Fantasy World of Gea: The Greatest Adventure [IC] [CLOSED]

[Dmaster]

Quite interesting indeed, not only was Sentry's skillset from a whole different age entirely she possessed the years of life to match it! And she apparently owed it all to some ring that she had worn on her finger. His jaw rolled gently before he clacked his teeth together quietly, index finger and thumb around his chin as he pondered the possibilities for a moment. "As I suspected, I am familiar with the time period. And you say some kind of sorcerer swiped you away from your post and damaged your memories..?" he had no reason not to believe her after that display. After all his own story was far more unbelievable.

"This ring that turns you to stone - did you get it from him? Is there some kind of curse placed on it preventing you from removing it. If you were to remove that ring - would you die?" Gawain asks, so vested in the subject that he was happy to bombard her with questions.

 

[Breadman]

"I can only assume that I will crumble to dust if I take it off." Sentry gave him a shrug. The question was rather morbid, but she would by lying if she said that the thought didn't cross her mind before. "It's not cursed however. It belonged to my friend while he was alive as it was the gods' gift to him. He was pushing two hundred when we first met." He voice changed tone when she started talking about that part of her past "When he died in battle...I was instructed to guard his tomb and to place the ring on my finger by the same gods."

"But my powers of stone don't come from it." Sentry changed the subject, not wanting to dwell too long on her past duties. It was only one part of Gawain's questions and despite his lack of features, he does seem like he is interested. It helped that she like sharing her own story with those who ask. Each time she did, she could feel some new detail come back to her slowly and maybe there was a bit of ego at play as well. But she couldn't recall an accomplished warrior who didn't boast a little big every now and then. "I was born with them. First time it happened I was a small girl learning inscription from my elder grandmother. My people had a word for that. Kamani. Children of the rock. But it was so long ago, I can't tell if our blood and our gift is passed down to others or if it vanished to history."

"Oh and yes." She suddenly remembered his first question "My current situation and damaged memory is a result of a sorcerer's handiwork. I think he was trying to take control of my mind, but it didn't go as he planned given the two stones that crushed his own." She boasted, but its what she needed to pick up her mood a bit. "I do wonder, have you ever tried looking into similar magics, master wizard?"

 

[Dmaster]

It would seem that Gawain's interpretation of her story was off given what he gathered from when it was told to the group. The ring was what caused her to persist after so many years and she had the powers of stone from before she had gotten it, and it wasn't placed by the sorcerer or was cursed. "I see, I see..." he muttered, writing the details into his own head properly before he gave a nod to her. "Well I appreciate the clarification. Certainly a most unique situation to find yourself in."

Then came her own question for him, to which he stopped for another moment to ponder. It was quite hard to tell if he was thinking as he aside from the occasional nervous tick of jaw movement his skeletal visage hardly changed at all. It wouldn't be all that crazy for Sentry to think the poor undead wizard shut down for a few seconds or so before replying. "Looked into those magical arts? Somewhat. If I had to hazard a guess he was trying some kind of charm or domination spell - trying to take over your mind and erase the old one. If you want my humble opinion I always found that school of magic to be a waste of time." Gawain admits, hands moving behind his back. "It is far easier to kill an assailant and reanimate their corpse if one is after a mindless thrall, frankly. Far less effort and while you may cast a couple of more spells to get there it's far more effective than spending so long to get it done in that moment. You wouldn't have been able to crush my head, that much is certain."

A few seconds of silence before he cleared his throat. "Not that I would make use of such a technique for reasons other than self defense. Would-be bandits make up a good amount of my undead employ back where I reside."

 

[joshuadim]

And like that, she had been hired! Gsera was more than pleased as she clapped her hands in excitement with a wide grin pasted across her visage as the news came around. "I'll do my best!" she declared aloud before returning her attention to other matters within the vicinity. What first caught her attention was none other than the Emperor himself, as well as the condition he was in. Brickblood so it was called in his language, yet she knew it differently back home. Nonetheless, it posed the same dangers and no amount of healing could ever deal with such a chronic illness as that. Yet she did decide to help alleviate the pain in another way as she obtained the captain's attention: "You can use the flower I grew to help him," she said, motioning to Leshy, "Its aroma helps soothe the body in times of illness."

Then she moved on to the next figure she had on her mind, the skeletal sorcerer, and made it apparent as she marched over to him and observed him with inquiring eyes for a few moments before speaking to Gawain: "I apologize if it's rude... but why did you lose your face?" she asked as politely as she could.

 

[Breadman]

"I wont lie to you master wizard, that form of magic disturbs me." Sentry wanted to be honest with her new collegue and while she did find the use of necromancy grizzly and horrid, Gawain's assurance that he would only cast such spells in self-defense a bit reassuring. He was clearly an intelligent man and seemed to be very much aware of the consequences if he would decide to reach for that tool for anything else. "But I'm no stranger to bloody work myself, having used skulls as a ward against thieves and grave robbers, so I don't know if I'm in a position to judge you. I just hope that after a certain time, you release those poor souls from service in order for them to be judged in the life after."

She noticed that Sera had quietly joined them and listening in. Sentry gave the girl a smile and let her join in the conversation.

 

[Dmaster]

As his rant on the efficacies of necromancy over mind control was concluded Sentry gave a rather measured reply, nodding in understanding. "Oh, I know that a great many people do not approve of necromancy. In some ways it denies the body its right to rest, which does not sit well with a great many of religions and beliefs. In my educated opinion I'm one to believe that the magic is not evil itself, as the spells are nothing beyond simple scribbles in scrolls or tomes. On their own, no less dangerous than your blade or the weapons you smith. What truly matters in these situations is the intent of the user. If I wished to, I could raise up an entire army to siege these very castle walls should I desire. But that would be a terrible waste of time and I would gain nothing from it. How would toppling a kingdom advance my research? It's a wonder how those with the penchant for necromancy justify its more... unscrupulous uses at all." he concludes with a brush of his robes.

Gsera then stepped up to Gawain to ask a rather probing question. Well, a presumably probing question that is. The wizard seemed all too elated to reply, cupping his hands together as he turned about to face her properly. "Not rude in the least, madam. For that is one of the great mysteries I seek to find out on this journey!" he exclaimed with a short nod. "I cannot rightly explain what that creature had looked like, every visual detail of it was scrubbed from my mind. Not that there was much detail to go off of, I surmise I had only about a second before looking at it rendered my blind. Beyond that, I could still hear the being in my ears, in my thoughts as it scratched at my mind and broke it down bit by bit. My eardrums exploded spectacularly, and my brain and skin began to melt before I fell to the ground and died. I estimate the process took about ten seconds or so, but I was in too much agonizing pain to get a proper measure, unfortunately." All of this said is with the upmost casualness and candor that it makes it simultaneously unbelievable and believable that it actually happened.

"The real mystery begins with my resurrection to the state in which you see before you. My mental abilities do not seem that terribly lost save for some amnesiac episodes upon when I first woke up - yet the more I focused on the event the more it came back to me. It is my hope that when I encounter the creature again, my new state of undeath will allow me to examine it for proper study." he answers with a quiet closing of his teeth. He seemed... excited to be relaying this information to another.

 

[joshuadim]

"...oh." was all Gsera managed to get out following Gawain's long explanation at the horrors he had experienced before quickly turning to Sentry. "I have to ask you as well... why are you so big?" she asked out of genuine curiosity.

 

[Breadman]

The barbarian held her chin while her fingers covered he mouth as she listened to the wizard talk with enthusiasm. Gawain seemed to be very casual with the most morbid of topics, which made Sentry wonder if there is anything that would really get under his skin. Then again, the man died and came back again faceless and jumped straight back to his studies. In the short time, he has proven to be one of the most unique individuals she's met.

I have to ask you as well... why are you so big?

"Excuse me?" Sera's question caught her off-guard "Big?" It took her a second before she understood the question "Oh, a balanced diet of meat, grog and vegetables for good measure. Exercise from traveling, fighting and a little bit of smiting here and there. The rest I think I inherited from my parents and grandparents. My father was a taller than me if you could believe that."

 

[joshuadim]

"I actually don't think I can believe that, I've never met someone so big to everyone else outside of my home... especially the Fir Bolg." Gsera replied with enthusiasm, "You would probably get along well with those folk!"

 

[Breadman]

After a brief silence, Sentry let out a laugh. The girl's innocence and curiosity was refreshing.

"I have never met one before." she spoke "But maybe you're right. Maybe I could get along with them after a sparing match or two."

 

[Roda the Red]

The Emperor of Eranoire himself, in the flesh! This wasn't exactly what Syll had in mind when he just casually accepted to bodyguard a carriage to Eran, but it was a welcome surprise nonetheless, as this ultimately proved this expedition was truly the real deal, finally a chance to meet challenges beyond the weakling bandits that would show up from time to time, a challenge that could finally have him find a breakthrough and become someone worthy of the title of Wizard. Still, it would be a lie for him to say that the colourful cast of participants wasn't overwhelming, and his somewhat introverted personality wasn't helping either.
But anyways, having a well known hero right next to him was something he couldn't just let pass up like that, so he turned and faced Ser Albero. "U-um, i know you must've heard this several times, but it's an honor to meet you, also looking forward to working together"

 

[joshuadim]

"Well you'd need to build trust first, they don't like outsiders... especially my kind." she stated, adding the information at the end as a means to blend in properly. "Tuatha and Fir Bolg don't get along well, you see? Haha..." she then said, giving off a nervous chuckle at the end.

 

[Breadman]

"Oh?" Sentry was interested in these people now "Now why would that be? Is it an old feud? Maybe argument over land? Or do you just not like each other?" She placed one hand on her hip while she cupped her chin with the other "If they're so unfriendly to outsiders they don't really like you because of that?"

 

[joshuadim]

"It's, well... complicated." Gsera simply stated as she anxiously looked to the ground, "Old history. Bad blood... lots of things between our peoples." She didn't exactly feel comfortable retelling this, especially since it wasn't her history. She didn't want to get too much into the details because it didn't feel right to do so but also because she personally knew the Fir Bolg and weren't hostile at all to her. An awkward position she had found herself in after surely placing herself there as well.

 

[Beann]

A Skæglin? Hmph…

Kastalli turned her head to look at the captain, her ears flattening in response to his glare. She was aware of the violent tendencies that a majority of her people held but she didn't think she appeared to be that threatening. Other than hunting animals for food and pelts, Kastalli had never hurt a soul. It was quite the contrast to her late husband as he used to be contracted to capture or kill targets. Of course, she was never fond of his work and it was hardly ever spoken about. Her ears perked up as Cécilia broke the silent glares, expressing her interest in Kastalli's origins. The woman concluded her thoughts by offering her a compliment. A light blush was visible across her cheeks as she was not expecting such a positive response to her unusual features. "Oh - you are very kind. Thank you." She bowed her head in response.

I hope that will not be a problem?

As expected, some were unsure of allowing the boy to join the expedition. Given how young he appeared to be, he could possibly be a liability. Kastalli nodded to the woman before looking back to Callop, offering a gentle smile. "It is not a problem at all." Although she was probably not the best choice to act as a guardian as her combat abilities were limited, Kastalli would do her best to ensure his safety.

Once the rest of the group introduced themselves, they were once again lined up. Without much of a delay, the Emperor of Eranoire made an appearance. What an honor! Although...he did not look all that well as he explained his ailment. She looked around, blinking a bit in confusion as the others around her knelt in his presence. This must be customary for them. She followed, kneeling for an appropriate amount of time before standing back up just as the others did. Once the importance of the expedition was expressed, the royal clerks passed out pouches - 250 denars to be exact. Kastalli bowed her head in gratitude as she received hers. She immediately tucked it away in her rucksack as she looked around again, wondering if anyone had questions for the Emperor. While she had a million questions running through her mind, she couldn't really find the correct words to spit it out. She stood in silence, trying to rack her brain a bit.

Her thoughts were interrupted though, as she felt an unusual pressure against her shoulder. She turned to look at the slime she and Callop noticed before. Then she looked at her overcoat that was covered in some green slime. "Please, do not worry. It can be easily washed." Kastalli shook her head, not really seeing it as something that needed to be paid for. "It is nice to meet you as well. Grunde, yes? If I may be honest, everyone here is quite unique but I do believe you top it off."

 

[EdwardDewey98]

"...My condolences on your illness, my lord. I lost my father to the brick a long time ago. I witnessed the excruciating pain one must endure firsthand...and I suffered alongside my father until his passing."

"Ah..." The Emperor looked away. While still smiling, his stare trailed off into the distance for a moment before he returned a respectful nod to Devereaux. "No need to feel sorry for me, monseigneur... In fact, I give you my condolences." said the Emperor, while giving Devereaux a more candid and genuinely kind smile. "I am blessed enough to be in a privileged position that allows me to have plenty of doctors and clerics at my disposal. An honor the common man does not have."

"You can use the flower I grew to help him, its aroma helps soothe the body in times of illness."

The Captain eyed Gsera for a moment and the flower she had created. He didn't want to bother the Emperor with such triviality, but it seemed like the Emperor himself heard the well-intentioned words of Gsera. "I thank you..." he said, while looking at the Tuatha woman. The Captain looked at the Emperor with a bit of worry. "Sire... you should not t-" "I recognize this flower." said the Emperor, interrupting Vedevel. "It is indeed a medicinal herb used in Sótiran alchemy... It's called Finn's Blessing. Hand it to me, Captain." The Captain sighed while taking the flower, giving a Gsera a respectful nod. "Thank you... my lady." said the Emperor, taking picking the flower from the Captain.

"What's our designated route, my lord? Where is our first destination?"

As the Emperor finished giving his apologies to the entertainer, the clerical beast man raised a good question. The Emperor shared a look with Cecilia for a moment before looking back at Dakarai. "A good question, good sire... Your venture will start in Brannoria and then... you'll will head to Skæg." There was a shared look of confusion and worry among some of the adventurers. "I know that some of the Skæglins are not exactly... welcoming, and for this very reason we've formed this expedition. But there are enough realms that will welcome you across the land, I am sure of it." Some might notice Cécilia looking rather disappointed at that moment. The truth was that she wanted to start this expedition in her ancestral homeland on the continent of Dúkũ, but recognized it'd be easier to start in Brannoria and Skæg before returning to Eranoire.

"How many banners will we march under? Will this expedition be carried out wholly in the name of the Empire of Eranoire, or under the crest of the expedition leader herself? Or perhaps both, or more?"

"Great, a Hamalan bloodhound." said the Crown Prince to his brother under his breath, to make sure that Angelica couldn't hear him. The Emperor just rolled his eyes, uninterested in his brother's commentary on the mercenary. "You'll be flying the colors the Cartographers Guild." he said while looking at a banner of Eranoire flying in the courtyard. "I am afraid that if you were to fly the colors of Eranoire in a foreign land, you might get confused for a raiding party. I do not wish you to be harmed because of regional politics." The young Emperor looked away for a moment, as if lost in thought. "...or past grudges."

Until now, Alberto looked at the rest of the party with curiosity. Wondering what adventures will be waiting for them out there. The news that they will be starting in Brannoria and the wild island of Skæg was pleasant to say the least. Even with all his years, he never explored the Northern regions of Helm, and always wondered about the lifestyle of the barbaric Skæglin raiders and their strange merchants. He snapped back to reality when Syll spoke to him.

"U-um, I know you must've heard this several times, but it's an honor to meet you. Also looking forward to working together."

"Ah, you flatter me young man, but do not think of me as a Hero, please." He then rested a hand on the young Hobálfar's shoulder. "I just do what I think is right, like many other men and women out there." He then looked back at Syll, wondering if the young man was thrilled about going back to Brannoria but unaware that the young lad just came from that realm recently. "So... heard what the Emperor said? We will be visiting your ancestral lands. What do you think, young man?"

 

[Breadman]

"I see." Sentry's response was rather short, but it was obvious the girl didn't want to delve too deep into the history "I know a thing or two about bad blood. Had plenty of that in my time as a guardian. Eventually...it all seems pointless when a few generations pass. What good are grudges if they leave your heart poisoned to the world?" She shrugged "Maybe they see it the same way?"

 

[Roda the Red]

"So... heard what the Emperor said? We will be visiting your ancestral lands. What do you think, young man?"

"W-well... to be honest i can't say much, it's just been almost a couple weeks since i arrived from my homeland, spent most of the last year properly exploring it for the first time...i just hope we don't have to stop by Ællgan, B-but anyways, the journey should be a smooth one, since i found little trouble in the last few months ". Syll looked behind him and noticed the others starting to talk with each other, "U-umm, i don't want to be rude but i think i should go talk to the others as well, so if you excuse me..."

Syll bowed slightly, turned around and walked away, truth is he wanted to retreat from the place, treat himself to a nice Rib Roast and potato stew with the upfront payment and train in solitude until the journey had to begin... but sadly as always life isn't that simple. This was going to be a long journey, one that will probably take at the very least two to three years, and he had to get to know those who would travel with him better... he just had to be careful with first impressions, since last time a little slip-up got him the nickname of "Arcane Butterfingers" from his mage peers.
He approached the Grunde and Kastalli, since the slime didn't seem like the most talkative folk, it could be a good start. "Hello there, once again i'm Syllannan, and i guess we will all be traveling together for a while". Syll stared at Grunde for a second, it was indeed shocking to see something like it, he had seen slimes of several colors and sizes in the past from the alchemists and summoners from the academy, but not even once saw them talking or showing signs of self awareness. "I can't help but notice there's some mana reaction around you two, it's good to meet more fellow mages"

 

[Infab]

Devereaux bowed again. "Thank you, my lord. And I am honored to be part of this expedition." he stated calmly, before straightening up. "I have no questions for thee and thine, as all I need has been explained to me. And I hope you are blessed with a more calm, relaxing evening." He then stepped back, looking about at the others as he shifted into yet another sort of pose. His hand to the chin of his mask, inspecting the others in the group as they asked their own questions or spoke to one another.

He looked among his potential targets. Angelica (or Angel, as he much preferred to call her) stood there, having spoke her question about who's flag they were to operate under. He'd certainly love to get to know her a bit better. Ah, but perhaps in a less populated place and under slightly different circumstances. He gently shook his head, making a few soft clicks with his tongue against the roof of his mouth. Sentry? Now there was a woman...who could probably kick his ass. Good thing was he liked women like that. He grinned faintly at the thought, but shook it off as he moved on.

Gawain seemed...the inquisitorial type. Not his cup of tea. Not at all. He'd refrain from talking to him for now...at least till he knew how to approach him without him delving into why his ancestors all had green eyes or something. Gsera, Kastalli, and Grunde were quite honestly adorable. He would have fawned over how cute they were, but now wasn't exactly the time. Really, he'd need to chat with Kastalli sometime. A fellow musician was always fun to have! Perhaps they could even play duets together! Zen seemed to be a bit of a loner, so he'd have to watch him to figure out how best to approach him...though Dakarai was a bit hard to approach himself. Holy men and women always were...and it was no doubt the same with him.

Devy's gaze shifted to Callop next, along with Fauxs. He gazed at him for a few moments, silent and still, before eventually sighing and moving onto the next one. He...That one is also difficult. Korzhev was another holy type, though this one was a shaman. A little more fun, mainly because of how wacky things could get when working with them. He grinned again under his mask, before moving on.

Syll...He was a cute one. Attractive, even. Just like that other young lad that joined up with the other group. Devy smiled. Thoughts for another time. As for the old man...he already knew of him. There wasn't much that he could talk to him about that he didn't already know...beyond some personal things. He didn't want to pry. Not now, at least.

"Decisions, decisions!" he whispered to himself. Who to chat up? Eventually, he played a little game in his head, his finger traveling between each of the members of the group. And eventually, his finger landed on Kastalli. "Ah, Kastalli! My soon-to-be best friend!~" he said cheerfully, as he approached. He took note of the others, and greeted each in kind. "Hello there! I'm sure you heard my introduction earlier!" he stated, giving them a graceful bow. "The magnificent Devereaux, at your service. Or Devy, if you'd prefer!~"

 

[Ace Cream]

Zen

Zen let out a sigh of relief when he heard the emperor said their destination would be Brannorian and then Skaeg, not Shigese. Now that his main concern had vanished, he backed down from the rest of the group to observe them from the distance.

For Zen, the slime was definitely the one who stand out the most. There's no slime in Shigese and all of the slimes he had seen until now were no more than mindless monster. At first he was skeptical about Grunde but he gave the slime's attempt at interacting an approving nod. It actually reminds him during his early days in Eran, he couldn't talk eranorians so he use body language to communicate.

Gawain.. Zen didn't like necromancer, most people don't. Gawain talked big about himself but Zen took his words with a grain of salt. He discover something so big and melted his face? The greatest wizard? Pfft, for all Zen know the skeleton might be an evil necromancer trying to act all nice because he pissed the wrong person and try to use the group as a meat shield. Well, since leader Cecilia didn't object his presence Zen can only keep an eye on him for now.

Devereaux, or Devy, was too cheerful for Zen, or at least act too cheerful. Who knows what kind of face he was making behind that mask? And honestly, until this day he still wonders what did the Eranorian find funny about people with white make up and checker or polkadot pattern. He simply found it weird, but then again he can imagine Eranorian also find something like manzai a weird thing.

Just like Gawain, Sentry talked about her history and how she's supposedly a few centuries old. Zen believed her story a bit, at least more than he believes Gawain's. Though he thinks she was stupid for revealing the things about her ring giving her immortality. If there's thief in the group they would know whose finger they need to cut. Maybe he should talk this down with her later.

Callop was a children but everyone seemed allright letting him joining the expedition. Zen wasn't opposed to make children works, especially if they can tame a wolf, but if Callop proven to be a detriment for the mission then Zen wouldn't hesitate to claim a complain to leader Cecilia.

Kastalli was too nice that Zen wondered if she really understand what she's signing for, but then again she might be a ruthless killer, he wouldn't underestimate anyone. It's not uncommon for assassin to be the nicest person you ever met before they stab your back. At least she seemed to become the unofficial guardian for Callop.

Angelica seemed to be the most fitting for this kind of mission honestly. Her question to the emperor showed that she know not only to swing her sword in the battlefield but also the paperworks behind it. Both were important and Zen would appreciate her experience in this mish mash of a group.

Despite looking rather out of place, Dakarai seemed to be an open and level-headed persons. If Dakarai thought this mission as his 'calling' then he should become a valuable and loyal ally. Zen felts like he can trust him the most out of the other hired individuals.

Speaking about out of place, Korzhev was obviously out of place. He said it himself, he was lost. Was it okay for him to be distracted by this expedition instead of keep looking for his home? It might take a while before they even visit anywhere near his home, but Zen didn't think he would be a hindrance.

Syllanan seemed like to be the only one with proficiency in both physical and magical combat. That's good to hear. Zen himself know a few ninjutsu tricks, which might or might not involve a bit of magic, but at the end of the day he still stabs his target with his blade, not blast them with a fireball.

Gsera was... something? Zen still feels something weird whenever he glanced at her, but it would be rude if he keep watching her for no reason. At least she seems like a nice person.

Zen nodded in satisfaction at his own observation. Looks like they had decent combat power, at least individually, but as a group? Only time will tell. He heard the tale of groups destroying themself because of some conflict between the members. If any non-sense conflict brew within the group, then he would be ready to stay the hell away from it.

 

[FloweryMuffin]

"Hmm... Actually, this is a very rough map, but I think I know the approximated location... This is the Chudovo Boloto... I think that means 'Great Swamp', west of the Vernadsky region." he said, while taking a closer look at the map He then shook his head. "Sadly, I don't know much about the Great Swamp other that there's several Kingdoms bordering it. Hopefully that will be of some use, beastman." Cécilia butted in the conversation, looking at the map as well. "...And who knows, maybe we can help you find your people again. If you so desire, Monsieur Korzhev."

“Chief, ma’am, Korzhev nodded to the captain and to Cecilia respectively, “that is truly some useful knowledge. I thank you for your most kind offer, but when the day I’m reunited with my brothers would be upon us, I would hope you’re in good health far away, for strangers are not looked upon kindly, most times.” His eyes were wide in a smile, as he departed. He had learned more in a single than he had throughout this whole journey. Hah, how it quickly took such an optimistic turn. But before that, he would have to travel longer, in the company of some fine fellows he had yet to address a few words to. He shall get to that shortly.


The money he was going to receive certainly did help motivate him to not run off out the door. After cheerfully receiving the pouch in question from a wary knight, who had been the unfortunate one called for the task, he’d enthusiastically exclaimed “I am no beast, iron-clad fella!”.

Taking another look at the ones making up the company he’d be travelling with, it occurred to Korzhev he could not delay speaking to them any longer. By then, some conversations had already taken place, between the great mage Gawain and Sentry and Sera, and also between the little slime and a strangely-eared woman, who were soon joined by a fellow carrying a giant axe.

Purely because the latter made a much funnier crowd, he settled on joining them as well. It would be preferable if his fellow travelers didn’t stare at him as if he was some sort of beast, as the knights had up until then. Surely they wouldn’t doubt he was no threat any longer if he paid them a compliment?

“A good day to you, sir, miss, little one”, once again he nodded to Syll, Kastalli and Grunde respectively, “Quite a weapon you have found yourself, no? No doubt it cuts through monsters like it would through grass, it cuts through wood the same, yes? Though, I don’t take you’d waste such a fine weapon on mundane work..” He’d addressed Syll first, then bent down to give Grunde a little pet. “Well, aren’t you a dashing little thing! Magical indeed! I do wish this journey treats you well. “And you madam”, he’d turned to finally look at Kastalli, pointing at her ears, “you must have some truly keen hearing, madam. You and the axe wielding fellow would make fine pine trees. Ah, you and the little one are yourselves knowledgeable in magic, no? Do entertain me with it sometime, if you would.”

 

[Auda]

"Please, do not worry. It can be easily washed."

An audible sigh of relief can be heard from the slime. Everything seemed to be going smoothly, great even, as Kastalli greeted the slime with a smile. Nothing in the vicinity seemed to be hostile to it but it never hurts to be wary. Swallowing up the pouch of silver coins once more, saving it if another accident happened with less understanding people.

"It is nice to meet you as well. Grunde, yes? If I may be honest, everyone here is quite unique but I do believe you top it off."

Grunde can feel itself puff up with pride from the… compliment? The slime had never been the best on anything, not that it was trying to become perfect in any way shape or form, but being praised, or just talked to, feels nice. “Thank you.” Grunde responded, a boost in confidence making its voice less shaky. There had been a constant nag, a drain, in the slime’s mind whenever they visit a place filled with civilization. The walls, when viewed from the outside, are always a reminder that it was built to protect people from monsters like itself. And it felt more like a cage than the jar when the slime is inside. But Kastalli with her calm and gentle aura was a breath of fresh air in a room full of tension and the overwhelming presence of the other adventurers. Just being near the Skæglin was enough to ease the slime’s tension as it remembered the forest where it previously lived. If Grunde focused enough, it could still hear its favorite song of birds and trees. How it was never truly alone with Sirius and Rigel watching over it from the night sky.

“I like how you feel.” The slime said, still basking in the feeling.

"Hello there, once again i'm Syllannan, and i guess we will all be traveling together for a while".

A sudden voice surprised Grunde out of its head. Looking at the newcomer, the slime couldn’t help it but to feel giddy at the thought of someone approaching it to talk out of their free will. “Hello!” Grunde greeted the boy back, a little too enthusiastic for a first meeting. ”I’m Grunde. Nice to meet you.”

"I can't help but notice there's some mana reaction around you two, it's good to meet more fellow mages"

The slime gave Syllannan a confused look. Grunde moved back as it let its senses ‘see’ the other person instead of its eyes. After some time, the slime suddenly gave a nod of understanding. It thought the half-elf was another adventurer that preferred the sword, or in his case, an axe, but upon closer inspection, Grunde can see his still developing core. It reminded the slime of the time where it practiced with magic for the first time. Grunde’s mind was filled with topics to talk about with the both Kastalli and Syllannan but another person introduced themselves before the slime can utter a word.

"Hello there! I'm sure you heard my introduction earlier!"

“Hello. I like... your mask.” Grunde replied to the jester, voiced laced with uncertainty. The slime didn’t know what to think of the man. Every part of him is distracting, unnaturally so, but maybe that comes with being a bard. No one really knows who’s underneath all the extravagance. Maybe that’s the reason why. Nonetheless, something about Deveraux unnerved the slime, especially the fixed stare of the mask.

“A good day to you, sir, miss, little one”

Luckily, another one of the adventurers decided to welcome themselves before Grunde can think too much about it. The slime gave the Vodyanoy a wave and a simple ‘Hello.’ Grunde didn’t notice it until now but the slime is currently talking to four people, at the same time. The sudden realization made the slime feel both happy at its accomplishment and nervous. ‘Little steps’ Grunde repeated in its head. Grunde then touched the top of its head right after, a smile already present in its face. The gesture was foreign to the slime. It wasn’t a near handshake or a hug, but the friendly gesture was nonetheless accepted and appreciated. “Thank you.”

 

[Fauxs]

Although he was recognized by the captain and a few members of the unique group they have formed, most still eyed him as if he was an upcoming nuisance; a member that was begging to fail the party in their journey. Yes, he was assigned to stay close with the two mentioned participants namely Sentry and Kastalli, but he did not feel like approaching them yet as he did not want to appear to be getting in their way. Instead, he stayed at the back with his true friend from the start; Fauxs. “I’m sure you believe in me, right?” he said while caressing Fauxs’ head. The wolf fae then leaned in closer to acknowledge the boy’s feelings. The way people thought about him was quite overwhelming and familiar as if it was similar to how his mother felt about him; dead weight. Of course, he hated the idea, which resulted in him staying quiet at the back of the group while they discussed among themselves.

 

[Beann]

“I like how you feel.”

"Oh?" Kastalli tilted her head slightly, a little confused at Grunde's statement as they had only touched her shoulder once. Either way, it sounded like a compliment so she responded with a simple 'thank you.' She wanted to know more about Grunde and how they came to be. It was mentioned that they were created by a wizard but that was about the extent. Of course, she didn't expect everyone to lay their whole backstory as an introduction. In due time, Kastalli would be able to learn more about these people - hopefully.

"Hello there, once again i'm Syllannan, and i guess we will all be traveling together for a while".

Another person joined in on the conversation. Syllannan. Not much could be said about him in regards to first impressions. He was cute, he wielded an axe and spoke about being a former student of the Silverin Academy. Kastalli had about zero clue what the academy catered to but she could easily assume it concerned magic given he addressed the two as 'fellow mages'. Other than Angelica, he seemed to be one of the normal ones out of the bunch. Not that normal was bad but in comparison to Dakarai or Korzhev, Syllannan ironically stood out. "It is a pleasure meeting you, Syllannan. I would not consider myself as a mage...I can only do a few spells with my instrument." She confessed, lowering her head in almost an apologetic manner. The one person here that was worthy of the title of 'mage' was probably Gawain. Even then, there were others that were much more capable than her in magic.

"Ah, Kastalli! My soon-to-be best friend!~"

"Hmm?" Hearing her name, she turned to see another member approach the slow forming group. Her tail swayed happily at the sight of the other musician and more so at his positivity. "Devy, it is wonderful that you are here. I have been meaning to speak with you. It has been quite some time since I spoke with another musician. We must perform together sometime!" There was an immediate shift from her rather polite and demure manner to one of excitement as she grabbed Devy's hands. "We could compose a few songs during our travels!" While she was quite comfortable with the majority of the group, her new friend brought an overwhelming amount of comfort on the pure fact that he was a musician. Saito had always told her she was a bit too trusting, especially towards overly friendly individuals but it was quite difficult to be skeptical towards Devy.

“you must have some truly keen hearing, madam. You and the axe wielding fellow would make fine pine trees.

Kastalli released her grasp on Devy's hands as Korzhev joined. She did not expect so many people to approach her - well, they probably had the intention to approach Grunde. They were the most interesting individual to learn about and she just so happened to be conversing with them first. Her ear twitched slightly in response before offering him a gentle smile. "Yes, they are very useful for hunting - ah, pine trees?" She wasn't quite sure what that meant. Kastalli glanced over to Syllannan, hoping he would know the underlying message behind it but it sounded like a compliment? She simply bowed her head in gratitude before looking around their small group. "So many unique members. I am very overjoyed to be in the presence of all of you!"

 

[joshuadim]

"I see." Sentry's response was rather short, but it was obvious the girl didn't want to delve too deep into the history "I know a thing or two about bad blood. Had plenty of that in my time as a guardian. Eventually...it all seems pointless when a few generations pass. What good are grudges if they leave your heart poisoned to the world?" She shrugged "Maybe they see it the same way?"

"It's not as simple as a grudge... I don't know how to explain it really." Gsera replied, getting more and more uncomfortable at the prospect of having to elaborate. "Believe me, I've tried to mend it but it always just goes back around to this. Maybe one day they'll make amends but I don't know. I wish I had the answers to that conflict." Rather meekly she then stepped away in an awkward fashion to disengage herself from conversation and left somewhat flustered to mingle with the rest of the group. Next on her list of to do was to speak to Callop, and to probe whether or not they knew each other and if he potentially could blow her cover.

She approached the child and his companion, looking them over for a moment before tilting her head innocently: ["I don't think I've seen you back home before."] she spoke in Sótiran, ["I'm Sera."] She hoped her introduction would help bring about conversation.