Fantasy That Time the Demon Lord Killed our Party Leader: Ic

[LazyDaze]

AAXIR THE RED

Interactions: Nessi
Mentions:
12....that was the number of swings Aaxir was able to achieve before his body completely shutdown to guard himself from his own will. The four months of brutal conditions and mental wear and tear suddenly came crashing down on his bones like a waterfall of pure misery and nausea. 12....Aaxir faded in and out of consciousness wondering how many swings Arlux would have been able to complete had they swapped places. After all, she had the strength to carry all of their hopes and expectations as well as her own. He couldn't help but laugh as he arbitrarily came up with the number 240 at least before he passed out with a smile. He was happy to have lost to her one last time.

****​

The next few days were slow and uneventful but that was apparently the point. His little stunt before earned him the ire of The Hag and likely several of his fellow heroes save for Khatiy who seemed just as agitated and antsy as him for some reason or another, or at least that was his assumption from the outside looking in. Of course, the stubborn Aaxir would find a way to excuse himself for being reckless, but in the end he took his rest seriously even if only to get off of The Hag's naughty list. As much as he hated to admit it, resting like this actually was nice. Even seeing his fellow heroes not teetering on the edge of death and insanity was a pleasant sight. For a brief moment in his life he was able to lay down his self imposed burdens and find joy in that guilty pleasure the dead called living. Unlikely, but assuredly a small flame of complacency riled up in the corners of his heart as he selfishly wished for the peace in this small cabin to last forever as if this were the only place in the world. Nevertheless, they had a job to do; he had his own ambitions and neither could be achieved without a path forged by pain and suffering. Today was a tiny step in that direction. He inhaled deeply, taking in the fresh air, it was something he had been doing a lot lately. The outside had quickly become his favorite part of the camp, often preferring to spend his days under the color changing canvas above. Today was no different. His sword was wedged into the earth and his haori was tossed aside. Despite the beautiful scenery this was not a day to relax. His red scales across his arm and chest glinted in the sunlight as he took in the clear skies that had often accompanied wings in the past. Strong breezes served to remind him of the taste of freedom and the unlimited potential of things to come while the earth beneath him served as a reminder of the efforts it would take to turn potential into reality.

"Eleanor...let's go again," Aaxir said while using his sword as leverage to rise to his feet. Unlike his unsuccessful training regimen when he had first arrived at the safe haven, he would be graced with an unlikely dance partner this time. One he had previously thought had lost all purpose and usefulness. "Or is this the limit of that human tenacity I've heard so much about," Aaxir said with an arrogant grin while looking down at Paimon's champion. Aaxir was genuinely taken aback when Eleanor approached him about the matter of training; after all, he never made his beliefs a secret to the heroes. Moreover, the last time he had spoken to Eleanor it wasn't a particularly pleasant conversation. He was so dumbfounded by her request that he agreed to it without thinking. (Maybe their confinement had fried her brain after all.) That said, maybe a part of Aaxir really wanted to see who she really was. Was she the lifeless shell of herself perfectly content with the prison becoming her grave, or was she the person who jumped in harms way without hesitation? A heart aflame with that iconic resilience he had seen so many times before. The fact that she even spoke to him after that let alone wanted to train with him seemed to answer that question, but he still had to see for himself. Make no mistake...if Aaxir could break her, he would. Aaxir left his sword in the ground for this round, assuming the trademark fighting stance of a champion of Tutu Pele. Even now he couldn't help but reminisce about his one sided clashes with Arlux. He had no idea when, but at a certain point their clashes became conversations and less about bouts for supremacy. You could say it was Aaxir's best form of communication. He wondered what would Eleanor have to say?

 

[Nessi]

Meanwhile, in Olrodia…

Deep within the immortal palace, loud noises could be heard echoing from the emperor's chambers. It was a strange noise, one that hadn’t been heard in quite some time by anyone. It was laughter, the laughter of a young boy at that. It was the Emperor’s son, playing with his father, who was none other than Emperor Tiryan III himself.
“Take this, father!” The young boy shouted with a smile. He charged at his bedridden father, and swung a small wooden sword at him.
Tiryan, holding his own wooden sword of similar size, blocked the attack, and followed up with his own, gently tapping the boy on the head.
“Your swordplay needs work, Albus.” Tiryan said with a chuckle.
“Aw, no fair! You're too strong, dad!” Albus giggled, dropping his sword and running up the base of Tiryan’s bed.


Currently, the Emperor of Oldrida was heavily wrapped with bandages, with a clear liquid being dropped into his veins from a tube connected to a sort of water skin. Tiryan placed his hand on his son’s head, and ran his fingers through the boy's head. He opened his mouth to say something, but would be interrupted by someone entering his room.
“Your majesty, I, Parzival, have returned with urgent news.” The hand said, his head lowered in a bow.

“Leave Albus, go to your mother.” Tiryan ordered, and the young boy scurried out of the room.
“Rise, tell me what you must.” Tiryan ordered. Parzival raised his head, and placed his hands behind his back. “As you are aware, about a week ago you sent me to go execute the remaining heroes locked away in the dungeons up north.” Parzival recounted.
“Yes, I do recall that, did everything go smoothly?” Tiryan inquired.
Parzival paused, as if he was afraid to break the bad news. “Well, upon arriving, the heroes had already broken out of their cells, and killed the majority of the guards. The hero that had escaped, the old moon elf, had staged a rescue operation. She had help from a masked summoner named Nomad, and they used a teleportation circle to escape.” Parzival explained.

There was a long pause, and veins would begin to bulge from Tiryan’s forehead. “You mean to tell me that you were unable to take on a group of extremely weakened heroes, and one old lady?” The emperor inquired.
Parzival’s body began to convulse in pain, as what felt like an invisible force dug into his flesh. But he didn’t dare make a sound, he knew better than that.
“Parzival. You have failed me, but as I am in a good mood, I will give you a chance of redemption. You are going to find those heroes, and kill them. If you come empty handed, I will have you slowly burned by holy magic, to ensure that your last moments are filled with pain.” Tiryan growled.
“Yes your majesty, it shall be done.” Parzival said quietly. The searing pain dissipated, and Tiryan gestured to the door.
“Oh, and be sure to take Hagrid along, since you clearly cannot be trusted to be sent alone.” Tiryan ordered.
Parzival silently nodded, and then left the emperor's room, he had his work cut out for him that was for sure.

 

[FiveElemental]

Korin Lork, Hound of Arlux
Interactions:

With flesh slowly mending together and pain slowly fading away, Korin had a moment to think, as he watched the monstrous guards be vaporized in a moment.

From everythings he's been taught and learned about gods, it was that they were an potentially infinite source of mana. To manifest the crystalization of the Legends they hold and domains they reign over, the world gives them the ability to generate an unquantifiable amount of mana through their soul, and we, the heros are allocated a small portion of such powers, akin to a siphon or hose, pushing compatable mana into our bodies, even this regeneration ability he was given was powered by Cu Chulainn's mana. So, the question that lingered in his mind was... how? It made no logical sense, as the last fourp months, his divine connection to Cu should have been severed. Despite that, his flesh mended quick, blood always flowing, the healing simply never stopped these last four months.

As he wobbled his way out of the cell, and mana flow revitilized, his regeneration hastened to a point, it was still much slower than before, it was enough. While barely looking like proper toes, they were back. Being only a small amount of flesh, his digits mended quick. Having a full range of fingers, even heavily scarred and bruised is always better. Once he got a better range of motion, he followed Yi Nuo and the rest of the party to where his weapon was being stored. Rushing over along with the rest, he quickly found it.

A extremely well crafted, yet simple silvered spear, ingraved with a few permanent runes to improve it's performance and durability to near divine levels. The others, held onto their divine weapons and conversed with them having intense, touching moments with their mentors, colleage and friend. Korin stood in silence,

The weapon... was cold, and quiet.

"Cu?..." Korin cried out quietly, hoping, praying for a response from his friend... yet no one came. The emotional supports that clinged onto his heart almost gave way, with his spear clattering to the ground the despair rolled in. The man who showed him... everything, the bloodlust of man, the fear, hunger, and lust that fueled the existance of the cursed spear, and the will to overcome it. Bloodlust and Battle Frenzy, honed to a level no other Chosen of Cu had ever achieved. In all it's glamor, gloom, and gore. Because of him, he was able to move forward. Chasing after the glowing backside of her. The light of a True Hero.

Yet, why... did it all have to come crashing down?... In an instant the light he followed, wilted away. He fell behind and couldn't even...

"IT'S ONE OF THE HANDS!"

The intense roar of Aarix jolted him out of his gloomy trance. He knew he had to come with terms with the current situation. However lonely he felt, he still had people he cared for. Even if "...Looks like your power still flows through the spear... I get it, you have your reasons." Korin stated calmly, as he stomped on the back end of the spear, forcing it flying upward to gripped tightly on the cold pole, focused on the now and rushed out to where Aaxir the Red was headed. As he entered the room with the intense fighting.

To make a long story short, the hand Aarix mentioned was Parzival, and everyone was on their toes, desperately defending and fighting off

The time the spell took slowly ticked down, with each grueling second that went by. Parzival trying his best to cancel the spell, and everyone else utilizing their regained powers to fight them off.

Korin more than anything wished to fight. To manifest the manifestation of bloodlust, Gae Bolg, to pierce Parzival with a thousand thorns. But, he knew more than anything that his body would not be able to handle it in this state. He had to hold back, and place his trust in his comerades.

The battle was over as it soon began. As the teleportation circle activated, and he was close enough for it to activate with him. Teleporting to some sort of cabin. The warm soothing fire and calming sensation was a completely different experience compared to the four months of hell.

Using his spear to have proper balance, he moved over to the supplies and looked for something edible immediately. Picking up a dense loaf of bread, ripping it apart with his mouth like a rapid, starving dog.

His wounds would eventally stop healing. However painful it was. He had grown acustomed to it over the years of being the Chosen. Grievous woulds only become only torn flesh and shallow gashes would remain. Using some of the medical supplies, he began to mend his wounds as best he can, but a simple question lingered in his mind.

"Why did my still regeneration function? My tie with Cu had been severed in those cells... it's not something I can chalk up to luck, his lack of response too..." Korin taking this moment of respite. Allowed himself to think properly for the first time in a long, grueling while.

****​

 Shtshtshtshtsht

A rapid, continous sound rang out in the training yard. Akin to that of a cunning, and slithering snake. Quickly striking its prey with uncanny speed. The training dummy before him littered with noticable gash marks.

Korin lowered his training staff in clear disapointment. Despite the obvious destructive and accurate power, he was not even back at his former power. The prison and consistent healing seemed to have lasting consequences on his body. His muscle memory, mass, and fit body was currently stripped of all that.

His grip tightened around his staff, as obvious creaking of wood resonated from it. Korin was able to notice, and simmered his rage. Bringing the staff up close to see the damage he had caused.

"Ahh... I think... I might have ruined another one... Old Hag really should get more durable training equipment already." Korin casually dismissed, better to blame other than himself for his mistakes.

"Make sure to scold me when you get back Arlux..."

Korin let out a small sigh, before walking away from the dummy, and got onto the floor. He figured his priorities were out of wack. Going straight back wielding a spear, when you didn't have the proper body for it, was extremely stupid. It was the basic of basics he was taught by Cu.

"Let's see... straight back, knees straight, arms square..." He soon pushed down and back up. Conducting basic calisthenics, a slow journey to return to a semblance of his former self began.

Sweat flowed down his face, as he felt his muscles ache, being careful to not reopen any wounds that still littered his body... he knew he could ask for help from Kai, or Arlux but... he rather they utilize their mana for someone who needs it more than him, his wounds heal quickly enough as it is. It was fine, Arlux would have done the same.

 

[Beann]

Suzuki Kaida

For Kaida, the following days were used to rest and recover in their cozy haven. She slept and ate, and slept some more. Occasionally, she would sneak another mana potion or two when she was certain Kai didn’t need it. Slowly, yet surely, all nine of her tails returned one by one across the span of the week. With each tail returned, the brighter her smile appeared. The lost confidence she gained back was apparent, and she looked like she was never thrown in a filthy prison in the first place.

With all the time she took to regain her strength, she wanted to give that time back into boosting the overall morale. Now that she wasn’t concerned about her mana reservoir, she decided to do what she did best (well, second best as acquiring mana was first), create fresh food for the party. Utilizing the gifts that were bestowed upon her by Inari Okami, Kaida plated hot, buttered biscuits on a singular platter. While the heat that radiated from them made it seem like they just came out of the oven, she merely materialized them from her delicate hands. Luckily for the party, her skill did not rust as they were flaky and delicious.

The kitsune left the platter on the wooden table for anyone to help themselves as she took a few in her hands before stuffing one in her mouth. From there, she scurried off to the training yard to get fresh air — and to hopefully admire a few of her companions hard at work.

Unfortunately, it was just Korin.

Oh, wait. Aaxir and Eleanor too!

Kaida took a seat, just outside the perimeter of the training yard and chewed at the biscuit she carried in her mouth. She observed all three of them quietly, grateful that they appeared better now than they did days ago.

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Tiberius Helvian, Longinus

The days nearly blurred for Tiberius. Waken, Eat, Exercise, Recline. The only demarcation of the passing days were the improvements in his strength. Mass began to rebuild achingly slow, but it is said that musculature has memory of former greatness. That once achieved, can be done so again faster and faster. Tiberius concurred, even if he hadn't returned to his apex just yet. And the new scars, from their imprisonment, found themselves at home among kin of similar stripes. Oddly or perhaps, expectedly, he sleeps soundly these days. Unplagued by dream or nightmare, a calm slumber. Yet there were days where he couldn't sleep. Where he laid awake, sat in his bed, burning a hole in the wall. On those nights, Qin bandied words in his ear to soothe his descent into sleeping oblivion.

As always, he was not alone. As much as he spent training, he spent time talking to the team. He was warmed when he saw their spirits returning. A slow process, one not without its perils, but sure to reforge them into greater weapons, brighter stars. He observed Kai's healing, that sorcerous thing. Fascinated deeply by the machinery behind the process. In another life, he would've been a mage. Alas for Olrodia and the world, only the gladiator remains.

Yes, only the gladiator remains. In the outskirts of their lodgings, isolated by greenery and the brush. He sat cross-legged on a stump in nothing but his trousers, spatha, and... Himself. Well, not quite himself. Pollux teetered at the edge of his peripheries. Always watching, always waiting since his rescue.

Tiberius had paused. This was a stop in his patrolling prowl of the perimeter. A duel purpose, this is: secure all points and exercise. A functional exercise for his stamina, not that he hadn't been getting that exercise, his limbs, and his mind.

The calmness whet his wit like a blade on a grindstone. This meditative trance that he acquired long ago aided as well.

Except the tranquility of the trees ebbed. A bristling, fainter than his heartbeat, awoke the gladiator. Eyelids crept open. Brilliant azures surveying.

He hopped off the stump stealthily. Embracing the shadows and they him. Like a burial shroud. His stance had been low, his footfalls that of the apex predator, the consummate hunter. It was Qin who taught him to dance like this. He has been sneaky before, yes, but sleight of hand and trickery does not make one stealthy. Especially one who has been groomed from his pre-teens to be boastful, proud, and loud.

Yet now he took to the darkness—between the bushes, the leaves, and the trees—like a fish to water, a dragon to air, or contempt to the contemptible. He approached the bristling sound, a shrub blocking his view.

A hind, a red deer, grazed. Munching a mouthful of grass in an unhurried manner. Soft, conical ears wheeled then twitched at sound. Tiberius moved his lips in a gasping motion, a beautiful animal. His hand curled the grip of his spatha. Breathing steadied. Unaware.

Prepare yourself then wait for the unprepared enemies. The words of his combat mentor ring like a preacher's sermon.

He explodes from the emerald vegetation, a blur of blond hair and grey steel. Her head jolts up, but it's too late. Tiberius was already on her back by the time, her brain registered the signal to move her legs. Sword above head, tip pointed downwards Two hands on one hilt.

It bulleted through cervical vertebrae, its pitiless metal met remorseful flesh, carving out a bloodied vent from the throat. The deed consecrated by the prey's own lifeblood. The creature's life robbed from it, its legs no longer could support it and Tiberius' form. They collapse, one in its place and the other tumbling off. "It is done," He breathed. Moved. "My gratitude. To you and your Gods." He put a fist over his chest, his heart. "Requiescat in pace, hind of the forest." He covered the new orifices with leaves to stem the bleeding and he begins to lift with his knees. Polux moved to assist, but Tiberius stopped him with a grunt. "This is... My duty. Always was..." His legs screamed, but he muzzled them, ignored them. "Aargghhhhhhyyyessss! Ha-ha!" He cried with sweat dripping down his nose.

-----------------------------------

One step at a time, Tiberius returned with the deer on his back to the training yard. Through squinted eyes, he found four there. Kaida, Aaxir, Eleanor, and Korin. Smiling through tensed teeth, the gladiator finally knelt and slid the deer's body off his back. His breathing more labored than a carpenter. A hand then gripped his shoulder. A hand of metal and starry darkness. He looked up to see Polux staring him down. A wordless dagger of criticism. "My friend, Polux, thank you. Next time, we do this together." A sharp nod was exchanged between the two, Polux placated.

Released from his burdens for now, Tiberius moved to the outskirts slowly. Taking a towel or whatever piece of cloth to wipe away the sweaty face of his and scarred chest. His nose tickled at new delights, a new smell. He spotted the tray of baked goods by Kaida. A smirk crept across his face. He circled out of sight then returned. Hands recently washed in the process of being shaken dry. Cleanliness first.

"A delicious treat as always, Kaida." He picked up a buttered biscuit. "Like yourself." The compliment slid off his tongue like molten honey and he gave a wink before consuming the pastry quicklike. He'll rest for now, then join in on the combat training.

The proud Aaxir, the Crimson Scaled, seemed to be engaging Eleanor, graceful Eleanor who seemed to have regained her footing. He's proud to fight alongside these two. Proud of all them, actually, sometimes he thinks his words fail him and he doesn't express it enough. "Aaxir, The Red Dragon vs Eleanor, The Grey Sword!" He cupped the side of his mouth then announced the duel.

Interactions: LazyDaze (Aaxir) Nessi (Eleanor) Beann (Kaida)
Mentions: FiveElemental (Korin)

 

[CasualTea]

​

The recent months felt like a blur. A total blur that she could not recall clearly. When she signed up for this contract, she knew there were going to be huge risks. She didn't expect it to go like this. With her contractor dead, her stuck out in the middle of a territory whose troops will surely want her dead, what can she do?

Rohen was a mercenary contracted by Arlux herself to handle the logistical side of the battle to lighten the main force that the party would engage. Arlux contracted her when she surely heard that there was a person going by the name of "Orca" was performing hit and run raids against Orlodia military positions near their boarders. Who knew it was just a mercenary who had gone rogue and was carrying out these acts what could be classified as terrorism out of pure rage. One of her many works left a battalion of their troops utterly annihilated and their high ranking officers found hung from the city's roof tops with their heads severed and their clothes and armor stripped from their bodies. It was a cruel and most likely demoralizing sight for Orlodia.

Knowing this, Arlux created her contract with Rohen specifically to restrict her from going too far and only cutting her loose to attack resupply chains, supply routes and cripple reinforcement routes alongside taking out anything critical that the Orlodian military needed. She was to wear a cloak at all times and a mask to conceal her identity so that no one knew what she looked like as she would be very well be branded a criminal after all this was over and a dozen war crimes would be pardoned with Arlux's help.

When it came to the final battle, Arlux commanded her to cut off any reinforcement to the main engagement. But it was too many that one can take care of and her magic was slowly wearing out. At that point, she was fighting on pure adrenaline alone and ignored any pains that would hinder her, cause her to collapse. It wasn't until she saw a bright light and who the victor was of that battle that she finally fell.

The next four months was torture. Actual torture. They stripped her of any excessive clothing she had and threw her in a cell. But she feel a sensation she had not felt in a long time. The feeling that she was crippled. They took her arm when they learned that it was what connected her to her patron, Tiamat and ripped it from her. Whether the arm slipped off her easily due to Tiamat's care was a question she had unanswered as it wasn't that easy to take off her arm. She thought because of what she did to their brothers, their friends and their people they would kill her. No. They wanted to make her suffer. For every one she killed, she received a punch to the stomach. For every corpse displayed, a kick to her back. For every second a mother or widow cried, her head was forced in a bucket of water. At that point, she didn't even remember much else. She didn't even realize they were being rescued.

Four months of pure Hell, all in one place. Even as she sat at the window of the cabin blankly staring outside and recollecting herself, she still hasn't put her arm back on since she got it back. Was it just regret? Remorse? An empty void was burrowed inside Rohen's core, a feeling she never knew. As she looked down at the mask that Arlux prepared for her, she could only reminisce their twisted business relationship which somehow turned into a genuine friendship. She was only supposed to be a contracted killer, but for some reason Arlux was always friendly with her and it rubbed off. Even when she teased her. The friendly image she had of her was greatly distorted by the last spectacle of her body already deprived of its life.

She looked upon her weapons now. Her flintlock, her machete and including her arm. What purpose was there now? Her one and true friend was gone. Her reason for this journey vanished. All that remain now are the others who had survived. But how well are they faring? They seem to be recovering well and getting back to her feet. She strangely wondered if they had families, parents who would want to see them once more when this is all over. Were they worried for them? For Rohen, there was nothing but the orphanage who cared for her. But she learned long ago there was someone who gave birth to her. They just didn't want her or she was separated from them somehow.

She chuckled softly.

After a short sigh, she made a decision. A grin grew on her face. It's like that time again. No contracts. Her free will left to her devices. The feeling of being so close to death is a sense of freedom. As she put her arm back on, she heard her Goddess once more. "...You're back." The Goddess whispered in her head as the mercenary gathered her things. She looked outside and saw the others having a duel. She decided that she would go outside and join them. She never talked to them before but never introduced herself to them even when they were in prison. As she made her way outside and approached the training yard...

"The Mad Orca returns."

 

[Kibaa]

Khatiy of Usaama

The days were slow and quiet for the Usaaman hero. One would have thought that being finally freed from that frigid, torturous dungeon would have brought a greater sense of happiness, but in truth, Khatiy spent her days in sadness and contemplation. You could see it in her expressions, her demeanor, and her body language. Normally someone so boisterous and agitated, the lioness was quieter than ever, keeping to herself seemingly always. She shared few words with the others, often hissing at anyone who got too close, never keen for conversation.


Khatiy was always one whose words would demonstrate a certian loquaciousness, a high level of education. When she spoke, she sounded like a royal, a noblewoman, this much was certainly known to her party. The reasoning for such would perhaps also become clear to the party as the days went by. Despite her brashness and the warrior-like persona that she embodied, Khatiy was a scholar in every sense of the word. She'd spend the many hours of the day in quiet contemplation, always reading and writing. Surrounded by books, scrolls, it was what kept her busy. Any words that she did share with the party would have likely been only with Fel, perhaps seeking answers to certain questions. It was all she did, save for the occasional excursion outside in search of rodents, birds, or fish to eat.

On this day, the Sultaness have found herself outside, too, frankly a rare moment as she sat upon the old wooden stool near the wooden table, basking under the warm rays of the sun. She sat not too far from where the apparent duel was taking place, her ear flickering in vexation as Tiberius's loud voice would obnoxiously disturb her from her peace. Two feline eyes slowly flickered towards the sight of the duel. "Eleanor is The Wayward Blade... Not the 'gReY sWorD'..." The Usaaman mumbled to herself in an upset tone, not particularly loud enough for anyone to hear. Not that she cared. About the duel, about the others or whatever menial things they were up to right now. Her eyes quickly bobbed back to the table in front of her, where a small booklet was placed, opened halfway. At its middle sat a small, sharp crayon which had a little bookmark tied to its body with a tag, a paper tag emblazoned with the sigil of Alkebu-lan. The booklet was Khatiy's own journal, which she'd slowly close then with a hand. Any who would have tried to gaze into the journal's contents at any time during the week would have found much to be desired. For the journal's contents, although plentiful, were written at random in three different languages, only one of them being Olrodian. Its passages seemingly being authored in whatever language Khatiy happened to be thinking in at the time. Few among the party would be able to read such languages, perhaps those like Kai who has spent time in the less traveled region of Alkebu-lan. Still, anyone who ever did peek inside it would find the names of the party members mentioned many times in any number of its excerpts.

A tanned hand softly pushed the journal aside, to instead focus on the one thing that had been bothering Khatiy this entire time. Certainly, the reason for her upset existence was not a secret to the party, in fact, it was rather clear. For they knew there was only one thing that Khatiy truly held dear in life, and it was her dear spirit companions. There, upon the table, sat the three Summoning Stones that the three spirit kings were bound to. Although they gleamed and shined under the sun, reflecting its rays, the stones were cracked, damaged. And although the Goddess Bastet had been able to preserve their life force, the spirits remained weakened and broken, the stones yet to recover. Normally, such recovery processes took 24 hours, but the damage that the stones and the spirits themselves had sustained during the final battle all those months ago was severe. Magic was needed to heal them, and Khatiy knew not how to save them, not from here, at this cabin, so far away from the spiritual fountains that her spirits came from. Every day, the bond between summoner and spirit felt further broken. The risk of losing the three spirits forever grows with every passing moment. "Wapenzi wangu, nifanye nini nanyi? (My beloved... What will I do with you?)" The woman muttered as her finger caressed one of the cracked stones, blinking in thought.

The only way in which Khatiy knew she could try to restore the spiritual essence of the stones would be to return them to their spiritual sources. The Great River, the Savannah, and the Jungle of Bones. But these spiritual fountains were far, far away from here... And Khatiy had a responsibility to uphold. She could not selfishly leave the party for her own desires, they had a mission to complete and a debt to repay to both The Hag and Arlux. A loud sigh escaped Khatiy as she lowered her head onto the table, resting it idly upon its wooden board in defeated contemplation. Earlier, she had sent a Child of Bastet with a letter back home, to Usaama. But, even for a nimble feline, the journey was long and dangerous. Part of her knew that there was a great chance the Child would not return, that it would not make it to Alkebu-lan and Aztlan in the first place. She could only hope, read, write, and console herself with every passing day. Doing her best to remain mentally strong for when time does come that the party must leave these peaceful woods and continue their quest.

Mentions: Tiberius Worthlessplebian Kai Bloody_Death Fel OldTurtle

 

[DSLIX]

Chrome Van Der Linde

Chrome was oddly quietly ever since getting to the cabin not bothered much by the damaged caused by Parzival but the the damage to his pride for being so powerless against him. As when they first arrived and the flames still slowly burned his skin he simply sat there enduring the pain feeling as this was his punishment for allowing himself to become so easily overwhelmed by a single person. Chrome felt a burning rage urging him to change improve or break himself down while trying. Soon as Kai had tended to his wounds and burns Chrome finally raised his gaze off the ground simply nodding at Kai with a grateful smile for the treatment he gave. He then quietly gazes over the room still resting on his knees watching the others slowly try to become comfortable in this new safe haven. Chrome felt a strong urge to get up and hug them all for making it and surviving through this far but he could feel a piercing and belittling gaze from Hanuman knowing his God feels as just as much shame if not more than Chrome from being beaten so bad by Parzival. Hanuman's words echo throughout Chrome's mind like a scream in an empty cave "I'm tired of seeing this pitiful state of yours....leave now as it seems you have much to improve on." Chrome knew exactly what Hanuman was going to make him do and sighed standing up with a cold yet somewhat saddened gaze as he looks around at the group before facing the door. He feels the same emptiness from before overtake his heart and he calmly and quietly just walks out of the cabin with no more than a nod to everyone. Chrome continues walking going deep into the forest surrounding the cabin, and as soon as he makes it out of sight and earshot of the cabin he lets out a long and slow breathe before inhaling a long slow breathe and letting his vampire urges take over causing him to spread his wings extending out 7ft as it resembles a wall of black leather like hide and bone letting Chrome fly freely and hunt animals in the forest draining them of their blood completely if not out right eating them alive. Leaving either a mummy of an corpse or just dry flesh and bones of his victims. His strength growing with every kill as well as his maddening rage pushing him. After killing the 10th animal Chrome found a small cave nearby he decided to reside in to calm himself and start the isolation training Hanuman will put him through. As Chrome sits down to calm himself and properly absorb all the blood that covered him his god decided to actually show himself for the first time in awhile appearing from sudden fog that fills the cave and leaves once Hanuman finally completely manifests standing as proud as ever as the large monkey god already looms 3ft taller than a standing Chrome.



Chrome looked up at the towering humanoid monkey man with a stare of slight surprise saying "How interesting of the great Hanuman to show himself I thoug-" Chrome words we're interrupted from a sudden jab from the huge monkey god blacking out Chrome for a few seconds while making him fly back 10 yards. Hanuman looked down at Chrome with a pitying expression "Jokes are a luxury for those who can afford it and you my pitiful hero can't afford anything right about now. Get up....now." Hanuman let his large golden club drop to the ground shaking the ground and everything else within about 100 meters of them as the bulky and gargantuan monkey man starts to stretch and crack his knuckles seemingly preparing for a fight. As Chrome slowly lifts himself back up he finds his body slightly trembling from experiencing Hanuman's power for the first time in so long. Knowing he's about to be beaten until he can't resist Chrome grits his teeth and clenches his fists feeling a similar helpless feeling as he did in the person but now even greater as he's alone and faced with an even stronger foe. Chrome exploded forward towards the god delivering a strong hook to the god's body. Though to no one's surprise Hanuman simply took the punch without even budging looking down at Chrome before hitting with a quick gut punch sending Chrome back flying again.


Days pass of Hanuman endlessly beating Chrome while also forcing him to do workouts that could easily cripple him. Hanuman despite his ruthless behavior towards Chrome knows he's merely teaching Chrome how to endure and grow. Hanuman only looked to strengthen Chrome as despite how strong Chrome was already he saw it as merely an obstacle since Chrome never really had to work too hard for the strength he has which always caused Chrome to never use it to it's full potential feeling as if he's never really had to use it. Now Chrome rests in a plank position inside the cave with about a ton and a half worth of tree trunks strapped on his back counting every passing second "10740,10741,10742,10743..." Chrome was as still as a statue as his muscles bulged and burned to hold perfect posture but Chrome didn't allow himself to waver even for a second as his empty mind refused to feel any pain from his strained muscles if anything it felt euphoric as his muscles slowly tear and breakdown from the repeated strain knowing he'll have to eat a lot or drink a lot of blood to help speed up his growth and strength in his muscles. The calming silence around him continues on until he mutters the numbers "10800..." Chrome immediately drops and rolls to dodge a kick from a suddenly appearing Hanuman. Chrome flips up off the ground into weaving a follow-up hook from Hanuman countering with one of his own but Hanuman barely bats an eye at the counter catching Chrome with a vicious body kick making him flinch hard for a second feeling a few of his ribs crack. Chrome immediately catches Hanuman's huge leg before he could pull back and grabs his necklace saying a monotone voice and dead focused expression "Gotcha" as Chrome uses all his strength to lift the gargantuan monkey man up and then slam him down into the stone floor digging his shoulder into the dead center of the giant's chest to do more damage. As Chrome lets go and immediately retreats from the now laid out Hanuman he's not surprised at all when the god simply stands up brushing himself off saying "Much better your punches still lack intent though I barely feel any push behind them." Hanuman seemed to always follow-up a compliment with a backhand that was pretty normal for Chrome's ears causing him to simply shrug and rub his side some making him slowly regurgitate up a thin string of black reddish blood using his blood magic to pull the bad blood out of himself saying "Well I could say the same you nearly cut me in half with a kick like that last time." Chrome remarks in being able to handle Hanuman's strikes better now as the pain in his ribs start to go away. Hanuman walks up to Chrome and stands inches from him as he towers over the man before saying "You have grown but you still have much more to improve on for now though go find the others as you look horrible and need a bath." Hanuman disappears after calling out Chrome's dirty and beaten appearance barely having any chance to wash himself or his clothes while under constant oppression from the god. Chrome stuck in his state of focus simply nods and walks outside the cave he had been residing in getting into the warm gaze of the sun that Chrome actually enjoyed feeling this morning on his hot muscles and he quickly stretches his wings out as well letting out a satisfied groan as he stretches out. Once he's finished he launches off into the air and flies towards the cabin where his companions should still be residing. It only takes a few minutes before he reaches the front of the cabin quickly landing using his wings to stop his momentum and land. Walking up to the cabin door and knocking before trying to open it letting himself in eager to greet whoever's inside and spend time with his companions for the first time what feels like forever.

 

[Nessi]

Eleanor

“You're an idiot, you know that?” was the first thing Eleanor heard when waking up at the cabin. It was Paimon’s voice, and while normally, she’d offer some sort of resistance, she had no excuse for her stunt at the prison. To be honest, she was surprised to even still be alive, because once Parzival impaled her, everything became a blur, Eleanor couldn’t exactly recall what happened after that point.
“You’re lucky to be alive. Without Kai’s healing ability, you would have definitely died moments after we got to the cabin.” Paimon continued.
Eleanor's hand drifted to where the stab wound was, and found that there wasn’t even a scar left, only an intense aching and tenderness. “Where exactly are we?” Eleanor asked, looking around as best she could from her bed.
“We’re still in Olrodia, close to Jórvík. This cabin however, is far away from any towns or cities, an obscure location according to Nomad. They didn’t specify how that was though, they just left shortly after.” Paimon explained.
Eleanor nodded in understanding, before making an attempt to get out of bed. She wasn’t even able to sit up before Paimon’s large hand pushed her back down.
“Nuh uh. Yī Nuò’s been very strict with everyone, you are to properly rest your body, and only when she clears you will you be able to move about as you please.” Paimon explained.
“I’ve gotta take a wee.” Eleanor said bluntly.
“Then I’ll carry you!” Paimon said, smiling brightly and flexing his muscles.
Eleanor let out a sound of defeat, and lifted her arms to be carried by her patron god.

~~~

“You’re too stiff, loosen up your legs. If you fight like that, you’ll get your legs chopped off!” Paimon shouted in Eleanor’s head. It had been just about a week since the heroes had arrived at the cabin, and Eleanor was in much better shape than she had been upon first arriving. As soon as Yī Nuò allowed her to start moving about freely, Eleanor started training just like everyone else. From sunup to sun down, Paimon would instruct her just like he did four years ago, but today was a bit different than usual. Instead of just training with Paimon, Eleanor thought it would be beneficial for her to spar against someone who wasn’t a god. So she asked Aaxir to spar, and much to her surprise, the red dragon actually accepted her offer, and before Eleanor knew it, she was clashing blades with Aaxir. Despite it just being sparring, Eleanor could feel the emotion the red dragon put behind every attack, he wasn’t going easy on her, and Eleanor was sure to respond in kind, trying her best to keep up, while also listening to Paimon’s constant and sudden advice.

After a while, the pair would call for a break, and Eleanor would gently set herself down onto the floor, staring out into the distance. Obviously, she expected to be much weaker than she had been before, but the drop off in power was much more steep than she had expected. Her Empyrean Armarant had weakened, and her heroic strike had lost the destructive power it once held. Worse of all, Eleanor was unable to use her light mimicry, no matter how much she tried, she simply couldn’t bring herself to use it.
“Perhaps, because it was her ability, and not mine.” Eleanor muttered to herself.
Before she could get too lost in her own thoughts, Aaxir would ask to go again, and in typical Aaxir fashion, he found some way to belittle Eleanor.
“You talk too much. Shut up and let your sword speak for you.” Eleanor responded far too calmly. She took a stance, and prepared herself for the red dragon's advance.

 

[Auda]

Tatag

Tatag’s once frail body was slowly growing to its original state just by being outside for a day, although his growth didn’t stop there. The ent’s body continued to develop as the days passed by, branches grew bigger and his roots spread further, leaving the grassy area around him brown as he continued to absorb at a faster pace.It has been a week since Tatag first planted himself on the ground, and a tree can be seen standing where he was last seen. The tree was a size taller than the rest of the forest, its strong branches made a perfect home for nesting birds and other wildlife. Its most distinguishable feature however, was its core of mana. Upon further inspection, Tatag’s body could be seen inside with different hues of blue continuing to swirl—almost like water, around the ent.

Faunas suddenly appeared next to the tree. His face was contemplative, perhaps the sight of it led him to reminisce. The god then pressed his palm on the bark, inspecting it from its highest branch to the deepest roots. Normally when an ent was severely wounded, they would go into a sort of hibernation. It was a defence mechanism, ridding them of their consciousness as their body will put all the effort into gathering enough mana and energy to repair itself. In cases such as this, the elder would inspect the tree daily to see when the right time is to pull them out. If removed too early, it can result in more harm and oddities will form. Leave them too long however, they’ll entirely lose their consciousness and their body will permanently be a part of the tree. It took only a moment before Faunas nodded in satisfaction. It’s time.

There was no graceful way of doing it. The branches were especially hard and Faunas wasn’t one to waste time. The god quickly punched his hand through the core, grabbing Tatag’s arm, before pulling the ent out. Faunas didn’t bother to control his strength. A week inside the tree should make Tatag’s body more durable, and in the chance that the ent was injured, let it be a lesson to not make the same mistake. With Tatag’s body fully healed, the tree no longer had a purpose and it slowly retreated back to the ground. The wildlife that once made it their home quickly scurried away to find another place to stay.

It wasn’t long before Tatag gained consciousness.

“Faunas!” Tatag stood up to greet the god. Maybe it was because the ent’s body hasn’t been in the best condition for months and he wasn’t used to it, but Tatag swore he grew taller. Faunas simply replied with a nod of his head. “How are—”

“Now that you’re fully healed—”

“But I haven’t—”

“—I believe it’s me time to leave.” The god disappeared and Tatag could only stare at the place where Faunas was last standing. Now everything was truly back to normal. Tatag let out a defeated sigh before collapsing back on the grass.

He remembered the first time Faunas blessed him, how he jumped from the highest tree of the Ancient Forest, and raced the wind fae through the meadows. Now that he had that power back however, there wasn’t the excitement and the exhilarating feeling he used to associate with the Faunas’ blessing. Instead all he felt was satisfaction. So, he just laid on the ground, enjoying the sun beaming down on him, the birds singing, and the occasional sound of his companions’ voices. Even just for a moment, there was peace.

 

[ThatWhichShouldBe]

Huang San

As the days pass, Huang San devotes himself to recovery and training. Both of the flesh, and of the soul. He meditates on the roof of their little abode, under the light of sun and star, the wind brushing across his skin. He feels the mana flowing through his atrophied passages and begins the slow work of mending them, knitting them back together, repairing damaged channels, stoking his inner power closer towards the fullness of his strength. Wukong's voice is a steady presence in his ears, guiding his meditations as he re-assembles himself step by step.

But he requires strength without as much as within.

And so, Huang puts himself to work as well. Pushups, situps, crunches, planks, jumping jacks. Huang San eats heartily and hones his body with discipline and focus. He chops wood, fetches water, and for a time Huang San can almost feel normal. As if he was back in his village again, his mother's voice calling him inside. But those days are gone twice-over. Instead, he devotes himself to sweat and iron. Practicing with his staff, renewing his strength, day by day and step by step.

It's almost obsessive, how he does it. Dawn to Dusk, without fail, always working. There is a singular purpose in Huang San's mind. He knows exactly what he must do. He does not participate in the sparring Aaxir and Eleanor indulge in, for he knows that sharpening himself on his friend's blades can wait- Wait until he feels like himself again, rather than this hollow shell.

 

[Nano]

Enthyskana Rhoda

Interactions: Beann Worthlessplebian + whoever else is there

Mentions: LazyDaze Bloody_Death

You needed the root of this plant, did you not?

The dazed expression of the distracted dragon was slow to recede despite Veritas’s warning, her mind meandering as melancholy kept a possessive grip on it. She, like many others, had spent the past week awkwardly settling into a new routine that covered the gaps that had once been filled by now fallen heroes. If the ever cynical Yufei had survived that final battle, Enthy knew her late friend would have planted a solid slap on the back of her head while stating that it was “business as usual.” However, she doubted even Yufei could have imagined a future without Arlux leading the way. Yet here they were, released from their prison and building up their forces once again. No matter who fell, someone or something else would take their place and carry on their duties. She even dared to believe that had Tiryan chosen to slaughter them all rather than throw them in prison, the world would have simply cast a new generation of blessed heroes or their allied nations would go through with their alternative methods.

Like ants,

Enthy thought. They were nothing more than insignificant specks of dust that would be quickly swept away the moment the world no longer saw a use for them. Aaxir was stubborn, obstinate, and headstrong, but at times she couldn’t help but agree that his lack of reverence for the divine wasn’t completely unfounded. She just lacked the boldness he had in denying the fate the gods had impressed upon their mortal bodies.

By the time a faint sweetness with a hint of citrus caught her attention, Enthy could no longer feel the watchful gaze of Veritas, the god having departed to make better use of his time than watch his hero daydream in a forest.

“Oh,”

she breathed out softly, staring at the broken stem and wilted leaf sitting miserably in the palm of her hand. The woman dropped the stem and cradled her aching head in her hands, an act she’d quickly come to regret the moment she breathed in the nauseating mix of residual earth, sharp mint, lemon, and various other scents. Whether it be meditating, attempting to decrease the time it took for her to cast Veritas’s spells, or foraging for herbs, she hadn’t been able to dedicate her mind to any tasks ever since escaping from Olrodia. Her progress, or lack thereof, was a far cry from the many who’d already made headway in their training.

An unintelligible noise akin to an “ugh” would escape Enthy’s lips as she began to wiggle a knife around the root of the plant to loosen the surrounding soil. Exasperation at having made her work harder for herself managed to temporarily suppress the creeping anxiety of the inevitable disappointment she’d face when Veritas checked on her progress later that night.

Once what remained of the herb had been uprooted and dusted off, the dragon promptly chucked it into the wicker basket sitting to the side and hoisted it onto her back to hike further into the forest. Whoever had built the camp had chosen a good location. Though the elevation and proximity to Jorvik chilled the air, the mountains nonetheless teemed with undisturbed life. She had thought the cabin was secluded as a result of a lack of natural resources in the area, but venturing beyond the borders of their current lodgings had proven that they’d have no problems hunting and foraging throughout their stay.

As one hour turned into two, the once sparsely filled wicker basket possessed a comfortable weight. Though Enthy’s primary purpose had been to forage for medicinal herbs as vegetation wasn’t as readily available in Jorvik, she’d partitioned the basket and collected any edible fruit and berries she’d found on the way. Unfortunately, her collecting wasn’t without complications. Given her homeland’s distance from their current location, the mountain was host to various plants she’d only ever read about in books. No matter how hard she examined the waxy, spherical leaves of a certain plant, she couldn’t discern with complete certainty whether it was the fever reducer she was looking for or a look-alike infamous for causing some rather unpleasant effects related to one’s bowels.

If only plants could talk. After all, her ability to discern lies from truths were limited to spoken statements and didn’t help much in terms of telling apart two similar plants. It was just unfortunate that the day she heard a plant talk was the day she was going to get herself checked out by a therapist.

Thus, when Enthy returned to the cabin, she ignored the rumbling of her stomach and the way her eyes were naturally drawn to the platter of flakey, buttery biscuits by Kaida’s side.

“Good morning,”

she greeted those watching Aaxir and Eleanor’s match, though her gaze never left the biscuits.

“Has anyone won yet? Or is this their first match?”

Reluctantly tearing her eyes away from the platter, Enthy adjusted the shoulder straps of her basket and motioned towards it.

“I found several kinds of wild berries. I wanted to make jam, but I’ll leave some out if anyone wants to add them to pastries.”

“Anyway, has anyone seen Kai? I figured it’d be good to stock up on medicinal herbs before we set off for Jorvik, but I wanted a second set of eyes to double check that I didn’t accidentally pick any look-alikes.”

 

[CasualTea]

When she arrived at the training grounds, she heard another party member, Enthy, said she gathered some berries. She also asked if anyone had seen Kai for their eye in differentiating and picking out specific medicinal herbs before they went to Jorvik. So that was their next destination. Jorvik. She pondered a little as to why that would be so. During her recovery, she shut herself in within her own head and didn't pay attention to those around her. She may have eaten some meals but often took them with her in a room where she would be alone. Perhaps she didn't want to talk to anyone since she felt guilty for not protecting Arlux or fighting with her when it actually mattered even if her job was to hold off against enemy reinforcements.

She could only deduce one thing with how everyone is acting. If they were rescued from prison and everyone is trying to pick themselves up again, let alone duel, then the spark of war still lives on in the rest of the alliance. Their journey has not ended. As they were in enemy territory, there would surely be patrols sent out to look for them after the prison break. She would assume that any group of people who directly made their way and fought at the heart of an empire would need to have eyes on at all times. If any of those members were free, there would be more trouble. In that sense with everyone here, it's unfortunate to say that there will be an all-out manhunt for this group.

So what does all this have in Rohen's little mind? Was it perhaps that her habits of old wanted to go for another killing spree? Her need to go for a fresh kill just to pick herself up? No. She might be crazy, but she swore if Arlux was still here, she'd ask her to scout the forward area and if there were any patrols, dispose of them. It felt instinctual at this point. She checked to make sure her holstered flintlock and sheathed machete were still in their places before she spoke. "We're bound for Jorvik then, right? How about I scout the area ahead? I'm sure there's patrols looking for us everywhere, y'know." She asked the group. Probably the first words she's ever said to them. "Don't worry, it's just like before. I'll let you know if I find anything of concern. Does that sound good?" She asked openly. She was sure to speak loud enough for the group could hear her but wasn't yelling or anything. As there was no Arlux, there was no one specifically she had to report to. At this point, does she report to anyone? She knows nobody in this group on a level that she knew Arlux. Maybe it's time for her to make some new friends.

Interactions: Nano Nessi Worthlessplebian LazyDaze Beann (anyone else who is at the training/duel area)

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Tiberius Helvian, Longinus

The gladiator fetched another pastry from Kaida's plate to enjoy while observing the spar between Eleanor and Aaxir. Periodically taking sips of water to wash down the sugary delight from a leather canteen as he leaned back in his chair with legs extended out. Occasionally his eyes pried themselves off the action to look at that hunted deer, wondering how to best prepare or what to make from it for their dinner today. Fingers rhythmically tapping on his knee like a hidden song had been playing in the background of his mind. He watched the dance of combat so intently that he almost missed the little dragoness Enthyskana's question. He tilted forward from his chair to see her, azure optics doing a quick scan before answering her question. "Their first bout, I believe. Quite exciting." He gestured with the water canteen in his hand. Admiring the brewing ferocity of both Aaxir and Eleanor, their footwork, their swings, their feints, and parries. Every battle holds a lesson, Tiberius proclaims, even mock ones such as these so like a studious learner, he takes notes.

Then his attention was once again snapped by Enthy's inquiries. The man's head nodded with understanding. "Neither heads nor tails from Kai, but let me take a look." The gladiator suggested, wheeling himself over to Enthy to see what plants she acquired from her foraging. He peered down into the basket to observe, before carefully plucking a sample at random. He observed the spherical leaf, examining each and every inch of it. "You were looking to pick for fever-treatment." It was framed like a question, but Tiberius had already assumed the answer. He presented the topside of the leaf to Enthy. "You're on the right track, you can tell these are the leaves you're looking for by the deeper green on the face with a waxy sheen AND," His fingers turn to show the back of the leaf. "Its back is a paler shade with fuzz." He runs his finger up and down the main nerve of the leaf to feel the tiny, tiny hairs.

He dropped the leaf back into Enthy's collection. "Decoys or look-alikes don't have the fuzz on the bottom, and if you're still unsure, chew the leaf for the taste, if it's sweet then it'll give your intestines a kicking, if it's bitter, you've got the right one." He advised with a soft tone. "Oh, also, I never got the chance to applaud your tactical decision to create a barrier back at the prison. Good work." He gave a courteous nod with a silk-smooth smile while patting the dragoness on her back. "Treat yourself." Knowing that she had been eyeing Kaida's buttery biscuits.

Just as Tiberius was about to retrieve more water for his leathery canteen, he heard a familiar voice ring out from behind. He gave a smirk which pushed his cheeks up slightly, crinkling the corners of his eyes. "Well, well... If it isn't the Orca herself," The gladiator approached the flintlock-flinging sharpshooter with quiet respect, extending a hand past hers to grip her forearm. Like he and his gladiators did back in the Colosseum, their type of handshake. One Tiberius reserves for the people of utmost martial prowess like Arlux or his companions. "You've got this on lock." Giving his vote of confidence in her tactics.


Interactions: Nano (Enthy)
Mentions: Beann (Kaida), Bloody_Death (Kai), LazyDaze (Aaxir) + others;

 

[Dawnsx]

Nelumba

”You’re welcome Enthy!” Nel chirped. Enthy had always been such a shy gal, never meeting Nel’s eyes and running away from her. Curiously enough, Enthy never behaved like that with anyone else. Maybe, just maaaybe, this is what they call a girl crush?! Aww, maybe Enthy really wanted to be friends but didn’t know how to approach Nel! But this time she took Nel’s apple! And even thanked her! Progress!

If only you knew. Shiva sighed within her mind.

”Knew what?” Nel asked aloud, but her deity went silent again. She pouted for a brief second and smiled sunnily again. Ah, well. Time to share the rest of the yummy fruits! Turning to the rest of her fellow heroes, she hollered, ”Would anyone like some juicy sustenance?”

~~~

One week at the cabin, and Nel was getting super duper antsy.

Don’t get her wrong! She loved spending all this extra time with her hero buddies! It was like a slumber party, all day, everyday. But how was she supposed to perform her duties as the champion of kindness, love, and life when she was holed up here? There must be tons of people out there being terrorized by the empire. She had to go help them soon!

But Granny told them to stay and rest, and Nel knew better to go against her orders.

So time to make the most of it! And how else to do that but to engage in some bonding time with her friends?

With a spring in her steps and her rejuvenated wings fluttering lightly behind her, she bounded across the cabin to make her way out and nearly bumped into Chrome.

”Heya Chromie! Just got back?” Nel greeted cheerily. ”I was gonna go join the training sesh out there! Wanna join? Oh, buuut…” she gave a Chrome once-over, taking in the dirt and grime that clung to his body. He may as well have never gotten out of that prison cell! Nel carefully sidestepped Chrome and hoped he didn’t notice. She didn’t want to get her newly-cleaned dress filthy again, but she also didn’t want to hurt Chromie’s feelings by making him think that he was yucky! Which he kinda was! But still! ”Looks like you already got a head start on the training!”

With an awkward giggle, Nel flitted out of the cabin and toward the training heroes, heedless of whether Chrome decided to join.

 

[OldTurtle]

Fel Petri

Interactions: Kibaa

Mentions: People in the yard

Burn.

Quench.

Burn.

Quench.

Burn.

Quench.

Fel cycled through the two actions for hours on end, seated before a sizable pile of dry kindling and larger, freshly-chopped logs. This was a drill he’d devised years ago, tailored to exercise both schools of his magic. Apply a gentle, even heat to the collected wood until it set aflame, then immediately draw the air away from it to starve it. Do so again, then again, then again. When the pale wood blackened and burned too much to be lit again, gather a few new pieces from a stack beside him and add them to the pile. Despite the simplicity of the task, it was far from an easy one. Any half-baked fire mage could create and put out a summoned fire - that was as easy as gathering and dispersing mana - but it was an entirely different matter to do so indirectly, which demanded a level of fine control and seamless transition from fire to wind magic that strained even Fel’s concentration. Nevertheless, it was an action he’d practiced tens of thousands of times over the past years, and it should’ve come as second nature. It did not. Fel struggled to balance the magics in a way he hadn’t in years, still managing to light and put out the fires reliably but lacking much of the speed and ease with which he used to do so. The same applied to much of his other magic, especially the wind magic enhanced by Ayao’s gifts - gods, he couldn’t even take flight in this state.

Sighing as he quenched the flames for a final time, Fel rose from his cross-legged position and stepped away from its smoking remains. Their months-long imprisonment had left its mark on him, even after restoring his mana reserves to full. Four months was such a paltry period of time - a minor blip considering his lifespan - but it was still the first and only time he’d ever been entirely starved of mana. That was a beyond-unpleasant experience for the young elf, and a single week of rest and recuperation was not enough to cleanse his body and soul of their atrophy.

Not that Ayao hadn’t tried. Fel’s goddess had conceded him two days of relaxation before she demanded he return to his rigorous training. The mental exhaustion of practicing magic endlessly was fine - he took great pleasure in that familiar work, even when confronted with how weak he’d gotten during his incarceration - but the physical training? That was a different matter. At his core, Fel was a mage suited for strolling between library bookshelves and scratching letters onto parchment with a quill late at night. He was entirely averse to running laps through bone-chilling woods and drilling his swordsmanship with heavy blades in the early morning. It had taken years for his goddess to shape his body into - well, perhaps not the most formidable of warriors, but certainly a rather capable one. Four harrowing months of permanent exhaustion, hunger, and thirst had wreaked havoc on that progress, and Ayao seemed to make it her divine vocation to rectify that before the heroes departed for Jorvik.

That will be enough for now.

Fel stopped and peered up at the sky. The sun blazed overhead, still on its creeping ascent. He’d only practiced his magic for a short while today, and hadn’t even touched a blade yet.

Oh? How uncharacteristically lenient of you. What’s the special occasion, wake up on the right side of the bed for once?

Ayao didn’t seem to quite appreciate his snark, and Fel could sense her leveling a cool, unseen stare at him. He maintained a stony composure and shook some dirt off his left boot.

…Your body has yet to fully recover from the past months, and too much strain would negatively impact your condition. A day of rest here and there will do you good - but make no mistake, by no means will you be shirking your training entirely. We will do a lighter physical regiment tonight at sunset. Until then, you are free to do as you please.

With that, Ayao’s presence vanished before Fel could make another irreverent comment. It was an odd feeling, having a full day ahead of him with no tasks to immediately attend to. Odd, but not unpleasant. The mage made his way through the trees, heading back to the cabin just beyond sight. His breath steamed in the frigid air and Fel shivered, feeling the cold set in deeper without the frequent bursts of flame to warm him. As glad as he would be to finally leave Olrodia, he was not anticipating the harsh Jorvik climate.

…Lately he found himself missing the welcoming waters of the Isles - of home - more and more.

Fallen branches crunched underfoot as the cabin came into sight. Several other heroes were gathered outside, as they were wont to do. Understandable - the cabin was comfortable, but hardly the most spacious and at times bursting to contain over a dozen grown men and women. Skirting Aaxir and Eleanor’s match, Fel made his way to the small wooden table set outside. With a quick word of thanks to Kaida as he passed by and picked up a baked treat from the tray, he leaned his staff against the table and plopped down into an empty seat. For a handful of minutes, he silently took bites out of the pastry and watched the two heroes clash. Not his preferred form of entertainment, but it would do. It took another few moments for Fel to glance at the other occupant of the little table - Khatiy of Usaama.

The feline hero cut an odd figure even among their eclectic band. She was, quite frankly, rather unpleasant. Fel ignored the irony of him of all people saying that. Khatiy was a different kind of unfriendly though, always seeming cold and uncaring - more concerned about herself than anyone else. That was not a trait that lended itself well to developing trustworthy relationships, especially among people who regularly put their lives on the line together. That was no business of his, however, and Fel actually held a surprisingly positive inclination towards the young warlord. She was as much a scholar and student as he, and the mage respected her academic pursuits. The two even spoke not-irregularly, but everyone had begun to notice the unusual change in her behavior this past week. Khatiy had always been a woman seemingly preoccupied by constant worry and mistrust - but ever since their escape from the Empire’s dungeons, she’d been constantly emitting a depressive aura.

Looking at her now, he was reminded vaguely of a sulking kitten - not that he’d ever voice such observations. Fel rather liked keeping all his organs in place. The source of her troubles was clear. A summoner cared deeply about their summons and to have them broken beyond repair was a tragedy. At any rate, he usually wouldn’t have cared to get involved - beyond the concerns of how the loss of Khatiy’s summons impacted the party’s strength, this was solely a personal problem. Even if she’d came to him for help for some reason - Fel nearly laughed at the thought - he had little practical experience with summoning magic.

But now he had a full day of free time ahead of him. So much time and so little to do while confined to the cabin and the surrounding woods. Perhaps it would be interesting to do something different for once. On a whim, Fel decided to be extremely nosy. Oh joy, that would surely be an improvement to his usual demeanor. Somewhere, a long-suffering goddess of air and wind let out a heavy sigh.

“You seem troubled,” Fel stated, finishing off the last of his pastry. He glanced down at the cracked stones on the table, feeling a twinge of pity for the surly woman. “Though I suppose why so is evident. Has there been no improvement to their condition?”

 

[Bloody_Death]

KAI NAKAYAMA

The rest of this tiring day of escape was spent healing and tending to those who needed it, outside of the main three he was already handling. And after a nice meal and a bath to finally freshen up, after what seemed like years, he knocked out. And not just for the night, no. For the next few days. He ate a nice filling meal before bed and that was that. He could've ended up sleeping a week straight if he wanted to! Not actually, but he sure would have attempted it. But alas, a certain patron god wouldn't let him sleep that long. Always forcing him out of bed to at least eat one full meal a day. It was a pain, but it was for the best and Kai knew that.

~~~

After those first few days of constant sleep, Kai had begun his own training. Albeit, a bit different from his fellow comrades who sparred in the yard daily. He stayed cooped up in his room with a notebook and pen he managed to find. 4 months of doing nothing left him with a lot of thoughts. And some new ideas! He wanted to come up with new healing spells. Before...he thought the spells he had were sufficient enough. That he only had to focus on perfecting what he knew rather than learning more. But he was wrong. What he had wasn't enough. And if he didn't want history to repeat itself, he had to get stronger. Learn more to become a more efficient healer for his comrades.

And the notebook was helping him organize his ideas. With four months of thoughts swirling around in his brain, he couldn't begin to pick and choose what was a good idea and what wasn't unless it was out in front of him. Eventually, after sorting out his thoughts he figured out what the goal of his new spell would be. Some sort of wide spread spell that would either heal anyone within the radius of the spell, or tell Kai who was in severe condition without having to search the whole battlefield for them. Better yet, make it do both! But he'd have to choose one aspect to focus on first. He opted for the tracking part of the spell. He couldn't be everywhere at once. So, maybe this spell could emulate the idea!

With the spell he wanted in hand all that was left was to figure out how to go about making it a reality. Drawing dozen upon dozen of sketches in his notebook. Designing a spell always took a lot of prep, at least for him, he has several ideas written down but has yet to actually try them out.

And today was no different, after waking up Kai moved right to his desk to continue with designs in his notebook. Working for a good hour or so before his door suddenly flew open. "Oh no you don't." Kai didn't even have to look back to know who it was. Letting out a huff as he slouched over the desk when he heard the steps approach him.

"You told me me you'd take a break today, you know? So why are you already at the desk again?" Wanga stood behind Kai. Only sighing as he crossed his arms.

"The day just begun. I have all day to eventually take a break." Kai protested...but they both knew that once he was absorbed in his work he wasn't stepping foot out of this room.

"You said that yesterday. There's nothing wrong with taking a day off. You underestimate how a nice break can benefit your progress later-"

"So like you." That quip came out way to quick for Kai to even realize what he was saying. The way his face shifted into panic so quickly the moment those words left his mouth. "Wait, Wanga I didn't mean it like that..!"

"So that's how it is. I was going to let you work a bit more before forcing you out. But you seem quite eager to go now, huh?" He soon grabbed his hero's arm. Pulling him out the chair and quite literally having to drag Kai out the room.

"Wanga! I didn't mean it like that!"

"But you were thinking it like that."

"That's...not true."

"You hesitated."

"No, I didn't! You're acting like a dad!"

"I'm a lot worse than a dad though. Now out!" Once Kai was successfully dragged out the room the door would promptly be shut and locked behind him. "You're not allowed back in here till sunset." The god spoke from the other side of the door. "A lot of your fellow heroes are all in the training yard, go join them! Also inari's hero made some biscuits too. Try and bring one up for me, okay? Thanks." And with that, it went quiet behind the door. No matter how many times Kai called out his name he wouldn't respond. Leaving him with no choice but to head down to the training yard. Lest he want to camp outside his own door all day.

Eventually, Kai would step out the cabin and into the training yard, but not without grabbing one of the yummy biscuits set on the table. Letting out a happy hum as he made his way out. It's probably the first time he's actually been out here over the last few days. The air was nice and it seemed everyone was somewhat watching Aaxir and Eleanor spar. Kai had once considered, asking one of their trained fighters to help teach him a bit of hand-to-hand combat. But he wasn't sure who. Some of his fellow heroes...were a bit too hardcore for him. He had considered maybe asking Tiberius or Kaida to assist him, as they seemed the least likely to try and make him preform at an impossible level despite being a beginner with weapons. But as everyone was just trying to recover he didn't want to bother them with trying to help him. Not now at least.

He spotted Kaida nearby and was about to make his way over to thank her for the biscuits, but soon paused when he noticed Korin a bit off in the distance. He hasn't seen him much, or anyone else at that point, but he recalled him basically disappearing when they first arrived at the cabin. Wasn't he like...half a body when they first got here? He knew he could regenerate...but what was the point of letting his body heal only to not give it enough time to do so? He sighed as he walked across the field. Giving small waves to those who noticed him as he approached Korin. Not evening bothering to ask if he wanted help before beginning to heal the other using his free hand. The pain of his wounds soon being replaced by the cool touch of water running over any of the wounds it managed to find on Korin's body.

"If you wanted to train so quickly you should've just come to me to heal your wounds." He pointed out. A small hint of sass in his voice as he was still pretty peeved with the whole being locked out of his room by Wanga. "You were going to open them all up again at this rate." He sighed, and within just a minutes or so, any wound on the other's body would have vanished. Like he wasn't chopped up into tiny Korin pieces a week ago. Now that he managed to have his usual amount of mana reserves, healing others like this was a piece of cake! A warm up for the mage rather than a tiring exercise.

"There. Now you can train to your heart's content." He spoke a bit cheekily before finishing up the biscuit he had in his hand. Kai has to start actually doing the spell he was trying to develop. He was a bit caught up in making it perfect, but he honestly could start testing things out now if he wanted. He glanced back at Korin before giving a sheepish smile.

"Actually, if you don't mind, could you help me with something, Korin? You should be able to continue your exercises while doing so." He reassured before moving to sit down on the ground next to him. "I'm working on a new spell. A tracking spell that could help me determine who needs healing and who doesn't on the battlefield. All I would need you to do is hide somewhere in the forest so I can try to find you with the spell. I guess it's kinda like hide and seek, huh?" He chuckled. "Oh, but if you can't, it's okay. I'm sure I can ask around and find someone who has time to help." He didn't want to interrupt any plans Korin had afterall.

---

Interactions: FiveElemental

Mentions: Tiberius || Kaida || anyone else hanging around in the yard.

 

[CasualTea]

Tiberius Helvian, Longinus

The gladiator fetched another pastry from Kaida's plate to enjoy while observing the spar between Eleanor and Aaxir. Periodically taking sips of water to wash down the sugary delight from a leather canteen as he leaned back in his chair with legs extended out. Occasionally his eyes pried themselves off the action to look at that hunted deer, wondering how to best prepare or what to make from it for their dinner today. Fingers rhythmically tapping on his knee like a hidden song had been playing in the background of his mind. He watched the dance of combat so intently that he almost missed the little dragoness Enthyskana's question. He tilted forward from his chair to see her, azure optics doing a quick scan before answering her question. "Their first bout, I believe. Quite exciting." He gestured with the water canteen in his hand. Admiring the brewing ferocity of both Aaxir and Eleanor, their footwork, their swings, their feints, and parries. Every battle holds a lesson, Tiberius proclaims, even mock ones such as these so like a studious learner, he takes notes.

Then his attention was once again snapped by Enthy's inquiries. The man's head nodded with understanding. "Neither heads nor tails from Kai, but let me take a look." The gladiator suggested, wheeling himself over to Enthy to see what plants she acquired from her foraging. He peered down into the basket to observe, before carefully plucking a sample at random. He observed the spherical leaf, examining each and every inch of it. "You were looking to pick for fever-treatment." It was framed like a question, but Tiberius had already assumed the answer. He presented the topside of the leaf to Enthy. "You're on the right track, you can tell these are the leaves you're looking for by the deeper green on the face with a waxy sheen AND," His fingers turn to show the back of the leaf. "Its back is a paler shade with fuzz." He runs his finger up and down the main nerve of the leaf to feel the tiny, tiny hairs.

He dropped the leaf back into Enthy's collection. "Decoys or look-alikes don't have the fuzz on the bottom, and if you're still unsure, chew the leaf for the taste, if it's sweet then it'll give your intestines a kicking, if it's bitter, you've got the right one." He advised with a soft tone. "Oh, also, I never got the chance to applaud your tactical decision to create a barrier back at the prison. Good work." He gave a courteous nod with a silk-smooth smile while patting the dragoness on her back. "Treat yourself." Knowing that she had been eyeing Kaida's buttery biscuits.

Just as Tiberius was about to retrieve more water for his leathery canteen, he heard a familiar voice ring out from behind. He gave a smirk which pushed his cheeks up slightly, crinkling the corners of his eyes. "Well, well... If it isn't the Orca herself," The gladiator approached the flintlock-flinging sharpshooter with quiet respect, extending a hand past hers to grip her forearm. Like he and his gladiators did back in the Colosseum, their type of handshake. One Tiberius reserves for the people of utmost martial prowess like Arlux or his companions. "You've got this on lock." Giving his vote of confidence in her tactics.


Interactions: Nano (Enthy)
Mentions: Beann (Kaida), Bloody_Death (Kai), LazyDaze (Aaxir) + others;

Huh. She didn't think anyone would recognize her voice. Perhaps Tiberius was just curious who the cloaked figure was all this time that he paid extra attention when she came around to report to Arlux. The sort of special handshake he gave sort of made Rohen tense a little but relaxed when she found out he was just being extremely friendly. Considering he grabbed her right arm, her actual arm, she used her free metal arm to lightly pat his neck a couple of times. Doing so, she gave a grin as she spoke. "Heh... Then I'm ready to rock." She said before pulling away to proceed towards the treeline and begin her hunt.

Once she got to the tree line, she that her mana was back to their usual levels so if need be, she could use her Water's Edge if things started to get a little rough. Her goal was just to test out her body's combat abilities at the current moment. A little unrusting she would say. Something to just warm her up before she can go all-out. Perhaps a bunny or a deer would be a good hunting target. A bear or a wolf if she's feeling good. An Olrodian? An interesting pick, but a trophy she will praise herself with glee.

Upon walking aimlessly through the woods, she caught sight of a deer. Eh, it's too easy but it's a start. She was just going to use her machete and cleave it across its neck cleanly. As she started stalking her target moving through the bushes with skill, she finally made her pounce and tackled the deer through a hedge, slitting its throat on the other side. A clean kill. She felt good.

Right when she was about to head back, she heard a growl. She looked up and her eyes widened. A big burly and furry animal was standing on their two hind legs. It was a large grizzly bear and it was already swinging at her. She quickly dodged out of the way and called upon her Water's Edge, manifesting duel daggers with a spiked knuckle guards as she began attacking the bear back. Her movement was still as fluent as ever as she dodged its attacks and sliced at its body.

It didn't take too long before the bear finally fell cold on the ground. Rohen was quite pleased with herself. Though, now that she thought about it, wouldn't leaving a bear like this out in the wild raise some suspicions? If an Olrodian were to come by and saw a dead bear, what would they think? She decided to just bring back both carcasses with her to the cabin so there wouldn't be any evidence and perhaps they can eat some deer meat.

As for the bear, she decided to take it back with her to the cabin as a trophy. Who knows, maybe she'll flail it's skin and make a coat. A bear hood perhaps? But for now, she'll just lug it back to the cabin without leaving any more traces. Now that she thought about it, she wasn't actually far from the cabin. She was still pretty close by.

 

[LazyDaze]

AAXIR THE RED

Interactions: Nessi
Mentions: Worthlessplebian

You talk too much. Shut up and let your sword speak for you. Normally, a response like this would bring about a quiet ferociousness that even Tutu Pele would be proud of; however, Aaxir only chuckled as he casually pried his great blade from the earth before resting it on his shoulders. Ah..she can respond at the very least, Aaxir thought to himself. A vast improvement from a week ago by all means, but there was still something missing. Make no mistake, Aaxir for all his pride knew there would be after effects of their defeat. He also knew it would take a lot more than long rest and food in order to return to their peak performance hence the sparring. They were alive, but many of them were still hollow...wearing the shell of their former selves hiding what had become of them since that time. This was especially true for Eleanor. Any warrior worth their salt could see that while the sparring was good she was fighting someone else at the same time. Hesitancy, unusual timing, and...something else. No, this wouldn't do. The more he thought about it, the more enraged he became. Aaxir's smile disappeared as he inhaled, preparing to attack once more. With his sword still resting on his shoulders, Aaxir crouched and placed a hand on the ground as if he was a wild beast prepared to take his prey. His eyes were wide...and there was a low but audible growl rising from his belly. He could sense a crowd starting to form in the area. There were many audible but indistinguishable voices, save for the very distinguishable voice of Tiberius that would have been enough to break the concentration of most. Eleanor was right...there was no need to talk, he could hear the message from her apprehensive blade loud and clear so he would say one last thing through gritted fangs.

"Eleanor! Wake the fuck up..."

A cloud of dust spread from Aaxir's previous position as he made a berserk like dash toward Eleanor. At the very moment he sensed he was in range Aaxir would plant a foot in the ground to gain leverage, cracking the earth underneath before swinging the great obsidian blade across his body horizontally with little care to what injuries she may gain from such a blow if it would land directly. His hands gripped the cloth wrapped handle so tightly his hands threatened to bleed. Even Aaxir wasn't quite sure what he was searching for within Eleanor, or why this entire ordeal was bothering him to this extent; after all, she was just a mere human. Nevertheless, the message was sent loud and clear. What would her blade say?

 

[Nessi]

Guō Yī Nuò

"Hey...how long do you plan on having me brush your fur, lazy cat." Yī Nuò grumbled as she gently moved a thick brush through Baihu's white fur.
"Lazy cat? Must I remind you that I am the reason that your little rag tag group escaped from that horrid dungeon?" Baihu pointed out.
"Yes yes, remind me all you'd like, I still got hit with a spear, and go cut in the face." Yī Nuò responded, brushing a bit harder than she was before.
"I'm sure that was terrrible yes, but at least your alive to complain how terrible it was." Baihu yawned, stretching his legs out a bit.
Yī Nuò didn't bother responding, and instead went from brushing Baihu, to rubbing his stomach. The Great white tiger rolled over, and purred in satisfaction. "Have you no shame, Great Baihu?" Yī Nuò chuckled.
"Listen pal, even if you told someone of this, they'd never believe you...besides, I never said I wasn't a lazy cat." Baihu replied. Shortly after making such a comment, the white tiger stood, and stretched out fully. "Alright, let's go see what those silly grandchildren of yours are up to. I could use someone to bother other than your old self." Baihu said before making his way to the training yard, Yī Nuò following suit.

It had been a week since Yī Nuò had sucessfully gotten everyone out of that prison, and ever since then it seemed like everyone was chomping at the bit to train their bodies back up to their peak condition. The moon elf could help but admire everyone's effort, simply seeing her grandchildren training and sparring made her wish to do it herself.
"Ah, you know better than that...you aren't as young as you used to be, your peak is long gone." Yī Nuò muttered to herself with a smile. So instead of joining in on the fun, the old moon elf set her old body down next to Tiberius, and watched as Eleanor and Aaxir sparred.
"You young ones have such a fire within...it's impressive, truly." Yī Nuò commented.

Meanwhile, while Yī Nuò sat with her fellow heroes, Baihu had very different plans. At first, the white tiger watched the red dragon and wayward blade clash with each other, but soon got bored of such barbaric events. Then his eyes fell upon Bastet's hero, and he carefully studied her, noticing how her demeanor resembled that of a cub who had lost their way.
"Blasted goddess...I suppose I shall offer some....divine intervention." Baihu muttered under his breath. He made his way towards Khatiy, and came just in time to hear what Fel had asked the sulking hero.
"How observant Elf. Truly, a marvelous observation made from a brilliant scholar." Baihu remarked sarcastically. The divine tiger didn't wait to hear what Fel had to say, but instead climbed up unto the table himself to inspect the gems. They were in bad condition alright, but the spirits within were still alive, resting and recovering. Baihu then turned his attention to Khatiy, his blue eyes locked on the warlord of Usaama. "Normally, when I observe you, I see a fierce lion staring back at me, foolishly prideful, valiant, and always ready to fight. Now all I see before me is a whelp, licking her wounds after a hard defeat." Baihu said. He then moved closer to Khatiy, and licked her face a few times, refusing to stop until the young warlord sat up straight.
"Your friends. The one's in those crystals, there's a way to save them, to repair what has been broken. If you truly love them as much as you claim, throw them into the well of origin. But you can also wait until you can use the magics of your homeland to repair them, whichever you prefer." Baihu explained, before jumping off the table, and stalking away.

 

[Kibaa]

Khatiy of Usaama

Khatiy's sensitive ears flickered subtly, catching the sound of a presence taking a seat by the picnic table she currently found herself in. At once, she'd rise, her posture slumped and unergetic, two sharp eyes stabbing like daggers right into Fel. He spoke, making note of her dejected demeanor, and she would sigh. She would not deny his observation, he was correct. "Do you know, Fel Petri -- ?" She began, momentarily gazing up towards the horizon. " -- my people are at war..." Khatiy lamented softly, her eyes returning to Fel. It was evident in her tone, however, that although the fate of her people did concern her, it wasn't exactly what was truly bothering her right now. After all, they both knew, as did the rest of the heroes, that war had come to the Continent in its entirety. It saddened Khatiy, that she could not be there for Usaama as she had been in the past, but she had faith in the abilities of her father. Everything she had learned as Warlord and Sultan of Usaama came from her elders. Her eyes glance downwards, at the three stones, a hand moving to gently slide them towards the middle of the table, assorting them in a row of three for Fel to examine. One crystal was black, emitting an ominous, almost intimidating spiritual energy. The second one was orange, vibrant and full of courage. The third, a green-blue stone of crystaline property, exuding pride and protectiveness. All three appeared to be cracked and damaged in one way or another, but it was clear that the spiritual energy within them still carried on. "I'm afraid not. No improvement that I have been able to observe. I must confess that I am at a loss, for I know not what troubles them. During the battle with Tiyran's forces, when Arlux clased with Tiryan... A blinding light encompassed us all. You remember, yes? At that moment... So many were vanquished. These three.. my dearest.. Were the only ones that survived that magical cataclysm. Lady Bastet informed me that she was able to preserve their life force... But they do not seem to be recuperating. Usually, spirit stones will regenerate naturally over a day or two. I suspect, perhaps, that Tiryan's foul magic may have sealed their ability to regenerate spiritual energy. I truly do not know if this is the case, nevertheless." Khatiy explained to Fel, her fingers idly glossing over one of the stones. She and Fel did not always get along. But even she had to admit that she felt comfortable conversing with him, someone who she truly knew shared a passion for intellect and discovery. Even during times of petty bickering, Khatiy always felt that she had something to learn from Fel. Like a walking encyclopedia.

At that point, a chaotic crush drew the attention of the Sultaness, who's gaze quickly and sharply flickered towards the duel between Eleanor and Aaxir. As the Red Dragon sundered forth, cracking the earth beneath him, the Usaaman's eyes would almost instinctively bounce and flicker rapidly in pursuit of Aaxir's every movements, as if gauging, scouting, analyzing. A rapid examination, as if attempting to detect weaknesses in both his own attack and the defense of Eleanor, demonstrating Khatiy's specialty in sensory prowess, a result of her feline nature.It came almost paranormally natural to her, the warlord's eyes keeping up with Aaxir's breathtaking speed with impressive nonchalance, though it was true that the Dragon was likely capable of much more destructive speed and strength if he truly wanted to, perhaps more than the Usaaman herself would be capable of keeping up with. Khatiy had seen as much during real war. During this observation, she'd also notice the new presences. Noting that Nelumba and Enthyskana had come out to socialize, as did Kai, noticing him engaging with Korin. Huang San oversaw everything from the rooftop, busy training as always. Who was the other figure? 'The Mad Orca? When did she arrive here?' Khatiy thought to herself, but made no further thought of it, as her own eyes would quickly return to Fel, almost as if she herself had not even noticed that she'd taken a moment to analyze the battle in such quick succession, as if it came natural to her.

Before she could make further conversation with Fel, the two were interrupted by a divine presence, a tiger clambering brashly onto the table. "-- Lord Baihu." Khatiy remarked her eyes widening a little. Even a keen sensory-type hero like herself had not noticed the presence of the divine tiger approaching. Its words struck her with a newfound sense of inspiration, shooting courage through her spine. Baihu was right.. How could she let herself stoop to such a depressed and useless state? If her spirits were still alive, then there was still hope, regardless of how weakened they may be right now. And, even so, Khatiy did not need her spirits to be an effective hero, even if her summons were a great part of her abilities. She was still the Hero of Bastet, after all, and the Sultaness of Usaama. The Demon of the Savannah, as the enemies of Usaama have come to call her. Khatiy's eyes would only widen even further when it was mentioned that The Well of Origin may be a saving grace for her dear companions.. Yet, before she could further inquire, the divine tiger sassily made its exit, leaving the Usaaman with much to ponder. Then, from under the table, a graceful cat of black color would softly hop up and onto the picnic table. It was gilded with a radiant, golden ankh that hung from its neck, and from the subtle divine energy that emanated from the cat itself, Fel may have been able to infer that the cat was Bastet. Khatiy would gaze at the cat, who only seemed to flicker its own eyes as if shrugging, momentarily pecking at the crumbs of Fel's pastry before silently darting away to go chase Baihu's tail, wanting to play.

Khatiy leered right into Fel, then, her body language exuding newfound courage and peppiness, sitting straight and proud as Baihu had corrected her. "The Well of Origin? I have never heard of such. What is the Well of Origin, Fel?" The feline asked with certainty and curioisty, as if she was completely certain that Fel would know of this mysterious place that was mentioned, her eastern accent strongly noticeable in her voice. She was more than fluent in Olrodian, certainly, but her roots of origin were evident even in her vernacular and tone. Both hands would work to grab her journal and flip it around for Fel too look into, using a fingernail to flip the pages until two pages that displayed a rugged map of the Continent were now displayed to Fel. "Some Sages believe that it is possible for spirits to be restored by return them to their spiritual fountains, but, as you can see, their fountains are far, far away from here. And I could not abandon our quest, not after we have come so far." She'd remark, poking her finger near the borders of Alkebu-lan and Aztlan, grazing a nail over such places in Aztlan like the Great River and the Bone Jungle. "If.. the Well of Origin is something that could help.. I would wish to go there. But.. What exactly is it? And, where? Do not tell me it's just another one of Old Lady Yi Nuo's fairy-tales!"

----

Some-ways into the forest, a large and divine tree retreats into the ground from whence it came. As the Ent Tatag would lower itself onto the ground after conversation with Faunas, two majestic, medium-sized forest pumas emerge from the nearby forestry, joining the Little Sapling in its rest, silently laying themselves down on the comfortable grass with the Ent, their tails flapping at the ground peacefully. A third puma would arrive holding a forest flower in its jaw, purring quietly as it placed the flower over Tatag's body, perhaps as a gift or a display of friendship, closing its eyes as it too would lay down with the Ent to rest. Childen of Bastet, which protectively remained near Tatag's regenerative tree as the Ent recovered, perhaps on orders of Khatiy herself, keeping an ever watchful eye over the Ent's recovery. Now that Tatag was healed, the pumas radiated a peaceful aura, emitting gentle purring as they bathed under the splintered rays of the sun that pierced the treelines over the soft forest grass.
-----

Interactions: Fel OldTurtle Baihu Nessi Tatag Auda
Mentions: Kai Bloody_Death Rohen CasualTea Aaxir LazyDaze Eleanor [Nessi] Huang San ThatWhichShouldBe Korin FiveElemental Enthyskana Nano Nelumba Dawnsx

 

[Beann]

Suzuki Kaida

While watching the duel between Aaxir and Eleanor, a rather pleasant figure caught her attention just within her peripheral vision. Her vibrant colored eyes flickered over to see her favorite gladiator hauling back what she planned would be tonight's dinner. The thought of well prepared venison made her mouth water and caused her to lick her lips. She took another bite of the biscuit to satiate her hunger, her eyes lingering on her companion for a moment before turning back to the duel in progress. The thought of training as well crossed her mind a few times but there would be plenty of time to sharpen her skills later. Right now, she would enjoy their mini vacation, away from the current events.


The sound of Tiberius' voice earned a slight twitch of her ears, her attention pried away from the duel once more in time to fully appreciate his compliment. Kaida's lips curled into smirk, her gaze traveling down and then back up as to return the compliment in a more silent manner. "Careful, Tiby. Grain isn't enough to satiate a fox's hunger." Two of her nine tails extended out to coil around the gladiator's arm, squeezing for a moment before retreating back. "I suppose it's a good thing you returned with fresh meat." She hinted at the deer he brought back yet her eyes never left him.


Only when Enthy approached them did her attention finally shift. She offered the dragon a friendly wave, "good morning, Enthy~" Kaida looked at the basket she carried, a slight tilt of her head indicating her curiosity. Berries. The dragon answered for her before she could ask. "I will take a handful," she outstretched her hand with her palm facing upwards. As she waited, she shook her head in response to Enthy's question. "Everyone has been so busy training or preparing for the journey to Jorvik. Why trouble yourself now when you can instead enjoy what little time we have left in our oasis?" Kaida smiled, motioning for the dragon to sit with her.


Luckily for the dragon though, Tiberius was well versed in identifying herbs. Kaida had picked up the basics given the ample amount of time she spent with him but she was no expert like him or Kai. So, she sat back and watched the gladiator paw through the basket, her eyes flickering over to Aaxir and Eleanor every now and then. Then, another voice joined in, one she was not quite accustomed to yet. Kaida stared at Rohen as she suggested scouting ahead in preparation for their journey to Jorvik. The kitsune let out a sigh in response, shaking her head. Was she the only one not wanting to be a busybody? Besides, didn't Obachan tell the group to stay put and use these days to fully recover? There was no talking her out of it though as Tiberius was quick to encourage her. Oh well.


Just as Rohen left, Obachan appeared moments later, taking a seat on the other side of Tiberius. Where was she about ten seconds ago when Rohen needed someone to talk her down from going out alone? Kaida offered the old moon elf a smile, "are you implying you lack such fire, Obachan? The way you stormed that prison and held off Tiryan's hand says otherwise."

Worthlessplebian Nessi Nano

 

[OldTurtle]

Fel Petri

Interactions: Kibaa

Mentions: Nessi

Leaning down towards the coarse-grain surface of the wooden table, Fel examined the fractured faces of Khatiy’s spirit gems more closely. Even damaged, they were strikingly beautiful, unlike any other he’d seen before. Spirits of such strength and quality were few and far between. He wasn’t surprised that of all her summons, these three were the ones to survive the explosion resulting from Arlux’s death. Still, in their poor condition they had lost much of their splendor, a glimmer of spiritual energy the only remaining sign of their former glory. Fel’s brow creased and he opened his mouth to comment on Khatiy’s theory - and then promptly shut and tightened it into a scowl as another feline approached.

Baihu, the white tiger of Zheng Fa, padded up with all the stealth characteristic of his kind, already beside the pair of heroes by the time they noticed his presence. Fel wrenched his hand back as the god leapt onto table between them. This ‘brilliant scholar’ could certainly think of a few choice ‘marvelous observations’ about Yī Nuò‘s patron deity right now. But the firm sense of disapproval Ayao leveled at him - and no small amount of self-preservation instinct - stayed his tongue for now. Instead, he consoled himself by subtly raising a hand in a rather unusual, sacrilegious gesture that might have gotten him in quite a spot of trouble were they in Zheng Fa. As it were, hidden behind Baihu’s furred back as the he comforted Khatiy, Fel enjoyed this small freedom. He added a second hand as the divine creature stalked away, lips pursed in a pinched frown. Another cat hopped onto the table - this one black and distinctly not a tiger. Only by the golden ankh hanging from her neck and the unmistakable aura of divinity did Fel recognize Bastet herself. Coughing awkwardly, he dropped both hands to his lap as the goddess darted after the larger feline. In the wake of their leave, the mage’s lips pursed into a pinched frown as he mulled over the god’s suggestion.

The Well of Origin…?

“You’re right not to set off for Alkebu-lan. We can’t afford to divide our strength in our current states, much less for the months it would take to complete such a journey…” Fel stood from his seat and leaned over the small map transcribed in Khatiy’s journal. Bringing his index finger to press against their approximate position in Olrodia, he traced a winding path to Khatiy’s. It was the fastest route he could conceive of, too trying and treacherous for common merchants and travelers but feasible for a hero or two. He moved his hand back to its origin and started speaking anew. “The Well of Origin isn’t a fairy tale, though to hear some talk of it, it very well should be. It is a legendary location within the Shoal of All Things Arcane - the Isles. Supposedly once the laboratory of an ancient entity blessed by the Isles’s patron deity, it sits on one of the archipelagos’s many islands.” Fel traced a new, much shorter path from their location to the Isles, tapping the island he knew the Well would be found. “Throughout history, the Well of Origin has produced numerous mysterious artifacts of great power. In my time in the Isles, I studied a handful of them and they are… unique, to say the least. It’s certainly a place of power, and I can state with some measure of confidence that it may potentially provide a solution to your troubles - but don’t get too excited.” The Sun Elf looked up from the map to stare intently at Khatiy with narrowed eyes. His tone sharpened, similar to the attitude he used when warding away novice mages from using fire magic near any canisters of noxious, highly-explosive gases.

“‘Potentially’ being the key word here. The Well of Origin is unpredictable and poorly-understood even after centuries of study - and not by lack of effort. Many of the islands here are treacherous for even the most capable of explorers and a myriad of curses, monsters, and wild magics mean that few find much success. More than a few reckless fools searching for power or wealth have met grisly ends by these dangers. And that’s only scraping the surface of the problem. At least for the cursed islands, there have been plenty who survive their excursions. But of those bold - or stupid - enough to descend into the Well itself? Not a single one has ever returned.” Fel sat back in his seat and rubbed at his furrowed brow. He looked down at the damaged spirit stones, then up to Khatiy’s slitted pupils. His tone softened slightly. “I don’t believe Baihu would lead you wrong. He appears to sincerely believe the Well of Origin will heal your spirits. But does that sincerity in any way impact how hazardous it is? If the gods were all-seeing and all-knowing, we never would’ve ended up in these circumstances.”

Despite his warnings, the mage felt far from reluctant to return to the Isles. It would be nice to be home again, and he couldn’t deny the anticipation that filled him at the thought of potentially finally cracking open the Well of Origin. In the decades he’d spent as a researcher, he’d on occasion wanted to survey the cursed islands himself - but without the requisite authorization from the royal family, he’d settled for merely studying the artifacts retrieved from them. This was an opportunity unlike any other - but also a minor personal goal in the midst of a war with far-reaching consequences.

“…However, perhaps it would be worthwhile to travel to the Isles regardless. Even if the Well of Origin cannot help you, the Isles contain the most complete archives on summoning magic in all of Veita. If information that can help you is to be found anywhere, it’s there.”

 

[CasualTea]

Soon, after awhile, Rohen came back with the deer carcass. Wait, what about the bear carcass? Well, she's actually wearing it. She flailed the bear's skin off so she made herself a cute bear pajama-pnsie even with the head being a hood. She sort of thought since they were going to go to Jorvik it was going to be cold. She didn't have much extra clothes with her besides the cloak. The cloak wasn't really enough to keep her warm. Plus, she also had the bear meat drained of its blood already and is tied up in a bundle of rope slung over her shoulder. She came back to the training yard where she saw the moon elf and Baihu.

She wanted to get a meal going, but it looks like they were about to depart for their next destination soon so she just hung the meat on a nearby tree in the yard. She also put her bear-onsie nearby as she wasn't going to wear it yet. She didn't really announce that she was back but just continued watching the training yard. She was appeased by her work, though it seemed evident that a few notice she had gone somewhere else when it looked like she wasn't supposed to. Did she miss something? Was it because she was a mercenary that they thought she could go rogue anytime? Well, she's back now. That's all that matters, wasn't it?

 

[Nessi]

Unto Jórvík...

The heroes took their time to rest, to recover, to plan revenge on the man who had taken their leader from them. After a few weeks, the heroes would receive word from the current chief of Jorvik, Ragnir Brynjolf, urging the heroes to enter Jorvik, and that they would be received with open arms and given whatever they may need in order to assist them against Tiryan’s conquest, just as before. However, Ragnir stressed that they would have to keep their stay within Jorvik brief, for reasons that he’d explain in person.
With an ominous warning in mind, the heroes began their journey to the land locked in an eternal winter.

But they didn’t have the luxury of time, for the entirety of Olrodia searched for the band of heroes. Parzival left no stone unturned, scouring the entire country as he looked for the heroes. But this time, he brought with him a comrade, an mighty, unyielding storm that raged on in the clouds above, a storm that wished to annihilate the heroes in their entirety, in the name of his father.

Hargred the Dragonborn wished to bring nothing but destruction to the heroes.