Fantasy Tales of Raeligard

[RedArmyShogun]

Thea Schuerer
Location: Tyslen - Guild Hall
~~~
​

The later exchange, did bother her a bit, as Lucia seemed to grow tired of the woman and came to them. As Falco continued to dig a hole with the knight, she stuck her armored thumbs into the inside of her belt and clasped the outside. Much akin to a guard that became very crossed with the foolishness of the local children. A little payback was in order. Why she may in part be the ideal of virtue and valor, Thea was ultimately, human. Bowing lightly at Lucia's entry and unhooking her hands from the belt she speaks quickly to accept the offer and to make another out of spite. "You are the one that was looking for some place else to be, not I." She said of Falco's latest remark.

"Ah Lucia, I would be delighted to have you along with us. I'm sure we can find an E-rank quest for three people to attend. In fact, we were planning to have co-worker lunch during the job while I write out a letter and arrange for the shipment of a package."

The truth was she didn't intend to do the later today, but this was too good of an opportunity to pass up. "Falion here would be delighted to have you along, of that, I'm sure. As would I."

Though knowing Falco, having both of the girls with him would likely be a plus, still it was some measure of payback, even if small. With the mention of protection, she scoffs and starts walking off to the front door at once. "Sneaking isn't my style, the armor makes it troublesome. Comical sight it would be aside should I cling to you, I think it would be far too awkward.

Still, let us find a job, or jobs, afterall if we each use an allowance and get them close to one another the guild may not care. Unless it's one per group, then we just need return. Though I won't be surprised if that woman does become our next source of trouble before the day is done. So, we best be off with it, who knows maybe we can secure a long-range quest once we've finished with today's.

Interactions: Falco AnonyMouse Lucia EmperorsChosen

 

[Thalia_Neko]

Hysydice "Hyss" Maliss

Currently: Talking to mysterious cat woman
Thinking: "Hm. What does she know?"

Location: walking the street outside of Kriegslöwe Guildhall
Interacting: Topless AnonyMouse
​

Hyss found her mood dipping. She was feeling disappointment. So this woman did just like to cause trouble? Why wouldn't she tell them right away what her issue was? Or what she knew? Hyss had asked plenty of times already; it was clear the cat wouldn't give up anything. Soured, Hyss grumbled a response, "I have no desire to wander about with a lazeabout tagging along. If it is duties I am to do, then I would do those. I'm sure you already know the town anyway." For some one like her, there was no way she'd have someone as dubious as this following her without first knowing the reason.

She glanced at Sakura. "Lucia asked to do a mission. Perhaps we should return and get to that. Or find a different one. This woman just wants to play games. We've got better things to do." She said that but, Hyss was wary of this woman. She said she had information that was critical. So Hyss would be watching and listening, but as for now, she didn't want to play this woman's games. Either De Luna told them what she knew, or that was that.

 

[Topless]

Location: Tylsen

Roschanna De Luna, also known as the Luna Enchantress, sounded like a very important person as she knew Cephilia. What could she possibly want to do with her? With Lucia and Talio made their leave, Roschanna would ask if they could roam around the streets. Hyss declined, feeling suspicion from the woman. Sakura doesn't feel the same, although she does have some doubts about the legitimacy of her relationship with the Clockwork Witch.

"Forgive me, Miss De Luna, but I have duties to fulfill alongside my comrade. But I'm sure there can be some other Kriegslowen who would gladly take you out on a stroll. At least if they're on their off days or on leave if that were the case. Again, forgive me." Sakura said and then she turned to Hyss and asked "So what is this mission that Lucia asked about? I may as well tag along if she so desired. I do need to put my new spells into good use, especially that I learned some "outside-the-box" tricks with them."

AnonyMouse EmperorsChosen Thalia_Neko TreasureSniper
​

 

[EmperorsChosen]

Location: Tylsen
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
​

Lucia scoffed dismissively at Falco's suggestion. "Indeed. That is very well why I departed. The Lunar Enchantress... She's decently known of within aristocracy. If you are unfamiliar with her activities, just know you should take what she says with a grain of salt, and as well take care in what your words reveal. She's an omen of mischief, one that migrates from circle to circle for her own wants... Also she speaks like my mother, which is just another red flag," She explained with a hint of irritation.

Glancing subtly back at the woman in question, Lucia then turned her gaze to her friends in front of her. "I require at least one other cohort regardless due to that ruling of Valdergeuse's, so I shall accept," The woman said, speaking in a slightly more posh tone than usual, perhaps in response to Falco's humor. "That sounds lovely, dear Thea, and perhaps Ser Fallion can cling to our arms for comfort as we pass, given how hasty his retreat was."

She was most definitely returning the jest.

Following behind Thea, Lucia entered the guild as well, making her way to the quest board. "I highly doubt they would take issue... and if they do, we may have need of words. We've still received no explanation for its birth, and how timely it is that the regulation just barely predates the incident at Krafen..."

RedArmyShogun AnonyMouse

 

[TreasureSniper]

Interaction: Arien Reinhardt Luna AnonyMouse Team B​

Hearing his vague statements, Talio said nothing else and instead took a sit as instructed. What exactly ceremonial activity they needed to partake in? Arien was once again one of the harder guild members to read, much to his frustration, though he did notice a slight difference in the way he spoke, then again he could just be in a good mood. And then came a big surprise. They were told to come forward and surrender their guild badge and arcanizers, much to the merchant's surprise. Perhaps the last mission did not go as well as he thought it did. If this was the price of failure, then so be it.

Endymion, was the first one to be called and much to his shock, instead of being dismissed, he was instantly promoted to rank E. Talio's outward expression remained the same, but within mind, he was completely confused. And then the others were promoted as well and then eventually he too was promoted. The merchant was at a loss for words, so much so that he almost forgot to shake the man's hand. While he was happy to be promoted, a part of him couldn't help but feel that it was very much undeserved considering all they did was survive a dangerous encounter. But before he could say anything else, Arien had concluded the ceremony with some words of encouragement and a reminder of their duty as Krieglowen. While not as enthusiastic as Miss Cephilia's speech, it was sufficient for the merchant.

"Well...that was quite a surprise. I honestly did not expect a promotion to come so soon..." Talio spoke out loud to his allies, openly voicing his confusion on the matter. And yet despite this, he decided that it was just best to accept it and move on. "In any case, there is one lead I wish to pursue, which all of you a welcomed to do so as well. The woman from earlier, Rhsochana De Luna. She seemed like she had a job for adventurers, though she was vague with the information. Feel free to join me if you're interested in getting to the bottom of this, I know I am." Talio extended the invitation to his fellow teammates, hoping that at least one of them would be interested enough to find out more.

Regardless of how many of them were actually interested, the merchant would walk toward the feline lady. Surely someone like her can't be that much trouble, right?

"Miss Luna. I am free now if you wish to continue our conversation from earlier. " Talio would approach the lady with his more usual business tone, direct and concise. On his face he wore a look of determination. He had a lot of questions about her, mainly pertaining to her relationship with Miss Cephilia. Talking to her shouldn't cause too many problems on its own. Though he knew he needed to be a bit more mindful when in the presence of noble folk, lest he wanted to have bounties placed on him like last time.

 

[lunar_moth]

ERode TreasureSniper​

Rrrbrt. I’m treating him just as well as he deserves, insolent boy. At least he had the decency to ensure we were on time for the meeting today!

Endymion snakes a hand up to his shoulder where his little Guild-issued familiar seems to have woken from her nap. He feigns a gentle pet of her head, but gives her a firm bap instead in chiding.

“She’s, uh— we’re getting along, yeah,” he answers Lori, who seems in as bright spirits as ever; her coordinating rat familiar looks right at home beside her. It only figures that choosing the animal that he found the prettiest shade of blue-green would bite him in the butt later; it seems in Beryl’s case, beauty is directly correlated to attitude.

Anyways, in more important matters: playing the coward seems to have worked in his favour this time, because he’s the first to be summoned by Arien and promoted to the next rank.

Although, it couldn’t be that surprising, could it? His running away, while it seemed cowardly, was motivated instead by his need to protect his teammates from a job gone awry. And in a team like that, there is no place for showing off or playing the hero. Their jobs are to help as many people as possible, and sometimes, you need to haul ass out of harm’s way and stay alive to do that.

Arien places a proud hand on his shoulder and the rest of Endymion thoughts shut down. Wow, he forgot what it was like for other people to be pleased with his actions. It’s nice. His face is probably in flames as he strides back to a seat with his newly upgraded bracer, but who can chide him for an honest reaction?

I can. Stop blushing like a schoolgirl, it’s too early in the day for this, Beryl croaks inside his skull.

The colour has mostly faded from his cheeks by the time they’re dismissed but Endymion is still eager to find something else to focus his attention on.

“Mind if I join you, Talio? It’s probably within my best interest to start networking with the city’s people of interest. Also, I never got the chance to thank you properly for what you gifted me after our mission — I think it’s probably thanks to you that I woke up on time today, ehe..!”

 

[Huntertabbysandshark3]

Location: Tylsen streets
interaction: mention: AnonyMouse​

Funnily enough, Risax had spent the past few days.. mostly doing the cargo hauling jobs posted up for the guild sure it was menial work and reminded him of life back home but if anything he was feeling nostalgic and it let him get a far better idea of the city than he otherwise would have while making money in the process so, in the end, it was a win-win situation, between this he’d manage to get a bit of training in but he was mostly focused on proving himself worthy of the rank and if that meant carrying 20 crates of eggs then he’d do it currently he wasn't carrying anything nearly as fragile perched upon his large thorax was a set of about 10 boxes tied down securely these contained mostly antique dolls someone was moving and needed these taken as they'd forgotten them the house they where in before was a pain to get into for Risax is spidery rear made navigating the small home a total nightmare. honestly, he was hoping Falco might tag along but he'd not found him at all.. and now his next obstacle was a cart and one very stubborn donkey that had sat down and simply refused to move. "is there any..way we can get this moving faster?" risax huffed looking over at the man who was trying to get the donkey to actually move as they shook their head. "no no.. old dodger just having one of his days... it might be.. a while.. you could take the back ally?" they'd suggest to the large arachne clearly not realizing he wouldn't really fit. "no no that won't work.. umm.. what.. if.." Risax tapped his chin thoughtfully taking a long rope form his satchel bag and tossing it too the man "ok try tieing this to Dodger perhaps we can at least pull him too the side" he'd say hopefully as the man was just .. well blatantly confused. "right well you Kriegslöwe seem to know what your doing ... guess ill give it a shot" he'd reply tying the rope to the stubborn donky.. and managing to drag it across the pavement somewhat with the help of a few pullies the whole process took.. a WHILE and there was a bit of a traffic build up in the street anyway as people where gathered to see what was going on classic human nature of sticking their noses into a thing. this would be.. an interesting day to say the least..

 

[AnonyMouse]

Rhoschanna De Luna​

Location: Tylsen streets, near guildhall​

"As you wish," the woman said, bidding both beastkin goodbye with a small dip of her head. However, her lips set a thin line the moment their backs were turned. The fox had been cordial enough, but it seemed the scaly one lacked an understanding of the Raelgardin tongue and completely misconstrued her words, even going so far as to call the woman a ‘lazeabout’ for wishing to observe them as they worked.

If there is one thing I am not, it is that, Rhoschanna scoffed. For once, her body language betrayed the indignation she felt. She crossed her arms and turned to leave, just as Falion and his female escorts approached the guild steps. Edelgarde brought up the rear, while a much taller girl in armor walked beside the boy and slightly ahead.

The sight of this amused her and erased the lingering sting of the snake’s words. There was much she could say, from complimenting him on his companions, to merely greeting the one she had not yet met. But Roschanna held her tongue, affording them all only an amicable smile as she turned to leave.

However, just as she took her first steps away from the guild house, Talio Ferromanus’s voice halted her. Ah, so his meeting must have been a very brief one indeed. Not a bad one, I hope, she thought as she turned to face him and discovered he did not come alone. A second boy stumbled through the guild hall’s open door. And a handsome one, at that! Which did make her wonder how that stuttering fool somehow had a girl on each arm, while these two were… here... unaccompanied.

Differing tastes, perhaps. Fine wine over fruit juice. To each their own.

“Welcome back, young Talio! I was just about to take my leave, for I believe I have seen what I came to see… and, perhaps, worn out my welcome in the process. Some of your companions are awfully short-tempered and, I dare say, mild-minded. Fortunately, your reputations precede you,” she said as she began to walk in the general direction of the Marble District, specifically toward some of the higher-end inns in that part of town. Witha hook of her finger, she gestured for him to follow, if he wished to continue this discussion.

“As I said, there is something I need done. I was told to go through the proper channels, which, make no mistake, was my intention all along. I merely wished to… dip my toes into the waters before disrobing and diving in headfirst.” she said, punctuated with a playful wink over her shoulder. “Would you two dashing young men accompany me to my room to gather my things --I can use an extra pair of hands, you see-- then to Cephilia’s estate, where I shall impress myself upon my dear old friend and lay bare my intentions? I will make it worth your while, of course.”

Interaction(s): EmperorsChosen (Lucia) / Thalia_Neko (Hyss) / TreasureSniper (Talio) / Topless (Sakura) / lunar_moth (Endymion)

Falion "Falco" Cauphix​

Location: Tylsen Guild Hall, greatroom​

With all his might, Falco fought back the urge to look in the noblewoman's direction as they passed her by. However, the flesh is weak. If the the eyes truly are windows to the soul, isn't it only right that they open to lelt in the sun? She had a subtle radiance about her, the natural, ethereal glow often found only in the elvish races. But here it was tainted by her unnatural smile and sanguinous way with words. If not for that, he might have fallen for her.

Falco picked up his pace as they neared the door, overtaking Thea so he could open it for her. Despite her assurances otherwise, she was still very much a Lady and he would endeavor to treat her as such... once in a while. Overdoing it would likely anger her, but opening one door, one time, ought be acceptable, right? As she and Lucia passed, he poked his tongue at the cat lady before ducking inside, however, she was already turning away, having run out of victims to sink her fangs into. Nevertheless, he held the door long enough to let Endymion and Talio through before slipping inside and catching up with his two comrades at the job board.

Hmmm... okay... yeah... I see, he thought as he studied the board for a few seconds and conjured up a plan of attack. "Gonna be tough for the three of us to make a decent wage, but I think I see what we gotta do." There was an uncharacteristic seriousness in his tone as he began pointing at jobs and rattling off his master scheme. "Baker needs these boxes delivered uptown. Easy. We swing by him, grab the goods. On our way to the drop, we pick up this guy's package," he said, pointing at a second job. "Even if it's big, that's fine; there's three of us. We deliver the baker's stuff, then turn down main street to deliver the package, then swing back over to the west end for either this cleaning job or some light guard duty," he said pointing at two jobs. "Or both. If we speed through the cleaning job, we can get to the guard duty on time, but that depends on how filthy it is. Or we can head staight to guard duty and not be greedy." He said with a cheeky grin.

"What ya think? Whatever we decide, we better make it quick. Looks like the receptionist is headin off to lunch," he said, nodding to the young man behind the counter, who was restlessly glancing at his pocketwatch. The hour was already slightly past noon and, as if on queue, the young man finished a transaction with the adventurer who stood before him, then donned his jacket and began to depart. Nooo, wait! Falco thought, as mild panic set in. His entire temporal plan was predicated on getting underway now not after this fella had his tea and crumpets! It would throw off the whole plan. The PLAN, dammit!

First, there was the heavy 'clop, clop, clop' of hooves on hardwood, followed by a pair of curved ram's horns appearing at the stairwell leading to the guild's library and archives. Vivienne made her appearance and squeezed behind the receptionist's desk, massaging her bulky frame into position. She offered the young man a hug and a whispered apology for her lateness before relieving him of his duties. At least that's what Falco assumed she said to him.

The centaur was a rare sight behind the receptionist's desk, but not an unwelcome one. Falco didn't realize he was staring until she met his eyes and smiled. Second time today he gawked at a much older woman. Very different energy now, though. "Oh! Helloooooo there, Falion! I didn't see you, dear," she sang. An obvious lie, but one said with only the purest of hearts. The baubles and trinkets dangling from her horns jangled as she dipped her head in respect. "And you as well, Thea, Lucia. What can I do for you, today?"

Interaction(s): RedArmyShogun (Thea) / EmperorsChosen (Lucia)

 

[Thalia_Neko]

Hysydice "Hyss" Maliss

Currently: Talking to mysterious cat woman
Thinking: "Well, that was useless."

Location: back in the guildhall
Interacting: Topless AnonyMouse
​

Hyss shrugged slightly. "I do not know. She did not say, only said that there were jobs, or a job, or whatever. Come, let us go see." The white-haired girl glanced one last time at the seemingly-noble woman, and gave a dip of her head to the cat before she began departing. It was strange that the cat seemingly accepted their departure. Frankly speaking, Hyss thought she would've fought harder to join them. Not that Hyss had any intention of dragging her along with whatever she chose to do that day. Hyss had given her time, and the cat had repaid it by playing games and taunting. Not exactly the courteous type, that cat woman was.

"Oh?" Hyss began, perking up. "What sort of tricks?" she asked as they entered the guild. It was good to hear that Sakura was learning new spells to add to her repertoire, just like she was. The snake's eyes scanned the room. Lucia was grouped with Falion and Thea, already conversing with the centaur woman. Hmph. It seemed Lucia had found a group already for whatever job she had mentioned. "Seems we were too late," she said to Sakura, pointing towards the group talking to Vivienne. "I suppose there are other things to be done." She said, while walking over to the job board.

 

[TreasureSniper]

Interaction: Rhoschanna De Luna AnonyMouse Endymion lunar_moth
Location: Guildhall
​

"Yes, I would very much like that. And as I said before Endymion, don't worry about it. I am sure you'll return the favor without even realizing it." Of all his party members, it was the meek Endymion that accepted his invitation, and yet Talio was grateful all the same. Talio's eyes shifted from his guildmate to the catfolk, quickly noticing that she seemed a bit peeved by how she was treated by the snakekin. She even went as far as to verbalize her annoyance openly to Talio and Endy. "Yes. Some of them can be quite an acquired taste, but I am sure they all mean well to a certain extent." He can't deny that there were some people in the guild that are less approachable than others.

Talio would tilt his head upon hearing the lady's request about moving stuff from her room and meeting up with Lady Cephilia. Was this the job she needed help from adventurers with? It sounded very much underwhelming, but then again he shouldn't be expecting anything too interesting in his rank. Her choice of words was very flirtatious in nature but Talio remained in unfazed by it, as it sounded ingenuine, akin to a damsel trying to get special favors from a person simply by looking pretty. "Very well. Just give me a moment to submit some paper work and I'll be right with you." The merchant went to the counter and submitted the parchment that was given to him earlier before proceeding. "Let's go Endy, hopefully, it's not anything too heavy for us." He wouldn't want to strain his guild mate's muscles.

As he walked beside the lady, he couldn't help but ask a few questions about the catfolk's background and relationship with Miss Cepheilia. "You have a very interesting choice of lexicon, Miss Luna. I take it you're a member of high society?" Now, why would someone from the upper class look to higher relatively low-ranked adventurers? If she want just muscle there were much better places to source that from and if she wanted quality adventurers, there were plenty of those in the guild as well. "If you don't mind me asking, what are you relationship with Miss Cephillia? Do you have some sort of friendly rivalry going on?" Considering she spoke about being her nemesis and then later on shifted to being old acquaintances, he would it some sort of a competitive relationship.

 

[lunar_moth]

TreasureSniper AnonyMouse
​

Endymion holds back the urge to jab a playful elbow at Talio. Surely his guildmates can’t think that poorly of his physical strength to make comments about it, can they? Beryl politely stays silent for once and allows Endymion to feel how loudly his pulse throbs against his chest just from the jaunt here. Touché.

“A-ah, um, sure—! I’m sure I can lend a hand with your belongings, Miss, uh, De Luna? I’m sorry, I’ve only heard your name in passing. My name is Endymion,” the boy himself stutters out, helpfully declining to introduce himself by the nickname the rest of his friends called him; he felt, perhaps, that hearing such a… sensually-inclined woman call him so familiarly might cause him to combust.

“I have to say, I assumed you were far closer to Miss Cephilia than ‘rivals,’ as my friend here puts it. Granted, I’m not well acquainted with her either, but you seem to speak of her fondly. Are you perhaps staying with her for the time being, hence your need to collect things from home first? Ah, pardon me for assuming things; I just hope that whatever task you need help with hasn’t disrupted you too much!”

 

[RedArmyShogun]

Thea Schuerer
Location: Tyslen - Guild Hall
~~~
​

With some amusement as the pair more or less flanked Falco, she reflected on the words that Lucia had said. Eyeing the woman briefly in passing, it seemed she was doing much the same, as Falco went ahead a bit to open the door for the both of them. To his likely surprise, Thea raised no issue with this, in fact she said; "Thank you, Falco." As she entered past him, with Lucia also in kind, Thea did stop briefly on the inside. Chiefly to turn her head to look at Endymion and Talio passing and the pair enaging in breif conversation with one another and then with the high society lady, turning her attention away, she head for the job board at once.

Falco was soon to join the pair of them, overlooking the jobs, he was quick to plot a plan and naming three of the jobs, indicating they could indeed take one each. Given the options and stated plan, she knew which option would be, well, the only option. Eying Lucia with that thought, she reaches for the three jobs, stopping a bit at mention of lunch, she smirked slightly as she watched the sudden crisis play out across Falco's facial features. With the sudden sound of hoof falls, she knew the guild would not just close up for lunch time. There would be someone on hand to run the counter. The 'who', now that was a surprise, albeit a welcomed one.

"Vivienne." Nodding at the woman in kind Thea takes the three jobs in hand from the board, she speaks up for Falco's sake, "The guard mission, somehow I foresee the cleaning job being an issue." Walking over to the counter she presents the trio of quests and steps over to the side, in case the other two wanted to speak with the woman as well. "We'll take these three jobs, how has the day been for you?"

Interactions: Falco, Vivienne AnonyMouse Lucia EmperorsChosen

 

[EmperorsChosen]

Location: Tylsen
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​

Lucia expressed gratitude to the gesture before perusing the board. Falco's plan seemed more or less sound, though the elf was less enthusiastic about cleaning. She was somewhat humbled after her past assignments, but cleaning? Really? Anyone could take on a quest such as that. There had to be something that was a better use of their time and skills.

Thankfully, whether by knowing Lucia would raise issue or for her own reasons, Thea ignored the cleaning job and took the guard one.

Praise be to The Goddess.

"Good morning Lady Vivienne. I hope you are well," Lucia greeted behind Thea. As the knight provided their choice in quests, the elf considered the suspicious woman from before, deciding to inquire as to if her goals were known. "Ah, by chance, are you aware if the guild was expecting a visit from a Rhoschanna De Luna?"

RedArmyShogun AnonyMouse

 

[ERode]

Location: Guild Hall
Time: Some Time in the Morning-ish
lunar_moth TreasureSniper Silver Wolf
​

E-Rank, and so soon!

Lori was happy to bend her legs a bit as Arien made an obvious attempt to pat her on the head. He'd feeling Parm pop up when he did so, the white rat squirming beneath his palm as he pressed it against her crown. It honestly sounded like it was going a bit too quickly, this whole promotion thing, and it wasn't like what Arien mentioned was anything that Lori in particular was good for. It was mostly luck, after all. Luck that the people who caught her weren't bandits.

So she didn't really know what to think about it in the end, but a promotion was a promotion, new jobs were new jobs, and most importantly?

Money was money!

After the ceremony was over with, Lori was happy to head over to the receptionist's desk and pick up her arcanizer, marveling at the new gem that she saw before her. The first time she registered for the Guild, the receptionist lady had been happy to fill out her form and details in her place, but this time? Well, this time, she had simply looked over Lupa's head to see what the wolfkin beastfolk was writing, before copying that down for herself. So it was a Lapis Zauberite that was slotted into her pocketwatch now, a gem that had to do with bringing up water and such. Funny stuff! It wasn't as if she really knew how to use her Arcanizer or anything, but at least it was pretty. And with Talio and Endy already off being typical city guys, chasing after city girls, Lori was happy to turn towards Lupa once again.

"So, so, so! Been a long while, so let's do some E-rank work, Lupa! Gotta get the most out of our promotions, right?"

 

[King Crimson]

Current Location: Tylsen Streets
​

Another dawn rises in Tylsen.
Cressey had awoken earlier than usual, eager to snag a quest on the notice board worthy of her rank, something that could allow her to give her newfound skills a proper test.
But to her displeasure, where once, a proverbial flood of prospective requests would have filled the guild's board by the time the doors had opened, there was now only a meagre trickle.
It was much the same the day before, and the day before that; only the most desperate of folk daring to enter guild's building, always shifting about in acute anxiety, and always all but running for the door, the moment their request had been processed.
And outside, the street seemed always eerily quiet, many giving the building a wide berth, often accompanied by a leery, suspicious stare, and hushed, scandalous whispers.
The guild's members received much the same treatment: Cressey herself had begun to avoid going to the market as of late, feeling the boring, invasive stares of passersby once they caught a glimpse of her gauntlet.
She knew little of what event had caused this sudden pall of suspicion to befall the guild; Cephilia, Vivienne, even Allen, all remained infuriatingly tightlipped on the subject, and the most she could glean from the rumors was that some horrible tragedy befell a nearby town of the name of Krafen.
What she did know, however, was that the newfound attention she received was entirely too unnerving, and so, with little reason to remain within the hostile town walls and wait for jobs that would never come, she spent her time out in the wilds, practicing her newfound techniques on the villages' outskirts, and on some occasions, returning to visit the lonely old huntress living in the forest.
Cressey had dared to ask her of Krafen, once, while the two set about renovating her mud hut into something more resembling a proper living space.
Eulalia's response was to stare at her for a brief moment, with those calm, emerald eyes that seemed to see somewhere far beyond the horizons, deep into Cressey's very soul.
"Hm~" she thoughtfully began, carefully smoothing a smear of mud, gravel and sand into a smooth, sturdy wall with her trowel.
"Yes~ It's looking like quite a troublesome storm is coming this way. Hopefully the foundation we've built will hold~"
As Cressey had come to find in her interactions with the odd beastkin, it was her way of saying "I know more than I'm letting on, but I want you to find out for yourself."
How vexing.
Such matters she thought of as she finally finished her jog around the city's outer exterior.
Arriving at the front gates, she noted, with pleasure, that according to the small, handmade clock in her satchel, she had beaten her personal best time, and by quite a significant margin.
Her attention turned to the small, green gem on her wrist, a dim gleam still emanating from within it's lustrous shell, which accompanied a refreshing, constant breeze that had been pushing at her back, and whipping at her bound, golden locks like a small twin pair of banners.
The wind died down along with the zauberite's sheen, and with as much inconspicuousness as she could muster, Cressey slipped back into the city, trying to blend in amongst the surge of merchants and displaced commonfolk that marched shoulder-to-shoulder through the front gate.
Discreetly breaking away from the crowd, Cressey navigated her way through the now familiar city streets.
She came to recognize the stores surrounding the guild fondly, having done quite a bit of work in most of them herself, and as she came upon the familiar sight of the church, she knew that the guild would surely be right around the corner.
Before she could come around the bend, however, she an unfamiliar voice caught her ear, singsong laughter, dripping with arrogance.
Peeking her head around the corner, she did indeed find a woman, whom Cressey was prepared to simply write off as some poor, unfortunate victim, but then she caught a glimpse of her elegant dress, her well-manicured hands, and the Valgemian mithril pendant clasped on her chest.
Cressey's blood ran cold, her face pale as she quickly ducked her head back around the corner and prayed the woman hadn't seen her.
She couldn't get a good look at her face, not from this distance, but to her, everything about her spelled 'trouble'.

​

Interacting:
Open Interaction

 

[Topless]

Location: Tylsen

Sakura went along with Hyss after they have bid the noble woman a farewell. When they got to Lucia, she appeared to be conversing with Falco, Thea and Vivienne. Indeed, they're too late. It looks like it's just only Sakura and Hyss for the time being. When asked about the tricks, Sakura teasingly answered "Oh, you'll see."

She followed Hyss back at the job board to look for a job that they can partake. "So, what do you think we should do? I'm down for whatever it is that is worth gaining experience." Sakura asked, wanting to know first what Hyss thinks.

AnonyMouse Thalia_Neko
​

 

[AnonyMouse]

Rhoschanna De Luna​

Location: Tylsen streets​

"Please, call me Rhoschanna, darling," she said to the meek young man as he finished stumbling through his own introduction. “Or, ‘Miss Rho,’ if you feel that is too familiar,” she added, with a small laugh for his benefit. She looked to Talio: “You will find I am not as easily offended as those who proclaim themselves members of ‘high society.’ Thus, you may call me whatever you like, as long as it is spoken with love.”

She continued to walk, with the two young men close by. “As for the relationship between CeCe and I… hmmm… I believe I already answered that question,” she said with another of those mysterious smiles as their journey brought them through the higher-end portion of the marketplace. Each step was steady, but sure, and her gaze often took to the clouds or to the young men at her side, not the shops and streets. She clearly knew her way around and didn’t need to wonder where she was going… but was vain enough to take her sweet time getting there.

The same could be said of her manner of speaking.

“I believe you have misunderstood my intent. I have no intention of moving in, young man,” she said, as if the mere idea of such a thing were preposterous. “The room I have rented is quite luxurious. I dare say, CeCe lives rather plainly for one of her stature. The place could do with some sprucing up, if you ask me…. She never asks me,” she said, with a small, chiding laugh and a playful nudge of Endymion’s shoulder before looking to Talio and speaking in a more serious tone.

They were now outside of an upscale inn. Whitewashed brick walls, probably as old as the town itself. “Dear friends, this is no social call. I cannot tell you more, but suffice to say I am not here to gather my toiletries and a change of clothing. I’ve something important to discuss with Cephilia and to come empty-handed is not my way.” Gift or bribe? He cared not how they interpreted this, but trusted they would understand she was not talking about pocket change. ”Now, would you care to accompany me upstairs?”

Interaction(s): TreasureSniper (Talio) / lunar_moth (Endymion)

Falion "Falco" Cauphix​

Location: Tylsen Guild Hall, greatroom​

"As wonderful as any other," Viv said in response to Thea’s inquiry regarding how her day has been. "Cephilia wished for a change of scenery, so she decided to get out of the office and work from home. Miss Rena accompanied her, so here I am, filling in," she said, as explanation for why she was occupying the receptionist’s role.

She accepted the three quests and, after looking around for a bit to find the correct folder, filed them, which brought a smile to Falco’s face. Something about Viv’s optimism and positivity always had that effect on him. It was clear she hadn’t served this role in quite some time, but the motions were all coming back to her. She smiled back at them as Lucia spoke, but her brows noticeably rose when the woman’s name was uttered.

"No one ever expects her," she said with a whimsical smirk. "So, Rhoschanna’s in town again? Strange. She’s probably here to see Cephilia." She looked to Lucia, “But, why do you ask? Did she approach you?”

"Understatement of the century," Falco grumbled. He shifted uneasily. "She made many ‘advances,’ but alas, I’m taken. Had to let her down easy, the poor thing," he said with a proud grin, as if resisting the cat’s allure was the first of many heroic feats on his road to greatness.

"I’m sure you did," Viv said, doting on him between chuckles. "Miss De Luna lives an, umm, unique life, filled with mystery and intrigue. But, I think I can safely say, there is a decent person under.. umm.. all of that. Anyway, if nothing else, she may manage to cheer Cephilia up. She’s been rather distant since… well, you know." The woman averted her gaze.

Interaction(s): RedArmyShogun (Thea) / EmperorsChosen (Lucia)

Sen Hyazari​

Location: Tylsen streets, market​

Too many fucking people in this fucking city, Sen thought. The Syrieth grew increasingly irate as she waded through an ever-thickening sea of urbanites.

While Tylsen was nowhere near as large or bustling as, say, Achelreide, there were certainly times when it populace brought their full weight to bear. And right now was one of those times.

Since returning from Oyten with the recruits, Sen had taken up residence at Viv’s ranch. It was only supposed to be a ‘temporary’ accommodation, but she and the centauress clicked. Sen liked the work there, liked roughing up the rookies who stopped by for training, and even liked Viv herself. The big bitch still won’t let me ride her though.

When she was not there, she was in the woods and caves and fields or splashing in the streams, hunting game, and spying on the blonde spear-child and the weird antlered huntress. While this area wasn’t as ‘wild’ as she would like, it had its quaint charm, so long as she stayed away from the more civilized bits. Sen was never here, in the town itself, where the walls were manmade and the stones beneath her feet were placed with care and worn, not by natural means, but by the plodding soles of too many fucking people!

There were moments where she began to think her time here was making her ‘soft.’ Her hair was nearly clean now, closer to its gray, ashen hue, rather than the grimy, matted mop it had been in Oyten. But it remained obscenely long, unkempt, and unshorn. Instead of rusting chainmail and scraps of tarnished plate, she wore a too-long green tunic over a pair of too-short brown shorts, both ripped and mended in many places. If not for the hunting knife on her hip, one might not realize this was the same Wildling.

"Aurelia’s tits, who’s jerkin’ off up there?" Sen said, stretching her lanky frame to its full height to peer over the nearly impassable crowd. "Aye, move yer fuckin’ ass! I’m tryin’ ta get to the goddamn bakery!?" she shouted as she lifted Marcel into her arms and held him close. The horse-woman said to get some bread for tonight’s dinner and she sure as hell wasn’t gonna bake it herself. If she had to murder her way through this wall of meat, so be it…

A dozen elbows and twice as many curses later, she reached the head of the swarm, without bloodshed, and emerged to find… a donkey? Yup, a fucking donkey was the cause of the traffic jam. Oh, and a spider… who was now dragging the donkey with a rope.

"Shoulda known it’d be one o’ you," Sen said, glaring at him as she set Marcel down and stood with her hands on her narrow hips. The boy ran up to Risax and made happy sputtering noises... or maybe he was trying to say ‘spider.’ Anyone’s guess, really. Sen turned to the offending animal’s owner. (The donkey, that is, not Risax.) "Oi, you there! How much for yer stupid donkey?"

The man’s puzzled look said enough. He opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off.

"Folks're tryin' to walk here. He’ll move easier dead," she said, brandishing her knife at the animal. "We tryin' to buy dinner, guy. Don't think I won't eat a fuckin' donkey. Lemme stick him once, we'll see what he's worth."
Interaction(s): Huntertabbysandshark3 (Risax)
Mentions: King Crimson (Cressey)

 

[RedArmyShogun]

Thea Schuerer
Location: Tyslen - Guild Hall
~~~
​

Listening to the other two, well what little they had to say, events quickly came to full circle, Krafen, beyond a shadow of a doubt was central to all that was discussed. Or so Thea reasoned. It was the talk of the town and the only thing that made much sense. Exhaling a soft sigh at Falco's successful defense, while Viv chuckled, hiding Thea's own reaction. Still mention of this lady and her normal hobbies was too much of a chance happening.

"Again? She's been here before? And hmm, I wonder how much of this has to do with the incident of the Krafen Kriegslown. Though not much we at such low ranking can do about it or should know about it." With a pause she looked at Vivienne and then Lucia and Falco in turn. "We should be about work, but I have a little time to spare for talking or listening." She wanted to get about their work, but wasn't about to make the others turn away with not a word said. "I have my own thoughts on what may have happened, or what we ran into the first day, but rank carries privilege all of its own."

Interactions: Falco, Vivienne AnonyMouse Lucia EmperorsChosen

 

[Thalia_Neko]

Hysydice "Hyss" Maliss

Currently: Talking with sakura
Thinking: "Hm, now what to do?"

Location: back in the guildhall
Interacting: Topless
​

"Gain experience?" Hyss murmured, echoing the sentiment. Her eyes quickly swept over the board, already knowing the outcome. What of these paltry jobs could they do to 'gain experience'. Oh, sure, they could do any of the jobs to help people, as kriegslowe were want to do, but to actively gain experience? At best they may be doing that thing where someone said 'cultivate friendships' amongst regular folk. But actually gaining something of worth that they could then use to better their lives..? Her eyes scanned the listings.

"Hmp, I really wish that woman from before had actually told us something, instead of playing her little games. I get the feeling that what she had to talk about was exceptionally noteworthy." Hyss began, turning to the fox. "I am sure she brought something along that when we deal with it, we would undoubtedly "gain experience"." Hyss sighed. "But no, she wanted to play around and goof off. It is obvious she should at least talk to the guild leadership about her news and job, but it would've still been nice to get a sneak peek on it, to know what we're working with. Sakura, do you see any job you want to do? I'll follow along today, I'm not feelin' it right now." The snake said, pulling her hood back up and hiding her face once again.

 

[EmperorsChosen]

Location: Tylsen
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
​

Lucia rose a brow at the woman. "So you... vouch for her character?" She inquired with curiosity.

Vivienne wasn't an idiot and from her pause, knew quite well the cause for Lucia's or anyone else's suspicion. Nonetheless, however, the woman assured the the beastkin was of decent morality. The elf trusted Vivienne's word and character, however her instincts said that the woman could not be trusted. Even if De Luna wasn't outright malicious, Lucia wasn't ready to accept outright innocence either.

With a hum and light huff, Lucia turned on a heel and began to usher the others along.

"Yes yes, let us be off. It isn't as if we will be enlightened to anything, if there is anything to enlighten us of," Lucia remarked the two with a subtle pout of displeasure. However, she didn't appear to dwell on it, instead redirecting the conversation as they moved. "Ah yes, Falco. I am surprised you did not take to Lady De Luna though. She seemed much your type. Though I'm sure your significant other appreciates your loyalty."

RedArmyShogun AnonyMouse

 

[Huntertabbysandshark3]

Location: Tylsen streets
interaction: AnonyMouse​

A familiar voice shouted over the crowd of people someone he knew all too well, Sen her snarkiness was signature frankly and well of course seeing her somewhat hmm more civilised in looks was a massive shock. He’d akwardly wave as he was addressed. “Afternoon sen… um I’m a spot of bother been trying to get this donkey to move but well it’s frankly being it’s name sake… an ass.” he’d comment Looking down at marcel and patting the little guy gently on the head. Meanwhile the donkey gave Sen a death glare slowly getting up At the threat seeming to make it think it was better to move them get eating by an angry woman finally allowing the flow of traffic through much to Risax relief. “Well I’ll try threating a donkey next time thank you once again Sen”

 

[TreasureSniper]

Interaction: Luna ( AnonyMouse ) Endymion lunar_moth
"Very well then, Miss Rho." If that was the preferred name she wanted then so be it, though he did so out of respect more so than any feeling of love. This woman was probably very close to Miss Cephelia if she was comfortable enough to call her by a nickname. Talio kept up with the lady as she continued to venture deeper into "richer" territory. He was disappointed by her lack of direct answers, but nonetheless, was willing to tolerate her. After all, there should be a good reason why she is being so secretive about all this.

"I like to think that she prefers function over form, like any good tinkerer." Talio's own humble wagon had also been customized with this in mind. Though people who have actually seen the interior of it would likely wonder how such a person was able to sleep in a tight space like that. There were still many questions about this person that was running through his mind, but in time, he will run into some answers.

The lady seemed to be hyping her dealing with Cephilia, implying that it was of great importance that they meet her in person. The way Talio saw it, it was like killing two birds with one stone. He would get to find out more about this lady while also gaining an opportunity to interact with Miss Cephilia once more. "I have a feeling you'll be hiring us for more than just our "muscle". Him and Endy weren't exactly the most physically imposing out of the guild members, but perhaps they were considered the more approachable ones. "Ah yes, you'd like us to go in your room with you. And here I thought we'd get to know each other first. " Talio jested, feeling like she was the type to appreciate such jokes. "Must have been you and your dashing looks, Endy." Might as well poke fun with his guildmates while he's at it. Regardless, Talio was fully prepared to follow through with whatever labor was expected of him.​

 

[AnonyMouse]

Sen Hyazari​

Location: Tylsen, streets​

"I doubt you could threaten paint to dry, let alone scare a dumb animal," Sen remarked with a haughty laugh. "For a big fuckin' spider, you ain't exactly the scariest fella 'round, Rizzy." She gave the arachnid boy a stern slap on the back as she watched the donkey sulk away, to make room for traffic to resume. "Fer what it's worth, I wasn't gonna fuckin' eat 'im. What kind of savage do ya take me for? Hoss would lose her shit if I came home with donkey slabs instead o' bread."

She seemed to ponder this for a few seconds, probably fantasizing about Viv getting angry... maybe even angry enough to fight her... Might not be such a bad idea, actually. I been tryin' to get a rise outta her for days. I wanna see ol' Big Horns throw hands, haha. But she dispelled that thought. Surely, the centaur wouldn't lose it over a trip to the market gone awry? Gonna have to try harder than that.

"What're you doin' out here anyway? Other than bein' a pain in my ass?" Sen said with a toothy grin as she returned her attention to Risax. Meanwhile, Marcel was trying to climb onto the spider's thorax for a ride. "This some kind of lame ass E-jobber yer on? Who's your wingman?" she said, looking all around, but finding no one.
Interaction(s): Huntertabbysandshark3 (Risax)

Falion "Falco" Cauphix​

Location: Tylsen, Guildhall, greatroom​

"I think enough people have shared their 'thoughts' on the matter," Viv said, a little dryly, when Thea mentioned Krafen. It was as if she knew she had opened a can of worms and was eager to put the lid back on it and shove it into the cupboard, never to be seen again. However, after a brief pause, she seemed to realize she may have spoken a little too harshly. Thea had done nothing wrong. In typical Viv fashion, she relented. "Forgive me. Rank has nothing to do with this. I apologize if our..." she shifted uneasily, "avoidance of the issue gave you that impression. We are merely trying to protect you."

At that, Falco balked. "From what? Why won't you-"

"The world is a vast place, Falion, and in constant motion, even when it appears to be standing still. Sometimes defending the ones we love means standing our ground and maintaining a strong front," Viv said with a smile.

Normally, that smile made him feel welcome, as if he could ask her anything. But now, it was like a wall erected between them. Fortunately, she seemed to feel this too. Falco could see it writ upon her face. Out of sympathy, he chose not to push any further. He thrust his hands into his pockets and held his silence, even though he didn't find her answer satisfying at all.

"We all have our roles to play. And I know, when you are called, you will answer. Until then, please... stay strong," she said to them all, before settling on Lucia: "To answer your question: yes. If Rhoschanna is in town, I don't think we will be standing still much longer. She tends to have a certain effect on people."

True, Falco thought. People don't stand still when she's around... she ran them all off.

But he suspected that's not what the centaur meant. Cephilia was stubborn and cautious. There was little doubt in his mind that the cold shoulder they were getting from Viv, Arien, and Sen was on her orders. Had the Krafen incident frightened her into inaction or did she have so little information she didn't know what to do next, and was stuck waiting for... more? Or, maybe things were quietly happening behind the scenes? Whatever the reason for this perceived 'inaction,' Viv's words seemed to imply Rhoschanna would break that stalemate.

However, their business here was done and Lucia led them toward the door. While Falco wished to hear more, he doubted he would, and pressing Viv was not something he could do in good conscience. Thus, he followed the eyepatched Caskarieth. For now, he would rather not think about any of this and just get back to questing and training. It helped take his mind off of things. Like Viv said: the world was vast. Whatever was taking place out there, it would eventually arrive on their doorstep and they would deal with it then. Until then, 'stay strong.'

Unfortunately, Lucia just had to bring up the cat again. "Despite what you might think, I am not so shallow as to succumb to a nice pair of tits. And, make no mistake, they were nice. Some of the best I've ever seen, actually. Not that I've, umm, 'seen' them or anything. I can only imagine..." He appeared to lose his train of thought here, as if falling into a trance, but snapped out of it when they reached the Guild Hall doors, where he yet again opened them for the ladies. It was an instinctive action now, proof that somewhere under his lecherous exterior, there was a well-bred young gentleman screaming to get out. Or screaming 'kill me now.'

"Point is, I know when I'm being toyed with, and Falco don't play that," he said. "I prefer women who act natural, ya know. Ones I can just chill with, without making a big deal out of it. Like Thea. Or Viv." Why did he glance over his shoulder when he said this, as if he was afraid she would be right behind him? "But I'll settle for the ones who play hard to get, even when they're not.... like you, Lucia." He proudly strode out ahead of them, leading the way.

Just you wait. Elves always think they're immune, but once I get some practice with my new lute, she'll be throwin' herself at me too, just like the cats and wolves and foxes, Falco thought. She might only have one eye, but she's got two pointy ears! She doesn't stand a chance.


Interaction(s): RedArmyShogun (Thea) / EmperorsChosen (Lucia)

Rhoschanna De Luna​

Location: Tylsen, an inn near the Marble District​

"Indeed," she remarked when he correctly theorized she was interested in them for more than just their ‘muscles.’ "If there is one thing Cephilia and I have in common, it is our fervent belief that the mind is the most potent weapon you can wield, young man. Wealth? Beauty? Power? Physical prowess? Arcane mastery? All useless without this…" she said, tapping her temple as she led them into the elegant structure.

The inn itself was not particularly large. It probably had only a dozen rooms for rent, at most. But, because it catered to a high-class clientele, these suites were much larger than what would typically be found in your average traveler’s rest and most had a bath of their own and even a balcony overlooking the market. Nobles couldn’t have a summer home in every city, after all, and most still wanted luxury when moving across the kingdom. These white stone walls, draped in exquisite tapestries, and golden motifs on every piece of mahogany furniture provided that.

The Lunar Enchantress and her two manservants --at least that is probably how it looked to the well-dressed man behind the counter-- were moving across the lobby when Talio commented about wanting to get to know one another first. Rhoschanna nodded to the burly ovil-ken guarding the stairwell, and he allowed them to pass, but she turned to Talio once they reached the second floor:

"You seem to want to know so much about me, yet you have shared nothing of yourself, Talio Ferromanus," she said kindly, as she glided down the hall toward her room. Her tone was not one of annoyance or anger. If anything, it seemed she was lecturing him, keeping him aware of where the scales balanced in this exchange.

She had given much. He had given little in return.

"I am assessing how good you and your friends are at getting people to talk... and listening when they do. You've done... mmm... okayish, I suppose, but if Cephilia agrees to my plan, you’ll have to do much better than this, darling,” she said as she arrived at her suite, inserted a gilded key into the lock, and smiled at its satisfying 'click.'

Sunlight burst into the hall as the door began to open. Inside was a well-lit room, with a large bed and heavy, but plush furnishings. An open door at the far end led onto a balcony, where thin, veil-like drapes flapped in the breeze. I don't recall leaving that open, Rhoschanna pondered, but scarcely had time to process this blatant red flag, for a figure in a longcoat stood there, backlit by the midday sun. The person’s features were difficult to make out, due to the shadows, but it was clearly a female elf, as suggested by the slender build, long golden hair, and pointed ears.

But that is not what caught Rhoschanna’s eyes and made her halt on the threshold of her own room. A young girl in a plain black sundress was lying on the bed, reading a book. Her black, feline tail wagged with delight… but immediately halted when she peered up at the new guests. Her pale, lavender eyes went wide and her cat-like ears bristled.

“M-mom?” the girl said as she quickly sat upright.

“You’re not supposed to be here…” Rhoschanna said, gripping the door knob as if she needed it to stand. However, she quickly composed herself. The look of shock was gone as quickly as it had come and she set her eyes on the room’s other occupant. “I was not aware Kriegslowen made house calls so flippantly, Cephilia, but how thoughtful of you to bring Rena along. What a ‘pleasant’ surprise.”

“I know how much you like surprises, so I figured I would steal a page out of your book,” The Caskarieth said as she stepped forward into the room, from the balcony, with arms crossed and a stern look on her face. “For what it's worth, I didn't bring her here for the shock value. Though, I'll be honest, that look on your face is priceless. We were trying to get some work done at my home --yes, 'work,' I know you are unfamiliar with the term-- but that is difficult to do with you skulking around, Rho. Care to tell me why the circus has come early this year?”

“Rude. You forget yourself, elf. The Lunar Enchantress does not 'skulk,'” Rhoschanna said as she stepped uncomfortably close and peered down at her nemesis, like two fighters squaring up for a bout. But, even with the advantage of height and... ummm... size, the cat still did not appear half as imposing as the elf, and was forced to concede. She would not win this staring contest. Never had, and never would. With a playful laugh, she turned to Talio and Endymion: “I wasn’t skulking, right? Tell this wench I wasn't skulking," she said with a dismissive flutter of her hand.

“What do you want, Rho? I haven’t the time, nor the energy, to deal with your foolish games right now,” Cephilia said, with a slow shake of her head. “If you’re here to challenge me again, come back another time. You're no mage. You're a charlatan. And I doubt your magic has improved any since last year. You peaked a decade ago,” she said, peering around the (increasingly angry) woman’s curves to look at Talio and Endymion. “Did she do the thing with the ice rose? I taught her that one."

“I’ll have you know my magic has improved significantly!” Rhoschanna lied.

“Let me guess, you found ten new ways to shake your ass and make rain appear? Pathetic."

Roschanna frowned. “You know, I'm used to a bit of playful banter, Cephilia, but you seem awfully vitriolic this day. Are you... okay?”

"What. Do. You. Want? You’re all tits and parlor tricks and I don’t have time for either.”

“Are you going to stop being an asshole and let me speak? I’m trying to help you, you insufferable bitch,” Rhoschanna said, her patience finally breaking. Her posh accent was gone, replaced by something entirely different: the unmistakable accent of one born in the backwoods and raised in the gutters of low society. This rawness brought a smirk to Cephilia’s face, as if getting the feline beastfolk to break character was her intent all along. Unfortunately, Rhoschanna’s mask was cultivated through decades of practice. She quickly returned to her old ways: “I have come to make you an offer you cannot refuse, acting guildmaster, and it begins with a considerable donation to-”

“Nice try, Miss Quaeliss, but I already found your briefcase full of gold,” Cephilia said, using the woman’s real name as she swept her foot under the edge of the bed. A black, satin case slid out and she stomped down upon it, planting her foot there as if it were a hill she had conquered. She had the high ground, in both the literal and metaphorical sense.

“I have eyes all over this town, Rho. I know the moment you rode in last night. I know the moment you went to the bank this morning. I know the room you’re renting. I know the owner. The orc downstairs is one of ours, too -- a D-Rank, named Orgh'rorr. Very nice fellow. The only thing I don't know, is what the fuck you're doing here." She snapped her fingers. “Rena, see Talio and Endymion out, would you? I need have words with your mother, in private.”

The girl nodded and began to move toward the door, but Rhoschanna blocked her. "No, stay. All of you," she said, tightly hugging her daughter, while glaring at Cephilia. But Rhoschanna quickly broke the embrace and moved to shut the door, sealing them all inside. "I think you've kept them in the dark long enough, Cephilia," she said at a whisper as she marched over to the balcony and shut that door as well and drew the drapes closed, plunging the room into semi-darkness. "After all these years, you still refuse to acknowledge those around you? I thought, if there was one thing you might have learned from me, it was how to take advantage of the assets at your disposal. Can't you see they want to help you?"

"Ah, yes, you are quite good at using your 'assets.' I wil give you that," Cephilia retorted, but Rhoschanna was unfazed by the Witch's attempt at low brow humor. She was serious now, and would not be swayed by petty insults.

"Jealousy? How pedantic," Rhoschanna scoffed, with one of her faux-laughs. "You think yourself so clever, but there is one thing I know, which you do not. Tell me, oh, wise one... who bombed Krafen, hmm?"

"Ah, so you've come to peddle rumors and gossip? Sad," Cephilia said, pointing to the door. "Get. Out."

"It's my room!" Rho quipped.

"I don't care. And take your whore money with you," she added, kicking the case toward the door.

"That is quite enough! You've lost your marbles!" Rhoschanna said as she picked up the briefcase of gold before the elf could abuse it any further. "It's not mine," she said in a calm, even tone. "What kind of imbecile spends their own money? If you're so well-informed you would have discovered the bank note I used to acquire these funds was signed by one Lord Garreth Ainsworth. Does that name ring any bells, hmm?"

At mention of that name, Cephilia's eyes narrowed upon her. "Fine... I'll bite. Why is The Lunar Enchantress hanging out with a known Kriegslowe-hater?" Cephilia said, mockingly. "And why are you prancing about my town with a suitcase full of his money, while parading yourself before my most vulnerable adventurers?"

"They're not 'vulnerable,'" she said, with an apologetic glance at Talio and Endymion. "Their low rank makes them perfect for... clandestine operations. They have not yet made a name for themselves." Rhoschanna smiled victoriously, for she could see she had lit a spark behind the Witch's eyes, despite Cephilia's posturing. "I believe Lord Ainsworth did the deed. More importantly, I don't think he's done," she said, sweeping them all up in her eyes. "I have been embedded in the Aisworth household ever since-"

"As his consort, no less. Why am I not surprised?" Cephilia scoffed, with a roll of her eyes.

"As his live-in healer. He was quite ill upon his return to Raeligard from abroad," Rho said, mildly annoyed by the woman's chiding remarks. "He's back from Valgem... with some 'friends' in tow. Dangerous friends. I was sent to hire 'help' --servants and guards and such-- for an upcoming event he's hosting, and thought to myself: who better than these promising young Tylsen recruits I've heard so much about?" she purred as she pointed at the elf. "Of course, I did not tell him I'm hiring Kreigslowe. He'll think they're just common rabble plucked off the streets. I planned to consult you first, out of respect for your station and our history, but if you won't hear me out, I will simply make my case directly to your underlings. They're adults. They can think for themselves, no? And they are what I have truly come for, not you," she said, as she turned to Talio and Endymion. But, with a sly glance over her shoulder at Cephilia, she delivered the final insult: "It's not always about you, Cece."

The Witch fumed, but said nothing... at first. "You're half right..." she conceded. "The secret is already beginning to crumble. They deserve to know the truth. I will share with them everything I know... but not here. We shall summon the recruits to my manor. You can make your case there, De Luna, and answer ANY and ALL questions they raise. No games. If you're wrong and they are too foolish to see through your bullshit, they deserve whatever fate befalls them. But if, by some miracle, you actually have stumbled upon a plot to destroy Kriegslowe... well, we will decide together how best to deal with this mad lord and his Valgemian cohorts."

"Yes! Wonderful! That's the Cephilia I know! A decisive woman of action," Rhoschanna said, rubbing her palms together as her tail swished eagerly. She turned to Endymion and grabbed his hands. "Go, both of you! Gather your peers and bring them to the Valdergeuse estate at... nightfall?" she glanced at Cephilia for confirmation, to which the Caskarieth begrudgingly nodded. "Excellent! That gives us time to get caught up, my dearest Cece."

Cephilia groaned and rolled her eyes. "No, that gives us time to prepare dinner for them," she said, to which Rhoschanna paled at the thought of doing something so domestic. Rena, on the other hand, smiled at the idea of being with her mother and autie Cephie... but hid her face in her sleeves. "Or were you thinking I would have Maurice cook for a dozen adventurers and one fat cat?" Cephilia said before looking to Talio and Endymion. "Keep this quiet, you understand? Only tell them they are being invited to a... a celebratory feast. A little something to commemorate some of the fastest promotions I have ever seen."

Interaction(s): TreasureSniper (Talio) / lunar_moth (Endymion)

 

[RedArmyShogun]

Thea Schuerer
Location: Tyslen - Guild Hall
~~~
​

As Vivienne gave her own reply that was an apology that was as quickly to follow. Blinking at that, Thea seemed confused, before going, "Ah." Shaking her head and for now ignoring Falco's words she speaks up, once she and Falco had that bit of interplay out of the way.

"Ah, you misunderstand. I have no problems with the Guild keeping me in the dark for now. Rank carries privilege and letting us know the full details of this matter while we are not strong enough to do anything about it can only bring about stress or worse. When I am able to do something about it, then I would like to know. Once there is cause I will voice what I think, it concerns the business of when we first met and what I have gathered from out other missions. Speculation really, but I doubt any sort of Arcaninzer had ought to do with it."

Sighing a bit as Falco went into the details of women folk, breasts and, if her ears were correct, insisting Lucia was easy.... With her expression going rigid as the party left, Thea had an idea that those words would provoke the elf, more so concerning her heritage and what she hid from them all, Thea was quick to lay her right hand upon Lucia's shoulder to give a reassuring grasp and a pat before releasing her, hoping that would be enough to calm her down if her mind wandered off from more than a verbal retort.

"Well, there is work that needs doing, till this evening, good day Vivienne." With that Thea makes her own way out the front door, a journal pad in hand as she made a few notes of where each job was and what.

Interactions: Falco, Vivienne AnonyMouse Lucia EmperorsChosen

 

[Silver Wolf]

Location: Tylsen Guildhall

Interactions/Mentions: ERode (Lori),


​

At first, when she had handed over her badge and arcanizer, Lupa felt a small sense of apprehension from her past experiences, so when the words spoke that she had been promoted, her ears perked up and her tail clearly couldn't hold itself in as it wagged happily to and fro. Her badge now being handed back, she took it and stared at it with a wide smile as the rest of the world blurred around her. Of course, she managed to pull her attention back in time for the dismissal and news that their arcanizers would not be handed back immediately. The dismissal was quick, and she barely registered what Talio had said, instead, she just stared at her badge with a look of pride on her face as she considered this a significant landmark in her new career as a Kriegslowen.

What surprised her next was the whole situation of Lori grabbing her attention. Her ears flicked to the girl and she gave a small 'hm' of inquiry before she took in what she had said.

"Ah, sure. It will be nice now that I'm mostly healed from my minor injuries. Come, let's go see what's available."

Lupa then walked her way over towards the board where quests laid out. She wasn't very concerned with money at the moment, so she decided that monetary details weren't worth much of her attention. After the disaster that was her first job, she was looking forward to something light and peaceful, so she took down a few fliers that piqued her interest. Almost all of them were quests strictly in town. This meant they would only be simple quests like find a lost pet, help some shopkeep for the day, or other boring such stuff. There may have been one whose location or name seemed familiar, but she was too focused on picking the boring ones. Not like it was unusual for her to see a familiar name or place in the city she literally grew up in, so that was all secondary.

For now, Lupa just focused on picking out jobs that looked doable to her. As to which ones, well, she would find out once she compared them to what Lori may have grabbed.