Graded [Ryken City] The Rusting Blade of Ryken

[Vexumin]

Port of Ryken - 10:06 pm

The air of the ports turned as black as shadow as smoke and ash rose over the docks of Ryken. Water turned amber in the night as fires rose from a drifting ship. People were gathered, watching with baited breath as sailors lept from the growing flames into the murky depths below. Some people watched with worry for the people aboard the vessel while others grit their teeth and murmured to each other in angered tones. All could only watch as the flames danced across the deck before leaping onto the sails. By then, it spread so far that the ship itself was unrecoverable. Before long, the vital beams and wood were reached.

There had been mages to quell the flames, but they had grown much too strong. All that the mages could manage to do was keep the ship in place in the water, preventing it from hitting other ships or colliding with the docks and possibly spreading the flame, creating even more chaos. Just before the ship began to sink beneath the waves and most of those who watched had cleared, two men remained, and they began to speak to each other.



"That's the second ship this month," a man says from off to the side. He wore plate on his chest and a blade on his belt. His face was adorned with a scowl unlike that seen on a normal persons face. It was weathered and tired, but also confused and enraged.

"Sir, if we don't get the supplies for the guild-"

"I know... I know. We're... growing short on options."

The other man nods his head as they both turned back to watch the ship sink to the bottom along with the supplies that they had been speaking of. This would not go well for the state of the adventurers guild. Not by a long shot. It was a slow decline when the first of the ships had sailed into port aflame. This one caught fire in the port, which was a bit better all things considering. Nonetheless, it spoke clearly for all who could see it. If it's happened more than once, then it will happen again. The guild is being targeted. They are being made fools of.

In that moment, the man that speaks as if a subordinate turns his head and spots two other remaining figures. They kept close to the base of the docks, watching both of the men as well as the ship sinking, as if making sure it was unrecoverable. The plate wearing man notices the gaze and direction of the man beside him, looking towards the hooded figures with a glower. "Stay on their trail, if you can manage. Clearly suspect, those two. I know we've lost their trail before, so don't worry if you can't keep on them. Just do your best."

The subordinate nods before turning to depart. The hooded figures broke away as well, as if wary of being followed, knowing how this whole song and dance was bound to play out. The plated man turns his attention back to the water, breathing a sigh. "We're going to need some new blood."

---

The gates of Ryken - 8:21 am

Poppy



It was another bright morning in the Protectorate of Ryke, but this bright day began in its own capital city of Ryken. Poppy had been on a long journey some time ago. She wasn't sure just how long it had been either. Once she started walking, the time kind of flew on by. She remembered the sun flying through the sky as if it were a ball flying through the air. So many times it had passed her. For all she knew, she has been walking for months or maybe even years. She figured that with no need to rest or eat or breath, no muscle to strain with the exercise, time would just tick on away, leaving her in the dust. Or maybe she was beating it? On occasion she would stop somewhere simply to encounter another living being. Even though the time flew by, the loneliness still crushed her nonexistent heart. She had been alone for as long she had been awake in this new form.

While the walking would grow tiresome, it was when she saw the distant walls of a city that her spirit began to grow. Finally she would not only make some progress on her goal, but she would also be around people! It excited her a lot. Finally she would not be alone. Of course, she knew which city this was. It was the capital. She heard plenty about the city during her forever-long walk. However, people weren't the only reason she wanted to come here. As she was traveling, she had caught word of a man wielding two black blades.

She was not completely sure that these were the blades she was searching for, it was all that she had to go on for the time being, and she wanted her families weapons back. She would do anything to get them. Before she began her journey, she looted two blades from the long dead corpse of a fighter in front of her home, but she was not sure if she would ever have the strength to wield them against another. Poppy knew that eventually she would need to be strong and draw the swords, but for now, she had to work up the courage for that. Maybe she could speak to the person with the swords and calmly explain why she needed them back. Surely that had to work!

The walls of the city drew near in the blink of an eye and already she saw the line of travelers looking to enter the city. Whether it be for trade or to make a new life, maybe even just to visit someone within or stop for supplies, there was still a lot of them. Everyone seemed to have a reason for entering the city. Poppy stopped at the end of the line, her blue scarf wrapped over her head, shadowing the inhuman features of her face underneath. She leaned to the side, looking forward towards the gates. Guards were posted, inspecting people as they stepped forward. One guard carried an orb of sorts. As these guardsmen looked into the orb, directing it towards the entering travelers, they seemed to wear very serious expressions on their faces. Well, it was their jobs to be cautious.

"What are you doing here, little girl?" a man asked from in front of her. She flinched and raised her head. "Oh, well... I'm just looking to enter the city, sir."

"Ah, of course - of course. Did you come here all alone?"

"Y-Yes, sir." Poppy says. She was a bit bothered by these questions. She was not raised improperly. Don't talk much to strangers that ask such questions. However, Poppy has weapons now. "I am on my own. That's why I want to enter the city. It can be dangerous out here."

The man nods his head. "Understandable. With all of the monsters out there, it must have been difficult to make it here on your own. Thankfully monsters are kept away from this city. Why, the guards use that there orb to detect when a monster is trying to pull some kind of sneaky trick to get in. Definitely makes this city nice and secure. That's why my daughter made this city her home when she had her first child. I'll tell ya, it's a mighty fine-..." The man had turned to look at Poppy again, but she was gone, having left during his rambling.

A short distance away, the living doll had taken shelter behind some bushes. IT was far enough that most small noises would go unheard. "So they don't let monsters in? But... But maybe they would make an exception for me? ... No... probably not. What am I going to do?" Poppy raises her legs up as she sat on the ground. She places her face against her knees, taking some time to think of a plan. She might just have to wing it, go up and try not to get on the bad side of the guards.

 

[II-CinderRadcliff-II]

Gates of Ryken - 8:23 AM

Cinder Radcliff



Beneath the bright skies illuminating the capital city of Ryken, the soothing breeze sweeping across the open fields outside of the city blessed travelers with temporary relief from the blinding gaze of the sun; clouds being dragged across the large expanse above mortal feet and providing shade to any fortunate field workers. The trotting of a Clydesdale horse could be observed by the various birds in flight, as a man named Cinder in a white shirt rode his wagon towards the capital. The luxurious mahogany wood of the merchants wagon was elegantly carved and detailed, with a leather tarp tied down over top of the various wares inside the vehicle. He wiped the sweat off of his face with the back of his hand, missing the comfort of his thick clothes and the frigid winds that his old home endured. Though it had been a few months since his arrival, the thoughts of what happened to the Krilgox Caldera still plagued his mind. And what of his ancestors as well? Was he the only one from his world who was brought over? How would he find a way back? These questions lingered in his mind despite his efforts to dismiss them, with the sight of the capital walls bringing him back out of his torrent of thoughts. With a whistle sounded in amazement he gave the lead to his horse a bit of a whip, speeding up to a canter and approaching the city with hastened pace.

By the time Cinder closed the distance to the city gate he spotted a line sprawling out towards him, slowing down to a halt with his Clydesdale as he assessed the situation; with his steed and the wagon parked beside the bush near the edge of the dirt road. Not aware of poppy hiding within the bush next to his wagon, he shuffled through his bag of supplies next to him and pulled out a map and a metal canteen. As he unscrewed the wooden lid to get a drink of water he looked at the map of the capital, his eyes charting a course to all of the shops he needed to visit. As a gust of wind blew past and nearly ripped the map from his hand, part of the leather tarp flapped around in the wind; loosening one of the ropes holding it down for a person or monster to slip inside of the wagon.​

 

[Silent Angel]

Gates of Ryken - 8:24 AM

Rachael Meredith

Rachael's eyes shifted around as the half giant grew closer to the town. Each footstep easily letting out a 'THUD' as they fell. With her size and weight, there was no way they wouldn't, after all. But for Rachael, that wasn't much of a problem anymore. No longer did she need to stand lightly on her feet, looking cute and nice for those she worked for. She was free to do as she pleased and work for who she wanted. But to do that, she needed to find one thing. And to find what she needed, she had come to this city. For in this city lay the building that would make her life much more interesting and comfortable. The Adventurer's Guild.

She stretched as she drew closer, noticing, but not seeming to care much about the looks others gave her. It was a common enough occurrence that she didn't seem to exactly mind anymore. What she did mind was when people tried to use her height to their advantage by peeking somewhere they shouldn't, and when that happened, the giantess always just had to make sure they learned a quick and painful lesson on how to treat a lady. But, so far, the people of this town kept their distance as they drew closer to it, and the amazon just hoped it stayed that way.

Once she had joined the line, she started paying more attention to those around her, noting the crowds while still ignoring the stares. Every once in a while someone would slide closer to her with their intentions quite obvious, and when a glare from her wouldn't scare them off and they tried something, a slap definitely did send them on their way. But for those who just jostled her in line, no retribution other than grumbling came. Finally, her eyes settled on the cart in front of her, one of the ropes quite obviously coming undone. Her footsteps came closer to the front of the carriage, giving warning to what was approaching. Once she got to the front she stopped and turned to look down at the driver. "Your cart's fucked up." She glanced at it, thinking for a few moments, before asking, "Need help fixing it, or think you got it?"​

 

[EMIYAman]

Ryken Junkyard - 8:28 AM
Jean Heng​

Pieces of dissembled items flew through the air landing in a pile, trash was discarded and rifled through at a steady pace interrupted by pauses where particularly seemingly random pieces were removed from the garbage and thrown into the growing pile. The items in the pile were of dubious value, a screw here a gear there even a doorknob obviously nothing here would fetch a decent price anywhere. Atop this pile of garbage fiddling with loose ends and bits and bobs of various kinds and in various states of cleanliness was a small girl of the Beast race. She could be called cute if she paid any mind to her appearance... or wasn't digging through trash. Dirt and filth caked her body, hair and clothes she had been at her grim work for hours now searching for the right components. With a focused look she continued, so focused was she the local guard coming up to her escaped her notice.

"Oi Jean, you're digging through the trash AGAIN!?" The man yelled at her incredulously.

"Hello again Godwin." Jean responded calmly as she examined a new trinket she had just found.

"You-" He grits his teeth seemingly at a loss for words at the blatant disregard for his presence. "Look I told you last time you're not allowed in here its off limits, besides why's a young girl like you even diggin in trash so early in the morning don't you have a family or something."

"No."

"Oh uh, s-sorry about that Jean I didn't..." Godwin stammers taken aback at the direction the conversation has shifted.

"Alright I'm done."

Jean collects her various miscellaneous items into a sack and hefts them over her shoulder. Making her way out of the junkyard she walks past the slightly confused guard who simply watched her go. Jeans been in the capital of Ryken for the past four days when "God" had brought her to this world in her changed form she had been rather close to the city and had done her best to make a living here. Though as she was now she was homeless, had nary a cent on her and struggled with practicing her craft in such a primitive world. Yet she continued anyway giving up when there was so much to discover simply wasn't part of her nature. Not back then, and certainly not now. As she walked through the streets still smelling of filth she considered her options. Originally she thought it would be troublesome for her work to get involved with them but at this stage she wasn't even in the testing phase forget forming a hypothesis, she still needed to find a question to pursue and as such she needed to know more of this world. In the end the benefit to her research would be quite satisfactory she was sure of that.

"Meow then, where was the Adventure's Guild?" She froze eyes narrowing slightly. "I make cat sounds now? That's the first time it's happened, interesting."

 

[Vexumin]

Gates of Ryken - 8:26 am



Time in the line was rather short. Some people began to fear the feisty tall woman who delivered a swift and at times devastating slap to those whose intentions were less than pure. She received plenty of space from the other people in the line, no near to fear any jostling at all really. Common town and city folk such as these were not entirely used to the abnormal, especially when there is violence involved. The slaps that were delivered echoed across the land around the gates and people took that immediately as a sign to not mess with her. When it came to the wagon, people would spare a glance or two on occasion, but otherwise it was just another cart.

"Hmm, I wonder where the young girl went?" the man from before mused to himself before shrugging his shoulders and continuing on as the line grew smaller and smaller. The folk in line were able to get through into the city in relatively short time. None of them seemed to have any inappropriate titles upon them, thus there was no consequence for allowing them through. Before too long, everyone had already passed through the gates with no one else in sight traveling in towards the city.

The only ones who remained beyond the city wall were the two and the hidden third cowering behind the bushes. The guards near the gate looked out towards the two beside the cart for a moment. Some of them spared the larger woman some cautious stares. It had not been long and yet they had already heard of her rein of terror out there. Not only that, but they saw many of the slaps delivered to the foolish louts that thought they were sly enough to sneak a peak. Aside from all of that, the guards didn't seem in too big of a hurry to get them through the gates. It's not like there was a rule about such things. The two would enter when they felt like it and that is that.

For the time being, the guards just watched the two or conversed amongst themselves.

---

Streets of Ryken - 8:31

If seeking the Adventurers guild is what Jean sought, then she would find that it was not a difficult thing to do. Adventurers wandered what seemed like every other street in this city, all of which either paid to protect the city and act as its blade, or performing jobs for those that needed the extra assistance. These adventurers would not mind being followed, but the cities citizens may look to Jean with wrinkled faces, displeased with the state she was in after her rummaging through the junk, garbage and waste of the city. The smell was certainly there.

While many people weren't pleased with the way Jean carried herself through their home, there were others that looked at her with interested gazes, as if wondering what curios she carried in the large sack. Surely there was something of interest for her to be carrying with her. It was not often that a neko would even dream of falling into such a state unless the goal was absolutely worth it.

It would not take too long for the Adventurers guild to be found. The building was massive, large enough to house all of the adventurers that made their living performing jobs for others. It's clear just why the adventurers guild was so well off. After all, it served as one of the three biggest powers in the city of Ryken. The only problem was that some of the adventurers seemed to be a bit bothered and irritable. Some were chatting amongst themselves about the fires at the docks. It seemed to be a heavy topic amongst adventurers, driving most into anger and annoyance.

---

Poppy



Poppy had remained in thought for some time, still planning and plotting for a way in, but perhaps her hopes are being answered as the sound of a wagon rolls alongside the bushes she hid behind. Finally she turns in place, carefully crawling through the bushes and peaking from its leaves. She examined the wagon for some time, then she knew what she must do. It was the only chance that she had. No one else seemed to be entering the city today with a wagon, so she had to take her chance while she had it.

She raised a hand to crawl from the bushes, but the thumping footsteps of something a short distance away caused her to recoil back into the bushes quickly, and thank goodness she did. From down the road, along came a rather tall woman. Poppy had never seen someone so tall before! The young girl was quite stunned yet interested at the same time. However, she had to get into this wagon. The task itself became a little more frightening as the large woman approached the wagon. Though as she passed the back of it, moving more towards the front, Poppy gathered her strength and pushed from the bushes.

If she had a heart, it would be beating like mad. However, without the need to take a calming breath or give her heart a chance to slow, she was able to remain somewhat calm the whole way to the cart. Brushing the tarp out of the way, she carefully dives into the wagon, kicking her legs a little as she wiggles her way all the way in. She worked to be careful of causing any kind of noise inside. There would be occasional creak, but once she had reached the back, if able, then she would sit as quietly and as still as death.

II-CinderRadcliff-II Silent Angel EMIYAman

 

[II-CinderRadcliff-II]

Gates of Ryken - 8:27 AM

Cinder Radcliff


As Cinder finished observing the map he tucked it away alongside the canteen as the giant approached, looking to her only to give a perplexed expression. Although it wasn't his first time seeing a giant in this world or the previous, a giant wearing a bunny outfit was... unorthodox, to say the least. His thoughts came to a stop as he looked into the giants eyes, regaining his composure and wiping the expression off of his face. When he registered what she said he jumped off his Clydesdale and wandered towards the back where the rope had come loose, with no signs of damage to any part of the wagon. He gave a sigh of relief that the wagon itself wasn't damaged, and with the strength of his firm hands he tied the rope back down to the wagon; albeit much tighter than when he had begun his journey to the capital. As he made his way back up to the front of the cart he noticed a small piece of torn blue fabric was stuck to a branch of the bush, though with the line from earlier he assumed it was from one of the other travelers that already made their way through the gate. Dismissing the blue fabric, he mounted his horse once more and looked back up at the giants eyes, giving a smile of gratitude.
"Thanks for the heads up, I can handle a single loose rope." Cinder stated as his horse gave a huff, seeming to be wary about something. "So, what brings you to the capital?" Cinder asked as he gave the horse lead a gentle whip, coaxing his companion forward as he hoped to make small talk with the giant. Though that attempt didn't last long, as his horse began to neigh and make a ruckus seemingly over nothing. Despite his best attempts the Clydesdale still didn't calm back down, as his gaze wandered to the area around them. Whether it was a monster or ghost he didn't know, though the presence of the giant didn't seem to be the stressor. The lack of noise aside from the rustle of the capital and the breeze also gave little to go off of, giving the giant a concerned glance as if to signal something was amiss.

Vexumin Silent Angel​

 

[Silent Angel]

Gates of Ryken - 8:30 AM

Rachael Meredith

Rachael's eyes flitted to some movement coming from the bushes, but she couldn't make it out fully. Before she could think too much on that matter, her eyes were brought back to the man, watching him fix his cart before getting back up to the front. She shook her head at his statement, saying quite matter of factly, "It wasn't an insult to your strength. I just tend to do well with physical labor, and was wondering if you would rather I assist. I tend to try and help when I can. Wasn't exactly brought up the best, but I have my values."

Her mouth moved down to a frown at the question, but she didn't think there was any harm in answering it as she walked, keeping pace with the horse with long strides of her legs. "I'm hoping to join the adventurer's guild, and this is the nearest place large enough to have one in its walls. What about you? What brings you to town? Trade? Or are you moving into the city? After all, wagons don't tend to be brought in for people just visiting."
​

 

[II-CinderRadcliff-II]

Gates of Ryken - 8:31 AM

Cinder Radcliff


"I'm here to trade my crafts. I'm a carpenter for a living, so since the town I usually do trade with isn't demanding much furniture at the moment; I thought I'd try my luck at the capital." Cinder explained as he gestured back to the wagon, his horse having settled down from whatever had spooked it earlier. "But I might have to check out the adventurers guild as well, could be a good secondary source of income." He thought vocally as he and the wagon got close to the guards, looking at the orb curiously. It was the first time he'd seen it since his trip to this world, with his previous life not having anything similar to it either. He gave a friendly wave at the guards as his horse came to a stop, looking past them and the gate entrance into the capital itself. The walls surrounding the city were impressive in their own right, and the city itself was a sight to see as well. But neither were as impressive as the Krilgox Kingdom's capital; Caldera's Peak. A city sitting atop a mountain overlooking the Krilgox Caldera itself, as peoples from differing nations flocked the streets in a booming tourism industry. It was hard to get him more impressed with any city than with the capital of his homeworld. He snapped out of his thoughts and gave his horse gentle strokes on its neck, trying to keep his companion calm during the guards inspection.

Vexumin Silent Angel​

 

[EMIYAman]

Adventurer's Guild - 8:40 AM
Jean Heng
​

Despite coming to the decision to join the Guild Jean had taken her time getting there, all the while she took out her various knick knacks and examined them before placing them back in the bag. She even stopped for a few minutes to take some rusted screws near a carpenters shop. When she arrived at the guild she gave out a grunt which was either her being impressed or acknowledgment of its existence. She made her way inside and was met with a surprising level of decor despite the image of adventurers delving into ancient ruins and fighting monsters they seemed pretty well off though it was probably due to said monster fighting. In her time in the Capital even Jean had heard tales of the power and influence held by the Guild though apparently something was starting to shake things up for the Guild, something like that she didn't pay much attention to idle chatter so she only got bits and pieces. Those rumors seemed to be hardly unfounded if the atmosphere was anything to go by the tension was palpable and many of the occupants were obviously disgruntled. Jean made her way up to the Guild staff who also seemed peeved but perked up when she approached though the interest was replaced by a wrinkled nose when the smell wafted over. Jean made no made no acknowledgement of the odor.

"Hey, yeah, I wanna join the Guild."

 

[Vexumin]

Gates of Ryken - 8:32 am



The guardsmen seemed to prepare themselves for the arrival of the two. As the wagon started to move again, they seemed to rally each other and stand at attention. Breaktime was over, even if it was just for a moment. As the wagon came to a stop before the two, the orb carried by one of the guards would be brought out. The event of having ones titles read, or rather, making sure that the titles one possessed did not include the [Monster] or [Criminal] titles was not much of an event in and of itself. The guardsman steps forward, presents the orb, a hand is laid upon it and they would take a step back and offer a nod.

One of the other guardsmen step towards the back of the wagon, performing their brief checks of the goods being transported into the city. They seemed especially adamant on checking as the horse acted up upon approach. Nonetheless it is a customary check. Can't have any contraband slipping through the gates on their watch, but it's not like they were about to force this poor man to unload his stock and goods out onto the dirt and stone. The guard especially didn't want to have to force Cinder to provide and explanation for what he saw next. There, sitting within the wagon, was the seemingly lifeless doll. Her vacant and emotionless stare directed towards the guardsman, or maybe it was just adjusted towards the back of the wagon, but the guardsman just happened to be caught in its gaze. As he leaned back and forth to observe the nooks within, he could swear that the eyes of the doll followed him.

Chalking it all up to the creepiness of the situation, he decided to wave it off. The wagon rider could have been a toy maker or something of the sort. It wasn't his job to critique the works of a wood worker. In no time at all the two are cleared and they make their way into the city. Just as with the Neko, Jean, Cinder and Rachael would find their own adventurer here and there likely also on their way to the adventurers guild. However, they would find that they have already received the attention of the guild. Two men step from an alley ahead.

"Pardon, sir and madame," he speaks out to them. "Apologies, but may we speak to you a moment? We have a request. You see, we are from the Adventurers Guild."

A moment after he finishes speaking, a high pitched scream, like that from a little girl, radiates from the back of Cinders wagon.

---

Ryken Adventurers Guild - 8:41 am



Merely stepping into the entry hall of the guild was enough to make someone feel that they were somewhere new. Somewhere filled with stories. The entrance was a single long hall, a board at the end where a few people huddle, looking over some of the posted jobs that were available to them. This place already looked quite grand, but a single look to the left and the hall paled in comparison to the true thing.

The Adventurers guild was lavish and marked by the seals of different adventuring parties along the walls. When one stepped into the guild, they knew why Rykens Adventurers Guild was a third of the capital cities power. The guild knew that they had strength and they were not afraid to flaunt it, but those of the guild did not seem stuck up or prideful of their place in the guild. It was like someone displaying a grand jewel, but payed little mind to it. Adventurers were there to work, not brag about their place in the organization. People interacted with each other as if they were at home and speaking with family, even if some of them would, on occasion, get in each others faces and descend into heated arguments.

These all seemed to be the same, about the recent troubles of the guild. Nonetheless, it mattered little. Jean only had to worry about trying to enter the guild in the first place. People cleared away as she made her way towards the receptionists on the far side of the room, but not many of them seemed overly disturbed by the scent of the dump that lingered upon her person. Why, some of them almost seemed pleased that it was not something worse. When an adventurer came back covered in the vile ichor cleaved forcefully from the viscera of a monster, there were usually not many worse scents to clear away from.

The receptionists on the other hand still did not seem to appreciate the smell, but that did not stop them from providing the utmost professionalism that they had to offer towards someone seeking to join the Adventurers Guild.

"Hey, yeah, I wanna join the Guild."

The young woman stationed at the front cleared her throat, and nose, of the scent emanating from Jean before she offers a smile. "Oh, yes, greetings. We appreciate your interest in the guild. There are a few matters that we must attend to before you may join, perhaps we can start with-," before the woman can finish, a large framed man steps behind her, offering a smile towards Jean. "No need for all that at the moment, Jenabelle. She's one of the ones that we've been waiting for. One of the 'Newbloods'." The man continues to display his infectious grin touched with a bit of a smirk. It was a purposeful smile that held intention behind it.

"If you'd come with me, lass, I'd be happy to get to know you and see about getting you inducted into our numbers."

This all seemed a bit sudden and a bit unconventional. However, with tough times comes quick action. From how it seemed, this man and perhaps even a few others from the adventurers guild have been keeping tabs on Jean, and even hoping for her arrival, considering how quickly she was met at the front. This man didn't seem like your run of the mill adventurer either.

---

Gates of Ryken - 8:32 am

Poppy



Poppy was glad that her daring plan worked for the most part. There was a hiccup, that hiccup being the horse that was unsettled by her presence. She didn't make a peep, but she clasped her hands together, praying that it would stop. The wagon rolled on forward and eventually its fit would pass. If she had any need to breath, she would have given the world a relieved breath, however, in a moment she goes limp and completely still. Someone began working on the tarp at the back of the wagon. In moments, she was being stared at by a person wearing full armor. It seemed to be a man, but he was caught off guard as he stared Poppy down.

He looked to her for a long time, but she kept as still as she possibly could. If there was a situation worth praying for a good end to, then it was this one. While she was still enough to pass off for an oddly large and definitely not suspicious doll, she could not help but follow the guards movements with her eyes. She could tell that he was unnerved by it, but he didn't seem to find it odd enough to raise concerns, as the guard tied things down and continued back to the front. Her attention followed the sound of clanking stomps until it was far past her. Again she wished she could breathe that sigh of relief.

Once again, the wagon started to roll onwards. This time though she could hear her very success as the sounds of the town grew louder around the wagon. She decided to take the time to relax. She just had to wait for the wagon to come to a halt and then she would leap out! Nothing to it. She turns his head, a full one hundred and eighty degrees as she stared out from a gap under the seat. She saw people walking about, tending to their daily lives. Soon though, something was off. Two men step from somewhere off to the side, seeking to halt the wagon. She could not hear what they were saying, but what she could hear was the hasty unfurling of the wagons back. She immediately went still this time, but there was something about the man who looked in next. He was starting to climb in. Not only that, but he was staring right at her, then reaching for her.

The moment her arm is grabbed, she immediately tried to fight, but this man was strong. Though she struggled against his grip, there was nothing she could do. So she resorted to the usual tactic for a girl her age being grabbed in such a forceful manner by a strange man. She screamed with all of her might. The sound echoed through the street they all had found themselves in. People started turning their heads to address the commotion.

"Be silent, Monster," the man says in a quieted yet forceful voice. It was equal to saying that he would hurt her if she didn't shut her trap. Though pain is something that escaped her in this body, the fear of death remained, she went silent as she was ordered, but that did not stop her from trying to fight off her captor, even as he damn near dragged her from the wagon and onto her feet on the cobblestone road below.


II-CinderRadcliff-II Silent Angel EMIYAman

 

[Silent Angel]

Gates of Ryken - 8:33 am

Rachael Meredith

The amazon heard the scream and was the first to react. She spun on her heel, rushing towards the back of the wagon. She wasn't sure what was going on inside, but that type of scream didn't bode well for at least one occupant. She got to the back and saw a man dragging a terrified girl away from the wagon, and decided that the best course of action would be to put a stop to this. She reeled her fist back before striking forward, her style allowing her powerful blow to also contain a deadly precision that was many opponent's downfall, and in the amazon's mind, this kidnapper would be no different.​

 

[II-CinderRadcliff-II]

Gates of Ryken - 8:33 AM

Cinder Radcliff


Cinder waited patiently for the guards to perform their inspections, and as they wrapped up and gave him the clear he have the lead a gentle whip again. The trotting of his Clydesdale sounded once more as he and the giant entered the capital through the gate, his hand reaching into his bag to grab the canteen he had put away earlier. Barely inside the city and two people had already set their sights upon them, with the wagon coming to a halt once more as the two men intended to catch their attention. Their attention they now had, as he raised a strained eyebrow out of curiosity and irritation, though now having found the canteen he opened it once more and took a refreshing drink of the cooled water within. As he finished with his drink his mind wandered as to the purpose of the two men, with their introduction furrowing his eyebrow further in confusion. With this being his first time in the capital only two possibilities could answer this dilemma; either the adventurers guild knew of him before his visit, or they were recruiting new members indiscriminately. In both situations, it had drastic implications for the future. Before either of the two men could explain their request, however, a new manner of attention made itself apparent as a scream bellowed out from his wagon. Without hesitation he jumped down from his horse in a hurry and ran towards the back, fists at the ready as the air around his hands seem to radiate danger.

As he had readied himself for a fight the giant had already struck first, holding back his fists for the moment and approaching the man in a readied manner. His forehead was furrowed as anger and frustration was made apparent, his ability Hand of the Flames radiating heat from his hands as he withheld himself from punching the man into a sizzling pile of burnt flesh. He was annoyed at the woman that was in the cart as well, though making a disguise as convincing as a human-sized wooden doll was the least of his worries at the moment.
"You'd better start explaining why the hell you were snooping around inside my wagon, because I'm not someone you want to provoke further." Cinder sputtered to the man, teeth clenched hard as he attempted to keep himself from getting angrier.

Vexumin Silent Angel​

 

[Vexumin]

Just past the gates of Ryken - 8:33 am



The giant woman stomped over, and this was immediately brought to the attention of the man holding the girl, as was seen from the realization on his face. He would reach towards the girl once more before the massive fist flew before he immediately almost dove backwards. Despite the terrifying accuracy of the punch, the man managed to avoid the full force of the attack, Rachael's fist only barely making contact with the individuals face. Nonetheless, the force sends him spiraling backwards.

Whatever skills this man has, he is no pushover. He manages to catch himself, hands finding the ground as he slid some distance away. "What are you doing?!" he shouts, clearly a bit caught off guard and frustrated with the sudden attack. He rises to his feet, steadily calming himself. The other two men soon circle about, their eyes looking between the man and the little girl, though something seemed to be missing from the girl. It was her scarf that was at one point hooded over her head, shadowing her face. It appeared to be in the hands of the man, the one that had reached for her.

"Don't you know what you're protecting? It's a monster." He points a finger straight at the girl.

She was without her covering, but the little girls still attempted to cover her face with her hands to hide it. The only problem with this was that her hands were still segmented, clearly that of a doll. She lowers her hands down, face turning to look at the giant woman. Her face was the same, two lines descending from the corners of her lips and curling underneath her jaw. The lifeless and staring, emotionless eyes. Though the doll trembled, there were no tears falling down from her face.

The girl started stammering, trying to find words to plea, but she could not manage to form them.

II-CinderRadcliff-II Silent Angel

 

[EMIYAman]

Adventurer's Guild - 8:40 AM
Jean Heng
​

Jean eyed the large man, he gave off the impression of a seasoned adventurer and he must have had some influence to be able to do something like this. He reminded Jean of a soldier, she was used to soldiers, they were usually straightforward and appreciated her work a lot more than the average person. The grin on his face meant to disarm her and make her comfortable was unnecessary but acknowledged. He seemed to have a reason to skirt regulation like this, it must be a important to him. She could work with this man. Though Jean wondered what the "Newblood" thing was about did the Adventurers Guild get an influx of new recruits lately?

"Hm." Jean stares at the man before turning to follow him. They walk briefly until surprisingly enough Jean breaks the silence. "Did you know of me before now? Well, that or the Guild must be in volatile situation. I can't fathom why you'd make an exception like this otherwise." Jean spoke rather frankly but her eyes showed only curiosity rather than any desire to be rude.

 

[Vexumin]

Adventurers Guild - 8:41 am



As the two walked down the winding halls of the Guild, the man leading the way never really lost his smile, but it sure did lessen a little. No longer showing near perfect teeth and just opting for a simpler one that still emanated a bit of that warmth in him. People would at times cross paths with the two and the man was almost always greeted with a wave or a bow of respect. It would not take long for them to have reached a room that was somewhat out of the way. Only when they were within would be begin to answer that question.

"You see, we have an individual within our numbers with an ability that allows them to perceive things about certain individuals. It allows us to gauge the usefulness of folk about the city. She cannot use this skill often though, so we can only really gleam a few people that we could use aid from. You were among the few that we found. The Newblood, as I had called you. There are others that were supposed to have passed through the front gates a while ago. They should be getting closer by now, I'd imagine."

The man gestures to a chair in the room, offering Jean the seat while he takes another, shifting it right in front of the one presented to Jean. As the man sits, he brings his hands together. "I've no doubt you've seen the state of the others while you were heading in. We've been losing supply ships as they come into the port and our people are not happy about it. Loss of supplies means loss of aid we can give our adventurers. If we can't keep our people in shape, then it's back to grunt work until we can make up. That means that we need people to help solve this little problem. People with little to no name in the city." After a moment, he waves a hand. "Sorry, I didn't mean to make that last part sound the way it did. What I mean is that we need folk with less of a reputation in the city. People that can get around without being well associated with the guild yet."

EMIYAman

 

[Silent Angel]

Past the Gates of Ryken - 8:41 am

Rachael Meredith

Rachael glanced from the girl to the man, her arms crossing as she raised an eyebrow. "Well have I got news for you, bub! One, what do you expect me to fucking think, seeing some random man dragging a girl away? You look like a kidnapper, and genuinely seem like you're the one in the wrong. Two, you don't know why she was in the cart. She could be a construct given sentience and not a monster, created to assist someone, and that, again, would put you in the wrong. Constructs wouldn't be any of the other three, so it would be streamlined into monster, making you think she is one, when she wouldn't harm any humans." Rachael decided she really didn't like whoever this was, and so while the first one was true, the second one was totally pulled out her ass. However, she looked intimidating enough, as well as sure enough of her answer, that quite a few people might take her word for it.

She leaned towards him, a glare forming on her face. "And three, to me she doesn't seem like she'd hurt a fly. In fact, right now, I feel like you entering the wagon unannounced, all while getting your friends to try and distract us, seems much more criminal than anything she has been trying to do. The only thing she's done since you tried to drag her away is be terrified for her life. From what I could tell she didn't try to fight back, meaning that not only would you be kidnapping, but if you tried to kill her you'd have to murder her in cold blood. Now, I'm not sure about you, but I wouldn't want that trait on my repertoire. So how bout you leave and we forget this happened. That sound good?"​

 

[II-CinderRadcliff-II]

Past the gates of Ryken - 8:44 AM

Cinder Radcliff


Cinder listened to the man as he gave his reasoning, briefly turning to the monster that had been hiding in his wagon. Despite the brief gaze he gave he was left in awe at the woodwork of her figure, with whether or not she was a monster immediately taking the backburner as he turned back towards the man. His expression now seemed even more pissed, barely listening to the giant telling him off as he thought of how best to rip him a new crevasse... Figuratively. He cracked his knuckles and popped several cramps out of his neck, his gaze cursing the man with a burning ferocity that few could provoke from him.
"A living wooden doll is what the people of Ryken consider a f****** threat?! A doll?! I may not be a long time resident of this nation, but I've encountered wolf pups that have more ferocity - more bloodlust! I've almost died more times in my life to a tree falling my way than to a f****** doll! Hell, even my own carpentry tools pose more of a threat than her!" Cinder proclaimed as he gestured towards Poppy, only having begun his irate rant. "If the entire capital - the one place in the nation where its armed forces should be strongest - is concerned about a single doll who hasn't even tried fighting back against the likes of you, I'd think the nation is run by a league of cowards that can't tell the difference between a sword and a knife! And I know not everyone is that idiotic, given that the city isn't burning to the ground. So I'm lead to believe that you're an irredeemable racist, who's hellbent on torturing or killing any sentient being that so much as differs from humanity! You make the demons in hell look more sympathetic and kind, and I bet the angels you so praise are mocking your very existence! So how about you go lock yourself away where no one has to be cursed whenever they're around you, as you can't handle being around a harmless doll without whipping out your sword to improvise for the many insecurities you've got. Hell, I'd love to see just how miserable you make your wife, you've got to be the fastest turn off this entire nation has ever seen. Now get out of my sight, before I have to smear my boots with whatever rat tainted feces you slept in!"

As Cinder finished off his very lengthy lecture and roast, a crowd had started to gather around them. Whether it was because the giant had tried attacking the man or because of the scream, he didn't know while in the heat of the moment. With a deep breath in the air around his hands seemed to cool off, tucking away his hands into his pockets and turning towards Poppy. He still seemed a little irritated at the whole situation, but now that he had blown off some steam he was cordial enough. He walked over and offered a hand up, his ears keeping a listen just in case the man tried something stupid again.

Vexumin Silent Angel​

 

[Vexumin]

Beyond the Gates of Ryken - 8:44



In any other city the two might have had a point, perhaps they would even have had the man responsible for making Poppy scream running and embarrassed, however, he remained still. His emotion was not clear upon his face, as if the words reached him, yet he did not mind. Such was usually normal when you handled criminals, thugs and monsters after all. Lots of harsh words. The people that had gathered all seemed mildly fearful as well, but ultimately they felt at ease with members of the adventurers guild gathered about. The other two men had circled about the wagon to join their ally. None of them had a terribly excited face for the situation that was rising. It was like exhausted city guards tired of dealing with common rabble.

The masked man breathes a sigh and crosses his arms. "You two are clearly new to the city. We have been observing every move of the girl there since the moment she approached the city. The city of Ryken forbids the access of [Criminal]'s and [Monster]'s. Why, the very orb that you touched when entering is what we use to determine if someone possesses such titles, no matter the manner of illusion or spell they try to wield in order to avoid being unmasked. That girl there hid when she observed the purpose of the orb. When your wagon approached, she crawled inside. Clearly she was seeking a way to bypass the examination."

Judging from the withdrawn looks of the people gathered about, most people in this city were wary of [Monster]'s, no matter what shape and form they took. The man didn't seem cocky or anything either. From the look on his face, he was only telling the truth about the capital he calls home. "You should be careful with that punch of yours. If it had been anyone else, they most certainly would have been struck, then you would be in a far worse situation. If it was an especially heartless adventurer, you would be labeled an accomplice to the smuggling of a [Monster] into the city of Ryken. Since you're new, you should know that most [Criminal]'s and [Monster]'s that attempt to even enter the city are either locked up or outright executed."

Once the man had finished explaining the circumstances of the situation, he looks to his allies and nods. "Thankfully for the lot of you, we had been expecting her, no, all of you, for some time. As such, we, representing the adventurers guild, will forgive and forget all transgressions that have occurred here today. However, we must take the girl. She is still a [Monster], so she cannot be allowed to roam the city until we have had the chance to guarantee she will not pose a threat."

---

Poppy



The girl was shaking something fierce. She had been found and she had nothing keeping her from the clutches of these people other than the two that had come to her defense, but as she listened to the man before them, she could not help but only grow more fearful. These people could get in trouble as well because of her. Because she chose to find a different way into the city, but she had no idea that she was already being watched. The second she entered that wagon, she put these people under watch as well. She must have.

Guilt welled within her. She didn't want these people to get in trouble. Not even a little. From how it sounded, the people that had come for her were even willing to forgive the punch and having unknowingly brought her into the city to begin with. Poppy shakily grabs the hand of the man and woman that had come to protect her. "I... I am a [Monster]... They are right. I was just.... so scared to put my hand on the orb. I need to find my families belongings, but not if it gets someone kind hurt along the way."

She stands still for a moment, she wished she could cry, feeling the tears on her face would at least make her feel a little human. "It's okay... They said themselves that they were expecting us, right? I don't think they would hurt me... I can't even feel pain. My body is just made of wood. You don't have to worry about me." Though she couldn't smile, the tone of her voice was overwhelmingly considerate and kind. "I think I'll be alright. Just... don't hurt yourselves for me. I could never forgive myself."

II-CinderRadcliff-II Silent Angel

 

[Elvario]

Victorique Sopheana
​

The act of simply wandering through the capital city was showing Victorique the implications of who she was now. Everything looked so much taller and more dangerous when you were as small as she'd gotten. She even needed to be careful not to be trampled upon by people in a rush. It was a feeling she only vaguely remembered from when she was a child, not something she expected to go through as a full-grown adult. In fact, she hoped people would even recognise her as one. If her current life would be one of explaining her age, it'd be quite bothersome. How common were halflings? She had no clue.

The odd mixture of clear memories that remained of whom she was before and the memories, or rather, the knowledge of who she was now, was still pacing through her head. Using the new name wasn't too difficult, perhaps due to already having gone by different names in her past life, but the height difference was rather troublesome. That and the fact that she was broke and homeless. Try as she might, she couldn't recall anything with regards to belongings or a home address, to the point that she had to assume the worst; namely that she didn't have anything more than the items she had currently on her.

That wasn't ideal.

With those troubles going through her mind, she paced through the city until she happened to overhear an interesting bit of conversation. There was an adventurers guild here and they were having issues getting their supplies, as someone or something was setting their ships ablaze. The fact that a ship had been set ablaze in the port itself showed how hopeless the guild was.

Upon hearing those words, something triggered in her, like an investigator's instinct. She'd be able to solve plenty of her own issues if she could track down these perpetrators. Having the guild own her something was very likely to get her a meal and place to sleep at the very least and the investigation itself could be used as an explanation for why she was in the city, should she ever need one.

It didn't take her long to decide she'd take her chances and follow up on the man that was clearly trying to pursue the suspects. Victorique didn't think he'd last long, especially not if even she, new to this world as she was, could identify his actions as an attempt at tailing someone. It was just what she needed though. After all, the suspects would lower their guard once they'd shaken off the first person tailing them, as they wouldn't expect a second party doing the same, which meant she'd have an easier time. All she needed to do was to keep it up longer than he would manage.

She almost lost track of the suspects on a few occasions, but a quick investigation managed to get her back on track each time. Her size made it a bit easier to go unnoticed, she realised, as she pursued them throughout the city. Eventually, it led her to a storehouse. She didn't recognise any of it, but she made sure to memorise the name of it. That alone wouldn't be enough, she feared, so she gathered up her courage and moved in closer.

Standing as close to the window as she dared to go, she could just about make up the conversation going on inside. They were in league with these merchants, that much was confirmed by their words. Victorique even heard them reference someone they were working for, although she wasn't sure if it was a real name or not. Even so, she'd make sure to memorise it. She had a name and location now, but she figured she'd need something more solid. After all, her words alone could be seen as a shabby attempt at making a quick buck by selling made-up information.

She clicked her tongue. Should she try to convince the guild her information was correct by words alone, or should she attempt to gather something more concrete? She almost had a heart attack when she heard the door open besides her and instinctively rushed into the side-alley. With her heart beating in her chest and holding her breath until she almost fainted, she waited to be sure that whomever had left the building hadn't spotted her.

Nobody came. Good. After calming down a bit, she figured now was her chance. She carefully glossed in through the window. It didn't look like anyone was still inside. She slowly and carefully approached the door and realised her luck was still going strong, as the fools had forgotten to lock it behind them. Gathering courage, she slowly opened it and entered the building.

A quick look around showed her that there was nothing too incriminate at first sight. Nobody would want to keep a track record of their crimes, after all. Until she spotted something of interest. A few goods were stashed away in a corner of the room, but they didn't look new. It looked as if they'd been dragged around a lot, like what you'd expect from stolen goods.

Perhaps the ships weren't burned just to spite the guild, but to destroy the evidence of them having been robbed of their goods first? That would mean she'd have found the jack-pot. She figured she'd take her chances with it. Now she just needed some proof of it. Luckily enough, the company had gone as far as to rebrand their stolen goods. A brand new company mark on an old and rugged looking sack of grain might not be much, but in the current situation and with her theory to back it up, it might just be enough to get things moving.

She scanned around the room, finding a bread-knife with which she could attempt to cut-out the mark. Just to be on the safe side, she even took a handful of grain. If this world had different types of grain like her own, the guild might recognise it as their own missing order, which would implicate this merchant company even more. She figured she'd quickly stash it away in her pocket dimension, where nobody would be able to find it.

All in all, she was rather happy with herself. A company name, the name or nickname of a potential leader and some evidence in the form of a brand and handful of grain. Surely she'd be able to spin this into a tale that would get her started off strong with the adventurer's guild. All that in just a single day, on her first day even, this was...

She was just getting full of herself when she heard the door open again. She spun around and looked right in the eyes of one of the men she'd been following. That was bad. Before the next heartbeat, she found herself in a mad dash for the door, as if her body was functioning solely by instinct. In just the few seconds it took the man at the door to notice the intruder and register her as someone he'd need to stop, she'd already made it past him and was just out of arm's reach by the time the man spun around in an attempt to grab her.

She could just about feel his hand slide past her, as he failed to get a hold of her. Behind her, she could hear him yell; “Get her!” to someone. Victorique didn't dare to look around, as she sprinted onwards. She needed to get this all straight to the adventurer's guild, as she knew she'd be in big trouble if they'd catch her. There was only one issue.

She had absolutely no clue where the adventurer's guild was.

Or where she was, for that matter.

Without knowing anyone in the city, she didn't dare to stop and ask for direction either. Especially not with people right on her heels. She might have been faster than them, perhaps even by a lot, but there was more than one of them and she wouldn't even recognise all of them. They also knew the lay-out of the city, whilst she was just wandering around hoping to find the guild. The situation quickly ended up being a wild goose chase, where the only comfort she had was the fact that she was surely confusing her enemies. After all, they'd be unable to piece together what her goals were by the fact that she was randomly running through the city without any seemingly clear goal or destination.

Just as she finally found her way to what seemed to be one of the main streets of the city, which would surely have the adventurer's guild somewhere along it, or so she hoped, she heard someone yell behind her. “Over here!” Having already exhausted herself a fair bit, she could feel her side sting. She wasn't sure if she could keep it up, but surely dashing out onto the main street would be enough for them to give up... right? She figured she'd make one more desperate dash towards it.

 

[Silent Angel]

Beyond the Gates - 8:45 AM

Rachael

The amazon's eyes went from the adventurer's to the girl. "This doesn't feel right. For one, if you were watching for her beforehand and knew of her, why did you let her in in the first place? It sounds like you're just trying to save face. For another, it genuinely feels like the only person in the wrong here is you. So how bout this?" She stood up, crossing her arms and glaring at the adventurer, her size and stature offsetting the clothes she was wearing when it came to her intimidating presence. "I'm going to go with her. If she's done nothing wrong and does nothing wrong, and you still try to kill her, I'm going to beat you black and fucking blue. Is that clear? I don't care if it hurts my chances with the adventuring guild or some bullshit, as if I would want to be in a guild that employs lowlifes like you."​

 

[EMIYAman]

Adventurer's Guild - 8:43 AM
Jean Heng​

Jean sat next to the man and listened. She was rather interested when he mentioned she had been located by a women with a "skill" as he called it. Her eyes narrowed in intense focus as he describer her ability which could locate a person who fit the criteria they needed. Her mind raced with possible explanations of such an ability and each one was just as plausible in how outlandish and seemingly impossible it was, this world truly worked differently than her own. Something akin to clairvoyance is already an amazing ability and supernatural in nature but he described it like it was notable enough to mention but not too strange. Admittedly Jean wanted to grill him about different abilities and how he understood them to work but she was so lost in her thoughts he had already begun to describe the Guild situation and how he wanted her help to solve it. Luckily he didn't catch her not listening to the first part but she brought her attention back to the matter at hand.

"If that's what you require of me then I'll provide you my services. However, I need money for my workshop so I'll take my down payment now for resource expenditure." Jean stuck her hand out expectantly with a dispassionate expression, yet an eager look in her eyes. Her tail slowly swayed from side to side.

 

[II-CinderRadcliff-II]

Beyond the Gates of Ryken - 8:48 AM

Cinder Radcliff


Upon hearing the mans reasoning Cinder was still very reluctant to trust him, finding multiple red flags within his statement. Some of which the giant pointed out, but he had a few points to contest of his own.
"Well if that's the case, tell me this: Why didn't you preemptively leave the city and capture her beforehand? Why choose to sneak into my cart and try to drag her out? Literally at any point you could have resolved the issue at hand through less messy means, but instead you choose to wait until she's in the city and use brute force? If the Adventurers Guild has more people like you in it, I'd hardly call it respectable in any sense of the word. You could have chosen peace, but you deliberately chose the worse possible scenario. How fucking hard is it to simply say 'Excuse me sir, but we believe a monster snuck into the back of your wagon, mind if I take a look?' It's not hard to communicate, so maybe instead of adventuring and kidnapping you should spend some time learning the fundamentals of communication." Cinder ranted in a calmer tone, though still visibly pissed. He kept himself between Poppy and the man, though his attention was caught by the faint sound of yelling and the echoes of someone running. Although he wasn't certain of what he heard, it seemed to be coming from a nearby alley. "In any case, I've got some important errands to attend to, so I'm going to be bringing her along with me. You can tag along if you're still worried about a doll, but you'd better not try any moves. After I'm done, I plan on following suit to the Guild to ensure you don't do anything stupid, alongside file a formal complaint if any of my wares were damaged during your shuffle. Do I make myself crystal clear?"

Vexumin Silent Angel Elvario​

 

[Vexumin]

Beyond the gates of Ryken - 08:48



By now, guardsmen from the gate had made it to the side of the adventurers. It was clear that there were closer ties to the two organizations than it would first seem to those new to the city. The guardsmen, who had greeted these folk wholeheartedly before were now wary as well, all of them having drawn blades after hearing that a commotion had begun beyond the gates. The adventurer shakes his head at a guard that had gotten closer to him, looking at the hooded man with a raised brow. It was as if the man was telling the guards not to take any action.

The man breathes a long sigh. "Again, it is painfully obvious that you are both new here. The Adventurers Guild is responsible for the safety of the city alongside its guardsmen. You may not take her with you. She will be coming with us, and that is a non-arguable fact. I would prefer not to bring this to blows as there are still citizens about." He nods his head towards Rachael. "You may accompany her if you so wish, but I was ordered to bring the 'doll' directly to the adventurers guild once she was at the gates and I intend to fulfill that order without fail."

It was clear that there was little leeway for argument in this situation unless things were to get messy, but he did not seem to desire such a thing at all. Even if he and his pals were seasoned adventurers with a detail of guardsmen at their back, he did not let that get to his head for even a moment. He only wanted to perform his duties while the two attempted to upset him with their volley of verbal aggression and intimidation only for it to fall flat.

"I would not harm her. After all, I was instructed to bring her to the guild without a scratch. I believe my boss has need of her assistance, same with all of you. Personally, I'm starting to think it's more trouble than it's worth, but I only follow orders as per my job details."

II-CinderRadcliff-II Silent Angel

---

Guild Reception Room - 08:49



The man raises a brow at the request for funding so soon. This time he was the one with a raised brow and a hand scratching at his scruffy face, going over different options in that case. He raises a leg and swings it over the other as he gets comfortable. "It's a bit unconventional to fund an adventurer before they have even had the chance to prove themselves on the field. When an adventurer joins, they take jobs and make money that way, only paid after the jobs completion."

The man seems to take a few moments to think, looking the neko over for a few moments as he does so. "If you insist on requiring capital to do your work as an adventurer, then I would suggest taking it through the lovely receptionist back out front. Any such transactions must be recorded as we here at the adventurers guild must keep track of all exchange of goods and finances, especially when it is one-sided. Also, especially with all the troubles as of late."

He shrugs his shoulders and she starts speaking again. "It's either that or you can find a noble to sponsor your partnership with the adventurers guild, then you can have all the resources you could possibly want. Only problem with that is that the nobles prefer to keep to themselves as much as they can. We only rarely get noble visitors down here."

EMIYAman

---

The Alleys of Ryken - 08:49

The man that had been pursuing Victorique were clearly not just some average thugs. They both managed to stay on her tail and they were only gaining ground with each passing second. They both were adorned in leathers suited for those who favored the night as their cover, but in an effort to be rid of loose ends and keep themselves alive, they had to rush into the light. The only unfortunate part for them was that the halfling was still fast as all hell, but even so they were managing.

By then, the two had drawn daggers. A clear sign that when they caught up, they weren't going to let Victorique live. One could see the hate in their eyes. The halflings death would probably even make them some extra money if they spun a story.



Suddenly another man descends from above a short distance down the alley from Victorique. She had been cut off. The man just stays where he is, blades drawn and ready to skewer the smaller woman. However, as Victorique drew near, the man turns his attention to something to their left. He tries to readjust himself from the look of it, but he was not quick enough as an armored foot flew from the side alley the rogue was looking down.

When the foot hits, it hits hard. The dagger wielding fiend goes flying down the alley on the opposite side of the owner of that devastating kick. From the sound of it, the rogue was still traveling on down the length of the alley. Clanking metal against stone sounds as a younger looking man steps into the alley. His eyes lock upon Victorique, but just before she reaches him, he steps to the side, letting her pass on through. "Look for the main road! Further down, take the first right you find. My allies should be around that area, they'll keep you safe! Tell them Breyen sent you!" He returns his attention to the pursuing men before drawing a silver blade, directing it down the alley while he holds a shield close with his other arm.



The young man named Breyen prepared himself for combat, but the pursuers stopped short, just before they could get in range of that sword and shield. Their eyes were wide with surprise that slowly turned to fear. It was as if they looked upon a worst case scenario once this Breyen fellow got involved. An air of cool confidence radiated from the warrior, prepared for whatever that was to come, especially when the safety of another was concerned.

Elvario

 

[Elvario]

Victorique Sopheana
​

Interactions: Cinder II-CinderRadcliff-II | Rachel Silent Angel

Just her luck. Getting targetted by what felt like a full-blown assassin's guild on her first day. She was starting to doubt her approach to the situation, as these guys were clearly far more experienced than she'd like them to be. It didn't look like putting up puppy-eyes and saying sorry would get her anything more than a dagger through the throat, so she kept running for her life. She knew she was fucked when she saw one of them drop down in front of her. There was no way for her to get past him or turn around... Was she really going to die like this? She hadn't even finished her supply of tobacco.

That's when she noticed the man got distracted by something. She barely had the time to register it before the guy was kicked to what seemed to be the other side of the city. Her knight in shiny armour had arrived! She listened to Breyen's words and nodded with a gratefull look on her face, as she was way too out of breath from all the running to form a proper reply. She'd only need to run a bit further now... The latter didn't make the stinging in her side feel any less painful, but it was a whole lot better than getting stabbed to death.

She followed the instructions, running further down and taking the first right. Whilst the thought that it might be a trap went through her mind, she was too exhausted to act on it. The best she could do was hope that it wasn't. After getting to the area, she'd look around for whomever those allies might be. Breyen hadn't given her any discriptions, so she'd have to go by looks alone. She looked around for people using the same crest as he had on his shield, but if she couldn't find those, she'd just look for the most knightly-looking ones. She eventually found a group tht seemed to match the description gathered around the cart, she headed over and convey the message between heavy breaths. “...Breyen...sent me..?”

It'd be pretty awkward if she had the wrong people, but having just narrowly escaped death, it was the least of her concerns. If anything, she was doing her best to stand somewhat 'tall' and not just plop down from exhaustion. Fast as she was, her stamina wasn't endless, which she was painfully aware off due to how she was feeling at the moment.

On the topic of 'standing tall', Victorique couldn't help but glance up at the giantess (Rachel), as she herself was barely taller than the giantess's knees. In normal circumstances, such a difference would set off her danger instincts, but the outfit made it surprisingly difficult to be terrified of the giantess, even though she could probably still squash Victorique with a single well-placed stomp. It's why a mixture of curiosity and worry made Victorique keep her a distance, at least while she was trying to catch her breath.

She also realised that the situation between the giantess and a red-eyed man (Cinder) on the one hand and the guards on the other was rather tense. It seemed to be due to some doll she'd spotted whilst running here, but hadn't paid any attention to due to be drawn to the imposing nature of the giantess. Perhaps the giant and red-eyed man were trying to smuggle some illegal stuff? She wasn't sure, but she figured she'd best stay behind the guards she was meant to be protected by. Once she'd catch her breath and get some smoke in her lungs she'd probably be able to think the situation through more clearly. For now, she just hoped these were the ones she was meant to look for.

 

[Silent Angel]

Rachael Meredith

The amazon's eyes fixed on the guards and the adventurers before spitting on the ground, her face showing pure disgust. "So not only are you bad at your job, but you need friends to do it? Really, what kind of adventurer are you. You want to keep the city safe? It's pretty fucking obvious that you're trash at that too if this is how you go about it. And sure, I'm new. I just got here because it's the only place with an adventurer's guild within a good distance. But if this is the incompetence's of the adventurer's guild in this city, I won't mind walking a bit more."

She knew every word was probably making it more unlikely she would be able to get any sort of job here, not just an adventurer's job, but at this point, she didn't care about that as much. She just felt sick at the prospect that she had ever wanted to share a guild with the scumbag in front of her, and with that thought, she balled up her fists. "And as for coming to blows, oh I wish it could, but you seem to really enjoy ganging up on people when your underhanded tactics of kidnapping don't work, so I think I'll have to decline, even if it would make me feel better."​