thought process. It was truly too enticing to pass up, plus she... well, nobody specifically told her that she couldn't break a few wooden dolls. Considering on the verge of doing it, her thought process was interrupted by a change of lighting and the arrival of a new doll with a different kind of suave swagger in its step. Wondering if perhaps the puzzle wasn't even 'on' for anyone else since it had taken now for it to show up, watching it as it eventually approached her offering a bow and its extended hand. She had essentially no real dancing experience, yet who would she be to deny such a challenge? Sighing softly as she closed her eyes in hesitant consideration, she dropped down her mace with a metal thud before intertwining her fingers together and outstretching them. Cracking her fingers, she looked to the hand of the doll.

"Very well, I am Lei-Cao, and I will accept this challenge, for a warrior who denies a challenge is, of the moment, no warrior at all. Come, graceful little doll-man. Show me the ways you are gifted with the art of dance, for this ballroom appears to be your own battlefield, and you invite me to be your own comrade, of which I am honored" she agreed, since the others were urging her to try to... whatever it was exactly, at this point she had no idea what the puzzle was or what the goal was. All she knew was that they had to dance or something, and so hopefully this stand-out doll would prove a dance partner that would help her master a ballroom dance in a heartbeat. She outstretched and gently held his hand with one of her own, waiting for whatever waltz awaited to begin.

Action
Join the doll for a dance.​

 

[TheTimePiece]

Ryuuji Kamimura

Languages: "Common", "[Terran]", "<Beastial>"​

Mentions: Lolory Femboy Elvario

Ryuuji would dance with Saoirse as possible still, and when he heard her challenge the cow woman, it didn’t take too long for the cogs in his mind to pick up on what she was doing and the slightly evil smile on her face only confirmed that. Frankly this was the sort of thing he wished he could get that harpy from the bridge to partake in. The sort of entertainment which wouldn’t get you an [Abuser] title but would be rather entertaining in it’s own right if it was successful, for this very reason he did not interject or try to influence Lei-Cao away from the challenge, instead he focused on the task at hand. On the other hand there might be information to be gained for solving the puzzle which was always a good thing.

“Nice thinking Miss Desrosiers.” he spoke softly.


Ryuuji looked thoughtful for a moment when she discussed the logistics about Jastira, before continuing, “I believe you made the correct call nevertheless.” From the standpoint of being a slave owner and businesswoman that was likely true.

Then there was Melia who was someone you didn’t really want to mess with to Ryuuji’s understanding who was all riled up too. Lei-Cao had really done it now..and it looked like she wasn’t done there, challenging the Minotaur further. Who knew what tricks Melia had picked up if she used what she had learned from the frogs in tandem with her own skillset.

Unfortunately it didn’t look like Lei-Cao took the bait, and then a most unusual spectacle unfolded on the dance floor, the dolls congregating around them. Thankfully on the other hand it looked like she was a bit more intelligent than originally given credit for if she could discern that much. Then there was a new doll who was more ornate and animated..what did this all mean? At the very least it looked like maybe they had made progress in the puzzle if they were triggering this event which was good, but if this was all just some joke for entertainment he was going to be far from happy he had spent all this time trying to work on a puzzle like this.

Ryuuji was more puzzled with the way it behaved. He literally had the shoes on that let him dance well and this was the reaction he got? Was it the wrong routine? All he could do was try to gain information from this situation. It was possible that was the case. He wasn’t sure what to think, probably still dancing in place at this point, before replying. “Well then, I hope you’re ready to impress.” Speaking out to Lei-Cao after she accepted, even as unlikely as it seemed to Ryuuji maybe he dancing with this doll would get them out of the puzzle to the book.

 

[Elvario]

Saoirse Desrosiers

Spoiler: Full Image

Mentions: Ryuuji TheTimePiece Cow Femboy
Languages: Common | <Beastial>

“Oh, come on!” She called out, clearly annoyed, upon seeing the dolls move around. “What do you think, do we need to outdance that one, or is that the one you would've needed to dance with, with the dancing shoes on?” Either option was plausible now. Regardless, she was already growing tired of these dancing dolls.

She scoffed at the Minotaur's remark, but decided to fan some flames. “Not everything is about strength, but perhaps you can show us how it's done then?” She left it in the open whether that meant trying to destroy the things or dancing with the one asking her for it.

That said, it seemed like the cow was already taking action. As the cow was accepting the dance from the doll, she looked back at Ryuuji. “Well, it seems like our first attempt to solve this would be the 'dance-off' option after all.” She sighed, not the most pleased she'd have to keep this dance up, even more annoyed as it might not even solve the riddle, but figuring she'd play along. She'd allow Ryuuji to keep dancing with her to follow the shoe's routine and 'battle' it out against the cow and the eloquent doll.

That said, she couldn't help from making one particular remark. “You're surprisingly quick to start dancing for someone who called it a children's game mere moments ago.”

Melia Hayward

Spoiler: full image and source

From: Volenna (Event)

​

Meanwhile, Melia was taking deep breaths. Perhaps something she learned from the frogs. She figured her bait wasn't taken, so she'd have to get her chance to avenge herself and her mistress later. Either way, she wasn't having a good time right now. Whether it was being jealous of Ryuuji being the one to get to dance with Saoirse, being annoyed at the cow's behaviour or just being annoyed at being sidelined, she could only stand and wonder if the others were having an equally annoying or tough time. If they didn't, their group might be the one to pick up the least of those dairies.

 

[Femboy]

(sry, a bit distracted, just a flavour post)
Lei-Cao Cattlemaricanica Sedimentarius Formatta Taurus
4

Elvario TheTimePiece
Equipped Titles: Beast, Minotaur
Point Booster: Attentive Student (F)
Character Sheet

Planning to give a shot at dancing with the doll either way, before the dance had begun, her attention was briefly distracted by the words Ryuuji and Saoirse had sent her way. Scoffing and rolling her eyes at the boy's jest, she hummed softly with a small smirk.
"I am not here to impress, boy. I am here to complete the quest that I have been given one way or another, looking to impress is believing that one is good enough, yet I believe that one can always be better. Look if you want to impress, why not show your own moves to the dainty little knight over there? I'm sure it'd put a smile on her face to see you and the little bunny child perform your own waltz... Ah, right, my mistake, you are not a child, just short. I am sorry, it makes me laugh to see such small and innocent people, I must only suppose you rely on your comrades to stand in your place, for you appear too feeble and small in order to inflict pain or intimidate someone" Lei-Cao went on, smiling and laughing at Saoirse.

Though, when she made the mention of how she had called it a children's game mere moments ago, she simply huffed and turned her head.
"I am LEI-CAO, I CAN DO WHAT I WANT, SUCH IS WHAT THE HAND OF CHAOS DICTATES" she said, raising her voice for no reason as she turned it down for when she continued.
"Plus, clearly the room is intended for silly little dancing anyway, and I may as well before leaving, for it is another thing to add to my list of things I have done and, who knows? Perhaps I am incredibly talented at it, what fun. Besides, I have no reason to see how this gets us any closer to some special book, I mean it's not like there's anything saying there's even a book in this room. Have you seen a book in this room anywhere? Who'd want to think 'yes, I just need to check up on something in my notes' and do an entire choreographed dance every time? Not everything needs to have an answer, perhaps the original owner just liked ballroom dance. Clearly, the great and incredible Lei-Cao thinks this entire scheme of hiding some book behind a 'puzzle' that you make of this whole thing. And if it is a puzzle anyway, shouldn't the answer be secretive, like some sort of dance only the person who made it knows? Maybe it's got nothing to do with the dolls or dancing in general, maybe there's some tiny little switch or something somewhere in the room and this entire thing is just one elaborate distraction. But please, tell me what you all may think of the room, my ears are open... " Lei-Cao rambled on, inviting anyone to speak back, before immediately turning her attention back to the doll and continuing as if she had raised and dropped intelligence in mere moments from her last rambling to the next thing she said.

"COME, LITTLE FANCY-DRESSED DOLLMAN! Let us be binded together on the floor you have mastered your arts, teach me as your maiden of the night, the skilled footwork performance you are aware of, I am your student and companion in this dance" she answered with an overly dramatic way of saying it, like she was in a stageplay. Needless to say, it clearly wasn't night time.

Action
Dance with the doll (still)​

 

[Elvario]

(Flavour post)

Saoirse Desrosiers

Spoiler: Full Image

Mentions: Cow Femboy
Languages: Common | <Beastial>

Saoirse was successfully counter-taunted by the Cow. “Too feeble and small to inflict pain?” She chuckled, but it had some slightly scary (Intimidation F) undertones to it. “If you truly believe that, I can show you otherwise soon enough. Although I'd have to warn you, you might regret challenging me on that front.” She'd been taught by her father on how to properly whip a slave at a very young age, but she'd never expected she'd ever want to do so as badly as now. How peculiar. If this cow were to be her slave, it'd be an excellent warrior to taunt enemies to them. As angry as she was, she was also excited. This cow had potential and a desire to flourish alike, a rare occurrence.

“If you could truly do as you wanted, I highly doubt you'd be doing any of this right now. Tell me, you failed to become the warrior you wanted to be, didn't you?” She challenged the cow upfront.

“What I think of the room?” She was a tad surprised there seemed to be a sign of brain activity after all. “I believe it is most ridiculous and ineffective, more likely to be a joke than a true test, yet something worth pursuing regardless due to previously arranged contracts with miss Perenelle. That's what I think of it.”

 

[Shatter Shard]

Cleo Rom
"Blue Quill Merchant"

Strength
Precision
Intelligence
Vitality
Speed

{ F }
{ D }
{ A }
{ E }
{ D }

D

Active Titles:
Human | Trader | Merchant | Stouthearted | Closer

-The See-
Marian Village

Code by: Shatter Shard

Cleo staggered back and fell down on his butt as the journal was pulled away from the coven member. He scrambled back to his feet after the coven member was kicked back down. "I'm fine, Mr. Winrey..." He frantically composed himself as the guard that was with them looked over at the fallen coven member. "Let's get out of the room first, before we do anything else." He pat Winrey's back and urged him out of the room, with the guard following after them. He gave the room one last gaze, a look of momentary melancholy flashed in his eyes, before shaking his head and moving out.

"That was easier than I thought it would be." He remarked as he came out of the room, exhaling a deep breath he had been holding. "Is it supposed to be like that?" He asked no one in particular, holding his head in wonder. "And that coven member, how did he even get in?" He looked back at the room they came from, confusion apparent on his face. "Regardless, I'm glad we got one of the journals safely." He patted his coat and fixed his appearance. "Though, it was embarrassing singing. I'm not quite good at it." He faced Winrey and laughed, as if reminiscing an amusing memory long past. "How about you, Mr. Winrey? The experience wasn't too shabby perhaps?" He asked with a playful lilt on his tone. "Though it could've been dangerous for us..." He awkwardly chuckled as he started walking towards the other doors. "Which ones do you think we should try next?" He asked Winrey, holding his chin as he looked at the doors.

SCROLLABLE

Mentions: Shatter Shard Lolory

 

[Lolory]

Interactions: Shatter Shard ​

---

Winrey looked up from the book in his hand, "Well it sure beats the last horrid adventure I went on...If anything, this experience has been very rewarding on its own. Cleopatra, the alchemist, must have done some very intricate work in that bar to make it behave in that way...I wouldn't even know where to begin with that kind of Alchemy." He was still a beginner after all. "The Coven members might have found an alternative way in. Either that, or they got to this place before we did, and have just been trying to solve the puzzles ever since. It took two of us to just solve that one puzzle...no doubt the Coven member we came across had been in there for hours trying to find the book, but couldn't."

Winrey wondered if there were possibly more coven members somewhere else in the building as well, for all he knew there could be one in each room, or multiple some place. Now that they had solved their one puzzle, it'd be best to pick a different room to explore. "I think the others are still trying to solve the puzzle in that gold room. They probably don't need our help, and well..." I don't want to be around Saoirse for longer than I have to. He kept that last bit to himself. "There's still this black room over here...and the room that's green. I'd say we check the black one out first. It's a bit smaller, so the puzzle might not be as much work hopefully. And the two of us managed to fare quite well together anyways." Winrey felt that he had made the right decision in splitting up with Cleo from the beginning. With how long the others had spent in the gold room, he was positive they'd found themselves in some intricate trap that they needed to get out of. And Winrey didn't feel like helping out with that. Or helping Saoirse out for that matter. "Before we leave this place, I will read at least one of these books. Contract or not, there's no rule against taking a little peek."

---

CONVERSATION | TITLES: Beastman-Rabbitkin, Enigma | VOICE:
​

 

[Femboy]

(just a flavour post)
Lei-Cao Cattlemaricanica Sedimentarius Formatta Taurus
5

Elvario
Equipped Titles: Beast, Minotaur
Point Booster: Attentive Student (F)
Character Sheet

Intrigued by Saoirse's proposition to show later what she could do, Lei-Cao only widened her smirk as she laughed joyfully.
" You want to show me, Lei-Cao? Cattlemaricanica Sedimentarius Formatta Taurus? That YOU, can hurt ME? YOU ARE VERY FUNNY, LITTLE BUNNY ONE, I WAS NOT AWARE YOU WERE SO TALENTED AT COMEDY, it must be why you are here to help with such little play-games for fancy people" Lei-Cao chuckled as she got overly cocky in underestimating whatever Saoirse would be able to do.
"Okay little small tiny helpless one, I will humour you because I am so kind and great. Though I could not lay a finger on you, you are too small and tiny and vulnerable, it would not be fair for a grand and giant minotaur like myself to fight a tiny little bunny rabbit such as yourself. LEI-CAO IS GOOD AND GREAT AT MANY THINGS, BUT FIGHTING CHILDREN AND PEOPLE AKIN TO CHILDREN IS UNFAIR AND NOT SOMETHING I WILL DO FOR NOW" Lei-Cao said needlessly aloud as her cockiness and confidence snapped for a visible moment when she was questioned of being a failure.

"W-what? No, of course not, I don't fail. I don't break, I have never broken and disappointed, I am great and withstanding. I am here because I chose to be here, I am a warrior in my own right, not defined what someone tells me, I can do what I want. I am the righteous hand of chaos itself, and as long as I remain off the leash of order and control I am free to do whatever I please just as the world intended it. Plus, I look really hot, which means I get to do whatever I want. That's how fancy people work, right? I dunno I don't do fancy people stuff. Maybe I should learn to be fancy so people let me do what I want even more because they'll then say I'm hot rather than saying I'm too loud and barbaric... " she rambled on, thinking to herself for a moment now that she was taunted by Saoirse's counter-counter-taunt.

Action
Dance with the doll (will stay this, just doing filler convo posties)​

 

[Elvario]

(Flavour post)

Saoirse Desrosiers

Spoiler: Full Image

Mentions: Cow Femboy
Languages: Common | <Beastial>

She glared at the cow. “It sounds like I'll be teaching you a valuable lesson soon enough.” She stated with a scoff. Honestly, she'd be neglecting her whipping exercises, but now she finally had a good reason to train them again. Not that she didn't trust that she'd be able to show this cow the errors of her ways. She'd just need an excuse to avoid retaliation.

Perhaps by breaking her down mentally first. “You claim these are 'fancy people play-games', yet a minotaur such as yourselves would join them? That sounds like you've failed pretty badly. Besides, needing to rely on 'looking hot' sounds like something people need to do when they're out of other options. Did you fail badly enough to get anything done otherwise?” Saoirse was going in on the attack.

 

[Femboy]

(just a flavour post)
Lei-Cao Cattlemaricanica Sedimentarius Formatta Taurus
6

Elvario
Equipped Titles: Beast, Minotaur
Point Booster: Attentive Student (F)
Character Sheet

Rolling her eyes and not taking the first of what she said seriously, Lei-Cao commented.
"I'm sure it'll be delightful, clearly a big, brave and strong warrior like you could truly test my mettle! Clearly, I am not being sarcastic. Perhaps with your small stature and adorable innocence, you will make me smile and laugh into submission! Please, you are small and harmless as is. The most of which you could do is tug my tail, and I doubt that would feel anything more than a light breeze let alone be able to reach to grip it" she grinned, chuckling to herself before dropping her cheeriness at Saoirse's following remarks.

"No! I'm not failed, I can do things if I want to, I can do what I want BECAUSE I'm a warrior? Why are you here and being fancy? Maybe you're just mad because you're failed, and small and little and weak, and also not an amazing and cool warrior, and hot, like me. Why, the doll chose me to dance with it, it didn't even show up for you. Maybe you're the failure if even wooden dolls reject you. See, Lei-Cao the great minotaur champion and righteous hand of chaos can be smart and mess with people's feelings nasty too! You're not working you're wrong I'm not a failure" she detested in protest, though it was very clearly working with how upset she was getting into being teased that she was a failure. Gently shaking her fists and puffing her cheeks out as she kept being against it, she had no idea or even began to think that the little girl would have any other motives just than getting at her.​

 

[Elvario]

(Flavour post)

Saoirse Desrosiers

Spoiler: Full Image

Mentions: Cow Femboy
Languages: Common | <Beastial>

“I'm not a warrior, but don't worry, I don't have to be one to know how to hurt someone and you're inviting me to to show you as much.” She replied, being surprisingly lacking in feeling aggravated, perhaps due to already knowing what was going to be coming for the cow soon enough.

She chuckled upon the cow insisting she wasn't failed. That sounded like she'd found a weakness. How fun. “A big strong warrior, wanting to be dancing with a doll? You don't seem to know what being a warrior is about, if that's true.” She also chuckled at the reply. “I'm simply here to earn some money, for which I have already signed a beneficial contract, so I'd say I already succeeded plenty.”

Saoirse outright laughed at the cow's next statement. “Oh no, you seem to misunderstand. The doll is clearly thinking of you as a cute doll to dance with, rather than a warrior. It seems to think of me and Ryuuji as too much of warriors to dance with despite us not being so, yet it clearly believes you to be a meek and fancy enough cow to have a dance with. I'd say that's a fair bit of a failure for a warrior.”

 

[Femboy]

(just a flavour post)
Lei-Cao Cattlemaricanica Sedimentarius Formatta Taurus
7

Elvario
Equipped Titles: Beast, Minotaur
Point Booster: Attentive Student (F)
Character Sheet

"WHAT- OF COURSE I KNOW WHAT BEING A WARRIOR IS, THAT'S WHY I'M THE GREATEST ONE! I HAVE NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER LOST! I don't need silly money! A true warrior can fend for themselves through thick and thin, I don't need peasantry currencies to sustain a feeble self!" she answered in retort as she crossed her arms, though a nerve had been struck when the little bunny had begun laughing back at her.

"I am not a cute and meek doll! I am a strong and not-fancy minotaur! Not a cow! Lei-Cao would never be such a peasantry farm animal! Lei-Cao herself is of the mightiest and noblest minotaurs, we are proud and powerful warriors of ALL TIME! I consume banquets for champions and have my war-cry heard in the bloodiest and most epic of battles, not chew grass and moo as some peasantry pet unlike a bunny such as yourself! Maybe the dolls just think you're all ugly, and stupid, and ugly, and dumb-stupid. They know how great and amazing I am and how stupid and dumb and ugly and stupid you all are because the dolls are smart and you are all dumb not-warrior stupid ugly" she answered back as if all form of trying to be smart or intimidating had went out the window in her attempts of defending herself. Her face was reddened with embarrassment, but she was clearly trying to raise her head up and smirk believing that she somehow came out of said confrontation successfully.

"Nothing you can say or do can hurt or break me because I am amazing and invincible and indestructible and clearly better than ugly-stupid you and ugly-stupid the other guy who is clearly so unimportant that I have not remembered his name" she answered, humming softly with what she believed was an earned smug grin.
"I don't see how a stupid dumb-ugly little farm animal bunny rabbit could teach me anything".​

 

[Elvario]

(Flavour post)

Saoirse Desrosiers

Spoiler: Full Image

Mentions: Cow Femboy
Languages: Common | <Beastial>

Although normally, arguing with some dumb cow was beneath her, she felt like there might be some benefit to trying to break this one. So that's what she did. “Let me guess, the only reason you never lost was due to never even fighting a worthwhile opponent? Is there anyone whom ever even heard of your existence? I know many great [Beast] warriors and you're definitely not one of them.” She chuckled, even the Dranth was more familiar in that regard.

“Do you, now? I've been at many banquettes for champions, as I'm with the [Gentry] that hosts them, but I sure have never seen you around. Seeing as you you've made neither name nor money for yourself, as you sure you're not just eating grass to survive?” She chuckled at the last statement. “The only thing that might stop me from teaching you is your lack of intellect, but at worst, I could just beat the teachings into you.”

 

[Femboy]

(just a flavour post)
Lei-Cao Cattlemaricanica Sedimentarius Formatta Taurus
8

Elvario
Equipped Titles: Beast, Minotaur
Point Booster: Attentive Student (F)
Character Sheet

Getting more annoyed, her cheeks remained puffed as she gave an angry pout looking to the little Saoirse. It shouldn't be something she should be so worked up about, but the fact this tinny little bunny child wasn't getting it was so annoying to her, she didn't like that everyone else was belittling her and treating her this way.
"No I've fought lots of opponents!! There's a LOT of people who know and think I'm really impressive with everything I've done. You- you... you just don't know REAL beast warriors! I'm so above them that lowly people like you would NEVER know, because you're not good enough and all the great and cool things I do would make you so scared that you'd fall apart on the spot!" she tried to adamantly detest, wanting to come up with something to say back that would put her in her place but rather drawing blanks. Not sure how the little Saoirse was able to keep coming up with stuff to say and to keep her cool after all the clearly mean things she had said, Lei-Cao didn't say anything by the time they had continued.

"Ah- I- I've- I don't mean those! I wouldn't want to go to those, those are... stupid, and bad-" she answered, twitching a little at the jest of asking if she ate grass to survive. Stammering around for a little, she turned her head briefly and gave a single wipe of her mouth with the back of her fist.
"N-no! I don't lack intellect either! Shut up, you couldn't beat anything into me, you're useless and small and stupid and don't know anything, you just think you're all high and mighty but you're just stupid and dumb, and dumb, and stupid, and- so shut up, because I won't hit a tiny little weakling rabbit child like you because it's not a fair fight because I'm clearly the nice and better one- so shut up, stupid baby bunny child!" she retorted, taking less breaths at all as she just tried to stammer and rush something back out in retort. Though most clearly, by how worked up she was getting by the smallest comments, she was clearly, and I mean very clearly, holding back tears as her eyes sparkled more vividly and small drops of something-liquid seeped underneath her eyes trailing down a little amount.

Action
(Still to) Dance with the doll.​

 

[Elvario]

(Flavour post)

Saoirse Desrosiers

Spoiler: Full Image

Mentions: Cow Femboy
Languages: Common | <Beastial>

It felt like she was close. Very close. A smirk formed as the cow started to look angrier and more frustrated. Saoirse only seemed to enjoy herself. “Oh, trust me, I know many real beast warriors. Yet I don't know you, despite even knowing lizard-folk like the Dranths. It seems that the only thing you're 'ABOVE' is your perceived status versus your actual status.” She chuckled. “Such a shame for someone at least mildly promising to be so delusional.”

“Oh my, not just stupid, also childish? Repeating and hurling insults at someone like a calf. Perhaps calling you cow was too much of a compliment?” She shook her head. “And here I thought you might be worth training, but perhaps you'd need to grow up first. Such a waste of potential, but it's a cruel world, I guess.” As she added those worlds, it would be fairly clear that she was, at least somewhat, enjoying this. She felt like she was so very, very close to breaking down this cow that it only got her excited. After all, if she broke her down, perhaps she could get her to sign a little something in exchange for promising to build her up better and stronger than ever...

 

[Lolory]

Winrey


​

---

MEDERA'S LAB
Elvario | Femboy |@TheTimePiece
​

The doll took Lei Cao's hand in his and immediately began to twirl them both on the dance floor in an extravagant waltz. The shoes on Ryuuji's feet also began to move, and with Saoirse in hand now the two dancing partners competed against the doll for the crowds attention. The doll dipped Lei Cao back in a low bow, and the wooden dolls clapped their hands together at the great display. So far it seemed Lei Cao and the dancing doll were showing up Ryuuji and Saoirse completely. If they didn't try a new cool trick to wow the crowd, they might lose favor.

---

CLEO'S LAB
Shatter Shard | Winrey
​

With the journal in hand, Cleo and Winrey headed for the sleek black office door that they had passed by earlier. It was empty, save for the lone Coven member mask that was cracked and on the floor. "I guess one of them made it to this room...but something happened to make them leave. How curious." Winrey said as he picked the mask up. Inspecting the office, there were large shelves that contained books of all kinds, and these shelves were so tall that they required a ladder to reach the very top books.

Further in the room there was a writing desk with some papers and and ink bottle with it's pen still capped inside. To the left of the desk, situated inside of one of the bookshelves was a glass display case that held more bottles of ink and paper. Winrey tried pushing one of the ladders, but found that they were completely immovable for some reason.