Fantasy The Great Games of Nye

[Lost Echo]

Curled up, Vixie wrapped her tail around her, suppressing a shudder. She couldn’t suppress the memory of holding Bean’s gaze. His eyes had been dark, catching the little light around them. It was a surprise her knees hadn’t buckled when he was looking away. How had she done it? Why had he given in? Why had he stopped? It couldn’t be because he just listened to her.

Being more vulpine, the scent of blood was easy to catch. It was expected, but it didn’t seem to be fading. Instead it was almost as if it were still fresh. She looked over at Marigold as he spoke, his voice more difficult to hear through his battered face. “Could something have changed?” She mumbled, raising her hands to rub at tired eyes. She sat up, leaning on her hands to stay upright. The man was still bleeding: she had to help. She had to prove her worth on this trip. Her gaze flicked to the closed tent, then away again.

Pushing off the ground, she stood unsteadily, her tails fanning to keep her upright. She shuffled over to the bard, then looked at Faraji. “Do you have any bandages?” She doubted Goliath would give up any he had. Marigold wasn’t pretty like Nyaall was.

Jet Arcanist Goliath Anne Boolean

 

[rozukitsune]

Curled up in against herself, she didn't bother responding to Anya's comment. Whether or not she wanted to go and help was irrelevant. This was the only lead any of them had to the next step in their journey. It had literally been part of the trail of breadcrumbs they'd followed from the factory. The factory address had led to Damian. Damian had sent them to this submarine. This was definitely one of those endless fetch quests that would assuredly either get them stabbed in the back or else actually onto the path toward their ultimate goal. After all, both herself and Johan had no real choice. Vincent had them both on a leash and if they tried to writhe free without having some kind of plan... they would just be dead. Hell, even with a plan they'd at least have targets on their backs the rest of their lives.

She liked actively choosing to help since it was an option here. It made things seem less dire.

She was stirred from her internal war with her uneasy stomach by Johan's gentle touch. She glanced up at him in mute displeasure a moment before realizing he was offering her his emptied satchel.

"I'll bill the green cloaks for a new one."

"Unexpected medical expenses," he said with a humble smile. "A life saving venture for a trusted companion."

She blinked up at him with unmasked appreciation. Such a simple gesture - but to her it was everything. She smiled and leaned into him as he did her, "Thank you."

Marjorie did her best not to gag. With Johan over there going out of his way to piss her off it wouldn't do for him to think he was actually succeeding. Instead she threw at his contemptuous glance her direction a cheerful - and entirely false; innocent smile.

They would get what was coming to them, there was no reason whatsoever for her to add to it directly. Sooner or later, the letter she'd sent would reach the hands of those with a personal interest in taking care of this problem for her~. And once they did, Johan would be nothing more than a shattered shell of a man. That was more than enough incentive for her smile to be as bright as possible. It also didn't hurt that she was probably the only one here with an aquatic familiar. If worse came to worse she could just destroy the sub and kill everyone inside, then make her way back to the surface at her leisure. She just really, really hated getting her own hands dirty if it could be helped.

Even her current mission was just a simple delivery. Any actual torturing or murdering would be someone else's job~

Jet Lost Echo Huntertabbysandshark3 ZackStop

 

[Huntertabbysandshark3]

Ava Marco
Interaction: Jet Lost Echo ZackStop​

Ava was starting to.. kinda regret going along with this, just a bit. Still, it was either ignore it and wonder if the world was gonna explode for some god damn reason it try and maybe die.. in a tin box at the bottom of the o- no seriously what the hell was she looking at? "well lets just hope it all holds together should to do if it a miracle it worked at all it should hold together that's normally how these sorta things work" Ava spoke up trying to be somewhat reassuring about the whole situation, in her usual scatter brained way or was it really scatterbrained? ava wasn't sure herself half the time but hey things worked out so far if they just kept it up maybe they'd all get out of here alive.

 

[Jet]

Isaac planned to sit back and watch like a disappointed father, all the squabbling between them was getting older than he was. The warband had already lost even if they didn't admit the truth, but instead of running away with their tails between their legs, now they wanted to kill out of spite, a raw hatred driving the last few of them forward, a hunger to kill with their last gasping breaths. It'd become pointless barbarism. He swelled with frustration and despite his decision to watch from the sidelines, he wouldn't abide this kind of violence. Not when Ilana was so close to the grave. Her opponent screamed out through the blood streaming down his face, driven forwards by murderous rage. He would die trying to kill Ilana, and that was a chance Isaac wouldn't take. Even if he needed to break his personal creed.

"You should've crawled the other direction." He waved his hand and suddenly the man was frozen like a statue. His hand reached out immobile and even his eyes were locked in place. His chest still rose with slow and shallow breaths, but only by the thinnest of margins. It was the closest Isaac would come to killing them.

"Endurance is its own skill." Isaac shuffled to Ilana and looked down at her face. "The strong man moved a boulder. The smart man used a lever to move ten."

"Even if it's not particularly honorable." He reached out his hand. "Find a lever like our friend here."

He looked back at the young man. Felix was surrounded but with so many clones to distract his opponents, he was keeping himself out of harm's way. Isaac was impressed but equally tired of the warband's attack. They'd done enough damage and with one wrong move, with one mistake Felix would be dead. Isaac was done taking chances with murderous men. He waved his hand and each one of them froze for a fleeting moment, stopping their attack from the sheer surprise of it.

"Leave." Isaac gave them a stern glare. "Do not return. Your next welcome won't be as warm."

Their last remaining leader stepped forwards with the same bravado as before, though now it was more delusional than intimidating. "You do not command us!" He proudly banged on his chest. "You do not—"

He froze again but this time it didn't stop. He was like a statue with his snarling mouth locked in place, his body frozen mid-step with his foot almost off the ground. He tilted backwards from the imbalance, but just Isaac waved again before he dropped. His body sprang into life and he stumbled back to catch himself, staring at Isaac like a demon had possessed him. He swallowed down a word before slowly backing away from the fight, a cautious glint within his eyes.

He muttered a foreign word to his companions. They shared a glance and followed their leader away from the hopeless battle. For them it was seemingly over.

Isaac was happy it was done, but his attacks left a bad taste in his mouth. His decision to watch wasn't the only promise he'd broken today, but it was all for the greater good. The town was safe aside from the skirmish on the other side, and he prayed it would end favorably. The fire would cause enough damage without any lives being lost, and he couldn't stomach the thought of a slaughter.

ZackStop ManofManyRoles

 

[Jet]

"Go where you please impatient one, but know you will be alone on your travels. We cannot aid you on your escape, not when our path takes us to the mines of Old Umbria," she smiled at the butchered name of Eumbrea — their version lacked the poetry of her ancestral home. The cradle of civilization where Kratorians emerged thousands of years ago, true titans of magic and technology. Their like would never again grace the world. Their names were already forgotten parodies of themselves.

"You confuse me with your cowardly lords, Esther of the east. We do not send others to do what we cannot. We will break the chains from those who were taken, and my kingdom will stand beside you. I make this vow as Abaranne, High Truth of the Ya'mak, on the field I will fight alongside you."

"That is what true kings do," she nodded at the canned woman, like tinned food traded by eastern merchants. There'd been a Parthian swindler who sold them spoiled tins, but that was neither here nor there. What mattered was freeing those within the prison.

"I couldn't agree more," she said in a tone stronger than she seemed, looking at Brynwr with eyes of rolled steel. "Together we can make the impossible come true."

"But you are outsiders," her eyes softened now that her speech was done. Indeed they had no obligation to risk everything in her war, even if their companions were imprisoned. It was their choice and even if they said no, they were honored guests for saving her grandson.

"The choice lay with you, and you are honored guests no matter what path you choose." Her gaze moved to Esther with the same warmth as before. The woman wanted more than what she was asking for, but the village was at their disposal. To Abarrane they were already heroes.

"Your journey has been hard, your survival even harder. Take what you need and give nothing back — what is ours is yours." Abaranne paused and went to her branch-weaved throne, leaning into the seat with a content sigh. Her eyes glossed over recalling the stories from her youth. The tales bestowed by men of the tallest trees. They were the memory of her people, and the Seer was an ancient, ancient tale, passed down for thousands of years. There was no telling what was fact and what was legend, but the story went as she said, "The Seer was one of the old gods, when they walked among us long ago. He was lost in the war of heavens."

"His mount is no ordinary beast, spawned of divine magic beyond our limited realm. It has the power to bewitch whomever it speaks to. The Yellow Kings have been his agents, their eyes turn yellow from the foul magic of the mount. They do his bidding like the very slaves they subject."

"They are no true kings."

She resisted the urge to spit on the wooden floor. "He is a pawn, and perhaps we can break the chains holding him as well, but such magic may be far beyond us."

ZackStop Lost Echo Arcanist

 

[Emphoa]

A lot seemed to be happening as Eva's eyes fixated onto the tower, her eyebrows furrowed just for a moment as she tried to get a good look at the woman. Tried to listen to whatever it was that was going on... "Are you sure we should be jumping right to spies?" She finally mumbled out, and she wasn't sure what they should consider to be a possible lead- or not. She sighed a little bit at the thought as her eyes scanned their surroundings, noting anything that stood out to her- before her head snapped over at the sound of the hatch and the woman's voice. Her eyes flickering just for a moment as she opened her mouth to say something...

Dammit.

Evaline pursed her lips together as the woman took to running and she supposed they just weren't subtle enough. She let out a breath, her eyes snapped between Kawme and Kilderkin as she gauged what the two were going to do when Kilderkin pulled out what seemed to be a grappling hook. And she was off just like that, before Evaline glanced at Kwame and gave a little bit of a smile. "Sounds pretty good to me." She puffed out, and she was off, merging with her familiar to have in place large- outstretched wings with talons to match, pushing herself up into the air in a moment. "Hope you can keep up, my friend!" She called right back at Kwame just before she had taken off.

It had been a little while since she had gone flying, and she wished she could have the armor on while she was exposing herself in the air like this. But- she felt it was a risk they could take as she tried to keep up pace with Kilderkin and the woman, her eyes gleaming just a touch as she stretched out the talons that she now had. There was no time for dallying when they had a chase upon their hands and she inhaled sharply from the rush of wind through her hair.

Jet Fred Colon

 

[Lost Echo]

It felt like there was a pressure inside of her. Gailene listened to her sister talk about unimportant stuff, like feasts and wine. Didn’t she miss her? Late nights sneaking into each other’s bedroom talking until dawn? Irina would manage their makeup so their mothers wouldn't guess, but Gailene would inevitably fall asleep during a boring meeting. Irina had always made her feel safe, wanted. Had Gailene just been a burden?

She pushed that back. It wasn’t important. Right now, getting Irina home was. “Maybe alone,” she admitted, that Irina wouldn’t be welcomed, “but with Elyscia…” they could convince their cousin to purpose it. With her reputation--no one would doubt them.

Except Irina was moving on. Her face scrunched. Of course she didn’t pity Vincent. He was the power behind Nye. Equal if not more power than the nobles. It belonged to the noble families and he’d left his behind. He could have used his power to control the Centurions, but he didn’t. She equated Nye with him and she hated Nye.

She ignored Zulan’s initial comment, instead waiting for everyone to speak. She nodded to Renee's point, stepping forward to gain everyone’s attention. “Yeah, all nobles hate Vincent.” She laughed, “It’s practically the only thing everyone can agree on.” With a wave toward the tribesman, “Even I hate him and I’ve only been to a council meeting once. I’m not fancy enough for them to send me again.” She’d fallen asleep. To her knowledge, no one else noticed, but she still remembered that punishment. “But you’re right Zulan, I don’t know the ins and outs of Nye.”

“What I do know is Xysma. And Nye’s relation to that. We want Nye out of Xysma. We know Centurions kill some of our workers. We can’t fight Nye. But we try to restrict their access to the island. It doesn’t always work. They have immunity, but we can run interference. Give them tours, ask for their help with security. Hell, I’d be sent down to follow them around when I was a kid. We don’t just let our people get raped and murdered.

I know those in charge. They’re my family. We’re strict sure: everyone has to meet their quotas daily, but we aren’t evil.” She looked down, a frown coming over her face, “Something Rini’s forgotten it seems.”

She looked back up to their faces, “The people are here because of crimes. There are people who think they should be killed. We let them make homes and have families here. Kids can be kids. They start working at 15, just when I did.”

Letting out a breath that breezed through the room, she stepped back, “I may be here as a guide, but I will follow whichever you choose.” She would warn her family if they decide to, but she’d accept it. Raising her hands, she breathed in, then spread her arms wide. A popping sound echoed in every ear as the pressured changed. “There, no one can hear you now.”

Jet ManofManyRoles EldridSmith rozukitsune

 

[Jet]

​

The world was deafened by the ringing sounds in her ears, and the street spun with flashing colors and white stars swimming through her vision; a haze of movement and double images as she neared unconsciousness. There was a barrage of elements and some kind of weapon was fired during the exchange, but Mischa couldn't make sense of what happened. Her body listed sideways as the man freed her from his grasp, and she dully crashed upon the dry sandy ground. There was a dusty plume when she breathed into the dirt, her hair flipped up and dust covered her reddened face, and slowly, with three ragged wheezing breaths, the world came back into focus.

The pieces came together and when she turned around, she finally understood what happened. The archer had been sliced across the hand by a water blade. His blood misted her face. His weapon lay beside Rat in the clutches of his grappling hook, and Yua had encased the man's feet in stone.

Not to be outdone by her magically inclined companions, Mischa cast a spell called knee him in the stomach, and dropped him like a potato bag. It was only fair and she was being nice if anything. Her first instinct had been to aim even lower, so honestly it was gregarious.

Mischa swayed over him before stumbling to her companions. Her feet crossed over each other like a drunken runway model, barely balancing until she dropped to a knee.

"Thanks," she managed after a long breath. Her brain sputtered to life and she felt the buried emotions hidden underneath. Though mainly it was fear. Her hands shook and she clasped one hand with the other, crushing her fingers until they hurt. Her mouth curled into a smile as she angrily chuckled to herself — how fucking useless had she been? How fucking pointless had been her distraction? How careless and stupid had she been?

They were all questions for later when she was alone. It was one thing to be a damned burden on everyone else, and another to whine like a bitch about it. They'd done well and that's what demanded her attention, not self pity like at the arena.

"Just really glad," Mischa said, standing on her shaky legs. "I didn't fight you's in the first round."

She grinned with round cheeks and firmly closed eyes, one of those wholesome smiles like she won the lottery, but in truth she was angry. Their attacks had been perfect, synergized teamwork to defeat a superior enemy. The kind of intelligent move that she was supposed to do, but her contribution had been stupid, poorly thought and opportunistic, and now her stomach was tenderized meat. In a way she was jealous of them.

Their attacks replayed like a scene from an action movie, with Leon shooting out his water blade like an expert. The archer tried to block with his stone spear, but he cut himself in the process. Then Rat grappled it away with a precise shot from his grappling hook, and Yua used the distraction to keep him in place. It was perfect, but Mischa had done less than nothing.

Her smile faded and she sheepishly looked between them, "You really saved my ass, I owe you one, seriously I can't believe—"

The next words were going to be, I was dumb enough to get captured, but she paused and smiled again.

"Can't believe how awesome that was! Since when could you shoot one of those?" She clasped Leon around his elbow, stepping closer and looking up at him. "I had a feeling you were playing modest."

Her eyes drifted to Rat and his grappling hook, and she drifted towards him too, kneeling down and examining the device. "Next time grapple him in the stones," she said with a laughing breath. "But I owe you one for saving me... always."

With the same happiness she wrapped Yua in a warm hug. She grimaced as her stomach touched the smaller girl, but if her ribs weren't broken into a million little pieces, a hug wasn't tipping the scales either. It was worth it to show her gratitude. "I don't even know you, and you still saved my ass. If you ever need any fixes for that boat of yours, we'll give you a—"

The next word hung in her throat. Yua's boat was too bloody expensive for free repairs. Instead she went with a much simpler, "Lifetlme pass for free appraisals."

Goliath Emphoa ManofManyRoles





 

 

[Jet]

​

Adrian crawled through the cave on his forearms. The walls threatened to crush him into a ball, so close they were on both sides. They were rough and scraped him as he inched forwards piece by piece, the cave barely tall enough for him to breath. He couldn't see around the coming bend in the tunnel, hooking to the left like a snake had carved it from stone. He exhaled until his body was flatter than before, just enough to lean up onto his side. He reached out to the turn in the tunnel, pulling himself forwards and lurching around the bend.

He narrowed his eyes in the near darkness of the passage, only illuminated by a small fire hovering in the air. The tunnel opened to a massive cavern with a ceiling too high to see. He pushed himself out with his arms tucked to his side. His tunic was shredded as he emerged into the vast cavern, blood running from small cuts on his chest.

He pointed out his palm and a thousand embers burst forwards. Fireflies in the night. They covered the walls like stars dotting the sky. They hung in the air illuminating every inch of the cavern.

He slowly approach the creation at the center of the cavern. He traced his fingers over the worn metal. The subtle carvings across its hull. His mouth parted and his eyes danced across the creation, breathless and confused, amazed by the impossible made real.

His eyes opened and he was back in the present. The tunnel was exactly like the creation from his memory, the same stainless steel decorated with fine lines. The same unexplained origin from an era long forgotten, hidden away by the rulers who came after — better to conceal what they couldn't replace.

But in the end, what did he know? He was just matchstick with a pair of swords. He wasn't particularly interesting and neither were the rest of them. They were no better or worse than most people, other than the verbal copulation of Goliath and Nyaal. It was distasteful to say the least. If Nyaal wanted company he should've asked for it like a man. There was no point in playing word games.

Adrian did rouse when bandages were mentioned. Though he didn't like Marigold for the obvious ten-thousand reasons, he resisted the temptation to let him suffer.

"Gauze."

He tossed his satchel like a football.

"Nectar of the Yellowflower, bandage pins and clotting dust. Very own field hospital."

He laid back and grunted in disapproval. The floor was less satisfying without his pillow. His precious sleep would have to wait until they were done patching Marigold, as if he needed any more reasons to hate the man.

"Thankyou," Marigold said. His theatrical voice was replaced by true, humble words that conveyed his gratitude. He graciously nodded at Vixie, Faraji and Adrian for helping him out.

"I know you must all hate me," he said. "It's hard not to hate the useless sod who may have killed you... even I hate myself in this moment. Which is saying something. I generally love myself quite a bit."

"But you must believe me, I had no intention to mislead you. Why would I lie when this would be the result!" He perked up and looked around like a meerkat, gesturing down the long passageway. "Trapped in a maze with no way out? Why would I voluntarily put myself in this position?"

"You forgot the way," Adrian said. "Rolled the dice on your memory, dice fell off the table."

"Eidetic memory," Marigold chimed. "How else would I remember so many plays? I never forget what I've seen once."

"Sure," Adrian hummed out the word. There was no such thing as perfect memory, only people too proud to admit their mistakes. He was trapped because Marigold had been arrogant, which wasn't intentional at least.

Not that it would matter if dehydration killed them.

He stared at the same bland spot on the ceiling, feeling a low rumble beneath his head. He paused his breathing and pressed his ear against the floor, a gentle sound of machinery reverberated through the metal. Like there were giant gears turning far beneath him. It seemed important but how was it important, he wondered to himself. He prayed it was a clue to help them escape the maze.

"So, tell me something interesting?" Marigold asked them. "I've regailed you with my stories for long enough, I say it's time you people return my favor!"

He retreived a small notebook from his pocket. There was a fountain pen clipped to the side. He always needed inspiration for new characters, and what better way than recording what they said.

Lost Echo Arcanist Goliath Anne Boolean

 

[ZackStop]

​

Taking a well earned rest sat on their turtle familiar, Spivey held their sleek, advanced piece of equipment used for killing on their lap. They tapped their fingers on the butt of it while the woman continued to have her speech, answering the four of them with questions they had some more vague than others. The trigger-happy mercenary just nodding their head waiting for it to be over. She was long winded and rather hung up on their primitive tribe drama, or whatever these tree climbers would call it.
Once she was done, there was a short silence from behind the mask. Spivey looked back and forth between the ladies and kid.

"Yep. This bitch is high." Getting back on their feet after a short while resting, the leatherback could let out a low groan like a sigh of relief. "Now for the record, I'm not being impatient, I'm reasonably irritable from todays events. I dropped my patience half way through that jungle somewhere. Just to be clear. Now..."

Spivey quickly turned to the others with an unsteady wobble. "...dunno what she's been huffing, but this might be salvageable if they know where Old Umberg is. If we can actually get there before the heat gets us." Spivey pulled at their collar. "Whew, then again that might just be me."

But before the others could respond, Spivey with a quick turned again to the old woman. "Say you got any liquor around here? I sleep better drunk and my BAC is on a steady decline. Fuck it I say we party!" Spivey promptly threw a punch into Huracan's face shortly after exclaiming.

Jet Arcanist Lost Echo

 

[Goliath]

Goliath didn’t have any guilt as he stepped inside of the tent. Who the hell cared about fair?? He had been the only one in their group who had adequately packed supplies, his hiking backpack heavy and full, while the others did who knew what to prepare before this mission started.

That was their fault and their fault alone.

Maybe they’d learn something from the experience? But then again most of his group, minus Adrian who clearly just enjoyed sleeping outside like a weirdo, would go back to their normal, safe lives where it wouldn’t even matter.

Goliath didn’t necessarily trust Nyall not to touch his backpack. He didn’t trust anyone or the ‘of course’ that passed his lips. He just hoped the other understood that he would kill him without hesitation for crossing that line and valued his life more than any curiosities.

“You’re right about that. Survival is king,” he agreed, staring at the smaller male beside him. Wondering how bad it had been for him but not wanting to think about the shitty cards he had been dealt himself.

“You seem to have enough wealth and status now, though. So your management team must have known what they were doing,” he chuckled, running the high-quality fabric of Nyall’s shirt between his fingers.

Goliath noticed the mischievous look as the cat boy rolled to face him, letting go. “Me?? Begging for what exactly? — Are you still drunk?” A smirk rose on his face once more. Nyall really loved to test him it seemed.

He pushed him back over so he was once again looking up at the tent and swung his leg over in one fluid, well-experienced movement. His body now hovering overtop Nyall while he looked for even a hint of hesitation on his face.

It would be nice to have something to get his mind off the nightmares. The witch and her cabin. But Goliath would never force himself on someone. He had a lot of flaws, but he wasn’t that kind of guy.

“You can say no.” He leaned down so his warm breath was against his ear. “But I think it would be more fun to see if you can pay for your spot here, Firefly,” Goliath whispered before his lips firmly pressed against his neck. His large hand beginning to slide below Nyall’s shirt.

Anne Boolean (Nyall)

 

[Goliath]

Elriel’s eyes were shut, his face peaceful as he accepted his fate with Adamaris in his arms. His hands and feet frozen tightly to the wood of the boat as the veins in his forearms flexed below the fur coat.

“I will find you in every life .. as I did this time,” he whispered in the shorter’s ear.

The sounds that followed were almost deafening, the ship threatening to pull apart any second. The massive wave forcing the boat into such a steep angle it shouldn’t even be possible. Like they were virtually straight up and down.

And then — the sudden slam of the boat. It knocked the air from his lungs as he saw the light shining through his eyelids. Was this what people were talking about when describing death??

But as he opened them, he was met with blue skies and Elriel couldn’t help but laugh.

He quickly turned to Ada. “How are you?? Are you okay??” The noble asked looking him up and down for any injuries.

Elriel waited for a response and then focused on the rest of the group. No one had fallen overboard, thankfully.

But his face soon twisted. The prayers had nothing to do with it. It was the real, breathing people here who deserved the credit.

“Calling it devine intervention is insensitive to our boat captain. Talk about talent,” he nodded to Darius who was still at the wheel. Beyond impressed.

Elriel knew nothing about the sea monster, unable to see it earlier in the storm, but his mouth dropped as the mast fell into the water from Zak hitting it. “Okay. Maybe you caused the storm with your awful luck??” He scoffed.

Elriel suddenly took a large step back as the beast surfaced by the mast, covering his ears from the sudden loud sound. The .. teeth. “Magnus .. didn’t say anything about a killer whale.”

But .. it wasn’t attacking them. So his purple eyes took in the many scars, his expression one of genuine sadness as he thought about what people had done to it over the years. For a creature to have gotten this big .. it must have lived a long time.

Elriel finally looked into its eyes and held up his hands. “Don’t attack it! Let’s just .. see what it wants. I read in a book that legendary animals are often highly intelligent creatures.”

Mentioned:
Emphoa (Ada) , Jet (Zak/Darius)
Group:
ManofManyRoles (Mavior), EldridSmith (Ivan)

 

[ManofManyRoles]

Charlie Redding
Charlie inclined her head towards Zulan, a simple and sharp motion, punctuated with a shit-eating grin. "Oi, look at that wouldja? Ye can say what you mean without throwin' in fifty other fuckin' things in between. Shit, I'd have lost that bet today." Despite her general attitude being what it was, she was glad he kept it straight to the point this time. She could follow along with how he spoke if she really wanted to, but so far Zulan hadn't given her too much reason to want to do anything other than knock his teeth out today. Oh well, she was sure someone would sign up for that experience soon enough today.

The platinum blonde looked over to Renee, her gaze boring into her as she waited for her to offer her two cents. She'd been quiet since they arrived, really quiet. But out of anyone here, she knew the Nye game of cat and mouse better than anyone...and Charlie would be an idiot to ignore her knowledge on the matter. And while Charlie was many things, an idiot she was not. A thoughtful hum escaped her, fingers gently rapping on the table in front of her....a quiet noise that quickly became much louder as Gailene had the courtesy to give them silence, both in and out, for a private discussion. A quick glance towards her out of the corner of her eye, and then back to Renee. "I see. Anythin' you care to fancy tellin' us about this Vinecnt fella, for us outta towners? I've 'eard a thing or two, here and there. Even if I hadn't though, I wouldn't like em...I got a good sense for people, and meetin' Vincent let me know he could use some character growth. Like his legs bein' snapped...'n it sounds like a lotta Nye would appreciate that. Which means Vincent's going to be prepared for damn near anythin' that could break his ol' arthritic bones, eh? I don't doubt they're prepped 'ere...but sounds like we got a regular expert on our hands. So...let's say Vincent does die. What would Nye look like the-"
Charlie stopped as Gailene started to speak. And the more she talked, the more Charlie's jaw started to set, and clench. An astute eye might notice the vein in her temple start to pop into a pronounced position, and with Renee seated so close to her it'd be impossible for her to miss it. Slowly, the Craggie turned her head to look towards Gailene...with the same slow motion one might be able to envision the sound of a creaking and rusted metal gate being swung open. "Oi, wait a fuckin' tick, Chickadee. Got a question for ye, if I may. Several, actually. Gonna 'ave to forgive me, comes with my job, I'm such a curious gal. They're here on crimes, but they get to have families? The children are sent to work when they turn 15, eh?... Who's crimes, lass? Did wee lil' timmy shank his crib mate? Have his lolly nabbed and had to get even? Or is it the parents? Theirs? Their great uncle Ruckus? How long's Xysma been runnin' this sweatshop?"
It was almost discerning, how Charlie spoke. The vein in her temple visible as could be...but her voice, it hadn't changed in tone or inflection. She spoke in the same cadence and way as she had since she'd arrived. No...there was something new there, just in the depths of it. An iciness, an uncomfortable coolness lying low beneath that ever flickering fire in her tone. She folded her hands across her chest, and the throbbing vein in her temple slowly dissipated. "Y'know, you'd love some of Macragge far as I can tell. Aye, we got whole slave pits, y'know. I didn't grow up near one, nah. But I knew a lass from the market, yeah? She was a sweet gal, helped her ma run a well. Well, her pop had a nasty habit o' gamblin', terrible addiction really. And he couldn't pay his debts. So these blokes grab em' one night and pop em over the head with a brick. A good dozen times, from what I heard. But that didn't pay collateral, naw. So, this gal is up and nabbed, along with her ma, by these blokes. Last I heard o' that story, her mum and her were slavin' away in some quarry. So I do gotta ask. Who's crimes are they servin' time for? Their own? Their families? Some pissant across the street that they knew in school? Folks like to call Macragge a chaos wasteland, 'n think themselves a whole lot more civilized. So, surely, there's a civilized rule o' law on this one?"

EldridSmith rozukitsune Lost Echo Jet ​

 

[ZackStop]

Her arm trembled with fatigue, unable to even lift her whip again as she barely stayed up on one knee, clenching her jaw tight with a terrible frown. It was as if it was made of lead, several times heavier than it should have been, and to top it all off this bastard was determined. To do what Ilana did not know. Was he that dedicated to killing and harming others that even now he would not concede? With every inch he made, her options whittled down to her one last ace in the hole...

"...but dare I take that chance?"

There she sat, trying to medicate within the dark pool she shared with the beast below her. What little dim light reflecting off the surface warped as clear ripples originated from her in the center; this vast lake of shadows. How far it stretches she does not know, but as the rippled water stretches and fades, a difference source stirs the water around her. A violent beast with its low bellow circles around Ilana, only the top of its head coming out of the shaded reservoir. Ilana opened her closed eyes, unable to clear her mind as her master instructed. She had no choice but to lock onto his tempting eye that glanced to her. He was like a demon trying to draw her in, but it was he who drew closer, trying to leave her with no escape. Circling about to no end as his black, reptilian eye appeared to glow despite its void of color.

The devilish creature's low bellow was cut off when Ilana's eye's snapped open to find that not only was the man no longer pursuing her, but was now motionless. He was like that of a statue, or a man so petrified with fear that if he moved an animal would pounce and tear him apart. She was confused while she found that it was not just him. No, it was the entire band of villains who came to this place to cause harm.

"What?" was all she could say in the moment and Isaac's words for Ilana fell on deaf ears. She hadn't heard them. When the young woman did notice the old man standing near with a hand outreached, she stubbornly refused the help. She was tired and weak but managed to stand albeit hunched over. "What the hell is going on here? Who sent these crooks?"

She directed those questions to the geezer, Isaac, but what she really wanted to do was hold up her would be killer by the throat and ask him. Though she was too weak at the moment to do anything physically exerting. Ilana looked to the wall she had made and looked at the woman they had tried so hard to rip away from here. Was she safe now? It was hard to say with battle still waged behind them.

Jet ManofManyRoles

 

[Anne Boolean]

The celebrity gave a smile. "That they did," he responded. "But there's things that are more important than wealth and status in life." He didn't know Goliath's background, but he could only imagine the man rolling his eyes. That's what he would have done back when he was of little means.

Nyaall planned on rolling back over after letting a chuckle out at Goliath's reaction, but before he could, the larger man pushed him once again onto his back. Not only that, but he found the guy now hovering over him. There was a momentary look of surprise in his eyes, but no hesitation. His body shivered a bit upon feeling the warm breath on his ear, and then a smirk spread across his face at the other's proposition.

"As you wish," he responded, making sure to conveniently leave out that he would have been doing this for free. When he felt Goliath's lips on his neck, Nihal bit his lip, doing everything he could to keep himself quiet. There were others just outside the thin walls the soldier's tent provided them. He let his own hands explore his tentmate's figure, letting one run down his back and over his leg while the other moved under his clothes from his stomach to his chest.

---

The performer laid back, staring up at the fabric roof above them. He wasn't sure how long they had gone, nor was he sure how long it had been after. It was the first time he had been intimate with someone sober since... since that was his job. It was remarkably better than doing it drunk, maybe enough so that it would make him think twice about drinking during his next night out. Or at least he would consider ordering one less drink.

His brown eyes drifted in the dark to the silhouette next to him. Was Goliath asleep? He found himself curious about whether the other was a cuddler, although thought that was pretty unlikely, even if the cat boy found himself craving the connection. He was surprised he actually swung that way. All the suggestive jokes he had made towards the other were under the belief that he was the type to get riled up or be oblivious enough to unwittingly play along. It was a pleasant surprise he supposed, and it would have been still if he had found out in less intense ways.

The man's words about him trying to avoid something from earlier that day rang in his mind. Could that have been true? He wasn't trying to run away from anything, at least as far as he knew. But could his actions still be meant to be a distraction? Maybe it would be worth thinking about that. That would involve being sober though.

"... you know, having that be your repayment isn't really fair," he said, still unsure if the soldier was awake to hear him.. "I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't have done it for free. Think of something else you want and let me know."

That was the second time today. First Dante, and now Goliath. Did he just really want to be a sugar daddy or something? He snorted softly at the thought. No... he got the same joy from giving people little gifts and performing simple acts of service from before he had money. It was the same reason he sang back then as well. He just liked seeing people smile

Goliath

 

[Jet]

"Curious are you?" Kaesa ran backwards across a rooftop, her pace wasn't effected by her reverse running form. She'd always been talented at running away from her problems, and now she could look at them directly. Two women in ruddy disguises using magic to hunt her down. That screamed curiosity like outhouses screamed sanitation.

"Does curiosity come with grappling hooks? That's a new one."

Her shouting voice carried across the rooftops. "Tell you what. If you're so curious than answer me a question?"

Kaesa spun around and ran to the street side of her building, and instead of simply leaping across an alleyway, she cleared the entire street with a powerful heaving jump, soaring through the air with her legs wheeling beneath her. The opposing rooftop made for a good landing pad, rolling forwards and popping up when she landed there. Her breaths calmed as she approached the ledge of her new building, planting her hands firmly on her hips. Her gaze moved to the flying woman who was a monumental pain in her ass, as no matter how far Kaesa ran and no matter how many streets she cleared, the woman would always follow her. It called for a change in strategy.

"Have you a mind for details? Picking out a face from a crowd? The jaunt of someone's steps? If so then maybe then you'll have a chance."

Kaesa looked down at the crowded street beneath her, a marketplace where prisoners traded for meager goods. The kind of chaff found and repurposed by the lowest rungs of society, sold for ration tickets and smuggled goods. It was packed even with the chaos across the city, because here in this place, as long as nothing directly impacted them, life carried on as usual. Like ant farms in a burning building. The ants would keep digging even as the walls melted around them. No point in poking their heads from the sand.

Dumb as they were, at least the ants made for good cover.

Kaesa spotted a long vertical pipe on the next building over, and with a small jump she reached it and slid down like a fireman. She landed with a grunt and quickly stormed into the marketplace, covered by awnings and surrounded by swarming people. She discreetly took clothing from stalls as she passed them by, donning a cloak as she weaved through narrow passageways. The paths were organic going in random directions like a river system, there was absolutely no method to the madness. The air was hot and sticky from the mass of human filth. It was the perfect place to become lost in a crowd.

Meanwhile, Kwame resolved to follow from ground level. He was a rock and rocks seldomnly flew. He was more comfortable keeping up without nimbly clearing rooftops, and it was easy enough to track Evaline from below. She was the beacon he could reliably follow to their target. He rounded the corner just as Kaesa slipped down into the marketplace, watching as she stormed into the packed hordes of decrepit prisoners. He narrowed his eyes and tried to watch for her distinctively decent looking hair — quite a rare thing in this place — but he soon lost sight.

"I could wall the marketpl—" He stopped his sentence halfway. If he walled the market it would make his presence obvious. Their cover would be instantly blown.

He looked up at Evaline and Kilderkin. "If you see her, throw these at her."

He reached out and dust swirled around his arm, a miniature cyclone that settled into balls of loosely packed dirt. They hovered up to the woman and floated into their hands. "They'll separate into dust clouds upon impact. Tracking her will be childsplay once it settles on her clothes. I'll know her exact location."

Fred Colon Emphoa

 

[EldridSmith]

Zulan watched as Renee's entire worldview was falling around her and she was being forced to confront it, unsure what to do about it, think about it, or say about it as she struggled to string together her thoughts. All that came out in the end was uncertainties. She also assumed the hopes of the group, Zulan only wanted a home and peace. As it stood neither were in reach anytime soon. Still he saw she was trying to help, and he wouldn't fault her for blundering through such as ituation.

Zulan watched as Gailene similarly struggled with her place in the world regarding family, society, and her world as a whole to an extent. She seemed insistent on working within the system without truly knowing how deep the corruption lied, he eyes covered with rose tinted glasses from her own experiences. She would be helpful in the aftermath of whatever occurred... but as it stood he found himself uncertain of she could overcome her own biases. She did state how hated vicent was; which would be helpful. Though she did surprise him upon admitting she was ignorant of much regarding her home. She then went to talk about how she knew of this island. He nodded when she stated she didn't want the people she looked after being brutalized physically, emotionally, and sexually. He had seen the same, if not worse as a soldier, but he was unable to do anything about it, he was a coward far too long unable to stop even one of those atrocoties.

Charlie took a jab at his long winded philosophical statements, which he didn't mind. She'd have more to complain about after his next statement. She then went on her own tangent ironically enough about, in the end, killing Vincent. She made good points in her short tirade about how the children were being punished with the potentially guilty. She then went on about how she should get a taste of Macragge and how foul it was there as she made a social commentary on Nye being as bad as total anarchy in it's own way, at least as he understood it. Actually he was somewhat surprised and impressed by her commentary, though he didn't show it.

At the end of Charlie's comments "Charlie is right, what evil did the children commit? I know evil is a subjective term some would argue, but there is good and evil... but whether what they have done has been good or evil remains to be seen, though particularly unlikely for the children. Perhaps you are right and your family has done no wrong and the people here are all evil, but I think the truth is somewhere in between. Sometimes rational people are forced to do irrational things, evil things, for good. Now I do want a mediation between all parties that can potentially be redeemed of whatever past sins, but some sins are not for man to forgive, for those who perpetuate or no longer human." Zulan states looking at Gailine. Some might consider his answer noncommittal, but he did want to achieve peace in some form and sort the wheat from the chaff, and the chaff... let it burn.

Jet rozukitsune ManofManyRoles Lost Echo

 

[rozukitsune]

Talk about Vincent? Man that was a tall order. She sighed heavily, inching closer to Gailene as Zulan's words started getting more and more harsh. Like Gailene, she just couldn't fathom that death was actually a good solution to anything. Her life before had sucked, sure... but it hadn't been worth murdering over. She wasn't bred for intelligence even if she was taught to pay attention and how to talk her way through the densest of social situations. Still, she knew the information Charlie wanted... perhaps if she just answered the question the highly intelligent Craggie would come up with some kind of plan.

"Vincent came to power via a sort of hostile takeover." She admitted, shuffling her feet. "That is... he was just a Branch noble like me but he amassed so much money that he was able to effectively make himself the king even though the Council would have otherwise never allowed such a thing." She explained, growing more comfortable with the subject the longer she spoke. "It's never stopped being a thorn in their side, having him calling all the shots when that is supposed to be their job. No one is supposed to have been equal to them." The more she thought about it, the less sure she felt of her position. Sure, murder was still wrong but...

But Vincent had definitely killed people he didn't like. Members of the council who didn't like him... and anyone else who had ever spoken against him in Nye mysteriously vanished without a trace. "I don't remember how things were before he took over... but I imagine the council would be quite grateful if he were to go away so they didn't have to pretend to be on his side anymore."

Jet ManofManyRoles EldridSmith Lost Echo

 

[Lost Echo]

Anya glared at the shabby man. “I’m not your anything.” Then she dismissed him, turning from the cockpit, and navigating on her arms back to the benches. This time she headed to the back of the sub. As she passed, she tried to gesture with her head for Ren to follow, wanting his opinion, but he seemed to be distracted by Johan. She glanced at the older male for a second, before continuing to the back. Dangerous times? Questionable decisions? What did that even mean? Ren seemed to understand it. Anya wanted to ask, but she also didn’t trust the bedraggled captain. And surely the secrecy was due to him not her. Right?

A part that sounded suspiciously like Mark, suggested they weren’t willing to help. She tried to ignore that: it didn’t make any sense. Why come to the past if not? They couldn’t leave the bubble Damian made, so it wasn’t like they could fix other past wrongs. She focused on the pistons instead, wondering aloud what powered the machine.

Jet Huntertabbysandshark3 ZackStop rozukitsune

 

[Lost Echo]

Charlie was angry, and Gailene didn’t know why. It wasn’t before with Zulan: the silver haired girl was pretty sure if she didn’t act quickly, she was going to be punched. But what had she said?

Even when the Macraggey started actually questioning, the noble was confused. Did she think they didn’t deserve to have families? Well it was an indulgence, but most of their workers were diligent. Laziness wasn’t tolerated, but they rewarded hardwork. She opened her mouth, to defend the policy, but Charlie was moving on to the children? Hadn’t she said 15 was when she started working too? Surely a place as barbaric as Macragge didn’t wait longer to begin working.

“What?” She laughed before she could help it. These kids weren’t killers, but then she understood. “Oh! Yeah, it’s the parents or grandparents depending. Blood’s blood. We have to help them maintain order.” She made it all sound so reasonable, certain the other girl would understand.

But Charlie wasn’t finished. For some reason she was talking about slaves. Gailene looked a little green at her descriptions. She repeated herself, almost unwilling to make a connection. “Their parents or grandparents. Their crimes. They get lifetime and lineage sentences. It’s not like we’re deciding who comes here. They get trials.”

Zulan added in. Talking about evil. Gailene turned to look at him, desperate to avoid Charlie, who she still hadn’t seemed to appease. “It’s the bloodlines: just like some people are nobles and others aren't. Their blood has the history of violence in it. It isn’t safe for them to breed with the rest of the world.”

She looked back at Charlie, “We keep them working, then let them have families--and don't tell me they don’t deserve to have a family, that just isn’t true. We keep everyone here so others can be safe.” They were different than slaves.

Renee, thankfully, was focused on the real problem. Vincent and Irina’s task. Gailene picked up where she left off, “They’re scared of his Centurions. They’re supposed to be controlled by the Council, but like half of them listen to him first. And those who’ve criticized him openly end up dead."

A ManofManyRoles EldridSmith rozukitsune

 

[Fred Colon]

Kilderkin did her best to keep pace with her target. She didn't seem interested in slowing down which, to be fair, Kilderkin supposed she wouldn't be either. Two folk hot on ones trail tended to inspire one to flee in the opposite direction, especially in a place like this.

She glanced up at Eva's impressive avian form, and nodded.

"Watch over me, if you can without drawing too much attention. I'm going to blend in to the crowd as well. Lets see if she has a good eye for faces." As she ran, Kilderkin let Joshua free from her body, stripped her overcoat and tied it around her waist. Then she manipulated the water in her face into something significantly less grotesque and, hopefully, not recognizable to the rabbit.

Kilderkin jumped into an alley before the market, and then tried to emerge into it like just another member of the milling mass of humanity. She did have a sharp eye, and a very good head for faces. She tried to keep tabs on wherever Eva went, while also looking for disturbances in the crowd that might indicate someone trying to move through it quickly.

She quickly spotted people in the crowd giving way to someone moving very quickly, and tried to signal to Eva the direction their quarry had gone in.

Kilderkin herself would push through the crowd, but do her best not to disturb it, an eel swimming through water ducking around people rather than pushing through them. In situations like this, her unimpressive height was an advantage. With luck, the rabbit wouldn't see her until it was too late. Kilderkin hoped that this would be an actual lead rather than just a wild goose - or rabbit- chase. This woman certainly had something to hide, but would the thing she was hiding matter a jot to Kilderkin? She supposed that would be answered soon enough.

She kept her hand on her sword, just in case. Joshua wrapped around her waist and wormed underneath her coat, hiding himself as a scaly blue belt hidden by her clothes. It wouldn't do to be recognized by your familiar.

Jet Emphoa

 

[Emphoa]

The moment that the beast started to emerge- the bubbling horror and terror located deeply within Adamaris started to brim over the surface of their very being. The only thing to comfort them was the feeling of Elriel grasp and the whisper of his voice within their ear as they slowly leaned more into him. Shutting their eyes tightly as they braced for their final moment, and their relief that at least they were together- when they had never thought they would have been able to see the noble again. The boat lurched, their heart nearly leapt through their throat and they tried to block out the deafening sounds of the boat's entire being falling apart, trying to quell the fear of death as it felt it was so fast approaching.

But that darkness or feeling never hit, and slowly their eyes opened once more, their lips pressed firmly together with hitched breath, eyes latched onto the beast lingering just above them as their heart thumped sharply within their chest and their grip tightened onto Elriel. Their eyes slowly drifted onto the open skies, and they felt like y could have just collapsed at any moment, barely registering Elriel's words until their eyes laid upon him, and finally they could breath again.

"I- yes- I think I'm alright- are you?" They had to ask, after all, the noble himself had pushed himself to the brink, their worry palpable within their gaze before they finally started to take in the situation they were in, trying to ease their breathing and the rapidly beating heart within their chest as they looked at everyone else. Then to Zak as they finally just looked up at the whale like beast, swallowing thickly with their slight unease while they listened to Elriel, and they glanced over just a moment later.

"... It would be best not to invoke it's ire." They finally started to compose themself, and they slowly straightened up, trying to ease the way their hands shook and the ringing in their ears as they looked up. "It must be because of it, that the storm has been..." They drifted off a little bit, and they cleared their throat, glancing back towards Zak soon after. "... Really, don't piss it off." They stated, giving him a little look before they looked right back up-

Waiting, expecting... something.

Goliath Jet

 

[Jet]

​

"Atsali raiders," Isaac answered her and sat upon the nearest stoop, letting out a long sigh that said a thousand words. He could rant for an hour but elected to keep it short.

"Long ago they acquired a taste for killing anything that moves, and though distasteful, they've survived since the Kratorian fall. I wouldn't take it personally if I were you. They'd stab a rock for being underfoot." He chuckled and nodded at the vast desert plains. "They don't like anyone — even each other, but they truly revile anyone who conspires with Nye, and Erina was in love with a Centurion. You can't conspire much closer than a bed."

He wished there was something more he could say to Ilana. He sensed the anger burning within her soul, but he didn't have her trust. He was just a stranger who liked the sound of his own voice, so he stopped himself from giving advice. He knew she would learn on her own. The most headstrong always did.

With that he turned his attention to the rest of the town, the battle had finally come to an end. There was peace and quiet for a fleeting spark of a moment. The serenity once a battle had been concluded, with the warband receding into the desert sands. The town immediately sprang into life with villagers putting out fires, checking the wounded and dragging supplies from the raging inferno. It took an hour but eventually the town was stabilized, the people were safe and there was cause for tepid celebration. Though Isaac worried for what would come. He could only hope the violence would end there.

He gave the group every convenience he could offer, far from a resort but clean and comfortable enough, a house vacated when a man had moved out of town. He ordered beds provided and enough food to thoroughly stretch out their stomachs, which was the least he could offer the heros. He wished he could give them more, but his town was one of humble means and this was the best he could do.

The main room had a wooden table covered with food and bottles of wine and beer. There were couches along the wall and three rooms for people to sleep in, with cots arranged in each one. The upstairs was empty aside from the resident spiders who roamed there, and the basement was cold and barren with a hatch on the kitchen floor.

On a few occasions, townsfolk popped in their heads and thanked the group for what they'd done, and men passed by shouting praise from the streets. The sound of fire pops and sparklers filled the air as night crept across the desert, the sun vanishing below a flat purple horizon.

Isaac stayed to answer their questions and attend their needs; perhaps it was his guilt for the pain they endured, all to rescue his town and the woman who'd been kidnapped. It didn't seem fair so he'd repay them somehow, and being there was a step in the right direction. He sat in a rocking chair by the front door; beside him was Tawny who met Yua hours before. He fiddled with a small machine that looked more like a toy than real technology, a figurine made from wires and small gears.

Mischa was too hurt to eat at the table, she preferred dinner on the couch lining the side wall, a plate of food positioned squarely on her stomach, a mug of ale resting on the bare wooden floor. Her blanket crept ever closer to the bottom of her chin, almost like she was protecting herself from her failure. The shame still lingering above her. It was embarrassing how useless she'd been, but at least she was alive, and that meant another chance to prove herself in the field.

Dalton found himself at the table scribbling notes on a small pad, an amused glance at his beleaguered minions. He'd been watching to see what they could do during the fight, better to know early instead of waiting until it really mattered. He respected their effort but they all had a long way to go, and he wouldn't bet on them to save his life. He was alone even when surrounded by these people. The town was an aberration that needed a good cleansing, and his troops were still unpolished. He was without any real peers. The loneliness ached until he'd taken a few drinks, then only his stomach did. He gave them another glance and returned to his notes, recording each move each one had made. If he was forced to work with such an unprofessional bunch, he needed to know exactly what they could do.

Fred Colon ZackStop ManofManyRoles Goliath Emphoa

 

[EldridSmith]

Ivan thankfully didn't notice what was going on with Elriel and Adamaris as he was solely focused on the monster beneath the waves, his prayers, and staying ready to fight. Ivan was waiting for hostile action before taking his own despite not hearing Elriel's warning. Ivan was between the railing and the mast as things started getting dangerous, Ivan grabbed onto the nearest thing he could from the mast to brace for impact as the ship was launched up before returning to the sea as he continued to chant prayers in the meantime. Unfortunately for him the nearest thing he grabbed was a rope, as he went to respond to Zak, Mavior, and Elriel about God and the monster, as the mast cracked… and he was gone as far as the rest of the crew was concerned, his lance tumbling into the lower decks.
Ivan found himself being yanked high into the sky following the arc of the mast’s descent, though lagging significantly behind. Oh dear. Ivan thought quickly and realized he hadn’t much chance to slow down and he quickly unmerged with his familiar, holding her by the trunk. He threw his familiar down to transfer his momentum down into another object to at least combat the pull of gravity in some way before unsummoning her and merging with her again… but smaller this time. Finally he waited till he almost landed on the large beast before pushing against himself with magic using the metal armor as a wall of sorts to try and avoid angering the creature… further at least. He grunted but landed on the beast as softly as he could, still he landed with a hearty thud.

Ivan looked at the ship from the creature’s head then down on the giant whale. “Good Lord.” He remarked completely flabbergasted. He didn’t really have a way back considering the rope he had let go of was attached to a mast likely to take him with it. The beast was a riskier but potentially safer option. He sat down unsure what to do and pulled out his spare bag of semechki he had in his armor for when he got hungry and took in a mouthful. “Want some big guy?” He asked in his usual boisterous and friendly tone. The situation was absurd, he might as well get a kick out of it.

Goliath Emphoa Jet ManofManyRoles

 

[ManofManyRoles]

Yua Smith
ユア・スミス

And a little bit of Felix

The engagement was swift, each movement and decision from a member of the party critical in what was very well a life or death scenerio. And while Yua still couldn't bring herself to directly attack the warrior, not while there were other options of ending the fight, she was still able to assist in subduing the figure and rescuing Mischa. It was hard to twist, parry, and of course move when the very stone beneath your feet was ecasing you up to the ankle...that was the reasoning at least. She had to be quick to soften the stone to ensure the warrior didn't snap or twist anything when he went down, not that she needed to help in accomplishing something like that. As Mischa offered her thanks Yua did her best to offer a calming smile. It didn't quite come across well though, the petite blonde was obviously shell shocked from everything that'd happen in such rapid pace. Her chin trembled, and her smile was uneven. "O-of course. It's what I came here for, to help...j-just not like this..." The poor young woman's eyes went as wide as saucers as she was wrapped in a hug. She didn't deserve a hug though, she deserved nothing short of total blame for everything that'd happen. She'd arrived with Felix before everyone else...and she'd stood her ground to support the villagers. Isaac probably would have been able to solve it without her, but she couldn't feel like it was because of her interference things escalated so quickly.

She wrapped her arms around Mischa, cheeks a fuzzy warm glow and eyes more than a little watery; something she hid by pressing her face into Mischa's shoulder for a moment. Not that it did anything to hide dampness, she just hoped it wasn't brought up. "You don't need to know someone to want to help," came her muffled response. She had to take a breath before she pulled her face out of Mischa's shoulder to continue speaking, forcing her composure back into place. "I...I couldn't accept your kindness, Mischa. I appreciate the offer, but I don't deserve a life-time pass for anything like that." If anything, she owed Mischa and everyone else a life-time supply of something or other. Not like anyone would have noticed a drop in the coffers if she signed off on it. "Listen...I can catch up shortly, alright? There's a lot I have to do. Let me check you out and then I have to help the civilians."

Her eyes went wide as she realized her words could have been taken the wrong way, clearing her throat with a nervous noise. "Check you out medically. Make sure you're not bruised, obviously. Not the other kind of checking out. The medical checking out. Not the checking out kind of checking out." Shut up. She was going to shut up now. She would have been quick to confirm that Mischa had nothing broken, but she was insistent that she was to be off her feet and keep a cold compress over her ribs and lay down somewhere.

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

After making sure Mischa was settled, Yua had sprinted off to help the wounded. She wasn't too concerned about her butler, Felix was more than capable of fending for himself. True to her suspicions, he'd arrived with the creak and pop of a few joins to help her in what manner he could. It wasn't much, he mostly fetched equipment or supplied, did limited bandage work or stitches. Anything beyond that was Yua's job to patch up. Anyone who asked for her help ended up getting a full once-over after the assault, and there wasn't a scrape or bruise that she was about to turn away. After all, she still felt this fell upon her to some degree. The only breaks she allowed herself in the next few hours as evening came was to drink water or eat minimal food to make sure she didn't pass out standing.

When dinner-time came, Yua was the last to arrive. She'd stopped to check in on Tawny and complimented him on the little figure he was working on and make light conversation with Isaac. She was happy to speak with the old man, but she found it impossible to look either him or Tawny in the eye right now. If she'd never showed up, maybe things wouldn't have played out this way. Or maybe they would have...but the uncertainty was enough to gnaw at her. Was terrible timing if this was coming to a boiled head and Yua was the final straw.

Despite the butlers polite protests, Yua did not join the others at the table. Her well-kept appearance was notably less so than when she'd met everyone. Her clean dress shirt was now dirtied with blood from a few surgeries for broken bones or setting compound fractures that had managed to rupture out of the skin. Her hair was frazzled and no longer near as straight as when it'd began that day. She was tired, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Felix, for his part, had willingly sat beside Dalton for the evening. Though the older man wasn't much for conversation unless prompted, he handled his utensils as well as himself at the table with the sort of practiced refinement that one should expect of one of his station if not more than such if his combat skills for the day had spoken of anything.

The exhausted doctor was seated near Mischa's place of rest, cross-legged at the foot of the couch. She wasn't eating much, just enough to keep herself going, and barely sipped at the water she'd opted for over wine or mead. She was distracted, her mind elsewhere and not on food. She felt restless, like she still had too much to do in what could have only been described as post-warzone. "Mischa? Do you need me to fetch another compress? You're not too sore? How's the bruising?" It'd been the first thing she'd spoken since arriving for dinner, and she hoped that the woman was fine. But she also hoped that she'd be asked to do something, anything, just so she didn't have to sit and stew.

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