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

[FloweryMuffin]

"After all, not many live in the swamps in my homeland of Dúkũ. Those who do are specially equipped to handle the dangerous perils that lurk within. You could easily become a tasty morsel if you aren't careful."

“My, that sounds nothing like the swamp I’m from! Maybe, the most dangerous being you could possibly encounter is a Vodyanoy warrior on patrol! They in particular are not the type to greet strangers, unless it’s with a spear!"

"Then let us hope that this expedition will allow you to fulfill that very wish." He took a brief sigh as he glared spaciously into the crowd, "I'll be leaving my fellow brothers here for this trip. I wish they could join with me, but this "Great Journey" only calls for one of us to embark alone at Her Grace's request."

Seeing that his conversation partner had finally received a glass of his own, Korzhev clinked his glass against the reptilian’s this time. “To your health! May this journey return you to your kin soon enough you’d no time to miss them!”

Not much later, Korzhev watched as one of the adventurers, quite obviously drunk, asked Dakarai for a dance in between hiccups. He chuckled. “Why, he seems rather interested to hear your answer! We’ve quite a lot of time to finish this conversation afterwards, if you so choose to join him!”

 

[Auda]

"Here, you can have this if you want, take it as a token of companionship, we are going to travel together for a long time after all"

Grunde stared at the gift. If slimes can blush, its whole body would've been an entirely different shade of green by now and instead of butterflies, little bubbles started appearing in its stomach showing how it felt. The gesture was foreign to the slime. Not just the random act of kindness, but how Syll went the extra mile to give it a gift on their first day of meeting. Taking the orb from the Hobálfar's hand, Grunde carefully nestled it between its arms. Its 'stomach' certainly still have space for it, but it decided not to eat the gift and instead chose to preserve it as much as it can. Though the gift being a pure manifestation of mana, will not last unfortunately, especially when it's near the slime's constant drain. The slime's limited vocabulary can't express the emotions threatening to spill out of its body thanks to Syll.

"Thank you." Probably one of the biggest smiles it can muster appeared on Grunde's face.

I knew at that moment that they were not like any other slime out there." She looked at Grunde and gave them a smile.

Acts of affection, while foreign and overwhelming with others, came easily as breathing to Grunde when it came to Cécilia. The sorceress had been Grunde's only friend for a long time and it quite literally owed her its life. If their paths never met, the slime would've still been in that forest, unable to meet its companions right now and experience the many gifts of the world.

"I apologize if I am interrupting your conversation," she started, bowing her head to both the Hobálfar and the slime in respect.

The nice lady earlier approached their table, her aura still soothing to Grunde's senses. The slime greeted her with a quick 'hello' and shook its head, signalling that it doesn't mind at all. The word 'dance' did pique the slime's interest as it looked around the tavern noting how others are standing up from their tables and the sudden change in the atmosphere. Dancing, while it looked fun, is unfortunately not for the slime. It required a certain amount of dexterity and a feel to the rhythm to avoid looking like a fool. Though the most important is probably the usage of legs, which the slime didn't have. It's not like dancing is one of its interest, so Grunde just sat back and watched as the others danced to their hearts content.

 

[Fauxs]

After being halted by sentry, Gsera seconded the emotion. “Lost all of your… contents?” The boy asked confusingly to Gsera as he didn’t know what that meant, alongside the fact that the lady didn’t look like she hated it as her grin reached from ear to ear.

While still holding the cup, he pondered at the idea as to why he couldn’t drink this beverage even though everyone seemed to enjoy it so well. Later on, he was approached by sir Alberto who offered him just a tad bit of this ‘wine’ they spoke of. The boy watched as the knight poured him a few drops in a mug, enough for a quick sip. Meanwhile, Fauxs became the center of attention by the other members of the company, providing him a plate filled with bone after bone in which the creature found delightful.

Just as he was about to take a small sip of wine provided by sir Alberto, he was once again interrupted by another member of the company; Zen. As Zen halted the boy’s action, he decided to pour more wine into his mug, resulting in it to almost fill up.

Letting out a sigh, Callop finally had peace and quiet with his drink, or so he thought. Just as he was about to drink from his mug, he was stopped once again. This time it was a reaction by Kastalli. After informing the lad not to drink such a large amount of wine, she gently took it off his hands and fixed him up a new drink, leveling the same amount as to how much Alberto gave him.

At last, the boy was finally alone with his beverage. As he held the cup with both hands, he started to move it closer to his nose and took a small whiff. ‘Sharp’ the boy thought, as the sharp smell of the wine lingered inside his nose in which he did not appreciate at all. “On second thought, maybe I’ll just have a glass of water.” he muttered while letting go of the cup, placing it at the table, and approached the front desk, asking for a glass of water.

 

[Roda the Red]

Seeing the slime accept the little gift and show gratitude made Syll feel very glad, while he tends to keep to himself most of the time, the half elf really enjoyed making others happy, it was a good habit he got from reading so much about heroes of old.
He then noticed Kastalli was back, kind of strange since it didn't seem like she played with the other musicians as of yet.

"would you spare some time to dance with me, Syllannan?"

The half elf stared at the open hand for a second, and then looked behind him. It seems there were no other folks named Syllannan nearby, so she must be talking to him... But why would she? perhaps moral obligation, maybe even pity. Still, whatever the reason may be, it would be improper to reject such a polite invitation, specially from one of his new companions.

"Well, if you are willing to put with my two left feet, I'll take on your offer" said Syll as he took the cat girl's hand.

 

[Beann]

"Well, if you are willing to put with my two left feet, I'll take on your offer"

"Of course! We can trip and fall all night - so long as we have fun doing so!" Kastalli grinned happily as she used both hands to pull Syllannan out of his seat and onto his feet. Still holding his hand, she led him towards an open area of the tavern where the rest of the patrons were dancing excitedly or drunkenly...or a combination of both. "Allow me to show you a traditional dance from my homeland!"

Guiding one of his hands to the small of her back, she rested her own on his shoulder and then intertwined her fingers with his free hand, holding it out to the side in a raised position. Figuring Syllannan was not much of a dancer, she decided to teach him the basics, going slow at first despite the fast beat. "When I step back, you step forward, and then we step to the side together…" Her head was lowered as she tried to watch their feet, hoping that neither of them would step on each other. "And then you step back, I will step forward...step to the side...and we move in a box!" She looked back up at him, squeezing his hand gently. "Now -! Every time we step forward or back, it will be a jump instead! And every time we step to the side, stomp like you mean it!" Again, she walked through the modified motions slowly a couple times for Syllannan to get accustomed to it.

"Now, we speed it up!" Combining all the movements together, Kastalli led the dance to follow the music. There were a couple other additions to the dance that included some twirls and spins and occasional claps but she felt that might have been a little too complicated for her dance partner. "Loosen up your muscles - do not be shy! Everyone else is focused on their own dancing or drinks. It is just us two now."

 

[Roda the Red]

Syllannan was struggling to keep up with the foreign dance, quite different to the energic and boisterous Brannorian dances, quite a few times he was just an inch from stepping on his dancing partner whenever he had to step forward. Yet slowly but surely he started to understand the pattern, and found that it was strangely fun to follow along, steadily increasing the pace whenever he stomped as instructed.

"I think I got the general gist of it, not the kind of dance I am used to, that's for sure"

 

[Beann]

"I think I got the general gist of it, not the kind of dance I am used to, that's for sure"

"But it is fun, no?" Kastalli chuckled lightly, thoroughly enjoying the dance. It had been quite some time since she had a dancing partner that was able to keep up with one of the traditional dances from her homeland. Despite a few close calls from Syllannan almost stomping on her feet, she had to admit that he was performing better than she anticipated. She only hoped he was enjoying his time dancing as well.

As it would seem he was getting accustomed to the pattern, Kastalli pulled her body in closer to his. Given that she didn't want to get her feet stepped on, she had modified it earlier to keep a safe distance but now she had hardly anything to worry about. Besides, at such a close distance, there wouldn't be a need to shout over the music just to converse with one another. "You are a very fast learner, Syllannan! Truly - I am impressed!" She grinned happily as she continued, "hopefully you can teach me something about your homeland as well!" Of course, it didn't have to be anything related to dancing or even music, but she was curious about the different cultures. In all honesty, she hoped to learn a little about everyone's homeland and their specific trends as well. Adding in a bit of flare to their dance, she loosened her grip on his hand before twirling underneath and out so that both of their arms were fully extended. Without a moment to spare, she spun back into their original position.

 

[Roda the Red]

"But it is fun, no?"

"well, quite a bit actually" Syll was never one to party much, he would rather take a seat in peace, yet this style of dancing had a certain... Elegance and grace that he found quite appealing. The elf cheerfully moved along, having gotten quite confident with the pace.

"You are a very fast learner, Syllannan! Truly - I am impressed! ---hopefully you can teach me something about your homeland as well!"

Syll giggled for a second, he was flattered by her compliments, come to think of it, "fast learner" was a pretty foreign term for him.

"Well, if anything that's because you're a great teacher, wouldn't expect any less from a musician others before"

He was then catched off-guard by Kastalli's sudden trick, but quickly realized her intention as he firmly held her extended hand, and resumed talking after she twirled back.

"And I'll gladly join the cultural exchange, feel free to ask away"

 

[Develius]

Dakarai flinched once he felt someone rest awkwardly on his scaly arm.

"Y...Ye wanna... dance, m´lord? [hic] I... dance very good! S-Sorry... [hic] ...I dance very well!"

Quickly he turned around to note Paulin's drunken invitation. He immediately began feeling uncomfortable, being caught off-guard and not quite knowing what to do. Clearing his throat, the sobekan attempted to come up with some kind of a polite declination.

"Uh, I um~" he stammered. He motioned his gnarled snout towards Korzhev, as if he was waiting for him to step up or tell him what to do in this instance.

“Why, he seems rather interested to hear your answer! We’ve quite a lot of time to finish this conversation afterwards, if you so choose to join him!”

Dakarai winced at the frog-man's sudden betrayal, bearing his jagged teeth. "By Sobek'nia, curse you..." he growled within his consciousness. It wasn't everyday that he was asked to dance, let alone by an intoxicated individual such as him. And even then he wasn't the greatest dancer - at least in terms of human-oriented moves that is. It would get worse for him as Cécilia arrived to only further encourage their interaction.

"Heh! A dance would be excellent, since it's our last day in a proper city for a while! Dance, lads! Celebrate!"

A forced guttural sigh exuded from the croc's maw, now finding himself defeated in a three on one battle as he rose to face Paulin's sloshed movements. "Very well." he grumbled as he firmly grasped the man's arm, "But only if you can keep up with this~!"

He rapidly twirled the man around in place with surprising speed and precision, illustrating a staple but intense Sobekan dance move - the famous "Death Whirl Boogie"!

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Weary, lost, and frustrated, Petrocoles pushed his way through the darkened human city with the same steady determination he always traveled with - no matter where to. While still a young bull who had not seen a full twenty summers come to pass, Petrocoles towered over most of the little humans who hurried out of his way. Rightfully, as they should. They chittered and chattered in their melodic, wispy language, and his grasp of this local tongue was... fairly poor, he had to admit. Leave it to the little races to create as many tongues as pottery in his grandmother's care. And leave it to grandfather to ensure he had the ability to speak in their ways, if only enough to get through a regular conversation and not much more. But at least he knew the vulgar words. Grandfather was as stoic as he was humored in his diligent, relentless teaching. When some human - or another similar looking kind, like the even more slender Álfari - saw fit to speak vulgarity to him, an honored warrior, he offered a chest rattling growl and huff. Sometimes he even clacked his hoof against the cobble to make a point.

They called him foolish for coming here. Well, that much he could agree with, but it was mother's suggestion and so he felt bound to follow through with her idea. Even if it was a quest in exhaustion and futility. He had little of their currency, could barely make use of their singing language. He knew no one, and none knew him. After all, what would these manfolk know of the great and wondrous Vasev the Black, the greatest of all Minotavurs? Nothing, that was for damn sure. But mother suggested he come visit this city in the complete opposite direction he was supposed to go. Really - what was that woman thinking? He would never find the fabled sword at this rate....

A particular uproar caught his notice nearby. The tavern - the Happy Goblin - seemed to be hosting some sort of festivities. Humans. Always making a holiday out of everything. Where was the temperance? The pride to abstain from seductive substances? He shook his head, and made to move on, but hesitated. Taverns had rooms to stay the night. Perhaps, in their generosity for being in a mirthful mood, they may grant him a room at a fair price and not attempt to empty his meager purse for a straw mat. His stomach growled in sympathy. He was also rather hungry.

Sucking in a deep breath and squaring his shoulders, Petrocoles strode into the Happy Goblin and found himself assaulted by madness. Shouting, clapping, cheering. People - not just humans, but a great variety, even greater than the streets - were dancing in a gleeful assembly. He slouched, shoulders drooping, and he suddenly felt very self-conscious. Petrocoles was clad only in a thick leather apron over his loincloth. Seeing how well dressed everyone was, now he felt like he was the rude and vulgar one. He should have put his chiton on before entering - but it was too late now, for he was already inside, and he did not wish to be awkward. With his stonemason hammer on his back, at least he didn't look entirely out of place among the other warriors.

Gulping, but keeping his head up, Petrocoles carefully and politely pressed his way around the dancing people towards the bar. There was a large table with a whole host of interesting figures. A giant scaled man much like a swap creature, a tiny bird person, a human in full metal armor, a wolf... a wolf at a table? Surely, this must have been a wedding he had stumbled into to garner such colorful characters! Uninvited, unaccounted. Oh, Vihra... how awfully rude of him! Apprehensive, he found he couldn't turn around to the door after all - not through all the dancers. Oh, no. Oh, dear.

Petrocoles huddled up to the bar. Everyone was drinking heavily. Ale, beer, wine. He could smell the almost sickening mixture in the air. Not that he didn't like wine, but soup so often became spoiled when you added too many ingredients.

When an attendant spotted him, Petrocoles rumbled a quiet whisper. "Milk. Please. Thank you." He tried to keep his gaze away from the big party and the dancers, for surely he was being a terrible fiend to intrude upon this event. How shameful of him! An honored minotavur warrior such as himself should never intrude in such a way.

 

[Beann]

"And I'll gladly join the cultural exchange, feel free to ask away"

"Oh -!" Kastalli's tail perked up at the opportunity to ask Syllannan about his culture. She expected more or less for him to pick and choose whatever he wanted to share about his homeland so she didn't have a question right away. "Let me think…" Humming in thought, she continued their dance as if the routine came naturally to her. Many times in her homeland, she was used to performing this dance, on top of singing and playing an instrument. Without the added tasks, it was much easier to concentrate on something else without messing up the footing. "Well, I would love to learn your style of dancing but also...hmmm...perhaps the type of cuisine that is common? Bonus points if it involves fish!" Kastalli offered Syllannan a wink at her last statement. A woman with cat ears and a tail, one could easily connect the dots that her preferred meal had to involve seafood.

While waiting for his answer, her attention shifted elsewhere, specifically to Dakarai. She hadn't expected him to be the type that would want to freely dance but she was interested to see - Her eyes widened as she watched him twirl Paulin around at great speeds. That looked surprisingly fun! Kastalli couldn't help but chuckle slightly at the sight, making a mental note to approach Dakarai later for a dance as well. However, while observing another pair's dance, her own movements slowed. Not considerably but enough for Syllannan to catch up and stomp right on her foot. "AH -!" Her tail puffed up in shock, pulling away from Syllannan and stumbling backwards. She hopped on one foot backwards, trying to cradle the foot that was injured before she bumped into a wall. Or so she thought was a wall. Turning around, she realized she had bumped straight into someone else! Bumping into another dancer was one thing but into a patron minding his own business? Oh, she felt incredibly bad. "I am so sorry! My deepest apologies!" Kastalli bowed her head a couple times before looking back up. "Uhm...I like your horns!" Why not throw in a compliment in hopes a bar fight wouldn't start in her clumsiness?

 

[Dmaster]

Gawain tilted his head at the drink on offer, taking it from Alberto because he was more or less forced to. While he did enjoy his wine he had to come to grips with the fact that due to his hollow jaw he would not be able to drink this at all. He sets the mug down and just sits at a table at the far edge of the room, opening up his spell book to give it a read over. Unfortunately the skull-headed mage was not much for dancing and merry making. There was much work he had to do and leads to discover, yet he was not aiming to put a dour mood on the festivities taking place in the tavern.

Already he could tell that much of the exploration party had too much to drink, Gsera looking thoroughly inebriated at this point. While he slightly missed the ability to eat and drink the undead did not miss getting drunk. For the moment Gawain just kept to himself, flipping the pages of his heavy tome as he rolled his jaw about in thought.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Petrocoles hadn't realized someone had bumped into him, at first. He was timidly trying not to stand out any more than he already was. When Kastalli finally spoke up, he glanced aside, bemused, until he realized the nudge wasn't his imagination. The feline lady looked positively embarrassed. That made him feel embarrassed, too. "No... no... it is okay," he said, quickly. Her sudden compliment also caught him off guard and he blinked at her, before looking up to try and see his own horns, before making a slight snort at his foolish gesture. "Uhm... thank... you?" Petrocoles could hear his grandfather already tsking at his behavior.

Clearing his throat with a rumble, Petrocoles raised his head. "Thank you, lady. These be horns of an honored warrior. I shine them myself," he said with more confidence, almost aloof, his words somewhat stilted in the common way when a minotavur spoke a language made for smaller tongues.

 

[EdwardDewey98]

"I'll lead."

Alberto gave Sentry a smile as she grabbed him and pressed him against her. He was used to dancing with strong women: it's how he met his wife after all. He had to admit, though, that the grip of the towering barbarian was certainly stronger than any of the previous ladies he had danced with. "W-well! Lead on, m'lady!" he said, before being dragged away into the dance floor. Joining Syll, Kastalli, and the other adventurers that were enjoying the music. A few moments later they were joined by another couple, Dakarai and a clearly inebriated Paulin. Cécillia looked at them with a smile.

"But only if you can keep up with this~!"

Until she saw Dakarai's dancing abilities, suddenly spinning around with the young man on his arms. Paulin, who was heavily intoxicated, begged Dakarai to stop after a few seconds. A now dazed and confused Paulin tried to get back to the table, but all he did was push a fellow fighter into a table, which broke under the adventurers weight. Laughter could be heard across the eatery as the fighter slowly got off the broken table, cleaning the stains of food from his clothing and armor and glaring at Paulin, who still seems to be confused as to what was going on at the moment.

Cécilia simply laughed at the comical scene. Luckily it wasn't going to escalate into something else. She noticed that Gawain was sitting just a few stools away from her, and she pondered whether or not she should talk with the sorcerer as he was concentrated on a book. But as she pondered, she noticed a new person enter the establishment, A Minotavur! What was this man doing here, so far away from the Cortarion mountains? He must have arrived to Eran recently, since she would have heard if a Minotavur was roaming the streets. She watched as Syll let go of Kastalli after stomping on her foot by mistake, and the poor woman crashed against the Minotavur. Kastalli was polite and apologized, and the Minotavur responded respectfully. He even spoke a bit of Eranoiran! It was quite a feat for a minotavur to speak a human or alfari language, and this only made Cécilia's interest in the bullman to peak.

"Excuse me, my friends." she said, while approaching Kastalli and the Minotavur. "I hope you don't mind if I speak with you, sir!" she said before making a few hand gestures, asking the same question again just in case he didn't understand. Minotavurs were known for having created a complex sign language which they use when speaking with neighboring human tribes or settlements. "I want to ask you, sire... Are you an adventurer by any chance?" she asked, using both her voice and the hand signs.

Meanwhile, the rest of the tavern kept celebrating and dancing. It seems like Fauxs had become quite popular among the other members of the company, as a few of them were now playing with the Cú-Sídhe. Some of the other members were getting a bit too rowdy and cheery, a few were now dancing on the tables as the musicians played a few more rustic songs while awaiting for Kastalli and Devereaux to join them. Some members of the company even tried to spark conversations with the members of the main party.

A pair of archers talked with Zen about his job as a messenger. A member of the wizards among the group at point approached Gawain to speak of the Theorem that seems to have made him famous outside Brannoria. A few members of the fighters talked with Callop as the others kept playing with Fauxs. The barbarians from the Cortarion mountains gathered around Korzhev, drinking copious amounts of beer and ale next to the frogman and sometimes talking about rare but strong brews with him. Grunde was approached by the other wizards in the company, but despite the fact that they were friendly to him, their questions were deeply academical and too hard to understand for the poor slime. Gsera, who was still feeling sick after he binge of two mead cups, was approached a few times by members of the company who tried to compliment her looks. This fell on deaf ears, as she was still dizzy and tired. Overall, pleasant conversations that strengthened the unity between both groups.

 

[Roda the Red]

"Syllannan Marley, you idiotic lubberwort!" Said Syll under his breath as he watched Kastalli bump against a large individual at the counter, he quickly walked to them, in fear things might get ugly. After all, in the past he's seen barfights start by a mere bump of shoulders.

"I-i apologize to both! it was my mistake"

He then noticed that his employer, Cecilia, has approached and engaged in conversation as well, she's even on the hunt for more recruits it seemed, and to a stranger that may well snap at any second no less! Syll felt both scared and impressed by the scholar's determination.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Petrocoles was surprised at the appearance of Cécilia. He suspected she was back up for her friend, both probably mutually hoping that he wasn't going to lift and toss her like a barrel, but her desire to talk - signed, no less - stunned the minotavur into a simple nod. "Adventurer?" He rumbled, as if confused by the word. He was no mere vagabond wanderer! Of all the bulls from his town, he was an honored warrior... despite, perhaps, not technically... by ceremony... officially... numbering among that rank. But that was well beside the point, and there was no use in debating labels, after all.

Signing back, he said, I am a questing warrior. By effect, through your language, I suppose that adventurer is an ample if not crass term.

Another figure came hurrying forwards. Petrocoles squinted down at Syll and nodded his head. "Peace," he said amiably.

 

[FloweryMuffin]

Korzhev regretted suggesting to Dakarai to dance with the drunken adventurer, up until said reptilian spun said drunken adventurer in the air with such speed he could’ve sworn he saw the poor boy’s face gain an uncanny shade of green. The outcome turned out to be far more hilarious than he had previously anticipated. So much so, he was clutching his sides from the laughter.

“My, surely that’ll worsen the poor boy’s hangovers, should he see it pass!” Korzhev managed, in between chuckles, “I am truly thrilled to see that underneath all those scales, hides some joyous humour! I almost want to ask for a dance myself.” He looked sympathetically over to the disoriented Paulin, then poured some water into an unused glass off the table and hopped off the chair and towards him. “Here’s to a less-than-headsplitting headache come morning!” he smiled as he handed him the glass.

After that whole episode, when the barbarians had joined him, drinking from mugs of considerable size, as they rambled on about rare herbs and brews, he’d cheerfully reminded them, as he poured himself some more wine, “Lads, you shouldn’t forget about the virtues of the good ol’ weeds growing on the side of the road! So often do the most mundane plants make for the best brews!”

 

[EdwardDewey98]

Cécilia looked at Petrocoles with utter fascination for the Minotavur. The same fascination she had for Korzhev and Dakarai. They were beings so foreign to Eranoire and most of western Helmos that she was tempted to ask Petrocoles several questions at that very moment, but she soon realized that she had a better question yet. Seeing that this man carried a weapon and some protection, both in the form of his leather raiments and his natural Minotaur endurance. Through sign language, she offered him something that he might find useful.

I see, I appreciate your answer. Please, allow me to help you. She signaled before pulling out a scroll from her robes. This is an scroll of language, it will not harm you or hurt you. It'll help you speak both fluently and without too much trouble. Once she finished translating her thoughts, she activated the scrolls effect. "You can understand my language much better now, don't you?" she asked in regular Eranoiran. And indeed, Petrocoles was capable of understanding her without any trouble whatsoever, and was capable of speaking it now. Looking around the tavern it was a bit difficult to read signs and the like, but he could learn that a later date if he wanted to.

"Since you are a traveler, I wanted to ask if you'd be interested to travel with us... You see, monsieur Petrocoles, I've organized an expeditionary company to explore the whole of Gea! From the Old Continent to the New Continent... and since you seem to be a strong and well equiped traveler, your service could be much appreciated! Here's a flyer... and we promise a grand reward in silver!" Before she let him respond to her question, she raised her hand to stop him. "...Do not feel pressured to join us because of the magic I just used. Consider it a gift from a fellow traveler... if you want to join the expedition, feel free to join us at the table!" She gave the Minotavur a smile before slowly turning around, hoping that he will join them in their travels.

On the dance floor, Sentry had properly exhausted the old knight, who was left panting and breathing heavily after that number. "I... I'll g-give you this, señorita... you really know how to shake them bones!" he said before giving her a courteous bow. "T-truly... an honor. Hopefully next time... I will catch up with you!" he said before pulling his helmet off and lowering the cloth hoodie he was wearing, revealing long white hair. "I am... proper parched! I need some good wine!" Just as the old knight finished speaking, Cécilia banged some silverware against her silver goblet to grab everyone's attention. However, it did not work. Everyone was having fun and drinking, except for Gawain who was still reading a book. She thought of subtle ways to attract everyone's attention, since using magic, might get her in trouble with the other patrons but she just shrugged off these thoughts and used a little spell she knew.



"Could I have your attention please?"

Her voice was heard by everyone on the room, the musicians stopped playing their music and the dancers looked back at the table with curiosity. "To all members of this expedition, please sit down and fill your mugs with drink! Wine, beer, brandy, water, whatever you want or need." As she said that, she used another spell to pull something out of her backpack, it appeared to be a bottle of pure raw mana which she promptly placed it in front of Grunde without breaking eye contact with the others. Slowly but surely everyone in the expedition took their place in the table and sat down, filling their tankards and mugs with liquid while awaiting their leaders words. Alberto looked about the room for a moment, before looking at Cécilia. "I believe we are all here... At least most of us. There's still a few out there in the city."

Cécilia nodded, know full well that there were a few others not here, but the majority was and that was all that mattered to her. Before speaking, she cleared her throat and took a deep breath since she wasn't used at giving speeches. "Mesdames et Messieurs, je veux tous vous remercier! Thanks to every single one of you for being here right now with me. Tomorrow, we are going to embark on a mission that's never been done before. We will be the envy of explorers for generations to come if we succeed! I know I've said this a lot throughout the day, and the Emperor made sure to send this point across, but the importance of this expedition is far greater than any of you might think!" She looked proud and rather stoic, giving everyone she noticed a respectful nod before continuing, her expression being more respectful and less boisterous. "...Not all of will make it through, as sad as it might be. Some of us will die on this expedition... but none of our names will be forgotten. Your families will be rewarded with the silver you've been promised!" Some of the members of the company began cheering and clapping at the scholars words.

"So! This is why I want to toast in your honor! For your health and might we all see this journey through from start to finish! Bottoms up!" she said before gulping down her wine. The company was quick to join her, and many slammed their tankards and mugs on the table. Cheering for the adventures to come. "Now... my friends, before we continue this night to remember... let me ask you this. What do you plan to do once we finish this quest?" she said while giving everyone a smile. "...I plan to buy a telescope and keep on exploring far more than just our land. With the proper equipment, I will explore the stars and the constellations beyond Gea... from a lofty and preferable sitting position." she said while laughing out loud.

She eyed Grunde for a moment, noticing the little slime was still holding tight to their gift. "...And of course, if you want my friend... you can always look at the skies with me." she said, with a genuinely kind smile on her face. Alberto decided to join in the question. "Well... if I'm still kicking around at the end of this journey... and I have finished all my loose ties... I'll probably go settle down with grandchildren. Watch 'em grow as much as I can." he said, while serving himself more wine. Paulin, who was still a bit dizzy, just raised his head and said. "Onions... I will plant lots of... Onions. They are good..." He looked down at the mug. "...or get m'self a man that treats me right." Paulin then lifted his cup in the air. "...For Onions!" he said before gulping down another tankard of mead.

The other members of the company gave their answers as well. Most said that they were ready to settle down once this adventure was over, and only a few planned to continue their lives as a travelling blades. There were a few who wanted to buy land and become petty landlords or freemen. Some thought about investing in local businesses such as wine and metalwork. "I plan to become stronger..." said the Hedge Knight, who had introduced himself as Ser Justinian. "...so I will not have to depend on items or... potions... to ensure my success in battle." he said before crossing his arms, shuddering a bit. "All interesting ideas!" said Cécilia while taking another sip from her wine. "...And what about you?" she said while looking at the rest of the company.

 

[joshuadim]

By this point, Gsera felt like she wanted to pass out and sleep for a hundred years due to her inebriation. The sounds around her seemed to blend together and grow quieter as her own body desperately wanted to rest instead of, for some reason, being kept awake by her as she tried her best to remain in the conversation. Cécilia gave a rather rousing speech that garnered everyone's attention as well as some cheers. Yet what came next was entirely unexpected: she wanted to know what everyone would do at the end of all this with their payments and themselves. As people opened up on their own ambitions, Gsera simply stayed quiet and tried not to burst into tears as she set her head back to the table. I just want to find her and ask why she left us both... she simply thought as everyone else reveled in the moment. She didn't want to damper the mood.

 

[Infab]

Devereaux chuckled, crossing his legs as he sat at the table. "...Well now, that's something I've never really thought about! I tend to enjoy the journey instead of focusing on the destination or what comes afterwards. It has worked for me throughout my life! Enjoying life and all that it brings along the way. Its more fun that way."

He cast a glance to that devilishly handsome young lad, Paulin, before continuing. "But if I had to pick something to focus on...I'd say I plan to just make people happy! As I always have, be it here, there, or anywhere around the world." he said, before raising his mug of ale in a silent toast to punctuate his comments.

 

[Develius]

_{EdwardDewey98 , Infab}

Dakarai chuckled alongside the roaring laughter, as his surprise tactic had seemed to have worked a bit too well upon Paulin's drunken state. He was at first afraid that he took things a bit far, but everyone seemed to acknowledge it in jest.

“My, surely that’ll worsen the poor boy’s hangovers, should he see it pass!” Korzhev managed, in between chuckles, “I am truly thrilled to see that underneath all those scales, hides some joyous humor! I almost want to ask for a dance myself.”

The Sobekan turned to pat the frog-person on the back. "Then allow me to show you some other time," he explained as he took a seat to finish the rest of his meal. And just after finishing his chicken right down to the bone, his attention would be brought to Cécilia as she proposed her speech regarding the expedition. Dakarai listened quietly in the back, reflecting upon her words that were filled with hope and stoicism.

"Now... my friends, before we continue this night to remember... let me ask you this. What do you plan to do once we finish this quest?"

Dakarai paused for a moment to reflect upon it. So much was he engrained regarding the "Great Journey", forgot about what he would do afterwards. No doubt the Order of Sobek'nia - praise be her name - would hear word of his accomplishment and crown him as a prophet of Her Grace; his legacy emboldened as yet one of the very few to have passed the ultimate test. Or perhaps he might become one of the High Priests tasked in preserving the sights and thoughts he had seen, writing them down for other future scholars and explorers as reference.

Yet high praise and ranks had never fancied Dakarai's interests that much. For the "Great Journey" to him was a personal pilgrimage that was its own reward; being not so much about the ending as it was regarding the expedition itself. All the knowledge he would receive from the many cultures no doubt would give him a sense of wisdom and perspective of the world, perhaps in a way he didn't consider before. But when it all was said and done, he simply wasn't sure what he personally would do afterwards; if he even achieves this at all. Perhaps settle here in Eranoire with his brothers and sisters? Or return to Duku to claim his newfound rank and title? It all remained to be seen what fate Her Grace had in store for him.

Devereaux seemed to have a similar philosophy in enjoying the journey rather than the destination itself. Still, Dakarai remained quiet and pondered upon his options in silence while he sipped on a new glass of wine.

 

[Breadman]

Sentry finished her drink and placed the empty cup down on the table. She had her goals set a long time ago. This expedition was how she would get closer to them.

"You can figure it out pretty easy, I'm sure." The barbarian spoke "I can never really stop until I find the shrine I am meant to guard. And when I find it, I still have to test those who come to seek their fortune and glory." She smiled "But until then, I'll enjoy your company."

 

[Ace Cream]

Zen

After a few more cups of random liquor poured by the other members, Zen was too drunk to even walk properly so he just flopped on one of the seat, upside down. Even when Cecilia told all to drink Zen was simply couldn't drink anymore. Then Cecilia her question about their goal after the journey. Despite his state, Zen seemed to be thinking a lot about this question before he answered.

"I want to... *hic* settle down. Build a mansion and live a peaceful liii.........

Not. Not. Not.

Not mansion. Don't want to rot alone.

*hic*

Dojo. I want a big self-sufficient dojo. A place where everyone can share their dreams and hardships together. Regardless of their background... *hic*" Zen seemed to have something else to say but when he tried to move he ended up falling off from the seat and landed on the floor face first, his beak penetrated the wooden floor and he was comically stuck there.

 

[Fauxs]

One by one, the members of the expedition voiced out their future plans to look forward to after this quest they are about to embark on is accomplished. As a child, Callop didn't really think about his future, what he thought about most was his past. While each member talked so passionately about their thoughts, Callop was flooded by the idea of his unknown father and his mother that left him abruptly. He thought that it would be nice for him to know the answers to these lingering ideas, but it didn't matter at the moment. What's important to him right now is that he can and will survive despite these limitations along with Fauxs. While being flooded with such thoughts, Callop found himself staring at his own reflection on the cup of water he was holding, he would then shift his gaze to Fauxs who appeared to be having a good time in which gave a little smile to his gloomy expression.

 

[Beann]

Despite the small hiccup at the very end, Kastalli had a wonderful time dancing with Syllannan. She had immediately forgiven him once he apologized, though it wasn't really his fault to begin with. Had she not have gotten distracted by Dakarai's interesting style of dance, she wouldn't have lost rhythm and thus wouldn't have been stomped on. At the very least, she was grateful the Minotavur had no ill feelings towards her bumping into him. She was also not surprised that Cécilia approached him, he seemed like a capable warrior - a great addition to the expedition should he accept.

Soon enough, the members of the expedition were addressed by Cécilia. Kastalli took her original seat next to Fauxs and Syllannan, pouring herself some more water. She listened quietly as the importance of the expedition was explained once again but more importantly the fact that some of the members will die on their journey. Well...that was certainly not what she wanted to hear, especially when a child and his companion sat next to her. Either way, she raised her mug along with the other members before drinking a good amount of her water.

Then came the question that got everyone thinking. What did they plan to do once the expedition was over? Assuming they didn't die, they had quite a bit of silver to work with afterwards. She listened quietly to a few, Paulin's answer was probably the most amusing - onions were good. Kastalli couldn't help but notice a few members were keeping to themselves though, more than likely answering the question silently. She herself wasn't quite sure what she would do after the expedition. "As it is now, I am happiest when I am singing so I will continue to do so. With time though, maybe I will look to settle down."