Fantasy The Valerian Chronicles: Second Crusade (VC:SC)

[Kylesar1]

This is a reboot of Return of Corruption. Different name. Anyways

In the events of ToKV, the group deemed the Ravinian Crusaders took down the Mad King Leon Valerian.

Arabelle Leighton, the King-Slayer
Tyr O'Connor, the Barbaric Bard
Bailey O'Connor, the Clairvoyant Seer
Ari Waesmor, the Shadow Ranger

This group was called together by Arabelle worked under their own selfish reasons. Money, Family Vengeance, Vendettas, etc. They trekked to Toron, the capital city of Ravinia and took on Leon's elite force, then the Mad King himself. Turns out things weren't as they seemed. King Valerian was possessed by the Ancient God of Chaos Amos, who used Valerian as a vessel to impose his will onto the country as the Monarch. The group, vastly outmatched, had to find the one known as Alreos, Amos's brother, to take him down in an epic battle between 2 ancient gods. The heroes prevailed and Amos was dealt with

The group, though thoroughly bonded with 2 getting married, knew that was the end and they went their separate ways with fortune and fame to live how they needed.
Now, 5 years later, each member has been called back to deal with a new source of corruption



Rules

1. General RPN Rules
2. What I and P Paint The Wind says is law
3. I don't undermine Paint and Paint doesn't undermine me. If one of us says it's a no-go then it's a no-go
4. Disrespect to GM or Co-GM will get you booted fast
5. We heavily encourage Romance and Drama, as well as thoughtful yet epic action
6. Don't make Moderation a pain in the ass. Keep things reasonable and fair across the board
7. Metagaming, godmodding, etc. is all cancer and I can find metagaming with ease. This isn't a competition
8. If you have a dispute, try to settle it civilly. If you have the mind to write, you have the mind to talk with civility to someone you've never met on the internet
9. You can insult their character IC, but no insulting other players. None of this should be personal
10. I have never booted someone from one of my RPs. Let's not change that
11. Have fun
12. Let me never have to sound this strict and uptight again

 

[Kylesar1]

When Alreos took the throne after the Ravinian Crusaders took down Amos, Ravinia flourished at an unnatural rate. One would argue that it flourished about as fast as it deteriorated when Leon lost his damn mind. Alreos's benevolence spread across the entire country pretty fast. Crime lowered, Jobs opened and people were able to make a good living. The land even got more fertile to grow more food. The insane campaign to Manifest Destiny the entire country by killing off all non-humans ended with Amos's epic downfall. Alreos granted each Crusader vast fortune and a few treasures from Castle Ravenskull (which is where Ari got his current armaments). The treasures for the most part were priceless and most were scattered when Amos started destroying them

Amos corrupting Leon became a well-known story and backed up by overwhelming evidence of, you know, TORON BEING FUCKING DESTROYED, so most people forgave Leon as fighting the presence and influence of an Ancient God is fairly impossible for a mortal with otherwise no exposure. However, some never forgave Leon and still blamed him for lost loved ones. This was especially the case with non-humans. The hate from Elves, Dwarves, Orcs, Fairies, Furries, Nekos, Tieflings, Halflings, Draconians, etc. of Leon was still fairly uncommon. Alreos, however, managed to mitigate the race war that started that could've ignited a full-blown civil war. He also managed, with incredible charisma and diplomacy skills, to prevent alliance severance, trade embargoes, and even attacks from other countries during their weakened state after the upheaval of their monarch

Each Crusader was given the Honor of Valiance by Alreos, the Bishop, and the Arch-Bishop, an honor that's the equivalent of a modern day Medal of Honor. Arabelle was given a functioning magic prosthetic leg. Ari was given a blade called Autumn's Love, which granted Ari an Owl Griffin named Autumn. However, Ari being Ari, he insisted on calling the griffin Misty. Misty embraced the name as it was given to her by her master. Tyr and Bailey were granted a house in Loudwater for their family, all house expenses paid. Leon was given a royal pardon for the war crimes he committed while under not his own control. After that............they disbanded and went their own separate ways. Tyr and Bailey moved to Loudwater and had their son. Arabelle and Leon lived their lives together. Ari went off to god knows where, but his fabulous riches became fairly well known. Where he currently lives is unknown, maybe because he's always travelling since he's always packed full of mercenary contracts. Who WOULDN'T want to hire someone who helped take down King Valerian and the Ancient God possessing him?


5 years later, the country is back where it started.............what happened? The benevolent king Alreos is no longer benevolent. The people of the country are calling up the Crusaders once again to figure out what's up and maybe..............lead an uprising, not just against Alreos, but the concept of Gods ruling over people on the earth. Obviously they can't seem to stop toying with the lives of the denizens of Earth. This is more than just a justified, personal vigilante coup against a mad king that worked out in pure luck. This could very well be bigger than any one person, territory, or country. The gods are fucking around with human will en masse now
(AND WE'RE OFF)
P Paint The Wind Safety Hammer Birdsie Allibi FireMaiden Elekta Kount Bakuyoshi

 

[Paint The Wind]

Arabelle was alone in her little cabin that was about ten miles from Loudwater. She had two carrier pigeons with her, and she tied a letter to each one of them. She needed her friends back. Bailey, Tyr, and Ari were all so incredibly brave and strong, and she couldn’t imagine fighting this horrible monster Alreos had turned into without them.

Dear Ari, Bailey, and Tyr,

I am in desperate need of your services again. I’m sure by now you know how Alreos has been corrupted. I cannot just sit back and let him destroy the world, not again. However, I’m too weak to do this on my own, and in the time since the battle, my fighting skills have declined. I need the company of strong and righteous people, and I know with you I have found the people I need. Please meet me at the Prancing Pony in Loudwater as soon as possible, and we can figure out a plan.

-Arabelle Leighten

Arabelle tied each letter to the birds and sent them off. She hoped that her writing would be legible, it was very hard for her to do basic things like that without her eyesight. She packed a small bag carefully and tied a blindfold over where her eyes were supposed to be so she wouldn’t scare anyone. She left her house with her swords on her hip, but still in her normal clothes. She mounted her mare, Ivy, and whispered, “To Loudwater,” as she had trained her mare to go places by speech. She had learned how to live differently without her eyes. With that, she was off, ready for a new adventure with her friends, and hopefully they would save the world again.

Kylesar1 FireMaiden Safety Hammer

 

[Birdsie]

THREE DAYS AGO, TORON, CASTLE RIVERSKULL...

Spoiler

Why was Lord Alreos calling him in at this hour? What was his excellence's wish at midnight?

Sammaster stepped out onto the balcony, in one of the higher towers, where the king was to meet him. He saw the god standing there, with his golden hair swirling in the fresh air of the night. Sammaster contained his emotions, took a deep breath, then knelt and announced his presence.

"My Liege! What is your wish?"

Alreos turned halfway in his direction, sparing a look, then returned to the sight the balcony provided. The waters of Toron were calm this part of the year. Beautiful, even. Their flow was uninterrupted despite the city built around them.

"I have a great taste for extravagance. Extravagant decoration is to be admired above all, but there is no sense in wasting time on the superfluous."

Beat. Sammaster's eyes rose, only looking at his master's back. "What do you mean?"

"A long time ago, when I hadn't yet been the God of Benevolence, I put together a group of ten slaves with the intention of slaying the ones that would never be missed. What do you suppose happened?"

Sammaster knew that Alreos, his lord, liked to dabble in philosophy. And speaking of that, over the last few years, his policies changed. He was no longer the benevolent being he used to be, not that Sammaster was bothered by it. He took a few long seconds to think, then answered without hesitation. "Well... I suppose you ended up killing them all?"

"I found I could not slay any of them. They were simple laborers, none of them with no value, not in the old world that required them to operate. But this world is overflowing with the superfluous. I could choose ten men---perhaps even thousands of men, and I would not find one of whom I could not kill."

Once again, the dark knight was silent. He couldn't understand. He shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I don't get it. What is it you wish for?"

Alreos looked at the city below, and at the people in it. "It's quite simple, really. Too much of any one thing... can be quite sickening in the end." The god sneered. Sammaster already knew what this meant. Someone's going to get fucked big time. And that someone was probably a lot of people.

"Pray tell, Sammaster. Why is it you work for me?"

"Because my job involves killing."

"And why do you kill?"

"For fun, sir."

"Then you're about to have the best year of your life." He turned around to face Sammaster. Alreos smiled subtly, having an expression approaching serenity. "I have a mission for you. I'm sure you'll love it."

 

[Bakuyoshi]

Darkness, at first that's all Beatrice could see. And for a moment she believed she was dead. Until she felt a splitting pain in her head. And pain means she was still alive. So she struggled to open her eyes. The sight that greeted her was a sky. And around her a forest with the distant lights of a town of some sort. But for Beatrice she reached for her mask only to find it gone and her cloak was not around. "What in the hell happened? Squad sound off... Squad?" Beatrice asks as she realizes she is alone. And in unfamiliar territory to make things worse. "OK me you have to think this through. First you have to figure out where here even is. After that we have to get in contact with the king. I'll need to give him info on where I'm at. After that any action to stay alive must be taken. I could very well be in enemy territory." With this Beatrice began to walk towards the lights of the town her red eyes seemingly glowing with worry.

 

[FireMaiden]

"Hurry now child, your mother is waiting for you," A hushed voice told the small cloaked figure he was ushering down a small set of stairs into the tavern basement. A single lit candle and another cloaked figure sat waiting for the pair, anxiously fiddling with a handful of coins. Looking up as the footsteps grew closer, the smaller figure quickly ran to his mother, hugginh into her as she stood. The tavern owner, a stout old man with a by The heart, but a soft spot for childern huffed when he saw her. Undeniably, she had been unsuccessful in taking down her target at range, the crimson color of blood splattered in her hands. "You could have poor sod that off yer hands," he stated, outstreaching his hand as the woman places the coins into it.

"I didn't have time," She replied quietly, "Thank you for watching after him."

The tavern owner huffed, "I can't keep doing this for you lass, you're a wanted woman, it's putting me in danger," He told her, slipping the coins into his pocket, before taking a few steps deeper into the basement, retrieving a small rucksack. Turning back to the pair, he handed it to the woman, who took it with a nod. "You know the drill." Again, she nodded. Without another word, the tavern owner turned back up the stairs, locking the door behind him.

Bailey immediately picked Alex up, giving him a tight hug. "I'm sorry that took so long baby," She told him, giving him a kiss on the cheek as he hugged her back. "Okay, let's get going." Putting him down, she handed him a lantern, before moving over to a stack of empty boxes and sacks, pushing them to the side as Alex she'd a little light on the situation. Behind it, was a door. Pushing it oosn, it revealed and old tunnel that the previous owners used during Valerian's rule to help non-humans escape the kings men. Baikey motioned for Alex to go in, to which he did quickly, before he stopped waiting as Bailey entered and closed the door behind them. The two of them then began to traverse the tunnel, which took nearly 20 minutes.

Eventually, they found the ladder, which let to a leaf covered hatch in a small patch of wood near the main road. Baikey took the lantern from Alex, letting him climb up first, before following after quickly, closing the hatch. "Mommy, there's something coming." Baikey looked up, in the direction Alex was and noticed a bird. A carrier pigeon from what she could tell, flying in the direction of the nearby town of Loudwater. Now, what was a woman on the run doing so close to the place she needed to avoid? She was in need of her grandmother Kya, an old witch who made a potion that helped Alex sleep at night.

"Ignore it Alex, it's not for us," Bailey told him, picking up the lantern, and taking his hand, "Let's go see Grandma Kya, okay?" Bailey said, before a light chuckle left her as she heard Alex gasp out of excitement. He loved her, and even though they weren't far from Loudwater, the trip took all to long. But eventually, they saw the familiar outline of the houses they left behind nearly a year ago. With a sigh, Bailey began to lead Alex to a small house near the cottage they use to call home.

Knocking on the shack door, and lowering their hoods, Bailey and Alex were greet by the kind, wrinkled face of Kya. She ushered them in, quickly closing the door behind them. "Child, what are you doing here? It's not safe!" She scolded, all while pulling both of them into a loving hug.

"We need some more of the potion that stops nightmares," Bailey said, "I would have made it myself, but," Bailey started as Alex took a seat on a nearby chair, "I misplaced the recipe."

"Always losing stuff aren't you deary?" Kya said with a chuckle, "Well, reguardless I'll cook some up, and it's nice to see you again. Nearly a year has passed since...well, since everything happened."

"Yes, I know," Baikey said quietly, but he attention was turned to a gently tapping on the window. The bird that they spotted on the road was sitting there, letter ready for whoever was going to read it. Brow furrowing, Bailey slightly opsned the window, allowing the bird to hop inside, she took the letter and began to read it. "Oh Arabelle," She muttered, "What are you planning?" P Paint The Wind

 

[Elekta Kount]

Thruidaid Ironhammer
Dwarf Ironbreaker
"AAAAAAHHHH"
A large man fully cladded in armor swung his mighty two-axe forward, only to hear a
*CLING*
As it flew back from wence it came.
The thing that the armored had hit was a shield, a dwarven shield. Holding it, was Thruidaid Ironhammer, Champion of Karak Dron, Son of Belgrim Ironhammer.
Thruid was currently fighting what appeared to be a leader of a band of mercenaries within some sort of building, said mercenary was cladded in somewhat crude armor, with a two-handed axe that looked rough, even rusted, but deadly nontheless. Around the two lied other corpses of other manlings, the only ones left alive were the two that stood against each other.
Compare to the behemoth of a man standing in front of him, the dwarf seemed tiny.
But size is not everything.
Skill will beat out that any day.
"Khazuk, Khazuk-ha!"
The dwarf bellowed a dwarven warcry, loud enough to be heard from quite a distance away, before charging the big man.
The big man yelled, before counter-charging, raising his axe high above the air before bringing it down.
The dwarf countered, bringing his shield up as the axe made contact, bringing the hammer in his free hand to the side of him, smashing it against the armroed leg of the big man.
That caused the mercenary leader to fall to one knee, giving the dwarf an opportunity to bring his shield up to the man's face, smashing the side of it against crude helmet, flinging him backwards.
But the dwarf was not done, as he ran forward, hammer up in the air, ready to swing again against his foe. The mercenary brought his axe him to block just as the hammer fell forward, thinking it would block the hit. But the weapon was crude, as the dwarven hammer's runnic words glowed, it broke the axe in two, letting the hammer break through, streight at the screaming man that hid behind it.
*Spling*
...
It was over in an instant
As the big man's lifeless hands fell to their side.
Thruid brought his hammer up, now covered in the blood of his foe, who's face was now unrecognizable.
The dwarf stood their, blood all over his armor and weapons, looking down on the deceased manling. He felt no remorse, for this man had wronged him and his clan...and now he had payed his debt... with his life.
After a moment, Thruid began to search the , mercenary leader's pockets, finding a piece of parchment on him, he opened it and scanned it's contents, before muttering
"Edgam Chesk"
Grunting, Thruid folded the piece of paper and stowed it away, moving for the exit. Thruid would push on the door with an intention of opening it, only to push it stright off it's hinges, reveling more corpses ridden outside.
The dwarf would then proceed to lumber outside, passing the corpses of dead mercenaries that he had moments ago been engaged with. They were already attracting flyings, as you could bearly recognize some of the dead, not after Thruid was done with them.
The ironbreaker would make his way to a nearby cart, one of it's wheels had been broken in the fight, with a dead mercenary lying with his back leaning against the cart and his head drooping lifelessly. The dwarf would take a seat on a crate that survived the fight, as Thruid took out his pipe, then proceeded to light it.
Placing the pip in his mouth, he huffed a couple of times, as he examined the field of corpses, deep in thought.
A few moments later, Thruid produced a thick and old looking book. Opening up the book, he would flip through a couple of pages, landing on a page with a list of names with some of them corssed out.
Setting the book on his lap, the dwarf grabbed his axe from his side and brought the blade up, bringing the thumb of his pipe hand out, he carfully pricked his thumb with the sharp end of his axe, then brought it down to one of the names...
Gror Chikraz
...and then slid his thumb across that name, striking the name through with his own blood.
Below the now crossed out name, the dwarf wrote another name...
Edgam Chesk
Hadn't been easy finding this manling, hadn't been easy to find any of these people. Thraid had to travel to another continent in order to find him...him and the rest of those damn wazzoks who killed his mother. Some races may think it ludicrous, why travel all the way to a forign land just to seek vengence? Well that's simple.
Dwarves do not forgive easily...nor do they forget.
Closing the Book of Grudges and then stowing it away(Along with his axe), the dwarf continue to sit there, still in thought...
(Open to interactions)
​

 

[Kylesar1]

Sounds of clashing blades could be heard in a forest. In it in a clearing a man and a young girl was seen fighting, the man armed with a short sword and the young girl with a sabre. The man's strength would obviously overwhelm her, so most her defense was in dodging, and dodge she did. She moved with incredible grace and he sword flashed in quick attacks. While she hadn't mastered the techniques, they would be useful..........if the man she was fighting wasn't faster. They fought fiercely, dancing the dance of steel until the man jumped back and quickly grabbed the bow. With expertise and honed skill, the time between drawing the bow and firing was incredibly fast. He was moving at a rapid-fire pace and the arrows flew. The young girl was on the immediate defensive and her face contorted from confidence to concern. She dodged as much as she could, but she couldn't get close. She had to take cover behind a tree. "Playing keep-away again I see, daddy........."
"Of course. You're on a timer, you know." Would only be a matter of time until she got tired and slowed down. She was sweating and knew he was right, so she had to try something drastic. She charged straight forward, dodging an arrow, then activated her Wing Charm. Beautiful angel wings sprouted from her back. Spinning to deflect more arrows with the wind generated, she closed the gap. Using her forward momentum and thrust her sword.......

..........Into a tree, getting it stuck. Looking down in surprise, she looked dead in the face of her father, who smirked. With a quick jab to the pressure point where her wrist vein would be, which forced her to release the sword, Ari spun her around and slammed her against a tree, putting his blade to her throat. She sighed and looked down. "You're getting better Elaina."
"Yeah, but not good enough to beat you."
"You're still in your studies. Keep working. You alright?" he asked, releasing her gently.
Elaina dusted herself off, then looked at him with a smile. Though dejected at her loss, she was always able to very easily recover from disappointment. Maybe it came with the territory of having such an incredibly understanding and supportive father. "I'm fine. I'm still the better dancer though."
"MASTER!" A being flew down through the trees. However, it hit a branch and the landing was clumsy. The being in question was an Owl Griffin, and she scrambled to her feet. In her mouth held an envelope. Ari read it aloud


Dear Ari

I am in desperate need of your services again. I’m sure by now you know how Alreos has been corrupted. I cannot just sit back and let him destroy the world, not again. However, I’m too weak to do this on my own, and in the time since the battle, my fighting skills have declined. I need the company of strong and righteous people, and I know with you I have found the people I need. Please meet me at the Prancing Pony in Loudwater as soon as possible, and we can figure out a plan.

-Arabelle Leighten


Ari scoffed. Well I'll be damned, he thought "Arabelle, eh? Been 5 years."
Elaina had heard that name before and she wanted to meet her. "Can I go with you, daddy? I want to meet the leader you fought with."
"Why not? It'll give you horse experience outside the pasture," Ari said, still rather focused on the note. "Get ready."
As Elaina ran off with Misty, Ari stayed there looking after Elaina fondly. "Time for another death march, I see." He walked back to his house, thinking of how they'd changed. He knew she had also written the letter to Tyr and the Child Slave. If he was coming, nothing short of death would keep the rest from coming. Even if he was married to the child slave, at minimum it would be worth seeing his old friend
P Paint The Wind

 

[Paint The Wind]

Arabelle rode for hours, and it was near nightfall when she reached the Prancing Pony. She dismounted and made sure Ivy was safe. She then took her cane and headed inside. She went to the bar and got some scotch, taking it and sipping it. She could sense that eyes were on her, but it didn’t much matter to her. She knew she was strange looking, but right now she had other things on her mind. What if her friends didn’t show up? What if they did but said no? All the ‘what-ifs’ continued to pop up in her head, but she sighed and just tried to focus herself and keep hope. She sipped her drink and started to focus on using her basic magic. She could sense where every person in the room was, almost able to see them, but more like feel their presence. She focused on the door to see who walked in, and she waited.

Kylesar1 FireMaiden

 

[FireMaiden]

As soon as the potion was cool to the touch, and able to be packed away, Bailey and Alex said their goodbyes to Kya. They couldn't dwell there for too long, in spite of it maybe, being perfectly safe to spend a nigh in their old home, Bailey felt the risk was too much. Ryan was a relentless man, and those under the king's command, even more so. Being hunted for a mistake, and a crime she didn't commit has made life harder than she would have liked. Especially when it came to being a single mother. If Tyr were still with them, then maybe it wouldn't be so bad. In fact, she knew it wouldn't haven been because Ryan would have never been in the picture. Reguardless, for now, the pair would avoid their home, and begin the trek to the meeting place.

Arabelle was smart with her choice, the Prancing Pony only about a mile from Loudwater worked well when it came to avoiding unwanted attention. Their walk took nearly an hour as they stuck to the sides of the main road, using the lantern for light of course as the sun kept getting lower as nighttime grew closer. Bailey held the lantern and Alex's hand when it finally set, and the Prancing Pony finally came into view. A somewhat secluded tavern, hidden mostly from the main road, you'd have to be a local to know where it was without looking to hard. In spite of that, she knew it would be rather crowed. Tyr and her would often bust with their friends here after Alex was born, but most of those friends were probably in jail somewhere now.

Setting the lantern down, she knelt down to Alex, "Keep your hood up, and make sure that you can get your dagger at all times, understand cub?" Alex silently nodded as his mother fixed his hood, and felt for where his father was. Orginally, it had been his father's, and while Alex may not remember him, the stories that Bailey had told him made him feel proud to carry it. Bailey chose to keep her own hood down. Someone on there may try to take her in for the reward money, but while she would keep her guard up, she knew that a majority of those inside were criminals, like herself. Taking a deep breath, Bailey, holding Alex's hand, walking into the Prancing Pony.

Taking a look afound, she felt relieved that her assumption about the type of people inside, as she recognised most of them from various wanted posters scattered around. But those weren't the people she was interested in. Baikey couldn't help but smile as she spotted a woman at the bar, and quickly made her way over to them. "You know, I never actually thought I'd see you again," Bailey told Arabelle as she took a seat next to her, lifting Alex onto her lap, "Hey Arabelle." P Paint The Wind

 

[Paint The Wind]

Arabelle smiled when she heard Bailey’s voice. “Bailey. I’m so glad you came,” she said, turning in the direction of her voice. She had her blindfold on so she wouldn’t scare anyone, even though she just had some scarring over her permanently closed eye sockets. “How have you been? I’ve been thinking about you a lot. How’s Alex?” She knew of the birth of their son, but she didn’t know much else, and she didn’t even know Alex was right in front of her.

FireMaiden Kylesar1

 

[FireMaiden]

"I-I'm okay," Alex answered meekly, peering up at Arabelle from under the cloaks hood. Bailey hadn't left the other out of the stories she's told him, and while wary of strangers, Arabelle's presence was still pretty amazing. Bailey had to chuckle.

"He's a little shy, but don't worry, he'll warm up soon," She said as a scotch and small glass of water were placed down infront of the trio. "But, we haven t really been that well. I'm a wanted woman, and Tyr went missing nearly a year and a half ago. So...he's not coming." Her voice grew weak as she said this, obviously still rather upset about it. Looking their husband however...who wouldn't still be hurting. "I've also heard about Leon. I'm so sorry Arabelle." P Paint The Wind

 

[Paint The Wind]

Arabelle smiled when she heard his voice. “Hey, little guy,” she said softly. She wanted to be gentle and make sure he felt safe. “In so glad I get to finally meet you.” She lifted her head towards Bailey and bit her lip when she heard about Tyr. “Oh God, Bailey. I’m so sorry,” she told her softly. She shook her head. “I’m so sorry.” She took a deep breath when she mentioned Leon. “Thank you,” she murmured. “It’s been hard without him. That’s why I need you and Ari now. I can’t do things on my own, and I don’t want to anyway,” she told Bailey softly, trying to keep herself calm.

FireMaiden

 

[FireMaiden]

Alex was quiet for a minute, but a soft smile had spread across his face. "It's nice to m-meet you too," He said, just as quietly as before. "Mommy told me stories about you, and daddy, and Buttface McGee," He paused as Bailey snorted, "Oh! I mean Ari!" He quickly corrected, even though he was giggling as he did. Baikey sighed, kissing the top of his head, before her action turned back to the more adult conversation.

"He was called off to fight for Aleros, and I now, we're left without answers," She stated, "And it's hard, but we're getting by somehow." Getting by was perhaps a stretch. How could she actually raise Alex as a wanted criminal? No child should have to grow up looking over their should their entire lives because of a stupid mistake. Bailey again, had to chuckle. But this was dry, as there wasn't really any humor here. "Aren't we just a pair?" P Paint The Wind

 

[Paint The Wind]

Arabelle laughed at what Alex called Ari. “That’s a good name for him,” she told him with a small smile. She sighed sadly and smiled weakly at Bailey. “If you ever need help with childcare or anything, I’ll be here to help you. I promise,” she offered. She smiled sadly at her statement. “Indeed. What a pair.” She sighed heavily.

FireMaiden

 

[Kylesar1]

Ari & Elaina Waesmor
Prancing Pony
​

The door opened and Elaina walked in the Prancing Pony, not that anyone would know it was her. From her clothing, she looked fairly high class and the clothing most definitely looked like the best money could buy. It was her armor enchanted with strong anti magic. Normal clothing otherwise, made with the finest of silk. One would definitely paint her as an aristocrat's child.

At the sight of someone who radiated wealth, the volume noticeably died down a bit. Usually the rich person would be haughty and snobby.
"Oi! What have I told you about running off?! I'd rather not have to kill someone tonight, Elaina."

A flood of rose petals blew in, making Elaina look absolutely stunning. Ari appeared in front of her, formed from the roses. He had to tie up the horses, hence his late appearance. Misty stood on his shoulder. A needlessly dynamic entry. "The fabulously flamboyant, flower living, feline preferring assassin. A good concept." He said with a smirk. Over the 5 year hiatus, Ari went from edge lord to flamboyant and dynamic. Being a crusader definitely left it's mark on him, whether or not he'd admit it.
"Beautiful yet cringey, daddy." Elaina said
"Deal with it, kid," he said

"I'll be damned." he said with a genuine smile upon seeing familiar faces. "It's been 5 years....... Leader and Child Slave. How yous been? Feels like Deja Vu."
P Paint The Wind FireMaiden

 

[Hanarei]

Lucille Irebrook ​

The fumbling of the young woman's fingers were left hidden under the table as she sat alone in a seeming relatively active tavern in the town. A rather uneasy look filled her face as she glanced around seeming uncertain about it all. It wasn't that Lucille couldn't be social... or at least try to be. She was more then happy to interact with others. Her experienced around others from a young age usually ended up... a bit rough. She was always worried about being mocked and ridiculed when dealing with strangers. The bandages covering her right eye only made her stand out more if her white hair wasn't odd enough as it was while maintaining and otherwise human appearance. Normally she could rely on 'him' to be there... but this time he had urged her to go without him around, at least while they were in some public setting.

Why can't he be here... nnn... it's so much better when he is around wh... when I talk to other people. What if I say something and people don't like me? What about my eye? I don't want people to hate me... I don't want to upset people by being around.... the last thing I want to do is bother other people... nnnn.... She shook her head seeming a bit nervous in thought overthinking things far to much, something she had been told plenty of times beforehand NOT to do yet she couldn't help but do so. She shook her head a bit biting at her bottom lip more trying to ease herself down. She had wanted to go out and to see the world like her savior, not just to see new amazing things but to also get to meet more people. She had to try and get over her natural nerviousness around strangers.

You really don't have anything to worry about deary. Just go on up n' talk wit a fella. Yee' be fine! The dwarven voice spoke out in her own head as she turned her head up looking forward. It was a voice she had heard before, Ms. B as she had told her to call her after she had fumbled with her dwarven name much to her own embarrassment. It had been some time hearing her speak, something that was not very unusual for her. The voices tended to come and go over time. Only her companion and those 'special cases' were the only ones that seemed to stick around at all times... for better or for worst.

"I'm sorry... I'm trying to be... it's just a bit scary... I don't want to go bothering someone..." She spoke as her voice was low, only partially audible as to anyone else it would appear as if she was talking to herself in a hushed tone. She fumbled a bit with her fingers. Her head was turned down as if shameful talking to someone across from her at the small table despite no one being there.

Nonsense sweetie, yer not gunna be upsett'in anyone wit yer charm so long as yah don' go steppin on d'ere toes. Go 'head! The voice ushered the nervious white haired girl as she looked up again seeming still quite uneasy before finally giving a light nod.

"Oh... okay... I... I will... I... I promise... j... just g.. .give me a minute..." She stammered still showing her worry though seeming to gain a little more confidence as she glanced around the room and towards the door. As tempted as she was to just go scurrying off and trying to get a room, she knew 'he' wouldn't let her hear the end of it if she didn't at least tell him about some sort of casual interaction with someone without needing him on her shoulder.

 

[FireMaiden]

"Yeah, nicest thing I could think of while still insulting him," Bailey said, "I try not to cuss around kids as young as Alex." Which was true, but not all the time. Anyway, her attention also turned to Elaine when she entered, and shortly after, she groaned as Ari appeared. Now, there was no denying the man's skill, or how far he was willing to go, but goddamnit, that fucking nickname and his arrogant ass was just a little much. Alex peered at the two newcomers from over Bailey's shoulder, his hand gripping her cloak as he watched.

"Mommy, is that-"

"Yes baby, that's Buttface McGee. The one and only," She sighed, willing opening the sctoth she had been ignoring for the most part, before turning a little on her stool. She had picked the one closest to the wall, so it was a little easier sitting there, especially with Alex on her lap. "I though you would've dropped the nickname, but it seemed my hopes were high for no reason," Bailey said, holding Alex a little closer. P Paint The Wind Kylesar1

 

[Allibi]

Anna Dwanne​

The sun shone through the rooftop of the building much like stars in a night sky. The room from the second floor has been the better option to rent for the few nights, although this place is nothing sort of an inn. This rowdy bunch of mercenaries was alot better than the criminal folks in the Prancing Pony in Loudwater. At least they keep you safer if you pay them well, compared to the lot there. And that was the reason that she skipped staying in Loudwater, and instead moved herself a mile or two away from it. Coming to town hitchhiking everyday to earn her coins, or for requests was what she was doing in these few days. And today's a day after the last. A slightly more generous request extended her stay one day longer than the usual.

Closing up a fiction book that she have been reading, she propped herself out of the bed. She couldn't spare more time lazing around in bed. Mainly because most of the caravan or carriages passes by this route mostly during this time of day, and also if its by luck she would be arriving the next town just an hour before sundown. Her things are already thrown into her Magical Dimension Bag prior before she started to read the book. Picking it up and slinging it over her shoulder, she picked up her staff that was resting next to her bed. Striking her staff twice onto the wooden floor board, the warding for her room came off. The wards were propped up for two things, keep the noise down ; the mercs certainly was very noisy all the time, and also serves as an alarm for intruders sneaking about or entering her room. Feeling the surge of magical energy back to herself, the sound flooded back into the room, or so it seemed.

It was pitch silence, aside from the sound of her footsteps, and the creak of the metallic hinges of the door to her room as she swung it open. Entering the silent corridor at the upper level felt unnatural, as Anna looked from one end to the other end. Did they sleep ? Or have they left already ? Twas the thought on her mind as she headed down the stairs. Her questions were quickly answered. Her journey down the flight of stairs was greeted by the smell of blood, accompanied by splatters of it, and corpses. She knows a weapon wound when she sees one, and as a reflex her hands glowed for a moment, before an invisible physical resistance barrier surrounded her. Assuming that a threat that still lingers, as the signs were fresh, she quickly ensured that the room was empty, before stepping herself outside the broken door.

Corpse littered the street. Whoever came surely did a thorough job. Looking around the place, she spotted a dwarf, one she have not seen before in the group of mercs, sitting himself up a cart. Not wanting to get close enough, as she have not yet ascertain the motives, she kept the distance between her and the dwarf at 50 feet, and well as following the queue that he closed his book at the moments she asked a question, augmented with thaumaturgy magic, so ask to sound clearly, yet not loudly.

"Ser, do you know what happened here ?"

Elekta Kount

 

[Elekta Kount]

Thruidaid Ironhammer
Dwarf Ironbreaker
The dwarf didn't respond at first, didn't even look at the new comer, instead taking another puff out of his pipe. He was currently staring off into the distance, the path that lead to the building currently surrounded by the dead.
A few moments of silence went by, before the dwarf took out the pipe that was in his mouth.
"Vengence, dwari." The dwarf said in a very low, yet simple, tone. "Vengence."
Allibi​

 

[Allibi]

Anna Dwanne​

"I see."

All she could reply to the dwarf's words is that. She couldn't gamble with more questions not touching something sensitive to the dwarf. Yet sensing no hostility from him, she could breath a little easier. And having a more compassionate heart for the fallen, she decided that she should prepare at least a quick rite for the dead before she move to the main path for a ride. Bringing her arms wide, she used the simplest form of magic, Shift Earth, as she channelled them onto the ground of the corpse, dragging them effortlessly to a form a row outside the building.

She knew doing such would eventually eat into the time she takes to the hitch hike a carriage to the next village, but her compassion compelled her so. Bringing the ones inside the building after the ones outside have been arranged, she placed them into a proper burial fashion ; arms crossed over the chest, legs straightened, eyes closed ; many couldn't do such. She didn't have the time or resources nearby for some flowers for each of the dead, as she left the corpses empty handed.

And when she's done with arranging the bodies, she centred herself in front of the row, planted her staff in front of her. Clasping her palms together in a prayer, head bowed, she muttered a silent prayer.

"In the name of.....to your life that you have lived........to the death that you have embraced........may the Heavens receive you with rest....."

Opening her eyes from the prayer again, she looked back around her again, searching for the dwarf that might have stayed to watch everything.

Elekta Kount

 

[Elekta Kount]

Thruidaid Ironhammer
Dwarf Ironbreaker
Thruid should have been outraged, but instead he grunted and sat there silently, watching the female manling.
It wasn't the fact that she was burying the dead manlings, for all he knew they were her kin, it was how she did it.
The earth to the dwarves were important to the dwarves, it was in many respects part of their homes, and to see a human, any being really, manipulate it like that, well...the manling should have been grateful that it was him that had reeked his vengence here today; Thruid knew if this had been his kin witnessing this, they'd probably be reaching for their axes.
Thing is, the kind of dwarves that Thruid was part of detested magic, especially , but for the most part their official policy was to tolerate it. Especially in these forging lands, there was really no point in fussing...but...it didn't sit well with the dwarf.
But aside from a few more grunts, the dwarf just watched the manling do her thing. As she was say her prayers to her gods, Thruid looked away again, and letting his mind wander to other things.
Allibi​

 

[Allibi]

Anna Dawnne​

"I guess that does it for me here." She muttered."Thanks for the money." She whispered, as she took out a pouch of coins from the side of her pocket, quite obviously alot heavier than before. Bringing her bag to the front, she tossed the fat pouch into her bag, the jingle of coins disappeared as though it has entered a void the moment it entered. The coins were obviously not hers, coming from the corpses she have dragged, around the place, and conveniently entered into a pouch as she arranged them for the ritual. She is, obviously, not so benevolent. Grunts from the dwarf as she prepared the ritual earlier might have been there to blow her cover, but she couldn't cared much, it was just her and him there after all. But she wanted to justify anyway.

"Its fees for the dead."

She spoke, before picking up the staff that she planted on the ground, and made a move closer to the dwarf. She have much time on her hands now. Its far too late now for a carriage ride to the nearest town. And seeing her current stay have been deserted, it won't be safe here either. The only option is to make a night over at Loudwater, or camp under the stars.

"So, where are you headed ? What's next for you ser ?"

Elekta Kount

 

[Bakuyoshi]

Beatrice had finally reached the town but when she attempted to figure out the town it was in another language. It was the language of the humans a language which Beatrice could knew very little of. And she could speak broken english "Lovely humans, step 1 has been completed. Step 2 should be to find some form of help. But not many humans know draconic. I have to speak their language, ah a tavern maybe I can find some people. Need all the allies I can get." With that she entered the tavern and looked around knowing she must've looked out of place. "Where am?" She asked in plain english to the tavern and it's inhabitants

Kylesar1 P Paint The Wind FireMaiden Hanarei

 

[Paint The Wind]

Arabelle chuckled at Bailey and Alex. She turned to face Ari’s voice. “Ari, making a dramatic entrance as always.” She didn’t even know the half of it, she hadn’t seen the roses or anything. “I missed you, oddly enough. Come on over, we have a lot to discuss.” She turned back to the bar. “Alex, how old are you now?”

Kylesar1 FireMaiden