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Avicebron El Barbarossa

"Even as the shadow of death looms ahead, life must go on. It is a reality that we cannot change, no matter how hard we fight it."

0 · 464 views · located in Lawless Period - Aurelis Continent

a character in “Fade to Darkness”, as played by SkyCladSaya06

Description

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Name: Avicebron El Barbarossa
”Villainy wears many masks though none of them as dangerous as the mask of virtue.”

Age: 34
”Do you doubt the years of service I’ve done?”

Gender: Male
”Oh my…there’s just no curing stupidity is there?”

Faction: Spectral – 12th Vassal of King Ignatius, Independent Lord
”My authority far exceeds yours. I suggest you learn your place.”

Appearance:”Would you care for a dance?” Avicebron is an adult in his thirties, standing in at 5’8” and weighing 68kg. He has pure blue eyes, which mask his true affiliation and dark brown hair. His goatee is another striking feature of his that makes him stand out. Well-dressed and well-mannered, he has a natural charm to him that aids him towards fulfilling his own agenda. Face Claim: Tokiomi Tohsaka from Fate/Zero.

Personality: ”Keep in my mind the difference between our morals before rendering judgement.” Avicebron has a calm demeanor on him, able to think things through without the risk of acting rashly. He has quite the pride but not to the degree that it attracts hate and envy, allowing him to garner respect from the general populace. Unlike most lords and even Spectrals, he does not see himself as a man of great ability, fully aware of his own limits.

His views are generally idealistic, which comes as a negative, since he sometimes fails to formulate plans that suit the present reality in front of him. His traditional views and beliefs also comes as a disadvantage since he lacks the knowledge and ability to prepare for more, “liberal” things.

History:”You can refer to the archives if you want to find out more. My memory is starting to betray me at times.” Born in the 41st year of the Lawless Period, Avicebron was already destined for royalty from the start. His parents were influential people within the King’s court, and this allowed him to partake of all the advantages of having a royal bloodline.

With the ongoing turmoil during the 56th year onwards, his entire family was thrust into uncertainty, losing their power and influence as politics shifted from one family to another in a vicious, internal cycle. It was in these stages that he was thrust into reality, allowing him to live the life of an outcast, when his entire clan was banished from the Kingdom due to the fact that they are a political enemy.

The rest of his background remained hazy. All that is known is that he reappeared one day as a wealthy landowner of a piece of agricultural land close to the perimeter of the Kingdom. Offering half as a tribute, he once again found his way in the upper echelons of society where he held considerable power as lord. He was once given a teaching position where he taught basic magic to squires but retired after nine years. Most of the students who trained under him refer to him as Bron.

At this time, he hasn’t been very active in the political scene yet he does appear occasionally in conferences regarding policy making. He also set up a variable market where he allows guilds and merchants of all sorts to do business and trade with him on his own estate. Nevertheless, his reasons remain ambiguous up until now.



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Equipment and Abilities: Avicebron isn’t necessarily a powerful fighter nor a mage by trade. He lacks any formal combat training given to Knights, lacking the skill to even wield a sword, making do with the cane he carries around. He does have a degree of magical knowledge and affinity, due to his time as an outcast, which he rarely exhibits. All in all, it can be concluded that Avicebron’s true strength lies in his political influence, powers of persuasion and ability to rally people into action.

Fine – A magical catalyst which he carries around as a cane. A brilliant ruby is set on it, allowing him to invoke the forces of fire, placing him in the league of adept spellcasters. In rare cases, he can also use it as a melee weapon of sorts, given that it has a strength that can parry even sharp swords though his style lacks any hint of formal training.

Magic:
Pyrokinesis – He has a natural affinity with fire, giving him dominant control and influence on it. With his greater mana capacity and more formal training, his degree of control far exceeds that of Rasiel and the other Knights. Unlike them, he is strong enough to generate flames without the help of a catalyst.

Fortitude – A powerful barrier that he can conjure which protects him from even powerful, high-level magic, with the exception of spells specifically designed to break barriers and “variables”, or attacks that are outside the realm of magic.

Arcane Sanctuary – A magical entrapment that is set up on his property. It utilizes an array of magical traps to detect and deflect any oncoming intruder. It needs control points such as runes or catalysts and, once properly set up, can run on its own, provided the caster is still alive. Destroying the control points will disable parts of it and is once again, weak to “variables.”

Although not really an offensive concept, Avicebron’s wealth also enables him to buy services and make deals with even non-Lucrezian citizenry.


So begins...

Avicebron El Barbarossa's Story

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Robin Damian Grey Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Tatsuo Masanori Character Portrait: Avicebron El Barbarossa
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As the man got on, Rasiel and her unit sped away, lest the Chrysalis returns to finish the kill. Traveling through the thickness of the forest, the man continued his tale.

"Like I was trying to explain. I am not from the village, I was their friend though. My home is, was, all of this."

Rasiel nodded, still keeping an eye out at the surroundings and the sky. The stun still shone somewhat. They do have some time left. "Must be difficult--watching them die. The Chrysalis don't have any shred of morality in them--" Rasiel stopped herself. She wasn't sure of what she said.

"Robin is alone. I wanted to live where people are, and thought friends would welcome me in. I was wrong when I saw the carnage. I comforted a young woman though, as she died. She didn't know who let them in. She didn't know why they came, questioned our existence now in the world. Then she went to sleep. Robin was alone. Are we going to your village?"

"Guess I was right. Someone let them inside." The man appeared to be finished. From what he told her, Rasiel found out that the man, Robin was not a native of the village, he seems to have been living far away from civilization, judging from the apparent loneliness and there were some people who are conspiring against mankind by letting the Chrysalis in their villages. As for the last question--

"In a way, yes. But, this is no ordinary village--" Rasiel pointed to the large walls that surrounded the fortress city. They had now entered Lucrezia's territory. "This is my city. The fortress city of Kyriaken." Entering the gates, the large castle towered over the streets. From a foreigner's perspective, it was quite a sight to behold. "And that's the Conclave. The castle of King Ignatius III right at the heart of the city. Collectively, this territory is known as the Kingdom of Lucrezia."



The unit alighted from their horses, with Rasiel assisting Robin down. They were greeted by the other soldiers who took the horses back to their stables.
"Let me guess? Bad news?" One of them asked.
"Ill. The whole village was massacred--" Rasiel showed Robin to the troops. "We were fortunate enough to rescue one survivor. At the very least."

"Then it isn't too much of a job well done now, is it?" The warriors hushed down as the deep voice of a man called out to them. They glanced to the right where a well-dressed man walked towards them, accompanied by two, fully armored knights to act as bodyguards. He gave Robin a cursory glance before addressing the unit again.

"Your expeditions have been very disappointing as of late. For four expeditions now, you have all failed to rescue any village, each time coming back with two or one survivors. Like this unfortunate lad."

"Lord Barbarossa, there is little we can do with only five of us." Rasiel explained. "If only we could receive additional manpower to station troops near the vicinity of the tribes then maybe--"

"Do I have to explain again why we do not have the ability to do as you request?"

"No my Lord. You've made that point perfectly clear last meeting." Rasiel's voice started trailing off.

"Regardless, the officials share some of the blame for giving these assignments to you on a moment's notice." The man walked towards Robin, along with his guard. "I will take over here. The Council would probably like to hear what went on in that village. You people are to resume your regular duties."

"Yes, my Lord." The Knights answered in unison. After that sermon, Rasiel remembered the sword she brought back. There was one blacksmith who probably has the ability to know where it came from. "That oriental...Tatsuo Masanori. I have to find him." Rasiel headed to town to find the man in question.



"You probably had a rough day. Come, we'll get you all settled. Then, the Council would like to hear what happened from you. There is also the matter on discussing what to do with you." Avicebron paused for a bit to observe the slowly setting sun.

"Assuming you want to stay in this city, of course."

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Robin Damian Grey Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Avicebron El Barbarossa
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Robin heard Rasiel mutter something about suspicions being correct or something along those lines. Then she explained that her village was not an ordinary one. "Why? Does it float or fly?" he asked, but his question was drowned out by his own awe of the large wall and going into a gate.

Her village was huge! It was a city filled with possibly people like him, maybe people who knew his family in the mountains, or his friends he had to regretfully walk in on their deaths and despair. He learned this was known as the kingdom of Lucrezia. He then thought a kingdom would be bigger then a city, but he assumed the Chrysalis had something to do with that. He was confused, genuinely about his fate now. He then felt the horse stop and Rasiel dismounted. With her help, he didn't manage to fall flat on his face.

He then stood, watching, wondering what was going on when all of a sudden a strange man surrounded by two other men arrived. The man seemed a bit negative and pessimistic, confusing the former dweller of the forest greatly. Robin glowered a bit as he called him unfortunate. "Fortune has nothing to do with survival, or death." he muttered, dark grey eyes meeting the Noble's as the guards gathered around him, giving him little choice but to go with this man.

"I stay. My intentions are to be with humanity."

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Robin Damian Grey Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Tatsuo Masanori Character Portrait: Avicebron El Barbarossa Character Portrait: Lucas Wolen
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As Rasiel scoured the streets for any sign of Tatsuo, a blacksmith hailing possibly hailing from the oriental regions based on his name, she met with a familiar face.

"Raziel..." Another Knight approached her.

"Lucas Wolen..." She recognized him. Stopping for a bit, she listened to what he has to say.

"What should we do? We can't keep on going like this."

"You're correct but, with the way things are going now..." Rasiel hesitated for a bit, thinking if it was proper for her to offer her own interpretation of Lord Avicebron's words. "It's possible that they may stop sending out expeditions to look for survivors and instead, focus on building up our defenses."

"But anyway--" Rasiel took out the sword she found and showed it to Lucas. "You are familiar with Masanori Tatsuo right? Do you know where he could've gone? There are some matters we need to discuss."



"Fortune has nothing to do with survival, or death."

"I see. Still, it is quite the mystery on how you managed to survive while the others didn't. Fate may be more fond of you than what you originally think." Nevertheless, Avicebron was slightly impressed. Still, whether or not he would be either a hindrance or an asset to his agenda is still shadowed by doubt. He asked him whether he wanted to stay or not.

"I stay. My intentions are to be with humanity."

"Very well. Then let us head to the Council." The Council were the meetings were held are situated in a more, modest looking infrastructure as compared to the grand castle. It is so that it can be disguised and wouldn't be so susceptible to enemy attacks. Now, with the emergence of the Chrysalis, not even camouflage lasts for long. To head on there, one would have to climb a keep that offers another view of the defensive wall.

"Tarry a little." Avicebron motions for his escorts to wait. Turning to Robin, he poised another question. "You've only just arrived but, allow me to ask: What do you think of this city?" He pointed to the people moving on about their daily lives, as if there weren't any threat of the Chrysalis coming in to strike.

"This is the humanity that thrives here. Most of them do not seem to care about threats nor looking for survivors. But I digress. They are ordinary citizenry making an honest living after all. Unlike the girl who rescued you--" Avicebron signals them to resume walking. After a few more flights of stairs, they reached the large door of the council proceedings.

"The Knights fight long and hard, all day and all night yet the people do not seem to even acknowledge their efforts. Honestly, I find it quite useless. Chivalry fails to save anyone these lawless days. You saw it with your own eyes, how their unit arrived to late to save your friends." Avicebron waited for his response, before opening the doors.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Liandra Macleod Character Portrait: Robin Damian Grey Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Tatsuo Masanori Character Portrait: Avicebron El Barbarossa Character Portrait: Lucas Wolen
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This man was giving Robin a first impression that seemed rather shady. If this man rubbed him wrong any further he'd have to start growling and snarling to make him stop yapping. Yet, he was forced to follow this man to this Council. He did not know who or what the council is. But as far as Robin was concerned, if the council was much like this man, he'd have a hard time communicating with the officials of this town.

The man made his entourage stop and made him look around and ask what he thought of the city, "Fascinating." he stated honestly. He would not give him a sentence. He'd give him a word. No more, no less. He then watched the strange man, listening to his speech about the people and the differences between them.

He then gave a verbal jab at Rasiel as he followed him to the doors. He then had the nerve to say the Knights are simply failing in their duties. That did it. Robin glared and growled at the man. "Watch your tone." he snarled, his left hand curling to a claw like fist, "Do not speak as if they were responsible for the deaths of my friends, nor dismiss the Knights as useless in their goals. They're doing their best to protect the people within it, as well as save those outside your little town, coin and all. And I'm sure other people within this city care for their safety as well."

His right hand gripped the handle of his Katana, his eyes not leaving the man's, dark Grey eyes and white pupils boring into him. "This is a warning. Do not prevent them from trying again. There are more villages. More people out there. You abandon them, and I will have a stern talk with you. On the grave of my fathers in the Northern Mountains I swear it."

He breathed deeply, his hands relaxing. He simply wanted to defend Rasiel's honor, proving to himself that she was possibly becoming a friend in his mind. This man however, trod upon the death of his friends like it was nothing. "If you are trying to win my Loyalty, or friendship, you are far from it. Are we visiting your Council or not?"

-----

Liandra was walking towards the Blacksmith's wondering if she should give him her offer of joining her on patrol for a little bit for the evening, to not be alone for the night. She'll have to plot her route for the next time she layed out traps as the Chrysalis were rumored to be more active recently. Something must've happened to stir them up again. She then noticed two Knights of Lucrezia nearing the Blacksmith's area.

"What are they doing in this part of town??" She wondered to herself as she pondered also what Eliza, her sister, is dreaming of tonight. She decided to hang back a bit and watch the Knights and see what they were up to.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Liandra Macleod Character Portrait: Robin Damian Grey Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Tatsuo Masanori Character Portrait: Avicebron El Barbarossa Character Portrait: Lucas Wolen
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"Do not speak as if they were responsible for the deaths of my friends, nor dismiss the Knights as useless in their goals. They're doing their best to protect the people within it, as well as save those outside your little town, coin and all. And I'm sure other people within this city care for their safety as well."

"Impressive. First that I've seen among the refugees who've already formed an opinion of this city. However--" Avicebron thought. He was used to this kind of perception.

"If you are trying to win my Loyalty, or friendship, you are far from it. Are we visiting your Council or not?"

"Hmmm...I do not believe in such feeble bonds. Do not lump me in with those Knights below." With that said, Avicebron opened the doors to the Council and led Robin inside. "This is the survivor that the 3rd Unit rescued from the recent excursion. I am done with my own interrogation, feel free to ask him whatever you want." With his presence no longer needed, the man turned away, leaving Robin in the hands of the Council.

"Please forgive his bluntness." A priestess motioned for Robin to sit down. A higher ranking Knight started his interrogation. "Now, this intelligence was already reviewed but, I would like to hear confirmation from you. Was the attack really due to an inside job?"

Another lord asked as well. "If it was then, have you seen anybody suspicious roaming around the village in the past couple of days?"


"You two...is there anything I can help you with?"

"Masanori Tatsuo..." Rasiel gave a greeting bow, imploring Lucas to do the same. "I'll get straight to the point--" Rasiel handed him the sword she retrieved from the village. It bore the crest of Lucrezia, implying that it must have come from this city.

"Do you know who manufactured this sword?"

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Liandra Macleod Character Portrait: Robin Damian Grey Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Tatsuo Masanori Character Portrait: Avicebron El Barbarossa Character Portrait: Lucas Wolen
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"It would seem as if he is not yet used to interrogations like this. Why not let him rest for now?" The priestess suggested to the other members of the Council. The older Knight simply shrugged.

"All right but, a couple of things first. We also need to discuss how he plans on staying." The older Knight turned to Robin. "As you've seen when you arrived here, this is a rather bustling and busy city. Almost everyone here is employed; whether they be part of a guild or an individual business. We also provide this opportunity to refugees who choose to stay. So, are there any particular skills you have that will allow you to do so? In that way, it will be much easier for you to start a new life here?"

"You said he fought a Chrysalis...Would you perhaps be interested in becoming a Knight of--" The priestess was about to suggest but, the older Knight cut her off.

"That path may indeed be open but, this is not the place to discuss it here. You'll have to take it up with the main unit."

"I understand. Then shall we tell him about the Spec--"

"I don't think it is not the proper time to discuss that yet. There are still many unconfirmed information." Once all other concerns were settled, the older Knight turned to Robin. "So, how do you plan to spend your stay here?"



Avicebron descended towards the lower levels of the High Council--to where the unconfirmed reports are screened before being added to the Archives. He motioned to his guards to stop by the entrance as he goes inside. Digging through the recent findings, he sought out one particular document. Upon finding it, he went over to a study desk and read it.

Ashen Dragoon's Third Excursion - 75th Year
A joint effort was carried out by the 1st, 3rd and 5th units to provide assistance to an outpost near the boundaries of the Principality of Insalaum, the other surviving city. Their unit were vastly outnumbered, barricading themselves in the keep to prevent further casualties. The operation could be considered a success but, there were some "irregularities" in the mission.

As they fought side by side with the Knights of Insalaum, some soldiers were apparently attacked by other people, using projectiles and dark magic arts. It is not too surprising that there would be opposition from some tribal people who viewed the Chrysalis as gods but, after the battle, they were astonished to find weapons in the hands of the rebels. Weapons that were manufactured in the forges of Insalaum and Lucrezia alike--


Avicebron glanced around, to see if anyone else was in the room. Upon finding no one, he grasped the paper tightly in his hand and walked over to a small depression in the wall being used as a sewer, in case of flooding. Muttering some quiet words to himself, the report soon burst into quiet flames, leaving only ash behind. Satisfied, he left the storage, his Knights following closely behind.



As Rasiel waited for Tatsuo's verdict, a Knight on horseback came towards them. Recognizing it as Jeremiah from her unit, she also saw that he had news to give.

"Hey! The Chrysalis are spotted running this way. The gates have been closed and archers have been put into position."

"They may try to scale the wall again. Lucas, head on there with your unit and be ready to provide assistance in case they arrive. How many?"

"Three packs. Combined, they number at least thirty." As Jeremiah was about to head off, he asked Rasiel. "Aren't you coming along?"

"Is there a need for me to?"

"Guess not. We've fend of larger numbers than these before. I'm sure we'll be fine." Jeremiah laughed as he headed on, motioning for Lucas to follow him.

"Good hunting Sir Jeremiah and Sir Wolen."

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Flandre Raven Character Portrait: Avicebron El Barbarossa
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After submitting her report, Rasiel decides to turn in for the night, making her way to the main quarters where most of the unit leaders were stationed. She passed by the gates and saw the night patrol already going about their duties, keeping the area well-lit to provide better vision. She heard the gates open and a large force consisting of three units entered the city.

"That banner--They're back already?" She thought as she ran up to them, wanting to hear what these soldiers have to say. Most of them looked weary and tired. Not really signs of a victorious effort. "What happened?" Rasiel asked. A familiar voice spoke from the crowd.

"One unit from the main detachment ran into trouble in the form of two Chrysalis packs. The Trojan Knights were sent in to deal with them. And they are victorious, it would seem." Avicebron had also arrived at the scene.

"It was a close call but, we managed to pass them by from our excursion and managed to provide assistance in time." One of the Trojan Knights answered him.

"I see. And the result of your mission was--?" No sooner as he posed his question did a strong, commanding voice answered back.

"Mission was a success. We burned the bandit guild along with their own village. We even went to each of the bodies to make sure there were no survivors." Flandre alighted from her horse, Winterfang and walked up to Rasiel though, her reply was meant for Avicebron. "Staying up late again?"

"Just running a few last errands." Rasiel replied. She was familiar with Flandre from her time at the Academy. "You don't seem too happy though."

"Just exhausted. You are all dismissed for the day." Flandre orders her fighters to disperse as she leaned in on Rasiel's shoulder. Avicebron turns to the two lady Knights.

"Now this is how you're supposed to get things done Rasiel. If you act more like Flandre, maybe your endeavors won't be so meaningle--"

"Ahhh...I'm tired for the day--come Rasiel, let's go back." Flandre immediately dismisses another remark from the infamous Bron. He could only chuckle a bit before leaving some reminders.

"It seems the villager you rescued wanted to become a Knight. See him tomorrow."



The two girls were chatting as they made their way back to the quarters. Their rooms were located on opposite sides of a hall so they bid their good nights as they reached the top of the stairs. As soon as Rasiel opened her room however, she saw that it was a mess. She hurried inside to check everything. Her dressers were opened and rummaged through, her bedsheets and pillows were torn, with feathers flying everywhere.
"I heard footsteps. What's going--? !" Flandre immediately came running and saw the damage as well. She looked down at Rasiel who was currently fixing up stuff.
"Whoever did this must probably be looking for something. The question is--"
"Yes. What they were looking for. The room's a mess but, it seems nothing was stolen. I see. It was a right decision after all..." Rasiel muttered the last sentence rather silently. Still, Flandre was able to hear it and leaned closer to her, talking in a whisper.
"You found something didn't you? Mind telling me what?"
"Sorry Flandre, not now." Rasiel shot a glance at the open window. Flandre managed to catch on and rose up. She summoned some people to the room and instructed them to clean up.
"Sleep in my room for the night while they clean things up."
"A-ah, there's no need. I can clean up myself--" Rasiel tries to refuse but Flandre was insistent.
"Women shouldn't be subjected to this kind of labor. Come--" Flandre drags Rasiel as the ordered people cleaned up.
"But my clothes are in there..."

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Robin Damian Grey Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Tatsuo Masanori Character Portrait: Flandre Raven Character Portrait: Avicebron El Barbarossa
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"I'm ready when you are, Rasiel."

Upon seeing Robin emerge, Rasiel nodded and led him to the Academy where the evaluators where waiting for them. Rasiel urged him to sit down as she does the dialogue part.

"So, he really does want to become a Knight." The elder Knight muttered. "However, it is not a position that is given easily. The number of Knights are only as many as the number of lords that control portions of the land. As of the moment, there isn't a vacancy yet. In the meantime, Robin here will serve as a soldier of Lucrezia."

"But, can we really count on him in the field of battle? Does he have enough experience?" One evaluator asked.

"In any case, he was able to fight off one Chrysalis by himself. I think that's at least saying something, considering that he came from a tribal background." Rasiel presents her argument.

"Okay but, his fighting skills aside, don't you think there would be some dissatisfaction among the students of the Academy if we are to immediately proclaim him as a squire? Most refugees still undergo at least two months of formal education in this institution."

"Didn't the requirement rule have allowances for tribal members to enter our ranks, provided that they prove themselves?"

"That's it then!" The whole committee was startled as a voice echoed out from the halls. In an instant, Flandre walked in alone, disregarding any form of court manners and directly heading towards the center of the room. "All he needs to do is to prove himself and everything's fine."

"And what do you propose to do? Even if he has potential, do we even have enough allowances for him to join?"

"You know, you people sure aren't updated with what's currently happening to our ranks down below aren't you?" Flandre sighed. Her eyes narrowed down to the higher members of their military force. "After the assault yesterday evening, two members of the Night Patrol were injured and are currently unable to resume their normal duties. So, if you can't even see the implications of that, then--"

"That's enough Lady Raven. We understand well enough. It's decided then."

In case Robin was a little confused by the proceedings, Rasiel decided to explain for him as she returned to her place. "Initially, they were unsure, not that they don't want you in their ranks. They found it difficult to find a unit to train you. So, it seems you'll be on the Night Patrol."

"Alright, then this meeting is on recess. Later on, we'll review the proposal for more manpower distribution. Rasiel, Flandre and Robin, you three no longer need to stay here for that. You're free to go." The elder Knight announced. Rasiel stayed for a while to rest her legs as she had been walking all day. Flandre sat near the two.

"Well, you'll be working with me later in the evening Sir Robin. The task of the Night Patrol is to guard the city walls against Chrysalis attacks. We'll be situated on the main gate. Don't worry. We'll be on top of the wall than on the ground."

"But, don't you have to oversee the Trojan Knights Flandre? I mean, don't you have any further sieges to lead?"

"Change of plans. There is a matter that I needed to investigate. Concerning what transpired last night." Flandre glanced around. Most of the committee was minding their own business. For now, no one seemed to be interested in what they were talking about. "I think it's possible...that "they" have already infiltrated this city, hiding in plain sight."

"I don't even want to entertain the thought. Just thinking that we could be betrayed at any moment makes me uneasy." Rasiel suddenly remembered that Robin was still with them. "Oh! Sorry. But, if anyone asks, even someone with greater authority than me and Flandre, please do not tell them what we were talking about."



From the tower situated on his property, Avicebron watched the bustling city below. His thoughts turned to the primeval forests. Were there any of those with the same ideals as him that he can exploit? Most of the resistances he funded were already destroyed by Flandre.
"Flandre and the Trojan Knights are still pushing through with their assault. And then there's Seraphiel who's slowly catching on to the events. Such annoyances..." The doors in his room opened and one of his Knights entered.
"Did you get the sword?" The Knight didn't utter a word and merely shook his head at Avicebron's question. Avicebron sighed. "I managed to destroy the report so, I guess it's fine. However, were they to find out that that weapon came from here..." Turning to the Knight, he issued a new command.
"Send your forces to monitor the merchant and blacksmith guilds that aren't under my network, including those who are operating independently. We'll narrow down the places to search if I can find out where I bought that sword."

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Liandra Macleod Character Portrait: Cylla Aurielle Prossen Character Portrait: Serena Begarde Character Portrait: Robin Damian Grey Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Flandre Raven
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Robin backed up a bit when Flandre spoke. She was from a northern tribe too?! The shock nearly took his whole body into a stuck form, but then he looked at her hand for a few moments before extending his own and shaking it. "Been better." he muttered as his stomach growled again, he was then given a feather for getting stuff around town in.

He gave them a nod as he walked, and gave a small nod at Flandre's warning, even though he recalled talking so said peacock before the council decided his fate. Robin sighed as he went to the mess hall and grabbed an apple then walked around town eating it. He decided to look around town, to see what he could.

---

Liandra was busy making pelts whilst a young woman was busy painting a sign for The shop. "Hey sis, this look good to you?"

"It looks fine Eliza." the blonde said with a small smile as she continued work, she half wondered who'd buy her leathers today.

----

Serena walked out of a village with disappointment. The villages were going under someone else's influence. She decided to look into her Crystal and reach out to any and all spectrals. "If any Spectral can hear me, please respond. This is Serena Begarde wondering if there are any active members of our faction at this moment, I am currently gathering several villages in my influence. I could use some help." she sent this telepathic message out towards any spectrals sensitive of mind enough to hear.

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Character Portrait: Serena Begarde Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Flandre Raven Character Portrait: Avicebron El Barbarossa
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With his two Knights away, Avicebron decided against any further excursions to the outside. He stayed up on his property, watching and tending to the barrier he set up all over the place. As he got to around ten meters, he intercepted a strange telepathic call.

"If any Spectral can hear me, please respond. This is Serena Begarde wondering if there are any active members of our faction at this moment, I am currently gathering several villages in my influence. I could use some help."

"Interesting...So some people do have the tenacity to think like me." Avicebron chuckled to himself. He retreated back into his tower and walked over to his library which bolsters a vast collection of books on various topics. He picked one that concerns history, particularly the history of their land.

"Spectrals...Been a long time since I last heard the name used. For several years since they were forced into hiding, this is probably the third time I had heard of a movement brewing somewhere. Although, I don't think that they plan on doing street conversions again. This time, it's probably going to be a full-frontal assault. The question is--will they survive?"

Getting up from his chair, Avicebron set to work. He crafted a few familiars out of some animal remains he's gathered for his research. While, depending on the nature of the ability, he can intercept and listen in to telepathic calls, he is incapable of returning such calls this way so he'll have to send out familiars. As he finished up, he set one aside and sent the rest to various parts of the city to act as "eyes" for him. The last one, he reserved for seeking out the source of the transmission.

"Okay then, "Spectral". Let's see if you're interesting enough to earn my attention." Avicebron thought as he pours himself a glass of wine. He would have to watch how this woman aims to go about her goals. Because even within themselves, Spectrals tend to have different ideologies. And sometimes...these ideals clash against each other.



"So, what do you want to discuss with me?" A few moments after Robin took off, Rasiel and Flandre left to walk around and head to the Archives were several of the peer-reviewed researches were kept. They scoured through several sheets but, it seems as if Rasiel still couldn't find exactly what she was looking for.

"We've been in here for a long while. What are you looking for, exactly?"
"A report I submitted yesterday, and another one submitted a few weeks ago."
"Maybe they're still under review? Reports don't make it in here fast."
"I can believe that for the one I submitted yesterday but, not for the one I submitted a few weeks ago. The research community are always reviewing new material every day so, it's not possible that that report hasn't ended up here now."
"You're getting stressed Rasiel. Come, rest up a bit." Flandre urged Rasiel to sit down and calmly think things over. She was aware that they're not going anywhere with this kind of approach. "Okay. Consider this: What if the report is still under review?"
"I-I don't know. I don't think it's particularly hard to conclude whether it's real or not. I did present my evidence. It doesn't normally take this long for reports to be approved for archiving."
"Then, maybe the review was delayed? Why don't we just ask for a list of materials they reviewed for the week you mentioned? These things are open to the public right?"
"I-I guess so..."

As they went out of the dark confines of the Lucrezian archives, Flandre repeated her question again. She wasn't the kind of person who lets go of a question once she poises it.
"I think I may just be too paranoid about it but--" Rasiel leaned in closer, her voice softened as if in a whisper. "We may have a traitor in our midst."
Surprisingly, Flandre wasn't surprised by this revelation. Instead, her reply to Rasiel was--
"So, you think so too? Who do you think it is?"
"I don't know. The evidence still hasn't made any bearings as to who it might be linked to. What about you Flandre? Anyone come to mind?"
"Something about Lord Avicebron rubs me the wrong way. The way he talks in a manner that will demoralize you and your unit, his generally aloof attitude and the fact that he was the original lord who proposed the creation of the wall over a moat."
"But, we have no evidence for that. Going against him might get us expelled or worst--"
"Killed, I know. Still--" Flandre thought for a bit before turning back to Rasiel. "I'm going to conduct an observation of my own. In the meantime, you rendezvous with your unit and the new recruit and rally at the main gate. I'll head there as soon as I can sort out my quarters."

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Serena Begarde Character Portrait: Robin Damian Grey Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Flandre Raven Character Portrait: Avicebron El Barbarossa
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Robin walked around the city, gazing at the sights and sounds. This was a whole new experience to him. He lived a solitary, nomadic life, spending time in the woods whilst visiting a few villages, with the village he was taken from being his favorite. He smiled silently as he walked and gazed at the wall. It was huge and it surrounded the city. How can a person not notice it? However, something felt odd to him. Why a wall? And a large one made of stone no less, what did it fulfill other then keeping the Chrysalis out?

However, these questions would have to be answered another time as he finished his Apple, going through the town and towards the gates, just so that way he can meet Flandre there, and wondered what Rasiel will be doing as well. "I gotta prove myself tonight. I'll show them what I can do. But can I control myself and not act like a feral human?"

----

Serena was watching the City from a perch in a tree, observing how the guards behaved and what the pattern was. If she could find a gap, she could have some of her tribes in her sway Attack those points mercilessly. However, she wanted to observe how the Chrysalis would behave tonight as well. The past two nights have seen some aggressiveness in them of late. She then heard the flapping of wings behind her as she turned to see something perched there. "What have we here then? A lost animal, or a means of observation? This must be a sign that another spectral is watching me. I must make doubly sure my planning doesn't get too hasty." she muttered to herself as she continued to watch the city.

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Character Portrait: Serena Begarde Character Portrait: Robin Damian Grey Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Flandre Raven Character Portrait: Avicebron El Barbarossa
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"Those who don't care are the people in the wrong. You guys, I mean, we do matter. Even if that asshole with the goatee says otherwise. I hate that peacock, whatever his name is."

"We matter huh..." Flandre repeated the words to herself. "Well, me and Rasiel don't really like O'l Bron either but, he's a lord so he gets some respect though Rasiel has her own reservations. Anyway--" Rising up to her feet, Flandre took aim, commanding the others to prepare as well. The pack was coming and are starting to close in fast.

"Judging by this movement, the attack will come in waves. Proceed as we discussed. Ration your arrows but do not let them near the gate at all costs! We will defend this place until the last man, got it?!!!" Flandre literally screamed at the other soldiers, inciting a form of defensive frenzy among them.

"Robin--" Flandre lowers her voice as to not intimidate the new recruit. "When you spot some humans moving unnaturally with the Chrysalis and attacking our forces, do not hesitate to fire or slash at them. They are also enemies. We'll explain everything if we survive the night. Be careful though. They can use magic."

"All right men--" Flandre aimed at the leading Chrysalis at the center. "Annihilate them!!!"



"So it has began..." Avicebron observed via the familiars from his tower. "Now then--how will the other Spectrals move? What actions will you take? Depending on the outcome, I may extend a hand to help."

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Cylla Aurielle Prossen Character Portrait: Serena Begarde Character Portrait: Robin Damian Grey Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Flandre Raven Character Portrait: Risim Archanove
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The Waves came as Robin was helping shoot them down with Flandre's help. He felt that fighting these weren't so hard. Then he saw a pair of people charging towards the wall. One of them flung projectiles at him. He ducked, with his bow breaking at a dagger. "Gah! Flandre! Who the heck are they?!" he stated in alarm as a flock of Ravens began to attack as well.

Robin was in shock but then he caught Rasiel's scent and usually thought this wouldn't happen unless she was in immediate danger. "Rasiel!" he shouted in alarm as he jumped from his position running to where he knew she was positioned in. "Leave my friends alone you fiends!!!" He shouted in fury, but something dark grabbed him by the throat and pulled him outside the gate.

An unamused Serena Begarde was there when she finished dragging him with her magic. "Idiot idiot idiot!! Those two imbeciles of Spectrals ruined my recon! At least there's a silver lining. The Wild One of the North is in front of me. I never expected to see you, at the wall. What changed your mind? Loneliness?"

Robin only got up and drew his katana. "Oh? Shiny, mine is shiny too. Would you like to see it? And maybe considering coming back to one of the tribes where you belong?" at those words she sent her orb afloat and gave a telepathic message. "I'm disappointed. I asked for Spectrals, not children just battering at a wall like quivering two year olds." She then drew her sword and pointed it at Robin and proceeded to swing at him, with Robin blocking with his katana and the two swing angrily at each other for several minutes.

Serena pursed her lips, he was already good with wielding the blade, yet she was a novice, she had to withdraw or face terrible consequences from his bite. She frantically shot a shadow dart which grazed Robin's side as she hit his head hard before teleporting several feet away. "I will withdraw, for now. But know this Lucrezia, I will take your throne and claim you as mine, and we will see more....positivity in the world."

Robin was clutching his head as he struggled to get up. The wound to his side was bleeding a bit. He was angry, there were still two other strange magic wielding persons here. He had to get rid of them, he had to save Rasiel!

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Cylla Aurielle Prossen Character Portrait: Serena Begarde Character Portrait: Robin Damian Grey Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Flandre Raven Character Portrait: Risim Archanove
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As Avicebron watched from his tower, he suddenly noticed through the various "eyes" that he set up all across the city, three Spectrals participating in the fight.
"So...it seems only the two are actually working together; the third one seems to have her own agenda to fulfill. Nevertheless..." The man gritted his teeth. The two others were causing too much damage, drawing too much unwanted attention. Channeling his energies, he prepared to make his move.
"This would take a while so, I hope those girls will hang on for a bit longer..." He was a Spectral himself but, he wasn't without his principles. "They rush in quite frenziedly. I'm not allowing this city to fall until my own wishes are fulfilled. I didn't ask that gate to be built for nothing."



"They really did come! Those bastards---!!!" Flandre growled angrily as she instructs the other archers via hand signals. Motioning to the ones stationed at the keeps to keep attacking the Chrysalis, she headed down, only to find Robin had disappeared from his post.

"Where did he get to now?" She scanned the place, looking for him. She found him headed towards Rasiel, who seemed to be in a pinch confronting another woman. Calling to the wall stationed archers, she signaled them to leave the Chrysalis to the keep archers to focus their fire on the intruders. Rasiel appeared to be unable to move but it doesn't change one fact.

Leaping a little closer, Flandre whistles a soft tune. Recalling that, Rasiel struggled to move her eyes towards Flandre, who was hidden from sight. She saw her point twice at the sword before making an open palm gesture. She knew what it meant.

"Can't move my body but, it doesn't change the fact that I can still--!" Channeling her mana reserves and the rune engraved on Transient, she ignited a flaming wheel in the radius around her, serving as a temporary shield. Upon seeing this, Flandre fired three simultaneous shots at the intruder woman before leaping away. The arrows made contact with the flame, causing them to blaze up and melt the surrounding ice on Rasiel.

"Ice is indeed powerful. But--all that means is that you finish them first before it stops all your processes completely. In that case--!" With all wall archers in position, Flandre gave the command. "ATTACK!!! KILL THEM ALL!!!" Soon, fiery shots from burning arrows rained on the two intruders, taking care not to hit Robin who was currently headed to Rasiel's position to assist her.



"Magnificent but--it's not quite there yet..." Avicebron smirked. The girls held up well. Soon, his whole tower shook with intensity, due to a rapid movement wallowing from inside. From the single window, a whole army of familiar bats emerged to attack the ravens. His bats, being mostly animated parts from magic, showed no shred of hesitation in attacking the larger, living creatures, overwhelming them with numbers as more continued pouring out from his tower window. Motioning to his two Knights, he gave them an order, casting Fortitude on them both.

"Head over to the wall and get rid of the infidels. Do not kill them but, feel free to mortally wound them. The spell will protect you but--you know the reason why you can do this. You two...are no longer human."

The two Knights nodded and headed over the wall, decked in full armor and visor and carried heavy halberds and swords, without breaking much of a sweat from the weight. Once there, they ignored all the other Knights and scanned the place for their target. Seeing a boy overseeing the battle, seemingly controlling the ice shards, they headed to his position. The male Knight charged at him, and swiped using the halberd's length, inflicting a critical blow to his waist. The female Knight paused to wait in case something else happens.

"Damn it! I'll never forgive you murderers...die you bitch!!!" In the meantime, Flandre kept on firing at the girl along with her knights, changing position every strike, retreating into the shadows to avoid detection. The flaming arrows saturated the temperature, allowing for the quicker dissipation of the ice shards. As she neared the gates again, she noticed two wolf steeds nearby. She whistled to Avicebron's female knight and used hand signals to order her to attack. The Knight nodded and grabbed a bow and three arrows from a fallen archer, aiming at the wolves. Upon Flandre's second whistle, the two girls shot in unison, killing both animals instantly.



"With the Chrysalis routed and with us having the greater numbers, I think it's time to end this facade don't we my brethren?" Avicebron laughed, as he struggled to walk over to his window, feeling a bit exhausted after casting two high-level spells in a short span of time. Through his "eyes", he saw Rasiel's consciousness fading; she was already exhausted.

Striking the floor with Fine, he amplified Transient's rune, giving him control of Rasiel's fire. He channeled it and surrounded the ice woman with it, rising into a circular wall over five meters high.
"I won't kill her. With the lack of clean air around, I reckon that it will only be a while until she loses consciousness." Avicebron paused to think. The boy and the girl...the third one who went away--can he use them? "I'll cross that bridge when I get there. For now, I don't think they mind being captured by me."

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Liandra Macleod Character Portrait: Cylla Aurielle Prossen Character Portrait: Serena Begarde Character Portrait: Robin Damian Grey Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Flandre Raven
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Robin had to use his sword to prop himself up as the hit on his head from Serena had stunned him. He had to rush into the gate whilst clutching the grazed wound in his torso. "Who was that woman? She had a perfect opportunity to kill me. Wait, no time for that! I have to find Rasiel and Flandre! I must've worried them!!" he thought as he hurried into the gate and looked around for either of his freshly made friends. He recognized the two guard Knights that arrived to help from somewhere but he couldn't quite out his finger on it. Somehow, the generic soldiers looked alike to him when they had those massive metal hats on their head.

"Where do I get armor with big shiny hats?" he wondered aloud. He looked around, ever alert for the two Spectrals. His mind was almost thinking like a wolf looking for its separated pack.

----

Serena simply watched Robin enter the gate with a look of disappointment. "I am dismayed and confused. One of our own have, as many others before, have been corrupted by the false rapture the king sets upon them. But this one blatantly insults me. Especially when I know of his clan. You may come to me eventually, Chieftain Robin Damian Grey." she said, slowly smiling a wicked smile, "I must also find out who my observer is." She tried to peer into the mind of the familiar following her, wanting to put a face to her nameless observer.

----

Liandra stayed home with Eliza for the night, due to the oncoming wave, she was simply standing in her main area of the shack they shared, Claymore held by her right hand as she prayed that no Chrysalis or spectral came her way. She knew that she wouldn't be able to protect her sister forever, but she sure as heck would take as many enemies with her when she goes down.

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Character Portrait: Robin Damian Grey Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Flandre Raven Character Portrait: Avicebron El Barbarossa Character Portrait: Asuna Recital
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The sunlight slowly poured in on the window of the infirmary where the red-haired Knight was treated following the last battle. She felt a presence standing beside her, probably having been in the room for quite a while now. Slowly, she rose up and faced the one person she didn't expect to visit her.
"Feeling better? I have something to ask of you." Avicebron immediately briefs Rasiel. Rasiel rubbed the sleep of her eyes and checked her arms.
"I would've liked to stay in and be present for my unit's last rites..." She sighed and stared at Avicebron straight in the eye. "But I doubt you'll let me do that. I doubt you have any intention of respecting my decision if I don't go with this job."
"You understand me well. Come. Get changed into your armor and follow me. Your unit was already buried a few hours ago. The Transient is being repaired so I'll provide you with your weapon. Follow me." Avicebron immediately turns around to leave, leaving Rasiel with no choice but to obey her superior.

Upon arriving at the place Avicebron led her to, which was the fishing harbor, Rasiel has spotted a large crowd that gathered around. Avicebron confidently walked up to them and forced his way through to go directly in front, dragging Rasiel behind. It was there that Rasiel saw another woman, possessing red hair like her and with a sword by her side.
"As I said before, I'm merely lost and shipwrecked. I didn't come here to pick a fight nor bewitch anyone for that matter." The girl explains to the crowd again, keeping her hand by the handle of her blade as she took a few steps backwards. Rasiel looks up and saw a rather large boat stranded by the side.
"I-It's huge..." Rasiel stood in awe, completely oblivious to the banter Avicebron was having with the woman.

"Well sorry if we don't believe you. You strike us as rather...odd, to say the least. If you say that you are merely shipwrecked, then why keep your hand ready by your weapons." Avicebron was rather stern in saying these words, even motioning for one of his two Knights, the female one, to step forward and draw her sword. This action prompted the foreigner to do the same.
"Ha! Your words are quite hypocritical considering the battalion you've assembled against me." As the girl prepares to face her enemy, Rasiel noticed her sword which glowed with an eerie white light.
"My lord, her weapon appears to be an Oriental sword. Against this variable, I don't think it's rather wise--"
"I didn't ask for your evaluation. If you think it's a bad idea then assist us in apprehending this witch!" Avicebron hands a longsword forged in his territory to Rasiel, urging her on to fight. Realizing she has no choice, she also stepped forward, moving slightly adjacent the other knight.

"Those swords...quite a craft but, you haven't really maintained it properly." The girl chuckled as she mocked Avicebron's weapons, much to his annoyance.
"These weapons were forged with the best materials we can get by the best blacksmiths in this city. You will eat those words when these girls get you begging for mercy. Rasiel, slay this infidel!"

Rasiel sighed. "Sorry." She silently apologized to the girl who merely nodded. Charging in using her magic, she immediately closed the distance and struck first but the woman simply parried her blow effortlessly, sliding her down the beach. With Rasiel down, the other Knight also charged in, striking with much power. But the woman simply dodged them with minimal effort. Soon, an intense sword fight went underway between the three girls. As the foreigner managed to push Rasiel away for the second time, the other Knight suddenly attacked from behind. Much to the crowd's surprise however, she managed to not only intercept the blade as it swung downwards, she also managed to snap it into two. Kicking away the mute adversary, she turned to Rasiel who immediately got up. Same thing, she intercepted the blade and broke it, causing Rasiel to go off-balance and crash to the ground--again.

"Like I said, proper maintenance." The girl looked on to a crowd who had now stepped back except for Avicebron who still stood dumbfounded.
"Impossible. You--!" Avicebron was rather furious now though he's still trying his hardest to conceal it. "Who are you really?"
"I don't feel like telling somebody who raises his swords at me the moment we meet. This isn't really a great business strategy in order to breed trust." She sheaths her blade and turns to her defeated adversaries.
"I would like to know as well." Rasiel asks as she picks herself up and dusts her clothes off. "Who you are, what your purpose is, where you came from--I would like to know."

The odd foreigner laughed and took a bow, similar to a count or someone raised in a high court in front of her. After the brief display, she introduced herself.
"My name is Asuna von Recital, a shipment guard and merchant of sorts hailing from the Transcendence Isles. I was originally en route towards the Priscillan group of islands but an unfortunate weather stirred the waters up and caused me to nearly capsize, forcing my mates to abandon ship. I manage to steer it here before we completely sank and had just arrived last night."
She suddenly walked up to her and took her hand though, surprising almost everyone in the crowd, especially Rasiel. "Do not worry. I do not mean anyone harm. What I did earlier was simple self-defense. I had no intention of killing either of you."
"I-Is that true?" Rasiel asks, a bit flustered.
"I assure you. My only intention was to trade with Priscilla; coming here was just an accident. Trust me, I won't hurt you, Princess." Much to the shock of most, she suddenly kissed Rasiel's hand, causing her to shake it loose.
"I-I appreciate the compliment but, I-I'm no princess...The princess is--"

The whole time, Flandre watched the proceedings from afar. Having recognized the blade, she sought out the other person she knew possessed a similar weapon.
"Robin, there is a commotion at the harbor. Rasiel has already gone there. Follow me." She heads into Robin's quarters and led him to the harbor where the unusual woman was.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Robin Damian Grey Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Tatsuo Masanori Character Portrait: Flandre Raven Character Portrait: Avicebron El Barbarossa Character Portrait: Asuna Recital
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Robin only nodded at the blacksmith, putting his blade back where it was and smiled. "Very well. Two days it is. I hope to see you soon then blacksmith. Same time." he walked silently back towards the place he was sleeping at when he arrived at the city when he bumped into Flandre. She explained that there was something going on at a harbor and Rasiel was already there.

"Didn't know we had one of those." he said in a hurried manner as he went with Flandre towards the harbor. He picked up his pace a bit as he noticed a bunch of people around Rasiel and someone who.....didn't look like she was around here. But he noted the sword at her hip was almost strikingly similar to his own. Old Bron was there and he didn't seem to like her.

"What is this commotion about? Is this how you people welcome strangers beyond the undrinkable water? Or is this how the Peacock welcomes them?" Robin asked, with the peacock part aimed directly for Bron. As far as he cared he didn't care what Bron said to him, just as he didn't care what the Noble said about him. As far as he knew some of the people cared he was just a tribal savage.

Nevertheless, he approached where Rasiel was, and simply sniffed the air near the two women, to try and garner a scent from the woman. He backed up a bit for fear the woman might draw her katana, yet he kept his hand on the handle of his own. "Friend?" was all he asked of her, trying not to catch anyone's eyes as he kept his strange grey eyes on the woman and Rasiel.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Robin Damian Grey Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Flandre Raven Character Portrait: Avicebron El Barbarossa Character Portrait: Asuna Recital
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"What is this commotion about? Is this how you people welcome strangers beyond the undrinkable water? Or is this how the Peacock welcomes them?"

Flandre hears Robin makes a rather bad generalization of the people around. She immediately explains what she's observed thus far. "More like they're just being cautious. Unlike you who's still part of this continent, this woman was from a whole different world we live in. With this, even I can understand what old Bron thinks." Her eyes turned to his broken weapons. "Although he's probably just upset with losing to her."

Avicebron manages to regain his composure as he spoke to the foreigner again. "And now you're violating what's taboo. Didn't it ever occur to you that once in a foreign land, you must abide by its rules and customs?"

Asuna lets go of Rasiel's hand and turns to the people, specifically, the pyromancer in red. "Taboo? I'm just showing proper behavior in the presence of a princess."

"Umm...like I said, I'm not a princess..."

"Besides, how do you expect me to know what's taboo and what's not, what's acceptable and what isn't right off the bat? I've only been in this continent for about four hours at most."

"That's funny. For someone who's traveled the world, surely you're the one who knows best that not all customs are similar to your home country's. Such as that totally unacceptable display with our Rasiel earlier."

Asuna laughs out loud at that remark. "No. Out of all places I've visited, this is the first one who's scolded me for kissing a woman, on the hand I might add. All other places are embracing the change brought by radical youth and here you are clinging to old redundant traditions. You're rather backwards and left behind compared to the rest of the world. Enough. I've had enough of your preaching old man."

"O-Old man?"

"I wish to speak with someone of a higher authority regarding my situation. I request that I be granted an audience with a sovereign. A princess or your king would be appreciated." Asuna formally demands, more than requests.

"Very well then." Flandre steps up. "Seeing that you do not want being around our lord Avicebron any longer, I would escort you myself. Will that suffice?"

Asuna smiles and bows. "Much appreciated thank you. Oh, and can I ask someone to guard my ship?"

"So everything's resolved I take it? Oh well. I'll inform the other lords and court members of this situation."

Flandre whistles for three members of the Trojan Knights and orders them to guard Asuna's ship. Nodding to Asuna as a signal for her to follow, she started walking back, heading to the royal halls with the foreigner following behind. As she passed Robin, she heard her mutter something.

"Friend?"

She paused a bit to check Robin out. Her eyes were mostly drawn to Robin's blade. "That sword...it will serve you well in the long run. Heh...never let its spirit tarnish."

"So you survived your first night watch duty? Good morning." Rasiel chuckles as she approaches Robin. She watched Flandre walk away with Asuna following her. "I'm not sure we can go inside the royal hall but--" Suddenly, Flandre paused as Asuna ran back to them and grabs Rasiel's hand once more.

"I'll need a witness. I hope you don't mind~"

"A-ah! Please don't drag me around too much. Well, Robin see you later!"



The council was rather astonished by Asuna's story and situation. It took them a while to reach to some kind of conclusion mostly due to Avicebron almost turning the entire proceeding into a debate of sorts, which Asuna answered with calmness and ingenuity. After a lengthy two hours, the situation was finally settled.

"To repeat what was said inside: Since we do not have much of the materials nor capability to repair Count Recital's ship--"

"Count?" A woman among the Trojan Knights asked.

"Yes. Asuna Recital is apparently, a count from the Transcendence Isles. Carrying on: The higher authorities allowed her to setup her own shop of sorts. This will allow her to gather the materials and funding she needs to repair her ship."

"But--can we really spare the time? We still have to deal with the Spectral and Chrysalis threat here."

"Yes, she's been briefed on that as well. I don't quite understand her position but, she promised to fight if the need arises. Well, there's nothing you can do even if you don't like her. Since the king himself allowed it, who are we to judge?" Turning to Robin and Rasiel, she gives them an order. "You two, help her out with unloading her items. We'll resume our regular duties then. Rasiel, regarding your unit...never mind. We'll talk about it in the evening in the Knight's mission room." Flandre departs with her unit after these last reminders.

"Okay, let's go--Ah! You don't need to come aboard. I'll just throw them down from above." Asuna utters as she boards her ship--in a mere series of leaps--without needing any ladder whatsoever.

"Hey Robin? Don't you think this is rather exciting? I've always wondered how the situation is in other lands far from here. Do they face the same problem that we do? Or are things more peaceful over there?" Rasiel asks the man beside her.

"I'm taking the first one out now! Step back a bit." Asuna called out from above. Once the two have taken a step back, she gently threw down a crate, landing in some sort of cushion Rasiel laid out. The force was still enough to pop the lid off, revealing odd trinkets and items inside. Curious, Rasiel took out a small box-shaped compartment.

"What is this item?" She accidentally pressed a button, forcing a small head on a spring to pop out, shocking her. "Ah!!! What was that?!"

"Don't be alarmed. That's just a toy of sorts." Asuna laughed from above as she watched. "There's plenty more where that came from so look forward to it, Princess!"

"Like I said, I'm no princess..." Rasiel sighed.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Serena Begarde Character Portrait: Robin Damian Grey Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Flandre Raven Character Portrait: Avicebron El Barbarossa Character Portrait: Asuna Recital
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Robin sighed realizing he said the wrong thing to Flamdre about the people of the city as a whole and not just aiming an insult to Bron. He then watched as he observed a conversation before he saw the strange woman look at his blade and complimenting him on having it and to take care of it.

Then Rasiel came to see him. "Rasiel!! You're alright! I got distracted fighting a magic wielding person an-" his talking was cut short when the foreigner took Rasiel and Rasiel apologizing. Robin stood in small perpetual silence. He almost looked like a lost puppy as he realized work stole both his friends away.

He then smiled. "They'll be back." as he thought this he sat on an empty crate, waiting for Flandre and Rasiel to come back.




They were back with the foreigner in less then two hours, the Foreigner was to set up shop. He halfway wondered if he could find something to make his room more lively to match his weapon and personality. He shrugged as he walked to Rasiel and Flandre as The latter told the former he and her were to help her unload her boat. She also said something about the future of Rasiel's unit but said it would come later. Robin frowned. He hoped that she'll find new Knights to fill in her unit.

And if Avicebron does anything to stop her...well, he was going to show him the Feral part of himself. He would make sure the man knew well to not mess with his friends.

He looked at Rasiel when he was asked a question and he really pondered. "I wonder as well at times. I've never seen lands beyond the Undrinkable waters. The Only thing I know of them is my sword, and I found this in a meadow. Don't know who dropped it. Maybe a corpse was nearby. Who knows? This newcomer makes me intrigued." he stopped talking and looked at the box that was dropped in surprise.

He looked at the various things out of sheer curiosity. Then Rasiel saw a smaller box and pushed it, only to have a clown faced toy pop out and surprise her. Robin face slowly turned into a smile as he began to laugh. "The look on your face..." he said before giving into his laughter. He calmed down and proceeded to watch for the next box, wondering what more is in store.

----

Serena scowled in her lair as she paced back and forth. "I need a new plan. Recon was a bust because those other spectrals showed no respect for me. They could've given me the courtesy of meeting with me so we can collaborate! At this rate, I will never be able to get the throne and do something about this hopelessness! Even the tribesmen are getting bored." she thought out loud in a sole occupant's ranting. "Hmmm..... I wonder if I can stir up some chaos in the villages not aligned with me. It may entice some of Those Knights to investigate, and I know The Wild Man won't resist either since he joined their 'merry' bad. I can try to dispatch this accidental threat more easily then."

She smiled wickedly as she began to figure out which bandit or wicked tribesman will do it for her.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Serena Begarde Character Portrait: Robin Damian Grey Character Portrait: Rasiel Seraphiel Character Portrait: Avicebron El Barbarossa Character Portrait: Milleina Character Portrait: Asuna Recital
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The meeting was rather quick and simple. All Avicebron had to do was to re-inform the other lords and counts so that they'll be aware of the foreigner's presence. After all that was done, he retreated back to the tower on his property to take a little break from all the recent events that transpired.

"Goodness gracious...We just finished staving off a wide-scale attack and now this?" He wondered about the foreigner. "Will I be able to coerce her into cooperating with me? No, it's almost impossible. She has a continent to go back to; a place that isn't plagued with this apocalypse." The male knight walked up to him, trying to reconfirm his orders. After receiving his approval, he went on and left Avicebron to his musings.

"I guess the problem lies in the fact that her presence may ignite the spirit of voyaging out of this place in the hearts of the people. Escaping to other continents...If that happens..." He stood up from his seat and walked over to another window, showing a clear view of the harbor. Back then, he would've been greeted with the sight of the calm waves and the gulls flying over the horizon. Now, that view had been intruded upon by a large, black vessel ripe with the spirit of industrialization.

"For now, it's okay to turn a blind eye on her motives and actions. But, I'll have to gather allies. Someone who'll follow my judgement...The two yesterday--I don't think they'll be fine with being led. Not to mention that I don't know where they are. There was a third who seems to be plotting some scheme, based from what I've observed. Hmmm...the question is: Will our views align with each other? Or is she another obstacle? Only one way to find out."

As Avicebron retreats to his study to monitor his "eyes", he murmured something to himself. "There is one other..."



"The look on your face..."

"Hmph!" Rasiel pouted at Robin as she stood up again. She went over to the stash and arranged it neatly so it would be easier to load into the cart that they were given.

"The next one's ready but, this thing is a bit more fragile so we'll lower it down with the ropes. Princess, mind taking the other one?"

The two girls got to work lowering a large crate, one bigger than the first one. Once it was on the sand, Rasiel took a peek again. Pieces of black wood and some sort of stringy metal were inside. She wanted to take a better look but, the box was sealed shut and it might anger Asuna if she is to force them open.

"The next one is also ready--Ah! You shouldn't lift that with your bare hands Princess. That thing's heavy. Needed to push it all the way over here. Good sir, is it okay if we relieve the princess of the hard task of lifting such a rather heavy crate?" She addresses Robin and Rasiel.

"Ah! Now this is quite okay for you. They're mostly soft items so I'll also throw this down." Once Rasiel was ready, Asuna threw down the third box. Once again, Rasiel looked inside and saw several other playthings of sorts and, were they decorations? Rasiel wasn't sure. She took out a small, human shaped item from inside. It seemed to be stuffed with wool since it was soft and the hair was made of a thick thread of sorts.

"That's just a rag doll princess. It fetches quite low on our market." Asuna explains.

"Come to think of it, it looks like a witch of sorts. It's beautiful craftsmanship nevertheless..." Rasiel admires the...well, witch doll.

"Rawr!" She suddenly tossed it to Robin, just to see how he'll react. In the meantime, Asuna had finished preparing the other crate and was taking a look to see what's inside.

"So, these are the weapons huh?"



Avicebron's male knight rode on horseback, carrying a skeleton clad in armor with it all the way to the forest. Since his master was unable to communicate telepathically, he had to come up with a different measure of calling out to the other Spectrals lurking in the wild. He managed to convince the patrol that he will be buried in the tribal grounds in accordance to his will but in reality, it was just an effigy made by Avicebron to serve as a mouthpiece.

The knight dropped it off at a least traveled path in the forest, like what his orders dictated. Once a Spectral approaches, it would activate the spell bound to it allowing Avicebron to communicate with the outside.

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