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Rayleigh
09-04-2017, 03:10 AM
http://www.caponatameccanica.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/tumblr_ma559jrQYd1qg9bz9o1_500.jpg

Buildings constructed of worn wood and crumbling clay tiles loom tall against the gloom of late evening. Crows call, and horses reply with low, throaty nickers and muffled stomps of feathered hooves. Unable to hold back any longer, the black clouds give, and cold raindrops pelt the hard-packed earth. Thunder murmurs warning of the approaching storm. It is only in one building that candles wink from windows, flickering cheerfully behind stained glass. A wooden sign depicting a crossed sword and staff swings on its post above the door, beckoning to the weary traveler. Something about the tavern comforts the small farming community of Rochdale. Perhaps you might find some peace as well, as you escape the darkness for a while.


Jump in whenever you desire. Short, fast-paced action is encouraged. Bunnying is discouraged. All participants will receive standard posting rewards, plus the 3x Althanas Day modifier.

Cards of Fate
09-04-2017, 03:47 AM
If anything epic was going to happen, it was in a tavern on a rainy night. This was an absolute truth known to any DM, Roleplayer, storyteller, or Mystic. Something about rainy nights drew heroes and villains to chance encounters, the sort of things that set the future alight with possibility.

Vincent was also stupid cold and really hated the rain. So, as he sat sopping wet and shivering, he had devised a cleaver plan. Sit and make the magic happen. Right now it was incredibly empty, but at any moment he was almost sure that some of the worlds best and worst were about to stroll through that door.

FennWenn
09-04-2017, 09:55 AM
Rain! Raaaiiin!

Fenn fled frantically through the thick of the downpour; puddles splashed, his cloak was soaked, and his hair was a limp as a used mop. A black-furred direwolf mutt followed behind him, ignoring the rain yet whining her concern. Both knew that water was not good for the frosty little fae. His natural cold iced stray water over like you wouldn't believe. So when Fenn and Daugi burst through the worn wooden door of the Sword and Staff, their only concern was escaping the awful deluge.

The soaked fae dove beneath a table and started to wring the water out of his clothes. His shirt was already partially crunchy with ice -- itchy, sharp! Daugi wasn't quite small enough to follow him under, so she flopped over next to the table. Glassy puddles formed underneath both of them.

Fenn became faintly aware that he had ducked into a tavern -- good! Maybe he could order some drinks as soon as he was no longer in danger of becoming a dumb block of ice.

Rayleigh
09-04-2017, 12:33 PM
The building stood like a beacon in the night, light streaming from the windows, slicing through the heavy darkness. Rochdale was eerie tonight, there was really no other way to describe it. Perhaps some of it was Rayleigh's paranoia, conjuring up demons from spaces that were nothing more than shadows. More likely, however, was that her own foul mood was dampening her evening even more thoroughly than the downpour. She hunched her shoulders against the rain, not bothering to cinch her jacket, as it was soaked through anyway. Rain, she didn't mind too much. It was somewhat soothing, and she always enjoyed listening to it drum on the roof. While she was curled up in bed. Warm.

It was the cold Ray couldn't stand. She also hated horses, like the mare she rode in on. And the fact that tending to that mare in the spooky stable was the reason why she was soaked through, and stomping through the puddles on her way toward the Sword and Staff. And that Vince had gone inside to "save a table," leaving his two female companions to look after his horse. "I'm going to kill him," she muttered darkly.

Nicolette's voice came soft and light, a sort of warmth against the wind and rain. How was she always so calming? Ray thought, managing to be annoyed by that too. "If only I had a gold piece for every time you said that," the blonde told Ray.

Overcome with the urge to comment on Nicolette's wealth, Rayleigh busied herself with yanking open the door to the inn and trudging inside. Nicolette followed close behind.

Atzar
09-04-2017, 12:39 PM
Rain bothered Atzar less than most. On the all-important list of “Things Solvable with Magic”, it ranked pretty low. The droplets parted before they reached him, as if thwarted by an invisible tent. There was a price, of course. Blood welled around the small iron barb he pressed into his thumb, dripping at intervals and becoming lost in the mud. But the wizard had no such solution for hunger. He approached the tavern in the rural, dismal settlement of Wherever-He-Was in search of food. The town had seen better days; sunshine would have done little to brighten up the creaky, crumbly buildings as they lost their battle with time. But the place offered light, warmth, and a bite to eat.

Old boards croaked underfoot as the wizard stumped into the tavern and seated himself at one of the vacant stools nearby. It was no great chore to keep the rain off his back, but still, he was glad to be free of the task for a while. And a hot meal and cold drink would be grand. He requested a beer and a bowl of stew, ignoring the other patrons for now. Perhaps he’d seek company or entertainment later, but for now, Atzar was more interested in his stomach.

Revenant
09-04-2017, 01:35 PM
Wood clapped like thunder as the front door swung violently open, spilling wind and rain into the Sword and Staff and nearly taking a passing customer off his feet. The sodden mess that was William Arcus quickly followed it, his thick leather cloak dumping more water over the threshold as the beaded drops rolled from it's oiled surface. Opposite him, the affronted patron caught his balance, puffed out his chest, and glared at William. The door swung shut behind them and sealed with a soft click.

"Who in Haida barges into a tavern like that?" the customer shouted, gesturing curtly at the now closed door. "And look at the mess you've brought in!"

William rolled his eyes from the man to the puddle spreading away from his feet and then back up to the angry man. He frowned in angry exasperation, as if having to deal with the situation he'd created was beneath him. Then William changed, his eyes flared up with glowing heat, resembling two searing coals. His skin blackened and cracked, the rips curling open at the edges to reveal glowing fire laced beneath. Heat blossomed out from his charred form with such forceful intensity that the water around him bubbled and steamed. Within a few seconds nothing was left of the dripping mess that William had brought in, and shortly thereafter the burning form faded away, torn flesh resealing and eyes fading from bright orange to regular brown.

William cocked a questioning eyebrow but the man was already fleeing his way across the tavern floor. With a grumpy harrumph, William pushed his way to the bar and ordered a cold glass of bitters.

Cards of Fate
09-04-2017, 03:54 PM
"Over here!" Vince quipped raising an arm and gesturing for the two lovely women to join him. "I got us a good spot by the hearth!" A slight grin was plastered over his face. He couldn't quite remember how he'd finally suckered Nicolette into joining his group, but it had worked and she had become a sort of shining beam of cool headedness in the otherwise rowdy group of heroes. Ray was also in a right foul mood, that much was easy to gleam from her facial expressions, which would be difficult to handle but not impossible to change. "Food and Drink is on me tonight, so go ahead and order if you're hungry." His fingers drummed nervously on the table as he sized up the rest of the people in the tavern. Fenn was scampering about, and while normally Vince would be all over keeping the little guy out of trouble, he would be busy keeping HIMSELF out of hot water. The other two were...familliar? Vince felt that he should have at least heard of them, but again, his mind was...preoccupied.

Rayleigh
09-04-2017, 04:40 PM
Ray made her way toward Vincent, her boots making an ugly sploosh noise with each footfall. Droplets fell from her waterlogged attire, splattering across the well-swept wood floor. She was making a mess, but it did not bother her in the slightest. All she worried about was the warmth of the crackling fire. That, and giving Vincent an earful about the treatment. "You bet your ass the food and drink are on you," she told him, climbing directly onto the stone hearth itself. Her small body fit snugly there, in the space just before the pile of logs. Her emerald eyes slipped behind closed lids as she focused on the heat. She still shook inside the oversized coat, but she took great pleasure in the steam that rose from the thick fabric as she baked. She was altogether too close to the fire, but no one said anything. Most likely, for fear of their own lives.

Rayleigh left Vincent to sit in silence, opening her eyes only when the waitress approached. "What can I get you?" the apron-clad woman asked, remaining a few steps away, so not to be as close to the fire.

"Something warm," came the brunettes answer. "Soup, maybe?"

The waitress nodded, then asked, "and to drink?"

Rayleigh let her eyes flit to Vincent for just a moment. "A bottle of your most expensive drink, please."

As the waitress bustled away, Ray's look of smug amusement melted into confusion. An enormous beast and a tiny person sat a few tables away.

"Who let the kid in here?"

FennWenn
09-04-2017, 04:59 PM
There! Comfortably dry.

Well, as much as he was going to get. The boy made a face and flicked away some of the ice droplets that stuck to his toes. There was still some dampness to his hair, and some ice clinging to his skin an clothes. It would do. Now that Fenn was no longer in danger of becoming a living statue, he poked his head out from under the table and glanced around, his buggy green eyes shining with curiosity. From this side of the room, he could see a lot of people. There was spooky tall man, and some pretty ladies, and-

“Who let the kid in here?”

Fenn narrowed his gaze and huffed. He let his own damn self in, that was what! At some point, someone was going to give him the boot, weren’t they? No kids allowed in taverns. But, Fenn wasn’t a kid (he pretended)! He crawled out from under the table and swung to fac- oh gods, that woman was sitting with Vincent. The boy froze. Somewhat literally; frost crept up his arms in jagged, frightful patterns. He hadn’t talked to Vince since the Amari incident. A lot had happened since then.

You know what? He just wouldn’t talk about it. It would be fiiine… right after pulled the sleeves of his cloak over his wrists, that was.

A moment of adjustment- better now.

With Daugi harumphing and trailing after, Fenn stealthily slunk over to Vincent and the child-pointing-out lady’s table, stealing a seat near the Tarot’s leader. Maybe that would prevent him from getting kicked out of the establishment. He wanted some food too!

Cards of Fate
09-04-2017, 05:11 PM
Ray was in a foul mood, that much was clear. He resisted the knee jerk reaction he had when Ray ordered, but then she pointed out Fenn. The small child turned around and joined them, probably looking for shelter from the staring eyes. That was fine, except he was being AWFULLY suspicious. He had that walk like a child who'd just knocked baseball into old man jenkins yard, and was too afraid to say anything. Too much slinking, but like a kind father, Vince would wait until old man jenkins beat on his door to say anything.

Let him stew.

"Ray, this is Fenn! He's a newer member of the Tarot. Fenn, meet Ray! She's one of the veteran members of the Tarot. She joined back before I was even an Arcana if you could believe that."

Nicolette
09-04-2017, 05:21 PM
"Hello Vince," Nicolette greeted, inclining her head slightly. She shrugged out of her long coat, layers of thick fabric constructed especially for the cold, wet Salvarian winters. While Ray's jacket had seemed to absorb the moisture, Letty's long tunic was entirely dry beneath the outer layer. It was not something the girl planned to draw attention to, especially considering the terrible mood that already plagued Rayleigh. Hoping Vincent understood, she hung her dripping coat over the back of a spare chair, and retreated gracefully toward the bar.

Her hands moved to her blonde hair, fluffing it out a bit to let the few damp ends air-dry. Her hood had protected her, avoiding the fate that befell Rayleigh; the mousy brunette looked a bit like a drowned rat. Not that Letty would ever share such a thought, of course. She rubbed her damp hands over her arms, bare from the elbow down, to work some heat into the pebbled skin. She was further away from the fire while she sat at the bar, but she was also further away from Rayleigh's wrath. And maybe that was a fair compromise.

The Salvarian climbed atop a barstool, wedged between two men who appeared to be there alone. The first was a man not much older than herself, and ordinary-looking enough. He had black hair, blue eyes, and she could tell he had a few inches on her even while seated. The other was ordinary enough too, though an unusual warmth lingered about him. Neither looked at her, and only the barkeep gave any indication of her presence.

"Just a water, if you would be so kind." She tilted her face toward the younger man, as if to include him in the conversation. "Though one would assume we've had enough of that tonight, what with the storm."

FennWenn
09-04-2017, 06:25 PM
Daugi stared at the gruff lady with one-eyed suspicion. Meanwhile, her boy-pup thought.

Oh? Ohh, right Rayleigh! Fenn nodded uncertainly at the woman across from him at the table. He remembered her; she was someone he had seen a few times around the House of Cards, but never really met. He tilted his head askew, trying to recall something. Well, he actually had met her once, but it didn’t count. Fenn had borrowed the guise of John for a moment, so, she never knew she had met him. It was probably best to keep it that way. Either way, he supposed he could forgive her earlier tongueslip.

Placing his hand on the wood grain of the table spread out a swirl of calm frost designs. HELLO, Fenn wrote in them cheerfully. AM FENN. FOOL. NOT QUITE CHILD. DOES TAVERN SERVE OATMEAL OR WHISKEY OR BOTH?

Oh! Right. There was another formality to human society’s meeting-etiquette stuff, and he’d almost forgotten it! Holding on to the sleeve of his cloak with his pinky finger, the little fae gave a tiny crescent-moon grin and reached out to offer her a very cold handshake.

Atzar
09-04-2017, 06:42 PM
“Mmm,” Atzar offered by way of reply, withdrawing the still-bleeding thumb of his left hand under the bar and out of sight. He glanced at the newcomer.

She was small blonde woman a bit younger than himself, he guessed. The most notable thing was her bearing – her speech and posture suggested some sort of nobility. Momentary indecision struck him as questions flitted through his mind. Was she actually a noble? If so, what was the proper way to act? But the doubt came and went quickly, and Atzar put on a small smile. He shifted towards her slightly to include her in the nothing he was doing.

“Isn’t too bad, really.” He put a little more effort into the response this time. A loud peal of thunder followed, and the mage grinned in acknowledgement of nature’s retort. “Okay, maybe it is.”

The bartender brought drinks then, the wizard a foaming glass of beer, the young woman her water. He raised it to his lips for a sip, then made a face. Warm. He passed his right hand over the drink, a quick, needless gesture that Atzar figured made for better theater than the truth. A layer of frost grew on his glass as the drink chilled to a more palatable temperature. Meanwhile, a small droplet of blood fell to the floor as he withdrew his metal barb out of his concealed left thumb. Blood for power. That was the price of his magic… but nobody needed to know about that part. He was still coming to grips with it himself.

He took another sip and nodded his contentment. Satisfied, he turned back to the young woman.

“Traveling?” he queried the young woman beside him. “Can’t imagine why else you’d be in a place like this.” He offered his hand. "Atzar, by the way."

redford
09-04-2017, 06:48 PM
"I'm still not sure if he's an arcana NOW," John said as he walked to the table from the bar. He'd brought two hearty bowls of stew, one piping hot and one cold. The stew was heady with scent as he popped one bowl over to fenn, specifically the cold one. It would better suit the fae's tastes. With any luck, there'd be a girl to come back with a little blanket for the boy. John himself had gotten some whiskey.

But those were concerns for five minutes from now. John dove into his bread and stew, looking up at Vincent, who stared a little in surprise.

"What? I said I'd be here."

Rayleigh
09-04-2017, 07:14 PM
She wanted more than anything to keep her foul mood. There was something satisfying about a good mad, stewing in it, and using it to rationalize really terrible behavior. But something in the way Fenn stuck by Vincent's side, and gazed up at her with those enormous eyes, melted her (literally and figuratively) frozen heart.

"Hi Fenn," Rayleigh greeted, leaning over to press her own damp palm to the child's. Ray's hand wasn't much bigger, given her small stature, but it wasn't hard to forget she was dealing with a kid; there was such innocence in his expression and his actions. It was normally pretty easy to find something to be mad about, but she wondered if that was possible with Fenn around.

Rayleigh's mood improved further as John dropped into a chair at the table. "Good to see you," she told him, and meant it. She'd always been fond of the giant.

Cards of Fate
09-04-2017, 07:26 PM
It looked like the whole fucking Tarot had shown up to this Tavern on this particular night. Vince shot them all his signature, award winning smile as he practically radiated happiness. His whole family was here more or less, minus a few key members and a couple strays.
“I guess you mentioned that John, I must have been busy making plans and forgot!” He chuckled and flagged down a waitress. “Whatever that soup is I must try it, looks fantastic. And another bottle of whatever she is drinking” he motions to Ray.

“It’s nice to see the gang all here!”

Nicolette
09-04-2017, 07:47 PM
Though she knew it to be incredibly rude, Nicolette could not help but stare. The stranger had performed magic right in front of her, as casually as if he did it every day of his life. And perhaps he did, she reflected as she continued to watch his hand. They were no longer in Salvar, a place where magic was largely forbidden. It was not as if she was a complete stranger to sorcery - her court was not nearly as strict as others in the nation, and she had seen Vincent Cain perform great feats. But those had been showy, dramatic affairs. He had chilled his glass with as much nonchalance as she might swirl the cubes in her glass. She did so as she finally ripped her gaze from him.

"Yes," she answered, cheeks warming with embarrassment at her inappropriate behavior. "I am traveling. It is my hope to see as much of Corone as possible before my friends have completed their business here." She gave a small toss of her golden hair, gesturing toward the table where the Tarot Hierarchy sat. "They spoke of enormous cities and bustling industry, and we have certainly seen our fair share of that. This place, however, is just as wonderful to visit. Even despite the storm." Her lips curled into a soft smile as a flash of forked lightning lit the windows. "Rochdale reminds me of my home."

Realizing she had not yet given her own name, she added, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mister Atzar. My name is Nicolette."

While she prided herself on her ability to read people, Nicolette found it difficult to get a reading on Atzar. He had a sense of humor, that much she could deduct from his response to the storm. And he had manners, something that many in small rural communities lacked. True, he was no Salvarian noble, as they would not stoop to mere handshakes. But she still took his firmly in her own, and shook it.

FennWenn
09-04-2017, 08:04 PM
Fenn thought it was nice too. Nice, but uncertain.

Food! The boy’s eyes lit up on sight of the bowl John had placed down before him. Mushroom, carrots, potato -- and not too hot. Tasty. As he gulped down his soup, the tiny fae studied Rayleigh curiously. Her tone of voice was light and pleasant when she had been talking to him. If thirty years of living with a baby face had taught him anything, Fenn knew how to recognize it when others, it was figuring out whether or not their perception of you matched your appearance. And yep, she thought him precious. He… he’d let her. Why not.

THANKS, Fenn scribbled in John’s direction. GOOD SOUP, I LIKE.

The bowl dipped below the table line a moment, and a few slurping sounds could be heard as Daugi took a share for herself. After her nice drink, the wolf set back to napping. As soon as he brought it back onto the tabletop, Fenn gulped down a few unconcerned mouthfuls of his own. When he was fairly certain no-one else was looking, also he stole a sip of John’s whiskey, and little bit of Ray’s drink too. Tasty! He probably needed to order more soup.

As he did, he thought. He had told John a bit about what had happened in the past few months, after a recent citadel fight that happened by unhappy mistake. Oh dear. His expression unreadable, Fenn poked the surface of his soup, watching a little swirl of ice dance across it.

Atzar
09-04-2017, 09:35 PM
“Corone has some nice places,” Atzar agreed, though without much conviction. She had a positive demeanor that he admired. Nicolette saw a reminder of home where the mage saw a run-down dump of a town, a last resort when he wanted a meal and reprieve from the storm. She took in the wonder of Corone’s cities where the mage rejected them as filthy and overcrowded (though admittedly better than Ettermire).

Yet behind that exterior, he could sense her analyzing him. Her gaze made him self-conscious, and he didn’t know what to say next. Atzar covered his hesitation with a long drink from his glass, more to buy time than to slake his thirst.

On the other side of the tavern, a reunion of sorts was taking place. Several of the patrons seemed to known each other from this adventure or that one. The mage covered a smile when the kid snuck a taste of whiskey from one of the adults. He could have imagined himself pulling a stunt like that in his childhood.

“Friends of yours?” he asked Nicolette.

Venex Apara
09-04-2017, 10:16 PM
Moments later, the door opened, an in stepped Ven, soaked head to toe with mud covering most of his person. While most people would have probably been upset to be covered in mud, Ven was delighted. Not long before, Ven joined in a mud throwing fight (the rainy weather equivalent of snowball fights) that happened to be going on with some of thekids in town.

Not wanting to miss out on fun, he joined, and the reult was obvious. Of course, when the storm realy started to pick up, the fight ended, andVen himself was forced to seek shelter. It was justcoincidence that the Sword and the Staff was the closest place.

Glancing around, Ven made note of the patrons of the establishment, then made a beeline to the barkeep.

"Hello there, I'm Ven. Do you have a towel I can use? I'm a bit of a mess?"

The barkeep raised an eybrow. "A mess? You look like you were practically rolling in the mud!"

Ven chuckled. "That's a funny story actually, and not entirely wrong, but I can tell that later. Towel?"

"It will cost you."

"Fair enough."

They then went off to grap something for Ven to use, and Ven took a seat, passively listening to the noises of the tavern.

Philomel
09-04-2017, 11:22 PM
Philomel walked in, looking a all the randomness that was going on. Partly she expected a brawl, partly she expected a dance off. Most of all she expected drinking, and she was happy to see that there was at least some of that going on.

There were some faces she recognised - and some of them she didn't want to see. So she skunk around the side of the room, greeting an old patron or two from her whoring days, and went to sit at a quiet table at the back. Someone brought her over a drink - probably a girl or someone, she didn't notice - and she leant backwards, breathing in and eager to watch but not be noticed.

Amari
09-05-2017, 08:38 AM
-Permission from FEnn to do this-

BANG

The door practically bounced off its hinges as a very wet Scarlet sauntered into the tavern, patrons barely noticed, her entrance was not extravagant nor did it demand attention. The redheaded emotionally inept assassin was here for one thing, and one thing only. To get out of this torrential downpour. With deft fingers she unclasped the heavy and sodden cape and let it fall to the ground with a heavy slump. She kicked it to the side with a wet leather boot. Scarlet had an inane immunity to ice, but not to the chill that came from being absolutely soaked.

She rose her eyes to see that the place was figuratively swimming with Tarot members and her face soured. 'great' She thought to herself. Scarlet had not planned to make a scene. She didn't feel the need to. She saw people she'd rather not, Vincent being one of them. Another, she was almost....almost surprised to see.

Fenn.

Scarlet made a bee-line for him, and ignoring the hulking giant in armour, the big headed self proclaimed leader, and a few women, she stood behind Fenn. "I need to borrow this." She exclaimed as she looped her arms up underneath his and picked him effortlessly up and turned to one of the few unoccupied booths. He struggled and squirmed, ice travelling up her arms as he attempted to make a quick get away.

Of course. He was terrified of her, why wouldn't he be? Last he saw her, she had him trapped in a cage and had threatened to take his eye. She would have to. If he hadn't escaped. "I'm not going to hurt you. Chill out." She plopped him into the booth and sat opposite him. He stared at her, fearful, wide eyed and rigid.

"My, aren't you the escape artist?" Scarlet asked, raising one hand in the air to order the pair a drink. "Whiskey, right?"

A service lady came, took their orders, left, and returned - all in quick succession. Scarlet picked up each glass and took a sip from both. To prove to Fenn that there was no nefarious toxins in his drink this time. "I'm here for the same reason everyone else is, Fennick. To get away from the rain."

She lifted up her glass toward him. "I suppose I should congratulate you on your escape, I am impressed."

FennWenn
09-05-2017, 08:58 AM
Fucknopefucknopefucknope-

Like hell he was going to touch that whiskey. For all he knew, she had an immunity to some kind of poison or drug that he didn't. Fenn's gaze narrowed from fear to anger. Without taking his eyes off of her, he swiped the drink off of the table with one hand, much as a misbehaving cat might.

Golden liquid and foam spattered across the floor, mingling with rainwater. "Oops", did he do that?

Note to self; stop getting kidnapped. Somehow. Why was she even here? Whatever she claimed was lies, lies, lies. The boy was frozen from the waist-down and shaking from the waist-up in fear. Bubbling up in his mind were vague recollections of dark room and hot metal pressing into hi- nope! Fenn broke his fierce eye contact to wince and grab his wrist. This was not how he wanted this evening to go! With his other hand, he quickly frosted over the side of the weathered tabletop facing the Tarot-claimed table he had just been whisked away from.

HELP ME, he scrawled quickly.

Amari
09-05-2017, 09:38 AM
Scarlet sighed at the waste. "Firewhiskey is expensive, you know." She said calmly, taking a sip of her own. "I'd say I'm offended, but honestly. I would do the same thing in your position." She glanced down at her glass and swirled it around in her hand, the alcohol burned her throat, the warmth cascaded down her throat and sat in her stomach. It releived the bite of the cold. The redheaded woman signaled the bar staff to bring another glass and once again it was set in front of Fenn.

"Before you go smashing that one too, if you do not want it, slide it over to me and I'll drink it."

Her eyes went to his message and another sigh escaped her lips. "Is that necessary?" She ran her hand over it, and the ice melted from her own heated touch. "If you want to leave. Leave. I am not holding you here against your will. You escaped. I simply wanted to congratulate you on that. Nothing more."

The emotionless woman took another sip from the firewhiskey. "You're a resourceful man, Fennick, and I can respect that. You're not the victim I pinged you to be."

Philomel
09-05-2017, 09:38 AM
hehehehe

Philomel leant forwards, her brows knitting together.

It couldn't be ...

She sighed. It was. Amari red-head, lover of Shinsou and now bitch-extreme.

The faun watched with unamused horror as she saw her pick up a tiny elf man and practically take him hostage ... to carry him over to the bar. She curled up her upper lip, folding her arms and looking back to Amari as the boy squirmed and Amari seemed to have a heated conversation with herself. Or him.

The woman looked different. Tired at the eyes since Philomel had last seen her, strained and stressed. But there was strength in her limbs, fire in her belly, something which made Philomel respect her. So she watched her quietly, only looking at the man-boy (not sure of his age, actually) when he began to scribble something actually on the water-vapoured glass of the bar before him.

Help ... me.

Oh. The faun blinked. And stood. Grabbing the hilt of her dagger at her side she cut a path through the people, ignoring the shouts and the fists and strode straight up to Amari and her tiny friend-hostage.

Whenever 'Help Me' was involved and Amari, Philomel knew to get in the way.

"I think I will have this," she said, and wound an arm around the man, sticking her tongue out to Amari before she turned to carry the boy - or man - away.

Eteri
09-05-2017, 10:55 AM
WET!

COLD!

SNEEZES!

These were three things that I was not very fond of at all. AT ALL. I pushed open the door of the tavern, sniffling. I was hit immedietly with the smells of tasty food, and the loud sounds of banter, wide eyed I glanced around the room. Oh wow...there are so many people here...

The place was crowded, more so than usual, well...not that I had been here before, generally I'd just head over to Barchies. I wrinkled my nose, shaking my head I sneezed loudly. Three times in a row.

Achew!

ACHOO!


AaaChoOOooo!

I glanced around, there were many faces I didn't recognize, but one stood out, even if it was covered in mud. I clutched my chest. The last time I saw him...it was before I was caught by a scary redheaded woman...tortured, then essentially bartered to Madison. Madison was nice though, and gave me many warnings to adhere to, she even gave me a present, a living buggie inside of me.

"VENN!" I cried out, running over to him and tackling him to the floor, I didn't care that he was covered in mud, I didn't care that he was all cold and wet too.

"ETeri miss you. Eteri had bad times. Eteri want warmth."

Venex Apara
09-05-2017, 11:36 AM
Ven heard sneezing, which would be expected since the storm chilled everyone to the bone. What he didn't expect was to somehow recognize the sound. OK, maybe not the sound itself, but he felt familiarity.

Then, a wave a recognition and excitement hit him. It didn't come from him, which meant it must be coming from Eteri.

That was the working theory he came up with after talking to Archie (who spent four hours calling him an idiot for giving up part of his soul before actually discussing things with him). Since Eteri had a part of his soul, he was linked to her in a way, which let him feel her emotions.

To feel the emotions at this intensity meant...

Ven turned, only to be tackled, being snuggled by Eteri as she shouted his name.

Eteri miss you. Eteri had bad times. Eteri want warmth."

He smiled softly, happy to see her, but eyes sharpened, taking in her features. Holes in the ears, her tail damaged, and these are what he could see.

He felt her distress, and he felt it for a long time. He knew something bad was happening, and him not being able to do anything made him feel depressed as well as worried.

Seeing the affects... A fire sparked in him. He wasn't angry, he was livid.

However, Eteri needed him. Thus, he wrapped his arms around her to give her comfort.

"I've missed you too Blue bell."

Flamebird
09-05-2017, 11:36 AM
The door to the tavern was quickly but silently opened. A young woman with flame red hair and green eyes stepped in. She was soaked in rain water. The moment she saw. . . random, crazy things. . . Happening. . . she grabbed her shield and pulled it over her face.

This thing is made of Elkan. It should hold, right?

First it was raining rain. Now it was raining food. Great. As random mashed potatoes and a cheeseburger slammed into the shield, Felicity inched her way to the very edge of the counter in dire desperation.

"Wata pwease?"

Oh yeah, she had a lisp.

Tonight was going to be. . . Interesting.


------------------------------------------------------------------------
Translations:
1.) "Water, please"

Eteri
09-05-2017, 11:45 AM
He wrapped his arms around me, and it was warm, it was oh so very warm, it made me happy. My tail flicked side to side in a content manner. Even if we were both now covered in mud, it sure as heck beat being bathed in rotten things, almost drowning in it. "Venn... Venn... Vennn..." I muttered. Nuzzling my face into the crook of his neck. In that small moment, everything felt like it was going to be ok. Venex was a dear friend of mine, and to be reunited with him...

I sat up, wiping a mixture of mud, rain and tears from my face. "Eteri thought never see you again!"

My words came out in quick succession as I tried to explain everything that happened, I slipped into Akashimian, my native tongue. As I always did when I lost track. <"Ven! I was exploring and was captured by this redheaded lady, who wore leather, she had black eyes with red. Her soul was so black. Like a demon. No. Worse. Like NOTHING. It was like the absence of everything and and it had a tiny flicker of pretty light but she forced me to take it away from her. Why would she do that! She did things Ven! I was choking in this slimy stuff. I think it was rotten people, and and I was tortured then was nailed to the floor then-">

He stopped me, pressing his fingers to my mouth. "Sounds like we both need a drink, bluebell."

I nodded. That sort of talk could wait, right now, right now was a time for good and fun feelings.

FennWenn
09-05-2017, 01:39 PM
“You're not the victim I pinged you to be."

Wasn't he though? A compliment from Amari was not something Fenn could take with a straight face. And he didn't; he had taken it with a crooked snarl, a sound that could almost be hissing welling up in the back of his throat. Did she really think he was going to be "chill" toward her after she had subjected him to the worst week of his life?

Shudder.

Now he dangled limply, stunned, from the grip of this squishy, pretty, matronly faun who had thankfully whisked him away. She was strong, warm in contrast to his chill, and somewhat scarce of clothing. He glanced down. No pants! Fenn decided that if he ended up with legs that fluffy, he probably wouldn’t wear pants either -- he already didn’t wear shoes. A squeaky sneeze exploded out of him as her hair tickled his nose. Choo!

Now, why he was being so suddenly slung over this faun’s shoulders like a lost kitty, they boy wasn’t entirely certain. Probably, she had seen his frosty message..?

Hopefully. It would be somewhat annoying to get double-kidnapped into new danger all within the span of a few minutes.

But right now, he was getting father away from Amari, and this faunlady was comfy. A shrug rolled up his shoulders. He’d go along with this for now; if something about this went amiss though, he was going to start chucking ice. As the faun-lady turned away, the re-stolen small child stuck his own tongue out at Amari too. Regardless of the redhead’s intentions, a weight had been cast of his chest. Bye bye!

Yes, let’s play hot potato with Fenn.

Amari
09-05-2017, 02:21 PM
"Philomel." Scarlet said evenly, she hadn't seen the faun since the Crystal Sword debacle, and the day that Shinsou had died. She regarded the matronly faun with scelera black and crimson eyes. If the faun was shocked at Scarlets appearance she didn't show it. She must have seen the call for help from the fae, for she picked him up.

"You know he's an adult." Scarlet mused, as she placed her elbow on the table and her cheek in her hand, passively watching the scene unfold before her. With her free hand, Scarlet simply rose her glass to Philomel. If the faun wasn't going to bother her, Scarlet saw no reason to instigate anything. Why should she? She was here to wait out the rain. Not to stir trouble. Besides, if she remained....amicable toward the faun, perhaps her and her boat of whores would leave the Seventh Sanctum well enough alone, Thaynes above would know that Philomel would have a field day if she knew how Lye was acting lately.

The emotionless assassin glanced around the rest of the tavern, her eyes landed on a familiar blue haired catgirl. So Madison let her free after all. Her eyes narrowed, Scarlet was sure that Madison kept up her side of the bargain, and that the little bitch would have no recollection of how to get to the sanctum. Eteri's eyes met Scarlets and she immedietly hid behind the man she was with.

Good. She remembered the time in the sanctum at least. So she knew not to fuck with her. No point in approaching her either, Scarlet had no desire to interact with anyone here. She turned her eyes toward the other glass of Firewhiskey. Normally, she was able to hold her alcohol quite well, but the few sips she had taken from her own glass had her feeling oddly ill. What a waste... what a waste....

Cards of Fate
09-05-2017, 02:50 PM
Okay, enough was enough. Vince was right there, and Amari had the fucking GALL to waltz up and take Fenn. It was fine, he was fine, he could keep an eye on him right from where he was sitting and if she so much as hurt a hair on his head Vince would show up and-

And there he goes again, this time the faun had him. The scholar rolled his eyes and downed his drink. "Gimme a sec Y'all, gotta go rescue Fenn." He rose from his seat, cracked his neck, and FLASH he disappeared and reappeared in front of Philomel.

"Hey there, long time no see!" He shot her an award winning smile. "Thanks for saving my friend there, but if you don't mind could I have him back?" He motioned for her to hand the small child over.

Philomel
09-05-2017, 04:59 PM
Philomel blinked and stared at Vince.

"Oh it is you. Cane boy," she gestured with her free hand at the came in the young man's hand. Always present, always part of his flamboyant attire.

She shook her head and using both hands lifted Fenn onto her shoulders. "This man here is my new friend. You do not need to rescue him from me to rescue him from bitch-tits."

Arching her neck she strained to look up at Fenn.

"By the way, dear, I am Philomel. I know your strange," - she shot a look at the demonesque mari - "Rather well. Her and I have a history." She paused and looked down again at Vincent. "I gave her sex advice."

With a small smirk the faun twirled in a circle, stepping around Vince - his teleportation was not strange to her in the slightest - and started back to her seat. Funnily enough it had now been occupied by a curled form. Russet red and white with black highlights and focused golden eyes, Veridian looked over at her, twitching his tail.

Gently, Philomel set Fenn down, waiting for the likely moment when even more people - perhaps even Vincent and Mari again - would interrupt them and calmly introduced the new pair.

"Small man who looks like a boy, meet my darling Veridian ... Veridian meet ..."

She turned to Fenn. "Just what is your name then?"

Nicolette
09-05-2017, 09:53 PM
The blonde turned on her stool, watching the action with a face bereft of emotion. A series of individuals barged into the Sword and Staff, all of whom remained complete strangers to Nicolette. Each changed the entire feel of the tavern with their entrance. One in particular, a woman with a mop of wet, red hair, nearly threw the door off its hinges. Whether it was the whipping wind, or the patron's own strength, Nicolette could not be sure. Regardless, when the woman hurried directly for Vincent and Rayleigh's table, Nicolette was hardly surprised. Why was it that the Tarot Hierarchy had such a habit of attracting the crazies? Was it their flair for the dramatic, or were the two entirely unrelated?

It was only when Nicolette finally spoke that her disapproval became evident. "Friends," she echoed with a frown, "I suppose is the correct term for it. I am travelling with them, though I am no official member of their league." She had been asked, though that was probably not worth sharing at the moment. Begged, more like, upon her first meeting with Vincent. She had politely declined, as she had done every time he had asked since then. Only recently had she agreed to travel with them on a "probationary period." Mostly, she hoped to see Althanas. To avoid taking complete advantage of the Tarot's kindness, she at least considered joining. From time to time.

The violet-haired beauty intrigued Nicolette, as she had never seen a faun before. Yet even then, she could hardly be shocked when the woman approached Vincent. "Goodness," she breathed, shaking her head. "This is about the strangest thing that I have seen in my entire life. Is this commonplace in taverns around here? I mean, I-" Her voice trailed, and her amber eyes narrowed as something dawned on her. "Are they fighting over that small person?"

Rayleigh
09-05-2017, 10:15 PM
Rayleigh's string of curse words was lost to the din of the ever-growing crowd. The horde's numbers increased with the help of these odd newcomers, all of whom found some reason to approach their table. Did Vincent know everyone in Althanas? Or just all the women with the unusual hair colors. The good mood that Fenn had sparked was extinguished as if from a blast from the windstorm outside. A faun and a redhead, fighting over a small person, and her sort-of boyfriend-thing was at the heart of it. "Un-fucking-believable." Were Vincent less capable, and were she less mad at him, she might try to aid him in some way. Instead, she groped for her expensive wine, and sipped directly from the bottle. This was not a "delicately sipping from a glass" sort of evening. But had there not been more drink in the bottle a moment ago? She finished it in one mighty swig, then grabbed for another drink left unattended on the table.

"John," Rayleigh drawled finally, scooting a bit further away from the fire, and toward her massive guild mate. It would allow her to hear him better, and besides, she was beginning to smell a bit like wet, ratty fabric being roasted over an open flame. "Why don't you and I run away together?"

Atzar
09-05-2017, 11:14 PM
Atzar grinned at Nicolette’s innocence. “Looks that way,” he agreed. “Honestly, this is probably one of the more reasonable quarrels I’ve seen in a bar. Night is young though. Liquor hasn’t kicked in yet.”

He watched for a moment with amusement, but gradually his smile faded. Several of the patrons seemed to know the kid, and from the snippets of conversation that the mage could hear, not all the relationships were harmless. Atzar didn’t see a reason to get involved – he still hadn’t eaten yet, after all – but he watched closely just in case.

But no fight appeared imminent, and the bartender returned to shove a bowl of stew at Atzar. The delicious scent of vegetables and spices flooded his nose, and he reached for his spoon hungrily. He sat with his back to the bar, vessel of food in one hand and utensil in the other, still watching the action.

He glanced at his blonde companion. Again he pondered the right way to act around this probably-a-noble. In Alerar, there were all kinds of proprieties to observe before finally digging in at a courtier's dinner table, and while Atzar wasn’t willing to bend that far over tavern food, he did feel obliged to display some manners.

“You want something?” he asked Nicolette. “On me.”

Besides, it never hurt to be thought of as generous.

Cards of Fate
09-06-2017, 04:09 AM
Vincent took one look at Phi as she blew him off, and then took a look at Mari, then his gaze shot back to Ray who was going through that bottle of wine faster than his company could earn money. He took a deep breath and rubbed his temples muttering softly to himself. Why the fuck do I only know the crazy people in this world? Why can't I ever hang out with the Orlouges in their swanky underground base. He shoots Fenn a look and taps his temple, establishing a mental connection with the small child.

I'm gonna let this sit in the back of my head, okay? If anyone scares you, or makes you feel threatened or in danger, just scream in your noggin and I'll come running.

With that he turned his attention to more pressing matters. He neatly made a little list of priorities in his head. Step one, he needed to unpiss Ray off, which would probably prove to be the most herculean of the tasks. Step two, keep an eye on Fenn, if Mari makes a move on him I beat her ass, if Phi tries something I'll beat her ass, and if anyone else tries anything, I'll let John kick their ass. Step three, figure out a way to get Nicolette to join the fucking Tarot, and maybe that dude with her. He seems to be magical enough that fate has something to say about him. With that he turned back to Phi.

"Look, I trust you enough and he doesn't seem distressed, but one peep from him and I come running okay?" He immediately heel turned and slid back to his table with all the grace and ease of a professional barfly, and gently snatched his bottle of wine from Ray for a brief moment, pouring a glass for himself before handing it back to her. "Sorry 'bout that Y'all. Just making sure lil Fenny knows to wrap it before he taps it."

Briarheart
09-06-2017, 11:00 AM
"I want to steal him."

"No, Hype."

Hype remained hunched over her drink, a predatory look in her four amber eyes. She had been eyeballing the little boy with the sharpened ears the moment we took our seat in the corner. She watched him as she was handed off between Red, the faun Philomel, and That Stupid Fucking Hero Guy whose name escapes me at the moment, waiting for her moment to strike.

"I'm going to steal him, Maddy." Hype's muscles wound tight, coiled and ready to strike at a moment's notice. "I'm going to steal him and smother him with hugs and snuggles."

I cast a quick glance around the tavern, making note of anyone who would try and stop her before she could wrap her vines around the boy. Of all those present, none had the considerable strength and skill it would take to prevent Hyperion from handing out hugs. "At least be polite enough to introduce yourself first," I muttered in warning.

Hype's eyes lit up, recognizing the tone of resignation in my voice. "I bet he smells like a cinnamon roll," she squeaked with joy as she rose from her chair.

With a delighted giggle, she began to snake her way through the crowd towards the little blonde kid.

Amari
09-06-2017, 11:25 AM
The visage of Hype bee-lining toward Philomel and Fenn did not go unnoticed by Scarlet. A sigh escaped her lips as she picked up her spare drink and wandered over toward Madison, well aware of the eyes on her. "Is hero boy still staring daggers into my back?" Scarlet asked as she placed the glass of fire whiskey down in front of Madison. She then took a seat opposite the woman, not waiting for a reply.

"I would have said hello earlier, but I do not think Hype would resist the urge to hug me." Scarlets scelera eyes wandered over to the other woman who was not doing a very good job of being subtle in her advances toward Fenn. "We both know that would have injured her, and I do not feel like dealing with the repercussions. I already have enough people who want my head in this dingy overcrowded shithole, I don't need to add you to the list."

Scarlet turned her scelera gaze back to Madison, raising her glass in some sort of toast. "To tolerating current company."

Philomel
09-06-2017, 11:34 AM
"Don't you even think about it."

She didn't even lift her eyes. Instead she kept them trained on where the tiny Fenn sat, Veridian with his snout pressed against his hand. Apparently Veridian was rather interested in this kid-man and had been giving Philomel a detailed analysis of what he thought.

Amari said man? So he is older then you? Just looks like a child. Perhaps eight. Perhaps a curse, perhaps a racial trait? No normal race, clearly, they age normally. Not a faun, not a spirit, I would sense that, he sniffed the Fenn and paused. Smells like dust and iron. There is blood on his clothes. Stains, the fox nosed him futher. There is sadness in his eyes, Philomel, and pain, but a great attempt to smile through it all, to survive and ...

Intently, she listened. But kept aware, for this was a place not to be distracted. When so many heroes and villains and those who lay between lurked in this massive floor of bebauchery and kidnapping. She kept an eye on Mari - at her place, at the bar - and kept an eye on Vincent of the Cane - who sat back at his table, sipping his drink - and she kept an eye on the giant of the man, he who she always recognised. John Cromwell was never one to be missed when he was in a place ...

And then she saw her. Moving through, with her knotted vines for hands. Behind her came the quiet figure of her ever-present servant-thing Hyperion, bug-like, plant-like, skulking ...

"Don't even think about taking him, Maddison Freebird," Philomelkept speaking, facing the boy. "And Hyperion is not allowed him either. If you must cuddle, then cuddle here, but Veridian is coming up with some very interesting ideas about ..."

She began to lean back.

FennWenn
09-06-2017, 11:48 AM
NAME FENN, the boy scribbled amicably the faun’s way. He had decided that he liked this lady. “Bitch-tits” was an interesting insult, and he had taken mental note of it just in case the opportunity arose to use it himself. Every so often, he'd shoot a nervous stare back at Amari, along with a quick flick of his tongue. Nyehh! It was a relief to be away from her. Better yet, knowing that Vince was keeping an eye on the situation helped him relax even more.

...he probably needed to talk with him later though. Maybe.

There was a funny little fox that kept sniffing at him intently. From the familiar way the busty faun-lady interacted with it, the sharp vulpine must have belonged to her. Fenn watched it, his ears twitching curiously -- the fox’s eyes scrutinized him in an intelligent, almost-human fashion. It made him think of Daugi. Though, no fox was half so terrifying as the still-slumbering direwolf appeared to the outside eye. Fenn grinned. The fox got a couple frosty pat-pats atop its head-

And now someone else was being reprimanded for trying to steal him away. Hot potato, hot potato. Why… did all these people want him? The boy sighed and dropped his head to the tabletop, which spread forth a halo of frost. He glanced aside at the new person.

Huh. They were kind of... interesting.

Upon being called out by Phi, Fennapper-in-the-waiting stopped and stood stalk still, blinking at him with four amber eyes. Were those vines peeking out of her clothes? For a moment, the boy’s solid green irises lit up, a couple fluffy snowflakes poofing into existence around him as he wondered if this was another fae peering back at him. If not, she must be something more interesting still!

Shyly, he raised a hand and gave her a fluttering wave of his fingers. Hello!

Briarheart
09-06-2017, 11:57 AM
"To tolerating current company," I raised my glass in kind.

It's amazing who you'll find lurking around in a tavern in the middle of Corone, isn't it?

At least Red had approached me with a neutral sort of sociopathic mopey-ness this time around. She was incredibly sour and broody the last time we met, in the frozen backwoods of Salvar. The alcohol probably mellowed her out a bit.

I was about to make some idle conversation about this shitty weather we've been having when a voice boomed over the crowd. Deep in the throng of drunk people, Hyperion froze when she heard her name called out. Momentary panic rippled through her, but she remained as calm as she could, still hunched over, fingers hooked and ready to latch onto her prey.

"Oh, my gods," I muttered to myself. "I don't need this today."

I stood up, cupping my hands against the little slit in my mask where my mouth would be. "Calm your gigantic fuzzy tits, Phi. Hype just wants to hug him. It will be the most harmless hour or two of his life."

I shot Red a glare as I sat back down. "Jeez, you have her brothels raided and several of her girls killed and suddenly you're the biggest, most suspicious asshole in the world."

Philomel
09-06-2017, 12:09 PM
[[ same problem again, I was writing mine when Amari was, there is 10 minutes between our posts >_< I edited the last one a bit ]]

She leant back ... to see Mari had gotten in the way.

Oh what a nice red-head. Stealing all of Philomel's more interesting friends. Why, now she was distracted, so the kid could be stolen from her so very easily now.

Here, Veridian reminded her, still sniffing the kid.

Ah yes, she still had Veridian to keep an eye on him.

So Philomel watched as Amari (she would never call her anything but her proper name - this 'Red' and 'Scarlet' stuff was ... ew) gave Maddison a lovely drink and bade her sit down next to her. Thus, Maddison did, and got right in the way of Philomel's fantastic speech of how Veridian was figuring out this boy-man.

Truly, it was actually rather interesting.

Why does he smell like dried blood? Veridian said, now getting rather concerned and shoving his nose to Fenn's sleeve where the chains had chafed and burnt him.

"Calm your gigantic fuzzy tits," she deemed it necessary to shout, despite the distance being ... well. Close enough not to shout. Philomel's speech after all had been made to be perfectly timed, had not the rude red-head stuck in.

"No need to shout, plant-brain!" Philomel bellowed back, as loud as her faun lungs could muster. In fact she even considered transforming here just so she could bleat thunders and cause the glass to crack with the noise. "Its fine, if kidnapper there wants to get in my way and interrupt. I will just sit here and mind my own business."

Amari
09-06-2017, 12:15 PM
"There isn't exactly much reasoning with the woman, she thinks she's queen of the fuckin' world." Scarlet muttered, raising her own glass to her lips to take a sip. Scarlet used to have a bit of a love/hate or more so.. tolerate/annoy relationship with Philomel, Scarlet knew the faun meant well but she came off as arrogant. Incredibly so. The alcohol burned, and still, made her feel oddly nauseous, and it was not the same sort of sickness that came with too much alcohol. Not to mention she only had a few damn sips, and that wasn't even enough to get a child drunk.

"She spied on myself and Shinsou once, all night, and had the gall to offer us 'sexual advice' of course, she didn't think her watching us was weird, creepy, wrong or downright insane. No! God forbid the almighty Philomel keeper of whatever, and queen of whores could do any wrong. Honestly, someone needs to stop that high and mighty attitude of hers, it makes her intolerable."

Scarlet didn't bother to glance over her shoulder at the faun. "If she weren't like that, she would be tolerable, and that's coming from someone who somehow managed to become so emotionally stunted She don't feel nothing no more." Scarlet muttered, referring to her own predicament. Scarlet fell quiet, her eyes lowering to her drink.

What a fuckin' day. All she wanted to do was praise the fae on his escape, its not like she actually hurt Fenn. She only chained him up in iron, and tortured his pet in front of him, really...she had done him a favour. At least he wouldn't be so foolishly trusting now.

"Hey, damned if you do, damned if you don't. If you're an asshole may as well live up to the name."

ANother sip.

"Kidnapper eh? Pot. Kettle. Black." Scarlet muttered.

FennWenn
09-06-2017, 03:27 PM
There was a second plant person sitting with a Amari.

This gave Fenn quite a fright as he glanced back to the one that still stood frozen and staring at him. Her hands were knitted together tightly, expectantly, almost.

So, the plant-person-y-thing wanted to hug him? That wasn’t the first time he had elicited that reaction from a stranger, but, was he sure they weren’t working with bitch-tits over there? The boy’s waving stopped flat and the air grew colder as he glanced between hugger-to-be plant-person and sitting-with-Amari plant-person. Maybe they were just loose friends, or something? He was faintly aware of -- and dismissive of -- the floofy fox’s further snuffling intrusions up the right sleeve of his cloak.

Damn it, he was too intrigued to try and scare her off. Wanting to hug him seemed harmless enough. Slightly cautious, Fenn reached over to write on the table again. His message was aimed mostly at the hugger-plant.

HI. I FENN. YOU WHO? YOU WHAT? FAE OR NO? WHY VINES?

He flicked his ears, eagerly awaiting answers.

Jethro
09-06-2017, 09:40 PM
Jethro, mostly human, was never sure where he might end up. It was his way, he always made the attempt at being some where that he was not expected to be after all. At this very moment he found himself at the entrance of a tavern, soaked by the rain through his duster to his mottled skin. Mud caked the bottom of his boots and splattered the sides of his boots and dotted his knees. With the kind of weather and the kind of individual that he was one would almost expect a loud clap of thunder and lightning strike to announce his entrance.

Na! Jethro stepped in quietly followed by the gowoosh of rain, and the moan of the wind which made candles flicker but not go out. He looked around the bar it appeared that he was late to some sort of party. Oh well he wasn't invited any way and that fact made him smile as he ordered a pitcher of mead and examined the room he was in and the cliques which had already formed.

There was a pair of people, they weren't in some dark corner, but actually at the bar! Something remarkable! Jethro smiled even more and decided to make some friends by presenting his large container of sweet tasting booze to the pair at the bar. The pair in question being Nicolette and Atzar "Good evening. May I join you?" He asked before sitting easily on a near by stool.

Briarheart
09-06-2017, 09:54 PM
Hyperion remained hunched over for another moment, wary of the sideways glances that Philomel had given her. The briarbane knew of the faun and of her considerable power--not to mention the decidedly un-plant-friendly fire-wielding fox that always lingered nearby--from her few meetings with Madison. At first, she was taken aback when the word "kidnapper" was thrown around, but it took her a second to realize that Phi wasn't talking about her. It was aimed at She-Who-Shan't-Be-Hugged.

No, there will be no kidnappings today, not by me, Hype thought to herself as she released some of the tension that had been building in her muscles. Not unless this little cutie pie gives reeeeeeally good hugs.

The little pointy-eared boy cautiously reached up and scribbled a bunch of words onto the table, only slightly mindful of the fox sniffing around in his armpit. An introduction, a name, and a series of questions left in a trail of frost.

How curious, that he'd ask her if she were a fae.

What did Madison tell Hype about explaining what she was to other people? Ah, yes.

She tilted her head a few degrees, her way of smiling without removing her mask and scaring the living daylights out of everyone with a twisted mass of sharpened teeth. "Hello Fenn! It's nice to meet you! I am Hyperion," she said with a light touch of her breast.

"I am a Briarheart--" --and totally absolutely one-hundred percent NOT a briarbane, which are the lab-developed, parasite-born variety-- "--which is a kind of fae, I believe. We are created when a dryad releases some of its energy, and it is absorbed into by the heart of a human, which then begins to sprout... um..."

Hype glanced around, hoping nobody would see her pull down her skin-tight robe's sleeve an inch. The little boy stared at the vines of her arm for a moment, before giving a single nod.

"My friend over there, Madison, she is a Briarheart too," Hype said cheerfully as she rolled her sleeve back up. Fenn followed her gaze to the far corner, but concern creased his face when he saw the scarlet-haired woman that she sat with.

The sudden shift in attitude didn't escape her. "Oh, her? She's, um... yeah, she's a bit of a butt. But don't worry! She's not our friend! She just works with Madison once in a while!" Hype leaned in closer to Fenn, her voice growing quieter. "She used to be a lot nicer, months ago. I don't know what happened. We're trying to find out, though. Hopefully we can make her feel better and she'll be less of a bi--" The briarbane stopped herself from swearing. No need to teach the young thing any colorful language that he might write on every surface he possibly could.

Fenn broke his gaze from the back table, offering a delayed nod of understanding. Did he really understand? Hype didn't care. She still had a gift for him.

"I came over here because..." she trailed off. Hyperion was so gung-ho about squeezing this little boy until he squeaked like a child's doll, but now that she was inches from her goal? A hug seemed so... intrusive. There was one piece of business she had to take care of, one final question to ask to cement her hug as one that was proper and welcome.

"Would you... Would you..." She fidgeted as the words tried to come to her, her briar-knit fingers weaving themselves into knots. "Would you like to be my friend?"

Whatever feelings that had come over Fenn when he noticed who Hype's other friend Madison had been sitting with immediately melted away. A bit of color sprung to his cheeks, and his eyes went wide. With a humongous grin, he nodded enthusiastically.

Hype squealed with joy at the prospect of having a new friend, and lunged at him, arms wide open. After nearly banging her knee into the leg of the table, she scooped up the little boy--and consequentially the fox that was digging for buried treasure up the sleeve of his shirt--and gave him the biggest hug of his life.


- - - - -

"I should charge people for hugs."

"Hmm?"

I took a quick sip of my ale before adjusting my mask back into place. "Hyperion's hugs. I could make a killing off them."

Red looked at the briarbane for a moment, then returned her attention to her own mug. "There's nothing special about them."

"Not true," I said with a raised finger. "Back before... before I turned her into what she is now, she was a healer. A pretty good one, actually. Employed in one of the hospitals in Radasanth, she could pacify patients and mend their flesh with just a touch. I didn't know at the time, but when I fed her corpse to the parasites that would construct her new body, they absorbed some of that magic. Now, whenever she embraces someone, that power leaks into the, uh, the recipient." Reduces anger and bloodlust. Heals wounds. Gives them an additional bonus of a lingering warm and fuzzy feeling you just don't get with regular hugs--not that I would know, because my parents were pretty shitty about the whole hugging thing.

I washed the acidic thought of my parents back down my throat with another gulp of ale. "So anyways, what brings you to this part of the world?"

Storm Veritas
09-06-2017, 10:01 PM
Oh, for the love of f*cking Gods...

Storm had finished having his way with his value-date when the floorboards beneath him started rumbling, and through the open seamed oak he could see people filling about the tavern under his feet. When he entered this afternoon with his companion, the sun was dropping, the sky a pleasant pink, and the fat-assed blonde that caught his attention looked ten years younger than she did now. It must have been the whiskey convincing him to take her up amidst the then-quiet early eve.

"Alright, sugar-tits; cash is on the table. I can feel a hangover setting in and things are getting wild downstairs. Give me a five minute head start and have yourself a night."

He pulled up his dress pants, catching a waft of something positively foul that would require more diligent washing later. His suit was still pressed and hair laid back obediently with only a modicum of effort; he looked ready for Sunday mass before sneaking down the stairs.

Well, I'll be damned. It's a f*cking superhero orgy down here.

It appeared all the specials had begun to converge, including many familiar faces. Amari was here, as was Redford. His new recruit, the one that went by "Jethro", had found his way in out of the rain. There was Philomel the mighty, and others he didn't know. They were all still wet from travels (unlike the bone-dry and bone-drained diplomat); he would stand out in this crowd.

"Good evening!" His greeting came as he sauntered down the stairs, gesturing with aplomb as he smiled in spite of himself. A heavy buzz in the room; there was little response. He pilfered a small bag from his pocket a few steps later, the clack of his metal heels on the hardwood ceasing as he produced a large handful of golden crowns. Hopping the railing from the stairs, he landed by the bar, dumping the coins over the polished hardwood.

"A round for the room!"

Philomel
09-07-2017, 09:38 AM
Philomel simply raised her eyebrows as Hyperion sauntered over and promptly picked not only Fenn up, but also Veridian as well. Just as Veridian was beginning to see the signs of burning and chafing around the boy-man's wrist.

So he was called Fenn. And he had recently been in some form of danger, tied up somewhere, likely with metal cuffs. Steepling her fingers Philomel leant back and eyed the tiny man, trying to figure out who could have done such a thing. Many that she knew, certainly, but who precisely would want to? He was adorable, and seemed rather harmless - so to what end was the difficulty here. Some tortured for the sake of it - that was fine, but their victims were usually particularly chosen and unless they had a penchant for small, child-looking adults then ... well.

He had asked Hyperion, by using the water vapoured glass again - clearly he did not like to speak - if the briarheart was some form of fae.

Which might answer what he was. Certainly the fae, with all their mysterious ways, had the capacity to produce a magically infantile being. Maybe some charm gone wrong, maybe some strange family who took for ages to grow up - Philomel could not be certain. But it gave rise, indeed, to the young man's origins and his outstanding attractive qualities.

Some help here?

Philomel's eyes looked over to Veridian, where she saw his snout just managing to finally peek out over Hyperion's arm. Letting out a light laugh, Philomel clapped her hands together in a muted fashion, filling the room with effortless amusement. Veridian, although not entirely hating the oppurtunity to be hugged to death, had his own pride also, and thus had been taken aback by the intial contact.

Then he had apparently rather liked it. Now he was beginning to feel tense and uncomfortable.

"Whatever you do, don't burst into flame, darling," Philomel said to him warmly, out loud. "Enjoy it." She looked at Hyperion's strange multi-faceted eyes. "He is saying his ego is hurting a little. Hug him slightly more if you don't mind me asking."

Keep an eye on Fenn, she told Veridian, directly, so that no one else could hear. We need to find out who is responsible for his hurt. We need to protect him.

Oh you and your instincts, Veridian muttered, and sighed to succub more to the cosy, but pride-hurting, hug.

Just as a man said he would buy a round of drinks and Philomel stuck a hand in the air. "A few are needed over here!"

Venex Apara
09-07-2017, 09:57 AM
Serious talks were not for public areas. Serious talks were for serious times, and serious time was not now. Well, technically it could be, but was there any point to it? Laughter and good times has been, is, and always will be the perfect medicine. Serious talks were like stitches that eventually helps close things up.

Ugh, stitches. Ven shook his head to get that train of thought out of his mind.

It was then that a well dressed man came down the stairs and declared a round for everyone.

Ven perked up at that. Oh sure he was still livid (on the inside), he would never turn down a free drink. IT IS FREE! AND A DRINK! Only a monster or someone absolutely petty would dare complain about it.

Ven turned to look at Eteri, then at the barkeep, who had returned with a towel, muttering about rich people. "I suppose you will be wanting those drinks?" he asked.

Ven nodded, "Yup," popping the p, before taking the towel and attempting to clean some of the mud off. The barkeep came back quicklyh with a glass for both Eteri and himself, then hustled off to serve others.

Ven looked back at Eteri again. "Who would have thought coming to a place like this would get us free stuff AND the chance to meet up again?"

Amari
09-07-2017, 10:30 AM
Scarlet thought about Madison's words, were Hyperion's hugs really that great? A small sigh escaped her lips as she leaned back in the booth chair, the leather shifting and making squeaking noises. "I mostly felt drained after them, that and the bright flashing light sorta gave me a headache." She waved Madison off, to avoid any further discussion on the matter. It didn't mean much now.

"I was returning from some errand Ulroke sent me on, he's been very..." Sscarlet tilted her head, "On Edge lately, and protective." Madison raised a skeptical eyebrow. "I know." Scarlet mused. "I do not understand it either, it's like - when my emotions left, he somehow sucked them all up." Scarlet scoffed. "Course I know that's not the case, it was probably the wake up call he needed."

It was then, the salt and pepper man stumbled down the stairs, judging from his disheveled look, from a good round of sex with some well paid escort. He offered a round of drinks for the room, which resulted in multiple people taking up the offer, Scarlet didn't much feel like drinking any more than she already had, unless that drink was perhaps from his private reserve, it remained her favourite, even now.

"I'm pretty sure everyone in this room wants me dead, or at least very, very, mutilated." Scarlet mumbled, taking another sip from her whiskey. "Honestly if it weren't pissing down with rain, I probably wouldn't bother stickin' around. What about you, Madison. I thought that the catgirl, and the book would have kept you busy....but I see you've taken care of at least one of those already."

FennWenn
09-07-2017, 02:23 PM
BY THE GODS.

Fenn squeaked softly and sank deeper into the hug, wrapping his own birdishly delicate arms around this sudden new friend of his. "Friend", now, being sternly solidified in his mind -- Fenn couldn't believe how good this felt. Bright was one way to describe the sensation he got from the embrace. Magic-bright, to be more specific, that elusive sensation Fenn got whenever he came in contact with a source of sorcery.

It was as if… He couldn’t put his finger on it. Some of the tenseness inside him melted away, at least for now.

Fenn rested his head on Hype’s shoulder and rubbed his eyes, his expression falling somewhere between smugness and befuddlement. Magic hugs? Or, magic touch? Maybe he should get a book on Briarhearts to learn more about this.

His own icy attunement subdued in the face of it, the frosty fae's touch leaving only a few bare flecks of frost on Hype’s colorful fabric-swath clothing. Which was lucky, because he’d rather not give the fox or his new plant-fae friend frostbite. The boy blinked and stared off into space. What was he thinking about before this? Was he thinking about anything before this? Everything was moving so fast and so haphazardly tonight, and the dreamy strangeness of it all reminded him of Sidhe.

That was fine, he guessed.

His eyes fluttered half-shut. He could almost fall asleep in Hype’s arms right now, right next to the evidently ego-hurt fox. “Warm” wasn't a state of being he typically ascribed to good-feeling happenstances, but he’d make an exception for this.

Briarheart
09-08-2017, 01:55 PM
I nodded my head as the redhead spoke. "I know how that feels, walking into a den of wolves who'd love nothing more than to tear you limb from limb. It's just a shame that it always seems to happen in a tavern such as this one."

"We had a bit of a falling out over some dead hookers and questionable loyalties," I said in hushed tones as I threw a finger Philomel's way. "And that man over there, the giant meathead with the metal arms? Crushed his skull in the Citadel after a couple cheap shots. And the blonde who was talking to Philomel a few minutes ago?" I motioned towards Cain, one of the other five in the Red Forest the day we all killed ourselves a self-styled god. "He knows a little bit more about me than I'd prefer. My body count, my crimes against man and nature. One of those n'urds who considers the world a fairy tale or a game or something and himself the hero of it all."

"Yeah, I know him too," Red said, her vacant eyes glued on Cain.

"Oh?"


---------

Hyperion could have sat on that floor forever. Much to her enjoyment, Fenn was making himself very comfortable, nuzzling into her shoulder like any small child finding comfort would. His head drooped slightly, bumping into Veridian's noggin and using him as a pillow. Behind her mythril face mask, Hype's smile grew. Goodness, if only Madison would surrender herself to her embrace like this! How much happier would she be if she just learned to accept a hug once in a while?

But alas, all good things must come to an end. The fox had taken particular offense to the little one preparing to fall asleep on him, and began squirming uncontrollably.

Off to the side, Philomel stifled another giggle.

Hype relented, and after one final squeeze, let the two of them go. Veridian immediately put several feet between them, having suffered enough for one evening. Fenn made a few stirring noises, looking up at the briarbane with gigantic eyes.

"You're a very good hugger," she said, leaning forward on her knees and giving his messy hair a quick tousle.

Philomel
09-08-2017, 02:08 PM
Veridian sprinted across the gap between Hyperion and Philomel with the speed of a dashing wind. Letting out a tiny, pride-hurt yelp he leapt up and onto Philomel's lap, burying his face into her side. He acted very much like his canine counterparts, snuffling deep and moaning with a purr to his voice, unsure of whether or not he really had liked what just happened.

"Oh you ..." Philomel laughed and scooped her arms underneath her beloved's body.

Leaning back she subjected him to yet another embrace, letting her hair flow down between them, and tickle his nostrils. He squirmed and he moaned, but all she did was flip him onto his back, so his legs were in the air and lift the whole foxy package to her face and tightly, but gently, hold him there. As he fought, and she simply held, silence fell between them until their heartbeats became synchronised, and there was just ...

Raw emotion.

Her eyes flickered over to where the Fenn boy was being greeted by Hyperion. Philomel let a soft smile fall across her face as she felt Veridian finally give up, and relax. He huffed and moped, but stayed still as she enjoyed the fire living within him, the heat that he naturally now expelled. She paused and then lifted her head a little, directly posing Fenn a question.

"Do you like rabbits?" she asked, and in her mind she mentally sought for Mao.

Currently the rabbit was hiding in the back garden of the pub, beneath the foundations of the patio, where worms and toads made their homes. It was a good way to keep a distance from the rain as well as being close enough to run for Philomel, should the need arise. Also it was a rather convenient place for Delath the dragon to pop his nose into and say, 'hello Mao,' with a snort, then disappear again.

"I have a rabbit too. Who is less grumpy than this fox."

FennWenn
09-08-2017, 03:40 PM
Fenn’s ears twitched at the question posed to him. He leaned against the table’s edge, one hand on the glass, the other haphazardly fixing his ruffled, fluffled hair. BUNNIES VERY NICE, he scrawled over to Phi with a small smile. HAVE WOLF. SHE FLUFFY, VERY STRONG. SPOOKY FACE. I LIKE. He decided not to mention that she frequently snacked on rabbits.

“A wolf?” the faun asked, stroking her fox friend tenderly.

YES! MEET LATER, SHE TIRED, SLEEP NOW, Fenn explained, his handwriting writing doing happy loops. CURIOUS ABOUT YOU RABBIT.

For a quick moment, Fenn turned back to Hyperion, who had been curiously peering about the tavern while he and Phi spoke. There was some fuss going on about some swanky guy handing out free drinks. If it weren't for the fact that the tiny fae was perfectly capable of stealing a sip from whoever was nearby -- except Amari, never her -- he might have joined in the festivities. As it was, he leaned over to gingerly tap Hype on the shoulder.

“Oh! Yes?” she asked, quirking her head to the side.

WANT TO SEE MY SHINIES?

Her four eyes blinked and furrowed from behind her mask. “Shinies?”

Fenn patted the hefty bag hanging off his shoulders and hoisted it into his lap. It made a faint clinging as it moved. That was what one did when they became good friends with another, right? Show off their shiny stuff? That’s what Fenn did, anyway. As far as he was concerned, anyone who claimed they didn’t have at least a passing interest in shinies was a lying bitch-tits. PRETTY SHINY BITS I COLLECT, he wrote at Hyperion, an enthusiastic gleam in his eyes. I GOOD AT COLLECTING.

“Oh sure, I bet you are! Could you give me a second?” She glanced over her shoulder, hands knitting together with that quivering energy of hers -- he wasn't sure whether it was more excitement or nervousness. “I think I see someone else who could really, really use some cheering up first.”

Fenn gave her a bobbing nod. After bestowing his head with another ruffly pat, the briar-fae skittered off into the crowd.

Green fishbowl eyes followed her for a minute. So, he had two people he could maybe kind of trust. It was up in the air as to whether it’d stay that way or become Amari and Aengus all over again, but he was hoping for the former.

Storm Veritas
09-08-2017, 09:13 PM
Storm realized quickly that although his drinks had been readily accepted, people still kept a nervous distance from him. He was sometimes seen as distant, aloof, or clique-prone, which was was to be understood. He'd traveled far, but not socialized as much as most were wont to.

Philomel. That great, magnificent beast. Must be tough for a goddamned monstrosity like that to make friends...

Hmm...

Maybe not; she's powerful as high hell and saved my bacon at least once.

He moved over to the great creature with a smile, bright white teeth perched between smiling dimples as he offered a peaceful wave. This was the time to build bridges, not pick fights. He saw she was also sited near a fresh drink, so she'd need to be at least tangentially aware of his generosity.

"Philomel, correct? Phi, or Mel, or what would you prefer?" He closed his smile as he gave her a coy look, dropping his jaw to present her with his bright eyes before allowing his smile to spread again. "Storm Veritas. You saved my ass, along with the the hides of many back with that awful octopus-squid-angel monstrosity when the fellowship of swords came together. We also have had some run-ins in a pyramid..."

He gave a quick look to a girl that looked something sort of like what could possibly be Madison, although her transformative nature made full recognition implausible. Perhaps Philomel would get his reference; perhaps she would ignore it.

"I didn't mean to interrupt, but I -had- to say hello, and meet this handsome little fellow." His glance shot down to the boy, who looked wildly out of place in a tavern full of heavy drinks and whores.

Screw it, whatever. I was a friend of the bottle not so much older than this one.

Philomel
09-08-2017, 09:36 PM
deleted the one above before Storm's and copied it here to answer him also in this one

Philomel gently laid Veridian down as the boy-man-possible-Fae told her he liked rabbits. Smiling then she left Veridian on the armchair, fussing over himself to sort his fur that had been messed up now. By both briarheart and faun. But one was four-eyes Hyperion - lovely and harmless enough, as long as you did not instigate anything with her - and the other was Philomel beloved - he was not allowed to moan about that. Thus, he did not say anything but rather took to grooming himself, his eyes still patiently watching the Fenn.

Philomel herself got to her feet and whilst Fenn was distracted with Hyperion she turned her back on the party and left. Her drink came half a second later, but Veridian simply nosed for it to be placed down on the table by the chair. His mind focused on the faun, and he was quiet satisfied to find that she was going where he thought she would - out the back door and into the pouring rain, where a rabbit hid beneath the patio.

Sighing, Philomel ran out into the rain, knowing Mao would not come unless she came herself to get her. Rain splattered in fat drops, immediately cascading onto her and soaking hair, blouse and fur. But she went as swift as she could, heading direct for the hole in the stone work where the foundations could be seen, and small animals could fit. Her eyes had not seen Mao go in, but through their mental connection she knew where she was, and the soul was frightened, shivering, confused. There was no way she would come unless it be with Delath - and Philomel did not want to suddenly force the appearance of a twenty foot dragon on anyone.

Bending down she bit back her pride as she placed hooves in deep mud and shoved her face within the hole. A little while of searching and she saw the brown, wide eyes staring back, long ears twitching.

"It is only me, love," she said gently, then exchanged sight for touch, extending a hand into the space. "It is ..."

A small moment of feeling around in grime. A brush with something horrid, bumpy, cold and wet. A toad - ew - then ...

Soft fur, warm body. Shaking limbs pressing themselves desperately into the curve of her palm. Philomel sighed and smiled, cupping her hand around the rabbit gently and she tugged, carefully lifting the small form up and along.

Mao was perfect. With such a trust as formed by their bond, she did not struggle, but knew Philomel would never bring her to harm. Thus, still she remained as the faun brought her to her chest, and smiled. She bent over the form, keeping the rain from covering the rabbit and rather sacrificing her own now dripping wet hair. One kiss, and then she stood, twisting around to run back into the warm, dry inn.

You are soaked, Veridian said, welcoming her back.

Philomel simply nodded as she squelched back in, a grin on her face. Uncupping her hands from near her breast she produced the calm, and dry form of Mao the brown and white rabbit, sniffing the rich scents of the air. Gently she laid the bunny on the table, looking over at Fenn.

"This is Mao," she said, stepping back to begin the process of wringing out her hair. There was a full trail of droplets and puddles going from the door to her, and people were beginning to complain. But she ignored them. "Told you I have a rab ..."

"Philomel, correct?"

Philomel turned to see a man walk up. One that she recognised remarkably well, yet one she had not ever really properly talked to. Despite their very obvious connection under the certain name of Shinsou van Osiris ... She listened as Storm Veritas went on to formally introduce himself, reminding her about the times they had battled together. In a giant pyramid. In a mysterious cavern made of crystal.

Ah yes, that place that was vaguely connected to the very rabbit on the table now whom she had brought to meet Fenn. The same one that Storm apparently wanted to make friends with.

The faun blinked, then extended a hand and nodded. "Nice to properly meet you, I guess. And thank you for the drinks. Usually I get called Matriarch, or Philomel but as you know Shinsou so well ... I guess you can call me Phi." She smiled briefly, unsure about this man, but willing to offer him kindness.

"You walked in here with the attitude of someone who had had a pleasing night. Tell me, which one of my ... I mean the establishments were you at tonight?"

Amari
09-08-2017, 10:09 PM
"Yeh, Hero-ing around is a good way to describe him." Scarlet muttered, her eyes still on Vincent Cain. She recalled the day she met him, the day she had accidentally hurt Fenn.

"Some young looking whelp was sticking his hands in Sanctum documents, how the hell he got there? No clue. That's fishy enough as is, he ran off with some valuable information. I was ordered to follow, and kill him. I did." Scarlet shrugged, "He came charging through the forest with some premonition that I had killed Fenn, granted... the tiny adult was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and I did stab him but I healed him straight away. Vincent had me up against a tree by my throat demanding answers."

Scarlet scoffed and rolled her eyes, "Because one can totally give answers when they're larynx is crushed, I'm not some fuckin' telepathic mind-reader, although he seems to be able to do some sort shit like that. He threw me to wherever it is he lives, near a beach in Raieria and told me I was being captured and detained under the authority of his law. Didn't listen to a word I said, didn't listen to the fact that if I were to stay there a certain silver haired someone would come looking. He just...fucker."


Scarlet muttered more words bitterly under her breath. "What kind of dick insults someones cooking then throws them halfway across Althanas, sure, I threatened one of his maids, but I had been there two weeks. TWO weeks of dealing with his shit, his talks of valor and justice, of right and wrong, of what makes a good person, of judgement and - " Scarlet paused.

This was pointless. It was pointless going on about such a thing. "The hypocrisy pisses me off." She said with finality.

Scarlet was tempted to wander over to Storm, say hello, and maybe pry some dry clothing from the man since he was the only person whom seemed to have escaped the storm before it hit, but he headed straight to fuzzy-tits-McGee. Fantastic.

"Sounds like Cain." Madison said.

The bar woman came over, asking what both Scarlet and Madison wanted for their free drink. Scarlet shook her head, "Unless its from his private reserve, I'm not interested." It was odd to hear those words coming out of her mouth, just what the hell was wrong with her damn body to cause it to reject something she very much enjoyed? Scarlet would have to figure it out later.

"If you don't want yours, I'll take it."

"Be my guest, Madison."

Eteri
09-08-2017, 10:22 PM
I hid behind Venn, clutching his shoulders tightly when Scarlet, the red headed woman looked my way and narrowed her gaze at me, she exchanged some words with Madison, her black and red eyes still on me.

"Is that her Bluebell?"

I gave him a nod. "Y-Yeh..."

Venn fell oddly silent, it was a silence I was not used to. I was about to question him on it, but was distracted when both he and and i were handed towels, I shoved my face into it and rubbed vigorously. It didn't exactly help, I was still covered in mud and soaking wet. Still...I sat on the bar stool next to Venn, and sniffed my drink. I wrinkled my nose. "Apple Cider, Eteri think." I took the mug and bought it to my lips, downing a few big gulps before I had to stop, the bubbles and stuff caused my tummy to rumble. Oh yeh...I forgot to eat today. Oopsie!

I turned to Venn who was insisting on having a good time, and on ignoring the more darker themes that underlined our conversation. I offered him a weak smile. "I head back to Barchie's. I stay there now, but this..." My ears fell flat against my head. "Eteri rather be naked then wet and cold." I muttered, kinked tail twitching side to side. "Boo. What happen with venn?" I asked, tilting my head over to him as I took another long drink.

"How Venn go with only half soul?"

Briarheart
09-08-2017, 10:26 PM
Luckily for Hyperion, her prey seemed to show no interest in moving. In fact, the only muscles of hers that were working were the ones in her face twisting it into the deepest of frowns, and the ones in her wrist working her drink, swirling it around and bringing it up to her lips for the occasional pull of cold, refreshing pee-water.

Hype didn't understand what was so good about alcohol, and why everyone seemed to drink so much of it. In her own research, she noted that it was consumed on two different occasions: first, when people were happy and had cause to celebrate; and second, when people were sad and needed to become happy again.

It didn't take a master scholar to see that the current situation fell under the latter.

And somebody unhappy? In Hype's presence? This could not stand!

"Target acquired," the briarbane whispered under her breath as she snaked her way through the crowd, lightly pressing the night's patrons on their arms or sides to get them to clear a path. "One Rayleigh Aston, identified as Madison's mechanic acquaintance. Known other occupations: Bartender. Once witnessed serving drinks at an establishment we once attended. Miss Madison left me to converse with Miss Aston while she spoke privately with Lichensith Ulroke. Awkwardly greeted me, then moved to serve other customers."

She licked her razor-sharp teeth. "Grudge Level: Zero."

As she stalked her way across the tavern, she noticed the mountain of a man that sat with Rayleigh. He was well over seven feet tall, and maybe four or five feet wide. Arms clad in metal, chin clad in beard. He looked friendly enough--must have been, if he kept company with the mechanic. He looked considerably more relaxed, if not slightly exhausted. Would probably react to a sudden hug with surprise mixed with bemusement. A potential new friend--Hype made a note to introduce herself later on, after Ray was attended to and Fenn got to share his shinies with her.

Hype found herself only fifteen feet away from the brunette. She watched as she took another pull from her liquid mood-juice, catching glimpses of the mechanic from the gaps between patrons as they milled around her.

"Preparing gripping mechanisms." The briarbane's fingers twitched, her hands clenching and relaxing over and over again.

"Disengaging concerns for personal space." She took a step closer, her shoulders hunched, every muscle in her body tense and ready to spring.

"Enacting Friendship Protocol Zero-Zero-Six... In three... two... one..."

Hype straightened herself up, smoothed out a few creases in her sleeves, pulled her gloves tight, and confidently strode from the crowd, making a bee-line to Rayleigh and Big 'n' Tall. Nobody paid attention to her until she pulled out an empty chair at the table and scooched up next to Rayleigh.

"Hello, Miss Aston," she said cheerfully, "It's me, Madison's friend Hyperion! I noticed that you were looking sad, and might needed some cheering up!"

And because her definition of cheering up was wrapping her briar-knit arms around someone until a few body parts tingled due to cut circulation, Hyperion threw her arms wide and went in for the kill.

Storm Veritas
09-09-2017, 10:03 AM
Generally Storm had made a point to engage women of all sorts, although he certainly preferred they bring either intelligence or beauty to the table. The pretty ones he had very temporary uses for; the sharper witted ones were far more engaging. Philomel was at least a little of both. She was beautiful from the hips up, if you could get by the horns and stay focused on pretty face or whoppers that seemed to float beneath her collarbone. She was also far too well-traveled to be dumb. Phi was a sharp one, and her coy line of questioning surprised him. He knew she was playing him.

"Which establishment?" Storm rubbed at his chin as he looked carefully at her pretty face for some sort of tell.

Maybe you didn't see me come down the stairs, but I'm bone dry. If I could miracle my ass from place to place, I'd be busier than just going bar to bar...

...err, well, nah screw it, I'd still probably pub hop if only to be more picky with the whores.

"Unlike our friend Shinsou, I can't disappear and pop around from place to place. I hope you don't think all of us humans are the same!" Storm grinned again, hoping that he hadn't upset the towering faun. Her beauty masked some sort of unholy power; he didn't want to pick a fight with all that business.

"If you'll pardon the crudeness, I've been at this establishment a bit longer than everyone else, but was feeding some other vices when the crowd began to rush in."

His eyes dropped down; perhaps she'd buy that he was gambling, but there was no use trying to outright lie to her.

"And yourself? What brought you and yours here? Just seeking shelter, or something more interesting?"

FennWenn
09-09-2017, 10:56 AM
The swanky guy handing out free drinks was here. Fenn gave him a reserved wave, stared into his coin-bright eyes, and scooted away a few inches.

The faun chatted familiarly with Storm as she dripped water out over the floor. He sensed… something building between Phi and Mr. Storm McSwank Veritas over here. It was another one of those things Fenn could notice but not identify. A contest was missing to him; the two's conversation hinged on esoteric to his pointed ears. They twitched in annoyance. Oh well. Gently, the fae scooped up Phi’s fluffy white-brown Mao rabbit and set it in his lap. It was a big rabbit. A big, well-behaved rabbit. He stroked the agreeable creature and continued to stare warily at the new stranger. Handing out free drinks or no, Fenn wasn’t sure how to feel about this man yet.

With a quick tap on the table, a patch of frost appeared. FENNIK GLENWEY, the boy scrawled in it. It was a formal introduction, and a cold introduction, in more ways than one.

Uncertainly, he stole a swig of an unattended drink. Slurp.

Philomel
09-09-2017, 01:29 PM
Mao blinked huge eyes, and sat there with a silent shiver running down her back. Ears twitched, sensing for danger, but as she looked around and realised that indeed she was safe and had been rescued by the Food-Giver Philomel. There was no Rock-Teeth-Protector Delath here - he was the one that truly made Mao feel safer - but there was a faun, and there was a Hot-Fur also known as Veridian. Therefore she settled into Fenn's lap with a very un-rabbit like ease, having forgone the instincts of her kin a long time ago. When she was born as the daughter of a rabbit-god. When she had been rescued by a faun.

The matter, was, however, she was illiterate. She also had limited intelligence. So she did not see and recognise the words. It took Veridian to huff in frustration over the fact Fenn was trying so hard to make friends with everyone and anyone who came. He looked up and saw Storm conversing with Philomel, and it might take time for him to notice. Veridian thought it good to at least start off with names. Twitching his tail left to right he paused before letting hot breath, made hotter by the fire inside him, fog over much of the table. Then, settling beside Fenn he very awkardly stretched out with one paw and wrote in large, messy writing.

'THAT STORM. HE FRIEND. I AM VERIDIAN.'

Then he looked to the boy, looking at him with deep, intelligent eyes and waiting for the response.

Philomel meanwhile was pausing.

"You came so bright and cheery that I assumed you had had company. No, I don't seem to presume anything of humans. You do know most of my friends, clients and comrades are human. I am from Radasanth after all." She picked up her drink and leant towards Storm with a glint in her eye. "The reason I asked was ... Well you do know what it is I do for a living, right? Shin dear must have mentioned it."

She drank a small amount, then set it down.

"That was not the reason I came in here, though. Rarely do I actually provide any service anymore, and there isn't really any business that needed to be done in the city." She shook her head. "No, actually I'm in town because I need a new set of armour." She shrugged. "Weird, I know."

Then she smiled at him. "It is nice to properly meet you. You are definitely more down to earth than Shin dear has let on."and

Nicolette
09-09-2017, 09:20 PM
Her smile was genuine, despite the craziness of the inn. To say that this was not her scene would be a gross understatement, and she was quite taken aback by the behavior. None of the taverns she had visited in Salvar had doubled as a circus. Then again, those patrons had known that quasi-royalty sat among them. Odds are likely that they were on their best behavior. She was well liked, and far from a dictator who might drive her people into submission, but they probably avoided being their rowdy, genuine selves in her presence. Besides, as hectic as the crowd was, and as unimpressed she remained regarding some of the behavior, she was shamefully intrigued as well. This was the sort of entertainment she generally sought in novels. "I do appreciate the offer, Atzar, but Master Cain has already placed me on his tab. I would hate to insult him by refusing his hospitality."

She wondered if he would even notice though, given the small throng of strangers that had gathered around him. Was it simply his ostentatious ways, beckoning for other travelers to gawk as if he were some street performer? Or did he know these people? Nicolette's expression did not waver, but her amber eyes narrowed just slightly as she regarded him. There was so much that she still did not know when it came to the sandy-haired scholar. Was that enough to deter her from joining his guild? "Still," she continued suddenly, swinging her gaze back to the man seated beside her, "I would like to remain here, and enjoy your company a bit longer. If you have no objections."

When the newcomer approached the pair, and asked to join, Nicolette's smile remained. His appearance was a surprise, as there was something just a bit unusual in his discolored skin, but she was too well-educated to react. A diplomat's face was fit for a poker game, Alexander had joked once, given its inability to be read by even the most trained eye. "Welcome," Nicolette greeted warmly. "You are more than welcome."

Yet another stranger clomped down the stairs. He seemed to glow, cheeks flushed pink, a broad smile on his face. It would not be difficult to guess at where he had come from, but the woman shoved the thought from her mind immediately. It was not her place. Instead, she loosed a soft laugh and shook her head, blonde hair cascading over her shoulder. "Consider that the third gentleman to offer me a drink this evening."

Rayleigh
09-10-2017, 01:14 PM
Someone greeted her, the cheerful words bubbling over the noise of the rowdy tavern. Rayleigh paused mid-swig, tipping the glass down to peer over the rim at the newcomer. Speaking of which, whose glass was it? She had finished the wine, and emptied the glass that had been abandoned, half-empty, on the table top. Was this now John's drink? Or had the waitress brought by another? She could hardly be expected to keep track, given her miserable mood, and the rapid rate in which she was consuming the alcohol.

Hyperion? Madison's friend? Her first thought, though muddled by the wine, and the beer, and whatever was in this glass, was is Maddy here? It had been a long time since she had seen the woman. Their last encounter had been incredibly brief, another tavern, in what felt like another time. When she thought on it, Rayleigh could faintly remember Hyperion there too. At the time, Ray had been working as a waitress, taking some of the pressure off her good friend, and owner of the establishment. She knew nothing of this striking woman, who was dressed a bit like an exceptionally stylish priestess. Truth be told, the mechanic knew little of Madison either, though she had always hoped to learn more. Their love of tinkering united them, despite whatever differences kept them apart for months at a time. Spending more time with Maddy had always been a priority, but it had never seemed to happen.

The figure before her seemed to radiate joy, trembling with it. Though Rayleigh could not see her face, she envisioned one of those smiles that split a person's face in half. It was too much. "Hi Hyperion," she answered plainly, gaze drifting back to Vincent to remind her why she was angry in the first place. Hold onto that mad. But the other woman did not appear to take the hint, nor was she frightened away by Rayleigh's foul mood. On the contrary, it seemed to draw Madison's friend another step closer. "Look," Ray began, her face screwing into an expression of mild discomfort as a headache began its slow pulse. "It's good to see you again, but now isn't the best time, because-"

Hyperion lunged, her arms wide, her masked face unreadable as it drew closer and closer to Ray's own. "Oh fuck," the brunette choked out as Hyperion's arms circled her shoulders, holding her close in a grip far too sturdy for a lady of the church. "John," Ray whimpered, her foggy mind failing to comprehend what was happening. "Help, help, help." Can't compute. Her mousy frame was rigid, tense with confusion and unease. Hyperion, however, seemed to hum with power. And... warmth?

"Let me go," Ray said weakly, with the conviction of an addict refusing another hit. "Please." There was a soft hushing noise in her ear, and after a moment's focus, she realized that her attacker was soothing her. She struggled again, only once, before succumbing to the hug. It was as if the contact was chasing the haze from her brain, and heightening each sensation. Each raw, exposed, vulnerable sensation. She had been embraced before, by Vincent, who had proven to be a habitual hugger. But this was different, comforting in the way a mother's hug might be. Not that Rayleigh would ever know that. Her mother had died before the girl could utter her first cry. The thought drew a tight-throated sob from Rayleigh, and before she knew it, her own short arms had wound their way around Hyperion. Her fingers dug in, anchoring herself to the complete stranger, as her face pressed against the fabric stretched tight across Hype's shoulder.

Storm Veritas
09-10-2017, 10:24 PM
The boy was adorable; a bundle of mischief and energy that looked almost cosmic in its innocence. His name appeared to be Fennik, and he was stealing drinks. The adult in Storm wanted to shepherd the boy away, to keep him from trouble in the midst of all this mania. The ten year old that lingered beneath the graying hair and faint crow's feet remembered drinking when his parents left the house; was he so much older?

No, but there weren't a half-dozen capable killers for you to piss off, either. Better close to the boy; he may need help soon enough.

With a friendly smile, the wizard pulled his own tall glass of mead a touch closer, pivoting his body against the bar betwixt both Philomel and his new fascination Fennik. He could keep a wandering eye on the boy while giving the faun the attention she rightly commanded. Fennik was doing him a favor; a distraction could keep the gaze of the mage from settling inappropriately in the long, promising crevasse between the hypnotizing breasts of Philomel.

Eyes off those milk-wagons, you damned fool. You're too f*cking old to embarrass yourself like that.

His demure attention turning back to Philomel, he carefully considered her words.

"Yes, I had myself some company, I guess my poker face is slipping." He laughed at himself, a bashful nod as he quickly checked to ensure shoes were still attached to his feet. "As for you, well..."

"I think you scare the shit out of Shin, actually. Hard to tell; maybe you just intimidate him. I can't blame him; his experience is a bit limited, and you strike quite the impression." The electromancer was concerned he was rambling, circling back to the girl. He'd return conversation to the woman; Storm had learned many ladies found themselves to be a wonderful topic of conversation.

"He certainly didn't spell out your old occupation, but it doesn't really matter. Far better to quicken heartbeats than to stop them, no?"

Atzar
09-10-2017, 11:50 PM
What Nicolette decided to stay with Atzar for a while, he nodded. “Be my guest,” he assented. He found the young woman to be a pleasant, relaxing companion, especially when compared to the eclectic, increasingly-raucous crowd that milled about the room.

He turned his attention to his stew. It was a rather plain meal – meat, potatoes, vegetables, not much seasoning – but it was warm and filling. The hungry wizard spooned it down with the occasional swallow of beer, eyes watching the action all the while. He observed with something between amusement and anxiety as a woman with four eyes and a mask stalked random people, ferociously doling out… hugs? Atzar didn’t know what to make of that.

As he neared the bottom of the bowl, a newcomer arrived. Trailing mud and soaked through, the middle-aged man’s blotchy skin didn’t present an image of good health. So when he offered his bottle of booze to the mage and his friend, Atzar eyed it suspiciously. “What is it?” he asked. But Nicolette agreed to his company, and the man sat down.

“A round for the room!” The new voice sounded from the far end of the bar, near the stairs. Coins clattered on the countertop, followed by a roar as patrons took the man up on his offer. The mage noted that his own drink was starting to run low, and he waited for an opportunity to signal the suddenly-harried bartender for a replacement.

One he had finally met the bartender’s eyes and received the desired nod of acknowledgment, he turned to the mottled-skinned newcomer. “What’s your name, stranger?” he asked. “I’m Atzar.”

Philomel
09-11-2017, 05:00 AM
Veridian waited with an unusual amount of excitement, tail swishing manically from left to right. His change from being pride-hurt to this now intrigued, happy little pup was something of a turn for him. But Philomel in her neraly ten years with him had seen more peculiar things. Through all of her close romances (there had been a girl called Astarelle for a while, probably the closest Philomel could claim in any way to a true feeling of romantic love) she had seen Veridian grow more and more jealous with each one. Shinsou was/had been merely the latest to aggravate Veridian in what could be a challenge to the main male in Philomel's life.

Aside from Delath the dragon of course. And aside from Vaeron.

Philomel threw the thought of her daughter, so close nearby, out of her head. For now, she wouldn't that about that. Celandine was happy and healthy at least. Instead she focused in on Storm, her eye keeping Veridian and his scrawled words in the corner of her eye.

"I intimidate Shinsou?" she asked, rather surprised. "I scare him? I do not see why not?" She grinned slightly, taking up her drink again and taking a medium-length long draught. Pausing then, she proceeded to point out no less than three females and one male out of the damp and mixed-emotional crowd that made up this enjoyable pub.

Lowering her voice she listed off names. "Mandrake," she pointed to the young man, a rare beauty, "Stefanie and Esper," she gestured at two human women, one flirting, the other standing and watching, "And Partalia," last was an elf, with long flowing hair, slumped in a corner looking utterly bored. Philomel looked back to Storm. "I could tell you their histories, where they came from and why they have been better off under my scheme than any other hand." She shrugged, "To put it short, I started off as one of them, though with a little murder thrown in, and knew there needed to be a change in the world."

A wide smile appeared across her face, "That is my occupation and history spelt out to no real detail and a few words for you. How was it? And how was your company?"

Jethro
09-11-2017, 08:59 PM
Upon hearing his recruiter order a round for every one on his dime Jethro turned and raised the tankard in thanks "You are most gracious!" he shouted in full voice before ordering a boilermaker and placing the brimming pitcher of mead back on the bar he gave a dancers bow to the young lady in his presence. "Thank you for the invitation" then he turned to the ladies companion "It's a pitcher of mead, it might be over kill but over kill is under rated. Please have a drink." He smiled his teeth were white at any rate and took a seat.

"My name is Jethro. It's nice to meet you Mr. Atzar." He poured out a glass of the warm mead for each of the pair he had sat with. "What is your name lady?" He asked in a most cordial tone. His boiler maker was delivered in a timely manner. Now most people drinking such a drink tends to power the entire thing down in as few drinks as possible. Jethro how ever was different treating it as a sipping drink meant to be savored rather than to be used to get drunk on. He smiled at the pair raising on last cursory toast to the electromance who bought him his drink.

Venex Apara
09-12-2017, 01:42 AM
After seeing the redheaded woman, who apparently just happened to be in the same tavern as them (seriously, what are the odds?), Ven went silent. He didn't doubt Eteri, he could feel her fear. Genuine fear. Fear that one does not attain on a fluke nor can be replicated. No, she was the real deal.

And he hated her for that. His emotions had a face to attach too. How he wished he could teach her a lesson. He wanted her to suffer for what she did. He wanted her to hurt. Not a quick one, but one drawn out for a long time.

This train of thought was unlike him, but when dealing with such situations, Ven figured he could make an exception here.

But how could he? He knew nothing of the the deadly red flower before him.

Who was she, and why did she do what she did? Ven eyed the masked figure conversing with the Red Rose as he has now dubbed her.

The masked figure would probably be his best bet at gathering information. Plan for later as Eteri noticed his silence.

At the mention of Archie, Ven smiled. He hasn't seen the old bastard in a bit, but he was glad he was helping Eteri. Archie wasn't one for charity, so for him to do that meant a lot to him.

He'd thank him next time he saw him.

Then Eteri asked the big question about how he's been. This Ven had to think about before answering. "Well, I've been ok I guess. It still feels weird, but nothing I can't deal with. I've also been having weird dreams, and my eyes keep having this throbbing sensation a lot recently."

Ven's eyes widened, then he he corrected himself. "That's not from you. I've been having that since I took that weird job from Archie, the one that left me beat up. Speaking of, my arm is still sore from what happened when we went out the window. You pay for the next round of drinks."

Eteri
09-12-2017, 09:56 AM
I nodded and turned to my half empty drink. I wasn't too sure I liked Cider, it was too bubbly in my stomach. "Empty feeling is lonely but for Eteri, this is opposite. Feel very...full, even if only half soul." I turned to him with a toothy grin, but it quickly faded when he said things felt weird and that he was having odd dreams.

I quickly pulled my eyes away, ears drooping. I picked up the cider and finished off the drink, coughing and heaving. Tears stringing my eyes. Gosh...this stuff wasn't really all that smooth. I slammed my hands repeatedly on the bar till a very annoyed looking bartender approached me.

"Yes?"

"More! But no this. Something less bubbles." I pushed the glass over to him. "Two please." He stood there, waiting. Oh... OH! Money, he wanted money. I rummaged through my shoulderbag till I Found a few loose gold coins and set them down. He took them up and with a sigh left.

I turned my attention back to Venn. "Eteri have nightmares. Lots. Hears whispers, tells Eteri do bad things. No like. Eteri get you drink." I forced a laugh. I knew he didn't like it when I was sad, or anyone for that matter. I was afraid he'd leave if he caught on.

The bartender sat two glasses down in front of us. "Vodka. Careful luv' it'll burn." And with those words the bartender left again. I stared at the glass, it looked like water?

"Is joke?" I asked as I picked up the glass and downed it all in one gulp. I dropped it, and it shattered against the floor. Holy flying fishes on fire! I WAS ON FIRE! LITERALY ON FIRE!? RIGHT? RIGHT!?

N..No just my throat.

"G-GAhhh!" I waved my arms at my mouth, as though it'd alleviate the feeling. "No like. No like."

Ayaka
09-12-2017, 10:39 AM
Ayaka was yet another who was drawn to the tavern, the only place open in such horrendous weather. She carefully pushed the door open and turned to gently click it closed behind her. She shut the dark red umbrella and shook the excess water off it before discarding it against the wall along with the other dripping jackets and outerwear. Ayaka needn't take off her clothing, she was dry. She was smart enough to bring an umbrella when she saw the ominous clouds. She wore what could have been mistaken as a traditional Akashimian shrine maiden outfit. Long loose fitting red pants and a white shirt that hung off her shoulders, its cuffs and v-neck lined with red ribbon.

Ayaka raised a perfectly trimmed eyebrow as her golden eyes glanced over the crowded establishment. Most were sodden. Ayaka wrinkled her nose. Did they not think to bring umbrellas? They all stink of mud..Especially...

Her disapproving gaze fell onto a familiar blue haired feline at the bar who had just messily shot a glass filled with Thaynes only know what. Alcohol no doubt judging by her overly exaggerated reaction. Eteri had always been that way. Ayaka sighed heavily as she passed Eteri and the blue clothed boy next to her. She didn't want to deal with the two lovers at this point in time. Hell, she didn't want to deal with Eteri at the best of times.

Ayaka sat herself neatly on a barstool on the other end of the bar and held up a neatly manicured finger to get the barkeeps attention. "Yes, I would like one Scotch on the rocks." She pulled out a small pouch of coins. "There is a heavy tip for you, if you ensure my glass does not empty." She gave the man a coy grin, leaning against the counter. Honey-blonde tail flicking casually side to side behind her. "Deal?"

"Deal." The man nodded, "You should teach the other 'jin some manners." He added.

Ayaka glanced over at her sister. It was odd, within her dwelled a horrendously monstrous and violent energy, some sort of soul? What on earth would have such a thing, furthermore, why did Eteri have it? Why did she and the man in the blue tailcoat share half a soul? Lovers? That had to be it. No one would be stupid enough to have half their soul ripped out otherwise.

A glass was placed in front of Ayaka, she lifted it toward the barkeep. "To a torrential rain that fattens your pockets on this dreary night." She took a sip and enjoyed the burn as it fell down her throat to settle in her stomach. This would have been perfect. If not for the blue haired elephant in the room.

Sure there were other standouts, some old man flirting with a half naked faun, a couple of parasitic plant creatures, a group of people around a crying girl by the fire... but as usual Ayaka did not want to bother them, if she left them alone surely they'd have the decency to leave her alone.

Ayaka pulled a book out from the folds of her pants, and set it on the bench. Taking another sip of her scotch she began to quietly read.

Storm Veritas
09-12-2017, 12:21 PM
"Perhaps those folks would be much more well-served under your watch. Most folks don't qualify as the soft glove AND the iron fist, after all." His eyes scanned around to the patrons Philomel pointed out, before returning to her voice. He leaned a bit closer, struggling to gather her words over the buzz of the room.

How precisely does a gentleman answer in regards to a just finished pay-per-screw? Doubt she wants to hear the fine details, or would appreciate a good joke about the sausage down the hallway or the echo chamber...

His eyes were sharply focused as he moved them about the bustling pub, sipping quickly at his sweet, cool drink as he planned the next chess move. Conversation could be a dance, and Philomel knew how to waltz like a queen.

"Every exchange is a joy, even with the flaws we all share." A self deprecating smile as he dragged his hands through the air before his torso, gesturing to his own human frailty. "My company could not be criticized. Fun, lighthearted, and ultimately professional - down to the polite and prompt exit that men like me pay for."

It was on the point, but the wizard estimated Philomel too wise to attempt to dupe. Human duplicity surrounding sex was fairly unique to them; perhaps other beings could appreciate a matter-of-fact perspective. The tougher question now was where to go from here. What did Veritas wish to draw from the faun? They had greeted, he had learned, and here in his refractory period he had the ability to retrain from more primitive desires that would likely lead to outright bedlam. What more was there for him here?

Perhaps inspiration can be borrowed.

"So what now? You're not one of them. You're obviously a warrior, but don't strike me as a mercenary type. What keeps you going? Do you let the winds carry you, or is there a specific change you're trying to impress upon Althanas?"

Lye
09-12-2017, 01:16 PM
What? So you kill a farmer's pig and try to cook it on his firewood bundle after tapping a keg of unfinished ale. People around here act like that's some kind of crime. As I milled over the reason for my drunken trudge, my left boot decided to pick a fight with my right boot. The sensation of falling didn't kick in until the view of the mud and the muck became suddenly detailed and personal. I shot out a hand and snatched some wooden railing that may have been constructed some hundred years ago. It shattered like cracked glass and I barely managed to catch myself on the remnants of the support post as my nose dipped into what I hoped was only mud. I didn't care, but the aroma of my unfiltered alcohol ridden breath masked any notes of horse shit that was most likely present.

I staggered to a stand and used the tattered sleeve of my hooded poncho to wipe the crap off my nose. Then, it started to rain. It had threatened to do so all day, but now seemed to be the time. I sighed a cloud of warm breath in the brisk night shook the inebriation around in my skull into a further froth. A glance back to the pillar of black smoke proved that my worn out welcome from earlier was still ablaze. Maybe the guy would catch a break. Didn't kill him, so he's already two for one on the luck scale for today. Me, on the other hand.

I settled my sights on the only glowing establishment in this bleak hellhole of a place. Given the arid location and miserable state of the surrounding village, the sounds of life booming from it forced my brow to arch. I then tilted my head skyward like a bird brained turkey to take several drops of rain straight to the eye socket. The fucked up eye didn't feel much, but the good one stung quite a bit. In my impaired judgement, I just said fuck it and sauntered my way into the tavern.

Damp, muddy, and visually in need of a bath some several days ago, I balanced myself between the archway after nearly kicking the worn cedar off its rusty iron hinges. It settled some of the patrons for a moment as my good eye took account of the blurred faces.

"You," I pointed, but the hand struggled to pin down my target in the spinning room. "The fuck you doin' here?"

Ayaka
09-12-2017, 01:27 PM
Ayaka glanced up at the silver haired man who was drunkedly pointing a finger at her. She sighed and picked up her glass (just after it was topped up again) and shut her book. Leaving it at the counter to mark her place, lest some uncultured swine take her seat. With a swing of her hips and a walk filled with the gait of someone who had a superiority complex Ayaka approached the man.

Now that she was standing a mere foot away from him she could smell him. Her nose wrinkled and her ears twitched. "You stink of a drunkard. What kind of pathetic hovel did you claw your way out of, and why aim your ire at me? I have no fucking idea who you are." She paused to take a sip of her drink. "Nor you me." Another sip. "So kindly.... She reached out and batted his accusatory finger away. "Fuck off."

His hand rose again. "D-do you KNOW who I a-am!?"

Great. It was one of those people. Someone who thought he better than everyone else. Ayaka huffed, he was covered in mud and muck, and who knows what else. If she focused, he had the faint smell of blood upon him, and his soul. Hoo boy. This man done some shady ass shit. It was a miasma of dark chaos, not as much as the redhead in the corner, but still, pretty bad in regards to being a basic human being. He was probably some washed out assassin, or cult leader. Ayaka didn't answer him, she just stared him down, taking another drink from her glass. Silently, she reached out and gave him a small push to test just how well his balance faired.

Tonight was going to be a long one.

Lye
09-12-2017, 01:42 PM
Again with that sensation of falling. This time backwards. I meant to scowl in anger but by the time my face formed the expression, I came to notice how littered with cobwebs the banisters were. Does anyone clean that shit? As though an afterthought, my legs, feet, and arms spun me round, swiveled, and put me again, face to face with... Isabelle? Those ears, the tail, that look of "what the hell did you do now?"... But... I thought...?

My furrowed frustrations rose into concentrated confusion. I narrowed my view as if it were to help, but it just made the world blur that much more.

"You," I went to push a finger between the valley of her chest. "I thought you were dead?"

My face softened as either the beer from earlier rose in my stomach, or I felt something other than anger. Either way, my arms outstretched and I fell forward for an embrace.

"I haven't seen you in --"

Ayaka
09-12-2017, 01:56 PM
"Dead"

Dead? Ayaka wasn't dead, she was very much alive. He must have mistaken her for someone else but whoever she was, she was long gone. It was almost sweet, if not utterly pathetic. "Maybe if you washed yourself up, and weren't some pathetic street skulking washed up assassin wannabe. I'd entertain that thought. But your soul, and your body is littered with literal filth."

Ayaka held out her hand, and his forehead clunked against her glass. His hands still found their grubby way to her waist and he gave her a tight squeeze, before trying to draw her in for an embrace. He muttered the word 'Isabelle.'

"Ayaka." She said firmly, standing her ground. "A-YA-KA."

Briarheart
09-12-2017, 02:01 PM
Oh goodness, Hype thought to herself. This... This is a different kind of hug. Not a good hug. A bad hug. The kind of hug that one gives as a silent cry for help.

The briarbane's general eyebrow area scrunched up behind her mask as she processed this information. Rayleigh buried her face into her shoulder, her arms wrapped tightly and fingers digging into her vines. It was a strong hug, to be sure; one fueled by a slew of repressed emotions and trauma?

Who did this to her? Who hurt her so badly that she'd release so much raw emotion in a simple comforting embrace?

Hyperion would find out, and she would give them a very stern talking to.

"There, there," she cooed into Miss Aston's ear as she began rocking back and forth ever-so-slightly. Her Best Friend instincts were kicking into overdrive. "It's going to be okay. You must have a lot on your mind right now. Would you like to talk about it?"


- - - - - - -

Oh hey, free beer.

I've never been one to turn down a round on someone else's coin, but it felt even better when someone else did. Didn't hurt that this place's brew wasn't half bad, either. I'd never really known Red to be much of a drinker, but her loss, really.

However, I had to admit that she was starting to really kill my enjoyment of the evening. For someone who claimed to have no emotions, she had such strong feelings on the matter. And she had started to go on quite the tear about Cain--which was really none of my business to begin with. One of the many things Ulroke must've forgotten to teach her was the art of people watching. Spot someone, make one snide comment about them, and move onto the next. That nerdy little scholar wasn't worth the time she spent having no emotions whatsoever about him, no matter what complaints she had against him.

I had to distract her, and had to distract her now. Otherwise, I'd have to frown and nod at another one of her rants.

Reaching into my robes, I produced a small cardboard box and set it on the table. Thumbing the top, I popped it open and slid out a deck of playing cards.

"Care for a game? Poker?"

Amari
09-12-2017, 02:06 PM
Madison pulled out a deck of cards. "Poker?" Scarlet tapped the table in thought, thankfully it was the one cardgame she knew how to play. Thanks to Jake. "Sure. Deal me in."

Madison started to shuffle the cards before a rather loud man interrupted.

"Ulroke?" Scarlet tilted her head. That explained the pang in her chest. Whenever he was around, at least when he was carrying the one 'good piece' of her soul her chest ached. He was completely and utterly wasted. She had never seen him like this before, and was slightly curious as to why he'd put himself in such a futile state. "This is why most of the hand no longer see him as a fit leader." Scarlet stated as she stood from the booth. "One moment, I need to deal with the child."

Scarlet scooched away from the booth and grabbed the back of his collar. Stopping him from sexually assaulting a very unhappy catlady. Lichensith Ulroke. A man who was once feared by all, now a crumbling mess. "You'll get yourself killed. She isn't Isabelle." Scarlet muttered, crossing her arms over her chest and giving his boot a kick. "I feel you're still carrying around that little piece of soul I gave you too. How's that treating you?" She asked.

He replied with a groan. "No, no its her look. Ears and tail and-

"C'mon." Scarlet hefted him up from his stumble and guided him toward the booth so he'd sit with herself and Madison. As he leaned on her for support Scarlet felt the slightest tinge of concern for him. 'Why have you done this to yourself.... do you not care?' The thought was brief, and not enough to rattle her usually stoic demanour. She slumped him into her former seat in the booth, opposite Madison.

"Not just playing cards, but babysitter too." Scarlet said as she slid in next to Madison. "Deal him in too."

Briarheart
09-12-2017, 02:16 PM
If you had to pinpoint any particular moment where the night went from bad to worse, this had to be it.

As I was leafing through the deck, Red went and pulled the worst possible person from the crowd to join us.

He reeked of death and looked far worse. The (former?) master of the Crimson Hands. The silver assassin, the man who damned a country to be infected by one of my plagues for all time. The (co-)slayer of Kyla Orlouge, whose murder sent Sei Orlouge into hiding. And here he now stood, covered in filth, skin pallid and hair matted, eyes glossed over and drunk confusion etched on his face.

His presence didn't inspire fear or anger, as it may have once done. Instead, it only made me feel pity. How the mighty have fallen.

I shot a venomous look at Red as I riffle shuffled the deck. "Just make sure he doesn't throw up on the cards."

Lye
09-12-2017, 02:53 PM
It felt, good? When was the last time I hugged someone? I mean, hugged, not restrained or choked out, but actually held someone without the intent to see them lifeless in the next few minutes. It felt warmer than my cheeks and the soaked clothes. That much was fact.

"I missed you," I muttered before the collar of my leather armor embraced my trachea. My hands left warm memories and clutched at the cold linen as I was dragged away.

My mind ran scenario after scenario of spinning around and severing the appendage behind me. Grabbing my knife, sweeping the legs, putting steel in someone else's throat. I kept thinking of the different ways to work myself out of this and instead, watched my feet flail like a guppy out of water. The voice cued a sobering chill down my back and just the one I did not want to hear at the moment. I fell slack, almost like a stubborn child, knowing all well that she wasn't trying to kill me.

Not yet at least.

"I liked you better whimpering in chains," I scoffed, arms folded before she shoved me toward a booth.

I staggered, stumbled, and caught myself between the backrest and the table. I looked up and as my dirty silvered hair parted from over my face, I looked eye to eye with yet another bitter headstone in my mind's grave of memories. Can't forget that ugly face, mask or no mask.

"Fuckin' you too?" I spat. No literally, a little spittle sprayed her way. "What's a guy got to do to find some peace and quiet around here?!"

This one I definitely felt needed to die. I shoved off so I could reach for one of my blades, but... where the fuck were they? I could have sworn -- Ah! There it is! As I felt the hard steel on the tips of my fingers, I slouched against another object. Looking up rewarded me with a waterfall of crimson locks and porcelain skin etched with black.

"Could you kindly, fuck off?" I repeated from the phrase I remembered from moments ago.

Instead, I was hoisted and plopped down across from the stick witch as playing cards slid my way. She did love this game with Diggs and Hedge. I narrowed my eyes in contemplation. Were they dead? I don't remember killing them? Or did I?

I shrugged and buried my chin into my neck, looking at the set of five cards in front of me. Never did gamble much. Knew enough to get by. I plopped my hand atop them and slid them off the table. One fell loose into my lap before I gathered it up into a messy array I could actually make out. Looked moreso to the others as if I were studying Fae hieroglyphics.

"So, uh..." I slurred, turning myself to Scarlet. "If I shoved that vial down your throat would you stop being such a cu--?"

The word stopped short in my throat as the tangy wave of chunky residue rose to meet it. Some rather moist and bubbly noises spilled out of my mouth, but I stifled back the lovely taste of hop mash and semi-fermented barley.

Philomel
09-12-2017, 03:11 PM
Philomel was part the way through opening her mouth, the answer to Storm's queries and wondering on the edge of her tongue. His questions about her, what kept her going, what her life was truly, at its core. And she had listened intently, gearing up for an epic answer as all the while Veridian kept his conversation with the boy-man going.

But then there was a thunder, and a rush of wind and a loud man came in. A whisper of silver hair, a bright pair of eyes. Clothed mostly in black he was abused by the rain, looking bedraggled but still as fierce. Still as powerful, still as -

Philomel froze and immediately ducked her head, cursing under her breath. Pulling herself down beyond where her head could appear over the back of the chair, she looked at Storm.

"Damn. Damn, feck."

Her heart raced and her mind swam as she thought about he who had just came in as a tempest, roaring to someone that apparently had escaped his clutches. The whole pub was going quiet, the disturbance quite just that - disturbing.

Quickly she looked over to the side and tried to catch the eye of one of her employees, but she - name - was entirely not paying attention. Neither was any of the others of her people with a brief look.

"That man who just came in is Lichensith Ulroke," Philomel said quickly and quietly. "I want nothing to do with him tonight. You said you had a room upstairs? Perhaps we could continue this conversation up there? Privately," she ground a hand into a fist, the anger clear.

Veridian meanwhile looked over to her but nodded, the idea of what would happen next forming between them. He would stay here for now, with Fenn, and in a sign of danger bring him to her.

Philomel peeked a look back over at Lichensith who seemed to be deflating slightly. His body and muscles were sagging as he sat amongst Amari and Madison, easing between anger and ... depression. She was confused for a moment - was this really the same man who had ruined so many people's lives? Who had brought back the Crimson Hand when the world really did not need it?

She paused and looked back to Storm. "Or we can stay. Or go. Do you want to go? I can offer you much more delight than here."

To be frank, despite how the silver-haired snake appeared, she still knew that any encounter she might have with him would end up with blood spilt. Curses to him and that stupid tournament he had told everyone to take part in in the Crimson Hand, just so that he could seem amazing. Well she was bloody amazing now.

redford
09-12-2017, 03:28 PM
Many things happened around John as he repeated the action of drinking and calling for another round for himself, sometimes broken by the flip of a golden coin on the table to keep the liquor flowing, followed by whoever was serving him nervously saying that they hadn't the change for gold. Maybe silver, but not gold. John paid their remarks no mind and continued to drink. He had built a sizable buzz as the bustle of the bar rose and fell with people milling around. Vincent had left more than once to check on one thing or another, and Rayleigh had made sure to voice her opinion on the matter.

His ears picked out a word from the bustle, though, a word that drew his gaze, and then drew him to his feet, looking for the gathering.

Poker?

A trio sat at a relatively empty table, clearing off cups and all so that they could have a proper space to toss cards. John rose, striding toward them, pulling a cigar from the ether, already lit, and puffed on it as he sat down in a chair, a smoky haze already beginning to surround his head. He motioned for a bottle to be brought, and he formed a little cup with armor he had in his hand. fused to two of his fingers.

The bottle soon to be in hand, he waited for cards to be dealt.

Amari
09-12-2017, 03:31 PM
Being in close proximity to the last piece of Scarlet that was 'good' had an effect on her, it was subtle, but to those with a keen eye, they'd notice that her small smirk wasn't forced and as actually, actually one of amusement as Madison both inwardly and outwardly groaned. "If the throws up on them, I'll buy you a new set, enchanted so that the sick just glides right off." She picked up her cards and promptly remembered that she was very shit at the game. She couldn't tell if her hand was good or bad.

Her scelera gaze wandered over to Ulroke who looked as though he was about to stab Madison, but instead he did some sort of semi amusing flip flop in the booth. "Ulroke." Her voice held a faint reminiscent tone of concern for the man. Why was he acting such the drunken fool? He dropped one his cards. a 7. Was that good? Were sevens good in this game? Shit. She didn't know.

"A cunt?" Scarlet finished, shuffling the cards in her hand so they were in numerical order. Again, there was that tug at her chest, it felt...almost heated. She wondered if that vial that he kept so close to his own chest was burning him, and a part of her secretly wished it was. "You're the one who insisted I become this way. Course, I have no clue." She shot him a challenging smirk. "You're welcome to try, but I doubt you'd make it another step without passing out in a pool of your own vomit."

Her grin faded as he groaned and hid himself away. "Focus."

She should adhere to her own words, she glanced down at her cards then up at Madison. She knew she had to discard a few, so discarded her lowest numbered ones, that was how it worked...right? RIGHT?

"So...I bet 5 gold."

Even though he was an inebriated ass, it seemed his presence perked her up, and took her out of her stoic slump, even if she didn't notice it.

Another approached the table, a giant of a man who sat himself down next to Ulroke. Someone from the Tarot? She wasn't sure but she had her suspicions. She glanced back to Lye. Great. She'd have to make sure he didn't get himself killed.

"Pot is 5 gold, tin man."

Ayaka
09-12-2017, 03:55 PM
He missed her? Gross.

What a pathetic man. I grimaced, and tried to pry him away. It wasn't until a redheaded woman picked him up by the collar and threw him into a booth that I had my reprieve. She wasn't jealous enough to be a former lover, caretaker perhaps? Or was she his leader? It seemed that way, the redhead was the silver sloppymans boss. I dusted myself off. Served me right to go and start causing shit. I should have just stayed with my book.

"Good riddance, mutt." I hissed at the man as I turned and sauntered back to my book, I placed the near empty glass on the counter and quick as lightning the glass was full again thanks to a well paid bartender. Ayaka held her glass up to him in thanks before taking another sip. She opened her book again.

Being felt up by riff-raff, not exactly how she had planned the night to go, he could have at least courted her first. Hell, even used her real name. Not the name of some presumably dead woman.

"I feel I could go a stronger drink...." I mused to myself.

Atzar
09-12-2017, 04:10 PM
Atzar nearly jumped out of his skin when a newcomer did his level best to break the door down. A brief confrontation and an impromptu card game later, the young wizard’s head was spinning.

Jethro poured him a glass of mead, and Atzar took a second to consider it. A thousand voices screamed that Jethro looked unwell and sharing his bottle of mead was almost assuredly a bad idea, but screw it. The mead was free, the tavern grew rowdier by the second, and the mage was going to need some liquid assistance to cope.

“Thanks,” he said to blotch-skinned man, accepting the drink and taking a sip. Sweet and fiery, the wizard felt warmth rise to his cheeks almost as soon as he gulped it down.

“Good stuff,” he croaked, suppressing a cough. The bartender brought his second beer then, and Atzar nodded his thanks but left it on the bar behind him. He took another sip of mead and watched the silver-haired newcomer. The unkempt, drunken man was transfixed on his card game at the moment, but if a fight was going to break out, the mage knew where it would start.

FennWenn
09-12-2017, 04:16 PM
HI VERIDIAN, he replied cheerfully, smiling slightly. So the fox was pretty clever! That made the earlier sniffing a little awkward though. STORM SPOOKY. I GO DO STUFF NOW!

The fox snorted curiously and again wrote meticulously, imitating Fenn’s all-capital style of scrawl. TO DO WHAT?

DUNNO DUNNO, JUST HAVE TO DO THINGS!

And so it was. The fae lept out of his chair with a gleeful puckish twirl and handed off the pretty Mao rabbit to Phi. The most dangerous emotion Fenn knew of was bubbling up in his chest; boredom.

A writing fox was a new oddity, and it intrigued him, yes. But there was so much oddity all around him that he couldn't help but stick his nose in places it didn't belong. Besides, he had been sitting for too long. Now that he had gotten over the fright of being spirited away multiple times, and the alcohol was starting to kick in, there were too many wayward drinks and other tiny items calling to him for him to stay where he was like a good boy. He almost wondered if it’d be worth it to snatch a wallet while he was at it...

That might get him kicked back out into the rain again. Maybe later, when the storm stopped. Fenn blew a raspberry at nowhere in particular. Fuck rain.

Fox-friend Veridian was trotting after him as he wandered, probably to make sure that he didn't get kidnapped again. Ducking under and around a few tables, Fenn found himself behind a blotchy-skinned man and a wiry black-haired guy sharing drinks. The wiry guy has left a glass just sliiightly off to the side...

Yoink! His now.

The boy downed the glass in a couple of gulps and replaced it just as fast, leaving behind a thick film of frost where there was once condensation. Chest shivering with soundless giggles, he dashed off to the next distraction.

Which was- oops. He strayed too close to bitch-tit Amari’s table. John sat there -- weird! -- along with some miserable silver-haired hobo and Hype’s “Madison” friend.

There was a deck of cards sitting in the middle of the table.

The logical side of his brain knew that he really shouldn't bother that table. Fenn’s hands twitched. His instinctual thief-child side, however, did nothing but oogle the glossy deck of cards, just lying out in the open. He sidled closer, mostly hiding behind John’s impressive bulk. Sure the deck was in use right now but it was just begging to be stolen. It was fancy and it had pretty pictures and...

Yoink! His now.

Smooth, shiny, glossy, magic-bright! And all his! The boy dashed off with his new prize, no explanation given for this act of petty larceny.

SERVES YOU RIGHT, MEANIE-AMARI!

Philomel
09-12-2017, 04:29 PM
Dunno, dunno, just have to do things.

Veridian tilted his head as he watched the tiny man stand. Pale hair swung, green eyes glimmered. The fox looked intrigued and tilted his head. He tried to write in the vapour of the table that, no, he wanted to stay with Fenn and speak some more but the Fae was moving. Shoving Mao back into Philomel's lap - much to the faun's surprise - Fenn danced off, leaving Veridian with only one choice.

To follow. After all, it was his duty tonight, to fae-sit this man-boy of strangeness. Blood he was sure he had smelt, worries he had. He might have gotten onto the questions of asking exactly what had happened, when Fenn decided to move.

And the problem was, Veridian could not communicate to anyone but Philomel while on the move.

But neither could Fenn it seemed. He seemed to be very silent, voice caught in some sort of trap or prison. Thus, the two of them were lost in a casual one following the other.

Tiny feet scarpered across the pub floor, and Veridian extended his legs to keep pace. Paws barely touched the rugs and stone before the next one came and lifted him onwards, fast to follow the kid. They dodged things and people and suddenly they were at a table. Veridian looked up, seeing the red-head-nasty, then Madison twig-face - and then suddenly silver-hair-traitor Lye. His breath caught in his chest, he bit back a yelp before - well.

Fenn was running off again. Meaning Veridian needed to also dash, and desire bore him to flee away also. Away from that freak, that man who had hurt Philomel so deeply. As Veridian connected to Philomel and established his worry, he knew that she too had noticed him too. Quickly, she told him that she would either disappear with Storm-man upstairs, or stay here and defend her own rights, but that he, Veridian, should stay with the boy-man. Defend him until his last breath. Make sure that he did not get hurt again.

She was determined to find out the truth. And Veridian began to feel that way inclined, thus he ran with the boy-man, just missing a small piece of card that was flipped out of the stolen goods. Briefly, the fox saw a stylised royal head, and a small runic number. Strange, thought Veridian, to steal paper but then bi-pedals were strange.

Now was time to keep apace with Fenn. He turned back and stared at whatever people might be chasing after them, just in case, and let out a stern, angry bark, tinged with flame. It was a 'stay away' and 'do not follow'. Once his warning growl was set, Veridian turned around again, and continued the running away.

Nekoprincess
09-12-2017, 04:48 PM
"Mommy! I want a drink! We've been traveling all day! I want milk NOW!" Mylie whined cutely, her tail twitching eagerly as she tugged on her mother's arm.

Rainee groaned her ears twitching from her little girl's incessant whining. However she was in luck, a tavern was coming into their sights.

It didn't look well-kept, but it certainly would get them out of the rain that was falling with an incessant PLOP ONTO the mother-daughter pair. Grabbing her little angel's hand she pulled her towards the creaky wooden door murmuring "Your in luck honey, a tavern is right here! You'll get your milk after all!" Rainee finished, her hand pushed the door openly easily.

Her eyes widened in shock as she pulled her daughter close, this tavern was a mad house. She could see a group gathered playing cards in the corner. Drunken garble heavy in the air. Letting out a soft meow she pulled her little girl close whispering "Do you want to go somewhere else for your milk honey?"

Mylie giggled, poking her mother in the chest she whispered innocently "Don't worry mommy! You'll be fine! You used to be more fun! Come on live a little!"

Rainee groaned her white tail swishing rapidly, before she released her rambunctious sweetie and let her drag her to the barkeep. Staring at the barkeep Rainee said softly "One milk please and....aww hell a glass of white wine..." Her daughter told her to lighten up and live a little, so what the hell, the cat-girl would treat herself this one time. However she stared into her daughter's mischievous green eyes saying strictly "No trouble sweetie, I mean it, we are only going to stay as long as you be a good girl!"

"Fine mommy!" Mylie exclaimed loudly as the barkeep served the little girl her milk in a tall glass cup and then gave Rainee her white wine.

Nightsangel
09-12-2017, 04:58 PM
Sivienna was walking quietly across the cobblestone streets of Corone, her kistune was curled sleeping on her shoulder. She actually felt good for once. Rianna wasn't chasing her, she had caused her father to slink back into the shadows where he belonged. No problems were batting at her door.

Moving to stroke Serenity's head she whispered happily 'For once we are going to relax Serenity! No problems!" Spotting a tavern up ahead, Sivi giggled happily as she murmured "Perfect!"

Her kistune yipped sleepily, turning a sleep filled chocolate brown eye on her mistress, she barked softly "Go have your fun mistress! I know you need it!"

The night vixen's only response was "Thank god for fun!" she then made a beeline straight for the tavern's door, eagerly pushing it up.

She heard the normal loud drunken banter, she could see a game of cards was being played in the center. A half-smile came to her lips as she thought Maybe I"ll join the card game after a a few drinks!

Moving a strand of her lavender hair aside, she sauntered up to the barkeep, a smile on her full soft lips as she asked excitedly "A glass of blood wine please!"

The barkeep raised an eyebrow as he prepared the night angel's drinking asking quietly "Happy about something?"

Sivi's lavender eyes lit up as she answered easily "Just in bliss at finally being free from problems!"

Placing the vampiress's glass of blood wine in front of the beauty, the barkeep said dryly "This is the perfect place for ya to relax then! Enjoy yourself!"

Briarheart
09-12-2017, 05:23 PM
All I wanted was to have a nice, relaxing evening with cards and some good frie--well, I was hesitant to call Red a friend. Acquaintance, business partner, somebody I don't necessarily hate to be sure; but lately, friend was a bit of a stretch. Especially with her complete shift in attitude. And Lichensith definitely was not a friend. Or any of the other terms that could be used to describe his second in command.

We had a fourth person pull up a chair, even. John Cromwell. I knew the guy from a brief tussle in the Citadel on an over-sized chessboard. Monster of a man, over seven feet tall with arms wrapped in polished metal. Couldn't miss him, or forget him for that matter. Heard he was a smith, as well. I nodded at him, and he returned the gesture.

I had the first hand dealt. Gold coins started dropping into the middle of the table. Bets were being called and raised. "Ten," I muttered absentmindedly as I fished through my pockets for my gold pouch. I was all-in on playing for fun; but, hey, if Red wanted to see everyone lose the unwashed, mud-flecked shirts off their backs, that was fine by me.

I'd take her bra too, while I was at it.

But that's when things went to hell.

I set down the deck, picking up my hand and flicking through it. Each card passed by another with a crisp snap as I took stock of my hand. Two Jacks, a seven, a nine, and a four. Three different suits. It's the opening hand, I'm not going to tap into the magic of the cards and change it into something that's guaranteed to win the pot. Let them think they have a chance. Build up their confidence a bit, then tear them new assholes in the later round.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see a grubby little mitt reach up from under the table and snatch the deck. In a flash, a small child with messy blond hair bolted out from underneath--was that the little brat that Hype made friends with?--and immediately ducked into the crowd.

I was out of my chair in an instant, throwing my hand onto the table, nearly knocking over one of my drinks in the process. "Get back here, you little shit!"

The back of the chair barely hit the floor before I rushed into the jumble of patrons. Little n'urd stole my enchanted deck--and I was going to get it back. It was probably worth more than he was. Enchantments aren't cheap nowadays.

Bits of the crowd parted as I sprinted after him. I heard a bark of some sort--sparing a moment's glance to catch that Philomel's little fleabag fox joined the fray, keeping pace with the tiny fucker and snarling at anyone who dared stop them.

Veridian and I never really liked each other, but the last time he got in the way he swallowed a burst of acid for his troubles. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, to get my cards back. I could just buy the faun a new pet, anyway. What do foxes go for nowadays, five gold? Depending on the season? Plus medical expenses after the traps are taken off their legs?

The scrawny little bastard was starting to gain distance. We nearly completed a full lap around the tavern when I decided to say fuck it. Pulling my gloves off and tossing them to the ground, I extended a couple thick vines from my wrists. The green tendrils snaked through the air at incredible speed at the boy, aiming to wrap themselves around his ankles and trip him up.

Nosdyn
09-12-2017, 05:43 PM
Whilst the other Adventurer folks were having their drinks and leading a carefree life...or lives....Nosdyn sat out on the porch of the tavern.

His eyes were narrowed peacefully as he enjoyed the sound of the rain.

Very few things in life had a calming effect on that Demon. But rain was one of those things...rain and the noise it provided. It soothed his troubled mind as he listened to the pitter patter on the building behind and around him. The sight of mud and the town drenched did not disturb him one wit. He merely took it all in as he leaned back against the chair he sat on. It was angled at a slight, forty-five degree angle as he sat there. His boots raised and angled against a simple balcony style structure. Adventurer folks arrived to weather the storm...quite literally.

Seems to happen a lot these days 'round these parts... Nosdyn thought to himself as he listened to the sound of the rain. He could see the downpour, his eyes focusing on the sheets of rain as they swelled ever downward. Nature was an awesome thing...it had the power to belittle entire civilizations. Nosdyn thought about that as he sat and smoked. He recognized some of the folks that ventured into the tavern, a few he directly knew. Some he knew as Iron League competitors.

Nosdyn took a deep pull of the cigarette he was smoking. That hot smoke swelled through his throat and down into his lungs. He exhaled through his nostrils. Funny...storms oft did mysterious things to one's mind...and attracted folks in gathering areas like those. Nosdyn merely sat there smoking, and listening to the tavern's music and it played on. Nosdyn normally did not care for Hume culture but that night he simply wanted to fit in at least for a brief moment.

The soldier was a soldier from the armies of The Tular Plains...but even those like he had off periods. Even those like he had hobbies...so as he waited he thought and planned what he would do next. When the rain got worse, he would brave The Tavern itself and see if he recognized anyone. At one point he could have sworn he saw his ally, Storm Veritas, enter the building. He would confirm the truth in that a little bit later on...

FennWenn
09-12-2017, 08:45 PM
THIS WAS A BAD IDEA.

Skittering underfoot, ducking under and leaping over tables, frost and wayward snowflakes trailed behind the sticky-fingered fae. So did one snarling fox. So did one enraged Briarheart. Chaos broke out as tables were knocked over, chairs were shoved aside (some with patrons still sitting on them), and pints of whiskey smashed to the floor. Fenn winced as he stepped on a fallen spoon. Not daring to glance over his shoulder, the fae reflected on his mistakes. Now that he had taken the shiny all for his own, the excellent amount of forethought he had put into this kneejerk heist -- none -- left him with nowhere to go. Nowhere except scampering around and around the tavern. It was as if it were a very strange merry-go-round.

Fenn was aware that he was grinning like a fool. He was also aware of the dapples of frost creeping up his newly-nicked shiny, a physical manifestation of the sudden terror thumping in his chest. It was nothing compared to the racket that followed in his wake. At first, he had assumed that this (curiously enchanted) deck belonged to Amari. It would've served her right for him to take it! But, alas; instead, getting the satisfaction of messing with her, he had a scowling plant-fae at his heels. It was hers, he bet.

Hype had been cute. This Briarheart, much less so.

Fenn hoisted himself onto the bar and ran along the counter. He needed the height for a moment. His boggy eyes skimmed the room, desperately searching for a good place to duck and hide for the rest of the night. It meant he was going to miss showing Hype his shinies, buuut... It was possible for him to keep out of sight and wait until scary-chasing lady gave up, riiigh-?

Snarly tendrils had found their way to his feet and wound about his ankles in a tangled mess. Naturally, Fenn’s magic rejected this sudden, foreign touch with a burst of frost. It didn’t release their grip one bit. If anything, it made them hold fast where they were. The boy was yanked off the counter into a spectacularly stunning splat of a face plant. Floor, meet Fenn. Fenn, meet floor.

Whump!

His first breathless thought about this was that the varnishing tasted a lot like whiskey. Whiskey, and dirt.

The second thought that came was the realization that his nose was bleeding now, a steady profusion of oily black blood. His surprise dulled the pain.

His third was something along the lines of oh fuck.

Storm Veritas
09-12-2017, 09:00 PM
No shit!?

Storm had expected any number of options coming back his way. Rebuffed nuance, feigned outrage, or even bashful embarrassment were all coming responses to his forward nature. After all, with his hair pulled taut and his clothes taut and prim, he could pull off quite the dapper tone. An outright offer to bring him upstairs was altogether different.

You need to get away from Lye-something-or-other, and probably don't give two shits about me. I'm creeping on forty, and just finished bedding a two-penny whore. Red flags are for f*cking cowards.

He had taken his hand and was escorting her without another word. They called it the "Radasanthian Goodbye" where he came from; if opportunity strikes, and she is willing, you owe no goodbye to anyone. The little Fennik fellow may not understand, but some other familiar faces - Jethro, Madison, and the demon lingering outside - they would get it. The magnificent buxom faun even seemed to be smiling as he reached the stairway. Offering a hand in front of his chest, Storm allowed Philomel to lead the way.

"After you, my sweet. Very, very closely after you, pretty lady." With a wink and a smile, he was following her. "First on the right. Pardon the mess."

Ayaka
09-12-2017, 10:40 PM
Wow.

Ayaka voiced her distaste for the current company who had just plopped themselves right next to her. Almost immedietly. "Who. the FUCK... Brings a child to a seedy ass tavern filled with drunks in the middle of the night?" Ayaka reached for her own cup, barely raising her eyes from her book. "That's just shit parenting. Thaynes above I hope that wretched thing is taken from you, course... it probably would happen in this place. Serves you right."

Her words came out barbed and cold. Venomous shit that just fell from her lips. Ayaka didn't care, frankly, she probably wouldn't have said anything if the two didn't sit right next to her.

A series of crashes and loud shouting finally caused Ayaka to shut her book with a sigh, she slipped it away back into her pocket and rose her golden eyes, swiveling her chair to see a scene out of some comedic play. A Giant plantwoman chased a very inebriated fae. I squinted. Sure, he was an adult by human standards, but his soul was young, and he'd still be considered young in fae years.

"Fuckin' Kids." She mumbled, pushing herself off the bar stool as she saw the blonde make a beeline toward it. Ayaka quickly picked up her drink and stepped away. Good timing. The Fae ran across the length of the bar, knocking over glass cups that shattered the moment they hit the floor. Ayaka hoped one of them shot up and hit the other kid, served them right for being in an adult place.

Ayaka scanned the immediate area for a new place to sit, and spied the corner that was previously occupied by the older man and the faun who Ayaka now assumed to be a whore. (Why else would she be so under-dressed and escorting a far older man up the stairs?) and the child. Ayaka slid into the booth and took another sip of her Scotch. She was probably on her third glass. She couldn't exactly tell since the barkeep kept topping her up. There was a buzzing in her head, and whilst it was not unpleasant it made her tolerance for the amount of bullshit springing up quite low. And with Ayaka, the bar was not set very high in the first place.

Philomel
09-13-2017, 02:52 AM
The growl was terrible , like the hatred of mother earth all rolled into a thunder.

As Philomel heard the crashes she looked over, staring at where Fenn could be seen, slamming down hard on the counter. She paused, her eyes flickering between that of Lye - a man she knew if she encountered would honestly drive her to god's knows what - and the form of Fenn, struggling under the weight of Madison's unmistakable vines.

Firstly, curse plant-head, secondly.

I have this, Veridian hissed, twisting around. She saw the mother form leap onto the bar in a flash of red, You just go. But leave me Mao.

Philomel looked down at the tiny rabbit before her and shrugged. Bending down she placed the creature on the floor. at her hooves and took a moment to look to Storm.

"Just one moment," she said, looking the a man -admittedly somewhat handsome - up and down before bending to give her rabbit a little nose rub. There was a pause, and a genuine moment of energy as ... Well something happened.

Mao's immediately stood right up into the air and she looked at Philomel with intense, passionate eyes. Behind them Veridian could be seen barking out loudly at Madison and then ferociously beginning to tear at the vines with his actually incredibly strong bite. If one was smart they'd also see the rise of smoke coming from his nostrils, merely hinting at just what he could do.

And there was Mao. She tilted her head and seemed to ... Smile. Odd for a rabbit, but there you were.

"You know what to do," Philomel nodded. "Get Fenn out of here. Head to ..." She switched to communicating via mind, the ship. She could feel the alcohol beginning to take effect now. Gods, she was under the influence and was able to give Storm a second round of joy. For free. Was sshe really that desperate to get out of the way of Lichensith?

Mao nodded and skirted around on one paw, suddenly pounding the ground and heading into the crowd. Meanwhile Veridian was growing with intensity, his bites now with flashes of fire and second-degree burns with every blow. And they would only get worse ...

"Right," Philomel reached for Storm's hand. "Let's just ... Yeah." She headed towards the stairs, and the room he had described, determination set. A longing to be gone and for hell's sake, this was Shinsou's best friend. Shinsou. Why couldn't she have both? Give Storm the night of his life and ... Well. Friendship. It was a good way to make such a relationship, as far as she knew.

And he was sweet.

She she pulled him into the room, a brief glance around the spare furniture there. As crashes reigned below she was determined to reign above.

"So. Just ... Count yourself lucky you're getting this free," she said, and then she shut the door.

And things happened.

Lye
09-13-2017, 01:19 PM
"Oh I'll fuckin' try..." I muttered with emerald slits across from me. "Why'd you have to go and fuck around, huh? Should've just listened. Then we could've been--"

My face wrenched in pain and I rubbed at my chest with cards in hand. A smattering of black and deep red transferred from the matted robes to the fringes of Madison's deck. I exhaled deeply through puffed cheeks as the heat in my throat threatened to rise again. Instead of sharing the contents of my stomach with the top of the table, I tried to focus on my hand.

Ace? King? Or was that some other blur of black and red? Fuck if I knew. Scarlet called out a bid, Madison raised, and by the time I opened my mouth to speak, some midget ran off with the playing cards. I wrenched my head to follow the streak of green and blonde and pressed my nose into the rock hard triceps of the mountain beside me. I trailed up the valleys and hills to what was either a head, or boulder balancing very carefully atop a muscle plateau.

"You, uh..." I muttered. "You been workin' out, Jensen?"

I felt a pang of lightheartedness and planted my face against the rock's arms. I meant to mutter something about finally giving in or letting the madness take control but it collaborated with the stranger's attire to form:

"Mferrgur nf mdnfff, heheheh."

I lifted my head and reached out to boop him on the chin. Not sure why. Not sure why not either. Everything at the moment seemed both like the best idea, and the worst idea. As the conflagration of noise and chaos ensued, my swirling froth of vision settled on a blur of purple and streak of fire red. I pause with the look of confusion or constipation on my face as my brain swam through my limited cohesion for the beacon of familiarity. Not sure if I found it, but it made me upset.

"Hey!" I slurred. "You fuckin' did this!"

I stuck a finger against my chest and the fabric dipped deeper than it should have. Bad idea. That crossbow bolt wound still was a tad tender. The Ruilserk essence, nightshade, and bitter root was still coursing around inside, wreaking more havoc than Philomel's Headbutt. I knew it'd process itself out of me soon enough. Or did I? I fucking could barely remember how I got here. But the hole in my breast, yeah. That hurt. I pulled my finger off the fabric with a nice glob of ichor on the tip and stared at it with angst. As if it were at fault.

I completely forgot about the blur, the cards, mountain man, Scarlet, and Madison. Where was this again?

Amari
09-13-2017, 01:34 PM
Well, that was a whole lot of chaotic shit that really could have been avoided if it werent for grabby fingers and an overzealous faun who wanted to play both hero and consort. Boy, Madison was pissed.

In any event, Scarlet's main priority, as bothersome as it was... was to ensure her Masters safety. Judging by his current state that was a task in and of itself, if he wasn't being such an emotional wreck lately, she'd assume he was testing her but the bile and froth of vomit that touched his lips said otherwise.

"Ulroke. You've put yourself into a downward spiral lately." Scarlet mused as she tossed the now useless cards across the table. "This is the apex of that. Excuse me for being impolite, but what the fuck?"

He went on a slurred flurry of words, muttering that if she didn't go and fuck around they could have been...? What? Equals? Scarlet scoffed. He'd never see her as his equal, she was always beneath him. Even now.

She felt another tug at her chest as concern began to lace her actions, fueled on by the throbbing piece of her soul hidden away somewhere on his form. "Ulroke....I am being serious." She sighed as she pushed herself up onto the table and swung her legs down to dangle awkwardly between himself and Redford. Scarlet glanced up at John who didn't seem too bothered by Lye using him as a pillow.

He didn't have to answer her first question, bloodied hole? Alcohol mixed with whatever poison that ailed him. That'd do it. She begrudgingly reached out to wipe the slick of slimy sweat from his forehead, pressing his silver hair away from clouded green eyes. "Do you want me to get you some water?" He tried to push her away.

"F-faarhhkoff monster."

Monster.

Why did that word sting? Why did her chest hurt? She thought she was rid of emotions, and this pain was a good reminder as to why she had forced herself into corruption and had the last of her humanity stripped from her. That piece, must have somehow grown in strength and with her so close to it, it was practically thrumming in time with her own congregated shit fest of a being.

Her hand hung there in the air, her face unreadable, but the hint of pain evident in the scelera eyes that rested on her master.

"As you wish." Her voice was stoic as she pulled her hand away, wiping it on the hem of her red dress.

Nosdyn
09-13-2017, 02:43 PM
Nosdyn heard a bit of rowdiness inside...he almost considered going into the old tavern.

But the sound of the rain soothed him and he wanted to enjoy it for a time longer.

He smoked his cigarette a bit longer, taking a few pulls of it. He continued to exhale from his nostrils. His travelling pack rested on the floor next to his chair. He was one of the few braver souls that sat outside the tavern's structure itself. His eyes were narrowed as he looked out into the rain. The sound relaxed him and reminded him of how little it actually rained out in The Tular Plains. Nosdyn carefully considered the situation at hand...the roads were dangerous while the rain poured on Althanas herself. Nosdyn looked up at the dark sky for a moment. He wished he could see the stars in the night sky and the moon of Althanas herself.

Returning his gaze to a steady position, he finished smoking his cigarette. Grabbing his stuff, he decided to venture into the rowdy tavern itself. Nosdyn's boots were wet from the mud earlier, despite that, he was fairly warm. A side effect of The Fell Blood within him. He recognized some of the faces in the crowd from Iron Leagues. And The Citadel Leagues as well. Nosdyn lowered his hood and walked towards an empty table. He recognized Madison Freebird, Lichensith Ulroke, and a few others. Nosdyn sighed. He walked towards empty table and sat down in it, swinging his backpack on the floor next to his chair.

As he sat down he began to silently observe the crowd...

Nekoprincess
09-13-2017, 07:27 PM
Rainee could feel her anger rising, as she saw a neko-jin, female spew that she shouldn't have brought her daughter to such a seedy tavern. A growl escaped her lips as she heard the cat-woman mutter that for bringing Mylie into such a run-down place, that her little angel should get kidnapped. Anger was in the cat-mother's eyes as she thought If you only knew what we'd been through, you'd get why I'd bring her into a place like this! God's above, she's better here under my care, then being left alone at Grace Manor. Hell! She has just a good chance of being swiped there, then here! So I might as well have her here with me!

Her tail swished rapidly, the heat of her emotions coursing through her body. She was just about to give the bitchy cat-girl a piece of her mind. When chaos erupted, an inebriated fae was running away from a plant-woman, vines spewing forth as the fae-child ran across the bar-top. A hiss escaped from Rainee's lips as both her glass of white wine and her daughter's milk was splashed off the bar-counter. Glass and liquid shattered splashing Rainee's purple trench coat and making her smell like a winery.

Mylie, meanwhile giggled childishly as her chocolate brown eyes were following the fae-child's path of escape, her eyes widened when the scary plant lady caught the blond haired boy and lifted him up by his feet shouting "Whose child is this?" Her little tail wagged playfully, as the light of mischief in her eyes as she exclaimed "Can I go play with the fae-child mommy?" the little girl wasn't even concerned over her split milk. Her mind now was on meeting a new friend, and the prospect of having fun, even in such a dark and seedy place.

Looking at all the other patrons of the bar, especially the plant woman, Rainee pulled her precious girl close whispering "I think the fairy child is a little tied up at the moment honey. If you want to order another milk go ahead...JUST STAY IN MY LINE OF SIGHT!

Mylie let out a little whine of annoyance, whimpering out "B...but, M..o" her words were hushed by her mother pressing a finger against her lips, as Rainee said softly "No whining sweetie, or no more milk ok?"

Mylie let out a meow of annoyance, before turning to the barkeep asking "Another milk please?"

The barkeep sighed, pulling out another glass and filling it with pure white milk he muttered "So much chaos...Here you go little one. Keep a tight hold on it!" The little kitten pulled her milk close begin to drink it, not bothering to answer.

the cat-mother then groaned as her eyes scanned for the other neko-jin in the room, she wanted to have a few choice words with the woman for criticizing the way she raised her daughter.

Nightsangel
09-13-2017, 07:41 PM
So good! This is hitting the spot after all the hell I have been through! Sivi thought to herself, her soft full lips pressed against the clean glass of her blood wine. The liquid felt like heaven as it slid easily down the vixen's throat. Peace reigned in the night angel's heart as she gently set her wine glass down on the bar-top. However, her peace was not to last long.

A rush of blond hair flashed by the vampiress's view, she could hear giggles coming from the child who dashed by her. His little feet dumping everything, INCLUDING her glass of blood wine off the bar's counter-top. A yelp followed her glass, as she saw her kitsune leap of the counter where she had been sleeping.

With a choice between catching her glass of falling heaven, or catching her familiar. Sivi sighed as she caught Serenity easily. The fox looked annoyed as she barked "Mistress! This is not a place to relax! We should have chosen another tavern!" her twin tails twitched as her chocolate brown eyes caught sight of the tangled up fae-child. Her bright orange fur was bristling as she yipped at Sivi "I"m going to go talk to that blond haired troublemaker! He made me have to avoid him, when he should have watched where he was going!" she then leapt out of her mistress's arm and trotted over to where the fae-child was currently strung up by a very agitated plant-lady.

Growling loudly to get both their attention, the little fox familiar barked out "Watch where you are going! You almost knocked me over!" her chocolate brown eyes were hot, annoyed and angry, because in truth, just like her mistress, all Serenity wanted was a moment to relax and not be caught in the midst of chaos or problems.

Sivienna groaned, her lavender hues flashing, as she knew her time to relax was at an end, moving to join her kitsune, Sivienna looked at the enraged plant-lady and asked politely "What did this blonde haired boy do miss? I hope I don't trouble you by asking, but this child did almost make my familiar fall flat on its face..."

Briarheart
09-13-2017, 10:22 PM
And the hits just kept on coming--

That fucking stupid little fox had the audacity to try and stop me from dealing with that blasted little child. That scruffy midget steals from me, and I'm the one getting attacked? Fuck this. Fuck him. Fuck everything.

It wasn't the teeth that pissed me off the most. Those were fine. Tolerable, more like. I've had worse pain stubbing my toe against the coffee table.

It was the flashes of fire that erupted from Veridian's mouth with each bite, charring the flesh of my vines. I could feel every little cell screaming in pain as entire patches of plant matter blackened and burned away, revealing the wet skin of the next layer beneath the fox's jaws.

"Get the fuck off me," I hissed at him. "The little shit stole from me! Go be a hero somewhere else!" Acid began welling up behind clenched teeth. I quickly tore my mask away and unleashed a stream of pale amber at him.

I didn't wait to see if Veridian took another face-full of acid before I bolted past him. Closing the distance between me and the little thief, I drew enough of my vines back to keep him bound by the legs but start to heal the nasty burns that I desperately tried to ignore.

The fae desperately squirmed, clutching the deck of cards and sobbing desperately. Little blasts of cold air surrounded him, casting a thin layer of frost on the floorboards where he laid. I could feel the chill creep through my vines, but I would not let go. Kneeling down next to him, I rested my knee squarely on his back, preventing him from escaping.

I leaned in nice and close. An errant drop of acid landed on the floor, inches from his face. A thin wisp of smoke from the burning wood immediately focused his attention.

"Give me the cards," I whispered venomously into his ear, covered as it was by a tuft of ragged blond hair. "Now."

FennWenn
09-13-2017, 10:36 PM
When in doubt, look pitiful. Humans spare adorable, pitiful things. Maybe Briarhearts did too.

Fenn didn't much like crying. As soon as his tears left his body, they became capable of freezing, which meant it usually gave him a face full of crunchy ice to clean up afterward. He had to admit though, crocodile a very good strategy when you were in a room with a few people who thought you had a cute lil’ face. People with overactive protective instincts were very useful. Even the scariest of sapients usually had a soft spot inside for a crying child.

This particular Briarheart was an exception to this rule.

Sssssssss. A drop of acid fell, boring into the floor just a few inches in front of his face. Fenn stopped squirming to stare at it. His tears stopped as soon as Maddison spoke up. That voice curled up his spine like an intrusive, creeping vine. It was a dangerous voice.

The boy hesitated, and slowly wiped hus bleeding nose.

For a second, he was tempted to shove the cards in his bag and pretend he didn’t know where they were. Cards? What cards? It was far too late for that though. Fenn glanced between the shinies in his hand, and the murderous Briarheart looming over him. Wow, even her face was made of vines. Her jaws were big, chompy, and spooky too. Cards, Briarheart. Cards, Briarheart. Even under threat of… possibly death, he felt a little reluctant to give away something he had so firmly decided was his.

Sighing, the fae wriggled to hold out the frostbitten deck for Maddy to take.

OOPS, THIS YOURS? he etched in frost on the floor with his other hand. FOUND THEM! VERY LUCKY FOR YOU! FRIENDS NOW?

No murder please.

Lye
09-14-2017, 12:25 AM
I gave daggers to the redhead. Scarlet, the color came to mind but felt detatched from the face. Adrienne? Addison? Amethyst?

"Amari," I stated. My hands fumbled with the pouch at my side to expose several vials. Most empty, I pulled out one containing what looked like blue, glowing mist. I wagged it in front of her. "Everything. I took everything."

That phrase meant something powerful. My memories, lost in a fog, began to slowly become more tangible. I remembered a weak, frail thing with the heart of a lion. I recalled chains, hot irons in my legs, and a red number that once belonged to someone very important to me. My half-dead gaze fell on the vial, then back to her.

"Your heart," I began. "This is the last of it and it is mine, damn it. You can't give this to anyone else."

Before it could be snatched by her or any of the other bottom feeders in this dump, I pulled a sleight of hand befitting of my bloody escapades and relocated the vial somewhere on my person. I don't really know why I did that or said those words, but it felt genuine. I felt I betrayed myself for saying something I guarded more than the vial or any other current possession. But it felt like breathing for the first time after a garrote threaten to squeeze the life out of you.

Point made and senses tingling, I directed my attention toward Madison.

"Quit screwing with the kid," I shouted, words making more sense minute by minute. "Kill it or just take a finger or two. That'll set him straight."

Venex Apara
09-14-2017, 12:28 AM
Ven saw Eteri order the vodka. Ven saw Eteri order the vodka and stared. He knew this was a bad idea. He knew that she would regret it. Despite this, he stayed silent.

Why?

Well she had to learn somehow. Plus it was only vodka, so no real harm.

His thoughts were proven correct when she downed a shit and proceeded to flip the heck out.

This would normally have been amusing, but Ven wasn't like that.
Ven did not laugh at stupid things his friends do. Ven WOULD not laugh at this.

...

...

...

"BWAHAHAHA!"

Ven started dying as he couldn't hold it in, tears streaming down his face because he was laughing so hard. This cause a few weird looks, but Ven didn't care.

Fifteen seconds later, he was was starting to calm down, whipping his face.

Eteri gave him a big pout. "You Ven big jerk!"

Ven held a finger up, attempting

to catch his breath. "I- I'm sorry Blue bell, but y-you had to see your face. It was priceless."

Ven the looked at the barkeep. "You sir are one of my favorite people right now. He then pulled out some money, enough to pay for the glass plus a bit extra as a tip.

The man grumbled, clearly unhappy with the how they were acting, but he couldn't complain about money.

Ven however turned his attention back to Eteri, whose attention was focused elsewhere. Naturally, he looked to see where she was looking at.

And that person who a person who looked very similar Eteri, except less blue and more serious.

"Huh, another person of your race. What are the odds?"

Eteri looked at Ven quickly with pleading eyes. "Oh no, that my sister! We no be close!"

Ven blinked. "YOU HAVE A SISTER?!? AND HERE?!?"

Ven then picked up Eteri and started to saunter over to Ayaka, wanting to meet cat sibling. Eteri tried to break free, but drunk Eteri only slightly hinders determined Ven. Basic math, duh!

"Hey! Eteri's sister! Hello!"

All the meanwhile, ignoring the chaos erupting in the bar.

God Damn it Ven.

Ayaka
09-14-2017, 01:02 AM
She rose her eyes to meet a white haired man who had quite literally dragged Eteri through the crowd to sit at the table. Eteri did not seem happy to see Ayaka, but, their relationship was always strained at best. "Ayaka. Not 'Eteri's sister. Who taught you manners?" Ayaka leaned forward and picked up her glass, swirling the contents around slowly as she stared at Eteri and the man in the blue suit. Now they were sitting here, it was blatantly obvious they were sharing the one soul.

Truth be told, Ayaka was a little relieved that her vegabond sister managed to find something to fill that emptiness inside of her, but there was something horrendously unnerving about the giant red ball of miasma that had clawed its way into the center of her being.

"You never told me you..." Ayaka tilted her head to the side, golden eyes remaining on the man. "Married someone, that is it right? No one would be stupid enough to share half of their existence otherwise."

Venex Apara
09-14-2017, 01:30 AM
Ven at least had enough social adept to look embarrassed, though just barely. Ven did not get anywhere by letting a bit of embarrassment stop him.

"Well my name is Venex Apara, most people call me Ven. It's nice to meet you, even if I you are making rude assumptions."

Ven shook his head, sighing, more amused than anything. "You don't know how many people have assumed we were lovers. Like come on? Can't a guy and a girl be good friends without everyone assuming there is romance involved? I'm too young for romance! I have the rest of my life. As for the stupid thing..."

He shrugged. "I had long lecture on that. I wish I could but no!"

<" Damn Archie and me having stupid good memory"> he muttered in Akashiman.

He then shook his head and looked at Ayaka again, going back to Tradespeak. "So what brings you out here? Tonight has been crazy? I mean I know I never expected to meet Eteri's sister."

Ayaka
09-14-2017, 01:39 AM
"To be honest, I'm glad you two aren't married." Ayaka said as she took another sip from her quickly emptying glass of scotch. "The sharing of one's soul is extremely intimate. You feel each others emotions, distress, happiness. It is quite odd for 'friends' to share such intimacy. So it is not so much as a rude assumption as a logical one. If you regret it that much I'm sure my sister would give it back. Isn't that right, Eteri?"

Eteri jumped, and gave a small nod. "Eteri would! Eteri try! Venn no let!"

"He won't let you?" Ayaka asked, turning to glance at the man. How curious. He muttered something in Akashimian, and as he did, Ayaka immediately switched to her native tongue, refusing to bother with tradespeak if he could understand.

<"The rest of your life could very well end by tomorrow, especially with someone that has such an erratic and foolish nature like yours."> She sneered. <"Eteri deserves better. Someone so flippant would be unreliable.">

"Ayaaakaa that mean!"

<"Speak in your native tongue, you sound like an idiot."> Ayaka snapped back at Eteri. It sounded harsh, but it frustrated Ayaka, Eteri was quite astute and smart when she needed to be, but her talking in a language she was not fluent in made her sound like a fool.

Eteri
09-14-2017, 01:53 AM
I felt so dizzy, and ill. Why didn't anyone tell me that was alcohol!? It looked like water...ok so it smelt pretty strong, but it LOOKED like water. So... I mean... ah... who am I kidding, it was a realy stupid move on my part, even Venn was laughing at me. My ears were flat against my head, my mouth turned into a pout as he laughed at me. How mean.
My brain was fuzzy, and my limbs felt heavy. I couldn't stop Venn from dragging me over to my sister.

Now the three of us sat at a table, and I felt horrible. It was bad enough being laughed at by Venn, and for him to be so defensive of our relationship. Sure... we were just friends, but did he have to be so cold about it? I mean, I was right here. I tugged on his sleeve, my voice small. "Venn..." He must not have heard, he and Ayaka continued to converse.

It was always this way. Ayaka always commanded the attention of those around her, she was tall, strong, proud and very outspoken. Venn wasn't unreliable, he helped me out, a few times. Sure... I had a horrible fear that if I wasn't always 100% happy around him he would disappear, but beyond that Venn was an important person in my life.

<"Ven is very nice."> I let go of his sleeve and slumped forward. The wood on the table felt nice against my forehead, and it stopped the room from spinning. <"He only wants fun, if I am not fun or happy, he would leave, so I need to be happy. I need to have fun. A pain in my chest tells me to do things-">

<"If he's your friend he won't fuck off when you're down, but what? Is it that red soul? The fuck Eteri? Why would you willingly put that in you? That is bad news, that thing is dangerous.">

My head shot up. <"No! It clawed into me! I wasn't planning on keeping it! I was going to sell it!">

I felt hot tears in my eyes, why was she always like this? Why was she always talking down to me. I was the one who could weave souls, not her!

Philomel
09-14-2017, 02:07 AM
Whining, Veridian struggled on the floor, between hissing and spitting and hateful yowling. He twisted and turned as piles of cold and spiteful acid gathered around him, smog and coalescing liquid in one. There was even a voice who tried to say something about something stolen but really, that, during this?. He gritted his teeth as large portions gathered around him, stinging directly against a huge portion of his flank.

Whump.

From his side something collided with him, just before a new spawn of acid began to fall like silver rain. He was pushed out of the way, just narrowly missing an attack directly to the face which strangely rang an old bell.

He skidded across the counter top somewhat, chest heaving and frantically looking around to see his new saviour. There sat Mao, not far from him, still in normal size but head tipped to the side in her curious primal way. Her nose pointed off and away, over to ...

Fenn. On the ground with that plant-head Madison and her whole weight on his back. At first Veridian began to growl, getting up but then he saw the small boy, smiling awkardly and lifting up ... What? Paper, card, the strange pictures Veridian had seen falling before.

Then it struck him. Stealing. Someone stealing the voice had said. Struggling as the pain continued to burn, and likely would still for a long time more so long as the spirit of fire in him endured it, Veridian made a strangled noise between a moan and a frustrated growl.

Mao nudged him with her paw, huffing and shaking her head once - a communication thing she had learnt from Philomel. Steadily the rabbit was growing in intelligence. And steadily now did she start to grow in size, at a strangely rapid rate.

But it was not aggressive. Merely it seemed to be, "By the way I am doing this now, Kay, thanks." As casually as one might get up from a chair she leapt from the bar onto the floor, and when she was there she was massive - about the size of a large dog. And then she sat there, in full view of everyone, huge ears and mighty back legs. She turned her eyes to fix a single, full dark eye on Madison and simply watched for her reaction.

Then she gestured, with an upraised, gentle paw, first at Veridian, and then at Fenn.

"Please can I have that," she asked in a non-vocal voice, but with a language so peculiarly based in body language that no one could understand it, in the end. "Please?"

Amari
09-14-2017, 09:37 AM
"I suppose it's...." Scarlet paused, hands still in her lap as she tilted her head. Staring at him. "Good to see you getting back to your old- wait. What did you just call me?"

Lye had called her Amari, the man who literally beat her up and tore her down for even uttering the name, or identifying with the name. The man who insisted that 'Amari' was dead and that 'Scarlet' reigned had just called her by a name, that, by all means, was her dead name. "You said Amari?"

Her eyes narrowed. She didn't understand. "Why?"

His response was to pull out the vial that contained the good part of her soul, her humanity. He waved it around almost tauntingly in her face. Practically screaming that it was his, to the point where spittle hit her cheek. Scarlet wiped it away calmly. "I gave it to you because I don't want it." Being in such close proximity, the blue-white swirls grew hot, burning brighter and shifting violently within the glass and Scarlet thought it might break. Her chest ached, and she wanted to rip it from his hands and throw it into the fire. Maybe then she'd never feel anything ever again.

Scarlet groaned, pressing her head into her lap. "Keep my heart, my humanity, just keep it away from me." She muttered, gulping back her own feelings of nausea. Bleargh...The fuck is this feeling?


Ulroke was slowly snapping out of whatever ailed him. Good. She'd be able to stop babysitting him then. She lifted her head from her lap, offering him a challenging grin. "So if I am back to Amari, are you back to Mr Starlight?" Best way to snap him out of his funk was to rile him up, he seemed to enjoy it. Scarlet expected an angered response, for him to lash out, and for his fingers to curl around her neck.

Just like old times

Briarheart
09-14-2017, 10:19 AM
I snatched the cards out of the little boy's hand and put them back in my pocket. He started scribbling some words into the frost that collected on the ground, but I only caught the last two.

FRIENDS NOW?

Friends? He wanted to be friends?! The audacity of this little monster, asking to be friends after he stole my trick deck, led me around on a chase throughout the tavern, got me bitten and burned by Veridian, and forced me to tackle him, which was drawing unwanted attention to me that I was just becoming cognizant of?

"No, I'm not your friend," I hissed in his ear. "Touch my shit again, and you'll be dinner."

I released my grip on his ankles, and stood up. All eyes in the immediate vicinity were on me, including those of a rabbit for some reason--this place really needs a "no pets allowed" policy--but I didn't care. A young woman with purple hair was trying to speak to me. I shot her a withering glare and said, "Eat a dick, sweetheart."

The small crowd parted before me as I made my way back to the table. Red and Ulroke were being cold to one another, whispering in hushed tones. John was occupied with lighting a cigar.

"Sorry about all that," I muttered as I pulled my chair back up to its proper position and sat down on it. "Shall we proceed?"

Philomel
09-14-2017, 10:37 AM
The 'for some reason' rabbit blinked slowly as the girl with no hair, fur or really anything at all but plants and eyes got up from leaning over the tiny boy-man-blone. Tilting her head she watched as she walked back to the table with the red-flame-hair that the rabbit had a vague sense was dangerous and a silverhaired man that some distant memory floating from Philomel-food-giver said was dickhead. With a slight understanding Mao considered that it was better to stay away from these people, despite her current size and beauty. She twitched her nose that was the size of a pint glass, and bent over to sniff the boy-man-blonde.

He seemed alive. Which was good. So something was right. She thought.

And there was also a massive giant. Scary and big, even bigger than Mao right now, which the rabbit did not like. He was likely to be avoided too, until Mao was with rock-worm Delath. That dragon was nice. He was a good beast to be around, just in case the sky ever fell on your head and a world war began. Besides, they were all seemingly wanting to play with those stiff pieces of paper which had already got boy-man-blonde into trouble.

Lets ... go, came a very uneasy gasp.

Looking over Mao saw the struggling figure of Veridian still on top of the counter. He looked awful, his body half on fire as his own flaming self tried to fight the poison that plant-girl had spat at him. Seeing as Veridian was 'one of them' Mao knew that it was probably worth her while getting him to safety. Only needing to stretch herself up slightly she ignored all the shocked murmurs from the crowd as they saw this giant rabbit being gentle. For she very delicately then shifted her foot-long muzzle underneath the small fox form and took him from counter to ground.

Where he gave her a weary, thankful gaze and then sighed as another shudder ran through him.

Of course the counter was left with a fair few holes from the acid and plenty of scorch marks but that did not matter, did it, really?

Veridian huumped and looked to Fenn. Uneasily, a look of agony in his eyes he leant over and wrote in very horrible, barely readable letters.

COME WITH? MAO TAKE US AWAY. HURTS GO AWAY.

He huffed and slumped and Mao let out a strange sound - an actual rabbit grunt. She then proceeded to try to shift Veridian onto her back, all the while keeping it open for the boy-man-blonde to climb aboard also. For he would fit, he was small enough. And he was invited. But if he refused she would need to go. For Veridian certainly was not doing well.

Lye
09-14-2017, 12:37 PM
The fuck did she just call me? Starlight? The fuck is starlight? Should I retort with used rag? Naw, that sounds juvenile. Or does it?

I narrowed my gaze as I often did lately and placed both hands flat against the tabletop. Amari, wait... That's not her name. No, that thing across from me isn't Amari. Why does the vial feel like an Amari? That thing across from me: a blood drenched porcelain statue ridden with inky cracks was something else. Just that, a sculpture. Something I made with my own two hands. I did this. For what? Why? If I liked her more as a person than this monster, why make a monster?

"Thirteen," I muttered as the memories started to clear. The web of lies I weaved through the years and the purpose I so blindly committed to began to enshroud my blatant honesty yet again.

I looked at her straight, expression stern.

"Master," I corrected her. I owned her. She was my property. "You are not allowed to say that name. Your name is Scarlet."

I tried to convey those statements as a threat to the best of my diminished condition. My head pounded and chest throbbed all the same. Again I thumbed the wound, this time more conscious that I knew it to be poison. A bolt specifically and intended for me. Someone knew about my arrival back to Althanas. But why was I this far outside my usual territory? Why does my throat sting of bile and fettered ale? Why--

Madison sat back down, cards in hand from the fiasco earlier. That's why. Madison. I needed her help. The contingency. The briarheart owed me nothing, but beside the vines, the acid, and the enchanted, sap-filled bark of a heart, Madison still had one. Askewed and tilted in the wrong ways on many of occasions, Madison still had a set of moral principles which remained firm. Plus, my request would be a scientific challenge.

Her kryptonite.

First, I needed to rid myself of this condition. I could still feel my body trying to process the venom, but it wasn't fast enough.

"Bartender!" I called out over the fading remnants of chaos. My raised hand forced pain across my chest and I noticed the brute sitting casually beside me. A Tarot member. What was this place? Why hadn't I killed him? Or rather, why hadn't he tried to kill me?

"Your strongest alcohol! And a sprig of rosemary if you have it!"

Once I purged this from my system, it was back to business. Somewhere between, I'd be sure to repay Scarlet for her... actions.

Amari
09-14-2017, 12:56 PM
"You're welcome." Scarlet said. She doubted he'd understand, that he would know that her actions, her bile and her snarky comments were to snap him out of whatever delirium he faced. She reached out, again, pushing his hair back out of his face, again, it was an act that was fueled by the traces of concern she felt for him, and the comfort she wanted to give him. "Nice to see the poison's easing up." She tilted her head to the side. "Since when did that affect you anyway?"

"Fuck off." He spat back at her. Batting her hand away. "You don't have the right."

Scarlet sighed, and pushed away from him. "No, I suppose I don't." The further away from her she was, the less residual effects the vial had on her. Scarlet backed off the table and claimed the chair next to Madison once more. "Considering how close you were coddling Tin-Tarot-Man, I thought perhaps I could at least fix the sloppy mess you are."

She picked up the mess of cards and slid them over to Madison. "Reshuffle, Lye had two kings."

This was better, the emotional residue was wearing off. Scarlet was just reminded of how fickle, and foolish they were. Lichensith Ulroke was further proof and testament to that. Even now, he saw her as nothing. Scarlet's lips fell into a stoic line. She'd show him, she'd show him what a 'nothing' could do. In time, he'd see.

For now, Scarlet would play the part of his pet but there would be a time they'd face off, and even she did not know the outcome.

Scarlet raised a gloved hand to her forehead, feeling onset nausea and dizziness. "We should... order something to eat with that drink." She lifted her hand to signal the barkeep.

"Anything dead, bleeding and cooked." She called out.

Rayleigh
09-14-2017, 04:29 PM
Though the ill effects of the alcohol had been chased away by Hyperion's hug, Rayleigh still felt sluggish, as if she had gone too long without sleep. Was it the geyser of emotion, spurting upward from a place inside of herself that she had forgotten? Or rather, that she had ignored? She shed tears, of course - they could be a very effective tool when trying to get her way. And she had cried out of terror when she released the demon from the Alerar underground. But when was the last time she had felt true sadness streak down her freckled cheeks? When had she last felt entirely consumed by grief, wracked with the loss of her mother? She had never even met the woman.

And perhaps that was where the despair stemmed from. She had lost someone she was not even allowed to know. She would never know her the sound of her mother's voice, or the look of her smile as she regarded her only child. She would never know the warmth of a hug, so much like the one she was currently wrapped up in. If her mother had only survived a few years longer, so Rayleigh might be able to conjure an image of Marielle Aston. Her father had not even had a picture to show her, when the young girl had begun asking after her missing parent. All he could say was that she had been tall, blonde, and beautiful. Clearly, Ray had taken after her father, and somehow, that made things even worse. Had she taken nothing from her departed mother, save for the name given to her? Marielle had insisted on Rayleigh, in her last moments of life. A name. That was all Rayleigh had of her.

The mousy girl took a long, deep breath of the stuffy tavern air. Chaos ensued around her, but for the time being, she was entirely transfixed by remembrance, and the warmth that cocooned her inside Hyperion's arms. "It isn't something that can be fixed," she stated matter-of-factly, though her voice hitched when she spoke again. "Its just my mother. She's dead, and-" She let her vibrant green eyes, muddied with memory and misery, close. "-and I think her hugs might have felt just like this."

Nosdyn
09-14-2017, 05:07 PM
For those like Nosdyn...there was a place where someone called home...a place to belong.

That tavern...that place...was not home.

No...it was filled with washed out Adventurers who wore the mantle of Hero. Nosdyn shook his head and gathered his things. The display before him was sickening. My ancestors fought and died over this shit...? Nosdyn didn't know what he'd expected to find in The Tavern that night...but he'd at least made an effort. He'd gathered his things quickly at that moment and prepared to venture out into the rain to find some quiet place...less noise...to relax in. The Tavern had too much noise for his comfort.

Nosdyn walked towards the entrance of the building, and in a surprising amount of self-restraint...opened the door for several folks who were just arriving in and out of the rain. One of the fellows shot Nosdyn a harsh stare, Nosdyn merely shrugged and ventured back out in the rain. That place was not where he was meant to be...but there was someplace out there for him...

Alyssa Snow
09-14-2017, 05:56 PM
Dark skies and howling winds whipped around violently. The storms that brewed far off to the eastern ocean occasionally came to land. While devastating along the shore line, they still brought much needed rain to the plains -- to places like this. The gunner clung her arms close to her frame and tugged the hood over her face. Each gust threatened not only to rip the hood from her blonde head, but tested her balance all the like. Rain fell in torrents and with unimpeded gusts, nearly horizontal.

As she slopped through the dirt road which recently became a mud trough, Alyssa noticed the faint glow from an establishment. The buildings around her were crude and scattered all the same. Unlike the establishments in Beinost or Corone, these little huts spoke to a humble people. She surmised the total population as no more than a hundred strong. To the north, lighting etched the silhouette of a distant mountain range. To the south and east, plains stretched as far as her cerulean eyes could see. Lastly, the thicket of forest from whence she came occupied the west. This building would prove the only cover within a days travel, easy.

The girl hefted her shoulders in an attempt to relieve the ache of her rifle's strap. For days, it dug into her and despite her experience marching and enduring Alerian military drills, she began to fatigue. Alyssa arrived at the door and before she could reach out a hand to the rusty iron, it opened to the exotic face of a Haidian. She stepped aside, curiosity plain on her face as to why anyone would be willing to brave this storm. Where would he go? Would he be safe?

The demon brood marched on as if she were nothing more than inanimate scenery. The way he carried himself, Alyssa knew he was someone beyond traditional niceties. Best he didn't notice her or she notice him.

After his departure, the Empress of the Tarot stepped inside the vague warmth of the tavern. Loud voices of both distress and anger flooded her ears. Tables were upturned, contents of several drinks littered the floor and it looked equal madness in here as out there. Slowly, she pulled her hood from her head as she continued to survey the damage and those within. A few faces stood out, Rayleigh and John being a few. The former looked distressed, consoled by a plant. While the latter looked to be in seedy company with cards scattered across the table.

Alyssa undid the tie of her robes and hung the drenched cloth on a rack by door. Her shorts, Akashiman top, and myriad of holsters and straps adorned her sun starved skin. A waterfall of blonde, gathered into a tail, waterfalled over her left shoulder. With a sharp inhale, she pulled the rifle from her back and let a sigh of relief as the strap fell loose. Gun in hand, the girl approached the counter and took a seat one over from Rayleigh and the creature whom kept her company. After a slight pause, Alyssa turned a finger to the bartender.

"Glass of water?" she asked in soft, melodic tones. "And maybe a glass of pink if you have it? Raiaeran is preferred, but I'll take whatever you have. Red if you don't have pink."

The man nodded and set to work checking his stock.

Shinsou Vaan Osiris
09-14-2017, 06:49 PM
The Sword and Staff was located at the edge of the promenade, far away from the winding labyrinth of filthy alleyways and grotty passages that comprised the inner workings of the city. It was a crooked but quaint sort of building, propped up by its smooth, whitewashed limestone walls and protected from the elements by a brittle slate roof that looked as if it was barely holding together. Almost any time someone shut the heavy front door, fragments of splintered shale tile would rain down over the pavement and pepper the road below.

Despite its dilapidated state, the tavern always boasted a healthy turn out and even more so as travellers looked to take refuge from the bitter winter air. Through the frosted glass windows, coated with a thin layer of ice, it was clear to see a handful of oil lanterns burning brightly and the shadows of their patrons jigging merrily about. A chorus of drunken cheers leapt from the crevices of the doors, sending a shiver down the spines of those passing by.

Shinsou Vaan Osiris had decided to take a day off from worrying about the affairs of Telgradia and Althanas. He had heard about a specially brewed dark Radasanthian ale that was served here, and had decided to sample it for himself. The rule was that if it was good enough for him, it was likely to kill a few brain cells, and that was just fine by Shinsou. Recent events with the Council of Five’s impending arrival weighed heavily on his mind, and the Telgradian needed time to unwind.

“This…” Shinsou started, peering inside his pewter tankard at the murky brown liquid within, “…looks strong. It smells strong too…”

Talking entirely to himself, he grinned, coolly watching his drink swill around from the comfort of the bar. The former emperor of Telgradia, with golden eyes locked firmly onto his drink, held the cold edge of his tankard steadily against his lips and swallowed deeply.

“Fuck…me…”

Shinsou, swigging another two inches of his beer, frowned.

“This tastes like shit, but it hits you like a maul.”

A bystander, who was drinking the same as Shinsou, decided to clear up any misunderstanding about the reputation of the beer.

“It’s strong stuff. Radasanthian Dream, they call it. It will put pubes on your pubes, that’s for sure!”

The former emperor’s legs folded underneath him as he sunk his second glass in one sitting, a trickle of beer forking down his chin.

Everything was fuzzy around the edges.

Amari
09-15-2017, 11:32 AM
Scarlet lifted her head from the wooden table, rot and scarring had formed where her forehead had met with the natural wood of the table. She attempted to dust it off with a leather glove but it just crumbled away to form a nice little hole in the table. Oops. It was a shame they were playing Poker, Scarlet had thought she knew how to play the game, but she had gotten it confused with some other card game. She'd bluff her way through it. Scarlet glanced up to see Lye still staring daggers at her. Wonderful. He was pissed, that'll be a fun trip home.

Her eyes lazily drifted to the tin man, Scarlet knew him to be John, and a member of the Tarot. Despite that, he seemed to be almost enjoying his present company, puffing away on his cigar. He didn't look like a real threat at the moment. Still, it was something she had to watch for. To have her 'Masters' enemy quite literally wedged up against him was cause for concern. Hell, Scarlet would assume having the hulking giant of a man doing anything would be cause for concern. Thayne help the woman he lays.

A waitress came to the table, placing a glass of what looked like black tar in front of Lye, and sure enough there was two sprigs of rosemerry floating in the viserous liquid. She could smell it from here. "Smells strong at least." She muttered. "Where is my food then?" She asked as she pushed the chair away from the table, she still felt dizzy, the room span. Why was that?

"Eurgh."

Food. That was the logical solution.

Scarlet turned her head to the bar only to see something that looked familar. White coat-tails, mop of messy hair. "What?" He was dead. Scarlet watched him die. Scarlet heard the sickening snap of bone and watched him crumple lifelessly to the floor before being magicked away. She had tried searching fruitlessly for him but to no avail. She waited, but heard nothing from the man, and so, he was assumed dead. Why else would he up and disappear? Why else would he simply cut ties with someone he proclaimed to love?

Did that even matter anymore?

Scarlet turned her scelera gaze away from him, raising her voice over the din that the little fae man was still causing. "I suppose Shinsou is alive after all." She tapped her fingers on the table. "That's irritating." She muttered. And it was, she didn't like the way it made her feel. Because it made her feel. Was she still too close to Lye? Or was it the connection she had made with Shinsou that night she healed his soul? If he was alive, why not find her? Why disappear again after that one night?

"There is an issue." She said, speaking more so to Lye than to Madison, who she knew just wanted to get on with the card game. "My chest actually hurts. I may be too close to that soul shard of mine you so valiantly waved about in my face. I am not sure if that is the reason, or if it is because that man just waltzed in here. Either way, I want it gone."

Tobias Stalt
09-15-2017, 12:02 PM
Autumn wind nipped at his heels as the traveller hurried through the storm. Dark clouds clawed out hungrily over the land and the rumble of thunder played a macabre beat overhead. The town was crawling with life, as ever; despite the downpour, two drunks still threw fists at each other and slurred insults. A crowd of onlookers huddled beneath ruined newspapers and chanted incoherently.

Baker's street was a rough and tumble part of town, but it had heart. He passed it frequently when he visited, if only for the familiarity. One timid lass at the edge of the crowd noticed as he passed, and she waved vividly. Tobias offered her a toothy grin in return.

"Back in town again, Stalt?" she asked as she matched his pace. "Business or pleasure?"

He guffawed. "Pleasure, as always," he joked. "Have you been waiting long, Colette?"

The blonde woman pulled her hand away from him quickly and shook it off, as though he had germs. Her face was coy. "I'm not some young virgin barmaid from up the Promenade," she lowered her voice, "but come see me after the kids go to sleep, and we might be able to negotiate something."

He sighed aloud. "'fraid I cant, ma'am," he replied, one hand clutching his chest. "I've a meeting at the Sword and Staff, and the job's none too shabby." Water dripped down his hood as he matched her fierce gaze, and she let out a groan of frustration.

"Not the first time a good looking fella's left me all wet an' alone," she waved a hand. "Go on, then. Go get your money! I hope it keeps your cock good company!"

"Oh," Stalt nodded assuredly as he turned and waved goodbye. "It will. It certainly will." She disappeared as he passed the courthouse on main, and the dirt road became intricately lain stonework. The Adventuerer peered across the plaza to one of the more quaint facilities, a run-down tavern know famously as "the Sword and Staff."

He pushed through the door and a small bell rang. The sound of a thousand voices assailed him at once, but one louder than all the rest. "Good afternoon!" The green haired girl greeted emphatically, "thank you for your visit! What can I get you to drink?"

Tobias frowned as he pulled his hood down, and messy brown hair fell around his ears. "I'll have a brown ale" he replied. "You can keep them coming."

FennWenn
09-15-2017, 12:05 PM
With a sigh, Fenn sat up and wiped both tears and blood off of his face. How rude! It wasn’t the first time someone had threatened to eat him -- he knew a dragon with a similar attitude -- but it still made him puff his cheeks out huffily in the direction of Maddy’s retreat. Hype was much nicer. He wondered if she also had a spooky, toothy mouth under her mask; like Daugi’s face! Neat.

What was significantly less neat was how she had kind of fucked up Veri. Somewhat flaming, somewhat sizzling. The fae’s hands slapped over his mouth, as he read the words on the floor. Nodnod. Yeah, they probably should leave, if only to try and get the poor fox a little help. Except… glancing over his shoulder, there was Hype, comforting a very distraught Rayleigh. He still needed to show Hype his shinies. Fenn marked this down mentally and considered her closely. Surely, Briarhearts weren’t a common creature. With a little effort, maybe he could track her down and drop in for a visit sometime. He sometimes did that with friends.

First, Fenn helped hoist Veridian onto the now-giant Mao. How did she get so big all of a sudden? He had no clue. But, instead of clambering on with the fox, the Fae pulled a small brass whistle from his bag and blew into it.

Fweeeet!

“Wuff, auf, wuff!”

Drawing more attention to himself seemed to be most of what Fenn was doing tonight. Knocking over several empty chairs, a massive black direwolf streaked towards him, nearly knocking him over with an overenthusiastic muzzle. He hugged her back. Yep, Daugi was rested and ready to go… and a little hungry. She glanced aside at the bunny and the fox. Immediately, her tiny charge signed a few words of wisdom her way.

No hunt. No eat. Friends.

“Mruff?”

FRIENDS.

“Auf...”

Having sorted that out, Fenn climbed onto her back, sighed, and drew his cloak over as much of him as possible. Fucking rain. Making a face, he leaned into to hug his wolf around her neck and flash a thumbs-up to Mao. They were ready to go.

Lye
09-15-2017, 12:39 PM
The black liquor arrived, thick and viscous. The vapors wafted upward through his nostrils and threatened to ignite within his lungs. This would do. The assassin removed his soiled gloves and dipped two pale fingers beneath the surface. Under his robes, he swabbed the bolt wound. His lip snarled lightly as he contained the searing pain of potent alcohol against raw flesh. Then, he pulled the rosemary from the glass and laid the sprigs on the table. The ring of his khukri thrummed out from his thigh and Lye began to press the herb into a mash with the tip of the blade.

"You don't need the food," Lye replied toward his creation. "You've been overindulging."

The assassin scooped the mash with his blade's edge and he thumbed it into his searing wound. The oils from the rosemary and the alcohol worked quickly to expedite the killer's natural resistances. His mind started to clear, but the confusion remained. He avoided public settings for a myriad of reasons, yet by manner of his delirium, Lye found himself surrounded by sheep and enemies. His face snarled in disgust and his hand pressed against his chest.

Then, just about the worst case scenario broke down. The Empress of the Tarot, Tobias, and a strangely familiar swordsman all walked in within seconds of one another. Unnerved, the assassin inhaled through clenched teeth before setting his blade down, clasping the remainder of the alcohol, and throwing it back like a war vet fresh off the battlefield. Scarlet mouthed off her concerns about this swordsman, the soul shard, and her chest. The killer slammed down the glass on the table and tightened a grip on his khukri.

He paused. While his mind shot straight to his favorite solution to a problem, he considered the current occupants too large a threat to commit public manslaughter. A brooding sigh exhaled through warm lips and he turned to Madison.

"Enough cards. You and I need to speak. Privately," Lye rumbled. He kept his eyes between the Empress, Tobias, and this troublesome stranger. He also noted the presence of a faun above, making mischief with some poor soul. He would confront her later.

"Scarlet," he set his eyes on her, pausing as he pondered an internal strife. "Go get some fresh air. You're no use to me like this."

Briarheart
09-15-2017, 12:44 PM
Deep breath. Count to five. Exhale.

Deep breath. Count to five. Exhale.

Lose yourself in the cards. Nothing else matters. Nothing else exists.

Deep breath. Count to five. Exhale.

Slowly, I was starting to come back down from my rage-filled high after my trick deck got stolen. I regained it, and with it, control of the situation.

All I had to do was deal out the next hand, and everything would be back to normal.

I continued to make sure everything was nice and randomized, practicing my bridge shuffling--which was a little difficult, what with my hands being made of vines and all. But eventually, I'd get the hang of it once more. No cards had gone flying from the pile yet tonight, so I had that going for me at least.

Red and Lye continued to have their hushed little spat. I mostly tuned them out, focusing on the task in hand. I could make out bits of their conversation, however. Something about a Shin Sue, and how Red actually felt something at his presence. Sure, it was only irritation, but it was better than teenager-level apathy.

But there was one thing that she said that definitely caught my attention and set off an alarm in my mind. "Soul shard of mine" were the exact words.

"Wait, hang on," I interrupted the two Crimson Hands. I cast a slight look in Lye's direction. "What's this about a soul?"

I set the deck down on the table--this time placing a hand over it, to prevent any other nosy little bastards from coming over and swiping it. "Ulroke, did you remove her soul from her? Are you holding it hostage? Is this some sick way of ensuring her compliance?"

The urge to activate the vines wrapped around his heart grew and grew. "What the fuck have you done?"

Philomel
09-15-2017, 01:02 PM
Upstairs Philomel committed to another thread of the tapestry of life.

Below stairs, Mao turned his head to the boy-man now on his back and nodded - a strange gesture from a rabbit but then she was large. Slightly bigger than a wolf, she was fifteen feet from twitching nose to fluffy tail. Her whiskers twitched.

Taking a sweeping gesture of the room, she surveyed they who had disturbed their peace and brought strangeness to here. The plant-face girl, who had given red-hot-fox Veridian so much pain. The flame-hair Amari who was so distant of heart, so dark of soul these days - but Mao remembered from Philomel a kinder version of her. The silver-hair Lye ... He was complicated. And other. So many others. Ones with cat ears. Ones who flirted. Him who ...

Him. Shinsou. That struck chords in Philomel food-giver's heart. Ah many different notes of a melodic tune. That brown hair and gold eyes, that friendship they had, that bond ...

Philomel could not know he was here. And so with that the rabbit did not say to the faun that he was. Thus, she was going to go, going to leave without telling.

Thump.

And suddenly there was a small earth-thunder, a shake in the floorboards. Flying, running, skidding past the others and for the for. Out of that, over the cobbles with the small man onto her back and the ill fox in tow. Onwards they darted through the street, under the ran that was now ending. On, and into a new adventure.

Amari
09-15-2017, 01:02 PM
"Overindulging? What do you mean by that?" Scarlet asked, cocking her head to the side. She hadn't been eating excessively, rather, she'd been eating less than usual. "I haven't eaten today."

Lye lazily gestured to her chest. "Your tits are bigger." He leaned back, emerald eyes gazing up and down her form. "At this rate..."

"You'll what?"

He didn't answer, instead he turned to Madison and they exchanged hushed words, Madison was practically trembling with rage. Was it because Scarlet mentioned the soul shard? She swore she heard the plant woman hiss something like that at him. "I gave it to him." Scarlet mused as she slid out from behind the table, allowing Madison to shuffle out. Scarlet slid back in, ignoring Lye's words.

"I'm useless to you like this? Like this, I am still more effective than you currently are. Just half an hour ago you were blowing barf bubbles, if anything. You're the useless one tonight." Scarlet waved him off. "Do your private thing. I'll be here."

scarlet repositioned herself so she could keep a closer eye on the man she suspected to be Shinsou. The feeling still hadn't left her chest, nor the dizziness that clouded her head, but she held her own. Be damned if she'd let such small things get to her. "OSIRIS?" she called out, her heart was pounding in her chest. Why was it pounding? Why was it aching? Scarlets hands shook as they gripped the table. This wasn't normal, she wasn't supposed to be able to feel things. Lye was far enough away now, so why? WHY? WHY?

The name fell from her lips a second time, warbled and pained as memories tugged at her. "S-Shinsou?"

The scent of his skin, the corners of his lips upturned into a mischevious smile. The silken caress of his chestnut hair... why did he not seek her out after the Crystal Sword cavern? What was he doing...

Another thought fell into her mind and she felt her gut sink.

Who was he doing?

Still awaiting to see if he would answer, Scarlet turned her Scelera gaze to John, she gulped back and in an effort to control herself she tried to strike up a conversation with the man.
"So... Strong silent type?"

Lye
09-15-2017, 02:27 PM
Lye did not respond to Madison's questions, nor the rising anger in her tone. He was certain she was tightening her floral grip around his heart but could not tell under the existing swath of sensory data. Instead, he gripped her firmly at the... wrist? And pulled her toward the stairwell leading to the second floor. Before the first step and just barely out of view from the patrons, the assassin spun around face to floral bouquet with Madison.

"Fall away," he muttered.

The roaring voices of the patrons vanished instantly. The whistling winds through the cracks and holes in the shoddy tavern turned to stale, dead air. It felt as though everything came to a complete standstill. To the anyone but the two of them, Lye and Madison simply ceased to exist. Her, within the world created of Lye's pure will, no living thing nor magical force could interrupt them, eavesdrop, nor follow.

His grip let free.

"I have made an error," Lye bluntly confessed. He produced the glowing vial of wisping blue haze. "I need your help."

Briarheart
09-15-2017, 04:06 PM
This is new, I thought to myself as the world literally melted away around us. The earthy tones of the establishment's walls and furniture faded to pale, lifeless shades of lavender. Gone with the vibrant reds and blues and yellows of the patrons' outfits. Gone also were the sounds and smells of a late weekend evening surrounded by a bunch of drunks forgetting their worldly woes.

It was just myself and the master assassin, in our own little pocket of reality.

For the briefest of moments, as he let go of my wrist, I sensed a different man. One who wasn't the dreaded Master Hand, who could take the lives of you and your entire family with a sharpened piece of steel and few flicks of his wrist or condemn your home nation to suffer from war, famine, and plague for countless years. It was one who was tired of everything, one full of regret. One who may have seen the error of his ways, at long last.

As he produced a small object from somewhere in his clothes, the moment passed, and he was Lichensith Ulroke once more.

"I have made an error," he said, his voice pure business. "I need your help."

Help, did he say? He needed my help? It was all I could do to keep my jaw from dropping. The Great Lichensith Ulroke, Master Hand of the Crimson Hands, asking me, his tormentor and holder of his leash for help?

I... I didn't know what to say. I was completely astounded.

What the hell kind of trouble did he get into that he found the need to ask others for help? Not demand, not threaten, but ask?!

I couldn't stop my eyes from flickering with amber curiosity. Nor could I help but to be a bit sarcastic at the proposition.

"Why is it always that when you're in trouble, there's a small vial filled with blue shit involved?"

The assassin's steely gaze narrowed. "Cut the jokes, weed."

Behind my mask, a sharp grin crossed my face. It slowly disappeared when I realized that the poor guy was deathly serious. He needed my help, and the slow realization crept up my spine that it must have been a dire situation indeed to request as such--after all I've done to him, and all the reasons I gave him to hate my mossy guts.

I also started putting some pieces of a greater puzzle together, and it created a picture that I didn't really like.

"What do you need from me?"

Josette
09-15-2017, 06:49 PM
"He has brown hair, and amber eyes. About this tall." At the bar, a woman held her hand flat, just above her head, indicating approximate size. She herself was quite tall, a few inches above for the small, rural town. Her black hair was wound in a tight braid, which snaked over her left shoulder, between her armored breasts, and to the middle of her stomach. Drawn over her shoulders, and attached with sturdy clasp across her chestplate, was a thick, fur-lined cloak of dark crimson. It was too heavy for the Coronian autumn, but it appeared to have done an excellent job protecting against the rain; breeches, tunic, and remaining armor were all dry, while the outer layer dripped small puddles of water from its hem. Her black boots, well-worn, shone wetly beneath the tavern's bright lights. A rumble of thunder began its long gallop across the sky, and Josette waited until it had died away to speak again. "Have you seen him?"

The middle-aged farmer on the last stool rolled his eyes, his weathered face holding an expression of mild annoyance. "Lady," he stated plainly, "you just described about half the men in Corone."

"He is not from Corone," she corrected matter-of-factly. "He is here visiting, as am I."

"Uh-huh," came the man's disinterested reply. He drank from his mug of dark ale, then asked, "What makes you think he is even here?"

Josette wondered if she might be better off asking another patron. "His horse is in the stable. This is also the only establishment of this kind in town."

"And don't I know it," the man said, wiping at a bit of amber liquid that clung to the stubble on his chin. "Saw a man like you described down the other end of the bar. Looks like he's in bad shape too." With that, the man raised his drink in salute, then turned his back to the woman. Already striding away from him, she did not see the dismissal.

As assumed, it truly was Shinsou Vaan Osiris dangling limply from the edge of the bar. There were no stools available, and if he had ever had one, someone had taken it for themselves. Shinsou, it seemed, was content to merely lean on the worn wood, his forearms planted on the bar, his legs bent dangerously. It looked to Josette that he might topple at any moment. Three long strides carried her to him, the thud of her boots lost to the roar of the crowd. Though he had a few inches on her, the pair were about the same weight, accounting for Josette's stocky, muscular build. She maneuvered herself so one arm was across the front of his chest, and hooking both his arms above hers, she eased him away from the bar. Had it really been so long since she had let him ride off ahead? He had announced he was scouting ahead, and she had let him go, recognizing that he had needed time to reflect on his own. He had been through so much. But how could she have missed that personal reflection had meant total inebriation? If this had not been the first town she encountered, she might still be looking for him.

"Jo?" Shinsou drawled, assuring her that he was both very alive and very far gone.

"Yes, I am here," she answered mechanically, focused entirely on managing his weight. He was not especially heavy, but in his current state, he was limp and difficult to manage.

"Jo!" Far more cheerful this time, he proceeded to bury his face in her neck, offering what she assumed was sloppy kisses. She mostly just felt the drool, and fought the urge to cringe against it.

"Can you find your feet?" she asked crisply.

He gave a low, devilish moan against her damp skin. "Can you find what's in my pants?"

Josette frowned, attempting to shift him toward the stairs. If she could get him into a room, and away from the alcohol, she might have a chance at a quiet evening. Besides, if he was so drunk, he might not put up a fight when told to sleep on the floor; they fought for possession of the bed whenever they stayed together. "Why do you ask?" she answered distractedly. "Have you put something in there?"

Ayaka
09-16-2017, 01:32 AM
*WILL ADD MORE WHEN VEN EDIRS HIS POST*

"Do what you want." ayaka muttered, she glanced down at her empty glass. Damn I could really use another drink. Dealing Eteri would require me to empty the damn bar.

Ayaka stood, albeit with a slight stumble, and shuffled out from the table. Despite what Venex said, there was clearly something going on between the two. Ayaka scoffed. How the hell did that blue psychopath land someone before her?

Ayaka didn't exactly care, or she told herself she didn't as her amber eyes trialled over the patrons of the bar. A man entered. But he was so drunk he could barely stand, he'd be no good. Besides it looked like his girlfriend had come to the rescue.

Who else... Some blonde woman? Ayaka wasnt sure she could sway the hand of her.

Next.

perfect

Her pink lips turned upward into a sly grin. He was perfect, he held himself with a cheeky confidence. And with that mop of brown hair he wasn't too bad on the eyes either.

With her own confident gait, and the way of her hips. Tail casually swinging to and fro.

Her first introduction was a hand that rested on his shoulder, sliding down to tap his own glass.

Her second was; "I'll tell you my name if you buy me a drink"

Tobias Stalt
09-16-2017, 03:29 AM
Tobias watched the bottom of his drink steadily grow closer, indifferent to the scenery around him. The seedy ne'er-do-wells who frequented the shadows of these establishments were like sores on his back: annoying, painful, and damn hard to get rid of. If he could manage it, the Sword Hunter would have no part of the criminal underworld on this occasion. His invitation was purely educational, after all.

"Purely educational," he nodded to himself, and swigged another sip of ale. His face lit up and his cheeks grew warm. "Gods bless the swill in countryside watering holes." The warmth radiated through his body and the buzz lingered in his ears; but Tobias had tasted far better, and he knew it.

He was halfway into a third sip when the gentle hand rested on his shoulder, and his eyes were on her before she was on his glass. Their eyes locked, and she spoke- there sheer audacity of it pricked at the edges of his lips. I'll tell you my name if you buy me a drink. He had met women with a far more extravagant price tag, granted.

"Just your name?" he asked, a smile playing at his features. He shuffled through his belongings for a few gold coins beneath the table, and with the other hand bid her take a seat. "I feel I may be getting a raw deal here, miss," he said. "Or does your name include your fine company?"

The golden eyed Dehlosian youth flashed a smile that could destroy innocence as he fished out the coins at last and hailed for a server to serve the girl her choice of alcohol. The young man was around moments later, and awaited her order. Tobias could tell a great deal about someone from their choice of drink, too.

Ayaka
09-16-2017, 03:44 AM
Ayaka turned to the bartender; scotch on the rocks. Radasanthian, and a teaspoon of sugar."

"sugar?"

"Did I fuckin' stutter? Or Is this swill hole so dilapidated that basic condiments are out of your grasp?"

The bartender muttered under his breath, Ayaka dutifully watched as he prepared her drink. Often a pissed bartender meant a poor, well, pour.

Ayaka picked up the drink, barely giving it time to hit the bar. She drank half the glass, ears twitching in delight as the strength and taste hit her hard and fast. Her golden eyes locked with his own equally amber pools. He was more astute than she gave him credit for. Then again, she did not give anyone much credit.

"Ayaka." she breathed as she pulled out a clean handkerchief from the folds of her red pants.

"Buy me another, your choice, then I'll take a seat."

His eyes twinkled with the new challenge before him. He nodded and Ayaka took her seat. Leaning on the counter she gave him a grin, feeling heated from the alcohol, her head buzzing.

"you know I'm not a hooker, and just looking for someone to part with their coin for my own gain, right?"

He shrugged as he signalled the bartender over.

"you can tell a lot about someone, from the drink they order." Ayaka mused.

Tobias Stalt
09-16-2017, 04:17 AM
His neatly trimmed face twisted in amusement at the scene that unfolded, the perfect performance of a classless rogue on a quest for self-indulgence. He had shared in the endearing parts of that life as well, and in the emptiness that it often bestowed on the poor bastard who lived it. This woman knew what she wanted, and despite even the foul temper of the bartender, Akaya would have her due.

She made it clear that she was only looking to drink for free, and he smiled. "Ah dear, I'm not a man who pays for sex," he said with a laugh.

She glanced at him readily the instant her lavish tastes were whetted. "Someone who enjoys nice things," he muttered to himself as she retrieved a handkerchief. He watched her movements carefully for a moment, and then turned to the bartender. "Many pardons, friend," he said with a kind expression to the salty looking man. "I've a request."

The man turned slowly to the traveller and rested his arms on the bar. "You got a good one for me boy?" he asked. "Nothing with sugar, I hope?" He fixed the catty woman with a half glare. Sugar in booze! The nerve!

"Nothing so extravagant, my friend," Tobias reached once more into his bag of tricks and produced a handful of coins, each finding its way merrily into the hands of the barkeep. "Rum," he stated firmly, "Serenti, if you've got any to spare."

"For you, I have Spiced Rum from the stocks of Serenti, my friend," the man counted his new stash of gold greedily and returned with a bottle of black label rum, placed it on the table in front of Tobias, and put a shot glass on either side of the container. "Unopened, and all yours."

The Dehlosian smiled to the bartender, who went back to his work. "Now then," he reached into the pockets of his own shirt and produced several small phials, which he opened and gestured to in turn. "Honey from Raiaera," he offered her a whiff, then poured a sizable dab into each of their shit glasses, "juice from a frostfruit, in Salvar," he again offered to let her test it for poison, then dropped a single drop in both containers. "A touch of Dehlosian Ambrosia," he smirked as he added the last bit and then, he cracked the rum itself. The drink that bubbled before them smelled of the summer sea, and the spices were mind numbingly smooth.

Tobias folded his hands and rested his gaze on the woman beside him.

Ayaka
09-16-2017, 06:02 AM
"Keep that up barboy, and I'll come to you." Ayaka shot back at the bartender. Where did the other man go? She liked him. The bartender scoffed and turned to her companion. "You sure about her?" He wandered off to talk to a green haired waitress. No doubt to talk about the bitch catgirl.

Then, the man started filling the glass with an array of sweet things. Ayaka's eyes lit up and she unwittingly licked her lips, leaning forward. how curious this man was.

He finished and handed the glass to her. Ayaka traced the rim of the glass with her forefinger. She shook her head when he offered her a test, no doubt to see if he was attempting anything underhanded or seedy. "Sweetheart, we could both down poison, and I assure you. I would still stand." She needn't tell him it was her profession, she felt it obvious with her words. And if it weren't. Then he needn't know. She offered him a toothy grin, "How suspicious you are..."

She leaned closer, one hand on his leg. "One would think you're a collector of nefarious things." she watched him take a drink, and continued. "Perhaps women, or...weapons?"

She was ready to write him off, take him for a quick ride, get a few free drinks then retire. Now? He was luring her in just as much as she was him.

Ayaka took her own shot glass and held it out to him," to the strange man with golden eyes."

The taste hit her, it was sweet and it was as though she were swimming through fields of honey, the scent had her floating, and before she even realized, she found herself curled comfortably in his lap.

"I think I need another."

Tobias Stalt
09-16-2017, 06:38 AM
"Tobias," he replied when she toasted his health. It was always good practice to give one's own name at that point. She had made a guess about his profession and come close to the mark; as an adventurer, Tobias had resolved himself to a fascination with legends and stories about weapons from across time. Any word of a Smith could send him from here to the cliffs of Kachuck at the drop of a hat, and he'd never miss a beat. Unfortunately, his love for the drink was almost as fierce.

The woman who, moment's before, had insisted she was no harlot now sat eagerly in his lap and asked for more liquor. Tobias happily recreated the concoction, only after downing the remnants of his own. He finished the frothy mix and left it on the table for her to take at her leisure.

"I'm not brave enough to start a collection of women," he jested lightly. "But sometimes I see a pretty one, and I get a little interested."

Ayaka
09-16-2017, 07:49 AM
"Tobias."

The name rolled off her tongue like velvet. Ayaka knew her cheeks were flush, and she knew she had defied her own words. But with every drink she found herself caring less and less.

Alcohol was an escape. From the annoying people around her, from the constant flurry of colours. And from her Thayne Damn sister.

Ayaka picked up the frothing shot and downed it. She slammed the glass on the table and wiped her mouth delicately with her cotton handkerchief.

"Orange."

She began, as she shut her eyes to stop the room swimming. Ayaka was painfully aware of the sudden warmth of his Palm on her hip.

"Your soul."

She continued. "It burns, like fire. Untamed, but tainted. You're a free and passionate man. But..." Ayaka snorted as she turned, jabbing a finger drunkenly into his chest. "There's a wavering darkness amongst it."

Ayaka sighed, "It's a fucking nightmare seeing such garish colours on a daily basis. Gives you a headache."

She pointed to the bartender, "He'd fuck you, I can tell by the colour his soul."

Ayaka grinned, "Why not start a collection of wanton men?" Her tail curled around his leg. "Or would you pref-hic-prrfer us to find a woman?"

Tobias Stalt
09-17-2017, 12:13 AM
Amusing though her antics were, Tobias had a tolerance for the poison that made his enjoyment far less than the catkin's own. She reveled in the new flavor like a kitten at play, and the swordsman watched her almost like a grandfather watching a child at play. He let one arm drape off the edge of the table and rested his chin against his fist.

When she slammed the glass down, his eyes moved to her slowly. She announced the color orange loudly, like some profound discovery, and shook off some incredible pain. When she explained that it was the color of his soul, Tobias tapped one finger against the wooden table expectantly.

Since his arrival in Althanas, the Merchant's son had seen all manner of mysticism and listen to the wise words of vaunted mages. She talked about freedom, and of passion, and more interestingly about the darkness there. Everyone had it, but she touched his chest and announced how it lingered.

No sooner did she make a nearly prohphetic statement, the stupor sent her dissembling. Headaches and nightmares, and the bartender wanting to take him to bed all sounded the same in Tobias' opinion. "No thanks," he said at last when she got on about collecting men, or even women. "I didn't come here to fuck anyone, truth be told. I got an invitation, but I haven't seen the sender since I arrived."

His shoulders sagged a bit. The juicy tip about a fabled blade felt increasingly like a dead end with each new moment. "But, if you'd like to keep me company this evening, I won't consider the journey here a total loss."

Tobias offered the girl a scandalous wink.

Lye
09-18-2017, 10:05 AM
In this isolated dimension born of Lye's will, a pause between two people meant perfect, eerie silence. In this pause, the assassin struggled to find the correct words. Seeking help conflicted with several skewed moral principles. This struggle wore plainly in his face. How much should Madison know? So much changed since that year beneath the mountain. So many new secrets were born since every last one was wrung from his beaten and ragged corpse. He knew far well how deep her resentment was for him. To owe him anymore than a dagger in the heart would be a drastic leap of faith.

"Scarle--" He began, hanging on the name. "Amari has taken a turn I never predicted."

A minute fraction of a pause settled between his words, but he denied Madison the "I told you so" he expected from her.

"You still have the tome of the Ar'tuel," he continued. Lye reached out and took Madison's hand. In it, he placed the blue vial. "I am out of time and out of resources. Even I don't like what's become of her and I cannot undo it. She needed to be strong for what's to come, not a demon."

The assassin closed Madison's vines over what purity remained of Amari's soul. Then, he produced a small scroll no bigger than the phial itself. This, he held in between them.

"Today's assassination attempt is clear proof my assumptions are correct. Conditioning the girl has drawn too much attention to the Crimson Hand and ultimately myself. I won't be able to run from this, Madison, but I won't be put down like a dog. Take this."

He held out the scroll to the briarheart.

"Directions to the first sanctum," he stated. "I first told you about it after you broke me in that hell hole. My life's work will begin when I am gone. Part of it is in that sanctum. We don't see eye to eye, but you understand me better than anyone else. Maybe you'll appreciate what all this has been about. Maybe not."

Briarheart
09-18-2017, 01:19 PM
Amari. So that's her real name.

I regarded the scroll that the assassin offered for a moment before I took it from him and stashed it in the folds of my robes. It wasn't quite sinking in--yet--the enormity of what he was entrusting me with. I recalled his confessions and the plans he laid out under extreme amounts of pain and duress when I had him buried under the Seventh Sanctum, but I never really gave them much thought. Wrote them off as the dreams of a power-hungry madman. Assumed that he would give them up after his conditioning had been completed.

How wrong I was, it seemed.

And now... he was trusting me with the continuation of his plans? The First Sanctum, the most important piece of his plans, and he was handing me the keys to the front door. Me. Who turned his organization against him. Me. Who stabbed him in the back multiple times and forced him through hell for a year.

Why? Seriously, though. Why?

To say I was confused was a gross understatement. Was it because the one he had chosen had evolved into something completely different than what he intended, and he needed a contingency plan? And the only other really qualified people have long since fucked off and left him in the cold. Aurelianus Drak'shal. The Faun, Philomel. ...who else did he have?

It was in that moment that I felt something for him that I never thought I would--pity. All of his plans coming unraveled due to things spiraling out of control. Playing with forces that he could not have understood.

It reminded me of myself, and my tangling with the darker threads of science, and the Forgotten Ones.

I took a deep breath. I was about to do something that I never could have imagined.

"I'll look into it. I have someone working on a translation of the Ar'Tuel tome." I made the conscious decision to leave out the fact that it was another Ar'Tuel. Maybe he already knew, though. "I haven't had the, uh, experiences you have with Red--Amari, whatever, after she started changing. I've only seen her twice since I left the Seventh Sanctum for Concordia, tonight being the second. I... I don't like it either. I'm not going to cast any blame, because we both know that it's a worthless gesture at this point. I've seen enough of the tome to know that what she's turning into needs to be stopped. So, I'm more than willing to help you out here."

"Thank you," Lye said with a nod. He then took a breath, ready to utter the phrase to dispel the pocket dimension.

"Wait." I held up a briar-knit hand. The assassin cocked his head quizzically.

Ah, shit. Here it comes.

It took me forever to find the words to say it. "Look, before we wrap up here, I have some things I'd like to say." And it'd be the first time I said something like it in my life.

I started playing with the hemwork of my robes. Amber light flickered in my eyes. It was all I could do not to break eye contact with him. "I just want to say... And I know that it doesn't mean much now, perhaps, but..." Out with it already, you idiot. "I'm sorry."

Heat rose in my neck and face as I continued, my words tumbling over one another as they spilled out from my mouth. "For all the trouble I caused. For your imprisonment and torture. For all the knives I jammed into your back. For everything."

If he had any reaction, I couldn't read it in his face. "I know you said you can't run from this one, but... Take it from someone who's a bit of an expert in running away from things. You can escape. You can survive this. I can help you. I can give you a place to hide. Somewhere to let go of everything." I produced the vial of Amari's uncorrupted soul and the scroll with the directions to the First Sanctum. "Somewhere where these have no worth to you, somewhere you can make your peace with the world and perhaps find a bit of happiness."

I slid the items back into my pockets. "I've made mine. These past few months, I've realized that the world... It doesn't need people like us. It actively works against us. It will put us six feet under and continue on as if nothing happened in the first place. I know that you want to be an agent of change, to free everyone from their worldly shackles, but..." I let the sentence die with a shrug.

"Sometimes what you feel would be best for the world, for mankind, would only damn them further." Speaking form experience there.

The light of my eyes flickered slightly. "Just something to think about."

Lye
09-18-2017, 01:45 PM
Lye heard her confession with an expressionless face. Not cold, nor condescending, but placid. He listened. He heard every word and not just the information present, but feeling behind it. As the briarheart finished, he looked toward the floorboards and nodded with a smirk. When he looked up, Madison saw a genuine smile.

"Accepted," he stated. "But you did nothing wrong. You did what you felt the world-- what you needed. That's my message. That's my purpose."

The smile faded.

"But there's no running this time. I've had my bliss. I paid upfront. The people I've wronged won't stop if I vanish to the countryside. No, people need to fight for what they think is right and either die for it, or live long enough to see it through. I'll fight to the end, Madison, but I know my limits. I am, after-all, just a man."

Lye snapped his fingers. The ambiance of the tavern rushed into existence like a tidal wave. Stagnant air revitalized itself with the fragrance of sex, booze, and food. Lye peeled himself from the dark alley, and made way for main floor. The blood from his wound trailed to his leg and left macabre treads in his wake.

"If they damn themselves," he spoke with his back to her. "Then they'll deserve it."

When he arrived to the main floor, he noticed Amari coyly eyeing the dark haired patron at the bar. The interest in him transcended the girl's usual behavior. If she wanted him dead, he'd be dead. If she wanted information, she'd take it. No, this looked more like pining. Someone of past import perhaps? Or... Was it the leader of the Brotherhood of Castigars?

The assassin followed her gaze to the slouched man at the bar. This one? A threat? The one she cared for? Lye shook his head. The man looked lost, drowned in failure. Lye felt a degree of pity for him, especially at the sight of a woman trying to pry him free from his drink. The derogatory slurs he spoke to her, barely made it over the roar of the others. The assassin scoffed and washed himself of the sight.

"Ama-- Scarlet," Lye caught himself. "It is time to leave."

Amari
09-18-2017, 02:08 PM
Scarlet snapped her gaze toward Lichensith Ulroke, her knucles were shaking, and the table was splitting under the pressure of her grip and the miasma of her corrupted soul. She had seen enough. Shinsou was alive. Shinsou... never bothered to contact her, to let her know he was safe. The drunken wreck before her was all over another woman. It was clear. He had moved on and left her in the dust.

Her grip slowly loosened on the wood and Scarlet sighed. "Him being near me has the same effect as that soul vial. I hate it." Scarlet closed her eyes and took a few deep steadying breaths. Perhaps... what was said all those years ago held some sort of truth. He was a playboy, a man who took what he wanted and at the time, he wanted her. That was then, this...is now.

Scarlet felt a familiar coldness wash over her. The cold unfeeling sensation. She had to concentrate on that, that's what her Master wanted after all. That was what she was now. Nothing more than a monster, and unlike those moments before she was ok with that. It was fitting.

Opening her Scelera gaze she turned her eyes onto Lye, blood seeped from his wound but he had returned to his usual self. There was something odd in her gaze, it was pain which sought comfort from the one constant that was in her life. The constant of her abusive master. She blinked, then it was the concern as her eyes danced between his wound and his face. She blinked finally... a calm acceptance.

Scarlet continued to explain what had occured, lifting a shaky hand to brush hair away from her forhead. It felt...unreasonably warm. A fever perhaps? She gave her head a slight shake, her voice low. "I thought he was dead. I tried to find him after that day but it seems he was preoccupied." The word held no malice, no pain. Just... an emotionless acceptance. "You always were right, Ulroke." Her gaze sweeped over the patrons.

A drunken Telgradian practically groping a brunette with shimmering eyes and taught muscles beneath clean armour...catgirls, far too many of them, pale skinned beauties, giants and members of the Tarot. They were all just noise.

It was all just...static.

It was then the man told her it was time to go, but not only her, told Amari it was time to go. "Didn't you say you killed her?" Scarlet asked, studying his gaze. Scarlet went to push herself up off the table, but the world span hard and fast around her and she felt her stomach heave. She covered her mouth as she retched, black pile peaked through her fingertips and splattered the floor in tiny droplets that hissed as though it were acidic tar.

She was falling, and then -

She had an arm around her waist. He had caught her. A bitter laugh bubbled through her lips. Still stained from whatever she had expelled from her. "I always was just an object to you, wasn't I?" Her eyes stared at the ground. "I'm yours, you own me." Her words came out as breathed whispers between insane giggles. "Toys break Ulroke."

Beneath her dress there was a crack, and the very sleeve was eaten away as a hiss escaped; black mist formed around the wound. Her soul. It wafted around her arm like a sickly cloud. Small and sparse but its presence was an omen.

She really was breaking.

Lye
09-18-2017, 02:53 PM
What a mess. This creature, capable of so much destruction yet alluring enough to bed some of Althanas' stronger men was now faltering in his arms. The black cracks that ebbed across porcelain skin spread. From them, a corrosive miasma of dark essence sapped into the air. The cloth of his sleeve around her hissed, grayed, then became powder. He righted the woman if not to save his attire from melting away into dust and brushed himself off. He scowled as if trying to remove fetid shit from his robes.

This wasn't Amari. She was right, he killed her. Amari died and now he had this tool. Lye took a moment over his shoulder to glance at Madison. Maybe she could do something. If not, maybe this monster would actually break and disappear. Gone with the rest of his mistakes.

"Don't forget your place, slave. Property doesn't call me by my name." With his command of the shadows, he urged a grip around her neck and forced her forward. He did so with such aggression that she acted more like a battering ram opening the door than a human being.

Shinsou, Philomel, the Tarot. Now was not the place nor the time to put them down. Those obstacles would be removed one way or another. If not by him, than someone else.

Lye followed suit behind Scarlet and into the rain once more. As he passed, he caught a glimpse of Tobias Stalt. The assassin's skin heated for a moment. Despite their bitter history, the two were somehow cordial to one another. Yet, all it took was a blink or nudge and one's blade would find the throat of another. For now, their loose alliance stood. The assassin walked on as the mercenary made sweet on a familiar looking nekojin.

Finally, the two were gone and the tavern was that much better off.

Venex Apara
09-18-2017, 11:10 PM
Ven frowned. Only wanted fun? Leave? Is that what she really thought of him? That... That couldn't be right. He wasn't like that. He was sure he wasn't like that... So why did she think That?

And why did they talk about him as if he wasn't there? Also, why were they so heated in their conversation? The mere words of Ayaka seemed to pain Eteri.

Ven didn't like how this was turning out.

So Ven did what he always did when he disliked something.

React on his first instinct.

"Hold on,let's back this up a few notches girls. First off, Eteri... Do you really believe that?" He asked her.

She didn't answer, but that was answer enough.

Ven looked apologetic and hugged Eteri. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. You should never feel that way around me. You don't need to be happy all the time for me to be happy. I'm more happy with you... just being you."

He then wiped a tear from her eyes, then turned to Ayaka. "And you. You're sister deserves alit more credit than you give her. She's kind, brave, and one of the best friends a person could have. I don't know about whatever you may have, nor may I not know a lot about souls, but that's is no excuse. Harsh words are not helping, not now. You are intelligent, thus you should know there is a tone and place for everything."

Ayaka stared at him then at Eteri. "Not lovers my pert, heart shaped ass." she said as she slapped the table hard. "I need a drink. Do what you want, Eteri. Don't come crying to me when he leaves you in the dust." She left the table after that.


And thus timeline is kinda synched after temporary leave many posts

Ayaka
09-18-2017, 11:11 PM
"Really?" Ayaka asked, an amused grin on her slightly glossed lips. "Normally one comes to a place like this for three reasons." She held out a hand to further illustrate her point, raising a perfectly manicured finger with each sentence. "A quick fuck. To forget. A shady deal." She lowered her hand and reached out for yet another shot glass. "And you, Tobias are looking for a shady deal. A lead. How disappointed you must be." She chastised. The way his shoulders sagged did not go unnoticed by the astute feline.

Her tail unfurled from his leg and twitched as she considered her next words. Her hazy mind trying to find place for them, and trying to decide if the man were worth their time. "I recall rumours of a battle filled with enchanted Crystal Swords. My darling sister said that girl there." Ayaka gestured toward the red-headed woman, who was sitting at a table across from the bar. "Has one belonging to She-The Snake. I wonder... if a silver tongued man such as yourself could enchant the woman to p-"

Her words caught in her throat and her eyes widened as she watched the scene unfold. The girl her soul... it was already a volatile and scary thing. That's a part of why she wanted Tobias to waltz over there and make a complete fool of himself, it would have been entertaining but no. This...

"This..." The words escaped her lips and she set the glass down on the bar, sliding off of his lap. If there was one sure-fire way to sober up, this was it. Fear set in the pit of Ayaka's stomach and her hair and fur bristled. Ears low against her head. "We need to go." She gripped Tobias tightly, taking a cautious step toward the exit. The redheaded started laughing and skin started to break. Ayaka could feel the miasma of death and decay surround the area. This woman, she was something else entirely.

Then, as quickly as the miasma appeared, the silver haired man had through some sort of magic picked up the redhead by her throat. Her legs dangled inches above the floor and she was literally rammed into the door, forcing it open. Ayaka's entire body was tense. She waited for any sign of the two returning, but the stench and that miasma was slowly fading.

Her heart beat hard and fast against her chest. Eyes still focused on the door.

What the fuck was that?

Tobias Stalt
09-19-2017, 11:02 PM
Tobias never liked it when people tried to play him. He heard the prodding words of the woman and his eyes followed her. His body language might have sold her on his intentions, but there was no way that this woman could know the extent of that.

So, what did this woman want from him? It was certain now that Ayaka had a motive, and it went beyond alcohol. She started to talk, but abruptly stopped herself in a fit of horror. Her hands molested him and she pleaded with him to leave.

"You're not making any sense," Tobias spoke flatly, and he pushed the Nekojin off of him unceremoniously. The Dehlosian never had much affinity for Althanian magic, and whatever phenomenon now assailed Ayaka flew over his head.

He placed a scabbard on the table in front of him and stared up over it at the cat-woman. "You were saying something about swords," he changed the subject abruptly. "You know where I can find my informant, or are you just trying to scam me out of more gold?"

Ayaka
09-19-2017, 11:48 PM
"God fuckin' are you dense?" Ayaka snapped back as she shoved Tobias hard in the shoulder, swinging him around and pointing to the blackened holes on the floorboards. Still hissing from the bile which had seeped from the redhead. "Some literal fuckin' mana bomb just walked out that front door. Fuck." Ayaka slammed her hand hard down on the bench, still worked up from the ordeal. "Fuck!" She repeated picking up the shot glass and downing it.

"That fuckin' gold was not enough to deal with this shit." Her throat burned and fur bristled. "No one told me the fuckin' swordsman would be a limp fuckin' shit when it came to magic."

Ayaka sighed as she pressed her hand to her head. Game over. Everything may as well be in the open now. "Look. Tobias. your night isn't a waste." Ayaka continued to hold her head, nursing the headache that came from this shit show. "They told me you were smarter than this. I suppose I gotta give you some credit. I am your informant, dick-nuts. I was expecting you. I wasn't expecting to deal with the whirlwind shit-show that is my sister, and I thought to myself... 'you know what Ayaka, you may as well enjoy yourself for once. Fuck it' have a few drinks and make sure you got the right guy.' "

Tobias narrowed his gaze at her, "You're the informant? You're REALLY bad at it."

Ayaka sighed. "No shit. It's not my usual line of work."

The sweet works and coy touches were gone, and Ayaka who was fulled by adrenaline and fear, grabbed Tobias by the cuff of his shirt and pulled him close to her, enough so that their foreheads touched and each breathed deep of the sickly sweet scent of his toxic brew. "I heard a rumour about some dwarves up in the God's Hands who claimed to have found relics from the war of the Tap. Of course, that's wicked unreliable." She let him go and he arched back and away from her.

"Some leather-bound, black hood wearing sod paid me to do it. Frankly. I don't care what you do with the information. I got my coin, I even managed to pry a few drinks from your deft little fingers. My job here is done."

Briarheart
09-20-2017, 10:20 AM
Aloof, I stood there by the staircase and watched Lye grab Amari and leave. Poor thing was bracing herself on the table, looking like she was about to throw up before being dragged out the front door.

I unconsciously reached into my robe and clutched the blue vial that I was given.

I could just run.

Leave Ulroke to clean up after his own messes for a change.

None of this really concerns me. Amari's breakdown, Ulroke's dreams and aspirations, and the key to them all stashed away in the First Sanctum.

Go back to my little home in Concordia, and ignore it all. Burn the book, send Zavine off to a brothel or an asylum or whatever would take her.

Whatever happened, I would survive. I would find a way to make it through whatever would come.

"I'm making a huge mistake," I muttered softly to myself as I made my way back to my table.

Tobias Stalt
10-01-2017, 05:29 AM
Tobias was not a slow man.

Of the things he had learned over years of harsh life in Althanas, he met many different types of people and heard hundreds of strange tales. He had never known an affinity for the strange magic of this world, and the less he came in contact with it frankly, the better. When he saw black acid eat away at the floorboards, his eyes moved over to the catty woman and his torso shifted.

"To hells with the job," he spat as his hands moved and he roped one arm around her waist to pull her close. The other held a short, iron blade concealed perfectly so only she could see it. To anyone else, it might appear as though he were pulling her in for a kiss. The dagger rested softly against her navel, the flat end pressed to her body so as to avoid cutting.

"I came out here for information and I appreciate that you have been so forthcoming, but gods, you could say anything right now and it still sounds like you took money from someone who wants me dead." His voice was naught but a harsh whisper. "I need some assurance that you don't share the sentiment. I want you to go up to the God's Hands with me."

He held her gaze evenly, but his smile was unflinching.

Venex Apara
10-02-2017, 02:23 PM
OOC: Since this has pretty much died now,
And it's now October, I put forward the motion to submit this thread. .

Breaker
10-19-2017, 10:35 AM
Hoooo boy, that's a lot of maths. Everyone receives 1.5x EXP in honor of the Autumn Festival.

Shinsou: (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?7-Shinsou-Vaan-Osiris)
233 EXP
15 GP

Josette: (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?46-Josette)
135 EXP
15 GP

Flamebird: (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?34-Flamebird)
150 EXP
15 GP

Alyssa Snow: (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?81-Alyssa-Snow)
158 EXP
15 GP

Revenant: (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?33-Revenant)
255 EXP
15 GP

Redford (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?80-redford):
375 EXP
25 GP

Nightsangel: (www.althanas.com/world/member.php?16-Nightsangel)
330 EXP
25 GP

Nekoprincess: (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?66-Nekoprincess)
353 EXP
25 GP

Jethro: (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?15-Jethro)
270 EXP
25 GP

Nosdyn: (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?24-Nosdyn)
398 EXP
35 GP

Nicolette: (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?47-Nicolette)
488 EXP
45 GP

Eteri: (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?26-Eteri)
660 EXP
55 GP

Rayleigh (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?2-Rayleigh): 1233 EXP and 77 GP

Cards of Fate: 1320 EXP and 66 GP

FennWenn: 2475 EXP and 165 GP

Atzar: 1056 EXP and 66 GP

Venex Apara (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?51-Venex-Apara): 848 EXP and 77 GP

Philomel (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?10-Philomel): 3696 EXP and 176 GP

Amari (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?22-Amari): 3300 EXP and 165 GP

Briarheart (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?64-Briarheart): 3696 EXP and 154 GP

Storm Veritas (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?8-Storm-Veritas): 1650 EXP and 66 GP

Ayaka: 1575 EXP and 143 GP

Lye: 2541 EXP and 121 GP

Tobias Stalt: 1463 EXP and 77 GP

Rewards will be added soon.

Breaker
10-19-2017, 12:35 PM
All rewards added. Thank the Thayne we do this but once a year.