Introduction
**Sign-Ups Opened as of 05/30/10**
History:
Long ago, when only a few some villages dotted the desolate land of Alsonia, dragons descended to the land. The fire dragon landed in the far east, and volcanoes rose, the heat stretched far across the land and formed deserts. The earth dragon landed in the far south, carving deep canyons and raising mountains as it's magic spanned it created plains and meadows and provided fertile land. The wind dragon landed in the far west wearing into large boulders forming cliffs over looking the ocean where cool ocean breezes and powerful wind storms are birthed, as it's power spread it gave life to lush thick woodland forests. The water dragon landed deep in the north, forming harsh snowy terrain and snow capped mountains, as the magic spread it formed large rivers that fed into large lakes that in turn fed into large rivers until it met the coast. The dragons of dark and light were too large to land in any one spot and concentrate there energies there, so they embedded themselves withing the hearts of the people, and the land itself, forming shadows, purity, inflicting wounds and then giving the ability to heal them. But on that day one dragon did not land. The dragon of time, it was angry with what the vile creatures of the land had been blessed with, it picked up the tiny village of Xerania, by the very land it was founded on and started to crush it in it's enormous paws. One child that had been outside the village saw the terror that was happening, and this one small fragile child of human blood, stood up against the dragon. The child threw a stone, a small tiny pebble, insignificant in a normal beings hands, but when the stone hit the dragon, it glen, shimmering bright and grand with a prism of light so bright it blinded the dragon and whole world for a few split moments. When the light vanished, the dragon was gone so was the child, in their place the small pebble glimmered only slightly and had a symbol carved in it. The town floated back gently to the ground as if it were light as a feather. Smaller than before, a deep crevices with water at the bottom surrounded the town now and no one could leave it for weeks until a bridge was built, and by the time one bridge was built, the pebble was lost amongst the land.
So is the story that almost every child is told in the Kingdom of Alsonia, although now it's believed to be just that, a story with no real truth. Now the town of Xerania has grown into a vast city with districts and even a grand castle in it. Indeed there is a deep crevice with water at the bottom surrounding the city, and a high wall that has four gates that lead to four bridges that were built to link the city to the land, but most just believe that the first settlers of the Kingdom of Alsonia found it that way and built the bridges themselves. Ever since it was settled the royal family has lived in Xerania, and the town has grown to be the capital of all of Alsonia, and has grown to have high trade and contact with every race. The dwarfs and orcs in the south, the light elves and were folk in the west, the blood elves and vampires in the north and humans in all of the kingdom. As time passed the city of Xerania grew to have guilds to help the common folk since the people of the kingdom feel it's not right to bother the Knights of Xerania with peti things, especially since the Kingdom of Alsonia has never been on good terms with the two of it's neighboring kingdoms, Slemen and Folross.
Places of Interest:
Kingdom of Folross:
Capital City Alross --- Grand Castle of Alross, Grand Library, Death Knights Training Grounds, & Chapel of Sheena
City of Were Folk --- Temple of the Lycan, Animaru Tavern, Predator's League
City of Dwarfs --- Ore Mines, The Drunken Hammer Tavern, Meeting Square
Kingdom of Slemen:
Capital City Magiston --- Grand Castle of Magiston, Valkire Knights Training Grounds, & Chapel of Aiross
City of Blood Elves --- Temple of Pyra, Magistrate Tavern
City of Orcs --- Blood Shed Tavern, Barracks, Predator's League
Kingdom of Alsonia:
Capital City Xerania --- Underground Aqueducts know to the local guild members as The Spider's Pathway, Grand Castle of Xerania, Xeraniean Knights Training Grounds, Chapel of Lucian, Joe's Tavern
City of Vampires --- Vampiric Temple, Tainted Heart Tavern, Predator's League
City of Light Elves --- Temple of Lucretia, Holy Waters Tavern, Purity Springs
Character Skeleton:
Name: (First and Last)
Title: (Usually Xeraniean Knights, and veteran guild members have a title of some sort, they don't have to though, if your character has no title, then leave the space blank or put no title)
Guild: (Warrior, Priest, Mage, Thief, Xeraniean Knight, Xeraniean Squire, for vampires, Were Folk, and Orcs only Predator's League)
Time in Guild: (Haven't joined yet ,this is for people who want their characters to be totally new to a guild or the nights, X years, for people who want there character to have some time with the guild or veteran, for those who want there character to know the ins and outs of the guild.)
Age: (can range from 16 to xxxx no exceptions, for immortal races you can't go higher than four digits)
Sex: (Male, Female, ....Both?)
Race: (Humans, Light Elf, Blood Elf, Orc, Dwarf, Vampiric, Were Folk)
Height: (What is their height)
Weight: (Their weight?)
Appearance: (Word Description or pictures)
Weapon(s): (May use three weapons (twin swords count as two) Swords, guns, magic, ect.)
Magic(s): (What magic or magics do they use? Remember your limitations on how man magics your race can use.)
Skill(s): (Do they have any special skills like high agility, good eyes for scouting, light stepping, element intunment, etc.(keep skills to a maximum of 2 per character)
Accessory(ies): (keep to a maximum of two as well, they are usually enchanted items)
Biography: (A short runup on your character's past, a short paragraph will suffice, but must be longer than one or two sentences)
Personality: (How do they act? Do they have any pet peeves or major likings? Are they flirtatious or reserved? Do they have a split personality, perhaps? etc.)
Guilds: (What are they? What are they for? Character placement and entrance.)
What are they?
--- Warrior Guild: Placed close to Gate Two, just inside the West District of Xerania, The Warrior Guild is filled with Ex-Knights, traveling swordsmen who stayed in Xerania, and people who flat out didn't like the rules and never wanted to be a Xeraniean Knight. Full of mostly fairly normally folk, who follow the rules, and brutes. While being the second least enlisted in service of the Xeraniean Knights, they the most respected faction like group in Xerania, aside from the Xeraniean Knights themselves. Second largest guild, the leader is highly respected and does their share of the work. A few dwarfs and were folk have been enlisted in the guild in the past, but currently none are in it any longer. You're either a lackey, squad captain or lone man in this guild.
--- Priest Guild: Placed in the dead center of the Grand Castle of Xerania and Gate One, in the North District of Xerania, the Priest Guild is filled with people who want to do good, help others, have a knack for healing, or are just highly religious, the most commonly enlisted by the Xeraniean Knights, they are the third highest respected Faction like group in Xerania, following the Warrior Guild and Xeraniean Knights. The largest guild, the leader is also the High Priest and is said to be the most skilled healer of Xerania. A few light elves are in this guild. This guild has a seniority system and is organized by how long a person has been in the guild and if they have any previous generations of their family in the guild.
--- Mage Guild: Placed against the wall of the South District, instantly next to Gate Three. The Mage Guild is, as it sounds, for mages and magic wielders. While the guild also does medical research along side the priest guild, it specializes in magic and magic item advancement. The guild is filled with many intelligent and skilled people, even a few blood elves reside in this guild. The smallest of all the guilds, the Mage Guild is the Second most commonly enlisted into the services of the Xeraniean Knights and is the fourth highest faction like guild following the Priest Guild, Warrior Guild, and Xeraniean Knights. The leader is rather eccentric and spends most of their time in the form of an owl. Mages are the only humans who can use magic and usually the element of their soul is what magic they most commonly use and specialize in. Is organized by the skill of an individual.
--- Thief Guild: Placed in the East District, near Gate Four, The Thief Guild is fool of misunderstood people, loners, and people who are just flat out scary looking and resent others. Probably the most variety in one guild, the Thief Guild has members with high and low morals, some will do any job, some will do certain jobs outside of Xerania, and some will do any job as long as the price is right. Some of the members stick together while others stick to themselves. They are only to be enlisted by Xeraniean Knights during times of war or to steal something back that has been stolen. There are rumors that the leader is actually in hiding and the one that says he is the leader is actually just a proxy, but nothing has been proven. This is the third largest guild and is the least respected faction like guild in all of Xerania. Has a worth system in place, the more jobs one has done successfully and how well they do it successfully places them.
--- Knights of Xerania: The Knights of Xerania a.k.a. the Xeraniean Knights are the largest force in all of Xerania, and the most respected. They reside in the Grand Castle of Xerania, and are for the most part respectable, they have a few not so admirable characters in the Knights as well. The Xeraniean Knights are the heroes to children all through the Kingdom of Alsonia. The entrance exam is said to be the toughest of all the Knights in any of the Kingdom and rival those of neighboring kingdoms. The dream position for most boys for years, recently women have been allowed into the knights as well, so recently that there are still a good few who oppose it, one of which is High Councilman Kronoff. People start off as a Squire and then get promoted to knight and then to brigade captain.
--- Predator's League: Established by the Vampires, Orcs, and Were Folk, The Predator's League is a group of beings that think that the human race is inferior and are no better than cattle or pawns to be used and discarded. A very racist league the members usually either stay with their own race or seek out humans to use. The league has grown immensely large and arrogant and have been recently ignoring the law that prohibits preying on humans. Because of this the Predator's League isn't exactly on good terms with the humans, dwarves, light elves, or blood elves.
What are they for?:
The only group hated by even the Thief Guild in the whole Kingdom of Xerania, are bandits, people who do nothing but cause problems for travelers and country towns, they even try to get inside Xerania from time to time. So they not only make is necessary for guild members to be hired to do transport missions, guarding missions, and capture missions, but from time to time they can get so hostile that Xerania has to take offensive actions against them. Aside from the bandit, there are wild beasts and lost souls all through out the Kingdom of Alsonia, as well as threats of war between the kingdoms, so weather it's catching snakes, clearing out a bridge site full of bandits, fighting a horde of hostile orcs, defending your home kingdom, or just babysitting some kid for the day, there's almost always a job to be done by the guilds and knights of Xerania.
Character Placement and Entrance:
The guilds really don't have too many requirements for joining, just be good or intrested in the line of work for that particular guild and be willing to do any work. The Knights, on the other hand, have entrance exams. They require you to be at least 16, able to hold your own in a fight against another person, and have a clean past. As like with anything, being a new person means being at the bottom of the hill that the hard work rolls down, and you get most of the laboring jobs.
Races:
Humans --- Humans are versatile and reside all through out the Kingdom of Alsonia. They can do magic, but they can only master up to four basic basic types of magic and as combination magics as the base magics can produce. Humans have major cities in all of the kingdoms and are common to see almost anywhere.
Vampires --- A dark race that resides in the north, they can do magic weather or not they are in a guild, transform into mist and bats, have telepathic powers, and have a weakness for the sun (if a vampire is in the sun it's not wise for him or her to pick a fight and they'll feel sick, and possibly pass out but they won't decintegrate into ash) have to feed off blood of others, legally only animals but some feed on humans. Usually if a vampire feeds on humans it's a safe bet that he/she's in the predator's league.
Were Folk --- A race more of lycan than werewolf, they can control when they transform, and can transform into a wolf or wolf human hybrid. While unable to do magic at all they are very intelligent in the ways of medicine and have helped all races advance in medicine. They have high speed, defense, and attack. Due to their abilities most think humans are inferior. Some were folk are enlisted in the predators league.
Orcs --- A brute race unable to do any magic what so ever, they rely in their power physical strength to help them. In a one on one match with a were folk and orc would probably win if just melee was used. While most orcs have a hit first ask questions later attitude they are of almost equal intelligence to humans. Due to their strength most think humans are inferior. A fair amount of orcs are in the predators league.
Blood Elves --- A very proud race, while they refuse to join the Predators League, they mainly keep to themselves, all can do multiple types of magic no matter what, have good eyes, and are very good with stealth. Unlike their sister race, the Light Elves, they don't live with the land and are probably the most intelligent race. Very adept with magic they can master more than one element of magic.
Light Elves --- A down to earth race, they get along most with the humans and dwarves. Very adept in magic they can master any type and almost all light elves have mastered light magic and other types. They live with the land, and have, alongside the were folk, made great advances in medicine for all the races.
Dwarfs --- Dwarfs are proud, but down to earth at the same time. They stick to their mining and provide the most ore of any kind in all of the races. Most of the best weapons smiths are dwarves. Being very versatile, they can fight well, provide support, and build well. Most stay within their fortress city and usually only have contact with humans for trade or when humans go to their city.
Magic Scale:
Base Magics:
1. dream
2. star
3. death
4. life
5. dark
6. light
7. fire
8. water
9. earth
10. air
11. ice
12. psychic
13. lightning
14. chrono
15. dimension
Combination Magics:
1. poison
2. metal
3. meteor
4. blizzard
5. pulse
6. wind
7. sun
8. celestial
9. moon
10. glass
11. rain
12. torment
13. tremor
14. summoning
15. gate
Magic Formulas:
1. air + death = poison
2. chrono + earth + dark = metal
3. earth + fire = meteor
4. air + ice = blizzard
5. lightning + psychic = pulse
6. air + psychic = wind
7. star + fire = sun
8. star + psychic = celestial
9. star + dream = moon
10. dimension + ice = glass
11. water + air = rain
12. psychic + dark = torment
13. earth + lightning = tremor
14. dimension + (anything except chrono or ice) = summoning
15. dimension + chrono = gate
Remember this is an RP for growth!!!!!! So for example, list the magics your character is going to learn through out the Rp, but they won't know all of them in the beginning of the RP or rather they won't have mastered them all. For example we'll take my character, a human, who uses dimension, chrono, psychic and dark, which gives her toe opportunity to use gate, summoning, and torment magics. That is her POTENTIAL! In the beginning she can effectively use one magic and may dabble a little in the other basic magics, but she hasn't mastered them and can't combine them yet.
You don't have to state which magic of the ones you choose is the one that your character is already adept in but keep this in mind.
I'm willing to have more experienced characters in the RP as well but they have a higher bar and I will be doing a bit of back checking on the owners Rping before I approve. I'd appreciate it, if you want to be one of the more experienced (veteran) characters if you PMed me and discussed it with me first.
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Setting
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The day was clear and warm with a slight breeze. The clouds moved lazily across the sky occasionally giving an overcast shade over parts of the town. Some leaves blew in the cool breeze and passed by people as they walked. The Mage District, the housing area for students of magic and members of the magic guild. It's nothing but apartments identical to each other. Five stories high, a tan colored stone to make the outer walls, windows dotting the walls in even spaced areas between them. The odd circular pointed roofs commonly found in the district topped them all. Between some were specialty shops that weren't uniform to the apartments, or any other common architecture for that matter, twisted roofs and decorations on the outside, odd color schemes and themes to the outside of the shop made the outside just as odd as the items that could be bought in them. A large hill with a cobblestone road connected one particular apartment to other shops.
The road was unusually empty for the time of day only the light tapping of a single pair of boots could be heard breaking the silence. Nyx walked casually down the path holding two purple books with silver metal decorated spines in her hands in front of her. She metal on the spin and some of the gems in her earrings and other garments shone and reflected the light of the sun occasionally in little flashes. She started to hum a little tune and smile to herself as she walked.
"It's a beautiful day, and getting my pay from the castle just now was a nice way to start it off, I wonder if I'll be getting any new assignments soon," she thought as she walked. She turned a corner onto a different road at the end of the road a large building with four large towers at each corner. The main section was only two stories but the towers were all five stories high, and although not seen each tower has two basement levels, and the main section of the building has a single basement level. The building was made of a gray stone with black pitched roofing and a crystal at the point of each tower.
Nyx started to walk towards the building and stopped just before entering the gates to look up. the sky was still clear for the most part with only a few white fluffy clouds, she took in a deep breath and smiled again. "Ah it looks like rain.... haha hopefully nothing too bad," she said aloud and started to walk in the gates. She entered the build, the first room of the main section was a large reception area, directly across from the door had a desk with a girl behind it, a few tables and chairs dotted the room. In the right side of the room were three steal doors that were enchanted to rise up whenever someone came near. One door had a sign that said physician, the other two weren't labeled. The other side of the room had two identical doors, one said B1 on it and the other two were also not labeled.
Nyx walked up to the receptionist and started to have an idle chat with her about the assignment she had just gotten paid for. "Yes! They gave me two of the Shadow Master series, this will help with all areas of magic I'm studying," she said as the conversation continued. After a short while she bid good bye and when to the unmarked door on the right side of the room and that led to a small room that had a door to its instant left labeled 'Head Master' and another that was again unlabeled. She walked passed the unlabeled door and it led to some stairs. When she reached the end she was in one of the towers. She took a left and walked to the top of the tower, the different levels were connected by a spiral staircase with a thinner tower actually on the inside that had a class room inside on each level. She entered the room and started a lecture on the class she had that day. After an two hours the class was over and she left.
She brought her books to her apartment it was on the fourth floor of a building and she has a room on the corner of the building. The inside of her room was decorated mainly in a color scheme of purples, grays, and blacks. her walls were black and the ceiling was gray. The floor was a hardwood that was a deep brown a large glass door lead to a balcony, in front of the door are purple slightly see-through curtains. her bed in the far left corner of the room had purple sheets and a gray pillow. A desk in the right side of the room was a dark brown identical to the floor, on it was a candle partially melted and a skull as well as a pencil and some paper. Above the desk were two shelves that had books and little trinkets on them. Nyx put the books on the shelf and sighed. She looked out to her balcony and could see sudden gray clouds moving in. she grabbed a dark purple umbrella and left again.
She walked holding her umbrella closed for the moment. The wind has picked up and made her dress ruffle slightly. She was making her way to the castle. In part of the castle that could be reached by the public, without letting citizens walk through the castle, was a small office that held the information on odd jobs available for guild members that could be done if the knights were too busy, the task was considered not worth the time, or if the knights needed help. This was how Nyx got most of her missions if she wasn't assigned one by the mage guild leader or requested by the knights to assist on large scale missions.
As she got closer to the castle she saw more and more knights she was acquainted with. Some waved others didn't recognize her or were too busy to notice. The rain started to come at a steady pace suddenly, she chuckled and opened her umbrella and continued walking. She finally made it into the office in the castle and closed her umbrella, she had gotten slightly damp but fared much better than a deal of the people rushing in from the rain. She smiled to herself and went to a bulletin board for mage guild members and started to read it over. "Let's see hereeeee.... anything of interest?" she asked herself as she read the posted messages.
The road was unusually empty for the time of day only the light tapping of a single pair of boots could be heard breaking the silence. Nyx walked casually down the path holding two purple books with silver metal decorated spines in her hands in front of her. She metal on the spin and some of the gems in her earrings and other garments shone and reflected the light of the sun occasionally in little flashes. She started to hum a little tune and smile to herself as she walked.
"It's a beautiful day, and getting my pay from the castle just now was a nice way to start it off, I wonder if I'll be getting any new assignments soon," she thought as she walked. She turned a corner onto a different road at the end of the road a large building with four large towers at each corner. The main section was only two stories but the towers were all five stories high, and although not seen each tower has two basement levels, and the main section of the building has a single basement level. The building was made of a gray stone with black pitched roofing and a crystal at the point of each tower.
Nyx started to walk towards the building and stopped just before entering the gates to look up. the sky was still clear for the most part with only a few white fluffy clouds, she took in a deep breath and smiled again. "Ah it looks like rain.... haha hopefully nothing too bad," she said aloud and started to walk in the gates. She entered the build, the first room of the main section was a large reception area, directly across from the door had a desk with a girl behind it, a few tables and chairs dotted the room. In the right side of the room were three steal doors that were enchanted to rise up whenever someone came near. One door had a sign that said physician, the other two weren't labeled. The other side of the room had two identical doors, one said B1 on it and the other two were also not labeled.
Nyx walked up to the receptionist and started to have an idle chat with her about the assignment she had just gotten paid for. "Yes! They gave me two of the Shadow Master series, this will help with all areas of magic I'm studying," she said as the conversation continued. After a short while she bid good bye and when to the unmarked door on the right side of the room and that led to a small room that had a door to its instant left labeled 'Head Master' and another that was again unlabeled. She walked passed the unlabeled door and it led to some stairs. When she reached the end she was in one of the towers. She took a left and walked to the top of the tower, the different levels were connected by a spiral staircase with a thinner tower actually on the inside that had a class room inside on each level. She entered the room and started a lecture on the class she had that day. After an two hours the class was over and she left.
She brought her books to her apartment it was on the fourth floor of a building and she has a room on the corner of the building. The inside of her room was decorated mainly in a color scheme of purples, grays, and blacks. her walls were black and the ceiling was gray. The floor was a hardwood that was a deep brown a large glass door lead to a balcony, in front of the door are purple slightly see-through curtains. her bed in the far left corner of the room had purple sheets and a gray pillow. A desk in the right side of the room was a dark brown identical to the floor, on it was a candle partially melted and a skull as well as a pencil and some paper. Above the desk were two shelves that had books and little trinkets on them. Nyx put the books on the shelf and sighed. She looked out to her balcony and could see sudden gray clouds moving in. she grabbed a dark purple umbrella and left again.
She walked holding her umbrella closed for the moment. The wind has picked up and made her dress ruffle slightly. She was making her way to the castle. In part of the castle that could be reached by the public, without letting citizens walk through the castle, was a small office that held the information on odd jobs available for guild members that could be done if the knights were too busy, the task was considered not worth the time, or if the knights needed help. This was how Nyx got most of her missions if she wasn't assigned one by the mage guild leader or requested by the knights to assist on large scale missions.
As she got closer to the castle she saw more and more knights she was acquainted with. Some waved others didn't recognize her or were too busy to notice. The rain started to come at a steady pace suddenly, she chuckled and opened her umbrella and continued walking. She finally made it into the office in the castle and closed her umbrella, she had gotten slightly damp but fared much better than a deal of the people rushing in from the rain. She smiled to herself and went to a bulletin board for mage guild members and started to read it over. "Let's see hereeeee.... anything of interest?" she asked herself as she read the posted messages.
Setting
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Serene laid down, sighing softly as she stared up at the ceiling. It was day, and she was feeling sicker than ever. All this time, she had been traveling from goodness knows where to come to Alsonia. It was a long journey, and while she had grown accustomed to the sun, she was still weaker than usual, nonetheless.
As soon as she reached here, she went straight to the Predator's League. From what she knew, the Predator's League was a guild meant for races like hers. She was a Vampire. Since then, she had embarked on an arduous journey to arrive at where she was today.
She turned about on her bed, looking at her room. It was rather messy and dirty, but she had little care for it. As long as there was a comfortable bed for her to rest on during the daytime, she was good. Furthermore, it helped that the room was rather dark, with only one window to let fresh air come in. She closed her eyes, and took a brief nap, bearing with the discomfort of her nausea. It was when her nausea weakened that she opened her eyes.
"Night already?" She wondered aloud as she peered out of the window. The sky was colored grey, and a strong gust of wind was rushing into her room. A wry smile formed on her face. Shrugging to herself, she got up, and left the room.
As she left the room, she took a quick glance at her apartment. This apartment was located beside some alley branching out from a street. It was fairly close to the headquarters of the Predator's League, and also a gift from the aforementioned guild.
It was ironic, considering how they treated her when she enlisted, and the apartment they gave to her after she joined.
"We're honored to have you here, Vampire Knight." The gruff voice of the lycanthrope rang loudly in her ears, almost as if he was next to her.
"Honored," She muttered. "Indeed."
Tearing her eyes away from her pathetic apartment, she focused on the street, and the people who looked at her with eyes of apprehension. She merely glared back, making them look away in what seemed like embarrassment.
The wind was picking up speed, but her pace remained steady. She was new to this city, but she knew well enough where to look for something to do. Having been a mercenary for past century, she had already known the fact that most jobs were offered at the Castles of most cities. Granted, there were jobs offered at the tavern, but she wasn't interested in picking up a shady job offer.
Looking out at the street ahead of her, she sighed. Everywhere she looked, there were humans. She frowned slightly, as she increased her pace. The mental image of her enemies sprang to mind. These were enemies whom had once been friends; all of them were humans. Nevertheless, her vengefulness got the better of her. These so-called friends had fallen by her blade, their blood drained dry.
It was illegal, but that was how it was then. It was the life of mercenaries. They either retires peacefully, die during missions, or simply go missing. She made it seemed like the last case for all of these unfortunate ones, and there was no remorse for all these. No one could really accuse her of anything. Her reputation stayed with her, seemingly clean and rarely blemished by negative rumors.
She shook her head instinctively. She didn’t exactly like to have a reputation that she didn’t deserve, but if it would benefit her, she didn’t mind. The rain came down just as the thought faded into the depths of her mind.
“A challenge,” She hissed.
With the sun blocked out by the storm clouds, she had found her vampiric strength returning to her body. Even though the fact there was still some amount of sunlight, she felt strong enough to run. Lurching forward, she sprinted down the street. At her speed as a Vampire, it didn’t take long for her to reach the castle.
As she closed in, she saw a mass of people rushing in as well. Without hesitation, she jumped, successfully jumping over the crowd, and landing with a graceful touchdown. The way in which she entered the castle got the Guards alert, but they relaxed, realizing that she was unarmed. She couldn’t resist smiling, pleased to have made such a perfect landing. Getting up on her feet, she walked towards a row of bulletin boards.
Now, this was something she was new to. It would seem the bulletin boards were classified according to the respective guilds the jobs were meant for. However, she didn’t know that. Walking over to the bulletin board for the Mage Guild, she begun looking at the messages on it. An expression of surprise hung over her face at some of the jobs offered.
“… Enchanting a sword for the King?” She murmured, looking hastily through the list of jobs. From the corners of her eye, she could see another figure dressed in black, but whomever that was, she promptly ignored, choosing to focus on getting a job to do for the time being.
As soon as she reached here, she went straight to the Predator's League. From what she knew, the Predator's League was a guild meant for races like hers. She was a Vampire. Since then, she had embarked on an arduous journey to arrive at where she was today.
She turned about on her bed, looking at her room. It was rather messy and dirty, but she had little care for it. As long as there was a comfortable bed for her to rest on during the daytime, she was good. Furthermore, it helped that the room was rather dark, with only one window to let fresh air come in. She closed her eyes, and took a brief nap, bearing with the discomfort of her nausea. It was when her nausea weakened that she opened her eyes.
"Night already?" She wondered aloud as she peered out of the window. The sky was colored grey, and a strong gust of wind was rushing into her room. A wry smile formed on her face. Shrugging to herself, she got up, and left the room.
As she left the room, she took a quick glance at her apartment. This apartment was located beside some alley branching out from a street. It was fairly close to the headquarters of the Predator's League, and also a gift from the aforementioned guild.
It was ironic, considering how they treated her when she enlisted, and the apartment they gave to her after she joined.
"We're honored to have you here, Vampire Knight." The gruff voice of the lycanthrope rang loudly in her ears, almost as if he was next to her.
"Honored," She muttered. "Indeed."
Tearing her eyes away from her pathetic apartment, she focused on the street, and the people who looked at her with eyes of apprehension. She merely glared back, making them look away in what seemed like embarrassment.
The wind was picking up speed, but her pace remained steady. She was new to this city, but she knew well enough where to look for something to do. Having been a mercenary for past century, she had already known the fact that most jobs were offered at the Castles of most cities. Granted, there were jobs offered at the tavern, but she wasn't interested in picking up a shady job offer.
Looking out at the street ahead of her, she sighed. Everywhere she looked, there were humans. She frowned slightly, as she increased her pace. The mental image of her enemies sprang to mind. These were enemies whom had once been friends; all of them were humans. Nevertheless, her vengefulness got the better of her. These so-called friends had fallen by her blade, their blood drained dry.
It was illegal, but that was how it was then. It was the life of mercenaries. They either retires peacefully, die during missions, or simply go missing. She made it seemed like the last case for all of these unfortunate ones, and there was no remorse for all these. No one could really accuse her of anything. Her reputation stayed with her, seemingly clean and rarely blemished by negative rumors.
She shook her head instinctively. She didn’t exactly like to have a reputation that she didn’t deserve, but if it would benefit her, she didn’t mind. The rain came down just as the thought faded into the depths of her mind.
“A challenge,” She hissed.
With the sun blocked out by the storm clouds, she had found her vampiric strength returning to her body. Even though the fact there was still some amount of sunlight, she felt strong enough to run. Lurching forward, she sprinted down the street. At her speed as a Vampire, it didn’t take long for her to reach the castle.
As she closed in, she saw a mass of people rushing in as well. Without hesitation, she jumped, successfully jumping over the crowd, and landing with a graceful touchdown. The way in which she entered the castle got the Guards alert, but they relaxed, realizing that she was unarmed. She couldn’t resist smiling, pleased to have made such a perfect landing. Getting up on her feet, she walked towards a row of bulletin boards.
Now, this was something she was new to. It would seem the bulletin boards were classified according to the respective guilds the jobs were meant for. However, she didn’t know that. Walking over to the bulletin board for the Mage Guild, she begun looking at the messages on it. An expression of surprise hung over her face at some of the jobs offered.
“… Enchanting a sword for the King?” She murmured, looking hastily through the list of jobs. From the corners of her eye, she could see another figure dressed in black, but whomever that was, she promptly ignored, choosing to focus on getting a job to do for the time being.
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"Oh... there's so many today......" Nyx mumbled to herself as she looked over the job offers. Some were small jobs such as enchanting items for nobles and using magic to help families with odd tasks. She kept looking and became a bit focused on the board in front of her, so she didn't notice the woman who had walked up next to her left. She kept looking over the jobs and sighed, she was about to walk away not finding anything of interest when one posted paper near the center of the board caught her eye.
'CLASS: A'
The letters were big, bold, and noticeable. The paper had printed on it that the person hiring was a professor for the castle. The pay was really good and the mission seemed simple: 'I need a couple good peoples to help with some rookie knights in traveling to the Darkling Crevices Gorge and retrieve some sediments, and other research items for a current subject I'm studying that is not to be disclosed openly. Please contact me for more information, sincerely, Professor Alkenhien."
Nyx started to reach for the paper and her hand hit the woman's next to her who had also been reaching for the paper. "Oh I'm sorry. Were you interested in that offer as well?" she asked as she turned her gaze to the woman expecting to see a familiar face from the mage guild. "oh," she sounded slightly thrown off when she saw the woman. She was a few inches taller than Nyx with extremely pale skin. She had crimson red lips which added to the beauty of her fair complexion. The woman had hair that was a bit shorter than Nyx's whenever she wore it down. Nyx took all these little details in and smiled up at the woman in mere moments.
"Hello there, I'm Nyx. You're not from the area are you?" she asked as she looked up at the woman and lowered her hand from the paper. "Well the paper did say a couple people.... if you like we can go to the professor, and see if we are both suitable?" Nyx offered to the woman trying to come of polite. "Nyx gently took the paper from the board and smiled up at the woman again. Something about this woman interested her and she was hoping the woman would agree so she could find out. "I'm Nyx Xenerose'," she added finally introducing herself.
'CLASS: A'
The letters were big, bold, and noticeable. The paper had printed on it that the person hiring was a professor for the castle. The pay was really good and the mission seemed simple: 'I need a couple good peoples to help with some rookie knights in traveling to the Darkling Crevices Gorge and retrieve some sediments, and other research items for a current subject I'm studying that is not to be disclosed openly. Please contact me for more information, sincerely, Professor Alkenhien."
Nyx started to reach for the paper and her hand hit the woman's next to her who had also been reaching for the paper. "Oh I'm sorry. Were you interested in that offer as well?" she asked as she turned her gaze to the woman expecting to see a familiar face from the mage guild. "oh," she sounded slightly thrown off when she saw the woman. She was a few inches taller than Nyx with extremely pale skin. She had crimson red lips which added to the beauty of her fair complexion. The woman had hair that was a bit shorter than Nyx's whenever she wore it down. Nyx took all these little details in and smiled up at the woman in mere moments.
"Hello there, I'm Nyx. You're not from the area are you?" she asked as she looked up at the woman and lowered her hand from the paper. "Well the paper did say a couple people.... if you like we can go to the professor, and see if we are both suitable?" Nyx offered to the woman trying to come of polite. "Nyx gently took the paper from the board and smiled up at the woman again. Something about this woman interested her and she was hoping the woman would agree so she could find out. "I'm Nyx Xenerose'," she added finally introducing herself.
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As Serene briefly read through the messages posted on the bulletin board, she couldn’t help noticing one particular piece. The words ‘Class A’ were clearly printed on the slip, and Serene immediately imagined the mission to be challenging. Keen to take up the mission, she reached out for the piece of paper, only to have her hand knock into the person she briefly noticed beside her. Slightly ruffled by this, Serene held back a frown as she looked to the female whose hand she knocked.
It was a human, as she expected, but a fairly good-looking one. However, her good looks weren’t going to save her if she didn’t apologize. Thankfully, she did.
"Oh I'm sorry. Were you interested in that offer as well?"
As the girl turned to face her, her expression sort of became a little disappointed- Serene couldn’t tell. She kept quiet, retracting her hand from the slip of paper. Serene eyed her top to toe; her appearance compared to the general public around her was rather unique. Admittedly, she felt a tiny sense of envy as she noticed how the dress was something she would consider wearing on a casual whim.
She didn’t let the envy show, instead, putting a small friendly smile on her face. This person before her was a stranger. Until she confirms her identity, Serene thought it wise to be as friendly as possible. The girl smiled, smiled, introducing herself, "Hello there, I'm Nyx. You're not from the area are you?"
She was spot-on. "Well the paper did say a couple people,” She continued. “If you like we can go to the professor, and see if we are both suitable?”
Politeness was a virtue that went well with Serene. Although she was still a little wary of this female, Serene didn’t want to leave behind a bad impression the first day she was in the city. “I'm Nyx Xenerose," Nyx continued, introducing her full name.
Serene responded similarly,” I’m Serene Glacier.”
“I’m a Vampire. Just joined the Predator’s League,” She continued, adding more details about her. “I’m new here, so I don’t really know how things work. It’ll be a great help for me to follow you. Thank you.”
She smiled apologetically,” Sorry to trouble you.” Although she was rather awkward pretending to be so polite to a human, she figured it’ll be better to start out peaceful, until she knew more about the city.
It was a human, as she expected, but a fairly good-looking one. However, her good looks weren’t going to save her if she didn’t apologize. Thankfully, she did.
"Oh I'm sorry. Were you interested in that offer as well?"
As the girl turned to face her, her expression sort of became a little disappointed- Serene couldn’t tell. She kept quiet, retracting her hand from the slip of paper. Serene eyed her top to toe; her appearance compared to the general public around her was rather unique. Admittedly, she felt a tiny sense of envy as she noticed how the dress was something she would consider wearing on a casual whim.
She didn’t let the envy show, instead, putting a small friendly smile on her face. This person before her was a stranger. Until she confirms her identity, Serene thought it wise to be as friendly as possible. The girl smiled, smiled, introducing herself, "Hello there, I'm Nyx. You're not from the area are you?"
She was spot-on. "Well the paper did say a couple people,” She continued. “If you like we can go to the professor, and see if we are both suitable?”
Politeness was a virtue that went well with Serene. Although she was still a little wary of this female, Serene didn’t want to leave behind a bad impression the first day she was in the city. “I'm Nyx Xenerose," Nyx continued, introducing her full name.
Serene responded similarly,” I’m Serene Glacier.”
“I’m a Vampire. Just joined the Predator’s League,” She continued, adding more details about her. “I’m new here, so I don’t really know how things work. It’ll be a great help for me to follow you. Thank you.”
She smiled apologetically,” Sorry to trouble you.” Although she was rather awkward pretending to be so polite to a human, she figured it’ll be better to start out peaceful, until she knew more about the city.
Jackson was roaming around the city, looking at the sights and scoping out the good taverns. It had been nothing but work ever since he had began training to become a Knight. He had already been sent on a couple of missions, but nothing too spectacular. Even now, he has been commissioned by a "Professor" of the castle to go to the Darkling Crevices Gorge to retrieve some type of rocks. Apparently, him and the other knights were too wet behind the ears to go and collect a bunch of rocks alone. The professor had put up a bulletin to ask for additional support. Jackson felt insulted, but let it go as it was a job and he needed the money and experience. Besides, it gave him the chance to meet others besides the other knights.
Indeed, he felt the other knights were far too dry and about as much fun to talk to as a rock. Even his Brigade Captain, a Blood Elf named Linth Krins, was a hard and cold person from what he had gathered. He shrugged the thoughts off as he eyed a well lit tavern. "The Golden Dragon" it was called. Jackson made a mental note of the tavern and the location of it and continued his trek of the city. Then he realized that the weather had changed quite quickly as clouds blocked out the sun and wind began to billow his cape. He placed a hand on his standard issue breastplate, worried it might rust if he was out when it rained.
He looked around for a building to flee into and noticed that the castle wasn't too far away. He picked up his pace and sat a course directly to the castle. Although he moved faster, he still got caught in the rain about halfway to the castle. He cursed his luck under his breath and sprinted to the castle doors. As he entered he shook the water from his plate and cape, and hoped it wouldn't rust. Captain Krins would kill him. Then a sudden pang of curiosity of what was on the bulletin board struck him. He started towards the board while he fingered both the hilt of the katana and the fingerguard of the saber.
From a distance he could pick out the dark hair of Nyx talking to another woman. He was close enough to hear the words "Vampire" and "Predator's League" from the woman. He also managed to catch her name. He shuddered as the Predator's League wasn't exactly the finest group of people in the city. He shrugged and raised a hand in a greeting towards Nyx.
As he arrived to the pair he noticed they were interested in the professor's mission. Just his luck! He already knew about Nyx as they had already been on a mission together. Perhaps this wouldn't end up as bad as he thought.
"I see you two are interested in 'Class A'" He began, "Coincidently, the 'Rookie Knights' mentioned in the mission... Well, I'm one of 'em. Kinda downplayed me though... Rookie Knight. Pah." He said said with a smirk. "Ah, I apologize for my rudeness." He said to Serene, as he hadn't introduced himself. "My name is Jackson O'Tera. I am a knight... Of course, you probably knew that." He said with a small laugh. He did just say he was one of the knights in the mission...
Indeed, he felt the other knights were far too dry and about as much fun to talk to as a rock. Even his Brigade Captain, a Blood Elf named Linth Krins, was a hard and cold person from what he had gathered. He shrugged the thoughts off as he eyed a well lit tavern. "The Golden Dragon" it was called. Jackson made a mental note of the tavern and the location of it and continued his trek of the city. Then he realized that the weather had changed quite quickly as clouds blocked out the sun and wind began to billow his cape. He placed a hand on his standard issue breastplate, worried it might rust if he was out when it rained.
He looked around for a building to flee into and noticed that the castle wasn't too far away. He picked up his pace and sat a course directly to the castle. Although he moved faster, he still got caught in the rain about halfway to the castle. He cursed his luck under his breath and sprinted to the castle doors. As he entered he shook the water from his plate and cape, and hoped it wouldn't rust. Captain Krins would kill him. Then a sudden pang of curiosity of what was on the bulletin board struck him. He started towards the board while he fingered both the hilt of the katana and the fingerguard of the saber.
From a distance he could pick out the dark hair of Nyx talking to another woman. He was close enough to hear the words "Vampire" and "Predator's League" from the woman. He also managed to catch her name. He shuddered as the Predator's League wasn't exactly the finest group of people in the city. He shrugged and raised a hand in a greeting towards Nyx.
As he arrived to the pair he noticed they were interested in the professor's mission. Just his luck! He already knew about Nyx as they had already been on a mission together. Perhaps this wouldn't end up as bad as he thought.
"I see you two are interested in 'Class A'" He began, "Coincidently, the 'Rookie Knights' mentioned in the mission... Well, I'm one of 'em. Kinda downplayed me though... Rookie Knight. Pah." He said said with a smirk. "Ah, I apologize for my rudeness." He said to Serene, as he hadn't introduced himself. "My name is Jackson O'Tera. I am a knight... Of course, you probably knew that." He said with a small laugh. He did just say he was one of the knights in the mission...
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A short, sharp cough and a low rumbling groan escaping his throat jolted Theryl awake. His head was pounding, a headache clear from the drinking. 'Hell, had too much rye again last night.' Against his face he felt paper, and finally opened his eyes. He sat up slowly, blinking to clear the still blurred vision of sleep. He shook his head, and frowned at the book, then looked at his surroundings. Book shelves, everywhere around him. He was sitting at a table with a few chairs scattered about. He rubbed his eyes, now remembering he fell asleep at the library. He had been studying far too late into the night again.
Yet he couldn't help it. He was still struggling with the basics of his magic, and he wanted to get a better grasp at it. He had been studying for three days straight, and this was the second time he woke up in the library. Though this was the first time he drooled on the book. Luckily for him, it was just a basic book. "Basic Air Magic: How to Grasp the Winds" was the book title. He knew where he could find a replacement copy. He checked his pockets, frowned to come up empty handed. He sighed, knowing what he had to do today.
"Hey, I ruined this book but I'll be back with a replacement tonight," he grumbled to the librarian. Her eyes studied him a moment through her glasses and she nodded, her mouth in a stern line and clearly displeased with his actions. But Theryl did not apologize, and took his leave. He heard the light patter of rain hitting against the tower's walls.
"Damn useless rain," he spoke out loud to himself. Theryl did that from time to time, it almost made the solemness feel a bit less tolerable, hearing the echo of his voice return to him. He rubbed his head, then checked his flask. Another thing he needed. He was out of rye, so that officially made today a good reason to get some pay for a job. He decided he really should stop falling asleep in the library, before someone got angry with him. He didn't need to get kicked out for disorderly conduct, but it's not like he even meant to anyway.
He sighed again, knowing today would be a long day, and stepped out of the tower and let the rain wash over his skin. Theryl didn't really enjoy rain. He found it so unnecessary, but he gave up being mad at it long ago, since he couldn't control it. He hurriedly walked to the castle, recalling that job postings of interests show up there when things were otherwise dull. He stepped in the doorway, now sheltered but there was a number of people in there. He saw Nyx's unmistakable dress over near the job poster and made his way there.
"Nyx! Any good work?" he skipped the greeting and seemingly ignored the others that were surrounding her, interrupting any kind of conversation they were having.
Yet he couldn't help it. He was still struggling with the basics of his magic, and he wanted to get a better grasp at it. He had been studying for three days straight, and this was the second time he woke up in the library. Though this was the first time he drooled on the book. Luckily for him, it was just a basic book. "Basic Air Magic: How to Grasp the Winds" was the book title. He knew where he could find a replacement copy. He checked his pockets, frowned to come up empty handed. He sighed, knowing what he had to do today.
"Hey, I ruined this book but I'll be back with a replacement tonight," he grumbled to the librarian. Her eyes studied him a moment through her glasses and she nodded, her mouth in a stern line and clearly displeased with his actions. But Theryl did not apologize, and took his leave. He heard the light patter of rain hitting against the tower's walls.
"Damn useless rain," he spoke out loud to himself. Theryl did that from time to time, it almost made the solemness feel a bit less tolerable, hearing the echo of his voice return to him. He rubbed his head, then checked his flask. Another thing he needed. He was out of rye, so that officially made today a good reason to get some pay for a job. He decided he really should stop falling asleep in the library, before someone got angry with him. He didn't need to get kicked out for disorderly conduct, but it's not like he even meant to anyway.
He sighed again, knowing today would be a long day, and stepped out of the tower and let the rain wash over his skin. Theryl didn't really enjoy rain. He found it so unnecessary, but he gave up being mad at it long ago, since he couldn't control it. He hurriedly walked to the castle, recalling that job postings of interests show up there when things were otherwise dull. He stepped in the doorway, now sheltered but there was a number of people in there. He saw Nyx's unmistakable dress over near the job poster and made his way there.
"Nyx! Any good work?" he skipped the greeting and seemingly ignored the others that were surrounding her, interrupting any kind of conversation they were having.
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"Oh my," Nyx said still in a happy tone when Serene informed her she was from the Predator's League. Nyx chuckled and said, "You must be a new member if you'd openly admit that to someone you just me. In this town you should be a bit weary there's a fair amount of people who thing negatively of the Predator's League and some who find them as terrible as bandits or worse, especially the knights here," Nyx explained. "Well the paper says we can reach the professor in the second level of the east wing of the castle, shall we?" she added as they started to walk off.
They hadn't taken more than two steps when a familiar face popped up next to Nyx as they walked. She stopped and looked from Serene to the entrance to the the figure on the other side of her. "Oh hello Jackson," Nyx greeted and smiled up at him. She listened as Jackson informed them that he was one of the knights mentions in the job offer and then introduced himself to Serene.
"But you are a rookie Jackson, in time, experience as a official knight, and your armor shows it," Nyx said in a light-hearted matter-of-factually manner. "Plus you're not an ass yet," she added jesting slightly. They were about set off when a familiar voice called out to her.
She stopped again and turned back to the mage bulletin board to see Theryl standing there looking it over. "Oh hello there Theryl. There was one thing that caught my interest, a a high ranked mission commissioned by one of the professors of the castle. Were we just going to find out about it now.... you're more than welcome to come," she added the last bit with her charming smile. She looked from Theryl to Serene and Jackson, "Serene, Jackson, his is Theryl Dysilis, he's a bit of a rookie mage. Theryl, this is Serene Glacier and Jackson O'Tera, they are going to find out more as well. Seeing as how it's a high ranker there's probably some danger involved, this may be a good chance for you to use your magic against real enemies and get a better feel for it," she explained after making the introductions that she knew Theryl wouldn't be very interested in.
"Let's get going everyone," she said and then walked to a door that led to the castle, inside the castle the walls were a dark gray stone adorned with paintings, lamps and a train of red curtain that traveled across the top of the wall. There were many cherry oak doors and the floor of the hall had a green rug with gold decorative designs repeating it it. Two knights stopped her at the entrance.
"What are you and the other civilians doing here mam?" one of them asked in a calm but strict manner.
"We're here to answer a job offer places by one Professor Alkenhien," she responded, and the knights checked it over and allowed them to go on. Nyx lead the way and after a few minutes of walking they turned onto some stairs and the the second flight they reentered a hallway similar to the first one, this lead to a single door. They walked to it, knocked, and entered a large laboratory with mainly tables with testing voles books and other things. The floor had large tubed with green liquids in it and one or two would have something in it. The room had a green and blue hue to it and an over all creepy feel.
"Just a warning to you guys who don't know it, this guy is a bit blunt and straightforward to the point it's rude, just try not to explode on him," Nyx said with a slight chuckle. "Excuse me? Professor Alkenhien?" she called out, a slight crash was heard.
"GOOD LORD!" an old raspy voice sounded. A few more curses were bitten off and some ruffling then an old main about Nyx's height appeared, he slouched some probably from years of leaning over his experiments, he had little hair and what he did have was ash white. Her wore a white lab coat that looks like it had just had some blue and yellow liquids spilled on it. "Woman! Have you no sense?! You don't just barge, without so much as knocking, into a laboratory and then proceed to yell!!!" he scolded Nyx and got close to her as he did.
"Ah I'm sorry professor, I'll be sure to remember that, but we did knock," Nyx said with a smile. the professor scoffed and looked them all over.
"Good a few of you answered. Tuns out the other two knights were from the same squadron and got called away on a mission, so I was hoping three or four non-knights showed up, I'll have to work with you people," he added grumpily and then walked off a short distance and brought a book back.
"I need you all to go to Darkling Crevices Gorge and retrieve some specimens for my research," He handed the book to Nyx and then continued, "The specimens are all in there, the pages are marked, it has the basic information on where to look for it, how it should be handled and transported, and weather or not it's poisonous in any form," he explained. He then looked from Nyx to the others, recognizing the rookie Jackson, but not the other two.
"I trust everyone here s qualified and if not it isn't my problem as long as I get what I need. you will all be paid handsomely on your return, fifteen thousand xilos each to be precise." he stated, "And I will need you to head off as soon as possible. Well? Shoo shoo out out I have research to get back to!!" he added and practically started to push Nyx out in the hopes the others would follow.
Nyx sighed and worried if the others maybe getting agitated by the obnoxious old man, "I guess we should go," she said hoping if they were they would let it go and follow her out. "That old man is so annoying. Looks like I won't have time to study those books yet," she thought.
She looked back at the others, specifically Theryl and Serene and asked, "Are you two still up for the job, i shall be departing soon and little rookie Jackson here doesn't have a choice but to do so as well," she stated.
They hadn't taken more than two steps when a familiar face popped up next to Nyx as they walked. She stopped and looked from Serene to the entrance to the the figure on the other side of her. "Oh hello Jackson," Nyx greeted and smiled up at him. She listened as Jackson informed them that he was one of the knights mentions in the job offer and then introduced himself to Serene.
"But you are a rookie Jackson, in time, experience as a official knight, and your armor shows it," Nyx said in a light-hearted matter-of-factually manner. "Plus you're not an ass yet," she added jesting slightly. They were about set off when a familiar voice called out to her.
She stopped again and turned back to the mage bulletin board to see Theryl standing there looking it over. "Oh hello there Theryl. There was one thing that caught my interest, a a high ranked mission commissioned by one of the professors of the castle. Were we just going to find out about it now.... you're more than welcome to come," she added the last bit with her charming smile. She looked from Theryl to Serene and Jackson, "Serene, Jackson, his is Theryl Dysilis, he's a bit of a rookie mage. Theryl, this is Serene Glacier and Jackson O'Tera, they are going to find out more as well. Seeing as how it's a high ranker there's probably some danger involved, this may be a good chance for you to use your magic against real enemies and get a better feel for it," she explained after making the introductions that she knew Theryl wouldn't be very interested in.
"Let's get going everyone," she said and then walked to a door that led to the castle, inside the castle the walls were a dark gray stone adorned with paintings, lamps and a train of red curtain that traveled across the top of the wall. There were many cherry oak doors and the floor of the hall had a green rug with gold decorative designs repeating it it. Two knights stopped her at the entrance.
"What are you and the other civilians doing here mam?" one of them asked in a calm but strict manner.
"We're here to answer a job offer places by one Professor Alkenhien," she responded, and the knights checked it over and allowed them to go on. Nyx lead the way and after a few minutes of walking they turned onto some stairs and the the second flight they reentered a hallway similar to the first one, this lead to a single door. They walked to it, knocked, and entered a large laboratory with mainly tables with testing voles books and other things. The floor had large tubed with green liquids in it and one or two would have something in it. The room had a green and blue hue to it and an over all creepy feel.
"Just a warning to you guys who don't know it, this guy is a bit blunt and straightforward to the point it's rude, just try not to explode on him," Nyx said with a slight chuckle. "Excuse me? Professor Alkenhien?" she called out, a slight crash was heard.
"GOOD LORD!" an old raspy voice sounded. A few more curses were bitten off and some ruffling then an old main about Nyx's height appeared, he slouched some probably from years of leaning over his experiments, he had little hair and what he did have was ash white. Her wore a white lab coat that looks like it had just had some blue and yellow liquids spilled on it. "Woman! Have you no sense?! You don't just barge, without so much as knocking, into a laboratory and then proceed to yell!!!" he scolded Nyx and got close to her as he did.
"Ah I'm sorry professor, I'll be sure to remember that, but we did knock," Nyx said with a smile. the professor scoffed and looked them all over.
"Good a few of you answered. Tuns out the other two knights were from the same squadron and got called away on a mission, so I was hoping three or four non-knights showed up, I'll have to work with you people," he added grumpily and then walked off a short distance and brought a book back.
"I need you all to go to Darkling Crevices Gorge and retrieve some specimens for my research," He handed the book to Nyx and then continued, "The specimens are all in there, the pages are marked, it has the basic information on where to look for it, how it should be handled and transported, and weather or not it's poisonous in any form," he explained. He then looked from Nyx to the others, recognizing the rookie Jackson, but not the other two.
"I trust everyone here s qualified and if not it isn't my problem as long as I get what I need. you will all be paid handsomely on your return, fifteen thousand xilos each to be precise." he stated, "And I will need you to head off as soon as possible. Well? Shoo shoo out out I have research to get back to!!" he added and practically started to push Nyx out in the hopes the others would follow.
Nyx sighed and worried if the others maybe getting agitated by the obnoxious old man, "I guess we should go," she said hoping if they were they would let it go and follow her out. "That old man is so annoying. Looks like I won't have time to study those books yet," she thought.
She looked back at the others, specifically Theryl and Serene and asked, "Are you two still up for the job, i shall be departing soon and little rookie Jackson here doesn't have a choice but to do so as well," she stated.
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The rain splattering outside did not disturb the blood elf as she was perched on the high sil of a window, the ceiling vaulted high. Glass window behind her pattered with the falling rain of the storm. The blood elf was rather small in comparison to this area of the castle, the passing way rather empty as this was quite the more private area compared to the area bellow. Much further down the hall, two guards stood simply at the entrance at an oaken door, the grandness holding one that was famous for his research.
Linth did not look up from her book "Weathering of Storms; The Art of Lightning" as the guards paused several comers at the doors, knowing from the sound carried by the long hallways of what they were to request. She did not look up as the pushed past, back out of the room with their mission, taking the time to passively turn the page of her book. It was only at the clinking of metal, formed as armor did she take the slightest glace up from the text.
"...Brigade Captain Linth..." The man was rather hesitant at her title but did not stumble over his words. His respect for the captain long ago gained after being sorely beaten down by her in a simple spar.
"What is it Sir Brackenridge? Her silver eyes were turned back to her book, flipping the page with a flick of her wrist, though, her attention was still shared with the knight.
"Two of the rookie squires have been sent away on another mission as upon request from another. Nyx Xenerose seems to be taking charge of this mission taking Jackson O'Tera, a rookie, as well as several others." Brackenridge said curtly, "Also...ah, High Councilmen Kronoff has requested that you stop the rain. It seems that he cannot enjoy his afternoon while it rains."
Moments passed before the blood elf responded, her eyes still glued to the words on the page, though they were just barely catching the meaning of the words. At the mention of High Councilmen Kronoff, the air about her seemed to thicken with annoyance, nearly forcing Sir Brackenridge to take a step back.
"Please relay back to Kronoff, "Her tone nearly spat his name, "that I am not a rain faerie and to ask one from the Mage Guild to accept such a selfish task of his." The air suddenly cut off into one before Sir Brackenridge had arrived, signaling that there would be no more discussion. Knowing the drill, Sir Brackenridge hurried off to deliver the news, though was quite afraid of Kronoff's reaction to Linth's reply.
Linth did not look up from her book "Weathering of Storms; The Art of Lightning" as the guards paused several comers at the doors, knowing from the sound carried by the long hallways of what they were to request. She did not look up as the pushed past, back out of the room with their mission, taking the time to passively turn the page of her book. It was only at the clinking of metal, formed as armor did she take the slightest glace up from the text.
"...Brigade Captain Linth..." The man was rather hesitant at her title but did not stumble over his words. His respect for the captain long ago gained after being sorely beaten down by her in a simple spar.
"What is it Sir Brackenridge? Her silver eyes were turned back to her book, flipping the page with a flick of her wrist, though, her attention was still shared with the knight.
"Two of the rookie squires have been sent away on another mission as upon request from another. Nyx Xenerose seems to be taking charge of this mission taking Jackson O'Tera, a rookie, as well as several others." Brackenridge said curtly, "Also...ah, High Councilmen Kronoff has requested that you stop the rain. It seems that he cannot enjoy his afternoon while it rains."
Moments passed before the blood elf responded, her eyes still glued to the words on the page, though they were just barely catching the meaning of the words. At the mention of High Councilmen Kronoff, the air about her seemed to thicken with annoyance, nearly forcing Sir Brackenridge to take a step back.
"Please relay back to Kronoff, "Her tone nearly spat his name, "that I am not a rain faerie and to ask one from the Mage Guild to accept such a selfish task of his." The air suddenly cut off into one before Sir Brackenridge had arrived, signaling that there would be no more discussion. Knowing the drill, Sir Brackenridge hurried off to deliver the news, though was quite afraid of Kronoff's reaction to Linth's reply.
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Serene didn’t want to openly express her horror about saying something she apparently shouldn’t have. Nevertheless, it seemed to have made her seem like a better person in the eyes of Nyx. With that in mind, she opted for a sheepish smile as she followed Nyx. No sooner had they begun to leave than they were approached by another figure- apparently named Jackson.
From his admittance, he apparently was a rookie knight, one of those mentioned in the mission specifications. However, Jackson was unlike the knights she usually sees on her mercenary missions over the centuries. Her general impression of knights were hulking meat tanks that were more brawns than brains. Jackson spoiled that impression, appearing lean and cat-like. Glancing briefly at his weapons, she almost scoffed. Fortunately, she kept that rude gesture from appearing, seeing how his dual weapons were a saber and a katana.
She was suddenly interested in seeing how he would fare in battle.
“Well, my name is Ser-“
She was about to introduce herself when a voice rudely interrupted her. Yet another figure who knew Nyx appeared. Serene although ruffled by this interruption, was starting to be curious about Nyx. Just how many more people who knew her would come over?
Nyx got on to the introductions again, and as she ran over her name, Serene nodded in response. Then, as soon as Nyx was done, Serene started on her own introduction.
“Well,” She said. “My name is Serene. Serene Glacier. I’m glad to meet you all.”
She said ‘well’ with a bit of emphasis, habitually displaying her displeasure at Theryl, and eyeing him briefly, before smiling a sincere smile at the other two. Indeed, she had found the presence of the other two to have been better than this one ‘rookie mage’.
"Let's get going everyone," Nyx said, leading the way.
What followed was a few minutes walk through what seemed like a maze, to finally reach a large laboratory within the castle. This laboratory was a rather strange one, with a strong bluish-green hue all around. Vials and books were strewn all over the tables, as with some other strange items that did not interest Serene. At present, she was more pleased to be in a darker area. The lack of sunlight in this area charged her with energy she didn’t have earlier.
Just as she looked back over to Nyx, she had already addressed the professor. There was a crash before a nearly bald old man appeared. He was dressed in a lab coat, and certainly seemed like what Nyx called him- ‘professor’.
She then bore with his rather grumpy-sounding exchange with Nyx. She only managed to hold back a frown when he went on to mention the reward. ‘Fifteen thousand Xilos,’ She scoffed to herself internally. ‘Why, I could easily get more than this paltry sum for almost any mercenary job!’
The professor started to push Nyx out of the laboratory, leaving Serene with little choice but to follow. Outside, Nyx said," Are you two still up for the job, I shall be departing soon and little rookie Jackson here doesn't have a choice but to do so as well."
Although the pay was pathetic, the prospects of gaining new allies in this unknown land were very tempting to Serene- more so if the Predator’s League which she had just joined were regarded as a negative presence. She had joined it thinking it would be a guild that merely believes themselves of higher standing than humans.
Serene replied with an affirmative nod,” I’m still in.”
From his admittance, he apparently was a rookie knight, one of those mentioned in the mission specifications. However, Jackson was unlike the knights she usually sees on her mercenary missions over the centuries. Her general impression of knights were hulking meat tanks that were more brawns than brains. Jackson spoiled that impression, appearing lean and cat-like. Glancing briefly at his weapons, she almost scoffed. Fortunately, she kept that rude gesture from appearing, seeing how his dual weapons were a saber and a katana.
She was suddenly interested in seeing how he would fare in battle.
“Well, my name is Ser-“
She was about to introduce herself when a voice rudely interrupted her. Yet another figure who knew Nyx appeared. Serene although ruffled by this interruption, was starting to be curious about Nyx. Just how many more people who knew her would come over?
Nyx got on to the introductions again, and as she ran over her name, Serene nodded in response. Then, as soon as Nyx was done, Serene started on her own introduction.
“Well,” She said. “My name is Serene. Serene Glacier. I’m glad to meet you all.”
She said ‘well’ with a bit of emphasis, habitually displaying her displeasure at Theryl, and eyeing him briefly, before smiling a sincere smile at the other two. Indeed, she had found the presence of the other two to have been better than this one ‘rookie mage’.
"Let's get going everyone," Nyx said, leading the way.
What followed was a few minutes walk through what seemed like a maze, to finally reach a large laboratory within the castle. This laboratory was a rather strange one, with a strong bluish-green hue all around. Vials and books were strewn all over the tables, as with some other strange items that did not interest Serene. At present, she was more pleased to be in a darker area. The lack of sunlight in this area charged her with energy she didn’t have earlier.
Just as she looked back over to Nyx, she had already addressed the professor. There was a crash before a nearly bald old man appeared. He was dressed in a lab coat, and certainly seemed like what Nyx called him- ‘professor’.
She then bore with his rather grumpy-sounding exchange with Nyx. She only managed to hold back a frown when he went on to mention the reward. ‘Fifteen thousand Xilos,’ She scoffed to herself internally. ‘Why, I could easily get more than this paltry sum for almost any mercenary job!’
The professor started to push Nyx out of the laboratory, leaving Serene with little choice but to follow. Outside, Nyx said," Are you two still up for the job, I shall be departing soon and little rookie Jackson here doesn't have a choice but to do so as well."
Although the pay was pathetic, the prospects of gaining new allies in this unknown land were very tempting to Serene- more so if the Predator’s League which she had just joined were regarded as a negative presence. She had joined it thinking it would be a guild that merely believes themselves of higher standing than humans.
Serene replied with an affirmative nod,” I’m still in.”
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Jackson tapped on his armor when Nyx mentioned it. Even if it was rookie armor, it gave him the mobility he needed to utilize his greatest strength... Which was coincidentally not his strength but speed and agility. Then he laughed at the comment suggesting he wasn't an ass. It was true enough, some of the higher ranking knights were indeed asses, although he wouldn't say it to their faces. Experience and respect and all that good stuff and all.
Then he looked down the new mage that had just joined them. Theryl. His first impression about this man was that he was squirrelly. He just let it go however and followed the group to the professor. He had already met the professor once, and knew what to expect, he just didn't enjoy it. He was after all, conscripted to this assignment. As the man was talking to the group, Jackson wasn't completely listening, instead looking at all the odd baubles the man had in the lab.
Suddenly, the group was shooed out the lab. Jackson just leaned on his elbow against the nearby wall. "I.. Really don't like that man." He said with emphasis on really. However, he had a job to do, and he planned to do it to the best of his ability. Even if it was collecting "Sediments" Whatever they were. Then his head jerked towards Nyx. "Little rookie? Ouch, I am hurt." He said with a mock look of sadness and placed his hand where his heart would be. His face then broke and showed a smile.
Then he looked down the new mage that had just joined them. Theryl. His first impression about this man was that he was squirrelly. He just let it go however and followed the group to the professor. He had already met the professor once, and knew what to expect, he just didn't enjoy it. He was after all, conscripted to this assignment. As the man was talking to the group, Jackson wasn't completely listening, instead looking at all the odd baubles the man had in the lab.
Suddenly, the group was shooed out the lab. Jackson just leaned on his elbow against the nearby wall. "I.. Really don't like that man." He said with emphasis on really. However, he had a job to do, and he planned to do it to the best of his ability. Even if it was collecting "Sediments" Whatever they were. Then his head jerked towards Nyx. "Little rookie? Ouch, I am hurt." He said with a mock look of sadness and placed his hand where his heart would be. His face then broke and showed a smile.
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"Well...." Nyx paused and look over at Theryl and then smiled at him and said, "I'll assume that you need the money judging by the fact that that book at water damage and you wouldn't have showed up if you didn't." She looked at the others and added, "Let's give each other time to prepare. It takes about half a day to get there if we don't encounter any issues on the way there, no telling how easy some of these things will be to find, and then a half a day back. So we're looking at a two day trip if everything goes according to plan. So lets meet up at the West Gate in an hour," she stated then she started to walk forward and turned back to face them, "I'm sorry I feel like I'm barking orders. I just wanna say that I'm not anyone's leader," she stated then went to walk again but as she turned a man crossed in front of her path. He was walking with two knights and idly and he stopped and looked at Nyx.
"Well, well, well, look at what the cat dragged in," he stated with a chuckle."Little Nyxie, do what do we owe the horror of being omened with your presence?"he added in a sarcastic tone.
"That's certainly none of your business now is it Lyros?" she returned in a similar tone and then moved passed him. Oddly enough as he did he bowed seemingly respectfully to her, "Don't do that," she added.
She lead the others to the door that would lead to the office where they had all met up and then looked at them with a her peaceful calm stare and said, "So, the West Gate in one hour, okay everyone? Oh and don't forget to report to your captain before you set off Jackson," she said teasingly and then waved him off. "Well I suppose I'll be off then," she added and then waved good bye to Serene and Theryl. The rain had stopped for the time but it appeared as if a storm had only just moved in. The sky was completely overcast now and the streets were damp and for the most part empty.
Nyx walked quietly down the streets back to her apartment building. She stepped inside and went to her apartment to prepare. Which for her was simple putting the umbrella up, grabbing a few small things that may be useful as well as a change of clothes just in case. She took off her earrings and tapped on one. It started to shine a purple light and the things she just packed disappeared into the largest gem in the center of it. She did the same with the others and the book the professor had handed her and some voles and containers she had laying around went into it. She smiled and put her earrings back on. She thought the magic to be grand even though she knew it was merely a small spell with a limited capacity placed on it. She had received them as a gift from the head master of the magic academy when she became a student teacher and he found she was beginning to study dimension magic.
She killed some time organizing a bit around her room and then stopped to look at her desk and the two books she had gotten earlier. She sighed knowing if she started to read them now she'd become engrossed in them and would miss the time she herself set to meet with the others. Finally she walked out of her apartment and locked it and walked down to the West gate. She was a bit early, by about five minutes or so, she looked up at the sky again after she made it there. the clouds had gotten much darker and she sighed. "This doesn't bode well for our progress," she muttered as she waited patiently for the others to arrive and as she did she started to space out somewhat and become lost in thought.
"Well, well, well, look at what the cat dragged in," he stated with a chuckle."Little Nyxie, do what do we owe the horror of being omened with your presence?"he added in a sarcastic tone.
"That's certainly none of your business now is it Lyros?" she returned in a similar tone and then moved passed him. Oddly enough as he did he bowed seemingly respectfully to her, "Don't do that," she added.
She lead the others to the door that would lead to the office where they had all met up and then looked at them with a her peaceful calm stare and said, "So, the West Gate in one hour, okay everyone? Oh and don't forget to report to your captain before you set off Jackson," she said teasingly and then waved him off. "Well I suppose I'll be off then," she added and then waved good bye to Serene and Theryl. The rain had stopped for the time but it appeared as if a storm had only just moved in. The sky was completely overcast now and the streets were damp and for the most part empty.
Nyx walked quietly down the streets back to her apartment building. She stepped inside and went to her apartment to prepare. Which for her was simple putting the umbrella up, grabbing a few small things that may be useful as well as a change of clothes just in case. She took off her earrings and tapped on one. It started to shine a purple light and the things she just packed disappeared into the largest gem in the center of it. She did the same with the others and the book the professor had handed her and some voles and containers she had laying around went into it. She smiled and put her earrings back on. She thought the magic to be grand even though she knew it was merely a small spell with a limited capacity placed on it. She had received them as a gift from the head master of the magic academy when she became a student teacher and he found she was beginning to study dimension magic.
She killed some time organizing a bit around her room and then stopped to look at her desk and the two books she had gotten earlier. She sighed knowing if she started to read them now she'd become engrossed in them and would miss the time she herself set to meet with the others. Finally she walked out of her apartment and locked it and walked down to the West gate. She was a bit early, by about five minutes or so, she looked up at the sky again after she made it there. the clouds had gotten much darker and she sighed. "This doesn't bode well for our progress," she muttered as she waited patiently for the others to arrive and as she did she started to space out somewhat and become lost in thought.
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"So, the West Gate in one hour, okay everyone? Oh and don't forget to report to your captain before you set off Jackson,". Jackson shuddered. "I suppose I'll have too... Can't sneak out on that one. She would end up finding me," Jackson said. "Well, in an hour. West Gate. Got it," He said as he began towards the private area he figured Captain Linth would be. Reading a dusty old tome probably. He smiled at the thought
Within minutes he was at her door. It had taken him a bit, considering the castle was a big place. He had to ask directions multiple times, but in the end he made it... Now came the hard part. He knocked on the heavy door before he entered. He looked around the room for a moment before he saw her in the window sill.
His eyes flickered with amusement as he realized she was in fact reading a book. He shook the gleam out of his eyes and stood at attention. He then saluted her and began, "Captain Linth Ma'am. I'm about to set off on the mission that the Professor had provided. It turned out to be Me, Nyx Xenerose, a fellow named Theryl Dysilis, and another lass named Serene Glacier. Serene is a vampire and part of the Predator's League but she seems nice enough." He said finishing up his report-like sentence.
Within minutes he was at her door. It had taken him a bit, considering the castle was a big place. He had to ask directions multiple times, but in the end he made it... Now came the hard part. He knocked on the heavy door before he entered. He looked around the room for a moment before he saw her in the window sill.
His eyes flickered with amusement as he realized she was in fact reading a book. He shook the gleam out of his eyes and stood at attention. He then saluted her and began, "Captain Linth Ma'am. I'm about to set off on the mission that the Professor had provided. It turned out to be Me, Nyx Xenerose, a fellow named Theryl Dysilis, and another lass named Serene Glacier. Serene is a vampire and part of the Predator's League but she seems nice enough." He said finishing up his report-like sentence.
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Linth silently turned the page of her books, another chapter finished, another chapter to be read. 'Channeling the Energy' it was called, the blood elf knowing this without even glancing at the page. She had read this tome several times before, the art of lightning magic was just within her grasp, all concepts understood in quiet knowledge. Somehow, the elusive bolts seem to elude her, slipping every time she brought on the storms. The rains today was even called down by this elf in an attempt at lighting again.
"Good thing Kronoff didn't know it was her that made it rain," she snickers on the inside but quickly returns to a somber train of thought.
The approach of the young rookie knight had barely called her attention back to reality. Odd how she closed the book to one that was so new instead of conversing with him in a similar manner to Sir Brackenridge.
"Captain Linth Ma'am. I'm about to set off on the mission that the Professor had provided. It turned out to be Me, Nyx Xenerose, a fellow named Theryl Dysilis, and another lass named Serene Glacier. Serene is a vampire and part of the Predator's League but she seems nice enough." He said finishing up his report-like sentence.
Linth silently stared at the rookie, processing the information given with due process. Not all of this was new, though she seemed a bit...off at the mention of Serene. A name that seemed quite familiar to her...Realization washed over the elf, the normal unfeeling expression was slightly pulled into a shock, eyes widening; but only very slightly.
She stood in a graceful, a bit sudden motion, the green robe that adorned her shoulders shifting, the silken cloth shinning in her motion.
"Very good then. I will be accompanying you and your companions during your mission then. Prepare quickly." Her tone was hard and curt, and with that, she was off in silent rush that would not be visible to anyone but her. This 'Serene', one that she knows from quite a while ago, though mostly from rumors, they have been effecting each other indirectly as well. Many times, she had to change plans or improvise from the mercenaries of this world. There would be no way that a knight of hers, no matter how inexperienced would be put in such a dangerous position with such a person. Linth was cold, but that didn't mean that she was heartless.
She arrived at the doors which Jackson had just left, knocking with a firm had before entering.
"Professor Alkenhien, I request details for your Class A mission assigned to the group lead by Nyx Xenerose and Jackson O'Tera, a knight under my command. I feel the need to accompany them during their task." Short, sweet, and to the point.
"Good thing Kronoff didn't know it was her that made it rain," she snickers on the inside but quickly returns to a somber train of thought.
The approach of the young rookie knight had barely called her attention back to reality. Odd how she closed the book to one that was so new instead of conversing with him in a similar manner to Sir Brackenridge.
"Captain Linth Ma'am. I'm about to set off on the mission that the Professor had provided. It turned out to be Me, Nyx Xenerose, a fellow named Theryl Dysilis, and another lass named Serene Glacier. Serene is a vampire and part of the Predator's League but she seems nice enough." He said finishing up his report-like sentence.
Linth silently stared at the rookie, processing the information given with due process. Not all of this was new, though she seemed a bit...off at the mention of Serene. A name that seemed quite familiar to her...Realization washed over the elf, the normal unfeeling expression was slightly pulled into a shock, eyes widening; but only very slightly.
She stood in a graceful, a bit sudden motion, the green robe that adorned her shoulders shifting, the silken cloth shinning in her motion.
"Very good then. I will be accompanying you and your companions during your mission then. Prepare quickly." Her tone was hard and curt, and with that, she was off in silent rush that would not be visible to anyone but her. This 'Serene', one that she knows from quite a while ago, though mostly from rumors, they have been effecting each other indirectly as well. Many times, she had to change plans or improvise from the mercenaries of this world. There would be no way that a knight of hers, no matter how inexperienced would be put in such a dangerous position with such a person. Linth was cold, but that didn't mean that she was heartless.
She arrived at the doors which Jackson had just left, knocking with a firm had before entering.
"Professor Alkenhien, I request details for your Class A mission assigned to the group lead by Nyx Xenerose and Jackson O'Tera, a knight under my command. I feel the need to accompany them during their task." Short, sweet, and to the point.
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"Confounded!" the professor yelled as another voice sounded in his lab startling him. He spilled too much of one liquid into another and a small blast of smoke covered his face in soot and put some of the little hair he had on fire. "Woman I'm going to blow this whole place up if you people keep barging in!" he yelled as he got up and walk over to Linth in a slump trying to get the soot off his face. He was familiar with Linth having seen her a lot around the castle and assigned brigades she was in at the time missions occasionally. Despite his grouchiness towards her he actually like her because she wasn't afraid to speak her mind to certain degrees and did the jobs given to her efficiently.
"And I don't have enough hair left to be catching what I do have on fire!" he added with a stamp of his foot. The he regained himself and looked up at her. "As for the mission, they're going to Darkling Crevice Gorge to retrieve some specimens for my research, with a reward of fifteen thousand xilos. There's no real monster threat there that I know of and I'm sure even they could handle a few bandits. You shouldn't bother wasting your time," he added as he turned and went back to his research.
Just then Lyros entered the room with two knights following in suit. Lyros nodded to Linth in acknowledgment and then said, "Professor you have need of my brigade?" he asked in an official work like tone.
"Bah yes yes, I need you to get a rook egg from the southern cliffs. The sooner you get it and get back the better the compensation," the professor stated bluntly as he flipped through a book tired of walking up to people and stopping his research to talk to them.
Lyros did a slight bow to the professor and Linth and then he and the two knights left. "The gate that leads directly to the road for the cliffs is closed right now the West Gate has the second quickest route. Lets move out men!" he said. He and his two following knights went to the stables and got on their horses and left for the West Gate. As he did he saw Nyx and couldn't help but slow to talk he signaled for his knights to keep going knowing they knew he'd easily catch up, so they went on.
"My my seems we've crossed paths again Nyxie, I wonder if that will cancel the omen you gave me earlier," he said mockingly to her.
Nyx had been looking out over the bridge just out of the gate when Lyros showed up. She turned to face him and looked at him with an emotionless stare. "Don't call me that you pompous fool," she said calmly to him even though one could tell she was agitated.
"Pompous fool? Ha! I believe you still owe me your life little Nyxie. One day my glory will be known through out the land!" he said arrogantly.
"I'll be sure to carve that on your epitaph," Nyx said as a slight smile came on her face. Her eyes locked with Lyros' and it seemed like an understanding of each others souls was shared between them somehow. Lyros lightly flicked his horse's reigns and then took off to catch up with his brigade.
"And I don't have enough hair left to be catching what I do have on fire!" he added with a stamp of his foot. The he regained himself and looked up at her. "As for the mission, they're going to Darkling Crevice Gorge to retrieve some specimens for my research, with a reward of fifteen thousand xilos. There's no real monster threat there that I know of and I'm sure even they could handle a few bandits. You shouldn't bother wasting your time," he added as he turned and went back to his research.
Just then Lyros entered the room with two knights following in suit. Lyros nodded to Linth in acknowledgment and then said, "Professor you have need of my brigade?" he asked in an official work like tone.
"Bah yes yes, I need you to get a rook egg from the southern cliffs. The sooner you get it and get back the better the compensation," the professor stated bluntly as he flipped through a book tired of walking up to people and stopping his research to talk to them.
Lyros did a slight bow to the professor and Linth and then he and the two knights left. "The gate that leads directly to the road for the cliffs is closed right now the West Gate has the second quickest route. Lets move out men!" he said. He and his two following knights went to the stables and got on their horses and left for the West Gate. As he did he saw Nyx and couldn't help but slow to talk he signaled for his knights to keep going knowing they knew he'd easily catch up, so they went on.
"My my seems we've crossed paths again Nyxie, I wonder if that will cancel the omen you gave me earlier," he said mockingly to her.
Nyx had been looking out over the bridge just out of the gate when Lyros showed up. She turned to face him and looked at him with an emotionless stare. "Don't call me that you pompous fool," she said calmly to him even though one could tell she was agitated.
"Pompous fool? Ha! I believe you still owe me your life little Nyxie. One day my glory will be known through out the land!" he said arrogantly.
"I'll be sure to carve that on your epitaph," Nyx said as a slight smile came on her face. Her eyes locked with Lyros' and it seemed like an understanding of each others souls was shared between them somehow. Lyros lightly flicked his horse's reigns and then took off to catch up with his brigade.
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Jackson stood agape as his Captain announced she would be joining them. He also noticed her reaction when he told her about Serene. He wanted to pry, but knew better. He had other things to worry about, like making sure he didn't screw up in front of his captain. She had just added an entire different layer of difficulty on the once seemingly easy mission. He made completely sure none of his thoughts was revealed through his facial expressions.
Then she told Jackson to prepare his things. He saluted again and said, "Yes Ma'am." and left through the same door he had entered. Outside her door he leaned up against the wall adjacent. "And so the plot thickens..." He mumbled to himself. He stood for a moment outside her door before leaving for the west gate. Luckily for him he had always traveled light, usually carrying everything that made him battle ready on his person at all times. He liked the weight of his equipment, although it wasn't that heavy.
Before he knew it he was outside the castle doors and began to make his way to the west gate. On his way, he passed the same Tavern as before. He longed to walk in and order a bottle of beer. He looked up at the sky and guessed he still had about half an hour left. So he walked in the Tavern and sat at the bar, where he ordered a pint of their beer. "Aye lad, don't ye have some knightly duties to attend to?" The barkeep asked. "Yeah, but I have time for a good drink. One good drink anyway." He said tipping the mug in his mouth. within twenty minutes Jackson had finished the pint and began to pay... When he realized he was broke. He smiled at the barkeep. "I'll pay you when I get back? I'm doing a job today and I'll pay when I can." Jackson said. "Pah, you knights do what ye want anyway. Go on then, I expect payment soon lad." And with that, Jackson left the bar feeling a bit better. He began his trek to the gate once more.
Soon, he noticed Nyx on the bridge talking to another knight on a horse. "Pompous fool? Ha! I believe you still owe me your life little Nyxie. One day my glory will be known through out the land!" He heard the knight say. Then he took off towards his brigade.
Jackson nonchalantly walked up beside Nyx. "Knights huh? Bunch of arrogant fellows, wouldn't you agree?" He asked Nyx with a smirk. "Such being as it may, Brigade Captain Linth will be coming with us." he said with a sigh.
Then she told Jackson to prepare his things. He saluted again and said, "Yes Ma'am." and left through the same door he had entered. Outside her door he leaned up against the wall adjacent. "And so the plot thickens..." He mumbled to himself. He stood for a moment outside her door before leaving for the west gate. Luckily for him he had always traveled light, usually carrying everything that made him battle ready on his person at all times. He liked the weight of his equipment, although it wasn't that heavy.
Before he knew it he was outside the castle doors and began to make his way to the west gate. On his way, he passed the same Tavern as before. He longed to walk in and order a bottle of beer. He looked up at the sky and guessed he still had about half an hour left. So he walked in the Tavern and sat at the bar, where he ordered a pint of their beer. "Aye lad, don't ye have some knightly duties to attend to?" The barkeep asked. "Yeah, but I have time for a good drink. One good drink anyway." He said tipping the mug in his mouth. within twenty minutes Jackson had finished the pint and began to pay... When he realized he was broke. He smiled at the barkeep. "I'll pay you when I get back? I'm doing a job today and I'll pay when I can." Jackson said. "Pah, you knights do what ye want anyway. Go on then, I expect payment soon lad." And with that, Jackson left the bar feeling a bit better. He began his trek to the gate once more.
Soon, he noticed Nyx on the bridge talking to another knight on a horse. "Pompous fool? Ha! I believe you still owe me your life little Nyxie. One day my glory will be known through out the land!" He heard the knight say. Then he took off towards his brigade.
Jackson nonchalantly walked up beside Nyx. "Knights huh? Bunch of arrogant fellows, wouldn't you agree?" He asked Nyx with a smirk. "Such being as it may, Brigade Captain Linth will be coming with us." he said with a sigh.
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Nyx watched Lyros leave and sighed, "He's not worth the trouble I'd get in for making him mentally break down with magic...." she said to herself and rubbed her temple with her palm. Just then Jackson walked up to her and said something about knights being arrogant.
She lifted herself to sit on the bridge railing and sighed again. Her dress ruffled slightly in the breeze and she looked up again. "Oh is she now? I hear good things about her but I've never worked with her before," Nyx stated calmly. She let the silence go on for a moment more then said "He has reason to be arrogant, he's one of the best and most loyal knights in the whole kingdom." She paused as if she were remembering something, "When he's not around me he's not that bad of a guy really.... I... bring the worst out in him." she said with a bitter smile on her face. She looked over at Jackson and the breeze picked up again pulling her bangs in front of her face. She tucked them behind her ears and went on, "We have a history, he's not like that to anyone he meets on the drop of a hat. We've known each other for about sixteen years now, I've put him through a lot. Now if being bitter to me helps him then I shall be the rival he needs." she said with her usual somber smile returning to her face replacing the bitter one.
"I don't think you want to stand there and listen to me drone on about my past so I'll stop. We didn't get much time to talk the last times we worked together, but I can smell that booze so I guess you find the atmosphere of the pub to be nice as well. I prefer the Bloodthistle Tavern, it gets a bad reputation because it's in the part of the city that Thief Guild members reside and can be found in, and a lot of them are in the bar at all times, but it's still a good bar if you avoid trouble, and they even have a casino in the back room if you're into betting. I personally don't like to waste my money myself. What's your favorite pub here?" she asked trying the lighten and change the subject while they waited for the others to arrive.
She lifted herself to sit on the bridge railing and sighed again. Her dress ruffled slightly in the breeze and she looked up again. "Oh is she now? I hear good things about her but I've never worked with her before," Nyx stated calmly. She let the silence go on for a moment more then said "He has reason to be arrogant, he's one of the best and most loyal knights in the whole kingdom." She paused as if she were remembering something, "When he's not around me he's not that bad of a guy really.... I... bring the worst out in him." she said with a bitter smile on her face. She looked over at Jackson and the breeze picked up again pulling her bangs in front of her face. She tucked them behind her ears and went on, "We have a history, he's not like that to anyone he meets on the drop of a hat. We've known each other for about sixteen years now, I've put him through a lot. Now if being bitter to me helps him then I shall be the rival he needs." she said with her usual somber smile returning to her face replacing the bitter one.
"I don't think you want to stand there and listen to me drone on about my past so I'll stop. We didn't get much time to talk the last times we worked together, but I can smell that booze so I guess you find the atmosphere of the pub to be nice as well. I prefer the Bloodthistle Tavern, it gets a bad reputation because it's in the part of the city that Thief Guild members reside and can be found in, and a lot of them are in the bar at all times, but it's still a good bar if you avoid trouble, and they even have a casino in the back room if you're into betting. I personally don't like to waste my money myself. What's your favorite pub here?" she asked trying the lighten and change the subject while they waited for the others to arrive.
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[Interior of the Bloodthistle Tavern]
Numerous sweaty patrons claw and grope at the waitresses as they pass. Everywhere men crowd together over games of chance, spilling the liquid of their mugs all over the tables and cards. In the front near the door however, several particularly drunk members of the Thieves’ Guild have slouched in their chairs and fallen asleep with mugs still in hand. Sound asleep sitting up; despite the loud jig being played by the 4 man band in the back corner. In their minds they are surrounded by a myriad of brilliant colors, wondrous shapes and sounds, and amazing, exotic animals they could never have imagined on their own. Slowly drifting through a dazzling wonderland of imagination and experience they dream without a care. Meanwhile, a strange Elf with a large green Top Hat moves quickly and silently through the group, taking their purses, jewelry and even the Elf’s shoes.
These have just enough point without saying, hey baby, have you checked out my pointy shoes? Perfect!
A hooded man enters the Tavern and proceeds immediately towards the sleeping victims. Just as the Elf grabs the final piece of gold from his sleeping victim’s pocket, the hooded man grabs the Elf’s arm.
“You destroyed my wife! How could you do that to her! She had no idea what she was doing, agreeing to that! I’ll kill you!”
Nearly screaming but with a smooth professionalism that only came with practice the Elf addressed the crowd. “Ladies and Gentlemen! If you will please come and gather around me! This Nobleman is an unsatisfied customer. He believes that I have treated him unfairly and that I didn’t give his wife what she asked of me!”
His voice changed to a steady and audible, but sustainable tone. “Now as I have successfully concluded ‘contracts’ with a few of you fine people in this great and beautiful Capital City, I want to make sure that you all know me to be a man of my word. So I will demonstrate this for you all now.”
The Elf changed the volume of his voice again, it was just above a whisper so it could barely be heard even right in the Nobleman’s ear. “I have placed the same magical poison I used on your wife in the drinks of all the patrons of this Tavern. If you desire a confrontation they will all begin to dream and hallucinate that you are some sort of blood crazed beast that must be subdued and killed. If you’re lucky they will stop there. Some of these guys look a little peckish, they may try to cook and eat you afterwards.”
A large grin slowly crept across the Elf’s face. The Nobleman took a step back. He looked down at the floor for a moment, then up at the Elf in defiance again, then back at the floor.
“Alright. I will go quietly”, the Nobleman whispered. “I was mistaken! My grief blinded me, my wife did indeed receive the benefit of her contract!”
It’s not gonna be that easy.
The drunkards at the far table laughed hysterically as the nobleman clung to the floor in a ball, screaming at the top of his lungs.
“No stay away! Get back you brutes! I am a Human! Someone help me! I don’t want to die alone!”
That will do for now I suppose.
Moving in close again so none of the other customers could hear him, the Elf leaned in and spoke calmly to the Noblemen. “I only drugged your drink when I first saw you enter the Tavern over an hour ago, idiot. Next time don’t take so long working up the courage to come over to me. And besides, I gave her exactly what she wanted. A beautiful, never ending dream where her daughter, the one you killed with your greed, not mine, is still alive.”
The Elf began moving towards the back of the Tavern, the majority of the eyes seated at the bar and the near tables now on him.
“Now Ladies and Gentlemen! I will be moving to the back room to deal a blackjack game! All comers welcome! 2 crown minimum per hand, double down for up to four times the winnings! Blackjack pays twice the winnings right on deal! Come one come all!”
Numerous sweaty patrons claw and grope at the waitresses as they pass. Everywhere men crowd together over games of chance, spilling the liquid of their mugs all over the tables and cards. In the front near the door however, several particularly drunk members of the Thieves’ Guild have slouched in their chairs and fallen asleep with mugs still in hand. Sound asleep sitting up; despite the loud jig being played by the 4 man band in the back corner. In their minds they are surrounded by a myriad of brilliant colors, wondrous shapes and sounds, and amazing, exotic animals they could never have imagined on their own. Slowly drifting through a dazzling wonderland of imagination and experience they dream without a care. Meanwhile, a strange Elf with a large green Top Hat moves quickly and silently through the group, taking their purses, jewelry and even the Elf’s shoes.
These have just enough point without saying, hey baby, have you checked out my pointy shoes? Perfect!
A hooded man enters the Tavern and proceeds immediately towards the sleeping victims. Just as the Elf grabs the final piece of gold from his sleeping victim’s pocket, the hooded man grabs the Elf’s arm.
“You destroyed my wife! How could you do that to her! She had no idea what she was doing, agreeing to that! I’ll kill you!”
Nearly screaming but with a smooth professionalism that only came with practice the Elf addressed the crowd. “Ladies and Gentlemen! If you will please come and gather around me! This Nobleman is an unsatisfied customer. He believes that I have treated him unfairly and that I didn’t give his wife what she asked of me!”
His voice changed to a steady and audible, but sustainable tone. “Now as I have successfully concluded ‘contracts’ with a few of you fine people in this great and beautiful Capital City, I want to make sure that you all know me to be a man of my word. So I will demonstrate this for you all now.”
The Elf changed the volume of his voice again, it was just above a whisper so it could barely be heard even right in the Nobleman’s ear. “I have placed the same magical poison I used on your wife in the drinks of all the patrons of this Tavern. If you desire a confrontation they will all begin to dream and hallucinate that you are some sort of blood crazed beast that must be subdued and killed. If you’re lucky they will stop there. Some of these guys look a little peckish, they may try to cook and eat you afterwards.”
A large grin slowly crept across the Elf’s face. The Nobleman took a step back. He looked down at the floor for a moment, then up at the Elf in defiance again, then back at the floor.
“Alright. I will go quietly”, the Nobleman whispered. “I was mistaken! My grief blinded me, my wife did indeed receive the benefit of her contract!”
It’s not gonna be that easy.
The drunkards at the far table laughed hysterically as the nobleman clung to the floor in a ball, screaming at the top of his lungs.
“No stay away! Get back you brutes! I am a Human! Someone help me! I don’t want to die alone!”
That will do for now I suppose.
Moving in close again so none of the other customers could hear him, the Elf leaned in and spoke calmly to the Noblemen. “I only drugged your drink when I first saw you enter the Tavern over an hour ago, idiot. Next time don’t take so long working up the courage to come over to me. And besides, I gave her exactly what she wanted. A beautiful, never ending dream where her daughter, the one you killed with your greed, not mine, is still alive.”
The Elf began moving towards the back of the Tavern, the majority of the eyes seated at the bar and the near tables now on him.
“Now Ladies and Gentlemen! I will be moving to the back room to deal a blackjack game! All comers welcome! 2 crown minimum per hand, double down for up to four times the winnings! Blackjack pays twice the winnings right on deal! Come one come all!”
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The words of Lyros irritated Serene somewhat. Although she had no form of affection for Nyx, the arrogance this knight exuded got on her nerves. Nevertheless, Nyx seemed to brush him off lightly. As they left, the knight, Lyros, bowed in a fancy show of mock respect. "Don't do that,” Nyx said.
Serene smirked,” No, keep doing that, low-life.” She made sure the knight could hear clearly her every words. The group made their way up to where they had previously met up. It was then set for the entire group to meet at the West Gate in an hour’s time. However, an hour to prepare meant an hour of boredom, because Serene had nothing to pack.
If it was a matter of clothing, it wasn’t her concern, because she didn’t think the trip was going to be that long. Food wasn’t a problem either, for it can be resolved in a matter of minutes. Weaponry was the last thing she would worry. She had always kept her sword, the Danse Macabre in an alternate dimension with the magic she knew. Having noted all these, she couldn’t help but wonder how she would manage an hour.
As she focused back on reality, Nyx had already left the group, leaving Serene and Theryl. Unwilling to stay with Theryl, Serene quickly took her leave. “I’ll be off first then,” She says as she broke into a sprint outside the castle. Since there was nothing to do, she might as well hunt down some animals to feed herself.
The moment she had her fill in some unknown plains outside the city, she quickly returned. In her moment of frenzy, she had lost track of time. However, she certainly wouldn’t need to drink blood for quite some time. By this time, the sky was much darker than before. Majority of the sunlight was now completely blocked out, and this made Serene more comfortable than ever.
Feeling her mood getting better, she continued on to the West Gate, only to see Jackson and Nyx already there. Theryl was still nowhere to be found. Ignoring that fact, she goes up to the two and greets them,” Hello. Am I late?”
Serene smirked,” No, keep doing that, low-life.” She made sure the knight could hear clearly her every words. The group made their way up to where they had previously met up. It was then set for the entire group to meet at the West Gate in an hour’s time. However, an hour to prepare meant an hour of boredom, because Serene had nothing to pack.
If it was a matter of clothing, it wasn’t her concern, because she didn’t think the trip was going to be that long. Food wasn’t a problem either, for it can be resolved in a matter of minutes. Weaponry was the last thing she would worry. She had always kept her sword, the Danse Macabre in an alternate dimension with the magic she knew. Having noted all these, she couldn’t help but wonder how she would manage an hour.
As she focused back on reality, Nyx had already left the group, leaving Serene and Theryl. Unwilling to stay with Theryl, Serene quickly took her leave. “I’ll be off first then,” She says as she broke into a sprint outside the castle. Since there was nothing to do, she might as well hunt down some animals to feed herself.
The moment she had her fill in some unknown plains outside the city, she quickly returned. In her moment of frenzy, she had lost track of time. However, she certainly wouldn’t need to drink blood for quite some time. By this time, the sky was much darker than before. Majority of the sunlight was now completely blocked out, and this made Serene more comfortable than ever.
Feeling her mood getting better, she continued on to the West Gate, only to see Jackson and Nyx already there. Theryl was still nowhere to be found. Ignoring that fact, she goes up to the two and greets them,” Hello. Am I late?”
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"As for the mission, they're going to Darkling Crevice Gorge to retrieve some specimens for my research, with a reward of fifteen thousand xilos. There's no real monster threat there that I know of and I'm sure even they could handle a few bandits. You shouldn't bother wasting your time,"
Linth did not flinch at this, in fact, she hardly showed a sign of emotion on her face; a mask always worn when dealing with business as such. With a swift, graceful bow, she muttered her thanks and was off once again thought those double oaken doors. She made her way around the castle knowingly, having been though several times. As she passed with silence, several lower ranks were forced to split and salt, though several noticeable ones did not. In a normal situation, Linth would have jeered back at them, challenging all those to a duel but today, she was much to busy.
The blood elf paused momentary at the door that lead into her own quarters, turning the knob with a few squeaks here and there. A few steps inside, the room was certainly a reflection of its occupant. Gentle silvery material draped her windows and covered her bed. The jade colored walls had a calming effect with the dark wood that was set into the floor. A small table and chair were placed near the window, several books sitting in wait for their pages to be opened.
Very few things were needed for the trip. There was no need for change in clothing as her robe covered her leather armor and her sword was already strapped to her side. The book that she had been reading earlier was tossed onto the table along with the others. Among the room, several small things were taken; a small dagger, a short communication scroll, and the most non-essential of them all: a hair pin.
Linth calmly walked, as she never hurried, along towards the west gate, informing Sir Brackenridge who had just seemed to returned from the message relay that she would be out and that he was to take charge of normal Brigade matters for the time she is gone. As the west gate approached, she adjusted her tempo a bit, recognizing the figure of Jackson and tensing just slightly; oh so very slightly, at the sight of the vampire.
"...Good afternoon..." greeting them with a nod as it was only polite. The blood elf kept a bit off from the group, but close enough to hear that was said.
Linth did not flinch at this, in fact, she hardly showed a sign of emotion on her face; a mask always worn when dealing with business as such. With a swift, graceful bow, she muttered her thanks and was off once again thought those double oaken doors. She made her way around the castle knowingly, having been though several times. As she passed with silence, several lower ranks were forced to split and salt, though several noticeable ones did not. In a normal situation, Linth would have jeered back at them, challenging all those to a duel but today, she was much to busy.
The blood elf paused momentary at the door that lead into her own quarters, turning the knob with a few squeaks here and there. A few steps inside, the room was certainly a reflection of its occupant. Gentle silvery material draped her windows and covered her bed. The jade colored walls had a calming effect with the dark wood that was set into the floor. A small table and chair were placed near the window, several books sitting in wait for their pages to be opened.
Very few things were needed for the trip. There was no need for change in clothing as her robe covered her leather armor and her sword was already strapped to her side. The book that she had been reading earlier was tossed onto the table along with the others. Among the room, several small things were taken; a small dagger, a short communication scroll, and the most non-essential of them all: a hair pin.
Linth calmly walked, as she never hurried, along towards the west gate, informing Sir Brackenridge who had just seemed to returned from the message relay that she would be out and that he was to take charge of normal Brigade matters for the time she is gone. As the west gate approached, she adjusted her tempo a bit, recognizing the figure of Jackson and tensing just slightly; oh so very slightly, at the sight of the vampire.
"...Good afternoon..." greeting them with a nod as it was only polite. The blood elf kept a bit off from the group, but close enough to hear that was said.
Jackson sat down beside Nyx on the bridge and at this point realized both Linth and Serene had arrived too. "Hello Captain." he said to Linth and said, "No, not late at all." To Serene. He hoped that Linth couldn't smell the alcohol on his breath. He didn't know what she would say, but didn't want to find out either. He really didn't know if she drank and a thought ran through his head. He wondered what she was like drunk?
He turned his attention back to Nyx "Bloodthistle you say? I may have to try that one at some point. I'd guess that the Thieves' Guild sort like their spirits stout. Something I can respect." He added. "I've had my eye on the 'Golden Dragon' tavern for a bit. Kinda pretentious maybe, but if their spirits are as promising, then I have nothing to worry about." He said with a smile. Then his thoughts drifted back to the Knight.
"I'd like to hear this history you two share at some time along the line. History is what makes us, us." He said deeply as he fished out a dog tag from under his shirt and armor. The dog tag was etched to a man named John O'Tera and was ranked Captain. "My father. He was a great Knight from what I've heard. However, no one gives me any leeway because of him, always working me as hard as the others." He said glancing to Linth. He then gave a smirk, "I wouldn't have it any other way." He said.
He turned his attention back to Nyx "Bloodthistle you say? I may have to try that one at some point. I'd guess that the Thieves' Guild sort like their spirits stout. Something I can respect." He added. "I've had my eye on the 'Golden Dragon' tavern for a bit. Kinda pretentious maybe, but if their spirits are as promising, then I have nothing to worry about." He said with a smile. Then his thoughts drifted back to the Knight.
"I'd like to hear this history you two share at some time along the line. History is what makes us, us." He said deeply as he fished out a dog tag from under his shirt and armor. The dog tag was etched to a man named John O'Tera and was ranked Captain. "My father. He was a great Knight from what I've heard. However, no one gives me any leeway because of him, always working me as hard as the others." He said glancing to Linth. He then gave a smirk, "I wouldn't have it any other way." He said.
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Nyx looked from Jackson to Serene as she walked up. She smiled as Serene greeted them and then asked if she was late. "No, you're right on time, now we're just waiting on two more to arrive." Nyx started. She tried to start up some more idle chit chat with bother Jackson and Serene but in only a matter of minutes another figure approached. She recognized the figure as Brigade Captain Linth, she'd never actually net her in person but she had seen her around the city and knew her name.
Linth greeted them and Nyx was the first to return the greeting, "Good afternoon Brigade Captain Linth." She gave a nod to Linth in acknowledgment and then added, "We didn't stay to see if he accepted the missions so we'll wait a little bit longer to see if Theryl joins us."
Nyx returned her attention to Jackson who had started to pick back up on tavern's again. "Ah Golden Dragon actually has the best drinks, and nice crowd as well. Still yet again my history gets in the way so I don't go there often, plus it's so fare away from my housing I'm honestly a bit too lazy to walk across town just for a drink." Nyx stated with a slight chuckle.
She listened to him then talk about his father and smiled, "Having good relationships with family is something precious especially if they are no longer with us." she paused and then added, "And good! You'll need to get worked to the bone if you wish to become a person worthy of being called a knight!" she said it slightly teasingly but it was obvious that she was encouraging him, she already believed he was well on his way to that.
She then moved her attention to Linth and looked at her a bit curiously, "Miss Linth, if you don't mind my asking, what made you want to accompany us on this mission? The territory isn't that big of a threat," she inquired.
Linth greeted them and Nyx was the first to return the greeting, "Good afternoon Brigade Captain Linth." She gave a nod to Linth in acknowledgment and then added, "We didn't stay to see if he accepted the missions so we'll wait a little bit longer to see if Theryl joins us."
Nyx returned her attention to Jackson who had started to pick back up on tavern's again. "Ah Golden Dragon actually has the best drinks, and nice crowd as well. Still yet again my history gets in the way so I don't go there often, plus it's so fare away from my housing I'm honestly a bit too lazy to walk across town just for a drink." Nyx stated with a slight chuckle.
She listened to him then talk about his father and smiled, "Having good relationships with family is something precious especially if they are no longer with us." she paused and then added, "And good! You'll need to get worked to the bone if you wish to become a person worthy of being called a knight!" she said it slightly teasingly but it was obvious that she was encouraging him, she already believed he was well on his way to that.
She then moved her attention to Linth and looked at her a bit curiously, "Miss Linth, if you don't mind my asking, what made you want to accompany us on this mission? The territory isn't that big of a threat," she inquired.
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A lone Elf skipped merrily through the street as he hummed a little tune to himself. Wearing a great pair of pointy new shoes and carrying a purse full of freshly lifted coin, the young Blood Elf was quite pleased with himself and it showed. Tipping his green Top Hat abruptly to a couple of passing female Elves, he rolled the Top Hat off his head onto his shoulder and then down his arm where he flipped it end over end back onto his head just as he repositioned his feet in a little jig. Finishing up in a struck pose complete with jazz hands, both women laughed but continued walking without even breaking stride.
It’s getting there.
The Blood Elf in the green Top Hat continued to hum as he walked through the market, juggling several of the items of jewelry he recently acquired. Normally it would be poor form for a thief to flaunt his recent acquisitions out in the open, where the true owners or other interested parties might see them. However, he wanted someone from the Thieves’ Guild to see him with the jewelry. He wanted the Thieves’ Guild to send someone for them, or better yet for him.
Well, that was obvious enough, should do the trick.
The jewels were safely tucked away inside perfectly fitting pockets of all sizes on the inside of the Elf’s trench coat just as quickly as he had flung them in a circle as he juggled. Although the top of the coat was solid green, the inside pockets were sown in from all types of brightly colored, polka dot, and floral fabrics in various sizes. Without realizing, but arriving exactly as he had expected, the Elf had approached the base of the great towers of the Mage Guild as he walked. Moving quickly through the lobby he walked up to the receptionist sitting at her desk, working on some paper work. A smile curled up in just the corner of his mouth as he approached and removed his Top Hat.
“Excuse me Miss? I am new to the area, a Mage in training of sorts. I would like to throw my name in the ring as it were, for membership in the Guild.”
The receptionist looked him over. Judging him with the benefit of the doubt, she spoke quickly and sternly, “I’m sorry sir but this isn’t the way to go about it. You need to find a Mage to sponsor you first of all. There are all kinds of forms that need to be filled out. You really should have sent correspondence in the mail first; this sort of thing can take time.”
He smiled and listened politely as she spoke, never breaking eye contact. Just as she had finished he spoke abruptly and started to lean over to her across the desk, “Of course, how silly of me. But if you don’t mind me asking, has anyone lost a beautiful necklace? I found it just outside the lobby here and, well, after seeing you….I assumed it must be yours. Miss?”
He slowly placed his hand on hers and without waiting for a response he leaned over and reached behind the receptionist, clasping the necklace in the back as he slowly moved around the desk to the other side with her. As he turned the clasp to latch it, she started to object and moved her hand towards the necklace. He quickly let go of the necklace; simultaneously knocking her pen off the desk.
“I’m terribly sorry! Let me get that for you.” He deftly reached inside his trench coat and removed a little liquid from a bottle concealed in one of his many pockets. As he rose he coated the pen in some of the liquid and placed it back on the desk.
“My mistake for not sending correspondence”, he said softly with a shrug of his shoulders. “But you should seriously consider keeping it if no one comes to claim it. It really suits you. Perhaps I will see you again if I get accepted to training.” He grinned and placing the green Top Hat back on his head, the Elf slowly turned and walked back towards the entrance.
This should be interesting.
It’s getting there.
The Blood Elf in the green Top Hat continued to hum as he walked through the market, juggling several of the items of jewelry he recently acquired. Normally it would be poor form for a thief to flaunt his recent acquisitions out in the open, where the true owners or other interested parties might see them. However, he wanted someone from the Thieves’ Guild to see him with the jewelry. He wanted the Thieves’ Guild to send someone for them, or better yet for him.
Well, that was obvious enough, should do the trick.
The jewels were safely tucked away inside perfectly fitting pockets of all sizes on the inside of the Elf’s trench coat just as quickly as he had flung them in a circle as he juggled. Although the top of the coat was solid green, the inside pockets were sown in from all types of brightly colored, polka dot, and floral fabrics in various sizes. Without realizing, but arriving exactly as he had expected, the Elf had approached the base of the great towers of the Mage Guild as he walked. Moving quickly through the lobby he walked up to the receptionist sitting at her desk, working on some paper work. A smile curled up in just the corner of his mouth as he approached and removed his Top Hat.
“Excuse me Miss? I am new to the area, a Mage in training of sorts. I would like to throw my name in the ring as it were, for membership in the Guild.”
The receptionist looked him over. Judging him with the benefit of the doubt, she spoke quickly and sternly, “I’m sorry sir but this isn’t the way to go about it. You need to find a Mage to sponsor you first of all. There are all kinds of forms that need to be filled out. You really should have sent correspondence in the mail first; this sort of thing can take time.”
He smiled and listened politely as she spoke, never breaking eye contact. Just as she had finished he spoke abruptly and started to lean over to her across the desk, “Of course, how silly of me. But if you don’t mind me asking, has anyone lost a beautiful necklace? I found it just outside the lobby here and, well, after seeing you….I assumed it must be yours. Miss?”
He slowly placed his hand on hers and without waiting for a response he leaned over and reached behind the receptionist, clasping the necklace in the back as he slowly moved around the desk to the other side with her. As he turned the clasp to latch it, she started to object and moved her hand towards the necklace. He quickly let go of the necklace; simultaneously knocking her pen off the desk.
“I’m terribly sorry! Let me get that for you.” He deftly reached inside his trench coat and removed a little liquid from a bottle concealed in one of his many pockets. As he rose he coated the pen in some of the liquid and placed it back on the desk.
“My mistake for not sending correspondence”, he said softly with a shrug of his shoulders. “But you should seriously consider keeping it if no one comes to claim it. It really suits you. Perhaps I will see you again if I get accepted to training.” He grinned and placing the green Top Hat back on his head, the Elf slowly turned and walked back towards the entrance.
This should be interesting.
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Nyx and the others all waited a short while longer to see if Theryl would show up but he didn't. She slide off the side railing of the bridge and smoothed some ruffles out of her dress. She looked up at the others and shrugged slightly, "Guess he didn't need the money after all," she said. "Shall we head off then? This storm is only taking a break, so I want to get as close as we can before we have to take shelter from the rain," she explained and then started to walk with them. The area in front of them was a small meadow that, even on the bridge, you could see a large dense forest on the other side of.
It didn't take long to get in the forest. Aside from the man-made path there were bushes and other shrubbery on the forest floor. Tall trees lined the small road, and in the spaces between them you could see more trees. As they continued to walk Nyx tried starting up more conversation but each one would shortly die. Finally she struck a chord and talked about something all of them had stories of and knew about, hand to hand combat. Mainly though it was her listening to Jackson telling her stories of previous encounters and trainings he's gone through, which brands of weapons he prefers and things of the like.
Time went on and the overcast sky turned dark with the coming of the night. The forest had formed a completely different atmosphere. Things that seemed normal before became a tad bit creepy. Straight standing trees seemed to become warped and twisted. This however wasn't just figments of the imagination. That was the actual forest changing from it's daytime appearance to its night time one. It was a magical forest n the sense that it was actually living. It became more dangerous at night in every way possible it seemed. They continued on for a while longer and then the rain seemed to start pouring down out of nowhere.They had made a greater proportion of their trip anyways and Nyx suggested they stop at a little road side in she knew about in the forest that should have been just a bit up ahead.
They picked up the pace in the rain and made it to the little family run in. They walked inside somewhat damp but fine. The inn was a medium sized two story home. The first floor seemed to have a good deal of the walls that previously divided it into rooms knocked down to make on large lounge. The only walls dividing into other rooms were a wall in the back that lead to where the host of the little inn probably slept, and another to the right that probably held a kitchen of some sort behind its door. To the left were stairs that led to the second floor and in the large lounge of a room were two tables with some chairs around them near a fire place.
An elderly woman came out from the room in the back and looked at them, "Ah come in come in, I was wondering if we'd get anyone driven in from the rain tonight. Come by the fire and dry yourselves off dearies," she said in a kind somewhat craggy voice. She walked behind them and closed the door and moved them to the chairs by the fireplace. The old lady looked over their faces and smiled as if she recalled seeing one or two of them in her inn before. She walked back to her room and brought out four keys for them. "Here you are dearies. I'm afraid these old bones aren't going to make it much longer through the night ha ha ha. If you need something please ask my grandson for help, he's in room 201. It's the first door on the left when you go up stairs." she explained and then made her way back to her room and shut the door.
Only a few moments later the presumed grandson came down the stairs and started to mess around with some papers behind as desk. He was one of those men that had a charm about him that would make any woman describe him as charming or dreamy. He had long black hair puled back in a loose low pony tail, and gray eyes behind a pair of glasses that were rectangular framed and complemented his facial features. Nyx got up and walked over to him dropping a small bag of coins on the desk in front of him. He simply looked at the bag and smiled and thanked her for the donation. Nyx often used this inn when moving through the forests, they didn't ask for money but she always gave them some. She walked back over to the others and sat down.
"Well hopefully you all aren't too weary from the walk, and by you all I mean Miss Linth and Serene, Jackson no one cares if you have complaints," she said in a joking manner to him ash she enjoyed the warmth and comfort of the fireplace.
It didn't take long to get in the forest. Aside from the man-made path there were bushes and other shrubbery on the forest floor. Tall trees lined the small road, and in the spaces between them you could see more trees. As they continued to walk Nyx tried starting up more conversation but each one would shortly die. Finally she struck a chord and talked about something all of them had stories of and knew about, hand to hand combat. Mainly though it was her listening to Jackson telling her stories of previous encounters and trainings he's gone through, which brands of weapons he prefers and things of the like.
Time went on and the overcast sky turned dark with the coming of the night. The forest had formed a completely different atmosphere. Things that seemed normal before became a tad bit creepy. Straight standing trees seemed to become warped and twisted. This however wasn't just figments of the imagination. That was the actual forest changing from it's daytime appearance to its night time one. It was a magical forest n the sense that it was actually living. It became more dangerous at night in every way possible it seemed. They continued on for a while longer and then the rain seemed to start pouring down out of nowhere.They had made a greater proportion of their trip anyways and Nyx suggested they stop at a little road side in she knew about in the forest that should have been just a bit up ahead.
They picked up the pace in the rain and made it to the little family run in. They walked inside somewhat damp but fine. The inn was a medium sized two story home. The first floor seemed to have a good deal of the walls that previously divided it into rooms knocked down to make on large lounge. The only walls dividing into other rooms were a wall in the back that lead to where the host of the little inn probably slept, and another to the right that probably held a kitchen of some sort behind its door. To the left were stairs that led to the second floor and in the large lounge of a room were two tables with some chairs around them near a fire place.
An elderly woman came out from the room in the back and looked at them, "Ah come in come in, I was wondering if we'd get anyone driven in from the rain tonight. Come by the fire and dry yourselves off dearies," she said in a kind somewhat craggy voice. She walked behind them and closed the door and moved them to the chairs by the fireplace. The old lady looked over their faces and smiled as if she recalled seeing one or two of them in her inn before. She walked back to her room and brought out four keys for them. "Here you are dearies. I'm afraid these old bones aren't going to make it much longer through the night ha ha ha. If you need something please ask my grandson for help, he's in room 201. It's the first door on the left when you go up stairs." she explained and then made her way back to her room and shut the door.
Only a few moments later the presumed grandson came down the stairs and started to mess around with some papers behind as desk. He was one of those men that had a charm about him that would make any woman describe him as charming or dreamy. He had long black hair puled back in a loose low pony tail, and gray eyes behind a pair of glasses that were rectangular framed and complemented his facial features. Nyx got up and walked over to him dropping a small bag of coins on the desk in front of him. He simply looked at the bag and smiled and thanked her for the donation. Nyx often used this inn when moving through the forests, they didn't ask for money but she always gave them some. She walked back over to the others and sat down.
"Well hopefully you all aren't too weary from the walk, and by you all I mean Miss Linth and Serene, Jackson no one cares if you have complaints," she said in a joking manner to him ash she enjoyed the warmth and comfort of the fireplace.
Setting
0.00 INK
"Miss Linth, if you don't mind my asking, what made you want to accompany us on this mission? The territory isn't that big of a threat,"
Linth blinks at this in silence, moments passed before it was obvious that she was not going to answer. There was no reason that it should be known, it had nothing to concern Nyx, and honestly, she was a bit lazy to make up an explanation.
As the others started off she continued to keep to the side, enjoying that around her. The satin meadow grass brushing here and there in the wind, the songs of the birds from over in the branches as the thick forest wall parted at their coming. Nyx voice could be heard floating by, she herself answering the bare minimum until the girl would give up; Linth was not the sociable type, to put it simply. A simple conversation did however catch her ear, it was made quite clear what was limit of Jackson's abilities.
Skies above seemed to be stolen of all colors, the trees around them changing. The blood elf did not flinch, this forest was honestly nothing to her. Skies above them seemed to pore water all over them. The blood elf did not flinch, she actually liked rain; natural rain. Nevertheless of whether or not she liked the rain or not, the group traveled to a small inn, attempting to wait the storm over. Ah, these people truly are rookies, Linth thought to herself.
"Here you are dearies. I'm afraid these old bones aren't going to make it much longer through the night ha ha ha. If you need something please ask my grandson for help, he's in room 201. It's the first door on the left when you go up stairs."
The brigade captain nodded in thanks, "We are very grateful Ms."
Seating herself onto one of the chairs closest to the fire, a simple air chair increased the flow of air into the fireplace, the flame growing 2 times it's original size. Linth allowed the warm air to be carried out and around soothingly, hardly having to lift a finger. Sounds of someone approaching was noted, but she did not feel like using the effort of turning her head, simply to see who had come down the stairs.
"Well hopefully you all aren't too weary from the walk, and by you all I mean Miss Linth and Serene, Jackson no one cares if you have complaints,"
She glances warily at Nyx, knowing of the mage's harmless jeer towards her subordinate.
"It was a...pleasant walk..." and, to Linth, it truly was. If this simple mission had been assigned to her and her alone, it would be likely that the Gorge and the samples collected. But this was not her place to say so. All this time, she was evaluating both Nyx and Jackson as strong members of all guilds were important for her to overlook, even the Predator's Guild though for differing reasons.
Linth blinks at this in silence, moments passed before it was obvious that she was not going to answer. There was no reason that it should be known, it had nothing to concern Nyx, and honestly, she was a bit lazy to make up an explanation.
As the others started off she continued to keep to the side, enjoying that around her. The satin meadow grass brushing here and there in the wind, the songs of the birds from over in the branches as the thick forest wall parted at their coming. Nyx voice could be heard floating by, she herself answering the bare minimum until the girl would give up; Linth was not the sociable type, to put it simply. A simple conversation did however catch her ear, it was made quite clear what was limit of Jackson's abilities.
Skies above seemed to be stolen of all colors, the trees around them changing. The blood elf did not flinch, this forest was honestly nothing to her. Skies above them seemed to pore water all over them. The blood elf did not flinch, she actually liked rain; natural rain. Nevertheless of whether or not she liked the rain or not, the group traveled to a small inn, attempting to wait the storm over. Ah, these people truly are rookies, Linth thought to herself.
"Here you are dearies. I'm afraid these old bones aren't going to make it much longer through the night ha ha ha. If you need something please ask my grandson for help, he's in room 201. It's the first door on the left when you go up stairs."
The brigade captain nodded in thanks, "We are very grateful Ms."
Seating herself onto one of the chairs closest to the fire, a simple air chair increased the flow of air into the fireplace, the flame growing 2 times it's original size. Linth allowed the warm air to be carried out and around soothingly, hardly having to lift a finger. Sounds of someone approaching was noted, but she did not feel like using the effort of turning her head, simply to see who had come down the stairs.
"Well hopefully you all aren't too weary from the walk, and by you all I mean Miss Linth and Serene, Jackson no one cares if you have complaints,"
She glances warily at Nyx, knowing of the mage's harmless jeer towards her subordinate.
"It was a...pleasant walk..." and, to Linth, it truly was. If this simple mission had been assigned to her and her alone, it would be likely that the Gorge and the samples collected. But this was not her place to say so. All this time, she was evaluating both Nyx and Jackson as strong members of all guilds were important for her to overlook, even the Predator's Guild though for differing reasons.
Setting
0.00 INK
[Xerania, Mages’ Guild, Alannis de Contarini’s Suite]
The first thing which struck supplicants and superiors alike when they entered Alannis’ set of rooms at the Mages’ Guild was the eerie sense of space, as though he’d twisted the rooms through more dimensions than was usual.
There certainly seemed to be more ornaments, occasionals, plush chairs and recamieres, spindly end-tables and tallboys groaning under the weight of books and artefacts, display cases crackling with defensive wards and so forth than were usually found in such rooms. They also seemed to spiral off at the edges into odd places – Alannis was always ducking and dodging around protruding bits of wall or ornamental colonnades, darting down passageways and up staircases many swore hadn’t existed mere moments before Alannis’ need for them to be there.
In any case, his suite was sumptuously-appointed; rich, exotic hardwoods and fine tapestries and paintings jostled for space with the books overflowing from the many shelves and the fine examples of the mage’s art littered around. It fitted him like a glove, and he knew it well, the sunken main area with its Canova bronzes that he used as a reception room for underling and overling alike, the staircases spiralling up to his bedroom, dining room, study and other incidentals he might require, all as familiar to him as the clothes he wore.
It would have been a thief’s paradise, but for two things; one, Alannis was from old money, and that meant he had all the cunning and guile those who’d hung onto their wealth for centuries – millennia – accumulated.
Secondly, Alannis was a mage, and in a position to make things very uncomfortable for any prospective thief. The wide, mullioned windows crawled and crackled with layer upon layer of protective wards, the walls themselves were embedded with enchantments of misdirection and bedazzlement, and would arc and deform to spear unfortunates who managed to get past that. Bound to the doors and cabinets, safes and desks that ranged around his apartments were a wide variety of otherworldly guardians, from chronotropic imps to fire-born Ilex cats as hot as the core of a star.
In his high-backed, almost throne-like chair, behind which towered an enormous tapestry bearing the intricate crest of the de Contarini, Alannis sat hunched, poring over one of his books, his mind half on the mostly illegible and very valuable text and half on the experiments shimmering in his summoning chambers.
He looked up as rain began to cloak the city, cargoed with a faint, shivering presence of magic even as it beaded his windows and ran in intricate whorls and channels down the leaded glass.
Reacting to the change in magical ambience, even shielded, the experiments Alannis had been conducting began to shift and alter; he reached out with his power and lilting, sibilant words to stabilise their delicate workings; shivering green-tinted distortions in space swirling out from his form, winding elegantly through the pillars and teetering piles of papers to twine amorously around his shining experiments, strengthening their wavering forms and rewriting their blazing lines and curves.
He frowned at an instruction in the book he’d been reading even as he redirected his attention back to the crackling pages. The Collapsing Paradigm had been difficult enough even to track down and had cost him a great deal of money to prise it away from the collector who’d hung grimly onto it – ‘More out of spite,’ Alannis thought sourly, than anything else.
But the information contained within its slowly-disintegrating pages – hidden behind cipher and puzzle - held the leap of thought he required to begin his studies into the fiendishly-complex world of dimensional gates and collapsing distances.
He felt the familiar stirrings of excitement as he began to unravel the first steps. He did so love a challenge, after all. Reading further, his mind beginning to race, he was suddenly jolted from the soaring cogitation on silver wings.
“That can’t be right...” he murmured distractedly, reading again to be sure.
“Pyra’s knickers,” he huffed mildly, frowning at the offending volume. “Nothing in magic is ever easy. Thank goodness I’ll only need the damnable stuff once.” He shivered convulsively. “Phoenix shells and roc eggs and moon-gathered lapis lazuli, whatever next?”
Moon-gathered lapis was, in fairness, a fairly common ingredient in permanency spells – since Alannis was trying to create a permanent dimensional gate, he’d anticipated the need for it and had a large consignment of it in the Guild vaults – but the others were rare and exotic items that the Guild certainly wouldn’t have in stock.
A bit of adventuring, therefore, seemed to be in order – he couldn’t trust it to the bumbling idiots who washed around the job boards, after all. ‘Blast,’ thought Alannis, as the unwelcome prospect came to him. A city academician through and through, he always felt mildly uneasy on surfaces that weren’t paved. Still, there was nothing for it.
Alannis ran over the checklist of items in his signet ring, rubbing a thumb idly over the regal dragon as he paced absently, his boots ringing on the marble and echoing back from the high cupola far above.
‘Collapsible tent...won’t need that for a bit, there’s a little inn in the forest...shooting stick, rations, changes of clothes, soap...’ Alannis’ list went on and on; he didn’t believe in packing light, and certainly not when it all fitted neatly inside a ring, a signet he’d worn for centuries and no longer noticed its slight weight.
With a sigh, he swept his greatcoat about his shoulders and stumped off out of his tower suite and into the Mages’ Guild proper, thence to pass through the city and into the uncivilised wildernesses beyond. The occasional town or hamlet didn’t count as anything even remotely like civilisation, to his mind.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Xeranian Royal Forest, Near the Sylvan Inn]
Alannis was making rather better time than usual as he traipsed through the Royal Forest. The usual overgrown paths he tripped along – grace itself in a city or on a ballroom floor tended to translate itself into a mincing quickstep in the wilds – were wider and flatter than he remembered, much easier to find and more well-marked than he’d expected as he ambled through from the city, as though a large group of people had recently passed that way.
He looked anxiously up at the louring skies and the rattling branches of the forest itself, closing in densely overhead. Somewhat sentient and mildly malicious, the Royal Forest wasn’t the most pleasant of places to be caught alone, as night drew in and the trees drew on the dark magic that crept out from its hiding places.
Never mind that he had the power to blast the trees to atoms; such overdone displays had a tendency to attract the greater enemies, things which Alannis, for all his power and mastery, preferred to avoid if he could manage to do so.
Icy water began to trickle down the nape of his neck and drum on his head as the skies opened, water concentrated and sluicing down through the webwork of reaching branches overhead as he hurried along paths fast turning to muddy rivers in the deluge, the magic-tinted storms over the city commingling with the natural rising forces of the transition from day to night. He cursed mildly as he splashed towards the welcoming glow of firelight and lamps that was the Sylvan, his first stopover on his journey to the great cliffs where the rocs reared their young, and beyond.
With an audible sigh of relief, he stepped inside, shaking rainwater from his greatcoat and thrilling in the warmth of the inn’s lounge. His glasses steamed up instantly in the heat, a stark contrast to the cold and dark outside. Even as the young man – some sort of flicker-life relative to the owner of the inn, he vaguely remembered; it was so difficult to remember names and faces when they constantly changed every five minutes – shimmered towards him, he was moving forwards, polishing the steam from the glass discs and relying on his weak eyesight and memory of the place to guide him.
As he returned his spectacles to his face, blinking in the light, his black-on-black eyes widened in surprise.
He was sure he’d hear in fairly short order if a brigade of Xeranian Knights had left the capital, but here was Brigadier Linth, in the (slightly damp) flesh. Alannis frowned. ‘No, it’s not Brigadier any more, is it? Damnable flicker-lifes, changing the names every time you turn around...something beginning Brigade, anyway.’ he thought idly, his mind whirling with possibilities.
Absently, he handed a golden coin or three to the young innkeeper’s relative, making a beeline for the fire and the other Blood Elf. It did his heart good to see another of his kind making her way in the world.
“Do my eyes deceive me,” he observed in cool tones as he rounded the last of the chairs and claimed the other fireside spot, soaking up the heat with a sigh of pleasure. “Or do I spot the gallant Linth Krins, of His Majesty’s Xeranian Knights, no less, at this humble fireside?”
The first thing which struck supplicants and superiors alike when they entered Alannis’ set of rooms at the Mages’ Guild was the eerie sense of space, as though he’d twisted the rooms through more dimensions than was usual.
There certainly seemed to be more ornaments, occasionals, plush chairs and recamieres, spindly end-tables and tallboys groaning under the weight of books and artefacts, display cases crackling with defensive wards and so forth than were usually found in such rooms. They also seemed to spiral off at the edges into odd places – Alannis was always ducking and dodging around protruding bits of wall or ornamental colonnades, darting down passageways and up staircases many swore hadn’t existed mere moments before Alannis’ need for them to be there.
In any case, his suite was sumptuously-appointed; rich, exotic hardwoods and fine tapestries and paintings jostled for space with the books overflowing from the many shelves and the fine examples of the mage’s art littered around. It fitted him like a glove, and he knew it well, the sunken main area with its Canova bronzes that he used as a reception room for underling and overling alike, the staircases spiralling up to his bedroom, dining room, study and other incidentals he might require, all as familiar to him as the clothes he wore.
It would have been a thief’s paradise, but for two things; one, Alannis was from old money, and that meant he had all the cunning and guile those who’d hung onto their wealth for centuries – millennia – accumulated.
Secondly, Alannis was a mage, and in a position to make things very uncomfortable for any prospective thief. The wide, mullioned windows crawled and crackled with layer upon layer of protective wards, the walls themselves were embedded with enchantments of misdirection and bedazzlement, and would arc and deform to spear unfortunates who managed to get past that. Bound to the doors and cabinets, safes and desks that ranged around his apartments were a wide variety of otherworldly guardians, from chronotropic imps to fire-born Ilex cats as hot as the core of a star.
In his high-backed, almost throne-like chair, behind which towered an enormous tapestry bearing the intricate crest of the de Contarini, Alannis sat hunched, poring over one of his books, his mind half on the mostly illegible and very valuable text and half on the experiments shimmering in his summoning chambers.
He looked up as rain began to cloak the city, cargoed with a faint, shivering presence of magic even as it beaded his windows and ran in intricate whorls and channels down the leaded glass.
Reacting to the change in magical ambience, even shielded, the experiments Alannis had been conducting began to shift and alter; he reached out with his power and lilting, sibilant words to stabilise their delicate workings; shivering green-tinted distortions in space swirling out from his form, winding elegantly through the pillars and teetering piles of papers to twine amorously around his shining experiments, strengthening their wavering forms and rewriting their blazing lines and curves.
He frowned at an instruction in the book he’d been reading even as he redirected his attention back to the crackling pages. The Collapsing Paradigm had been difficult enough even to track down and had cost him a great deal of money to prise it away from the collector who’d hung grimly onto it – ‘More out of spite,’ Alannis thought sourly, than anything else.
But the information contained within its slowly-disintegrating pages – hidden behind cipher and puzzle - held the leap of thought he required to begin his studies into the fiendishly-complex world of dimensional gates and collapsing distances.
He felt the familiar stirrings of excitement as he began to unravel the first steps. He did so love a challenge, after all. Reading further, his mind beginning to race, he was suddenly jolted from the soaring cogitation on silver wings.
“That can’t be right...” he murmured distractedly, reading again to be sure.
“Pyra’s knickers,” he huffed mildly, frowning at the offending volume. “Nothing in magic is ever easy. Thank goodness I’ll only need the damnable stuff once.” He shivered convulsively. “Phoenix shells and roc eggs and moon-gathered lapis lazuli, whatever next?”
Moon-gathered lapis was, in fairness, a fairly common ingredient in permanency spells – since Alannis was trying to create a permanent dimensional gate, he’d anticipated the need for it and had a large consignment of it in the Guild vaults – but the others were rare and exotic items that the Guild certainly wouldn’t have in stock.
A bit of adventuring, therefore, seemed to be in order – he couldn’t trust it to the bumbling idiots who washed around the job boards, after all. ‘Blast,’ thought Alannis, as the unwelcome prospect came to him. A city academician through and through, he always felt mildly uneasy on surfaces that weren’t paved. Still, there was nothing for it.
Alannis ran over the checklist of items in his signet ring, rubbing a thumb idly over the regal dragon as he paced absently, his boots ringing on the marble and echoing back from the high cupola far above.
‘Collapsible tent...won’t need that for a bit, there’s a little inn in the forest...shooting stick, rations, changes of clothes, soap...’ Alannis’ list went on and on; he didn’t believe in packing light, and certainly not when it all fitted neatly inside a ring, a signet he’d worn for centuries and no longer noticed its slight weight.
With a sigh, he swept his greatcoat about his shoulders and stumped off out of his tower suite and into the Mages’ Guild proper, thence to pass through the city and into the uncivilised wildernesses beyond. The occasional town or hamlet didn’t count as anything even remotely like civilisation, to his mind.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Xeranian Royal Forest, Near the Sylvan Inn]
Alannis was making rather better time than usual as he traipsed through the Royal Forest. The usual overgrown paths he tripped along – grace itself in a city or on a ballroom floor tended to translate itself into a mincing quickstep in the wilds – were wider and flatter than he remembered, much easier to find and more well-marked than he’d expected as he ambled through from the city, as though a large group of people had recently passed that way.
He looked anxiously up at the louring skies and the rattling branches of the forest itself, closing in densely overhead. Somewhat sentient and mildly malicious, the Royal Forest wasn’t the most pleasant of places to be caught alone, as night drew in and the trees drew on the dark magic that crept out from its hiding places.
Never mind that he had the power to blast the trees to atoms; such overdone displays had a tendency to attract the greater enemies, things which Alannis, for all his power and mastery, preferred to avoid if he could manage to do so.
Icy water began to trickle down the nape of his neck and drum on his head as the skies opened, water concentrated and sluicing down through the webwork of reaching branches overhead as he hurried along paths fast turning to muddy rivers in the deluge, the magic-tinted storms over the city commingling with the natural rising forces of the transition from day to night. He cursed mildly as he splashed towards the welcoming glow of firelight and lamps that was the Sylvan, his first stopover on his journey to the great cliffs where the rocs reared their young, and beyond.
With an audible sigh of relief, he stepped inside, shaking rainwater from his greatcoat and thrilling in the warmth of the inn’s lounge. His glasses steamed up instantly in the heat, a stark contrast to the cold and dark outside. Even as the young man – some sort of flicker-life relative to the owner of the inn, he vaguely remembered; it was so difficult to remember names and faces when they constantly changed every five minutes – shimmered towards him, he was moving forwards, polishing the steam from the glass discs and relying on his weak eyesight and memory of the place to guide him.
As he returned his spectacles to his face, blinking in the light, his black-on-black eyes widened in surprise.
He was sure he’d hear in fairly short order if a brigade of Xeranian Knights had left the capital, but here was Brigadier Linth, in the (slightly damp) flesh. Alannis frowned. ‘No, it’s not Brigadier any more, is it? Damnable flicker-lifes, changing the names every time you turn around...something beginning Brigade, anyway.’ he thought idly, his mind whirling with possibilities.
Absently, he handed a golden coin or three to the young innkeeper’s relative, making a beeline for the fire and the other Blood Elf. It did his heart good to see another of his kind making her way in the world.
“Do my eyes deceive me,” he observed in cool tones as he rounded the last of the chairs and claimed the other fireside spot, soaking up the heat with a sigh of pleasure. “Or do I spot the gallant Linth Krins, of His Majesty’s Xeranian Knights, no less, at this humble fireside?”
- 49 posts here • Page 1 of 2 • 1, 2
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View All » Add Character » 16 Characters to follow in this universe
Newest
Alannis de Contarini
A pleasure, I'm sure.
Kyvian Bernes
"Life is Dreams and Dreams are Reality"
Theryl "Rye" Dysilis
What's YOUR purpose?
Serene Glacier
The icy cool Vampire Knight
Linth Krins
Keep up if you can
Trending
Alannis de Contarini
A pleasure, I'm sure.
Linth Krins
Keep up if you can
Serene Glacier
The icy cool Vampire Knight
Kyvian Bernes
"Life is Dreams and Dreams are Reality"
Theryl "Rye" Dysilis
What's YOUR purpose?
Most Followed
Linth Krins
Keep up if you can
Theryl "Rye" Dysilis
What's YOUR purpose?
Kyvian Bernes
"Life is Dreams and Dreams are Reality"
Serene Glacier
The icy cool Vampire Knight
Alannis de Contarini
A pleasure, I'm sure.
View All » Places
49 posts · 7 characters present · last post 2010-06-17 02:56:18 »
Alsonia Owner: Karri Khaos
The Kingdom of Alsonia
0 posts · 3 characters present · last post 1970-01-01 00:00:00 »
Slemen Owner: RolePlayGateway
The Kingdom of Slemen
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Tales of Alsonia
1, 2, 3by Karri Khaos on Sun May 30, 2010 2:08 pm
- 55 Replies
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- Last post by Free_Polity
on Tue Jul 10, 2012 5:53 pm
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Tales of Alsonia
Most recent OOC posts in Tales of Alsonia
Re: [OOC] Tales of Alsonia
Ah, this Suziki character doesn't seem all that bad. Well, if played correctly, though after reading that character sheet I did start looking back onto my own and Must say, I'm disappointed In my posts and my character....Gotta kill the magics and make more ice cubes.....
Re: [OOC] Tales of Alsonia
I'm still here, I just didn't have enough creativity to make a decent sized post until a moment ago. Apologies if it seemed like I quit.
Re: [OOC] Tales of Alsonia
Ha ha ha no tha'ts a character that was never approve i actually declined her twice the character just wont go away that was someone else's character who wanted an op character and didn't even give her enough time to grow and wasn't a skilled RPer and wouldn't remodel the character so was never accepted. ^.^
Re: [OOC] Tales of Alsonia
Yeah this may not be a sustainable pace. Tell me though Ms. Khaos, is your Suzuki Tepes character going to be the Villian? Please? I noticed she was listed under the "my roleplay" tab but not in the characters.
Re: [OOC] Tales of Alsonia
Aw, don't get down on yourself. I'm sure we've all had our bad days. (I know I have...)
Re: [OOC] Tales of Alsonia
@ Free_Polity: Yeahhhhhh, but that changes a bit with what was happening now plus it doesn't help that I just got hit with severe writers block, good thing this is the only open RP I'm in a.t.m. XD. I'm working on a post for tomorrow but it'll prolly suuuuck
@ MasterofLight2009: You can make a villain but he/she would be at least a subordinate of the true villain (which has yet to be introduced). He/she could do whatever they wanted to interfere with the characters but in then end he/she would answer to the main bad guy when they enter. But you don't have to play a villain but the option is open if you want to.
@ MasterofLight2009: You can make a villain but he/she would be at least a subordinate of the true villain (which has yet to be introduced). He/she could do whatever they wanted to interfere with the characters but in then end he/she would answer to the main bad guy when they enter. But you don't have to play a villain but the option is open if you want to.
Re: [OOC] Tales of Alsonia
Hi, I was just skimming through this and I was wondering if you have a villain or you still need one that I can create. I would be happy to join this otherwise though.
Re: [OOC] Tales of Alsonia
We have the core of a good story here. So long as the people who don't post much are okay with being mostly supporting characters, I don't want to slow the plot down for them so they will have a lot less input, then things should be fine. Plus I think we have some good quality here of different styles and eventually we will attract a couple more key players.
Re: [OOC] Tales of Alsonia
Everyone's going A.W.O.L. on meeeeee *cries* this did so much better the first time on my other site and we were off to such a good start here too Q.Q now it seems like only 3 or 4 people are left /wrists. I gotta get more people here XD.
Re: [OOC] Tales of Alsonia
He's amusing until he slips you some of that magic chloroform potion hahaha. Anywho anyone have any contact with qwer? Cuz I'm ready for us to set out but he seems to be a.w.o.l. XD.
Re: [OOC] Tales of Alsonia
In the order asked/stated:
Hai ♥
Yes
Good you won't feel left out
and yes I'm working on it atm
Just to let you guys know though the professor is an NPC and anyone can control him to an extent. If you're unsure about controlling NPC just ask me.
Hai ♥
Yes
Good you won't feel left out
and yes I'm working on it atm
Just to let you guys know though the professor is an NPC and anyone can control him to an extent. If you're unsure about controlling NPC just ask me.
Re: [OOC] Tales of Alsonia
Hey all
The missions Nyx and Jackson was assigned, is anything important bound to happen ;P
Linths tagging along anyhow, trying to keep an eye on both the rookie knight and the Vampire Knight
Alright, now to the point. Karri, are you going to post a character page for Lyros? Just wondering XD
The missions Nyx and Jackson was assigned, is anything important bound to happen ;P
Linths tagging along anyhow, trying to keep an eye on both the rookie knight and the Vampire Knight
Alright, now to the point. Karri, are you going to post a character page for Lyros? Just wondering XD
Re: [OOC] Tales of Alsonia
Lol it's all good I'm a bit sick too so I know how you feel. Bleh Now I have to come up with some basic information for Lyros, but I have the feeling he'll be a fun character for me. ^.^
Re: [OOC] Tales of Alsonia
Sorry for the slowness. Had to fall sick right after starting the role-play. That, and I'm working on a post right now.
Re: [OOC] Tales of Alsonia
Wow Rp's slow today anyways it seems annnnd four of the five characters are on the mission, Soooooo Chinaja if you want you can have Linth tag along to monitor Jackson or something. Anyways I'm off for the night hope there some posts to read when I get back peeps.